Planning and Zoning Announces Two Text Amendments Affecting Public Art, Outdoor Dining

Text Amendment #810

Deputy Planning and Zoning Director Michelle Perillie has announced that on March 14, 2022, at 7:00 PM, a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held to consider removing zoning obstacles to allow for more Public Art.

Click here to view the proposed text amendment

Text Amendment #810, authored on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Commission, proposes to create a new term for “Public Art” in §5-2, Definitions of the Zoning Regulations. The amendment also proposes modifying the existing “Structure” definition to exempt “Public Art” from Coverage requirements. This would enable property owners close to exceeding their allowable Footprint or Coverage to install Public Art without the need for a variance. Text Amendment #810 can be viewed online here. 

Arts Advisory Committee Chair Nancy Diamond initiated the proposed modification in order to remove barriers to the installation of Public Art in Westport. She shared her frustration attending multiple public hearings last year and the ensuing delays this caused before a new art installation could be accepted for donation and displayed at the Westport Library for the public’s enjoyment.

The Explanatory Statement for Text Amendment #810 offers the following rationale:

“Public Art should be encouraged as it adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community.”

The March 14, 2022, public hearing will be held virtually via Zoom, will be live streamed on the Town’s website at www.westportct.gov, and accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020.  Comments can be sent prior to the meeting at PandZ@westportct.gov and interested parties may join the meeting virtually or call in to offer testimony during the meeting. To access the meeting links, view the meeting agenda online here.

Text Amendment #814

Planning and Zoning Director Mary Young has announced that on March 14, 2022, at 7:00 PM, a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held to consider permanent Outdoor Eating Area regulations for activities located on private property.

Click here to view the proposed text amendment

Text Amendment #814, authored on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Commission, available on-line here, proposes to modify the Outdoor Storage and Display regulations and modify the Outdoor Eating Area and related Zoning Regulations in response to Public Act 21-2, Sec. 182, effective April 1, 2022. The new Outdoor Eating Area requirements for Food Establishments adopted by the State legislators require implementation through adoption of local zoning regulations by the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission for activities occurring on private property.  The Westport Board of Selectwomen will soon be addressing these same issues by amending their Pop-Up Café Policy for activities occurring on Town-owned property.         

Under the new state legislation, the Planning and Zoning Commission retains discretion to determine how large an Outdoor Eating Area will be permitted, for what duration of time, and with what protections to maintain public safety. Health Code requirements related to available kitchen equipment and staffing will also control what level of occupancy can be supported.  The State legislation mandates Outdoor Eating Areas may be located along sidewalks provided ADA requirements are met, within parking lots, and on abutting properties adjacent to where a Food Establishment is located and be exempt from minimum parking requirements.

Mary Young described, “Current Outdoor Activity approvals will soon expire, requiring new approvals to be secured based upon the new Zoning Regulations when adopted.  The Planning and Zoning Commission looks forward to hearing from Food Establishment owners to help set reasonable standards allowing the Restaurant Renaissance in Westport to continue and provide safe and secure dining options for patrons under the ‘New-Normal’ conditions.”

The March 14, 2022, public hearing will be held virtually via Zoom, will be live streamed on the Town’s website at www.westportct.gov, and accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020.  Comments can be sent prior to the meeting at PandZ@westportct.gov and interested parties may join the meeting virtually or call in to offer testimony during the meeting. To access the meeting links, view the meeting agenda online here.