Westport P&Z Commission Approves Amendment That Permits Balconies on Commercial Buildings Abutting the Saugatuck River
Amendment also streamlines permitting approval process
Westport Journal | Architect’s rendering shows a river-facing balcony on the building at 33 Riverside Ave. / Contributed illustration
Westport, Conn. (January 4, 2022) – FLB Managing Partner Eric Bernheim recently received approval from the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission for a zoning regulation text amendment that will permit non-residential balconies on commercial buildings abutting the Saugatuck River. The amendment also streamlines the permitting process by allowing minor non-residential alterations in a Coastal Area Management Zone to be handled by the commission in a work session.
This is a significant change for commercial buildings throughout Westport and for owners of buildings along the Saugatuck River whose tenants will be able to enjoy enhanced views of the river from these newly approved balconies.
“While I appeared before the commission on behalf of my client, a tenant of one of the buildings along the river, this amendment will positively impact 31 other properties,” shared Bernheim. “And the change in the approval process will enable us to advance minor alterations to non-residential building more efficiently, which is always good.”
In his presentation to the commission, Bernheim explained that the balconies will protect, preserve, and enhance visual access to the Saugatuck River, which is one of the objectives outlined in the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD) as a desire to enhance access to the water. The balconies support the POCD in several other ways, Bernheim noted, which include:
Guiding business and economic development in Westport so that it is appropriate for the community, enhances community character, and minimizes any potential negative impacts.
Balancing between protecting coastal resources and managing coastal development by streamlining the permitting process by removing the public hearing requirement but allowing for a public hearing if the Commission deems it necessary.
Mitigating the environmental impact by tying the drainage system into the building system.
For more information about the approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission, visit Resolution of Approval on www.westportct.gov.
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