We are pleased to present the regulations (11-29-11 version) that will require a percent of each residentially zoned property be maintained as "green area". The Regulations were crafted as a compliment to existing regulations on commercially zoned properties that restrict lot coverage.  

Proposed Zoning Regulations - Residential Green Space 

Green Area Regulation Power Point Presentation

Handout - Overview

Handout - Detailed Explano

Handout - Response to Concerns

Requiring Green Area in residential zones, as opposed to restricting lot coverage:
1. Reflects the goal of the regulation, which is to maintain open areas and green spaces on residential properties.
2. Green Area, as endorsed by DPW, reduces confusion when talking about how impervious cover impacts drainage as addressed in the Drainage Manual versus the amount of coverage and/or green area for land use purposes, meaning how properties are developed and what they look like.
3. It allows for exemptions to be made in residential zones that would not be appropriate in commercial zones. For example, patios, decks, walkways, small scale garden paths, stepping stones count towards the required Green Area, meaning there is no change to how these improvements are regulated today.

A full presentation will be made by Staff on 11/29/11 in the Town Hall Meeting Room. In the mean time, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. We would request that all comments be in writing so that they can be established for the record. Please direct them to the following:

Email: Land Use

or

Planning and Zoning
101 Field Point Road
Greenwich, CT 06830