Town of Stratford - Definitions

ACCESSORY RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT/DWELLING UNIT

A separate dwelling unit that is located on the same lot as a principal dwelling unit of greater square footage, has cooking facilities and one bedroom, and complies with or is otherwise exempt from any applicable building code, fire code, and health and safety regulations.

ACCESSORY, BUILDING

A building clearly incidental or subordinate to, and customary in connection with, the principal building on the same lot.

ACCESSORY, USE

A use clearly incidental or subordinate to, and customary in connection with, the principal building or use on the same lot.

ACTIVE USE

A use that attracts pedestrian activity during varied times of the day, provides access to the general public and conceals uses designed for parking and other nonactive uses if present. Such uses generally include, but are not limited to, retail, commercial uses, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, and educational and cultural uses. Active uses typically do not include professional offices.

ADULT-ORIENTED ESTABLISHMENT

Adult-oriented establishments shall include adult entertainment, adult media outlets, adult motion picture theaters, adult mini-motion picture theaters, adult news racks, adult retail establishments, and massage parlors.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable housing is as defined in Sections 8-30g and 8-39a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

AIRPORT The area of land or water designated for the landing and taking off of aircraft and utilized or to be utilized by the public as a point of arrival or departure by air navigation known as the Sikorsky Memorial Airport. [C.G.S. § 15-88(a)]

AIRPORT HAZARD

Any structure or tree which obstructs or may hereafter obstruct the aerial approaches of the airport. [C.G.S. § 15-88(b)].

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

A facility for the care, grooming, diagnosis, and medical treatment of animals and those in need of surgical procedures and may include overnight accommodation on premises for treatment, observation and/or recuperation. For the purposes of these Regulations, an animal hospital shall be synonymous with a veterinary clinic.

APPROACH SURFACES

A surface located on the ground or water and centered on the runway center line as extended and expanding outward uniformly with a width and length as established for the airport approach zones in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77.

ARCADE

A building or part of a building containing four or more video, pinball, or similar player-operated amusement devices, in any combination, for commercial use. Shall not be construed so as to include bingo games nor shall it be construed so as to include gambling devices or any other devices prohibited by law.

ASSEMBLING FACILITY

A facility dedicated to the assembling of articles from previously prepared materials. Such material may include natural and synthetic products and appliances.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

A residential facility which provides assisted living services by a Connecticut-licensed assisted living services agency in a managed residential community, as defined, under regulations of the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, including the provision of supportive services to assist those in need of assistance in the activities of daily living.

AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP

A facility or lot used for merchandising, storage, buying, selling or exchanging motor vehicles, and repair, maintenance, cleaning, washing, and waxing of motor vehicles.

BANK

A financial institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits and using such funds either in whole or in part to make extensions of credit or investments for the account of the bank. A bank may include an ATM machine as an accessory use.

BASEMENT

A story in a building, in which the structural ceiling level is above the average level of finished grade where such grade abuts that exterior wall of such building which fronts on any street, and the floor level of which is below finished grade at any point on the periphery of the building.

BED AND BREAKFAST INN

A single-family, owner-occupied dwelling that contains no more than three guest rooms where lodging is provided for compensation, for a maximum of six guests.

BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Zoning Appeals of the Town of Stratford.

BOARDING

The renting or letting or rooms to unrelated individual(s) within a single-family structure.

BOARDING HOUSE

A single-family structure or part thereof that is occupied, or intended to be occupied, by three to five unrelated individuals.

BUILDING

Any structure having a roof and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals, or materials. Any other structure more than eight feet high shall be considered as a building including a solid fence or wall but excluding an electric transmission line or a utility pole, highway or railroad bridge, flagpole, retaining wall or radio or TV antenna.

BUILDING CODE

The most recently adopted and amended State Building Code.

BUILDING COVERAGE

The percentage of a property occupied or intended to be occupied by all buildings and structures, such as, but not limited to, a home, deck, garage, shed, pergola, exterior kitchens, exterior stairs, impervious patios, areas covered by roofs and more. The area covered by water bodies, water courses, tidal wetlands and/or freshwater inland wetlands as defined in Chapter 440 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall not be used in computing the maximum allowable building coverage. Building area divided by lot area equals building coverage.

BUILDING HEIGHT

The vertical distance from the average finished grade within 10 feet from the walls of the structure, measured every 15 feet along the structure perimeter, to the highest point of flat or mansard roofs including the top of a parapet or to the mean level between the eaves and ridge for gable, hip, or gambrel roofs.

BUILDING INSPECTOR

The Building Inspector of the Town of Stratford.

BUILDING, AREA

The ground area enclosed by the outside walls of a building together with the area of all covered porches, other roofed portions, plus all decks, balconies, and other similar structural projections above grade.

BUILDING, LINE

A line parallel to a street at a distance equal to the required front yard or at a greater distance when otherwise established by the Planning Commission or the Zoning Commission of the Town of Stratford or by limitation in a deed filed in the land records of the Town of Stratford.

CEMETERY

A place of burial.

CERTIFICATION

A signed, written approval by the Stratford Planning or Zoning Commission that a soil erosion and sediment control plan complies with the applicable requirements of these Regulations.

COASTAL RESOURCES

As defined by Section 22a-93(7) of the Connecticut General Statutes including, but not limited to, tidal wetlands, coastal bluffs and escarpments, beaches, and dunes.

CO-LOCATION

The location of wireless telecommunication facilities from more than one provider on a single site.

COMMERCIAL KENNEL

A place maintained for boarding or grooming dogs or cats, and includes, but is not limited to, any veterinary hospital which boards or grooms dogs or cats for nonmedical purposes.

COMMERCIAL SECURITY STRUCTURE

Security doors, gates or grates; window guards; wire or similar fixed or moveable physical barriers designed to protect the contents or occupants of a commercial establishment.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

A commercial vehicle shall be defined as any vehicle over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW), including legal load, any commercially registered vehicle, any vehicle having visible lettering or advertising or any vehicle containing business-related equipment, supplies or products which are visible off the premises and change the residential character of a neighborhood.

COMMISSION

The Planning or Zoning Commission of the Town of Stratford, depending on the type of petition under review.

COMMISSION
The Zoning Commission of the Town of Stratford.

COMMUNITY CENTER

A public facility where people from the community can meet for social, educational, or recreational activities.

COMMUNITY RESIDENCE

A facility which houses the staff of such facility and eight or fewer adults impacted by mental health disorders that is licensed by the Commissioner of Public Health and which provides supervised, structured group living activities and psychosocial rehabilitation and other support services to adults impacted by mental health disorders who are discharged from a state-operated or licensed facility or referred by a licensed physician specializing in psychiatry or a licensed psychologist, as defined by C.G.S. Chapter 368v, Section 19a-507a. Facilities that exceed the occupancy described above are subject to the statutory distance and capacity limitation described in Section 19a-507b.

CONSTRUCTION WASTES

Any construction debris, by-products or residue that may cause adverse impacts to water quality including but not limited to the following: discarded building materials, concrete truck washouts, asphalt fragments, chemicals, litter, sanitary wastes, and property clearing and grubbing wastes including stumps.

CONTRACTOR STORAGE YARD

An establishment used for the outdoor repair, maintenance, or storage of a contractor's vehicles, equipment, or material.

COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Fairfield County Soil and Water Conservation District established under Subsection (2) of § 22a-315 of the General Statutes.

COURT

An open space, other than a yard, on the same lot with a building, which space is bounded on three or more sides by the walls of such building.

DAY CARE, CENTER

A facility that provides a program of supplementary care to more than 12 related or unrelated children outside their own homes on a regular basis, as defined by Section 19a-77 of the General Statutes. Also referred to as childcare center.

DAY CARE, FAMILY HOME

A program of supplementary care within a private family home, as defined in Section 19a-77 of the General Statutes. Also referred to as a family childcare home.

DAY CARE, GROUP HOME

A program of supplementary care for not less than seven nor more than 12 related or unrelated children on a regular basis, or one that meets the definition of a family day care home as provided in Section 19a-77 of the General Statutes except that it operates in a facility other than a private family home. Also referred to as a group childcare home.

DELIVERY SERVICE A person that is licensed to deliver cannabis from (A) micro-cultivators, retailers and hybrid retailers to consumers and research program subjects, and (B) hybrid retailers and dispensary facilities to qualifying patients, caregivers and research program subjects, as defined in C.G.S. § 21a-408, or to hospices or other inpatient care facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health that have a protocol for handling and distribution of cannabis.

DEVELOPMENT

Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to, the construction of buildings or structures; the construction of additions, alterations or substantial improvements to buildings or structures; the placement of buildings and structures; mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment; the storage, deposition, or extraction of materials; and the installation, repair or removal of public or private sewage disposal systems or water supply facilities.

DISPENSARY FACILITY

A place of business where cannabis may be dispensed, sold or distributed in accordance with C.G.S. § 21a-420 and any regulations adopted thereunder, to qualifying patients and caregivers, and to which a dispensary facility license has been issued under C.G.S. § 21a-420f and any regulations adopted thereunder.

DISTRIBUTION ESTABLISHMENT

An establishment where shipments of goods are processed for delivery to customers. Such an establishment does not include direct retail sales to customers.

DISTRICT

A district established by the provisions of these Regulations. "District(s)" shall also include the term "zone(s)."

DISTURBED AREA

An area where the ground cover is destroyed or removed leaving the land subject to accelerated erosion.

DOG DAYCARE

A facility providing care for dogs on a daily basis without overnight accommodation. The facility may include indoor and outdoor areas for the dogs where they will be under supervision.

DUE PROCESS

The procedure customarily provided by these Regulations or required by state statute.

DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY (3+)

A dwelling or group of dwellings on one lot containing three or more independent residential living units, having separate or joint entrances, services, or facilities.

DWELLING, SEASONAL

A structure designed and intended for human habitation in a seasonal or recreational nature and not as a permanent dwelling. Seasonal dwellings shall not be resided in by any one person for more than a total of 30 days from November 15 through April 15 of the following year.

DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY

A building designated for or occupied by one family.

DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY

A building on a single lot designated for or occupied by two families living independently of each other.

DWELLING, YEAR-ROUND

A structure designed and intended for human habitation on a continual basis, as a permanent dwelling.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL YARD

An establishment primarily engaged in the sale or rental of tools, trucks, tractors, construction equipment, agricultural implements, and similar industrial equipment. Included in this use type is the incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing of such equipment.

EROSION

The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity.

EXCAVATION

The process of removing earth, soil, rock, or other materials from a designated area typically to create a cavity or open space in the ground.

FAMILY

A group of individuals, related by blood, marriage, and adoption, or up to three unrelated individuals, or both; or a group of individuals living together as a functional family; or any group of individuals whose right to live together or without undue restrictions are protected by the provisions of the federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988, as defined in that Act and interpreted by the courts, or by any similar legislation of the State of Connecticut.

FARMING

Cultivation of the soil, dairying, raising or harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodity, including the raising, and keeping of livestock. Includes farm buildings, and accessory buildings thereto, orchards, ranges, greenhouses, hoophouses and other temporary structures or other structures used primarily for the raising and, as an incident to ordinary farming operations, the sale of agricultural or horticultural commodities.

FENCE

An enclosure or barrier, such as wooden posts, wire, iron, etc., used as a boundary, means of protection, privacy screening or confinement, but not including retaining walls, hedges, shrubs, trees, or other natural growth. Any fence constructed to be over eight feet in height shall be considered a building/structure.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

An entity that deals primarily in business related to financial or/and monetary transactions, namely loans, deposits, investments, currency exchange, or any other transaction of similar nature. A bank shall be considered a type of financial institution.

FIXTURE

A gas-powered, battery-powered, solar-powered, or electrically powered device that is secured to a wall, ceiling, pole, or post that is used to hold one or more lamps (or jets) and is intended to emit light.

FLOOR AREA

The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the building or buildings on a lot measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of party walls separating two buildings, excluding cellar and basement areas used only for storage or for the operation and maintenance of the building.

FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)

The total floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the lot area or such portion of the lot that lies within the applicable zoning district.

FLOOR AREA, LIVABLE

All spaces within the exterior walls of a dwelling unit exclusive of garages, breezeways, unheated porches, cellars, heater rooms, and basements having a window area of less than 20% of the square foot area of the room. Usable floor area shall include all spaces not otherwise excluded above such as: principal rooms, utility rooms, bathrooms, all closets and hallways opening directly into any rooms within the dwelling unit and all attic space having a clear height of six feet from finished floor level to pitch of roof rafter with a clear height of seven feet from finished floor level to ceiling over 50% of the area of such attic space.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURER

A person that is licensed to operate a place of business that acquires cannabis and creates food and beverages.

FUEL CELL

A device that uses the chemical energy of hydrogen or other sources to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity.

GAS STATION

A facility that sells fuel and other automotive products to motorists and other customers. May also be referred to as a service station.

GLARE

The effect of visual discomfort resulting from insufficiently shielded light sources shining horizontally in the field of view; intense and sometimes blinding light that reduces visibility.

GOLF COURSE

A facility for the purpose of playing golf, operated by a membership club, provided that it occupies an area not less than 50 acres. A golf course may also include typical structures, such as an administrative building, pro shop, restaurant, clubhouse, and structures for the storage of maintenance equipment.

GRADING

Any excavating, grubbing, filling (including hydraulic fill) or stockpiling of earth materials or any combination thereof, including the land in its excavated or filled condition.

GREEN BUILDING ELEMENTS

Measures incorporated into building design and construction that are intended to minimize impacts to the environment through conservation of natural resources, increased energy and efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Measures that utilize best management practices for stormwater management that infiltrate or otherwise reuse stormwater. Such techniques may include green roofs, landscaping, rain gardens, bioretention areas, vegetated swales, pocket wetlands, infiltration planters and vegetated median strips. Individual green infrastructure practices shall be defined according to the current Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual.

GREEN ROOF

The roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. Such a roof may or may not be open to residents or users of the building.

GROUP HOME

A community-based residential facility, within a single-family residence, in which any group of persons whose right to live together, or without undue restrictions are protected by the provisions of the federal Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988, as defined in that Act and interpreted by the courts, or by any similar legislation of the State of Connecticut.

HARVESTING

The process of gathering or collecting crops, plants, or other natural resources from the environment when they have reached maturity and are ready for consumption, use, or further processing.

HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER

An establishment consisting of over 50,000 square feet of retail building space for the sale or rental of building supplies, construction equipment or home decorating fixtures and accessories. Such use may include outdoor retail sales associated with landscaping, nursery, home supply retail centers, sales of seasonal products, or garden centers.

HOME OFFICE

An accessory use of a portion of a residence where the occupant uses such space for work, not in association with a commercial use.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS

The accessory use of a portion of a dwelling (or accessory building) for commercial purposes by the owner of a residence. May include the office of an accountant, architect, artist, dentist, designer, engineer, lawyer, musician, physician, surgeon, teacher, real estate, computer-based business, insurance, or similar professional occupations. Such use may also include that of cottage food operations.

HOSPITAL

A larger facility where healthcare services are provided, ranging from preventive care and diagnostics to treatment and rehabilitation. For the purposes of these regulations, hospitals shall not include long-term substance abuse/treatment facilities, correctional facilities or uses deemed to be similar by the Zoning Commission.

HOTEL

A building or portion thereof designed for or containing more than 25, but less than 125, guest rooms or suites of rooms occupied primarily by transient individuals and not having separate entrances from the outside. A hotel may also include customary accessory uses such as conference and meeting rooms, catering and banquet facilities, restaurants and other food service establishments, bars, recreations facilities and health spas available to guests or to the general public, in select districts.

HYBRID RETAILER

A person that is licensed to purchase cannabis and sell cannabis and medical marijuana products.

IMPERVIOUS AREA

Any land or portion of a site covered by constructed features which prevent the direct percolation of surface water into the underlying earth. Examples include buildings, paved parking and roadways, masonry walls and terraces, swimming pools, sidewalks, hard surface playing courts and paved driveways. Constructed features capable of absorbing and transmitting surface water (such as lawns, gravel/shell or similar materials for sidewalks and driveways, clay courts and natural ponds) are not considered impervious areas. All public access amenities as required in the Zoning Regulations, except public parking, shall not be counted as impervious areas.

INSPECTION

The periodic review of sediment and erosion control measures shown on the certified plan.

JUNK YARD

A facility where discarded or salvaged vehicles, machinery, and other items are stored and processed for recycling or resale of their components. May also be known as a salvage or scrapyard.

LABORATORY, MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC

A facility dedicated to testing facilities for the diagnosis of oncological, chronic, and genetic diseases and pathology.

LABORATORY, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

A facility designed for scientific research, experimentation, and analysis. May also include the research, development and production facilities for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and cosmetics. Such facilities shall not result in objectionable noise, odor, smoke, or dust noticeable off the premises.

LIGHT POLLUTION

A form of excessive nighttime light that can cause adverse effects and degrade environmental quality.

LIGHT TRESPASS

Light that strays from the intended purpose and becomes an annoyance, a nuisance, or a deterrent to visual performance.

LIGHT, DIRECT

Light that is visible from either the light source or reflected off the fixture's housing.

LIGHT, FULL CUTOFF

A light fixture that is fully shielded or emitting no light above the lowest light-emitting horizontal plane of the fixture.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Any musical act (including karaoke and disc jockey), theatrical act (including standup comedy), play, revue, dance act, or song and dance act or any combination of thereof, performed by one or more persons, whether or not for a private event, whether or not there is compensation for the performance, on a premises that is open to the public or for a private event, whether or not admission is charged. This definition of live entertainment does not include adult entertainment or adult-oriented establishments.

LIVESTOCK

Any camelid or hooved animal raised for domestic or commercial use.

LOT

A plot or parcel of land occupied or capable of being occupied by one or more principal buildings and the accessory buildings or uses customarily incident to it, including such open spaces, street frontage and parking as are required by these Regulations.

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LOT LINE, FRONT

All dividing lines between a street and the lot shall be considered front lines. In the case of a rear lot, the front lot line shall also be considered the line or lines most nearly parallel to and closest to a street or streets providing lot frontage typically at the end of the accessway.

LOT LINE, REAR

The line bounding a lot at the rear and approximately parallel to and at the maximum distance from the front lot line.

LOT LINE, SIDE

The line or lines bounding a lot which extend from the street towards the rear in a direction approximately perpendicular to the street. In the case of corner lots, or through lots, all lines extending from the streets shall be considered side lot lines.

LOT, AREA

The gross horizontal area contained within the property lines of the lot excluding all areas covered by waterbodies, watercourses, tidal wetlands and/or freshwater inland wetlands as defined in Chapter 440 of the Connecticut General Statutes (gross horizontal area - wetlands = lot area.).

LOT, CORNER

A lot other than a corner lot which abuts two or more streets which do not intersect at the lot.

LOT, DEPTH

The sum of the length of both side lot lines divided by two. In the case of a corner lot, the greatest length on any street. For rear lots, the accessway shall not be considered in calculating lot depth.

LOT, INTERIOR

A lot other than a corner lot or through lot.

LOT, MINIMUM WIDTH OF

The distance between the side lot lines measured in a straight line at right angles, to the mean direction of such side lot lines, which line of measurement shall touch, but not be in front of the building line, measured at the required front setback line. In the case of a corner lot, the minimum width shall be similarly measured and, for the purpose of this measurement only, the front lot line which has the least dimension shall be considered the front lot line and the lot lines adjacent thereto shall be considered as side lot lines.

LOT, REAR

A lot with less than the minimum required street frontage per these Zoning Regulations and one in which the buildable area is located predominately to the rear of the buildable area of the other lots having frontage on the same street and having access to the street via an accessway that is part of the rear lot. The buildable area is the area of the lot, exclusive of all minimum yard setback requirements, where the primary residence could be constructed without any variances.

LOT, THROUGH

A lot other than a corner lot which abuts two or more streets which do not intersect at the lot.

LUMINAIRE

The complete lighting unit designed to distribute the light, position, and protect the light sources, and connect the light sources to the power supply. A light fixture consists of a lamp, a ballast, and a lens. Another word for a "light fixture."

MANUFACTURING

Any process whereby the nature, size, or shape of articles or raw materials are changed, or where articles are assembled or packaged. Manufacturing within the Town of Stratford may be classified as light (household-like products), medium (resource/base products), and heavy (higher-intensity facilities and chemical products). Such facilities shall not result in objectionable noise, odor, smoke, or dust noticeable off the premises.

MARINA

A water-based facility that provides services and infrastructure for launching, storage, and repair of boats and yachts. A marina shall also include the associated office, retail, and service facilities. Such a facility may also engage in the renting of boats for recreational purposes.

MARINE ENFORCEMENT SERVICES

Includes marine police, harbor master and other marine enforcement and service agencies.

MARINE STRUCTURES

Water-dependent structures such as boat docks, slips, piers, wharves, and launching ramps.

METAL FABRICATION FACILITY

A specialized industrial setting that employs various value- added processes, including welding, cutting, forming, and machining of metals. Includes foundries, blast furnaces, rolling mills, and boiler works.

METAL PRODUCTION FACILITY

A specialized industrial setting where various processes are employed to manipulate and shape metal materials into desired forms and products.

MICRO-CULTIVATOR

A person licensed to engage in the cultivation, growing and propagation of the cannabis plant in an establishment containing not less than 2,000 feet² and not more than 10,000 feet² of grow space, prior to any expansion authorized by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection.

MIXED USE

Development contained on a single parcel that includes different but complementary uses and which provides for a variety of activities throughout the day.

MOTEL/INN

A building or group of buildings containing 25 or less guest apartments each having separate toilet facilities and a private outside entrance.

MOUNTED FIXTURE HEIGHT

The height of a complete fixture from the top point of any part of the fixture to the ground directly below where the supporting pole or wall or other support structure meets the ground surface.

MUNICIPAL FACILITY OR USE

A facility, or use of a facility or grounds, dedicated to the Town of Stratford's operations and maintenance. This shall include public schools, town hall, town office buildings, firehouses, police stations or other similar municipal buildings of the Town of Stratford, but excludes a garage for storage of heavy equipment, repair shop, or incinerator.

NATURAL RESOURCE AREA

An undisturbed natural area that may provide passive recreational opportunities within the community. Such an area may or may not be formally protected from development. Such areas may include minor improvements, such as a boat ramp for nonmotorized vessels and hiking trails.

NON-COMMERCIAL KENNEL

Any kennel occupied by less than three dogs or cats, and any run connected therewith cannot be located closer than 100 feet to any property line or street line.

NONCONFORMING USE
Any structure, tree or use of land which is inconsistent with these regulations but which was in existence when the provisions of these regulations were enacted or amended.

NONCONFORMING, BUILDING

A building which does not conform to all the applicable provisions of these Regulations, including one which is arranged, intended or designed for or devoted to a nonconforming use.

NONCONFORMING, USE

A use of any lot or building which does not conform to the regulations applicable to the zone in which the same shall be located, but which legally existed at the effective date of these Regulations or at the effective date of any amendment thereto or any change in the boundaries of any zoning district herein or hereafter established which creates the nonconformity.

NURSING HOME

A facility with nursing supervision that provides such supervision under a medical director 24 hours per day, or a facility that provides skilled nursing care under medical supervision and direction to carry out nonsurgical treatment and dietary procedures for chronic diseases, convalescent stages, acute diseases, or injuries.

OBSTRUCTION
Any structure, growth or other object, including a mobile object, which exceeds a limiting height as set forth in these regulations or the Stratford Zoning Regulations.

OFFICE PARK

A building, or group of buildings, under one sponsorship, each containing one or more office units which may be owned by the sponsor and/or occupants thereof under a cooperative or condominium arrangement created in a park-like environment.

OFFICE, BUSINESS

A building or part of a building where one or more persons are employed in administering, directing, managing, or conducting the affairs of a private enterprise.

OFFICE, MEDICAL

A facility where healthcare professionals provide medical services, diagnosis, treatment, and other healthcare-related activities to patients. Shall include offices dedicated to healthcare practitioners such as physicians, dentists, nurses, and specialists.

OLDER ADULT HOUSING COMMUNITY

A special development type designed to provide housing for the older adult population. For the purposes of this term, older adult refers to an individual age 55 or older, and community means a residential common interest ownership, as defined in Chapter 828 of the C.G.S.

OPEN SPACE

Land intended for providing adequate light and air, preserving the appearance, character, and natural resources of an area, preserving land for conservation, park and recreation, wildlife, and forest preserves. Open space shall include all landscaped areas within a lot.

OPEN SPACE, USABLE

Active recreational areas, sitting areas or other landscaped areas open to the sky, but not including surface parking or sidewalk areas.

OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT

A zoning district that encompasses one or more underlying zoning districts and imposes additional or alternative requirements or provisions than required by the underlying zoning.

PACKAGING FACILITY

A facility where the packaging of products is carried out. Such products may include food and non-food products. No packaging facility shall give off objectionable noise, dust, or vibration or noisome or noxious fumes or odors noticeable off the premises or other physical hazards.

PARKING FACILITY

Any off-street area designated for parking in association with a non-residential use, including a parking lot or a parking structure/garage. This term shall not include driveway associated with a residential use in a residential district.

PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

The design of communities, neighborhoods, streetscapes, buildings, and other uses that promote pedestrian comfort, multimodal transportation options, safety, access, and visual interest.

PLACE OF AMUSEMENT

An indoor or outdoor facility including bowling centers, billiards and pool parlors.

PLACES OF ASSEMBLY

A building, or portion of a building, used for the gathering or assembly of people, usually in larger quantities, at one time. Places of Assembly may be publicly or privately owned and may include auditoriums, community centers, banquet halls, and convention centers, among others.

PLANNED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

An integrated development under one sponsorship in accordance with a General Development Plan ("GDP") as set forth in 5.3: Planned economic development, on a tract containing at least 30 acres with one or more buildings, each containing one or more of the permitted uses.

PLANNED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (PED)

An integrated development under one sponsorship in accordance with a General Development Plan ("GDP") as set forth in § A220-5.3.3A (General Development Plan), on a tract containing at least 30 acres with one or more buildings, each containing one or more of the uses permitted under within the Coastal and Light Industrial Districts of these Regulations.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Town Planning Commission of the Town of Stratford.

POULTRY

Any species of domestic fowl, including, but not limited to, chickens, turkeys, ostriches, emus, rheas, cassowaries, waterfowl, and game birds raised for food production, breeding, exhibition or sale.

POULTRY MARKET

A marketplace or commercial setting where poultry products, including those that are live, are bought and sold. May include slaughter and pickling operations.

PREMISES

A lot or building.

PRIMARY DWELLING

The unconverted portion of an existing single-family residence.

PRINCIPAL BUILDING

A building in which the main or principal use of the lot on which said building is located is conducted.

PRINCIPAL OWNER

The owner of not less than a 50% interest in the residence.

PRINTING ESTABLISHMENTS

A facility involved in the printing of various materials, such as books, newspapers, magazines, brochures, packaging, promotional materials, and other printed products. May also include photographic, blueprinting, Photostatting, and engraving and typesetting establishments. Such facilities shall not result in objectionable noise, odor, smoke, or dust noticeable off the premises.

PROCESSING FACILITY

A facility where raw materials, substances, or products undergo various operations, treatments, or transformations to produce and/or store finished goods or refined materials. A processing facility may be dedicated to the processing of non-organic or organic material.

PRODUCER

A person that is licensed as a producer pursuant to Section 21a-408i of the Connecticut General Statutes and any regulations adopted thereunder.

PRODUCT MANUFACTURER

A person that is licensed to obtain cannabis, extract and manufacture products exclusive to such license type.

PRODUCT PACKAGER

A person that is licensed to package and label cannabis.

PROTECTED AFFORDABLE UNIT (PAU)

Housing units that are considered affordable under Connecticut General Statute Chapter 126, Section 8-30g(k), including but not limited to government assisted housing, rental units that receive tenant rental assistance, housing financed by CHFA or USDA, and deed-restricted affordable units.

PROVIDER (TELECOMMUNICATIONS)

An entity authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to be a signal carrier for cellular telephones, personal communication services (PCS), specialized mobilized radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobilized radio (ESMR), and paging services or other modes of communication as described in the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.

PUBLIC UTILITIES

Uses and/or facilities dedicated to providing the essential services and infrastructure needed for the well-being and functioning of a community. This term shall include the following infrastructure: telephone exchange transformer substations, sewer or water pumping station, water tank, standpipe, water supply reservoir or reservation, bus waiting room, or similar facilities.

RECREATION, INDOOR FACILITY

A facility designed to provide a variety of recreational activities and entertainment options for individuals, families, and communities, in an indoor setting. Such a facility may be publicly or privately owned.

RECREATION, OUTDOOR FACILITY

A facility devoted to active recreation, including but not limited to miniature golf, top golf, batting cages, and artificial and natural turf fields. This term shall not include gun ranges. Such a facility may be publicly or privately owned.

RECREATION, PASSIVE

Recreational activities that do not require prepared facilities like sports fields or pavilions. Passive recreational activities place minimal stress on a site's resources; as a result, they can provide ecosystem service benefits and are highly compatible with natural resource protection.

RECYCLING FACILITY

An operation of a recycling/transfer facility for the collection, compacting, crushing, shredding, baling, pulverizing, separation, sorting and consolidation of solid waste materials, including construction materials, demolition materials, wood products, plastics, tires, rags and similar materials for reclamation and volume reduction purposes and for transfer to other sites for final reprocessing, reclamation, conversion or change of form.

REGULATIONS

Any zoning regulations of the Town of Stratford or regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

A development owned by a religious organization used for worship and related religious, philanthropic, or social activities including rectories, manses, classrooms, dormitories, and accessory structures. Typical uses include churches, chapels, mosques, temples, synagogues, parish halls, convents, and monasteries.

RESIDENTIAL OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT

A planned residential development under one sponsorship containing one or more buildings each containing one or more dwelling units which shall be owned by the occupants thereof under a cooperative or condominium arrangement.

RESTAURANT, FULL SERVICE

An establishment engaged in the preparation and retail sale of food and beverages in a ready-to-consume state by patrons on the premises. Such a restaurant shall have a minimum of 10 seats and may include the sale of alcoholic beverages, provided that the establishment is permitted to do so under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 545 (Liquor Control Act). In some districts, a full-service restaurant may include drive-thru facilities.

RESTAURANT, TAKE OUT

An establishment engaged in the preparation and retail sale of food and beverages which serves food and/or beverages in disposable packaging and/or containers for consumption by patrons on or off the premises. Such a facility shall have a seating capacity of one to nine seats.

RETAIL

A business or commercial enterprise engaged in the selling of goods or services directly to consumers for personal use. Retail establishments in the Town of Stratford are classified as small (0-3,000 square feet), medium (3,001-10,000 square feet), or large (10,001+ square feet). Such facilities shall not result in objectionable noise, odor, smoke, or dust noticeable off the premises.

RETAILER

A person, excluding a dispensary facility and hybrid retailer, that is licensed to purchase cannabis from producers, cultivators, micro-cultivators, product manufacturers and food and beverage manufacturers and to sell cannabis to consumers and research programs.

RETAINING WALL

A structure built for the purpose of stabilizing soil or similar materials, mitigating erosion, or terracing, 36 inches or taller and not used to support, provide a foundation for, or provide a wall for a building or structure.

RUNWAY

The defined area of Sikorsky Memorial Airport prepared for landing and takeoff of aircraft along its length as shown on that map entitled "Proposed Airport Zoning Boundaries, Stratford, Connecticut, dated March 13, 1996."

RUNWAY ZONE

The existing paved runways on the airport property, but excluding Runways 16 and 34, as shown on that map entitled "Proposed Airport Zoning Boundaries, Stratford, Connecticut, dated March 13, 1996."

SATELLITE ANTENNA

A dish shaped antenna designed to receive television broadcasts relayed by microwave signals from earth orbiting communications satellites. Satellite antennas may include amateur radio antennas.

SEDIMENT

Solid material, either mineral or organic, that is in suspension, is transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by erosion.

SHARED PARKING

Parking utilized by two or more different uses that generate different peak period parking demand.

SHIPPING CONTAINER/TRAILER/STORAGE STRUCTURE

A large box, with or without a roof or a chassis and/or wheels underneath, designed primarily for shipping or hauling materials, but which is also suitable for storage of materials. Examples of such containers include intermodal freight containers, site boxes, pods, truck trailers when used for storage, roll-off dumpsters and similar containers.

SHIPYARD

A facility where ships are built, repaired, and stored. Also includes the terms of a dockyard or boatyard.

SHORELINE FLOOD AND EROSION CONTROL STRUCTURE

As defined by Section 22a-109(c) of the Connecticut General Statutes. Generally, this term shall mean any structure the purpose or effect of which is to control flooding or erosion from tidal, coastal, or navigable waters.

SIGN

Any device designed to inform or attract the attention of persons not on the premises on which the device is located that includes the name, identification, description, display, or illustration, and which is affixed to, painted or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, or other outdoor surface which directs attention to or is designed or intended to direct attention to the sign face or to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business, excluding integral architectural features other than letters, trademarks, or moving parts. Signs located completely within an enclosed building, and not exposed to view from a street, shall not be considered a sign. Each display surface of a sign or sign face shall be considered to be a sign.

SIGN, ACCESSORY

A sign whose subject matter relates exclusively to the premises on which it is located, or to products, accommodations, services, or activities on premises.

SIGN, AREA

The entire area within a regular geometric form or combinations of regular geometric forms comprising all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed. One side only of signs with faces at 180° to each other shall be counted. Frames and structural members not bearing advertising matter shall not be included in computation of sign area unless those elements are internally or decoratively lit.

SIGN, AWNING (OR CANOPY)

A sign painted on or attached to the cloth, canvas or metal cover of a fixed, hinged, rolled or folding type of awning or canopy.

SIGN, BUILDING DIRECTORY

A sign composed of such directory signs as may be permitted for the tenants or occupants of a building or group of buildings.

SIGN, BUSINESS

A sign located on property where a business is allowed under these Regulations.

SIGN, COMMERCIAL

Any sign fabricated, constructed, attached, erected, fastened, painted, or manufactured in any manner and displayed outdoors for the purpose of inducing the sale of any merchandise or service or promoting the business, opinion or policy of any person, party, firm, association, group or corporation other than that offered or conducted on the premises on which it stands. Commercial signs shall also include billboards.

SIGN, COMMUNITY OR BANNERS

A sign or banner, erected by the Town of Stratford, primarily identifying the Town of Stratford, individual Town-owned properties, or special public events. These signs may include municipal wayfinding signage/programs.

SIGN, CONSTRUCTION

A sign which identifies the owner, contractor, designer and/or engineer associated with a project under construction.

SIGN, DIRECTORY

A sign which identifies the name of one of the tenants or occupants of a building. More than one of these signs may be combined to form a building directory.

SIGN, ELECTRONIC

A sign that changes its message or copy at intervals by digital, electronic, or mechanical processes, by remote control or other programming device. Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when the sign is in use. Any moving illuminated sign shall be considered a flashing sign.

SIGN, FACE

The entire display surface area of a sign upon, against or through which copy is placed.

SIGN, FEATHER

A sign of flexible, lightweight fabric or similar material that is supported along one edge and is mounted to a ground base or staked into the ground and intended to blow in the wind to attract attention. Also called a wind flag.

SIGN, FLASHING

Any illumined sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use.

SIGN, FREESTANDING/MONUMENT

A sign erected and maintained on a freestanding frame, mast, pole, or other means of support in or upon the ground and not attached to any building.

SIGN, GOVERNMENT

A government sign is a sign that is constructed, placed, or maintained by the federal, state or local government or a sign that is required to be constructed, placed or maintained by the federal, state or local government either directly or to enforce a property owner's rights.

SIGN, GRAFFITI

Any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, painting or other defacement that is written, marked, etched, scratched, sprayed, drawn, painted, or engraved on or otherwise affixed to any surface of public or private property by any graffiti implement, to the extent that the graffiti was not authorized in advance by the owner or occupant of the property, or, despite advance authorization, is otherwise deemed a public nuisance by the Town of Stratford.

SIGN, HANGING

A sign which is attached perpendicular to the wall or a building or structure above or adjacent to the main entrance to the activity being identified, and which does not project more than five feet from said wall.

SIGN, HEIGHT OF

The distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign or sign structure. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of:

1) Existing grade prior to construction; or

2) The newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.

3) In cases in which the normal grade cannot be reasonably determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the normal grade is the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of the public street along which the lot has frontage or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot, whichever is lower.

SIGN, HIGHWAY

A freestanding sign, integral sign, or wall sign that is erected and maintained within the view of motorists who are driving on a highway.

SIGN, ICONOGRAPHIC

A three-dimensional sign such as a clock, barber pole, or similar attached or not attached to a building or structure.

SIGN, IDENTIFICATION

Any sign that with respect to the premises on which it is erected, advertises, or indicates one or more of the following: the person or activity occupying the premises, or the type of business transacted on the premises, or the sale or letting of the premises or any part thereof, and which contains no other advertising matter.

SIGN, INTEGRAL

A sign that is embedded, extruded, or carved into the material of a building facade. A sign made of bronze, brushed stainless steel or aluminum, or similar material attached to the building facade.

SIGN, MARQUEE

A canopy or covering structure bearing a signboard or copy projecting from and attached to a building.

SIGN, ORIGINAL ART DISPLAY

A hand-painted work of visual art that is either affixed to or painted directly on the exterior wall of the structure with the permission of the property owner. An original art display does not include mechanically produced or computer-generated prints or images, including but not limited to, digitally printed vinyl, electrical or mechanical components, or changing image art display.

SIGN, OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

A sign that advertises goods, products or services which are not sold, manufactured, or distributed on or from the premises or facilities on which the sign is located.

SIGN, PERMANENT

Any sign, excluding billboards, which does not fall into the categories for temporary signs.

SIGN, PORTABLE

Any structure without a permanent foundation or otherwise permanently attached to a fixed location, which can be carried, towed, hauled, or driven and is primarily designed to be moved rather than be limited to a fixed location regardless of modifications that limit its movability, including that of an A-frame or sandwich board.

SIGN, PROJECTING

A sign, other than a wall sign, which is supported by a wall of a building and that is fixed perpendicular to the wall on which it is mounted.

SIGN, ROOF

A sign located on or above the roof of any building, not including a false mansard roof, canopy, or other fascia.

©

SIGN, TEMPORARY

A banner, pennant, poster, or advertising display constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard, wallboard, plywood or other like materials and that appears to be intended or is determined by the Building Inspector to be displayed for a limited period of time (rather than permanently attached to the ground or a structure) and which identifies an activity of a temporary nature and temporarily identifies an activity of a permanent nature.

SIGN, WALL

A sign affixed directly to or painted on or otherwise inscribed on an exterior wall and confined within the limits thereof of any building and which projects from that surface less than 12 inches at all points. Such signs also include those that are facade mounted.

SIGN, WINDOW

Any sign affixed to a window or displayed within three feet of the interior of the window.

SOCIAL CLUB

A building or grounds, or portion thereof, that is owned or leased by a private organization or nonprofit group and used for meeting, recreational, or social purposes. Social clubs may include fraternal halls.

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SOIL

Any unconsolidated mineral or organic material of any origin.

SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN

A scheme that minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from development and includes, but is not limited to, a map and narrative.

SOLAR, BUILDING MOUNTED

A solar energy system that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.

SOLAR, FREE STANDING

A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building or other structure other than parking lot canopy solar energy systems.

SOLAR, PARKING LOT CANOPY

A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building or other structure, which is used in a parking lot or the top story of a parking structure to shade vehicles parked in such lot or structure.

SPECIAL EVENTS (TEMPORARY EVENTS)

A temporary accessory use held for a limited period of time, typically outdoor in nature. Such events may include, but is not limited to, carnivals, fairs, and sidewalk sales. Special events shall not include those activities which are merely an extension of the principal use itself, such as a school graduation or athletic competition.

SPECIAL PERMIT

A permit reviewed and approved by Stratford's Zoning Commission required for certain uses within the Town. Any reference to a permit to be approved by the Zoning Commission within these Regulations shall be interpreted as a special permit.

STORAGE, INDOOR

Storage located inside buildings or structures, offering protection from external elements such as weather, temperature fluctuations, and potential theft or vandalism.

STORAGE, OUTDOOR

Storage of items, materials, or equipment in open-air spaces, typically outdoors and exposed to the elements.

STORY

That part of any building, exclusive of cellars but inclusive of basements, comprised between the level of one finished floor and the level of the next higher finished floor, or, if there be no higher finished floor, then that part of the building comprised between the level of the highest finished floor and the top of the roof beams.

STORY, HALF

Any space partially within the roof framing, where the clear height of not more than 50% of such space between the top of the floor beams and the structural ceiling level is seven feet six inches or more.

STREET

A public or private highway or right of way giving access to the lot.

STREET LINE

The dividing line between a lot and a street.

STREETSCAPE

The area between building facades on either side of a street or between properties on either side of a street, encompassing its curb-to-curb distance, boulevards, sidewalks, setbacks and property facades or frontages.

STRUCTURAL ALTERATION

Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as beams, columns, girders or bearing partitions.

STRUCTURE
Any object constructed or installed by man, including such objects although regulated or licensed by other provisions of law. [C.G.S. § 15-88(d)]

SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS

Regulations providing for land subdivision in the Town of Stratford effective February 1, 1956, and any amendments thereto.

SWIMMING POOLS

Swimming pools are as defined in the State of Connecticut Building Code.

THEATER, MOVIE AND PERFORMING ARTS

A venue dedicated to the performance of plays, musicals, operas, and other dramatic or theatrical productions, including indoor motion picture projection and indoor dramatic or musical productions. May also include customary accessory uses such as costume and set design and production. A theatre shall not include those that are adult oriented.

TOWER

A pole or lattice type structure that is intended to support wireless telecommunications equipment. A monopole design is a tower consisting of a single self-supporting vertical pole with no guy wire anchors.

TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council of the Town of Stratford.

TRACT

Any parcel of land that contains at least 30 acres and is owned by, or is subject to, contractual rights or is controlled (i.e., options, etc.) by one person, firm, corporation, association, business entity (partnership, LLC, LLP, etc.) or venture. In the case of any parcels of land within a tract that are separated by a public or private street, a railroad, or public open spaces, but which parcels are owned or controlled as aforesaid, and such parcels demonstrate sufficient adjacency and interrelationship to each other to support a comprehensive development under the PED as defined in this subsection, then such parcels of land shall be deemed and construed to constitute one tract, notwithstanding that said tract is comprised of two or more lots, plots or parcels of land as shown on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Stratford.

TRACT AREA

The gross horizontal area contained within the outermost property lines of the tract, including easements, rights-of-way and any area proposed to be offered for any public use or purpose but excluding any existing public streets abutting or crossing said tract as well as all public open spaces and all areas covered by waterbodies, watercourse tidal wetlands and/or freshwater inland wetlands as defined in Chapter 440 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

TRAILER

Any vehicle which is used for sleeping or living quarters and which is, has been, or may be equipped with wheels to permit normal vehicular travel on public highways, including any vehicle towable by a light duty truck such as a utility trailer, boat trailer, camp trailer or similar type vehicle.

TRANSIT STATION

The area, including the platform, which supports transit usage and that is owned and/or operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

A development pattern created around a transit facility or station that is characterized by higher-density, mixed uses, a safe and attractive pedestrian environment, reduced parking, and direct and convenient access to the transit facility.

TRANSPORTER

A person licensed to transport cannabis between cannabis establishments, laboratories and research programs.

TREE Any object of natural growth. [C.G.S. § 15-88(e)]

WAREHOUSING ESTABLISHMENT

An establishment where goods are stored but not sold at retail to customers.

WASTE DISPOSAL/PROCESSING FACILITY

A specialized facility designed to handle the collection, treatment, and management of various types of waste generated by residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional activities. May include incinerators and power/nuclear plants.

WATER-DEPENDENT USES

As defined by Section 22a-93(16) of Connecticut General Statutes including, but not limited to, marinas, commercial and recreational fishing and boating facilities, dock and port facilities, shipyards and boat building facilities, and water-based recreational uses.

WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENT

An establishment that primarily sells goods in large quantities to retailers, businesses, or other institutional customers rather than selling directly to individual consumers.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY

That portion of a property or structure, including supporting structures, where equipment or devices collect or transmit telecommunications or radio signals from a mobile radio communication source and transmit those signals to another facility, another communications source or receiver, or to a central switching computer which connects the mobile unit with land-based telephone lines.

YARD, FRONT

An open space between the building and the front lot line, extending the full width of the lot, or in the case of a corner lot, extending along all streets.

YARD, REAR

An open space between the building and the rear lot line, extending the full width of the lot.

YARD, SIDE

An open space between the building and a side lot line, extending from the front yard to the rear yard.

ZONING COMMISSION

The Town Zoning Commission of the Town of Stratford.

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