Planning and Zoning Commission

The powers and duties of Planning and Zoning Commissions are spelled out in the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut. Killingworth has a combined Planning and Zoning Commission.

Zoning commissions have two functions; one is legislative and the other is administrative. In its legislative role, P&Z writes regulations regarding zoning districts (for example, residential, commercial, industrial); the height, number of stories, and size of buildings; the density of population and the location and use of buildings; and advertising signs. It may provide that certain classes or kinds of buildings, structures, or uses of land are permitted only after obtaining a special permit or special exception from the commission.

In its administrative role, the commission determines whether a building or use is in conformity with the regulations, reviews applications and site plans, decides on applications for special exceptions, and enforces the zoning regulations.

Planning commissions regulate the subdivision of land and dedication of open space. Also in this capacity, P&Z reviews municipal improvements such as streets and bridges, public schools, parks, utilities, and public housing developments.

Finally, every ten years, P&Z must prepare, adopt, and amend a plan of conservation and development for the municipality. This plan shows the commission’s recommendations for the most desirable use of land for residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, and other purposes and for the most desirable density of population in the various parts of the municipality. The plan currently in place was adopted in 2018.