Permit Types
In Ridgefield's Zoning Regulations, activities will fall into one of three categories:
- No Permit Required (from P&Z), or
- Zoning Permit [ZP] Required, or
- Special Permit [SP] Required.
(Note: A "Special Permit" (SP) is a higher level of review, as compared to a "Zoning Permit" (ZP). See the sections below for more on each type.)
When in doubt about whether you need a permit or not, or what type of permit, it is always best to check before you start with our professional staff in the Planning & Zoning Department, and/or engage a land use attorney, licensed architect, or similar expert. Failure to obtain the correct permit(s) could result in citations; fines; requirements to restore, revise, or remedy what was done; and other legal consequences.
Note also that P&Z permit(s), regulations, and processes are legally distinct from the Inland Wetlands Board, the Historic District Commission, the Town Building Department, and the Town Health Department. Each of these (and others) may have their own requirements, depending on the specifics of your project or activity. It is wise to check with all, and/or engage an expert.
Zoning Permits
The majority of construction projects in town (residential or commercial) qualify, under our regulations, for a ZP - which means that the application can be reviewed & approved (or denied) by our department staff, without the need for a Public Hearing or a review/decision by the Commission.
If an applicant for a ZP disagrees with the decision of staff, they may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The appeal does not go to the PZC, to avoid the presumption/risk that the Commission may simply re-affirm the decision of its own staff.
Projects such as expansions (to residential or commercial structures), decks, pools, fences, earthwork/grading, change in use, home-based businesses, signage, lighting, etc., ALL MAY require a Zoning Permit, and/or a Building Permit (from the Building Department), or more. If you are uncertain about what permit(s) you may need, just speak with our professional staff. They are very happy to say that you do not need any permit at all, if that is the correct answer :)
Special Permits
Special Permits, by definition, require review by the PZC itself, and typically involve higher levels of complexity and/or judgment. In reviewing a Special Permit, the PZC acts in a "quasi-judicial" capacity - that is, like a judge, the Commission is expected to hear arguments both for and against the application with an impartial perspective; seek facts, analysis, and evidence from reliable and credible sources; then render a decision based upon the local regulations and other laws that apply.
A "Public Hearing" is held for all SPs (except minor revisions to existing SPs). The applicant must notify nearby property owners of the hearing via postal mail (per Section 9.3.L), and a public notice is published in the Ridgefield Press (per Section 9.3.J). At the Public Hearing, any interested party is welcome to submit testimony, evidence, and/or to speak in person.
Ultimately after the Commission issues its decision (whether to deny, approve, or approve with conditions) on a SP, if a party is not satisfied with the outcome, they may appeal to the relevant Connecticut Superior Court.
Note: If your project will need a Special Permit, you also have the option of a "Pre-Submission Review", where you are put on the agenda to speak with the Planning & Zoning Commission informally during a regular (public) meeting, without an actual application pending, to discuss a potential proposal and receive informal/non-binding feedback.