The discontinued use of any structure or land for a period of three years. A structure shall be considered abandoned if it is fully or partial demolished. The use of a structure or land shall be considered abandoned if the activity or operation ceases.

Separated by no intervening private property; properties separated by a public or private street shall be deemed to be abutting.

Any public/private roadway/driveway established for the purpose of entry to the development or residences.

A non-attached building or structure, in addition to the principal building, which is clearly subordinate to, and customarily incidental to, and located upon the same lot as, the principal building or on a contiguous lot under the same ownership. Any accessory building physically attached to a principal building shall be deemed to be a part of such principal building in applying the bulk regulations to such building.

A use, in addition to the principal use, which is clearly subordinate to, and customarily incidental to, and located upon the same lot as, the principal use or on a contiguous lot under the same ownership.

An area that extends from the road or street to an interior lot.

Immovable buildings or structures used in connection with agriculture, including shelter for livestock and storage for farm machinery, equipment and supplies.

Buildings and structures used in connection with agriculture such as hoop houses, high tunnels, run-in sheds, birthing sheds, pump houses, and similar buildings or structures that are easily moved and not permanently mounted to the ground.

Waste produced as a result of agricultural activities.

The cultivation of land, including planting and harvesting of crops, tillage, horticulture, forestry, raising and management of livestock and anything else included in the definition of "agriculture" under § 1-1(q) of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the storing, processing and sale of agricultural and horticultural products and commodities as defined under § 1-1(q) of the Connecticut General Statutes, as incidental to agricultural operations.

Any human-induced action which impacts the existing condition of the land or structures.

An exterior or interior device used to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic waves.

A person who applies for any permit to do anything governed by these regulations and who has legal standing to apply for a permit or approval on the specific property.

A drawing in an acceptable GIS format, certified by a Connecticut-licensed engineer, which represents the true size and location of what is being measured or has already been built in the field.

A bank and trust company, savings bank or savings and loan association chartered or organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut.

A dwelling that provides sleeping units and meals for transient guests and that is managed and occupied by the owner of the property. The definition of "bed-and-breakfast" shall exclude a hotel and a short-term rental.

Methods, measures or practices selected by an agency to meet its nonpoint source control needs. Best management practices (BMPs) include but are not limited to structural and nonstructural controls and operation and maintenance procedures.

A portion or portions of a dwelling which is occupied by the owner and in which accommodations are offered or provided for compensation.

A lot line or property line that legally separates two adjoining lots or parcels of land.

A strip of land free of any building, structure or use other than natural woody growths, landscaping, fencing or screening designed to shield or block noise, lights or other disturbances.

The contiguous area of a lot exclusive of wetland soils, visible ledge, and slopes greater than 20% and containing a rectangle with minimum dimensions of 100 feet by 125 feet.

Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals or materials.

The provisions of Chapter 541 of the Connecticut General Statutes and any state and local regulations adopted pursuant thereto and in force in the Town of Ashford, as the same may be amended from time to time.

The total percentage of a parcel covered by buildings or structures as measured along the outside wall at ground level.

The vertical distance measured from the mean level of the ground (finished grade) surrounding the building to the highest point of the roof.

The line along the front of a building that is parallel to the street at a distance equal to or greater than the required front yard setback, as legally established by the Town.

The Building Official, also known as the "Building Inspector," of the Town of Ashford.

A permit which must be obtained from the Building Official before construction of any building may start.

The size and shape of buildings, structures and use areas and the physical relationships of their exterior walls or spatial limits with lot lines and other buildings, structures and uses, or with the other walls of the same building, or other portions of the same structure or use.

A certificate granting the right to occupy or use a building, structure or land and attesting to the applicant's having met all the requirements of these regulations and other applicable laws. The Building Official may issue such certificate only after a final inspection.

A certificate granting the right to occupy or use a building, structure or land and attesting to the applicant's having met all the requirements of these regulations. This certificate may be used where a certificate of occupancy is not used or may not be appropriate.

Any proposed use which substantially differs from the existing use of a building, structure or lot by having different zoning requirements or is otherwise categorized differently in these regulations.

A building operated by nonprofit organizations dedicated to arts, culture, education, or recreation, government, transit, and municipal parking, or for use operated by the Town.

An association of persons for some common purpose, but not including groups organized primarily to render a service that is customarily carried on as a business.

A special permit granted by the Commission, after holding a public hearing, which allows a subdivision with reduced lot sizes and reduced minimum required lot frontage if all the requirements and standards of the cluster subdivision permit are met by the applicant. In addition, the applicant must meet the all the requirements of the Subdivision Regulations.[1]

Locating wireless communication facilities from more than one provider on a single tower.

A use including sub-uses such as classrooms, dormitories, student housing, eating facilities, research laboratories, athletic facilities, libraries, faculty and other offices, museums, auditoria and other facilities of public assembly, parking, and other similar uses.

An activity involving the production, preparation or sale of goods or services.

The Ashford Planning and Zoning Commission.

A residential dwelling that houses those in need of special services as regulated by Connecticut General Statutes and licensed by the Department of Public Health. Local zoning issues shall be regulated by Connecticut General Statutes § 8-3e.

A use where much of the space is occupied by computers and/or related equipment and where information is processed, transferred and/or stored.

Farm products grown or produced in Connecticut as noted under § 22-38 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended.

A rectangle 100 feet by 125 feet fully contained within the buildable area.

A residential or commercial subdivision of a parcel of land that meets all the requirements and standards of the Subdivision Regulations of the Town of Ashford.[2]

Night sky with no or minimal light pollution with visible stars.

The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of such Commission immediately following the date of submission of the application, request or appeal, or 35 days from the date of application, request or appeal, whichever is sooner as cited in § 8-7d of the Connecticut General Statutes.

A ratio of dwelling units or commercial structures to lot area, usually expressed in terms of dwellings/structures per acre or square feet of land area per dwelling unit/commercial structure.

All buildings, structures, uses or other alterations or modifications of the natural landscape occurring above or below ground or water on a particular lot.

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

A private way that affords, or is intended to afford, vehicular access from a public or private street to the principal structure on a lot or parcel of land.

Any building designed and/or used for human habitation on a closed, solid foundation, using permanent weatherproof exterior materials, constructed with ceilings and walls finished on the interior with lath and plaster or some comparable material; with facilities which are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating; connected to a safe water supply with adequate sanitary sewage disposal facilities; and equipped with at least one furnace or other customary form of heating apparatus.

One or more rooms in a residential building which are arranged, designed, used or intended for use by one or more persons living together and maintaining a common household, including a lawful cooking space and sanitary facilities reserved solely for use by the occupants of said dwelling unit.

A non-possessory interest in land. The owner of an easement has a right to use the land of another for a special purpose, as distinguished from a right to possess that land.

The soil and water conservation district established under Subsection (a) of § 22a-315 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

An establishment located on a farm where patrons consume food prepared on the premises and is subordinate to the farming use.

Any addition to the floor area of an existing building, an increase in the size of any other structure, or an increase in that portion of a tract of land occupied by an existing use. "To enlarge" is to make an enlargement.

The process whereby the soil and rock are worn away by the action of water, wind, rain, or ice activity.

The digging out, extraction, regrading, or removal of earth, whether exposed or covered by water, so as to alter its contour.

An increase or amplification, as distinguished from establishment or inception. "Extension" shall be deemed to include the expansion in the seasons or periods of use of a nonconforming seasonal use, or of a seasonal dwelling on a nonconforming lot, and any increase in the normal days or hours of operation, or any increase in the scope of services offered, of any nonconforming, nonresidential use of land, buildings, or structures.

The area within a circle described about the base of a tower with a radius equal to the height of the tower plus any antennas that may protrude above the tower.

Any number of individuals related by blood, marriage, civil union, or adoption living together as a single housekeeping unit, or a group of not more than four persons, not so related by blood, marriage, civil union or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit.

The term "farm" includes farm buildings, and accessory buildings thereto, nurseries, orchards, ranges, greenhouses, hoop houses 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. As noted under § 1-1(q) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Any building, use, or structure that is located on a farm in which beer is manufactured and sold as noted under Connecticut Public Act 17-160.

Any building, use, or structure that is located on a farm in which distilled spirits or alcohol is manufactured and sold as noted under Connecticut Public Act 17-232.

An establishment primarily engaged in retailing to the general public:

A movable structure located on a farm site in the Town, used by a farm for the temporary, seasonal sale of raw and/or processed agricultural products.

A permanent structure located on a farm site that is used by a farm for the sale of raw and/or processed agricultural products.

Any building, use, or structure that is located on a farm in which wine is manufactured or sold as noted under Connecticut Public Act 08-187.

In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 22-6r as amended, a cooperative or nonprofit enterprise or association that consistently occupies a given site throughout the season or that occupies a given site for any given day or event and that operates principally as a common marketplace for a group of farmers, at least two of whom are selling Connecticut-grown fresh produce, to sell Connecticut-grown farm products in conformance with the applicable regulations of Connecticut state agencies and where the farm products sold are produced by the participating farmers with the sole intent and purpose of generating a portion of household income.

A structure designed of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose, separate, screen or buffer areas of land.

The process of depositing clean fill such as soil, sand, gravel, rock or clay.

A place or building where passive or active exercises and related activities are performed for the purpose of physical fitness, improved circulation or flexibility, and/or weight control. A fitness center may also include incidental accessory uses such as child care for patrons, professional physical therapy services, and incidental food and beverage sales.

The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.

See § 300-36.

The total floor area contained within a building, outdoor storage area or outdoor display area, whether covered or not, as measured to the outside surface of the exterior walls or outside perimeter of the display or storage area. "Floor area, gross" shall not include:

That portion of the gross floor area of a dwelling which is adequately provided with heat, light and ventilation so as to be suitable for residential use and occupancy. "Floor area, livable" shall include finished basement or attic spaces and enclosed porches but shall exclude garage space; cellar space; terraces/patios, unroofed open porches, steps, and similar unenclosed or unfinished spaces; and stairways and halls serving more than one dwelling unit.

The total horizontal cross area as would be shown on the plan view of the first floor of a residence, excluding porches and garages.

Land area and buildings containing golf courses, recreational facilities, a clubhouse, and other customary accessory uses, either open to the public or open only to members and their guests.

The elevation of a lot after completion of development.

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.

A facility offering day-care services as defined by Connecticut General Statutes § 19a-77 and regulated under §§ 19a-79 through 19a-87f.

A document (DEEP Bulletin 34, ISBN 0-942085-10-8) prepared and amended by the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Any substance or combination of substances which, because of quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to water supplies or to human health if disposed of or released into or on any land or water in the Town of Ashford. The list of hazardous materials and waste is maintained by the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The vertical distance measured in feet from the average existing level of the ground surrounding the tower, or structure a tower is mounted on, to the topmost point of the tower, including any antenna or other appurtenances. The existing elevation shall mean the actual or approved elevations of the property at the time of application.

Accessory use conducted for compensation by the occupant(s) of a residential dwelling and wholly within such dwelling which complies with the provisions of these regulations.

The total area of a parcel covered by materials that prevent the infiltration of surface water into the ground beneath.

An accessory dwelling unit within a single-family dwelling.

A parcel with an accessway fronting on a street with the buildable area located at the back.

Parcel, with or without buildings, used, either as a principal or accessory use, or occupied by the outdoor storage of used or discarded materials such as wastepaper, rags, scrap metal, building materials, house furnishings, machinery, vehicles, or parts thereof, with or without dismantling, processing salvage, sale or other use or disposition of the same. A deposit or the outdoor storage on a lot of two or more wrecked or unregistered vehicles, or vehicles otherwise not in a condition for legal use on public highways, or parts of two or more such vehicles, shall be deemed a junkyard.

A place, open or enclosed, in which a total of three or more pets, limited to dogs, are kept for breeding, boarding, grooming, or medical attention.

The lighting from below of dust particles or moisture in the atmosphere causing a glow in the sky when viewed from a distance.

Excessive brightness in the field of view that is sufficiently greater than that to which the eyes are adapted, to cause annoyance or loss in visual performance and visibility, so as to jeopardize health, safety or welfare.

A luminaire from which no direct glare is visible at normal viewing angles by virtue of its being properly aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices as shields, barn boors, baffles, louvers, skirts or visors.

The maximum unobstructed distance at which it is possible to reasonably visually distinguish and recognize individuals.

An area off the street, on the same lot with a building, for the temporary parking of trucks or other motor vehicles while materials or merchandise is loaded or unloaded, to be taken to or from the building.

A parcel of land occupied or capable of being occupied by a principal building or, where permitted, a group of buildings and the accessory buildings or uses customarily incidental to it, including such open spaces as are required by these regulations. The term "lot" includes the term "parcel," but the term "parcel" does not include the term "lot."

The total area within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any street rights-of-way.

The total area of all structures and impervious surfaces on a lot.

The length of the shortest straight line between side lot lines and located entirely within the lot and passing through any point(s) of the front lot line. In the case of an interior lot, the lot frontage shall be measured at that point closest to the street from which the lot derives its principal access. In the case of a corner lot, the lot must have full frontage along at least one street.

Same as "boundary line."

That lot line being along the street which that lot abuts. In the case of rear lot, that lot line being closest to the street from which the lot derives its principal access.

The lot line which is generally opposite the front lot line, or, if the lot comes to a point at the rear, the rear lot line shall be deemed to be a line parallel to the front lot line not less than 10 feet long lying wholly within the lot and farthest from the front lot line.

Any lot line not a front lot line or a rear lot line extending directly or indirectly from the front lot line.

A lot for which a deed has been recorded in the office of the Town Clerk, which lot met the requirements of these regulations and of the Subdivision Regulations, as the same were in force at the time of such recording, or a parcel of land under unified ownership and separately described on the Land Records prior to the adoption of such regulations.

A lot of which two adjacent sides face a street or streets so that the interior angle of the intersection is less than 135°, provided that the corner of any such intersection is not rounded by a curve having an inside radius greater than 50 feet.

The making, processing, assembling or fabrication of materials, goods, and wares by manual labor or machinery.

A commercial facility used for assemblies or meetings of the members or representatives of groups, including exhibition space. This term does not include banquet halls, clubs, or lodges.

A building or group of buildings providing transient lodging with parking conveniently located to each unit, which may also include incidental uses such as meeting rooms, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

A building or structure legally existing immediately prior to the effective date of these regulations, which met all requirements of the Zoning Regulations then in force, if any there were, on said effective date, but does not meet the current requirements of these regulations; or a building or structure legally existing on the effective date of any amendment hereto which caused such building or structure to cease to meet the requirements of these regulations.

A lot of record which does not meet the requirements of Article IV of these regulations for the district in which it is located.

The use of land, buildings, or premises which is not a use permitted by these regulations for the zone in which such use is occurring but which was legally existing and conformed to all requirements of the regulations then in force, if any, on the effective date of these regulations or on the effective date of any amendment hereto which caused the use to cease to meet the requirements of these regulations.

A room, group of rooms or a building used primarily for conducting the affairs of a business, profession, service, industry or government.

An unoccupied space open to the sky on the same lot as the subject building or structure.

A place that is a direct extension of a permitted restaurant for the consumption of food or drink at a table that is not located within a structure, which table is made available for use in conjunction with a restaurant or other food service business.

Any contiguous piece of land, including one or more contiguous lots of record, unified under the same ownership, whether or not every said piece of land was acquired at the same time; excluding, however, any parcel which is a lot, as that term is defined in these regulations.

Any public or private land area designed and used for parking motor vehicles, including parking lots, garages, private driveways and legally designated areas of public streets.

An area designed or intended for the temporary parking of a motor vehicle, not including aisles and driveways giving access thereto, located in other than a public street or other public way and having a permanent means of access to a public street without requiring passage through another parking area.

An individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, club, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, or other entity or combination thereof.

Establishments which provide consumer services.

An establishment, the principal purpose of which is religious worship and for which the main building or other structure contains the sanctuary or principal place of worship. A church may include accessory uses in the main building or in separate buildings or structures, including Sunday school rooms and religious education classrooms, assembly rooms, a common kitchen, a library room or reading room, recreation hall and living quarters/dormitories on site for staff and/or students of religious study.

Document or documents adopted by the Commission under the authority of Connecticut General Statutes § 8-23, as the same may be amended from to time.

Any container designed for the storage of construction or personal property that is typically rented to owners or occupants of property for their temporary use and which is customarily delivered and removed by truck.

A lot, parcel or tract of land together with the buildings and structures thereon.

A single building, or interrelated group of buildings, in which the principal use of the lot is conducted within.

The primary purpose or function for which a premises is used, designed, or intended to be used.

A vehicle, 400 square feet or less, designed to be used primarily as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use that either has its own motor power or is mounted on or towed by another vehicle, including camping trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motor homes, travel trailers and truck campers.

A business establishment that specializes in the repair of various items with the exclusion of any automotive-oriented repairs.

A facility in which scientific or developmental research is performed.

A space in a suitable and permanent building kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to the public to be a place where hot meals are regularly served. If alcohol is to be served, it shall be accessory to the primary function of serving food, and the restaurant shall operate under a restaurant liquor permit as provided in § 30-22 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended and comply with all Liquor Control Commission regulations appertaining thereto unless another liquor permit type is deemed appropriate by the Commission.

An establishment engaged in the sale of goods or merchandise to the general public located primarily within a building, but which may include outdoor display on walkways within shopping centers, or on public sidewalks as permitted by the Commission.

The actual property which is dedicated or reserved for street and access and for other public purposes such as public utilities, bicycle paths, and pedestrian walkways.

Uses conducted for compensation by the occupant of a residential building or lot wholly or partially outside the home or within an accessory building.

An institution, licensed by the State of Connecticut, whose primary function is the instruction of academic subjects to adults or children, and the word "school" shall not be deemed to include an institution which is primarily a summer or winter camp, whose main function is enjoyment of physical activities with or without instruction, or any other institution which has a primary function of providing recreational facilities.

Natural or man-made materials used to prevent a structure or land use from being visible from a road or from adjacent property.

The highest level to which surface water or groundwater may be expected to rise during any year.

The required distance between the lot line and nearest building, accessory building, or structure.

A grouping of retail business and service uses on a single development site with common parking facilities.

A residential dwelling unit, portion of a dwelling unit or room within a residential dwelling unit rented by transient guests for a period less than 28 consecutive days.

A residential dwelling unit occupied by the owner of record as their primary place of residence that is offered, on occasion, as an accommodation for transient guests while the owner is on site.

A residential dwelling unit not occupied by the owner of record at the time of the rental and is represented by a designated agent within two hours of the rental property, that is offered as an accommodation for transient guests no more than three times during any six-month period.

Any structure, or part thereof, or any device attached to a building or structure or painted or represented thereon which displays or includes letters, words, symbols, trademarks or any other graphic representation which is in the nature of an announcement, direction, advertisement or other device used to attract the attention of the public for commercial purposes or otherwise; similarly, any natural object, such as a tree, stone, or the earth itself, which is painted or arranged so as to represent or display any of the aforesaid graphic representations; any building feature, including roof or other special illumination, special colors or effects, or building or roof lines, which serves to identify the use or occupancy of any building or site through a recognized motif or symbol.

The area of a sign shall be the smallest rectangular area which encompasses all letters, designs, symbols, logos or other sign features exclusive of supports, unless the supports are also used to advertise. Signs having two faces (sides) are entitled to have up to the maximum permitted area on each face (side), provided both sides are essentially identical.

A plan that indicates necessary land treatment measures, including a schedule for installation, which effectively minimize soil erosion and sedimentation.

Permitted uses which must meet specific conditions established within the regulations and must receive the approval of the Commission.

That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it. A basement shall be counted as a story if its ceiling is more than five feet above the elevation from which the height of the building is measured.

Any way which is an existing Town or state highway or any way shown as a proposed public highway on a recorded subdivision map duly approved by the Planning Commission or Planning and Zoning Commission, which subdivision or portion thereof has not expired or otherwise been determined to be void, but excluding an alley used for a service access only. "Street" shall be deemed to include the entire width of the right-of-way.

Anything which is constructed or erected and the use of which requires more or less permanent location on ground or water areas or attachment to something having permanent location on ground or water areas, not, however, including wheels; an edifice or a building of any kind; any production or piece of work, artificially built up or composed of parts and joined together in some definite manner, including signs, vending machines, fences or walls, a wharf or dock, an aboveground tank, or a detached solar panel or satellite dish. A structure shall not include a flagpole or an ornamental well.

A water-filled structure, permanently constructed or portable, with a depth of more than 24 inches and a water surface area of more than 60 square feet, used for bathing or swimming. A swimming pool is considered an accessory structure.

An enclosed building or, in the event of a multi-screened building, each individual screening room seating area with a capacity of 50 persons or more used for presenting material on a screen or stage for presentation to patrons therein.

The Town of Ashford, Connecticut.

A person who occupies a room in a hotel or motel as well as a bed-and-breakfast or short-term rental for a period less than 31 days.

Permission to depart from the literal requirements of the Zoning Regulations as granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Any building, including facilities for overnight care, used for the treatment and limited temporary boarding of domestic animals by a veterinarian. Such use shall not be construed as a home occupation or a professional office. The term "veterinary hospital" may include the term "kennel," but the term "kennel" does not include the term "veterinary hospital."

A place for the medical or similar examination and treatment of persons as outpatients.

Uses involved in the storage and movement of large quantities of materials or products indoors and/or outdoors, associated with significant truck and rail traffic.

Involves sales, leasing or rental of equipment or products primarily intended for industrial, institutional or commercial businesses. Businesses may or may not be open to the general public, but sales to the general public may be accessory.

Licensed wireless telecommunication services, including, but not necessarily limited to, cellular, personal communication services (PCS), specialized mobilized radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobilized radio (ESMR), paging and similar services marketed to the general public.

A facility operated by a licensed wireless telecommunication service provider which consists of the equipment and structures involved in receiving and/or transmitting electromagnetic waves associated with wireless telecommunication services.

An undeveloped area on the same lot as a building or structure, or group of buildings or structures, which lies between the buildings or structures and the nearest lot line, and which must remain unobstructed and unoccupied, except as these regulations may provide otherwise.

The Zoning Enforcement Officer duly appointed by the Planning and Zoning Commission

An area within which certain uses of land and buildings are permitted, certain others are prohibited, and certain others are designated as uses requiring a special exception or special permit from the Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals; yards and other open spaces are required; and lot areas, building height limits, and other requirements are established, all of the foregoing being identical for all property located within the zone to which they apply.

A permit authorizing the use of land and/or structures on a property, issued by the Commission pursuant to § 300-22 of these regulations.