Lyme City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 13
Coastal Management
§ 315-13.1 Purpose.
Under Chapter 444 of the Connecticut General Statutes, these regulations are intended to ensure that the development, preservation or use of land and water resources of the coastal area proceeds in a balanced manner consistent with the capability of the land and water resources. These regulations are further intended to preserve and enhance coastal resources, especially the unique resources of the lower Connecticut River and its tributaries, and to give high priority and preferences to uses and facilities that are dependent on proximity to the water or the shoreline.
§ 315-13.2 Coastal site plan.
As provided under Connecticut General Statutes § 22a-105, a coastal site plan application must accompany all site plans, special permits, and variances within the Lyme coastal boundary, as delineated on the coastal boundary map on file in the Lyme Town Hall, except as noted in § 315-13.3 below.
A.
Contents of a coastal site plan. A coastal site plan shall include, at minimum, the location and special relationship of coastal resources on and contiguous to the site; an assessment of the capability of the resources to accommodate the proposed use; a description of the entire project with appropriate plans indicating project location, design, timing and methods of construction; an assessment of the suitability of the project for the proposed site; an evaluation of the potential beneficial and adverse impacts of the project; and a description of the proposed methods to mitigate adverse impacts on coastal resources.
B.
Commission action. The Commission may approve, modify, condition or deny the activity proposed in a coastal site plan to ensure that the potential adverse impacts of the proposed activity on both coastal resources and future water development activities are acceptable. In making its determination, the Commission shall:
(1)
Consider the characteristics of the site, including the location and condition of any of the coastal resources;
(2)
Consider the potential effects, both beneficial and adverse, of the proposed activity on coastal resources and future water-dependent development opportunities; and
(3)
Follow all applicable goals and policies stated in § 22a-92 of the Connecticut General Statutes and identify conflicts between the proposed activity and any goal or policy.
§ 315-13.3 Exempt uses.
The following uses, if and where permitted by these regulations in the coastal area, are exempt from the coastal site plan review requirements (such uses are not exempt from other zoning permits and requirements):
A.
Interior modifications or minor additions to or modification of existing buildings or detached accessory buildings, such as garages and utility sheds.
B.
Construction of new or modifications of existing structures incidental to the enjoyment and maintenance of residential property, including but not limited to walks, terraces, driveways, swimming pools, tennis courts, docks and detached accessory buildings. See Appendix F.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix F is included as an attachment to this chapter.
C.
Construction of new or modification of existing on-premises fences, walls, pedestrian walks and terraces, underground utility connections, essential electric, gas, telephone, water and sewer service lines, signs and such other minor structures as will not substantially alter the natural character of coastal resources or restrict access along the public waterfront.
D.
Construction of an individual conforming single-family residential structure except in or within 100 feet of the following coastal resource areas: tidal wetlands, coastal bluffs and escarpments and beaches and dunes.
E.
Activities conducted for the specific purpose of conserving or preserving soil, vegetation, water, fish, shellfish, wildlife and other coastal water and land resources.
F.
Gardening, grazing and the harvesting of crops.
G.
Minor changes in use of a building, structure or property, except those changes occurring on property adjacent to or abutting coastal waters.
§ 315-13.4 Long Island Sound waters.
In any review of a proposal where the development of a property may adversely affect the waters of Long Island Sound with respect to hypoxia, pathogens, toxic contaminants and floatable debris, then reasonable design considerations shall be made for the restoration and protection of the ecosystem and habitat of Long Island Sound in conformance with Connecticut General Statutes § 8-2b, as may be amended.