Planning commission adopts new ‘open space common interest community’ zoning text, 4–1

Groton’s Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4–1 to adopt zoning regulation text amendment REG-00002, a new section establishing “open space common interest communities” and related changes to definitions and density calculations.

The adopted text sets a 20-acre minimum for such communities, requires applicants to submit a typical open-space subdivision plan showing the maximum number of dwelling units allowed, and allows limited accessory commercial uses only when associated with an open-space common interest community. The list of allowable commercial activities in the adopted motion includes pet grooming; veterinary services; indoor recreation and fitness; child and adult daycare; artisan and craft workshops; certain home-based businesses; restaurants (subject to the commission’s control via permit); retail; personal services; art galleries or museums; and professional offices. Uses in the community must be approved by special permit, which requires public notice and allows the commission to prohibit specific commercial uses on particular sites.

Supporters told the commission the provision would let residents walk to neighborhood services rather than drive, and that the amendment does not increase overall residential density because the maximum number of units is tied to an illustrative subdivision plan. Opponents warned that allowing customer-facing businesses in zones that are otherwise residential could change the character of some rural areas and urged the commission to precisely define permitted commercial types.

The motion as read into the record included detailed edits to sections on definitions, dwelling-unit classifications, residential density calculations, exempt uses, and the table of permitted uses (to add the special-permit allowance in RS, R and RU districts). The motion also included a set of findings tying the amendment to the town’s 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development and recent housing reports, and listed an effective date of July 15, 2026.

Action and next steps: The commission adopted REG-00002 as modified. Because the text requires special permits for site-specific commercial uses, individual proposals to locate particular businesses in an approved open-space common interest community will still require a separate review process with public notice. Staff said the track-changes draft reflecting the commission’s edits will be circulated to commissioners and included with the next agenda packet.

The commission’s vote carried 4–1; individual roll-call vote names were not recorded in the meeting transcript.