Fairfield staff explains site-specific development (SSD) tool; commission sets public hearing for July 29

Town planning staff presented a draft site-specific development (SSD) ordinance to the Fairfield Planning and Zoning Commission on July 16, explaining the tool and seeking commission input on key thresholds and procedures.

Jim Strung, the staff presenter, described the SSD as a mechanism to translate the town’s general plan into a custom zoning approach for projects that do not fit conventional districts. He said the SSD allows negotiated standards—such as architecture, landscaping, and site-specific infrastructure—in exchange for community benefits and public review. "The SSD tool is...a great use for that," Jim said, adding that it provides flexibility while preserving legislative oversight and a predictable review process.

Jim walked the commission through the proposed SSD criteria: (1) a minimum project-area threshold (the draft used 2 acres), (2) the requirement that a project could not be developed under existing base districts, (3) preference for single ownership or legal instruments to unify multiple owners, and (4) demonstrated public benefits (superior site planning, natural-feature preservation, amenities or infrastructure contributions).

Commissioners extensively debated the proposed minimum acreage. Several said a 2-acre threshold was too small for Fairfield; options discussed ranged from 10 to 40 acres. Commissioners noted a commercial SSD might reasonably require a smaller minimum than a residential SSD and asked whether SSD standards could be reused for future applicants. Jim said standards could be reapplied with approval but cautioned that adopting many SSDs could complicate long-term code administration and recommended clear guardrails so the tool is not used to circumvent base-zone requirements.

The commission also reviewed two related items: recodifying the town’s road regulations from Title 6, Chapter 3 into the land-use code (Title 15, Chapter 152) and a text amendment to AR (agricultural-residential) zone setbacks requiring a front setback along both street-fronting sides of a corner lot, plus a proposed 10-foot clear vision triangle at driveways to improve sight lines.

A motion by a commissioner (speaker 4) to set a public hearing on July 29, 2026 for the SSD ordinance, the road-code recodification and the AR-zone setback amendment was seconded and passed. The motion’s recorded affirmative votes were: Calvin, David, Kaiser, Wayne and Jamie. The public hearing will allow more formal notice, a redline draft and additional public comment before the commission issues a recommendation to the town council.

Next steps: Jim Strung will meet with staff (Brad and Holly), incorporate commission edits and bring a revised draft and redline for the July 29 public hearing.