What Residents Need to Know
Easton’s Planning and Zoning Commission has updated the town’s land use regulations, impacting areas from cannabis establishments to residential fences and daycare facilities. The new regulations, presented during a public hearing on May 28, are a response to state mandates aimed at better serving the community’s needs. A copy of the updated regulations can be found here.
Cannabis establishments will continue to be denied. Easton has a policy of not allowing new commercial operations except for home-based businesses, agriculture-related activities, and certain types of nonprofits. Banning cannabis establishments aligns with this stance, ensuring that any new businesses do not conflict with the town’s established zoning regulations and community values.
“It’s already not allowed under our regulations, so we just decided to make it a permanent bullet point,” said Justin Giorlando, the town’s land use consultant.
John Foley, P&Z chairman, said, “Banning cannabis establishments helps maintain Easton’s rural and family-oriented character while aligning with long-term planning goals focused on residential and agricultural uses.”
Under the updated regulations, micro-cultivators are now allowed to operate.
“Micro-cultivators are allowed because they operate on a much smaller scale, focusing on the cultivation, growing, and propagation of the cannabis plant, which is less likely to impact the community significantly,” said Foley.
This allowance was established under a previous administration. While micro-cultivators are permitted, the selling of cannabis is strictly not allowed, ensuring alignment with Easton’s current zoning policies and community standards, added Foley
The updated regulations now permit both single-family childcare homes and group childcare homes within single-family dwellings. The change was driven by a state mandate requiring the regulations to be updated to allow for group childcare facilities in single-family dwellings.
The updated regulations provide families with more childcare options, making it easier for parents to find convenient and reliable care for their children within their own community. It allows childcare facilities to legally care for more children.
“Allowing childcare facilities in single-family dwellings integrates these services into residential neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community and support among residents,” said Foley.
New rules specify that accessory structures must be limited to one story in height. Additionally, minor farm stands can now be located 20 feet from arterial roadways and 15 feet from local roads.
“That was more just so the actual type of roadway made a difference,” said Giorlando. “Some roadways are more dangerous and you need more room for sight lines, and others are dead ends and you can almost be up against the road and you wouldn’t impact traffic.”
All permit submissions will now require electronic confirmation along with paper copies. This new system is designed to streamline the application process and enhance efficiency.
“This change makes it easier for residents to submit applications from anywhere, at any time, thereby increasing accessibility and convenience,” said Foley. Although this adds a little work for applicants now due to the need for both paper and electronic submissions, it reduces the burden on office staff and allows for handling more work efficiently.”
Zoning codes are a living document that need to be maintained and modified to keep pace with the needs of residents.
“I think the biggest thing for us is protecting the character of our town while allowing residents to update and upgrade their homes, as well as provide consistent regulations with state laws that have gone into effect in recent years,” said Giorlando.
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