North Canaan P&Z tries to clear up some issues

NORTH CANAAN — A public hearing on proposed amendments to town zoning regulations that apply to signage is set for April 18 at 6:30 p.m.

A contradiction in the regulations was pointed out to the Planning and Zoning Commission last October by an attorney for a local business. It seems the regulations offer two conflicting rulings — both on the same page — when it comes to the number of projecting signs allowed on a business establishment.

Attorney Mark Capecelatro brought the problem to light on behalf of S.J. Masters, which reopened its Church Street tile showroom last summer.

The section in question speaks to signs allowed on businesses that have more than one facade visible from the road.

Former Zoning Enforcement Officer Ruth Mulcahy told the commissioners she agreed a mistake was made in writing the sign regulations and recommended that they be amended.

The zoning commissioners subsequently sought input from the Northwest Connecticut Council of Governments. The regional planning agency (which is made up of the first selectmen from nine Northwest Corner towns) is taking a more active role in guiding local regulations that could impact on decisions in neighboring towns.Jordano dispute continues

New Zoning Enforcement Officer Karl Nilsen said he will continue to press local business owner Christopher Jordano on a timeframe to clean up his property.

Jordano operates a landscaping business at his Barlow Street home. Neighbors have called it an eyesore. The resident state trooper has said the large vehicles parked there could be dangerous.

Nilsen has termed it does not comply with zoning regulations, and told Jordano in January that he needs a special permit to run his business in that location.

Jordano was supposed to appear informally before the Planning and Zoning Commission at its March 21 meeting to discuss options and a timeframe for cleaning up the property. He failed to appear. Nilsen said he will send him another letter. Meanwhile, legal proceedings against Jordano continue.Welding shop gets approval

Also at that meeting, the commissioners determined that a proposed home occupation is in compliance with zoning.

Daisy Hill Road resident John Jacquier plans to operate a part time welding shop in two bays of his three-car garage. The business will not have any signs outside. Under zoning, a business of this type has to be secondary to a residential use, utilizing no more than 30 percent of the property. No more than one additional employee is allowed.

Jacquier said he will use about 600 square feet of the 2,200-square-foot home. He does not plan to hire an employee.