Zoning Subcommittee Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

The City of New Britain's Zoning Subcommittee held a public hearing and regular meeting on August 4, 2026, focusing on several zoning ordinance amendments. Key procurement-related discussions included three zoning petitions: one to amend residential and mixed-use development regulations to comply with Public Act 25-1, another to change zoning from Residential Office (RO) to Transit (T) for properties between Vine and Lexington Streets, and a third to amend regulations on smoke shops. The subcommittee reviewed presentations on these items, including impacts on housing density, historic district compatibility, and public health concerns related to smoke shops. The committee voted to refer all three items to the full council with neutral recommendations, including an amendment to the smoke shop ordinance to impose special exception requirements and set hours of operation aligned with package stores. The meeting also discussed future licensing enforcement for smoke shops through the health department, aiming to regulate floor area devoted to smoke products and improve compliance.