Citizen's Handbook to Land Development

General Discussion

The Town of Granby has developed this guide to the process of land development to make the sometimes confusing process of land development more understandable to the general public. While those who regularly develop land in Granby know and understand the process, we felt it was necessary to present to the ordinary citizen, or the one-time developer, a guidebook to help with this process.

The following is a general outline of land use regulations, and the boards and commissions that enforce these regulations. We hope this information will help those of you in the general public understand what it is we do and how and why your land use regulations function.

The Town of Granby has several land use boards and commissions whose job it is to oversee the development of the town. To guide these commissions in their decision-making the town uses several documents.

Plan of Conservation & Development

This document outlines a general plan to follow in making land use decisions. It is updated every ten years in order to reflect the changing conditions in the Town and Region. The Plan was last adopted in 1993 and is currently under study. The updated Plan should be adopted in 2004.

Zoning Regulations

These regulations have the force of law and set the "rules" of land development. The Zoning Regulations are continuously reviewed and updated as necessary to meet the needs of the community.

Subdivision Regulations

These regulations govern the creation of new building lots. The Subdivision Regulations are used along with the Zoning Regulations to guide development in the Town. Included in these regulations are the engineering standards for land development and the preservation of open space.

Inland Wetlands & Water Courses Regulations

These regulations were adopted to implement State Statutes and regulate what can be done in and around wetland areas.

State Building Code

The State has adopted nationally recognized standards to ensure that buildings are constructed in a safe and sound manner.

State Health Code

This code is intended to ensure the public health of the State of Connecticut. It applies to a wide variety of situations, but relates to land development primarily through the design and installation of wells and septic systems.

Land Use Commissions

The principal land use commissions in Granby are the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission is the primary authority on land use decisions. Through the Zoning Regulations, Subdivision Regulations, and the Plan of Conservation and Development, this commission ensures that all land use is in compliance with established rules and procedures. The Zoning Board of Appeals decides if requests for variances (explained below), to the Zoning Regulations should be granted and the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission reviews all applications in which there are either legally defined wetlands or other bodies of water on the property to be developed.

Contact Us

This Citizen's Guide will hopefully answer some of your questions. Other questions should be directed to the Director of community Development or Building Official.