You wanted to know if the Town of Westport needs zoning approval in order to build a senior center.

It depends on whether the town's legislative body voted to specifically exempt municipal buildings from zoning regulations. If it has, it is does not need zoning approval. Otherwise, it must get that approval (CGS § 8-2).

All towns that zone under the statutes are subject to the requirement that they refer to the planning commission proposals for municipal improvements such as playgrounds, schools, and other municipally owned property or public buildings. It is the latter, "municipally-owned property or public buildings," that appear to include a senior center built by the City of Westport.

Once the commission receives the proposal, it must issue a report before further action can be taken, but if it fails to report within 35 days of the referral, it is deemed to approve the proposal. Any proposal the commission disapproves can move forward, but only if two-thirds of the town council (where one exists) or a majority of those voting at a town meeting favor it (CGS § 8-24).

SN-E: ts