Eric Bernheim Compels Westport P&Z Commission to Allow Balconies on Commercial Buildings Along River
FLB Managing Partner Eric Bernheim received an approval of the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission for a zoning regulation text amendment that will permit non-residential balconies on commercial buildings abutting the Saugatuck River and streamlines the permitting process by allowing minor non-residential alterations in a Coastal Area Management Zone to be handled by the commission in a work session format.
Westport Journal | Architect’s rendering shows a river-facing balcony on the building at 33 Riverside Ave. / Contributed illustration
The approvals were obtained at a commission meeting held on November 4, 2021. This was a significant approval for commercial uses throughout Westport and owners of buildings along the Saugatuck River who can now enjoy enhanced views of the river from these balconies. In his presentation to the commission, Eric explained that the balconies will protect, preserve, and enhance visual access to the Saugatuck River, which is one of the objectives outlined in the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD) as: a desire to enhance access to the water. The balconies support the POCD in several other ways, which Eric pointed out, including:
Guide business and economic development in Westport so that it is appropriate for the community, enhances community character, and minimize any potential negative impacts
Balance between protecting coastal resources and managing coastal development by streamlining the permitting process by removing the public hearing requirement but allowing for a public hearing if the Commission deems it should be decided at a public hearing.
Mitigate the environmental impact by tying the drainage system into the building system.
For more information about the approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission, visit Resolution of Approval on westportct.gov. News of this P&Z Commission meeting and Eric’s proposed amendment also ran in the Westport Journal.