“Judge rejects FAR changes”

Ruling makes the 1998 FAR rules NULL and VOID

· FAR has proven to be ineffective and flawed

	FAR limits your ability to expand your house or even finish areas like basements or attics
	FAR has for many homeowners lowered the $$ values of their homes

Attend the

The P&Z Meeting

ON May 7^th, 2002

7:00 pm, Cole Auditorium of Greenwich Library

The Planning and Zoning Commission from passing these regulations again without hearing and “LISTENING” to the public and acting in the interests of all Greenwich residents.

WHAT MAY BE BEST FOR THEM MAY NOT BE BEST FOR YOU

THESE CHANGES WILL EFFECT EVERY HOMEOWNER IN TOWN

F A I R

Greenwich homeowners deserve Fair and Equal treatment under the FAR regulations

CONCERNED HOMEOWNERS of GREENWICH

GREENWICH HOMEOWNERS IN CONSERVATION ZONES

In November 1998 the Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission passed a sweeping change to zoning regulations that determine how much building can be built upon land in residential zones throughout the town.

WHAT IS FAR?

Known as FAR, “Floor Area Ratio”, it is a percentage used to calculate how many square feet of building can be built on a particular piece of property. This percentage changes depending upon what zone the land is located in. When applied to the total area of the property, the result is the permitted square feet of building. The calculation measures the inside area of a building, from inside wall to inside wall. There are no exclusions for interior walls. Included in the calculations are basements, attics and garages.

WHY WAS FAR NEEDED?

The purpose of this regulation was to curtail the building of what the Commission termed “McMansions”.

What they said they intended to do was to “Control Bulk”. limit the size homes that could be built on a parcel of land so that the home was in keeping with the lot size, neighborhood and streetscape. What they did was blanket the town with a regulation that adversely affects almost every house.

HAS FAR WORKED?

THE FAR LIMITS WHAT A HOMEOWNER CAN DO WITHIN THE EXISTING WALLS AND ROOF OF THE HOUSE. IT LIMITS FINISHING BASEMENTS, ATTICS AND ADDING ONTO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE.

THE FAR HAS IN MANY INSTANCES NEGATIVELY AFFECTED THE VALUE OF HOMES.

THE FAR HAS NOT WORKED – WITNESS THE MANY HOMES CONTINUING TO BE BUILT THAT ARE NOT IN KEEPING WITH THE LOT SIZE OR NEIGHBORHOOD.

P&Z moved very quickly in 1998 to pass these regulations. In spite of public opposition at public meetings and cries for the Commission TO GO SLOWLY and address inherent problems and inequities of the plan, the Commission forged ahead and passed the FAR.

ON APRIL 19^TH, Stamford Superior Court ruled the

F A R regulation NULL and VOID.

In quick response, P&Z has hurriedly scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday May 7^th at the Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library. The purpose is to hear public comment.

We believe that the commission is predisposed TO PASS THE SAME REGULATION DESPITE 3½ YEARS OF NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE AND LACK OF SUPPORT BY A MAJORITY OF HOMEOWNERS. we believe, this time, care should be taken to do things right and in a fair manner.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

	Anyone seeking to make modifications to their existing home.
	Any homeowner in Conservation Zones
	Any homeowner whose lot size is less than the minimum required for a new home to be built in that zone. These are “Undersized Lots”
	Anyone who is concerned that these regulations have negatively effected the value of their home.

WHAT CAN I DO?

	Attend on Tuesday, May 7^th at 7:00 pm Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library
	Write or Call Planning & Zoning at Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Rd, Greenwich 06830 203-622-7894
	Contact us at 629-9801 or 622-1250 or go to our website www.hometown.aol.com/grnwchfar/default.htm