Browse the Community Planning Resource Library. Click on the corresponding tabs below for more information.
Publications
View the latest publications from the Division.
The NVCOG’s Accessibility Resource Guide includes memorandums, academic articles, videos, podcasts, websites, and policy documents related to accessibility in municipal planning, design, and policy setting.
NVCOG Land Use Brief
The NVCOG Land Use Brief serves as a resource for municipal staff to support local-level decision making on land use topics.
This edition of the Land Use Brief focuses on stormwater, water quality, and water quantity. It provides information on requirements for municipalities, as well as examples of land use tools to support implementation.
Staff explain how CGS Sec. 8-1c(b) may be utilized by land use commissions and provide examples from municipalities within the region that have adopted this tool in their zoning regulations.
The Connecticut General Assembly enacted a variety of statutory land use changes during their 2023 Legislative Session. In the Summer edition of the NVCOG Land Use Brief, staff cover pertinent land use changes that matter for land use commissioners in the Naugatuck Valley region. This issue covers the zoning, planning, commission, and municipal updates that relate to land use.
Staff created a document to assist municipal staff in ensuring that outdoor dining regulations comply with the new considerations of CGS Section 8-1cc, effective May 1, 2023.
Municipal Land Use Best Practice
The “Municipal Land Use Best Practice” spotlight features an exemplary initiative from a municipality in the region.
Emely Ricci, Community Planner at the NVCOG, shares the process and experience in partnering with the Town of Thomaston and the Thomaston Board of Education to incorporate youth engagement in their Plan of Conservation and Development.
The Town of Beacon Falls is implementing technology solutions to increase the public’s ease in working with the Building Department.
The City of Shelton effectively maintains its natural spaces and promotes resident participation through various community-driven events.
The Town of Seymour shares a land use best practice to encourage interdepartmental coordination and transparency in its permit application process. Read on to learn more about the function of their “First Step” Zoning and Building Compliance Application Form and to download the Form.
The Town of Woodbury’s Town Planner, William Agresta, AICP, MLA, shares insights into their municipal best practice for variance applications. By providing a comprehensive guide to applicants and commission members, Woodbury ensures an informed and participatory process, promoting alternatives that align with regulations and save both time and cost.
The Town of Southbury’s Planning Department created a brochure entitled “How to Legalize Unpermitted Work” to help property owners navigate the process when work is done without a permit. The brochure aims to educate property owners and to prevent impediments in real estate activities, such as obtaining insurance or affecting a closing.
The Borough of Naugatuck’s Town Planner, Lori Rotella, shares how the municipality fosters strong connections with local businesses.
People Behind the Plans
The “People Behind the Plans” spotlight features dedicated planners, land use staff, and administrators shaping the region.
We interviewed Lori Rotella, Town Planner and Wetlands Enforcement Officer for the Borough of Naugatuck. She is also a member of the Naugatuck Valley Regional Plan of Conservation and Development. Lori described her lifelong connection to the Valley, explained how collaboration drives her approach to planning, and highlighted why this Plan marks an exciting step toward a more unified and sustainable future.
We interviewed Andrew Martelli, Assistant Town Manager of Cheshire and Chair of the Naugatuck Valley Regional Plan of Conservation and Development Steering Committee. He shared what drives his commitment to the region, reflected on his deep roots in the Valley, and emphasized why this Plan is a vital opportunity to build a strong and connected future.
NVCOG welcomed Matthew Ucci, a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut, as our Community Planning Intern. Learn about Matthew’s internship experience and reflections.
Jacob Bartel shares his journey as a Sustainable CT Fellow at the NVCOG, reflecting on how the experience shaped his future career goals.
Teresa Gallagher, Shelton’s Natural Resource Manager, shares her journey into conservation and offers advice for municipalities aiming to deepen their conservation efforts.
Emely Ricci brings her expertise to lead various initiatives from open space inventory research to expanding education materials on accessibility in planning.
Emily Bigl joined the NVCOG during the summer 2023 and left her mark as a Land Use Fellow. Read on for a glimpse into Emily’s unique journey and contributions to regional planning.
Sustainability Spotlight
The “Sustainability Spotlight” provides readers with ideas on how to incorporate sustainability with land use regulations.
Solar canopies benefit communities by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, conserving energy, and maximizing underutilized spaces. With the State preparing a strategic plan to increase solar canopy deployment, now is the perfect time to learn more about these tools.
Municipalities can mindfully design public spaces and utilize municipal resources to build heat resilience in their communities. Read the following article to learn more.
The NVCOG has developed two infographics to explain the concepts of Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). These legal tools can help preserve open space and farmland in communities that may be facing development pressure by decoupling the right to develop the land from the land itself.
NVCOG has launched an updated series of webpages to help municipal staff navigate requirements and resources on stormwater management. Properly managed stormwater can benefit people, municipalities, and the environment.
Residential solar installations can lower electricity bills, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, relieve strain from the electrical grid, and increase resilience in the face of extreme weather. Learn how municipal planning and zoning best practices (BMPs) empower residents to adopt solar without negatively impacting the community.
This article contains sustainability considerations as municipalities navigate regulation of backyard farms as an accessory residential use.
Learn how to leverage subdivision regulations to secure valuable open space.
Uncover creative ideas and hands-on approaches to foster a greener, more sustainable future.
Community Conversations
The “Community Conversations” spotlight serves as a community-driven article. In these sessions, staff engage with a specific community to explore various topics of their choosing.
This article highlights the Town of Cheshire’s journey of remarkable development with Town Planner Mike Glidden. Learn about how proactive planning, community-wide investment, and a commitment to relationship building has led to significant growth.
Staff Contact
Savannah-Nicole Villalba, AICP, AZT
Community Planning Director
snvillalba@nvcogct.gov