Planning & Zoning Commission - 1230 (04/07/2026)

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
 
 
MEMORANDUM 
 
TO:  
 
Planning and Zoning Commission 
 
FROM:  
Mark Wujtewicz, Planning Director 
 
DATE:  
April 7, 2026 
 
TITLE:  
Staff Report:  Congregation Beth El 
 
 
 
33 Kenyon Road 
 
 
 
Modified Site Plan 
Application PL-26-8 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
The project as proposed is to construct a one story 3,720 sq ft synagogue with associated 
parking, utilities and storm water drainage infrastructure. The site is currently a vacant parcel of 
2.6 acres which previously had a single family house. The single family home was demolished in 
November of 2020. The site is located within the Medium Density Residential (R-20) Zone 
District and in accordance with Section 4.1.3, places of worship are permitted subject to the 
approval of a site plan. The access to the site will be from Kenyon Road utilizing a single curb 
cut. Site improvements to the property will also include onsite surface stormwater drainage, 
utilities and landscaping.  
 
The Planning and Zoning Commission previously granted site plan approval PL-24-4 for a 
synagogue on this site on February 27, 2024. The applicant for the previous approval is the same 
applicant for this pending application. 
 
Modifications to the previous approval include the building design, parking design, landscaping 
as well as the location of all infrastructure and stormwater improvements.   
 
BACKGROUND 
 
Pertinent Regulations 
CGS 8-3(g) 
Section 4 – Medium Density Residential (R-20)  
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD 
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886 

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Section 4.1.3 – Public libraries, public schools, and places of worship, subject to the 
approval of a site plan under provisions of Section 22 of these 
regulations. 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 22 – Site Plans 
Section 22b – Design Review of Site and Building Requirements 
 
 
This application was received by the Commission on March 24, 2026. 
Action on this application must be no later than May 28, 2026. 
 
DISCUSSION 
In order for the Commission to approve a site plan it must find that the plan is consistent with 
the Town of Waterford Zoning Regulations. The Commission must act on the plan initially 
submitted for review and can find that the site plan is either compliant with the Zoning 
Regulations or it may approve the plan with modifications that are required to be implemented 
on the plan prior to filing on the land records.  
The property contains approximately .21 acres of wetlands with approximately 470 square 
feet of wetlands altered. Grading and construction activity occurs within 1.1 acres of the upland 
review area. As a result, an application for Inland Wetland Permit #C-25-15 was submitted to the 
Waterford Conservation Commission. Inland Wetland Permit #C-25-15 was approved by the 
Conservation Commission to conduct authorized regulated activities associated with driveway 
and parking area construction, construction of a stormwater treatment basin and discharge of 
treated stormwater runoff to inland wetlands and watercourses. In accordance with CGS §8-3(g) 
a report of the Conservation Commission action was submitted into the record. 
The applicant submitted a Stormwater Drainage Report into the record. The report provided 
an analysis of existing site drainage conditions and analyzed the proposed stormwater drainage 
system design to mitigate adverse impacts from the development of the project as proposed. The 
proposed grading on the site is designed to direct surface stormwater flow to the stormwater 
infiltration basin. The basin has been designed to temporarily store 100% of the water quality 
volume generated on the site. It is designed to allow for the infiltration of stormwater into the 
underlying subsoils. The proposed stormwater mitigation is designed to meet the criteria of the 
Connecticut 2004 Stormwater Quality Manual.  
Parking has been provided on the plan in accordance with Section 20 of the Zoning 
Regulations. Additional overflow parking, to accommodate periodic increases in parking demand 
on certain holidays is provided by a pervious gravel surface area opposite the stormwater basin.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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RECOMMENDED ACTION 
 
Based on the information provided, staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission find 
that:  
 
Findings: 
1.  
The application is for a use subject to a Site Plan approval, pursuant to Section 4.1.3 
of the Waterford Zoning Regulations. 
2.  
The application is a modification of a previously approved site plan PL-24-4 granted 
on February 27, 2024 by the Planning and Zoning Commission 
3. 
The application meets the criteria for site plan approval, pursuant to Section 22 of the 
Waterford Zoning Regulations, subject to modifications listed. 
4. 
The Waterford Conservation Commission issued Inland Wetland Permit# C-25-15 for 
regulated inland wetland activities. 
5. 
The Waterford Conservation Commission issued a report of its action on application 
#C-25-15 in accordance with CGS §8.3(g). 
6.  
This application has been reviewed by the Town of Waterford Design Review Board 
in accordance with Section 22b of the Waterford Zoning Regulations and which 
Board submits a positive report to the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
 
and that the Commission approve the proposal with the following modifications and conditions:  
 
1. 
The trash enclosure shall provide for complete visual screening. A detail for the 
screening shall be shown on the final plans prior to filing on the land records.  
2. 
The material type and proposed diameter of the water and sewer utilities shall be 
shown on the plans prior to filing on the land records. 
3. 
All conditions of approval for Inland Wetland Permit #C-25-15 shall be incorporated 
into this decision as if fully set forth herein. 
 
Proposed Motion 
To approve with modifications and conditions, the Modified Site Plan for Congregation 
Beth El application #PL-26-8 at 33 Kenyon Road, with modifications and conditions 1 thru 
3 and to adopt the findings 1 thru 6 of the staff report dated April 7, 2026.