Wilton HOP Grant Project Scope
Phase 1: Needs Analysis and Planning
- Develop a community outreach plan to identify housing issues and concerns, including objectives, timelines, methods (surveys, focus groups, etc.) and content. Conduct outreach in accordance with plan and issue a summary report that will inform changes to the Master Plan and Wilton’s land use requirements.
- Analysis of most recent local and regional demographic, housing, development cost and other data and trends (based on the 2020 census and/or other studies), as well as projections for the future, to identify near– and long-term housing needs and practical alternatives to single family residences.
- Based on based on the results of items a and b above, recommend and draft changes to the Master Plan, in particular Chapter III, Population and Housing, and articulate updated policies supporting them.
Outcome: The Master Plan will reflect forward-looking housing policies and recommendations based on analysis of current data, community input and Wilton’s vision for its future; the Planning Board and other stakeholders will have access to comparative data for other planning activity.
Phase 2: Regulatory Audits
- Matrix identifying inconsistencies in existing land use requirements (for example, outdated or inconsistently used definitions; conflicting provisions from chapter to chapter) that undermine understanding or otherwise operate to discourage development of diverse housing opportunities.
- Evaluation of, and recommendations for, new or existing strategies to create or expand alternatives to single family residences (for example, altered standards for Accessory Dwelling Units, “tiny” houses, age-restricted housing or other multi-family dwelling units), consistent with Wilton’s unique character, community input and preservation of its natural resources.
- Evaluate and develop, with community input, the structure of a proposed redevelopment overlay district to promote creation of housing opportunities in underutilized downtown areas served by Town water and sewer.
Outcome: The review will produce (1) customized recommendations for housing alternatives, areas for redevelopment and proposed restrictions thereon, and (2) a roadmap for other, future amendments to the land use requirements to make them more consistent, efficient, understandable and accessible to developers of housing opportunities.
Phase 3: Regulatory Development
- Over a series of meetings with the Planning Board (PB), as well as public workshops, develop and draft prioritized amendments to the land use requirements, as specifically recommended in Phase 2, to contemplate new housing alternatives, change requirements surrounding existing development opportunities, and establish a redevelopment district overlay.
- Prepare final forms of proposed amendments and warrant articles, as necessary for adoption.
- Plan and conduct outreach activities, including meetings with Town personnel, its Select Board and attendance at public meetings, and help develop voters’ guides, designed to educate the community about the proposed changes and develop support for them.
Outcome: Wilton will adopt updated land use regulations that will facilitate development of diverse housing opportunities while respecting the Town’s character and environment, and the community will appreciate the thoughtfulness of the effort involved and trust in the results.