Neighbor complaints in Danbury last summer about large sporting events held at residential properties has prompted the Zoning Commission to adopt an amendment aimed at protecting the health safety and welfare of single family residential neighborhoods.

The Planning Commission sent an ordinance with their stamp of approval back to the Zoning Commission requiring a permit for anyone in a residential neighborhood who wants to build an athletic field or court on their property for athletic competition.  This amendment would not be for private use tennis courts, a volleyball net put up temporarily or other similar situations.  Planning Director Sharon Calitro emphasized that the amendment doesn't say residents can't do this, it just means a permit is needed.

Calitro says this is also meant to give the Zoning Enforcement Officer some authority.

During a public hearing by the Zoning Commission last week there were several questions about enforcement and if this will address the issues that likely prompted its creation.  One member said they don't think this will effectively prevent what's been complained about in the past.

Danbury dealt with a number of complaints last summer where people were hosting large-scale volleyball games, had food trucks and people selling alcohol on their residential property.  There were also complaints about  the number of cars parked around the property and partially blocking roads. 

One of the questions about enforcement was if residents deny their court was for an athletic competition.  Officials say the language in the ordinance would be open to the interpretation of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.  Police and others won't be patrolling for large parties, a complaint has to comes in before any action is taken. 

The petition was approved by the Zoning Commission 7-0.