I. Statutory Powers and Duties

• To prepare, adopt, or amend the Plan of Conservation and Development -- last completed in 2010.
• To establish, change, or repeal the zoning and subdivision regulations, and zoning districts.
• To hear, consider, and decide upon applications for approval of subdivision or resubdivision plans, site plans, and special permits.
• To provide for the manner in which the zoning regulations are to be enforced and to take appropriate actions to enforce them.
• To review and make recommendations on all proposed municipal improvements, i.e., streets, bridges, schools, parks, utilities, sidewalks, public housing, etc.
• To prepare and file surveys, maps, or plans of proposed streets.
• To approve or disapprove municipal applications to DEP for grants-in-aid of programs established to preserve open space lands.

II. Master Planning

The Town of Lebanon established a Planning and Zoning Commission in 1962. The Town has chosen to combine their Planning Commission and Zoning Commission, rather than have separate Commissions as is now permitted by State Statute. Federal and State enabling legislation is based on a municipality first PLANNING, through the creation of a Master or Comprehensive Plan, and second ZONING, according to said Plan.

In Connecticut, the Master Plan is referred to as the Plan of Conservation and Development. State Statute requires each this plan to be updated at least every ten (10) years by the Planning Commission. The Plan of Conservation and Development is available for sale in the Town Clerk's Office.

III. Zoning and Subdivision Regulations

• Zoning Regulations. (see below) The Zoning Regulations primarily deal with permitting specific uses of land in each zoning district, density and parking regulations, signage, landscaping requirements, and application types, procedures, and requirements.
• Subdivision Regulations. (see below)Subdivision applications have to do with splitting a lot into 2 or more lots. Subdivision applications and their review are primarily an administrative function of the PZC, with the exception of ruling on the appropriate location of open space in a subdivision.

IV. Meetings

The PZC holds regular meetings the third Monday of each month. Special meetings may be scheduled when deemed necessary. Meetings are held in the Town Hall at 7 pm and are open to the public. Check the calendar for specific meeting dates and times.

In 2015, Lebanon was awarded COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR by the CT Chapter of the American Planning Association “in recognition of its on-going efforts to preserve its agricultural-based economy and town character”.