Chart Revision Commission weighs changes to P&Z appointments

The Charter Revision Commission continues its work to review the New Canaan Town Charter. A central focus of recent meetings has been the proposal to change the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Commission from an appointed body to an elected one. Public sentiment has been divided, with proponents arguing for greater accountability and "checks and balances," while others worry about the politicization of land-use decisions.

The argument for electing officials:
-Elected members are directly answerable to the residents affected by their decisions.
-Elections add a necessary layer of democratic oversight to local development.

 The argument for continuing to appoint officials:
-Technical expertise: appointed members are vetted for specific skills in areas such as urban design, law, or engineering. 
-Neutrality: appointing members prevents technical zoning decisions from becoming "political" or influenced by single-issue campaign platforms.

The commission is also considering whether the Board of Finance and Inland Wetlands Commission should remain appointed.

The Process Ahead
-The full Charter Revision Commission meets again on February 3, 2026.
-The Commission continues to gather public input
-Draft Deadline: The Commission must submit its first draft of recommendations to the Town Council by May 4, 2026.
-Referendum: If approved by the Town Council, any proposed changes (including the P&Z shift) would likely appear on the ballot for the November 2026 General Election.

You can weigh in on the debate by attending a Charter Review Commission meeting or completing the Commission’s public input form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8QXBNNK