Suffield's development process focuses on concept discussions up front followed by engineering review, so that most issues have been resolved by the time an application is filed. In this regard, it is strongly suggested that applicants contact the Town Planner early in their development process.

Two commissions by and large control development within the Town of Suffield.

Conservation Commission . The Conservation Commission reviews all proposals for develop-ment to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized. Conservation Commission approval is required prior to applying to the Zoning and Planning Commission. The Conservation Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except during the summer), and requires specific plans and specifications as part of their application. The Commission works under the powers and duties prescribed in Connecticut General Statutes. These include:

To review and decide upon development proposed within wetlands and adjacent upland areas.
To review and decide upon conservation land issues.
To review and decide upon development requiring soil erosion and control plan measures.

Contact person: Gerry Turbet, Town Engineer, 668-3876.

Zoning and Planning Commission . The Zoning and Planning Commission reviews all site plans for commercial and industrial development, residential subdivisions, and other specialized uses. The Commission meets on the third Monday of each month, and works under the powers and duties prescribed in Connecticut General Statutes. These include:

To prepare, adopt, or amend Suffield's Plan of Conservation and Development.
To establish, change, or repeal Suffield's zoning regulations, including zoning districts.
To provide for the manner in which the zoning regulations are to be enforced and to take appropriate actions to enforce 
    them.
To hear, consider and decide upon applications for special use permit and site plan approval.
To review and make recommendations on all proposed municipal improvements.
To establish, change, or repeal regulations for the subdivision or resubdivision of land.
To prepare and file surveys, maps, or plans of proposed streets.
To hear, consider and decide upon applications for subdivision plan approval, including designation of open spaces.

Contact person: James Taylor, Zoning Enforcement Officer/Planner, 668-3848.

Prior to seeking approval from the two Commissions described above, applicants must obtain public health approval to assure adequate water and sewerage at the site.  In areas served by public sewer, applicants must request approval through application to the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA contact: Julie Nigro, 668-3856).  In areas not served by the WPCA, applicants must request approval through application to the North Central District Health Department (745-0383). These approvals are required prior to application to the Conservation Commission.

Applicants located in a Historic District proposing façade changes or alterations including fencing must request approval through application to the Historic District Commission. (Contact Building Department: 668-3878)

On rare occasions, an application may also need to be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals when a zoning variance is required.

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