1. Before starting this application, please be sure you have the required information and documents ready.

2. Make sure that required documents are saved in pdf form and appropriately named. For example: "Statement of Justification," "Property Owner Petition," "Photograph-[description of photo location and orientation]," etc.

3. Please contact the Department of Planning and Development at planzonedept@mansfieldct.org or 860.429.3330 with any questions on how to complete the form.

1. Any highway which has been designated as a scenic road under this chapter may be altered or improved, including but not limited to widening of the right-of-way or traveled portion of the highway, paving, changing the grade, removal of the stone walls, ledge or boulders, installation of drainage facilities, straightening or removal of vegetation, including mature trees, provided that the Planning and Zoning Commission determines that said alterations or improvements are necessary to protect and promote public safety in conjunction with the approval of a new driveway, a new highway or a new subdivision or other land use development that is accessed by the subject scenic road and is under the Planning and Zoning Commission's regulatory jurisdiction. Any alteration or improvement to a scenic road shall not be approved unless a public hearing has been held on the subject project.
2. Any alterations or improvements authorized by this section shall be the minimum necessary to address safety issues associated with the new driveway, highway or land use development, and any approved alteration or improvement shall be designed to minimize impacts on the scenic characteristics of the subject scenic road. No alteration or improvement shall be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission until potential alternative solutions have been considered thoroughly. Stone wall relocations and reconstructions, the planting of new trees, shrubs or flowers, the installation of underground utilities and other mitigating measures may be required by the Planning and Zoning Commission in conjunction with its authorization of alterations or improvements to scenic roads.

Pursuant to Section 155-7 of the Mansfield Code of Ordinances:

Any alterations and improvements of a designated scenic road shall be carried out so as to preserve to the highest degree possible the scenic characteristics of the highway. Any proposed alteration to a scenic road shall be reviewed with due regard to the following parameters:

A. A thorough review of alternative solutions to minimize impacts on scenic        characteristics.

B. Speed limits. Scenic values often are correlated with lower speeds. Speed limits on scenic roads shall be posted and enforced.

C. Curves. Scenic values often are correlated with the existence of curves which allow a constant unfolding of new and changing views. Curves shall not be eliminated unless necessary for traffic safety.

D. Grades. Hills and valleys often are correlated with scenic values. They shall not be destroyed by cuts and fills unless necessary for traffic safety.

E. Widths. A narrow road often is correlated with scenic beauty. Designated highways should not be widened unless necessary for traffic safety.

F. Side slopes. Existing steepness of side slopes often is preferable to reduction of gradient by extensive removal of soil and rock. This is especially true where the slope is fully stabilized and where it is rich with existing ground cover, shrubs and trees.

G. Vistas. vistas of distant landscapes shall be preserved by suitable vegetation management techniques.

H. Utility lines. Wherever possible, utility lines should be put underground. Where they are overhead, the utility corporations should be encouraged to cooperate by implementing suitable vegetation management techniques which preserve the wildflowers and the shrubs.

I. Vegetation. Vegetation on the side of the road shall be managed in such a way as to preserve wildflowers, shrubs of ornamental wildlife values and trees. Overarching isolated trees and the canopy of a closed forest can have extremely high scenic value.

J. Billboards, sand, gravel and salt piles, refuse disposal and other unsightly structures or situations shall be forbidden. Where possible, scenic and preservation easements should be acquired from adjacent owners to ensure the continuance of natural relief, desirable features and scenic and historic values in the public interest.

1. Description of the proposed alteration

2. How the proposed alteration meets the requirements of Section 155-6(D)(2) of the Mansfield Code of Ordinances.

3. How the proposed alteration addresses the review criteria established in Section 155-7 of the Mansfield Code of Ordinances, including a discussion of alternatives that would minimize impacts on the scenic characteristics of the road.