Old Lyme Planning Commission Backs Proposed Funeral Home Zoning Regulations In 4-0 Vote

OLD LYME, CT — The Old Lyme Planning Commission voted Oct. 27 to support proposed zoning amendments that would allow mortuaries and funeral homes in certain commercial zones by special permit.

The commission voted 4-0, with one abstention, to forward a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission after reviewing the proposal's consistency with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.

The amendments, proposed by the Old Lyme Zoning Commission, would revise the definition of a mortuary or funeral home and create a new Section 7.28 establishing requirements for approving such facilities in the C-10, C-30 and C-30S commercial zones.

Commission Reviews Proposed Zoning Changes

Land Use Coordinator Eric Knapp outlined the history of the proposed amendments, noting that the Planning Commission had previously determined in July 2024 that similar language was consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.

Knapp reviewed an Oct. 14, 2026, memorandum explaining why he believed the proposed regulations remained consistent with the town's planning objectives.

Commissioners discussed how the zoning amendments would relate to the development plan and raised questions about how funeral homes would be regulated.

Knapp referred to a memorandum prepared by Francisco Gomes, a planning consultant with IMEG who is working on revisions to Old Lyme's zoning regulations.

The memorandum cited state statutes establishing Connecticut Department of Public Health oversight of funeral homes and related operations.

Environmental Concerns Raised

Commission member Howard Margules expressed concerns about the potential environmental impacts of allowing funeral homes and mortuaries in Old Lyme.

The commission also discussed an existing funeral home operation in town that was described as a pre-existing, nonconforming use.

According to the meeting minutes, the existing operation is in a residential zone and would not qualify for approval under the proposed amendments, which apply to specified commercial zones.

Favorable Recommendation Approved

Commission member Michael Aurelia moved to give the proposed zoning amendments a favorable referral to the Zoning Commission, finding them consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Commission member Todd Machnik seconded the motion.

The measure passed with four members voting in favor, none opposed and one abstaining.

The vote constituted a recommendation to the Zoning Commission, rather than final adoption of the zoning amendments.

Meeting Details

The special meeting was held at the Lyme-Old Lyme Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Road.

Planning Commission Chairman Rob McCarthy called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.

Members present included McCarthy, Chris Kerr, Howard Margules, Todd Machnik, Michael Aurelia and alternate Harold Thompson.

Deb Czarnecki and Michael Riggio were absent. McCarthy seated Thompson in place of Riggio.

Knapp also attended the meeting.

McCarthy adjourned the meeting at approximately 5:19 p.m.

The account is based on the Planning Commission's Oct. 27 special meeting minutes, submitted by Land Use Coordinator Eric Knapp.