Norwich – The City Council Monday approved a zoning regulation change that would allow the developer hoping to revive a defunct hotel project on Route 82 to obtain an extension of the existing permit without needing to apply for entirely new planning approvals.

The revised regulation, approved 6-0, with Mayor Deberey Hinchey absent, retains existing language that calls for all work in connection with a site plan approval to be completed within five years after the date of approval of the plan. New language, however, allows a developer to seek an extension after the five-year period to avoid permit expiration. The Commission on the City Plan now would have the option to approve an extension for up to 14 years to complete the project work.

City Planner Deanna Rhodes said that while the regulation change would apply to all plans with current or future approvals, the change specifically affects the defunct former Hampton Inn hotel project on Route 82 at exit 11.

Developer Patrick Levantino, who hopes to complete the hotel project, and Jay Davies, managing director for current building owner CT Norwich LLC, a subsidiary of Winston Hospitality, Inc., attended Monday's hearing but did not address the City Council. Following the vote, they both declined to comment on the new project.

The original hotel plan proposed by a Philadelphia hotel developer was approved Sept. 19, 2006. That plan expired in September 2011 under the five-year city limit. Winston purchased the incomplete hotel in 2013, but failed to secure extensive city tax breaks requested. Levantino now hopes to complete a purchase of the property and secure a much less extensive tax abatement plan.

Rhodes said in response to the recession, the state legislature approved a statewide change that extended expiration periods for up to nine years for permits approved between 2006 and 2011 and also allowed municipalities to extend permits for up to 14 years. Norwich's stricter five-year period, however, remained intact locally.

Rhodes said the Norwich change would be consistent with the state law.

The new regulation would the Norwich planning commission to grant “one or more extensions” as long as the total time period to complete the work doesn't exceed 14 years from the original approval date.

The Commission on the City Plan voted unanimously to recommend approval of the ordinance at a special meeting last week.

c.bessette@theday.com