Roxbury, Conn. – Charles and Eli Copley plan to reopen their 50‑acre property to hikers and dog walkers this Friday, Nov. 13, after the town of Roxbury has not provided a clear zoning determination on the matter.
Background
In 2022 the Copleys purchased the rural parcel with the intention of living in an old cottage and maintaining the surrounding trails. A forester advised them that regular foot traffic would help control invasive vegetation and keep the trails in good condition.
In 2024 the couple listed the property on Sniffspot, an online platform that lets dog owners reserve private land for walks. They charged a modest $10 hourly fee, primarily to ensure reservations were honored.
Town’s response
Roxbury officials objected in 2025, arguing that the activity constituted a “dog park” and therefore a home‑based business prohibited by local zoning ordinances. The town never issued a formal zoning decision, and an August letter from the Copleys’ counsel went unanswered.
When the couple appealed the only response they received – a letter from First Selectman Patrick Roy defending the prohibition – the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals said the letter did not constitute an official zoning ruling and could not be appealed.
Legal stance
The Copleys retained the Institute for Justice, a libertarian public‑interest law firm, to represent them. In a Nov. 10 letter the firm wrote, “Absent a receipt of a zoning determination expressing that the Copleys’ proposed use was impermissible, the Copleys would resume allowing low‑impact, private hiking and dog walking on their property.”
Institute for Justice attorney John Korevec said the couple’s plan is “perfectly legitimate” and that any ban would be unconstitutional. He added that the town’s vague objections do not rise to a legitimate zoning concern.
What the Copleys say
“We’re looking forward to welcoming hikers back on our trails and we expect the town will allow us to resume this harmless activity without any issues,” said Charles Copley. He emphasized that the couple has tried to cooperate and that there have been no complaints about the trail use.
Town’s next steps
Town officials have not been reached for comment at the time of publication. The zoning commission has not yet provided a written decision, leaving the matter unresolved.
Implications for the community
For local residents, the reopening means continued access to well‑maintained trails for recreation and dog walking, a service that the Copleys argue also benefits forest management. The dispute highlights the importance of clear zoning guidance for private landowners who wish to offer low‑impact public amenities.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
