Welcome to the Zoning Department!

Important Links: 
Fees - Design Standards - Applications
Regulations - Meeting Information - 2009 Meeting Schedule
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NEW!!  Find the properties on the agenda easier for
the monthly ZBA hearings. 
You can view a map and route starting and ending at City Hall by clicking on
"ZBA Property Locations" on the left side under Quick Links
when the link is available.
Note:  Link will be updated each month and will be valid until the morning after the meeting.

For hours and directions, visit our contact page.  For more info, read below and/or visit our frequently asked questions page.

The Zoning Department is one of 8 divisions under the auspices of the Office of Planning and Economic Development.  The Department is a regulatory agency.  It enforces the City's Zoning Regulations, which directs the development of the City in accordance with a comprehensive plan to:

• Lessen congestion in the streets
• Secure safety from fire, panic, flood and other dangers 
• Provide adequate light and air
• Prevent the overcrowding of land
• Avoid undue concentration of population
• Facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements, with reasonable consideration of the character of each district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses and with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land, and 
• Promote the health and general welfare of its people.

Like the Department of City Planning and the Land Use Construction Review division, the Zoning Department works to ensure the best and safest use of residential, commercial, industrial and coastal areas within the City's Municipal Codes and Master Plan.

Complaint Line

Many of the calls to the Complaint Line (203-576-8017) concern issues such as:

• Abandoned, dilapidated or unregistered vehicles
• Attic or Basement apartments without approvals
• Contractor storage yards & commercial vehicles in residential zones
• Construction activities, without approvals
• Decks without permits
• Fence Regulation or sheds, without permits
• Home businesses
• Swimming pools, without permit
• Yard or tag sales
• Advertising beyond the permitted setback or exceeding square footage requirements            

Building Projects

Currently, all building projects (including additions, decks, swimming pools) require owners to complete a Zoning Compliance Application.  All applications must be brought to the Zoning Department (no faxed or mailed applications are accepted).  The only exception is for large development projects (see Preliminary Design Review Conference - below).  Once the application is reviewed and approved, the Owner brings it to the Building Department.  If the application does not meet the Zoning Regulations, the Owner may request a hearing by completing a hearing form and bringing it to the Zoning Department (forms)

Preliminary Design Review Conference

Developers are strongly encouraged to submit applications of large development projects to the Director of Land Use Construction Review for a preliminary review.  This review is primarily an informal exchange allowing the Applicant/Owner an opportunity to discuss the proposal with staff and local officials from related departments and agencies.  Neither the informal review nor any comments made at the review shall be considered a commitment or approval of the project.  Only the Planning and Zoning Commission has the authority to issue a final decision.  To schedule a preliminary design review conference, please contact the Director at (203) 576-7222.

Re-Build Letters*

As part of the mortgage process, some lenders require Owners to prove that the property could be rebuilt if destroyed by fire, flood or other catastrophe.  The Owner or Agent must submit a written request via mail, email or fax to (203) 576-7213 for a Rebuild letter from the Zoning Department.  There is a fee for the Rebuild letter; payment is due upon receipt. The written request must include:

• Owner's/Agent Name & address
• Property Address
• Current Use (single family, multi-family, commercial)
• Contact Information

Letter of Zoning Compliance*

Need to know what the legal use of a property is? Is this property a 2 or 3 family? Request a Letter of Zoning Compliance.  The Owner or Agent must submit a written request via mail, email or fax to (203) 576-7213.  There is a fee for the Letter; payment is due upon receipt. The written request must include:

• Owner's/Agent Name & address
• Property Address
• Current Use (single family, multi-family, commercial)
• Contact Information