Zoning

The goal of the Zoning Program is to examine plans and permit applications for the issuance of permits, and to ensure that projects are carried out in accordance with approved plans. The purpose of Hartford's zoning regulations is to provide for our citizens' public health, safety and welfare, and to help the city achieve its community development goals.

Enforcement

Zoning Enforcement is the system of controlling the use of the land and the type of structures built in the municipality by dividing the municipality into the districts for which there are regulations that sets standards for:

• The height and bulk of buildings and other structures

• The area of a lot which may be occupied and the size of required open space

• The density of the population

• The use of buildings for trade, industry, residences, or other purposes

• The minimum setbacks and yard requirements for structures and uses

Permit Applications

All permit applications and fees must be submitted in person to the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) at 260 Constitution Plaza. We accept cash and checks/money orders made out to: The City of Hartford.

• Approval of Location (for state license dealing or repairing motor vehicles)

• Certificate of Zoning Compliance (required for certificate of occupancy)

• Historic Review

• Lot Subdivision

• Site Plan, Special Permit, Design Review  (Guidelines Here)

• Wetlands Permit

• Zoning Inquiry Request 

• Zoning Map Change

• Zoning Permit

• Zoning Variance

Other Useful Documents

• Assessor's Database (please contact the Planning Division to verify zoning)

• Permit Fee Schedule

• Sign Regulations effective 5/6/08

• Site Bond Form

• Zoning Map

• Zoning Regulations

How do I know which permits I need?

• A Zoning Permit is required prior to the issuance of a building permit, or at the time of a change of use.

• A Site Plan Review is required when the property is in the RO-3, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, or R-8 district AND:

  • The footprint of an existing structure is expanded by at least 20%; OR

  • The number of dwelling units is increased; OR

  • A parking facility for 5 or more vehicles is created.

• A Site Plan Review AND a Special Permit are required when:

  • The property is in a B-1, B-2, or RO-1 (at least 150,000 sf); OR

  • The property is in a B-3 or B-4 district AND:

    • The footprint of an existing structure is expanded by at least 20%; OR

    • Alterations are being made to more than 50% of the facade; OR

    • There is a change to a more intensive use; OR

    • There is an increase of 5 or more parking spaces; OR

    • A new principle structure is being built.

• A Liquor Permit (available at L&I) is required from the City of Hartford IN ADDITION to the permit issued by the State of Connecticut (the state permit is for the individual selling the alcohol, while the City permit is to sell alcohol at a particular location.)

• A Historic Review is required when any exterior work visible from the street requiring a building permit is performed on a property that is individually listed or is within a local, state or national historic district. See the Historic Preservation page for details.