Development Services

DDS BANNER

Our department works toward growing a more sustainable economy and creating a more vibrant, livable Hartford for residents and visitors alike. Development Services is comprised of a number of divisions which:

  • Review plans, issue permits, and inspection projects in accordance with building codes and zoning regulations.
  • Issue business licenses and assist with small business development.
  • Respond to complaints regarding code violations.
  • Inspect, monitor, and cite vacant and/or dangerous buildings.
  • Help landlords and tenants understand their responsibilities and repair their properties.
  • Work with the public to plan and permit special events.
  • Initiate and manage the implementation of long-term plans
  • Manage the disposition of City-owned property.

Please contact us with questions. We look forward to serving you.

Department Head

Randal Davis

Randal Davis, Interim Director

A Hartford native, Randal Davis brings 20 years of experience in strategic planning, communications, policy analysis and management in the public sector. Serving in key roles at organizations like CT DOT, Deloitte Financial and New School University, Davis has industry knowledge in Transportation, Law, Higher Education, Regulatory Compliance and more. He earned his JD from Rutgers School of Law.

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Michael Perez
Blight Remediation Director

Blight Remediation Staff Directory

 

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Matthew Straub
Housing Director

Housing Division Staff Directory

 

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Judith H. Rothschild, J.D.
Licenses & Inspections /
Housing Code Enforcement Director

Licenses & Inspections / 
Housing Code Enforcement Staff Directory

 

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Patrick Pentalow
Economic Development Director

Economic Development Division Staff Directory

 

Yvonne Zhao, Director of Small Business Initiatives and Support

Yvonne Zhao
Director of Small Business Initiatives and Support

Small Business Division Staff Directory

 

The Department of Development Services uses the Accela portal to accept all Licenses & Inspections (L&I) and Planning & Zoning (P&Z) applications. Please create an account to submit applications. After logging on, you should be able to "Select a Record Type" for the applicable application.

To view existing applications and check their status, please select "My Records". For additional information and documents about L&I and P&Z permits, please view the service pages below.  

Planning & Zoning Applications Portal

Building Applications Portal

Business Licenses & Rental Licensing Portal

The Department of Development Services presently has no open bids. Check out the PlanetBids Vendor Portal below for other City Bid opportunities.  

In order to view bid opportunities with the City of Hartford you must be registered as a vendor in Planetbids. Please note, if you already have a vendor profile, log into your account by clicking on the PlanetBids Vendor Portal button, then select "Bid Opportunities".

PlanetBids Vendor Portal

REGULAR MEETINGS

Find our Meeting agendas, minutes, and updates at CivicWeb. For specific commission pages, please see below:


Social Media

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ONGOING PUBLIC COMMENT

Note: This section is periodically updated. 

A fifteen (15) day public comment period will begin on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 and end on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The City of Hartford Department of Development Services (DDS) is looking for public comment on the Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and/or Notice of Intent To Request Release of Funds regarding the HOME Project known as Arrowhead.  This development will fully rehabilitate 1355 Main Street, (Arrowhead Building) and 529 Ann Uccello Street (flat iron building) in addition to the construction of new units on abutting vacant lots, including 1359 Main Street.  Upon completion, Arrowhead and Beyond will include 45 units of residential housing, 7,358 square feet of ground floor retail space, limited resident parking as well as an urban plaza.  Nine (9) of the 45 residential units will be affordable housing units as identified by the HUD HOME program, and the rent and income limits will be restricted to those at or below 50% of the Area Median Income.  The total cost for the project is estimated at $16,853,980.00, with $1,122,612.00 in HOME funds from the City of Hartford. Access the Environmental Review Record (ERR) by clicking on the link below.

https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews

Special events staff manage and execute approvals for events using city services or assets, or that are to be held on public property. Special Events include: block parties, festivals, parades, and marathons. Select services below to apply to use city property:

 

To submit a request to put up a tent or other temporary structure, submit a Building Permit.

To apply for a temporary liquor permit or for temporary uses on private property, submit a request to Planning & Zoning


Hartford Arts & Culture

Steel Drums

Hartford is home...

...to historic sites, landmarks, and cultural attractions. These sites include The Wadsworth Atheneum (the first public museum in America!), the beautiful and historic Bushnell Park (the first public park in America!), Keney Park (one of the largest municipal parks in New England-designed by the Olmsted Brothers' firm), and Coltsville National Historical Park. The city's neighborhoods are brimming with wonderous examples of Italianate, Queen Anne, Victorian, and Neo-Classical Revival styles of architecture. The neighborhoods are home to creatives of all mediums. And the food! Hartford celebrates its diverse population through its restaurants! 

For More Information:

Our Partners: