NOTE: Effective July 2021, the fee for a Letter of Zoning Compliance is $110.00 per parcel.
What is a Letter of Zoning Compliance?
A Letter of Zoning Compliance indicates the zoning district of a parcel and that the current use is compliant with the current New Haven Zoning Ordinance. Developers, architects, lawyers, realtors, lending institutions, potential purchasers, and others in the land-use business often require definitive zoning classification of property as part of due diligence in connection with real estate transactions. Letter of Zoning Compliance does not verify the status of buildings or uses on a given property. It does not certify any zoning violations related to existing uses, sites, and/or structures. Letters of Zoning Compliance are advisory only. The Letter of Zoning Compliance will be provided only in the standard format approved by the City of New Haven.
What is included in the Letter of Zoning Compliance?
A Letter of Zoning Compliance documents the following:
- The current zoning designation of the property.
- The abutting zoning designations.
- The existing use of the property.
- Whether any variances and/or special exceptions were issued for the property.
- The designation of other regulations such as Coastal Management Zone.
What is the anticipated date of response?
The Letter of Zoning Compliance will be "emailed" to the requestor within 30 days. When there is a high volume, the response time may be longer. If an original signature is required, please specify the way in which the letter should be received.
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Click here to download the Letter of Zoning Compliance Application.
Mail your completed application
and associated payment fee to:
Carol Casanova
City of New Haven
City Plan Department
165 Church Street, 5th Floor
New Haven, Ct 06510
(203) 946-6379
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The filing fee is $110.00 per parcel. Payment checks shall be payable to:
"Treasure, City of New Haven"
The following information is required:
- The property address
- The requestor's contact information
- List all current uses and gross floor area
- All setback distances
- Building Height
- Contact/return mail information
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| A Letter of Zoning Compliance does not authorize a property owner to expand a dwelling unit that is a nonconforming use and/or nonconforming structure. A nonconforming use and/or nonconforming structure is in use and/or structure that was lawfully established in accordance with the zoning regulations in effect at the time of its establishment but is no longer permitted based on current zoning regulations. A nonconforming use and/or nonconforming structure cannot be expanded without a review from the Zoning Enforcement Officer or a variance from the New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals. |
What is a Rebuild/Reconstruction Letter?
A Rebuild/Reconstruction Letter states that an existing structure (conforming or nonconforming) may or may not be rebuilt in the event that the structure is partially or fully damaged or destroyed. Typically, a Rebuild Letter states that structure can be restored to its original condition and used in the event the property is destroyed by fire or any other form of natural disaster. While specific rebuild letters are a matter of legal interpretation of the City's ordinances by private counsel, the City of New Haven provides the attached basic Rebuild Letter.
Download the Rebuild/Reconstruction Letter here.
