Planning Office
West Hartford Town Hall, Room 214
50 South
Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 561-7555 FAX: (860) 561-7504
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
The Planning Office reviews all planned development requiring site plan approval, special use permits, wetland permits, zoning permits, lot splits, subdivisions, special development approvals and building permits that may include building expansions or change of use. Appearing here in alphabetical order are services the Planning Office offers:
Conservation and Environment Commission
The Conservation and Environment Commission develops and conserves natural resources and protects the integrity of the environment within the territorial limits of the town. Click on the link above to view members of the commission.
Design
Review Advisory Commission (DRAC)
Staffing is provided by the Planning Division for this Council-appointed
Commission which reviews architectural and site design portions of zoning
applications in Special Development Districts. Click here for a "Guide
to Special Development District Designation" and a "Guide to Special
Development District Administrative Amendment." Click on DRAC to view members of the commission.
Flood
Plain Regulations
Flood plain interpretation is provided to residents, banks, insurance
companies, and developers regarding the applicability of the Federal Flood
Plain Regulations to a particular parcel of land. You can check on a particular property's flood plain and wetlands through our web site.
Flood Plains, Wetlands & Zoning maps and data
Demographic data, economic data, and land-use data, including preparation
of color-coded maps on a Town-wide basis, are collected and maintained
to complement the Plan of Development. The Town also provides current
geoprocessing information to prospective developers, residents, and other
users. West Hartford's website has a Map Library and Geographic Property Records Online for individual properties in which you can download for free.
Informational Guides for Planning Applications
A selection of informational guides have been prepared to help residents and business owners through the application process.
Guide to Site Plan Application
Guide to Special Use Permit Application
Guide to Subdivisions and Resubdivisions
Guide to Lot Splits and Lot Line Revisions
Guide to Special Development District Designation
Inland
Wetlands & Watercourses Regulations
Technical information, map interpretations, and regulatory direction
concerning a particular parcel of land in the community are provided
to residents
and developers regarding the application of the Town's inland wetlands
and watercourses regulations. The Town Planning and Zoning office recommends
a pre-filing conference for Inland/Wetland permits. Please call (860)
561-7555 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m.
to 4:30p.m.)
To speak with a zoning official. Click here for a Guide
to Inland Wetland & Watercourses Application and here for the application and fee schedule.
Land Use Application: Public Act 06-80 An Act Concerning Notice Requirements for Land Use Applications.The Act requires notice of any hearing on a zoning regulation, zoning map, subdivision regulation or amendment to the Plan of Conservation and Development to anyone enrolled on a registry created by the Zoning Commission or Planning and Zoning Commission.
Standards for One-Family Residence Districts
Zoning
Ordinance Administration
Technical information and regulatory direction are provided to assist
residents and developers in developing land or in re-using existing land.
Interpretation of zoning ordinances and consultation of on-site planning
alternatives are offered. Applications requiring special-use permits are
referred for approval to the Town Plan and Zoning Commission. The Town
Council is the zoning authority and petitions for changes of zone are
submitted to the Council for approval. The Town Plan and Zoning Commission
advises the Town Council on such petitions.
Zoning
Permits & Zoning Changes
Zoning permits are required whenever a property owner makes a change in
the use of property or initiates construction. Filing fees vary depending on the
size of the project. A site plan drawn to scale with an illustration of
the proposed improvement is required. You may file for a permit in Room
214 of Town Hall between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
If the project you are interested in is not included in the list below, please call (860) 561-7555 during regular business hours to speak with a zoning officer. The following projects require a zoning permit:
New
and replacement fence construction |
Residences
with non-transient borders |
Temporary
outdoor
dining |
Commercial
signs |
A zoning change is required to change the permitted use of a property. Zoning change applications require a $500 application fee, a $20 signage affidavit fee, and a filing fee of $10 per page. Zone changes may often be controversial and hotly contested. We strongly recommend you contact the town planner's office for guidance and assistance. The Town Planner is located in Room 214 of the Town Hall, and can be reached by phone at (860) 561-7555. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Click here for a "Guide to a Zone Change."
Zoning
Variances
Any applicant who is found to be in violation of the Zoning Ordinance
may request a variance. This entitles the applicant to a public hearing
before the Zoning Board of Appeals. A completed application form, required
fee, and site plan must be submitted to the secretary of the board on
or before the closing date prior to the hearing. Please call the zoning
enforcement
officer to get on the official meeting agenda. Call (860) 561-7555 between
8:00 - 9:00a.m. and 1:00 - 2:00p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you want to object or support an application at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, you may submit a letter or attend the public hearing and state your opinion for the record.
