TO MAKE AN APPLICATION:
The Department of Development Services uses the Accela portal to accept all Planning and Zoning 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".
To begin a request for Municipal Improvement, please choose the “Municipal Improvement” Record Group and select the applicable Record Type from the dropdown list.
Planning & Zoning Application Portal
Review Process:
- The commission review of proposal for any artwork to be placed in the OS district may be conducted simultaneously with the advisory review of the city commission on cultural affairs, or the council if no commission on cultural affairs exists or is available to act, pursuant to section 2-178 of the municipal code.
- Failure of the commission to issue a report within 35 days of the official submission of the proposal for municipal improvement shall be deemed a for municipal improvements shall be deemed an approval of such proposal.
- The issuance of a negative report may only be superseded by the council with two third vote.
GENERAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
COMPLETENESS OF AN APPLICATION
Applications must be submitted with supporting documents in order to begin the review process. If the application is not submitted by the owner of record directly, owner authorization is required for the application to be accepted.
Costs of permits vary based upon permit type. If more than one permit is required, the cost is the total of all applicable fees. Fees must be paid at time of application.
Applicants will be notified if the submittal is deemed incomplete. Correspondence will include the list of documents or fees that are required to proceed. If outstanding documents have not been received after 65 days, the incomplete application will be denied. A new application must be submitted to continue the request.
APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINES
Applicants will be notified once all supporting documents and fees have been received by intake staff. The application will then be transferred to Plan Reviewers for processing.
Review Types:
Per Connecticut General Statute (state law), public hearings must be opened within 65 days of receipt of a complete application. Staff will be in contact to schedule the public hearing date.
Approvals:
- In reviewing proposals for municipal improvements, the commission shall focus primarily on whether the municipal improvement will be completed in a manner consistent with the comprehensive plan of development, health and safety, environmental impacts, and the provision of light and air.
- The commission shall not base its decision solely on financial matters (including but not limited to the cost to the city of the municipal improvement).
PUBLIC NOTICES
For commission level reviews, public noticing is required. The conditions and requirements of the public notice may vary depending on the commission that will hear the request. Staff will take care of all legal noticing. Applicants will be responsible for contacting abutting property owners and putting up public hearing signs. Public Hearing Signs are provided by the Planning Division with a $50 refundable deposit.
DECISIONS
No decision is final until a permit or notice recorded by the Town Clerk’s Office is issued. Note that after a Commission Hearing a Notice of Decision must first be published in the newspaper. Note as well that applications are subject to appeal periods after a decision is made.
If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal. If you are a party that is aggrieved by a decision that was made you ALSO have the right to appeal. Administrative Appeals are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals. To file for an appeal visit the “File An Appeal” page.