Beta — site is under development, information may contain errors. Read disclaimer
Zoning Guide

Bristol Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Bristol Land Use Office(860) 584-6225
Building Code Edition
2022 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
R-40 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Bristol Zoning Overview

Bristol is a city in Hartford County, Connecticut with a population of approximately 60,833 (2020 Census). The city manages land use through its zoning regulations (Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances), administered by the Land Use Office, the Zoning Commission, and the Planning Commission.

Bristol uses lot-size-based residential zones (R-40 through R-10), multi-family zones, business districts, and industrial parks.

Key Zoning Districts

Residential Districts

  • R-40 — Single-family residential (40,000 sq ft minimum lot)
  • R-25 — Single-family residential (25,000 sq ft minimum lot)
  • R-15 — Single-family residential (15,000 sq ft minimum lot)
  • R-10 — Single-family residential (10,000 sq ft minimum lot)
  • A — Multi-family residential
  • RM-5 — Multi-family residential
  • RT-5 — Residential Transition (replaced BT Overlay of R-15)
  • SDD — Special Development District

Business Districts

  • BN — Neighborhood Business
  • BG — General Business
  • BD — Downtown Business
  • BHC — Healthcare Business
  • BT — Transitional Business

Industrial Districts

  • I — General Industrial
  • IP-1 / IP-3 / IP-25 — Industrial Parks

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Under Connecticut PA 21-29, Bristol is required to allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Land Use Office at (860) 584-6225 for specific local ADU regulations.

Development Process

  1. Zoning Verification — Check your property's zoning using the interactive GIS map or contact Land Use at (860) 584-6225
  2. Application Submission — Submit required applications to the Zoning Commission
  3. Public Hearing — Required for special permits, variances, and zone changes
  4. Building Permit — Obtain from the Building Department
  5. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction

Key Considerations

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bristol and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Bristol Land Use Office at (860) 584-6225 before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bristol

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Connecticut

  • Building Code: 2022 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
  • State ADU Override: Yes (Connecticut PA 21-29)
View Connecticut zoning overview

County — Hartford County

  • Role: County-level geographic reference; Connecticut has no county government.

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-40Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
40,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-25Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
25,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-15Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
15,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-10Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
AMulti-Family Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
BNNeighborhood Business
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
BGGeneral Business
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
BDDowntown Business
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
IGeneral Industrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
IP-1Industrial Park
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in Bristol

ADUs:Not Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Bristol are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Bristol permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Bristol Land Use Officebristolct.govOfficial sourceBristol Zoning Regulations (Municode, Appendix C)library.municode.comOfficial sourceBristol Interactive GIS Mapbristol.mapxpress.netOfficial sourceBristol Zoning Map (PDF)bristolct.govOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Bristol?
Use the Bristol interactive GIS map at bristol.mapxpress.net or contact the Land Use Office at (860) 584-6225.
What building code does Bristol follow?
Bristol follows the Connecticut State Building Code, based on the International Building Code as amended by the state.
Can I build an ADU in Bristol?
Under Connecticut PA 21-29, municipalities must allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Land Use Office at (860) 584-6225 for local requirements.