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Zoning Guide

Milford Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Milford Planning & Zoning Department(203) 783-3245
Building Code Edition
2022 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
R-5 — One-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Milford Zoning Overview

Milford is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut with a population of approximately 53,400. The city manages land use through its zoning regulations (Appendix B of the municipal code), available on eCode360.

Milford uses lot-size-based residential zones and a distinctive system of Corridor Design Districts (CDD) for commercial areas, along with special districts for adaptive reuse and downtown development.

Key Zoning Districts

Residential Districts

  • R-5 — One-family residential (5,000 sq ft minimum lot)
  • R-7.5 — One-family residential (7,500 sq ft minimum lot)
  • R-10 — One-family residential (10,000 sq ft minimum lot)
  • R-12.5 — One-family residential (12,500 sq ft minimum lot)

Commercial and Design Districts

  • CDD-1 through CDD-5 — Corridor Design Districts (design-based commercial corridors)
  • SCD-50 — Shopping Center Design District
  • ARDD — Adaptive Reuse Design District
  • MCDD — Milford Center Design Development District (downtown)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Under Connecticut PA 21-29, Milford is required to allow accessory dwelling units. Contact Planning & Zoning at (203) 783-3245 for specific local ADU regulations.

Development Process

  1. Zoning Verification — Check your property's zoning using the interactive GIS map or contact Planning & Zoning at (203) 783-3245
  2. Application Submission — Submit required applications to the Planning & Zoning Board
  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

  • Milford uses Corridor Design Districts (CDD) rather than traditional commercial zones — these districts emphasize design standards along major corridors
  • The Milford Center Design Development District (MCDD) governs downtown development
  • Milford has significant coastal areas — verify flood zone status using FEMA's Flood Map Service
  • Review the zoning regulations on eCode360 for specific dimensional standards

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Milford and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Milford Planning & Zoning Department at (203) 783-3245 before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Milford

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 — New Haven 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-5One-Family Residential
Min Lot
5,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-7.5One-Family Residential
Min Lot
7,500 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-10One-Family Residential
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-12.5One-Family Residential
Min Lot
12,500 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
CDD-1Corridor Design District 1
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
SCD-50Shopping Center Design District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
ARDDAdaptive Reuse Design District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
MCDDMilford Center Design Development District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in Milford

ADUs:Not Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

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

Check Milford permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Milford Planning & Zoningmilfordct.usOfficial sourceMilford Zoning Regulations (eCode360, Appendix B)ecode360.comOfficial sourceMilford Interactive GIS Mapmilford.mapxpress.netOfficial sourceMilford Zoning Regulations & Mapsmilfordct.usOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Milford?
Use the Milford interactive GIS map at milford.mapxpress.net or contact Planning & Zoning at (203) 783-3245.
What building code does Milford follow?
Milford follows the Connecticut State Building Code, based on the International Building Code as amended by the state.
Can I build an ADU in Milford?
Under Connecticut PA 21-29, municipalities must allow accessory dwelling units. Contact Planning & Zoning at (203) 783-3245 for local requirements.