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Zoning Guide

New Britain Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of New Britain Planning Department(860) 826-3430
Building Code Edition
2022 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
S-1 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

New Britain Zoning Overview

New Britain is a city in Hartford County, Connecticut with a population of approximately 75,900. The city manages land use through its zoning ordinances, available on Municode. New Britain has 28 zoning districts covering residential, business, industrial, and special uses.

Key Zoning Districts

Residential Districts

  • S-1 — Single-family residential (13,500 sq ft lots)
  • S-2 — Single-family residential (8,000 sq ft lots)
  • S-3 — Single-family residential (6,000 sq ft lots)
  • T — Two or single-family residential (6,000 sq ft)
  • A-1 — Garden Apartments
  • A-2 — Multi-family (up to 24 units)
  • A-3 — Multi-family high density
  • SRD — Special Residential District

Business Districts

  • B-1 — Neighborhood Business
  • B-1R — Neighborhood Business Revitalization
  • B-2 — Shopping Centers
  • B-3 — Secondary Business
  • CBD — Central Business District
  • OP — Office and Public Buildings

Industrial Districts

  • I-1 — Industrial Parks
  • I-2 — General Industry
  • I-3 — Outdoor Storage and Transportation Industry
  • UI — Urban Industrial

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Under Connecticut PA 21-29, New Britain is required to allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Planning Department at (860) 826-3430 for specific local ADU regulations.

Development Process

  1. Zoning Verification — Check your property's zoning using the interactive GIS map or contact Planning at (860) 826-3430
  2. Application Submission — Submit required applications to the Planning & 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

  • New Britain has a Central Business District (CBD) with specific downtown development standards
  • The Urban Industrial (UI) zone supports industrial redevelopment in urban areas
  • The B-1R (Neighborhood Business Revitalization) zone encourages commercial revitalization
  • Review the zoning ordinances on Municode for specific dimensional standards
  • Verify flood zone status using FEMA's Flood Map Service

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in New Britain and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the New Britain Planning Department at (860) 826-3430 before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in New Britain

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

S-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
13,500 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
S-2Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
8,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
S-3Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
TTwo or Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
A-2Multi-Family
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
A-3Multi-Family High Density
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
CBDCentral Business District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
B-1Neighborhood Business
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
I-1Industrial Parks
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
I-2General Industry
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in New Britain

ADUs:Not Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

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

Check New Britain permit fees →

Official Sources

City of New Britain Planning Departmentnewbritainct.govOfficial sourceNew Britain Zoning Ordinances (Municode)library.municode.comOfficial sourceNew Britain Interactive GIS Mapnewbritain.mapxpress.netOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in New Britain?
Use the New Britain interactive GIS map at newbritain.mapxpress.net or contact the Planning Department at (860) 826-3430.
What building code does New Britain follow?
New Britain follows the Connecticut State Building Code, based on the International Building Code as amended by the state.
Can I build an ADU in New Britain?
Under Connecticut PA 21-29, municipalities must allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Planning Department at (860) 826-3430 for local requirements.