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

New London Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Building Code Edition
2022 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
R-1 — Residential
Max Height
35 ft

New London Zoning Overview

New London is a city in New London County, Connecticut with a population of approximately 28,100. The city manages land use through its zoning regulations (Appendix B of the Code of Ordinances), available on Municode. As a historic port city, New London has several waterfront and maritime zoning districts.

Key Zoning Districts

Residential Districts

  • R-1 — Single-family residential
  • R-1A — Residential
  • R-2 — Multi-family residential

Central Business Districts

  • CBD-1 — Primary downtown commercial core
  • CBD-2 — Secondary downtown commercial area

Waterfront and Maritime Districts

  • WD — Waterfront Development
  • WCI-1 / WCI-2 — Waterfront Commercial/Industrial
  • MD — Maritime District

Industrial and Institutional

  • LI-O — Light Industrial Office
  • INST — Institutional
  • OS — Open Space

Overlay Districts

  • IHZ — Incentive Housing Zone (encourages housing development with density bonuses)
  • HDO — Historic District Overlay (preserves historic character)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Under Connecticut PA 21-29, New London is required to allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Office of Economic Development & Planning at (860) 447-5200 for specific local ADU regulations.

Development Process

  1. Zoning Verification — Review the zoning map (PDF) or contact Economic Development & Planning at (860) 447-5200
  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 London has multiple waterfront and maritime zones — verify which specific district applies to waterfront properties
  • The Historic District Overlay (HDO) imposes additional design review requirements in designated areas
  • The Incentive Housing Zone (IHZ) provides density bonuses to encourage housing development
  • As a coastal city, verify flood zone status using FEMA's Flood Map Service
  • Review the zoning regulations on Municode for specific dimensional standards

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in New London and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Office of Economic Development & Planning at (860) 447-5200 before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in New London

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 London 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

Private Restrictions

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

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-2Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
CBD-1Central Business District 1
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
CBD-2Central Business District 2
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
WDWaterfront Development
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
WCI-1Waterfront Commercial/Industrial 1
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
MDMaritime District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
LI-OLight Industrial Office
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
INSTInstitutional
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in New London

ADUs:Not Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

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

Check New London permit fees →

Official Sources

City of New London Office of Economic Development & Planningdevelopnewlondon.comOfficial sourceNew London Zoning Regulations (Municode, Appendix B)library.municode.comOfficial sourceNew London Zoning Map (2020 PDF)newlondonct.orgOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in New London?
Review the New London Zoning Map (2020 PDF) or contact the Office of Economic Development & Planning at (860) 447-5200.
What building code does New London follow?
New London follows the Connecticut State Building Code, based on the International Building Code as amended by the state.
Can I build an ADU in New London?
Under Connecticut PA 21-29, municipalities must allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Office of Economic Development & Planning at (860) 447-5200 for local requirements.