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Zoning Guide

Shelton Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Shelton Planning & Zoning Commission(203) 924-1555
Building Code Edition
2018 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
R-1A — Residence District (Largest Lot)
Max Height
35 ft

Shelton Zoning Overview

Shelton is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut with a population of approximately 40,869 (2020 Census). The city manages land use through its zoning regulations, codified in Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances and available on Municode.

Shelton's zoning code uses Schedule A for permitted uses and Schedule B for lot area and dimensional standards. The city includes residential, business, industrial, and planned development districts.

Key Zoning Districts

Residential Districts

  • R-1A — Largest lot single-family residential
  • R-1 — Standard single-family residential
  • R-2 — Higher-density residential
  • PRD — Planned Residence District (overlay on R-1A/R-1 zones)

Commercial and Industrial Districts

  • RBD — Restricted Business District for transitional commercial areas
  • IB-2 — Industrial Business District
  • I — Industrial District
  • LIP — Light Industrial Park District
  • OPD — Office Park District

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Under Connecticut PA 21-29, Shelton is required to allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Planning & Zoning Commission at (203) 924-1555 for specific local ADU regulations.

Development Process

  1. Zoning Verification — Check your property's zoning using the GIS interactive map or contact Planning & Zoning at (203) 924-1555
  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

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Shelton and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Shelton Planning & Zoning Commission at (203) 924-1555 before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Shelton

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

Federal

State — Connecticut

  • Building Code: 2018 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
  • State ADU Override: Yes (Connecticut PA 21-29)
View Connecticut zoning overview

County — Fairfield 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-1AResidence District (Largest Lot)
Min Lot
Varies (see Schedule B)
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-1Residence District
Min Lot
Varies (see Schedule B)
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
R-2Residence District
Min Lot
Varies (see Schedule B)
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
PRDPlanned Residence District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
RBDRestricted Business District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
IB-2Industrial Business District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
LIPLight Industrial Park District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
OPDOffice Park District
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in Shelton

ADUs:Not Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

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

Check Shelton permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Shelton Planning & Zoningcityofshelton.orgOfficial sourceShelton Zoning Regulations (Municode)library.municode.comOfficial sourceShelton GIS Interactive Mapshelton.mapxpress.netOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Shelton?
Use the Shelton GIS interactive map at shelton.mapxpress.net or contact Planning & Zoning at (203) 924-1555.
What building code does Shelton follow?
Shelton follows the Connecticut State Building Code, based on the International Building Code as amended by the state.
Can I build an ADU in Shelton?
Yes. Under Connecticut PA 21-29, municipalities must allow accessory dwelling units. Contact the Planning & Zoning Commission at (203) 924-1555 for local requirements.