New London Zoning & Land Use Guide
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 28,081
- State building code:
- 2018 CT State Building Code (based on IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- Yes — Connecticut Public Act 21-29 (2021) added CGS section 8-2o, which establishes a statewide default that municipalities must allow at least one accessory apartment as of right on each lot containing a single-family dwelling. Municipalities could opt out through a statutory two-thirds vote of their legislative body and zoning commission. Where the default applies, local regulations must permit ADUs at a maximum net floor area of at least 30 percent of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of New London Office of Economic Development & Planning
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View local zoning map
Before you apply
- Call the City of New London Office of Economic Development & Planning: (860) 447-5200
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the local zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in New London and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
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)
Connecticut PA 21-29 (2021) set a statewide default allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as-of-right, but municipalities could opt out by a 2/3 vote of their legislative body before January 1, 2023. ADU rules in New London are determined locally — contact the Office of Economic Development & Planning at (860) 447-5200 to confirm current local ADU regulations.
Development Process
- Zoning Verification — Review the zoning map (PDF) or contact Economic Development & Planning at (860) 447-5200
- Application Submission — Submit required applications to the Planning & Zoning Commission
- Public Hearing — Required for special permits, variances, and zone changes
- Building Permit — Obtain from the Building Department
- 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
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Connecticut
- Building Code: 2022 Connecticut State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC as amended)
- State ADU Override: Yes (CGS Sec. 8-2o (Connecticut Public Act 21-29, 2021) — statewide default requires municipalities to allow at least one accessory apartment as of right; opt-out by two-thirds vote of legislative body and zoning commission.)
County — New London County
- Role: County-level geographic reference; Connecticut has no county government.
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Statewide Context (Connecticut)
Local data for New London is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Connecticut and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- 2018 CT State Building Code (based on IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- Yes — state law overrides local rules
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
ADU Rules in New London
State law (statewide context, not city-specific):
Connecticut Public Act 21-29 (2021) added CGS section 8-2o, which establishes a statewide default that municipalities must allow at least one accessory apartment as of right on each lot containing a single-family dwelling. Municipalities could opt out through a statutory two-thirds vote of their legislative body and zoning commission. Where the default applies, local regulations must permit ADUs at a maximum net floor area of at least 30 percent of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
For local size, setback, and parking specifics, contact the City of New London Office of Economic Development & Planning.
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current New London permit information →Official Sources
City-specific