Land Use Law refers to that area of law that deals with zoning, inland wetlands and/or coastal wetlands. It also refers to obtaining permits for development of land. Most towns in Connecticut have adopted zoning regulations and inland wetland regulations. Most towns have established commissions or boards to deal with applications for various zoning related activities. The most common commissions in Connecticut are known as Planning and Zoning Commissions, Zoning Board of Appeals and Inland Wetland Commissions. Some towns have different names for these commissions such as Conservation Commission or Planning Commission or Zoning Commission. Some towns such as West Hartford retain final Planning approval for the elected body, namely the Town Council. In some land use matters the Army Corps of Engineers and/or the Department of Environmental Protection may be involved. Also, if your project borders a state highway or has an impact on traffic, the State Traffic Commission may be involved.
In Connecticut local towns derive their authority to regulate land use from the State. The enabling legislation is found in Chapter 124, Sec. 8-1 et. seq. The wetlands law is found in Chapter 440 beginniing with Sec. 22a-28. Coastal laws are found in Chapter 444 beginning with Sec. 22a-90. Most towns in Connecticut have adopted regulations. These regulations are available at the respective town halls but can also be found on line at Ordinance.com (subscription is necessary).
The beginning point for every project is the application. All towns have filing fees. The amount depends on the size and scope of the project.
Sabatini and Associates, LLC has represented many developers in projects big and small throughout Connecticut. We have represented clients before local, state and federal agencies. We have working relationships with experts such as civil engineers, surveyors, traffic engineers, landscape architects and the like. We are able to establish a team of experts, and coordinate your project from conception to final approval.
We also have extensive experience in the litigation of land use matters both on the trial court and appeal level.