Zoning Enforcement

The Zoning Enforcement Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the city's Zoning Ordinance and maintaining the quality of life for our residents. Our team investigates potential violations of the zoning code related to land use, property maintenance, signage, and construction activity.

Our primary goal is to educate property owners on zoning regulations and work with them to achieve voluntary compliance. When necessary, we issue formal warnings and citations to address violations that impact the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Reporting a Potential Violation 

If you believe a violation of the Zoning Ordinance is occurring, please submit a detailed report. To ensure we can properly investigate, please provide the property address, a clear description of the alleged violation, and any supporting documentation or photos.

Please Note: Anonymous complaints may be investigated but require sufficient detail to proceed.

Submit a Zoning Complaint

Common Violations We Address:

           
  • Illegal home-based businesses or non-conforming uses.
  •        
  • Improper or excessive signage.
  •        
  • Unpermitted construction or additions (e.g., decks, fences).
  •        
  • Junk, debris, or inoperable vehicles on private property.
  •        
  • Property line encroachments.

Review the Official Zoning Ordinance

Before filing a complaint or starting a project, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the full text of the official Zoning Ordinance. This document contains the definitive rules and regulations that govern land use throughout the city.

View Zoning Regulations

Additional Resources 

Zoning Enforcement Staff

Our dedicated team is here to assist you with zoning inquiries, complaints, and compliance efforts.

Monica Sims

Zoning Enforcement Officer

Phone: 203-977-5944 Email: msims@stamfordct.gov

Pete Thagouras

Land Use Inspector

Phone: 203-977-4100 Email: pthagouras@stamfordct.gov

Lindsay Ruotolo

Land Use Inspector

Phone: 203-977-5943 Email: lruotolo@stamfordct.gov

Dan Trapp

Land Use Inspector

Phone: 203-977-4717 Email: dtrapp@stamfordct.gov

Keshayne Rankine

Land Use Clerk

Phone: 203-977-4711 Email: Krankine@stamfordct.gov

Zoning Enforcement FAQS

If you are installing a fence or retaining wall on your property, you are required to obtain a zoning permit. A retaining wall above 3 feet in height requires a building permit.

A fence is a physical barrier intended to prevent escape from or intrusion into an area or to mark a boundary. A survey is required for a fence permit. Stamfordct.portal.opengov.com

· No fence shall exceed six (6) feet in height in any front or side yard, measured from the finished grade adjacent to both sides of the fence or wall; whichever is lower.

· No fence shall exceed eight (8) feet in height in any rear yard, measured from the finished grade adjacent to both sides of the fence or wall, whichever is lower. This will require a building permit.

· If your property is on a corner lot, you are required to be 25 feet back from the property lines along both street frontages, to not obstruct visibility.

· A fence over 8 feet tall will require you to go before the Zoning Board for special permit approval.

· If you have a retaining wall that is above 3 feet in height, it requires a building permit and must have a engineered drawing.

A shed or a garage is considered to be an accessory structure that requires a permit. If the shed or garage is over 200 square feet, it will require a building permit. The accessory structure cannot be located in the front yard; it must be in the rear yard. No accessory building shall be erected prior to the erection of the principal dwelling. A survey is required to show where the shed/garage will be located on the property, showing the required setbacks. Stamfordct.portal.opengov.com

· It can be no higher than 15 feet in height (one story high)

· The structure shall be no closer than 5 feet from the side and rear property lines.

· The structure cannot be closer than 10 feet from the principal dwelling

Yes. You may appeal a Citation within 30 days of receipt of the date of the Citation by mail only. Complete the appeals section on the Citations form, sign, date and send to:

Stamford Government Center ATTN: Zoning Enforcement Officer 888 Washington Boulevard, 7th floor Stamford, CT 06901

Retain a copy of the Citations Form for your records.

Once your request for appeal is submitted, a hearing with the Citation Hearings Officer will be scheduled between 15 to 30 days after receipt of this appeal. Hearings are held at the Stamford Government Center (888 Washington Boulevard).

To report a Zoning Violation please use FixIt Stamford (see above) – this will allow you to track the progress and status of your complaint.

For all other questions related to Zoning Enforcement, there are three ways to contact us:

  1. By email: ZoningEnforcement@stamfordct.gov
  2. By phone: (203) 977 4711
  3. In person: By appointment only

Please note: the Zoning Enforcement Office only accepts appointments, please call 203-977-4711.

You should contact Zoning Enforcement. With the help of tax cards, certificates of occupancy, permits, etc., Zoning Enforcement can determine if a use or building was legal at one point. If you have copies of these documents you can speed up the verification process.