Village District Ordinances

Preserve distinctive community character, landscapes, and structures.
Towns can identify “village districts” for which the local zoning commission may adopt regulations for the design and placement of buildings, maintenance of public views, building materials, and landscaping.  Usually, these regulations aim to ensure that new construction is in harmony with existing architectural fabric. Applications for substantial reconstruction and new construction are subject to review and comment. Learn more about local preservation laws. 

Model Ordinances

We recommend that you review the ordinances in Brooklyn, Farmington, Kent, Lebanon, Ledyard, Madison, Middletown, New Canaan, Old Lyme, Preston, Portland, Ridgefield, Southbury, and Woodbridge.  Towns and cities can adapt those ordinances to choose the degree of involvement that best suits them. 

5 Key Steps

Your community would go through 5 steps to establish a Village District:

  • Educate and obtain resident support for the designation of particular village district(s).
  • Inventory the structures, landscape, and settings of each district.
  • Establish regulations with common standards of design.
  • Adopt the needed zoning regulations.
  • Monitor progress and effects and revise as needed.

Need help creating a village district?

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