Planning and Development

The Department of Planning and Development is responsible for the current and future physical development of the City of West Haven. Within the department are the Building Department, the Community Development Administration and the grants office.

Applications and “counter services” for building, planning and zoning activities are from 9-11:30 a.m. weekdays. Inspections are scheduled from 1-5 p.m. weekdays and can be scheduled by calling the Building Department at 203-937-3590 or Planning and Zoning at 203-937-3580. To ensure an orderly development process, the department has numerous functions and responsibilities for which it is accountable.
Arial Photo of the Beach

Below is a brief description, presented alphabetically, of the functions and responsibilities:

Building Department

  • Tel: 203-937-3590, ext. 3000

The Building Department is charged with enforcing the Connecticut State Building Code as defined in Chapter 541 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Building Department is responsible for the review of construction documents and the issuance of a permit for building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. Inspections are conducted by the Building Department on a request basis, and a certificate of compliance is issued upon satisfactory completion of the permitted work.

Community Development Administration

  • Tel: 203-937-3550

The CDA office promotes a viable urban community through decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded quality-of-life opportunities primarily for people of low and moderate income.

Grants Office

  • Tel: 203-937-3620, ext. 3010

The grants office searches federal, state and foundation funding sources for aid that will assist and support the city’s quality of life. Staff uses the city’s Plan of Conservation and Development, capital improvement plan and the priorities of city commissioners to seek grants.

Planning and Development Office

  • Tel: 203-937-3580, ext. 3005

Staff of the planning and development office, under the guidance of the city’s boards and commissions, seeks to establish an environment in which economic investment can be attracted to West Haven while maintaining the quality of life for our residential neighborhoods. Staff is available to guide individuals and businesses through the necessary land use approval process. The department is responsible for oversight of the Plan of Conservation and Development, the city’s zoning regulations and other land use regulations, as well as area-specific development plans.

Property Maintenance
Blight Complaints: 203-937-3590, ext. 3003

The property maintenance division of the Building Department is responsible for the safety, health and welfare of the occupants of existing buildings. The enforcement of property maintenance is to ensure a lifestyle free from the negative effects of blighted neighborhoods.