Many of the activities of the Planning and Development Department receive oversight from not only the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or the Zoning Board of Appeals and other regulatory boards but evolve from the active involvement of one or more of the following boards and commissions:

Conservation and Open Space Land Commission

A five-member commission with two alternates to advise the City of West Haven on matters pertaining to open space and conservation issues affecting the quality of life of the community. The Conservation and Open Space Land Commission may be reached by calling 203-937-3580, ext. 3007.

Economic Development Commission

A five-member commission with two alternates whose duties as defined by the West Haven Charter are to conduct research on how to expand the city’s economic base. The Economic Development Commission may be reached by calling 203-937-3580, ext. 3007

Harbor Management Commission

A five-member commission to advise on matters pertaining to the West Haven portion of New Haven Harbor and the shoreline. The Harbor Management Commission may be reached by calling 203-937-3580, ext. 3007.

Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency

The Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency (IW), composed of five members and two alternates, maintains and oversees the city’s inland wetlands regulations and reviews applications for development within 100 feet of inland wetlands. The Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency may be reached by calling 203-937-3580, ext. 3006.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), composed of five members and three alternates, advises the City Council and the Economic Development Commission on planning and land use matters and maintains the city’s zoning regulations and hears applications for special use permits.The P&Z conducts site plan reviews, including review of development plans within the coastal management district and plans for soil erosion and sediment control.

The P&Z may be reached by calling 203-937-3580, ext. 3007.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), composed of five members and three alternates, reviews applications for relief from the zoning standards of the city, including variances and appeals of actions of the zoning enforcement officer (ZEO). The ZBA may be reached by calling 203-937-3580, ext. 3006.