Knowledge Base

In order to evaluate a parcel/ lot as a potential building lot, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Town Assessor’s Office
a. Obtain a copy of the parcels boundary from the Town Assessor’s Map
b. Obtain a copy of the parcels “Street Card” from the Assessor’s records
c. On the Map and Street Card, note the Map/Lot number (sometimes listed as the Assesor ID#) of the parcel, Deed Book reference numbers (sometimes listed as Volume# and Page#), and parcel zoning;

2. Go to Town Clerk’s Office
a. Obtain a copy of the Deed Book and page numbers referenced on the Street Card.
b. Identify whether or not the parcel was recorded before July 3, 1957, (to determine that a lot can be considered a lawful building lot, it must be demonstrated that the lot has been duly recorded by deed or included in a subdivision approved by the Commission prior to this date (the adoption of Zoning/ Subdivision regulations)) and or whether the parcel has been increased, diminished, or merged since that time. (Following Deed Book and Page number references listed on a deed will sometimes identify cuts, splits or mergers. You should also check the Land Use Office Map of approved subdivisions.) .

c. Research the Title to determine if there are any easements or restrictions that would interfere with construction of a building;

3. Go to the Land Use Office
a. Verify the location and zoning of the parcel using the Town Zoning Maps (located in the Land Use Office).
b. Research the effective Zoning Regulations for zone in which parcel is located. Each zone will have specific lot and yard requirements and intended uses permitted and uses allowed through special permit.
c. Create a site plan of the parcel with the dimensions along the property lines. (In lieu of a site plan, a rough sketch may be used at this point as a guide. In no way can a sketch be submitted as a site plan for approval.)
d. Calculate the lot area and the lot width
e. Measure the lot frontage
f. Draw the minimum front, side, and rear yards along the property lines
g. Draw the location of the proposed building on the parcel, including the driveway, parking area, and sidewalks
h. Calculated the approximate percent of impervious building coverage (area of rooflines) and impervious surface coverage (area of rooflines, pavement, and other structures that water can not physically pass through)
i. Determine the availability of utilities

4. Go to the Land Use Office
a. Present the parcel site plan to the Town Planner, or Assistant Planner/ Zoning Enforcement Officer. Depending on the results, they may be able to give you a general indication of whether or not a building lot exists, whether variances from Zoning Regulations may be needed, or if an additional building lot could be created, depending on the proposal. 

5. Employee a professional surveyor licensed in the State of Connecticut to create a feasibility plan of the proposed building lot.