It depends on many factors.  Please review Basement Construction Guide for assistance.  Basement requirements also vary per Stamford’s Zoning Regulation and Chapter 146 of Stamford Municipal Ordinance enforced by the Health Department. 

A non-conforming use is defined as, “The use of a building or of land that does not conform to the regulations as to use for the district in which it is situated.”  Stamford Zoning Regulation states that, “The total structural repairs and alterations that may be made in a structure which is nonconforming in use only shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value at the time of application for the first structural change, unless changed to a conforming use.”  Please consult the Zoning Department for further assistance.

Please send us an email at BuildingDept@StamfordCT.Gov.

Please click on following links for additional information:  

Swimming Pool Guidance Document

Swimming Pool Entry/Exit Requirements

Swimming Pool and Spa Velocity Limits

A General Contractor is required to have one of three credentials described below, depending on the type of construction activity.

1. Major contractor license:  For commercial, institutional and multi-family structures performing work above the threshold limits contained in Section 29-276b of the Connecticut General Statutes. 
2. New Home Construction contractor registration:  For new 1 or 2 family structures.  
3. Home Improvement Contractor registration:  For residential alteration projects. 

A permit is not required for ordinary repairs to structures.  Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety. (R105.2.2 and IBC 105.2.2)

Please review exempt work to confirm that the proposed work requires a building permit. If a building permit is not required, you may still need approvals from other city departments.

Please review architectural seal requirements to confirm if your project requires sealed plans.  If sealed plans are required, you must upload sealed plans, otherwise your application will be marked “incomplete”.  You can get a roster of active license / registration holders by clicking here.

Please click here for a link to License Verification.  You can get a roster of active license / registration holders by clicking here.

A building permit is not required; however, a plumbing permit is required to verify code compliance.  All automatic lawn irrigation systems are required to have a backflow prevention device and a Rain sensor.  The backflow preventer must comply with the plumbing code. 

In addition, an electrical permit may be required for the installation of sprinkler system controller and rain sensor device.   

According to 2015 IRC P3009.1, subsurface landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut (CGS 19a-36).  Please check with the Stamford Department of Health for applicable permit requirements related to the State Health Code.

Effective immediately no electrical permits are to be issued for any service work that involves Eversource needing our release unless the applicant provides the CRS number.

An LLC is not exempt because the exemption under CGS 20-340 is for persons only not firms or entities.  An LLC must have an HIC license and file as a contractor.

The state building code was adopted in 1971 and information about applicable codes for structures built in 1971 or thereafter can be found here.  Any residential structure built prior to the adoption of state building code in 1971 must comply with the Stamford Municipal Ordinance Chapter 146 – “Housing Standards” as applicable as well as comply with the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.   Per section 101.4.4 of 2015 International Building Code (IBC) portion of the 2018 State Building Code, property maintenance shall be in accordance with the requirements of the 2015 IBC and the applicable provisions of the 2018 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code and the 2018 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code.

Per 2015 IRC R202, “Buildings or structures or portions thereof erected prior to October 1, 1970 shall be deemed existing buildings regardless of the existence of a legal permit or a certificate of occupancy.”

Chapter 33 of International Building Code provides requirements for construction safety. 

In addition, Federal OSHA standards mandate site safety.  Please click on the links shown below for short videos on Federal OSHA standards.

• Floor openings (OSHA 3 min. video)
• Scaffolds (OSHA 3 min. video)
• Falls in Construction/Reroofing
• Falls in Construction - Skylights
• Electrocution/Work Safely with Ladders Near Power Lines
• Excavations in Construction/Trenching
• Falls in Construction/Leading Edge Work
• Sprains and Strains in Construction/Pulling Cables
• Carbon Monoxide in Construction/Portable Gas-Powered Equipment

Please review contractor license requirements to confirm that you have appropriately licensed/registered contractors.  The License requirements are available here on Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection's web site.  You can get a roster of active license / registration holders by clicking here.

Please review Chapter 155 of the Municipal Ordinance, section 155-9.  

Please review Inter-departmental review matrix to learn about other Stamford Departments which will need to review and approve your application before a permit can be issued.  Also, please review Submission Requirements for Stamford Departments and upload necessary documents when you submit your application online.

Please review Checklist for TCO/PCO/CO to become familiar with documents required prior to issuance of temporary, partial or final Certificate of Occupancy.

Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe conditions, shall be liable for penalties in accordance with Section 114.4.  (SBC 115.3)

The penalty shall be not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both, pursuant to section 29-254a of the Connecticut General statutes.  (SBC 115.3, 114.4, CGS 29-254a)

Pursuant to subsection (a) of section 29-265 of the Connecticut General Statutes, no building or structure erected or altered in any municipality after October 1, 1970, shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official, certifying that such building or structure or work performed pursuant to the building permit substantially complies with the provisions of the State Building Code. Nothing in the code shall require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, or prevent the continuance of the use and occupancy of, any single-family dwelling but within six years of the date of occupancy of such dwelling after substantial completion of construction of, alteration to or addition to such dwelling, or of a building lawfully existing on October 1, 1945, except as may be necessary for the safety of life or property. The use of a building or premises shall not be deemed to have changed because of a temporary vacancy or change of ownership or tenancy.

Exceptions:

1. Work for which a certificate of approval is issued in accordance with Section 111.6.

2. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permit requirements under Section 105.2.

The penalty shall be not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both, pursuant to section 29-254a of the Connecticut General statutes.  (SBC 111.1, CGS 29-254a, CGS 29-265a)

Please review Building Department Plan Submission Checklist to confirm that your plans show adequate information for plan review and permit issuance. 

Please refer to the 2015 IBC section 111.6 portion of the 2018 Connecticut State Building Code, shown below for Certificate of Approval requirements:

“The building official shall issue a certificate of approval indicating substantial compliance with the requirements of this code for all completed work that requires a building permit but does not require a certificate of occupancy. Such work shall include, but not be limited to: fences greater than 7 feet (2134 mm) in height; retaining walls greater than 3 feet (914 mm) in height; decks; garages; swimming pools; basements and attics converted to habitable space; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs or alterations.”

In general, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for new buildings and buildings undergoing change of use, to establish legal use and occupancy.  A Certificate of Approval is issued for all other work including alterations and trade permits.

Please read Public Act No. 13-9, entitled “An Act Concerning Enforcement Protection For Nonconforming Structures.”  Please consult the Zoning Department for further assistance.

Here is some guidance on what you can do if your home sustained damage due to flooding or severe weather.  You may also wish to read FEMA publication entitled “Repairing your flooded home” and follow FEMA’s recommendations.  In addition, please review NEMA publication entitled “Evaluating water damaged electrical equipment guide”. 

Before you enter your home, make sure that it is safe for you to enter.  Call 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency.  Do not go into flooded basements and cellars to survey damage. The water may be contaminated or be electrically charged.  There may be hazardous debris that may cause serious injury.  Flooded areas can damage electrical wiring and gas lines inside a building, creating potential risk to life safety.  Also, you should never attempt to turn off power or operate a circuit breaker while standing in water.  And finally, remember to document damage and repair work with photos and videos and call your home insurance company to review your policy.

If you home is safe for you to enter, evaluate damage as follows:

• Number of essential living spaces flooded.
• Water level in essential living spaces.
• Check if waterline reached electrical outlets.
• Duration of the flood.
• Contaminants in water (oils, chemicals, etc.) which would require special decontamination protocols.
• Determine if your home is habitable.  FEMA defines “habitable” as safe, sanitary, and functional. “Safe” refers to being secure from disaster-caused hazards or threats to occupants, “sanitary” refers to being free of disaster-caused health hazards, and “functional” refers to an item or home capable of being used for its intended purpose.

FEMA categorizes damage in four categories.  Affected, minor damage, major damage and destroyed.  Please review each category and determine the category that best applies to your home.  Once you have done that, you can review the remedies and follow-up as needed.

Affected:

• Minimum cosmetic damage to exterior or interior such as paint discoloration or lose siding.
• Essential living spaces or mechanical components are not submerged or damaged.
• Damage to an attached structure such as deck, porch or garage or an outbuilding.
• Damage to retaining walls, fences or landscaping dur to downed trees away from the structure.

Remedies for affected homes:

• Contact a home improvement contractor to repair damaged areas.
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals.

Minor damage: 

• Minor damage does not affect structural integrity of a residence but may affect habitability.
• Residences with water lines between 3 and 18 inches are categorized by FEMA as minor damage unless other factors such as duration and contamination of flood waters, location of electrical outlets etc. make it a major damage.
• Minor damage may include damage to mechanical components such as furnace, boiler, water heater, HVAC etc.
• Minor damage may include nonstructural damage to roof components over essential living spaces (e.g. shingles, roof covering, fascia board, soffit, flashing, skylight, etc.)
• Minor damage may include nonstructural damage to interior wall components including drywall and insulation.
• Minor damage may include nonstructural damage to exterior components.
• Minor damage may include multiple small vertical cracks in the foundation wall and chimney.

Remedies for minor damage:

• Contact a home improvement contractor to dry out and repair damaged areas.
• Contact an electrician to inspect and certify electrical system for reuse.
• Contact plumber/mechanical contractor to inspect gas fired equipment and system for reuse.
• Have an architect/engineer inspect the structure and provide recommendations for repair and/or reconstruction.
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals.

Major damage:

• Major damage includes significant structural damage that would require extensive repairs to make a residence habitable.
• The waterline is above 18 inches or above the electrical outlets in an essential living space.

Remedies for major damage:

• Contact utilities companies to shut-off all utilities.
• Have an engineer inspect the structure and provide recommendations for shoring, bracing and/or reconstruction.
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals.

  Destroyed:

• Destroyed residences are total losses when the damage is so severe that they cannot be repaired and must be demolished.
• There is a complete failure of two or more major structural components (e.g. collapse of foundation, walls, roof, etc.)
• The waterline is at the roofline or higher.
• Only the foundation remains.
• The structure is unsafe and is in imminent danger of collapse.

  Remedies for destroyed structures:

  • Contact utilities companies to shut-off all utilities.
  • If the structure is unsafe or is in imminent danger of collapse, have an engineer inspect the structure and provide recommendations for shoring, bracing and/or demolition.
  • Obtain necessary permits for demolition.

Please review the information here. 

Please review code mandated inspections to become familiar with the types of inspections required for your project.  Please review Residential Inspection Checklist to become familiar with the inspection process. Also, please review special inspection requirements to become familiar with special inspection requirements for commercial and certain residential projects. 

Please contact David Nelson at DNelson@StamfordCT.Gov or send an email to BuildingDept@StamfordCT.Gov.

Please contact Luis Jimenez at LJimenez@StamfordCT.Gov or send an email to BuildingDept@StamfordCT.Gov.

Appeals must be filed within 15 calendar days of the ticket issuance.  Click here for more information.

Parking Tickets can be paid online, by mail (do not mail cash), or in person at the Cashiering and Permitting Department

If your car is booted, you must pay your tickets at stm.mybootinfo.com or call 877-878-9669 in order to get your boot removal code. Do not pay on the City of Stamford Website.

If the ticket is not paid within 15 calendar dates after the ticket is issued, that fine will double. Failure to pay within 30 days of ticket issuance will result in the said fine tripling. The penalty shall not exceed $250.

Bags used by consumers made of any material that is provided to a consumer at the point of sale to carry purchases out of the store. 

The following items are still acceptable to distribute under this ordinance:

1. Bags used by consumers inside stores such as packaging bulk items (i.e. produce or small hardware items)
2. Bags used by consumers inside stores to contain or wrap frozen foods 
3. Bags intended to wrap flowers or potted plants
4. Bags meant to contain unwrapped prepared foods or baked goods
5. Newspaper bags, door hanger bags, laundry/drycleaning bags, or garbage or other waste disposal bags 

It is the policy of the City of Stamford, Office of Operations, that all Contractors must obtain a Street Opening Permit for any excavation work within any City of Stamford street or right-of-way. This applies to any type of excavation work being done within actual street or outside the street but within the right-of-way.

Click this link to apply for permit https://stamfordct.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1084

Any person must obtain a Street Use Permit for any obstruction to public travel on any street or sidewalk.

Click this link to apply for permit https://stamfordct.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1084

You are required to apply for an excavation permit when replacing a driveway apron or sidewalk, since this work involves cutting into the City’s Right-Of-Way (ROW). The only time an obstruction permit would be applicable for driveway work is if you are only resurfacing the driveway behind the property line and not going to be touching the City’s ROW.

The City has a civil service system which requires that candidates be tested in order to be considered for employment. In some instances, for example, candidates are required to sit for a written test, and in others, candidates are scored based on materials submitted as part of the supplemental application process.

If an application is not accepted you will be notified. This will happen if incomplete applications are sent or if minimum qualifications are not met.

Otherwise, applicants meeting the stated minimum qualifications for the position will be notified of the date, time and location of the examination, if applicable.

Current openings are now being posted on this website! Openings are constantly updated.

In addition, City jobs will continue to be advertised in the Advocate/Greenwich Time and posted in the Stamford Government Center at 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT, Human Resources Division, 9th floor.

Generally positions are open for a specified period of time and then close. Sometimes certain positions may be left often for continuous recruitment.

View Board of Education Jobs (Teaching, Administrative, Security or Educational Assistant Positions).

In order to be considered for employment a fully completed application, and if required for the particular job, a supplemental application or license, certification or other required documents must be completed and received by Human Resources by the deadline indicated on the particular job posting.

When you search the jobs database, each job you view will have a job application available with it in Adobe Acrobat .pdf Format. You must have the free reader available in order to view the application.

Simply print the application materials at home, fill out and send it in. Please note that if the job you are applying for has a supplemental application required, you must fill that out as well and send it in along with any other required documents or your application will be considered incomplete and rejected.

You may also still pick up applications at the Government Center and mail in or drop off completed applications. Please note that even if an application is received by the deadline, if it is not fully completed by the deadline, it will be rejected.

We accept resumes along with your completed application if you would like to provide additional information. However, we still require a fully completed application to be submitted in order to be officially considered for a position.

Yes. Special test accommodations are available for persons with disabilities. To arrange such accommodations or to ask about them, please call (203) 977-4070.

The top three (3) ranks on the eligible list are certified to the appointing authority. In cases where the scores of the fourth (4th) and fifth (5th) ranks are within five (5) points of the score of the highest rank then these individuals will also be certified for consideration.

Please note that each ranking may contain multiple candidates within each rank.

Generally, the list of candidates resulting from the application and testing process is valid for two years. A candidate will stay on the list during that time.

After the testing process candidates will be interviewed according to their ranking. Interviews will depend on the individual's ranking. Final selection will depend on both ranking and interviews.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to advise the Human Resources Division of any change of address or status affecting eligibility for employment. Such notification must be in writing.

Yes. You may appeal a Citation within 10 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.

Please visit the FixIt Stamford Website, click Housing Concerns and select “Zoning Enforcement” from the drop-down menu.

Once we receive a complaint about a potential zoning violation, an inspector visits the site. If a violation is confirmed the offender will be notified in writing about the violation and has 7 days to remedy the violation. If the offender takes no action, they will receive a Notice of Violation asking them to correct the violation within 7 days and informing them that a fine will be levied. If the violation is not corrected within 7 days, the offender will receive a Citation for $100 per violation per day. For example, if someone parks two commercial vehicles on a residential property for three days, the fine would be $600 (two offenses at $100 per day times three days). If an offender refuses to pay after a certain period of time – usually 30 days – the City will sue the offender.

The length of the Zoning Enforcement process depends on a variety of factors, such as:

• How quickly can an inspector gain access?
• How quickly can the problem be fixed? For example, in order to remedy some violations, permits must be applied for, plans be drawn etc.
• How cooperative is the offender?
• Appeals might delay enforcement actions
• Timelines and deadlines set by the Code or Statute

The fee for a zoning violation keeps accruing as long as the violation has not been fixed and inspected by Zoning Enforcement.

Yes. Once a Zoning Violation is fixed, schedule a follow-up inspection with Zoning Enforcement as soon as possible by email (StamfordLandUse@StamfordCT.gov). Fines will only stop accruing if a Zoning Enforcement Officer has determined that a violation is fully remedied.

If you have any questions regarding a zoning violation, on how to remedy the zoning violation, or for scheduling a follow up inspection to verify that the violation has been corrected, please contact Zoning Enforcement by email (StamfordLandUse@StamfordCT.gov).

If you believe a Zoning Violation takes more than seven days to correct you should, within seven days of the date of the Notice of Violation, request a Resolution Conference by contacting Zoning Enforcement.

Generally not. The only exceptions are:

1. If a building or structure such as a shed has been built according to plans that do not meet zoning requirements but were approved by the City and the City issued a Certificate of Occupancy, the structure can remain.
2. For buildings that were built too close to property boundaries or are in required setbacks, the structure can remain if more than three years have passed since the structure was built and no complaints were received or enforcement actions were taken.

There is no statute of limitations for illegal uses, for example an illegal unit. 

Zoning Regulations and Districts change from time to time. If a building or structure was at one point legal, but does not conform to the new regulations, the non-conforming use can continue – it is "grandfathered in". For example, if a two-family house was legally permitted at some point, but the current zoning only allows single-family homes, the house can legally continue to be used as two-family house. However, the non-conformity cannot be increased. For example, if you have a legally non-conforming two-family house in a single-family district, you cannot add a third unit.

Some Zoning Violations require more than seven days to correct, if, for example, buildings or structures need to be demolished or moved, or permits are required to correct a violation. In this case, you should as soon as possible, within seven days of the date of the Notice of Violation, request a Resolution Conference from Zoning Enforcement. At a resolution conference, you meet with a Zoning Enforcement Officer and discuss a plan how to remedy the violation and establish a deadline by when the violation has to be corrected. You can only request a Resolution conference within seven days of the date of the Notice of Violation. Please note that even if you have requested a Resolution Conference, you will still receive a violation, and fines keep accruing at a rate of $100 per violation per day. Only if you correct the violation within the timeframe agreed upon at the Resolution Conference the Zoning Enforcement may waive some or all of the fines.

As part of the Building Permit, a Zoning Permit is required for:

• Construction of a new residential or new commercial building;
• Construction of new additions to an existing commercial/residential building;
• Changes to the interior of residential and commercial buildings impacting or changing floor plans (not required for mechanical permits, such as plumbing, electrical or HVAC);
• Expansion of height, footprint, floor area, volumetric content or use of an existing structure;
• Temporary or permanent accessory structures (including but not limited to): signs, walls, fences, pools, certain playground equipment, garage structures, tents, mechanical equipment (e.g., air conditioning compressor units or generators), decks/patios constructed 8 inches or more above grade;
• Increases or changes to the uses of a property;
• Excavation and removal of more than 100 cubic yards of excavated materials or the disturbance of more than 10,000 sf of material.

Fees for Zoning Permits as part of the Building Permit are collected by the Building Department and the same payment options apply. 

The current Zoning Permit fee schedule can be found here.

A standalone Zoning Permit is required for:

• A shed under 200 square feet 
• Construction of a fence and/or wall less than 7feet high;
• Changing the use of a building or land with no change to the structure itself.

Leaves are an important resource that we pick up and throw away every year, which is costly, unsustainable and wastes this valuable resource. During the decomposition process, leaves return valuable nutrients and minerals back to the soil.

Residents are encouraged to reuse and recycle their leaves in several ways, including mulching in place, composting, and native landscaping. Check out videos on the Tips and Tricks for Mulching page about how to do this in your yard.

Homeowners can shred their leaves using a lawn mower with a mulching blade, a leaf shredder, or even a leaf vacuum combined with a leaf shredder. Residents may need to try several mower heights to get the optimal mulching effect on the leaves.

No. Many professional landscapers have been using this technique for years because it is better for the environment and less expensive. The City of Stamford has found studies that support mulching leaves, including this one from Purdue University:

The researchers say the takeaway from the study was "The results are very positive and suggest that mulching tree leaves is an economical method of disposal with little risk of decreased turf performance. Our results are similar to those from Michigan State University and Cornell University and we are now very confident in recommending professionals and homeowners to mulch tree leaves into the turf each fall."

Shredded leaves should be no more than 1" square.

Yes. You may appeal a Citation within 10 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.

Once we receive a complaint about a potential zoning violation, an inspector visits the site. If a violation is confirmed the offender will be notified in writing about the violation and has 7 days to remedy the violation. If the offender takes no action, they will receive a Notice of Violation asking them to correct the violation within 7 days and informing them that a fine will be levied. If the violation is not corrected within 7 days, the offender will receive a Citation for $100 per violation per day. For example, if someone parks two commercial vehicles on a residential property for three days, the fine would be $600 (two offenses at $100 per day times three days). If an offender refuses to pay after a certain period of time – usually 30 days – the City will sue the offender.

The length of the Zoning Enforcement process depends on a variety of factors, such as:

• How quickly can an inspector gain access?
• How quickly can the problem be fixed? For example, in order to remedy some violations, permits must be applied for, plans be drawn etc.
• How cooperative is the offender?
• Appeals might delay enforcement actions
• Timelines and deadlines set by the Code or Statute

The fee for a zoning violation keeps accruing as long as the violation has not been fixed and inspected by Zoning Enforcement.

Yes. Once a Zoning Violation is fixed, schedule a follow-up inspection with Zoning Enforcement as soon as possible by email (StamfordLandUse@StamfordCT.gov). Fines will only stop accruing if a Zoning Enforcement Officer has determined that a violation is fully remedied.

If you have any questions regarding a zoning violation, on how to remedy the zoning violation, or for scheduling a follow up inspection to verify that the violation has been corrected, please contact Zoning Enforcement by email (StamfordLandUse@StamfordCT.gov).

If you believe a Zoning Violation takes more than seven days to correct you should, within seven days of the date of the Notice of Violation, request a Resolution Conference by contacting Zoning Enforcement.

Generally not. The only exceptions are:

1. If a building or structure such as a shed has been built according to plans that do not meet zoning requirements but were approved by the City and the City issued a Certificate of Occupancy, the structure can remain.
2. For buildings that were built too close to property boundaries or are in required setbacks, the structure can remain if more than three years have passed since the structure was built and no complaints were received or enforcement actions were taken.

There is no statute of limitations for illegal uses, for example an illegal unit. 

Zoning Regulations and Districts change from time to time. If a building or structure was at one point legal, but does not conform to the new regulations, the non-conforming use can continue – it is "grandfathered in". For example, if a two-family house was legally permitted at some point, but the current zoning only allows single-family homes, the house can legally continue to be used as two-family house. However, the non-conformity cannot be increased. For example, if you have a legally non-conforming two-family house in a single-family district, you cannot add a third unit.

Some Zoning Violations require more than seven days to correct, if, for example, buildings or structures need to be demolished or moved, or permits are required to correct a violation. In this case, you should as soon as possible, within seven days of the date of the Notice of Violation, request a Resolution Conference from Zoning Enforcement. At a resolution conference, you meet with a Zoning Enforcement Officer and discuss a plan how to remedy the violation and establish a deadline by when the violation has to be corrected. You can only request a Resolution conference within seven days of the date of the Notice of Violation. Please note that even if you have requested a Resolution Conference, you will still receive a violation, and fines keep accruing at a rate of $100 per violation per day. Only if you correct the violation within the timeframe agreed upon at the Resolution Conference the Zoning Enforcement may waive some or all of the fines.

When are Tax Bills Due? If you are the owner of record of Real and/or Personal Property to include Motor Vehicles, you will be billed for taxes according to the following schedule:

Taxes due July 1 are mailed on or about June 15.

Taxes due January are mailed on or about December 15.

The City of Stamford is pleased to offer an online payment system for Personal Property, Real Estate and Motor Vehicle Taxes.

Interest on delinquent taxes is charged at the rate of 1.5% per full or partial month in accordance with Connecticut General Statute 12-146.

View property assessment data for the City of Stamford.

The Board of Assessment Appeals is an official municipal agency. It is designed to serve as an appeal body for taxpayers who believe that town or city assessors erred in the valuation of their properties or erroneously denied them exemptions.

For more information and FAQs go to the Board of Assessment Appeals page

Currently scheduled for 2022.

The Office of Assessment is responsible for assessing all Real, Commercial, and Motor Vehicle property within the City of Stamford. Separately, the Board of Finance determines the mill rates each May. To determine yearly taxes, your assessment is multiplied by the mill rate of your district. Note that the Office of Assessment is not involved in determining the City’s mill rates.

Your assessment and your district’s mill rate are determined separately, by different City entities. The Office of Assessment is responsible for assessing and revaluating all property in the City. It is possible that the Office of Assessment will lower your assessment and the Board of Finance will increase the mill rates to compensate for budgetary needs of the City. In some cases this will increase your annual tax amount. To understand more about the budget and how mill rates are determined, contact the Board of Finance at 203-977-4699.

Taxpayers are entitled to appeal their property assessment with the Board of Assessment Appeals. If you agree with your assessment but would like to contest your annual tax amount, the Board of Assessment Appeals will not be able to hear your case. Your district’s tax rate, which determines your annual tax amount, is set by the Board of Finance and cannot be appealed.

Last revaluation date was October 1, 2017.

Collector of Taxes
P.O. Box 50
Stamford, CT 06904-0050

The City of Stamford is divided into four geographic taxing districts, based upon municipal services furnished to the property. In addition, the City has a separate Personal Property Taxing District encompassing the entire city, and a uniform mill rate which applies to all motor vehicles registered in the City of Stamford.

As the City extends sanitary sewer lines into previously un-sewered areas, municipal garbage collection is also extended, and the tax district classification is changed accordingly.

The taxing districts of the City are authorized pursuant to State law, the City Charter and local ordinance.

The mill rates are set by the Board of Finance each May and are based on the budgetary needs of the City. View more about the Board of Finance or find out when you can attend public meetings.

1. Motor Vehicles
2. Personal Property
3. Real Estate

January 1: Second half installment of Real Estate Taxes and Supplemental Motor Vehicle Taxes are due.

Taxes for all property types become delinquent 30 days after the due dates indicated above. That means, that taxes can be paid, without incurring a charge for delinquent interest, according to the following schedule:

• If due July 1 - can be paid without penalty through July 31.
• If due January 1- can be paid without penalty through January 31.

Please fill out this form. If you are requesting traffic camera footage, you will also have to fill out this form. 

Katrina Mygatt Recycling Center

130 Magee Ave

During regular hours of operation

You can continue to compost at home while at the same time bring other compostable scraps to the city’s composter. Things like meat, bones, cooked food, and dairy. See the list of compostable items and check it out

City of Stamford Scale House ˕ 101 Harbor View Ave ˕ Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stamford Government Center ˕ 888 Washington Blvd ˕ Cashiering & Permitting, Ground Floor

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Starter kit = $20 (at cost) 

Payment in cash or personal check

The City is not set up for any financial transactions at Katrina Mygatt.

• 2-gallon countertop collection pail
• 6-gallon collection bin for full countertop pail bags. This bin locks so its contents won’t spill.
• Information pamphlet

NO. Compostable bags are made from natural materials such as starch and decompose fully into compost, while recyclable bags are not.

No. Please continue to recycle paper with your regular recycling. 

Great question!  There are several ways to save on driving:

• Coordinate your trip to Katrina Mygatt with other reasons to be at/near the drop-off site.
• “Carpool Composting” is another good option to decrease our carbon emissions.Work with your neighbors and friends to take turns transporting a bunch of bins at once.
• Depending on the success of this program, the City may make more drop-off sites available to the public in the future. So please spread the word!

Residents will be able to take home compost once it is “cured” and once we have enough compost to distribute.

You can contact the Registrar of Voters or download voter registration forms at the State of Connecticut.

 Connecticut Online Voter Registration

The following municipal officials are elected by Stamford's registered voters in odd-numbered years:

• A Mayor: term recently increased to (4) years starting with the 1997 election.
• Forty (40) Board of Representatives members (City legislative body)- term recently increased to (4) years starting with the 1997 election.
• Six (6) Board of Finance members (City fiscal policy and oversight body)- 4 years
• A Town Clerk (Registrar of Vital Statistics, recorder of goings on in Stamford): 4 years;
• Nine (9) Board of Education members: (3) years.
• Seven (7) Constables (serves various legal documents on citizens): (4) years;
• Two (2) Registrars of Voters (register voters, record information related to elections): (4) years.

The terms of office of elective officers begin on the first day of December succeeding the election.

Whenever a vacancy occurs in any elective office and no specific provision for filling such vacancy is made in this Charter, the Board of Representatives shall, within sixty (60) days following the vacancy, elect a successor to fill such vacancy until December first following the next biennial election.

When the Board of Representatives has elected a successor to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor, on the Board of Representatives, on the Board of Finance or on the Board of Education , a vacancy election shall be held at the next biennial election. Any political party may nominate one candidate for each vacancy for membership on the Board or in the office of the Mayor.

No voter may vote for more than one candidate to fill such vacancy in the applicable Board or in the office of the Mayor. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes is elected as a member of the applicable Board for the balance of the term which was vacated, or in the case of the Mayor or the Board of Representatives, until the next biennial election.

Municipal elections are held in odd numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The Town and City Clerk gives public notice of these elections.

The polls are by law open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise provided by law.

State and federal elections are held in even numbered years.

Look Up Your Voting Location

The City is divided into twenty (20) voting districts which are used for municipal elections. The map showing the districts is reviewed every ten years by a Reapportionment Commission which must be appointed by the Board of Representatives within sixty (60) days after the Federal Census figures are made available to the City.

Recommendations are made to the Board of Representatives by the body and changes are effected through an ordinance from the Board.

Look Up Your Voting Location

A tenant might file a complaint if:

1) the tenant has been notified of a substantial increase in rent which would cause the rent to be higher than what other tenants in the community are paying for similar apartments;
2) a major service which the landlord had previously supplied has been decreased to an extent that affects the rental value of the apartment; or
3) it appears that the landlord has requested the rent increase in retaliation for the tenant's having made a request for repairs; a health, safety or housing code inquiry or complaint to the City; or taking some other action which the landlord perceived as adverse.

The Commission cannot accept complaints from:

1) Tenants who owe back rent;
2) tenants who have already signed leases agreeing to the requested rent; or
3) tenants whose landlords have already begun legal eviction proceedings against them.

Once a tenant has filed a complaint, a copy of that complaint is sent to the landlord along with a letter 1) requesting that the parties work with Commission staff in an effort to settle the complaint by mutual agreement; 2) explaining the Commission's investigatory process; 3) advising him that an administrative hearing will be scheduled if the parties are unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

The standard excessive rent investigation includes an on-site inspection of the apartment by City housing code enforcement staff; research into City records to verify legal ownership of, and the amount of taxes levied against, the building in question; and preparation of a rent survey showing amounts charged for other apartments of similar size, age, condition and services. If violations of the housing, health or fire safety codes are found during the inspection, appropriate orders will issue.

At excessive rent hearings, which are conducted pursuant to informal, administrative procedures, staff presents the results of the City investigation after which, in turn and under oath, the parties are permitted to testify and present relevant evidence. Commissioners are able to ask questions at any time.

Once the hearing has concluded, the Commission sets a time to review, discuss and consider the complaint as well as the evidence and testimony as presented at the hearing. Landlords whose apartments are found to have serious uncorrected housing, health or fire code violations can, at best, expect the Commission to freeze rents until, depending on the nature of the violations, they complete all necessary repairs to the satisfaction of the code inspector, the fire marshal, or both. In cases where a landlord fails to make, or is untimely in making the repairs necessary to comply with laws relating to health and safety, the Commission may order the tenant to pay rent into its escrow account.

In determining whether a rental charge or a proposed increase in a rental charge is so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable, Connecticut law instructs Commissions to consider such of the following circumstances as are applicable to the type of accommodation:

1. The rents charged for the same number of rooms in other housing accommodations in the same and in other areas of the municipality;

2. The sanitary conditions existing in the housing accommodations in question;
3. The number of bathtubs or showers, flush water closets, kitchen sinks and lavatory basins available to the occupants thereof;
4. Services, furniture, furnishings and equipment supplied therein;
5. The size and number of bedrooms contained therein;
6. Repairs necessary to make such accommodations reasonably livable for the occupants accommodated therein;
7. The amount of taxes and overhead expenses, including debt service, thereof;
8. Whether the accommodations are in compliance with the ordinances of the municipality and the general statutes relating to health and safety;
9. The income of the petitioner and the availability of accommodations;
10. The availability of utilities;
11. Damages done to the premises by the tenant, caused by other than ordinary wear and tear;
12. The amount and frequency of increases in rental charges;
13. Whether, and the extent to which, the income from an increase in rental
charges has been or will be reinvested in improvements to the accommodations.

Once the Commission has determined the amount of "fair rent", a written decision stating that amount and setting its duration (up to a period of one year from the effective date set by the Commission) is sent to both parties. Thereafter, the tenant must pay, and the landlord must accept the set rent. Either party may appeal the Commission's decision to the Superior Court (Housing Session).

If a claim of retaliation cannot be resolved by mutual agreement, it will be investigated and subjected to the hearing process. Thereafter, if the Commission concludes that the landlord's requested increase was in retaliation for the tenant's request of repairs or some other action on its part, the Commission has the power to order the landlord to "cease and desist" from such retaliatory action.

If a property serviced by the Stamford WPCA is being sold, the SWPCA MUST be notified in order to receive the pro-rated balance to pay account in full and update the new information of the buyer.

Homeowners: your attorney MUST obtain a pro-rated balance and may receive a future cycle bill that is based on the prior owner's usage.

Attorneys: contact the SWPCA Billing Dept at 1-888-263-5047 or email StamfordWPCA@stamfordct.gov to obtain a pro-rated amount to be paid at the closing.

Claims must be sent to:

Lyda Ruijter
City and Town Clerk
Government Center
888 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06901

The sewer user charge is based on your water usage for the six month period of November through April. The water company provides the Water Pollution Control Authority with actual water usage for all properties in Stamford. The charge is based on the "winter usage" to avoid charging for heavier summer uses such as watering your lawn and garden, washing your car, or filling your pool, which do not impact the treatment system. If a property has a well usage bills are based on the residential average for sewer use in lieu of water usage readings.

The current user charge rate is $5.46/CCF.

The user charge rate is reviewed and voted upon annually at the August or September WPCA Board Meeting. The rate set at the August/September meeting typically applies to the upcoming October and the following April billing periods (unless a mid-year user charge increase is approved by the Board).

Stamford User Charge History (rate/CCF):

• July 1 2024-June 30 2025: $5.46
• July 1 2023-June 30 2024: $5.33 
• July 1 2022-June 30 2023: $5.33
• July 1 2021-June 30 2022: $5.26
• July 1 2020-June 30 2021: $5.16 
• July 1 2019-June 30 2020: $5.00
• July 1 2018-June 30 2019: $5.00
• July 1 2017-June 30 2018: $4.88
• July 1 2016-June 30 2017: $4.72
• July 1 2015-June 30 2016: $4.64
• July 1 2014-June 30 2015: $4.55
• July 1 2013-June 30 2014: $4.40
• January 1 2013-June 30 2013: $4.21
• July 1 2012-December 31 2012: $3.89
• July 1 2011-June 30 2012: $3.86
• July 1 2010-June 30 2011: $3.56
• July 1 2009-June 30 2010: $3.46
• July 1 2008-June 30 2009: $3.38
• July 1 2007-June 30 2008: $3.03
• July 1 2006-June 30 2007: $2.96
• July 1 2005-June 30 2006: $2.30
• July 1 2004-June 30 2005: $2.20
• July 1 2003-June 30 2004: $2.06

If you feel your water usage is wrong, contact the Aquarion Water Company at 800-732-9678.

For other questions about your bill, call the SWPCA Billing Dept at 1-888-263-5047 or SWPCA Customer Service at 203-977-5832.

• Repair dripping faucets
• Repair leaking toilets – leaks can be detected by using dye tablets
• Do not let the water run while brushing your teeth or washing dishes
• Take showers instead of baths
• Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes

If there is a balance due on the account, all you need to do is pay the balance in full. Once the account is paid in full, the SWPCA Billing Dept (contact number: 1-888-263-5047) sends notification and the appropriate paperwork to the Town Clerk’s Office to release the lien.

If the account is already paid in full, contact the Customer Services Specialist at 203-977-5832 or email StamfordWPCA@stamfordct.gov.

Please check to make sure that the correct sewer user account number is being used. If an incorrect account number is being used in an online payment system, the possibility of a misapplied payment or lost payment exists.

No.

No. Since the sewer user charge is a utility bill and not a tax, it is not deductible.

The sewer user charge for well customers is based on the average Stamford residential water usage. Well customers can install a water meter at their own expense if they wish to be billed for their actual usage.

No, almost every town/city in Connecticut has a user charge system, and is the most common charging system nationally.

The bill follows the property, not the homeowner. The bills are created based upon the winter period usage for the dwelling, not the homeowner.

The billing period refers to the interval of time you are being billed for. The read period is the interval of time that provides the water consumption used in the bill calculation.

If you feel your water usage is wrong, contact the Aquarion Water Company at 800-732-9678.

For other questions about your bill, call the SWPCA Billing Dept at 1-888-263-5047 or SWPCA Customer Service at 203-977-5832.

Call our SWPCA Billing Dept at 1-888-263-5047 if:

• Your name, address, or other information is incorrect
• You receive a sewer user charge bill for property you no longer own (Please give the new owner’s name if you know it.)
• You received a sewer user charge bill but you have a septic system and no ability to connect to the sanitary sewer

If you have any other questions, contact Customer Service at 203-977-5832 or email StamfordWPCA@StamfordCT.gov

You may pay your bill on-line using an e-check or credit card (fees will apply) using convenient on-line sewer use bill payment! For instructions on how to make a sewer bill payment online, please see the Stamford WPCA on-line Bill Payment Instructions.

You may pay your bill by mail using a personal check, bank check, or money order (do not send cash). A special post office box is set-up to receive sewer user charge payments by mail. Effective April 1, 2015, mail payments to:

City of Stamford WPCA
P.O. Box 8063
Bridgeport, CT 06601-4063

Please write your account number on the check/money order.

You may pay your bill in person at the Stamford WPCA Customer Service Office at the Stamford Government Center on the 10th Floor, Mon-Fri 8:30AM-3:30PM

All sewer user charges shall be due and payable in full within 30 days of the date of the mailing of the bill to the customer. Any sewer user charge not paid in full within the aforementioned time period shall be deemed delinquent and shall bear interest at the rate and in the manner prescribed by the Connecticut General Statutes for property taxes.

If you believe you have already paid, please contact the SWPCA Billing Dept at 888-263-5047.

Bills are calculated based upon a six month winter period. The sewer user charge is for use over twelve months, therefore, the six month winter period is billed twice.

The WPCA bills twice per year, in April and in October.

All users of the sanitary sewer system, including all residential, commercial, government and nonprofit organizations are charged at the same rate. Under the user charge system, everyone who discharges wastewater to the sanitary sewer system pays their share of treating that wastewater regardless of their tax status.

There may be an increase in the user charge rate for the next year . The Board of Directors of the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority will vote in August on the new rate. Please check this site for an update in September.

A catch basin is an engineered drainage structure with the sole function of collecting rainwater and
snowmelt from streets and parking lots and transporting it to local waterways through a system of
underground piping, culverts, and / or drainage ditches. Catch basins can be found on public or private
property. In the City of Stamford, all the water collected by catch basins or storm drains flows directly
into our creeks, rivers, watercourses, wetlands and is ultimately discharged, UNTREATED, into Long
Island Sound. All citizens should be aware that stormwater collected by catch basins does not flow to
the treatment plant at the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA).

The terms catch basin and storm drain generally have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

Not in the City of Stamford. In Stamford, sanitary sewers and storm drains are two completely different drainage systems. Sanitary sewers carry wastewater from such things as washing machines sinks, toilets, and showers to the treatment plant at WPCA to be treated prior to being discharged into Long Island Sound. The storm drain system collects rainwater, snow melt, and anything else dumped into it and carries it all directly to our local waterways - with no treatment.

The storm drain system is maintained by periodically inspecting, cleaning, and removing the contents of catch basins and storm drains.

The City will investigate all reports of illegal dumping into the storm drain system. If you see
something stormwater related that seems questionable, let us know and we’ll investigate the situation.
Go to our web page at http://www.stamfordct.gov/stormwater-management and click on the
Stormwater Management Service Request link to file a complaint.

In the vast majority of cases, it would be considered a violation of the Stormwater Ordinance to
conduct a charitable carwash in a parking lot. If soapy wash waters from vehicles is observed entering a
catch basin, even on private property, this action would be treated as a violation because human activity
results in contributing pollutants directly to the storm drainage system. This is a finable offense and
applies to any person, including any individual, organization, association, partnership, firm, corporation,
or other entity recognized by law and acting as either the Owner or the Owners Agent.

Per the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP):

“All vehicle washing must be performed in a manner which prevents the direct discharge of soapy
washwater to a stream, river, or other surface waterbody. Washwaters must not enter a
stormwater catch basin because the vast majority of these storm drains discharge ultimately
to a surface waterbody. The most environmentally sound choice is that of prevention. Despite
popular perception, uncontrolled disposal of these wastes is not a harmless activity,
particularly where large numbers of vehicles are involved. For fund raising car washes, the
first consideration should be to find an alternate activity to earn money”.

Please visit: http://www.ct.gov/deep for additional guidance.

The Public Education and Outreach efforts of the City of Stamford Stormwater Management
Department include providing information on stormwater pollution prevention to residents, businesses,
and students through its website, found at: http://www.stamfordct.gov/stormwater-management.

No. City ordinance Section 214-9 prohibits any person from discharging drainwater upon sidewalks
and roadways. Specifically, it states “No person shall construct or cause to be constructed or allow to
remain any spout or drain from any building or any drainage in such a manner that water, soil, gravel, or
other debris therefrom will discharge upon and over any sidewalk or roadway in the city.

Additionally, water discharged from pools and hot tubs frequently contain chemicals from regular
maintenance which eventually end up in a stream or river where it produces by-products that are highly
toxic and carcinogenic to fish and other wildlife.

Assessments and Connections become delinquent 30 days after the due dates indicated above.

That means, that assessments and connections can be paid, without incurring a charge for delinquent interest, according to the following schedule:

If due November 1 - can be paid without penalty November 30.

The tax collectors’ office should be promptly notified if there is a change of billing address.

Click here for change of address form.

Interest on delinquent taxes is charged at the rate of 1.5% per full or partial month in accordance with Connecticut General Statute 12-146 “… the delinquent portion of the principal of any tax shall be subject to interest at the rate of eighteen per cent per annum from the time when it became due and payable until the same is paid, subject to a minimum interest charge of two dollars…”

Per state statute, failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt the tax payer from payment of interest.  Connecticut General Statutes do not grant tax collectors the authority to waive interest fees. There are absolutely no exceptions.

City of Stamford
Collector of Taxes
888 Washington Blvd,
Stamford, CT 06901

Note: Assessment and Connection bills are Issued November 1

When mailing in a payment please make sure to include your customer account ID# on the check or money order.

1. You can download the application here. 
2. You may write to townclerk@stamfordct.gov to request that an AB application be sent to your home.
3. Call 203.977.5280 to request an AB application; please provide your name and address when you leave a message.
4. Our office is open.

1. In CT, voters need to provide a valid reason to qualify for an AB ballot. You must mark one of the reasons provided on the AB application form.
2. Please note that COVID-19 is no longer a valid reason to vote AB.

The ballots will be available as of February 8, 2022.

You may place your ballot into one of the secure drop boxes located at the following locations: 

• Government Center Parking Garage, 888 Washington Boulevard 

• Harry Bennett Libary, 115 Vine Road

  Mail to: Town Clerk – AB Application, P.O. Box 891, Stamford, CT 06904-0891

Please note: electronic copies are not accepted as per Connecticut Law.

The Town Clerk continues to practice safety measures for the protection of clients and staff.

a.  An appointment for in-person pick up of the ballot can be arranged by
     writing to townclerk@stamfordct.gov.

b.  Walk-ins will be accommodated in order in which they arrive.

c.  Curbside AB voting can be arranged in the parking garage of the
     Government Center by appointment if required due to illness, disability,
     or if quarantine conditions apply.

d. In-person pick up of ballots will be available on Saturday, February 26,
9am-12pm.

1. Mail to: Town Clerk, P.O. Box 891, Stamford, CT 06904-0891
2. You may drop off in-person in the ballot box in the parking garage in the Government Center, which is open 24 hours a day.
3. You may drop off in-person in the ballot box in the parking garage at the Harry Bennett Library, 115 Vine Road. 

1. Ballots need to be received in our office via US mail at the latest on Election Day to be counted.
2. The final collection of ballots from the ballot box is at 8pm on February 8, 2022.

Please contact the Registrars of Voters.

 a. You can submit an AB application for voters from abroad here:
 https://www.fvap.gov. Applications for voters from abroad may be
submitted electronically; send to townclerk@stamfordct.gov. You will also
need to send a hard copy by mail or courier.

b. We can send the ballot to you electronically, but you will have to return it
by postal or courier services.

To track your ballot, please click on the link below: 

https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/lookup.aspx

1. You may drop off the Application or the Ballot in one of the ballot
   boxes, located in the parking garage in the Government Center; and in
   front of the Harry Bennett Library (Vine Rd).
2.  The boxes are accessible 24 hours a day and are emptied each day.
3.  We encourage every voter to use the ballot box for both the application and the ballot, to ensure that your vote will count.

The Residential Parking Program [RPP] is for residential areas around major traffic generators – like hospitals or rail stations – where on-street parking is restricted for those except residents and short-term visitors.

Curb space is a limited public resource – RPP’s help to balance the needs of those who want to use the same public space.

Because it’s public, restricting the use of the curb requires a compelling reason. In the case of the the RPP program, it is to prioritize residential and short-term visitor parking over commuter parking in the public right of way.

The only way to obtain your Residential Parking Permit is online.

To obtain your permit online, go to the main Residential Parking Zone chart, go to you zone, and select "Click Here for Permit" 

You can submit a request for a new RPP by submitting the application:

Include $100.00 processing fee

Petition with at least 65% of households supporting the request

Only one signature per household

More than 75% of the available parking should be occupied as verified by TT&P (unless the proposed zone is within 1/3 mile of a park, beach, or open water access point)

The letter/application should specify the traffic generator and the blocks where the generator is causing on-street parking congestion.

Stamford TT&P will review applications and also considers other strategies, such as adding parking where possible, utilizing transportation demand management programs, etc.

When TT&P receives the petition we verify the number of households and signatures.  We then will go to the street and measure the available curb for parking. We use this number of stalls to calculate the number of permits per household and this is included in our report that we present to the residents in the public hearing.  This way it can be taken into account prior to the residents deciding if they want to move forward.

If you would like more parking meters in Stamford, you can email Frank Petise, PE who oversees parking operations at FPetise@StamfordCT.gov

3 is the maximum per household. As part of the TT&P report, we will determine how many permits each household can get. The minimum number of permits per household is 1. There may be cases where there are more households than available parking spaces which would be a cause for denying the application.

A 2 family house is counted as 2 separate households.

Please see Section 231-45.1 of the Stamford Municipal Code for more information about one day residential parking permit exceptions

The ordinance stipulates it is the residents of the households. This can be the owner or the renter.

You can expand an existing RPP to your block if:

Your block is adjacent to an existing RPP

You apply for using the application and pay the appropriate processing fee

65% of the households on your block sign a petition to join the RPP

In areas where time limits are posted or metered parking is established, non-permitted vehicles can still park in the area, but must obey posted time limits.  Vehicles with permits for the specific area are exempt.

Signs are installed on the blocks in an RPP alerting drivers that only vehicles with Zone Permits can park on the Street

Use Fixit Stamford to report any illegally parked vehicles:

https://stamford.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(bsoh3wdxid03hcwsgmecbid0))/RequestOpen.aspx?sSessionID=&rqst=190

This depends on how the application is filled out as well as our engineering study, we do have some zones that are only by block. If you have questions for specific streets we can review this with you before sending in the application.

Parkmobile is the contactless way to pay for parking in Stamford. Just download on your mobile device and follow the on-screen prompts. Look for signs or stickers on the parking meter around where you parked to tell you which Parkmobile Zone you are in.

According to city ordinance, vehicles can be removed from the street if it has been in the same space for more than 120 hours (5 days). Please note that while you might have seen a vehicle parked on the street for over 120 hours, the Parking Enforcement Officer will need to verify this by chalking the car and coming back 5 days later. Once the officer comes back after 5 days and the vehicle has remained in the same position, it will be tagged for towing. There is a minimum of 24 hours until vehicles can be towed. After this 24 hour period, the vehicle will be removed from the street. To report a vehicle suspected of violating the 120 hour ordinance, please use Fixit Stamford Please note the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle.

Appeals must be filed within 15 calendar days of the ticket issuance.  Click here for more information.

Parking Tickets can be paid online, by mail (do not mail cash), or in person at the Cashiering and Permitting Department

Stamford has several different timed parking areas across the City. Look at the parking meter or any nearby signs to indicate how long you can park on the street. If you pay for more than the maximum time allowed, you may  be subject to an overtime parking violation. 

Our Department does not purchase or install Blind Spot Mirrors in City Right-of-Way. There is currently no documentation from Connecticut or the federal government regarding their appropriateness.  There are also several issues associated with Traffic Mirrors that may lead to distorted images, speeds, and distances of oncoming traffic all of which could become a liability.

The City does not install parking signs next to driveways for single or multi-family house. We will consider installing parking signs next to driveways for larger residential or commercial developments with higher volumes of traffic only when an Engineering Study is conducted by a Traffic Engineer. If you believe your complex would qualify, please submit a traffic investigation request to Fixit Stamford:

https://stamford.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(bsoh3wdxid03hcwsgmecbid0))/RequestOpen.aspx?sSessionID=&rqst=139 

The installation of stop signs requires a Traffic Engineering Study as outlined by the Federal Highways Administration. Stop signs are meant to control right-of-way at intersections and are expressly prohibited from being used for speed control. If you would like a stop sign installed at an intersection, please submit a traffic investigation request to Fixit Stamford

Please fill out this form. If you are requesting traffic camera footage, you will also have to fill out this form. 

Please submit a Traffic Investigation request to Fixit Stamford This section is for concerns with changes in traffic on a specific road or intersection. This includes but is not limited to speeding, traffic calming, and traffic flow. Please use as much detail as possible especially photos, as they are very helpful in understanding the issue. After you fill out a report, one of our traffic engineers will review it and will recommend next steps.

If your car is booted, you must pay your tickets at stm.mybootinfo.com or call 877-878-9669 in order to get your boot removal code. Do not pay on the City of Stamford Website.

The City recently changed the commercial vehicle ordinance for the City. Please see the new rules about parking commercial vehicles on the street here: New Truck Parking Ordinance

If you see a vehicle in violation of this ordinance, you can report it to Fixit Stamford Here

Please submit a damaged sign request to Fixit Stamford

Please submit a Downed Sign request to Fixit Stamford

If a Traffic Signal is out of service or on flash, please call police non-emergency (203) 977-4444. For all other traffic signal issues (timing, walk buttons, etc.), please submit a Traffic Signals request on Fixit Stamford

If the ticket is not paid within 15 calendar dates after the ticket is issued, that fine will double. Failure to pay within 30 days of ticket issuance will result in the said fine tripling. The penalty shall not exceed $250.

Pay-by-Plate is an alternative to pay by space parking as customers can purchase parking time at a common parking station or on the mobile parking app using their license plate.

All pay stations are Pay-by-plate.