Building Zone Regulations

GREENWICH MUNICIPAL CODE

Chapter 6. Land Use

To amend Section 6-99 and implement a moratorium for a period of six (6) months, to respond to community requests, and allow time for community input and to work on any necessary changes to the regulation, was approved by the Commission on 10/13/2022 with an effective date of 10/21/2022 and an ending date of April 13, 2023.

To amend Sections 6-2, 6-5(a) and 6-108 to change the language of the BEX-50 zone to no longer use the word "executive" and instead to use the word "campus" was approved by the Commission on 3/19/2019, with an effective date of 3/27/2019.

To amend Sec. 6-5(a) to prohibit the establishment of a cannabis establishment within the Municipality was approved by the Commission on 7/7/2021, with an effective date of 7/15/2021.

To amend Sec. 6-5(a)(36.5) definition of Medical Spa and Sec. 6-100 the inclusion of Medical Spa in Use Group 4, was approved by the Commission on 11/23/2021, with an effective date of 12/1/2021.

To define and restrict Short Term Rentals by the following language of Sections 6-5(43.4), 6-93(a)(3), 6-97, 6-98 and 6-154 of the Town Building Zone Regulations, as approved by the Commission on 1/20/2022, with an effective date of 1/27/2022.

Recently amended definition of “Walk-in Medical Clinic”, under Sections 6-5(a) (52), of the Town of Greenwich Building Zone Regulations 

To amend Sec. 6-5(a)(12.5) definition of Domestic Animals and Section 6-94 and 6-95 regarding the regulations for Domestic Animals, was approved by the Commission on 12/20/2022, with an effective date of 12/28/2022.

To amend Section 6-5(a) to define "Electric Vehicles", "Electric Vehicle Charging Levels", and "Electric Charging Station" and create a new section Section 162.1, ELECTRIC VEHICLE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, was approved by the Commission on 2/22/2023, with an effective date of 3/2/2023.

To amend Sec. 6-5(a)(26.1) “Green Area Requirements”, and replace Division 17, “Landscaping”, Sec. 6-176 through 6-183, with new language defining and explaining requirements for landscaping on property, was approved by the Commission on 1/10/2023, with an effective date of 1/18/2023. 

Recently amended Sections 6-13, through 6-17, and 6-22, regarding the Site Plan, Special Permit and Zoning Amendment process, and the inclusion of a “Pre-application review process”, of the Town of Greenwich Building Zone Regulations

To add "Home Office" to multi-family uses in the residential and business zones, as approved by the Commission on 3/2/2021 with an effective date of 3/10/2021.

To amend Section 6-14 to exempt proposed residential structures over 150,000 cubic feet in volume from the pre-application review process, as approved by the Commission on 3/2/2021 with an effective date of 3/10/2021.

To amend Section 6-14 and require statements regarding the energy efficiency of certain projects before the Planning and Zoning Commission, to support the goals of sustainability, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases as well as energy costs, as approved by the Commission on 5/10/2022 with an effective date of 5/18/2022.

To amend Sec. 6-26, and 6-30(a) to allow for conservation subdivision to apply for property 10-acres or larger while preserving at least 40% of the total land area in a conservation easement, was approved by the Commission on 4/26/2022, with an effective date of 5/4/2022.

To amend Sec. 6-99 "CONVERSION TO ACCESSORY HOUSING" of the BZR as approved by the Commission on 3/29/2022, with an effective date of 4/6/2022.

To amend Sec. 6-100 "USE GROUP FOR BUSINESS ZONES", regarding outdoor dining regulations, was approved by the Commission on 12/20/2022 with an effective date of 12/28/2022.

To amend Sec. 6-100 "USE GROUP FOR BUSINESS ZONES", Sec. 6-103.1 "USE REGULATIONS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CGBR ZONE", and Sec. 6-194 "LOCATION OF ALCOHOLIC ESTABLISHMENTS" of the BZR was approved by the Commission on 8/3/2021, with an effective date of 8/11/2021.

Recently amended Section 6-110, "USE REGULATIONS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DWELLING UNITS PERMITTED IN THE BUSINESS ZONES" of the Town of Greenwich Building Zone Regulations

To amend Sec. 6-110(d)(e) to clarify the language involving the stepping back of a top floor under certain conditions was approved by the Commission on 8/3/2021, with an effective date of 8/11/2021.

Recently amended Section 6-111 D of the Town of Greenwich Building Zone Regulations, to require, where appropriate, a vegetated buffer on properties adjacent to coastal resources

To amend Section 6-115 of the Town of Greenwich Building Zone Regulations, to create a new Managed Residential Community Overlay Zone (MRCO). Approved by the Commission on 11/23/2021, with an effective date of 12/1/2021.

To amend Sec. 6-194(a)(2) to add recreational facilities to those facilities that allow café permits was approved by the Commission on 8/3/2021, with an effective date of 8/11/2021.

Article 1. Building Zone Regulations

Building Zone Regulations - Full Version August 2019 (PDF)

Table of Contents

Division 1. General Provisions (PDF)

§6-1. Purposes of Article.
§6-2. Classes of Zones.
§6-3. Adoption of Zoning Map.
§6-4. Zone Boundaries.

Division 2. Administrative Provisions (PDF)

§6-5. Definitions.
§6-6. Interpretation of Article.
§6-7. Outstanding building permit.
§6-8. Enforcement of Article.
§6-9. Zoning regulations affect all structures and uses.
§6-10. Zoning permit applications; plans; contents; survey.
§6-11. Building permit required; issuance; term.
§6-12. Limitations on Zoning permit issuance.
§6-13. Site Plan approval required by Planning and Zoning Commission.
§6-14. Procedure: Applications for Site Plan review.
§6-14.1 Commission review of Site Plan applications.
§6-15. Site Plan Standards.
§6-16. Site Plan changes.
§6-16.1. Acceptance of Site Plan construction.
§6-17. Authorization of use by special permit.
§6-17.1. Site Plan and Special Permit Exemptions.
§6-18. Certificate of occupancy; procedure.
§6-19. Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals; powers and duties.
§6-20. Board of Appeals; procedures.
§6-21. Time limit on variance or exception.
§6-22. Zoning amendments.

Division 3. Conservation Zones (PDF)

§6-23. Conservation Zones: purpose.
§6-24. Planning and Zoning Commission approval.
§6-25. Classes of Conservation Zones.
§6-26. Size of Zone.
§6-27. Use regulations.
§6-28. Number of dwelling units.
§6-29. Floor area ratio and height requirements.
§6-30. Lot and building requirements.
§6-31. Conservation land requirements.
§6-32. Trust, easement or covenant required.
§6-33. Application for Zone Approval.
§6-34. Zone approval procedure.

Division 4. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Elderly Zone (PDF)

§6-35. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Elderly Zone (R-PHD-E); purpose.
§6-36. Location of Zone.
§6-37. Size of Zone.
§6-38. Use regulations.
§6-39. Number of units.
§6-40. Floor area ratio and height regulation.
§6-41. Yard requirements.
§6-42. Application for Zone approval.
§6-43. Zone approval procedure.
§6-43.1. Special Permit - Zoning Rights, Congregate Housing.

Division 5. Planned Residential Zone (PDF)

§6-44. Planned Residential Zone (R-PR); purposes.
§6-45. Planning and Zoning Commission approval.
§6-46. Size of Zone.
§6-47. Location of Zone.
§6-48. Density.
§6-49. Utility and road requirements.
§6-50. Use regulations.
§6-51. Lot size and yard requirements.
§6-52. Height requirements.
§6-53. Number of units.
§6-54. Location of structures.
§6-55. Area of residential development.
§6-56. Conservation land requirements.
§6-57. Recreational land requirements.
§6-58. Application for Zone approval.
§6-59. Public Hearing.
§6-60. Zoning Plan approval.
§6-61. Review of site plans; lapsed approval.

Division 6. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Small Unit Zone (PDF)

§6-62. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Small Unit Zone (R-PHD-SU); purpose.
§6-63. Location of Zone.
§6-64. Type and number of units.
§6-65. Maximum building area.
§6-66. Building height.
§6-67. Floor area ratio.
§6-68. Yard requirements.
§6-69. Distance between building and/or structures.
§6-70. Use regulations.
§6-71. Application for Zone approval.
§6-71.1
§6-72. Application for Affordable Housing Units Zone approval procedure.
§6-73. Issuance of building permit or certificate of occupancy.
§6-74. Limitation of time.

Division 7. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Town House Zone (PDF)

§6-74.1. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Town House Zone (R-PHD-TH); purposes.
§6-75. Location of Zone.
§6-76. Number of families; lot area; terrace area.
§6-77. Building coverage and height.
§6-78. Yard requirement.
§6-79. Number of town houses.
§6-80. Distance between buildings and/or structures.
§6-81. Use regulations.
§6-82. Application for Zone approval.
§6-83. Zone plan approval procedure.
§6-84. Issuance of building permit or certificate of occupancy.
§6-85. Limitation of time.

Division 8. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Neighborhood Zone (PDF)

§6-86. Residential - Planned Housing Design - Neighborhood Zone (R-PHD-N); intent.
§6-87. Purposes of Zone.
§6-88. Location of Zone.
§6-89. Density.
§6-90. Yard requirements; height and bulk of buildings.
§6-91. Use regulations.
§6-92. Zone change procedure.

Division 9. Use Regulations (PDF)

Subdivision 1. RA-4, RA-2, RA-1, R-20 and R-12 Zones

§6-93. Permitted uses in RA-4, RA-2, RA-1, R-20 and R-12 Zones.
§6-94. Permitted uses by special permit as indicated below.
§6-95. Permitted accessory uses.
§6-96. Prohibited accessory uses.

Subdivision 2. R-7, R-6, R-MF, Accessory Housing Conversion Zones

§6-97. Use regulation for R-7 Zones.
§6-98. Use regulation for R-6 Zone.
§6-98.1 Use regulation for RMF Zone.
§6-99. Conversion to Accessory Housing (6/10/94).

Subdivision 3. Business Zones

§6-100. Use Groups for Business Zones.
§6-100.1. Employee Density.
§6-101. Special permit required for Business Zones and Residential Zones.
§6-102. Statement of purposes - all Business Zones.
§6-103. Use regulations and special requirements for all LBR Zone.
§6-103.1. Use regulations and special requirements for CGBR Zone.
§6-104. Use regulations and special requirements for LB Zone.
§6-104.1. Use regulations and special requirements for CGB Zone.
§6-105. Use regulations and special requirements for GB Zone.
§6-106. Use regulations and special requirements for GBO Zone.
§6-107. Use regulations and special requirements for WB Zone.
§6-108. Use regulations for BEX-50 Zone.
§6-109. Historic Overlay Zone (HO).
§6-110. Use regulations and special requirements for dwelling units permitted in the Business Zones.
§6-111. Coastal Overlay Zone. (COZ).
§6-112. Industrial Re-Use Overlay Zone (IND-RE).
§6-113. Use regulations and special requirements for Hospital Zones (H-1 and H-2).
§6-114. Continuing Care Retirement Community Overlay Zone (CCRC).
§6-115. Reserved.
§6-116. Reserved.

Subdivision 4. Reserved

§6-117. Reserved.
§6-118. Reserved. 

Subdivision 5. Railroad Rights-of-Way

§6-118.1. Use regulations in railroad rights-of-way.

Division 10. Supplementary Area and Height Regulations (PDF)

§6-119. Restoration of unsafe buildings.
§6-120. Reduction or duplication of required yard.
§6-121. Yard requirements on through lots.
§6-122. Light and ventilation.
§6-123. Rear yard required.
§6-124. Minimum street width.
§6-125. Yard requirements along zone boundary line.
§6-126. Visibility at intersections.
§6-127. Height exceptions.
§6-128. Projections in required yards.
§6-129. Front and street side yard requirements.
§6-130. Building lines.
§6-131. Minimum frontage exceptions.
§6-132. Yard requirements on corner lots.
§6-133. Separation required in proximity of high pressure gas transmission lines.
§6-134. Measurements.
§6-135. Screening requirement along boundary line.
§6-136. Awnings.
§6-137. Business access.
§6-138. Land under water.
§6-139. Business zone setback measurements.
§6-139.1. Flood Hazard Overlay Zone. (FHOZ).
§6-140. Aircraft landing-Takeoff facilities.
§6-140.1. Telecommunication Facilities and Sites.
§6-140.2. Fences and Walls.

Division 11. Non-Conforming Uses (PDF)

§6-141. Non-conforming uses; restrictions.
§6-142. Non-conforming building.
§6-143. Non-conforming yards.

Division 12. Accessory Buildings (PDF)

§6-144. Accessory buildings in Residence Zones.
§6-145. Accessory buildings on corner lots.
§6-146. Use of accessory building as residence; guest houses.
§6-147. Building attached to structure; erection.
§6-147.1. Preservation of existing buildings in Commercial Zones.

Division 13. Courtyards (PDF)

§6-148. Courts restricted in three-story buildings.
§6-149. Courts in business or industrial buildings.
§6-150. Courts in mixed-use buildings.

Division 14. Lighting Requirements (PDF)

§6-151. Purpose of Article.
§6-152. Business zone regulations.
§6-153. Residential zone regulations; exceptions.

Division 15. Parking and Loading Facilities (PDF)

§6-154. Parking and garages for residential purposes.
§6-155. Parking and garages for two-family and multi-family residential purposes.
§6-156. Restrictions on non-passenger vehicles and truck parking.
§6-157. Commercial loading areas.
§6-158. Customer or patron parking; required spaces.
§6-159. Requirements for below grade parking.
§6-160. Use of tract of land for public parking.
§6-161. Landscaping, paving, and drainage.
§6-162. Pooled or group parking facilities.

Division 16. Signs (PDF)

§6-163. Residential zones specifications.
§6-164. Business zones specifications.
§6-165. Measurement of sign area.
§6-166. Location of sign.
§6-167. Height restrictions.
§6-168. Illuminated signs.
§6-169. Design and lettering.
§6-170. Special devices.
§6-171. Sign repairs; alterations.
§6-172. Removal of Signs.
§6-173. Replacements, alteration or relocation.
§6-174. Prohibited signs.
§6-175. Permit procedure.

Division 17. Screening and Planting (PDF)

§6-176. Purpose of Division.
§6-177. Uses requiring screening.
§6-178. Uses requiring planting.
§6-179. Required screening; exceptions.
§6-180. Schedule of required screening and planting.
§6-181. Planting specifications.
§6-182. Planting regulations.
§6-183. Approval of screening for non-conforming uses.

Division 17.1. Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (PDF)

§6-183.1. Definitions.
§6-183.2. Activities Requiring A Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
§6-183.3. Exemptions.
§6-183.4. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
§6-183.5. Minimum Acceptable Standards.
§6-183.6. Issuance or Denial of Certification.
§6-183.7. Conditions Relating to Soil Erosion and Sediment Control.
§6-183.8. Inspection.
§6-183.9. Penalties.
§6-183.10. General Provisions.

Division 18. Site Plans (PDF)

§6-184. Site plan contents; specifications.
§6-185. Site plan dimensions for parking.
§6-186. Specifications of parking and loading areas.
§6-187. Marking of parking and traffic signs.
§6-188. Sidewalk specifications.
§6-189. Curb cuts; access drives.
§6-190. Landscaping requirements.
§6-191. Signs.
§6-192. Enclosed rubbish area.

Division 19. Trailers and Establishments Selling Alcoholic Beverage (PDF)

§6-193. Trailers prohibited.
§6-194. Location of Alcoholic Establishments.
§6-195. Reserved.
§6-196. Reserved.
§6-197. Reserved.
§6-198. Reserved.
§6-199. Reserved.
§6-200. Reserved.
§6-201. Reserved.

Division 20. Penalties (PDF)

§6-202. Penalties; abatement.

Division 21. Schedule of Open Spaces, Heights and Bulk of Buildings - Schedule of Building Lines (PDF)

§6-203. Open spaces, height and bulk of buildings.
§6-204. Exceptions to maximum height and parking space requirements.
§6-205. Schedule of required open spaces, limiting height and bulk of buildings.
§6-205.1. Schedule of building lines.

Diagrams (PDF)

Diagram 1. Grade Plane.
Diagram 2. Attic Area Included in Gross Floor Area (GFA).
Diagram 3. Basement Areas Included and Excluded from Gross Floor Area (GFA).
Diagram 4. Half and Full Story Calculations for Attic Area.
Diagram 5. Basement Area Counted as a Story Above Grade Under the Following Conditions.
Diagram 6. Illustration of Lot Frontage Measurement on Cul-de-sac.
Diagram 7. Illustration Distinguishing Yards from Required Yards.
Diagram 7.1. Illustration of Yards for Typical Lots and Rear Lots.
Diagram 8. Illustration of Lot Frontage Measurement.
Diagram 9. Illustration of Yards for Irregular Shaped Lot.
Diagram 10. Illustration of Corner, Rear and Through Lots.
Diagram 11. Illustration of Building Orientation and Impacts to Waterfront Views.
Diagram 12. Illustration of Waterfront Public Access and Public Accessway Easements.
Diagram 13. Illustration of Conditions where a Wider Public Waterfront Access Easement May be Required.
Diagram 14. Illustration of Public Access Signage from the DEEP Coastal Public Access Sign Catalog. 

Appendix

Regulations Index by Subject (PDF)
Chronological List of Text Amendments (PDF)