West Hartford ADU Zoning Guide

Last reviewed 2026-04-28

Max size1,000 sq ft
Owner occupancyRequired

West Hartford, CT permits accessory dwelling units under Section 177-23.1 of the Zoning Code, originally added January 12, 2021 and substantially amended on June 13, 2023. ADUs are allowed in all single family residence districts. The unit can be attached, located within the principal dwelling, or detached in an accessory building. The cap is 1,000 square feet or 30 percent of the principal dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is less. Site Plan review with the Town Planner is required, but no Special Permit hearing is needed.

Status

Adoption status: Active. Section 177-23.1 of the Code of the Town of West Hartford. Original adoption January 12, 2021 by 6-3 Town Council vote. Material amendment June 13, 2023.
Governing ordinance: Town of West Hartford Code of Ordinances, Chapter 177 (Zoning), Article IV, Section 177-23.1 (Accessory dwelling units)
Key differentiator: All single family zones, by-right Site Plan with Town Planner (no Special Permit), and explicit basement ADU pathway requiring daylight access. Annual affidavit only required when the ADU is rented for income.

Eligibility

Where ADUs are allowed

Zoning districts permitted: All one family residence districts (R-6, R-10, R-13, R-20, R-40 and similar per Section 177-6)
Lot type: Single family residential lots
Limit per property: One ADU per lot

Types allowed

Attached ADU (within or adjoining principal): Yes
Detached ADU (separate accessory building): Yes
Interior conversion: Yes
Basement ADU: Yes, when at least one wall opens to grade with windows and walk-out access

Size and placement

Size limits

Maximum sq ft: 1,000 sq ft, or 30 percent of the principal dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is less

Setbacks

Detached ADU side and rear setback: Minimum side and rear yard of the principal dwelling, or 10 feet, whichever is less (Section 177-23.1A(5))
Front yard: Defaults to district zoning

Rules for use

Parking

ADU parking requirement: At least 1 off street space, subject to Section 177-32
Curb cut: Additional curb cuts servicing the ADU are prohibited
Principal parking preservation: Total required off street parking for the principal dwelling cannot be reduced

Owner occupancy

Required: Yes. Either the principal dwelling or the ADU must be owner occupied.
Annual affidavit: Required if the ADU is rented for income. Filed with the Town Planner on or before December 31 each year.

Rental use

Short-term rental: Not specifically addressed in Section 177-23.1. Standard West Hartford rental rules apply.
Long-term rental: Permitted, subject to owner occupancy of either unit and annual affidavit

How to apply in West Hartford

Default pathway: Site Plan review with the Town Planner under Section 177-42B
Notice: Certificate of mailing to adjoining property owners, plus a sign posted on the property
Special Permit: Not required
Contact: Town of West Hartford Town Planner, Office of Town Planning

Recent and pending changes

2023-06-13
Section 177-23.1 amended in subsections A(2), A(3), A(5), and A(7). The amendment loosened the size cap to 1,000 sq ft or 30 percent (whichever is less) and refined detached-ADU setbacks and curb cut rules.
2021-01-12
Original Section 177-23.1 adopted by Town Council on a 6-3 vote, permitting ADUs in all single family residence districts.

Important details

Basement ADU pathway: Section 177-23.1A(4) explicitly permits basement ADUs when at least one wall opens to grade with windows and walk-out ingress and egress.
Detached ADU setback rule: minimum side and rear yard of the principal dwelling, or 10 feet, whichever is less.
Design materials requirement: Section 177-23.1A(6) requires durable, permanent exterior materials that match or are complementary to the principal dwelling, with roof shapes that match the architectural style.
Annual affidavit: Required only when the ADU is rented for income, filed by December 31 each year with the Town Planner.

Frequently asked questions

Where in West Hartford are ADUs allowed?

In all one family residence districts under Section 177-23.1. The Town Council voted to expand ADU eligibility to every single family zone in January 2021 and refined the rules with a June 13, 2023 amendment.

Can my ADU be in the basement?

Yes, but only when at least one wall within the unit opens to grade and contains both windows and walk-out ingress and egress. This rules out fully below grade basements without daylight access.

Will I need a public hearing?

No. ADUs are processed through Site Plan review with the Town Planner. Notice goes to adjoining property owners by certificate of mailing and a sign is posted on the property, but there is no Special Permit hearing.

Sources (3)

Last reviewed 2026-04-28. Local rules can change — verify the latest details with the West Hartford planning department, or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project. This page is informational and is not legal advice.