Zoning ordinance reform and modernization

Solicitation #2027-RFQ-393. Issued by City Plan. The City of New Haven, acting through the City Plan Department, seeks proposals from a multi-disciplinary Consultant Team (“the Consultant”) to review and reform New Haven's Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. The scope will focus on aligning the zoning ordinance with the recently adopted ten-year Plan of Conservation and Development, Vision 2034 New Haven’s Comprehensive Plan, with attention to housing opportunity and stability, displacement prevention, economic development, and climate resiliency.

The project will result in the development of a new zoning ordinance that supports the City’s long-term goals. In addition to ensuring consistency with the Vision 2034 Plan, the updated ordinances are expected to: Modernize, simplify and streamline the ordinance including development review and approval procedures Promote walkable, mixed-use, and transit-oriented development patterns Expand the housing supply by encouraging development in targeted areas and supporting a diverse range of housing options Protect stable neighborhoods from displacement Update the ordinance to support development of modern commercial, retail and emerging industries Support environmental protection and climate resilience Create consistency between the zoning ordinance and the General Statutes, Special Acts, and relevant codes and other applicable laws Reflect best practices in land use administration, design standards, and placemaking tools in similar urban areas Promote transparency and public access to the development process through simple clear language and internal consistency Include simple illustrations, graphics and navigational features that make the updated ordinances easy to use and understand Be internally consistent and easy to maintain

The scope must include four primary tasks: (1) project administration and management (2) communications and engagement (3) evaluation of the current ordinance, recommendations and development of a framework for reform, and (4) draft reformed zoning including new zoning districts and zoning map.