City of Hartford - Permit Center | Conversion of a Nonconforming Use

Conversion of a Nonconforming Use

Description Upon written petition, the City may, on a case-by-case basis, allow the conversion of a legal nonconforming use to another nonconforming use.

Basis of decision The Plan Commission in making its decision must compare the known and anticipated impacts of the existing nonconforming use on properties in the area and those of the proposed nonconforming use. A proposed conversion can only be approved when the new nonconforming use would be less of a nonconformity than the existing nonconforming use.

Decisionmaker Plan Commission makes the final decision

Appeals The Commission's decision can be appealed to the Common Council for review and final determination. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the Commission's decision.

Application Fee

There is no fee

Upcoming Meetings

Plan Commission - January Review

Date Reviewed:

2025-01-13T23:30:00Z

Filing Deadline:

2024-12-20T22:00:00Z

Plan Commission - February Review

Date Reviewed:

2025-02-10T23:30:00Z

Filing Deadline:

2025-01-17T22:00:00Z

Plan Commission - March Review

Date Reviewed:

2025-03-10T22:30:00Z

Filing Deadline:

2025-02-21T22:00:00Z

Show more dates

Notes

1. In order for an application to be heard on a given meeting date, the application (including forms, fees, plans, reports, etc.) must be submitted AND deemed complete by City staff on or before the corresponding submittal date. Because of that, you may want to submit your application before the submittal date. That way, we may be able to let you know if anything is missing and you'll have some time to perhaps get it done before the deadline.

2. Meeting dates and their corresponding submittal dates are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a nonconformity?

If a land use was legally established but does not currently comply with the requirements in the zoning code it is referred to as a nonconforming use. Likewise, a nonconforming structure is a structure that was legally established but does not comply with one or more of the dimensional standards for the zoning district in which it is located. Section ____ of the zoning code describes the special standards that apply to nonconformities.

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What is a determination of completeness?

When we receive a development application, staff will review the materials to make sure the application submittal is complete and ready for formal review. If an application submittal is not complete, staff will notify the applicant and describe the parts that are not complete.

A determination that an application is complete means the application is ready for formal review and does not suggest the applicant has provided sufficient information in all regards or preclude the reviewing authority from requesting additional information it deems appropriate.

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Can a decision of the Plan Commission be appealed?

Although the Plan Commission generally makes recommendations, there are some instances where the Commission makes the final decision (e.g., conditional uses). Those decisions can be appealed to circuit court. An appeal must be made soon after the decision has been made.

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If I submit an application and it is not approved, can I get my application fee back?

Application fees are not refundable. They are intended to cover the costs necessary to review the application.

View all Frequently Asked Questions

Primary Staff Contact

Jacob Maas, Director of Community Development

(262) 673-8265

[email protected]

About Reviewers

The following are involved in the review of this type of application.

The Plan Commission is a 7-member body established by the Common Council to review certain development projects and act on other matters. Depending on the type of the development proposal, the commission may be advisory to the Common Council or have the authority to make the final decision.

Planning staff provides technical support to the Common Council, Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, developers, neighbors, and other interested parties to facilitate the development review process.

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Everyone involved in reviewing development projects help ensure they align with City regulations and long-term planning goals to foster positive growth and development.

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Zoning Code | Permit Center | Conversion of a Nonconforming Use