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1. What is the local Medical Reserve Corps?

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a community-based, civilian volunteer program committed to strengthen and support local public health infrastructure MRC volunteers assist their communities in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. The Middletown MRC serves all of Middlesex County.

2. Who can volunteer for the MRC?

Anyone interested in supporting on-going public health needs and serving during times of natural or made-made emergencies and disasters can volunteer to be part of the MRC. Volunteers are active or retired medical professionals as well as non-medical personnel. They are your neighbors, friends and family members. You need not be a resident of Middlesex County or have medical background to be a volunteer with the MRC.

3. What can the MRC do for you?

The MRC serves as an excellent place for networking and receiving valuable experience. MRC volunteers can utilize and improve their skills by supporting public health initiatives and preparing for community emergencies. All training and certifications are free and there is no cost for equipment.

4. What is my commitment as an MRC volunteer?

Preparation and practice is critical for addressing a wide range of public health challenges and responding to emergency situations. The MRC can be called into action for planned community events or during emergency situations so periodic training and regular meetings are held throughout the year.

Upcoming meetings are listed. The meeting place is South Fire District. The time is 6:30 to 8 p.m.

• March 28, 2018
• May 21, 2018
• June 16, 2018
• July - No meeting
• August - No meeting
• September 17, 2018
• October 15, 2018
• November 19, 2018
• December 17, 2018

5. How do I volunteer for the Middletown MRC?

Complete the MRC Application Form (PDF). Once approved, you will receive orientation and be able to participate in trainings, exercises, meetings and events.

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1. I am looking for a location for my business in Middletown, can the Planning Department help?

Yes, the economic development specialists keeps a folder on all vacant office, retail, and/or industrial space that may be available.

You can either look though the folder by visiting Planning, Conservation, and Development Office. The three-hole binder is located on the table near the reception desk.

You can also call our office and speak to the Economic Development Specialist on what spaces maybe available for your business, the phone number is 260-638-4840.

2. I am starting a new business in Middletown, what should I do at the Department of Planning, Conservation and Development?

It is always advisable to consult with the Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development when considering to set up a business in Middletown. you will want to get information on the following issues:

1. Most importantly you need to see if the business you wish to set up in Middletown is allowed at all or to see what areas of the city you are allowed to operate.
   1. If you want to set up a business in a Business or industrial zone you should consult Section 61 (PDF) of the Zoning Code.
   2. If you want to set up a business in a Residential zone you will need to see if it is allowed by Residential Unit Business Pursuit permit or by one of Special Exception that can be found in Section 60 (PDF) of the Zoning Code.
   3. Section 61.05 of the Zoning Code to see what businesses are not allowed in Middletown.
2. Understand the Parking requirements for your proposed business. These are governed by Section 40 (PDF) of the Zoning Code.
3. Our department can also help in directing you to available space for you to set up your business.
4. Finally, you should see if any of the tax abatement or loan programs will be a benefit for your business.

Make sure that you also contact the following departments to learn about other requirements you may need to follow. To reach the Health Department, please call 860-638-4960. To reach the Building Division, please call 860-638-4870.

3. Where can I set up my business?

The zone designation of a piece of property, will determine what uses are allowed or not allowed. Business generally can conduct operations in the following zones:

• B-1 Central Business
• B-2 General Business
• B-3 Business Office/Transition
• I-1 Service Industrial
• I-2 Restricted Industrial
• I-3 Special Industrial
• I-4 Limited Industrial
• ID Institutional Development
• IM Interstate Mixed Use
• IOP
• IRA Industrial Redevelopment Area
• IT Interstate Trade
• Neighborhood/Rural Commercial Development Zone
• Newfield Street Planned Retail Business Commercial Zone
• PL Park Land
• TD Transitional Development

To find out what commercial uses are allow for each zone, consult Section 61 (PDF) of the Zoning Code.

Residential Zones allow only for very small scale types of business, that have been issued a Residential Unit Business Pursuit permit. Or what is allowed by Special Exception according to Section 60 of the Zoning Code.

4. What are the allowed uses of my property?

Section 61 of the Zoning Code can show what kind of business can be operated on a site within the following zones:

• B1- Central Business Zone
• B2- General Business Zone
• B3- Business Office/Transition Zone
• I1- Service-Industrial Zone
• I2- Restricted Industrial Zone
• I3- Special Industrial Zone
• I4- Limited Industrial Zone
• IRA- Industrial Redevelopment Area Zone
• IT- Interstate Trade Zone
• Newfield Street Planned Retail Business Commercial Zone
• Transitional Development Zone

Most other zone will likely need a Special Exception in order to carry out a commercial operations. These can be found in Section 60 (PDF) of the Zoning Code.

5. What kind of signs are not permitted Downtown?

The Downtown area, also known as the Central Business Zone (B-1) has stricter sign standards applied to it. The following aspects are required for any business that wants to install a sign in the downtown area:

• Awnings are permitted, but subject to the approval of the Sidewalk Conformance Inspector and Design Review and Preservation Board
• Free standing signs are not permitted
• Internally illuminated signs are not permitted, unless the design is a halo style or stencil cut sign of high quality that is approved by the Design Review and Preservation Board
• Projecting signs are permitted, but subject to the approval of the Sidewalk Conformance Inspector and Design Review and Preservation Board

6. What is te maximum height a sign can be?

The maximum height for a free standing sign is 10 feet above ground level.

Note that free standing signs are not permitted in the Central Business zone (B-1), also known as the downtown area.

7. What parking requirements affect my business?

Parking for businesses are regulated by Section 40 (PDF) of the Zoning Code.

Different business require different numbers of parking spaces and/or loading areas.

No business can be operated unless that business can provide and maintain the appropriate amount of parking required.

8. Are there any programs offered by the City that can help my business?

The City does offer the following to businesses:

• Tax Incentives
• Tax Abatement Program

Businesses Loans

• JOBS Loan Program 
• REINVEST Loan Program

Businesses interested in seeing what other incentives and programs are available should contact the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce by calling them at 860-347-6924 or by visiting their website.

9. I want to get a new sign or change the current sign for my business, what do I need to know?

The following steps should be taken to installing a new sign for a business:

1. The first thing you should do is take a look at and/or get a copy of the following:
   1. Initial Land Use Application (PDF)
   2. City Zoning Code: Section 48 Signs (PDF)
   3. Design Guidelines (PDF) (last page in this guide provides an overview of the process)
2. Then, using the information provided in the above documents design your proposed sign.
3. After your have designed your sign, submit your proposal that includes:
   1. A scale color drawing of the sign
   2. Provide a map and/ or a photograph of the location
   3. $25 fee
4. Submit your application at least a week in advance of the meeting to allow for distribution. Meetings are usually the 2nd Wednesday, so the first Wednesday is the usual cut off date.
5. Attend the Design Review and Preservation Board meeting to explain your proposed sign to the Board and answer any questions they may have. The Board will approve the project or make suggestions.
6. The Planning and Zoning Officials will take the Design Review and Preservation Board's advisory opinion and check on the proposed sign's compliance with Planning and zoning codes and regulations. You will be contacted as to whether or not your proposed sign was approved.
7. Once your application has cleared Planning and Zoning, you may take it to the Building Department to obtain a building permit.
8. Install your new sign.

10. Can I start a home-based business?

The purpose of permitting this accessory activity is to allow certain small scale quasi-business undertakings by the dwelling occupant that will not influence the immediate neighborhood and would not be economically feasible if conducted in a totally business setting.

View the application form (PDF) to permit a home-based business.

Criteria

• The activity offered shall meet the following criteria:
  • Be conducted solely by an occupant of the dwelling unit with no more than one non resident employee on the premises and entirely within the dwelling unit, specifically excluding any area designated as a garage
  • Not presently any external evidence of the activity including a separate entrance or parking of any vehicle which displays any evidence, however, a sign shall be permitted no larger than that specified in the sign regulation identifying the activity
  • Not utilize more than five hundred square feet of the gross area of the dwelling unit
  • No equipment or process used for the activity shall create:
    • Electrical interference (visual or audible) with any radio, television, or telephone
    • Fluctuations in electrical line voltage off the premises
    • Fumes
    • Glare
    • Hazardous waste
    • Noise
    • Vibration
  • Not generate greater vehicular traffic than would ordinarily be associated with the dwelling location or attract more than four persons to the dwelling at any one time.
  • Only individual or unique physical items or services shall be created or provided. Sales associated directly with a service provided or a good produced directly on premises may occur at the premises provided the sale of such goods on premises shall not be advertised or constitute the primary business pursuit
  • Not involve repairing any item which would be brought to the dwelling
• Following is a list of business pursuit categories which may be pursued in residential units provided they do not violate any of the criteria:
  • Culinary activities such as: baking, cooking, and preserving food
  • Fine Arts such as:
    • Crafts
    • Model making
    • Painting
    • Photography
    • Sculpturing
    • Weaving
  • Office activity such as:
    • Computer programming
    • Consulting
    • Drafting
    • Telephone answering
    • Tutoring
    • Writing

Process

• A Residential Unit Business approval shall be issued for a 90 day trial period during which time the activity may be observed to make an initial evaluation possible.
• Upon issuance, the Planning and Zoning Department shall send a copy of the approved license to abutting property owners along with a letter explaining the license. The adjoining property owners have the right to request a further review by the Planning and Zoning Commission during the ninety trial period.
• If a review has been requested, all abutting property owners shall be notified of the time and date of the Planning and Zoning Commission review.
• If no objections by abutters have been filed during said ninety day period, the issued license may be permanent subject to licensee's compliance of the approved uses contained herein.

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1. Are committee meetings open to the public?

Yes, all committee meetings are open to the public.

Only on rare occasions are committee meetings private.

2. How can I find out what happened at a committee meeting?

Minutes of all committee meetings are available either through this website or at Middletown's Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development located in room 202 in the Municipal Building.

Tape recordings of certain committee meetings are available upon request at Middletown's Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development. Please call 860-638-4840 and see if a tape recording was made of the meeting you are interested in and to schedule a time for you to come by and listen. 

Copy of tapes can be purchased, call to see current cost per tape.

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1. What issues or activities are addressed by Middletown's Department of Planning, Conservation and Development?

The Middletown Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development handles the following issues:

• Building and Accessory Use (also check with the Building Department)
• Certificate of Occupancy (also check with the Building Department)
• Gas and Motor Oil, Sale of
• Home Occupation
• Inland/Wetland and Watercourse
• Land- Uses (also check with the Building Department)
• Liquor Application
• Signs (also check with the Building Department)
• Site Plan Review
• Special Exception Approval
• Swimming Pools (also check with the Building Department)
• Subdivision Approval

Listed are all of the other issues and what departments address them:

• Air Condition: Building Department
• Amusement Devices: Police Department
• Auctioneer: Town Clerk
• Bee License: Town Clerk
• Bingo: Police Department
• Birth Certificate: Health Department
• Blasting: Fire Marshall
• Bootblack: Police Department
• Burial Permit: Health Department
• Cremation Permit: Health Department
• Death Certificate: Health Department
• Demolition: Building Department
• Dog License: Town Clerk
• Electric: Building Department
• Excavation: Building Department
• Firewood: Park and Recreation Department
• Food/Beverage Dispensing: Health Department
• Fortune Telling: Town Clerk
• Games of Chance: Police Department
• Gyms, Use of School: Park and Recreation Department
• Hazardous Waste: Health Department
• Heating- Building Division
• Junk Dealers: Police Department
• Library Cards: Russell Library
• Marriage License: Health Department
• Picnic Area, Use of: Park and Recreation Department
• Plumbing: Building Department
• Private: Sewage Disposal: Health Department
• Recreational Area, Use of: Park and Recreation Department
• Revolver- Police Department
• Roller Skating- Town Clerk
• Rooming House- Health Department
• Solicitor/Peddler/Vendor's License: Police Department
• Sportsmen's License (Hunting, Fishing, etc): Town Clerk
• Theatre License: Town Clerk
• Weights and Measures Seal: Consumer Protection
• Well Drilling: Health Department
• Wrecker's License: Town Clerk

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1. What projects are currently underway in the City?

The City of Middletown currently has a number of active redevelopment initiatives underway. Plans and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) are available below.

• Middletown's Development Plan
• Miller Street and Bridge Street
• The North End
• Waterfront

2. Where can I find out more information about Zoning regulations?

The following pages can help in understanding the zoning code of Middletown:

• Design Review and Preservation Board
• Enforcement Division
• Middletown's Developer's Guide
• Middletown's Zoning Code
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Planning Division
• Zoning Board of Appeals

If your question cannot be answered here, then please email the Planning Department or visit the Planning Department at City Hall

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1. How can I find out if my home is located in a flood area?

FEMA Flood Maps can be viewed in the Middletown Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development or you can find the property or area in the City of Middletown that you are interested in and select the Flood Plain Map option on the City's Web GIS mapping system.

2. I want to find out where my property line is, how can I find it?

The City of Middletown can provide you unofficial maps of your property through the new Web GIS Mapping system. 

Official maps of your property may be found at the Town Clerk's office since they record any changes to boundary lines, if a map was recorded and submitted to them in the past. For more information please call the Town Clerk's office at 860-638-4910.

The Planning department does not maintain this kind of information. We can only help you determine what zone your property is located in and what changes you are allowed to make to your property. The Assessor's office can provide you with basic information about your property, including lot size and dimensions. 

For more information please call the Assesor's office at 860-638-4930.

3. How can I get a map of my property?

Go the City's Web GIS Mapping System to locate properties and generate customized maps.

The Town Clerk may have an old map on file if it was filed by an owner of the property. To find if any such maps exist, you must visit the Town Clerks office and ask to see their listing of maps, by street address (the two three-hole binders near the micro-film viewers in the deeds room). 

For more information please call the Town Clerk's office at 860-638-4910.

4. What are the zoning setbacks for my property?

A setback is the distance between a structure and a property line, a natural feature, a road right-of-way, and other improvements. In all residential and rural zoning districts, setbacks are required from all property lines and roadways.

View the Zoning Setback Brochure (PDF).

Setbacks vary with zoning but can also be affected by further restrictions recorded on subdivision maps.

The front property line is the side containing the road right-of-way or easement. The rear property line is the line opposite the front line.

Reading the appropriate Sections relating to the appropriate Zone of Middletown Zoning Code can assist in determining what the setback requirements for a property in a particular zone are:

• Section 21: RPZ, R-15, R-30, R-45, R-60 Residential (PDF)
• Section 21A: R-1 Residential (PDF)
• Section 22: M Multi-family Dwelling Unit (PDF)
• Section 23A: MX Mixed Use (PDF)
• Section 24- PRD (PDF)
• Section 24A: MR (PDF)
• Section 25: IT Interstate Trade (PDF)
• Section 26: PL Park Land (PDF)
• Section 27: None (PDF)
• Section 28: Neighborhood/Rural Commercial Development Zone (PDF)
• Section 29: IRA Industrial Redevelopment Area (PDF)
• Section 30: ID Institutional Development (PDF)
• Section 31: RF Riverfront Recreation (PDF)
• Section 32: B-1 Central Business (PDF)
• Section 33: B-2 General Business (PDF)
• Section 33A: B-3 Business Office/Transition (PDF)
• Section 34: IOP (PDF)
• Section 35: I-1 Service Industrial (PDF)
• Section 36: I-2 Restricted Industrial (PDF)
• Section 36A: I-4 Limited Industrial (PDF)
• Section 37: I-3 Special Industrial (PDF)
• Section 38: Newfield Street Planned Retail Business Commercial Zone (PDF)
• Section 39: TD Transitional Development (PDF)
• Section 39A: IM Interstate Mixed Use (PDF)
• Section 39B: PSUZ Public Service Utility (PDF)
• Section 39C: SMH Substance Abuse/Mental Health Floating (PDF)
• Section 39D: DVD Downtown Village District (PDF)

5. What zone is my property in?

You can also look at the City's Web GIS Mapping System which allows you to search for your property and find the zone

There is a large detailed zoning map available to be viewed in the Middletown Department of Planning, Conservation and Development

You can also email Michiel Wackers your location and we can send you a reply as to your zone. Please provide the street, street number and any nearby cross streets, or recognizable buildings or features nearby.

6. Can I subdivide my property?

To find out if you can subdivide your property, you must meet the criteria laid out in Middletown's Subdivision Regulations. A copy can be viewed and/or purchased at the Middletown Department of Planning, Conservation and Development.

It is also advisable that you consult with the Planning division staff as to whether or not your property is eligible for a subdivision. You must first know the exact dimensions and the zone designation of your property. Dimensions of your property can found at the Middletown Assessor's Office and a property's zone designation can be found at the Middletown Department of Planning, Conservation and Development.

7. What do I need to do when adding an addition such as a deck or pool to my home or property?

When you are beginning to look at putting an addition or deck on your home or a pool on your property, you need to first know what zone your property is located in and the corresponding setbacks that are associated with that zone. If you do not know the zone of your property you can find out by call 860-638-4840 or come view the zoning map at the Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development in the Municipal Building of Middletown.

Setback Requirements

Once you know your zoning view check Section 21 of the Zoning Code to find what the setback requirements are for your property. If you are unfamiliar with setbacks, this is the distance from your property line that you are not allow to put a structure.

When you have this information you can decide on the design and location of your addition, deck, or pool and plot this on a map (sample maps (PDF)). Fill out an application (PDF) and submit it with the correct fee. The Planning Division will contact you when it has been approved or needs further information.

Once you have your approval from the Planning division, you can go to the Building Department and request a building permit.

Helpful Resources

For more information, the follow resources can be helpful:

• Middletown's Developer's Guide
• Middletown's Site Plan Review
• Middletown's Zoning Code

Committees & Commissions

Also the following Committees and Commissions that make decisions relating to certain planning issues:

• Design Review and Preservation Board
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Zoning Board of Appeals

8. What regulations govern the installation of fences and walls?

Regulations concerning fences are governed by Section 12 and Section 13 of the Zoning Code.

The appropriate sections from the Zoning Code are as follows:

• 12.01 Visibility at Intersections in Residential Zones: On a corner lot in any Residential Zone, no planting shall be placed or maintained, and no fence, building wall other structure other than necessary retaining wall shall be constructed after the effective date of this section, if such planting or structure thereby obstructs vision at any point between a height of two and one-half (2 ½) feet and a height of ten (10) feet above the upper face of the nearest curb and within the triangular area bounded on two sides by the two street lines, or by projections of such lines to their point of intersection and the third side by straight line connecting points on such street lines (or their projections), each of which points is twenty-five (25) feet distant from the point of intersection of the two street lines. Poles, posts and guys for street lights and for other utility services and tree trunks, exclusive of leaves and branches, shall not be considered obstructions to vision within the meaning of this provision.
• 12.02 Fences, Walls and Hedges:  Notwithstanding other provisions of this Code, fences, walls and hedges may be permitted in any required yard, or along the edge of any yard, provided that no fence, wall or hedge along the sides or front edge of any front yard shall be over two and one-half (2 ½) feet in height.
• 13.04.04 Fences: Fences, up to six (6) feet in height, may be erected along the rear boundary, side boundary (from building line to rear boundary only) and front building line of a lot, and such fences shall not be deemed "structures" or "obstructions" for the purposes of this Code.

9. How large or how high can I build my house?

To know how high or how large you can build your house, you must know what zoning designation your property has. 

When you know the zone, you can use the following as a guide:

Zone	Height
RPZ	3 Stories or 36 Feet
R-1	3 1/2 Stories
R-15	3 Stories or 36 Feet
R-30	3 Stories or 36 Feet
R-45	3 Stories or 36 Feet
R-60	3 Stories or 36 Feet
M	Single and Two Family Homes: 36 Feet
MX	3 Stories or 36 Feet
PRD	Contact the Planning Department

Zone	Lot Coverage (Not Greater Than)
RPZ	25%
R-1	25%
R-15	25%
R-30	25%
R-45	25%
R-60	25%
M	50%
MX	30%
PRD	Contact the Planning Department

10. What are the allowed uses of my property?

Section 60 (PDF) of the Zoning Code can show what kind of uses can be operated on a site within a residential zone. Most other commercial zones, acceptable uses can be found in Section 61 (PDF) of the Zoning Code.

11. How can I find out about public housing in Middletown?

In order to find out information concerning public housing or Section 8 in Middletown, please contact the Housing Authority at:
40 Broad Street
Middletown, CT 06457-3249
Phone: 860-346-8671
Fax: 860-347-0534

12. What can I do about a zoning violation that is occuring in my neighborhood?

When you suspect that a zoning violation has occurred in your neighborhood, the best thing you can do is contact and explain the situation to the zoning enforcement officer in the Middletown Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development.

The Zoning Enforcement Office can be reached by calling 860-638-4840.

The following are frequent inquiries to our office and our normal procedures for deal with them:

• Drainage and Runoff
• Noise
• Poor Property Maintenance
• Unregistered Vehicles

13. Do I need a permit to cut down trees on my property?

Please contact Bruce Driska or the Zoning Enforcement Officer for more information by calling 860-638-4840.

14. What kind of permits are needed for different building projects?

To learn about what kind of permits are needed for different building projects, please review the Permits page and the Residential Permits page for more information.

15. Is it permissible to add an apartment in a single-family home?

Zoning Code Section 12.14: Accessory Apartment

Intent: To fulfill an increasing need for smaller, more affordable housing units in owner occupied, single-family homes while preserving the quality of Middletown's housing stock character of its neighborhoods.

Definition and Applicability: An accessory apartment is herein defined as a second dwelling unit within or attached to a single-family residence. An accessory apartment will be allowed as a permitted use in all areas zoned for single-family homes.

The accessory apartment will be approved only if the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed unit meets the following standards:

• The principal unit and the accessory apartment shall remain under common and ownership and shall be owner occupied at all times
• The accessory apartment shall be within or attached to the single-family residence with a common wall of at least 8 feet in width
• The accessory apartment shall not alter the basic character of the building as a single-family dwelling
• The accessory apartment must connect to the primary unit via an interior doorway. Additional front entrances are prohibited
• The accessory apartment must use existing unit's utilities and meters
• One driveway shall service both dwelling units. Off-street parking for both units must be provided with 3 spaces for the principal dwelling unit and 1 space for the accessory apartment
• The accessory apartment shall include its own kitchen, three-fixture bath and one bathroom
• The floor area of the apartment must be at least 425 square feet and cannot exceed 800 square feet and 33% of the floor area of the existing home
• The apartment shall comply with the Middletown Housing Code and all other applicable codes and ordinances
• The accessory apartment cannot be converted from a garage or other auxiliary building
• The home and apartment shall have only 1 street number

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1. When should I call 911?

911 should only be used for extreme emergencies, such as a medical emergency, crime in progress, serious motor vehicle accident, etc. For all routine non-emergency calls, please call 860-347-6941.

2. What is the phone number for non-emergency calls?

For non-emergencies, please call 860-347-6941.

3. What are the hours of the Middletown Police Department?

The Middletown Police Department is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We never close.

4. Where is the Police Department located?

The Police Department Headquarters is located at:

222 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457

5. Where can I park at the Police Department?

You can park in any stall on Main Street (metered) or in the City parking lot behind the police department. In the City lot, there is a $1 per hour charge.

6. How can I obtain a police report from the Middletown Police Department?

Police reports are generally available 5 to 7 days following the incident. Police reports, when completed, may be obtained at the Records Bureau between 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Certified Copy: There is a fee of $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
• Non-Certified Copy: There is a fee of $0.50 per page.

7. If I was involved in a motor vehicle accident, how soon will I be able to obtain a copy of the accident report?

Police reports are generally available 5 to 7 days following the incident. Police reports, when completed, may be obtained at the Records Bureau between 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is a fee.

• Certified Copy: There is a fee of $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
• Non-Certified Copy: There is a fee of $0.50 per page.

8. How can I obtain a pistol permit?

Pistol permit applications are available at the Middletown Police Department Record's Bureau.

The application outlines the appropriate steps an applicant will need to follow in order to obtain a pistol permit.

After completing the application, you can schedule an appointment using our online appointment system.  Click here to access the appointment system.

For questions regarding your pistol permit, please contact Officer Jason Bodell at 860-638-4095.

9. When/how can I get fingerprinted?

Fingerprinting is done for City of Middletown residents only. There is no charge for this service and no appointment is necessary. Please bring proof of residency (any mail or bill with name and address) and a valid photo identification. In most cases, you will need to provide the fingerprint cards.

10. If I want to make sure my child safety seat is installed correctly in my car, who should I call?

Please call 860-638-4094 and leave a message. Your call will be returned by one of our Car Seat Education Officers.

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1. Why do the types of requests change depending on the location I select?

Some City services, such as trash pick-up, are only available in certain areas of Middletown.  SeeClickFix is aware where a specific service is available and will limit requests for that service to the appropriate areas.

Some public resources are not maintained by the City.  For instance, state highways (like Route 66/Washington Street) are maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.  SeeClickFix will not accept requests for services that are not provided by the City.

2. Why do some requests require the submission of a phone number?

Certain issues, such as reporting unsanitary rental properties, cannot be addressed by the City without coordinating with the person reporting the problem.

3. What's the difference between "private" and "public" visibility?

If a request is a "public" request, anyone using the SeeClickFix system will see the problem pinned to the map and can follow its progress.  Potholes, for example, can be seen by everyone.  Public requests help reduce duplicate reports of problems.

If a request is "private", only the submitter and City employees can see it.

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1. Is my water safe to drink?

Yes! The water that you receive from the Middletown Water Department is very safe to drink. We constantly monitor and test your drinking water. For additional information see our Water Quality Reports.

2. How often do I get billed for Water and Sewer?

Residential users are billed two times a year; once in May and then in November. Larger water consumers and commercial customers are billed monthly.

3. When do I need to pay my Water and Sewer bill?

Bills should be paid within 30 days from the first of the month in which you are billed.  Bills become delinquent 30 days past the due date and interest will be charged at the rate of 1.5% per month or fraction thereof.  If you choose to pay online, be sure to set up your auto pay before the May 1^st and Nov 1^st billing dates to avoid late payment fees.  

4. Why is my water usage or bill unusually high?

There may be several reasons that your usage could be unusually high.  One of the most common issues is a leaking toilet or other leaky plumbing fixtures.  Please review Ways to Reduce Your Bill for more information.  If you still have questions, please call out Billing Division at 860-638-3501.

5. What do I do if the tap water looks discolored or tastes unusual?

Please contact the Manager of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for all Water Quality complaints by calling 860-638-3545.

6. Sewage is backing up in my house, what do I do?

There are two types of sewage backup:

1. An internal plumbing blockage or problem which only backs up when using internal plumbing fixtures. If this occurs please contact a plumber. 
2. A sewage backup from the City sanitary sewer collection system. If this occurs contact the Sewer Department during normal business hours at 860-638-3500. After hours contact the Central Dispatch by calling 860-346-8621, they will contact the Sewer Department's on-call personnel.

If you are unsure, please call us.

7. Where does the water I drink come from?

Middletown currently has two active sources: the Mount Higby Reservoir and the River Road Well field. For additional information please review the Department's annual water quality reports.

8. What is fee to connect to the Sanitary Sewer System?

The standard residential fee for a sanitary sewer service is $3,500. Other Fees may apply for commercial and industrial connections.  More information is available on our Connection Fee page or or by contacting the Engineering Division.

9. What is the fee to connect to the Public Water System?

The standard residential fee for a new water service is $3,250. Other Fees may apply for commercial and industrial connections.  More information is available on our Connection Fee page or or by contacting the Engineering Division.

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1. What is location approval?

Location approval is a mechanism which allows the local level to indicate to the State that the site is acceptable for the proposed use. The primary considerations are in regard to traffic, and the location's proximity to schools and churches.

2. What is required when applying for motor vehicle use?

Requirements for formal applications are found in the Appendix of the Developer's Guide.

3. What is recommended when you apply for motor vehicle use?

It is highly recommended that you consult with the Planning staff prior to making a formal application. If the site has a previous location approval, you may not need to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

4. How long will it take?

Time frames are the same as for a variance.

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1. What is a variance and what is its purpose?

A variance makes an exception to the Zoning Code due to conditions of unreasonable hardship. Variances exist to provide flexibility in the law. This flexibility is important to make provisions for uses which apply to the strict enforcement of the regulations but will pose no substantial harm to the overall public health, safety, and welfare.

2. What is recommended when applying for a variance?

It is recommended that you consult with the City's Planning Staff prior to making a formal application for a variance. In Middletown, the Zoning Board of Appeals can only grant bulk variances. This is because use variances tend to lead to the degradation of the Zoning Code. Therefore, in most cases, the Planning Staff will recommend to you that you seek a zone change.

3. How long will applying for a variance take?

The Zoning Board of Appeals must provide adequate notice prior to the required public hearing (refer to flowchart) and then hold the hearing 65 days from the day of receipt. A decision must come within 65 days of the close of the hearing and the hearing is to conclude 30 days after it commences. You and all other concerned parties have a 15 day appeal period from the day the notice of the decision appeared in the newspaper.

4. What comes next after a variance decision?

If the decision is a favorable one, you then should file the variance on the land variance on the land records and apply for a building permit. If it is not favorable, you may appeal the decision to the Superior Court.