Accessory Structures in West Hartford, CT (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for West Hartford, Connecticut, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
West Hartford allows one accessory dwelling unit per one-family lot if the lot meets the zone's minimum size, the unit stays at or under 1,000 square feet or 30% of the main home's floor area, and it is not in a basement unless that wall opens fully to grade. Site plan approval and one added parking space are required.
West Hartford Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsWest Hartford Code § 177-23.1A(1), (2), (4), (8), (9)
A. Accessory dwelling units permitted. No accessory building on the same lot with a main residence building shall be used for residence purposes in any one-family residence district, except that one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed which is subordinate and incidental to the principal dwelling unit and which contains its own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities, subject to the follo...
ADU Owner Occupancy
West Hartford requires that either the principal home or the accessory dwelling unit on the same lot be owner-occupied at all times. Section 177-23.1A(10) sets this rule, and the owner must file an annual affidavit with the Town Planner confirming it whenever the unit is rented out for income.
West Hartford ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsWest Hartford Code § 177-23.1A(10)
(10) Either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit shall be owner-occupied.
ADU Rental Restrictions
An owner who rents out a West Hartford accessory dwelling unit for income must file a sworn affidavit with the Town Planner every year by December 31, certifying that the principal home or the accessory unit is owner-occupied. This annual filing enforces the owner-occupancy condition in § 177-23.1A(10).
West Hartford ADU Rental Affidavit Rule
Significant RestrictionsWest Hartford Code § 177-23.1A(11)
(11) The owner of property containing an accessory dwelling unit which is rented for income shall file with the Town Planner, on or before December 31 each year, an affidavit certifying that either the principal dwelling or accessory dwelling unit is owner-occupied.
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached shed or accessory building in West Hartford may not exceed 15 feet in height in a rear yard, must sit at least two feet from any lot line and six feet from the house, and can cover no more than 25% of the required rear yard. Materials must be durable and permanent under § 177-23.
West Hartford Shed Size And Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsWest Hartford Code § 177-20E; § 177-23A, C
E. In any rear yard only accessory buildings not exceeding 15 feet in height shall be permitted, provided that they shall not occupy more than 25% of the required rear yard and that they shall be no closer than two feet from any lot line. Accessory buildings shall be located at least six feet from any portion of any dwelling on the property. Garages in a rear yard may be erected abutting the re...