Stratford, CT Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Stratford regulates loading as an off-street berth requirement rather than a curbside zone with posted hours. Section 6.8.10 says required loading facilities shall contain not less than the minimum areas set out in its table unless the Zoning Commission specifically approves otherwise. For a use the table does not list, the Zoning Commission decides in each case after considering all factors entering into the loading and unloading needs of the use.

The table counts berths by floor area. Hotels need 1 berth for each 20,000 square feet. Manufacturing, wholesale, storage, and laundries need 1 berth for the first 5,000-10,000 square feet and 1 for each additional 25,000. Restaurants and other food and beverage services need 1 berth for the first 2,500-5,000 square feet and 1 for each additional 7,500. Funeral and mortuary services need 1 berth, at least 10 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 7.5 feet high.

Section 6.8.3 supplies the physical standards. Each required loading space is at least 12 feet wide, 33 feet long, and 14 feet high, with unobstructed access at least 10 feet wide to and from a street, which can be combined with parking lot access. Loading berths must be on the same lot as the use they serve, are strongly encouraged to sit to the rear of the principal building on new construction, and need minimum surfacing of bituminous concrete. When two or more uses share a lot, Section 6.8.4 adds the requirements together. Section 6.8.5(1) lets the Commission approve shared parking and loading by special permit on lots containing not less than 200 spaces.

Plans must show required loading space and its street access under Section 6.8.12, and except for residences no building permit issues until the Office of Planning and Zoning approves them. Time-of-day limits come from the noise chapter: Section 142-6(B)(8) prohibits loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle.