Frequently Asked Questions

If the project includes improvements that are not complete and the applicant needs to obtain a Certificate of Compliance he or she may fill out a Certificate of Compliance Request Form (PDF). The form includes a section which will allow the applicant to identify unfinished improvements such as driveway installation or lawn seeding and specify an anticipated date of completion. This document is typically used in situations where the property owner needs verification that a financed improvement (ex: closing on a new home) is in compliance with local zoning laws.

Residential Improvement Location Permits are generally required for projects that involve constructing, enlarging, moving, or in some cases maintaining a structure or building. Permits are typically required for:

• Room Additions
• Decks, porches, ramps, outdoor stairs, etc.…
• Fences
• Garages
• Sheds (over 200 square feet)
• Swimming pools

In order to process your permit you will need to submit a completed permit application, plot plan, and permit fee. Before starting a project please call the New Haven Planning Department at 260-748-7040 to determine whether a permit will be required from the city prior to construction.

The raising of domesticated farm animals such as chickens, pigs, goats, cows etc. are not permitted within most of the zoning districts of New Haven. The raising of such animals is limited to properties zoned A1 Agricultural District and those that have been approved through Board approvals.  For A1 Agricultural District standards please reference 157.203 of the New Haven Unified Development Ordinance and our zoning map to verify the zoning district.  Please reach out to staff with questions on any proposed changes of use that you would like to introduce to your property.

The City of New Haven requires that an Improvement Location Permit (PDF) be issued for new construction as well as an expansion of existing facilities. All commercial and industrial projects are routed to various reviewing agencies for comments prior to issuance. Staff recommends that applicants schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss the project and submissions requirements. View the Commercial and Industrial Development Process Map (PDF) for more information.

Typically the Planning Department will conduct an inspection once the project is complete. Other inspections may be necessary from agencies such as the Allen County Building Department while the project is under construction. Commercial and industrial projects may also require inspections from other reviewing agencies such as the New Haven/Adams Township Fire Department or the New Haven Engineering Department.

Contact the Department

Please call the Planning Department at 260-748-7040 to notify staff when your project is complete and someone will conduct a site inspection to verify compliance with zoning laws. For residential improvements, it generally will not necessary for the applicant to be present during an inspection as staff will only inspect the footprint of the improvement.

New residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and additions. Parking lots and expansions. Sheds, fences, pools, decks, porches, signage, ground mounted solar panels, and cell towers. Any expansion of an existing use, a new use, or a change of use. When in doubt, the Planning Department should be contacted. 

New Haven's Zoning Maps are available online using the Zoning and Floodplain Map Viewer.  

Chapter 153 of the New Haven Land Usage Codes designates the Allen County Building Department to administer and enforce building codes within the city limits. For more information regarding building codes or building permit requirements please call the Allen County Building Department at 260-449-7131.

This would be the same as Public Information Request, or just reaching out to the Planning Department. 

This information may be available and would require a public information request. Internal floor plans potentially would be the Building Department. 

Please reach out to the New Haven Planning Department and they would be able to provide an approved site plan of the construction with the proposed setbacks to the property line.  In most situations a new home will have an as-built survey at the end of construction to verify that the home was constructed as approved.  

If iit is something coming before the Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals there is a public hearing to provide comment, otherwise they can contact the Planning Department.