Town of New Canaan Village District Design Guidelines Comprehensive Update

Please find the full RFP here: https://cms3.revize.com/revize/canaan/Departments/Land%20Use/Pending%20P&Z%20Commission%20Applications/RFP%20Town%20of%20New%20Canaan%20Village%20District%20Updates.pdf?t=202610010837200

Description: The Town of New Canaan, CT is seeking the services of a qualified professional planning consulting firm and/or architectural design firm to assist with the comprehensive review and update of the Town’s Village District Design Guidelines in accordance with Section 8-2j of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Summary: The Town established its Village District and corresponding Design Guidelines in 2010 following an approximately two-year planning process and in furtherance of a goal identified in the 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development. The Village District encompasses the Town’s central business district (“downtown”), which is currently comprised of the Retail Zone and Business Zone. The Town seeks to update the Design Guidelines. Changes in development patterns and various state mandated updates to local zoning frameworks over the past sixteen years have highlighted limitations in the current Guidelines. Unclear application procedures, broad or subjective guidance, and uncertainty regarding enforcement and review responsibilities have limited the Guidelines’ effectiveness in communicating and achieving the community’s desired design outcomes. The Town is undertaking this project to ensure that the Design Guidelines remain consistent with the regulatory framework and effectively communicate the community’s desired design outcomes.

Proposal Due Date: November 2nd, 2026