Planning & Economic Development

The goal of the Berlin Planning and Economic Development Departments is to help facilitate responsible growth and promotion of local businesses so that they can compete aggressively and become successful.  This is done through planning and timely assistance to firms both large and small ensuring that Berlin remains a premier place to live and work.

Berlin is a great community to be a part of as it is steadily growing with a population of 20,505 which has grown by 3.6% since 2010. Berlin contains 26 square miles located in the geographic center of Connecticut. The Town’s greatest asset is its location, making it easily accessible to employees, customers and suppliers.  Berlin is a great place to locate or relate your business with its close proximity to I84 and I91, Route 9 and the Berlin Turnpike (Route 5/15) as well as the Berlin Train Station. These state and interstate accessways make an easy commute to Hartford, Springfield, or New Haven by road or rail with both Boston and New York only a few hours away.       

Highlights

Kensington Village (TOD)

Berlin is striving to bring in new business and strengthen its sense of place in its Kensington Village downtown area centered around the new Berlin Train Station. With the assistance of the CT Main Street Center and the creation of the Kensington Village Overlay District, we are working to create a modern, walkable downtown with a New England village atmosphere that is just a short train ride away from Hartford, Springfield or New Haven.

Berlin Turnpike

As a regional commercial hub, the Berlin Turnpike sees almost 30,000 vehicles drive through Berlin everyday, offering a highly visible and desirable location for any type of business. The Berlin Turnpike is home to retailers Home Depot, Kohls, PetSmart, Michaels, Acura of Berlin and firms such as Keep Me Home, Euro-American Homecare, Midstate Air Compressor and utility powerhouse Eversource.  The Berlin Turnpike (which becomes the Merritt Parkway) is one of the major north/south accessways from New York City to Hartford. With available tenant space, as well as land for development there is plenty of opportunity to bring your business to the Turnpike.

New Park Drive

New Park Drive is located within a dedicated industrial use zone, perfect for modern technological firms with the added benefit of being right off the Berlin Turnpike.  This area boasts over 700 employees and both local, regional and nationally known firms such as Comcast, Okay Industries, Budney Aerospace and Overhaul, Alden Tool, Budney Industries, Franz Schneider Brakel (FSB), Erection & Welding Contractors and Plastic Molding Manufacturing.

Starting, relocating or expanding your business

Berlin is committed to meeting the needs of its business community, as businesses large and small are the basis on which a vibrant economy and thus a vibrant community exist.  We work to maintain and create new non-residential development as well as provide our residents with career opportunities. Berlin and its businesses participate together to improve the community both to work, live and play.  The relationship between the Economic Development Director and our businesses is key to that growth.

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and our professional staff assist by providing information on available municipal services, facilitates the process of finding a location within town, work hand-in-hand through local board and commission approvals, and offer general information on programs and services available through the town, State of Connecticut, or private financial institutions.

Site/Building Search

The Town of Berlin has available commercial real estate including retail, industrial, office and land for development.  Click here to search for commercial property in Berlin.

Resources

Economic Development Department

The Town of Berlin works closely with its businesses including providing two programs to help them to grow including a Tax Abatement Program as well as a Matching Facade and Landscaping Grant Program.  The Tax Abatement Program can range from 3 years up to 7 years dependent upon the level of investment. Our Facade Program is available in our commercial core areas of Farmington Avenue, Mill Street, New Britain Road and Webster Square Road.  

Tax Abatement Form Link

Facade application link and guidelines link

Planning & Zoning Department

The Planning and Zoning Department is happy to meet with businesses large and small as well as developers looking to come to Berlin to discuss land use regulations and approval processes. In doing so the first step is to be informed so please be sure to check out our online zoning regulations as well as the town’s GIS.”

Zoning Regulations Link(See Planning and Zoning page for Amendments through 1/13/19)

GIS Link

The Town of Berlin is happy to provide its citizens with a variety of Community Services.

Employment Information

• "Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws"
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Family and Medical Leave 
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Signage Statement for Temporary & Portable signs

This is a summary to answer FAQ’s regarding temporary or portable signs that are typically placed around town at this time of year. This summary is not comprehensive or a substitute for all the laws, ordinances and regulations that may apply to sign placement.  The State also has specific regulations regarding encroachments, refer to the DOT guidelines for additional information.

• Temporary signs including banners, A-frame and lawn signs are regulated and subject to removal if not installed in a manner consistent with applicable regulations.
• Temporary sign permits are issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

The OWNER of the property must authorize placement. Signs are limited to 30 days and are to be removed within 24 hours of the event.

• Signs shall not be posted or attached to fences, trees, or utility poles.
• Signs, such as advertising or political signs, should NOT be placed on public land, including in the street right-of-way, or on traffic islands. Be aware that signs so placed are subject to removal by the Town or State without warning.

NO SIGN SHOULD BE PLACED WHERE IT COULD OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC or VISIBILITY Off-site signs or “billboards” – advertising goods or services other than at the premises are prohibited.

Veterans Services

If you are a veteran and need any help, please reach out to our Veterans Service Contact

Other Town Services

To find out more about the services offered by the town, check out the A-Z Guide (Updated Oct 2021) or browse the Services Index

Residents of the Town of Berlin have many services available to them. 

If you are a veteran and need any assistance please click on the following link for information.

Veterans Service Contact Person

Please visit the Veterans' Commission Webpage for more information

Please view our A to Z Guide (Updated 2/11/16) to see what the Town of Berlin has to offer. You can also click through the links on the left to find out more information on the services Berlin provides to its residents.

To view Town of Berlin employment opportunities, please click here:

Job Opportunities/ Town of Berlin

To view Parks and Recreation Department employment opportunities, please click here:   

Job Opportunities / Parks and Recreation

More Information Coming Soon!