Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules regulating parking in Downtown Manchester for business owners and employees?

Click here to go to the Downtown Parking Regulations brochure.

As a business or property owner in Downtown Manchester, what are my obligations for snow and ice removal? 

Click here to go to the Downtown Sidewalk Snow Removal and Ice Control Requirements.

Do I need a permit to install a sign on my building?

You will need a permit to install a business sign. The process is as follows:

1. Contact the Manchester Zoning Enforcement Officer, Building Dept. to confirm sign regulation requirements for your sign (location, type, size, etc.) Contact: Jim Davis, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Building Dept.
   860 647-3057
   jdavis@manchesterct.gov
2. Submit a drawing of your proposed sign with the necessary information on sign materials, colors, etc. to Mr. Davis. The drawing of your proposed sign and supporting information should be provided by the sign company you have chosen to fabricate your sign.
3. Mr. Davis will submit your sign design to the Director of Planning and Economic Development for Design Review.
4. Once the Director of Planning and Economic Development signs-off on your sign design your permit will be issued.

Do I need a permit to apply lettering to my window glass?

Lettering or business logos applied to window glass do not require a sign permit from the building department.  However, these signs must be approved for conformance with the Main Street Design Guidelines.

Contact:    Gary Anderson, Director of Planning and Economic Development

860 647-3044 ganderson@manchesterct.gov

May I put-up a banner sign?

Banners are considered “novelty” signs (“Grand Opening”, “Sale”, “50th Anniversary”, etc.) and may be displayed for a period not to exceed 3 weeks.  Prior to displaying a banner a letter must be sent to the Zoning Enforcement Officer describing the banner, it’s proposed location and the date it will go up and be taken down.

Contact: James Davis, Zoning Enforcement Officer, 860 647-3057 jdavis@manchesterct.gov

May I install a flag on the front façade of my business?

Decorative flags mounted on poles from the face of the building (“Open”, “Sale”, etc.) must be mounted so that the flag is at least 7 feet above the public right-of-way (i.e. public sidewalk or roadway).

Do I need a permit to place a portable a-frame sign or other type of sign on the sidewalk in front of my business?

Portable signs, also known as “A-frame” signs, must conform to zoning regulations and require an annual permit that is obtained from the Town Zoning Officer. No other type of sign is allowed to be placed on the sidewalk outside of a business. Click here for a permit application.

Contact: Jim Davis, Zoning Enforcement Officer, 860 647-3057 jdavis@manchesterct.gov,

Do I need a permit to set-up a sidewalk café on the sidewalk in front of my business?

Yes, a permit is required to set-up and operate a sidewalk café. The permit is obtained from the Building Department. Click here to link to the application.

For more information contact Zoning Enforcement  Officer Jim Davis, 860 647-3057 jdavis@manchesterct.gov,

I would like to construct a Seasonal Vestibule outside the entrance to my business. Do I need a permit to do that?

Yes, a permit is required. The permit is obtained from the Building Department. Click here to link to the application.

For more information contact Greg Smith, Chief Building Inspectors, 860 647-3052, gsmith@manchesterct.gov