Why do I need a permit?

Connecticut General Statutes require all municipalities to administer and enforce the Connecticut State Building Code. Virtually all construction activities are regulated by the building code and are required to have permits and inspections. This is to ensure that minimum health, safety and welfare requirements are complied with. Construction work done on a residential or commercial building without permits and inspections is a violation of the building code and subject to penalties which can include fines and/or imprisonment. In addition, property buyers and lenders often inquire of this department regarding the legal status of a building and are reluctant to purchase the property if permits are in doubt.

Depending on the nature of the work you propose you may also be required to obtain approval from Planning, Engineering, Inland-Wetlands, Health, Fire Marshal and Zoning.