Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Building Permit?
A Building Permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. A Zoning Permit application may be required in addition to any Building Permit application. Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following code requirements, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.
When is a Building Permit Required?
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the building code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.
What is a Zoning Permit?
A zoning permit authorized work in accordance with the Town Zoning Regulations. State law requires Zoning permits to be issued prior to Building Permits and requires final zoning approval in the form of a Final Certificate of Zoning Compliance (FCZC) to be issued prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) by the Building Official. A Zoning Permit may be required as part of a Building Permit application or for separate activities regulated by the Zoning Regulations which do not require a Building Permit such as the construction of a small shed.
When is a Zoning Permit Required?
Work that requires a Zoning Permit includes, but is not limited to: Construction of accessory structures such as sheds, swimming pools, HVAC equipment, decks, additions, garages, Commercial tenant fit-ups or changes of use, commercial business expansions, work within the flood Hazard Zone and excavation or addition of earth, sand, stone, soil any other earth products onto a property.
When Do You Need a Permit?
The best way to find out if you need a permit is to find the Work Exempt from Permits or you can call us to discuss your plans before beginning construction.
Permits are usually required for the following:
- New Buildings
- Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
- Residential Work (Decks, garages, fireplaces, pools, sheds, etc.)
- Renovations (Basement, Attic or Garage conversions, kitchen expansions, etc.)
- Electrical Systems
- Plumbing Systems (water heaters, gas lines etc.)
- HVAC/Mechanical (Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning, Furnace/Boiler) Systems
My contractor says I don’t need a permit for the work he/she is performing. Is this true?
Anything built without proper permits is a violation. The current owner of the property, not the contractor, is always responsible for any violation.
I am buying and/or selling a property in town that is determined to have open permits or an outstanding violation. Is this work considered grandfathered?
No. Paying taxes on improvements does not create a grandfathered status either. Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the adopted codes, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, open up finished work or leave it unoccupied, or make costly repairs.
See the Guidelines for Processing Work Without Permits for more detailed information.
I want to report a violation about work being performed in my neighborhood. Who do I talk to?
Submit a complaint here.
How do I get started with getting the permit(s) I need?
See the pages: Permit Requirements and Guidelines for more information on specific project types.
How long will it take to approve my building plans?
The first building plan review takes approximately 2-3 weeks and plans are reviewed in the order they are received. However, projects of a minor nature may be expedited. Plans submitted for a subsequent review, or plans submitted with revisions or changes, are reviewed within approximately 1 week.
Which other departments or agencies will review my plans?
Depending on the scope of work, other Town departments or outside agencies may be required to review your plans. For example, plan submittals for restaurants require Department of Health approval in addition to Building Permit approval. Your reviewer will be able to direct you to any outside agencies that are required to review your plans. Generally, if your plans require review by another Town department, the Development Department will route your plans to those departments on your behalf. If a separate submittal to another Town department is required, your reviewer will advise you of that process.
How do I resubmit corrected or revised plans online?
All plans are submitted electronically through the OpenGov Online Permitting Portal. Just login, choose the permit requiring a resubmission of plans and click on Attachments to upload your corrected or revised plans. As soon as the plans are uploaded, click the Submit button and your plan checker will receive notification that the plans have been resubmitted. Additional information may be requested in the system from Inspectors or Administrators, if requested, the system may prompt you to submit the exact form fields that need to be resubmitted.
What do I do if my building permit is about to expire or has already expired?
If your building permit is about to expire and you would like to required additional time to complete your project, please call the Building and Inspections Department for more information. If a building permit does expire, you may be required to begin the permit process again, including paying all applicable fees. If your permit has already expired, contact the Permit and Inspections Department at (860) 291-7340 for more information.
How do I request an inspection for my open permit?
Inspections may need to be completed at multiple stages of your project. For more information about when permits are required and how to setup an inspection read the Inspections page for more information.
How long is a building permit valid?
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by a permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time; for period of not more than 180 days each. The extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated.