What kind of projects need a building permit in Connecticut?
Generally new buildings or substantial alterations to existing buildings will require a building permit. Because building permits are issued at the city level in Connecticut, some cities may require building permits for smaller projects as well. West Hartford, for example, requires you to get a permit for air conditioning and heating unit installment, electrical and plumbing work, and sprinkler systems. While parts of the building code are determined by state law, whether your project will need a building permit often depends on the local regulations in the municipality where the property is located.
 CLICK THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT
Some cities have a general building permit application, whereas others have separate permit applications for project type or for the different phases of construction. Not all cities have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.
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What kind of building permits are there in Connecticut?
While the term ‘building permit’ sounds straightforward, there are actually several different types of permits in Connecticut that fall under this category. They include electrical permits, mechanical permits, demolition permits, and plumbing permits. They can also include sign permits which are needed to erect a sign outside of your business, zoning permits, sanitation permits, and street permits. Major construction projects will often involve multiple permits and you should be sure that you are fulfilling all the requirements needed for your project before you begin work.
How much does a typical building permits cost?
Some smaller permits in Connecticut will have a set fee, but normally the cost of the permit is based on the overall value that the construction will add to the property. This is why you will need to submit a valuation estimate with your permit application.
Are there special requirements for historic districts?
Yes, if your construction project is taking place in one of Connecticut’s many historic districts there are usually additional requirements besides the regular building permits. In towns such as Waterbury, you only need to gain permission from the local Historic District Commission before submitting your application. In other towns like Wethersfield, you will need to apply and receive a separate permit before your building permit application will be considered. If your project will take place in a historic district, you should always check to see what special requirements there may be prior to starting the permit application process.
Where in Connecticut can I apply for my building permit?
Building permits are issued by the local governments of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities. The name of the office in charge of building and mechanical permitting is normally called the Building Office, but the name may be different in your town. Many towns in Connecticut have the various building permit applications available online for download and increasingly now have systems that allow you to submit your application online.
