The department functions as the enforcement authority for the State Building Code, zoning regulations, Historic District regulations, and the Oil Tank Ordinance and other regulations designed to improve public safety. In addition to these functions, the Department assigns street addresses and assists the general public by supplying necessary information and answering questions related to building codes and town regulations.
Building Permit FAQ:
I. When are permits required?
A.) Permits are required before beginning construction, alterations/repairs (other than ordinary repairs), using application forms provided by the Building Department. Permit forms include Building, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Oil Tanks.
II. What is needed to submit a Building Permit application?
A.) A sign-off card is required for all building permits applications which may require review and signatures by the following departments: Zoning, Tax, Engineering, Planning Wetlands, Conservation, Sewer, Water and the Farmington Valley Health Department.
B.) When submitting a Permit application for approval, two copies of a plan must be submitted as well as two copies of the proposed plot plan for approval, a Building Permit application form and a departmental sign-off card. All forms must be fully completed.
C.) When applying for a permit, the owner of the property or agent for the owner, (contractor or architect), may act as the applicant, and shall be responsible for the prosecution of the permit. Agents for the applicant must have a letter of authorization.
D.) At the time an application for a permit is received, the Building Official must examine all of the documentation submitted with the application to determine if the proposed work is compliant with the state building code. The local fire marshal determines if the proposed work is substantially compliant with the state fire safety code, where applicable. If insufficient information is presented to determine compliance with the state code, then the application must be denied.
E.) Please submit installation instructions and listing information for all equipment that is proposed to be installed with your application. The Building Department will review this information for code compliance prior to inspection and shall verify that the installation complies with the listing instructions and code requirements.
III. How long does it take to obtain a permit?
A.) State law allows the building official up to thirty (30) days to review your application for proposed work and ten (10) days to issue a Certificate of Occupancy (once all inspections and paperwork are completed). Call at least 24 hours in advance for inspections.
IV. What do permits cost?
A.) Please note that due to an increase in the CT State Education Fee, as of July 1, 2010 the permit fee will INCREASE to $12.26/$1,000.
B.) The Certificate of Occupancy fee is $5.00.
V. Hours and Phone Numbers
A.) Offices are open Monday 8:30 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The phone number is (860) 658-3234. Call this number to schedule inspections. APPOINTMENTS FOR INSPECTIONS MAY NOT BE LEFT ON THE DEPARTMENT ANSWERING MACHINE. You must have a permit before an inspection is scheduled. For any building code questions, ask to speak to an inspector. If a voice mailbox is reached at any time, leave a detailed message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
VI. What if I have an emergency situation ?
Please notify our office immediately that an emergency condition exists and that you need an approval immediately. You must state the reason for the emergency and you must have an approval before proceeding with any work.
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