Common Residential Permit Requests

Generators

Standby electric generators can provide you an extra sense of security in view of Connecticut’s unpredictable weather and the occasional resulting power outage. However, even small portable electric generators – if they’re used improperly – can threaten your safety and the safety of power company linemen working on the electrical system. All generators should be installed by a licensed electrician and receive a permit.  For Generator Permit Information Sheet, please see the attachment below.

Sheds

Sheds and any other outbuildings (except tree houses) require approval from Planning and Zoning and must meet required setbacks for accessory structures.  Any sheds over 200 square feet require a Building Permit.

Your building permit application for a prefabricated shed must include the Brochure or Data Sheet from Manufacturer: minimum snow load information (40 lbs. Per square foot) and rating information (for 90 mile per hour winds). For installation of a shed, mechanical fasteners/anchors must be properly fastened to resist 115 mile per hour design wind loads. Fasteners cannot be made of plastic.

Fences and Walls

Retaining walls greater than 36 inches require a Building permit and in some cases may require a design plan from a licensed engineer. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, higher than 7 feet  require a  Building Permit. 

Finishing a Basement or Attic

A Building Permit is required to finish a basement or attic.  Also, any of the following permits are required, if applicable:  Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When work requiring a Building Permit occurs in a home, the entire dwelling must be provided with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Contact our office for more information on location and quantity of detectors required.

Swimming Pools

Outdoor private swimming pools MUST comply with the State Building Code barrier and entrapment protection minimum regulations. The purpose for these provisions is to provide an effective barrier surrounding the pool area to reduce the potential for young children to gain uncontrolled access, and to provide a level of protection against possible entrapment at the pool suction inlets. Inflatable swimming pools which can contain water over twenty-four inches deep is a relatively new product which has been made available to the Connecticut Consumer. The inflatable walls of an above grade inflatable swimming pool, (which contains water over twenty-four inches deep), are not an effective pool barrier and require a pool barrier which is typically a fence enclosure.

The 2022 State Building Code provides detailed provisions for barriers around swimming pools along with entrapment protection for swimming pool and spa suction outlets. These requirements address:

• Minimum heights and maximum openings allowed in fences
• Criteria for the fence gates and latches
• Criteria for the means of direct entry into a pool area from the house
• Criteria for the pool and spa suction outlet cover and grate
• Minimum number and separation distance of suction outlets
• Criteria for circulation systems equipped with atmospheric vacuum relief systems
• Minimum and maximum depths for pool vacuum cleaner fittings
• Criteria for power safety covers