Building Permit Process

The Building Division staff can assist you with the building permit process. Most building projects require that approvals be obtained from one or more agencies responsible for building, planning, zoning, engineering, wetlands, public utility, health department and fire marshal requirements. The Building Division staff will help you obtain the proper forms to be completed, answer code questions, and guide you to other agencies that might be involved.

Please contact the Building Division before beginning your project.  Here are the steps to obtaining approval for your project:

 

• Mechanical or trade projects (electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and sprinklers) require the completion and submittal of a separate permit application associated with the particular trade.
• Depending on the scope of the project, plans may be required with the building permit or trade permit application. A project may require multiple permits. For example, a new house requires a building permit application along with trade permit applications for electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning.
• Also, a certified plot plan (for residential) or site plan (for commercial) must be submitted for other than interior work.
• If applicable, zoning and engineering officials, the health department and the fire marshal must review and approve the project before construction can begin.

Permit Approval
After the Building Official has reviewed your plan or consulted with you about your project, he or she will issue the permit, provided you have obtained all other required approvals. For most projects, this happens within ten days after submitting your plan. Larger projects may take longer.

Schedule of Inspections
A list of required inspections will be included with the building permit. Please schedule inspections at least 48 hours in advance.

Certificate of Use and Occupancy
When the Building Official has completed the final inspection and determined that the project meets code compliance, the Certificate of Use and Occupancy is issued.