Building Department - FAQ's
(203) 287-7160 

Q: How much does a building permit cost?
A: $25 for the first $1,000 of construction cost and $18 for each $1,000 of construction costs thereafter.

Q: What inspections are required for a typical construction project?
A: After obtaining a building permit, the following inspections are required:

• Approval of the bearing soil after the excavation is complete for the building footings.
• Approval of the forming of the footing and steel reinforcement placement. Note: both items 1 and 2 can be completed simultaneously. However, if the soil bearing material cannot hold loads from the structure (Engineering is required to remove the bearing soil and replace with new material).
• Inspection and approval of the foundation wall footing drain, and damp proofing or water proofing of foundation walls is required before the backfilling of the foundation.
• Do not insulate the structure until receiving the following rough inspections and approvals: 
          a. The rough framing of the structure.
          b. The rough plumbing of the structure. 
            c. The rough heating and air conditioning for the structure. 
          d. The rough electrical for the structure.

• Inspection and approval of the building insulation before starting Gypsum wall-board work.
• Before a certificate of occupancy is issued, the following finish inspections and approvals are required:
     a. General b. Plumbing c. Heating and air conditioning d. Electrical
• Certificates of Occupancy

Q: Which inspector should I contact for the various building inspections and construction approvals I need?
A: Contractors requesting inspections shall give the inspectors 24 hours notice of their needs.
Please click Inspectors Directory for a listing of our Inspectors & Hours.