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Building Permit Application Checklist

*These checklists are intended to identify the majority of requirements and issues to consider when filing a building permit application for various types of projects. Special circumstances relating to the nature of the construction or location of the project may require additional requirements or information to be submitted. Not all types of projects are currently listed below please contact the Building department with any questions pertaining to your project.

Interior Renovation/Remodel*

  1. Interior renovations or remodeling is defined as any project which does not include a conversion of any unfinished or unconditioned space to habitable conditioned space.
  2. Submit approval if applicable from East Shore District Health (if property is served by private well or septic system).
  3. Determine if the parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  4. Complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder, an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  5. Complete and submit one set of construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the State Building Code.
  6. Submit Condominium or Association approval for the project, if applicable.
  7. Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  8. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if applying as a contractor. 

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Finished Basement/Attic space*

  1. Submit approval if applicable from East Shore District Health (if property is served by private well or septic system).
  2. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  3. Determine which Zoning Jurisdiction the property is located in (Town of Branford, Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association). If the property is located within the Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association Zoning district, submit an approval document from the applicable entity. If the property is located within the Town of Branford Zoning Jurisdiction, complete and submit Zoning application. If your project does not conform to the Zoning Regulations, you will need to modify your plans to address these requirements unless you have a valid property related hardship and you apply for and are successful in obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals of the appropriate Zoning Jurisdiction. Please consult with the appropriate Zoning Enforcement Officer in such a situation.
  4. Complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  5. Complete and submit one set of construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the State Building Code.
  6. Submit Condominium or Association approval for the project if applicable.
  7. Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  8. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if applying as a contractor. 

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Addition to Existing Structure*

  1. Submit approval if applicable from East Shore District Health (if property is served by private well or septic system).
  2. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  3. If proposed activity may impact inland wetlands and/or watercourses, contact the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency (IWWA) to determine if a permit is required. If required, the IWWA application must be submitted no later than the day that an application is submitted to a Zoning Commission or Association.
  4. Determine which Zoning Jurisdiction the property is located in (Town of Branford, Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association). Develop and submit a plot plan or survey depicting location and dimensions of the proposed addition including all dimensions to required setbacks. If your project does not conform to the Zoning Regulations , you will need to modify your plans to address these requirements unless you have a valid property related hardship and you apply for and are successful in obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals of the appropriate Zoning Jurisdiction. Please consult with the appropriate Zoning Enforcement Officer in such a situation.
  5. If the property is located within the Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association Zoning Jurisdiction, submit an approval document from the applicable entity. If the property is located within the Town of Branford Zoning Jurisdiction, complete and submit Zoning application.
  6. Complete and submit one set of construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the State Building Code.
  7. Complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  8. Submit Condominium or Association approval for the project if applicable.
  9. Submit proof of workers’ compensation insurance or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  10. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if applying as a contractor.

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Deck, Porch, Dock*

  1. Submit approval if applicable from East Shore District Health (if property is served by private well or septic system).
  2. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  3. If proposed activity may impact inland wetlands and/or watercourses, contact the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency (IWWA) to determine if a permit is required. If required, the IWWA application must be submitted no later than the day that an application is submitted to a Zoning Commission or Association.
  4. Does your deck or dock extend beyond the Coastal Jurisdiction Line elevation 4.3’ NAVD 88 datum? If yes, provide approval from DEEP. A DEEP Permit application can be obtained at DEEP Coastal Permitting.
  5. Determine which Zoning Jurisdiction the property is located in (Town of Branford, Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association). If your project does not conform to the Zoning Regulations, you will need to modify your plans to address these requirements unless you have a valid property related hardship and you apply for and are successful in obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals of the appropriate Zoning Jurisdiction. Please consult with the appropriate Zoning Enforcement Officer in such a situation.
  6. If the property is located within the Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association Zoning Jurisdiction, submit an approval document from the applicable entity. If the property is located within the Town of Branford Zoning Jurisdiction, complete and submit Zoning application.
  7. Complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder, an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  8. Complete and submit one set of construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the State Building Code.
  9. Submit Condominium or Association approval for the project if applicable.
  10. Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  11. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if applying as a contractor. 

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Solar Installation*

  1. Applications are accepted in person or by email in approved digital format, fee payments are accepted online by credit card/american express or in person by cash or check only.
  2. Determine is your system will be ground/pole or roof mounted installation.
  3. If ground mounted system and property is served by private well or septic system submit approval from East Shore District Health along with application.
  4. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application from the Engineering dept.will be required to be submitted.
  5. For ground mounted systems only determine which zoning district the property is located in either Town of Branford, Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association. For property located within the Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association Zoning district, submit an approval document from the applicable district. For property located other than Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association complete and submit a Town of Branford zoning application.
  6. Complete and submit a Building and Electrical permit application as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder an agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  7. Complete and submit one set of construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the CT. State Building Code.
  8. Submit Condominium or Association approval for the project if applicable.
  9. Submit engineering analysis for additional roof loading if applicable.
  10. Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance or State waiver forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  11. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors and Electrical license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection when applying as a contractor. 

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Swimming Pool*

  1. Submit approval if applicable from East Shore District Health (if property is served by private well or septic system).
  2. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  3. If proposed activity may impact inland wetlands and/or watercourses, contact the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency (IWWA) to determine if a permit is required. If required, the IWWA application must be submitted no later than the day that an application is submitted to a Zoning Commission or Association.
  4. Determine which Zoning Jurisdiction the property is located in (Town of Branford, Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association). Develop and submit a plot plan or survey depicting location and dimensions of proposed swimming pool and/or pool deck include all dimensions to required setbacks. If your project does not conform to the Zoning Regulations, you will need to modify your plans to address these requirements unless you have a valid property related hardship and you apply for and are successful in obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals of the appropriate Zoning Jurisdiction. Please consult with the appropriate Zoning Enforcement Officer in such a situation.
  5. If the property is located within the Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association Zoning Jurisdiction, submit an approval document from the applicable entity. If the property is located within the Town of Branford Zoning Jurisdiction, complete and submit Zoning application.
  6. Complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder, an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  7. Complete and submit one set of construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the State Building Code.
  8. Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  9. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors or SP-1 or SP-2 license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if applying as a contractor.
  10. Separate Electrical permit application will also be required to be submitted to properly wire your pool equipment.

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Windows, Siding, Roofing*

  1. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  2. Complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  3. Submit Condominium or Association approval for the project, if applicable.
  4. Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  5. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if applying as a contractor.

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Accessory Structures*

  1. Submit approval if applicable from East Shore District Health (if property is served by private well or septic system).
  2. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes, a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  3. If proposed activity may impact inland wetlands and/or watercourses, contact the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency (IWWA) to determine if a permit is required. If required, the IWWA application must be submitted no later than the day that an application is submitted to a Zoning Commission or Association (see next step).
  4. Determine which Zoning Jurisdiction the property is located in (Town of Branford, Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association). Develop and submit a plot plan or survey depicting location and dimensions of proposed addition include all dimensions to required setbacks. If your project does not conform to the Zoning Regulations, you will need to modify your plans to address these requirements unless you have a valid property related hardship and you apply for and are successful in obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals of the appropriate Zoning Jurisdiction. Please consult with the appropriate Zoning Enforcement Officer in such a situation.
  5. If the property is located within the Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association Zoning Jurisdiction, submit an approval document from the applicable entity. If the property is located within the Town of Branford Zoning Jurisdiction, complete and submit Zoning application.
  6. If Accessory Structure exceeds 200 square feet or more than one story, complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  7. Complete and submit construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the State Building Code.
  8. If Accessory Structure is less than 200 square feet and one story complete a Small Structures application.
  9. Submit proof of worker’s compensation or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  10. Submit a valid copy or proof of a Home Improvement Contractors license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if applying as a contractor. 

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Tenant Fit-up*

  1. Determine if the structure is served by sewers or septic system, (if served by a septic system approval from ESDH is required to be submitted).
  2. Determine if your project will require a food service or cosmetology license? If yes, approval from ESDH is required to be submitted.
  3. Determine if your parcel is located within a flood hazard area as defined by FEMA mapping. If yes a flood hazard application will be required to be submitted.
  4. Determine which Zoning Jurisdiction the property is located in (Town of Branford, Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association). If the property is located within the Short Beach Civic Association or Pine Orchard Association Zoning Jurisdiction, submit an approval document from the applicable entity. If the property is located within the Town of Branford Zoning Jurisdiction, complete and submit Zoning application for Tenant Fit Up. If your project does not conform to the Zoning Regulations, you will need to modify your plans to address these requirements unless you have a valid property related hardship and you apply for and are successful in obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals of the appropriate Zoning Jurisdiction. Please consult with the appropriate Zoning Enforcement Officer in such a situation.
  5. If any site changes are proposed, develop and submit a plot plan or survey depicting the proposed changes to the site.
  6. Complete and submit a Building permit application form as the owner of the property, licensed contractor or agent representing the owner of the property or licensed contractor. If filing an application as an agent for the property owner or license holder an Agent letter with original signature from property owner or licensed contractor is required to be submitted.
  7. Complete and submit construction drawings pertaining to your project. Drawings submitted must demonstrate compliance with the State Building Code.
  8. Submit proof of worker’s compensation insurance or State waiver (directions), forms 7A, 7B or 7C.
  9. Submit copy of Major Contractor’s license issued by CT Department of Consumer Protection if project exceeds the threshold limitations of CGS 29-276b when applying as contractor. 

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Demolition of Structures*

Any Building permit application submitted for demolition must signed by both the property owner and the demolition contractor and be required to submit and satisfy the following requirements of the Connecticut General Statutes and Local Town Ordinance;

  1. Copy of Demolition Contractor’s current Certificate of Registration. Class A or B (C.G.S 29-406(a)) Provisions do exist for homeowners wishing to perform their own demolition of their primary residence with special conditions.
  2. Certificate of Insurance with amounts not less than set forth in Connecticut (C.G.S. 29-406(a)). The Town of Branford must be listed as the Certificate holder.
  3. Declaration from the contractor on company letterhead signed by an officer of the company, with the following save harmless statement;
    “In accordance with Connecticut General Statute §29-406, we [contractor/owner] herby agree to save harmless the Town of Branford and its agents from any claim or claims arising out of the negligence of the applicant or his agents or employees in the course of the demolition operations associated with [project title, address]”
  4. Authorized utility clearance letters of service disconnect for all public utilities, Elec. Gas, Water, Telephone, Cable (C.G.S. 29-406(a)(2))
  5. Approval letter from East Shore Health District addressing proper abandonment of Septic System and/or Well if applicable. Obtain sewer disconnect permit from the Engineering department if served by sewers.
  6. If proposed activity may impact inland wetlands and/or watercourses, contact the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency to determine if a permit is required.
  7. Certified return receipt mailing (Green Cards) for each abutter of the property along with copy of notification letter (C.G.S. 29-407) if age of structure is 75 or more years old than the following must also be included in the notification and a 30 day waiting period observed;

    Town Center Revitalization Review Board
    c/o Richard Stoecker
    P. O. Box 150
    Branford, CT 06405

    Economic Development Commission
    Branford Town Hall
    P.O. Box 150, 1019 Main St
    Branford, CT 06405

    Branford Historical Society
    P.O. Box 504
    Branford, CT 0640

    Jane Peterson Bouley
    61 Beckett Avenue
    Branford, CT 0640

  8. Letter from a properly licensed exterminator certifying that the structure to be demolished is free from rodent infestation.
  9. Reporting and testing from a State licensed abatement contractor concerning the existence or non-existence of Asbestos and Lead paint including abatement plan, copy of the Department of Public Health “Demolition Notification Form” also to be submitted.
  10. Contact call before you dig within 30 days of issuance, file separate sewer disconnect permit if applicable after demolition application is received.

    You will be responsible to follow and maintain the following requirements:

    1. Posting of Demolition sign provided by Building Department on the property visible form street line if age of structure is 75 old or older.
    2. Provide safety measures for site in accordance with CGS 29-408 unless otherwise waived by the Building Official.
    3. Provide sidewalk shed requirements in accordance with CGS 29-409 if applicable. 
    4. Suitable provisions for the proper disposal of all accumulated materials must be developed and maintained, demolition operations must be in accordance with CGS 29-412.
    5. Site must be clear from all excess materials, rubbish and debris, foundations, cellars or holes must be filled to grade level in accordance with CGS 29-413

      DO NOT COMMENCE DEMOLITION UNTIL PERMIT IS ISSUED BY THIS OFFICE, CALL FOR INSPECTION OF PROPERTY WHEN DEMOLITION IS COMPLETED.

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Last Updated: Tue, 11/10/2020 - 8:41am