FAQs • Newington, CT • CivicEngage

Why should I hire a licensed contractor?: Any person doing work who is not currently registered with the State of Connecticut is doing so illegally. Using a licensed contractor provides some protection to the homeowner for being charged for work not completed and/or materials not provided. Materials and suppliers and subcontractors can place a lien on your home if they do not receiver payment from your contractor. Trade licenses for those persons doing Home Improvement, Plumbing, Electrical, or Mechanical work provides some assurance that they have adequate knowledge and training in those fields.

The Building Department Verifies the license and insurance of all contractors applying for a permit.

If you are not hiring a registered contractor, you are missing out on $15,000 worth of protection!

The Department of Consumer Protection protects the homeowner by the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. The fund can reimburse consumers up to $15,000 who are unable to collect for loss or damage suffered from a registered contractor's performance or offer to perform a home improvement. To find out if your contractor is registered contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 800-842-2649.

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Building Department - Permits

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1. When is a permit required?: A permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration or repairs, other than ordinary repairs, using application forms furnished by the building official. Ordinary repairs are nonstructural repairs and do not include addition to, alteration of, or replacement or relocation of water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electrical wiring, or mechanical or other work for which a permit is required by the building official.

For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

2. What are the permit fees?: For work valued $1 to $4,000 the fee is a flat $50.
Beyond the $4,000 value, the value of the work is rounded up to the nearest thousand and multiplied by $11 per thousand.
Example: $5,000 = $55, $6,000 = $66, etc.
Additional Fees if applicable:
Zoning Application Permit fee - $15
Certificate of Occupancy - Residential $25
Certificate of Occupancy - Commercial $50
Permit Fees page.

3. How long will it take to get a Permit?: Under normal circumstances permits will be reviewed within 5 to 10 working days. We are allowed up to 30 days to approve or deny the permit. If there’s no review needed, such as for a new roof and if no taxes are owed on the property, an inspector can approve the application immediately. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

4. Why do I need a Permit?: To insure the work is in compliance with the Building Codes and is safe. Review of the plans and inspections will be done to be sure Code is met. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

5. Do the Inspectors have a cell phone to contact them?: No, please call the office at 860-665-8580 to have the Secretary contact them if necessary.

6. Do I need a permit to build a fence?: A permit is not required when installing a fence, however, there are zoning requirements that must be followed. Fencing Requirements
For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

7. Where can I get a copy of my plot plan?: We have copies of most plot plans in the Building Department. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

8. If I build or purchase a shed do I need a permit?: Yes, if the shed is more than 200 square feet in size. A Building Application, Zoning Permit Application, copy of the plot plan showing location of the shed and a picture of the shed must be submitted. If building the shed, 2 copies of framing drawings must accompany the application.
If the shed is less than 200 square feet a Building permit is not required, but you will have to submit a plot plan showing the proposed location of the shed and a Zoning Application Permit ($15).
Additional requirements: Sheds larger than 600 sq ft with an eave height over 10 feet will require a foundation. Sheds smaller than 600 sq ft shall be anchored to resist wind induced uplift and overturning.

For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

9. Do I need a permit to install a pool ?

Yes if the pool is more than 24 inches deep. A swimming pool application, a zoning permit application and a copy of the plot plan showing location of the pool will be required. For above-ground pools, provide a picture of the pool.

For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

10. Do I need a permit to install a deck?: Yes. You will need a Building Application with 2 copies of building plans, a Zoning application and provide a plot plan showing the location of the deck and distances to property lines. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

11. Do I need a permit to replace my windows?: Yes. There are requirements for emergency egress from bedrooms. Our office can provide you with more information. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

12. Do I need a permit for a pellet/wood/coal stove?: A building permit must be taken out prior to installation of a solid fuel stove (wood, coal, pellet, etc). The manufacturers installation guide must be available when the Building Official performs the inspection. Solid Fuel Stove Permit page.

13. Do I need a permit for a Gas Fireplace?: Yes, you will need a plumbing permit to install the gas line and a building permit to install the fireplace. Keep in mind that the gas line needs to be pressure tested and inspected by the Building Inspector before the line is connected. After the fireplace has been installed and connected to the gas line the Building Inspector will need to inspect the installation. Make sure that the manufacturer’s installation instructions are available for the final inspection. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

14. Who is responsible for obtaining a permit?: The homeowner is responsible for obtaining the permit for any work requiring a permit on one and two family (owner occupied) houses or their authorized agent, accompanied by a written authorization signed by the property owner. All other non-residential work will require a licensed contractor to perform the work. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

15. Why should I hire a licensed contractor?: Any person doing work who is not currently registered with the State of Connecticut is doing so illegally. Using a licensed contractor provides some protection to the homeowner for being charged for work not completed and/or materials not provided. Materials and suppliers and subcontractors can place a lien on your home if they do not receiver payment from your contractor. Trade licenses for those persons doing Home Improvement, Plumbing, Electrical, or Mechanical work provides some assurance that they have adequate knowledge and training in those fields.

The Building Department Verifies the license and insurance of all contractors applying for a permit.

If you are not hiring a registered contractor, you are missing out on $15,000 worth of protection!

The Department of Consumer Protection protects the homeowner by the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. The fund can reimburse consumers up to $15,000 who are unable to collect for loss or damage suffered from a registered contractor's performance or offer to perform a home improvement. To find out if your contractor is registered contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 800-842-2649.

16. Do I need a permit to convert my basement to a spare room?: A permit is required to finish a basement. A Building application and 2 copies of drawings showing the layout are required. For more information, please call 860-665-8580.

17. What permits require the installation of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors?: When alterations or additions requiring a permit occur the entire dwelling shall be provided with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Call our office at 860-665-8580 for more information on location and quantity of detectors required.