• Building/Zoning Permit Application
• 1 & 2 Family Application Checklist
• Commercial Application Checklist
• Fee Schedule

Building/Zoning Applications

A building permit is required for any new building, addition, temporary building, demolition, or pool installation. Please print the document, fill it in and bring it with you to the Building Department. You must apply in person. Please call the Building Office at (860) 561-7530 before you come to see what your project will require. Please consult the International Residential Code for One & Two-Family Homes and International Building Codes for Multi-Family Homes.

A permit is needed if you plan to alter a building by cutting a portion of a wall, removing or cutting any structural beam or load bearing support, or change any required means of entering or exiting. In accordance with the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code and the West Hartford Zoning Ordinance, mechanical permits are also required for mechanical improvements which include air conditioning, heating, sprinkler, electric wiring, and plumbing. Building and Zoning permits must comply with current Zoning Codes, where applicable.

Permits for small projects are typically issued the day after you apply. Larger projects may take 2-3 weeks. When making an application for a building permit, the process can be expedited by coming in when inspectors are available, which are between the hours 8:00-9:00 AM and 1:00-2:00 PM in Room 208 of Town Hall, 50 South Main Street. The Building Inspection Office phone is (860) 561-7530 and the fax number is (860) 561-6939.

All building department permit fees are $32.26 for the first $1,000 of estimated market value cost and $17.26 for each additional $1,000. When you calculate the estimated cost for a general building permit application do not include electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning or sprinkler costs, since each of those require a separate permit and permit fee.