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 BUILDING OFFICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUESTION: When is a building permit required?

A permit is required whenever any of the following apply:

• Constructing, enlarging, altering repairing, or demolishing a building or structure.

• Changing the use of a building either within the same use group or to a different use group when the new use requires greater degrees of structural strength, fire protections, exit facilities, ventilation or sanitary provisions.

• Installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by the building code.

• Removing or disturbing any asbestos containing materials during demolition, alteration, renovation of or additions to buildings or structures. 

QUESTION: Who may apply for a permit?

Application for a permit shall be made by the owner or lessee of the building or agent of either, or by the licensed professional engineer, architect, contractor or subcontractor (or their respective agents) employed in connection with the proposed work.

QUESTION: What is the time limit on a building permit?

Any permit issued shall become invalid if the work on the site authorized by the permit is not commenced within six months after issuance of the permit, or it the authorized work on the site is suspended or abandoned for a period of six months after the time of commencing the work, however, permits issued for building equipment such as plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work shall not become invalid if the building permit is still in effect.  It shall be the responsibility of the permit application to prove to the building official that the work has not been suspended or abandoned.

QUESTION: How long will it take to have a permit application reviewed and processed?

The time varies depending on the caliber and/or complexity of the project but can usually be released within one to three working days.

QUESTION: What information do I need to provide in order to obtain a permit?

Application for a single family residence would require 2 sets of plans (to scale), an approved sewage disposal permit (issued by the Department of Health), a site plan indicating the location of the structure from all property lines and also indicating measurements from waterfronts and/or wetlands (if applicable).

QUESTION: What is the cost of a permit?

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This page was last updated on Wednesday, December 22, 2010