Welcome to the Town of Branford Building Department.
The mission of the department is to protect health, safety and welfare of the Branford Community through an effective administration program of the Connecticut State Building Code by ensuring all construction, alterations, renovations and repairs including demolition of buildings conforms to the applicable requirements of the State Building Code.
The department is responsible for the issuance of all building permits for residential and commercial structures and projects within the limits of the town. The department accepts and processes all permit applications related to building, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and demolition of structures. That process includes the collection of all applicable fees, review of construction plans for technical compliance with the CT State Building Code, and field inspections of the project during various phases of construction. Once a project is completed the department is responsible for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance stating the construction performed substantially meets the structural and safety requirements of the State of Connecticut Building Code and relevant Town of Branford ordinance's.
Other functons of the Building department include, responding to emregencies related to buildings and structures, illegal occupancies and conversion of structures, working without proper permit investigations and any complaints received of potential violations of the Sate Building Code as the enforcement function of the department.
Permits Required:
Permits are required for any owner who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to move a lot line that will affect any existing building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the code. Permit applications are accepted in person from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday at the land use service counter located on second floor of Town Hall or maybe accepted by e-mail at Building@branford-ct.gov.
Work Exempt from Permit
- One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 sq. ft.
- Fences other than swimming pool barriers not over 7 feet high.
- Retaining walls less than 3’ above grade at any point along wall.
- Sidewalks, driveways and concrete or masonry patios less than 30” above grade.
- Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work not involving structural changes or alterations.
- Prefabricated swimming pools that are equal to or less than 24" deep.
- Decks not exceeding 200 sq. ft. not more than 30” above grade and not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the required exit door.
- Portable heating/cooling and cooking appliances
- Roofing and Siding repairs which are limited to 25% within one calendar year.
- Clearing or repairing of leaks in plumbing systems that do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
This list is not necessarily all inclusive other work may be exempted from the requirements of obtaining a permit, please check with the Building Department for further information on your particular project.
Who may apply?
Applications shall be made by the property owner or by any authorized agent per public act 91-95. If the authorized agent is a CT licensed contractor than the provisions of section 20-338b of the CGS shall be followed. Contractors must submit proof of valid CT licensure and proper insurance certificate.
Permit Forms
All building permit and trade permit applications are available for download but must be submitted by e-mail or in person at land-use service counter, permits will not be accepted by facsimile. Along with a permit application proof of Insurance, copy of contractors registration if applicable, two sets of construction drawings and/or supporting documentation are required to be submitted. The Building Official advises when a property owner has hired a registered contractor to perform any regulated construction work the contractor should obtain the proper permits for the project.
Site inspections
As a project is started and progresses the permit applicant is responsible to notify the Building Department when ready for the required inspections. Inspections are scheduled on a regular basis, a location and valid permit number is required when calling to request an inspection. Most inspection requests are scheduled within a 24 to 48-hour lead time but can be increased due to the number of inspection requests received. You must speak with someone to properly schedule your inspection no requests will be accepted by voicemail. CO inspections are conducted after the structure is fully completed.
Building Inspection Process
- Footing Inspection: Set forms and all required reinforcement if applicable. Call for inspection prior to placing any concrete.
- Foundation and Slab Inspection: Set forms and all required reinforcement, vapor barriers and Radon piping if applicable. Call for inspection prior to placing any concrete.
- Backfill: Install all foundation drainage, waterproofing and damp proofing, all Insulation if applicable. Call for inspection prior to commencing backfilling.
- Rough Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical : Set all required testing, complete all fire and draft stopping. Call for inspection prior to installing any insulation.
- Framing Inspection: Complete all framing, install mechanical fasteners as needed. Call prior to installation of any insulation, siding or exterior component concealing framing.
- Insulation Inspection: Complete all insulation and proper ventilation. Call for inspection prior to installing any drywall.
- Acoustical Ceiling Inspection: Set and secure all supporting grid, complete all work above ceiling. Call prior to the installation of any ceiling tiles.
- Final Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical; Call when all work has been completed.
- Final CO/CC Inspection; Call when all work has been completed including site work if applicable.
Please call in advance for all inspections and reference your permit number when scheduling such inspections. Inspections will be scheduled on availability and order received.
This list is not necessarily all inclusive and subject to change, additional inspections and/or documentation may be required per the special Inspection requirements of the Connecticut Building Code.
Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance:
The Building Departmet upon receiving notification a project is completed shall conduct a Final inspection as required, the building department will coordinate all other deparment inspections which have jursdiction over the project. Once all other departmental approvals have been received the Building Department will issue a Certficate of Occupancy or Certficate of Compliance as applicable. Pursuant to Sec. 29-265, C.G.S., No building or structure shall be occupied or used in whole or part until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Building Department.
Fees;
A fee of $18.00 shall cover work costing up to $1,000.00 with a fee of $12.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof. Additionally a State mandated education fee of $.26 per $1000.00 value of construction is applicable. A fee of $2.20 per sheet will be accessed for drawings received for sizes of 11”x17” to a maximum size of 30” x 42” and $.20 per page for all necessary documentation printed on 8.5” X 11” for scanning, indexing and filming such documents to meet the requirements of the States M-10 retention requirements.
Depending on the project, various other permit applications fees may be required. Please contact the other relevant departments on this website (Engineering, Zoning, Inland Wetlands, Fire and Public Health) for those charges.
