Building Department

The Vernon Building Department uses PermitLink for online permitting.  You can begin your Permit Application (HERE)

Please be aware of the following:

• All Building & Zoning Applications will only be accepted online.
• First time Users will need to register with an email and password.
• Supporting documents (Trade Licenses, Workers' Compensation, and Building Plans) should be scanned and submitted with the application through the online portal (PDF format preferred).

IMPORTANT: All issued permits, inspection results, and communications with applicants will be through email.  Please check your Spam and Junk folders to verify email communications from our office have not been mistakenly placed there.

• Application payments can be made online by credit card (E-Checks will not be accepted) or in the following manner:
  • By phone (credit card only) at 860-870-3633
  • By credit card, check, or cash at 55 West Main St, Vernon, CT during Counter Hours 
  • By check mailed to: Town of Vernon Building Department, 55 West Main St, Vernon, CT 06066 (please include the name of the applicant, address where work will be performed and a contact phone number with your check or a copy of the permit application)
• A computer kiosk is available for use at the Vernon Building Department (55 West Main St) during Counter Hours (see above) if you need assistance submitting your permit application.  If you have any questions please call 860-870-3633.    

FEE SCHEDULE – BUILDING PERMITS  

Residential (up to $75,000)
$0 - $1,000.00 = $30.00
Each additional $1,000 (or fraction thereof) = $15.00

Commercial (Residential over $75,000)
$0 - $1,000.00 = $30.00
Each additional $1,000 (or fraction thereof) = $20.00

$10.00- Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance Fee (applies to all building applications)

$25.00- Zoning Fee (when applicable)

Plan Review Fee (when applicable)

Refund Policy

Step 1- Obtain Approvals

Many building projects require approvals from one or more departments and agencies.  When applicable, Planning & Zoning, the Fire Marshal's Office, Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), the Health Department, and others may need to review and approve the project BEFORE building permits will be issued.  If you are uncertain what approvals you need, please contact the Building Department at 860-870-3633 before beginning your project.  Here is a list of contacts to assist you. 

       Step 2- Submit the Applications and Plans

Building projects require the completion and submittal of a building permit application(s) and plan(s).  Here are some general guidelines:

• A plot plan (for residential) or site plan (for commercial) may be required for exterior projects such as pools, generators, decks, sheds, and additions to determine compliance with zoning regulations and setbacks.    
• Structural projects such as decks, additions, and new homes will need plans showing dimensions, elevations, and other details.  Trade specific plans (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC) will be required for commercial and larger residential projects.    
• Electrical and mechanical work requires the submission of separate permit applications for each trade along with the specifications of the equipment being installed.  
• A project may require multiple permits applications. For example, a new house typically requires applying for (4) four permits with the Building Department- (1) one building permit to erect the foundation and structure, (1) one electrical permit, (1) plumbing permit, and (1) one heating and air conditioning permit to install the mechanical systems.   

       Step 3- Application Review & Approval

After you have completed your permit application and obtained all required approvals, your application will be reviewed for compliance with the Connecticut Building Code.  If compliant, the Building Official will issue your permit. 

NOTE:  Submitting an application does NOT mean you have approval to begin the project.  You may begin work when the Approved Permit Card is received to post at the job site.  

For most applications, review occurs within ten business days after the Building Department receives all approvals and a completed permit application.  Larger residential and commercial projects may take longer. 

Keep in mind the Building Department has up to (30) thirty days to review a completed application and approve or deny the application.  Applications are reviewed on a first come first served basis. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed, which will extend the approval process.

         Step 4- Start Work & Schedule Inspections

Once your application has been APPROVED you may begin work.  The issued permit card and approved plans must remain on the work site for the duration of the project. Beginning work before the application has been approved is a violation of the Connecticut State Building Code under the Connecticut General Statutes. 

Your issued permit will have a list of required inspections and the applicant is responsible for scheduling all inspections.  It is suggested homeowners verify all inspections have been conducted if they hire a contractor to perform the work.  Please remember, no inspections can be be scheduled until a permit has been approved.   

Inspections are scheduled on a first come first served basis, and should be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours in advance.  Please plan accordingly if you have timelines to meet.  You can never call too early to schedule! 

You can schedule an inspection by calling 860-870-3633 and providing your permit number, address where the work was performed, and the name and phone number of a person that will be on site for the inspection.  An adult homeowner or contractor with knowledge of the work performed must be on site for all inspections to allow access to the property and to answer any questions the inspector may have about the project.

  Step 5- Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) / Certificate of Approval (CA)

When all final inspections have been conducted and it is determined the project meets substantial code compliance, the Building Official will issue the Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Compliance (COC- upon request) and all associated permits will be closed.    

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INSPECTIONS?

• Inspections are a crucial part of the building process.  Your issued permit card will have a list of required inspections so your project can be examined at different phases of the build. 
• The applicant is responsible for scheduling all inspections and assuring they pass before moving on to the next phase of the project. 
• It is recommended homeowners verify all inspections have been conducted and passed if they hire a contractor to perform the work. 
• Please remember, no inspections can be be scheduled until a permit has been approved and issued.   

WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS?

• Inspections should be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours in advance and are scheduled on a first come first served basis.  We are able to perform most inspections within three business days, but wait time may be extended because of inspection volume. 
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Inspections should be scheduled a minimum of ten business days in advance to prevent delays in moving into your home or opening your business.  This allows time to verify all inspections have been performed and all required documentation has been received.  It also allows time to verify other Town Department (Planning, Zoning, Engineering, WPCA) and outside agency (Health Dept., State DOT, DEEP) requirements have been met.   

NOTE:  Plan accordingly if you have timelines to meet, only you are responsible for your deadlines.  Remember....you can never call too early to schedule! 

HOW DO I SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS?

• You can schedule an inspection by calling 860-870-3633 and providing the following:
  • Permit number
  • Address where the work was performed
  • Type of inspection you are requesting (i.e. rough electrical vs final electrical)
  • The name and phone number of the person that will be on site for the inspection. 
    • NOTE: An adult homeowner or contractor with knowledge of the work performed must be on site for all inspections to allow access to the property and to answer any questions the inspector may have about the project, or the inspection may result in a failure.

NOTE:  Ladders are not provided by the Building Department, if a ladder is needed to access equipment or perform an inspection, the installation technician is REQUIRED to be on site to provide one.  

• You may request a morning or afternoon inspection and will be given a window of time for when the inspector will arrive.  Morning inspections are scheduled between 9:00am-12:00pm and afternoon inspections are scheduled between 1:00pm-4:00pm.  The Building Department office is closed on Fridays so there are no inspections.    

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING INSPECTIONS?

• On the day of the inspection, the inspector will come to the front door, let you know they've arrived, and meet with the contractor or homeowner.  All Vernon Building Inspectors carry photo identification and drive Town of Vernon vehicles. 
• The inspector will ask to see the work that was performed and may have questions depending upon the size and scope of the project. 

NOTE:  All work related to the inspection is REQUIRED to be completed at this time.

• The inspector will let the contractor or homeowner know if the inspection PASSED or FAILED and an inspection form stating the results will be emailed to the applicant on file.  Please retain these forms for your records.  
• If the inspection PASSED, the project may continue.  If the inspection FAILED, a re-inspection may be scheduled by calling 860-870-3633 once the corrections are made. 

HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF MY INSPECTION REPORT?

• Recent inspection reports can be obtained by going HERE and entering the work site address or permit number.   

• BLD-Decks

• 7a- Workers Compensation.pdf
• Deck Permit Application Information.pdf
• Energize CT- Standardized Solar PV Permit
• Foundation Replacement Information
• Letter of Authorization
• Plot Plan Template 
• Request for Modification
• Swimming Pool Agreement.pdf
• Swimming Pool Alarm Agreement.pdf
• Temporary Outdoor Dining Application 

• Asphalt Roofing Shingles.pdf
• Basement Fire-Blocking Example.pdf
• Benefits of a Building Permit.pdf
• Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet.pdf
• Creating Habitable Space in Basements.pdf
• Deck Calculating Pier Size.pdf
• Deck Example Plans.pdf
• Deck Illustrated Guide.pdf
• Deck Span Tables & Connections.pdf
• Demolition Checklist.pdf
• Demolition Delay.pdf
• Generator Installation Guide.pdf 
• Generator Required Information.pdf
• Operating Portable Generators Safety.pdf
• Refund Policy.pdf
• Residential Certificate of Occupancy Checklist.pdf
• Smoke and CO Detectors.pdf
• Swimming Pool Checklist.pdf
• Swimming Pool Barrier Handout.pdf
• Swimming Pool Notice to Applicants.pdf
• Swimming Pool Wiring Requirements.pdf
• Work Not Requiring A Building / Mechanical Permit.pdf

• 211 Assistance
• CONCORD Business Lookup
• Contractor License and Registration Verification
• Crumbling Foundation Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) 
• Crumbling Foundation (CFSIC) Webpage
• Crumbling Foundation Qualified Vendor List 
• Crumbling Foundation Testing Reimbursement Program 
• Department of Consumer Protection
• Department of Public Health
• Home Improvement for Consumers
• Home Improvement Guaranty Fund 
• Office of the State Building Inspector
• North Central District Health Department
• Vernon GIS Information
• Vernon Property Cards
• Vernon Zoning & Property Maintenance
• Vernon Zoning Regulations and Ordinances