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 or in the following manner (E-Checks will not be accepted):
  • 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
• Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance Fee (applies to all building applications)
  • $10.00
• Zoning Review Fee (when applicable)
  • $25.00
• Fire Marshal Fee (Commercial Projects & Residential Three-Family and Above)
  • See Fee Schedule HERE
• Plan Review Fee (when applicable)
  • See Fee Schedule HERE
• ​​​​​​​Refund Policy
  • ​​​​​​​See Policy HERE

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 property owner and/or applicant are responsible for scheduling all inspections and assuring they pass before moving on to the next phase of the project. 
• It is highly recommended property owners 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 and office hours. 
• 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 only set time for inspections are the first morning inspection (9:00am-9:30am), and the first afternoon inspection (1:00pm-1:30pm).  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.   

• 7a- Workers Compensation.pdf
• Deck Permit Application Information.pdf
• Energize CT- Standardized Instructions for Residential Solar PV Permitting Process 
• 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
• 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 Property Maintenance & Zoning Enforcement
• Vernon Zoning Regulations and Ordinances

COMPLAINT POLICY

It is a requirement of the Town of Vernon Building Department as well as the North Central District Health Department (NCDHD), that BEFORE tenants file a complaint about their rental unit, they notify the owner/landlord, IN WRITING, of their concerns, and allow the owner/landlord a reasonable amount of time to correct the problem.  Please attach a copy of the written notification to the complaint.   

NOTE: It is NOT the responsibility of the Building or Health Department to notify a landlord of the problems with your rental unit, only to make sure that the problems related to Health and Safety are properly dealt with once they have been notified.

Please click HERE for directions on filing a complaint 

• Town of Vernon Property Maintenance / Zoning Complaint Form 
• Timeline for Property Maintenance and Zoning Complaints

• Directions to Create a PermitLink Account (HERE)

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with.
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select the type of permit you are applying for under Building Services  
• Select Permit Work Type from the dropdown menu
  • Once selected your Required Inspections and Required Documents for the application will be displayed
• Select the Next button on the right of the screen
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen where the work will be performed and press enter 
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3633) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments and make payment 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments and Make a Payment below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

A Zoning Permit Application is required for work that may not necessarily require additional permitting, such as: the placement of a Charitable Donation Collection Bin; conducting a Minor Home-based Business; Placement of a Portable Storage Container/Dumpster; the Replacement of a Sign Face; Placement of a Shed under 200 sq, ft.; Storage of Trailers, Recreational Vehicles or Boats; Placing Streaming/Fluttering Banners, Temporary Outdoor Dining or Obtaining a Zoning Compliance letter.  

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Zoning Wetlands Engineering   
• Select Zoning Permit Application
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen where the work will be performed and press enter 
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3633) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments and make payment 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments and Make a Payment below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Zoning Wetlands Engineering   
• Select Driveway Road Cut Permit Application
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen where the work will be performed and press enter 
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3638) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments and make payment 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments and Make a Payment below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3638) 

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Zoning Wetlands Engineering   
• Select Right of Way License
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments and make payment 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments and Make a Payment below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3638) 

A Certificate of Appropriateness application is required when the work requested is taking place on a registered historic building or structure, or with in an historic district.   A Certificate of Appropriateness must be granted by the Local Historic Properties Commission prior to any work beginning on a project, such as obtaining building permits.  The Local Historic Properties Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month.

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Zoning Wetlands Engineering   
• Select Certificate of Appropriateness 
• Read the payment advisory and select OK to continue 
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen where the work will be performed and press enter 
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3635) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3635) 

An Inland Wetland Commission application is required for approval for a re-designation of a wetlands area, a change to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, and/or a permit is needed to conduct a regulated activity in a wetland, watercourse, or Upland Review Area (URA), which are defined as areas within one hundred (100) feet from the boundary of a wetland, watercourse, or  intermittent watercourse and areas within two hundred (200) feet from the boundary of Gage’s Brook, Hockanum River, Ogden Brook, Railroad Brook, Tankerhoosen River, Valley Falls Pond, Walker Reservoir East, Walker Reservoir West. Any activity that the Commission determines is likely to impact or affect wetlands or watercourses may be considered a regulated activity. The Inland Wetland Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Zoning Wetlands Engineering   
• Select IWC Application  
• Read the payment advisory and select OK to continue 
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen where the work will be performed and press enter 
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3635) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3635) 

A Planning and Zoning Commission application is required when activity related to residential, commercial or municipal development is required by State Statute and/or by Vernon Zoning Regulations.   Traditionally applications are made to obtain either a Site Plan approval, a Special Permit(s)/Special Exception (s) or all of the above. The Commission meets on the first and third Thursday’s of each month.

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Zoning Wetlands Engineering   
• Select PZC Application  
• Read the payment advisory and select OK to continue 
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen where the work will be performed and press enter 
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3635) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3635) 

A Zoning Board of Appeals application is required when activity related to residential or commercial development would require the granting of variances from Vernon’s Zoning Regulations, or when there is an appeal from decisions of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.  The Zoning Board of Appeals meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

• Apply for a permit on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and choose an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Zoning Wetlands Engineering   
• Select PZC Application  
• Read the payment advisory and select OK to continue 
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen where the work will be performed and press enter 
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3635) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • All fields displaying a red bar will need to be filled out 
• When finished select Submit 
• You will then be prompted to add attachments 
  • See instructions under Add Attachments below

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3635) 

• Adding Attachments DURING the application process:
  • Select Choose File at the top of the page 
  • Select the pdf file from your computer you want to add
  • Select Upload File 
  • Your added Attachment will be displayed on the screen 
  • Repeat the process to add more Attachments or select Done with Attachments

• Adding additional Attachments AFTER the initial application process:
  • Go to the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
  • Select Apply for a Permit 
  • Enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
  • Select My Documents 
  • Select (highlight) the address in your displayed list you want to add attachments to
  • Select Attachments on the left side of the screen
  • Select Choose File at the top of the page 
  • Select the pdf file from your computer you want to add
  • Select Upload File 
  • Your added Attachment will be displayed on the screen 
  • Repeat the process to add more Attachments or select Done with Attachments

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

• Making payments by credit card DURING the application process:
  • When asked if you would like to make payment select Yes
  • You will be directed to a third party site for payment 

• Making payments by credit card AFTER the initial application process:
  • Go to the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
  • Select Apply for a Permit 
  • Enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
  • Select My Documents 
  • Select (highlight) the address in your displayed list you want to pay for 
  • Select Make Payment on the left side of the screen
  • Select Yes at the prompt
  • You will be directed to a third party site for payment 

• Convenience fees apply to all credit card payments and E-Checks will not be accepted.
• Payments can also be made in the following manner:
  • By phone (credit card only) at 860-870-3633
  • By credit card, check, or cash at 55 West Main Street, Vernon, CT during Counter Hours 
  • By check mailed to Town of Vernon Building Department, 55 West Main Street, 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 your permit application.  

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

• Go to the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
• Enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select My Documents 
• Select (highlight) the address in your displayed list you want to reference
• Select Messaging on the left side of the screen
• Select the person you want to email from the dropdown menu under Email to (required)
• Type your comment under Enter Message/Comment in box below
• Select Save Comment and you will get a prompt indicating your message has been sent 
• Select Close Page to exit 

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

• Go to the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
• Enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select My Documents 
• Select (highlight) the address in your displayed list you want to reference
• Select Inspections on the left side of the screen
• All inspections and their statuses will be displayed
• Select Done with Inspections on the top right of the screen to exit

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

• Go to the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
• Enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select My Documents 
• Select (highlight) the address in your displayed list you want to reference
• Select Permit Card on the left side of the screen
• The permit card will display for you to print 

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

• Search Property History in PermitLink
  • Go to the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
  • Select Search All Documents 
  • Use the fillable boxes at the top of the screen to search for a specific address or filter the information  
    • TIP: When entering a street name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")

• Search Property History in Vernon's Property Files  
  • Go to the Town GIS website by clicking (HERE)
  • Enter the address for the property you are interested in 
    • TIP: When entering a street name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • Select the green plus sign (+) next to the displayed address
  • Select Building File (If Available)
  • The scanned property file will be displayed 

• Both of the above websites should be used to research the history of the property

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633) 

• File a complaint on the PermitLink website by clicking (HERE)
• Select Apply for a Permit 
  • First time Users will need to select Register a New Account, complete the registration form, and select an email and password to login with
• Once registered - enter your Email Address and Password and select Login
• Select Complaint Form under Building Services  
• Type the House # and Street Name in the boxes at the top of the screen  
  • TIP: When entering the name DO NOT enter the street suffix (i.e. "Street", "Road", "Avenue")
  • If you do not see the address you are looking for please call (860-870-3633) for assistance
• Select the displayed address you're searching for to highlight it
• Select Next at the top of the screen 
• Complete the application that is displayed and follow all prompts
  • Anonymous complaints will not be acted upon
• When finished select Submit 
• At the prompt select Yes to add photos to attachments (see instructions under Add Attachments)
• After adding all attachments select Done with Attachments 
• At the prompt select Click to Continue to exit 

***If you need further assistance please call (860-870-3633)