Building Department

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 certified 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 (2) two sets of 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 (5) five permits with the Building Department- (1) one zoning permit to comply with setbacks and lot coverage, (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. 

PLEASE NOTE!!!  Just submitting an application does NOT mean you have approval to begin the project 

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 and 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.   

Please 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 your permit number, address where the work was performed, what inspection you are requesting (i.e. rough electrical vs final electrical), and the name and phone number of a 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.
• You may request a morning or afternoon inspection and will be given a two-hour window of when the inspector will arrive.  Morning inspections are scheduled between 10:00am-12:00pm (Mon-Fri) and afternoon inspections are scheduled between 2:00pm-4:00pm (Mon-Thur).  Town offices close at 1:00pm on Fridays so there are no afternoon 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. 

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.   

FEE SCHEDULE – BUILDING PERMITS  

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

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

$25.00- Zoning Fee (when applicable)

Plan Review Fee (when applicable)

Refund Policy

• 7a- Workers Compensation.pdf
• Deck Permit Application Information.pdf
• Energize CT- Standardized Solar PV Permit
• Request for Modification
• Supplement Information for Electrical Permit.pdf
• Supplement Information for HVAC Permit.pdf
• Supplement Information for Plumbing Permit.pdf
• Supplement Information for Roofing Permit.pdf
• Swimming Pool Agreement.pdf
• Swimming Pool Alarm Agreement.pdf
• Zoning Permit Instructions & Plot Plan.pdf

• 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 Checklist.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
• Permit 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

• Permit Reports prior to November 2021 are available at 55 West Main St, Vernon, CT.
• November 2021
• December 2021
• January 2022
• February 2022
• March 2022
• April 2022