Frequently
Asked Questions
Why
do I need a permit?
When do I need a permit?
What should I do to prepare for a permit?
What is the permit process?
What other information should I know?
Why
do I need a permit? (to top)
When a permit is issued the holder of the permit is given legal
permission to start construction or do modifications to a building.
Today the construction industry standards have evolved into minimum
standards designed to protect the general public's health and
safety. The Code Official's job is to enforce the legislatively
adopted laws of the Commonwealth for the benefit of the consumer.
Keep in mind the Building Official is only looking for the minimum
standards of the code. What you feel is required and what the
code requires may be two different things.
Most individuals overlook the need for a permit until some catastrophic
event occurs. We try to assure compliance with local zoning codes,
the State Building Code, the State Wiring Code and the State Plumbing
and Gas Code. From zoning issues to code review, from field inspections
to structural conformity, from foundation to occupancy permits,
the inspectors are looking out for your best interest! No matter
which area is of concern for you, all construction codes serve
the same purpose: to protect the public health, safety, and welfare
by requiring safe construction.
When
do I need a permit? (to top)
Permits are typically required for the following, but remember
to check with this office before beginning your specific project.
We will inform you if a permit is required or not.
What
should I do to prepare for a permit? (to
top)
RESEARCH YOUR PROPERTY BEFORE, NOT AFTER!
You are the property owner. You have invested time, energy and a
substantial sum of money into your property. You will be relying
on the structural safety of the building that surrounds you each
day, at home and at work. Research your investment before and not
after your purchase. Find out if there are outstanding code violations
or zoning violations on the property. "Buyer beware" is
an old saying, however it is very much evident when a problem arises
later. Has all the work that has been done on the building been
permitted and approved by the local officials? Are there records
to substantiate this? Remember if there is no record of the work
it has not been permitted. Remember, as the owner, you are responsible
for anything that takes place on your property. If you purchase
a property with outstanding building and/ or zoning violations the
previous owner's violations become your violations.
What
is the permit process? (to top)
The process is generally the same for building, wiring, plumbing
and mechanical. In addition, fire prevention and sprinkler permits
will also require the input and approval of the local fire department.
- Submission of the application and documentation to the department.
You may need to consult with other town departments, boards and
committees for their approval.
- Consideration and plan review of all of your applications, documents
and plans against all applicable codes, rules and regulations.
- Decision from the inspector. You may be approved or denied. There
are appeal processes if you receive a denial and do not agree with
the inspector.
- Inspection of the work in progress. Each phase must be inspected
for completeness, compliance with the construction documents and
the applicable codes.
- Final acceptance and the issuance of the occupancy permit.
What
other information should I know? (to top)
Be careful of contractor's that do not have a Construction Supervisors
License or Home Improvement Contractor's Registration. These are
state required licenses for doing work on construction projects.
Also, if you hire a contractor to do a construction project they
should be made responsible to obtain all the required permits. Be
leery of any contractor that wants you to pull the building permit.
If the homeowner obtains the building permit they are considered
the responsible party for the construction. You could be getting
yourself into a bad situation if you have limited or no knowledge
of the state building code or construction practices.
Zoning
is often the one thing that can delay a construction project. Most
people think it is the Town's responsibility to prove they are in
conformance with zoning. This is not the case. It is the permit
applicant's or property owners' responsibility to prove they are
in conformance with zoning. If you are contemplating a project you
should make sure you conform to the Zoning By-Laws first. If you
do not meet the Zoning By-Laws a hearing before the Zoning
Board Of Appeals will be required to seek the necessary relief
from the By-Laws. This may be a variance or a special permit. We
can assist you in determining what will be required.
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