Building Department

Members

Robert H. Brinton, Sr., deceased, Land Use Administrator

Robert Walsh, Building Official

Brian Donovan, Assistant Building Inspector

Staff

Karen E. Walton, Assistant

Contact

Building Department

Bethany Town Hall

40 Peck Road

Bethany, CT 06524-3338

203-393-2100

Land Use Administrator, 203-393-2100 x114,

Assistant, 203-393-2100 x113,

Building Official, 203-393-2100 x116

Assistant Building Inspector, 203-393-2100 x117

Hours

Hours: Building Official: Monday evening: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM; Building & Land Use Administrative Assistant: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Building & Land Use Administrator: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

FAQs

e-Papers

What do I need to do before applying for a mechanical or building permit? Back

All required documentation and construction information must be submitted with any Mechanical or Building Permit Application

It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain the necessary approvals from each off the following departments BEFORE applying for a building permit:

• Inland Wetlands

• Zoning Enforcement Office

• Sanitarian Office

• Highway Department

If any of the above departments request plan revisions during the review process, it is the applicant's responsibility to re-circulate these revised plans for approval.

Where do I go to get a Building Permit? Back

Applications for Building and Mechanical Permits along with information on all requirements for such applications can be obtained in the Zoning and Building office at the Bethany Town Hall at 40 Peckk Road.

I would like to install a pool or spa in my rear yard. Do I need a permit from the Town? Back

Swimming pools and spas require a building permit that must first be approved by a Zoning Enforcement Officer and then the Building Department. You will need to have at least 50 feet of clearance between your property line and a pool or spa.

I plan to build a deck in my back yard. Does this require a Zoning and Building permit? Back

Both Zoning and Building Permits are required for all decks.

I plan to install or modify a driveway that interfaces with a State or Town road. Do I need a permit? Back

A D.O.T. permit is required for a State road and a Town permit is needed for a Town road.

Do I need a building permit to put on siding or a new roof? Back

Yes, A Building Permit is required for each.

How can I acquire a Building Permit? Back

Contact the Building/Land Use Administrative Assistant, Zoning Enforcement Officer/Land Use Administrator, Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer, Building Official or Assistant Building Official for detaqils relative to your specific proposal.

Is there a charge for Building Permits? Back

Yes. The fee is based on the value of the improvement.

Do I need a permit for a shed? Back

Yes. Any structure over 200 cubic feet requires a Zoning and Building Permit.

What are the minimum area and frontage requirements in residential zones? Back

Consult the schedule found in Section 3.4 of the Bethany Zoning Regulations.

What are the residential setbacks? Back

Setbacks for all structures is 50 feet from any property line.

When do I need a Building Permit? Back

An application shall be submitted to the Code Official for the following activities, and these activities shall not commence without a permit being issued:

• Construct or alter a structure

• Construct an addition

• Demolish or move a structure

• Make a change of occupancy

• Install or alter any equipment which is regulated by the Connecticut Basic Building Code

• Move a lot line which affects an existing structure

How long does it take to get a building permit? Back

Typically, an application for a permit is processed with little delay. If all required land use permits have been obtained issuance of Building Permits may take 1-4 weeks. The State Building Code allows 30 days for permit application review.

Why are building permits required? Back

Building permits provide a means for code officials to protect the public by reviewing all building plans with the intent to reduce the potential of hazardous, unsafe construction thereby ensuring public health, safety and welfare.

What are my setbacks? Back

Building Zone "setbacks" (required yards) are required for all structures (buildings, sheds, swimming pools, tennis courts, above ground tanks, etc.) Refer to Section 3.4 of the Bethany Zoning Regulations.

What are the requirements for fences? Back

Fences are regulated in two (2) ways. Swimming pool fences are regulated by the State Building Code. Boundary/privacy/decorative fences over 6 feet high are considered structures. No fence of any type may be placed or altered within the Town right-of-way. Fences must not restrict/obstruct vehicle sight line for any roadway/driveway as may be determined by the Town's Public Works Director. Fences in commercial zones may require review/approval by the Planning and Zoning commission.

My neighbor is building something on his property (or digging a hole), etc. How do I find out what is he doing? Back

Unless there is a compelling reason to the contrary, speak directly to the neighbor. The best opportunity to resolve a potential issue exists before a formal inquiry or enforcement action takes place. If this is not possible, or if a problem remains, contact the Building and Land USe Administrative Assistant, Building and Land Use Administrator or the Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer. Please have the correct street address and owner's name available.

My neighbor is excavating an area I feel is wetlands. What can be done? Back

Contact the Inland Wetlands Commission Clerk or the Inlands Wetlands Enforcement Officer.

Where is the boundary line between my property and the Town roadway? Back

A line of possession known as the “right-of-way” limit divides property owners’ land and the Town’s adjacent roadside land. This boundary line may be shown on an official survey. Copies of property surveys are generally filed with the Town Clerk.

If you are planning on performing any work along your road frontage such as installing any utilities, fencing, landscaping, etc.; you should contact the Department of Public Works to determine the limits of the right-of-way.

What are the steps necessary to add a bedroom, pool, tennis court, etc. to my home or property if on septic? Back

Determine the location of your septic system and well on your property. If you do not have your homeowner's copy of the "as-built" plan and Permit to Discharge, the Town Sanitarian may have copies of these documents.

Any addition (i.e. - pool, tennis court, gazebo, etc) on the property that would take up usable space that might be needed for a replacement septic system would require the homeowner to demonstrate a 100% Reserve Area exists prior to the Sanitarian signing off on building plans.

If a new structure that contains plumbing, is to be built on the property it will require it's own septic system and a Reserve Area.

We strongly suggest that anyone considering the above changes to their home or property come to the Sanitarian during office hours.

What are the steps necessary to add a bedroom, pool, tennis court, etc. to my home or property if on septic? Back

The best way to ward off carbon monoxide poisoning is to have your furnace serviced and chimney inspected every year. Wood and coal stoves should be cleaned and checked every year as well. Carbon Monoxide detectors have proven to be life savers.

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