Work Exempt from Building or Trade Permit

Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of the Ct State Building Code or referenced standards shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the codes or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Building:

  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Note: A Zoning permit is still required for any accessory building over 6 feet in height regardless of the floor area. This permit is issued by the Zoning Enforcement Office.
  • Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 7 feet high.
  • Retaining walls that are not over 3 feet in height, measured from finished grade at the bottom of the wall to finished grade at the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge. 
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and ration of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
  • Sidewalks, driveways and on-grade concrete or masonry patios not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work not involving structural changes or alterations.
  • Prefabricated swimming pools that are equal to or less than 24 inches deep.
  • Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.
  • Swings, non-habitable tree houses, and other playground equipment.
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and which do not require additional support.
  • Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4 of the CT State Building Code.
  • Grandstands or bleachers providing seating for fewer than 100 persons.
  • Repairs that are limited to 25 percent of roof covering and building siding within one calendar year.

Electrical:

  • Minor repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work, including replacement of lamps and fuses or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
  • Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
  • Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles and devices but not the outlets, therefore.
  • Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
  • Electrical wiring devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.

Gas:

  • Portable heating appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
  • Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

  • Portable heating appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
  • Portable ventilation appliances.
  • Portable cooling units.
  • Steam, hot or chilled water piping contained within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by Chapters 18 to 24 of the CT State Building Code.
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
  • Portable evaporative coolers.
  • Self-contained refrigerant systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
  • Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing:

  • The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes; provided if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as required by the CT State Building Code, Sections R105 and R109.
  • The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.