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1. Contact Us

203-992-8910

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2. What are my property setbacks?

Building Zone "setbacks" (required yards) are required for all structures (buildings, sheds, swimming pools, tennis courts, air-conditioner condensing units, generators, above ground tanks, pool equipment, etc.) Refer to Section 6-203 and 6-205 of the Building Zone Regulations (PDF) as a guide; actual setbacks are determined only by submission of a Class A-2 Survey Map showing all current conditions on the property to the Zoning Enforcement Office.

3. My neighbor is operating a business from his residential property. Is it legal?

Probably not. Contact Public Works with the following information: 

• The address
• Name of property owner (if possible)
• Type of business
• Hours of operation
• Other information such as employees coming to the home, deliveries, materials being stored, etc.

4. How do I find a plot plan?

Email your request to bldgrecords@greenwichct.org. Your request will be researched and responded to by return email. If the Division of Building Inspection has a copy of a plot plan it will be sent to you by return email. The records include building permit files only, dating back to 1926. Although not all files contain plot plans most permit files for new structures or additions built after 1928 do contain them.

5. When is floor area ratio (FAR) data required as I apply for a building permit? How must this information be presented?

Floor Area Ratio verification must be provided when the cumulative floor area for all buildings on a lot equal or exceed 90% of the maximum allowable floor area for that lot. Two complete, identical sets of construction plans must accompany a building permit application (PDF). One of those sets must demonstrate the floor areas that are represented on the permit application form. No other format, separate plan sheets or diagrammatic presentations will be acceptable. Submitted plans must be prepared at 1.25 inch = 1 foot scale.

Proposed construction plans (floor plans, framing plans, building sections, elevations, etc.) must be consistent with the proposed floor area ratio data. If, in the proposed construction plans, there are dimensional inconsistencies or irregularities such plans will not be acceptable and the application will be denied.

6. What are the requirements for fences?

Fences are regulated in two ways. Swimming pool fences are regulated by the State Building Code. Boundary/privacy/decorative fences are regulated by the Building Zone Regulations, Section 6-5(a)(49) (PDF). There is no regulation as to color, material, or which way the fence's "good side" may face. 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 Highway Maintenance Division or Traffic Engineering Division. Fences in commercial zones require review/approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

7. What does as as-built grade plane condition on my building permit mean?

Prior to the issuance of any certificate of occupancy an as-built grade plane report that provides the actual final grade plane as well as supporting data must be submitted. It must be in the same format as was submitted with the permit application. A further statement reporting the percentage of building perimeter wherein the grade is greater than five feet and a statement reporting any points where the finished grade is 12 feet or more below the first floor elevation are part of the grade plane report. This data may be subject to verification prior to the issuance of any certificate of occupancy.

8. My neighbor is parking/storing his boat, motor home, trailer etc, in his yard. Is that legal?

The Building Zone Regulations do not prohibit this type of equipment or its location on private property. Discuss the situation with your neighbor and try to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement. Ask your neighbor to come to your home so they may appreciate your perspective and view of their property.

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

Contact the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency at 203-622-7736.

10. What does an as-built floor area ratio condition on my building permit mean?

Prior to the issuance of any certificate of occupancy as-built floor plans presenting calculations in the same scale and manner as on the plans presented with the building permit application (PDF) must be submitted. Plans are to be signed and sealed by the architect. The architect must state on the as-built plans that he/she has physically measured and verified the dimensions of the building. Such measurements may be subject to further verification prior to the issuance of any certificate of occupancy.