The State Building Code specifies the type of work that requires a building permit. The following is a partial list of projects that would require a permit.

· Constructing a new building or structure greater than 120 square feet in area.
· Constructing an addition to a building or structure.
· Repairing or altering a building or structure except for "ordinary repairs" as defined in the Building Code.
· Changing the use of a building.
· Demolishing a building.

Building permits fall into two general categories:

· Residential - 1 and 2 family homes.
· Commercial or Non-Residential.

There are separate application forms for these two types of permits.

Building permit applications are reviewed for compliance with the town's zoning regulations. Some projects that do not require building permit approval may have to be reviewed for zoning compliance. These include:

· Minor structures less than 120 square feet in area and greater than 6 feet in height.
· Changing the use of a piece of property.

Zoning permits are applied for on an application form for "Special Permits". This form also applies to other special items of work including the following:

· Demolition.
· Woodstoves, chimneys, fireplaces.
· Roofing and siding on residential structures.
· Signs.
· Tents.
· Trailers.

There is a separate permit application form for swimming pools.

There are information sheets attached to the permit applications which list the procedures to be followed for the following types of projects.

General information for all permit applications.

Residential:

· New house or structure.
· Addition.
· Renovation or repair.

Commercial:

· New building or structure.
· Addition.
· Alteration, tenant fit up, repair.

Special permits.

Swimming pools.

These sheets must be checked off as appropriate and returned with the permit application. If there are omissions the permit application will be returned to the applicant with the omissions noted and the review will be delayed until a resubmission is made.

Before a permit application can be approved by the Building Department it may require review and approval from other departments. This requirement is explained in detail on the information sheet attached to the permit request form.

Once all of the required approvals have been obtained the permit request may be submitted to the Building Department. It generally takes a week to ten days for the review and approval process.

Once a building permit has been issued for a project it must be started within six months.