THE APPROVALS PROCESS

Introduction

Permits or approvals are required before any of a variety of projects may legally be undertaken in Branford. We urge all residents, prior to beginning any construction, development, renovation, or maintenance on their properties, to examine the information below and ascertain whether municipal permission is necessary. We encourage you to come to us with any questions you may have about the permit and approval process.

Who has oversight?

The Land-Use Departments –
Building, Engineering, Planning & Zoning, and Wetlands

The departments of Building, Engineering, and Planning & Zoning are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call for Wetlands hours. Since many activities involve several permits, the land-use departments provide "one-stop shopping" – all permit applications are available in one place, and department staff are available for consultation on any project. Department phone numbers are:

Building or Engineering: 488-1651
Planning & Zoning or Wetlands: 488-1255

Who needs permits or approval?

The type of activity undertaken determines whether municipal approval is required.

The Building Department requires permits for:

• New Construction
• Remodeling and renovations
• Demolition
• Signs
• Sheds
• Pools
• Underground storage tanks
• Other miscellaneous construction as required by law

The Planning & Zoning Department requires approval for:

• Change of Use from one type of business to another
• New construction
• Signs
• Site work
• Division of property
• Excavation, filling and grading

The Engineering Department requires permits for:

• Construction in a flood zone
• Excavation in a public road or right of way
• Sewer connections and water connections

The Wetlands Department requires permits for:

• Construction, earthmoving and clearcutting within 100 feet of an inland wetland or watercourse

How do I get approval?

What is the basic procedure for obtaining approvals for a new building?

1. If the site is unsewered, obtain approval for septic system design from East Shore District Health Department (telephone #481-4233).
   
   
2. If there are wetlands or watercourses on the site within 100 feet of the activity or if the activity may impact a wetland or watercourse, submit an application to the Wetlands Commission.
   
   
3. Submit a site plan or special exception application to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
   
   
4. After the Planning and Zoning commission approvals, submit total building permit application for project. Part I of the building permit, the footing & foundation permit, will be issued after approvals.
   
   
5. After the foundation is constructed and inspected, submit an as-built survey showing the foundation location. If the foundation is properly located, Part II of the building permit, the completion building permit, will be issued. Obtain all mechanical permits, including sanitary sewer connection permit. Building inspections will be conducted during construction.
   
   
6. After all construction and site work is completed, contact the Building Department and the Zoning Enforcement Officer for final inspections.
   
   
7. When all work has been completed and approved by the Building Official and Zoning Enforcement Officer, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

What must be submitted to apply for various approvals?

1. Building permit:
   • Completed application form with owner’s signature or copy of signed contract.
   • Planning and Zoning approval for commercial uses; completed Zoning Compliance form for single family residence.
   • Flood permit approval, if applicable.
   • East Shore District Health Department approval if applicable.
   • Construction plans.
   • Proof that taxes are paid.
   • Proof of Workmen’s Compensation Insurance (if work is over $100,000.).
   • Contractor’s name, address, phone and license numbers.
   • Fee: $10.00 per $1,000. of construction value.
   • $35.00 Zoning Compliance, if applicable.
     
     
2. Site Plan or Special Exception:
   • Completed application and Zoning Compliance form, signed by owner.
   • Site Plan as described in Section 31 of the Planning and Zoning Regulations.
   • Copy of wetlands approval, if applicable.
   • Completed Coastal Site Plan Review application, if applicable ($25.00 fee).
   • Fee $185.00
     
     
3. Wetlands:
   • Completed Wetlands application.
   • Plan showing field-located wetlands and proposed activity.
   • See Checklist included in application packet for additional requirements.
   • Fee: Determined by formula in Wetlands Regulations.
     
     
4. Flood Permit:
   • Completed flood permit application.
   • Fee: No charge.
     
     
5. Road Excavation Permit:
   • Plan of proposed activity.
   • Permit completed by insured contractor.
   • $2,000 cash bond – checks made payable to "Town of Branford".
   • Certificate of Insurance in amount of $1 million.
   • "Call Before You Dig" number.
   • Fee: $45.00
     
     
6. Sewer Connection:
   • Permit completed by licensed installer.
   • Road Excavation Permit (see above) if working within town right-of-way.
   • Licensed plumber – P-1, P-7 or W-9 license.
   • "Call Before You Dig" number
   • Fee: $2.00
     
     
7. Signage Permit
   • Completed Zoning Compliance form
   • For pole signs, plan showing location and size of all existing and proposed pole signs.
   • For building signs, building elevations showing all existing and proposed signs
   • Completed building permit form.
   • Proof of insurance coverage.
   • Proof taxes are paid.
   • Fee: $35.00, for Zoning Compliance; plus $10.00 per each $1,000 of project cost, for Building Permit.
     
     

• Site-use Tips • Site Map • Privacy Policy •
• Contact Us •