How long does it take to issue a permit?

With regards to electrical, plumbing and gas permits, if the proper documentation has been submitted then a permit is usually issued the next day. However, if these types of permits are associated with a building permit (i.e. a new home, addition, etc.) then we require that the building permit be issued first before issuing the electrical, plumbing and/or gas permits.

With regards to a building permit, it depends on the scope and complexity of the project. It should be noted that under s.R105.3.1 of the 8th Edition State Building Code, the Building Official has up to thirty days to review the application and either issue or deny the permit application; however, in the majority of cases, the Building Official takes much less than the thirty days allowed under law. As a guideline, if the proper documentation is submitted then permits for:

  • Replacement windows, vinyl siding and re-roofing usually take 1 to 2 days*
  • Kitchen, bathroom or other non-structural renovations, accessory sheds, swimming pools usually take 4 to 7 days*
  • Residential additions, renovations involving structural work or converting non-habitable space into habitable space, detached garages and decks usually take 7 to 10 days*
  • New single or two family homes, small-scale commercial renovations usually take 14 to 21 days*
  • New commercial buildings, large-scale residential projects, commercial additions, large-scale commercial renovations usually take 21 to 30 days*

* These time-frames may vary one way or the other depending on the project's complexity, whether or not all of the proper information has been submitted to the Building Official in a timely manner for him to perform a complete code review.

Important Note: If relief/approval from various Boards or Commissions is required (i.e. Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic District Commission, etc.) then such relief/approval must be granted before a building permit can be issued.

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1. I would like to have some work done on my home. Do I need a building permit?
2. What if I’m just re-shingling my roof, installing new replacement windows and/or re-siding my home; do I still need a building permit?
3. Why do I even need a permit?
4. What information do I need to submit to the building inspector to allow me to do work on my home?
5. You said I needed to submit a certified plot plan with my permit application. What is that, why do I need this and where do I get one?
6. At the closing, the bank gave me a mortgage inspection plot plan. Can I use that?
7. How much does a permit cost?
8. How long does it take to issue a permit?
9. What happens if I don’t pull a building permit?
10. I’d like to install a swimming pool on my property. What do I need to do?
11. I’d like to install a shed/detached garage on my property. What do I need to do?
12. I need to get an inspection for the work that was performed on my property. How do I schedule an inspection?
13. I own my own home. Can I pull my own permits or do I need a licensed contractor?
14. Do I need a permit to have a yard sale on my property?
15. Can I put up signs advertising my yard sale?
16. My parents are starting to need constant care. Can I add an in-law or accessory apartment to my single-family home?
17. I’m thinking about building an addition onto my house or maybe a detached accessory garage. How close can I go to my property lines?
18. I have a boat that I need to store for the winter. Can I store it on my property?
19. I have a recreational trailer that I need to store for the winter. Can I store it on my property?
20. Can I store my unregistered vehicle on my property?
21. I’m thinking about starting my own business and working out of my home. Is this allowed?
22. The company I work for let’s me take the company vehicle home with me. Am I allowed to park this commercial vehicle in the driveway of my single-family home?