Zoning Approval & Construction Permit Req.
Does my project require zoning approval or a construction permit?
We have put together a chart which indicates zoning and permit requirements for many of the activities a property owner may contemplate undertaking on his/her property.
* PLEASE NOTE:
* If your project exists within a historic district or The Main Street Corridor, additional steps are required. (see * below for applicable projects related to historical districts and Main Street Corridor)
|
Activity |
Zoning Approval |
Requires Permit |
|
* Additions |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Air conditioner (central): Install or replace |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Asbestos abatement |
No |
Yes |
|
Basement: Refinishing or remodeling |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bathroom fixtures: Direct replacement |
No |
No |
|
piping changes |
No |
Yes |
|
Boiler: Replace or Install |
No |
Yes |
|
No |
Yes |
|
|
Carpeting |
No |
No |
|
Chimney: Repairs |
No |
Yes |
|
* Commercial signs (exterior) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
* Deck: Add or replace |
Yes |
Yes |
|
* Demolition |
No |
Yes |
|
Dishwasher: Install |
No |
Yes |
|
Door (exterior): Replace existing with same size and type |
No |
No |
|
Door (exterior): Adding, enlarging or eliminating |
No |
Yes |
|
Driveway: Repair or repave |
No |
No |
|
Duct work: Install new |
No |
Yes |
|
Duct work: Repair or replace |
No |
No |
|
Electrical: Any modifications or improvements |
No |
Yes |
|
* Fence, Add or replace - Repair constitutes 50% or less of existing fence
|
Yes |
Yes - If Fence is around a pool / spa or if over 6 feet in height. |
|
Activity |
Zoning Approval |
Requires Permit |
|
Fence: Repair under 50 % |
No |
No |
|
Fireplace: Add |
No |
Yes |
|
Furnace: Replace |
No |
Yes |
|
Generator (stand-alone) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Gutters: Replace or repair |
No |
No |
|
No |
No |
|
|
Lawn sprinkler |
No |
Yes |
|
Lead paint abatement |
No |
No |
|
Ordinary repairs |
No |
No |
|
* Outdoor kitchen |
Yes |
Yes |
|
*Painting (exterior or interior) |
No |
No |
|
* Patio, Brick or Pavers |
Yes |
No |
|
Plumbing: Any modifications or improvements |
No |
Yes |
|
Remodeling or alterations (interior) |
No |
Yes |
|
* Retaining walls, over 4 feet in height |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Roof: repairs involving less than 25% of existing roof |
No |
No |
|
* Roof: Replace |
No |
Yes – See Note 3 |
|
Roof top unit |
No |
Yes |
|
Satellite dish |
No |
Yes |
|
Septic system: Construct or abandon |
No |
Yes – Through Board of Health |
|
Sewer system: Connect to the public system |
No |
Yes |
|
* Shed or other utility building: construct |
Yes |
Yes (over 200 sf) |
|
Siding: Add or replace |
No |
Yes – See Note 4 |
|
Smoke detectors: Add |
No |
Yes |
|
* Solar panels |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Spa/hot tub |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Storm windows/doors |
No |
No |
|
Stove: Replace electric with gas |
No |
Yes |
|
Swimming pool: Add or replace |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Tennis court: Installation |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Underground fuel or septic tank: Remove |
No |
Yes |
|
Water heater: Replace |
No |
Yes |
|
Activity |
Zoning Approval |
Requires Permit |
|
Wall repairs: Remove and replace sheet rock or plaster |
No |
Yes - See notes 1 & 2 |
|
Windows: Replace existing with same size and type |
No |
No |
|
* Windows: Adding, enlarging, or eliminating |
No |
Yes |
Notes
Ordinary maintenance in one‐ and two‐family dwellings
- Finishes – Installation, repair or replacement of interior finishes of less than 25 percent of the wall area of the dwelling. This shall include plastering and drywall installation. (1) Vinyl wall covering of any amount is ordinary maintenance; (2) Paneling is not ordinary maintenance.
- Non‐structural components – The repair or replacement of any non‐structural component, such as a partition.
- Roofing – The repair or replacement (including total replacement) of any amount of existing roof covering on detached one‐ or two‐family dwellings.
- Siding – The repair or replacement of any amount of existing siding. Exception: The repair or replacement of polypropylene siding is not ordinary maintenance.
