Work Exempt from Building Permits

This information is taken from the Connecticut State Building Code, Section 105.2.  Please note that while a Building Permit may not be required, permits from other departments may still be necessary.  Please consult with the appropriate department(s).

105.2 Work exempt from permit.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws, statutes, regulations or ordinances of the jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following work:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet (18.58 m²).
2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high
3. Oil derricks
4. Retaining walls that are not higher than 3 feet (914 mm) measured from finished grade at the bottom of the wall to finished grade at the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. 
   
5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
6. Sidewalks, driveways and on-grade concrete or masonry patios not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, not requiring guards, and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work not involving new construction, structural changes or alterations. 
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. 
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Use Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are equal to or less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) capacity and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems. 
11. Swings and other playground equipment. 
12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not higher than 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) and not containing any electrical, plumbing or mechanical equipment.
14. Portable grandstands or bleachers providing seating for fewer than 100 persons when located outside of a building. 
    

Electrical:

1. Minor repairs and maintenance work, including replacement of lamps and fuses or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Electrical equipment used solely for radio and television transmissions, but a permit is required for equipment and wiring for power supply and for the installation of towers and antennas.
3. Temporary testing systems required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
   
   

1. Portable heating or cooking appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
3. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

1. Portable heating appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.