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Permit Information

The following information will assist you with the requirements and procedures for applying for building and /or mechanical permits in the City Of Bristol. 

CITY OF BRISTOL

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING PERMITS

All permits for the erection of, addition to, alteration of, repair or removal of, any type of building, new home, addition, garage, carport, swimming pool, deck, shed, etc. may require the following:

1.   Zoning Approval/Certificate

2.   Two (2) Certified Plot Plans

3.   Wetland Permit if proposed excavation is located within 100 feet of a designated wetland area.

4.   Flood Plain Permit if proposed excavation is located within designated Flood Plain area.

5.   Health Department approval when septic system or well water exist on site. Approval of floor plans for Food Handling Establishments, Barber Shops, Beauty Salons, etc. Health Department is located at 240 Stafford Avenue, Bristol 584-7682.

6.   Certification from Tax Collector that no unpaid tax liens appear on property. (exceptions may apply)

7.   Certificate of Appropriateness if project is located in the Overlook Historic District. (Please refer to Chapter 18, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances, City of Bristol)

8.   Proof of Workers Compensation Insurance coverage for all persons employed or engaged to perform services on the construction site.

9.   Proof of CT Contractors License, and or registration.

10.  Payment in Cash or Check made payable to the City of Bristol

11.  Building plans: (Plan review may take up to 30 days)

        Two (2) sets for Residential  (one (1) and two (2) family structures).

        Three (3) sets for Commercial  (three (3) Family and up, Retail, Offices, Restaurants, Industrial, etc.)

              NOTE: Submit  two (2) for Building Department and one (1) for Fire Marshal's Office

12.  New commercial construction permits require site plan approval from Zoning Commission/Planning Commission.

13.  Fire Marshal Approval may be required for Commercial Building Permits.

14.  Residential Building Permit Application

15.  Commercial Building Permit Application

Residential Permits

Additions

Alterations

Decks

Electrical

Fences

Garages

Heating/Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Roofing

Siding

Sheds

Tanks

Stoves

Signs 

 

 

 

Additions

There are certain zoning regulations which apply to additions.  The regulations differ as to zoning districts, the Zoning Enforcement Officer can answer your questions pertaining to these regulations.

What is required?

    - Building Permit Application

    - Zoning  Permit   

     -Two (2) sets of construction plans

    -Two (2) plot plans (with the location of the addition drawn to scale)

                                            or

     -Two (2) plot plans forms supplied by the Building Department

For More Information click here

Payment in Cash or Check made payable to the City of Bristol

Include the following information upon submittal of application:

    -location of addition

    -dimensions of the addition

    -type of room(s) it will be 

 The construction plans must include a framing detail, roof construction and foundation plan.  Also, any other information the building inspector deems appropriate.

Separate permits applications are required for electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, etc.

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Alterations

Many different types of projects encompass Alterations:

    ~ Dormers ~
    ~ Remodeling of Kitchen and Baths ~
    ~ Basement Renovations ~
    ~ Interior Renovations ~

What is required?

   Building Permit Application

    Two (2) sets of construction plans

    Zoning Permit

    Payment in Cash or Check made payable to the City of Bristol

The following information is required upon submittal of application:

    -which room(s) is being altered

    -the dimensions of the space

    -where walls are to be erected or removed

    -floor plan of the room and/or area being renovated

  For basement renovations the finished ceiling height is required.

Separate permits applications are required for electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, etc.

    See Handout for Dwelling Conversion Requirements.

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Decks

Whether the deck is to be attached to the dwelling or freestanding, certain zoning regulations apply.  The regulations differ as to zoning districts. The Zoning Enforcement Officer can answer your questions pertaining to these regulations.  If the deck is to be attached to a swimming pool, please speak with a building inspector regarding the requirements.

What is required?

   Building Permit Application

    Zoning Permit 

    Plot plan with the location of the deck drawn to scale

    Two (2) sets of construction plans or complete Building Department Open deck form 

    Payment in Cash or Check made payable to the City of Bristol

The construction plan must show:

    - framing detail

    - pier location and depth

    - railing height

    - spacing between balusters 

    - rise and run of the stair.

We have a deck handout which may assist you with the construction of your deck.

For additional information and inspection list click here

Refer to Swimming Pool section for information regarding pool decks.

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Electrical

The category electrical includes: 

    ~ Miscellaneous wiring ~
    ~ Service Change ~ 
    ~ Electric Heat ~
    ~ Wiring of new construction, additions, alterations, etc. ~
    ~ Wiring of swimming pools ~

What is required?

   Electrical Permit Application

    Wiring methods

    Heat Loss calculation (for electric heat)

   Payment in Cash or Check made payable to the City of Bristol

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Fences

This category includes all residential fences except pool fences.  

What is required?

        Building Permit Application

          Zoning Permit

        Permit fee, made payable to the City of Bristol

       Plot Plan (with the location of the fence drawn to scale)

No fence shall be constructed, erected, altered, or otherwise changed unless a Building Permit and Zoning Permit has first been issued.

The following information is required upon submittal of application: Plans and specifications of the proposed fence, including its type, dimensions, area, height, materials, color, and method of construction. Drawings and/or brochure pictures are acceptable and should be included.

Highlights from the "Zoning Regulations City Of Bristol" 

Section IV.A.18 Fences

  1. Fences located within the required front yard shall have a maximum height of four feet, six inches (4 1/2 ft.) and shall be at least 50 percent open. 

  2. Chain link fences shall not be allowed in the required front yard.

  3. Fences located within the front yard but beyond the required front yard, within a side yard, or within the rear yard shall have a maximum height of six feet, six inches (6 1/2 ft.).

  4. No fence shall be located closer than three feet from the front lot line or closer than six inches from any other lot line.

  5. All fences shall be uniform in material and color.  In the case of a fence with a finished side and an unfinished side, the finished or more decorative side shall face outward toward the adjoining lot or the street.

  6. Except as otherwise permitted by Sections 47-47 and 47-48 of the CT General Statutes, barbed wire fences and fencing materials shall be prohibited as permanent fencing.

  7. A fence variance can be referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Applications can be obtained in the Land Use Office.

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Garages-Attached

Whether the garage is to be attached to the dwelling or freestanding, certain zoning regulations apply.  The regulations differ as to zoning districts, the Zoning Enforcement Officer can answer your questions pertaining to these regulations.

What is required?

    Building Permit Application

    Zoning Permit

   Plot Plan (with the location of the garage drawn to scale)

    Two (2) sets of construction plans

    Permit fee, made payable to the City of  Bristol

The construction plans must include a framing detail, roof construction and foundation plan.  Also, any other information the building inspector deems appropriate.

Separate permit applications are required for electrical, plumbing and heating.

For additional information click here

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Heating & A/C

The category Heating & A/C includes:

    ~ Furnace or Boiler replacement ~
    ~ Conversion Burner ~
    ~ Central Air Conditioning ~
    ~ Heating & A/C for new construction, additions, alterations, etc. ~
    ~ Gas Log installation ~

What is required?

    Heating Permit Application

    Copy of the manufacturers specifications for the equipment being installed

    Heat Loss/Gain calculations

    Permit fee, made payable to the City of Bristol

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Plumbing

The category of plumbing includes:

    ~ Miscellaneous plumbing ~
    ~ Water Heaters ~
    ~ Fixture installation or replacement ~
    ~ Plumbing for new construction, additions, alterations, etc. ~

What is required?

   Plumbing Permit Application

    Specifications for the water heater

    Permit fee, made payable to the City Of Bristol

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   Roofing

According to building codes, there may be no more than two layers of shingles on a roof.

What is required?

    Roofing Permit Application 

    Permit fee, made payable to the City Of Bristol

The following information is required upon submittal of application:

  1. Number of square of shingle

  2. Weight per square, type of shingle, pitch of roof

  3. Number of existing layers

  4. Number of layers to be stripped

  5. Is the roof to be resheathed

  6. Is felt paper being applied

  7. Is ice and water shield being applied

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Siding

What is required?

    Building Permit Application

    Permit fee, made payable to the City Of Bristol

The following information is required upon submittal of application:

  1. Number of square and type of siding

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Sheds / Detached Garages

Zoning regulations govern the placement of sheds on your property. The regulations differ as to zoning districts, the Zoning Enforcement Officer can answer your questions pertaining to these regulations.

The category includes:

    ~ Tool Sheds ~
    ~ Detached Garages~
    ~ Storage Buildings ~
    ~ Cabanas ~
    ~ Gazebos ~

What is required?

    Building Permit Application 

     Zoning Permit

    Plot Plan (with the location of the shed drawn to scale)

    Two (2) sets of construction plans

    Permit fee made payable to the City Of Bristol

The construction plans must include a framing detail, roof construction and foundation plan.  Sheds must be anchored to the ground. 

Prefabricated sheds:
A copy of the specifications detailing how the shed was constructed is required.

Note: If the shed/garage is over 600 square feet, a foundation with frost protection is required.  For further information, please speak with a building inspector.

Refer to the Accessory Structure handout for additional information

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Tanks (Oil or Propane)

The Building Department does not require an application for the removal of oil tanks.  The Building Department requires an application for the installation of oil or propane tanks.  

What is required?

    Inside:
        Tank Permit Application (Oil only)

    Outside: 
        Heating Permit Application

        Zoning Approval

        Plot Plan (with the location of the tank drawn to scale)

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Stoves

This category Stoves includes:

    ~ Wood Stoves ~
    ~ Coal Stoves ~
    ~ Gas Stoves ~
    ~ Pellet Stoves ~
    ~ Fireplace Inserts ~
    ~ Freestanding Fireplaces ~

What is required?

   Building Permit Application For Solid Fuel Burning Appliance 

    Solid Fuel Burning Information

    State Modification Form (If applicable)

    Copy of the manufacturers specifications for the stove/appliance

    Permit fee made payable to the City Of Bristol

The following information is required upon submittal of application: where the stove is to be located, the clearance to combustibles, the type of stove and the type of chimney.

Signs

 

Refer to the Zoning Regulations Section VIII Supplementary Regulation A. Signs

The Zoning Enforcement Officer regulates the size and placement of signs.

For questions regarding signage please call the ZEO at (860) 584-6214.

Sign Application
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