Approvals for a new multifamily building in Connecticut

Due Diligence & Studies

• Boundary / ALTA Survey

  Required

  Fixes the property lines and title exceptions that lenders, boards and designers work from.

• Topographic Survey

  Likely

  Gives the grades and elevations the civil and site design are drawn on.

• Existing Conditions Survey

  Likely

  Records what is on the site today so the design starts from facts.

• Utility Survey

  Likely

  Finds the utility lines on and near the site from mark outs and records.

• Geotechnical Investigation / Report

  Required

  Soil borings and lab tests that tell the engineers how to design the foundations.

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

  Required

  Checks the site history for contamination. Lenders usually require it before closing.

• Phase II Environmental Investigation

  Check locally

  Only if the Phase I warrants it.

• Wetlands Delineation

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Flood / Floodplain Study

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Traffic Study

  Likely

  Shows the board the traffic the project adds. Counts can depend on the season.

• Parking Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it. Parking approach not provided.

• Stormwater / Drainage Study

  Likely

  Shows how the site handles rain under the state and town stormwater rules.

• Utility Capacity Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

• Environmental Impact Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

• Noise Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

• Other Project-Specific Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

Land Use & Entitlements

• Zoning Verification / Zoning Determination

  Required

  A letter from the zoning officer confirming what the zoning allows on this site.

• Site Plan Approval

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  Zoning commission or planning and zoning commission

  State rule

  The commission decides within 65 days of receipt. If it does not deny or modify the plan in time, approval is presumed.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• County / Regional Planning Approval

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Subdivision Approval

  Check locally

  The town decides whether this applies. Ask the zoning office.

  Agency

  Planning commission or planning and zoning commission

  State rule

  With no hearing the commission decides within 65 days of receipt. With a hearing the 65, 35 and 65 day steps apply.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Lot Consolidation

  Check locally

  Usual when a project sits on more than one lot.

• Variance (Zoning Board of Appeals)

  Check locally

  The hearing starts within 65 days of the application and the board decides within 65 days after it ends.

  Agency

  Zoning Board of Appeals

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Special Permit or Special Exception

  Check locally

  The hearing starts within 65 days of the application and the board decides within 65 days after it ends.

  Agency

  Zoning or Planning and Zoning Commission

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Public Hearing

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  The commission or board hearing the application

  State rule

  Newspaper notice runs twice, the first 10 to 15 days before the hearing and the last at least two days before.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Notice of Decision Published

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  The deciding commission or board

  State rule

  Notice of the decision is published in a newspaper and mailed to the applicant within 15 days after the decision.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Zoning Appeal Period (15 Days)

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  Superior Court for the judicial district where the town is

  State rule

  An appeal must be served within 15 days from the date the notice of the decision was published.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Decision Recorded in the Town Land Records

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  Town clerk, in the town land records

  State rule

  A variance, special permit or special exception is not effective until a certified copy is recorded in the town land records.

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Redevelopment Approval

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally. Redevelopment designation not confirmed.

• Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

  Agency

  Local historic district commission

  State rule

  Only in a local historic district. The commission holds a hearing and decides within 65 days or the certificate is approved.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Affordable Housing Application (Section 8-30g)

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

  Agency

  Zoning or planning commission, then the Superior Court on appeal

  State rule

  Housing with 30 percent deed restricted homes can appeal a denial, and the commission must prove its reasons in court.

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Developer / Development Agreement

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally. Redevelopment designation not confirmed.

• Off-Site / Off-Tract Improvement Agreement

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Easement Agreement

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Access Agreement

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Other Land Use Approval

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Coastal Site Plan Review

  Check locally

  Only inside the coastal boundary of a shoreline town. The same town board reviews it with the zoning or subdivision application.

  Agency

  The town commission or board deciding the underlying application

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

Design & Permit Documents

• Civil Design Package

  Required

  The site plan drawings submitted to the board.

• Architectural Design Package

  Required

  The building drawings, from schematic design through the board submission.

• Structural Design Package

  Required

  The structural drawings the building permit is reviewed on.

• Mechanical Design Package

  Required

  The heating, cooling and ventilation drawings for the permit.

• Electrical Design Package

  Required

  The electrical drawings for the permit and the utility load request.

• Plumbing Design Package

  Required

  The plumbing drawings for the permit.

• Fire Protection Design Package

  Required

  The sprinkler and fire protection drawings. The sprinkler design depends on the flow test.

• Fire Alarm / Life Safety Design

  Required

  The fire alarm and life safety drawings for the fire code review.

• Foundation Design

  Required

  The foundation drawings, designed from the geotechnical report.

• Support of Excavation Design

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Landscape Design

  Likely

  The planting and landscape plan, often part of the site plan submission.

• Lighting / Photometric Design

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Energy Code Package (2021 IECC with Connecticut Amendments)

  Required

  The 2022 State Building Code adopts the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code with state amendments. Air leakage testing is required.

  Agency

  Local building official

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Elevator Design / Coordination

  Check locally

  Stories not provided. Whether elevators are needed depends on the building height.

• Low Voltage / Technology Design

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Security / Access Control Design

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Interior Design Package

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Permit Drawing Set

  Required

  The signed and sealed drawing sets the building department reviews.

• Issued-for-Construction Drawing Set

  Likely

  The final drawings the trades build from, with the permit comments included.

• Coordination Drawings

  Likely

  Trade coordination drawings made after the contracts are awarded.

Environmental & Site Authorizations

• Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Approval

  Check locally

  The town commission reviews the erosion and sediment control plan. Under five acres its approval also covers the state stormwater permit.

  Agency

  Town planning and zoning, inland wetlands or conservation commission

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• DEEP Construction Stormwater General Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

  Agency

  Connecticut DEEP

  State rule

  Five acres or more applies to DEEP, which takes 60 or 90 days. Under five acres the town approval covers it.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Stormwater Pollution Control Plan

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

  Agency

  Prepared by a qualified professional under the DEEP general permit

  State rule

  For five acres or more a qualified professional prepares the plan, and a qualified professional or the conservation district certifies it.

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Inland Wetlands Permit

  Check locally

  The town wetlands agency acts within 65 days of receipt, or within 35 days after a hearing closes.

  Agency

  Town inland wetlands agency

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• DEEP Coastal Permit (Structures, Dredging and Fill or Tidal Wetlands)

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

  Agency

  Connecticut DEEP Land and Water Resources Division

  State rule

  Only for work waterward of the coastal jurisdiction line or in tidal wetlands. DEEP strongly recommends a meeting before applying.

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Flood Hazard / Floodplain Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Dewatering / Discharge Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• Soil Import / Export Approval

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• Release Reporting and Cleanup (Release-Based Cleanup Program)

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

  Agency

  Connecticut DEEP Remediation Division

  State rule

  Since March 1, 2026 the Release-Based Cleanup program governs contaminated sites. It replaced the Transfer Act.

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Brownfield / Remediation Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Asbestos Abatement Notification

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

  Agency

  Connecticut Department of Public Health Asbestos Program

  State rule

  The asbestos abatement notice goes to the Department of Public Health at least 10 days before abatement starts.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Air / Dust Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• Tree Removal Approval

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Wastewater / Sewer Extension Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no Connecticut record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Environmental Closure / No Further Action

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Other Environmental Authorization

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• Flood Management Certification

  Check locally

  Only when a state agency funds or carries out work in a floodplain. DEEP decides within 90 days of the application.

  Agency

  Connecticut DEEP, on the application of the state agency funding the work

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Water Diversion Permit

  Check locally

  Only for withdrawing over 50,000 gallons a day, collecting runoff from over 100 acres, or altering a watercourse.

  Agency

  Connecticut DEEP

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Natural Diversity Data Base Review

  Check locally

  Only when the site is in a mapped state listed species area and the project needs a state permit.

  Agency

  Connecticut DEEP Natural Diversity Data Base

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• State Historic Preservation Office Review

  Check locally

  Only when a state or federal agency funds, permits or approves the project. The office usually answers within 30 days.

  Agency

  Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

Utilities & Infrastructure

• Water Service Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Water Main Extension Permit

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no Connecticut record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Sewer Service Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Electric Service Approval

  Check locally

  The electric company that serves the town confirms it can serve the site and designs the new service.

  Agency

  Eversource, United Illuminating or the municipal electric utility

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Gas Service Approval

  Check locally

  The gas company that serves the town confirms it can serve the site and designs the new service.

  Agency

  Connecticut Natural Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas or Eversource

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Fire Flow / Water Capacity Confirmation

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Utility Will-Serve Confirmation

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Utility Authority Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no Connecticut record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Utility Load Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no Connecticut record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Utility Design Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no Connecticut record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Utility Relocation Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Utility Easement Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• CTDOT Encroachment Permit

  Check locally

  A CTDOT encroachment permit for a driveway or work on a state highway.

  Agency

  CTDOT

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• County / Regional Road Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Road Opening Permit

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Off-Site Improvement Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Telecom / Fiber Service Approval

  Likely

  Phone, internet and fiber service to the building.

• Railroad / Transit Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Other Infrastructure Agency Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• OSTA Major Traffic Generator Review

  Check locally

  Only for 100,000 square feet or more or 200 or more parking spaces. Housing of 100 units or less is exempt.

  Agency

  Office of the State Traffic Administration

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

Permits & Construction Authorizations

• Demolition Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when an existing structure is demolished.

  Agency

  Local building official

  State rule

  The owner and a licensed demolition contractor sign the permit. A town may add a waiting period of up to 180 days.

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Early Work Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when an existing structure is demolished.

• Site Clearing Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Excavation Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Foundation Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Building Permit

  Required

  The building official must issue or refuse the permit within 30 days after the application is filed.

  Agency

  Local building official

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  cga.ct.gov

• Plumbing Permit

  Required

  The plumbing permit, reviewed on the same clock as the building permit.

• Electrical Permit

  Required

  The local building official issues it under the State Building Code, which adopts the 2020 National Electrical Code.

  Agency

  Local building official

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Mechanical / HVAC Permit

  Required

  The heating and cooling permit, reviewed with the building permit.

• Fire Protection Permit

  Required

  The sprinkler permit, reviewed by the fire code official.

• Fire Alarm Permit

  Required

  The fire alarm permit, reviewed by the fire code official.

• Elevator Permit

  Check locally

  Stories not provided. Whether elevators are needed depends on the building height.

  Agency

  Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, Office of State Building Inspector

  State rule

  The state approves the elevator plans before installation and inspects the elevator before it may run.

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Retaining Wall Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Sign Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Pool Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Temporary Structure Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Temporary Power Permit

  Likely

  Lets the utility connect temporary power for construction.

• Local Fire Marshal Plan Review

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

  Agency

  Local fire marshal

  State rule

  The local fire marshal certifies in writing that the plans substantially comply with the State Fire Safety Code before the permit issues.

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Septic System Approval (Local Director of Health)

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

  Agency

  Local director of health or health district

  State rule

  A site on a septic system needs an approval to construct from the local director of health before the system is built.

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

• Other Specialty Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Certificate of Occupancy

  Required

  Every occupiable building needs it before use.

  Agency

  Local building official

  State rule

  The building official issues it once the zoning officer and the local fire marshal certify the finished building in writing.

  Source

  portal.ct.gov

Construction Readiness

• Notice to Proceed / Authorization to Start

  Likely

  The owner and lender release to start, with the permit in hand.

• Preconstruction Meeting Complete

  Likely

  The meeting where the owner, architect and builder agree how the job will run.

• Site Logistics Plan Approved

  Likely

  Staging, haul routes and cranes, reviewed by the owner and the town.

• Site Access Established

  Likely

  The crews and deliveries can get onto the site.

• Parking / Curb Use Approval

  Likely

  Street closures or curb use, usually on urban sites.

• Temporary Power Available

  Likely

  Power on site for construction. Utility scheduling drives the date.

• Temporary Water Available

  Likely

  Water on site for construction from a hydrant meter or a temporary tap.

• Construction Entrance Installed

  Likely

  A stabilized entrance so trucks do not track soil onto the road.

• Erosion / Sediment Controls Installed

  Likely

  Silt fence and controls in place before digging, as the erosion control plan shows.

• Call Before You Dig Notice

  Likely

  Mark the dig area, then notify the clearinghouse at least two full working days before digging. A ticket lasts 30 days.

  Agency

  Call Before You Dig, the state clearinghouse

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  eregulations.ct.gov

• Site Safety Plan Approved

  Likely

  The safety plan for this site, in place before crews start.

• Emergency Action Plan Complete

  Likely

  What crews do in an emergency on this site.

• Adjacent Property Documentation Complete

  Likely

  Photos and a condition survey of neighboring buildings before work starts.

• Adjoining Property Access Agreement

  Likely

  Agreements to work from or protect a neighbor property. Tight lots make these slow.

• Construction Fencing / Security Ready

  Likely

  Fencing and security around the site before work starts.

• Third-Party Testing Agency Engaged

  Likely

  The special inspections agency named on the permit.

• Survey Control Established

  Likely

  The surveyor sets control points so the building goes in the right place.

• Required Site Signage / Postings Complete

  Likely

  The permit placard and the labor postings on site.

• Temporary Facilities Ready

  Likely

  Trailers, toilets and other temporary facilities on site.

• Crane / Hoist Logistics Approved

  Likely

  Street use and pick plans for cranes, plus an FAA filing if the height calls for it.

• Major Utility Relocations Complete

  Likely

  Utility lines in the way are moved before the main work starts.

• Site Ready to Mobilize

  Likely

  The milestone for your target construction start.

Sources

• cga.ct.govSite Plan Approval
• cga.ct.govHistoric District Certificate of Appropriateness
• cga.ct.govAffordable Housing Application (Section 8-30g)
• portal.ct.govCoastal Site Plan Review
• portal.ct.govEnergy Code Package (2021 IECC with Connecticut Amendments)
• portal.ct.govErosion and Sediment Control Plan Approval
• cga.ct.govInland Wetlands Permit
• portal.ct.govDEEP Coastal Permit (Structures, Dredging and Fill or Tidal Wetlands)
• portal.ct.govRelease Reporting and Cleanup (Release-Based Cleanup Program)
• portal.ct.govAsbestos Abatement Notification
• portal.ct.govFlood Management Certification
• portal.ct.govWater Diversion Permit
• portal.ct.govNatural Diversity Data Base Review
• portal.ct.govState Historic Preservation Office Review
• portal.ct.govElectric Service Approval
• portal.ct.govGas Service Approval
• portal.ct.govCTDOT Encroachment Permit
• portal.ct.govOSTA Major Traffic Generator Review
• cga.ct.govDemolition Permit
• portal.ct.govElevator Permit
• portal.ct.govSeptic System Approval (Local Director of Health)
• eregulations.ct.govCall Before You Dig Notice

Items with no source link come from the national list and are decided by the town or the site. Ask the local office.

Other project types in Connecticut

• New single family home
• Retail tenant fit out
• Deck or porch