Most construction, renovation, and mechanical work in Stamford, Connecticut, requires a permit before you start.
This guide explains Stamford's permitting process, including costs, application requirements, and inspections, so you can get approved and move forward without unnecessary delays.
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What requires a building permit in Stamford?
The Stamford Building Department requires a permit for any work that affects structural integrity, life safety, or utility systems. Common projects that need a building permit include:
- New construction / building a structure (including additions and enclosed structures)
- Demolition
- Interior renovations/alterations that go beyond “ordinary repairs”
- Electrical work beyond minor maintenance (most new wiring, services, panels, etc.)
- Plumbing work beyond basic leak/stoppage fixes that don’t require replacement/rearrangement of piping/fixtures
- Heating/cooling (mechanical/HVAC) work beyond portable/self-contained units or minor part replacements
- Tents/membrane structures over 400 sq ft
- Temporary structures over 120 sq ft when used (or intended) for gathering 10+ people
- Swimming pool barriers/fences
- Anything that is not an “ordinary repair” (e.g., cutting structural elements, changing egress, or doing work that affects public health/safety)
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some projects are exempt from permits, especially cosmetic or non-structural work. Examples include:
- One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) <200 sq ft
- Fences (not pool barriers) <7 ft high (zoning permit still required)
- Retaining walls <3 ft (with listed limitations)
- Water tanks on grade <5,000 gallons and height/width ratio <2:1
- Sidewalks/driveways/on-grade patios <30 inches above grade (not over a basement/story; not part of an accessible route)
- Finish work with no structural changes: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, etc.
- Temporary stage sets/scenery, shade cloth nursery/ag structures, swings/playground equipment
- Window awnings that project <54 inches and don’t need extra support
- Movable cases/counters/partitions <5 ft 9 in and containing no MEP equipment
- Portable grandstands/bleachers for <100 persons located outside a building
- Prefab above-ground pools <24 in deep and <5,000 gallons
For a deeper dive into permit exceptions, head to the work exempt from permit requirements page.
Stamford building permit cost
Permit fees in Stamford are calculated based on the total cost of construction and the type of project Here’s a general fee structure:
Residential fees
Commercial fees
To get more information on other fees, refer to the Building Permit Fees page.
How long do building permits last in Stamford?
Stamford building permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
You can request an extension if:
- Work has started but paused due to valid cause
- A written request is submitted before expiration
Once expired, you must reapply unless an extension is granted.
Stamford trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for all plumbing system installations or upgrades.
Electrical permits
Required for any wiring, panels, or service changes.
HVAC permits
HVAC/mechanical permits are needed for new or modified heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Roofing & siding permits
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How to get a building permit in Stamford
Step 1: Confirm whether you need zoning approval
Before you start the building permit application, check whether your project also needs zoning approval (setbacks, use, height, coverage, etc.). Stamford uses a Zoning Approval application that collects basics like zoning district, setbacks, building coverage, and (for multifamily/commercial) FAR, parking, open space, etc.
Step 2: Prepare your application materials
Core items most projects should have:
- Construction drawings + specs (architectural and structural as needed)
- Project valuation / cost
- Contractor info (and correct CT licensing/registration, if applicable)
- Site info (site plan/property survey, setbacks, location of work)
Step 3: Submit through the Stamford permit portal
Stamford directs applicants to apply online through their permitting system.
Upload plans cleanly labeled (e.g., “A1 Site Plan,” “S1 Foundation,” “M1 HVAC,” etc.). It sounds minor, but it helps reviewers move faster.
Step 4: Plan review and corrections
Stamford notes that the permitting process involves plan review plus interdepartmental reviews and administrative steps (filing, reviews, fee collection, meetings, issuance). Your application may be routed beyond the Building Department to departments like zoning, fire, etc.
Note: If sealed plans are required for your project, the Building Department says the application can be marked incomplete if sealed plans aren’t uploaded.
Step 4: Fee payment and permit issuance
Once approved, final fees will be calculated. Pay online via the portal, and your permit will be issued digitally.
Permit inspections in Stamford
Most Stamford building permits require multiple inspections during construction. The Building Department can also require additional inspections as needed to confirm code compliance (for example, fire-resistance-rated assemblies or flood-hazard documentation, when applicable).
Common inspection stages:
- Foundation / excavation (after excavation and forms/reinforcing are ready, before concrete)
- Rough MEP (plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical) before anything is covered or concealed
- Framing / structural (after rough MEP is approved, before closing walls/ceilings)
- Final inspection (after all permitted work is complete, before occupancy)
Note about trade permits: Rough inspections must happen before concealment.
How to schedule an inspection
You can request inspections in Stamford’s permit portal.
Applicants are instructed to:
- Log in to your account
- Select the permit/record
- Choose the “Inspection” step on the left side
- Submit the request and include contact info
You can’t request an inspection until:
- All required departmental approvals are in
- Fees are paid
- The permit is issued
If you need to cancel an appointment, Stamford directs applicants to cancel via a separate online form.
If you get stuck: the Building Department plan checklist lists (203) 977-5700 and BuildingDept@StamfordCT.gov as contact info.
Closing out your permit
To close out a permit, you’ll need to:
- Call/request and pass all required final inspections (including any trade finals tied to the job)
- Upload required closeout documents
- Request a plan review appointment to have the Certificate of Occupancy issued (when a CO applies)
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Stamford permitting resources
- Stamford Building Department
- Address: 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901
- Phone: (203)977-5700
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET
- Email: BuildingDept@StamfordCT.gov
- Permit portal
- Building permit fee schedule
- Stamford permit lookup tool
- Building FAQs
- Permits and licenses
- Exempt work
- Zoning permit
- Permit categories for residential projects
- Permit categories for other projects
- Plan submission checklist
- Contractor license types
- Operations departments documents & forms
- Tax maps and historical aerial maps
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