Permit Process

BEFORE you come to the Building Department, please answer the following questions…

  1. Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, altering the current footprint, moving, demolishing or removing or changing the use of a current building?
                If yes, you will need a ZONING PERMIT before a building permit can be issued.
  2. Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, altering the current footprint, moving or changing the use of a current building?
                If yes, you will need the APPROVAL AND SIGNOFF BY THE TOWN SANITARIAN / TORRINGTON AREA HEALTH before a building permit can be issued.
  3. Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, or altering the current footprint of an existing building located in the Horizonline Conservation District?
                If yes, you will need SITE PLAN APPROVAL FROM PLANNING & ZONING before a building permit can be issued.
  4. Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, or altering the current footprint of an existing building within 100 feet of wetlands and/or 200 feet of a watercourse?
                If yes, you will need INLAND WETLANDS APPROVAL before a building permit can be issued.
  5. Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, performing exterior renovations or altering the current footprint of an existing building within the Kent Village District?
                If yes, you may need ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL before a building permit can be issued.
  6. Are you constructing a new driveway or driveway extension?
                If yes, you will need a DRIVEWAY PERMIT from the Land Use Office.  If the property is located on a state roadway, you will also need approval from the Connecticut Department of                                   Transportation.
  7. Are the property taxes on the parcel paid and up-to-date?
                In accordance with Public Act No. 95-320, Amending Connecticut General Statute 7-148 and Town of Kent Ordinance concerning approval of Building Dept. permits for property on which taxes                are due, the Building Department shall withhold approval of building permits for any property where taxes are delinquent, unless the Building Official determines that repairs should be performed              immediately to protect the safety of either the building’s occupant or the public.  You must get a signoff from the Tax Collector before a Building Dept. permit can be issued.

If you have questions regarding numbers 1 – 6, please contact the Kent Land Use office at 860-927-4625 or Torrington Area Health Department at 860-489-0436.  If you have a question regarding number 7, please contact the Tax Collector at 860-927-3269.

Once all approvals are obtained, the next step is the Building Department.  Please see the process and requirements of the State of Connecticut Building Code.