Shed Permits In CT: Key Considerations

There’s no need to worry about gathering the required building and zoning permits for your shed in Connecticut. In this article, we outline the basic requirements for shed permits in CT. To simplify things, we’ve created a table of links to the largest cities and counties in CT so that you’ll be able to easily visit your government’s website and clarify any local questions. 

At Shed’s Unlimited, we are here for all of your shed needs. If you’re in search of a quality, durable shed, consider designing your ideal shed through our 3D Builder. 

Let’s dig into answers to common shed permit questions for Connecticut! 

Do I need a permit to build a shed in CT? 

In most cases, yes. According to the 2022 Connecticut State Building Codes, all sheds over 200 square feet must receive a building permit before construction begins. To begin this process, you or your contractor must submit all of the required applications and paperwork. Again, you must first receive zoning approval and a building permit before you begin to craft or purchase your dream shed.. 

However, even if your shed is less than 200 square feet, you’re still not off the hook. Many jurisdictions within CT require zoning permits for your sheds, regardless of the size. We recommend that you always refer to your local government’s specific guidelines about shed permits before you get too far into planning your shed’s specifications. 

Do I need a permit to build a shed in my backyard in CT? 

Yes. As we’ve stated, when your shed is larger than 200 square feet, you will need a building permit as well as a zoning permit for your shed (in most areas).  

Ready for the exception? If your shed is less than 200 square feet, you’ll only need to apply for a zoning permit. But as always, ensure that you understand all of the current requirements set by your local government. 

Do I need a shed permit in Bristol, CT?

Yes. If you have a shed that is larger than 200 square feet, a building permit and a zoning permit are necessary. However, if your shed is less than 200 square feet, you will not need a building permit, although a zoning permit is required.

There are more requirements about shed permits in Bristol, CT. For instance, all sheds must be located in the back of the main house on your property. Further clarification can be found on Bristol’s government website. 

For access to the online permit application, click here. 

Do I need a shed permit in Bridgeport, CT? 

Yes, if your shed is larger than 200 square feet, you must get a shed permit in Bridgeport, CT.

Do I need a shed permit in Middletown, CT? 

Yes. All sheds larger than 200 square feet require a shed permit in Middletown, CT. If your shed exceeds 199 square feet, submit a building permit application for your shed. Additionally, you may need land approval for your shed; contact your local government to confirm. 

Do I need a shed permit in Tolland, CT?

Yes, if your shed is larger than 100 square feet, a building permit and a zoning permit are required. However, if your shed is smaller than 100 square feet and is not used for commercial purposes or to house livestock (see more specifics here), you will only need a zoning permit. 

For more information, refer to Tolland’s government website. 

Where do I get a shed permit in CT?

In most towns and counties within Connecticut, you can find the application for shed building permits on your local government website as well as submit all of the necessary documents/information online. For example, in the town of Tolland, CT, you can submit an online application. However, it’s important to note that if your shed is greater than 180 square feet, an additional hard copy of the application must be submitted to the office. 

However, there are a few cities that only accept physical applications. To verify what your county, city, or township requires, visit your local government’s website. 

What is the penalty if you don’t get a shed permit in CT? 

Within the Connecticut State Statutes, if you begin construction before receiving a building permit, you may be fined up to $1,000. In the worst-case scenario, you may suffer jail time. In some cities, the penalties are less severe. For example, in Windham, CT, you are charged a fee reflecting the cost of a building permit. 

How much is a shed permit in CT?

Based on an average from the cities and counties within Connecticut, a shed permit costs roughly $25 for the first $1,000 of estimated work and then $20 for every additional $1,000. 

While that is a rough average, let’s drill into the specifics of Torrington, CT. If you plan to craft a shed with a budget of $5,000, your shed permit will cost you $73 ($25 for the first $1,000 and $12 for each additional $1,000). 

How long does it take to get a building permit in CT? 

Under Connecticut law, building permits must be issued within 30 days after the initial application is received. But don’t worry! In general, most building permits are granted in about 1-3 weeks. 

How long does a building permit last in CT?

In most areas of Connecticut, you have six months to use a building permit. Some jurisdictions allow you to apply for extensions. However, there are some exceptions. Consider New Canaan, CT: within this region, building permits are valid as long as construction is in progress. 

Can a homeowner pull a building permit in CT?

Yes. However, keep in mind that as a homeowner, you should specify whether you are doing the work yourself, or if you’ve hired a contractor. Furthermore, if your contractor claims to have pulled the building permits for your shed, always verify that this is true before beginning construction. You wouldn’t want your work to be delayed or to incur any fines due to some oversight. As always, reach out to your local government.

How close to the property line can a shed be in CT?

Setbacks from property lines for a shed vary in different parts of Connecticut. For example, in Tolland, CT, a shed must be at least 25 feet away from both side property lines and 25 feet from the rear property line. 

Conversely, in Orange, CT, setbacks from property lines are based on the size of your shed. For sheds smaller than 150 square feet, they must be 75 feet from the street and 10 feet away from all property lines. But if your shed is greater than 150 square feet, it must be set 60 feet from the street and 25 feet from property lines. 

As always, check with your local government to ensure that you place your shed within the legal boundaries. 

Can I pull a building permit online in CT?

Yes. In many jurisdictions with Connecticut, you can pull an online permit. For instance, both the Town of Tolland and West Hartford give the option for online applications. Keep in mind that some areas within Connecticut do not allow or provide online permits. 

What do you need for a shed permit in CT?

Ah, yes, the list of required documents. While this list will vary  due to the jurisdiction in which you live, we’ve outlined some general guidelines.

1. Two sets of construction plans
2. Completed permit application
3. Work description
4. Plot plan
5. House/building/unit
6. Site
7. Address
8. Property Owner Name
9. Contractor’s contact information
10. Two copies of property map
11. Certificate of insurance for workers’ compensation coverage (from contractor)
12. Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor registration from all contractors/remodelers

*This list is not exhaustive. 

What do you need for a zoning permit in CT? 

When you submit a zoning permit, you will need to have the following items:

• Location and exact dimensions of all boundaries
• Location of wetlands and watercourses on or near your property
• Location and exact dimensions of current and proposed structures, septic systems, and water supplies
• Specific proximity to any flood zones, wells, or septic systems

*This is not a comprehensive list. 

Shed permit requirements by  Counties in Connecticut 

Learn more about the permitting requirements for different counties with the following table of links to local government websites. 

County	Website
Fairfield, CT	https://fairfieldct.org/service/building_department/building_permits/index.php
Hartford, CT	https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/DDS/DDS-Divisions/Licenses-Inspections
Litchfield, CT	https://www.townoflitchfield.org/entities/building-department
Middlesex, CT	https://www.chesterct.org/building-department
New Haven, CT	https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/office-of-building-inspection-enforcement
New London, CT	https://www.newlondonct.org/building-official
Tolland, CT	https://www.tollandct.gov/building-department
Windham, CT	https://windhamct.gov/194/Building-Services—Land-Use

Shed permit requirements by Cities in Connecticut

Looking for specific answers about shed permits in your city? We’ve outlined a table of cities in Connecticut with a population greater than 15,000 people. Visit your local government’s website to understand more information concerning building permits for your shed. 

Town/City (Pop. > 15,000)	Website
Berlin, CT	https://www.berlinct.gov/department/index.php?structureid=136
Bethel, CT	https://www.bethel-ct.gov/depts-building
Bloomfield, CT	https://www.bloomfieldct.gov/184/Building-Permit-Process
Bridgeport, CT	https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/building-department/building-permit
Bristol, CT	https://www.bristolct.gov/130/Building
Cheshire, CT	https://www.cheshirect.org/government/departments_and_divisions/building
Danbury, CT	https://www.danbury-ct.gov/170/Building
East Hartford, CT	https://www.easthartfordct.gov/inspections-permits
East Haven, CT	https://www.easthaven-ct.gov/building-department
East Lyme, CT	https://eltownhall.com/government/departments/building/building-permit-applications-forms-2/
Enfield, CT	https://www.enfield-ct.gov/182/Building-Regulations-Applications-Docume
Fairfield, CT	https://fairfieldct.org/service/building_department/index.php
Farmington, CT	https://www.farmington-ct.org/departments/building/permits
Glastonbury, CT	https://www.glastonburyct.gov/departments/department-directory-a-h/building-inspection-zoning/applying-for-a-building-permit
Greenwich, CT	https://www.greenwichct.gov/428/Planning-Zoning
Groton, CT	https://www.groton-ct.gov/departments/pubwks/forms.php
Guilford, CT	https://www.guilfordct.gov/town_departments/building_department/building_permit.php
Hamden, CT	https://www.hamden.com/174/Building
Manchester, CT	https://www.manchesterct.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Building-Inspection-Division
Mansfield, CT	https://www.mansfieldct.gov/412/Building-Permits
Meriden, CT	https://www.meridenct.gov/government/departments/building-department-/
Middletown, CT	https://www.middletownct.gov/188/Building-Division
Millford, CT	https://www.ci.milford.ct.us/building-inspection/pages/permit-requirements
Monroe, CT	https://www.monroect.gov/p/building
Naugatuck, CT	http://www.naugatuck-ct.gov/building-inspector
New Britain, CT	https://www.newbritainct.gov/services/building/defaulthtm
New Canaan, CT	https://www.newcanaan.info/departments/land_use/building/index.php
New Haven, CT	https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/office-of-building-inspection-enforcement
New London, CT	https://www.newlondonct.org/building-official
Newington, CT	https://www.newingtonct.gov/1168/Permit-Forms
Newton, CT	https://www.newtown-ct.gov/building-department
North Haven, CT	https://www.northhavenny.us/building-department
Norwalk, CT	https://www.norwalkct.gov/16/Building-Code-Enforcement
Norwich, CT	https://www.norwichct.org/249/Building
Ridgefield, CT	https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/building-department
Rocky Hill, CT	https://www.rockyhillct.gov/195/Building-Department-Permits
Shelton, CT	https://cityofshelton.org/p/building-department
Simsbury, CT	https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/building-department/faq/when-do-i-need-a-permit#:~:text=shed/gazebo%20over%20200%20s.f.
South Windsor, CT	https://www.southwindsor-ct.gov/building-department
Southbury, CT	https://www.southbury-ct.org/building
Southington, CT	https://www.southington.org/departments/building_department/index.php
Stamford, CT	https://www.stamfordct.gov/government/operations/building-department
Stratford, CT	https://www.stratfordct.gov/buildingofficial
Tolland, CT	https://www.tollandct.gov/building-department
Torrington, CT	https://www.torringtonct.org/building-department
Trumbull, CT	https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/155/Building-Department
Vernon, CT	https://www.vernon-ct.gov/departments-services/departments/building-department
Wallingford, CT	https://www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/building-department/
Waterbury, CT	https://www.waterburyct.org/services/department-of-inspections
Waterford, CT	https://waterfordct.org/201/Building
Watertown, CT	https://www.watertownct.org/departments/planning___zoning/planning___zoning_department/applications___permits.php
West Hartford, CT	https://www.westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/building
West Haven, CT	https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/154/Building
Westport, CT	https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/building-department
Wethersfield, CT	https://wethersfieldct.gov/building-inspection
Windsor, CT	https://townofwindsorct.com/building/building-permit/

FAQs

What can a homeowner do without a permit in CT?

Here are a few projects that do not require a building permit in CT:

• Swing Sets 
• Painting
• Fences under 7 feet tall (excluding pool fences)
• Cabinets
• Temporary theater set-up
• Countertops
• Carpentry
• Portable cooling units
• Projects that don’t require major alterations
• For a comprehensive list of permit exempt work, read the 2022 Connecticut State Building Code

Wrapping Up

The permitting process isn’t nearly as daunting as you originally feared. To recap, remember the following:

1. You must receive the required zoning approval and building permits before you begin construction.
2. Sheds over 200 square feet generally need a building and zoning permit. 
3. Sheds under 200 square feet usually require zoning approval. 
4. Always verify shed permit requirements in your local government before you get deep into planning the construction of your new shed. 

At Shed’s Unlimited, we love providing authoritative information through our blogs to help your shed dreams come true! If you’re interested in gaining a further education in shed flooring, electricity for sheds, or shed permits in NY, check out our articles on these topics. 

Check back soon for more informational articles. Bye for now! Three cheers to your future shed!