Thinking about listing your Greenwich home this season? One of the fastest ways to derail a high-end sale is a surprise permit issue or a missing Certificate of Occupancy. You have invested in beautiful upgrades, so the last thing you want is a preventable delay at contract time. In this guide, you will learn how to run a thorough Greenwich permit and CO audit, use the CitySquared portal to schedule inspections, and assemble a clean, confidence-boosting file for buyers, lenders, and title. Let’s dive in.
Why a permit and CO audit matters
Unfinaled or unpermitted work can slow or stop a closing. It can trigger lender objections, add title exceptions, or prompt municipal enforcement that costs time and money. In the luxury segment, buyers often bring private inspectors and design professionals who read the file closely, so complete records support value and reduce friction.
Greenwich homes often have complex improvements. Risk areas include additions and renovations, accessory structures like pools or guest houses, HVAC and electrical upgrades, finished basements, and hardscape projects such as terraces or retaining walls. Older or historic properties may include work completed under past codes or without permits.
A clean paper trail can help you move faster and negotiate with confidence. Finaled permits, inspection sign-offs, and a current Certificate of Occupancy or municipal compliance letter give buyers, lenders, and title clear evidence that the work meets standards.
Where Greenwich records live
Your first stop is the Town of Greenwich Building Inspection Division. This office is the primary repository for permits, inspection logs, approvals, and Certificates of Occupancy or Compliance. You can contact the counter in person, by phone, or by email. Confirm current hours and preferred contact methods before visiting.
Other municipal resources also help you complete the picture. You can use the town’s online permit or property search tools, the Assessor’s property card, Town Clerk records for deeds and recorded documents, and municipal GIS or property maps. The Land Use or Zoning staff can help you verify approvals or any certificates of zoning compliance tied to past projects.
If you want a third-party to pull a comprehensive search, title companies and municipal record services can compile a full municipal history for a fee.
How to check for open permits
Follow this step-by-step approach to identify issues early and prepare remedies before you list.
Step 1: Start with online searches
Run an address-based search using the Town of Greenwich permit and property tools. Look for permits, status notes, and inspection results. Cross-check the Assessor’s property card for any recorded improvements or renovation notes.
Step 2: Confirm with Building Inspection Division
Request a written permit history. Ask specifically for both open permits and finaled permits tied to the property. A written response helps you create a clear timeline and checklist.
Step 3: Review each permit thoroughly
For every permit, note:
- Permit type and contractor of record
- Issue date and required inspections
- Inspection outcomes and any failed items
- Final sign-off status or missing final inspections
Step 4: Verify related municipal records
Check whether you have zoning approvals, a Certificate of Occupancy or compliance letter, and any other approvals tied to wetlands, engineering, septic or health departments if applicable. Look for recorded permits or release letters at the Town Clerk if historic paper files may exist.
If records do not match visible work
If you see finished spaces or features that are not reflected in records, you may be dealing with unpermitted work or missing documentation. Prepare to consult a licensed contractor or building code consultant to determine whether you need a retroactive permit or as-built documentation.
Schedule inspections in CitySquared
Greenwich uses municipal permitting software to manage inspection requests. Confirm with the Building Inspection Division whether inspections are scheduled through CitySquared for your property, and ask for current instructions.
A typical CitySquared flow looks like this:
- Create or log in to an account as the owner, contractor, or authorized agent.
- Search your address and open the relevant permit record.
- If the permit is open, select the needed inspection type, such as electrical final, plumbing final, rough, or structural final.
- Upload any required documents, pay fees if applicable, and choose a date window.
- Receive confirmation and, after the visit, review inspector notes and results.
Common inspection types that close permits include final inspections, trade finals for electrical, plumbing, and gas, and Certificate of Occupancy or final compliance inspections.
Practical tips:
- Verify who can request inspections. The town may require the contractor of record, the property owner, or an authorized agent with documentation.
- Schedules can fill quickly, so book early and allow buffer time before your list date.
- Prepare the site. Ensure power is on, access is available to every area, and equipment is energized so inspectors can verify systems. This helps you avoid failed inspections and re-inspection fees.
- Save the paperwork. Keep PDFs of inspection reports and signed approvals for your listing file.
Collect the right documents
Build a complete, organized packet you can share with buyers, lenders, and title.
Core building records to request:
- Permit applications and issued permits
- Approved plans and stamped drawings
- Inspection reports and inspector notes
- Final sign-offs and proof of finaled status
- Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance, or a municipal letter if applicable
- Any stop-work orders, violation notices, or outstanding conditions
Related documents to include when relevant:
- Zoning approvals or a zoning compliance letter
- Fire department approvals for alarms or suppression systems
- Health department or septic approvals where applicable
- Recorded documents at the Town Clerk that affect improvements or access
- Contractor licenses and certificates of insurance to reassure buyers
When possible, request digital PDFs. If your attorney or title company requires certified copies for closing, order certified paper versions too.
If permits are missing or work was unpermitted
You have options if the paper trail is incomplete. Common remedies include applying for a retroactive permit, submitting as-built drawings, and scheduling inspections to bring the work into compliance. If current code requirements cannot be met as is, your team may propose engineered solutions, partial removal, or a variance or waiver process through the appropriate municipal channels. For minor items, ask the Building Inspection Division if administrative remedies are available.
Be prepared for costs and timelines. Retroactive permitting can require plan preparation, additional inspections, upgrades to meet current code, plan review fees, and re-inspection fees. Municipal enforcement is possible if unpermitted work is uncovered, so it is smart to discover and address issues before you go live.
Timeline and checklist
Start your audit 4 to 8 weeks before your target list date. If you suspect substantial work or older unrecorded projects, allow more time.
Step-by-step checklist:
- Run an online permit and property search and download results.
- Request a permit history and inspection reports from the Building Inspection Division.
- Collect copies of permits, approved plans, final sign-offs, and any Certificates of Occupancy or compliance letters.
- Flag open or unfinaled permits. Contact the contractor of record to plan final inspections.
- If you see work with no permit, consult a licensed contractor or code consultant about retroactive permits or compliance paths.
- Schedule needed inspections through CitySquared if applicable. Confirm who will be on-site.
- Obtain final documentation and add it to your property disclosures and marketing package.
- Share the complete packet with your attorney, title company, and listing file.
Paper-trail deliverables for your listing:
- Full permit history for the property
- PDFs of final inspection sign-offs and CO or compliance letters
- Approved plans for major renovations and structural changes
- Contractor invoices, receipts, and applicable warranties
Estimated timelines:
- Simple final inspections: days to 2 weeks, depending on inspector availability
- Retroactive permit reviews and remediation: 2 to 12 or more weeks for complex cases
- Title review and municipal clearance: allow 1 to 2 weeks, often concurrent with other steps
Who to involve
A smooth audit depends on coordination. You, as the seller, provide authorization, site access, and contractor contacts. Your listing agent coordinates requests, compiles the permit packet, and communicates timelines. Contractors, architects, and engineers prepare as-builts, complete any fixes, and request inspections if authorized. Municipal staff, including Building Inspection Division and zoning or health departments, issue histories, conduct inspections, and finalize documents. Your title company and closing attorney review the packet and clear municipal-related title issues.
Avoid these pitfalls
- Waiting until you are under contract to research permits. Start before you list.
- Relying only on memory or invoices. Always request municipal records and final sign-offs.
- Failing an inspection due to site access or utilities. Prepare the home and confirm requirements in advance.
- Assuming older work is automatically grandfathered. Ask the Building Inspection Division to confirm what applies to your property.
Use simple, clear outreach
When you email the Building Inspection Division, keep your request direct and complete:
“Please provide a complete permit history and copies of all inspection reports and final sign-offs for [property address]. If any permits are open, please indicate the permit numbers and required final inspection types. Also confirm whether Greenwich issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance for this property and whether inspections can be scheduled via the CitySquared portal.”
Attach proof of ownership, a short authorization letter if your agent is making the request, and current contractor contact information.
Ready your file for buyers
Your goal is straightforward. You want buyers, lenders, and title to see a clear, complete record that matches the home in front of them. When you prepare early, close open permits, and present a polished documentation packet, you protect your timeline and your price.
If you want a partner to coordinate the process, the Coastal Collective Team offers boutique, concierge support for luxury listings across Fairfield County. We can help you plan the audit, assemble documents, and present your home with confidence. Request your free home valuation when you are ready to discuss timing and strategy.
FAQs
Do Greenwich single-family homes always need a CO?
- Requirements vary by property and history. Ask the Building Inspection Division whether a Certificate of Occupancy or a compliance letter exists for your home, especially if past work may have triggered one.
Who can schedule inspections in CitySquared for Greenwich?
- Typically the contractor of record, property owner, or an authorized agent. Confirm current town policy and what authorization documents you need to upload.
What if work was done without a permit in Greenwich?
- You may apply for a retroactive permit, submit as-built plans, and pass inspections. In some cases, you may need to modify or remove work. Municipal penalties or enforced remediation are possible.
Will open permits stop a Greenwich sale?
- Not always, but they can delay closings or add lender and title conditions. Disclose early and present a plan to finalize permits or remedy issues before contract.
Can my agent pull all the Greenwich records for me?
- Agents can often initiate searches and collect many documents, but some records or inspections may require owner authorization. Ask the Building Inspection Division what proof they accept.
