Planning a renovation or getting ready to buy or sell in Greenwich? Permits and inspections can make or break your timeline, budget, and peace of mind. You want a smooth process and a clean paper trail that protects your investment. This quick 101 gives you the essentials: what needs a permit, how to apply, what inspections to expect, fees, timing, and what it takes to get a Certificate of Occupancy. Let’s dive in.
When you need a permit in Greenwich
Many common projects require a permit from the Town’s Building Inspection Division. Examples include new construction, additions and alterations, finishing a basement or attic, pools and spas, decks, fireplaces and stoves, retaining walls over 3 feet, fences over 7 feet, solar arrays, and demolition. You can confirm your project on the Town’s list of permit triggers in the guide to what activity requires a permit.
- See the official list of permit triggers: What activity requires a permit
What may not need a permit
Some minor work is exempt from building or trade permits, such as small sheds under a certain size. Even when a building permit is not required, zoning or other approvals can still apply.
- Review exemptions and notes: Work exempt from building or trade permits
How to apply in Greenwich
The Town uses a few filing paths depending on your project.
Filing methods
- Some limited residential jobs for 1–2 family homes, such as re-roofing, re-siding, and replacement windows, may be submitted by email.
- Most building permits are filed in person at the Building Inspection counter.
- Trade permits tied to a building permit can often be filed by email. Stand-alone trade permits usually require in-person filing and an owner signature.
- Get the current steps here: Permit application process
Owner vs. contractor
- The owner must authorize the permit. If the owner is not the filer, a notarized owner signature is required.
- Trade permits filed by an agent must include an authorization from the licensed holder per Town guidance. Review the details in the Town’s trade permit instructions.
- Guidance for licensed trades: Trade permit application information
What to bring for larger projects
Prepare two sets of plans, a site survey, design drawings and engineering if required, a worker’s compensation affidavit, and the Building Inspection sign-off sheet that indicates which other Town departments must approve. Timing depends on complexity and outside sign-offs.
Fees and timing
Greenwich uses a valuation-based fee schedule with a minimum fee.
- Minimum fee: 40.26 dollars
- Residential building: 13.26 dollars per 1,000 dollars of valuation
- Commercial building: 15.26 dollars per 1,000 dollars of valuation
- Electrical: minimum 40 dollars; 12.00 dollars per 1,000 dollars
- Plumbing/HVAC: minimum 40 dollars; 12.00 dollars per 1,000 dollars
- Signs: minimum 40 dollars; 15.00 dollars per 1,000 dollars
- Full schedule: Official permit fee schedule (PDF)
Processing time varies. Simple homeowner jobs move faster. Projects needing Planning & Zoning, wetlands, Health, Fire Marshal, or DPW sign-offs can take weeks to months, depending on scope.
Inspections: what to expect
As of February 3, 2025, Greenwich uses the City Squared portal for inspection requests. You must register, claim your permit, and request inspections through the portal. The permit holder is responsible for scheduling inspections at each stage.
- Portal update and tutorials: Changes to the Building Inspection process
Typical inspection sequence includes site and foundation checks, underground trades before backfill, rough electrical, plumbing and HVAC, rough framing, insulation, and final inspections for each trade and building. You can view the Town’s one-page overview for the usual order of inspections.
- Sequence overview: Stages of Construction Inspections (PDF)
Certificates of Occupancy and TCOs
A Certificate of Occupancy is issued after all inspections are approved and required Town agencies sign off, such as Zoning, Fire Marshal, Health, and DPW where applicable. Occupying a building or altered area without a CO violates the Connecticut State Building Code.
- Learn CO requirements: Certificate of Occupancy
If you need partial occupancy, the Town may allow a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. The owner or permittee must request it, and certain approvals must be in place first.
- Partial occupancy details: Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
Demolition rules for older homes
If a structure is over 500 square feet and built before 1940, the Town applies a waiting period. There is a minimum 45-day wait, and if someone files an objection, an additional 45 days may be added.
- Review the pre-1940 rules: Demolition rules for older structures
Buyer and seller tips
- Check permit history. Ask for signed permits, inspection approvals, and the CO or TCO for renovations or additions.
- Verify contractor responsibilities. Confirm that licensed trades will pull permits and schedule inspections.
- Plan for multi-agency sign-offs. Add time for Zoning, Health, Fire Marshal, and DPW approvals when your project scope requires them.
- Avoid unpermitted work. Doing regulated work without permits can trigger enforcement, delays, and extra fees during a sale.
Quick checklist before you start
- Confirm if your project needs a permit: What requires a permit
- See what is exempt: Work exempt list
- Choose your filing path: Application process
- Know your fees: Fee schedule (PDF)
- Set up inspections in City Squared: Inspection process update
- Track approvals to reach your CO: CO requirements
You deserve a smooth, well-documented project and a confident closing. If you want guidance on how permitting and inspections could affect your purchase or sale in Greenwich, connect with the Coastal Collective Team. Our local expertise helps you plan with clarity and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Do window replacements in 1–2 family homes need a permit in Greenwich?
- Yes. Replacement windows for 1–2 family homes require a permit, and the Town allows this category to be submitted by email as outlined in the permit application process.
How do you schedule building inspections in Greenwich?
- You request inspections through the City Squared portal after registering and claiming your permit. See the Town’s update and tutorials in the inspection process update.
How long does it take to get a permit in Greenwich?
- There is no single timeline. Simple homeowner jobs can be processed faster, while projects needing Zoning, Health, Fire Marshal, or DPW approvals can take weeks to months, depending on scope and sign-offs.
What happens if work was done without a permit before selling?
- The Town can require corrective inspections and assess fees, and the issue may slow or derail a sale. Ask the seller for permits, inspection approvals, and CO or TCO documentation to avoid surprises.
Do fences or retaining walls need permits in Greenwich?
- Yes for larger structures. Retaining walls over 3 feet and fences over 7 feet require permits per the Town’s list of permit-required activities.
