Town of Portland, CT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Town permit authority within the Land Use Department; building, zoning, wetlands, and health are coordinated from the same office.

Department

Office of the Building Department, Department of Land Use

Address

33 East Main Street, 1st Floor, Portland, CT 06480

Phone

860-342-6728

Email

landuse@portlandct.org

Website

https://www.portlandct.org/building

Application Process

1. Start from the Building or Land Use page and open the needed building package or permit directions.
2. Complete the building permit and contractor information forms and assemble plans.
3. Meet early with Land Use and Building if the project is complex or tied to zoning, wetlands, or health review.
4. Submit through the Land Use office and pay required fees.
5. Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy where applicable.

Typical processing time: Not posted

Source: Office of the Building Department, Department of Land Use

General Requirements

The department requires a building permit for construction or alteration of any structure or building in accordance with the Connecticut State Building Code and approved plans.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• contractor information form
• plans
• and any related land use approvals.

Building code

Connecticut State Building Code enforced by the town.

Contractor requirements

Contractor information form is posted on the Building page

Fees

Permit fee formula

Town posts a Land Use fee schedule; building fee formula was not clearly transcribed from reviewed sources

Payment note

As of January 1, 2026, the town states it no longer issues blanket permits; all permits must be submitted and paid for individually

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• No clean stand-alone exempt-work list was located in the reviewed Portland pages.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through the Building Department after submission (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit review, required inspections, final approval or CO

Additional Resources

• Building code: Connecticut State Building Code enforced by the town.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: Connecticut Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Connecticut Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Connecticut hub: Connecticut Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Portland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Portland, CT?

The department requires a building permit for construction or alteration of any structure or building in accordance with the Connecticut State Building Code and approved plans.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Portland, CT?

Fees are calculated as: Town posts a Land Use fee schedule; building fee formula was not clearly transcribed from reviewed sources.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Portland, CT?

1. Start from the Building or Land Use page and open the needed building package or permit directions. 2. Complete the building permit and contractor information forms and assemble plans. 3. Meet early with Land Use and Building if the project is complex or tied to zoning, wetlands, or health review. 4. Submit through the Land Use office and pay required fees. 5. Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy where applicable.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Portland, CT?

Typical processing time is Not posted.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Portland, CT?

The following work is generally exempt: No clean stand-alone exempt-work list was located in the reviewed Portland pages..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Portland, CT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the Building Department after submission.