City Building Permits
New London, CT - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in New London, Connecticut. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Covers the City of New London; coastal site plan, floodplain, and dense urban infill review can materially affect timing.
- Department
- City of New London Building Department
- Address
- 111 Union Street, New London, CT 06320
- Phone
- 860-447-5240
- kkripas@newlondonct.org
- Website
- https://newlondonct.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Downloadable municipal permit packet; no standalone public transaction portal clearly identified from reviewed sources • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download the Building Permit Application Packet and confirm any zoning or land use prerequisites.
- Prepare the signed application, plans, valuation, plot plan, trade contractor credentials, and any additional supporting documents listed in the packet.
- Submit the packet to the Building Department for review and fee assessment.
- After approval and payment, the permit is issued and inspections are scheduled through the Building Department.
Typical processing time: The public packet reviewed did not post a firm turnaround; projects with coastal, floodplain, or site plan review can take longer.
General Requirements
New construction, additions, structural changes, occupancy changes, demolition, and most electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life-safety work.
Required Documents
- City permit application packet
- construction drawings
- plot plan
- valuation
- contractor credentials
- trade sub-permits as required.
- Permit validity
- State-code 180 day rule unless extended.
- Building code
- 2022 Connecticut State Building Code.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may generally file on their own property, but required licensed trades still apply.
- Contractor requirements
- Connecticut trade licenses and home improvement registration rules apply.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Not clearly posted from the reviewed packet listing
- Plan check fee
- Confirm with Building Department
- Permit fee formula
- Confirm with Building Department from the packet and intake review
- Reinspection fee
- Confirm with Building Department
- Payment note
- Verify payable method and whether separate trade permits are paid independently.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Small detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
- Fences up to 7 feet
- Low retaining walls without surcharge
- Certain minor finish work
- Sidewalks and driveways not over occupied space
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Through the Building Department by phone (department)
- Inspection hours
- Verify with the office
Typical inspection sequence: Demolition where applicable, footing, foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation or energy, final, certificate of occupancy
Corrections must be completed before reinspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2022 Connecticut State Building Code.
- Verify contractor license: Connecticut DCP License Applications
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- msc.fema.gov
- License lookup guide: Connecticut Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Connecticut Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Connecticut hub: Connecticut Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of New London Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
New London Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in New London, CT?
- New construction, additions, structural changes, occupancy changes, demolition, and most electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life-safety work.
- How much does a building permit cost in New London, CT?
- The minimum permit fee is Not clearly posted from the reviewed packet listing. Fees are calculated as: Confirm with Building Department from the packet and intake review. Plan check fee: Confirm with Building Department.
- How do I apply for a building permit in New London, CT?
- 1. Download the Building Permit Application Packet and confirm any zoning or land use prerequisites. 2. Prepare the signed application, plans, valuation, plot plan, trade contractor credentials, and any additional supporting documents listed in the packet. 3. Submit the packet to the Building Department for review and fee assessment. 4. After approval and payment, the permit is issued and inspections are scheduled through the Building Department.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in New London, CT?
- Typical processing time is The public packet reviewed did not post a firm turnaround; projects with coastal, floodplain, or site plan review can take longer..
- What work is exempt from building permits in New London, CT?
- The following work is generally exempt: Small detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; Fences up to 7 feet; Low retaining walls without surcharge; Certain minor finish work; Sidewalks and driveways not over occupied space.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in New London, CT?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Through the Building Department by phone.
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