On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Preston
New buildings, additions, structural changes, occupancy changes, and most trade work.
Detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
Fences up to 7 feet
Low retaining walls without surcharge
Sidewalks and driveways not over occupied space
Non-structural finish work
- Exempt Detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences up to 7 feet
- Exempt Low retaining walls without surcharge
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not over occupied space
- Exempt Non-structural finish work
Required documents
- Permit application
- plans
- site plan
- valuation
- contractor credentials
- related local approvals.
- Building code
- 2022 Connecticut State Building Code.
- Permit validity
- State-code 180 day rule unless extended.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may generally self-apply, but state licensing rules still govern covered trades.
- Contractor requirements
- Connecticut trade licenses and home improvement registration rules apply.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly posted.
- 01 Obtain the current permit application and fee schedule from the Building Department or Document Center.
- 02 Prepare plans, site plan, valuation, contractor credentials, and any zoning, health, wetlands, or floodplain approvals.
- 03 Submit to the Building Official for review and fee calculation under the posted fee schedule.
- 04 Permit issues after approval and payment; schedule inspections before covering work and at project completion.
Typical processing time: Not publicly posted.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Preston building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
See posted schedule; the town publishes current building and fire marshal fees in the linked PDF
02
Plan check fee
Included or itemized per the posted schedule; verify by permit type
03
Permit fee formula
Posted building and fire marshal schedule with itemized charges
04
Reinspection fee
Posted in the adopted fee schedule where applicable
Use the town's current fee schedule and verify payment type with Town Hall.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call the Building Official (department)
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly posted
Typical sequence: Footing, foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation or energy, final
The posted fee schedule should be checked for reinspection or related charges.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Preston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Preston, CT? ▸
New buildings, additions, structural changes, occupancy changes, and most trade work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Preston, CT? ▸
Building permit fees in Preston, CT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is See posted schedule; the town publishes current building and fire marshal fees in the linked PDF. Fees are calculated as: Posted building and fire marshal schedule with itemized charges. Plan check fee: Included or itemized per the posted schedule; verify by permit type.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Preston, CT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Preston, CT, follow these steps: 1. Obtain the current permit application and fee schedule from the Building Department or Document Center. 2. Prepare plans, site plan, valuation, contractor credentials, and any zoning, health, wetlands, or floodplain approvals. 3. Submit to the Building Official for review and fee calculation under the posted fee schedule. 4. Permit issues after approval and payment; schedule inspections before covering work and at project completion.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Preston, CT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Preston, CT typically run Not publicly posted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Preston, CT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Preston, CT. The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; Fences up to 7 feet; Low retaining walls without surcharge; Sidewalks and driveways not over occupied space; Non-structural finish work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Preston, CT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Preston, CT via: Call the Building Official.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Preston Building Official ↗
entry id permits/connecticut/new-london/preston
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Preston Building Official before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.