Town of Old Saybrook, CT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Quick Start

Permit Authority

Town permit authority for Old Saybrook properties outside the Borough of Fenwick; town page expressly routes Fenwick properties to the borough.

Department

Building Department

Address

Town Hall, Building Office, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Phone

860-395-3130

Email

Building.Department@oldsaybrookct.gov

Website

https://www.oldsaybrookct.gov/179/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review "How to File a Building Permit Online" and the online permit application link.
2. Complete the online application for the building permit.
3. Upload contractor license, liability insurance or workers compensation documentation, and other required documents.
4. Pay fees under the posted permit fee schedule.
5. Complete required inspections and obtain final CO or close-out.

Typical processing time: Not posted

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

Residential and commercial building activity including renovations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, gas and oil tank work, and more.

Required Documents

• Completed online application
• contractor license
• current certificate of liability insurance or workers compensation
• and permit fee payment
• additional documents may be required for flood zone homes.

Building code

Connecticut State Building Code and state statutes, as stated on the town page.

Owner-builder

CT Form 7A and CT Form 7B are posted on the department page

Contractor requirements

Required

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 for the first $4,000 of construction cost

Plan check fee

Not separately posted in the lines reviewed

Permit fee formula

$50 for first $4,000 plus $10 for each additional $1,000

Reinspection fee

State penalties for violations are noted on the page; local reinspection fee not clearly posted on the main page reviewed

Payment note

Applications are not reviewed until all required documents and fees are submitted

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences 7 feet or less
• Sheds 10 feet by 12 feet or smaller, under 120 square feet, subject to Land Use placement review
• Driveways, unless an encroachment permit is needed on town property
• Tents 20 feet by 40 feet or smaller and under 50-person capacity

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online scheduling (online)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit review, inspections during construction, final inspection, certificate of occupancy where applicable

Additional Resources

• Building code: Connecticut State Building Code and state statutes, as stated on the town page.
• 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 Old Saybrook Building Permit FAQ

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

Residential and commercial building activity including renovations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, gas and oil tank work, and more.

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

Building permit fees in Town of Old Saybrook, CT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50 for the first $4,000 of construction cost. Fees are calculated as: $50 for first $4,000 plus $10 for each additional $1,000. Plan check fee: Not separately posted in the lines reviewed.

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

To apply for a building permit in Town of Old Saybrook, CT, follow these steps: 1. Review "How to File a Building Permit Online" and the online permit application link. 2. Complete the online application for the building permit. 3. Upload contractor license, liability insurance or workers compensation documentation, and other required documents. 4. Pay fees under the posted permit fee schedule. 5. Complete required inspections and obtain final CO or close-out.

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

Building permit processing times in Town of Old Saybrook, CT typically run Not posted. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit in Town of Old Saybrook, CT. The following work is generally exempt: Fences 7 feet or less; Sheds 10 feet by 12 feet or smaller, under 120 square feet, subject to Land Use placement review; Driveways, unless an encroachment permit is needed on town property; Tents 20 feet by 40 feet or smaller and under 50-person capacity. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Town of Old Saybrook, CT via: Online scheduling.