MISSION STATEMENT

As stated in Section C20-1, the primary task of the building  department is to administer the Building Codes. The Building Official or Assistant Building Official, in the interest of public safety, passes upon the mode, manner of construction and materials to be used in the erection or alteration of buildings, pursuant to applicable provisions of the State Building Code and the State Board of Materials. The Public Site and Building Commission shall have control of those building projects specifically assigned to it by the First Selectwoman. 

The Building Department is responsible for the following tasks:

• Reviews construction plans for compliance with the Connecticut State Building Code for all residential, commercial and municipal projects and issues necessary permits
• Determines when licensed design professionals are required
• Reviews architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, alarm, sprinkler plans, and ADA handicapped accessibility
• Determines what construction inspections and procedures are required
• Monitors the project while under construction
• Collects all final signoffs from the other agencies
• Performs a final inspection
• Issues a Certificate of Occupancy

The Westport Building Department promotes general health and safety to the residents of Westport. We assist the citizens with the current building codes and permitting process, work with developers and contractors in achieving their goals, and work with other town departments in a coordinated effort for success.

MESSAGE FROM PETER HOWARD, BUILDING OFFICIAL

At this time we encourage online Zoom meetings. However, if you would like to meet with someone from the Building Department, please call and we will arrange a meeting. We are here to accommodate and move commercial and residential projects along as quickly as possible. 

PERMITTING PROCESS

The Building Department is located at 515 Post Road East, on the second floor of the Fire Department Headquarters. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Building permit applications will be reviewed via scheduled online Zoom or in-person plan review meetings. For more information or to schedule a Zoom or in-person meeting, call our office at 203-341-5025.

Residents and  contractors can call or email our office during regular business hours to address any questions or concerns. Drop off and pick-up boxes are located on the west side of the building (the large parking lot side) by our entrance. These boxes are weatherproof and are accessible 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Paper copies of Building Department forms, applications, and useful information packets are located in weatherproof bins adjacent to the pick-up boxes.

Sub-Permits can be emailed to:

swright@westportct.gov or
monofrio@westportct.gov

515 Post Road East, 2nd Floor, 
Westport CT 06880 
Telephone: 203-341-5025 
Facsimile: 203-341-5009 
E-mail: buildingpermits@westportct.gov

SEARCH PERMITS AND INSPECTION 

RESULTS

You can now search permits and check your inspection results online. Go to westportct.gov and click on the  "Search Permits" link. Click to enter our Online Services Portal and search by address under the Building tab.

For oil tank information and older Certificates of Occupancy, go to the Building Department page.  Under "Information You'll Need", click on COs, Tank and Spill Document Archive and search by address.

SUSTAINABLE WESTPORT

Consider using sustainable materials and practices when planning your building project.  The Westport Green Building Award for Achievement in Sustainable Design and Construction recognizes residential and commercial projects that make, or have made, significant contributions to sustainability and Westport's future as a Net Zero Community.   The Westport Green Building award program is part of Sustainable Westport.

An alternative to traditional demolition is de-construction. The building components of the house are recycled. Click here to learn more about de-construction.

Information you'll need

• When do I need a permit? 
• Steps to obtain a building permit [PDF]
• Steps to obtain a PV building permit [PDF]
• Building Department permit applications and forms 
• How to view open and closed building permits online 
• State Building Code
• State Fire Safety Code
• Building permit fee schedule 
• Required inspections
• COs, Tank and Spill Document Archive (New)

Download other useful information

• RTM Ordinance; Guidelines for Demolition, August 2008 [PDF]
• Guidelines for Residential Swimming Pool Enclosures 10/1/2022 [PDF]
• Home Improvement Without Headaches – a fact sheet from the Department Of Consumer Protection [PDF]
• Build Back Safer [FEMA, PDF]
• FEMA Region 1: Changes in Flood Insurance Program, Dec. 2012 [PDF]

Links

• State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
• Office of State Building Inspector
• Office of State Fire Marshal
• International Code Council (Building Codes)