Does my project require zoning approval or a construction permit?

We have put together a chart which indicates zoning and permit requirements for many of the activities a property owner may contemplate undertaking on his/her property.

* PLEASE NOTE: 

  • If your project exists within a historic district or at a registered historic site, additional steps are required (see * below for applicable projects related to historical districts and sites).
  • For exterior sign projects in the Main Street Historic District, CLICK HERE for instructions.
Activity
 Zoning Approval
 Requires Permit
* Additions
 Yes
 Yes
Air conditioner (central): Install or replace
 No Yes
Asbestos abatement
 No
 Yes
Basement: Refinishing or remodeling
 Yes
 Yes
Bathroom fixtures: Direct replacement
 No
 No
piping changes
 No
 Yes
Boiler: Replace
 No
 Yes
Burglar alarm: Install
 No
 Yes
Carpeting
 No
 No
Chimney: Repairs
 No
 Yes
* Commercial signs (exterior)
 Yes
 Yes
* Deck: Add or replace
 Yes
 Yes
* Demolition
 No Yes
Dishwasher: Install
 No
 Yes
Door (exterior): Replace existing with same size and type
 No
 No
Door (exterior): Adding, enlarging or eliminating
 No
 Yes
Driveway: Repair or repave
 Yes
 No
Duct work: Install new
 No
 Yes
Duct work: Repair or replace
 No
 No
Electrical: Any modifications or improvements
 No
 Yes
* Fence, Add or replace
 Yes
 Yes
Fence: Repair
 No
 No
Fireplace: Add
 No Yes
Furnace: Replace
 No
 Yes
Generator (stand-alone)
 Yes
 Yes
Gutters: Replace or repair
 No
 No
Landscaping work
 No
 No
Lawn sprinkler
 No
 Yes
Lead paint abatement
 No
 No
Ordinary repairs
 No
 No
* Outdoor kitchen
 Yes
 Yes
Painting (exterior or interior)
 No
 No
* Patio, Brick or Pavers
 Yes
 No
Plumbing: Any modifications or improvements
 No Yes
Remodeling or alterations (interior)
 No Yes
* Retaining walls, over 4feet in height
 Yes
 Yes
Roof: repairs involving less than 25% of existing roof
 No
 No
* Roof: Replace
 No
 Yes
Roof top unit
 No
 Yes
Satellite dish
 No
 Yes
Septic system: Construct or abandon
 No
 Yes
Sewer system: Connect to the public system
 No
 Yes
* Shed or other utility building: construct
 Yes
 Yes (over 100 sf)
Siding: Add or replace
 No
 Yes
Smoke detectors: Add
 No
 Yes
* Solar panels
 No
 Yes
Spa/hot tub
 Yes
 Yes
Storm windows/doors
 No
 No
Stove: Replace electric with gas
 No
 Yes
Swimming pool: Add or replace
 Yes
 Yes
Tennis court: Installation
 Yes
 Yes
Underground fuel or septic tank: Remove
 No
 Yes
Water heater: Replace
 No
 Yes
Wall repairs: Remove and replace sheet rock or plaster
 No
 Yes
Windows: Replace existing with same size and type
 No
 No
* Windows: Adding, enlarging, or eliminating
 No
 Yes