Hartford, CT Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Penalty for unpermitted work
- Equal to the full permit fee
- Plan review fee
- 10% of fee, projects $1M+
- Covers
- Building, plumbing, electrical, elevator work
- Fees set by
- City Council resolution
Summary
Hartford sets its own fees for building, heating, plumbing, electrical and other construction permits by council resolution, and charges a penalty fee equal to the permit fee whenever work starts before a permit is obtained, under Municipal Code section 9-15.
Where work for which a permit is required (including demolition) is initiated prior to obtaining said permit, a penalty fee shall be administered which is equal to and in addition to the amount of the permit fee. The penalty fee shall be collected whether or not a permit is subsequently issued. The payment of such penalty fee shall not relieve the responsible party from compliance with all applicable codes, or from any other penalties for violation of the code.
Full Breakdown
Hartford Municipal Code section 9-15 sets local building, heating, plumbing, refrigeration, sprinkler, electrical and elevator permit fees by council resolution, with added charges for consultant review and plan review on projects over $1,000,000.00. Starting work of any kind covered by this section, including demolition, before obtaining the required permit triggers a penalty fee equal to the full permit fee, collected regardless of whether a permit is later issued and on top of any other code penalties. Temporary and final certificate of occupancy fees follow the current Buildings & Property Fee and Fine Schedule.
Violations & Fines
Starting building, demolition or related work before obtaining the required permit triggers a penalty fee equal to the permit fee under section 9-15(e), on top of other code penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if work starts in Hartford before a building permit issues?
Who sets Hartford's building permit fees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hartford
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