Stratford, CT Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- New construction fee
- $25 first $1,000, then $12 per additional $1,000
- Demolition fee
- $20 first $1,000, then $10 per additional $1,000
- No-permit penalty
- Double the normal permit fee plus $50
- Delinquent taxes
- No building permit until taxes, interest and lien fees paid
- Stop order violation
- Fine of $25 to $500, each day a separate offense
- Street, sewer, curb, driveway, sidewalk permits
- $25
Summary
The Town of Stratford, Connecticut prices building permits under Stratford Code § 62-1: $25 for the first $1,000 of estimated cost and $12 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof on new construction, alterations and additions. Anyone who does covered work without the proper permit owes double the normal permit fee plus $50.
A. A schedule of fees for building and mechanical permits is hereby prescribed as follows: Type of Construction Fee New construction or alterations or additions (based on estimated cost) $25 for the first $1,000 and $12 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof ... Demolition permits (based on estimated cost of demolition) $20 for the first $1,000 and $10 for each additional $1,000 or any fraction thereof ... B. Anyone who engages in any act covered by this section without the proper permits shall be subject to a penalty equivalent to double the normal permit fee plus $50.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 62 of the Stratford Code, adopted by the Town Council, opens with an editor's note that the Town requires compliance with the State of Connecticut Building Code. Article I, adopted 1-10-1972 and last amended 6-30-2014 by Ord. No. 14-09, lists the permits the Town issues and what each costs. New construction, alterations and additions are priced on estimated cost: $25 for the first $1,000 and $12 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof. Demolition permits are priced on the estimated cost of demolition at $20 for the first $1,000 and $10 for each additional $1,000 or any fraction thereof. Plumbing, heating, electrical, air-conditioning and water heater permits are priced on estimated cost at $5 per $100 or fraction thereof to $1,000 and thereafter $10 for each $1,000 or any fraction thereof.
The schedule also covers sign permits, priced on the cost of the sign: $10 for less than $500, $20 for $500 to $999.99, and $30 for $1,000 or more, plus an additional $10 for each $1,000 or any fraction thereof in excess of $2,000. Street opening, sewer connection, curb, driveway and sidewalk permits cost $25, and the bond and license fee for contractors performing work within the public right-of-way is $25.
Two more rules decide whether a permit issues at all. Article III, § 62-4, bars any building permit for the renovation, construction or any improvement of whatever nature on real property while delinquent real property taxes exist; the taxes, together with all accumulated interest and lien fees, must be paid in full first. Section 62-5 exempts work required to bring the property into compliance with federal, state or local building, fire, health or safety laws, and work that follows an act of God, fire, natural disaster or other loss not caused by the owner's negligence or intentional act.
Violations & Fines
Anyone who engages in any act covered by § 62-1 without the proper permits owes a penalty equal to double the normal permit fee plus $50. Under § 62-2, violating the Connecticut State Building Code or an approved plan is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, and each day is a separate offense. Continuing work after a stop order brings a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I build in Stratford without a permit?
Can I get a building permit in Stratford if I owe back property taxes?
What does a sign permit cost in Stratford, Connecticut?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stratford
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