New Haven, CT Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Section 9-42 lists what the building division may do 'as it pertains to the State Building Code, including, but not limited to': inspection, administration and enforcement activities related to the building code, including plumbing, electrical and heating; administration of zoning ordinances; permit administration; and all other property inspection and enforcement functions tied to construction or reconstruction, except those the director of public health or fire marshal exercises under other law. Section 9-43 designates the building official as deputy director of the building division, appointed by the mayor to a four-year term and removable only for cause; the official runs personnel, budget, program planning and office operations for the division and can hire staff and consultants within its appropriations.

Section 9-44 adds that the building official administers and enforces the State Building Code, carries out other duties assigned by the Livable City Initiative director, and performs specialized non-technical inspections supporting other city programs. A separate zoning unit within the division, created by Sec. 9-45, administers zoning ordinances and coordinates zoning review with other city entities. Disputes over an inspection or permit decision go to the five-member municipal board of appeals established under Sec. 9-46, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the board of aldermen; Sec.

9-47 lists the grounds for appeal, including rejection of a proposed construction method or material, a claim the code doesn't apply, a claim the code was misconstrued, or a written order issued under Conn. Gen. § 29-261(c).