Stratford, CT Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Stratford's inspection sequence is built into Section 7.3.2 of the Zoning Regulations. Under item D, no certificate of occupancy is issued by the Building Inspector unless the Office of Planning and Zoning has issued a certificate of zoning compliance stating that the building, lot and use, as erected or altered, conform to the Regulations. No new, altered, moved or rebuilt structure can be occupied until the Building Inspector issues a certificate of occupancy as provided in Section 206 of the Building Code. Item E bars the certificate of zoning compliance until the lot, building and use are developed in conformity with the Regulations, and every regulated activity on the site needs an application for that certificate, is inspected by staff if necessary, and is approved before the certificate of occupancy issues.

Item C(iii) adds the as-built stage. A plan prepared by a licensed land surveyor is required for new construction or expansion of a building footprint unless the Zoning Enforcement Officer identifies clear compliance. It is filed with the Zoning Enforcement Officer upon completion of the foundation. The Officer can also request an interim as-built survey to verify height, measured after the roof sheathing but before other roofing materials, when the applicant builds to or near the maximum height. A building exceeding the maximum height on the final as-built does not get a hardship finding. Item C(i) states that a building permit is no guarantee by the municipality that the structure conforms to the Regulations.

Section 7.4 authorizes the Planning and Zoning Administrator or designee to cause any building, sign, structure, place or premises to be inspected and examined and to order the remedying of any violation in writing.

Chapter 62 sets the permit side. Section 62-1 charges $25 for the first $1,000 and $12 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof of estimated cost for new construction, alterations or additions. Section 62-3 requires at least one smoke detector, in a location approved by the Fire Chief, before a certificate of occupancy for a single-family dwelling. Section 62-4 withholds building permits while delinquent real property taxes are owed.