Permit Process

Preparing for a Permit

Before you visit the department to obtain a permit, please answer the following questions:

• Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, and altering the current footprint, moving, removing, or changing the use of a current building?
  • If yes, you will need zoning approval as part of your building permit issuance (building / zoning permit) and a copy of a plot plan (with proposed work drawn to scale with separation distances to setbacks, septic/sewer & well locations, and wetlands if applicable) is required with your application (two plot plans are required if it is new construction).
• Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, or altering the current footprint of an existing building or accessory structure that will impede rain water from absorbing on that area of ground within the Lake Residential Zone?
  • If yes, you will need to submit a lot coverage worksheet (PDF) before a zoning permit can be issued and you may need to apply for a variance if you exceed 15% lot coverage. Anything over 10% but not yet 15%, needs a Zoning Department review that will call for some type of water mitigation plan.
• Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, or altering the current footprint of an existing building within 75 feet of wetlands and/or 150 feet of a watercourse?
  • If yes, you will need inland wetlands approval before a building permit can be issued. A copy of a plot plan (with proposed work drawn to scale with separation distances to setbacks, septic/sewer & well locations, and wetlands if applicable).
• Are you constructing a new driveway or driveway extension?
  • If yes, you will need a driveway permit from the Land Use Office. If the property is located on a state roadway, you will also need approval from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
• Are you constructing, erecting, enlarging, or altering the current footprint, moving, or changing the use of a current building and the property is either on septic &/or well?
  • If yes, you will need the approval and sign off by the town sanitarian / Eastern Highlands Health District before a building permit can be issued. A copy of a plot plan (with proposed work drawn to scale with separation distances to setbacks, septic/sewer & well locations, and wetlands if applicable) is required with your application.  If on sewer, your project will need to be reviewed by the Water Pollution Control Authority (and still by EHHD if on well). 
• Are the property taxes on the parcel paid and up-to-date?
  • In accordance with Public Act No. 95-320, Amending Connecticut General Statute 7-148 and Town of Coventry Ordinance concerning approval of building permits for property on which taxes are due, the Building Department shall withhold approval of building permits for any property where taxes are delinquent, unless the building official determines that repairs should be performed immediately to protect the safety of either the building’s occupant or the public. You must get a sign off from the tax collector before a building permit can be issued. This is an automatic process for all applications, but you can be proactive by contacting the tax collector's office in advance to inquire if there are any delinquencies. 

Questions

If you have questions regarding, please contact:

• Coventry Land Use Office at 860-742-4062
• Building Department and Sanitarian/Eastern Highlands Health Department or Chief Operator of the WPCA at 860-742-4064
• Tax collector at 860-742-4066