COVID-19 Building Permits and Inspections

The state has determined that the construction industry is generally a critical function, but that people involved in the industry are not exempt from social distancing requirements. It encourages construction of critical infrastructure such as roads, housing (especially low-income housing), energy and water infrastructure, but urges a delay in most small-scale construction projects (e.g. home renovations).

PERMITS:
Permits shall still be required and issued during this time. Please contact the Building Department to verify procedures for payment and for procedures for plan submittals and obtaining necessary documents when a permit is cleared to be issued. We encourage the submittal of building permits and will review all submitted permits, but may delay issuing building permits. Permit delays will be evaluated per the state guidance on a case by case basis.

INSPECTIONS:
With the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus, the following procedures have been implemented:

Exterior inspections (roofs, decks, siding, etc.), non-occupied residential (new single-family homes), and new commercial construction projects will continue to be inspected. No one may be on site with the inspector at the time of inspection. The inspector will ask that any work personnel temporarily leave the site, and that any in-person communication always maintains the minimum six (6) ft. recommended separation distance.

We will not be entering occupied homes to conduct inspections. We will implement other methods of inspection, such as video/picture inspections on a case-by-case determination. An inspector will speak with you to determine if your project will qualify for this type of inspection when the inspection request is received.

VIDEO INSPECTIONS:
The homeowner / contractor will capture video on standard .mp4 format as used by most cell phones. Contact with the inspector will be made prior, to verify that the project meets requirements to be inspected via video. Video will be sent to the inspector via email or text message. Inspector shall assess video and ask for additional footage if the scope of work isn’t able to be determined from initial video. In some cases, live feed video may be necessary. The inspector and contractor / homeowner will determine which platform can be used for each party. (Examples: Facetime, Zoom, Skype, etc.).

PERMIT EXTENSIONS:
We encourage rescheduling of small remodel projects to encourage all to stay at home during the pandemic emergency. If you have a permit about to expire, you are encouraged to fill out permit extension form and return to the Town.