The Building Department at City Hall Has Implemented New Policies and an Online Permitting System to Provide a Better Experience for Its Customers

May 29, 2019

The Building Department at City Hall, under the leadership of Guy Morin, Chief Building Official, is responsible for the public safety, health, and welfare for those people who live, work, and play in the City of Bristol. Whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores, factories, or places of entertainment, we rely on the safety of the structures that surround us in our everyday lives. This is accomplished by enforcing the current prevailing building codes, zoning regulations, ordinances, and statutes adopted by the City of Bristol and the State of Connecticut.

After serving as Chief Building Official for the past 18 years, Guy will be retiring in August. Tom Lozier will become the new Chief Building Official taking over Guy’s responsibilities to oversee the department.

The Building Department has many functions including:
• Conducting inspections
• Issuing certificates of occupancy for the use and completion of structures
• Issuing and reviewing applications for permits
• Reviewing construction plans
• Zoning Enforcement
• Tag Sale Permits are issued in the office.

John Neveu, Building Inspector assists a customer with the new online system.

The new online permitting system allows anyone to apply for permits online from home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Assistance is offered in the Building Department office during the following hours if needed: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 4 PM. Due to limited staff, they are unable to assist at the counter except during these hours.
Click here to explore and use the new online system.

For more information about permit applications and fee schedules, visit the City of Bristol website.

ADDITIONAL DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The department also responds to emergency situations such as any occurrence that affects the integrity of a structure, damaged structures, fires, and floods.

Code Enforcement – In 2008, the department expanded its role in the area of code enforcement., developing cooperative relationships with the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, and the Bristol-Burlington Health District. These cooperative relationships have allowed a heightened enforcement of adverse property maintenance conditions which has improved the quality of life for many Bristol residents.

The Building Department at City Hall is always open to suggestions about how to make the permitting process better. We will continue to work on making the experience of applying for a building, zoning, or mechanical permit a pleasant one.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions on how we can better serve you.

Building Department Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Permits Issued:
Monday-Friday
8:00 AM-10:00 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM