Building/Zoning Permit Application
Click the link below to enter the Town of Colchester's Online Permit Portal for building and zoning permit applications.
Permit fees are $20 per $1,000 of project value.
Permit fees are due at the time of application.
**Please note that once a permit application has been reviewed, approved and the work permit issued, the Town cannot issue permit fee refunds.
REGARDING INSPECTIONS: Please be advised that from July 8 through July 22, 2026 only urgent, time-sensitive inspections will be made. Other inspections may be scheduled for later than July 27th.
All permit applications require the following items be submitted prior to the application review. Failure to provide these items will result in a delay of the approval of your permit application.
- Contractor's License
- Proof of Worker's Compensation Coverage (or appropriate waiver)
- Application Fee Payment (via credit card online, or check/cash in the office)
**To request inspections, please email [email protected]. Inspections may be scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 12 & 2 pm. Please provide several days notice of a request for the Building Official to do an inspection.
Chatham Health District Applications:
For sheds (200 sq ft or larger only), all building additions, garages, decks, and swimming pools, if your property is serviced by a well and septic system, a permit from the Chatham Health Department will be required. The B100a application for that permit can be submitted here.
New Home Construction will require a Request for Environmental Health Services form which can be submitted here.
* Property Taxes: Our Town Ordinance requires all taxes be paid and current to be able to obtain a permit. If a property is flagged as Delinquent the review process will be delayed.
* Property owners may do their own work and pull their own permits, however, state building code mandates the home must be owned and inhabited by the owner to allow them doing their own work. "Flips" and rental properties require that licensed contractors perform all project work.