Weston Answer Book – Property Issues

When do I need a building permit?

If you are planning any kind of home construction or renovation, construction of a deck, driveway, pergola, just about anything, you should first check with the building department (222-2659). Building permit applications must be accompanied by approvals from a number of other departments depending on the type of work being done. These may include the health department, town engineer, conservation planner, fire marshal, zoning, and tax collector.

When do I need a zoning permit?

If you are doing any building, alterations, additions, or excavation work, you will need a zoning permit. Call 222-2614 for assistance.

What are the regulations on swimming pools?

Swimming pools and tennis courts are allowed but must be within the minimum setback requirements (see below). Before a building permit is issued for a swimming pool, the homeowner must secure a certificate of approval from the town health officer regarding construction, drainage, filtering, etc.

The state building codes have additional requirements for safety including fencing. The fence must be at least four feet high and enclose the pool.

What are the regulations regarding fences?

Fences and walls up to six feet tall are permitted. Walls or fences taller than six feet but no more than eight feet are allowed only if they are at least three-fourths open construction. Deer fencing of open mesh is permitted so long as the total height does not exceed 10 feet. For fences around playing courts, consult Planning & Zoning.

If you are building a fence or wall within 20 feet of a town road, you must get a zoning permit and it can be no more than four feet tall.

What are the setback requirements?

All buildings must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the front lot line and 30 feet from side and rear lot lines. Buildings are limited to 35 feet in height and the total footprint of all buildings (residence, outbuildings, etc.) may not exceed 15% of the total lot area.

Can I bring in landfill?

Probably, but you should check with Planning & Zoning. You will probably need a permit and you should make sure you are not anywhere near a wetland.

What is a wetland?

Wetlands are diverse and not always visible to the eye. In Connecticut, they are defined by the chemical and physical characteristics of the first 18 to 24 inches of soil. 

In Weston, a watercourse is defined as “any flow or body of water which contains water or a flow of water at least six months in the aggregate during the course of an average year.”

What are the rules regarding “for sale” signs?

You may have one sign advertising the sale or lease of a property. It may be no bigger than two square feet and it must be set back at least five feet from the property line. It may be only one board and may not have anything hanging from it.

What if I have a tag sale?

Tag sale signs are permitted as long as you have a tag sale special permit issued by the selectman’s office.

May I rent an apartment in my house?

You may have one apartment, as long as it is part of the main house and you, the owner, live in the house. You may not have an apartment in an outbuilding and you may not rent out both the main house and apartment. There are quite a few rules regarding accessory apartments. Consult Planning & Zoning.

May I take in boarders?

Yes, but you are restricted to no more than three and they may not have separate cooking facilities.

Do I need a permit for a business in my home?

You do not need a special permit from Planning & Zoning for a single person; you do need one if you have one or two employees. Home businesses are not permitted to have more than an employers plus two employees. There are quite a few rules and regulations regarding home businesses. They are outlined in the town’s zoning regulations available online at www.westonct.gov.

May I burn brush?

Yes, you may burn brush but not leaves. You don’t need a permit and you may do it at any time of year.

May I shoot off fireworks at home?

No. Anything that goes “bang” is illegal. Only non-exploding, non-aerial sparklers may be used by anyone over 16.

How do I know if my well water is safe to drink?

A private well means that it is your responsibility to have the water checked. All new wells must have tests submitted to the town health department before a new water supply is approved for use.

It’s not a bad idea to have a bacterial check done on an annual basis. If you suspect the well has been damaged by construction or landscaping, it might be a good idea to have it tested. In addition, if you notice a strange taste or a funny odor in your water, have the well tested. Various private laboratories can test your water quality; look under Laboratories — Testing in the yellow pages.

How do I take care of my septic system?

You should have it cleaned out every few years by a licensed company. If you think you have a problem, call a licensed septic system installer.

The Norwalk River Watershed Initiative offers a simple, non-technical brochure for homeowners called Septic Care & Maintenance for the Homeowner. It is available online at www.conservect.org/southwest.htm. Click on the septic care link and then click on the link for the downloadable format.

Whom do I call if my neighbor’s septic system is leaking onto my property?

First call your neighbor, then call the Westport Weston Health District at 227-9571.

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