[goodys4me]

We're looking to build a small storage shed for garden tools, maybe an 8'x8' on cinder blocks. Does anyone know what the requirements are as far as Zoning? Does Danbury require a permit?

A coworker told me she didn't need a permit for hers because it was under 100sf, but that was 20 years ago. I didn't see anything on the Danbury zoning page that indicated that. It looks to me like it doesn't matter what size the shed is - Danbury requires a permit application, a copy of the septic map, 2 sets of plans, etc. What a hassle. Just another way to get more taxes out of us, I guess.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by goodys4me

We're looking to build a small storage shed for garden tools, maybe an 8'x8' on cinder blocks. Does anyone know what the requirements are as far as Zoning? Does Danbury require a permit?

A coworker told me she didn't need a permit for hers because it was under 100sf, but that was 20 years ago. I didn't see anything on the Danbury zoning page that indicated that. It looks to me like it doesn't matter what size the shed is - Danbury requires a permit application, a copy of the septic map, 2 sets of plans, etc. What a hassle. Just another way to get more taxes out of us, I guess.

Why don't you call city hall?

[mels]

Yes, call Danbury's Building Department. Chances are you will have to, at the very least, submit a form stating where the shed will be located, as most town's zoning laws don't let you erect a structure (even just a shed) right on your property line. There are usually setbacks you have to abide by; if not, you'll need to get a variance with the Planning & Zoning Dept.

In any event, call the Building Department and they will set you on the right path.

[JayCT]

In our town's website, the nswer to this is found under the Frequently Asked Questions section. You might look there since a lot of people ask this question. Calling the zoning office would also get you the answer. Jay

[jdhall1]

Talk to town hall. My parents wanted to a new shed where the old property was, but the town won't let them because it was too close to the septic system.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

I would suggest doing as ~85% of the people do.

[goodys4me]

To 'Stratford's' comment, the property is set far back from the road and a new 64sf structure would not be noticeable unless you actually came down the driveway and walked into our backyard. It's food for thought. Of course, I want to do the right thing, but it is really annoying the amount of paperwork required by the city for a lousy tool shed.

To 'KidYankee's' comment, thank you Captain Obvious. Yes, I could and did call City Hall, however I think many of the questions on this forum could be answered by a phone call or a Google search, but what's nice about this forum is you can hear about the experience of others and get tips and sometimes get an answer faster than picking up the phone. As a matter of fact, when I did call City Hall yesterday, I was put on hold while the woman went to try and find information on shed permits. She didn't have a clue and she wasn't terribly pleasant, but I finally got an answer and, yes, it doesn't matter what size the shed is, you need to provide 2 copies of the plans along with a list of materials, a map of the septic fields, an application for permit, a map of where you plan on putting the shed and a check. I like Stratford's idea more and more.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by goodys4me

As a matter of fact, when I did call City Hall yesterday, I was put on hold while the woman went to try and find information on shed permits. She didn't have a clue and she wasn't terribly pleasant, but I finally got an answer...

Perfect. Going straight to the source of information is easier than posting on an internet forum, isn't it?

[smarterguy]

FYI, seems like at least a few towns I know people live in, say if the shed isn't permanently in the ground, as in cemet footings, it doesn't need a permit.

[willow wind]

smarter guy:

That makes sense, however, Danbury is tough !!!. They've got their shed permit online. As the OP notes, the mounds of paperwork for even a wee, tiny shed, are unbelievable. Over 400 square feet, you have to put in concrete footings.