Building Projects
Most building projects require approval from the local health district before a building permit is issued. Obtaining approval from the local health district is a critical step to insure a safe and sanitary project that will pose no risk to you, your neighbors and future owners of the property. Obtaining approval from the health district does not need to be a stressful experience. The key to a quick approval is to be well informed and to provide that information at the time of initial application. The following detailed processes will help to provide the information you need to speed through the health district approvals as quickly as possible. Of course do not forget to check with the local building and zoning officials for any requirements they may have.
If there is any question at all about about whether or not your project requires health district approval or you have any questions regarding these processes, please call our main office in Mansfield at 860-429-3325. It is better to be safe than sorry.
New House or Business Construction
For structures in non-sewered areas, no construction (including foundation installation) can begin until the health district has approved a septic system design plan. Please submit the following to initiate the permit review and approval process:
- Two (2) copies of the septic system site plan design with an Application for Plan Review.
- One (1) copy of the proposed building plans.
- A completed Septic System Application for a permit to construct a septic system.
- Both the fee for the plan review and the fee for the permit application. (Fee Schedule)
Plans for new projects on properties served by public sewers are also reviewed by the health district to verify the availability of an approved water supply and to determine if the proposed use requires any other approvals, licenses or permits to comply with the Public Health Codes and Regulations.
Building Additions, Pools, Decks, Sheds, Etc.
Health district approval is required prior to construction of any new additions, dormers, decks, deck enclosures, accessory structures such as pools, sheds, gazebos, garages and so on. Through this review process, the health district will verify that the project will comply with all applicable Public Health Code requirements, that it will have sufficient separating distances so as to not negatively impact the existing septic system or well on the property and that a suitable area for a future septic system repair will remain on the lot. To obtain approval, please submit the following to the town satellite office or the EHHD main office in Mansfield:
- A completed EHHD Public Health Review Application form for your project with the appropriate fee.
- An accurate site plan showing the proposed structure and all relevant site features noted in the application instructions. The level of detail required may vary from one project to the next, so please contact us directly for quidance on your specific project.
- In selected cases, building plans may be required. Again, contact us directly for guidance.
- All available soil test information for the property. Soil data is needed to identify a suitable area for a future septic system repair. If no soil data is available for your property, you may need to arrange for soil testing with EHHD. (For details see Soil Testing).
Our initial review will determine your need for soil testing. The initial review time for Public Health Review applications is 5-10 working days. Applications that require soil testing will require additional review time.
