Second Floor Additions (PDF)

Second Floor Additions 
Minimum Permit Application Requirements 
 
Note: Please keep in mind that a complete application with all required information will 
help expedite the application process. The following information is provided to assist in 
preparing a complete application package but in no way guarantees application 
approval or compliance with all applicable code requirements. It is the responsibility of 
the applicant to provide a complete and code compliant building permit application with 
supporting documentation.  
 
General Requirements 
___Completed building permit application form (available in permitting office) 
___Submission of two sets of all drawings and information is required. One set will be 
returned with comments and/or conditions of approval and is to be left at the job site during 
construction. 
___Zoning approval is required prior to issuance of the building permit. 
___Building permit application(s) will not be accepted if taxes or utility commission fees are 
owed on the property. 
___If the applicant is not the homeowner, a “Letter of Authorization” from the homeowner 
shall be submitted with the application. 
___A certificate of insurance for workers’ compensation coverage must be provided by 
contractors or a sworn notarized affidavit provided, stating that the homeowner / agent will 
require proof of workers’ compensation insurance for all those employed on the job site. 
___All contractors that perform remodeling must have a Connecticut Home Improvement 
Contractor registration.  
___Mechanical (HVAC), Electrical, Plumbing and other trades are required to be licensed in 
Connecticut. A copy of their license and proof of insurance will be required at the time of 
application.    
 
Minimum Plan Requirements 
___ Plans shall be drawn to scale (1/4” per ft. preferred) and shall include the following: 
 
Front, side(s) and rear elevations (min. 1/8” per ft.) 
 
Foundation plan and details 
 
Floor plan(s) (1st & 2nd Floors) 
 
Existing conditions plan(s)/Demolition plan(s) 
 
Framing plan(s) 
 
Building section(s)  
 
Finish schedules, notes and details  
 
Door and window schedules and/or details 
 
Dimensions, specifications and details as required to convey the scope of work. 
 
Any other drawings that may be needed to convey the scope of work 
  
___ Plans shall show all smoke detectors and CO detectors, existing and proposed, 
throughout the entire house. 
___Provide structural calculation or other documentation that clearly demonstrates that the 
existing Ceiling structure is adequate to handle the new floor load conditions associated with 
adding a second floor living space. Additionally, if the floor loading is transferred to bearing 
walls on the first floor and carrying beam(s) in a basement you must also demonstrate that the 
existing beams, columns and footings are adequate for the new load conditions. 
 

 
 
8/8/2012 
 
 
 
___If a new second floor is constructed over an existing unfinished garage, the garage will 
need to be fire rated in accordance with the latest edition of the Residential Building Code.  
___ (R301.2.1.1) The project is located within a high wind zone (appendix M of the IRC) and 
shall be designed accordingly using one of the referenced publications listed in the referenced 
section. Generally, the “Wood Frame Construction Manual for One and Two Family Dwellings” 
(WFMC-01) is the preferred design guide.  Please provide references, calculations and details 
that demonstrate the design meets the prescriptive requirements for this wind zone. Typically, 
we will be looking for specific plan information related to hurricane clips, hold downs, 
strapping, plywood layout and nailing patterns, blocking, anchor bolts and various other 
mechanical fasteners.  Depending on the complexity of the proposed project or insufficient 
proof of compliance with the above referenced document an engineered design may be 
required. 
___ If the project is located in a 120 mph wind zone (south of Interstate 95) please indicate 
how any new windows will be protected from windborne debris as described in the building 
codes. 
___ Indicate clear opening sizes for any bedroom windows or indicate that they will meet the 
minimum escape and rescue requirements. 
___ Plans shall clearly indicate all vertical dimensions such as floor to floor heights, headroom 
heights at beams and stairs, overall building heights, railing heights, etc. 
  
Special Requirements 
___ If the existing property is serviced by a private septic system and/or a private well, the 
plans will need to be reviewed by Ledge Light Health District. The plans will be forwarded to 
Ledge Light by this office prior to building department review.  
 
Other Requirements 
___ Provide a completed RES Check (In accordance with the 2009 International Energy 
Conservation Code) or other acceptable proof of compliance with the model energy code. 
___ All engineered items such as trusses, LVL beams, etc.) must be accompanied by proof of 
compliance with all applicable codes and load conditions.  
___ A cost estimate as described in the Permit Fees page shall be provided.