Term |
Definition |
| Accessory Building* |
A building or structure, in addition to the principal building, which is clearly subordinate to, and customarily incidental to, and located upon the same lot as the principal building or on a contiguous lot under the same ownership, except in the case of barns or sheds used for the indoor storage of agricultural products or equipment, which may require a special permit. |
| Addition |
An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure. |
| Alteration |
Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition. |
| Approved |
Acceptable to the building official. |
"As Built" Plan |
A building plan showing the actual, physical construction of a structure after it has been built. It may or may not differ from the original plans. |
| Blueprint |
See Structural Plan. |
Building Code* |
Regulations established by the State of Connecticut to describe acceptable procedures and construction details to maximize public safety for work on a new or existing project. |
| Building Department* |
The Department which upholds and enforces the regulations outlined in the State Building Code for the Town of Suffield. |
Building Permit |
A permit that allows the holder to legally construct a project within the confines of land use regulations and the Building Code; see also permit. |
| Building Official |
The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the Building Code, or a duly authorized representative. |
Conservation Commission* |
The Department committed to enforcing environmental protection and awareness where building and development occurs. |
Construction Documents |
Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit. |
| Contractor* |
The individual or business hired to legally construct or modify a project in return for monetary compensation. |
| Egress (means of) |
A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. |
| Egress (window)* |
A window that must have a net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. The minimum net clear opening height must be 24 inches. The minimum net clear opening width must be 20 inches. |
| Inspection |
Inspection as required of the materials, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards. |
| Footprint* |
The shape and configuration of a proposed or existing structure as shown on the site plan. |
| Inspector |
See Building Official. |
| Historic Buildings |
Buildings that are listed in or are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic under an appropriate state or local law. |
| Historic District* |
An area designated as having particular historical significance; properties in the Suffield Historical District (SHD) are protected by special zoning regulations to preserve the character and history of the land and structures. Click here for more information. |
Lot |
A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit. |
| Lot Line |
A line dividing one lot from another, or from any street or public place. |
Modification to the Building Code* |
A personalized adjustment by the State of Connecticut to the established Building Code in the event that a hardship exists in conforming to the Building Code when planning or executing a project. |
North Central District Health Department* |
A Public Health Department sanctioned by the State of Connecticut committed to promoting the public's physical health by preventing disease, injury and disability. |
| NCDHD |
See North Central District Health Department. |
| Permit |
An official document or certificated issued by the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes performance of a specified activity. |
| Plot Plan |
See Site Plan. |
| Principal Building* |
That single building or inter-related group of buildings in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which the building is situated. |
| Repair |
The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purposes of its maintenance. |
| Setback** |
The required minimum horizontal distance between the building line and the related front, side, or rear property line. |
| Site |
A parcel of land bounded by a property line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way. |
| Site Plan |
A document showing the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site and distances from lot lines. |
| Structure |
That which is built or constructed. |
| Structural Plan* |
A document showing the detailed design of a structure, including floor plans, elevation, foundation plan and wall sections, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, a site plan and other construction details. |
| Variance* |
An exception to the established land use regulations granted by the Town of Suffield to compensate for a deficiency that prevents a property from complying with the established Zoning Regulations. |
| Zone* |
A division of land used to define and separate properties with similar characteristics or uses from those that are dissimilar. |
| Zoning Board of Appeals* |
A committee which reviews applications for a Zoning Variance. See also Variance. |
Zoning Compliance Certification* |
A document that allows the holder to legally construct a project within the confines of Zoning Regulations. |
| Zoning Department* |
The Department which upholds and enforces the approved Zoning Regulations for the Town of Suffield. |