Columbia's Building/Land Use Department houses an Administrative Assistant, Building Officials, Inland Wetlands Agent, Town Planner, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Land Use Board Clerk, Sanitarian, Fire Marshal and Facilities Manager. Please see the Fire Marshal & Open Burn Official, Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, Planning & Zoning and Public Works page for more information on some of these positions not mentioned on this page.
The Building Official is Jason Nowosad. Inspections or meetings with the Building Official are done by appointment only. Please call the Building/Land Use Department to schedule any inspections or appointments with the Building Official. Permits are required for most structural activities, click here for more information.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE:
Our online permitting system and/or downloadable permit application forms can be found using the links to the left. If you can't find the correct form or if you have any questions, call us 860-228-0440. When submitting permit applications you must include a copy of the contractor's state license and certificate of insurance w/workers comp, or the appropriate 7A/7B State form. NOTE: Applications submitted using the pdf forms must be mailed in with payment or brought into the Building Department. Please be sure to contact us to confirm fee amounts before submitting your applications.
A Note on Columbia Lake Structures:
Click here to review the process regarding structures on or abutting Columbia Lake.
2026 Clasping Pondweed Raking: Pilot Program - Residents may apply to be included in the pondweed removal pilot program at Town Hall betweenApril 1st and June 15th. Fifteen (15) properties will be selected to be in the pondweed removal pilot program. Once reviewed and approved by the Wetlands Agent, these properties may remove Clasping pondweed from the approved location between April 1st and June 15th. Raking or hand pulling of pondweed is allowed only near docks or swimming areas from April 1 to June 15th 2026 by permit only. Click here for additional information.