Taxable personal property is tangible property other than real estate, as described in Section 12-41 and 71 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Equipment
  
• Fixtures
  
• Horses
  
• Leased equipment
  
• Leasehold improvements
  
• Machinery
  
• Mobile office and storage buildings
  
• Non-registered motor vehicles
  
• Non-residential furniture
  
• Signs
  
• Tools
  
• Videotapes and disks

Personal property such as residential furnishings, clothing and jewelry is not taxable.

Sales tax is a state tax and personal property tax is a local tax. Connecticut has required owners of taxable personal property to annually report property owned by them on October 1 to the municipal Assessor since 1949.

All owners or lessees of personal property on October 1, or having personal property that may have been in various locations but was located in the Town of Preston during the three months prior to October 1, must file. Leased, loaned or rented personal property must also be declared, but is taxed to the owner.

Yes. It is the responsibility of the property owner (or lessee) to file a declaration. The Assessor’s Office mails declarations in September to all known owners of taxable personal property. If you do not receive a declaration form in the mail, one can be obtained at the Assessor’s Office.

The deadline for filing declarations is November 1 each year. There is a 25% assessment penalty for later filings.

The Assessor will prepare an estimated declaration and add the 25% non-compliance penalty to that assessment.

Connecticut law authorizes the Assessor, or the Assessor’s designee, to perform an audit for up to three years, requiring the property owner to appear with accounting books, documents, federal tax returns, etc., for examination under oath in reference to their personal property. Any property discovered during an audit and not previously reported will be added along with the 25% non-compliance penalty.

If you buy or set up a new business and had no personal property on October 1, you need not file a declaration until the following year.

Yes. Complete the section on page two of the declaration Affidavit of Business Closing or Sale of Business and tell us what happened to the property. Do not ignore the declaration! If you do not return the declaration with this information, the Assessor will assume that you are still in business but have failed to file. You will be assessed, penalized and taxed unless you return the form.

Yes. Certain full and partial exemptions may be available for manufacturing equipment, mechanics’ tools, farming equipment and pollution control equipment. Incremental exemptions may be applied to newly acquired machinery and equipment used in manufacturing and fabricating. Contact the Assessor’s office for further details.

You can appeal your assessment to the Board of Assessment Appeals. If you filed your declaration later or failed to file at all, you my still appeal your assessment, but a 25% penalty must still be applied. Contact the Assessor’s Office at 860-887-5581, ext. 115 for more information about the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Anyone with a valid, up-to-date library card from their hometown library may use items from The Preston Public Library (PPL). To register your card at the PPL you must bring your hometown library card, as well as photo ID to the PPL.

Yes. The PPL has 4 public access computers as well wireless as access to the internet. The Internet offers unlimited global access to information. The Preston Public Library does not monitor or control the content of materials available through this medium.

Parents or guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for their children's use of the Internet (as they are for all books/materials used by the children in their charge).

Most books can be checked out for 3 weeks, and can be renewed by calling the library at 860-886-1010 or by going online.

•     Preston DVDs and Videos are checked out for 1 week.
•     Leased movies: FLICs (Foreign Language and Independent Cinema) are checked out for one week; CLC (Connecticut Library Consortium) movies check out for three days.
•     Five DVDs and/or Video Tapes can be checked out to a patron at a time.
•     Late fees for books are 5 cents per item, per day.
•     Late fees for DVDs and Video Tapes are $1.00 per day, per item.
•     Late fees for Audiobooks are $.25 per day, per item.
•     Maximum fine is $5.00 per item.
•     New or heavily requested items are checked out for 2 weeks and may be renewed for one week.

Yes, your card is issued immediately with full borrowing privileges, and you may take out as many items as you wish. For your protection, do not lend your card to anyone else, as you are responsible for items charged out on your card.

Yes, your Preston Library card may be used at most public libraries in Connecticut. (Academic libraries generally require borrowers to be students or staff at their institution. However, we may be able to inter-library loan a book for you from that institution).

The book drop is open when the library is closed. You are responsible for the condition of all items returned in the book drop. Please do not leave materials on top of, or beside book drop. Also, please do not leave money for overdue items in drop. Please bring your items inside if the library is open.

You need to come to the library and show proof of residence and a photo ID. It could be in the form of a canceled piece of mail, driver's license, or passport, any of which would need to show an address in Preston, Connecticut. The document must include your name and address. You will then need to fill out a short form.

Patrons will be charged the full replacement cost of the lost or damaged item. Special fees may apply to lost or damaged items obtained through Inter-Library Loans.

If you move within town, please let us know the new address as soon as possible. If you are moving within Connecticut, you must get a card from the town to which you have moved. You are then welcome to use that card here. If you are moving out of state or out of town, turn in or mail your Preston card before you leave.

Inform the library immediately. You are responsible for all items borrowed on your card.

You may reserve items unavailable at the time of your visit. You may also reserve items online. You will be contacted by phone when the items become available.

• The Library will issue a library card, without charge, to all residents of Preston with proof of residence.
• A patron is liable for any damages which may occur to library materials while they are in their possession.
• A patron is responsible for all materials checked out under their card, and parents/guardians are responsible for all materials checked out under a child's card even if they are not present at the time of the checkout.
• Young people under the age of 18 must have the accompanying signature of a parent or guardian before a card will be issued.

Anyone may use any of the Public Access computers that are in the Library. All have Internet access and can be used for one half hour. Additional time may be available, depending on demand. Only one person may use a workstation at a time, unless user has an adult supervising.

Permits are required before beginning any new construction, alterations, or repairs.  Below is a list of common projects that require a permit.

NOTE: This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Please contact our office if you have questions as to whether your project requires a permit.

Building-  Additions, decks/hot tubs, bath remodels, basement finish, demolition, fencing over 6' (can go right on property line, but suggested to leave enough room to maintain in and around it), kitchen remodels, new construction, pools (above ground, in ground & soft-sided inflatables capable of holding 24" of water), porch enclosures, roofing, shed/gazebo (Zoning sign-off only for sheds under 200 sq.ft. as of May 2014), solar panels (roof and ground mount), vinyl siding, and window replacements.

Electrical- Standby generators, wiring for portable generators, electrical service upgrades, new outlets/wiring.
Mechanical- Air conditioning, boilers, heat pumps, wood/pellet/gas stoves or inserts, oil tanks (install or removal, underground, above ground or in basement), pool heaters.

Plumbing- Gas lines, water heaters, new plumbing or extensive plumbing repairs.

Gas- Propane tanks (above ground and in ground).

In order to change your electrical service you will need to do the following:

1. Obtain a permit from Eversource (electricity supplier) for your licensed electrician to cut and reconnect your electric service, or make arrangements with Eversource for them to perform the cut and reconnect.
2. Come into the Land Use Office and pick up an Electrical Permit Application.
3. Complete the application forms and return them to the Land Use Office. Be sure to have your CRS Number from Eversource - it is required on the permit application form.
4. After you receive your permit, have your electrician perform the work. When the work is completed, schedule an inspection through the Land Use Office at 860-887-5581, ext. 103.

View the Outdoor Swimming Pools, Spas or Hot Tubs Application Packet (PDF) for detailed information. Supplemental Information for Outdoor Swimming Pools, Spas or Hot Tubs (PDF)

Yes, any pool that is capable of containing water 24 inches or more in depth would require a permit.

Yes, however a building permit is not required for sheds under 200 sq. ft., a zoning permit is required regardless of size.

In accordance with section R105.5, every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. The extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. Exception, the Building Official shall be authorized to specify an expiration date of not less than 30 days, nor more than 180 days for commencement of work under permits issued to abate unsafe conditions pursuant to Section R115 of this code. Work performed under such permits shall be completed as expeditiously as possible.

Yes, according to Connecticut General Statute section 20-340(11) persons engaged in the installation, maintenance, repair and service of glass or electrical, plumbing, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar, heating, piping, cooling and sheet metal equipment in and about single-family residences owned and occupied or to be occupied by such persons; provided any such installation, maintenance and repair shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Building Official of the municipality in which such residence is located and shall conform to the requirements of the State Building Code.

• A Group Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) was designed to protect people and equipment from electrical shock. An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) was designed to detect arcing faults in the wiring , appliances and equipment , thereby preventing electrical fires. Two different types of protection in very similar looking devices: read the fine print, check for the NRTL marking.
• Arc faults arise from a number of situations, including:
  • Damaged-wires
  • Receptacle breakage
  • Neutral leads pinched to grounded metal box
  • Worn electrical insulation
  • Loose electrical connections
  • Shorted wires
  • Wires or cords in contact with vivrating metal
  • Overheated or stressed electrical cords and wires
  • Misapplied/damaged appliances
• AFCI protection is required to protect the entire branch circuit (with some exceptions for the first section of unspliced cable). Generally, the most cost effective way of achieving this is to installation AFCI circuit breaker in the panel. 
• Section210.12(A)  lists 5 different methods of achieving code compliance. For new construction, only the first method (combination-type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed as a circuit breaker) is the practical choice. The other 5 choices are viable option, but should only be rarely used.
• Circuit coverage's are computed the same way as always (3VA per square foot of dwelling area served: 220.12,220.14(J). A 15 amp circuit at 120 volts can supply 1800 VA. AT 3 VA per square foot this yields 600 square feet of floor area per required general lighting load circuit. This combines both room lighting outlets and general purpose receptacle outlets. Several rooms can be3 combined onto one branch circuit. There are no upper limits on the number of general duty receptacles on anyone branch circuit in dwelling units.
• Old Code: a Combination AFCI (CAFCI) delivers 5 kinds of protection:
  • 1) Parallel protection - Just like its Branch/Feeder counterpart, Combination AFCI can detect and neutralize parallel arc faults.
  • 2) Series Protection- A series arc fault is the unintended flow of electricity over a gap within a single wire. Theses arc faults were not detectable until advanced technology allowed the development of the Combination AFCI breaker.
  • 3) Ground protection- Arcing between a single conductor and aground line.
  • 4) Overload protection.
  • 5) Short circuit protection.
• Old code AFCI breakers are still out there. Be sure your AFCI breakers are Combination AFCI (CAFCI) breakers.
• (Combination parallel and series fault, that is) A  parallel fault is an arcing from the hot conductor to either the ground or grounded conductor. Causes include cable staples too tight or a screw or nail too long, which shorts between the cable conductors. A series arcing fault is an open in any current carrying conductor that is arcing. This includes any cords connected to the circuit, brushes in motors in appliances that arc and faulty switches that arc. The newer code compliant CAFCI devices will open the circuit for any of these conditions.
• While AFCI protection is required for the entire branch circuit, GFCI protection is required only for receptacles can be wired to protect the circuit wiring and receptacles "downstream" from the GFCI receptacle. This is why electricians used the GFCI receptacle whenever possible, it is significantly less expensive.
• Typically, in the past, electricians would purchase a circuit breaker to protect the conductors, and install GFCI receptacle only where needed. The new code will not allow this anymore, except for lighting and receptacles, accessory buildings and bathrooms.
• Receptacles in the garage are required by Section 210.52(G) (I) to be fed by a separate circuit, with no other outlets outside of the garage. This means, this circuit may also supply garage lighting outlets, with out AFCI protection, if there are no garage lighting switches inside the house. Of course the receptacle outlets in the garage will still need GFCI protection (210.8(A) (@), and be located at least one per car parking space.

The only chemical product that may be disposed of at the transfer station is latex paint.  Other chemicals that require disposal may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days, held at various locations and dates.

The width of the town right-of-way is different for each street and can even vary along sections of the same street. You can usually find out further information about the right-of-way in the Planning and Zoning Office or on the original subdivision map which is filed in the Town Clerk’s Office.

First the Town will need to confirm that the tree is actually in the town right-of-way (r.o.w.). If the tree is in the town r.o.w. and the tree is dead or diseased, the town will arrange to have the tree removed as soon as possible. If the tree is determined to be on private property, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to have the tree removed. Town employees are not authorized to work on private property.

Call Before You Dig at 800-922-4455 prior to starting any work. If a contractor has been hired to do work, it is the contractor’s responsibility to notify Call Before You Dig so utilities can be identified and marked out to avoid any injuries or interruption in utility service.

The town repairs or replaces only mailboxes and/or posts that are actually struck by a plow blade. Usually a paint mark or tire tracks supply evidence of a mailbox strike. The town does not repair or replace mailboxes and/or posts that fall from the force of plowed snow. Mailboxes and supporting posts must be installed to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow pushed from the street onto the roadside.

Please report the missing sign to Public Works 860-886-7220 or 860-887-5581, ext. 101. Arrangements will be made to replace the sign as soon as possible.

There is no set schedule for road repaving; however, each spring town roads are evaluated for repaving based on the road conditions.

Report all damaged playground equipment to the Parks and Recreation Office at 860-887-5581, ext. 117 and damaged school equipment to the Superintendent's office at Preston Public Schools at 860-889-6098.

Contact the Public Works Department at 860-886-7220 or 860-887-5581, ext. 101 and staff will assess the problem. If plantings were installed by a property owner, they will be contacted regarding necessary removal/trimming. If the growth is on a State Highway, please call the State DOT at 860-823-3222.

The Town does not pick up household items for disposal. Please contact your refuse hauler or the Transfer Station, Friday and Saturday at 860-886-1836.

Local Health Departments have property files that may contain important septic system information such as copies of permits, design plans, as-built drawings, and soil test data. This information is available to be viewed by the public, or you may ask the town sanitarian to review the files with you (as their time allows). Refer to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) website to obtain contact information from your Local Health Department. If your home is served by a septic system, then you must contact your Local Health Department when you are planning a building addition, home winterization, renovation of an unfinished space, or adding a garage, deck, sun room, pool, shed, etc. These types of projects require approval from both the Building Department and Local Health Department prior to construction. It is recommended that you first discuss your plans with the Local Health Department so that they can inform you on the necessary permit requirements and advise you on possible site limitations on your property. There are cases when building projects cannot be approved due to septic system regulations.

View information regarding septic systems by viewing the Septic Sytem 101 (PDF) document, provided by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Yes, a license is required. You must register and regular inspections are required. Contact Uncas Health District: 860-823-1189

Yes. According to the Public Health Code at least one person at each establishment must have appropriate training. In Connecticut, that would be the Qualified Food Operator’s or Food Handler’s course offered by most Community Colleges.

Every two to five years depending on use and occupancy. The tank serves to separate solids from liquids; failure to pump can result in system blockage which may require expensive repairs.

Both are tick borne diseases that are endemic in Southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic States. Generally the tick must remain attached for a significant length of time to cause disease. The best prevention while out of doors in a wooded area is to use repellent, wear long sleeve shirts and pants and to examine yourself after finishing your activities and to promptly remove any ticks.

You can receive information by visiting the Center for Disease Control's Lyme Disease page and the Babesiosis page.

Please visit the Center for Disease Controls' Influenza (Flu) page and use the flu vaccine finder to find a flu clinic near you.

To find out if you are registered as a Preston voter, call the Registrars of Voters Office at 860-887-5581, ext. 116.

Only people who are registered voters and enrolled in the party holding the primary are eligible to vote in the primary.

To enroll in a party, you fill out a voter registration form, just as you do when you register to vote, and indicate on the form which party you wish to join. If you are not already a member of another party, your enrollment will take effect as soon as your form is approved. If you are switching parties, your enrollment takes effect 90 days after your form is approved; during this waiting period, you are not a member of any party.

• To be eligible to vote in a primary, a person who is not already enrolled in any party may enroll by mail by the fifth day before the primary or may enroll in person at the Registrars' Office anytime before noon on the day before the primary. These deadlines also apply if you are not already a registered Preston voter and wish to register and enroll at the same time.
• If you are already enrolled in a party and wish to switch parties to vote in a primary, the deadline is ninety days before the primary.
• To find out if you are already enrolled in a party, call the Registrars' Office at 860-887-5581, ext. 116.

1. All Preston registered voters

2. All Preston property owners if they meet the following requirements:

a. Are a United States citizen AND

b. Are 18 years or older AND

c. Are liable to Preston for taxes assessed against him or her on an assessment of not less than $1000 on the last completed Grand List

If you move into Preston from another town in Connecticut or from another state, you must re-register. Voter registration does not carry over between towns.

If you move within Preston or if you change your name, you do not need to re-register, but you do need to inform us in writing of your new name or address. Use the Voter Registration Form (PDF) to notify us of the change.

Register in person at any Registrars’ or Town Clerk’s office in the State, any public library, the Department of Motor Vehicles when you get your driver’s license, at certain Social Service Agencies, or at any place where a voter registration drive is taking place. Bring identification to show your identity and residence.

You can also register by mail. Please call the Registrar’s Office at 860-887-5581, ext. 116 and ask for an application to be sent to you, or pick up a voter application from at any of the above places. You can also download the application (PDF).

Send the completed form to:

Town of Preston

Attn: Registrar of Voters

389 Route 2

Preston, CT 06365

Please be aware there are deadlines before elections and primaries. Register early to ensure that you will be able to vote. Contact the Registrar's Office 860-887-5581, ext. 7 or the Town Clerk's Office 860-887-5581, ext. 111 for further information regarding deadlines.

You must inform us in writing. Use the Removal Form (PDF).

Absentee ballots are handled by the Town Clerk’s Office.

You can vote by absentee ballot in any election, primary or referendum if you will not be able to get to the polling place because you are ill or physically disabled, because you are serving n the military, because you will be out of town on election day, because your religion forbids secular activity on election day, or because you are serving as a poll worker at a polling place other than your own.

You can obtain an application for absentee ballot (PDF) from the Town Clerk’s Office.

District 2 covers all of Preston and the voting hall is located at Preston Plains Middle School, 1 Route 164.

Go to the Department of Public Safety website and go to Reports and Records link.

Go to the Department of Public Safety website and go to Reports and Records link.

Go to the Department of Public Safety website and go to Special Licensing and Firearms link. Pistol Permit applications can also be obtained online or personally at the First Selectmen’s Office located at:

Preston Town Hall
389 Route 2
Preston, CT 06365

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday
9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The office is closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Yes, the fees associated with the  online payment system are: 2.95% for credit card, and $0.95 electronic check fee.
No fees apply if a payment is made by check or money order made payable to “Preston Tax Collector.”

The property tax rate is expressed in mills, or thousandths of a dollar. A tax rate (mill rate) of 20 mill is equivalent to $20 in taxes per $1,000 of net assessed value.

Please refer to the page of the Tax Collector for the current mill rate.

Real Estate and Personal Property bills in excess of $100 are due in two equal installments on July 1 and January 1. Amounts due under $100 are due in one installment on July 1. The last day to pay without interest is August 1 and February 1.

In accordance with Connecticut State Statute 12-146, past due payments are subject to interest at the rate of 1½% per month from the due date of the tax with a minimum interest penalty of $2 the timeliness of your payment is determined by the delivery date or the past mark on the envelope containing the payment.

Yes, please click on link : https://www.mytaxbill.org/inet/bill/home.do?town=preston

TaxServ Capital Services

Please be advised that the Town of Preston is under contract with TaxServ Capital Services for the collection of the town's delinquent motor vehicle and personal property taxes. If you receive a letter from TaxServ, you must call TaxServ to discuss your account and arrange payment. If you do call the tax or assessor's office, you will be directed to TaxServ.

TaxServ Capital Services, LLC can be reached at:
Telephone: 860-724-9100
Toll Free: 8660-497-2427
Fax: 860-727-1080
Website: https://www.taxserv.com

Yes, however as required by the Preston Code of Ethics all meetings concerning an investigation of a complaint will be done in executive session and therefore, are not open to the public.

Yes, but the Ethics Commission Chairman does reserve the right to moderate the number of questions and comments and the time alloted to them in accordance with the Town of Preston ordinance.

Fill out Form A (PDF), which is a Request for an Advisory Opinion and submit to the Ethics Commission.

The Ethics Commission holds it regular meetings at 5:15 PM on the second Wednesday of January. View location and times of all meetings published.

Many people ask if they can have a business in their house. The answer is yes, but sometimes you need a Zoning permit from the Planning an Zoning Commission and sometimes you don't. You DO NOT need a Zoning Permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission (home occupation permit) if you just have a home office where you have a computer for your business to process paperwork and have no other business amenities. All other occupations require a Zoning Permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Examples for a home occupation use are as follows: handicrafts, direct sale product distribution, tailor, hair salon, barber, physician, dentist, tutor, tourist home, and limited auto repair.

The activity must be clearly secondary to the residential use of the property and shall occupy no more than twenty-five (25%) of the finished and habitable floor area of the dwelling. However, the residence under certain circumstances and provided such home occupation is located within the basement or an accessory structure. The purpose of this is to allow the entire basement or the entire area (which includes the home occupation). Please refer to Section 13.10 of the Preston Zoning Regulations for more details or call the Planning and Zoning Office at 860-887-5581 x 109.

Each home may have an accessory apartment provided a zoning permit is obtained from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The apartment must be part of the existing home and may not be located in a non-detached accessory building. The apartment may not be more than 25% of the size of the residence, the primary residence shall be owner occupied, and adequate on-site parking shall be provided from each unit. Please refer to Section 13.8 of the Preston Zoning Regulations for more details or call the Planning and Zoning Office at 860-887-5581 x 109.

Town of Preston Zoning Map

Or you may access property information, including zoning map on http://www.prestongis.com

Subdividing your property depends upon the size of your lot. Each lot will need to comply with the dimensional requirements of the Zoning Regulations, all Inland Wetland and Watercourses Regulations, and Public Health Code requirements for the installation of a septic system. A copy of the Subdivision Regulations are on the town Website and may be accessed:
 Zoning Regulations . If you need additional information regarding subdividing your property, please contact Kathy Warzecha at the Planning and Zoning Office at 860-887-5581 x 109.

According to the Preston Zoning Regulations, the keeping of horses or ponies (this would include donkeys, sheep, goats, llamas, pot bellied pigs or similar) for pleasure is permitted provided the land on which the animals are kept or pastured is 3 acres for the first two animals, plus one acre for each additional animal. The residents of the property must own the animals and an adequate building, secure from the weather to house the animals. The building must be at least 100 feet from any existing dwelling under separate ownership and/ or 50' from any lot line. Please refer to Section 4.1.4 of the Preston Zoning Regulations for more details or call the Zoning Enforcement Officer at 860-887-5571 x 115.

The setback lines are dependent upon the zoning designation for your property. You may reference the Zoning Regulations 

. Section 12 outlines zoning setback lines.

Go to the Department of Public Safety website and go to Special Licensing and Firearms link. Pistol Permit applications can also be obtained online or personally at the First Selectmen’s Office located at:

Preston Town Hall
389 Route 2
Preston, CT 06365