FREQUENTLY ASKED BUILDING & ZONING QUESTIONS:

Q. What kind of work requires a Building Permit?
A. A building permit is required for any work that is regulated by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. This commonly includes any new work that is structural in nature as well as electrical, plumbing and HVAC work. Examples of work usually requiring a building permit include: New buildings, Additions, Decks, Pools, Storage Sheds (depending on size), Fireplaces (including gas-burning) or other substantial remodeling or renovation work on existing buildings.

Q. What Good Does a Permit Do?
A. Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.

A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met - as demonstrated by a code official's carefully maintained records - has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit.

Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.

Q. How do I apply for a building permit?
A. Stop in to the Building & Zoning Office at 35 Commercial St. We are open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or download a building permit application (click here). At this stage you will document the "Who, What, When, Where and How", of the job, along with any sketches or plans of the proposed work. Fill out the application and return it to the Building & Zoning Department for review.

In a brief amount of time, the code official will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with local requirements. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit is issued. If not, the code official may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.

Q. Can I do the work myself?
A. Yes.

Q. What kind of work does not require a building permit?
A. Examples of work that usually does not require a building permit include: replacing a window or door with another in the same location; replacing electrical or plumbing fixtures in the same location; painting, wallpapering and carpeting; replacing of roofing shingles that does not involve replacement of the sheathing or underlying structure; new siding; sidewalks and driveways. If in doubt, a simple call to the Building & Zoning Department can answer any questions you may have. They can be reached at 346-2098.

Q. What happens after a permit is issued?
A. On site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes and plans. Again you will have access to the expertise of the code official to help you with questions or concerns regarding the project and to ward off any costly mistakes. The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. Usually a one or two day notice is needed when requesting visits.

When construction is completed and a final inspection is made the code officer will issue a Certificate of Occupancy which is your official documentation that you have met all the permit requirements.