What are Building Permits required for

Building Department - 607-729-2047

What are Building Permits required for?

A building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.

What does not require a Building Permit?

(1) Construction or installation of storage sheds provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet. Please call the Planning and Code Office for specific setbacks.

(2) Installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one-or two-family dwelling.

(3) Installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground;

(4) Installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool;

(5) Construction of retaining walls unless such walls support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids;

(6) Construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery;

(7) Installation of retractable window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling.

(8) Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work associated with a one- or two-family dwelling.

(9) Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances; or

(10) Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:

(a) The removal or cutting away of a load bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;

(b) The removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;

(d) The removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system for any period of time.

Is a permit required for reroofing a building?

A permit is not required as long as only the shingles are going to be replaced. The Code does not permit more than 2 layers of shingles.

Can a homeowner do his/her own plumbing work?

Only the direct replacement of a water heater or water softner. A plumbing permit is required. Any other work must be done by a licensed plumber.

Can a homeowner do his/her own electrical work?

Yes, with certain limitations. The applicant must be the owner/occupant of a single family residential building. The work is limited to interior wiring only and does not include any work in regards to the electrical service and/or panel. An electrical permit is required. Other work is required to be done by a licensed electrician.

Does an above-ground pool have to be enclosed by a fence?

Yes, if any part of the pool wall is less than 48" high. Any stair access to the pool must have a self closing and latching gate of four feet in height or the ladder must be the type that can be locked in the upright position when the pool is not in use.

Are there restrictions on where a pool can be placed?

Yes, the requirements are based on the Zoning District. Call the office for the setbacks for your property.

Is a pool alarm required?

Each swimming pool installed, constructed or substantially modified after December 14, 2006 shall be equipped with an approved pool alarm.

Are there regulations regarding hot tubs or spas?

Yes, it is regulated similar to a swimming pool if it holds more than 24 inches of water. Please call the Code Office for further information.

What are the regulations on fences?

No fence shall be erected or encroach upon a public right-of-way.

Fences of masonry, wood or other material which create a solid visual barrier shall maintain a ten-foot setback from the front property line. Open fences of chain link wire, wrought iron, split, rail or other similar material which does not screen or obstruct views, light and air may be permitted within the ten-foot setback from the property line, provided said fence is constructed so as not to obstruct visibility or create a traffic hazard.

Maximum height - Residential: six foot with restrictions Commercial: ten foot with restrictions.

We do not regulate which side of the fence faces a neighbor unless the fence encloses a swimming pool. A permit is not required. However, you should call Dig Safely New York at 1-800-962-7962 prior to digging any post holes.

Is a permit required to re-pave an existing driveway?

No, but a new driveway may require approvals.

What are the requirements for new stairs?

For one and two family homes the minimum stair tread is 9", the maximum riser height is 8 1/4", the minimum stair width is 36". Handrails are required for stairs that have more than two risers, the minimum height is 34" and the maximum height is 38" measured from the nosing of the stair tread. Handrails and deck guards shall not have any openings between spindles/barristers of 4". Commercial and Multi-family Codes are different.

When is an asbestos survey required?

An asbestos survey is required when a building is going to be demolished or renovated. NYS Code Rule 56 requires an asbestos survey to be conducted by a licensed asbestos contractor using certified inspectors. The survey should be done in a building or part of a building that is to be demolished, renovated, remodeled or have repair work in a structure built before January 1, 1974. There is an exemption for certain owner occupied one and two family dwellings were the homeowner is doing the work.

Code Enforcement

What type of registration is required for rental units?

Owners of rental units are required to register with the Code Enforcement Office.

When is a property manager required?

Owners of premises who are not employed or engaged in businesses within the community and do not customarily and regularly come into the community to attend a business office shall designate a responsible agent who resides within the community or customarily and regularly engages in and attends a business in the community. The name, address and telephone number of the responsible agent shall be recorded on the rental registration.

How often should rental units be inspected?

Rental units should be inspected once every two years.

When can garbage be placed at the curb?

Garbage can be placed at the curb no more than 24 hours before the collection. Garbage should be at the curb by 6 am the day of collection.

Are garbage cans required?

Yes, garbage should be placed in containers no greater than 32 gallons with lids. Garbage containers should not be stored in the front of the property. Landlords are required to provide an adequate number of containers.

How often must the yard be mowed?

Yards shall be maintained to a height no greater than 10 inches.

Is there a limit on the number of occupants in an apartment?

The Code requires every bedroom occupied by one person shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and every bedroom occupied by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each additional occupant.

Where are smoke detectors required?

In each bedroom; on the ceiling or wall outside each separate bedroom; in each story within a dwelling including the basement and attic.

Are Carbon Monoxide detectors required?

Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed and maintained in newly constructed dwelling units and in dwelling units offered for sale. They shall be located on the lowest level that contains a bedroom.

They are not required in a dwelling unit if no fuel-fired appliance or equipment, no solid-fuel burning appliance or equipment, no wood stove, no fireplace, no other appliance or device that runs on or uses flammable or combustible fuel, no system that runs on or uses flammable or combustible fuel, no attached garage, and no other motor-vehicle related occupancy, is located in, or attached to, such dwelling unit or the structure in which such dwelling unit is located.

What is the minimum temperature that my landlord must provide?

Every landlord must furnish heat during the period from September 15th to May 31st to maintain a temperature of not less than 65ºF (18ºC) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.

May I store an unlicensed vehicle on my property?

An unlicensed vehicle can be stored on a property for six months but it must be covered. A permit is required for more than six months. If the property is a multifamily, it cannot be stored within the required off street parking.

How long can I have a vehicle for sale?

The time limit is 30 days with another 30 allowed with a permit. The car may not be placed on the lawn.

Are garage sales regulated?

Garage sales shall be for a period not exceeding three days. Single-family dwellings shall be allowed no more than three garage sales in any one calendar year. Two-family dwellings and multiple-family dwellings shall be allowed no more than three garage sales per dwelling unit in any one calendar year. Signs should be taken down immediately after the garage sale.

Is open burning permitted?

The burning of garbage, refuse and rubbish in any manner is prohibited. Open burning for outdoor cooking is prohibited in or on multiple-dwelling structures.

Outdoor cooking. Open burning will be permitted for outdoor cooking when the fire is limited to the minimal size necessary and contained in a device or cooking utensil commonly referred to as a "grill" or "hibachi" and designed for outdoor cooking purposes. All applicable and/or reasonable safety precautions shall be taken when using said devices or utensils.

Recreational fires or campfires. Small recreational fires or campfires shall be permitted only when all of the following are adhered to:

(a) When the fire is contained to a device designed to hold a small fire, such as an outdoor fireplace, or commercially manufactured steel or ceramic portable fireplace, and used according to the manufacturer's directions.

(b) Said fire is solely for a recreational purpose.

(d) Said fire is properly attended and controlled at all times by a responsible party with appropriate fire extinguishing equipment readily available.

(e) Said fire shall not present a safety hazard to life or property, nor create a nuisance.

If you see an open burning in violation of this code call 911.