Code Enforcement & Building Permits |
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Office Information
Code Enforcement Officer:
Office Hours:
Telephone:
Fax:
Please call ahead and make an appointment so that we can best serve your needs.
Mission Statement
Our main responsibility is to assist people in the Village of Elmira Heights in complying with Building and Zoning codes and regulations of the Village. We have the privilege and responsibility to administer all the provisions of the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Codes.
What Is Zoning?
Zoning regulates the use of land within its boundaries. The zoning regulations have different zoning districts with each district having different permitted uses and requirements. The purpose is to:
- Promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community
- Reduce congestion on the streets and highways
- Ensure safety from fire, panic and other dangers
- Provide adequate light and air
- Prevent overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population
- Establish zones wherein regulations concerning the land and structures, the density of development, the size of yards, the percentage of lots that may be occupied and the provisions of parking will be set forth to encourage the most appropriate development
Planning and Development: Residential and Commercial developers begin their process in this office. Applications are obtained directly from the Building Department and submitted documents are reviewed by the Village Code Enforcement and Planning Officer.
When Do I Need A Permit?
New York State and Village of Elmira Heights laws mandate when a permit is required. The following is for use as a guideline.
Residential
- New construction of homes, garages and carports
- Additions and alterations of buildings
- Storage buildings 120 square feet and over, including prefabricated buidings delivered to site
- Demolition and removal of buildings
- Decks and porches
- Enclosed porches and decks
- Extending roofs over decks and porches
- Reroofing.
- Rebuilding and structural renovations
- Swimming pools, above and inground, including decks around pools
- Installation of woodstoves, fireplaces, and chimneys
Commercial
- New construction
- Most improvements, alterations, enlargements, repairs and change of tenants
- Signs, including temporary signs
- Change of Occupancy
When Do I NOT Need A Permit?
Residential
- Siding
- Replacement windows
- Non structural necessary repairs
Commercial
- Check with office
Documentation Needed to Submit a Permit:
- Site plan drawn to scale or survey map showing size of the lot, location of buildings, location of improvements and distance to property lines and other buildings.
- Building plans and/or specifications drawn to scale. Plans shall include details on footers, foundation, floor, wall, roof construction, insulation, plumbing, windows and doors. To purchase a copy of the building codes go to www.iccsafe.org
- Residential plans must show energy code compliance. Window and door schedules must be submitted with “U” values of each. For free software for energy code compliance go to www.energycodes.gov
- New residential construction without sewer requires Chemung County Health Department Septic Permit before a building permit can be issued. Contact their office at 607–737–2019
- All commercial building plans for new construction, additions, and change of occupancy must be referred to the Code Enforcement Officer for site plan approval before a building permit can be issued
- In some cases plans must be stamped by New York State Engineer or Architect, in compliance with New York State Education Law. Changes or amendments to the stamped plans will not be accepted unless they have been reviewed by the issuing licensed professional.
- Two copies of site plans, building plans and specifications must be submitted for review.
- Contractors must submit proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance or proof that it is not needed.
- Self-employed contractors with no subcontractors, helpers, or other workers must submit New York State Workers’ Compensation form WC/DB100 (12/03)
- Contractors with employees, subcontractors and others must submit a Workers’ Compensation Board form C105.2 or New York State Insurance Fund form U26.3.
Homeowners must submit Workers’ Compensation form BP-1(3/99) if the homeowner is the contractor to prove that they are exempt from the law because the homeowner:
- is performing all the work,
- is not hiring, paying or compensating in any way individuals that are performing all the work that which the building permit was issued or helping the homeowner perform the work,
- has a homeowner’s insurance policy that is currently in effect and covers the property for which the building permit was issued AND is not paying individuals a total of less than 40 hours per week. This is a total aggregate hours of all paid individuals on the job site.
Swimming Pools, Spas, & Hot Tubs
Due to the safety issues surrounding these installations, building permits are required prior to installation. Please contact the building department for specific codes to ensure your family’s safety.
Basic Guidelines:
- All above ground 24″ in height and over and in ground pools must have a building permit. These also include the inflatable pools. There are specific requirements for location, fences, gates, locks and electrical regulations for a pool
- Above ground pools with at least 48″ between pool top and adjoining grade do not need a separate barrier (fence) if only access to the pool is by a ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access or surrounded by a barrier (fence). Decks attached to pools must meet the barrier requirements.
- In ground and above ground pools over 24″ in height (including inflatable pools) are required to have a barrier around. A four foot fence must be installed around with a self closing and self latching gate. See NYS Residential Code Section 3109 that covers swimming pool enclosures.
- There are also specific requirements for electrical installations for pools. See code requirements for electric. Remember that pools cannot be erected below electrical power lines or on any easements on your property.