Building Codes Enforcement

The Building and Codes Department is working to make "building" easier for our residents. We put the Town of Forestport Building Permit Application and Sewage Disposal Permit Application on our website, hoping this would save you a trip to the Town Hall.  The only thing we ask of our residents is to call us before building, altering, removing any structure, repairing or installing a sewage disposal system on your property.  This includes, but is not limited to; pools, sheds, barns, accessory buildings and homes.  Unfortunately, work done without a permit may be subject to legal action and possible removal if it does not meet the codes.  The Building Inspector's Office has to meet Town Codes as well as NYS Codes.

NO CONSTRUCTION WORK REQUIRING A BUILDING PERMIT MAY BE STARTED PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF THE PERMIT!!

REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT

 1.   Complete the Building Permit Application

 2.   If you are a new owner of the property, you must furnish a copy of the deed.

 3.   A plot plan is required for all new construction.  Indicate the location of the new structure and required setbacks.  If there are buildings currently on the site indicate their location in relation to the proposed new construction. Indicate the location of the well and septic, if any.  All measurements should be from the property lines.

 4.   All Structures require plans, New Homes 1500 sq. ft. or larger must have plans prepared by a Licensed New York State Professional Engineer or Architect.  New Homes under 1500 sq. ft. may require plans prepared by a Licensed New York State Professional Engineer or Architect, this will be at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer.  In addition, alterations or additions may require Design Professional plans, again, this will be at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer.

 5.  Certification of all trusses used in construction must be furnished to this Office.

 6.   For homes serviced by a Septic System, a NYS Licensed Engineer or Architect must perform a percolation test and design the appropriate septic system. A copy of this plan must be furnished to the Codes Officer prior to construction of the building or installation of the system.  In addition, in order to receive a Certificate of Compliance, the Code Enforcement Officer must inspect the complete septic installation and take photos of all components of the system before any backfilling takes place.

 7.  The total true cost of the completed project must be entered on the application.

 8.  The appropriate fee must be furnished to the Office before the permit will be issued.

 9.  The Contractor's name (DBA), address, phone no. and a copy of his Workman's Compensation and Liability Insurance Policy must be presented to the Office before a permit will be issued.

Please submit the above information to the Office of the Building Inspector, who will review the application. If everything is in order a Building Permit/Sewage Disposal Permit will be issued in 7 to 10 working days.

*** NOTE:  There have been some very important changes in the way New York State is regulating the installation of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes.  The installation must be done by a certified installer (certificate must be on file within the Code Enforcement Office).  If you have any questions please feel free to visit the Manufactured Housing Unit, Division of Code Enforcement and Administration at dos.state.ny.us or call Jack Peacock, Code Compliance Specialist 1 at 1-845-334-9373.

*** NOTE:  WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND BUILDING PERMITS ***

     For many years now the NYS Worker's Compensation Law (WCL) has required all municipalities that issue any type of permit, especially building permits, must obtain a current certificate of Worker's Compensation Insurance (WC). It has been a slow process getting the municipal offices and the public alike to understand the process, that is required, and by whom. The State is turning up the heat a little to make sure this is being done correctly. Huge fines may be levied by the state if someone is not properly covered as required by law. Ultimately, this protects the contractor, the property owner, the applicant of the permit and the worker. Applicants of a building permit and homeowners need to be especially careful. This is not meant to scare anyone, but it is meant to provide a little understanding of the potential liability someone assumes when they obtain the permit or hire anyone to do work on their property, almost for anything.

     Right straight out of a letter from the Workers' Compensation Board, dated December 2008, here are some basics about when you need to have WC Insurance and comply with the WC Law: *Be legally exempt from obtaining workers' compensation insurance coverage; or *Obtain such coverage from insurance carriers; or *Be a Board-approved self-insured employer or participate in an authorized group self-insurance plan.

     To assist municipal entities in enforcing WCL Section 57, businesses requesting permits or seeking to enter into contracts MUST provide ONE of the following forms to the government entity issuing the permit or entering into a contract:

          1. Form CE-200: Certificate of Attestation for New York Entities with no employees and certain Out-of-State Entities, that New York State Workers' Compensation and/or Disability Benefits Insurance Coverage is not required (Note: as of December 1, 2008, this form can be filled out electronically on-line at www.wcb.state.ny.us, under the heading "forms")

          2. Form C-105.2: Certificate of Workers' Compensation (the business's insurance carrier will send this form to the government entity upon request). PLEASE NOTE: The State Insurance Fund provides its own version of this form, the U-26.3

          3. Form SI-12: Certificate of Workers' Compensation Self Insurance (the business calls the WC Board's Self-Insurance Office at (518-402-0247)

          4. Form GSI-105.2: Certificate of Participation in Workers' Compensation Group Self-Insurance (the business's Group Self-Insurance Administrator will send this form to the government entity upon request).

          5. Form BP-1: Affidavit of Exemption - this is for building permits ONLY, certain homeowners of 1,2,3 or 4 family owner-occupied residences serving as their own General Contractor may be eligible to file form BP-1. The homeowner may obtain this form directly from the Town of Forestport's website "forms and applications" or the WC Board's website at www.wcb.state.ny.us.

     Please Note: ACCORD forms are NOT acceptable proof of Workers' Compensation coverage!!

Office Hours:

     Winter Hours:  (November - April)  Monday & Thursday 8am - 4pm.

     Summer hours:   (May - October) Monday, Tuesday  & Thursday 8am - 4pm

The Building Codes Officer is available by appointment.  Call the Office to schedule an appointment. 

Planning Board meets 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm, unless otherwise posted.  Be sure to check the municipal calendar.