This is an interesting concept. How many people actually read the instructions?
It is amazing how many times people will walk into the code office thinking they are going to “buy” a building permit. Just like going into a grocery store, pick the permit you want off the shelf and pay for it.
If things were only that easy.
This concept of incomplete applications is an age-old problem, and exists in every municipality.
Incomplete meaning these applications lack information needed by state and local law to approve.
In an attempt to help people to read the instructions, the Town of Webb office created yet another page titled—you guessed it: “Instructions.”
And because too many times people would say, “I didn’t know that,” there is a signature line that indicates they have read and understand the instructions.
Guess what? Still, people just look for the signature line, sign it, and not read a thing…and then get upset when the application is held up because of the lack of information.
This instruction page reads as follows:
Read and acknowledge your understanding of these instructions at the bottom with your signature and date.
Complete plans and specifications are required for all structures, additions and renovations.
The plans shall be to scale, very legible, and in complete enough detail to show compliance to the NYS Residential Code, NYS Energy Code or other requirements.
The Code Enforcement Officer reserves the right to require plans and specifications prepared by a Licensed Design Professional for any work.
Plans and specifications must show in reasonable detail footings, foundation, framing, insulation, windows and doors, emergency egress, smoke & CO detectors, roof systems, manufactured assemblies (roof / floor trusses), plumbing, electrical, heating system.
Other details may apply.
For new Single Family Dwellings greater than 1,500 square feet of habitable space, a complete set of plans certified and signed by a NYS licensed design professional shall be required.
For new Single Family Dwellings less than 1,500 square feet of habitable space, a complete set of plans and specifications are still required.
The Code Enforcement Officer reserves the right to require that all, or a portion of, any set of plans be certified and signed by a NYS licensed design professional.
All design criteria required by the Residential or Building Code of NY shall be identified on the plans.
A plot plan or survey map prepared by a NYS licensed Land Surveyor shall be required for all new construction, additions or accessory structures, unless otherwise approved by the Code Enforcement officer.
The plot plan or survey map shall show structure distances from all boundary lines, road right-of-ways, easements, shorelines, streams, wetlands or other structures.
Topographical detail may be required.
The Code Enforcement Officer reserves the right to require a survey prepared by a licensed NYS Land Surveyor.
Separate applications are required for all new, replacement, expansion or repair of septic systems.
A complete set of plans and details shall be prepared by a NYS licensed design professional.
The replacement of the septic tank only, without any work done to the lawfully existing absorption area, may not require the NYS licensed design professional’s certification, if approved by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Permits are required from this office for demolition of all structures.
The applicant is responsible to call the Code Office to schedule all required inspections in a timely manner, 24 hours in advance.
The Code Enforcement Office is not the “Clerk of the Works.”
Usually all electrical inspections are provided by an approved third party inspection agency accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer.
The Code Enforcement Officer reserves the right to accept or reject any third party inspection agency.
Final Inspections and the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Occupancy shall be required prior to the use and/or occupancy of the structure for the work covered by the permit.