Seems like too many rules for here in the middle of nowhere

Q: We just drove here from New Jersey with four pickup trucks and trailers loaded with lumber and supplies to build our new house. Our neighbor just stopped to ask if we had a permit to build our new house. Do we need a permit?

A: Yeah… Both local and New York State law require a permit be issued.

Q: Why is that? Our realtor told us this lot was grandfathered.

A: Maybe the lot is grandfathered, which would waive many other requirements, but grandfathering does not waive the building permit requirement.

Q: Well, we are in a hurry to get this started today! We all drove up here for a four-day-long work weekend and hope to have the roof on by Monday! What do I have to sign to get a Permit?

A: Really??? The application is pretty simple… who, what and where type questions.

Q: Great! I can do that! How much will this cost, do you take cash?

A: Again, the application is simple. However what is needed to be submitted with the application may be a little more difficult. The office prefers a check made to the Town of Webb.

Q: What do you mean? We have to start today! And we have cash!

A: Here are the basics of what needs to be submitted:

• First, a complete set of construction drawings signed by a licensed Professional Engineer or Architect from New York.

• Second, a survey showing the proposed location of buildings is required.

• Third, an engineered on-site sewage treatment plan for the septic system must be submitted.

• Fourth, a RES-Check showing compliance to the New York State Energy Code for your design should be attached to the construction drawings.

Q: You are kidding, right? I don’t have any of that stuff, nor was I planning on spending that kind of money.

I know what I want to build and know what I’m doing, so I can assure you it will be strong enough. Can’t you just make an exception this time?

A: Sorry Sir, but this is the normal procedure. All contractors in the area know the program and usually communicate with this office well in advance of starting work.

They all know that permits are always required for any new structure, no matter how big or small or for what kind of use.

Q: Do you realize that you are going to cost me thousands of dollars for wasted time on the guys I paid to come here, not including all this other stuff you want for granting the permit?

This is crazy!! There must be a way around all these rules, especially because I have a real hardship here.

Who do I need to talk to get my permit today?

A: This office could send you to the Town Supervisor, but he will tell you to come back to this office.

You could call all the Town Councilmen, but they will send you back to here.

You could try the Department of State, but they will tell you to come back here.

This office is the Authority with Jurisdiction as required by State law and Local law.

Q: Well!!! I’m going to call my attorney! What do you think of that?

A: Have him contact us at 315-369-3001.

Q: Do all your contractors go through this to build a new house?

A: Yes they do, but knowing what is required and communicating in advance, really speeds things up.

Q: If we came to you with all this stuff—surveys, drawings, plans, septic design—how long does it take to get the permit?

Or does that depend on whether or not you like the person?

A: If a complete application were submitted, and everything appeared to show compliance with the building code, the local town zoning ordinance and health department regulations for the septic plan… and there were no APA issues to deal with, a permit could be issued immediately, easily the same day.

And whether or not we “like” someone does not matter. Most of the time we do not ever meet the owners anyway.

Q: Where we live we have lots of rules and regulations to deal with. We purchased this 80 X 100 foot lot because it was up here in the middle of nowhere on the top of Hollywood Hills mountain!

When did all these rules make their way up here?

A: Actually back in the 1960’s… some fifty years ago now. You get all the stuff you need, and this office will actually try to help you get your permit. Our job is Code Enforcement, not whether we like you or not.