by Andrew Getty
Beginning in pre-school, through high school and college, instructions are everywhere. And it doesn’t stop there. Your career and family life is full of instruction.
Fixing the house, installing window shades, putting toys together, working on cars, hooking up computers or televisions… just about anything you do requires instructions.
So the big question is: How many people actually read those pain-in-the-butt instructions?
Here in the Town of Webb Code Office, just like any other Code Office, we have lots of different forms each having instructions. Some are intimidating and others are simple.
There are forms for the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Building Permits, Septic Permits, DEC Breakwall, DEC Boathouse, APA Juris-dictional Inquiry (that’s just to find out if you need another form of application), Subdivisions, Signs, and there are probably a few not mentioned.
Each of these has instructions. For the person who does not deal with this stuff routinely, it can be very intimidating and confusing.
Wouldn’t it be great to come up with one universal form or application that could cover all different kinds of projects?
Unfortunately for now, that’s not likely to happen.
At least in the Town’s application you can check which type of building permit you’re requesting.
However, the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals are on separate forms.
As taken straight off the Town of Webb Building Permit Application, here are the instructions…
The following documents must be submitted with application:
• Complete Plans & specifications
• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer seal and signature unless otherwise approved
• Plot plan – survey, to scale
• Distance to property lines, shorelines, roads, easements
• Insurance Certificates WC/DB-100
**important notices: Read before signing**
1. All work must conform to the Town of Webb Municipal Code, NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Section 19 NYCRR, as revised) and all other applicable codes, rules and regulations.
2. The Code Enforcement Office must inspect work authorized pursuant to a building permit.
3. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the Code Enforcement Office for scheduling of required inspection(s) 24 hours prior.
4. Failure to obtain inspection(s) and authorization to proceed may result in work being disassembled or removed to conduct inspection.
5. NYS law requires Worker’s Compensation and Disability Insurance for employees. If the contractor / applicant believe he or she is exempt, form WC/DB-100 (7-04) must be provided.
6. A Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance shall be obtained prior to the use or occupancy of any new, repaired, altered space or structure for which this building permit is issued.
7. This building permit shall be displayed so as to be visible from the nearest road.
8. The owner, or his agent, agrees to allow the Code Enforcement Officer, or his designated agent, to inspect the work being performed pursuant to this building permit.
Even with bold, capitalized large print we receive applications without a plot plan, no survey showing proposed locations of new structures or additions and totally void of any construction details.
Without that information, it is impossible to determine if the application can be approved.
Help us to help you! Read and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Code Office and someone will help you.
There’s been a few times when someone complained that the application did not require all the documentation. So another page was added listing the required information and then a signature line they must sign indicating they read all the instructions, understand them and provided the required documents.
Even with this, people just sign it without reading, turn in the application with no information, and wonder why they can’t get a permit.
Here’s a good New Year’s resolution: Always read the instructions, and ask for help if needed.