Webb’s Code Office looking forward to new opportunities

now you know

Each year produces new challenges and opportunities. The Code Office never calls problems; problems… they are always called opportunities.

Every situation gives way to provide an opportunity to allow better understanding of codes, why they exist, how they are administered and even how to change the ones that don’t make any sense.

Although less today than just five years ago, we still hear the excuse for not getting a building permit “we did not change the footprint, why do I need a permit?”

Permits are required for many things besides changing the footprint of a structure.

New York State law requires all municipalities to adopt a ‘Local Law’ to provide for the enforcement and administration of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which is commonly called the ‘Uniform Code’.

This Local Law must have certain statutory language, as required by the state that meets the intent of the Uniform Code.

The Town of Webb adopted its first Local Law for this back in the mid 1980’s, just like all other towns and villages throughout the state.

Our Local Law was amended, again required by New York State, in 2006 and reads as follows:

SECTION 4. BUILDING PERMITS. (a) Building Permits Required. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) of this section, a Building Permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. 

No Person shall commence any work for which a Building Permit is required without first having obtained a Building Permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.

It is clear that additions, either horizontal or vertical, require permits.

However, please note several key words in the paragraph above; Alteration, improvement, and Energy Code.

Gutting out a portion or all of a structure requires permits. Even re-wiring or new plumbing requires permits.

Notice how the ‘Energy Code’ is also listed separately.

Simply put, the New York State Energy Code is a law within a law. It is part of the Uniform Code, but it has additional statutory significance.

Changing or altering the insulation in a structure falls into this category. All around the country, energy conservation is a huge issue.

New York State has taken some pretty serious steps to be a leader in this issue.

The big issue in general is that energy usage for a community is reduced. This means reducing our nation’s use of fuels, reducing pollution and dependency on foreign oils.

In the eyes of the code, the smaller issue is that, in theory, it will save the building owner money in the long run. That’s a good thing, not a bad thing.

If you are planning on a renovation, fixing those old rotted sills, re-enforcing those existing rafters and adding insulation to the roof system to get rid of all that ice buildup, stop in to your local Code Office and get the permit.

Major and complicated jobs may require some additional information.

But for the most part all the details for smaller structures can be worked out right with the Code Officer and the permit granted.

Now, if you have already started your renovation and did not get the permit, don’t be too surprised when a Code Officer stops in and asks to see your permit… of course already knowing you don’t have one.

Even here, it shouldn’t be a big deal to get the permit.

This can become a big deal when the owner just goes on and on about how he is just fixing what’s wrong and making things better, so why does he need a permit?

Because state and local law requires it… and we’ll help you. Knowledge & understanding fuels cooperation.