Q&A
Q: When we bought our house and business on the lake, the seller told us permits are not required for any type of construction. Is this true?
A: No, state law and local law both require building permits for construction.
Q: That’s not what we were told. The seller was absolutely sure we could do pretty much anything because permits are not required. That is one reason why we liked it here!
A: No, again, permits are required. It really does not matter if it is residential or commercial either.
Q: Even the realtor said no permits were required because everything on the property was grandfathered. Therefore we can do whatever we wanted to.
Why do we need permits for a property that is grandfathered?
A: It is doubtful any local realtor told you that permits are never required here in the Town of Webb.
NYS law and building codes definitely require permits for the alteration, renovation or expansion of all existing buildings, residential or not.
Even the change of use of a structure may require a permit.
Q: Even up here? In the middle of nowhere, you are going to make us get a permit just to put a small addition on our business?
A: Yeah, permits are required.
Q: We purchased this business up here to get away from all that crap. Where we came from we had to get permits for everything!
We had to get plans, drawings, and surveys. And then we usually had to go to a meeting for approvals!
When we heard that permits were just not required up here we said “hurray!!” and bought the place.
Regulations really stink and cost lots of money. Why don’t you buy this place from us and try to run it?
A: No, we are not looking to buy a business.
Q: Are you scared of getting permits?
A: No, however we understand that the permitting process can be intimidating, especially if you have never done it.
Both the Code Office and the Planning Board are not here to put you out of business.
Q: Site inspections, fire safety inspections, construction inspections, dye tests. You just like driving around town telling people what to do, don’t you?
A: [there is no good answer for this] ….. no, that’s not true.
Q: We need to add onto the business, and since you want us to get a permit, and I pay your salary, you will go get me the permit and bring it to me.
A: [Oh boy, another crazy question without a good answer]…. I’m sorry sir; it just does not work like that.
You will need to submit an application and provide a set of construction drawings prepared by a licensed design professional showing compliance to the NYS Building Code.
Q: I spent a lot of money to buy this place and you, of all people, will not be telling me what I can and cannot do on my own property! Now, do as I say and bring me the permit!
A: [Oh boy….sigh….] I’m sorry sir, we can’t do that.
Q: If this were one of your friends, or some rich local person, you would do it for them, right?
A: No, however every effort would be made to help them through the process.
And that same help is offered to you. But you do need to take the lead role.
Q: Obviously, we did not move far enough north. We should have looked for something in the Town of Inlet. They don’t have any codes there at all, do they?
A: Well actually, it really isn’t any different there either. They have similar local Zoning and the exact same building codes as any town in the state.
And we both are inside the Adirondack State Park.
Q: This is ridiculous. Who is your boss?
A: Well actually, I’m kind of the boss, at least of the building department.
But here is the Town Supervisor’s name and phone number if you would like to speak to him directly.
Q: You bet he will hear from me and I’ll have your job!!! What do you think about that?
A: [all kinds of answers for this one]. Wow!! And we started out so well.
