Tag Archives: code

Talkin’ Code with Andrew Getty

Last minute inspection arrangements can upset the process by timely inspections

Every year during this time, after the busy summer and before winter really sets in, a lot of concrete goes into the ground.

Many people assume that since most summer residents have left to go back to their principal home and the kids are back in school, this office slows down as well.

That is just not the case. Continue reading

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Talkin’ Code with Andrew Getty

Ready your homestead for a safe winter season

THINGS TO DO BEFORE WINTER

Now is the time of year when everyone is getting ready for that inevitable change of weather… they’re splitting and stacking the firewood, taking the screens off the windows and for some, putting the storm windows on.

And for the first time since before summer, lighting up those wood stoves and fireplaces.

How many took the time to check their wood stove before lighting it? Are the flues free and clear? Is the cap still on okay? When was the last time the chimney was cleaned?

Wood burning devices are not the only heat producing appliances that should be cleaned and checked this time of year. Furnaces, boilers, combination units, oil or propane should all be serviced before the season really sets in.

When was the last time you checked your smoke detectors? Have they been “chirping” lately? Continue reading

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Talkin’ Code with Andrew Getty

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? Continue reading

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Talkin’ Code with Andrew Getty

Since you brought it up, what is a ‘sign’ exactly…

SIGNS & THE PLANNING BOARD

Q: This may sound like a stupid question, but what is a sign?

A: The Town of Webb has a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, which includes a whole section on signs. The definition of a sign is the first thing described in that section, which reads:

“For the purposes of this section, ‘sign’ shall mean any devise affixed to, painted upon, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or land which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business.” The ordinance continues with: The meaning of “sign” shall not include:

1. Any sign erected by Federal, State, or local government or agency thereof; Continue reading

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Talkin’ Code The Town of Webb Office of Code Enforcement tackles some frequently asked questions with Andrew Getty

The where, the when, and the why of residential stairs and landings

Q: My name is Mr. Contractor. Is a landing required outside the door of a house onto the deck?

A: A landing is required outside any exit door from the house.

In this case, if the deck is only one riser down from the threshold of the door, then the deck serves as the landing.

Q: The deck is about two feet down from the floor of the house, we are going to have three risers. Do we still need a landing?

A: Maybe. Is this door the required exit door out of the house? Continue reading

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Talkin’ Code with Andrew Getty

Long-standing variances don’t necessarily green-light new projects

Question & Answer

Q: My wife and I want to put a roof over our existing deck, and then make the existing deck a little bigger.

Do we need a building permit?

A: Yes, permits are required for this.

Q: Why? We received an Area Variance back in the 1990’s to build the deck at about 20 feet off the side property line.

The new part will still be 20 feet off the side line and putting the roof on will not make it closer either.

And besides, we were told the Variance is good forever and does not expire, so why do we need a permit?

A: It is true that once an Area Variance is granted by the Board of Appeals it is good forever, unless it was conditioned otherwise in the approval.

This is commonly called “running with the deed or land.”

The approval of an Area Variance does not substitute the need of the building permit. The approval of the Variance allows the Code Officer to issue a permit for something that was otherwise prohibited, thus the term “Variance.”

Q: Okay, so we need to get a building permit for the roof over this deck. What material or information do you need to issue us the permit?

Continue reading

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Talkin’ Code

For the forst time in 275 weeks, The Weekly Adirondack is without Andy Getty’s Talkin’ Code article.

We report with sadness that Andy and Barbara Getty were called out of town this week due to the loss of Barbara’s mother.

Our thoughts and condolences are with our friends, the Getty Family.

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