Building / Planning & Zoning Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: For what kinds of work is a building permit required?
A: A building permit is required for any work that is regulated by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. This commonly includes any new work that is structural in nature as well as electrical, plumbing and HVAC work. Examples of work usually requiring a building permit include: entirely new buildings, additions, decks, pools, storage sheds (depending on size), fireplaces (including gas-burning), adding new windows or doors, or other substantial remodeling or renovation work on existing buildings.
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Q: What kinds of work do not require a building permit?
A: Examples of work that usually do not require a building permit include: replacing a window or door with another in the same location; replacing electrical or plumbing fixtures in the same location; painting, wallpapering and carpeting; replacing roofing shingles that does not involve replacement of the sheathing or underlying structure; sidewalks and driveways. Also, storage sheds less than 144 square feet in area placed in conjunction with a 1 or 2 family house do not require a permit. However, storage sheds must be placed in the rear yard at least 10 feet from the rear and side property lines.
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Q: Do I need a building permit to install a wood stove or fireplace insert, or to construct a masonry chimney?
A: Yes.
Q: For how long is a permit valid?
A: The permit is valid for 18 months and then can be renewed for an additional six month period at a cost of ½ the original permit fee.
Q: Is a permit required to build a fence?
A: No. However if you are installing an in ground pool or a pool less than 48" above grade, then an enclosure, normally a fence, is required by the Building Code.
Q: What are the requirements to obtain a building permit for an accessory structure (i.e. shed, deck or pool)
A: You must apply in person for a building permit and submit:
1. One set of scaled drawings showing how the structure is to be built. Pools obviously are exempt from the requirement of scaled drawings. Pre-built sheds, larger than 144 square feet, must be accompanied by the manufacturer's literature illustrating the construction.
2. A plot plan of the property showing the proposed location of the accessory structure in relation to property lines and the dwelling. If you do not have a plot plan or survey of your property we may be able to help you. If you or the previous homeowner has applied for a building permit within the last 20 years, we may have a plot plan or survey of your property in our files.
3. Certificate of current Worker’s Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance coverage for any contractor who will be building the project.
Q: Is there a fee for the permit?
A: Yes. The following fees would apply. Contact this office if you have any questions regarding the proper fee.
Unenclosed porch, deck, pool or accessory
building less than 100 sq. ft. NO CHARGE
Single family residence $ 200.00
Barn/garage/shed (larger than 100 sq. ft.) $ 50.00
Enclosed addition (Conversion from one to two family) $ 100.00
Unenclosed porch, deck, pool or
accessory building 100 sq. ft. or larger $ 50.00
Woodstove, chimney, or masonry fireplace $ 50.00
Commercial/Industrial Permits
0 – 500 square feet $ 25.00
501 – 1000 square feet $ 50.00
1001 – 2000 square feet $ 100.00
Over 2000 square feet $ 100.00 + .10/square foot
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Q: What building code requirements does the Town have?
A: The Town of Owego does not have any requirements for building construction other than the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. These are the same building requirements that are in effect all over New York State.
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Q: Are there other requirements that apply?
A: Chapter 125 of the Town of Owego Code contains the zoning regulations that govern what uses are permitted in particular areas, how large buildings can be and how close to the property line they can be. We will let you know when you apply for a building permit what rules apply.
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Q: How can I get a copy of the building code requirements?
A: The requirements are published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). You can contact ICBO customer service at (800) 284-4406, or visit their web site at http://www.icbo.org/code_talk/adoptions/ny-codes.html
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Q: Can I do the work myself?
A: Yes. However, keep in mind that electrical work must be inspected by an independent inspector and a copy of the final inspection certification submitted to this office. Here is a list of the inspectors in this area.
Electrical Inspectors
Atlantic-Inland, Inc. (New York)
Marty Vasick
373 Ashley Road
Maine, NY 13802
607-862-4559
Atlantic-Inland Inc.
997 McLean Road
Cortland, NY 13045
607-753-7118
Donald Barber, Electrical Inspector
607-849-3975
Commonwealth Electrical Inspection Service, Inc.
410 East Frederick Street
Athens, PA 18810
Fran Gaynor, Electrical Inspector
607-754-2293 (7:30 AM to 8:30 AM)
Dave Green, Electrical Inspector
607-797-0471 (Mon-Fri 7 to 8 AM and 5 to 6 PM)
David Kerr, Jr., Electrical Inspector
Tri-State Inspection Agency
RR#1 Box 1127 Valley Road
Friendsville, PA 18818
570-553-2615
New York Board of Fire Underwriters
202 Arterial Road
Syracuse, NY 13206
Myron Rosh, Jr., Electrical Inspector
570-888-6103
John Rudy, Electrical Inspector
607-669-4380
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Q: If I have questions, who should I contact?
A: Please feel free to call the Planning & Zoning Department at (607) 687-0123, Ext. 6 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have, or you can stop in at the Owego Town Hall, 2354 State Route 434, Apalachin, New York.
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Note: All the information on our web page is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for legal or other professional advice. You should not rely on this basic information alone when buying real estate or hiring a contractor without first contacting an attorney.
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