Town of Owego

2354 NY State Route 434

Apalachin, NY 13732
 
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.
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.

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. Building permits shall become invalid unless the authorized work is commenced within six months following the date of issuance. A building permit which has become invalid or which has expired pursuant can be renewed for an additional six month period at a cost of ˝ the original permit fee upon application by the permit holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by code enforcement personnel.

1) Building permits for the following shall expire six (6) months after the date of issuance:

a. Installation of any solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit.

b. Installation of a swimming pool.

c. Demolition of any structure.

2) All other building permits shall expire eighteen (18) months after the date of issuance.


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
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.
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.
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
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.

Marty Vasick

373 Ashley Road

Maine, NY 13802

607-862-4559

  

Atlantic-Inland Inc.

997 McLean Road

Cortland, NY 13045

607-753-7118

 

Atlantic-Inland Inc.

Donald Barber, Electrical Inspector

607-849-3975

 

Atlantic-Inland Inc.

John Rudy, Electrical Inspector

607-669-4380

 

David Kerr, Jr., Electrical Inspector

Tri-State Inspection Agency

RR#1 Box 1127 Valley Road

Friendsville, PA 18818

570-553-2615
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.

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.

Privacy & Disclaimer

Website hosted & maintained by Computer Emergency Room