The Building Department is responsible for enforcing the New York Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Town Laws, Zoning Ordinance, and Design Criteria; along with conditions of approval from the Town, Planning, and Zoning Boards to ensure safety in all buildings and grounds.
Services to property owners and contractors for residential and commercial building projects:
- issuance of building, sign, and temporary recreation permits
- issuance of Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance for completed projects
- building code interpretation
- construction and electrical inspections
- plan review
- guidance and problem-solving
Property owner rights and responsibilities: Obtaining permits and inspections
Property owners have the right to develop or improve their property and structures in compliance with Town Code. Before beginning a project, property owners are legally responsible for obtaining building permits to:
- construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure
- install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical or plumbing system
- install a solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney, or flue in any dwelling unit (as regulated by New York State Building Codes)
If you fail to get a permit the Town can issue a “stop work” order until you do so. If the work you’ve done does not meet Town Code you will have to redo work to bring it up to Code at your expense.
You must also close the loop on permitted projects, ensuring all required inspections have been performed—including the final inspection—and that a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance has been issued by the Town of Penfield. Failure to do so will complicate future projects and delay insurance claims and real estate transactions.
Protect yourself!
Before making final payment to a contractor, confirm with the Building Department that all your inspections are complete and that a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance has been issued. Contact the Building Department to get copies of compliance documents for your personal records.
Permit Process Overview
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