FAQ - Department of Community Development

1. What are building permits required for?
2. Can a homeowner do his/her own plumbing work?
3. Can a homeowner do his/her own electrical work?
4. Does an above ground pool have to be enclosed by a fence?
5. Does an in-ground pool have to be enclosed by a fence?
6. What is the maximum height of a fence?
7. Does the good side of the fence have to face the neighbor?
8. Is a permit required to re-pave an existing driveway?
9. What are the requirements for stairs and handrails?

1.   What are building permits required for?

As per New York State law, building permits are required for work that must conform to the Uniform Building Codes, which includes: new residential, commercial and industrial buildings; additions to residential, commercial and industrial buildings; interior and exterior structural repairs; alterations, improvements and remodeling of existing structures; garages; carports; all sheds; roofing; siding; decks; porches; stairs; fences; swimming pools in which the water depth is two feet or greater; heating systems (new and replacement); hot tubs; fire suppression systems; fire alarm systems; solid fuel burning appliances; gas fired decorative appliances; parking lots; and demolition of all structures.

2.   Can a homeowner do his/her own plumbing work?

No.  Homeowners must use a licensed plumber.  Contact Community Development at 585-336-6026 for more information.

3.  Can a homeowner do his/her own electrical work?

Yes, with certain limitations.  Contact Community Development at 585-336-6026 for more information.  Electrical work must be inspected by a state-certified electrical inspection agency.

4.   Does an above ground pool have to be enclosed by a fence?

Yes, if any part of the pool wall is less than 48 inches high.  Any stair access to the pool must have a self-enclosing and latching gate of four feet in height or the ladder must be the type that can be locked in the upright position when the pool is not in use.

5.   Does an in-ground pool have to be enclosed by a fence?

Yes, a four-foot high fence is required around the pool area in compliance with New York State Code.

6.   What is the maximum height of a fence?

Residential: forty-two inches front; four-foot sides; six-foot rear, with restrictions.  Commercial fencing must be approved by the Planning Board through site plan review. [Town Code Section 235-69]

7.   Does the good side of the fence have to face the neighbor?

Yes.  The most finished side of a fence must face the adjoining property.

8.   Is a permit required to re-pave an existing driveway?

No, but a new driveway, or the widening of an existing driveway, may require approvals from the Department of Public Works.

9.   What are the requirements for stairs and handrails?

For one- and two-family homes, the minimum stair tread is 9 inches, and the maximum riser height is 8 ¼ inches.  The minimum stair width is 36 inches.  Handrails are required for stairs that have more than two risers; the minimum height is 34 inches and the maximum height is 38 inches, measured form the nosing of the stair tread.  Handrails and deck guards shall not have any openings between spindles/barristers greater than 4 inches.  Commercial and multi-family codes are different.

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