How long is a building permit good for?
Most building permits are valid for one year and may be extended for an additional
year upon receipt of updated contractor insurance certificates and the extension fee.
Swimming pool permits are generally valid for 3 months.
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What does a permit cost?
The cost of a building permit varies by the project type and size.
Some examples for common projects:
House: 1800 square feet with 400 square foot garage - $414
Addition: 200 square feet - $61
Deck: 200 square feet - $35
Fireplace or wood stove - $25
Swimming Pool, above ground - $35
Swimming Pool, in ground - $65
Shed, 100 square feet - $15
Shed, 200 square feet - $25
Pole Barn, 900 square feet - $105
Fees shown do not include the cost of electrical or plumbing or other permits
that may be applicable to the project.
What projects require building permits?
Projects requiring a permit include but are not limited to:
Any new building
Additions to existing buildings
Structural changes or repairs to existing buildings
Decks & porches
Sheds & pole barns
Fences
Swimming pools over 24 inches deep
Fireplaces, chimneys & alternative fuel heating devices
Change in use of a building or land
Electrical Work
Plumbing Systems
Why are building permits required?
The legislature declares that it shall be the public policy of the State of NY
to provide for the promulgation of a uniform code addressing building
construction and fire prevention in order to provide a basic minimum
level of protection to all people of the state from hazards of fire and
inadequate building construction. The building permit process includes
plan review and building inspections to make certain that your project
complies with the building code and all applicable regulations.
Also, the Town of Marcellus Zoning Ordinance contains requirements for
building construction such as the maximum size of accessory structures depending
upon what zone they are in and also limits how close a structure can be to a
property line. The building permit process helps to make certain that your
project will comply with the Zoning Ordinance.
What do I need to bring in when I apply for a permit?
What if I don't get a permit when one is required?
The Town of Marcellus Zoning Ordinance and the New York State Uniform
Fire Prevention and Building Code both contain requirements for building
permits. The penalty for violating the Town of Marcellus Zoning Ordinance
are fines up to $750 and 15 days imprisonment. The penalty for
violating the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code is
a fine not to exceed $1,000 per day and imprisonment for up to one year.
How long does it take for a permit application to be approved?
Once all of the items required to be submitted with the application have been
received permits are approved within ten days.
Can I get a copy of the building code or zoning ordinance?
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code can
generally be viewed at a public library. It can also be purchased from the
International Code Council.
Visit their Web site
The Town of Marcellus Zoning Ordinance is available from the Town Clerk.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy and a Certificate of Compliance?
A certificate of Occupancy or C/O is a written statement from the Code Enforcement
Officer or other properly authorized person that the construction or use proposed
under the same numbered permit, is complete and complies with the existing
regulations of the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code. A C/O must be issued
before the structure can be occupied or used. A Certificate of Compliance or C/C
is the same except it is issued on projects like wood stoves and fences.
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How deep do post holes have to be for a deck?
Post holes must be 42 inches deep and must be inspected before filling. Decks may
be built floating, without post holes, but then cross framing is required at all posts
and the deck can not be attached to the house.
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Am I allowed to burn brush, leaves or garbage?
Burn permits are required for any outdoor fires other than small cooking or camp fires.
Bon fires require a burn permit. No trash or garbage may be burned in the town.
Also, leaves are not allowed to be burned in closely populated areas.
Burn permits are free and may be obtained at the Town Clerk's office.
Do I really need a permit for a shed? Isn't that a movable structure?
Yes, a building permit is required by the Town of Marcellus Zoning Ordinance, which
regulates the location and maximum size of sheds. We also want to ensure that the
structure is built to code, taking such things into account as roof snow load.
If the shed was designed in South Carolina (some kits are) it may not be rated
for the snow loads we get here in CNY.
Do I need a building permit to replace an existing structure like a porch?
Yes, the State building code requires a permit to ensure the structure is built to code.
Are building inspections required?
Yes, anywhere from one to a dozen inspections are required depending
on the project.
Town of Marcellus Code Enforcement Office
Town of Marcellus, 24 East Main Street, Marcellus, NY 13108
