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 and whether it is in the
village or town. Some examples for common projects:
House: 1800 square feet with 400 square foot garage - $458
Addition: 200 square feet - $65
Deck: 200 square feet - $31
Fireplace or wood stove - $30
Swimming Pool, above ground - $35
Swimming Pool, in ground - $75
Shed, 100 square feet - $20
Pole Barn, 900 square feet - $115
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 (including replacement)
- Sheds & pole barns
- Fences
- Swimming pools over 24 inches deep
- Fireplaces, chimneys & alternative fuel heating devices
- Changes in the use of a building or land
- Electrical work
- Plumbing work
Why are building permits required?
The NYS legislature has declared that it shall be the public policy of the State
of New York 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, Town & Village of Marcellus laws contain 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 law.
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?
Town & Village of Marcellus regulations 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 $1,200 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 generally approved within a couple of days.
Can I get a copy of the building code or zoning law?
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
can be viewed online here. It can also be purchased from the
International Code Council.
Visit their Web site here
The Town & Village of Marcellus Zoning Laws are available from the Clerk's offices and can be
viewed online here: Town of Marcellus Zoning Law
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 Law 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?
Open burning is prohibited in the Village.
Burn permits are required in the Town 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.
For more information click here.
Do I really need a permit for a shed? Isn't that a movable structure?
Yes. A building permit is required by Town & Village of Marcellus regulations, which
regulate 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 NY 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, 24 East Main Street, Marcellus, NY 13108
Town of Marcellus Code Enforcement Office
Frequently Asked Questions