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Permit FAQs

Why do I need a Permit?

To insure the work meets Code Compliance and is safe. Review of the plans and inspections will be done to be sure Code is met. Every permit must be closed with a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance for equipment.

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When is a permit required?

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When is a permit NOT requred?

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What information is needed for a permit?

Requirments for a Building Permit

  1. A survey of the land on which the proposed work is to be done.
  2. The Tax Map number and the street address where the work is to be performed.
  3. A statement of use or occupancy of the building or structure.
  4. The cost of the proposed work.
  5. The full name and address of the owner & applicant, the names and addresses of their responsible officers if any of them are corporations.
  6. A description of the proposed work.
  7. A duplicate set of plans and specifications.
  8. Contractors license from Putnam Co. for residential permits and contractors insurance. Homeowners doing the work themselves can pick up a workmen’s compensation form/affidavit from the office and have it notarized.
  9. Information that may be reasonably for the Building Inspector to establish compliance of the proposed work and other applicable building laws, ordinances and regulations.

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What inspections do I need?

Inspection requests must be made 24 hours in advance. Call our office at 845-225-3900. Please note that the Secretary schedules all inspections.
Other inspections not specifically noted shall be requested as required.
State Law requires you CALL BEFORE YOU DIG for any excavation. 800-962-7962 or 811

Normal Inspections

  1. Erosion and sedimentary control when required .
  2. Footing / formed / Rebar - work in position and before concrete is placed.
  3. Basement Floor Slab
  4. Foundation Block / Poured
  5. Foundation footing drains and /or water proofing before backfilling.
  6. Rough Framing
  7. Rough Plumbing & Heating – wet – air
  8. Fire Resistance Construction
  9. Fire Resistance Penetration
  10. Solid Fuel burning, heating appliances, Chimney Flue or Gas vents
  11. Insulation after all rough inspections and before drywall
  12. Sheetrock – screw inspection for Commercial only
  13. Fire Equipment
  14. Final inspection for Certificate of Occupancy for new construction or final inspection for all other permits. When alterations or additions requiring a permit occur, smoke detectors and a Carbon Monoxide detector shall be required and will be inspected at final/CO inspection.

Deck

  1. Pier/footing inspection before concrete.
  2. Framing inspection before decking
    (required only if deck is less than four feet above grade).
  3. Final inspection.

Pool (In ground)

  1. Rough Electrical / trench
  2. Rebar (in ground only) / grounding and bonding
  3. Final inspection which includes pool alarm, fence and access gate.

Pool (Above Ground) 24" or deeper

  1. Underground electric
  2. Final inspection which includes pool alarm, fencing if needed and access gate.

What will the Permit fee be?

The permit fee is contingent based upon the cost of construction. For the first $1000 or less of value, a standard $75 is charged; for each subsequent $1000, we charge $10 more. E.g. A permit would cost $75 for a project costing you $1000 or under, $85 for a $2000 project, $95 for a $3000 project, and so on so forth.

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How long will it take to get a Permit?

Under normal circumstances, please allow us 5 to 10 working days to process your application. Larger projects could require special services or an engineer’s review. Whenever the plans accompanying an application are for a structure which, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, is of complex design, the Building Inspector may, in his or her discretion, issue the permit subject to the condition that an architect and/or engineer whose qualifications are acceptable to the Building Inspector.

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Do I need a permit to build a fence?

A fence up to 6 feet in height does not require a permit as long as the fence is in the side and/or rear yard . Obstruction to vision at street intersections. At all street intersections, no obstructions to vision exceeding 30 inches in height above curb level shall be erected or maintained on any lot within the triangle formed by the street lines of such lot and a line drawn between points along such street lines 30 feet distant from their point of intersection.

Zoning Setback requirements

R10 – 10,000 Sq.Ft.15’ft. - Front, 8’ ft., Side, 20’ft. Rear - Lake Carmel area
R40 – 40,000 Sq.Ft.40’ft. – Front, 20’ft., Side, 50’ft. Rear
R80 – 80,000 Sq.Ft.40’ft. – Front, 20’ft., Side, 50’ft. Rear
Commercial – 15,000 Sq.Ft.30’ft. – Front, 10’ft., Side, 30’ft. Rear
IOC – 60,000 Sq.Ft.40’ft. – Front, 20’ft., Side, 40’ft. Rear

If you’re not sure what zone you live in please call 845-225-3900

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If I build or purchase a prefabricated shed do I need a permit?

Yes. You will have to supply a survey of your property with a proposed location of the shed.

A recent zoning interpretations has determined that any construction over 80 Sq. Ft. or larger, need to meet the setback and that would need a permit.

A shed larger than 600 sq. ft. made from light-weight construction materials or 400 sq. ft. and not light-weight construction; and eave height of 10 feet or less, will require a foundation.

A framing drawing shall be submitted (2 copies) or if the shed is prefabricated we need a copy of manufacturer’s literature. A zoning permit may be necessary to meet your property set backs. If you don’t meet your setback distance you could call the office and some can help you with that information.

All shed need to be anchored to the ground in at least four corners

Enclosures or sheds that are less than 80 Sq.Ft., that snap, clip or interlock together and aren’t held together with screws, bolts or nails do not require a permit.

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Do I need a permit to install a pool?

Yes, if the pool is more than 24” deep. If you don’t meet the zoning setback, a zoning application along with a survey plan showing location of the pool will be required.

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Do I need a permit to install a deck?

Yes. You may also need a zoning application and a survey plan showing the location of the deck. For further information please see Deck Requirements Link on our home page.

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Do I need a permit to replace my windows?

Yes. There are requirements for emergency egress from bedrooms.. Emergency Escape windows for bedrooms must have a Minimum opening area 5.7 sq.Ft. Minimum opening height 24” Minimum opening Width 20” inches not more than 44” in height from the floor.

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Do I need a permit for a pellet/wood/coal stove?

Yes -

A building permit must be taken out prior to installation of a solid fuel stove (wood, coal, pellet, etc). A copy of the manufacturer's specifications should be included with the permit application. These general guidelines may be used to install most stoves, new or used. If the stove is new, installation is in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions. Many new stoves have built in features that allow you to reduce the minimum clearance guidelines below. Please save these documents for our reference at the inspection time.

Without manufacturers instructions you should do the following:

  1. Wood stove must be installed into it's own flue. A flue serving another appliance such as a furnace may not be used. Flues must be properly sized.
  2. The stove should not have any cracks or broken parts which may make it unsafe to operate.
  3. The stove must be located on a non-combustible floor or an approved floor protection material shall be placed under the stove.
  4. Most stoves should be spaced out at least 36 inches away from any combustible material. If not, fire resistant materials, or heat shields, should be use to protect woodwork and other combustible surfaces. Check the manufacturer’s literature for clearances from combustibles


     
  5. Floor protection must extend out 6 to 12 inches from the sides and back of the stove, and 18 inches where the stove is loaded or cleaned out.
  6. Stovepipe of 22 or 24 gauge metal is used. The stovepipe diameter cannot be reduced between the stove and the chimney flue.
  7. A damper must be installed in the stovepipe near the stove unless one is built into the stove
  8. There is at least 18 inches between the top of the stovepipe and the ceiling or other combustible material. Check manufacturer’s literature for minimum clearances.
  9. The stovepipe slopes upward toward the chimney and enters the chimney higher than the outlet of the firebox.
  10. The stovepipe enters the chimney horizontally through a fireclay thimble that is higher than the outlet of the stove firebox.
  11. The stovepipe does not extend into the chimney flue lining.
  12. The inside thimble diameter is the same size as the stovepipe for a tight fit.
  13. A double-walled ventilated metal thimble is used where the stovepipe goes through the interior wall.
  14. An All Fuel metal chimney can be used where a masonry chimney is not available or practical. The assembly must be approved by an acceptable testing agency such as UL (Underwriters' Lab).
  15. The chimney is in good repair and the flue is not blocked.
  16. The chimney flue lining and the stove pipe are clean.

Other things to consider

If you are not sure of the chimney condition, have the chimney inspected by a reputable contractor.

In general, chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year. Just prior to the heating season is the most practical time. If the chimney is used for full-time heating, a second cleaning should be done midway through the heating season.

We suggest that you notify the company insuring your property. They may want a copy of the permit and inspection report.

Burnt product disposal procedures should be carefully followed. For instance, ashes should be put into a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The metal container should then be removed from the house to cool on a non-combustible surface.

Be sure you are burning the proper type fuel for your stove and that it is of good quality. Be sure the chimney extends to the proper height above the roof to insure a proper draft.

We recommend not operating a stove when it will be left unattended. Smoke detectors should be installed and their operation checked periodically.

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Do I need a permit to convert my basement to a spare room?

A permit is required to finish a basement. Some of the requirements are too difficult to explain here. Call us and an Inspector would be happy to help you.

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Do I need a permit to install a generator?

No. Not at this time

  • Generators must be installed no closer then 5’ ft. from opening (doors & windows)
  • Generators must be install no closer than 3’ft. from structures of combustible materials
  • Generators must be installed according to manufactures recommendations / requirements
  • Generators must be labeled at the meter and main electrical panels

Please read the following information on the safe installation of a generator.  

Standby electric generators can provide you an extra sense of security in view of New York unpredictable weather and the occasional resulting power outage. We understand that a generator can be a convenient source of power around your home or business. We only ask, for your sake and power company employees, that generators be properly installed and used safely. Even small, portable electric generators - if they’re used improperly - can threaten you safety and the safety of power company linemen working on the electrical system.

To protect yourself and your family, read and follow the safety instructions contained in every generator operations manual. Before purchasing a generator, please consider how you’ll be using it. That will help you ensure that you’re buying a generator that is correctly sized for the application you have in mind. Next, you’ll need to know how it should be installed, and where to safely operate it. Finally, you’ll want to read the summary of safety tips presented here to ensure the generator is correctly installed and used properly.

Portable generators

Portable, gasoline-driven generators are designed to be used with appliances with cords connected to them. They can be especially convenient to use in remote locations, such as camping sites or construction areas.

Lights, small appliances, etc. can be plugged directly into outlets on portable generators. In general, they are not designed to be connected to your home or any building wiring. Do not attempt to personally install these devices to your electrical panel. You should use a transfer switch and be installed by a license electrical technician, and inspected for your safety.

Fixed Generators

Large, fixed generators generally are directly connected to building wiring to provide standby power during emergencies and power outages. However, the wiring needs to be properly installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Properly installing a “permanent” generator is extremely dangerous, and not a “do it yourself” job.

If you plan to have this type of generator installed, you may need to obtain an electrical permit from electrical contractor.

“Back Feeding” - a dangerous condition

Improperly connecting a portable generator to electric wiring can produce “back feed” - a dangerous current that can electrocute or critically injure you or others. Back feed into power lines from a generator could create “hot” power lines during an outage. Linemen who expect the line to be de-energized could be injured.

One good way to avoid back feeding is to install a double-pole, double-throw transfer-switch gear. A qualified electrical contractor can install this transfer switch so that a dangerous back feed can be prevented.

“In accordance with the 2005 National Electric Code, paragraph 700-6; "Transfer equipment including automatic transfer switches, shall be automatic, identified for emergency use, and approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Transfer equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent the inadvertent interconnection of normal and emergency sources of supply in any operation of the transfer equipment. be designed and installed to prevent the inadvertent interconnection of normal and emergency sources of supply in an operation of the transfer equipment...."

The switch also will prevent utility power from damaging the generator when regular service is restored.

The dangers of carbon monoxide

When using a generator, be sure to locate it outside so poisonous carbon monoxide gas is exhausted. Never operate a generator in an enclosed building, especially in a building attached to a dwelling. Make certain, too, that the generator has enough air to breath and that it’s exhaust is vented properly. Fumes from burnt fuel can be deadly. Always insure proper ventilation, and air flow around the generator.

Generators and water don’t mix

Do not use a portable generator in a flooded basement. That could be a dangerous combination. In addition, make sure your hands are dry, that you’re standing in a dry place, and the generator is properly grounded whenever you operate your generator.

Using gasoline safely

Gasoline should only be stored in approved containers, and out of reach of children. It goes without saying that all flames or cigarettes should be extinguished when handling gasoline. Have a fully charged, approved extinguisher located near the generator, and never fuel a generator when the generator is running. Do not store fuel inside your house!

Here are some rules to follow to help assure that generators are installed and used safely:

  • Always check out the unit thoroughly each new season before you fire it up.
  • Never attempt to repair an electric generator, only a qualified serviceman should perform repairs.
  • Don’t remove or tamper with safety devices; they are there to protect you and your property.
  • Many engine parts are very hot during operation, severe burns may result if touched.
  • Keep children away from generators at all times.
  • Always properly disconnect from your utility service before starting your backup generator.
  • Don’t put your life at risk
  • Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience as long as you don’t take chances with your safety or the safety of others. Be sure to follow these safety guidelines so you don’t put yourself or the lives of others in danger.
  • Improper use or installation of an electric generator can cause property damage, serious injury and even death.

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Who is responsible for obtaining a permit?

The homeowner is responsible for obtaining the permit for any work requiring a permit on one and two family (owner occupied) houses or their authorized agent, accompanied by a written authorization signed by the property owner. All others will require a licensed contractor to perform the work.

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