Building permits shall be required as prescribed under Village Law 76-11. The Code Enforcement Officer is available to discuss any planned projects and review what permits/approvals may be required. The following is a list of common projects for which a building permit is required:
Building permits may be obtained by presenting to the Code Enforcement Office a current survey of the land on which the proposed work is to be done, a statement of the use or occupancy of all parts of the land and buildings, a brief description of the proposed work along with an accurate job proposal, a set of project construction plans, the full name and address of the property owner/applicant, proof of workers compensation (see below) and a statement that the work shall be performed in compliance with the Uniform Code, applicable state/local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. Permit fees may be based on total construction costs and other factors.
A fillable online version of the building permit application is available here:
https://www.villageofskaneateles.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments...
Fees
For information on fees please contact the codes office, (315) 685-2118.
Change of Tenant in Existing Commercial Building
A tenant change in an existing building necessitates the owner, property manager or prospective tenant to contact the Code Enforcement Office to determine what may be required with regard to a building permit. At a minimum a Fire Safety inspection is required before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued.
Proof of Workers Compensation
Please note that ACORD forms are NOT acceptable proof of New York State workers’ compensation. Under Workers’ compensation law (WCL) Section 57, businesses requesting permits, licenses or seeking to enter into contracts must provide ONE of the following forms to the entity issuing the permit or entering into a contract. The following are acceptable forms:
If there are no employees the contractor can complete the CE-200 “Certificate of Attestation For New York entities With No Employees And Certain Out Of State Entities, that New York state Workers’ Compensation And/Or Disability Benefits Insurance Coverage Is Not Required”. The new form CE-200 will be valid for a single building permit only. Form CE-200 can be filled out electronically on the Board’s website, under the heading “Forms.” Applications filing electronically are able to print a finished Form CE-200 immediately upon, completion of the electronic application. Applicants without access to a computer may obtain a paper application for the CE-200 by writing or visiting the Customer Service Center at any District Office of the Workers’ Compensation Board.
If the homeowner is performing the work they may complete form BP-1 (9-07) which can be located below under our Forms and is titled “BP-1 09 2007 Affidavit of Exemption Homeowners”. The signature on this form must be witnessed by a Notary Public. See "supporting documents" section, below.
Submit Your Application Early
Spring is our busiest time of year at the code enforcement office. For this reason, we recommend that you take advantage of the slower winter months to submit your permit applications (even if you don’t plan to begin work until the spring or summer).
Work in a Flood Plain
If you live in the 100-Year Flood Zone, a Flood Plain Development Permit must be applied for along with your Building Permit for ANY work. In some cases, a Flood Plain Permit must be obtained for work that does not require a Building Permit (such as painting, grading, etc.). 2016 FEMA Flood Plain Maps can be found here:
If you have been notified that your property is now located in a Floodplain as a result of the 2016 map updates, you may file for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) if you believe your property was incorrectly included. The FEMA Letter of Map Change Application requires a Community Acknowledgement Form to be completed by the COE once the application has been certified by a licensed land surveyor, registered professional engineer, or architect. Please visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal for more information.
Stormwater Permit and Regulated Construction Activities
During any construction if you will be disturbing 1 or more acres, please visit the following websites for more information about the requirements of the Phase II Stormwater Permit Program and Regulated Construction Activities:
CNY Regional Planning & Development Board
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
US Environmental Protection Agency
Asbestos
Click here for important information regarding Asbestos.
Building Inspections
Building inspections are conducted during construction to ensure compliance with all codes and laws. An inspection is required upon completion of each stage of construction, including but not limited to:
It is the responsibility of the owner, applicant, or their agent to inform the Code Enforcement Officer that the work is ready for inspection and to schedule the inspection.
Pools
Pools (in ground or above ground / temporary or permanent) that are 24 or more inches deep require a building permit. NYS law requires the pool to have a barrier around it.
NYS law requires that the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the Uniform Code) provide that any “residential or commercial swimming pool constructed or substantially modified after the effective date of this paragraph (December 14, 2006) shall be equipped with an acceptable pool alarm capable of detecting a child entering the water and of giving an audible alarm.” The alarm must meet the Safety and Performance Requirements of the ASTM International Pool Alarm Standard F 2208.
Fire/Life Safety Inspections
All commercial and multiple residential buildings require periodic fire/life safety inspections for compliance with the Building Code of New York State. Annual inspections are conducted on all commercial buildings and places of public assembly, and periodic inspections are conducted on all multiple residences. Occupied dwelling units may be inspected at the invitation of the occupant or where conditions on the premises threaten or present a hazard to public health, safety, or welfare.
Lead Paint
New EPA rules require more care around lead paint. Click here for important information regarding renovations and lead paint for the homeowner and contractor.
Open Burning and Recreational Fires
New York State DEC has regulations regarding open burning and recreational fires: Click here for more information from the DEC website. Our code enforcement office is happy to answer any questions regarding New York State fire code. Please call us at (315) 685-2118 or email us at codes@villageofskaneateles.com.
Hiring Contractors
The Office of the Attorney General provides New Yorkers information to help them make informed decisions when it comes to hiring a home improvement contractor. Click here for more information from the New York State Attorney General's website.
codes_policy_doc_final.pdf (160 KB) zba_application.pdf (312 KB) acknowlegement_of_determinations.pdf (190 KB) zba_application_pgs.pdf (312 KB) 
