Building Department

Projects that require a Building Permit

This list is not encompassing of every possible scenario that requires a permit. The following actions require a building permit.

1. Erecting, adding onto, relocating or, making structural changes to a building. This includes: an attached or detached accessory building such as a garage, carport, breezeway, a storage shed with a floor area over 144 square feet, a porch or steps; or permanently enclosing an existing porch.
2. Adding, moving, or taking away walls or partitions inside a structure
3. Converting or changing the use of a building or part of a building. This includes establishing a home occupation within a dwelling. Home Occupations require a Home Occupation Permit.
4. Changing a structure’s use or occupancy. For example, if you are changing a property from a 1- to a 2-family home.
5. Starting a home business in a residence, or changing how a commercial building is used.
6. Finishing a basement or part of a basement.
7. Installing fire stairs, cellar stairs, fire related enclosures or fire retarding cellar ceilings in multiple dwellings.
8. Installing a canopy or marquee; or installing a permanent cover or metal awning which extends over the street property line.
9. Installing a fuel tank, gasoline tank, and any other flammable liquid or gaseous tank, either above or below ground.
10. Installing an elevator, escalator or dumbwaiter.
11. Performing any major plumbing installations or repairs to waterlines.  Minor plumbing work such as fixing a clog or installing a new faucet does not require a permit.
12. Fixing any fire or related water damage
13. Installation of windows (only true replacement windows that leave existing frame and sash in place do not require a permit) Roof replacement that includes structural repairs and the replacement of any plywood

Permits are required to Install or replace any of the following:  

• Chimneys or smokestacks
• Alarm systems install a fire alarm system, sprinkler system or standpipe system.
• Heating units: furnace, wood-burning stove, fireplace, gas insert fireplace, water or oil, incinerator
• Solar panels 
• Generator
• Swimming pools: both in-ground and those that are 24” or higher above ground 
• Hot tubs, lap pools, wading pools, whirlpools
• Signage 

When is a Building Permit not required?

You do not need a building permit for:

1. Toolsheds and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.38 square meters);
2. Installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one- or two- family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
3. Installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground;
4. Construction of retaining walls unless such walls support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids;
5. Construction of temporary motion-picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery;
6. Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
7. Installation of partitions or movable cases less than five feet nine inches in height;
8. Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work;
9. Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;
10. Replacement of any equipment, provided the replacement does not alter the equipment’s listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment’s original specifications; or

• Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:
  • The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;
  • The removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
  • The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; or
  • The removal from service of all or part of a fire-protection system for any period of time.

The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building does not allow the work to be performed in violation of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code.

What documentation is required to obtain a Building Permit?

Applications for a building permit shall be made on the form provided by the Code Enforcement Officer. The application must be signed by the owner or an authorized agent of the property.  The application must include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination that the intended work complies with all applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code. The application must also include or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:

TWO (2) COPIES OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
“APPLICATION FOR BUILDING AND ZONING PERMIT” Form 1, Fill in all applicable parts of the application.

ZONING REVIEW:  Two (2) copies of a site plan that shows any existing buildings or structures and the proposed construction, the location of the intended work, and the distances (setbacks) between the buildings and structures and the lot lines.

Two (2) sets of construction drawings, drawn to scale which:

•     Define the scope of the proposed work;
• Are prepared by a New York State registered architect or licensed professional engineer where so required by the Education Law;
• Indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and extent of the work proposed;
• Substantiate that the proposed work will comply with the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.

PROOF OF INSURANCE: If the owner contracts out the work, the contractor is responsible for filing a certificate of Insurance with the Code Enforcement Official before a Building Permit is issued with the Village of Monticello listed as additionally insured. Certification on workmen’s compensation, liability and/or disability is required.