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Office Information

Code Enforcement Officers

Secretary

Tel: (607) 562–8443
Fax: (607) 562–7063
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Introduction

The Department of Building Inspections and Code Enforcement is responsible to ensure compliance with state and local building and fire codes, and to assist persons interested in developing and improving residential and commercial properties in the Town of Big Flats. Our staff is dedicated to serving the community and its residents through plan review and inspection services.

Swimming Pools

Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs: due to the safety issues surrounding these installations, building permits are required prior to installation. Please contact the building department for specific codes to ensure your family’s safety.

The current swimming pool requirements are available in PDF form. Please click on the link below to access the file.

Swimming Pool Requirements

Can’t find an answer to your question on this site? Call us at (607) 562–8443 x205 or email us. We’ll be glad to help.

Town of Big Flats - Municipal Code

The Town of Big Flats Municipal Code is available in PDF format. To access the document please click on the link below.

Municipal Code

Citizen Complaints

As citizens of the Town of Big Flats, we all have the right to enjoyment of our own properties. Some may not be aware that New York State has adopted a property maintenance code requiring that all properties be reasonably maintained both the interior and exterior of the structure. This also includes the area of property surrounding the structure. The Town of Big Flats has adopted these codes and is actively enforcing them. It is our responsibility to respect our neighbors’ right to enjoyment of their property.

Town citizens may be proactive in assisting with violations to this code by completing a Citizen Complaint Form. We will then investigate, determine whether the violation exists and is enforceable, and act upon it accordingly.

Please contact our office with any further questions.

Citizen Complaint Form

Amanda’s Law

At its meeting held on December 16, 2009, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council determined that adopting this rule on an emergency basis was required in order to comply with legislation, Amanda’s Law, which will go into effect on February 22, 2010, and to preserve public safety by clarifying requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

This rule has been adopted as an emergency rule, effective as of February 22, 2010 – the text is below. The following link provides background on the legislation.

Amanda’s Law

Simple Flow Chart - Building permit

Before starting the permit process it may help to see a simple overview of the process. Please click the link below to see the flowchart. This is a simple view so with that in mind please call with specific questions.

Building Permit Overview

WC/DB Exemptions

For Contractors

The old form, WC/DB-100, for exemption from workers’ compensation and/or disability benefits insurance was retired from use on December 1, 2008. Instead, Form CE-200, which replaces Form WC/DB-100, must be used for applicants seeking exemptions starting on December 1, 2008.

Form CE-200 reflects a new process for granting exemptions from workers’ compensation and disability benefits insurance coverage requirements. Historically, the WC/DB-100 exemption forms were valid for multiple permits, licenses or contracts where the applicant applied, had to be notarized, and had to be stamped by the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board.

Request for WC/DB Exemption (Form CE-200)

The link listed below belongs to the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board and takes you to the online version of the CE-200 form. Please read the instructions carefully. By accessing the application online you will be able to complete the application and print the certificate immediately. Please bring the completed, numbered certificate with you to the Big Flats Code Department.

On-line Application, Form CE-200

For Homeowners

All building permits require proof of Workers Comp Insurance. The BP-1 Form is a waiver for 1,2,3,or 4 Family Owner -Occupied Residences. Please read the form to see if this applies to you and your project. This form must be signed and notarized before a building permit will be issued.

Form BP-1

Applying for a Building Permit

Building permits are issued Monday - Friday, 8–10am or by appointment only. No building permits will be issued prior to all required documents having been received and reviewed by the Code Enforcement office.

What to bring

1. A detailed site plan with the following:
   • survey map or scaled drawing of the property location of project on the site
   • show distances from project to boundary lines
   • show dimensions of project
2. Structural drawings
   • Cross-section or elevation sketch with dimensions
   • sizes of structural lumber
   • show spans of structural lumber
3. Completed Building Permit Application
   Click here for electronic application
4. Building Permit Checklist
   Click here for checklist
5. Payment:
   • Payment is required prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. Payment may be made in cash or by check.

Timeline

Depending on the size of your project, a permit may be available the same day if the proper documentation is available. Larger projects may take longer to review and process.

Operating Permit

An operating permit is required for all new businesses in the Town. Please click on the link below for the form. Please fill out and return to the Code Department for review. Please call us if you have any questions.

Big Flats Operating Permit

Inspections

Inspections are required to ensure that projects are built following all applicable building and codes laws and standards. There are several inspections required throughout a construction project.

When your project is ready for an inspection, please call 24 hours in advance of the inspection.

When you call for an inspection, have the type of permit, the address of the inspection, and the floor of the structure or business name information available. If you are making a complaint, have the address and type of construction related activity observed.

The Types of inspections are:

• Pre-site inspections
• Excavation inspections
• Footer and foundation inspections
• Concrete before pouring
• Structural
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Insulation
• Fire safety
• HVAC
• Final Inspection for Certificate of Occupancy

Your project may require any of these inspections throughout the building process. If you are unsure which inspections you need, contact the Building and Planning Department at (607) 562–8443 x205 or email us.

Inspections may be conducted in full or in part.

Certificate of Occupancy Checklist

The Code Department has made a Certificate of Occupancy checklist available for commercial accounts. Please use the link below.

Checklist for Certificate of Occupancy (commercial accounts)

Open Burning Ban

A ban on backyard burn barrels will take effect October 14, 2009. After a year of investigations and public hearings held across the state, the state Department of Conservation has mandated a ban on open burning to reduce harmful air pollutants and prevent wildfires in New York state. Under the new regulations, open burning of residential waste will be prohibited in all communities statewide, bringing an end to the sight of backyard burning barrels. Once considered harmless, recent studies have demonstrated that open burning releases substantial amounts of dangerous chemicals into the air. The studies found burning trash emits arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, lead and hydrogen cyanide. Since 1972, with the exception of villages and cities, the DEC allowed burn barrels in towns with populations of less than 20,000. Under the new regulations, such burning will cease with the exception of the burning of tree limbs and brush between May 15 and the following March 15 in any town with a population of less than 20,000. Of particular importance to the farming community, it also allows on-site burning of organic agricultural wastes but prohibits burning of pesticides, plastics or other non-organic materials. The ban on non-organic materials focuses on the disposal of plastic bags containing fertilizers and pesticides used in farming and the plastic covers placed on rolled bales of hay stored in open fields. The farmers have to dispose of these items using methods that will not pollute the environment. Allowed open fires include: Barbecue grills, maple sugar arches and similar outdoor cooking devises; Small cooking and camp fires; Liquid petroleum fueled smudge pots to prevent frost damage to crops; Ceremonial or celebration bonfires; Disposal of a flag or a religious item; Emergency burning by police of explosives or other dangerous material or contraband; Prescribed burning performed according to state regulations; Fire training with some restrictions on the use of acquired structures.

Part 215- Open Burning Ban

Link to DEC Website

Zoning Districts

Zoning laws are in effect in the Town of Big Flats. The Town of Big Flats is divided into the following districts:

RU (rural):

R1 (residential 1):

R2 (residential 2):

TC (Town center):

BN (business neighborhood):

BN (business neighborhood 2):

BNR (business Non-Retail):

BR (business Regional):

ABD (airport business development):

CL (commercial light industrial):

I (industrial):

C (conservation):

Zoning Applications

Permit Application

If you need a Zoning permit please click on the link below.
Zoning Permit Application

Variance Application

If you need a Variance Application please click on the link below.
Zoning Variance Application

Building Code Design Criteria

Residential Building Code Design Criteria
TABLE R301.2(1)
CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

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