What should you know about permits?
A permit is a formal document authorizing commencement of some action or work on your home or property that is subject to Code regulations.
Why are permits issued?
Permits are issued to fulfill legal mandates, to protect the health and safety of the general public, and to ensure compliance with construction drawings, specifications, life safety codes, and generally accepted standards.
When is a permit required?
In the Village of Pleasantville, both state and local codes require that no person or organization shall begin to excavate, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, remodel or repair a structure, install any mechanical equipment or systems, such as plumbing, heating, electrical, elevator, fire suppression or detection system, without first having applied for and obtained a building permit. Also, special structures such as swimming pools, decks, signs, and fuel tanks also require permits.
What work can be done without a permit?
Interior and exterior painting or decoration, siding, roofing that does not require the replacing of structural members, or necessary repairs that do not involve material alteration of structural features. Examples of items not needing a permit would include: The replacement of broken window glass, repair of frozen water pipe and changing of an electrical fuse or the replacement of a broken or missing electrical receptacle do not require a building permit. When in doubt about the need for a permit, call 769-1926.
Note: Certain areas of the Village necessitate Architectural Review Board approval on work being done to the exterior of the building prior to commencement of work.
How much do permits cost?
Permits are subject to fees adopted by the Village Board and posted in the Building and Zoning Department and are based on the value of the work being done.
When are stamped plans and construction specifications required?
New York State Education Law requires stamped plans and specifications from a New York State licensed Architect or Professional Engineer for the construction of any commercial work; for the construction of new residential dwellings exceeding 1500 square feet in areas not including garages, carports, porches, cellars, or uninhabitable basements, or attics. Although stamped plans may in some instances be required, detailed plans and specifications are still required. For more information, please call the Building Department at 769-1926.
How long do I have to wait to obtain a permit?
Most permits take five (5) to seven (7) days. However, a plan review of a new residential dwelling may take approximately three (3) weeks. Commercial permits can take from one (1) week to a month to complete the review, depending on size and detail of plans.
How many copies of plans and specifications are required when applying for a building permit?
Three (3) copies of plans and specifications are required when applying for a building permit. One copy is kept in a master file within the Building Department, and one copy is returned to the applicant and kept available at the job site, the other is given to the Town of Mt. Pleasant Assessor. In addition to construction plans, a new residence requires three (3) copies of a proposed plot plan by a licensed Architect or Engineer. These are reviewed by the Building Department and Highway Department prior to issuance of permit. If a well or septic system is being installed, Board of Health approval is required prior to issuance of a permit.
Do I need any other approvals from other departments in the Village prior to the Building Department?
Large scale construction projects may also require approval from the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals, Engineering Department, Fire Department, New York State Department of Transportation, and West-chester County Department of Planning. For further information concerning zoning requirements, call 769-1926.
What if I have additional questions concerning permits or code regulations?
For additional information concerning permit or code regulations, please call the Building Department at 769-1926. The Building Department is located at 80 Wheeler Avenue. Office hours are from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Are inspections required after the permit is issued?
Yes, construction inspections are required during the various phases of construction.
What happens if I start work without first obtaining a permit?
You will not be able to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. The law provides that a Stop Work Order must be issued and fines may be imposed.
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