A. 
Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, no person or entity shall commence any work which must comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code without having applied for and obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
B. 
Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories:
(1) 
Construction or installation of one-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool 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 the 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
(11) 
Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:
(a) 
The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;
(b) 
The removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
(c) 
The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; or
(d) 
The removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system for any period of time.
C. 
Exemption not deemed authorization to perform noncompliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in Subsection B of this section shall not be deemed an authorization for work to be performed in violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or the City of Geneva's Municipal Code.
D. 
Applications for building permits. Applications for a building permit shall be made in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. The application shall be signed by the owner of the property where the work is to be performed or an authorized agent of the owner. The application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that the intended work complies with all applicable requirements of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and City of Geneva's Municipal Code. The application shall include or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:
(1) 
A description of the proposed work;
(2) 
The tax map number and the street address of the premises where the work is to be performed;
(3) 
The occupancy classification of any affected building or structure;
(4) 
Where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and
(5) 
At least two sets of construction documents (drawings and/or specifications) which:
(a) 
Define the scope of the proposed work;
(b) 
Are prepared by a New York State-registered architect or licensed professional engineer where so required by the Education Law;
(c) 
Indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and extent of the work proposed;
(d) 
Substantiate that the proposed work will comply with the Uniform Code and the Energy Code; and
(e) 
Where applicable, include a site plan that shows any existing and proposed buildings and structures on the site, the location of any existing or proposed well or septic system, the location of the intended work, and the distances between the buildings and structures and the lot lines.
E. 
Construction documents. Construction documents will not be accepted as part of an application for a building permit unless they satisfy the requirements set forth in Subsection D(5) of this section. Construction documents which are accepted as part of the application for a building permit shall be marked as accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer in writing or by stamp. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Code Enforcement Officer, and one set of the accepted construction documents shall be returned to the applicant to be kept at the work site so as to be available for use by the code enforcement personnel. However, the return of a set of accepted construction documents to the applicant shall not be construed as authorization to commence work, nor as an indication that a building permit will be issued. Work shall not be commenced until and unless a building permit is issued.
F. 
Issuance of building permits. An application for a building permit shall be examined to ascertain whether the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a building permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
G. 
Building permits to be displayed. Building permits shall be visibly displayed at the work site and shall remain visible until the authorized work has been completed.
H. 
Work to be in accordance with construction documents. All work shall be performed in accordance with the construction documents which were submitted with and accepted as part of the application for the building permit. The building permit shall contain such a directive. The permit holder shall immediately notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any change occurring during the course of the work. The building permit shall contain such a directive. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that such change warrants a new or amended building permit, such change shall not be made until and unless a new or amended building permit reflecting such change is issued.
I. 
Time limits. Building permits shall become invalid unless the authorized work is commenced within six months following the date of issuance. Building permits shall expire 12 months after the date of issuance. A building permit which has become invalid or which has expired pursuant to this subsection may be renewed upon application by the permit holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
J. 
Revocation or suspension of building permits. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a building permit was issued in error because of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or that the work for which a building permit was issued violates the Uniform Code or the Energy Code, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke the building permit or suspend the building permit until such time as the permit holder demonstrates that:
(1) 
All work then completed is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code; and
(2) 
All work then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
K. 
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a building permit, for an amended building permit, or for renewal of a building permit.
A. 
Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The permit holder shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in Subsection B of this section is ready for inspection.
B. 
Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of the construction process shall be inspected made, where applicable:
(1) 
Work site prior to the issuance of a building permit;
(2) 
Footing and foundation;
(3) 
Preparation for concrete slab;
(4) 
Framing;
(5) 
Building systems, including underground and rough-in;
(6) 
Fire-resistant construction;
(7) 
Fire-resistant penetrations;
(8) 
Solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues or gas vents;
(9) 
Energy Code compliance; and
(10) 
A final inspection after all work authorized by the building permit has been completed.
C. 
Inspection results. After inspection, the work or a portion thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or the permit holder shall be notified as to where the work fails to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code. Work not in compliance with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code shall remain exposed until such work shall have been brought into compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code, reinspected, and found satisfactory as completed.
D. 
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed pursuant to this section.
A. 
Operation permits required. Operating permits shall be required for conducting the activities or types of use or occupancy classification listed below:
(1) 
Manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in Tables 2703.1.1(1), 2703.1.1(2), 2703.1.1(3) or 2703.1.1(4) in the publication entitled "Fire Code of New York State" and incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR section 1225.1;
(2) 
Hazardous processes and activities, including but not limited to, commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible dust as a by-product, fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling;
(3) 
Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;
(4) 
Buildings containing rental dwelling unit(s);
(a) 
Exemption. Operating permits are not required for rental dwelling units located within detached one- and two-family dwellings as well as multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses).
(5) 
Buildings containing one or more areas of public assembly with an occupant load of 100 persons or more; and
(6) 
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by resolution adopted by the City Council of this City.
B. 
Responsibility. The owner of any building where it is proposed to undertake any activity or to operate any type of use or occupancy listed in Subsection A shall be required to obtain an operating permit prior to commencing such activity or operation.
C. 
Applications for operating permits. An application for an operating permit shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. Such application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials, and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that tests or reports are necessary to verify conformance, such tests or reports shall be performed or provided by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the applicant.
D. 
Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the subject premises to ensure compliance with the Uniform Code, Energy Code, this chapter, or any other local law or regulation prior to the issuance of an operating permit.
E. 
Multiple activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in Subsection A of this section is to be conducted at a location, the Code Enforcement Officer may require a separate operating permit for each such activity, or the Code Enforcement Officer may, in his or her discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities.
F. 
Duration of operating permits. Operating permits shall be issued for such period of time, not to exceed one year in the case of any operating permit issued for an area of public assembly and not to exceed three years in any other case, as shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be consistent with local conditions. The effective period of each operating permit shall be specified in the operating permit. An operating permit may be reissued or renewed upon application to the Code Enforcement Officer, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of such application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
G. 
Revocation or suspension of operating permits. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that any activity or building for which an operating permit was issued does not comply with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, Energy Code, this chapter, or any other local law or regulation, such operating permit shall be revoked or suspended.
H. 
Operating permits revoked due to real property transfer. Operating permits shall be revoked upon transfer of title of real property to a new owner. The new owner shall apply for a new operating permit that shall be issued in the new owner's name and shall document that such property is in conformance to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, Energy Code, this chapter, or any other local law or regulation. If violation(s) exist, the new owner shall submit a written corrective action plan to the Code Enforcement Officer for review and approval.
I. 
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth of this chapter must be paid at the time submission of an application for an operating permit, for an amended operating permit, or for reissue or renewal of an operating permit.