Village of Pittsford, NY Fire Prevention and Building Construction Administration

To receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for building permits, certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance, temporary certificates and operating permits, and the plans, specifications and construction documents submitted with such applications;

Upon approval of such applications, to issue building permits, certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance, temporary certificates and operating permits, and to include in building permits, certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance, temporary certificates and operating permits such terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate;

To conduct construction inspections, inspections to be made prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance, temporary certificates and operating permits, firesafety and property maintenance inspections, inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints, and all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this chapter;

To issue stop-work orders;

To review and investigate complaints;

To issue orders pursuant to § 105-15A, Compliance orders, of this chapter;

To maintain records;

To collect fees as set by the Board of Trustees of this Village;

To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;

(10)

In consultation with this Village's attorney, to pursue such legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, NYStretch, and this chapter, or to abate or correct conditions not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, NYStretch, or this chapter; and

(11)

To exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.

The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Code Enforcement Officer shall possess background experience related to building construction or fire prevention and shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training and other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for any reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as Acting Code Enforcement Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of his or her appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.

One or more inspectors may be appointed by the Board of Trustees to act under the supervision and direction of the Code Enforcement Officer and to assist the Code Enforcement Officer in the exercise of the powers and fulfillment of the duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter. Each inspector shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training and other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and each inspector shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

§ 105-4 Building permits.

Building permits required. A building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and/or NYStretch, including but not limited to the occupancy, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning or gas-fired heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

Exemption not deemed authorization to perform noncompliant work. Any work for which a building permit is not required shall not be performed in violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or NYStretch.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

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 by 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 NYStretch. The application shall include or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:

[Amended 4-9-2013 by L.L. No. 1-2013; 7-22-2014 by L.L. No. 10-2014; 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

A description of the proposed work;

The Tax Map number and the street address of the premises where the work is to be performed;

The occupancy classification of any affected building or structure;

Where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and

Certificates of insurance.

(a)

Said certificates shall provide:

[1]

Proof duly subscribed that workers' compensation insurance and disability benefits coverage issued by an insurance carrier in a form satisfactory to the Chair of the Workers' Compensation Board as provided for in § 57 of the Workers' Compensation Law is effective; or

[2]

An affidavit that such permit application has not engaged an employer or any employees, as those terms are defined in § 2 of the Workers' Compensation Law, to perform work relating to such building permit;

[3]

A copy of a certificate of liability insurance naming the Village of Pittsford as an "additional insured on a primary and noncontributory basis." (These words must be included on the certificate.) It must reflect a $1,000,000 single limit of liability for bodily injury and property damage;

[4]

When an owner who occupies the premises where a building permit is required to execute the specific work detailed in the building permit, said owner shall complete the "Affidavit of Exemption to Show Specific Proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage for a 1, 2, 3 or 4 Family, Owner-occupied Residence." This affidavit will be notarized and the owner-occupant will produce the documents required therein.

(b)

These certificates must be current and on file in the office of the Village Clerk prior to construction.

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, the Energy Code and NYStretch; 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.

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.

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, the Energy Code and NYStretch. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a building permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code, Energy Code and NYStretch.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

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.

Work to be performed 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.

Time limits. Building permits shall become invalid unless the authorized work is commenced within six months following 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.

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, the Energy Code or NYStretch, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke the building permit or suspend the building permit until such time as the permit holder demonstrates that all work then completed is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and NYStretch and all work then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of Uniform Code, the Energy Code and NYStretch.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 105-16, Fees, 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.

§ 105-5 Construction inspections.

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.

Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of the construction process shall be inspected, where applicable:

Work site prior to the issuance of a building permit;

Footing and foundation;

Preparation for concrete slab;

Framing;

Building systems, including underground and rough-in;

Fire-resistant construction;

Fire-resistant penetrations;

Solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues or gas vents;

Energy Code compliance; and

(10)

A final inspection after all work authorized by the building permit has been completed.

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, the Energy Code or NYStretch. Work not in compliance with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or NYStretch shall remain exposed until such work shall have been brought into compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and NYStretch, reinspected, and found satisfactory as completed.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 105-16, Fees, of this chapter must be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed pursuant to this section.

§ 105-6 Stop-work orders.

Authority to issue. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to issue stop-work orders pursuant to this section. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a stop-work order to halt:

Any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or NYStretch, without regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a building permit is required, and without regard to whether a building permit has or has not been issued for such work; or

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

Any work that is being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe manner in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, without regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a building permit is required, and without regard to whether a building permit has or has not been issued for such work; or

Any work for which a building permit is required which is being performed without the required building permit, or under a building permit that has become invalid, has expired, or has been suspended or revoked.

Content of stop-work orders. Stop-work orders shall be in writing, be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer, state the reason or reasons for issuance, and if applicable, state the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted to resume.

Service of stop-work orders. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the stop-work order, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property (and, if the owner is not the permit holder, on the permit holder) personally or by certified mail. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the stop-work order, or a copy thereof, to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other person taking part or assisting in work affected by the stop-work order, personally or by certified mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the stop-work order.

Effect of stop-work order. Upon the issuance of a stop-work order, the owner of the affected property, the permit holder and any other person performing, taking part in or assisting in the work shall immediately cease all work which is the subject of the stop-work order.

Remedy not exclusive. The issuance of a stop-work order shall not be the exclusive remedy available to address any event described in Subsection A of this section, and the authority to issue a stop-work order shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the right and authority to pursue any other remedy or impose any other penalty under § 105-15, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this chapter or under any other applicable local law or state law. Any such other remedy or penalty may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, at the time of, or after the issuance of a stop-work order.

§ 105-7 Certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance.

Certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance required. A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance shall be required for any work which is the subject of a building permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof, which are converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another. Permission to use or occupy a building or structure, or portion thereof, for which a building permit was previously issued shall be granted only by issuance of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance.

Issuance of certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance if the work which was the subject of the building permit was completed in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and NYStretch and, if applicable, the structure, building or portion thereof that was converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another complies with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and NYStretch. The Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the building, structure or work prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance. In addition, where applicable, the following documents, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the applicant for the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance, shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance:

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

A written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of special inspections; and

Flood hazard certifications.

Contents of certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance. A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance shall contain the following information:

The building permit number, if any;

The date of issuance of the building permit, if any;

The name, address and Tax Map number of the property;

If the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance is issued;

The use and occupancy classification of the structure;

The type of construction of the structure;

The assembly occupant load of the structure, if any;

If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation as to whether the sprinkler system is required;

Any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the building permit; and

(10)

The signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance and the date of issuance.

Temporary certificate. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to issue a temporary certificate allowing the temporary occupancy of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, prior to completion of the work which is the subject of a building permit. However, in no event shall the Code Enforcement Officer issue a temporary certificate unless the Code Enforcement Officer determines that the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the temporary certificate, may be occupied safely, that any fire- and smoke-detecting or fire protection equipment which has been installed is operational, and that all required means of egress from the building or structure have been provided. The Code Enforcement Officer may include in a temporary certificate such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure safety or to further the purposes and intent of the Uniform Code. A temporary certificate shall be effective for a period of time, not to exceed six months, which shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer and specified in the temporary certificate. During the specified period of effectiveness of the temporary certificate, the permit holder shall undertake to bring the building or structure into full compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and NYStretch.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance or a temporary certificate was issued in error because of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, and if the relevant deficiencies are not corrected to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer within such period of time as shall be specified by the Code Enforcement Officer, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke or suspend such certificate.

Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 105-16, Fees, of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance or for a temporary certificate.

§ 105-8 Notification regarding fire or explosion.

The chief of any fire department providing fire-fighting services for a property within this Village shall promptly notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any fire or explosion involving any structural damage, fuel-burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.

§ 105-9 Unsafe buildings and structures.

Unsafe structures and equipment in this Village shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by Chapter 80 of the Code of the Village of Pittsford, as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time.

§ 105-10 Operating permits.

Operating permits required.

Operating permits shall be required for conducting the activities or using the categories of buildings listed below:

(a)

Manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in Table 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 1225.1;

(b)

Hazardous processes and activities, including but not limited to commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible dust as a byproduct, fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling;

(c)

Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;

(d)

Buildings containing one or more areas of public assembly with an occupant load of 100 persons or more; and

(e)

Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees of this Village.

Any person who proposes to undertake any activity or to operate any type of building listed in this Subsection A shall be required to obtain an operating permit prior to commencing such activity or operation.

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. 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.

Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the subject premises prior to the issuance of an operating permit.

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.

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.

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, such operating permit shall be revoked or suspended.

Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 105-16, Fees, of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for an operating permit, for an amended operating permit, or for reissue or renewal of an operating permit.

§ 105-11 Firesafety and property maintenance inspections.

Inspections required. Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings and structures shall be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at the following intervals:

Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures which contain an area of public assembly shall be performed at least once every 12 months.

Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures being occupied as dormitories shall be performed at least once every 12 months.

Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of all multiple dwellings not included in Subsection A(1) and (2), and all nonresidential buildings, structures, uses and occupancies not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) shall be performed at least once every 36 months.

Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by Subsection A of this section, a firesafety and property maintenance inspection of any building, structure, use, or occupancy, or of any dwelling unit, may also be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at any time upon: the request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized agent of such owner; receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or NYStretch exist; or receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of any other information, reasonably believed by the Code Enforcement Officer to be reliable, giving rise to reasonable cause to believe that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or NYStretch exist; provided, however, that nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting an inspection under any circumstances under which a court order or warrant permitting such inspection is required, unless such court order or warrant shall have been obtained.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

OFPC inspections. Nothing in this section or in any other provision of this chapter shall supersede, limit or impair the powers, duties and responsibilities of the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control ("OFPC") and the New York State Fire Administrator under Executive Law § 156-e and Education Law § 807-b.

Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 105-16, Fees, of this chapter must be paid prior to or at the time each inspection is performed pursuant to this section. This subsection shall not apply to inspections performed by OFPC.

§ 105-12 Complaints.

[Amended 1-11-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]

The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and investigate complaints which allege or assert the existence of conditions or activities that fail to comply with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, NYStretch, this chapter, or any other local law or regulation adopted for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or NYStretch. The process for responding to a complaint shall include such of the following steps as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem to be appropriate:

Performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection;

If a violation is found to exist, providing the owner of the affected property and any other person who may be responsible for the violation with notice of the violation and opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation, or otherwise proceeding in the manner described in § 105-15, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this chapter;

If appropriate, issuing a stop-work order;

If a violation which was found to exist is abated or corrected, performing an inspection to ensure that the violation has been abated or corrected, preparing a final written report reflecting such abatement or correction, and filing such report with the complaint.

§ 105-13 Recordkeeping.

The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official records of all transactions and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement personnel, including records of:

All applications received, reviewed and approved or denied;

All plans, specifications and construction documents approved;

All building permits, certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance, temporary certificates, stop-work orders, and operating permits issued;

All inspections and tests performed;

All statements and reports issued;

All complaints received;

All investigations conducted;

All other features and activities specified in or contemplated by §§ 105-4 through 12, inclusive, of this chapter; and