[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Chester 4-10-2024 by L.L. No. 4-2024.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law also repealed former Ch. 50, Fire Prevention and Building Construction, adopted 10-8-1991 by L.L. No. 6-1991, as amended, but retained former § 50-4A(2), added 11-9-1993 by L.L. No. 10-1993, and renumbered said subsection as § 50-20.
A. 
This chapter provides for the administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the Uniform Code) and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) in the Town of Chester. This chapter is adopted pursuant to § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
B. 
Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, other state law, or other section of this chapter, all buildings, structures, and premises, regardless of use or occupancy, are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
The following terms shall have the meanings shown in this section:
ASSEMBLY AREA
An area in any building, or in any portion of a building, that is primarily used or intended to be used for gathering 50 or more persons for uses including, but not limited to, amusement, athletic, entertainment, social, or other recreational functions; patriotic, political, civic, educational, or religious functions; food or drink consumption; awaiting transportation; or similar purposes.
BUILDING PERMIT
A building permit, construction permit, demolition permit or other permit that authorizes the performance of work. The term "building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed, amended, or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
A document issued by the Town of Chester stating that work was done in compliance with approved construction documents and the Codes.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
A document issued by the Town of Chester certifying that the building or structure, or portion thereof, complies with the approved construction documents that have been submitted to, and approved by, the Town of Chester, and indicating that the building or structure, or portion thereof, is in a condition suitable for occupancy.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to § 50-3B of this chapter. To the extent any chapter of the Town Code of the Town of Chester assigns a duty or obligation upon the Building Inspector, such duty or obligation shall be fulfilled by the Code Enforcement Officer. It is the intention of the Town Board that the two titles be synonymous.
CODE ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Include the Code Enforcement Officer and all inspectors.
CODES
The Uniform Code and Energy Code.
ENERGY CODE
The New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code adopted pursuant to Article 11 of the Energy Law.
FCNYS
The 2020 Fire Code of New York State as currently incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1225 and any subsequent revisions thereafter adopted.
FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
An inspection performed to determine compliance with the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1225 and the publications incorporated therein by reference and the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1226 and the publications incorporated therein by reference.
HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION MATERIALS
A solid, liquid, or gas associated with semiconductor manufacturing that has a degree-of-hazard rating in health, flammability, or instability of Class 3 or 4, as ranked by NFPA 704 (Standard Systems for Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response), and which is used directly in research, laboratory, or production processes which have, as their end product, materials that are not hazardous.
INSPECTOR
An inspector appointed pursuant to § 50-3D of this chapter.
MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES
Vehicles that contain cooking equipment that produces smoke or grease-laden vapors for the purpose of preparing and serving food to the public. Vehicles intended for private recreation shall not be considered mobile food preparation vehicles.
OPERATING PERMIT
A permit issued pursuant to § 50-10 of this chapter. The term "operating permit" shall also include an operating permit which is renewed amended, or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
ORDER TO REMEDY
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 50-17A of this chapter.
PERMIT HOLDER
The person to whom a building permit has been issued.
PERSON
Includes an individual, corporation, limited-liability company, partnership, limited partnership, business trust, estate, trust, association, or any other legal or commercial entity of any kind or description.
PMCNYS
The 2020 Property Maintenance Code of New York State as currently incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1226 and any subsequent revisions thereafter adopted.
RCNYS
The 2020 Residential Code of New York State as currently incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1220 and any subsequent revisions thereafter adopted.
REPAIR
The reconstruction, replacement, or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage.
STOP-WORK ORDER
An order issued pursuant to § 50-6 of this chapter.
SUGARHOUSE
A building used, in whole or in part, for the collection, storage or processing of maple sap into maple syrup and/or maple sugar.
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
A certificate issued pursuant to § 50-7D of this chapter.
TOWN
The Town of Chester.
UNIFORM CODE
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Subchapter A of Chapter XXXIII of Title 19 of the NYCRR, adopted pursuant to Article 18 of the Executive Law as may be amended from time to time.
A. 
The Office of Code Enforcement Officer is hereby created. The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, and this chapter. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) 
To receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits, and the plans, specifications, and construction documents submitted with such applications;
(2) 
Upon approval of such applications, to issue building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits, and to include in terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits;
(3) 
To conduct construction inspections; inspections to be made prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits; fire safety and property maintenance inspections; inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints; and all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this chapter;
(4) 
To issue stop-work orders;
(5) 
To review and investigate complaints;
(6) 
To issue orders pursuant to § 50-17A (Violations; penalties for offenses) of this chapter;
(7) 
To maintain records;
(8) 
To collect fees as set by the Town Board of the Town;
(9) 
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10) 
In consultation with the Town's attorney, to pursue such legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, and this chapter, or to abate or correct conditions not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter; and
(11) 
To exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.
B. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the Town Board. 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 Department of State pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code Enforcement Officer shall comply with all applicable civil service requirements.
C. 
In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for any reason, another individual shall be appointed by the Town Board to serve as Acting Code Enforcement Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of their appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.
D. 
One or more inspectors may be appointed by the Town Board 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 Department of State pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
E. 
The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and inspectors shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board.
A. 
Building permits required. A building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, 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 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 Town.
B. 
(Reserved)
C. 
(Reserved)
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 and the Energy Code. The application shall include or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:
(1) 
A description of the location, nature, extent, and scope of the proposed work;
(2) 
The Tax Map number and the street address of any affected building or structure;
(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) 
Describe the location, nature, extent, and scope of the proposed work;
(b) 
Show that the proposed work will conform to the applicable provisions of the Codes;
(c) 
Show the location, construction, size, and character of all portions of the means of egress;
(d) 
Show a representation of the building thermal envelope;
(e) 
Show structural information, including but not limited to braced wall designs, the size, section, and relative locations of structural members, design loads, and other pertinent structural information;
(f) 
Show the proposed structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fireprotection, and other service systems of the building;
(g) 
Include a written statement indicating compliance with the Energy Code;
(h) 
Include a site plan, drawn to scale and drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary survey, showing the size and location of new construction and existing structures and appurtenances on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades, and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and
(i) 
Evidence that the documents were prepared by a licensed and registered architect in accordance with Article 147 of the New York State Education Law or a licensed and registered professional engineer in accordance with Article 145 of the New York State Education Law and practice guidelines, including but not limited to the design professional's seal which clearly and legibly shows both the design professional's name and license number and is signed by the design professional whose name appears on the seal in such a manner that neither the name nor the number is obscured in any way, the design professional's registration expiration date, the design professional's firm name (if not a sole practitioner), and, if the documents are submitted by a professional engineering firm and not a sole practitioner professional engineer, the firm's certificate of authorization number.
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, or in the case of electronic media, an electronic marking. 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 for up to two one-year extensions.
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 set forth in § 50-18 (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.
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, where applicable (the list below is not intended to be an exclusive list of inspections, additional inspections may be required depending on the scope of work to be undertaken):
(1) 
Work site prior to the issuance of a building permit;
(2) 
Footing and foundation;
(3) 
Preparation for concrete slab;
(4) 
Framing;
(5) 
Sheetrock;
(6) 
Structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, and other similar service systems of the building;
(7) 
Fire-resistant construction;
(8) 
Fire-resistant penetrations;
(9) 
Solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues, or gas vents;
(10) 
Inspections required to demonstrate Energy Code compliance, including but not limited to insulation, fenestration, air leakage, system controls, mechanical equipment size, and, where required, minimum fan efficiencies, programmable thermostats, energy recovery, whole-house ventilation, plumbing heat traps, and high-performance lighting and controls;
(11) 
Installation, connection, and assembly of factory-manufactured buildings and manufactured homes; and
(12) 
A final inspection after all work authorized by the building permit has been completed.
C. 
Documentation. The Building Inspector may request documentation in conjunction with any of the above-referenced inspections, including but not limited photographs, as-built surveys and other documentation necessary to confirm construction in accordance with the Codes and the Town of Chester Code.
D. 
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 the manner in which the work fails to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code, including a citation to the specific code provision or provisions that have not been met. 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.
E. 
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 50-18 (Fees) of this chapter must be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed pursuant to this section.
A. 
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:
(1) 
Any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code, 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
(2) 
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
(3) 
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.
B. 
Content of stop-work orders. Stop-work orders shall:
(1) 
Be in writing;
(2) 
Be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer;
(3) 
State the reason or reasons for issuance; and
(4) 
If applicable, state the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted to resume.
C. 
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 to the mailing address as set forth in the building permit application. Personal service shall include i) hand delivery or ii) posting said stop-work order in a conspicuous location on the property and mailing a copy thereof via certified mail to the mailing address as set forth in the building permit application. 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.
D. 
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, other than work expressly authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer to correct the reason for issuing the stop-work order.
E. 
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 § 50-17 (Violations; 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.
A. 
Certificates of occupancy and 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.
B. 
Issuance of certificates of occupancy and 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 and Energy Code and, if applicable, that 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 and Energy Code. 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:
(1) 
A written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of special inspections;
(2) 
Flood hazard certifications;
(3) 
A written statement of the results of tests performed to show compliance with the Energy Code; and
(4) 
Where applicable, the affixation of the appropriate seals, insignias, and manufacturer's data plates as required for factory-manufactured buildings and/or manufactured homes.
C. 
Contents of certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance. A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance shall contain the following information:
(1) 
The building permit number, if any;
(2) 
The date of issuance of the building permit, if any;
(3) 
The name (if any), address and Tax Map number of the property;
(4) 
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;
(5) 
The use and occupancy classification of the structure;
(6) 
The type of construction of the structure;
(7) 
The occupant load of the assembly areas in the structure, if any;
(8) 
Any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the building permit; and
(9) 
The signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance and the date of issuance.
D. 
Temporary certificate of occupancy. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy 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 of occupancy unless the Code Enforcement Officer determines 1) that the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the temporary certificate of occupancy, may be occupied safely, 2) that any required fire and life safety components, such as fire protection equipment and fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat detectors and alarms, are installed and operational, and 3) that all required means of egress from the structure have been provided. The Code Enforcement Officer may include in a temporary certificate of occupancy such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure the health and safety of the persons occupying and using the building or structure and/or performing further construction work in the building or structure. A temporary certificate of occupancy 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 of occupancy. During the specified period of effectiveness of the temporary certificate of occupancy, the permit holder shall undertake to bring the building or structure into full compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
E. 
Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a certificate of occupancy, Certification of Compliance, or a temporary certificate of occupancy was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect 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.
F. 
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 50-18 (Fees) of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, or for temporary certificate of occupancy.
The chief, or his designee, of any fire department providing firefighting services for a property within the Town shall promptly notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any fire or explosion involving any structural damage, fuel-burning appliance, chimney, or gas vent.
Unsafe buildings, structures, and equipment and conditions of imminent danger in Town of Chester shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by Chapter 38, entitled "Buildings, Unfit," as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time. This provision is not intended to limit the Town of Chester's authority to address imminent dangers as authorized by the FCNYS, PMCNYS, RCNYS, or Uniform Code.
A. 
Operating permits required.
(1) 
Operating permits shall be required for conducting any process or activity or for operating any type of building, structure, or facility listed below:
(a) 
Manufacturing, storing, or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in the applicable Maximum Allowable Quantity tables found in Chapter 50 of the FCNYS;
(b) 
Buildings, structures, facilities, processes, and/or activities that are within the scope and/or permit requirements of the chapter or section title of the FCNYS as follows:
[1] 
Chapter 22, "Combustible Dust-Producing Operations." Facilities where the operation produces combustible dust;
[2] 
Chapter 24, "Flammable Finishes." Operations utilizing flammable or combustible liquids, or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 24 of the FCNYS;
[3] 
Chapter 25, "Fruit and Crop Ripening." Operating a fruit- or crop-ripening facility or conducting a fruit-ripening process using ethylene gas;
[4] 
Chapter 26, "Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging." Conducting fumigation or insecticidal fogging operations in buildings, structures, and spaces, except for fumigation or insecticidal fogging performed by the occupant of a detached one-family dwelling;
[5] 
Chapter 31, "Tents, temporary Special Event Structures, and Other Membrane Structures." Operating an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure, or a tent where approval is required pursuant to Chapter 31 of the FCNYS;
[6] 
Chapter 32, "High-Piled Combustible Storage." High-piled combustible storage facilities with more than 500 square feet (including aisles) of high-piled storage;
[7] 
Chapter 34, "Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage." Operating a facility that stores in excess of 2,500 cubic feet of scrap tires or tire by-products or operating a tire rebuilding plant;
[8] 
Chapter 35, "Welding and Other Hot Work." Performing public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted, use of hot work, welding, or cutting equipment, inside or on a structure, except an operating permit is not required where work is conducted under the authorization of a building permit or where performed by the occupant of a detached one- or two-family dwelling;
[9] 
Chapter 40, "Sugarhouse Alternative Activity Provisions." Conducting an alternative activity at a sugarhouse;
[10] 
Chapter 56, "Explosives and Fireworks." Possessing, manufacturing, storing, handling, selling, or using, explosives, fireworks, or other pyrotechnic special effects materials except the outdoor use of sparkling devices as defined by Penal Law § 270;
[11] 
Section 307, "Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces." Conducting open burning, not including recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces;
[12] 
Section 308, "Open Flames." Removing paint with a torch, or using open flames, fire, and burning in connection with assembly areas or educational occupancies; and
[13] 
Section 319, "Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles." Operating a mobile food preparation vehicle.
(c) 
Energy storage systems, where the system exceeds the values shown in Table 1206.1 of the FCNYS or exceeds the permitted aggregate ratings in Section R327.5 of the RCNYS;
(d) 
Buildings containing one or more assembly areas;
(e) 
Outdoor events where the planned attendance exceeds 1,000 persons;
(f) 
Facilities that store, handle or use hazardous production materials;
(g) 
Reserved.
(h) 
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by the Building Inspector; and
(i) 
Other processes or activities or for operating any type of building, structure, or facility as determined by the Building Inspector.
(2) 
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.
B. 
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.
C. 
(Reserved)
D. 
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.
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 their discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities.
F. 
Duration of operating permits.
(1) 
Operating permits shall be issued for a specified period of time consistent with local conditions, but in no event to exceed as follows:
(a) 
One hundred eighty days for tents, special event structures, and other membrane structures;
(b) 
Sixty days for alternative activities at a sugarhouse;
(c) 
One year for the activities, structures, and operations determined per Subsection A(1)(i) of this section, and
(d) 
One year for all other activities, structures, and operations identified in Subsection A of this section.
(2) 
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, such operating permit shall be revoked or suspended.
H. 
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 50-18 (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.
A. 
Inspections required. Fire safety 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:
(1) 
At least once every 12 months for buildings which contain an assembly area;
(2) 
At least once every 12 months for public and private schools and colleges, including any buildings of such schools or colleges containing classrooms, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, laboratories, physical education, dining, or recreational facilities; and
(3) 
At least once every 36 months for multiple dwellings and all nonresidential occupancies.
B. 
Remote inspections. At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer or inspector authorized to perform fire safety and property maintenance inspections, a remote inspection may be performed in lieu of in-person inspections when, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized inspector, the remote inspection can be performed to the same level and quality as an in-person inspection and the remote inspection shows to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized inspector that the premises conform with the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1225 and the publications incorporated therein by reference and the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1226 and the publications incorporated therein by reference. Should a remote inspection not afford the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized inspector sufficient information to make a determination, an in-person inspection shall be performed.
C. 
Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by Subsection A of this section, a fire safety 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 authorized to perform fire safety and property maintenance inspections at any time upon:
(1) 
The request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized agent of such owner;
(2) 
Receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code exist; or
(3) 
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 or Energy Code 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.
D. 
OFPC inspections.
(1) 
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 or other authorized entity under Executive Law § 156-e and Education Law § 807-b.
(2) 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary, the Code Enforcement Officer may accept an inspection performed by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control or other authorized entity pursuant to §§ 807-a and 807-b of the Education Law and/or § 156-e of the Executive Law, in lieu of a fire safety and property maintenance inspection performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an inspector, provided that:
(a) 
The Code Enforcement Officer is satisfied that the individual performing such inspection satisfies the requirements set forth in 19 NYCRR 1203.2(e);
(b) 
The Code Enforcement Officer is satisfied that such inspection covers all elements required to be covered by a fire safety and property maintenance inspection;
(c) 
Such inspections are performed no less frequently than once a year;
(d) 
A true and complete copy of the report of each such inspection is provided to the Code Enforcement Officer; and
(e) 
Upon receipt of each such report, the Code Enforcement Officer takes the appropriate action prescribed by § 50-17 (Violations; penalties for offenses) of this chapter.
E. 
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 50-18 (Fees) of this chapter must be paid prior to or at the time each inspection performed pursuant to this section. This subsection shall not apply to inspections performed by OFPC.
A. 
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, this chapter, or any other local law or regulation adopted for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code.
B. 
The process for responding to a complaint shall include such of the following steps as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem to be appropriate:
(1) 
Performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection;
(2) 
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 § 50-17 (Violations; penalties for offenses) of this chapter;
(3) 
If appropriate, issuing a stop-work order;
(4) 
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.
A. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall determine the climatic and geographic design criteria for buildings and structures constructed within the Town of Chester as required by the Uniform Code. Such determinations shall be made in the manner specified in the Uniform Code using, where applicable, the maps, charts, and other information provided in the Uniform Code. The criteria to be so determined shall include but shall not necessarily be limited to, the following:
(1) 
Design criteria to include ground snow load; wind design loads; seismic category; potential damage from weathering, frost, and termite; winter design temperature; whether ice barrier underlayment is required; the air freezing index; and the mean annual temperature;
(2) 
Heating and cooling equipment design criteria for structures within the scope of the RCNYS. The design criteria shall include the data identified in the Design Criteria Table found in Chapter 3 of the RCNYS; and
(3) 
Flood hazard areas, flood hazard maps, and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, special flood hazard areas as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Flood Insurance Study for the community, as amended or revised with:
(a) 
The accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM);
(b) 
Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM); and
(c) 
Related supporting data along with any revisions thereto.
B. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall prepare a written record of the climatic and geographic design criteria determined pursuant to Subsection A of this section, shall maintain such record within the office of the Code Enforcement Officer, and shall make such record readily available to the public.
A. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official records of all transactions and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement personnel, including records of:
(1) 
All applications received, reviewed and approved or denied;
(2) 
All plans, specifications and construction documents approved;
(3) 
All building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates, stop-work orders, and operating permits issued;
(4) 
All inspections and tests performed;
(5) 
All statements and reports issued;
(6) 
All complaints received;
(7) 
All investigations conducted;
(8) 
All condition assessment reports received;
(9) 
All fees charged and collected; and
(10) 
All other features and activities specified in or contemplated by §§ 50-4 through 50-14, inclusive, of this chapter.
B. 
All such records shall be public records open for public inspection during normal business hours. All plans and records pertaining to buildings or structures, or appurtenances thereto, shall be retained for at least the minimum time period so required by state law and regulation.
A. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Chester Town Board a written report and summary of all business conducted by the Code Enforcement Officer and the inspectors, including a report and summary of all transactions and activities described in § 50-15 (Recordkeeping) of this chapter and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
B. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary of State, on behalf of the Town of Chester, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, a report of the activities of the Town relative to administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
C. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall, upon request of the New York State Department of State, provide to the New York State Department of State true and complete copies of the records and related materials this Town is required to maintain; true and complete copies of such portion of such records and related materials as may be requested by the Department of State; and/or such excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics, and other information and accounts of its activities in connection with administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code and/or Energy Code as may be requested by the Department of State.
A. 
Orders to remedy.
(1) 
The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to order, in writing, the remedying of any condition or activity found to exist in, on or about any building, structure, or premises in violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter. An order to remedy shall be in writing; shall be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer; shall specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter; shall specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter which is/are violated by the specified condition or activity; and shall include a statement substantially similar to the following: "The person or entity served with this order to remedy must completely remedy each violation described in this order to remedy by [specify date], which is 30 days after the date of this order to remedy."
(2) 
The order to remedy may include provisions ordering the person or entity served with such order to remedy 1) to begin to remedy the violations described in the order to remedy immediately, or within some other specified period of time which may be less than 30 days; to continue diligently to remedy such violations until each such violation is fully remedied; and, in any event, to complete the remedying of all such violations within 30 days of the date of such order to remedy; and/or 2) to take such other protective actions (such as vacating the building or barricading the area where the violations exist) which are authorized by this chapter or by any other applicable statute, regulation, rule, local law or ordinance, and which the Code Enforcement Officer may deem appropriate, during the period while such violations are being remedied. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the order to remedy, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property personally or by certified mail within five days after the date of the order to remedy to the owner's address as set forth in the last assessment roll of the Town of Chester. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the order to remedy, 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 being performed at the affected property personally or by registered mail or certified mail within five days after the date of the order to remedy; provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Compliance Order.
B. 
Appearance tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and each inspector are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the Uniform Code in accordance with New York Criminal Procedure Law.
C. 
Penalties. In addition to such other penalties as may be prescribed by state law:
(1) 
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any term, condition, or provision of any building permit, certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating permit or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 per day of violation or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both; and
(2) 
Any person who violates any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this chapter, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating permit or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this chapter, shall be liable to pay a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each day or part thereof during which such violation continues. The civil penalties provided by this subsection shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the name of the Town of Chester.
D. 
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the name of the Town of Chester, in a court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent, restrain, enjoin, correct, or abate any violation of, or to enforce, any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this chapter, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating permit, order to remedy, or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this chapter. In particular, but not by way of limitation, where the construction or use of a building or structure is in violation of any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this chapter, or any stop-work order, order to remedy or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this chapter, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the name of the Town of Chester, in the Supreme Court or in any other court having the requisite jurisdiction, to obtain an order directing the removal of the building or structure or an abatement of the condition in violation of such provisions. No action or proceeding described in this subsection shall be commenced without the appropriate authorization from the Chester Town Board.
E. 
Remedies not exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or remedy available to address any violation described in this section, and each remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this section, in § 50-6 (Stop-work orders) of this chapter, in any other section of this chapter, or in any other applicable law. Any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any other remedy or penalty specified in this section, in § 50-6 (Stop-work orders) of this chapter, in any other section of this chapter, or in any other applicable law. In particular, but not by way of limitation, each remedy and penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the penalties specified in Subdivision 2 of § 382 of the Executive Law, and any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in Subdivision 2 of § 382 of the Executive Law.
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town Board of the Town of Chester. Such fee schedule may thereafter be amended from time to time by like resolution. The fees set forth in, or determined in accordance with, such fee schedule or amended fee schedule shall be charged and collected for the submission of applications, the issuance of building permits, amended building permits, renewed building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates, operating permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, and other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer described in or contemplated by this chapter.
The Chester Town Board may, by resolution, authorize the Supervisor of the Town of Chester to enter into an agreement, in the name of the Town of Chester, with other governments to carry out the terms of this chapter, provided that such agreement does not violate any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, Part 1203 of Title 19 of the NYCRR, or any other applicable law.
A. 
No person, firm, corporation, association or partnership shall commence or cause to be commenced any earthmoving activities, including but not limited to excavation, clearing, stripping, filling with uncontaminated fill per 6 NYCRR Part 360.7.1(b)(1)(i), grading or removal of soil, rock and other materials in excess of 100 cubic yards of material per year and that has not been part of a site plan approval by the Planning Board per § 98-30 of the Town Code, without first making an application to and obtaining approval from the Town Building Inspector to do so. Any such removal or excavation of soil shall also comply with the provisions of § 98-12 of the Town Code and the applicable provisions of the New York State Mined Land Law.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Environmental Conservation Law § 23-2701 et seq.
B. 
If the grading, mining or filling is not part of an application that requires site plan approval by the Planning Board and is the subject of a validly approved building permit, then no additional permit is required under this section.
C. 
If, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, upon consultation with the Town Engineer, the application may result in significant impacts on the surrounding properties or change to the existing lots, including but not limited to change to or increase in stormwater runoff, soil erosion or a grade change in excess of 10% overall, the Building Inspector shall refer such application to the Town Planning Board for site plan review in accordance with §§ 98-12 and 98-30 of the Town Code and SEQR.