[Amended 2-11-1987 by L.L. No. 1-1987; 8-12-1987 by L.L. No. 4-1987]
[Amended 8-31-1999 by L.L. No. 3-1999]
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by persons designated by the Village Board as the Zoning Inspector and Deputy Zoning Inspector, who shall have the power to make inspections of buildings or premises necessary to carry out their duties in the enforcement of this chapter. No building permit or certificate of occupancy required hereunder shall be issued by the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector except in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or as directed by the Zoning Board of Appeals under the provisions of Article VII.
A. 
The powers and duties of the Zoning Inspector shall be to:
(1) 
Examine and approve applications pertaining to the use of land, buildings or structures when the applications conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(2) 
Issue all building permits and certificates of occupancy and keep permanent records thereof.
(3) 
Conduct such inspections of buildings, structures and uses of land as are necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(4) 
Receive, file and forward to appropriate action all applications for special uses, variations, interpretations and amendments to this chapter.
(5) 
Maintain permanent and current records of this chapter, including all maps, amendments, special uses and variances.
(6) 
Collect, receipt and account for all fees chargeable under the provisions of this chapter and pay all of the same into the Village general fund.
(7) 
Register all nonconforming uses.
B. 
Deputy Zoning Inspector. The Deputy Zoning Inspector shall have all the powers of the Zoning Inspector as set forth in Subsection A(1) through (7), except that all building permits shall be issued by the Zoning Inspector. If the Zoning Inspector is unavailable, the Deputy Zoning Inspector shall be authorized to issue building permits. Reference to the Zoning Inspector in §§ 205-29 and 205-30 of this chapter shall be deemed to include the Deputy Zoning Inspector, subject to the limitations set forth in this subsection.
[Amended 9-26-1991 by L.L. No. 3-1991; 2-13-2002 by L.L. No. 1-2002; 9-14-2011 by L.L. No. 5-2011; 1-8-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014]
A. 
Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, 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 Zoning Inspector.
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 25 square feet (2.32 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 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 loadbearing 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 or the Energy 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 Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector. 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 Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector 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 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 Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector in writing or by stamp. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector, 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 Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector. 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 Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector 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 Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector of any change occurring during the course of the work. The building permit shall contain such a directive. If the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector 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 B may be renewed upon application by the permit holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector.
J. 
Revocation or suspension of building permits. If the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector 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 Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector 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. 
Fees. Each application for a building permit shall require the prepayment of application fees, as set by resolution of the Village Board,[1] according to the following schedule:
[Amended 4-11-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
(1) 
Residential: fee per 100 square feet.
(2) 
Commercial: fee per 100 square feet.
(3) 
Fireplace, wood stove or chimney: flat fee.
(4) 
Demolition: flat fee.
(5) 
In-ground swimming pool: flat fee.
(6) 
Aboveground swimming pool more than four feet: flat fee.
(7) 
Shed: flat fee.
(8) 
Deck: flat fee.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 112, Fee Schedule.
A. 
A certificate of occupancy is required for any of the following:
(1) 
Occupancy and use of a building hereafter erected, externally altered, moved or extended.
(2) 
Change in the use of an existing building.
(3) 
Occupancy and use of vacant land, except for any use consisting primarily of tilling the soil or similar agricultural use.
(4) 
Change in the use of land, except for any use consisting primarily of tilling the soil and similar agricultural use.
(5) 
Continuation of a nonconforming use.
(6) 
Any work for which a building permit is required pursuant to § 205-29.
(7) 
A reconfiguration of lot lines for two or more adjoining parcels which does not constitute a subdivision within the meaning of the Village of Waterford Subdivision Regulations.[1]
[Added 1-14-2009 by L.L. No. 2-2009]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 44, Planning and Development, Art. II.
(8) 
Upon termination of any occupancy or tenancy of a building, structure or dwelling unit, where the building, structure or unit has been vacant for six months or more, application shall be made for a new certificate of occupancy, and such new certificate of occupancy shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any new occupancy or tenancy of such building, structure or dwelling unit.
[Added 7-27-2011 by L.L. No. 3-2011]
(9) 
If a building, structure or unit has been vacant for one year or more, the Zoning Inspector shall inspect the building before issuing a certificate of occupancy and, based on his or her inspection, may require a certificate by a professional engineer indicating that the building, structure or unit is structurally sound and in compliance with the provisions of the Uniform Building Code. If a building has been vacant for 18 months or more, such a certificate from a professional engineer shall be required in all cases.
[Added 11-12-2014 by L.L. No. 4-2014]
B. 
A certificate of occupancy may be obtained on application to the Zoning Inspector. Such certificate shall be issued by the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector if the proposed use of the building, land or work conforms to the provisions of this chapter and the terms, provisions and conditions of the building permit, including the satisfactory completion of any and all inspections required by the building permit, and accords with all of the requirements of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Chapter 115, Flood Damage Prevention, of this Code. The Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector shall make or cause to have made an inspection of each building or lot for which a certificate of occupancy has been applied before issuing such certificate. Such inspection shall be made within 15 days from the date of application, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excepted.
[Amended 2-13-2002 by L.L. No. 1-2002]
C. 
Any certificate of occupancy issued hereunder may be revoked at any time by the Zoning Inspector or Deputy Zoning Inspector upon 10 days' written notice, for cause, whenever it appears that by reason of change of use, deterioration, casualty, damage, disrepair or otherwise the building or structure for which such certificate of occupancy was issued no longer is used or occupied for the purpose proposed in the original application and/or no longer conforms to the permitted uses under this chapter and/or no longer conforms to the requirements of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
[Amended 2-13-2002 by L.L. No. 1-2002]
D. 
Each application for a certificate of occupancy shall require the prepayment of an application fee in the amount as set by resolution of the Village Board.[2]
[Amended 4-11-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 112, Fee Schedule.