[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of North Salem 2-7-2007
by L.L. No. 1-2007. Amendments noted where applicable.]
B.
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 this Town. This chapter is adopted pursuant to § 10 of the Municipal
Home Rule Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform 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.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
The Building Inspector of the Town of North Salem and one or more
Assistant Building Inspectors, as the Town may appoint and deem necessary
(hereinafter collectively referred to throughout this chapter as the “Building
Inspector”).
A permit issued pursuant to § 92-4 of this chapter. The term "building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 92-7B of this chapter.
An order issued by the Building Inspector pursuant to § 92-15A of this chapter.
The State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as currently in
effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
An inspector appointed pursuant to § 92-3D of this chapter.
A permit issued pursuant to § 92-10 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.
The person to whom a building permit has been issued.
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.
An order issued pursuant to § 92-6 of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 92-7D of this chapter.
The Town of North Salem.
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as
currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
A.
The office of Building Inspector is hereby created. The
Building Inspector shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the
Uniform Code, the Energy Code and this chapter. The Building Inspector 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 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
and operating permits, and to include in building permits, certificates of
occupancy/certificates of compliance, temporary certificates and operating
permits such terms and conditions as the Building Inspector may determine
to be appropriate;
(3)
To conduct construction inspections, inspections to be
made prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy/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;
(4)
To issue stop-work orders;
(5)
To review and investigate complaints;
(7)
To maintain records;
(8)
To collect fees as set by the Town Board of this Town;
(9)
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10)
In consultation with this 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 Building Inspector by this chapter.
B.
The Building Inspector shall be appointed by Town Board.
The Building Inspector 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 Building Department
personnel, and the Building Inspector shall obtain certification from the
State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
C.
In the event that the Building Inspector is unable to
serve as such for any reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Town
Board to serve as Acting Building Inspector. The Acting Building Inspector
shall, during the term of his or her appointment, exercise all powers and
fulfill all duties conferred upon the Building Inspector by this chapter.
D.
One or more inspectors may be appointed by the Town Board
to act under the supervision and direction of the Building Inspector and to
assist the Building Inspector in the exercise of the powers and fulfillment
of the duties conferred upon the Building Inspector 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 building department personnel, and each
inspector shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant
to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
E.
The compensation for the Building Inspector and inspectors
shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board of this Town.
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 Building Inspector.
B.
Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for
work in any of the following categories:
(1)
Installation of swings and other playground equipment
associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses);
(2)
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;
(3)
Construction of temporary motion-picture, television
and theater stage sets and scenery;
(4)
Installation of seasonal fabric awnings supported by
an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family
dwellings (townhouses);
(5)
Installation of partitions or movable cases less than
five feet nine inches in height;
(6)
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar
finish work;
(7)
Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing,
heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;
(8)
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
(9)
Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:
(a)
The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition,
or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;
(b)
The removal or change of any required means of egress;
or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
(c)
The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation
of any building system (e.g., electrical, HVAC, plumbing); 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 Building Inspector. 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
Building Inspector deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Building
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 three 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 Building Inspector in writing or by stamp. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Building Inspector for the property record file; the second 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 Building Inspector at inspections; and the third set shall be returned as a record copy to/for the applicant. 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 Building Inspector shall issue a building permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code, as well as all relevant requirements of the Code of the Town of North Salem and Chapter 250, entitled “Zoning of the Town of North Salem.”
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 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 Building Inspector of any change
occurring during the course of the work. The building permit shall contain
such a directive. If the Building 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 12 months following the date of issuance. Building permits shall expire 12 months after the date of issuance. Where authorized work has commenced, a building permit is eligible for two twelve-month extensions provided application for such extensions have been made prior to the subject permit's expiration. Said extensions are available upon application by the property owner along with payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Building Inspector. The fees for the two twelve-month extensions shall be as stipulated in Chapter 85, Fees, § 85-4, Chapter 250, Zoning, Subsection D(2). All building permits expire, with no exceptions, three years from date of issuance. Work left incomplete by an expired permit shall only be resumed and completed upon application and approval for a new building permit. Within the first two years, all exterior and site work shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector. Further extensions of time shall be at the discretion of the Building Inspector.
J.
Revocation or suspension of building permits. If the
Building 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 Building Inspector 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
and the Energy Code and all work then proposed to be performed shall be in
compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy
Code.
A.
Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Building Inspector or by an inspector authorized by the Building Inspector. The permit holder shall notify the Building Inspector 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:
(1)
Work site prior to the issuance of a building permit;
(2)
Footing and foundation;
(3)
Preparation for concrete slab;
(4)
Framing;
(5)
Building systems, including underground and rough-in;
(6)
Fire-resistant construction;
(7)
Fire-resistant penetrations;
(8)
Solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues
or gas vents;
(9)
Energy Code compliance; and
(10)
A final inspection after all work authorized by the building
permit has been completed.
C.
Inspection results. After inspection, the work or a portion
thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or the permit holder
shall be notified as to where the work fails to comply with the Uniform Code
or Energy Code. Work not in compliance with any applicable provision of the
Uniform Code or Energy Code shall remain exposed until such work shall have
been brought into compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform
Code and the Energy Code, reinspected, and found satisfactory as completed.
A.
Authority to issue. The Building Inspector is authorized
to issue stop-work orders pursuant to this section. The Building Inspector
shall issue a stop-work order to halt:
(1)
Any work that is determined by the Building Inspector
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 Building Inspector, 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 be
in writing, be dated and signed by the Building Inspector, state the reason
or reasons for issuance, and if applicable, state the conditions which must
be satisfied before work will be permitted to resume.
C.
Service of stop-work orders. The Building Inspector 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 Building Inspector 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.
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 § 92-15, 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.
A.
Certificates of occupancy/certificates of compliance
required. A certificate of occupancy/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/certificate
of compliance.
B.
Issuance of certificates of occupancy/certificates of
compliance. The Building Inspector shall issue a certificate of occupancy/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, 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 Building Inspector or an inspector authorized by the Building
Inspector shall inspect the building, structure or work prior to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy/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 Building Inspector, at the expense of the applicant for
the certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance, shall be provided
to the Building Inspector prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy/certificate
of compliance:
C.
Contents of certificates of occupancy/certificates of
compliance. A certificate of occupancy/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, address and Tax Map number of the property;
(4)
If the certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance
is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of
the structure for which the certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance
is issued;
(5)
The use and occupancy classification of the structure;
(6)
The type of construction of the structure;
(7)
The assembly occupant load of the structure, if any;
(8)
If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation
as to whether the sprinkler system is required;
(9)
Any special conditions imposed in connection with the
issuance of the building permit; and
(10)
The signature of the Building Inspector issuing the certificate
of occupancy/certificate of compliance and the date of issuance.
D.
Temporary certificate. The Building Inspector 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 Building Inspector issue a temporary certificate unless the Building Inspector
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 Building Inspector 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 Building Inspector 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 and
the Energy Code.
E.
Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Building
Inspector determines that a certificate of occupancy/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 Building Inspector within such period of time as
shall be specified by the Building Inspector, the Building Inspector shall
revoke or suspend such certificate.
The chief of any fire department providing fire-fighting services for
a property within this Town shall promptly notify the Building Inspector of
any fire or explosion involving any structural damage, electrical fire or
damage, fuel-burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.
Unsafe structures and equipment in this Town shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by Chapter 41 of the Code, as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time.
A.
Operating permits required.
(1)
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 Town Board of this Town.
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 Building Inspector. Such application shall include such
information as the Building Inspector deems sufficient to permit a determination
by the Building Inspector that quantities, materials, and activities conform
to the requirements of the Uniform Code. If the Building Inspector 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 Building Inspector, at the expense of the
applicant.
C.
Inspections. The Building Inspector or an inspector authorized
by the Building Inspector shall inspect the subject premises prior to the
issuance of an operating permit.
D.
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 Building Inspector may require a separate operating permit for each such activity, or the Building Inspector may, in his or her discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities.
E.
Duration of operating permits. Operating permits shall
remain in effect until reissued, renewed, revoked, or suspended except when
there is a change of ownership. Operating permits terminate automatically
with a change in ownership, at which time a new application must be submitted
for a new operating permit. Besides a change in owner identity, a change in
a corporate or d.b.a. name as well as any change in persons who comprise the
ownership shall automatically terminate an operating permit and necessitate
the issuance of a new one for the use/activity to continue. Similarly, any
change in the use for which the operating permit was issued requires a new
application and a new operating permit. Additionally, all operating permits
shall terminate automatically unless renewed (following inspection and payment
of the renewal fee) at the interval stated on the operating permit, e.g.,
one year for public assembly, and three years for all other uses.
F.
Revocation or suspension of operating permits. If the
Building Inspector 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.
A.
Inspections required. Firesafety and property maintenance
inspections of buildings and structures shall be performed by the Building
Inspector or an inspector designated by the Building Inspector at the following
intervals:
(1)
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.
(2)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings
or structures being occupied as dormitories shall be performed at least once
every 12 months.
B.
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 Building Inspector or an inspector designated by the Building Inspector 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 Building Inspector of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code exist; or receipt by the Building Inspector of any other information, reasonably believed by the Building Inspector 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.
C.
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. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section to the contrary:
(1)
The Building Inspector shall not perform firesafety and
property maintenance inspections of a building or structure which contains
an area of public assembly if OFPC performs firesafety and property maintenance
inspections of such building or structure at least once every 12 months;
(2)
The Building Inspector shall not perform firesafety and
property maintenance inspections of a building or structure occupied as a
dormitory if OFPC performs firesafety and property maintenance inspections
of such building or structure at least once every 12 months;
(3)
The Building Inspector shall not perform firesafety and property maintenance inspections of a multiple dwelling not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this section if OFPC performs firesafety and property maintenance inspections of such multiple dwelling at intervals not exceeding the interval specified in Subsection A(3) of this section; and
(4)
The Building Inspector shall not perform firesafety and property maintenance inspections of a nonresidential building, structure, use or occupancy not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this section if OFPC performs firesafety and property maintenance inspections of such nonresidential building, structure, use or occupancy at intervals not exceeding the interval specified in Subsection A(3) of this section.
The Building Inspector 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,
ordinance or regulation adopted for administration and enforcement of the
Uniform Code or the Energy Code. The process for responding to a complaint
shall include such of the following steps as the Building Inspector may deem
to be appropriate:
A.
Performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities
alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection;
B.
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 § 92-15, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this chapter;
C.
If appropriate, issuing a stop-work order;
D.
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 Building Inspector shall keep permanent official
records of all transactions and activities conducted by all Building Department
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 other features and activities specified in or contemplated by §§ 92-4 through 12, inclusive, of this chapter; and
(9)
All fees charged and collected.
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 Building Inspector shall annually submit to the Town Board of this Town a written report and summary of all business conducted by the Building Inspector and the inspectors, including a report and summary of all transactions and activities described in § 92-13, Recordkeeping, of this chapter and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
B.
The Building Inspector shall annually submit to the Secretary
of State, on behalf of this Town, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of
State, a report of the activities of this Town relative to administration
and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
C.
The Building Inspector shall, upon request of the New
York State Department of State, provide to the New York State Department of
State, from the records and related materials this Town is required to maintain,
excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics and other information and accounts
of the activities of this Town in connection with administration and enforcement
of the Uniform Code.
A.
Compliance orders. The Building Inspector 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. Upon finding that any
such condition or activity exists, the Building Inspector shall issue a compliance
order. The compliance order shall be in writing; be dated and signed by the
Building Inspector; specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter; 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; specify the period of time which the
Building Inspector deems to be reasonably necessary for achieving compliance;
direct that compliance be achieved within the specified period of time; and
state that an action or proceeding to compel compliance may be instituted
if compliance is not achieved within the specified period of time. The Building
Inspector shall cause the compliance order, or a copy thereof, to be served
on the owner of the affected property personally or by certified mail. The
Building Inspector shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the compliance
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 being performed at the affected
property personally or by certified mail; 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 Building Inspector and each inspector
are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the Uniform
Code.
C.
Civil penalties. In addition to those penalties prescribed
by state law, 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 Building
Inspector pursuant to any provision of this chapter, shall be liable to a
civil penalty of not more than $500 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 this Town.
D.
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted
in the name of this Town, 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, compliance order,
or other notice or order issued by the Building Inspector 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, compliance order 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 this Town, 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 Town Board of this Town.
E.
Remedies not exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or penalty 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 § 92-6, 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 § 92-6, 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.
The fees mentioned herein this law shall be found in § 85-4D,
Application to Building Inspector. 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, firesafety and property maintenance inspections, and other actions
of the Building Inspector described in or contemplated by this chapter.
The Town Board of this Town may, by resolution, authorize the Town Supervisor
of this Town to enter into an agreement, in the name of this Town, 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.
