[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Niskayuna 5-20-1975 as part of L.L. No. 3-1975; amended in its entirety 3-19-2002 by L.L. No. 1-2002. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Defense and indemnification — See Ch. 11.
Ethics — See Ch. 17.
Building construction — See Ch. 75.
Fire prevention — See Ch. 105.
A. 
There is hereby established in the Town of Niskayuna a Department to be designated as the "Building Department" for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of all New York State and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders applicable to the location, design, materials, construction, alteration, repair, equipment, maintenance, use, occupancy, removal and demolition of buildings and structures, their appurtenances and premises located in the Town of Niskayuna.
B. 
The Department of Buildings shall be headed by a Town official designated as the "Senior Building Inspector."
A. 
The Senior Building Inspector shall be appointed by the Town Board to hold office at the pleasure of the Town Board at a compensation to be fixed by the Town Board.
B. 
In addition to the Senior Building Inspector, the Town Board may appoint a Deputy Building Inspector and such Assistant Building Inspectors and staff as the Town Board may determine necessary. Each such Building Inspector, Deputy or Assistant, if any, may act on behalf of the Senior Building Inspector and shall have the privileges, powers and immunities conferred upon the Senior Building Inspector by Chapter 75, Building Construction, and any other law, ordinance, rule or regulation.
C. 
The Senior Building Inspector, upon the showing of proper credentials and in the discharge of duties, may enter upon any building, structure or premises at any reasonable hour, and no person shall interfere with or prevent such entry.
D. 
The Senior Building Inspector, while acting in good faith pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 75, Building Construction, or any other New York State or local law, ordinance, rule, code or regulation, shall be immune from personal liability for any damage which may accrue to any person or property as a result of any act performed in the discharge of official duties.
Except as otherwise specifically provided by New York State or local law, ordinance or regulation or except as herein otherwise provided, the Senior Building Inspector shall:
A. 
Administer and enforce all of the provisions of Chapter 75, Building Construction, and any law, ordinance, code or regulation applicable to the construction, alteration, repair, removal and demolition of buildings and structures, the installation and use of materials and equipment therein and the location, use, occupancy and maintenance thereof.
B. 
Receive applications and issue permits for the erection, alteration, removal and demolition of buildings or structures or parts thereof and shall examine the premises for which such applications have been received or such permits have been issued for the purpose of ensuring compliance with laws, ordinances and regulations governing building construction.
C. 
Issue all appropriate notices or orders authorized by Chapter 75, Building Construction, or otherwise appropriate to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, to require the necessary safeguards during construction and to ensure compliance during the entire course of construction with the requirements of such laws, ordinances or regulations and make all inspections which are necessary or proper for the carrying out of his duties.
D. 
Require the performance of tests in the field by experienced, professional persons or by accredited and authoritative testing laboratories or service bureaus or agencies whenever the same may be necessary or appropriate to assure compliance with the provisions of applicable laws, ordinances, codes or regulations covering building construction.
E. 
Keep permanent official records of all transactions and activities, including all applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees charged and collected, inspection reports and notices and orders issued, which records shall be public records open to public inspection during business hours as provided by applicable law or regulation.
F. 
Submit to the Town Board a monthly written report and summary of all business conducted by him, including permits and certificates issued, fees collected, orders and notices promulgated, inspections and tests made and appeals or litigation pending.
G. 
Request and receive, so far as may be necessary in the discharge of his duties, the assistance and cooperation of the Police, Fire and Health Departments, and of all other municipal officials exercising any jurisdiction over the construction, use or occupancy of buildings or the installation of equipment therein.
Whenever the title "Building Inspector" is used in the Code of the Town of Niskayuna, it shall be construed to include the Senior Building Inspector and any Building Inspector, Deputy Building Inspector and Assistant Building Inspector who may be employed by the Town.