Code Enforcement FAQ
Building Permit Questions
Why are building permits required?
The legislature declares that it shall be the public policy of the State of New York to provide for
the promulgation of a uniform code addressing building construction and fire prevention in order
to provide a basic minimum level of protection to all people of the state from hazards of fire and
inadequate building construction. The building permit process includes plan review and building
inspections to make certain that your project complies with the building code and all applicable
regulations.
Also, the Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances contains requirements for building construction
such as the maximum size of accessory structures depending upon what zone they are in and also
limiting how close a structure can be to a property line. The building permit process helps to make
certain that your project will comply with the Zoning Ordinance.
What projects require building permits?
Projects requiring a permit include but are not limited to:
Click here for additional information
Do I really need a permit for a shed? Isn't that a movable structure?
Yes. A building permit is required by the Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances, which regulates the
location of sheds. We also want to ensure that the structure is built to code, taking such things into
account as roof snow load. If the shed was designed in South Carolina (some kits are) it may not be
rated for the snow loads we get here in CNY.
Do I need a building permit to replace an existing structure like a porch?
Yes, the State building code requires a permit to ensure the structure is built in accordance with the code.
What do I need to bring in when I apply for a permit?
Click here to view example for different projects.
What does a permit cost?
The cost of a building permit varies by the project type and value.
See our Permit Fee Schedule
Fees shown do not include the cost of electrical or plumbing or other permits
that may be applicable to the project.
How long does it take for a permit application to be approved?
Once all of the items required to be submitted with the application have been received permits are
generally approved within a couple of days.
What if I don't get a permit when one is required?
The Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code both contain requirements for building permits. The penalty for violating the Village
of Marcellus Code of Ordinances are fines up to $200 per day. The penalty for violating the New York
State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code is a fine not to exceed $1,000 per day and
imprisonment for up to one year.
Are building inspections required?
Yes, anywhere from one to a dozen inspections are required depending on the project.
Click here to view required inspections
How long is a building permit good for?
Most building permits are valid for one year and may be extended for an additional year upon receipt
of updated contractor insurance certificates and the extension fee.
Swimming pool permits are generally valid for 3 months.
Construction Questions
Can I get a copy of the building code or zoning ordinance?
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code can be viewed online here.
It can also be purchased from the International Code Council. Visit their Web site here
The Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances is available for viewing online here or at the Village Hall.
How deep do post holes have to be for a deck?
Post holes must be 42 inches deep and must be inspected before filling. Decks may be built floating,
without post holes, but then cross framing is required at all posts and the deck can not be attached to
the house.
Miscellaneous Questions
Am I allowed to burn brush, leaves or garbage?
Open burning is prohibited within the village. Small outdoor fireplaces are allowed so long as
a spark arresting screen is in use and the smoke does not bother neighbors.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy and a Certificate of Compliance?
A certificate of Occupancy or C/O is a written statement from the Code Enforcement Officer or other
properly authorized person that the construction or use proposed under the same numbered permit, is
complete and can be occupied or used. A Certificate of Compliance or C/C is the same except it is issued
on projects like wood stoves and fences.
Why are building permits required?
The legislature declares that it shall be the public policy of the State of New York to provide for
the promulgation of a uniform code addressing building construction and fire prevention in order
to provide a basic minimum level of protection to all people of the state from hazards of fire and
inadequate building construction. The building permit process includes plan review and building
inspections to make certain that your project complies with the building code and all applicable
regulations.
Also, the Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances contains requirements for building construction
such as the maximum size of accessory structures depending upon what zone they are in and also
limiting how close a structure can be to a property line. The building permit process helps to make
certain that your project will comply with the Zoning Ordinance.
What projects require building permits?
Projects requiring a permit include but are not limited to:
- Any new building
- Additions to existing buildings
- Structural changes or repairs to existing buildings
- Decks & porches (including replacement)
- Sheds & pole barns
- Fences
- Swimming pools over 24 inches deep
- Fireplaces, chimneys & alternative fuel heating devices
- Changes in the use of a building or land
- Electrical Work
- Plumbing Work
Click here for additional information
Do I really need a permit for a shed? Isn't that a movable structure?
Yes. A building permit is required by the Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances, which regulates the
location of sheds. We also want to ensure that the structure is built to code, taking such things into
account as roof snow load. If the shed was designed in South Carolina (some kits are) it may not be
rated for the snow loads we get here in CNY.
Do I need a building permit to replace an existing structure like a porch?
Yes, the State building code requires a permit to ensure the structure is built in accordance with the code.
What do I need to bring in when I apply for a permit?
Click here to view example for different projects.
What does a permit cost?
The cost of a building permit varies by the project type and value.
See our Permit Fee Schedule
Fees shown do not include the cost of electrical or plumbing or other permits
that may be applicable to the project.
How long does it take for a permit application to be approved?
Once all of the items required to be submitted with the application have been received permits are
generally approved within a couple of days.
What if I don't get a permit when one is required?
The Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code both contain requirements for building permits. The penalty for violating the Village
of Marcellus Code of Ordinances are fines up to $200 per day. The penalty for violating the New York
State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code is a fine not to exceed $1,000 per day and
imprisonment for up to one year.
Are building inspections required?
Yes, anywhere from one to a dozen inspections are required depending on the project.
Click here to view required inspections
How long is a building permit good for?
Most building permits are valid for one year and may be extended for an additional year upon receipt
of updated contractor insurance certificates and the extension fee.
Swimming pool permits are generally valid for 3 months.
Construction Questions
Can I get a copy of the building code or zoning ordinance?
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code can be viewed online here.
It can also be purchased from the International Code Council. Visit their Web site here
The Village of Marcellus Code of Ordinances is available for viewing online here or at the Village Hall.
How deep do post holes have to be for a deck?
Post holes must be 42 inches deep and must be inspected before filling. Decks may be built floating,
without post holes, but then cross framing is required at all posts and the deck can not be attached to
the house.
Miscellaneous Questions
Am I allowed to burn brush, leaves or garbage?
Open burning is prohibited within the village. Small outdoor fireplaces are allowed so long as
a spark arresting screen is in use and the smoke does not bother neighbors.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy and a Certificate of Compliance?
A certificate of Occupancy or C/O is a written statement from the Code Enforcement Officer or other
properly authorized person that the construction or use proposed under the same numbered permit, is
complete and can be occupied or used. A Certificate of Compliance or C/C is the same except it is issued
on projects like wood stoves and fences.