Building & Code Enforcement Office

Department News

What's happening now

Responsibilities

What this office does

Permits & Apps

Building Permit

Building Zone Permit

Demolition Permit

Electric Service Permit

Special Use Permit

Variance Permit

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Responsibilities

The Office of Code Enforcement maintains a high degree of responsibility and commitment to the ever-changing and constant updating of code language and laws in the Fire and Building Codes, as well as local Zoning law. It is the responsibility of the local municipalities in New York State to adopt and enforce the New York State Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Property Maintenance, Fuel Gas, Energy conservation and Residential Codes. New York State adopted this family of Codes on January 1, 2003 as an official member of the International Code family. This means, that with very little enhanced changes specific to New York State, the building code is the same nationwide.

One popular misconception is that this newly adopted code was written for large municipalities such as New York City. The truth is, New York City has it’s own set of building code regulations separate from the rest of the state. This means, the regulation required by the building code is the same in Westfield, as it is in Albany, which is the same in Watertown.

The duties and powers of the Code Enforcement Officer are listed in detail under §85-5. Duties & Powers of the Code Enforcement Officer, Chapter 85 Fire Prevention & Building Construction, of the Village of Westfield Code.

The duties and powers of the Zoning Officer are listed in detail under §155-79. Enforcement, Chapter 155 Zoning, of the Village of Westfield Code.

Building Permit Fee Schedule

One & Two Family Homes - $.08 per sq. ft. Includes Mobile Homes and Factory Manufactured Homes.

Multi-Family Residences - $.08 sq. ft. plus $100 for final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Accessory Use Structures - Garages, Storage Buildings, Carports, etc. Building Permit cost includes the Certificate of Occupancy fee.

• under 150 sq. ft. - no charge, no permit required (must comply with set-back requirements).
• All others - $.08 sq. ft.

Swimming Pools - $35.00. In-ground and above-ground; Building Permit cost also includes electric permit and the Certificate of Occupancy fee.

Signs - $35.00. See sign law; Zoning).

Electric Permit - $20.00. Required for all extensions, additions and repairs of electrical service.

Conversions, alterations, additions, repairs - $35.00 or $.08 sq. ft., whichever is greater.

Fences & Walls - $35.00. Non-agricultural, intended to prevent passage and/or provide privacy. Building Permit cost includes Certificate of Compliance fee.

Solid Fuel Burning Appliances - $35.00. Building permit cost includes Certificate of Compliance fee.

Demolition Permit - $20.00. A Demolition Permit shall not be required when a "Legal Violation Order" or any legal order to demolish and remove is in effect.

Permit Renewals - $35.00 or 10% of the Renewal of Permit granted only, if application original permit fee is made prior to expiration of original permit. Otherwise, the full fee is required.

Requested Inspections - $25.00 per hour or any fraction thereof.

Certificate of Occupancy - $100.00 when no Building Permit is in effect (applies to all structures, residential and commercial).

Commercial Structures - Building Permit Fees for commercial structures shall be based upon the estimated ‘cost of construction’. The cost of construction includes all labor and materials. If written cost estimates cannot be obtained, computation of the applicable fees shall be based upon the following:

The average commercial construction cost per square foot in accordance with the proposed use, construction type, materials, local labor costs, and other data as may be obtained and documented from local builders, contractors, suppliers, and/or other sources. Final determination of the estimated cost of construction shall be made by the Building Inspector/Enforcement Officer or his designated agent.

• $0 to $25,000 - $50.00 fee plus $5.00 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of total value.
• $25,001 to $50,000 - $200 fee plus $5.00 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of value over $25,000.
• $50,001 to $100,000 - $350 fee plus $2.50 for ech $1000 or fraction thereof of value over $50,000.
• $100,001 and up - $500 fee plus $2.50 for each $1000 or fraction over $100,000.

Required annual fire safety inspections - $20.00. Places of public assembly, etc.

Special Use Permit - $25.00

Variance - $50.00

When any type of construction work has commenced without first obtaining a Building Permit - an additional $50.00 or 50% of the applicable permit fee, whichever is greater. Applicant may also be subject to fines and penalties as specified in Section 92-6 of the Town of Westfield Code or 155-13 of the Code of the Village of Westfield.

Refunds - all fees are non-refundable. In the event that an application is disapproved or rejected, a refund of 50% (one-half) of the fee paid shall apply providing that no work has commenced.

Payment of Fees - all fees are due and payable to the Town/Village of Westfield upon submission of the Building Permit Application, applicable plans, and specifications.

Waiver of Fees - the Board may, by majority vote at a regular Board Meeting, reduce, alter or waive any fee charged for work performed by any licensed charitable or non-profit agency or organization.

For more detailed information or explanation of the building permit fees, please contact the Building & Code Enforcement Officer at 326-4401