Permitting Process

 

(Click on Photos for More Detailed Information)

 

 

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

 

This question is sometimes the hardest to answer.  There are many variables that must be looked into.  Here are a few examples:

 

1. Location of Subject Property:

   Is it located in a township, or inside an incorporated village.  All of the townships & villages have their own way of doing things, and they all have different procedures.  Along with different procedures, there are different timetables for permit approval.

 

2. Does the project need a Variance?

   A variance is when you are asking the municipality to legally break it's own zoning laws.  There is usually a board of zoning appeals, which holds a public hearing on each specific project.  The process usually involves first getting an application denied by the building department, then filing with the board of zoning appeals, at which time you are assigned a hearing date.  This date can sometimes be months in the future, according to their caseload.  At the hearing the board can either approve or deny your application.  Most boards do not give any indication of approval or denial at the time of the hearing.  These decisions are usually made in an executive session either after the hearings, or at a later date.  At this time, the board has to vote on all of the approvals, and have them read into the register at the next scheduled meeting.

 

3. Is the subject property located on the water, or wetlands?

   Waterfront property has it's own different set of rules to follow to acquire a building permit.  A number of different agencies come into play for these projects.  These may include the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, the US Army Corps of Engineers, County Health Depts., Town Environmental Agencies, and the list is endless.  Most waterfront permit processes can usually take about a year to get final approval, as the building dept. is the last place our application will land.