What is the procedure for obtaining a Building Permit?
a) Building Permit application must be filled out and signed by owner of the property.
b) A Zoning Data Table is required for all applications submitted for building permits.
c) Certificate of insurance from contractor naming the Town of Mt. Pleasant as additional
insured, OR a Residential Insurance Form if someone is doing his/her own construction
work and/or doesn't have a contractor. The Residential Insurance Form must be filled out
and notarized.
d) Submit three (3) copies of survey.
e) Summit three (3) copies of plans/drawings with architect or engineer seal.
f) Fee for building permit.
* Commercial and new residential applications may require additional information.
What do I need a building permit for?
A permit is a formal document authorizing commencement of some action or work on your home or property that is subject to Code regulations. Any structure or new construction added to a property including deck, storage shed, new addition, pool, hot tub, interior alterations, storage tank etc. Any work requiring electric and plumbing revision or replacement.
Where do I obtain a building permit?
Applications are available at the Building Department at Town Hall.
Once I submit a building permit, what happens next?
(a) All Building Permits are reviewed by the zoning inspector and plan examiner when complete packet is submitted, and in order of submission.
b) Contractors or homeowners are responsible for calling and scheduling inspections, for each step of construction and made 24 hours before inspection.
c) To receive a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy, all paper work must be in order and an Affidavit of Final Cost must be notarized and filed with the Building Department. If electrical work was done, an electrical certificate is needed. All fees must be paid.
How long do I have to wait to obtain a permit?
Most permits take ten (10) to fifteen (15) days. (Plan review of residentia). Commercial structures can take one (1) month and longer to complete the review, depending on size and detail of plans.
How much do permits cost?
Permits are subject to fees adopted by the Town Board and posted in the Building and Zoning Department and are based on the cost of construction.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance?
To receive a Certiificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance all paper work must be in order and an Affidavit of Final Cost must be notarized and filed with the Building Department. If electrical work was done, an electrical certificate is needed. All fees must be paid and a final inspection is scheduled for approval for the CO.
What happens if I start work without first obtaining a permit?
You will not be able to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. The law provides that a Stop Work Order must be issued and fines may be imposed.
Are inspections required after the permit is issued?
Yes, construction inspections are required during the various phases of construction.
Do I need any other approvals from other departments prior to the Building Department?
Large scale construction projects may also require approval from the Town Board, Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals, Engineering Department, Fire Department, New York State Department of Transportation, and Westchester County Department of Planning. For further information concerning zoning requirements, call the Building Department.
When are stamped plans and construction specifications required?
New York State Law requires stamped plans and specifications from a New York State licensed Architect or Professional Engineer for the construction of any work.
For more information, please call the Building Department.
What if I have a question concerning zoning or construction on a neighbor's property?
All zoning questions require an in-office visit. If you have an actual complaint concerning zoning or construction on a neighbor's property, the Building Department needs that complaint on paper. Either visit the Building Department during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and fill out a complaint form, or send a letter or fax to the Building Department with the address of the property in question and a description of the complaint.
What if I have additional questions concerning permits or code regulations?
For additional information concerning permit or code regulations, please call the Building Department The Building Department is located at Town Hall. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
When do I need an Elevator Permit?
Elevators: All elevators require a Building Permit and yearly inspections. For elevator information contact the Building Department.
When do I need a Plumbing Permit?
Plumbing Permits: Plumbing permits are required for all plumbing work performed in the Town of Mount Pleasant. Plumbers must be licensed by Westchester County. A letter from your plumber should be sent to the Building Department stating that all plumbing operations are in order at your premises and were performed in accordance with New York State building code (current edition). For Plumbing information contact the Plumbing Inspector.
Applications for a Plumbing Permit may be downloaded in the Mt. Pleasant File Index section on the website homepage.
What are the regulations & guidelines for removal and abandonment of oil tanks?
Any oil tank that is 1,100 gallons or above needs to be registered with Westchester county at The Westchester County Department of Health located in New Rochelle.
For removal of any oil tank, a building permit and plumbing permit is required. The Building Inspector also requires inspections when the tank is removed. To apply for the building permit of an oil tank:
1) Fill out building permit application
2) Furnish 3 copies of survey showing the location of the oil tank
3) Pay building permit fee
4) Submit insurance form
5) Plumbing permit must be filed by oil tank company or licensed plumber.
What do I need to know about Architectural Review Board Applications?
The Architectural Review Board reviews:
1) All applications for signage and facades on non-residential property.
2) All new construction and renovations - non-residential. Any changes (paint color, additions, etc.)
What do I need for an Architectural Review Board Application?
1) Applicant shall submit application for Building Permit, Architectural Board of Review Application, 11 copies of certified survey and plans drawn to scale and required fee (as determined by the Building Department) to the Building Department.
2) Free Standing Signs and Signs on Building:
a) Free Standing signs are considered a structure and must be approved by Zoning Board of Appeals prior to being reviewed by the Architectural Board of Review.
A separate application to the Zoning Board must be filed.
b )Applicants for all signs must submit copies of plan drawn to scale showing dimension of front of building and location of sign thereon. Complete dimensions of sign and lettering must be indicated along with colors. Color samples of lettering and background should be submitted if possible.
c) Copies of the survey or site plan must be submitted and, in the case of free standing signs, the location of signs on the property must be shown with dimensions from the nearest building and the setback from the road, (Signs are not permitted on right-of-ways.)
d) Details of construction of signs, including type of framing and method of fastening to building should be provided. For a free standing sign, the dimensions and height of the post that the sign will be mounted on should be provided. If lighting is to be used, indicate type of lighting and wattage. Photographs are recommended in addition to the above.
3) New Construction & Renovations for Commercial Buildings
a) Applicants must submit 11 sets of the survey, elevation drawings and landscaping plans. In addition 1 complete set of construction drawings are to be submitted. Provide color samples of exterior building materials, i.e., block, brick stone, roof shingles, exterior plywood, windows, doors, railings and color samples of trim etc. Lighting details and type of fixture and details of parking area, i.e. curbs, bumpers, plantings and walkways. Photographs are recommended in addition to the above.
(Note: For reference you can see a copy of these forms on the website homepage under Mt. Pleasant Forms Index. These forms are carbonized and the original form must be picked up in the Building Dept.)
What do I need to know about Zoning Board of Appeals Applications?
a) Applicant shall submit application for Zoning and Building Permit (must be signed by owner) to the Building Department. Requirements are listed as follows:
- 8 sets of certified, current survey indicating all existing and proposed structures with proper dimensions, setbacks and lot area including decks, tool sheds, swimming pools etc.
- Zoning Data Table
- Pay the required fee
- Meet with the Building Inspector
b) Upon denial of the application by the Building Department the application is forwarded to the Zoning Board Office. Applicants should complete blue Zoning Board of Appeals application forms and make an appointment with the Zoning Administrator.
c) Applicant must submit forms in person and will be responsible for publishing the Public Notice in the Journal News and for the certified mailings to contiguous property owners.
d) Applicants will be shown on the tax map what properties have to be notified and must look up the names and mailing addresses.
e) Applicant will then be placed on the agenda for the next available meeting. Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before a meeting to get on the calendar.
f) A decision is usually rendered the night of the meeting unless it is adjourned by the Board.
g) Upon receipt of the written decision of the Board, a building permit must be obtained from the Building Inspector prior to start of construction.
How do I File a Complaint?
You can file a complaint by filling out a Complaint Form (which can be downloaded from this website or obtained from Building Dept.) and complete and deliver, fax (914-769-3155) or drop off to building department at town hall
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