Building Department

The office of the Building Department encompasses all of the traditional roles performed by a building inspector which include:

• Issuance of Building Permits and associated inspections
• Issuance of Demolition Permits
• Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy or Compliance
• Enforcement of Building and Zoning Codes

The building department addresses all zoning and planning questions. Please visit Chapter 163 of the North Haven Village code for information on setbacks, lot coverage, clearing and other zoning related questions. 

PERMITS REQUIRED
Permits are required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any  building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating applicance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit.

WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

• Construction or installation of one-story detached structures associated with one-family dwellings which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet;
• Installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one-family dwelling;
• Installation of swimming pools associated with a one-family dwelling where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground;
• Construction of retaining walls unless such walls support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids;
• Construction of temporary motion-picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery;
• Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one-family dwelling;
• Installation of partitions or movable cases less than five feet nine inches in height;
• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work;
• Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;
• Replacement of any equipment, provided the replacement does not alter the equipment's listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment's original specifications; or
• Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:
  • The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;
  • The removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
  • The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; or
  • The removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system for any period of time.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the Building Inspector to review plans prior to submitting any application. 

Building permit applications must be submitted with all required documents at the time of submission. Applications that are deemed to be incomplete will be returned to the applicant. 

After the application has been reviewed, one of the following will occur:

• Building Permits will be issued for all applications that do not require referral to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals or the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation (BARHP). Building Permit fees must be paid in full and picked up from Village Hall prior to work starting. Fees shall be doubled for work that has been started prior to the issuance of the permit.
• Building Permit applications that are required to be reviewed by the BARHP will be referred to the Board as provided for under Chapter 163 of the Village Code.  Applicants will be notified as to when their application will go before the Board, and if any additional information is required. 
• Building Permit applications will be denied. Applicants will be notified and provided with the reasons for denial and, if applicable, with information on the procedures for filing applications with the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Permits will be issued as soon as possible after receiving Board approvals. However, Building Permits will not be processed if there are outstanding Zoning violations, if the current owner does not have a Certificate of Occupancy, or the property owner owes the Village any outstanding fees. 

SITE INSPECTIONS
It is the responsibility of the applicant/agent to schedule the required inspections within a timely manner. Inspections are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. To request an inspection, please call 631-725-1378. FINAL INSPECTIONS WILL NOT BE SCHEDULED UNTIL A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED.

TIME LIMITS/RENEWALS
Building permits expire if work is not commenced within 6 months of the date of issauance or has not been completed within 12 months after the date of issuance.  For good cause shown, an extension of either date may be issued for no more than two consecutive 90-day periods. Requests for extension must be made in writing, prior to the expiration date. 

A building permit which has become invalid or which has expired may be renewed for an additional year upon application by the permit holder, payment of the building permit fee, and approval of the application by the Building Inspector. Updated insurances and contractor information must be provided at this time.

Construction Hours are Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm. Construction is prohibited on all State & Federal holidays. Additional information, including penalties for offenses can be found in Section 112-2 and 112-4 of the Village Code. 

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Certificates of Occupancy are required upon transfer of ownership and to close out a building permit. No building or structure shall be occupied or used in whole or part until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. All final inspections are to be approved and outstanding fees, paid. This also includes any other Village Board approvals, if applicable. 

• Certificate of Occupancy - Re-issue Application - to be used upon transfer of ownership
• Certifcate of Occupancy (compliance) - to be used upon completion of a building permit

Staff Contacts