914 381-7830 Building Department

R  REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING A BUILDING PERMIT

1.   A completed 3-part Building Permit Application, which will include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all contractors.

2.      A completed Short Environmental Assessment Form.

3.      Two (2) sets of architectural plans, stamped and signed by a N.Y. licensed architect or Professional Engineer.  

*Note-For central air-conditioning systems, two (2) copies of specs may be submitted in lieu of architectural plans.

4.      One (1) copy of a property survey showing all existing conditions.

5.      Contractor’s Insurance Certificate for Liability and Workmen’s Compensation made out to the Town of Mamaroneck,
or a signed and notarized Waiver of Insurance if all work is to be performed by the property owner.      
     

NOTICE TO ALL CONTRACTORS AND PERMIT APPLICANTS:

Please be advised, under new state & municipal laws, the workers’ compensation and disability benefits insurance must be submitted on separate state approved forms.  The standard “Acord Forms” are not acceptable proof of workers’
compensation coverage. Further information or questions may be answered by calling the N.Y.S. Bureau of Compliance at
(518) 486-6307, by visiting their website @www.wcb.state.ny.us/ or by contacting the insurance provider.

6.      A completed Tree Permit Application if trees are to be removed.  The application will provide further information.

7.      Application for Surface Water, Erosion and Sediment Control (if applicable) filed with or prior to the Building Permit Application.

It can take from two (2) to four (4) weeks for the review of applications and plans.  Permit fees are fixed when the 
application is approved.

Building Permit Filing Fee:                              Erosion Control Permit Filing Fee: 

Residential           $  25.00                                 Improved Residence                  $ 150.00

Commercial         $  50.00                                 New Residence                          $ 350.00

                                                                           Commercial                               $ 350.00   

** RENEWAL FEE:  A FEE EQUAL TO THE NOW CURRENT CHARGED PERMIT FEE WILL BE DUE IF THE
PERMIT  IS NOT COMPLETED WITHIN ONE YEAR.  TWO 6-MONTH EXTENSIONS MAY BE REQUESTED


1. When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required whenever any new construction, alteration or addition work is
undertaken. A building permit application is the starting point for all Board applications. Building
permits may also be required for repair work depending upon the nature of the repair.

2. When do I need a plumbing permit?

Whenever any new plumbing fixtures are proposed or if old fixtures are replaced or relocated;
also, when converting energy sources for the heating plant (i.e. from oil to gas) or if any gas piping
work is done.

3. Do I need a permit to install or to remove above or underground storage tanks?

Yes, permits are required.

4. Do I need a permit to install or remove an oil fired appliance?

Yes, permits are required.

5. When do I need a Surface Water, Erosion and Sediment Control Permit?

Whenever any increase of impervious surfaces on the property exceeds 100 square feet;
whenever any land disturbing activities exceeds the threshold described in Chapter 95; when any
Freshwater Wetlands and Water Courses permit is applied for.

6. Do I need a permit to remove trees?

Yes, on parcels 20,000 square feet or greater; when a tree has been deemed to be dangerous;
for the construction of a new building or residence no matter what size lot; and when an application
for a subdivision is filed.

7. When do I need an application for the Zoning Board of Appeals?

Whenever an application is made requesting an area or use variance, or when seeking an
interpretation of an ordinance by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

8. When do I need to file an application for a Site Plan Approval?

Whenever a Commercial site is being proposed or modified with respect to location or relocation of
buildings, or parking spaces or facilities. The applicant must also file a Board of Architectural
Review application.

9. When do I need to file for a Special Permit?

A Special Permit must be filed for whenever a proposed commercial use is a listed Special Permit
activity in accordance with the Zoning Code. This is not to be confused with a use variance.

10. When do I need to file a Freshwater Wetlands and Water Courses Permit?

Whenever any activity that involves land disturbance or construction within 100 feet of a wetlands
as described in Chapter 114. Whenever a Wetlands application is filed it must be accompanied by
an Erosion and Sediment Control Permit application.

11. Do I need a permit to erect a sign?

Yes, a Board of Architectural Review application for a sign must be filed.

12. Do I need a permit to alter the facade of a building or to alter the site (i.e. parking lots) or to change the lighting?

Yes, a permit is required by the Board of Architectural Review to change the fagadc and exterior lighting and to alter parking lots. You may also need to file an application with the Planning Board for a Site Plan Amendment.

13. When a property is being refinanced or sold why must the present owner be
responsible to legalize additions or alterations that were done by previous owners many years ago?

Any additions or alterations done without building permits are considered violations and the
current owner is responsible to rectify said violations if brought to the attention of the building
department.

14. To legalize an addition or alteration, why are architect's or engineer's plans instead of a laymen's drawing required?

The requirement to have a licensed professional certify drawings for a building permit application
does not change. An architect or engineer is required to certify drawings of work that was done
with or without the benefit of a building permit.

15. When a property is being taxed for an addition
 or alteration, (that does not appear in the building
department files) why is the addition or alteration
not listed in the building department's  property file
and not considered legal?

The tax assessor assesses real property (what is presently on the parcel). When work is done under a building permit a report is filed with the tax assessor and the work is recorded and taxed accordingly. Upon a site inspection by the assessor's office, if additions or alterations are found, they are taxed accordingly. The assessor's office does not report it's findings back to the building department. Any work done that requires a building permit that is done without obtaining one is considered to be illegal.

16. Why can't a homeowner do his own plumbing work?

Plumbing permits can only be issued to a plumber licensed by Westchester County.

17. Why must a property survey be submitted when you apply for a building permit for an addition to your home?

A survey is required to establish compliance with current zoning setbacks for the proposed
addition.

18. Why is an As Built survey required upon completion of an addition
 for which a variance is granted?

A licensed surveyor must certify the dimensions of additions on properties to ensure that the setbacks of the addition that was built are in conformance with the zoning variance that was granted.

19. Can an attic be converted into living space?

It is possible that an attic area may be used as living space as long as all local zoning and New York State Building Code requirements are met. In all cases a New York State Code Variance is required when the attic becomes a third floor.

20. Why is a building permit required for a shed or small moveable structure?

It is necessary for the building official to approve the placement of the structures for zoning setback requirements.

Last Updated: Friday, February 27, 2004