Source: https://ecode360.com/10920764
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 18:28:29+00:00

Document:
§ 62-1 Legislative intent; authority; applicability.
§ 62-3 Intermunicipal agreements; Code Enforcement Officer; fees.
§ 62-4 Duties and powers of Code Enforcement Officer.
§ 62-7 Certificates of occupancy.
§ 62-9 Installation of solid-fuel-burning appliances.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Potsdam 6-12-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007.
Editor's Note: This local law also repealed former Ch. 62, Fire Prevention and Building Code Administration, adopted 10-18-1984 by L.L. No. 3-1984, as amended.
Intermunicipal agreements; Code Enforcement Officer; fees.
Duties and powers of Code Enforcement Officer.
This chapter shall provide for administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) in the Town of Potsdam. This chapter is adopted pursuant to § 10 of Article 2 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. Except as otherwise provided within this chapter, or within the Uniform Code, all premises, regardless of use, are subject to the provisions which follow.
The words and terms used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as those contained in Executive Law § 372, unless the context may otherwise require.
The Town of Potsdam may, by resolution, enter into a contract with other governments to carry out the terms of this chapter.
There is hereby created the appointive Office of Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the Supervisor with the approval of the Town Board at a compensation to be fixed by it. In the absence of the Code Enforcement Officer, to act for any reason, the Chief Executive Officer shall have the power, with the consent of the Town Board, to designate a person to act for this officer. Compensation shall be fixed by the Town Board by resolution.
Additional code enforcement personnel, which may include all inspectors and Code Compliance Technicians, shall be appointed by the Supervisor with the approval of the Town Board, and their compensation shall be fixed by the Town Board by resolution.
The persons, offices, departments, agencies or combinations thereof authorized and responsible for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, or any portion thereof, shall be clearly identified.
A schedule of fees shall be established by resolution by the Town Board.
Receive applications and such fees as may be established by the Town Board.
Approve or deny plans and specification within 60 days in writing and issue permits for the erection and alteration of buildings or structures or parts thereof.
Approve or deny applications for certificates of occupancy within 10 days.
Maintain all records on file with the Town Clerk, consisting of applications, permits, denials, inspection reports, recommendations, complaints, violation orders, certificates of occupancy, correspondence and proof of payment of required fees.
Issue in writing all appropriate notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe conditions.
Serve notices and orders upon a property owner or the owner's agent personally or by certified mail or by posting conspicuously on the premises to which the notice or order applies.
Report at least annually to the governing body all approvals, denials, permits and certificates issued, fees collected and turned in to the general fund, orders and notices issued and other matters as appropriate.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary of State on behalf of the Town Board, on a form prescribed by the Secretary, a report of its activities relative to administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, improve, remove, demolish or use any building or structure or portion thereof in violation of any provision of law, as well as any regulation or rule of the municipality, or to fail in any manner to comply with a notice, directive or order of the Code Enforcement Officer or to commence the erection, construction enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, demolition or use of any building or structure or the installation of heating equipment without having applied for and obtained a permit. However, no permit shall be required for the performance of necessary repairs which are not of a structural nature and which are done in conformance with the Uniform Code.
Any person who shall fail to comply with a written order of the Code Enforcement Officer, within the time fixed for compliance therewith, and any owner, builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor, construction superintendent or their agents, or any other person taking part or assisting in the construction or use of any building who shall knowingly violate any of the applicable provisions of law, or any lawful order, notice, directive permit or certificate of the Code Enforcement Officer made thereunder shall be punished by a fine of not more than $250 or imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both. Each week that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.
Except as provided otherwise by law, such a violation shall not be a crime, and the penalty or punishment imposed therefor shall not be deemed for any purpose a penal or criminal penalty or punishment and shall not impose any disability upon or affect or impair the credibility as a witness, or otherwise, of any person found guilty of such an offense.
Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be 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 appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
Applications for a building permit shall be made in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer.
The application shall be signed by the owner of the property where the work is to be performed or an authorized agent of the owner.
The application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that the intended work complies with all applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
Construction documents. Construction documents will not be accepted as part of an application for a building permit unless they satisfy the requirements set forth Subsection D of this section. Construction documents which are accepted as part of the application for a building permit shall be marked as accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer in writing or by stamp. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Code Enforcement Officer, and one set of the accepted construction documents shall be returned to the applicant to be kept at the work site so as to be available for use by the code enforcement personnel. However, the return of a set of accepted construction documents to the applicant shall not be construed as authorization to commence work, nor as an indication that a building permit will be issued. Work shall not be commenced until and unless a building permit is issued.
An application for a building permit shall be examined to ascertain whether the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a building permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
Work to be in accordance with construction documents.
All work shall be performed in accordance with the construction documents which were submitted with and accepted as part of the application for the building permit. The building permit shall contain such a directive.
The permit holder shall immediately notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any change occurring during the course of the work. The building permit shall contain such a directive. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that such change warrants a new or amended building permit, such change shall not be made until and unless a new or amended building permit reflecting such change is issued.
Time limits. Building permits shall expire 12 months after the date of issuance. A building permit which has expired pursuant to this subsection may be renewed upon application by the permit holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 62-3E must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a building permit, for an amended building permit, or for renewal of a building permit.
Certificates of occupancy/certificates of compliance required.
A certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance shall be required for any work which is the subject of a building permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof which are converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another.
Permission to use or occupy a building or structure, or portion thereof, for which a building permit was previously issued shall be granted only by issuance of a certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance.
Issuance of certificates of occupancy/certificates of compliance.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance if the work which was the subject of the building permit was completed in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and Energy Code and, if applicable, the structure, building or portion thereof that was converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another complies with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
The Code Enforcement Officer may include in a temporary certificate such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure safety or to further the purposes and intent of the Uniform Code.
A temporary certificate shall be effective for a period of time, not to exceed six months, which shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer and specified in the temporary certificate.
During the specified period of effectiveness of the temporary certificate, the permit holder shall undertake to bring the building or structure into full compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 62-3E of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance or for a temporary certificate.
Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The permit holder shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in Subsection B of this section is ready for inspection.
Existing buildings not subject to inspection under Subsection A shall be subject to periodic inspections for compliance with the Uniform Code. Notwithstanding any requirement of the section to the contrary, no regular, periodic inspections of occupied dwellings units shall be required. This shall not be a limitation on inspections conducted at the invitation of the occupant or where conditions on the premises threaten or present a hazard to the public health, safety or welfare.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 62-3E of this chapter must be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed.
A permit for installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney and flue in any dwelling unit shall be obtained as provided in § 62-6. If the enforcement official, after inspection, determines that the installation is in compliance with the Uniform Code, he shall issue a certificate of compliance on a form to be prescribed by resolution of the Town Board. A violation of this section and of Subdivision 4 of § 378 of the Executive Law shall be punishable as provided in § 62-5B.
Any person who proposes to undertake any activity or to operate any type of building listed in this subsection shall be required to obtain an operating permit prior to commencing such activity or operation.
An application for an operating permit shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer.
Such application shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials, and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code.
If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that tests or reports are necessary to verify conformance, such tests or reports shall be performed or provided by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer at the expense of the applicant.
Aerosol products. An operational permit is required to manufacture, store or handle an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products in excess of 500 pounds (227 kg) net weight.
Amusement buildings. An operational permit is required to operate a special amusement building.
Aviation facilities. An operational permit is required to use a Group H or Group S occupancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraft fuel-servicing vehicles. Additional permits required by other sections of this code include but are not limited to hot work, hazardous materials and flammable or combustible finishes.
Carnivals and fairs. An operational permit is required to conduct a carnival or fair.
Battery systems. A permit is required to install stationary lead-acid battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 liters).
Cellulose nitrate film. An operational permit is required to store, handle or use cellulose nitrate film in a Group A occupancy.
Combustible dust-producing operations. An operational permit is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices, or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined in Chapter 2 of the International Fire Code.
Combustible fibers. An operational permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet (2.8 cubic meters).
Compressed gases. An operational permit is required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases in excess of the amounts listed in the Fire Code of New York State, Table 105.6.9.
The display of liquid-or gas-fired equipment in the mall.
Cryogenic fluids. An operational permit is required to produce, store, transport on site, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.11 of the International Fire Code.
Cutting and welding. An operational permit is required to conduct cutting or welding operations within jurisdiction.
Exhibits and trade shows. An operational permit is required to operate exhibits and trade shows.
Explosives. An operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosive, explosive material, fireworks, or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 33 of the International Fire Code.
Fire hydrants and valves. An operational permit is required to use or operate fire hydrants or valves intended for fire-suppression purposes which are installed on water systems and accessible to a fire apparatus access road that is open to or generally used by the public.
To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or combustible liquids. This requirement shall not apply to the off-site transportation in pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), nor does it apply to piping systems.
The storage or use of Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant, unless such storage, in the opinion of the code official, would cause an unsafe condition.
To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 liters) in a building or in excess of 60 gallons (227 liters) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in connection with oil-burning equipment.
To remove Class I or Class II liquids from an underground storage tank used for fueling motor vehicles by any means other than the approved, stationary on-site pumps normally used for dispensing purposes.
Floor finishing. An operational permit is required for floor finishing or surfacing operations exceeding 350 square feet (36 square meters) using Class I or Class II liquids.
Fruit and crop ripening. An operational permit is required to operate a fruit- or crop-ripening facility or conduct a fruit-ripening process using ethylene gas.
Fumigation and thermal insecticidal fogging. An operational permit is required to operate a business of fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging and to maintain a room, vault or chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is used.
Hazardous materials. An operational permit is required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.21 of the International Fire Code.
HPM facilities. An operational permit is required to store, handle or use hazardous production materials.
High-piled storage. An operational permit is required to use a building or portion thereof as a high-piled storage area exceeding 500 square feet (46 square meters).
Fixed-site hot work equipment such as welding booths.
Hot work conducted within a hazardous fire area.
When approved, the code official shall issue a permit to carry out a hot work program. This program allows approved personnel to regulate their facility's hot work operations. The approved personnel shall be trained in the firesafety aspects denoted in this chapter and shall be responsible for issuing permits requiring compliance with the requirements found in this chapter. These permits shall be issued only to their employees or hot work operations under their supervision.
Industrial ovens. An operational permit is required for operation of industrial ovens regulated by Chapter 21 of the International Fire Code.
Lumber yards and woodworking plants. An operational permit is required for the storage or processing of lumber exceeding 100,000 board feet (8,333 cubic feet) (236 cubic meters).
Liquid-or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings. An operational permit is required to display, operate or demonstrate liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings.
Storage and use of LP gas.
Exception: A permit is not required for individual containers with water capacity of 500 gallons (1893 liters) or less for service occupancies in Group R-3.
Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP gas.
Magnesium. An operational permit is required to melt, cast, heat treat or grind more than 10 pounds (4.54 kilograms) of magnesium.
Miscellaneous combustible storage. An operational permit is required to store in any building or upon any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (71 cubic meters) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar combustible material.
Open burning. See Chapter 65 of this Code.
Open flames and candles. An operational permit is required to remove paint with a torch; use a torch or open-flame device in a hazardous fire area; or to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.
Organic coatings. An operational permit is required for any organic-coating manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon (4 liters) of an organic coating in one day.
Places of assembly. An operational permit is required to operate a place of assembly.
Private fire hydrants. An operational permit is required for the removal from service, use or operation of private fire hydrants.
Exception. A permit is not required for private industry with trained maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire departments to maintain, test and use private hydrants.
Pyrotechnic special effects material. An operational permit is required for use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material.
Pyroxylin plastics. An operational permit is required for storage or handling of more than 25 pounds (11 kilograms) of cellulose nitrate (pyroxylin) plastics and for the assembly or manufacture of articles involving pyroxylin plastics.
Refrigeration equipment. An operational permit is required to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6 of the International Fire Code.
Repair garages and service stations. An operational permit is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine and fleet service stations.
Rooftop heliports. An operational permit is required for the operation of a rooftop heliport.
Spraying or dipping. An operational permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 15 of the International Fire Code.
Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts. An operational permit is required to establish, conduct or maintain storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 2,500 cubic feet (71 cubic meters) of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts.
Temporary membrane structures, tents and canopies. An operational permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 200 square feet (19 square meters) or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet (37 square meters).
Individual canopies shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 square meters).
The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet (3658 millimeters) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65 square meters) total.
A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 millimeters) to structures and other tents shall be provided.
Tire-rebuilding plants. An operational permit is required for the operation and maintenance of a tire-rebuilding plant.
Waste handling. An operational permit is required for the operation of wrecking of yards, junkyards and waste material-handling facilities.
Wood products. An operational permit is required to store chips, hogged material, lumber or plywood in excess of 200 cubic feet (6 cubic meters).
Multiple activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in Subsection C of this section is to be conducted at a location, the Code Enforcement Officer may require a separate operating permit for each such activity, or the Code Enforcement Officer may, in his or her discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities.
Operating permits shall be issued for such period of time, not to exceed one year in the case of any operating permit issued for an area of public assembly and not to exceed three years in any other case, as shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be consistent with local conditions.
The effective period of each operating permit shall be specified in the operating permit.
An operating permit may be reissued or renewed upon application to the Code Enforcement Officer, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of such application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 62-3E of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for an operating permit, for an amended operating permit, or for reissue or renewal of an operating permit.

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 § 10
 § 372
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 § 378
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