City Building Inspector

Vince Pishner

1. The town has adopted the 1999 edition of the standard Building Code, Gas Code and Fire Prevention Code, as well as, the 1997 edition of the Standard Amusement Device Code, Existing Building Code, Housing Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code and Swimming Pool Code. The Unsafe Building Code has also been adopted. 

2. Permits are required for: 

     a. All new construction

     b. Additions

     c. Swimming Pools

     d. Driveways and curb cuts

     e. Remodeling when useable space is being added; decks are built, added to, or enclosed; windows are replaced, walls and/or headers are being changed, replaced, added, plumbing fixtures are being added (you do not need a permit to replace existing with the same type of fixture); and when basement space is changing use (garage to living, etc).

      g. Demolition, and when

      h. The footprint of the structure is being changed. 

3. Setbacks for structures in all areas except manufacturing are: 

      Front: 30'

      Rear: 25'

      Sides: 10'

The setback is from the property line, not the street. Driveways have to be 2.5' off the sideline. 

Some sub-divisions require greater setback. The town does not keep a record of or enforce these. Check your deed restrictions to see what applies.

4. The Town also requires a minimum road frontage of 50' except that 40' is permitted for cul-de-sac or flag lots. The minimum lot sizes in the residential zones are as follows: 

Zone                          Minimum Lot Size (square feet) 

R-1                                      15,000

R-1A                                   11,000

R-1B                                    7,500

R-2                                      10,000

R-3                                      10,000

R-4                                      10,000

R-5                                      8/Acre

5. The building inspector is a part-time employee. Therefore, you need to give a work days notice of being ready for inspections. Inspections are required before footer concrete is poured, after framing is complete but before insulation goes up, after the insulation is up but before sheetrock, and when the structure is completed before using (final). Plumbing lines must be water or air tested prior to basement floor if under, prior to sheetrock, and before the structure is used (final). Pools must be fenced 4' high minimum and have self-closing, self-locking gates.

If you have questions call first -- it's easier to ask than to have to do over. Call 612-8119 and ask for Vince.

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