Union, NY Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 86-4 is the core of Chapter 86, Building Code Administration, adopted December 6, 2006 by Local Law No. 5-2006 to administer the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code. Subsection A requires a building permit for any work which must conform to those codes, including the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion of one, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person can start without first obtaining the permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.

The application is in writing on a form provided by or acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer and is signed by the owner or an authorized agent. It lists a description of the work, the Tax Map number and street address, the occupancy classification, a statement of special inspections where applicable, and at least two sets of construction documents. Where applicable, the drawings include a site plan showing existing and proposed buildings, any well or septic system, the intended work and the distances between buildings and structures and the lot lines. A New York State registered architect or licensed professional engineer prepares the documents where the Education Law requires. The permit is displayed visibly at the work site until the work is complete, and all work follows the accepted construction documents; the permit holder immediately notifies the Code Enforcement Officer of any change, which can call for an amended permit.

Subsection I sets the clock: a permit becomes invalid unless work starts within six months of issuance and expires 12 months after issuance, and a lapsed permit can be renewed on application, payment of the fee and approval. Subsection B lists exempt work, and Subsection C says an exemption does not authorize work that violates the Uniform Code or Energy Code. Section 86-16 sets fees by resolution of the Council of this Town, for example $10 for the first $2,000 plus $2 per $1,000 for new single-family construction, and a 100% fee increase for failure to obtain a permit before the start of work.