Amherst, NY Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Under Town Code § 83-5-5, no part of any building, structure, electrical wiring, parking lot, or plumbing and drainage work can be covered or concealed until the assigned inspector has examined and approved it, and no electrical power may be connected until the Commissioner of Building authorizes it. The permit holder is responsible for notifying the Commissioner when each stage is ready. The code lists the required inspection points: the work site before a building permit issues, footing and foundation, preparation for a concrete slab, framing, building systems including underground and rough-in work, fire-resistant construction and penetrations, solid-fuel heating appliances and chimneys, accessibility compliance, Energy Code compliance, and a final inspection once all permitted work is complete.

If an inspector finds work proceeding in violation of the Uniform Code or an approved plan, § 83-5-5(5-5) lets the inspector place a written stop-work order on the job until the condition is corrected. Inspectors also conduct recurring firesafety and property-maintenance inspections: assembly buildings with an occupant load of 100 or more, and dormitories, are inspected at least every 12 months, while other multiple dwellings and nonresidential buildings are inspected at least every 36 months. A second inspection that still finds required corrections unmade triggers additional fees under the Town's building permit fee schedule.