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Building Safety in Smithtown, NY (2026)

7 verified building safety rules for Smithtown, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Elevator Maintenance

Smithtown requires owners of any building other than a one- or two-family home to have passenger elevators inspected every six months and freight elevators every 12 months by a New York State-approved inspector. A copy of each inspection must be posted in the elevator car and shown to the Town on request.

Smithtown Elevator Inspection Requirements

Some Restrictions

Smithtown Code § 112-22

A. The owners of all buildings, except one- and two-family dwellings, in which elevators are installed shall arrange for competent inspections, by New York State-approved inspectors, of passenger elevators every six months and freight elevators every 12 months. B. A copy of such inspections completed in accordance with the current standards set forth in the New York State Uniform Fire Preventio...

Childcare Center Rules

Smithtown requires a Board of Appeals special exception for any day-care center or nursery school, with siting rules covering minimum lot size in residence districts, a passenger drop-off zone, play-area setbacks from residential lots and hazardous uses, and an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. limit on outdoor play.

Smithtown Day-Care Center Siting Standards

Significant Restrictions

Smithtown Code § 322-82C(9)

Day-care center and nursery school. The following requirements shall be met: (a) In residence districts, the use shall be located only on a lawfully existing day camp or on a site of at least one acre in area, of a hospital, nursing home, church or school. (b) A passenger loading/discharge zone of adequate size shall be provided in a suitable on-site location so that pedestrians will not have t...

Green Building Code

Smithtown has no separate green building code; it instead adopts the New York State Energy Conservation and Construction Code in its entirety for all covered construction. The Town repealed its earlier local ENERGY STAR program when it adopted the state code in 2012, and building permits are conditioned on compliance.

Smithtown's Adopted Energy Conservation Code

Some Restrictions

Smithtown Code § 112-1.2

A. The Town Board of the Town of Smithtown hereby adopts the applicability of the Energy Conservation and Construction Code of New York State in its entirety. B. Effective date. This section shall become effective immediately upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State.

Building Permits

Smithtown requires a separate building permit from the Chief Building Inspector before almost any construction, alteration, demolition or change of use, with narrow exemptions for ordinary non-structural repairs and small tool sheds. Applications need scaled plot plans, a licensed architect's or engineer's seal on most projects, and payment of set fees before work can start.

Smithtown Building Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Smithtown Code § 112-10

No person, firm or corporation shall commence the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, removal, improvement, demolition, conversion or change in the nature of the occupancy or use of any building, structure or site or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building permit from the Chief Building Inspector for each such building, structure or site, except that ...

Electrical Permits

Smithtown requires a Building Department permit before any electrical wiring is installed or altered, and all work must conform to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). Inspections are handled by Town-designated Electrical Inspectors, not the Building Department directly.

Smithtown Electrical Permits & NEC Code

Some Restrictions

Smithtown Code § 145-3

All electrical installations heretofore mentioned shall be made in conformity with the requirements of the National Electrical Code, except where the provisions of this chapter or any other local law, ordinance or Building Code of the Town of Smithtown shall differently prescribe, in which event compliance with the provisions of such local law, ordinance or Building Code shall be recognized as ...

Plumbing Permits

Smithtown requires a separate plumbing permit alongside any building permit, with a detailed drawing of every fixture and heating unit and a hard cap on lead solder. Residential plumbing permits cost $55 for the first two fixtures and $29 for each additional one; commercial rates run higher.

Smithtown Plumbing Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Smithtown Code § 112-10(E)

Simultaneous with the applicant's obtaining a building permit, he must: (1) Submit, in writing, a detailed drawing showing the exact number and location of each plumbing fixture and heating unit to be installed. (2) Obtain a separate permit from the Chief Building Inspector for this purpose. A permit for this purpose will not be granted unless the applicant submits specifications which limit th...

Building Inspections

Smithtown requires a building permit before construction begins, and the Chief Building Inspector examines every site during and after the work before issuing a certificate of occupancy. No building may be used or occupied until that certificate is issued, and inspections continue for the life of certain equipment like elevators.

Smithtown Building Inspection Process

Some Restrictions

Smithtown Code § 112-18

Before issuing a certificate of occupancy, the Chief Building Inspector shall examine or cause to be examined all buildings, structures and sites for which an application has been filed for a building permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, demolish or change the use or occupancy; and he may conduct such inspections as he deems appropriate from time to time during and upon completi...

Looking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Smithtown city rules.

Building Safety in Suffolk County