Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am-5pm
Wednesday 8am-1pm
Contact: Tom Sawtelle
Phone: 315-923-7259 ext 5
Fax: 315-923-3421
Email: codeenforcement@clydeny.com
6 South Park Street
Clyde, NY 14433
The Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer's primary goal is safety. This is done by issuing permits, investigating concerns of violations, and enforcing local ordinances and state and federal laws.
Enforcement of the Town of Galen Zoning Law-Enforces the Town of Galen Zoning Law and related local land use laws. Variances to the Zoning Law may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Enforcement of the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code-Administration and enforcement of the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code (including the Building, Fire, Residential, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Property Maintenance, and Existing Building Codes). The Department conducts construction and fire safety/property maintenance inspections and investigates complaints of violations.
Enforcement of the NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code-Local administration and enforcement of the NYS Energy Codes.
Floodplain Administration-Administration and enforcement of Federal, State and local flood damage prevention laws and regulations.
Enforcement of the Multiple Residence Law-The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for administration and enforcement of the NYS Multiple Residence Law and conducts construction and fire safety inspections pursuant to the MRL.
Planning and Hazard Mitigation-Participates in land use planning activities (i.e. adoption and review of Comprehensive Plans) and hazard mitigation planning (i.e. natural disasters, fires, floods).
Coordination with the Fire Department-The Code Enforcement Office works together with the Galen-Clyde Fire District in areas of pre-fire planning, fire protection water supplies, fire prevention education, training, hazardous materials, open burning, building access (i.e. Knox Box), fire investigation, and response to emergencies such as structure fires, building failures and natural disasters. The Code Enforcement Office and Fire Department often conduct joint fire safety inspections and educational sessions.
Public Education-The Code Enforcement Office has many handouts, pamphlets and brochures on topics related to building construction and fire safety that are available to the public free of charge. The Code Enforcement Office also conducts presentations upon request to school children, community groups, etc. Such presentations may be conducted jointly with the Fire Department.
Unsafe Building Awareness Program-The Unsafe Building Awareness Program, begun in 2008, marks unsafe structures so that the Fire Department and other emergency responders know the degree of hazard within. Unsafe buildings may be marked with a red sign with either a single diagonal white stripe, or a white "X". A white stripe indicates that hazards exist in the builing and fire fighters should use extreme caution when entering the structure. An "X" signifies that the building has numerous or serious hazards, and should not be entered except if absolutely necessary. In 2013, the program expanded to include emergency dispatch information concerning placarded buildings.
Permits-The issuance of Building Permits, Open Burning Permits, Fireworks Permits, Tent Permits, Fire Code Operating Permits, Pond Permits, and Zoning Permits. Some permits may require review and approval by the Town Planning Board, Town Zoning Board of Appeals, and Wayne County Planning Board. Application forms can be found in "Documents" below. Fee schedules are found under "Permits".
Plan Review-Reviews all construction project plans for compliance with the Galen Zoning Law and NYS Building & Fire Codes. The fee for Commercial/Industrial plan review is $25.00 per review. There is no plan review fee for 1-2 family dwellings/accessory structures, and agricultural structures.
Fire Safety and Property Maintenance Inspections-Conducts periodic fire safety and property maintenance inspections of all multifamily (3 or more apartments), commercial, and industrial properties at least once every three years. Places of public assembly are inspected annually. Other inspections are carried out upon complaint, or upon the owner's or occupant's request. Inspections may be conducted jointly with the Fire Department.
Hazardous Materials Program-The Hazardous Materials Program is a concerted effort to inventory and regulate all hazardous materials located in the Town of Galen. NYS Building & Fire Codes contain many specific requirements for the storage and handling of hazardous materials which must be enforced to protect public health and safety. Information collected is shared with the Galen-Clyde Fire District so that local firefighters are better prepared to handle any emergency. The Code Enforcement Office must be notified of any release of hazardous materials that is required to be reported to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and/or EPA. If you have hazardous materials at your facility, please complete and return a Hazardous Materials Notification Form (see "Documents" below).
Open Burning Permit Program-The Open Burning Permit Program was begun in 2008, to reduce the incidence of fire calls for "unreported controlled burns." However, since its inception, NYS has imposed additional restrictions on open burning, such as prohibiting many types of materials from being burned in an open fire. The Open Burning Permit Program has drastically reduced false alarms due to brush burning and has also reduced the number of unwanted fires. An application for Open Burning can be found under "Documents" below.
Application to install, modify, remove or replace a fire protection system (sprinkler system, fire alarm system, fire pump, fire hydrants, chemical extinguishing systems, etc.)
Building Permit Application-Fire Protection Systems
$1.00 per $1,000 of renovation cost. Minimum fee is $20.00. Maximum fee is $500.00
2-3 days (residential or agricultural); 7-10 days for commercial
$50.00, plus $25.00 site plan review fee.
1-2 months
$0.05 per square foot. Minimum fee is $20.00. Maximum fee is $100.00
1-2 days
$0.04 per square foot. Minimum fee is $20.00. Maximum fee is $400.00
1-2 days
Application to install or replace a Manufactured (i.e. Mobile) Home.
Building Permit Application-Manufactured Home
$0.04 per square foot. Minimum fee is $40.00. NOTE: Home Installers must be NYS Certified
5-10 days
Additional information required for multifamily residential and commercial building permit applications
Commercial Building Permit Attachment
Commercial Additions: $0.10 per square foot. Min. fee is $50.00 and max. fee is $2,000, plus $25.00 plan review fee. (Additional zoning fees may apply.)
1-2 weeks
General Building Permit Application. Can be used to apply for most types of residential or commercial construction, renovation or demolition
Building Permit Application-General
$0.05 per square foot. Minimum fee is $80.00
5-10 days
Application form to conduct Open Burning. Includes Fire Department contact for notification and all rules and regulations regarding open fires.
$5.00
0-1 day
For more information on Open Burning, please click here.
For some commonly asked questions about Open Burning, click here.
Application for a permit to demolish or remove a structure, in whole or in part. Partial or interior demolition being done as part of a renovation project may be included on a General Building Permit.
Building Permit Application-Demolition
<400 sq. ft.=$15.00, >400sq. ft.=$50.00
Approximate Time from Application to Issue: 2-3 days (residential or agricultural); 7-10 days for commercial
Notification form for the Fire Department and Code Enforcement Office. Required to be filed for hazardous materials as indicated on Table 1.
Application to close a hazardous materials storage system or facility. If removing any structures (storage tanks, sheds, oil / water separators, etc.), a separate building/demolition permit application is required.
Hazardous Materials Facility Closure Application
$20.00
1-2 days
Application for an "Over-the-Counter" (OTC) Building Permit. This application can be used for replacement of existing equipment, electrical services, doors, windows, siding, gutters, re-roofing, and non-structural repairs costing less than $10,000 in an owner-occupied 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-family dwelling or accessory structure.
Over-the-Counter Building Permit Application (Maintenance Permit)
$5.00 NOTE: Contractors installing torch-down roofs must be licensed by the Town of Galen
Torch-Down Roofer License Application
0-1 day
Application to install, modify, or replace a solid fuel burning appliances and / or chimney (fireplaces, woodstoves, coal stoves, pellet stoves, corn stoves, wood boilers, metal and masonry chimneys).
Building Permit Application-Solid Fuel Appliance or Chimney
$35.00
1-2 days
Application for a special permit, area variance, use variance or interpretation under the Zoning Law
Application for Special Permit, Variance or Interpretation (Zoning)
$75.00, plus $25.00 site plan review fee.
1-3 months
Application for a permit to install, modify, remove or replace a swimming pool, hot tub or spa.
Costs: $35.00 Fee (Swimming Pool, Hot Tub or spa)
1-2 days
Swimming Pool Rules and Regulations by New York State Department of State
Application for a permit to change the use of land or establish a new use in a building or other structure, without structural alterations and with a total renovation cost of less than $10,000. The proposed use may require further Zoning or Building / Fire Code approvals.
Building Permit Application-Use
$75.00, plus $25.00 site plan review fee.
1-3 months
New York State Septic System Regulations
Septic System Operation and Maintenance
$20.00 for new well or septic system/leach field; $10.00 for septic tank replacement only. NOTE: well drillers must be NYS Registered
1-2 days
Click here for useful information about septic systems.
Application for a permit to construct, install, modify or replace a residential deck, porch, balcony or similar.
Application to install footings and foundation below grade only. The holder of such permit for the foundation shall proceed at the holder's own risk and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.
Application to construct or modify a pond. The construction of ponds is regulated in order to protect natural resources and public health and safety. Additional approvals from other regulatory agencies may be required.
Application for development within designated flood hazard areas. Such development includes new construction, additions and alterations, as well as land clearing, fill, mining, drainage improvements, watercourse alteration, excavation, roadway construction, etc.
Application for approval for the construction, modification or relocation of a driveway to or from a public street, re-paving, re-striping a parking area, and / or constructing or replacing a public sidewalk. Includes culvert installation or replacement.
Application to amend an existing permit (i.e. changes to the original approved plans), or to renew an expired permit already on file.
Application to install a tent over 200 square feet in area, or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet in area.
Application for a permit to conduct a public or private fireworks display.
Application to establish a new address or change an existing one.
Application for Solid Waste Hauler license. Must be accompanied by a Waste Hauler Vehicle Registry.
Carbon-Monoxide Alarms (Amanda's Law)
"Amanda's Law" requires carbon monoxide alarms in all new and existing residences in New York State.
Click here to learn more about "Amanda's Law" and current Carbon Monoxide Detector regulations.
Clyde Fire Rescue Services
The Clyde Fire Department is a full-service public safety agency.
Click here to visit the Galen-Clyde Fire District Website.
Dam Safety, Coastal and Flood Protection
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation webpage with information and links about dam safety and flood protection.
Click here for Dam Safety and Flood Protection
Dig Safely New York/UFPO
Contacting UDig NY is the first step in a safe excavation project and helps protect you, your company, and community.
Click here for Dig Safely New York/UFPO.
EPA Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead poisoning prevention information from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Click here for Lead poisoning Prevention Information.
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Information about home and business safety and disaster preparedness.
Click here to learn more about FEMA's services.
Finger Lakes Landlord Association (Formally known as Wayne County Landlords Association
A resource for owners and managers of rental property.
Click here for the Finger Lakes Landlord Association website.
Find Tenant information here.
Floodplain Construction Requirements in NYS
Floodplains are low-lying lands next to rivers and streams.
Click here for the NYSDEC website regarding construction in flood hazard areas.
Giant Hogweed Health Advice
Important information about Giant Hogweed, a noxious invasive plant that has been found in the Town of Galen.
Click here for more information on Giant Hogweed.
Health and Safety in the Home, Workplace and Outdoors
Health and safety information from the NYS Dept. of Health.
Click here for Health and Safety information.
NYS Department of Labor-Safety and Health
Information on health and safety regulations such as fireworks, asbestos, mold program, Boiler Safety Bureau, places of public assembly, amusement rides, etc.
Click here to find out more about Safety and Health
NYS Fire and Building Codes
The Uniform Code prescribes the minimum standards for building construction in New York.
Click here for NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes.
NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control
Fire Safety Information
Click here for Fire Safety Information.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA sets and enforces health and safety standards in the workplace.
Click here to learn more about OSHA.
Outdoor Wood Boilers
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation requirements for outdoor wood boilers. NOTE: insurance and manufacturer's installation requirements generally prohibit location within 25 feet of a structure.
Click here for Outdoor Wood Boiler requirements.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detector information from the National Fire Protection Association website.
Click here to learn where to install and how to maintain your smoke detectors.
US Consumer Product Safety Commission
Product safety recall information and helpful safety tips.
Click here for the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
Wayne County Industrial Development Agency
Link to the Wayne County IDA, with information on business incentives, Empire Zone, etc.
Click here for the Wayne County IDA website.
What to do after a home fire?
Useful information for recovery after a residential fire.
Click here to find out what to do after a fire.
Wildfire Danger Map
Map showing the current danger of wildfires (i.e. brush, grass and field fires) in New York State, updated daily. Open burning is strictly prohibited during "Extreme" (RED) or red flag danger levels and may be restricted at "High" (YELLOW) or "Very High" (ORANGE) danger levels. The Town of Galen is located in the Lake Ontario Plains Fire Danger Rating Area.
Click here for the Wildfire Danger Map.