Nicholas Snyder
Address:
PO Box 686 Cranberry Lake, NY 12927
Phone: 315-314-0682
Fax: 315-742-7014
Email: [email protected]
Description:
Buildings of all sorts need inspections and must comply with local and state building codes and regulations. The code enforcement officer works to ensure that these buildings and the lands they are on comply with these codes and regulations.
Responsibilities:
A code enforcement officer will review and approve all construction plans to ensure they are meeting building codes and any zoning regulations if such applies. Inspections and monitoring is done on construction sites to determine if structures and systems are installed to meet codes and ordinances for public safety. If a violation has occurred, the enforcement officer may issue a citation or, in extreme circumstances, halt a project.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A Quick Reference Guide for Town of Clifton Residents
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes, as well as local Town of Clifton ordinances, mandate that a building permit must be obtained before starting any construction, structural alteration, demolition, or installation of major mechanical systems.
This guide outlines the most common residential projects and their permit requirements. This list is not all-inclusive. Buildings of all types must comply with local and state regulations. When in doubt, always contact the Code Enforcement Officer before purchasing materials or beginning work.
📋 When a Building Permit IS Required
A building permit is strictly required prior to starting work on the following projects:
1. New Construction, Additions & Structural Work
🚫 When a Building Permit IS NOT Required
A building permit is generally not required for the following minor projects, provided they do not affect structural systems, structural integrity, means of exiting the structure, or fire protection:
⚠️ Important Note on Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Jurisdiction
Because the entire Town of Clifton sits within the historic boundaries of the Adirondack Park, local town code exemptions do not supersede regional environmental regulations.
Many projects, including those listed as "permit not required" by town standards (such as small sheds, shoreline decks, or retaining walls near water)—may still require an APA Jurisdictional Inquiry Form (JIF) or an explicit APA permit if they occur near wetlands, rivers, or the shoreline of Cranberry Lake. Property owners are legally responsible for securing APA clearance before starting construction.
🛠️ Contact Information
Code Enforcement: Nicholas Snyder
Address:
PO Box 686 Cranberry Lake, NY 12927
Phone: 315-314-0682
Fax: 315-742-7014
Email: [email protected]
Description:
Buildings of all sorts need inspections and must comply with local and state building codes and regulations. The code enforcement officer works to ensure that these buildings and the lands they are on comply with these codes and regulations.
Responsibilities:
A code enforcement officer will review and approve all construction plans to ensure they are meeting building codes and any zoning regulations if such applies. Inspections and monitoring is done on construction sites to determine if structures and systems are installed to meet codes and ordinances for public safety. If a violation has occurred, the enforcement officer may issue a citation or, in extreme circumstances, halt a project.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A Quick Reference Guide for Town of Clifton Residents
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes, as well as local Town of Clifton ordinances, mandate that a building permit must be obtained before starting any construction, structural alteration, demolition, or installation of major mechanical systems.
This guide outlines the most common residential projects and their permit requirements. This list is not all-inclusive. Buildings of all types must comply with local and state regulations. When in doubt, always contact the Code Enforcement Officer before purchasing materials or beginning work.
📋 When a Building Permit IS Required
A building permit is strictly required prior to starting work on the following projects:
1. New Construction, Additions & Structural Work
- Residential & Accessory Buildings: Construction of new houses, attached or detached garages, pole barns, and cabins.
- Additions: Expanding a building's footprint, adding a sunroom, porch, second story, or attached deck.
- Interior Alterations: Full remodels, gutting rooms, framing, moving or removing load-bearing walls, and converting basements or attics into living space.
- Exterior Changes: Roof repair & replacements, new siding installations, and installing new windows or doors.
- Sheds & Outbuildings: Any detached structure (tool sheds, playhouses, workshops) requires a permit unless it meets specific size exemptions (see the exempt section).
- Mechanical & Heating: Installation or replacement of solid-fuel heating appliances (woodstoves, pellet stoves), compliance-rated chimneys, fireplaces, central heating furnaces, boilers, and permanent generator installations.
- Electrical & Plumbing: Any new electrical wiring or structural plumbing modifications.
- Outdoor Fixtures: Installation of any in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, and boundary fences taller than 6 feet.
- Septic Systems: Any installation of a new private septic system, major redesign, or replacement of leach fields requires a specific Septic System Application and engineering review.
- Demolition: Complete removal or knocking down of any existing building or structural framework requires a Demolition Permit Application.
🚫 When a Building Permit IS NOT Required
A building permit is generally not required for the following minor projects, provided they do not affect structural systems, structural integrity, means of exiting the structure, or fire protection:
- Small Detached Structures: One-story detached structures (such as tool sheds or playhouses) provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet.
- Cosmetic & Finish Work: Interior painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or installing traditional residential kitchen/bathroom cabinetry.
- Minor Fixtures: Window awnings supported by an exterior wall on one- or two-family homes.
- Portable Equipment: Installation of portable residential appliances (refrigerators, washers, plug-in space heaters) that do not require an alteration to permanent utility infrastructure or specifications.
⚠️ Important Note on Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Jurisdiction
Because the entire Town of Clifton sits within the historic boundaries of the Adirondack Park, local town code exemptions do not supersede regional environmental regulations.
Many projects, including those listed as "permit not required" by town standards (such as small sheds, shoreline decks, or retaining walls near water)—may still require an APA Jurisdictional Inquiry Form (JIF) or an explicit APA permit if they occur near wetlands, rivers, or the shoreline of Cranberry Lake. Property owners are legally responsible for securing APA clearance before starting construction.
🛠️ Contact Information
Code Enforcement: Nicholas Snyder
- Mailing Address: PO Box 686, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927
- Phone: 315-314-0682
- Email: [email protected]
