Items to Apply for a Permit
The following items are required in order to apply for a permit:
- Permit application filled out and signed by the contractor
- Two sets of plans showing what will be removed, what will be added, a floor plan, all rooms identified and complete floor, wall and ceiling details
- Depending on the size of the project and scope of work, the code enforcement officer may require the plans to be stamped by a New York State registered design professional
The following plans may be required if they are a required component of the occupancy or part of the scope of work:
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Depending on the size of the project and scope of work, the code enforcement officer may require the plans to be stamped by a New York State registered design professional and a list of all contractors and subcontractors that will be performing work on the project.
Reviewing Plans
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until complete. Plans will be reviewed in the order that they are received. Interior renovation plan review is generally completed within 14 days but can take as long as 60 days during peak construction season.
Inspections
Once the plans have been approved, construction may begin. Inspections must be scheduled in accordance with the commercial inspection checklist. Inspections are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule an inspection, call (716) 877-8801 Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 9:30 am or 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
Building & Construction Helpful Resources
A building permit is required for any:
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The building permit application must be completed by a licensed contractor that is responsible for the construction.
Roofing and exterior facade permit applications are on a different form and have a different fee schedule. If the owner or tenants wish to do the work, they must first obtain a contractor's license. All electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrical or plumbing contractor. Building permit fees are based on the anticipated construction costs minus plumbing and electrical costs. Plumbing and electrical work require separate permits and have separate plumbing and electric fees.
The following items are required in order to apply for a permit:
- Permit application filled out and signed by the contractor
- Two sets of plans showing what will be removed, what will be added, a floor plan, all rooms identified and complete floor, wall and ceiling details
- Depending on the size of the project and scope of work, the code enforcement officer may require the plans to be stamped by a New York State registered design professional
The following plans may be required if they are a required component of the occupancy or part of the scope of work:
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Depending on the size of the project and scope of work, the code enforcement officer may require the plans to be stamped by a New York State registered design professional and a list of all contractors and subcontractors that will be performing work on the project.
Reviewing Plans
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until complete. Plans will be reviewed in the order that they are received. Interior renovation plan review is generally completed within 14 days but can take as long as 60 days during peak construction season.
Inspections
Once the plans have been approved, construction may begin. Inspections must be scheduled in accordance with the commercial inspection checklist. Inspections are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule an inspection, call (716) 877-8801 Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 9:30 am or 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm.
Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit, the demolition contractor that is currently licensed in the Town of Tonawanda shall submit the following:
- A property survey
- The water and sewer disconnect permit by the town Water Resources Department
- Asbestos survey and clearance letter
Prior to commencing demolition, the contractor shall:
- Place the name and contact number of the contractor on a sign at the site
- Make certain all utilities have been disconnected
- Bait property if any rodent harborage is detected
- Secure demolition site with fencing
- Have water supply on hand to control dust
After Demolition
The contractor shall be responsible for:
- Removing all debris from the property
- Breaking and covering all foundations, concrete floors located in basements, sub-basements or boiler rooms, retaining walls, crawl spaces, etc., with a minimum of 24" of clean fill
- All fill shall be clean fill and the contractor shall have documentation of custody
- Notifying the building inspector for an inspection prior to the commencement of any fill
- Leveling and grading the area to provide proper drainage of the site
- Repairing any damage to public sidewalks, curbs or streets
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Subdivision of Land |
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- After the foundation is staked out (before digging)
- After the foundation is excavated and forms placed (before pouring concrete); all open excavations are to be identified and secured
- When crawl spaces are used - floor framing, drain tile and plumbing in floors and floor insulation
- When full cellar areas are used - drain tile and plumbing in floors (before concealing)
- When the structure is rough framed (before covering exterior with felt and before insulation is installed)
- Wall and ceiling insulation (before drywall)
- Final inspection (all finish work complete)
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work inspected
- Exterior work (including drainage and landscaping) completed before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued
Failure to comply with these procedures could result in permit revocation. Building / electrical inspectors are in the office to answer questions and schedule inspections between 8:00 am and 9:00 am or 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm. For more information, please call (716) 877-8801.
- All property owners and contractors are responsible for contacting the New York State Department of Labor regarding asbestos regulations at (716) 847-7126.
- Contact Underground Facilities Protection Organization (8-1-1) two days prior to digging.
- Plumbing permits must be obtained from (and plumbing work inspected by) the town plumbing inspector prior to concealment. The town plumbing inspector can be reached at (716) 877-8801.
- Applications for inspection of electrical work must be sent to the town electrical inspector. Work must be inspected by the inspector prior to concealment. The town electrical inspector can be reached at (716) 877-8807.
- Any changes from plans submitted should be discussed with your inspector prior to changing.
Contractors are required to have insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage liability in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit. The Town Board amended the local law to the new limits based on a recommendation of the insurance consultants that work for the town. For more information, view the Contractor License Renewal Application.
Electrical License Liability Insurance Coverage
The licensee shall file with the code enforcement officer a policy or certificate of insurance evidencing coverage for the licensee's operations and naming the Town of Tonawanda, New York, as an additional insured in the following limits amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage liability. For more information, view the Master Electrician's License Renewal Requirements or the Master Electrician's License Renewal Application.
Plumbing License Liability Insurance Coverage
The licensee shall file with the code enforcement officer a policy or certificate of insurance evidencing satisfactory workers' compensation coverage, if applicable, as well as bodily injury and property damage liability in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit. Said liability insurance shall name the Town of Tonawanda, New York, as an additional insured. For more information, view the Master Plumber's License Renewal Requirements or the Master Plumber's License Renewal Application.
General Contractors and Sub-Contractors
General contractors with no employees are required to carry workers' compensation but can waive disability. If they contract subcontractors, the subcontractors have to be licensed also. Common forms are available from the Workers' Compensation Board.
Additional Insured
If the town issues a permit, they become a party to any legal problems that may arise regarding the permit. The contractor's insurance covers the town if the town is sued due to the contractor's negligence.
Out-of-State Contractors
Requirements for out-of-state contractors include:
- Certificate of insurance
- Workers compensation - C-105.2 verifies New York State coverage
- DB-120.1 - Not required if employees work in New York State less than 30 days
- Waiver must be filled out - CE-200