The Village of Monticello Building Department enforces standards for the construction
of buildings within the Village limits, to ensure the safety of the public. It does
this by administering and enforcing the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code and The Code of the Village of Monticello . To meet these requirements,
the Department:
- Reviews applications and plans for new construction, and the alteration of existing
structures.
- Issues building permits
- Performs inspections of new or substantially altered buildings to assure that construction
has been completed according to the appropriate codes and laws, and when necessary,
then issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance.
- Investigates complaints, typically concerning illegal construction and housing maintenance
standards.
- Suggests updates to the Village Code to reflect social and technological changes.
Work Permit Procedures
Property owners who wish to alter, build an addition or erect a new structure are
responsible for obtaining a Building Permit from the Building Department to ensure
that the resulting house, loft, apartment, office, garage, storage shed, house of
worship or any other residential, commercial or industrial structure complies with
the Building Code and zoning requirements. Applications/permit fees are based on
the size of the structure for new buildings/enlargements or for alterations.
To obtain permits, the plans for constructing a building or making an alteration
other than an ordinary repair must be prepared by a New York State licensed Professional
Engineer [PE] or Registered Architect [RA] but in some cases may not require this.
Speak with the Building Inspector to find out if you will be required to submit
sealed plans. The applicant then submits the plans to the Building Department. The
plans are reviewed to check for compliance with the Building Code and Zoning Ordinances.
In addition to Building Department approval, some structures may need an additional
approval and/or permit.
For example, if a use is determined to be a "Special Use" and/or meets certain requirements
under the Village Site Plan Review Law, then the applicant will be required to go
before the Planning Board for Site Plan Review and approval before a Building Permit
can be issued.
For new construction, or a change in use or occupancy, the property owner or developer
must apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. This is a document issued by the Building
Department indicating the legal use of a property, for example, a two-family home,
a parking lot, a multiple dwelling or a store. A new Certificate of Occupancy is
always required for a newly built structure; an amended Certificate of Compliance
is required only when the alteration has caused the building's occupancy or use
to change. Usually, the contractor or owner's representative contacts the Building
Department and arranges for the necessary inspections for construction, plumbing
and electrical. The Building Department will issue a Certificate of Occupancy only
when:
- The completed work complies with the submitted plans and building laws
- All paperwork is completed
- If necessary, all approvals have been obtained from other appropriate agencies
- All filing fees and taxes are paid.
Inspections
Inspections of Construction and plumbing work are performed as part of the Department's
regulatory efforts during the building process. Electrical inspections are performed
by independent, approved agencies.
The Village Building Inspector also makes other inspections such as ones for unsafe
buildings, illegal uses and new places of public assembly. The Building Department
is empowered to issue violations, summonses and stop work orders for conditions
contrary to the Building code. The Department also issues Unsafe Building Notices
and Abandoned Building Notices.
In addition to these inspections, local residents often assist the Building Department
in its enforcement effort by alerting the Building Inspector to situations such
as those involving unsafe buildings.
Electrical Work
Independent approved Electrical Inspection agencies inspect the electrical installations,
which must be performed by electrical contractors licensed in Sullivan County .
Before starting work, electrical contractors are required to file an application
for a Building Permit. By law, electrical work cannot be performed without a Building
Permit nor used before an inspection has been performed and a certificate issued.
Planning Board
The Planning Board meets regularly on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the upstairs
meeting room in Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Zoning Board
The Zoning Board of Appeals meets only when there is an application filed.
Design Review Board (Sign Committee)
The Design Review Board meets only when there is an application filed.
*Applications and Permits are available for download
on our Forms & Applications page.