Submit a completed building permit application to the Codes Enforcement Officer.  Contractor information (insurance certifications) will be needed before the approved plans and permit can be issued.  One or two family dwelling projects and commerical projects require two complete sets of plans.  The plans must show all proposed work and details necessary to verify compliance with building codes, zoning ordinances and New York State Health Department Regulations.  Plans may not be accepted if they are unclear or lack necessary details.  Building permit applications and checklists for commerical or residential projects are available below or at the Town of Cazenovia Municipal Office (Gothic Cottage) located at 7 Albany Street in the Village of Cazenovia.

You can save yourself a great deal of time and money if your review the general regulations of any project and submit plans that will not need major revisions. Any addition costing over $20,000 or more requires architect stamped plans. If you are planning to build a house over 1,500 sq. ft. and do not want an architect, you may use the prescriptive method and follow the regulations of New York State Residential Code.  If you are not familiar with code requirements, seek professional assistance before attempting to apply for a permit.  The Code Enforcement Officer/Building Dept. can not assist in drafting plans or designing your project. 

Make sure that the use, size, height and location of the building on the development site conforms with Town of Cazenovia Zoning Ordinances.  Check for the location of any public utility easements on the building site.  No construction is allowed on or over such easements.

A fully searchable, electronic version of Town of Cazenovia municipal code can be found at www.generalcode.com.  Click the following link Town of Cazenovia Code to be directed to the website. 

No construction or land disturbance is allowed until a permit is issued and fees paid.  After the application and accompanying plans are submitted, it will take a week to examine and process plans (depending on complexity of the project).  Incomplete plans may require revisions and take significantly longer to approve.  Plans are reviewed in the order they are received.  You will be notified of approval by telephone or mail, with permit fees specified at that time.  Permit fees are based on the type and value of the work to be done.  A fee schedule is included in the building permit application.  You may pick-up your permit card at the Town of Cazenovia Municipal Office (Gothic Cottage) located at 7 Albany Street in the Village of Cazenovia.  Please post your permit on site and have a set of plans available on the job for review by the inspector.

The type and number of inspections needed depend on each individual project.  Please review your permit for the inspections you will need.  When the work is ready for inspection, the contractor or person responsible for the work to be inspected can schedule an appointment by calling 655-5896 with the name, location of job and the type of inspection needed.  24 hour notice is required.

Once issued, construction must be completed within one year of the issuance date.  If work is not complete at the end of one year, the building permit may be renewed for the initial cost of the permit.

After the final inspection, when it is found that the building or structure complies with all code provisions of the Town of Cazenovia and New York State, the Town of Cazenovia will issue a Certificate of Occupancy.  No building or structure may be lawfully used or occupied until the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.  A Certificate of Compliance is issued for activities such as additions, fireplaces, swimming pools, hot tubs, tool sheds and land disturbances.