Building Safety & Code Enforcement

Overview

The Code Enforcement Office actively enforces local, state and federal regulations. Topics addressed below include:

• building permits
• asbestos
• lead paint
• driveway and paving permits
• demolition work
• worker’s compensation insurance
• avoiding scam artists when hiring home contractors
• change of tenancy in existing commercial spaces
• code compliance, common violations to avoid
• complaints

Code enforcement activities are divided into three main categories – Building Safety; Land Use; and Quality of Life:

Building Safety: Responsibilities include coordinating the review of building permit applications; plan reviews; construction inspections; performing fire safety and property maintenance inspections on all commercial buildings and public assembly occupancies; the issuance of Operating Permits; and performing fire safety and property maintenance inspections on all rental dwellings and apartments in the Village.

Land Use: Responsibilities include enforcement of regulations pertaining to land use in the Village including the Village of Liverpool Code, the Village of Liverpool Zoning Ordinance, flood plain regulations, wetland regulations, stormwater regulations and hazard mitigation.

These regulations cover such topics as allowable uses on a premise; site development; fencing and sign regulations; excavation; paving and the protection of wetlands, streams and other bodies of water.

Quality of Life: Responsibilities include enforcement of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State which includes such topics as litter, tall grass, and the maintenance of buildings; enforcement of the Village of Liverpool Code which includes such topics as noise, lighting, trash storage and collection, and other disruptive activities.

Building Permits

The Village of Liverpool utilizes the most recent edition of the New York State Uniform Code. A building permit is required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and the Village Zoning Ordinance, including but not limited to:

1. Construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof;
2. Construction or replacement of any deck or porch;
3. Installation or replacement of any storage shed, gazebo or other accessory building;
4. Installation of new or replacement fencing;
5. Installation of any swimming pool that utilizes an electric pump or is capable of holding water over 24 inches in depth;
6. Any remodeling or renovations that includes the removal of interior walls or ceiling coverings or the exposure of stud or joist cavities; or the reconfiguration of any room or space such as the relocation of interior walls;
7. Any electrical work including repairs and the installation of new fixtures, wiring or circuits;
8. Any plumbing work including replacing existing plumbing, such as tubs, toilets, shower stalls, sinks or fixtures and water heaters;
9. Replacement windows;
10. Replacing any door or window in any opening which is increased or decreased in size;
11. Installation of any gas lines or appliance including space heaters;
12. Installation of any new or replacement furnace, central air conditioning, boiler, gas fireplace or other heating equipment;
13. Installation of a new roof covering or performing any work on a flat roof, including but not limited to hot tar or rubber membrane.

To find out whether any project you have in mind may require a permit please contact us. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Official.

Driveway & Paving Permits

Permits are required for the paving or modification of any driveway or parking area and for any excavation or fill activity.

Demolition Work

Before the Village will issue a permit for demolition work, including preparation for remodeling, the individual or entity requesting the permit must provide an asbestos survey. The only exception is projects in owner-occupied single family dwellings where the owner performs the work.

Asbestos

Click here for important information regarding asbestos and demolition work including remodeling and renovations.

Lead Paint

EPA rules require more care working with existing lead paint. Click here for important information regarding renovations and lead paint for the homeowner and contractor.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

As part of a building permit application, proof of worker’s compensation insurance or exemption therefrom must be submitted.

Contractors with employees must submit a form C-105.2 or U-26.3
Contractors with no employees or homeowners performing their own work must submit an exemption form.

Please Note: ACORD forms, while acceptable proof of General Liability Insurance, are NOT acceptable as proof of New York State Worker’s Compensation Insurance or Disability Benefits Insurance coverage!

Avoiding Scam Artists When Hiring Home Contractors

The Office of the Attorney General now provides New Yorkers the tools they need to make informed decisions when it comes to hiring a home improvement contractor. You can search through the BBB to see which contractors have been subject to legal action and which contractors have had substantiated consumer complaints filed against them.

Change of Tenant in Existing Commercial Buildings

A tenant change in an existing commercial building necessitates the owner, property manager or prospective tenant to contact the Code Enforcement Office to determine what may be required with regard to a building permit for a change in occupancy or construction activity. At a minimum a Fire Safety Inspection is required before the new tenant use can commence.

Code Compliance

Common violations to avoid in the Village include:

• Placing trash outdoors that is not in a proper container with a sealed, tight fitting lid
• Placing trash or recyclables at the curb prior to 6:00 PM the night before pickup
• Leaving trash or recycling bins at the curb after pickup
• Placing a sign on village property between any public sidewalk and the street
• Attaching signs or posters to telephone poles, trees or other public property
• Leaving grass clippings on a street or public sidewalk
• Placing brush or leaves at the curb during the incorrect collection week
• Not cleaning up after your dog
• Installing a shed, fence or swimming pool without a building permit
• Construction of a deck or other structure or remodeling without a building permit
• Paving, repaving, widening or enlarging a driveway without a permit
• Holding a yard or garage sale without a permit (available from Village Clerk’s office – no fee)
• Parking a vehicle, licensed or not, in the front yard between the front of the house and the street
• Parking an unregistered vehicle outdoors
• Outdoor open burning

Complaints

Any code related complaints may be submitted in writing via mail or email, verbally or in person. Anonymous complaints regarding issues that are not readily visible from a street or other public area may not be acted upon. Download a complaint form or submit our online form.