Building Department, Code Enforcement & Capital Improvements

Mission Statement

The Building Department for the Village of Tuxedo Park inspects buildings and properties for compliance with the NYS and the Village of Tuxedo Park Building and Fire Safety Codes. Inspector John Ledwith is also in charge of Capital Projects, a representative at SCAR Hearings, BAR, PB, & BZA meetings, and a Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Board of Trustees.  

In keeping with Tuxedo Park's listing on the National Register of Historic Places, all changes to the property, including landscaping, tree removal, stone walls and fences, built structures, and interiors (which include significant electrical upgrades) are subject to approvals by the Building Department and possibly the Board of Architecture Review Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals. Routine maintenance is not subject to a building permit, but it is advised the owners speak to the building inspector to be certain. See the Village Design Guidelines for details.

The Building Inspector oversees our historically significant structures, code requirements, and the scope of work under building permits.

§ 100-53 Procedures.

A. All projects involving new construction, exterior alteration, demolition, excavation, site work, accessory structures, or any other activity that alters the property's appearance shall require a Building Permit and must come before the Board of Architectural Review. Normal repairs and maintenance, if not altering design, structure, materials, or appearance, do not require Board approval.

In addition, it provides public safety by enforcing Municipal (Village) and State regulations and codes relative to construction, alteration, and installation of electrical and plumbing equipment and systems. Inspects buildings for code compliance in residential housing under building permits or because of complaints.

B. The applicant shall first request inclusion on an informal work session agenda. The Board shall require of the applicant:

(1)A site plan or survey of the property, preferably with topography.

(2)Sketches, renderings, tear sheets, pictures, or other preliminary depictive information about the project together with several alternative designs.

(3)Representation by a registered New York State architect and/or licensed professional engineer responsible for the design who must be familiar with the site, SEQRA requirements, neighboring properties, the Zoning Law, and the Village's National Register of Historic Places designation. The Board may waive the requirement for an architect or engineer, but only if the proposed project is valued at less than $10,000.

[Amended 12-21-1990 by L.L. No. 1-1990; 3-18-2009 by L.L. No. 3-2009]

(4)A preliminary landscape plan and any other materials considered essential by the Board.

(5)An agenda fee or preliminary review fee as established by the resolution of the Board of Trustees.

[Added 12-21-1990 by L.L. No. 1-1990]

C. During the first work session discussion, the Board shall review the overall concept and architectural acceptability of the project rather than particular details. The Board shall also seek where appropriate the preliminary opinion of the Building Inspector regarding compliance with the Zoning Law, Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, water and sewer regulations, etc. The applicant may attend as many work sessions as he wishes without an additional application fee. During the review period, the applicant shall grant access to the subject parcel so Village officials may make any site inspections deemed necessary.

D. When the applicant is ready to proceed formally, he or his designated agent shall apply to the Village Office as follows:

(1)Complete and submit two copies of the application for Building Permit form together with evidence of property ownership or project authority.

(2)Submit three sets of the architect's sealed drawings, including all four elevations, topography, site plan specifications, and keymap. The proposed building's front, rear, and both side elevations must show existing grade lines at the foundation walls and proposed finished grades. All exterior materials and colors must be indicated on the elevations.

(3)Submit two copies of the complete landscaping plan, including new trees, full perimeter plantings and location of existing trees over five inches in diameter at 48 inches in height, and designation of any trees to be removed.

(4)Submit to the Village Clerk at least 14 days before the meeting sufficient postage to permit notification by mail of the project to all neighboring property owners within 500 feet of the subject property boundaries.

(5)Pay the Village Clerk the required formal application fee as established by the Board of Trustees.

(6)Complete one copy of the EAF, if applicable.

[Amended 3-18-2009 by L.L. No. 3-2009]

(7)Include any renderings, photos, models, or other supporting materials that may better convey the proposal to the Board.

E. When the formal application is fully complete, the Building Inspector shall, within 45 days of its filing, review that application for conformance with this chapter, the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the water and sewer regulations, and any other applicable regulations or local laws. Any application that the Building Inspector disapproves shall be deemed rejected and shall not proceed to any other phase of normal review. If approved, the application shall be placed on the Board of Architectural Review agenda for its next available formal meeting. However, no application shall be placed on this agenda unless it is on file at the Village Office 10 days before said Board meeting.

[Amended 12-21-1990 by L.L. No. 1-1990]

F. Once approved by the Building Inspector, the application, if complete, shall move to the Board of Architectural Review. Before deciding upon any application approved by the Building Inspector, the Board shall perform any necessary SEQRA review unless otherwise performed by the Planning Board.

[Amended 12-21-1990 by L.L. No. 1-1990; 6-7-2006 by L.L. No. 2-2006; 3-18-2009 by L.L. No. 3-2009]

G.To be considered complete, an application must conform to Subsection D above, and the applicant and/or his authorized agent must be present at each relevant meeting with the project's architect and engineer. The Board shall then render its decision within three formal meetings following the first formal agenda listing for that application. Extensions may occur if requested by the applicant and approved by the Board if SEQRA requirements have not been met, if the application is deemed incomplete, or if the board's quorum is lacking. Approval shall require a second and three favorable votes; otherwise, the matter shall be deemed disapproved. Any application that is not ready for review within six months from its first agenda listing may be deemed void by the Board.

[Amended 12-21-1990 by L.L. No. 1-1990]

H.Once approved by the Board of Architectural Review, the application moves to the Board of Trustees, which is empowered to issue Building Permits. Unless requested, neither the applicant/agent nor his architect/engineer need attend the Board of Trustees' meeting.