Welcome to the Village of Elmira Heights Code Enforcement page.  This is a new site for the Village and we are adding information as we learn the process.

To best serve the community in an orderly manner, the following procedures will apply:

BUILDING PERMITS BY APPT. ONLY

For information regarding Code Enforcement and reporting violations please email code.elmiraheights@gmail.com or call (607)-734-7156 to schedule an appointment or leave a voicemail

Please provide name, address, telephone # and a brief message

Permit applications MUST be completed in full. with BP-1 form notarized, or CE-200 Workman’s comp. insurance form for contractors and a sketch or blueprints with material and dimensions.

Please allow 5 business days to process the application.

IMPORTANT! – a contact name, address and current phone number is required to acknowledge ALL inquiries and complaints, which will be handled in the order they are received.

Link to Village Codes

Contact for complaints and inquiries:

Code Enforcement Officer Nate Stranges

215 Elmwood Avenue, Elmira Heights, NY 14903

(607)734-7156

  • Office Information
  • Frequently asked questions:
  • What is Zoning?
  • Peddlers Permit
  • Swimming Pools
  • Other Frequently Asked Questions
  • Code Enforcement Officer – Building Permits, Building Construction, Fire Inspections, Property Maintenance

    Tel: (607) 734–7156
    Fax: (607) 7341607

    Send Email to Code Enforcement: code.elmiraheights@gmail.com

    The main responsibility of Code Enforcement is to assist residents and property owners in the Village with complying with the zoning codes and regulations of our municipality and enforcement of the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Codes.

    1. When do I need a Building Permit?

     

    1. A.Building Permits.Building permits must be required for any work which is required to conform to the Uniform Code. Certain exceptions are permitted. We urge anyone that is not sure if a Building Permit is required to please call us.

     

    Types of Projects that require a Building Permit are:

     

      • New Construction Residential/Commercial
      • All structural repairs or alterations.
      • Replacement of any type of heating equipment and or central air conditioning equipment.
      • Installation of solid fuel burning equipment such as Wood, Pellet, Corn or Coal stoves.
      • Roofing- replacement or re-roofing.
      • Any change to the Plumbing.
      • Any changes or up grades to the Electrical.
    • Any change to the Floor plan of a Building whether it is structural or not.
    • Decks/Porches
    • Accessory Buildings more than 144 sq ft./Garages/Pole Barns
    • Swimming Pools
    • Demolition
    • Peddling
    • Zoning Permit for Fencing & Sheds under 144 sq ft.

     

     

     

    1. Who is responsible for obtaining a Building Permit?

     

    1. Typically it is the responsibility of the person conducting the work.(Contractor)

     

     

    1. What types of things should I as a homeowner ask from a prospective contractor?

     

    1. Do they have Insurance? Types of Insurance would be Liability Insurance, Workman’s comp Insurance and Disability Insurance. Ask to see all certificates of Insurance. Don’t take there word for it.

     

    We urge all homeowners to receive at least three (3) estimates from different contractors. And remember the lowest estimate isn’t always the best.

     

     

     

     

    1. What is the NYS Property Maintenance Code?

     

    1. Purpose:The provisions of this code shall apply to all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises and constitute minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and sanitary maintenance; the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants; the occupancy of existing structures and premises.

    Intentions for this Code are intended to provide minimum requirements to safeguard public safety, health and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises.

     

    Types of Violations:

     

      • Peeling or Flaking Paint
      • Broken Windows
      • Improper Venting
      • Unsafe sidewalks
      • Unsafe Buildings
      • High Grass
      • Accumulation of Rubbish and Garbage
    • Missing Address Numbers

     

    If you ever have any questions please feel free to contact the Building Department.

  • Zoning regulates the use of land within its boundaries. The zoning regulations have different zoning districts with each district having different permitted uses and requirements. The purpose of zoning is to:

    1. Promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community
    2. Reduce congestion on the streets and highways
    3. Ensure safety from fire, panic and other dangers
    4. Provide adequate light and air
    5. Prevent overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population
    6. Establish zones wherein regulations concerning the land and structures, the density of development, the size of yards, the percentage of lots that may be occupied and the provisions of parking will be set forth to encourage the most appropriate development

    Click here for Zoning Map

  • Peddlers Permits

    Anyone wishing to conduct door-to-door sales or solicitations must first obtain a Peddlers Permit issued by the Village Board. The application fee is $25 and $10 each additional permit. The license is only good through December 31st of the year in which it was obtained.

    »Peddling and Soliciting Local Law

    »Application for Peddler/Solicitor Permit

  • Swimming Pools

    All above ground 24″ in height and over and inground pools must have a building permit. These also include the inflatable pools. There are specific requirements for location, fences, gates, locks and electrical regulations for a pool.

    Above ground pools with at least 48″ between pool top and adjoining grade do not need a separate barrier (fence) if the only access to the pool is by a ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access or surrounded by a barrier (fence). Decks attached to pools must meet the barrier requirements.

    Inground and above ground pools over 24″ in height (including inflatable pools) are required to have a barrier surrounding them. A four foot fence must be installed with a self closing and self latching gate. See Village of Elmira Heights code section 220-18 section D that covers swimming pool enclosures.

    There are also specific requirements for electrical installations for pools. See code requirements for electric.

    Remember that pools cannot be erected below electrical power lines or on any easements on your property.

  • Is open burning allowed?

    No, there is no open burning in the Town and Village of Horsheads. This also includes burning in a rubbish barrel.

    Can I have a camp fire?

    Bonfires and recreational fires are regulated by the Fire Code of New York State. A recreational or bonfire cannot be more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Any open fire that will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

    Is there standards for premises identification?

    Yes, buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be arabic numbers or alphabetic numbers. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch.

    What if I need a premises number?

    Contact the Town of Horseheads Assessors Office at (607) 739–0873 for number assignment

    Can I run a home occupation from my property?

    Yes, with the following regulations.

    • Must be one of the following: Hairdresser or cosmetologist, barber, financial consultant, accountant, tutor, artist, author, licensed massage therapist, computer consultant, home secretary, contractor, custom dressmaking or tailoring, desktop publishing, professional office, cruise agent and mail order sales.
    • Must be conducted by person owning and residing in the dwelling unit.
    • Must be in dwelling unit living space. Cannot exceed 25% or 500 square feet of home whichever is less.
    • Must be no external evidence of the occupation except for a sign not exceeding 2 square feet attached to dwelling.

    Can I have an unlicensed vehicle on my property?

    No, all vehicles must be licensed, registered and operable. Unlicensed/unregistered vehicles cannot be tarped, but they can be stored inside a garage.

    Are smoke detectors required in existing residential buildings?

    Yes, The Property Maintenance code of New York State requires smoke detectors at all of the following locations:

    • On each ceiling or wall outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
    • In each room used for sleeping purposes.
    • In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and unoccupied attics.

    Can open flame cooking devices, such as LPG-fueled grills and charcoal burners be used on balconies or decks in apartment buildings?

    No, they cannot be used on combustible balconies or decks. Cylinders greater than 2.5 lbs. cannot be stored on balconies. All cooking must be at least 10 feet from building.

Building Permit Application

There are no documents at this time.