Code Enforcement Office

Code Enforcement Quick Links

Welcome to the Code Enforcement Office

The Code Enforcement Office is primarily responsible for the issuance of permits and the enforcement of State and local building codes, New York State Fire Prevention Code, Energy Code as well as various local municipal codes and ordinances.

The office is responsible for conducting inspections where permits have been issued, issuing certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance associated with but not limited to new building construction, building additions or alterations, decks, pools, and signs.

Additionally, our Code Enforcement Team is here to assist you through the construction of your project from start to finish including the review of your plans. To speak with a Code Enforcement Officer, please contact them through the messages in your Cloudpermit workspace. Alternately, you may email us directly or call (585) 394-1120.

10/01/24 UPDATED FLOOD ZONES

When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for any new building, any addition to an existing building, and any alterations to an existing building which impacts the following: the building’s structural design; heating/cooling and ventilation systems, electrical, and plumbing systems; and the use of buildings or parts thereof. Below you will find a list of typical residential projects that require a building permit:
- Some repairs may not require a permit. These include re-siding, flooring and cabinet installation, and replacement of windows and doors (provided the opening is not enlarged). In brief, work that does not entail changes to structures or systems.
- Signs
- Fences
- Generators
- Extensions or modifications to the plumbing, heating/cooling, ventilation and electrical systems
- Fire alarm and suppression systems
- All pools that can hold 24 inches or more of water and hot tubs
- Installation of sanitary, water service and irrigation systems
- Attached or detached garages, sheds
- Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, chimneys and gas inserts
- Additions, interior alterations, finishing a basement or a portion thereof
- All decks, porches, and three-season rooms

Check with our office to be sure if your project requires a building permit.

Why do I need a building permit?

Permits ensure that construction within the Town meets with standards set out in the New York State Uniform Code and the Code of the Town of Canandaigua. Your home renovation project must meet basic requirements for health, safety and structural soundness, beyond this, the permit process makes sure that your plans are in line with other town requirements, such as zoning regulations and historic building designations.

Can you recommend a contractor?

Under Town of Canandaigua Policy and New York State Law employees are not able to recommend contractors but here are some points to consider when looking for a contractor.
- Check for the contractor’s experience in the type of construction proposed.
- Interview the contractor and check the contractor’s references.
- Check the reliability of your chosen contractor with the State Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau.
- Arrange a contract and ensure the contract covers all the work, including who prepares drawings and who arranges for inspections.
- Before signing the contract, check the drawings to ensure they comply with what you want. Also check specifications and materials proposed.
- Confirm the type of warranty that is being given, and on a large contract, you may wish to obtain legal counsel before signing.
- Confirm who is obtaining the building permit: contractor or homeowner. When the contractor is applying for the permit, make sure you see the permit card before allowing work to start.
- It is recommended that you make final payment only after a final inspection has been completed by the Building and Codes Department and a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

Who should obtain the building permit?

As the homeowner, you are legally responsible to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. Your contractor or designer may apply for the permit, but the homeowner should ensure that a permit has been issued prior to any work starting.

What happens if there is not building permit issued?

The property owner may be subject to legal action for failure to obtain a building permit. If you carry out a renovation project that requires a building permit without having one, the town can issue a “Stop Work” order, which remains in effect until you obtain a permit. If the work doesn’t meet the requirements of the Building Code, you may well have to redo the work at your own cost. Work performed without a required building permit may hold up the sale of your property in the future and may also affect an insurance claim. Before any work begins on your home, check with your insurance representative, who can explain exactly what is needed to ensure continuous and adequate coverage, both during and after the renovation.

I want to file a complaint - how do I complete that and what is the process?

Complaints are all handled through our online system, we will require some personal information from you as Town Code does not allow for anonymous complaints to be filed. Once the complaint has been filed it will be dispatched to one of our Code Enforcement Officers who will investigate the complaint, if a violaiton is found to exist the party responsible will have to remedy the situation or further enforcement action may take place in accordance with local and state law.

How do I schedule an inspection?

If you need to schedule an inspection, please request one through your Cloudpermit workspace. If you need to schedule a fire inspection, please contact Ron Bement. Reminder that we will always try our best to acomodate short notice inspections but generally we do require 24 hour notice to schedule inspections.