The official site for the Town of Patterson

Patterson Town Hall
1142 Route 311
Patterson, NY 12563
845-878-6500

- Building Department / Code Enforcement -

At A Glance

  • Contact Information
  • Overview
  • Fees
  • Forms and Publications
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Accessory Apartments (Rental Apartments)
  • Building Dept. Bulletin Board
  • Contact Information

    Robert McCarthy, Director of Code Enforcement
    Lewis Taney, Code Compliance Officer

    Vincent Montuoro, Fire Inspector

    Mary Schartau, Clerk
    Leslie Kraisky, Clerk

    Patterson Town Hall
    1142 Route 311 / P.O. Box 470
    Patterson, NY 12563

    845-878-6319 ext. 20/21
    BuildingDepartment@pattersonny.org

    Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Summer Hours July - August: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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    Overview

    The Building Dept. is responsible for enforcing the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code [(Title 19 NYCRR)] and the local code of the Town of Patterson. The enforcement of these codes ensures that construction projects are completed safely, and in accordance with current building industry standards, utilizing commonly accepted materials. Depending on the scope of the project, the Building Dept. may work in conjunction with the Putnam County Health Dept., the Putnam County Office of Consumer Affairs, the New York City Dept. of Environmental Protection, the Patterson Planning Board, and the Patterson Zoning Board of Appeals.

    The Code Enforcement Officers enforce building and zoning codes and regulations, and inspect properties for compliance. These Officers have the authority to issue Notices of Violation and Appearance Tickets to violators. The duties of the Code Enforcement Officer include but are not limited to:

    In-office meetings with the Building Inspector are done by appointment only. You may contact our office via phone or email (buildingdepartment@pattersonny.org) to schedule.

    The Permit Process

    Building permits are required for most types of construction or remodelling. Demolition permits are required for the demolition of any buildings, structures, or any portion thereof. Each of these permits can trigger an assessment review by the Town Assessor since the value of the property will change according to the work being done.

    Projects that are not in comformance with Town zoning regulations can be appealed to the Town Zoning Board of Appeals. It must be noted that zoning regulations will be enforced, and exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, and are not automatic.

    Building permits are required for such things as new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, decks, pools, garages, carports, tent-like structures, and solid fuel burning appliances. Building permits are renewable, but a new fee may be assessed if the original permit has expired.

    Types of Permits
    building blasting demolition
    installation of solid fuel burning appliance moving of building plumbing
    swimming pool chimney or flue accessory structure

    The Building Inspector will inspect all major construction projects to ensure that the work is being conducted in accordance with building codes and in compliance with the plans and drawings filed with the Building Permit Application.

    The Building Inspector will issue a Certificate of Occupancy and Compliance after the final inspection of a new construction project. The "CO" indicates that the Inspector found the property to be built in accordance with building codes, and is in compliance with the site plan and building plans filed with the Planning Board (if required).

    Permit application criteria, Certificate of Occupancy and Compliance requirements, and the schedule of periodic inspections for new construction, can be found in the Forms and Publications section of this page.

    Permit Requirements

    NYS Building Codes and the Town of Patterson Zoning Code require Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy / Compliance for:

    Electrical Inspections

    Attention: All Master Putnam County Electricians

    Effective December 1, 2022, the Town of Patterson Building Department will be processing electrical inspection permit applications for electrical work conducted in the Town of Patterson. Filings of all permit applications should be submitted to the Patterson Building Department at 1142 Route 311, PO Box 470, Patterson, NY 12563.

    Applications will be available at the Building Department, or can be downloaded here. For more information please contact the Building Department at: BuildingDepartment@pattersonny.org.

    The Permit Fee is $100.00. Checks should be made out to the Town of Patterson.

    Town of Patterson Approved Electrical Inspection Agencies

    State Wide Inspection Services, Inc. (SWIS)
    8 North Lawn Avenue
    Elmsford, New York 10523
    Inspector Frank Farina
    Inspector Fred Morello
    (914) 909-4471 https://www.swisny.com/

    SWIS Inspection Form
    New York Electrical Inspection Services (NYEIS)
    150 White Plains Road, Suite 104
    Tarrytown, NY 10591
    Inspector Ed Odell
    (914) 347-4390
    http://www.nyeis.us/

    New York Electrical Inspectors, Inc.
    Dba Inspections on Time
    809 Highland Laker Road
    Middletown, NY 10940
    (845) 233-6711
    info@inspectionsontime.com

    Town of Patterson Returned Check Policy: A returned check fee will be charged to a payee for a payment made by check to the Town of Patterson that is not honored. The amount of the fee will be $20, or the amount charged to the Town, whichever is greater. The amount of the original payment, along with the returned check fee, must be made by cash, bank check or money order. This policy is to be posted in all departments that accept payments by check.
    By Order of the Town Board.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    1) My deck needs to be replaced. Do I need a building permit?

    General deck repairs do not require a permit. A permit is required if the deck requires new footings or will be replaced or enlarged.

    2) Do I need a building permit to build a fence?

    Building permits are not required to build a fence. However, a fence must be installed as per section § 154-15 of the Zoning Code. Please contact the Building Department for more information.

    Property owners are reminded that stone walls are an important part of Patterson's history, and should be left undisturbed whenever possible. Property owners are encouraged to maintain the walls on their property.

    3) Do I need a building permit to erect a small garden shed?

    A permit is not required for sheds provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 sq. ft.; however, zoning setback requirements must be maintained (schedule of regulations §154-7).

    4) Do I need a building permit for a wood burning stove, insert, pellet stove, coal stove, propane / natural gas heating appliance or fireplace?

    YES - For woodburning stoves and inserts, pellet stoves and inserts, and woodburning fireplaces, a building permit is required. For propane/natural gas stoves, inserts, and fireplaces, a fuel oil/gas permit is required IN ADDITION TO a building permit. All propane/natural gas work must be done by a Putnam County-licensed plumber (this license must be supplied with the permit application). Manufacturer specification packets for the unit being installed must be supplied along with the proper application.

    5) Do I need a building permit for a generator?

    YES - A building permit is required for STANDBY generators; portable generators do not require a building permit. Any propane/natural gas lines being run will require a separate fuel oil/gas permit, as well. All propane/natural gas work must be done by a Putnam County-licensed plumber (this license must be supplied with the permit application). Manufacturer specification packets for the unit being installed must be supplied along with the proper application. Additionally, electrical permits must be obtained from the Putnam County Department of Consumer Affairs for any electrical work done to support the installation of both standby and portable generators; all electrical work must be done by a Putnam County-licensed electrician.

    6) Do I need a building permit to install or replace my furnace or boiler?

    YES - A building permit is required for both new installations and replacements. For new installation that requires new fuel oil lines or gas lines, or for the conversion from fuel to gas, a fuel oil/gas permit is required IN ADDITION TO a building permit. All propane/natural gas work must be done by a Putnam County-licensed plumber (this license must be supplied with the permit application). Manufacturer specification packets for the unit being installed must be supplied along with the proper application(s).

    7) Do I need a building permit to install central air conditioning?

    YES - A building permit is required for both new system installations and unit replacements (all HVAC work must be done by a Putnam County-licensed HVAC contractor). For new installation that requires new gas lines, a fuel oil/gas permit is required IN ADDITION TO a building permit. All propane/natural gas work must be done by a Putnam County-licensed plumber (this license must be supplied with the permit application). Manufacturer specification packets for the unit(s) being installed must be supplied along with the proper application(s). Additionally, electrical permits must be obtained from the Putnam County Department of Consumer Affairs for any electrical work done to support the installation of HVAC systems; all electrical work must be done by a Putnam County-licensed electrician.

    8) Do I need a building permit for a temporary and/or inflatable pool, in-ground pool, above ground pool and/or hot tub / spa?

    YES - see details in the in the Information Packet for Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas. You may also call the Building Department for details.

    9) Do I need a building permit to repair or replace my roof?

    YES - A building permit is required for ALL roofing work. Applicants must complete a building permit application and submit a copy of their scope of work, their contractor's Putnam County license, and their contractor's insurance policy. Please, be aware that the contractor's license and liability insurance certificate must both specify "roofing". In order to received a CC, a final inspection must be conducted AND photos must be submitted to the office showing the roof decking, ice and water protection, felt, flashing, and shingle application.

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    Accessory Apartments (Rental Apartments)

    The Town Board of the Town of Patterson has determined that there exists in the Town of Patterson serious conditions arising from the renting of dwelling units that are substandard or that are in violation of the Multiple Residence Law, New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, or a violation of Patterson's Zoning Code, or other chapters of the Patterson Town Code; that such dwelling units are inadequate in size, overcrowded and dangerous; that such dwelling units pose hazards to life, limb and property of residents of the Town and others; that such dwelling units tend to promote or encourage deterioration of the housing stock of the Town; that such dwelling units create blight, excessive vehicle traffic and parking problems; and that such dwelling units overburden municipal services.

    Chapter 129 of the Town Code governs the registration of rental units and contains regulations intended to halt the proliferation of such conditions and to enhance the public health, safety, welfare and good order and governance of the Town.

    Forms and publications are available here.

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    Building Department Bulletin Board

    Rental Registration

    The Building Department reminds all propertry owners that the Town Code governing residential rental apartments has been updated. Please review the Accessory Apartments section on this page to ensure that you are in compliance with the changes.

    House Numbers

    The Building Dept. reminds all property owners that house numbers must be prominently displayed in front of each house or commercial building. This regulation is the result of Patterson's participation in the Countywide Enhanced-911 system, and ensures that emergency services responders will find your location quickly. Violators are subject to fines.

    Numbers should be easily seen from the road, and should be a minimum of 4" high and no less than 0.5" wide, and should be made of reflective material that can be easily seen after dark.

    Please note that displaying the property number on your mailbox alone may be insufficient to identify your property, especially if your mailbox is not directly in front of your property.

    In an emergency, every second counts, and the life you save may be your own.


    Contractor Licensing

    The Building Department reminds all residents and business owners that all contractors operating in Putnam County are required to be licensed and registered with the County; including plumbers and electricians. Before entering into a contract, you have the right to request the license number of the contractor as well as proof of insurance and workers compensation. The Putnam County Dept. of Consumer Affairs will be able to verify the license, and let you know if complaints have been filed against the contractor. You may also file a complaint against a contractor by contacting the County Dept. of Consumer Affairs. It is always a good idea to seek bids from at least three contractors, and to check references. Always verify that the contractor is licensed, insured, and has workman's compensation insurance.

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    ©2001-2023 The Town of Patterson
    Patterson Town Hall
    PO Box 470
    1142 Route 311
    Patterson, New York 12563
    (845) 878-6500