Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Office works to ensure safety and compliance by reviewing plans, conducting periodic inspections, and addressing code violations. The Code Enforcement Officer enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as detailed in Chapter 10 of the Village of Saranac Lake’s Code.

 Effective May 12, 2020, the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code was amended and updated to incorporate the following publications:

• 2020 Building Code of New York State
• 2020 Residential Code of New York State
• 2020 Fire Code of New York State
• 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State
• 2020 Mechanical Code of New York State
• 2020 Plumbing Code of New York State
• 2020 Fuel Gas Code of New York State
• 2020 Existing Building Code of New York State
• 2020 Property Maintenance Code of New York State
• 2017 NFPA 70 National Electric Code

Building/Demo Permits

Building permits are required for any work that must conform to the Uniform Code. This includes the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof.

Other projects requiring building permits are:

• Installation of a solid fuel burning heating or cooling appliance, chimney or flu in any dwelling unit
• Electrical service upgrades
• Re-roofing
• Re-siding
• Window replacement

There are exemptions to the building permit requirement based upon the nature of the repair. For more information, please contact the Code Enforcement office.

Please read the Building Requirements for Decks being filling out the application.

Fill out the building permit application today.

Or, check out the demolition permit application.

Inspections

The Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer will conduct multiple types of inspections.

• Building projects may require multiple inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer will conduct these inspections, with the exception of electrical inspections. Contact the Code Enforcement Office for a list of approved third party electrical inspectors.
• The Code Enforcement Officer conducts periodic inspection of areas of assembly, businesses, and apartment buildings with three or more apartments on a routine basis.
• The Code Enforcement Officer conducts fire safety and property maintenance inspections on a routine basis.

Unified Solar Permits

Unified solar permitting is available statewide for eligible solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. This office provides the permitting process through the following application.

Tenant Rights

To learn more about the rights of tenants check out this guide published by the NYS Office of the Attorney General