Office of Zoning and Building Inspection

​"On April 27, 1833 the Village of Penn Yan was incorporated, and from this time on the village officials have found themselves faced with fundamental changes involving every aspect of community life. While only a few simple laws were necessary in the early days, the complexity of modern life has created the need for detailed laws or ordinances for the government of a progressive village."  - 1965
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone 315-536-6397
​James Marshall III​, Code Enforcement Officer
[email protected]
Katie Tomlinson, Secretary
[email protected]
​Building Permit, see local law §92.24 and NY Building Codes
The provisions of the Building Code of New York State shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, change in use or occupancy classification, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected to attached to such buildings or structures.
Some projects may need to be reviewed and approved by either or both the Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission prior to a building permit being issued.

Required documents to accompany a Building Permit Application form or the fillable application.
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  • Plat Plan or Survey Map  -  Provide a plot plan or survey map detailing the property location and boundaries for all work that affects the property, if applicable.
  • Project Scope of Work, Specifications and Drawings  -  Include a detailed description of the work to be done. Some new construction projects may require drawings stamped by a NYS registered design professional.
  • Insurance Certificates  -  Provide insurance certificates for Workers' Compensation (form C-105.2 or U26.3) AND Disability & Paid Family Leave (form DB-120.1) OR a Certificate of Attestation of Exemption (CE-200)
  • Fee  -  Refer to the Fee Schedule for details. Payment may be made by check payable to the Village of Penn Yan or in cash.
  • Electric Work  - Projects needing a change in service or disconnect services from the Municipal Department are required to complete and submit an Application for Residential (or Commercial) Electric Service with their Building Permit Application AND consult Specifications for the Installation of Electric Services & Meters for Village requirements on installation.
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Incomplete applications may be delayed or not accepted. Applicants whose building permit was denied may appeal the decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Supporting Materials
Fire Prevention
The Village of Penn Yan is required by the New York State to conduct Fire Safety and Property Maintenance Inspections of places of public assembly, multi-family dwellings and all non-residential properties. Local law §92-31.

The intent is to "establish minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion, dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations." FCNYS 101.3

Inspections are conducted by a Code Enforcement Officer. Occupancy use is used to determine the frequency of inspections, every one or two years. It is necessary to have a building representative accompany the inspector during the inspection. A fee will be charged for this service. An invoice and letter will be sent after the inspection. Where violations have been identified, the letter will serve as a Notice of Violation and Order to Remedy Violation(s).

Fire Safety and Property Maintenance Inspection Checklist - a checklist of commonly found fire safety violations that serves as a guideline in identifying and correcting potential violations prior to scheduling an inspection.
Safety Information from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Property Complaint
​Property Violation Complaint Form
Short-term Rental (STR) Permit Requirements
A Short-term Rental (STR) Permit is required for properties used as short-term rentals, defined as sleeping rooms with a bathroom facility offered for compensation periods of less than 30 consecutive days per occurrence. In addition to the STR Permit, a Special Use Permit issued by the Planning Board is required. Key requirements include:
  • Inspection  -  An inspection of the property is required.
  • Maximum Occupancy  -  Maximum occupancy is based on the number of sleeping rooms and is determined by the Office of Zoning and Building Inspection.
  • Parking  -  All vehicles must be parked on a driveway surface located on the property.
  • Property Manager Required: A manager must be able to respond 24 hours a day, every day during rental periods and be within 30 miles of the Village. 
  • Nuisances  -  Activities that create nuisances to neighboring properties are prohibited.
  • Permit Renewal  -  STR permits are valid for one year and must be renewed prior to expiration. Permits that are expired for more than three (3) months will require the payment of the initial permit fee upon renewal.
  • Non-Transferability  -  An STR Permit is not transferrable to a new property owner.
Lot Line Adjustment, see § 176-6.1
Lot Line Adjustment Application
Operating Permit where required, see § 92-30
Operating Permit Application
​Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles 2020 FCNYS Section 319 - Peddler's Permit and Operating Permit required
Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Inspection Form
Additional Resources
​Deck Spec Sheet and Guidelines
Grease Trap Cleaning & Maintenance
Pool and Hot Tub Code Requirements
Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria, Yates County
Specifications for the Installation of Electric Services & Meters
Digging, contact UDIG.NY. Safe digging starts here. 811 before you dig.
New York Building Codes 2020
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
EPA Guide to Mold, Moisture and your Home