Office of Zoning and Building Inspection

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 Permits

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.  ​Local Law §92.24 and NY Building Codes
​Notice to Building Permit Applicants
The State of New York has adopted the 2025 Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the 2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code. These new codes take effect December 31, 2025. 
Apply online:  Permit Application Portal or;

Apply in person, mail or email:  Building Permit Application or Fillable Building Permit Application

All building permit applications require:​
  • 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) for businesses or homeowners not required to carry coverage.
  • Fee  -  Refer to the Fee Schedule for details. Payment may be made by check payable to the Village of Penn Yan or by cash.
Include the following items with your application, where applicable:
  • Plot Plan or Survey Map  -  Provide a plot plan or survey map detailing the property location and boundaries for all work that affects the property.
  • Project Scope of Work, Specifications and Drawings  -  Include a detailed description of the work to be completed. Some new construction projects may require drawings to be stamped by a NYS licensed design professional.
  • Electric Work  -  Projects requiring 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.
Additional guidelines:
  • ​Incomplete applications will delay the review process.
  • ​Certain projects may require review and approval by the Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission  or both, before a building permit can be issued.​
  • Inspections as noted on the building permit are mandatory. Work must be inspected and approved prior to being covered or enclosed. To schedule and inspection, please call 315-536-6397 at least 24 hours in advance. 
  • Electric work requires both a rough and final electric inspection by a certified electrical inspector.
  • The scope of work is limited to what is provided with a permit application. Any changes must be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in advance.
  • ​If a building permit is denied, applicants have the right to appeal the decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals.​
  • Permits are valid for one (1) year. Insurance and fee requirements apply to renewing permits.
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. A fee is charged for this service.

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

Lot Line Adjustment Application, see § 176-6.1

Operating Permit

Operating Permit Application, see § 92-30
​Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Additional Resources

​Deck Spec Sheet and Guidelines
Grease Trap Cleaning & Maintenance
Pool and Hot Tub Code Requirements and NYS Summary of Requirements for Swimming Pools Technical Bulletin
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 2025
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
EPA Guide to Mold, Moisture and your Home
​"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