Bronxville Building Inspector Paul Taft Answers Frequently Asked Questions
By Susan Miele
Feb. 27, 2019: Preparing a home construction project—whether renovating the kitchen, adding a deck, or erecting a fence—can be challenging enough with collecting bids and coping with the disruption. But starting a project without an understanding of municipal requirements can result in a longer-term headache. To help the community avert such a scenario, we set out to identify common questions and pitfalls and get authoritative guidance.
Enter Paul Taft, who assumed the role of building inspector for the Village of Bronxville Building Department in September. In addition to bringing his expertise in code enforcement and years of experience as a residential contractor, Paul brings to his role a commitment to community education. In fact, he’s busy planning a building-safety event for May 11 in recognition of Building Safety Month.
To provide a resource to homeowners, we worked with Paul to create a list of frequently asked questions to help ensure a successful project and minimal uncertainty. He emphasizes that each project is unique, so it’s important to contact the building department to ensure that your project is on the right track.
Q: What is the role of the building department?
A: The building inspector is responsible for enforcement of state codes and local laws regarding construction, building use, fire safety, and signage. The building inspector issues construction permits, administers and enforces building and zoning regulations, and issues certificates of occupancy. The building inspector is responsible for administering the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and for issuing summonses for violations to the codes when necessary.
Permits
Q: Do I need a permit for my project?
A: The list of work requiring a building permit is extensive. While residents generally are aware of the need to obtain a permit to build a new home, demolish a structure, or create an extension, a permit is also needed for the finishing of basements and attics, roofing, new heating and air conditioning, new/replacement windows, generator installation/replacement, electrical work, plumbing, gas work, accessory structures, new driveways and parking areas, and renovation of bathrooms and kitchens. Minor permits include siding, fences, sheds, and oil tanks. Importantly, this list is not all-inclusive. Consult the building department before initiating a home project to ensure necessary permits are obtained.
Q: What is the typical time frame for obtaining a permit?
A: The building department has set a goal to issue permits in a timely fashion. Please expect that, depending on the size and complexity of a project, a building permit will take two to four weeks to obtain. Much depends on the completeness of the application, plan review complexity, and workload. This time frame does not include the time the applicant might need to respond to plan review.
Q: What fees are associated with permits?
A: Building Permit Application Fee, $150.00; building permit fee, $15 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of the job; electrical permit, $100.00; plumbing permit, $100 for the first three fixtures and $10 for each additional fixture; mechanical permit, $100 and $10 per each additional condenser; certificate of occupancy, residential, $125.00; commercial, $200.00; amendment, $100 and $15 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of the job; re-inspection fee, $100. The affidavit of final cost must be filled out with each application, and if the actual cost of the work ends up exceeding the estimated cost of the building permit, the applicant pays $15 per $1,000 in excess of the original estimate.
Q: When does a homeowner need to have his/her project considered by the zoning board, planning board, or design review committee?
A: Most single-family residential properties are exempt from review by the planning department and design review committee. They may be required to apply to the board of appeals (zoning board) for an area variance. The application to the board of appeals is a separate application from the building permit. If the proposed work can’t comply with the Village of Bronxville zoning code, then an appeal to the zoning board for relief of the code is what you are seeking.
Q: May I start work before my permit is issued?
A: Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and displayed on the work site. Some cleanup and clearing may begin before the building permit is issued. Consult the building department for more information.
Q: What happens if I build without a permit or with an expired permit?
A: We all will sell our homes at some point. We have found that title search companies are reviewing property files very carefully and finding that work may have been done without the benefit of a building permit or have expired permits. If you may have had work performed without a building permit, serious consideration must be given to getting it legalized to ensure a safe home. If you have an expired permit, it is important to address that, as occupying the work area is not allowed until a certificate of occupancy has been obtained.
Q: What kind of restitution might a homeowner need to make if work has already been done without having obtained a permit?
A: Work started without first obtaining a building permit would need to be legalized. The owner is required to apply for a building permit for the work that was done illegally. Legalization fees that apply are as follows: legalization fee of $250 added to the $150 application fee, and the building permit fee gets doubled. Once the building permit is issued for the legalization, the owner would apply for a certificate of occupancy for the legalization. The legalization fee of $250 is also added to the certificate of occupancy fee.
Q: What building code is used in Bronxville?
A: The New York State 2017 Uniform Code, which is a supplement to the 2015 ICC family of codes
Code Enforcement
Q: What do I do if my neighbor and I are having a dispute regarding the boundary line of our properties?
A: Boundary disputes (unless concerning a municipal boundary) are private legal matters and are not within the jurisdiction of the municipality. Consult an attorney for legal advice. This is also the case for trees on private property.
Q: At what times of day is construction work allowed?
A: The following work–excavation, demolition, alterations, or repair of any building–may only be conducted Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, but not on any such day that is a state or national holiday, except in the case of urgent necessity and then only with a permit from the superintendent of buildings, which permit may be renewed for a period of three days or less while the emergency continues.
Q: How do I file a complaint?
A: All complaints may be submitted in writing. A complaint form may be found on the Village of Bronxville’s website.
Home Safety
Q: Apart from construction projects, what safety requirements must Bronxville homeowners adhere to?
1) Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. The most common deficiency in a home is the lack of proper protection with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Check your home or building for the proper quantity and placement of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Regardless of the age of your home, requirements are as follows:
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Smoke detectors. One in each bedroom and/or sleeping area; one outside of the bedroom and/or sleeping area; and one on each level.
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Carbon-monoxide detectors. Outside of the bedroom and/or sleeping area within 15 feet of the sleeping area; one on each level.
A state law going into effect on April 1, 2019, requires solely battery-operated smoke detectors to have a nonremovable 10-year battery.
2) House Numbers. House numbers are required for all properties. When there is an emergency, time is of the essence. Click here for further details on the requirements for numbering. Section 505 Premise Identification.
3) Extension Cords. Another common risk is from the use of extension cords or multi-tap outlet strips. The use of these should be minimized. They must not be covered, as doing so can cause them to overheat and ignite. Outlet strips are designed for a maximum load, which should not be exceeded to avoid fire.
“We have been busy working to make our processes more streamlined and efficient,” Taft said. Questions and comments can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Home & Garden Directory
Architects
Brian O'Keefe Architecture ("BOKA"), which is owned by Bronxville resident Brian O'Keefe, was established in 1993. Their work draws upon the client's desired aesthetic, traditions of that style and reinterpreting them to create a project that is well suited to its location and context, and fits well with the client's lifestyle and today's needs. They do renovations, additions, and new construction projects of varying sizes.
Core Home Inc.
"Through our residential design work, we honor the wisdom of traditional methods and the beauty, texture and conservation properties of natural materials." Whether it is a new build, a renovation or an historic restoration...."
Dean Davis
2 Park Place
Bronxville, New York
914-961-5753
Michael Davis
435 Hudson Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10014
212-645-6066
www.michaeldavisarchitects.com
Charlies Hilton Vanderhorn Associates
31 East Elm Street
Greenwich, Ct. 06830
203-862-9011 (tel)
203-862-9196 (fax)
www.hilton-vanderhorn.com
Erica Ellenberger Architect P.C
Erica Ellenberger Architect is a detail-oriented, residential architecture and design practice. Working closely with clients, Erica listens and strategizes to develop creative solutions to meet programmatic objectives, while thoughtfully considering the architecture and aesthetics. As your Architect and your guide, Erica will strive to ensure the design process yields deliberate and engaging spaces for your home.
2 Overhill Rd Ste. 400
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 275-5172
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Scott Koniecko Architects
80 8th Avenue Suite 1600
New York, New York 10011
212-620-3924 (tel)
212-620-7640 (fax)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Maggie Marrone Architects
914-771-6750
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Peter Pennoyer Architects
432 Park Avenue South, 11th Floor
New York, New York 10016
212-779-9765
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.ppapc.com
Radoslav Opacic Architects
Radoslav Opacic AIA Architects was founded in 1990 as a full-service architectural firm that combines exceptional design with a commitment to client satisfaction. The Principal, Rad Opacic, provides personalized attention throughout all phases of the design process. With his passion for fine detailing and vast knowledge of the construction process, he has developed a well-earned reputation for finding creative solutions to meet the specific needs and desires of his clients, producing work that is always exquisitely detailed, elegantly proportioned, and uniquely individual.
24 North Astor
Irvington, NY
914-591-4306
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ZS Design Architect, PLLC
Zachary Schweter, R.A.
171 Fordham St.
City Island, NY 10464
T: 914-589-1229
W: www.zs-design.com
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/City-Island-NY/ZS-Design-Architect-PLLC/259138855626?ref=ts
Landscape Architects
Nicholas Pouder, ASLA
Landscape Architect
1 Askins Place
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914.450.0385
New Milford, CT 860.799.0468
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.pouder.com
Renee Byers, Landscape Architect P.C.
10 Avon Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3103
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.reneebyers.com
Engineers
Civil Engineer
Brett Auerhahn P.E.
914-961-2242
Chapin Interiors
Chapin Interiors works closely with clients to blend furniture, fabrics and accessories in a creative mix that makes each newly designed interior as sophisticated, comfortable and unique.
Core Home Inc.
"Through our residential design work, we honor the wisdom of traditional methods and the beauty, texture and conservation properties of natural materials."
Home Design
Modern yet Timeless; Sophisticated yet Contemporary; Polished yet Livable
Bronxville
917-833-3896
www.gailcookco.com
Madeline Eckett Oden Interiors
Madeline Eckett Oden is a Bronxville, New York based interior designer. She crafts carefully designed, personal interiors for discerning clients in Westchester County, Manhattan, and the greater New York area.
Nicole Interior Designs, Inc.
Nicole Interior Designs is a one-stop full service interior design boutique serving Westchester for over 20 years. They carry a wide selection of custom fabrics, furnishings, window treatments and finishes.
Patricia O'Shaughnessy Design
Patricia O'Shaughnessy Design is a full service, residential interior decorating firm.
Samuel Botero Associates, Inc.
215 East 58th Street Suite 6B
New York, New York 10022
212-935-5155
www.botero.com
Sandra Steele Schneider Interiors
70 Burkewood Road
Mount Vernon, New York 10552
914-668-4468
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Serendipity Interior Design, LLC
Catherine Wyner
203-846-0809
or 203-637-9266
Shannon Interiors LTD.
Kelly Shannon Jelensperger, President
81 Pondfield Road #344
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-1629 (O)
914-953-7584 (C)
914-793-2195 (F)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Carpentry
JSB Carpentry Inc.
Home Maintenance Is Our Specialty!
Interior & exterior carpentry new & repairs to keep your home looking beautiful.
Masonry pointing and repairs to steps, walks and stone walls to prevent further damage. Bathroom & kitchen tiles refurbished, cleaned grout, caulking to make tiles look brand new. Installation of De-icing system to roofs, leaders and gutters, to prevent water leaks from ice dam's damage. We have the solutions to help you resolve all your home maintenance needs and more. Please call us for a free estimation and Bronxville references available upon request.
Bus. 845-855-3986
Cell- 914-906- 1637
E-MAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Electric
James A. Stone
96 Congress Street
Harrison, New York 10528
914-835-0447
Keating Electric & Technologies
115 Wall Street
Valhalla, New York 10595
914-747-9294
www.keatingelectric.com
Lippolis Electric
445 5th Avenue
Pelham, New York 10803
914-738-3550
White Electric, Inc.
128 Fulton Street
White Plains, New York
914-946-5566
www.whiteelectric.com
General Contractors
Arthur Lange Inc.
Arthur Lange Inc., is one of Westchester's most trusted construction management and renovation firms. Many of the area's beautiful and prestigious homes have been renovated, remodeled, enhanced or expanded under its care. The firm, family-owned and fully licensed, approaches every job with a commitment to service and quality. The goal at Arthur Lange Inc., is to ensure that each client is satisfied by its extraordinary dedication to service and is delighted with the high quality of the results. Call today to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.
841 Tuckahoe Road
P.O. Box 993
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-4422 (tel)
914-395-0471 (fax)
www.arthurlangeinc.com
Gerry Hickey Construction ("GHC")
HOME MAINTENANCE
-Interior Plaster and Plaster Molding Repairs
-Exterior Stucco & Home Remodeling
914-906-5984
Guttilla Contracting was built on taking pride in what it does and making home owners dreams come true. Serving Bronxville for over 25 years. It is fully licensed and insured in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess County and the State of Connecticut. See their website for a complete list of services. www.guttillacontracting.com
Vincent Franco
R-Men Contracting
179 Summerfield Street
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-472-7007 (tel)
914-472-0451 (fax)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Win-Some Contracting, Inc.
Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Anthony Pici Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Anthony Pici Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a locally owned and operated firm that has been servicing the Bronxville community for well over 15 years. We provide detail oriented service from repairing a faucet to complete bathroom renovations. We provide service and installation of all oil and gas heating equipment. If you are looking to update your homes heating system to modern high efficiency equipment, or are looking for a radiant floor heating or snow melt system, let us provide you with a properly designed and installed system. Licensed and insured with professional service technicians trained to keep up with an ever changing industry, we stand behind all our installed products for their lifetime. Let us assist you with your next project.
201 Saw Mill River Rd.
Yonkers, N.Y. 10701-5711
(914) 376-7300 office
(914) 376-7301 fax
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Absolute Comfort & Temperature Control Inc.
Mr. Paul Gomprecht, President
914-761-0529
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.absolutecomfortcontrol.com
Besson Oil Inc.
140 Marbledale Road
Tuckahoe, New York 10707
914-779-0008
Innovative Air Solutions
29 Elm Street
Tuckahoe, New York 10707
914-793-7700
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.innovativeairsolutions.com
New York Unique Indoor Comfort
New York Unique Indoor Comfort is the industry leader in home heating and air conditioning. We provide customers with heating and air conditioning service and solutions, not just products. Our expert technicians are trained to maintain and service a variety of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Our relationship with the customer extends beyond installation. We stand committed for the lifetime of your home heating and cooling service, ensuring that you and your family are comfortable, safe, and cost efficient. Four generations of heating and air conditioning industry experience affirm that every potential customer need will be met.
98 Lake Street
White Plains, New York 10604
914.966.0800
www.NewYorkUnique.com
Richards Conditioning Corp.
70 Marbledale Road
Tuckahoe, New York 10707
914-337-0300
Locksmith
Gramatan Lock & Key
27 W Grand St
Mt Vernon, NY 10552
(914) 664-9001
LMC Safe, Lock & Key
Luigi M. Cattzia II
914-241-1583
Painters
All Colors Painting Co.
69 Delaware Road
Yonkers, New York 10710
(Johnnie & Joey)
914-964-9148
Mateus Neto Painting Co.
95 Chase Avenue
Yonkers, New York 10703
914-965-9561
Guttilla Contracting was built on taking pride in what it does and making home owners dreams come true. Serving Bronxville for over 25 years. It is fully licensed and insured in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess County and the State of Connecticut. See their website for a complete list of services. www.guttillacontracting.com
Steve Pagliaroli Painting Co. has been serving Bronxville for over 35 years and offers interior and exterior painting as well as wallpaper installation. Steve holds himself to the highest standard and he and his team are experts in the preparation process. They have a reputation for attention to detail and Steve gives every job his full attention making sure expectations are met. The company has a "super service" award 5 years in a row on Angie's List.
Click here to learn more
Plastering
Gerry Hickey Construction ("GHC")
HOME MAINTENANCE
-Interior Plaster and Plaster Molding Repairs
-Exterior Stucco & Home Remodeling
914-906-5984
Pick up and take away
Robert Rabsey
914-954-4366
Rug Care
Sunlight Fine Rug Care
Established in 1999, Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration specializes in cleaning and restoring Oriental and Antique hand made rugs including: stain removal, urine smell removal, moth damage repair and moth proofing, color restoration, persian bindings, over casting, repair and replacement of fringe, blocking and restreaching, area rug cleaning and repair, organic rug cleaning and much more. They also offer furniture restoration, re-upholstery and upholstery cleaning as well as wall to wall organic carpet cleaning and curtain cleaning. They serve residential and commercial and offer an annual cleaning as well.
Click here to see what people say about them.
Sunlight fine rug care is a member of Ethical Services. Click here to read about it.
Click here to read what was said about them on Yelp
1-888-810-8120 (office)
1-917-731-4999 (cel)
http://www.sunlightfinerugcare.com/
Would you like to join our Directory? Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Design
Maureen Hackett Landscape Design Inc.
212-768-4242 and 917-494-8084
Nicholas Pouder, ASLA
Landscape Architect
1 Askins Place
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914.450.0385
New Milford, CT 860.799.0468
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.pouder.com
Renee Byers, Landscape Architech P.C.
10 Avon Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3103
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.reneebyers.com
Maintenance
Frank Bulfamonte & Sons, Inc.
26 Circuit Road
New Rochelle, New York 10805
914-235-1835
Land Productions Inc.
360 Adams Street
Bedford Hills, New York
914-666-8214
Florists
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Plants and Nurseries
Rosedale Nurseries
51 Saw Mill River Road, Route 9A
Hawthorne, New York 10532-1598
914-769-1300
Sprainbrook Nursery, Inc.
448 Underhill Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-723-2382
Computer, Network & Internet Services
Gerry McLoughlin
914-337-7084
www.GerryMcL.com
Computer Tutor @ PCI
914-337-1700
www.computertutorpci.com
Geeks on Wheels
Dylan Hall
Harrison, New York 914-562-1800
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.geeks-on-wheels.net
The Computer Nerds, Inc.
PO Box 31
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-7952
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.thecomputernerdsinc.com
The Dream Foundry, Inc.
Creative Services & Custom Web Development
763-390-9299
http://www.thedreamfoundry.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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