FAQs • Scarsdale, NY • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit for bathroom or kitchen alterations or renovations?: Yes, because Building Code compliance must be checked.

▼
Building

1. When do the Boards meet?: - The Board of Appeals and Planning Board normally meet once a month.
- The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) meets about every 2 weeks.
- The Committee for Historic Preservation meets once a month.

2. What do I need to do to obtain a pre-date letter or certificate of use and occupancy for an existing structure or building?: Instructions: Pre-date Letters and Certificates of Use and Occupancy (PDF)

3. How long does it take to get the plans reviewed by the Building Department after BAR approval?: Normally, 1 to 4 weeks depending on the work load.

4. When do I need a building permit?: A permit is required for all work except ordinary maintenance. Refer to the New York State Residential and Building Code for "Scope".

5. Do I need a building permit for a fence?: Yes, because the fence must meet Zoning Code requirements and must also have approval for the type of fence installed. Approval of the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) is also usually required.

6. Do I need a permit for installing or replacing a sidewalk, walkway or patio?: Yes, because lot coverage requirements must be met.

7. Do I need a building permit to replace my roof?: Roof shingles may be replaced without a permit. Wood shingles are prohibited. Any work other than shingles requires a permit.

8. Do I need a permit for bathroom or kitchen alterations or renovations?: Yes, because Building Code compliance must be checked.

9. Do I need a permit for paving or repaving a driveway?: Yes, because the lot coverage requirements must be met.

10. Do I need a permit to install a pool or tennis court?: You not only need a Building Permit, but you must also get a Special Use Permit from the Board of Appeals.

11. Do I need a permit to install a television satellite dish?: Pursuant to the Village Code, receive-only satellite dishes less than 1 meter in size can be installed without a building permit or approval of the Board of Appeals. However larger installations may require a Special Use Permit from the Board of Appeals. Regardless of the size of the installation.

12. What Boards might be involved in my application for a building permit?: You may need the approval of:
- The Board of Appeals if a zoning question is involved pertaining to setbacks, lot coverage, use, pools and tennis courts, etc.
- The Planning Board if a problem is involved concerning wetlands, subdivisions, lots at a distance from a street, non-residential use in a residential zone, etc.
- The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) if the appearance of the building is changed by alterations and/or additions.
- The Committee for Historic Preservation if demolition or substantial demolition of a structure is involved.

13. Does approval of the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) mean I have a building permit?: No, the building department must still review the plans for conformance to Codes. You must request this review after BAR approval.

14. When does the Building Department review the plans for conformance to Code?: If the application does not involve any of the boards, the plans are reviewed chronologically as they come over the counter.

If the BAR has approved the application, the applications are reviewed chronologically as requests are received following the BAR hearing. The reasons for this are that some applications do not have construction documents.

15. Where can I find the building Department fees?: Under the building department section of the Village-Wide Fees and Charges Schedule