Groton Code Enforcement

Codes / Building Department

Rick Fritz, Code Official

Office Phone: 607-898-4428

Cell: 607-591-9898

Fax: 607-898-3086

Email: code@grotontown.com

Mailing Address:

PO Box 36, Groton, NY 13073

Services Provided

Review/Consultation of Building Project (does not include engineering or architectural design)
Application review/consultation
Inspections of

NY State Building Codes,

Local Code

Flood Compliance.

All Inspections are required to be scheduled. Please make sure the project is at a stage of completion before scheduling. If the cell mailbox is full contact the clerk's office at 607-898-5035.

Contractors- DO NOT SIGN FOR THE OWNER

Each property owner is responsible for compliance with all terms of the Town of Groton Land Use Code affecting his or her property. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion when he is satisfied that the proposed use complies with the Code and that structures have been erected and the site developed in accordance with submitted plans.
No habitable structure shall be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. Furthermore, no addition to habitable space or the alteration of non-habitable space into habitable space shall be occupied until an Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Any non-habitable structure shall not be used until a Certificate of Completion is issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. Such Certificate of Completion shall carry the same weight as does a Certificate of Occupancy.

A certificate of Occupancy or Completions starts with a Building or Appliance Permit

Documents you will need to supply for a Building/Appliance Permit Application

Application Form- The landowner must sign. (page 1) IF the landowner is not signing, provide a notarized letter the landowner is giving signer permission to sign for the application.

Plot plan of the lot with dimensions for new, existing structures, appliance, septic and wells to demonstrate compliance with zoning. (page 2 – sample page 3) For Setback information click here
- Zoning Map click here

Construction documents describing the materials AND how they will be applied / attached / connected, (professional stamped drawings may be required) or

Appliance specifications (can be found in the appliance manual) to demonstrate compliance with the NY State Building codes. (page 4 or provided from your architect or engineer)

Workers Compensation Certification from your contractor OR a signed (CE-200) Exemption Form

To obtain a CE-200 go to http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/ebiz/wc_db_exemptions/How-to-Obtain-Certificate-of-Exemption.pdf

Pay Fee- cash, credit or checks made out to the Groton Town Clerk at 101 Conger Blvd. (Po Box 36) Groton, NY 13073

FOR NEW, REPLACEMENT OR ADDITIONS TO (LIVING SPACE) OCCUPANCY

Sewage System Construction Permit or Proof from the Health Department that changes comply with discharge regulations. Tompkins County Whole Health, 607-274-6688 55 Brown Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. Applications are on their web site https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/owts

Permit Applications

Inspections vary depending on the project. You will receive an inspections checklist along with your permit, for the inspections that will be necessary. The homeowner/landowner is responsible for ensuring these inspections are done.

Inspections are by request only. The code official will not come to the site for inspections without a request by the homeowner or project manager. For an inspection call Rick at 607-591-9898
If the mailbox is full, call the Clerk's office at 607-898-5035 to have a message sent.

SAME DAY SERVICE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE so please call at least 2 working days in advance of a stage of completion.

Permit Application Process

OPTION 1) Bring in/mail in/put in the drop box: a completed application to the Town Clerk's office with the fee.

OPTION 2) Make an appointment with the building official for review of your application.

He is also available on Tuesdays first come first serve starting at 8:30AM

Applications that are missing items will not be accepted and will be returned.

See the Documents for Application process tab

Please Do Not Email Original Applications

The Review may take up to 7 working days.

Once reviewed and approved, a permit, plus an inspection checklist will be issued by mail.

If the application is denied, a reason for the denial will be issued to you.

Post the permit where it can be seen in a window if available.

Section 403. Permits

403.1 Building Permits. A Building Permit shall be required for any work which must conform to

the New York State Uniform Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement,

alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any

portion thereof, except for structures 144 square feet or less and any other exemptions listed in Section 4, Part B of Local Law #1 of the Year 2007, included as Appendix A. Additionally, the

installation of a solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit shall

require a Building Permit. No Person shall commence any work for which a Building Permit

is required without first having obtained a Building Permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.

Demolition Application