Preliminary Permitting

We've got our preliminary design firmed up enough to begin the permitting process.

It starts with an on-line form, which includes information on the existing structure and proposed changes.   It also requires us to upload our drawings directly to the building department in PDF format.  The next day we set a meeting with the Village inspector to get his thoughts on how to smooth the process.  He was very helpful and suggested the following:

1. Ensure the wallboard meets New York state fire code requirements 
2. Ensure that there are no windows, doors, or combustible materials within 5 feet of the side yard property lines
3. If we build up to four floors, the top floor must be set back from the street a minimum of 10 feet
4. He confirmed that we would need four separate board approvals before the permit could be reviewed and that one of them would require at least two visits
5. We would not need to install wheelchair accessible bathrooms in the existing office and retail space as long as 20% of the cost of those renovations is less than the cost of creating the new accessible bathrooms