Code Enforcement

Important Code Enforcement Office Notes:

• A building permit is required for structures over 144 square feet.  All structures must meet the town setbacks for your zoning district.  It is always best to be a good neighbor.
• Structural change to a residence requires a building permit and architectural plans.
• Addition, alteration, remodel and conversion of unfinished basements/garages/barns/pole barns to living space requires a building permit and architectural plans. Adding more bedrooms requires septic system review and approval.
• A building permit is required for all roof work. You are allowed to go over an existing roof once.  After that, according to NYS Code, you must do a tear off down to the sheathing and then put a new roof on.
• A building permit is required for septic systems new or repair.
• You need to obtain a septic system inspection and report prior to transfer of real property (see more information below).
• In addition, you need to have both well and septic system approval before a building permit can be issued for a new home.

The best rule of thumb for you to follow would be if you are in doubt as to whether you need a building permit for a project, small or large, call before beginning the project. Such things as demolition, building, structural, electrical, plumbing, decks, swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis/pickleball courts, fences, additions, alterations, remodels, conversions into living space, new homes, roofs, septic systems, etc. require a building permit.

Once a building permit has been issued, the property owner/contractor is responsible for contacting the Code Enforcement Office to set up inspections per the permit to receive a final Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy.

Effective 05.17.2023 New zoning law Town of South Bristol New Zoning Law

Effective 12.13.2022 Short-Term Rental Local Law Moratorium is in effect up to nine months. No new short-term rental applications will be accepted. No property should be operating a short-term rental without a permit.

Effective 03.09.2020 Short-term Rental Permit is required per Town Code before rental of your property:

• Please review Short-Term Rentals (Chapter 170-71) and Noise (Chapter 113)

Applications & Other Information:

Affidavit of Exemption from WC-DBL for Owner-Occupied Residence and CE-200 Instructions
Approved Electrical Inspectors
Building Permit Application
Certificate of Non-Conformity Application
Demolition Building Permit Application
Dock Boat House and Boat Station Building Permit Application
Fee Schedule
Floodplain Development Permit Application
Gas Geothermal and Solid Fuel Permit Application
Generator Site Selection and Preparation
New Home Building Permit Application
Planning Board Application

Short-Term Rental Permit Renewal Application

Solar and Generator Permit Application
Steep Slopes Permit Application
Swimming Pool Permit Application
Timber Harvest Permit Application
Town of South Bristol Code
Town of South Bristol Overlay Map
Town of South Bristol Steep Slopes Map
Town of South Bristol Zoning Map
Transfer of Real Property Inspection of Wastewater Treatment Systems
Zoning Board of Appeals Application
Zoning Code Violation Notification