When I started this project, I was certain that I did not want any trouble with the Town building inspector. As it turns out, they are pretty laid back around here, but I am still careful to follow all of the applicable building codes when doing anything around the house, since they are there for our safety and protection. It turns out, there are several codes from several different sources. I have read them all, or at least I hope I have. Here are the building codes and sources:

Town of Rochester building code: Land usage, building setbacks, building types and heights, construction of footings and foundations, driveway access to public roads.
Source: Downloaded from the official town website and several trips to the building permit office

Ulster County Department of Health: Septic tanks, drainage fields, locations of septic tanks, locations of wells, building occupancy based on absorption rate of drainage field usually set by the number of bedrooms.
Source: Called the county health department

NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC): Wells, well locations
Source: Used the DEC webpage

National Electrical Code: All electrical wiring and electrical service
Source: Purchased the NEC 2003 at Borders Books, plus some information on line

Uniform Plumbing Code: All plumbing work, septic tanks, drainage field
Source: Brother in Law’s information, plus some information on line

As you can see, some of these overlap. In the case of the NEC and UPC, they make statements that they are the code, unless the municipality having jurisdiction says otherwise. Many large cities have combined these codes into one big city building code which gets updated often.

I found dealing with the local and county officals to be pretty easy for the most part. I think that they were happy to be dealing with somebody who wanted to ask questions and make sure that everything was above board. Often times, I get the impression, the town code enforcement officer gets a complaint after the work is done. Then he has to go issue a citation, which in turn creates a court appearance and perhaps an appearance before the zoning board which just sounds like a mess. One good bit of information gleaned from the town clerk was “If you want to do any work, you should get it done now because the building code is going to change soon.” I don’t exactly know what “soon” means.

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