Building and Code Enforcement

Planning

Planning may be simply defined as thinking about the future — what we want it to be, and what we need to do now to achieve it. The Town has a number of laws and regulations that may affect your project.

Zoning

The Town is divided into 9 zoning districts, delineated on the official Zoning map. Locating your parcel and zoning district lets you look at the Zoning Schedule A — a chart in the Zoning Law — to find minimum requirements that may affect your project.

Subdivisions

If you're interested in cutting off a parcel of land from a larger parcel, the Subdivision Law may apply. The Planning Board has an application and procedures list to assist with new land parcels being separated from larger parcels for a building project or for sale.

Special Use Permits & Variances

More involved projects or uses may require a Special Use Permit and/or Site Plan review by the Planning Board, or — if a Variance (Use and/or Area) is necessary — a review by the Board of Appeals. Both processes take a few meetings for approval, so plan early by calling to review your project.

Permits

After any approvals are obtained, the Zoning Law and/or NYS Building Codes may also apply to your project. A Zoning/Building permit is necessary for almost any structure, large or small, permanent or stationary, non-farming or farming — including setbacks from property lines and, for pools, requirements for setbacks, pool alarms, and fencing (in-ground or above-ground, hard-sided or soft-sided).

Applications are available at the Town Clerk's Office on Hunter St. After filling one out, call the Zoning Enforcement Officer to schedule an appointment at the project site. Late fees are added to regular permit fees when a project starts without a proper permit — call ahead with any questions.

Reference: Town of Bergen eCode Directory