Building Department

Forms and Applications

The Village of North Hills Building Department has gone digital! Please use the below link to navigate to our online portal. From there you can access all of the new Building Departments forms and applications. ALL NEW applications must be submitted online. Any current applications already in progress will continue in their current form as paper submissions.

https://northhillsvillageny.viewpointcloud.com

Building Department

Dear Village Homeowner,

The Village Building Department is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone in our community. One of the most important ways we fulfill that responsibility is through the building permit and inspection process.

We understand that obtaining a building permit may sometimes seem like an unnecessary step, particularly for smaller home improvement projects. However, permits are not intended to create obstacles—they are a vital public safety measure designed to ensure that construction complies with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as adopted and enforced throughout New York State. Under New York State law, local governments are responsible for administering and enforcing the Uniform Code and Energy Code within their jurisdictions.

These codes establish minimum standards for the safe construction, alteration, repair, and maintenance of buildings. They are based on nationally recognized engineering and safety standards and are continually updated to reflect advances in construction practices, fire protection, structural design, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

The permit and inspection process helps ensure that work involving structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical equipment, fire safety features, and energy conservation measures is completed in accordance with these requirements. Inspections performed during construction help identify potential issues before they become expensive repairs or serious safety hazards.

Obtaining the required permits offers important benefits to homeowners, including:

• Helping protect the safety of your family, neighbors, visitors, and emergency responders.
• Ensuring compliance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Energy Conservation Construction Code.
• Protecting the value, integrity, and insurability of your home.
• Reducing the likelihood of costly repairs resulting from improper or unsafe construction.
• Helping prevent delays or complications during the sale or refinancing of your property, as unpermitted work can create legal and financial issues.
• Providing an independent review and inspection process that verifies work has been performed safely and in accordance with applicable codes.
• Verifying contractors are properly licensed and insured.

Choosing a Contractor Wisely

One of the most common warning signs for homeowners is a contractor who advises them that a building permit is “not necessary” when one is actually required. While there are certainly projects that do not require permits, reputable contractors understand the importance of complying with building regulations and should never encourage a homeowner to bypass the permitting process.

Unfortunately, some contractors recommend avoiding permits because they wish to avoid inspections or oversight. In some cases, they may not be properly insured, may not possess the qualifications necessary to perform the work safely, or may be unwilling to have their work evaluated for compliance with applicable codes. In other cases, individuals may misrepresent their qualifications or operate without the proper credentials, leaving homeowners with incomplete, unsafe, or costly repairs.

Homeowners should remember that obtaining a permit is not only about complying with the law—it is also an important way to protect themselves and their investment. The permit process provides an independent review of proposed work and inspections throughout construction to help ensure the project is completed safely and correctly.

While contractors may assist with the permitting process, the property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that required permits are obtained before work begins. Hiring a reputable contractor, verifying insurance coverage, requesting references, and confirming that the appropriate permits have been issued are among the best ways to protect your investment and your family.

Construction completed without the required permits or inspections may conceal serious hazards that are not immediately apparent. Improper structural modifications, unsafe electrical installations, deficient plumbing systems, inadequate fire protection, or improperly installed heating and cooling equipment can place occupants at significant risk and may result in costly corrective work.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with residents to help projects proceed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations. If you are planning a renovation, addition, deck, finished basement, accessory structure, new mechanical equipment, or any other improvement to your property, we encourage you to contact the Building Department before beginning work. We are available to determine whether a permit is required, explain the permitting process, and provide guidance to help you make informed decisions.

By obtaining the proper permits and inspections, homeowners help protect their families, preserve the quality of their investment, and contribute to a safer community for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation and for partnering with us to maintain the safety, character, and long-term well-being of our Village.

Sincerely,
Peter A. Cinquemani, R.A
Superintendent of Building Department

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: (516) 627-3690

Superintendent of Building Department
Peter A. Cinquemani, R.A
buildingsupt@northhillsny.gov

Donna Thompson
bldgdept@northhillsny.gov

Notice to Permit Holders

Any changes to construction which differs from the original approved plan must be approved by an amendment prior to the work being performed.

The Village requires an “Application to Amend Building Permit” form in duplicate completed along with two (2) sets of signed and sealed drawings and two (2) copies of a signed and sealed survey (if exterior work is included).

In addition a filing fee must be submitted which is 1.5% of additional construction cost for new residence and 1% of additional construction for alterations.

Open Permits

All building permits issued by the Village are not officially completed until a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Otherwise it is considered an “open permit” and it may affect your ability to sell your residence.

Please contact the Building Department to determine if you have any open permits.