Some building permit prices could fall

The Town Board is reviewing proposed revisions to fees that would reduce the amount farms have to pay for building permits.

Town Attorney Warren Replansky said during a board meeting Monday that current fees exceed amounts allowed under state regulations.

“We have been [given] a complaint made by a property owner who’s been informed by [the state Department of Agriculture and Markets that] those fees, especially with the charge to larger buildings, could be deemed to be an unreasonable constraint on farming activities,” Replansky said. “As a result of that ... we took a look at the fees.”

Under the proposed revisions, the building permit fee for structures up to 250 square feet would be $150; the fee would be $360 for buildings between 250 and 2,000 square feet; and it would be $500 for buildings larger than 2,000 square feet.

There also would be a $50 charge for a certificate of completion.

The current fees is 35 cents per square foot, with a minimum $75 charge for a permit and $50 charge for a certificate of compliance.

“Under the New York state Building Fire Code, there are exemptions for true agricultural buildings used solely for the raising, growing or storage of agricultural products,” Replansky said. “So they’re not subject to the building code requirements. They don’t require a rigorous examination of the plans or a periodic inspection as a regular residential or commercial use would.”

Replansky said the standard fees would be charged if an agricultural permit applicant wants the building inspector to review plans and make periodic inspections during construction of a structure.

He also said fees would remain in place for indoor riding arenas “even if they’re used in conjunction with an agricultural use.”

“The reason for this is those are not subject to the exemption under New York state code, and Ag and Markets has recommended that we do inspect those and charge the regular fee.”