Code Enforcement

The Village of Fonda Code Enforcement Office helps protect the health, safety and welfare of the community through the administration and enforcement of applicable building, fire-safety, property-maintenance, zoning and other Village and New York State requirements.

Code Enforcement also works with residents, property owners, businesses and contractors to help them understand requirements that may apply before work begins.

Whether you are planning a construction project, renovating a property, changing the use of a building, installing certain structures or equipment, or have a question about property conditions, contacting Code Enforcement early can help identify applicable requirements and avoid problems later.

What Code Enforcement Does

The Code Enforcement Office administers and enforces a range of building, safety, zoning and property-maintenance requirements within the Village.

• Building Permits

  Reviewing applications and plans for work requiring a building permit and administering the applicable permit process. Projects that may require review can include construction, additions, alterations, renovations, structural work and other regulated work. Residents should contact Code Enforcement before beginning a project if they are uncertain whether a permit is required.

• Inspections

  Conducting inspections associated with permitted construction and other applicable code requirements. Required inspections can vary depending upon the project. Property owners and contractors should coordinate required inspections with Code Enforcement and should not assume that a project is complete merely because the physical work has been finished.

• Certificates

  Administering applicable certificate requirements associated with buildings, occupancies and completed permitted work. The type of certificate or approval required depends upon the work and applicable code requirements.

• Property Maintenance

  Addressing applicable property-maintenance and unsafe-condition requirements within the Village. Code Enforcement may investigate reported conditions and observed conditions that fall within its jurisdiction.

• Zoning & Land Use

  Providing information and review concerning applicable Village zoning requirements when proposed construction, property improvements or changes in use involve zoning considerations. Some matters may require additional review or action under Village zoning procedures.

• Fire & Life Safety

  Administering applicable fire- and life-safety requirements within the scope of the Village's code-enforcement responsibilities. This may include applicable inspections and requirements for certain occupancies, buildings or uses.

• Changes in Use or Occupancy

  A proposed change in how a building or property is used may require review even when little or no physical construction is planned. Contact Code Enforcement before changing the use or occupancy of a building or space so applicable requirements can be identified.

• Unsafe Buildings & Conditions

  Code Enforcement may become involved when a building or property condition presents concerns under applicable building, property-maintenance or safety requirements. Emergency conditions involving an immediate threat to life or safety should be reported to 911.

A General Process

The steps below illustrate a general permit and approval process. Not every project follows exactly the same path.

Thinking About Buying or Developing Property?

Before purchasing property for a particular use, beginning a major renovation or investing in a development concept, prospective owners and developers are encouraged to investigate applicable requirements. Existing use of a property does not automatically establish that every future use, expansion or alteration will be permitted. Early contact with the Village can help identify zoning, building, infrastructure or other municipal considerations before significant time or money is committed. For larger projects, additional Village, County, State or other approvals may also be required depending upon the proposal.

Who Handles What?

Not sure where to direct your question? This guide can help you reach the right department.

• Code Enforcement

  Building permits, applicable inspections, property-maintenance issues, zoning questions and applicable building/fire-safety code matters.

• Clerk-Treasurer's Office

  Village records, forms, FOIL, Village taxes, water/sewer billing and payments, and general Village administrative assistance.

• Department of Public Works

  Village streets, parks and public spaces, water distribution, sanitary-sewer collection, drainage and other Village infrastructure under DPW responsibility.

• Water Works

  Drinking-water treatment, filtration, water-quality monitoring and Annual Water Quality Reports.

• Fonda-Fultonville Joint Wastewater Treatment

  Wastewater treatment.

• Emergency Services

  For an immediate police, fire or medical emergency, call 911.