Do I need a permit?

Permits are required for the following:

• New residences such as single family dwellings, townhouses, multi-family, etc.
• HVAC including boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, water heaters, etc.
• Solar Panels, Generators, Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Pool Heaters, EV Chargers
• Oil Tank removal and installation, Propane Tank installation, Propane/Gas Line installation
• Decks, pools, hot tubs, barns, garages, sheds/structures over 120sqft
• Additions, Garages, Carports, New Bathrooms or bathroom/plumbing reconfiguration, Kitchen Renovations, Finished Basement, Adding Bedroom
• Any electrical work
• Demolition (i.e. getting rid of a deck, pool, shed or any permitted item or structure on the property)

What do I need to obtain a permit?

All permits need Liability and Workers Compensation insurance certificates OR Worker’s Compensation Exemption Certificate from the company doing the work. If you are doing the work yourself, instead a liability document will be required along with the permit application.

• For HVAC and generator permits, specs for the item being installed and a drawn map of the location of the item.
• For sheds over 120sqft, specs for the shed or a detailed drawing of size, materials used and foundation information along with a map with the shed location. If the shed appears to be too close to the setbacks, a survey may be required. If the shed is very large, stamped engineered plans may be required.
• For decks, depending on the size and height, either detailed contractor drawings will be required or stamped engineered plans may be required. Decks with hot tubs on top require stamped engineered plans.
• For additions and garages, engineered stamped plans, and a survey if deemed anywhere near the setbacks.
• For pools, specs for the pool and drawn location of the pool. If the pool appears close to the setbacks, a survey may be required. All pools require a minimum 4’ fence with lockable gates and a pool alarm. In-ground pools must be 35’ from septic.
• For a finished basement, new bathroom, new bedroom or kitchen renovation, a detailed drawing of work being done and materials used.
• For Solar Panels or EV Chargers, solar companies generally submit all required documentation.
• Most electrical permits will just need the above-listed insurances.
• For new single family dwellings, a full set of plans stamped engineered plans that meet the 2020 NY Residential Code including ResCheck, all square footage, location of the septic, and a survey.
• For roofs, insurances of the roofing company is needed. If any structural work is being done, plans detailing said structural work is required.
• If any electrical work is being done, a third-party electrical inspection is required by an approved inspector

Permits are NOT required for: siding, same size window replacement, gutters, purely cosmetic alternations. Sheds under 120sqft (must be 10’ from property line).

What are setbacks?

Setbacks are the distance a structure or item must be from your property line. If the structure/item is under 120sqft, the setback is 10’

Anything over 120sqft depends on the zone in which you live. You can look on the Zoning Map to find your zone and setbacks for common zones are the following:

R-45                                       R-90                                       R-135

Front: 50’                             Front: 75’                             Front: 100’

Side: 20’                               Side: 30’                               Side: 40’

Rear: 35ft                            Rear: 40’                              Rear: 60’

If your zone isn’t listed here, you can find setback information on 155 Attachment 2, Schedule B

If your proposed project does not meet these or any other zoning requirements, you can go to the Zoning Board of Appeals to obtain a variance. You will have to apply for a Building Permit, have it denied and obtain the appropriate paperwork to apply for an appeal.

Can I add an apartment?

All apartments including mother/daughters require a Special Use Permit per Town Code 155-25. Please read the information all the way through. If you have an existing accessory apartment or mother/daughter, it is not “grandfathered in” and you need to get a Special Use Permit if you do not have one.

Where can I find the Town Code?

You can find the Town Code here

The best way to search the Town Code is to type relevant keywords into the search bar at the top.

Can I have a _____ business or do______?

You can find the Schedule of Permitted Uses here. Please read the key at top of the document. This is separate and distinct from Building.

If marked with an “S” here is the Town Code for Special Use Permits . Please read all requirements.

Trees on my neighbor’s property are a problem/trees on my property are a problem/trees by the road are a problem:

Any tree on private property is not in the jurisdiction of the Town and must be taken up with the property owner. If a tree close to the road is affecting the power lines, NYSEG may be called. If a tree closes the road is affecting driving visibility or is in dangerous condition, if you live on a Town road you can call the Town Highway Department; if you live on a county road you can call Dutchess County Public Works; and if you live on a state road you can call the NYSDOT

Can I clear cut trees from my yard?

You will most likely need a Timber Harvesting Permit. Please call the Building Department if you have questions after reading the code.

Can I have animals/I am complaining that my neighbor has animals:

Please read Town Code 155-34 Keeping of Animals for specifications. Dog complaints are not in the jurisdiction of the Building Department.

I live next to a farm and a chicken/cow/horse, etc. has gotten out. What do I do?

Let the farm owner know. If it happens multiple times, we will notify the farm owner via letter.

I have unregistered vehicles in my yard/my neighbor has unregistered vehicles in their yard:

Only one unregistered vehicle is allowed per Town Code 155-40.

I have a complaint:

Please call the Building Department or email the Building Inspector at buildinginspector@townofbeekmanny.us . If the complaint is actionable, a violation or complaint letter will be sent to the offender. Please keep in mind that the complaint and violation process can take up to several months to rectify as Town Code 155-70 must be followed as well as Town Code 114-4 . While we do our best to maintain anonymity, there is no guarantee of anonymity.

I am fixing my septic/I have an issue with my septic/I am complaining about my neighbor’s septic:

Please call the Dutchess County Department of Health at 845-486-3404

I have flooding/water is coming from my neighbor’s yard:

Unfortunately, most instances of flooding and water issues on private property are not in the jurisdiction of the Building Department. If there is a Town easement or there are flooding issues from new development, the Town may have jurisdiction, however most water and flooding issues cannot be resolved by the Building Department. If the flooding issue is coming from the road, if you live on a Town road you can call the Town Highway Department; if you live on a county road you can call Dutchess County Public Works, and if you live on a state road you can call the NYSDOT.

 I want my survey or house plans:

You must fill out a FOIL Request form and submit it to the Town Clerk at townclerk@townofbeekmanny.us. Due to inconsistent record keeping in past decades, we may not have these documents. It may take up to 2 weeks to obtain these documents from an off-site storage facility if we have them.

I’m a realtor and I want information on a property:

You must fill out a FOIL Request form and submit it to the Town Clerk at townclerk@townofbeekmanny.us . No exceptions.

I want to add a bedroom:

You may need to have Department of Health approval to ensure the septic system can accommodate the additional bedroom.

There are too many bugs/insects:

Bugs/insects are not in the jurisdiction of the Building Department unless there is an issue with hoarding nearby.

I have a question about redoing my driveway/water runoff/anything to do with the roadway:

If you live on a Town road you can call the Town Highway Department; if you live on a county road you can call Dutchess County Public Works; and if you live on a state road you can call the NYSDOT.

My neighbor has a boat, or an RV parked in the driveway/on their property:

All residents are afforded 1 unregistered vehicle per property including boats and RVs. If the Boat or RV is a second unregistered vehicle, action can be taken. If it is registered or it is the only unregistered vehicle, no action can be taken.

Will this raise my taxes?

The Town Assessor’s office provides that information. The Building Department does not handle taxes and cannot tell you if your taxes will change. You can call the Assessor at 845-724-5300 x 228