Code Enforcement

The Department of Building Inspections and Code Enforcement is responsible to ensure compliance with state and local building and fire codes, and to assist persons interested in developing and improving residential and commercial properties in the Town of Big Flats. Our staff is dedicated to serving the community and its residents through plan review and inspection services.

Whispel Head Shot

Tom Whispel
Director of Building Inspection/ Code Enforcement Officer
(607) 562-8443 ext. 205
twhispel@bigflatsny.gov

David Jaynes
Building Safety Officer
(607) 562-8443 ext. 207
djaynes@bigflatsny.gov

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Hours to Issue Permits:
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 10:00am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm or by appointment

Fax:
607-562-7063

Address:
476 Maple Street
Big Flats, NY 14814
United States
See map: Google Maps

Code Enforcement FAQs

Amanda's Law Carbon Monoxide Alarms
At its meeting held on December 16, 2009, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council determined that adopting this rule on an emergency basis was required in order to comply with Amanda’s Law, and to preserve public safety by clarifying requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

Effective February 22, 2010 carbon monoxide alarms are required in all existing and new single-family homes along with most other buildings that have sleeping units/rooms. The carbon monoxide alarms are required in addition to smoke alarms as follows:

  • Homes constructed prior to 1/1/08 and where no modification has taken place, carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be battery operated. The alarm must be located on the lowest story having a sleeping area.
  • Homes constructed after 1/1/08 or where modification has taken place the alarms must be hardwired and interconnected. An alarm is required on each story with a sleeping area; AND on each story where a carbon monoxide source is located (i.e. attached garage, gas fireplace, gas hot water, etc).
The following link provides background on the legislation.

AMANDAS LAW
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs: due to the safety issues surrounding these installations, building permits are required prior to installation. Please contact the building department for specific codes to ensure your family’s safety.
The current swimming pool requirements are available in PDF form. Please click on the link below to access the file.

Swimming Pool Regulations

Can’t find an answer to your question on this site? Call us at (607) 562–8443 x205 or email us. We’ll be glad to help.
Citizen Complaints
As citizens of the Town of Big Flats, we all have the right to enjoyment of our own properties. Some may not be aware that New York State has adopted a property maintenance code requiring that all properties be reasonably maintained both the interior and exterior of the structure. This also includes the area of property surrounding the structure. The Town of Big Flats has adopted these codes and is actively enforcing them. It is our responsibility to respect our neighbors’ right to enjoyment of their property.

Town citizens may be proactive in assisting with violations to this code by completing the Online Citizen Complaint Form or can fill out a hard copy and drop off to the Code Enforcement Office. We will then investigate, determine whether the violation exists and is enforceable, and act upon it accordingly. Due to the nature of possible litigation, we cannot accept or acknowledge anonymous complaints.

Please contact our office with any further questions.

Citizen Complaint Form
New Business Operating Permit
An operating permit is required for all new businesses in the Town. Please click on the link below for the form. Please fill out and return to the Code Department for review. Please call us if you have any questions.

Big Flats Operating Permit
Zoning Code
The Updated Town of Big Flats Chapter 17 Zoning Code is available in PDF format. To access the document please click on the link below. Chapter 17 has not yet been updated on Municode

Municipal Code
Building Design Criteria
Residential Building Design Code Criteria can be found here
Residential Decks
Guidelines and requirements for residential decks can be accessed at the link below. If a homeowner has questions about the deck design guidelines, please contact the Code Enforcement Office.

Residential Deck Guidelines