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Building Inspector

Building & Code Information

Guidance from the Building Inspector

Our Building Inspector is here to answer your questions and provide guidance as you plan projects within the Village of Pittsford. 

Steve Lauth

building@villageofpittsfordny.gov

Building Inspector | Code Enforcement Officer | Fire Marshal | Stormwater Management

Below are a few key topics that often come up.

Insurance Requirements

Before contractors can begin work in the Village, they must provide proof of current Workers’ Compensation Insurance and list the Village as additionally insured on their liability policy.

This requirement protects the Village in case of accidents or damage, since the Village issues the work permit.

  • If a contractor has no employees, they must provide a waiver from New York State confirming that status.

State Building Code

New York adopted the current state building code on January 1, 2020. It is based on the International Family of Codes, a model code used nationwide.

You can read more on the Department of State’s website:
Uniform Code Supplement (PDF)

Public Hearings & Community Input

Many projects in the Village require approval by one of the following boards:

  • Board of Trustees

  • Zoning Board of Appeals & Planning Board (PZBA)

  • Historic Preservation Board (HPB)

Applications may involve special permits, variances, site plans, subdivisions, or exterior changes to buildings.

How you can participate:

  • Attend and testify at a public hearing (usually held at 7:30 PM at Village Hall, 21 North Main Street).

  • Submit written comments by mail, fax (586-4597), or email to the Village Clerk: villageclerk@villageofpittsfordny.gov.

  • Call Village staff at 586-4332 to have your concerns noted for the record.

Notification of hearings is provided by:

  • Legal notice in the Mendon-Honeoye Falls-Lima Sentinel (at least 7 days in advance).

  • On-site signage posted by the applicant (at least 10 days in advance).

  • Direct mail to property owners within 300 feet of the project site.

Temporary Signs

We receive frequent questions and complaints about temporary signs. Here are the basics:

Allowed in residential districts:

  • Real estate signs: One per property, up to 4 sq. ft., 5 ft. high, set back at least 10 ft.

  • Contractor signs: Up to 4 sq. ft. while work is underway.

  • Garage sale signs: Only while the sale is active, not attached to poles or trees.

  • Political signs: Allowed 90 days before an election; up to 6 sq. ft., 6 ft. high, 10 ft. set back; must be removed within 7 days after the election.

For businesses (permit required):

  • New or relocating businesses: Temporary building-mounted or portable signs; $15 fee; valid for 90 days.

  • Special sales: 30-day permit; $75 fee (building-mounted); $50 fee (window sign).

General rules:

  • No signs on poles, fences, trees, or bridges.

  • Portable “A-frame” signs are not permitted, except as noted above.

  • Civic event signs: allowed up to 30 days before an event; max size 6 sq. ft.

  • The Village may remove illegal signs; fees apply to retrieve them.

  • Temporary signs do not require Historic Preservation Board (HPB) approval.

Thinking of Making Changes to Your Property?

If you plan to alter the exterior of a building or make changes visible from the street or canal, please contact the Village Office first. Many projects must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board (HPB).

Helpful resources:

  • PZBA Forms

  • HPB Forms

  • Building Inspector Forms

You can also submit questions directly using our online form: Questions for the Building Inspector.