What is the maximum height of a fence?

Residential: eight foot with restrictions. Commercial: ten foot with restrictions.

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What kind of work requires a Building Permit?

In accordance with Code of Ordinances, Chapter §200-9. Building permits, a Building Permits is required. for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code.
This work may include: demolition of structures; construction of new residential, commercial and industrial buildings; additions to residential, commercial and industrial buildings; interior and exterior structural repairs; alterations, improvements and remodeling of existing structures; and the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, demolition, or the extension of electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems.
A Building Permit is required for the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, gas fired decorative appliances, chimney or flue; garages, carports, sheds larger than 100 square feet; decks, porches and stairs; roofing and siding; fences; swimming pools in which the water depth is greater than two-feet; residential and commercial heating systems (new and replacements); fire suppression systems, or fire alarm systems; parking lots subject to Planning approval.

Can a homeowner do his own plumbing work?

Any plumbing work that requires a Building Permit must be performed by a licensed Master Plumber.

Can a homeowner do his own electrical work?

Yes, with certain limitations, in accordance with Code of Ordinances, § 225-6.B. as below:
B. Notwithstanding any other restrictions, the owner-occupant or intended owner-occupant of residential real property shall make application for an electrical permit to make alterations or repairs to the electrical system on said real property consisting of one, two or three dwelling units without being required to obtain a license as a master electrician for said electrical work. This provision shall in no way authorize a person to perform electrical work outside of property owned by said person or on property containing more than three dwelling units, mixed use, or nonresidential property. Electrical work shall be limited to electrical wiring within the dwelling units, excluding service entrance cable and electrical panel, to accessory structures (i.e., garages and pools), and exterior fixtures located on such property, excluding electrical service entrance cable and electrical panel. The electrical work shall be subject to inspection by the City of Binghamton Electrical Inspector or his or her successor or designee.

Does an swimmng pool, of any type, have to be enclosed by a fence?

Code standards for a swimming pool in a residential occupancy are not the same as the requirements in a commercial occupancy, including public pools.
SWIMMING POOL. Any structure, basin, chamber or tank which is intended for swimming, diving, recreational bathing or wading and which contains, is designed to contain, or is capable of containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep at any point. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; indoor pools; hot tubs; spas; and fixed-in-place wading pools.
In a residential occupancy, a protective barrier is required for a swimming pool, as defined above. Reference the most current version of the NY State Residential Code, Appendix G, for detailed information about the design and installation requirements for swimming pools.

Does the good side of a fence have to face the neighbor?

No. The person who is legally installing a fence may determine where to locate a post or how to orient either side (face) of the structure.

Is a permit required to re-pave an existing driveway?

No, but a new driveway may require approvals.

What are the Code requirements for new stairs?

A Building Permit is required for all new or reconstructed stairs and stairways. Refer to the NY State Residential Code for complete details (Residential Code R311.5)
In one or two-family, residential structures minimum stair tread is 9," the maximum riser height is 8 1/4", the minimum stair width is 36." All risers and treads must have the same measurement.
Handrails are required for stairs that have more than two risers. Minimum height is 34" and the maximum height is 38" measured from the nosing of the stair tread.
Handrails and deck guards shall not have any openings between spindles/barristers of 4."

Are there restrictions on the location of a solid fence?

Yes. In accordance with Code of Ordinances, Chapter 410, § 410-14. Fences, hedges and walls
No solid fence, wall, natural plantings, or barrier with a height greater than three feet may be installed, constructed, or planted within 12 feet of the front property line or the distance to the front face of the residence,whichever is less.
No solid fence, wall, natural plantings, or barrier with a height greater than three feet may be installed, constructed, or planted along any side property line if or when the solid fence, wall, natural plantings, or barrier is within 10 feet of a driveway.
On any corner lot, the height of any solid fence, wall, natural plantings, or barrier shall not exceed four feet along the front and side property lines adjacent to the street. The fence height must be reduced to three feet within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and the straight line joining said street lines in accordance with § 410-17.

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What is the maximum height of a fence?

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