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1. Can you tell me if my lot is buildable? Will you write a ‘Letter of Buildability’?

Current zoning requirements are contained in Chapter 300 of the Village code (PDF) (available online). If you cannot meet the zoning requirements, you must apply for a variance. Since the Building Department cannot predict whether or not the Board will approve a variance, we cannot determine if a property is able to be built upon. Furthermore, the applicant may be subject to the requirements of other government entities, such as the Suffolk County Health Department or the Department of Environmental Conservation, which may or may not allow you to build on a lot.

The building department does not furnish letters regarding what may or may not be built on a property.

2. Am I allowed to construct an apartment in my residence?

The Village of Sag Harbor allows the construction of accessory apartments within a residence in the R-20 district. Apartments are also allowed in accessory structures. An application for a permit to install an accessory apartment may be obtained from the building department.

3. What is required to apply for a building permit?

You must supply:

• An application fee
• The builder’s proof of workers’ compensation coverage
• A building permit application
• A Certificate of Appropriateness 
• The name of the builder
• Three sets of architectural plans (all plans must be stamped and signed by a licensed New York State architect or engineer)
• Three (3) surveys indicating the proposed work (only the surveyor may make modifications to the survey)

If the application being submitted is for a pool, a catalog cut (section) of the pool must be included.

4. What are the acceptable forms of proof for workers’ compensation?

The only acceptable proofs of workers’ compensation are forms c-105.2, u-26.3, SI-12 and CE-200. Acord forms are not accepted. Please see the ‘Department Forms’ area of our web page for a guide to providing workers’ compensation.

5. How do I update my Certificate of Occupancy?

Bring a survey completed within one year, a completed Application for an Updated Certificate of Occupancy and the application fee to the Building Department. If there has been a change of ownership, a deed indicating the new owner of the property is required. At that time an on-site inspection by the building inspector will be scheduled. Upon successful inspection an updated Certificate of Occupancy will be issued– typically within two weeks. The Building Department will contact the applicant when the Certificate is completed.