Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Town of Olean, New York

Rules another office applies inside Town of Olean

Town of Olean does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

• Building permitRequired

  Work inside Olean town that is required to conform to the New York Uniform Code or Energy Code.

  • Certain exceptions are permitted.
  • The specific enforcing authority can change if a town opts out of enforcement; the State material does not establish whether Olean town has done so.

  “Building permits must be required for any work which is required to conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code. Certain exceptions are permitted.”

• Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

  Buildings in Olean town, which is outside New York City.

  • The State source says New York City is the exception.
  • A local government may adopt higher or more restrictive construction standards under Executive Law §379.

  “The Uniform Code, which took effect on January 1, 1984, prescribes the minimum standards for building construction in New York. It is applicable in every part of the State with the exception of New York City, which is currently permitted to retain its own code.”

• Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

  Onsite wastewater systems on property inside Olean town, within the Cattaraugus County Health District.

  • The Sanitary Code incorporates the State Sanitary Code.
  • A municipality may adopt consistent additional sanitation laws.

  “This Sanitary Code shall supersede all local ordinances and laws in matters to which it refers. [...] Nothing in this Sanitary Code shall be construed to limit the authority of any municipality in the Health District to adopt additional ordinances or laws that are consistent with Public Health Law, the State Sanitary Code, and this Sanitary Code.”

• Septic permitRequired

  Construction and operation of an onsite wastewater treatment system inside Olean town.

  • An owner intending to repair, modify, or construct a system must first apply for a Permit-to-Construct.
  • No work may begin before that permit is issued.
  • A Permit-to-Operate is required before use.

  “This Part requires the owner of any property where wastewater or fecal matter is generated, to obtain permits from the Department for the construction and operation of any onsite wastewater treatment system.”

• Septic inspectionRequired

  Completion of onsite wastewater treatment systems inside Olean town.

  • Inspection is required at completion and before backfill.
  • Additional inspection may be required as deemed necessary by the Department.

  “The contractor or owner must cause inspection of the onsite wastewater treatment system at completion, prior to backfill, and as may be deemed necessary by the Department.”

• Off-grid sanitationLimited

  Onsite wastewater disposal inside Olean town.

  • Construction and operation require Department permits.
  • The Department may direct abandonment and connection where a public wastewater system is available and accessible.
  • Untreated or inadequately treated wastewater or fecal matter may not be discharged to the ground surface or waters of New York State.

  “Where in the opinion of the Department, a public wastewater treatment system is available and accessible, no person shall construct on any premises an onsite wastewater treatment system, except a temporary privy for construction purposes.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Olean or Cattaraugus County directly.

• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residences inside Olean town.
• Inspections — Construction inside Olean town.
• Certificate of occupancy — Buildings inside Olean town.
• Local zoning — Land inside the Town of Olean, Cattaraugus County, New York.
• Zoning districts — Land inside Olean town.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.