Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Village of Alden, New York

Village of Alden’s own rules

• Building permitRequired

  Work in Alden village that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code

  • Subdivision b of § 78-4 lists work exempt from a permit (not reviewed in detail)
  • Site plan approval from the Board of Trustees is often required before issuance
  • Permit invalid if work not started within 6 months; expires after 12 months, renewable

  “a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the uniform code and/or the energy code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof”

• Building code adoptedAdopted

  Alden village; village enforces NYS Uniform Code and Energy Code

  • Chapter 78 amended in its entirety 11-22-2022 by L.L. No. 6-2022

  “it is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the administration and enforcement of the new york state uniform fire prevention and building code (the uniform code) and the state energy conservation construction code (the energy code) in the village of alden.”

• InspectionsRequired

  Construction under a building permit in Alden village

  • Elements inspected 'where applicable'
  • Remote inspection may be allowed at the code enforcement officer's discretion

  “the following elements of the construction process shall be inspected, where applicable: (1) work site prior to the issuance of a building permit. (2) footing and foundation. (3) preparation for concrete slab. (4) framing.”

• Certificate of occupancyRequired

  Work under a building permit and use/occupancy conversions in Alden village

  • Issued by the code enforcement officer when work complies with the Uniform Code and Energy Code

  “a certificate of occupancy shall be required for any work which is the subject of a building permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof, which are converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another.”

• Local zoningPresent

  Land inside Alden village limits (Erie County)

  • Zoning chapter is Chapter 210 of the village code; its text could not be opened in this session.

  “as well as zoning, subdivision, and other laws and ordinances provided for in the code of the village of alden.”

• Zoning districtsPartial

  Zoning districts in Alden village

  • Village posts a zoning map link; district list in Chapter 210 not read

  “building height, setback, floor area and other requirements must be followed as per the code of the village of alden for the zoning district in which the construction is proposed.”

• Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

  Land subdivision inside Alden village

  • Specific subdivision chapter and standards not opened

  “as well as zoning, subdivision, and other laws and ordinances provided for in the code of the village of alden.”

• Driveway accessLimited

  Driveways connected with a building permit for 1- and 2-family dwellings in Alden village

  • Only 'where applicable'

  “where applicable, an approved public works permit from the village of alden department of public works for all utilities, driveways, sidewalks, etc.”

• Permit processPartial

  1- and 2-family dwelling building permits in Alden village

  • Items listed by the village checklist; plans must be by a NYS design professional
  • Where applicable, a public works permit is also needed

  “a building permit is required. the following items must be submitted with the building permit application:”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Alden or Erie County directly.

• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder in Alden village
• Minimum dwelling size — Alden village R-1 and other districts
• Minimum lot size — Alden village R-1 and other districts
• Setbacks — Alden village R-1 and other districts
• Lot coverage — Alden village R-1 and other districts

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.