Bolthole Index

Madison County, New York

Building permits, zoning and land rules in the Town of Cazenovia, New York

The Town of Cazenovia in Madison County requires building permits for construction that must meet the building or energy code, subject to specific exemptions, and the Town administers its own zoning.12 Recreational vehicles cannot be used or maintained for living or residential purposes in any Town zoning district.3 Madison County Public Health handles key septic-system review and testing functions.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required for code-regulated work, subject to listed exemptions1
Zoning
Administered locally by the Town2
Septic
Madison County Public Health reviews alternative designs and observes soil tests4
RV living
Prohibited in every Town zoning district3
Rural lot size
Rural A and Rural B principal-building lots require 3 acres56
Owner-builder
No general Town building-permit exemption confirmed7

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Cazenovia Planning, Building, & Codes Enforcement

Town building permits, zoning reviews, construction inspections, demolition permits, and plumbing and heating permits

315-655-9213 Opt. 3

[email protected]

7 Albany Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035

Septic permits

Madison County Public Health — Water & Septic

Septic placement guidance, percolation and deep-hole test observation, and review of alternative onsite wastewater designs

315-366-2526

[email protected]

138 N Court Street - Building 5, Wampsville, NY 13163

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Cazenovia means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in the Town of Cazenovia, NY?

Yes. The Town of Cazenovia requires a building permit for work that must conform to the New York Uniform Code or Energy Code, including construction, enlargement, alteration, relocation and demolition, unless a listed exemption applies.1 One exemption covers qualifying one-story detached sheds, playhouses and similar structures with no more than 144 square feet of gross floor area.1 The Town's Codes Enforcement office issues building permits, conducts construction reviews and inspections, performs zoning reviews, and issues plumbing and heating permits.8 Permitted work must remain accessible and exposed until the Code Enforcement Officer or an authorized inspector accepts it.9 A certificate of occupancy or compliance is required before using or occupying work for which a building permit was issued.10

Does the Town of Cazenovia have zoning?

The Town of Cazenovia has local zoning under Chapter 165.2 The Town publishes Rural A, Rural B, Lake Watershed and Riparian Corridor land-use districts along with several overlay districts.11 Rural A and Rural B each require 3 acres for a principal-building lot.56 In Rural A, a principal building has a 50-foot rear setback and a 25-foot side setback; in Rural B, the rear setback is 50 feet and the side setback is 35 feet.1213 Both rural districts use a front setback measured as 85 feet from the street center line or 50 feet from the front property line, whichever is farther.1213 The Town's published district summary says Rural B does not allow new single-family residential uses, so district identification is essential before treating acreage as buildable.11

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in the Town of Cazenovia?

No recreational vehicle may be used or maintained for living or residential purposes in any Town of Cazenovia zoning district.3 The reviewed Town rules do not resolve temporary camping on private land, so ask Town Codes Enforcement about a proposed short stay rather than treating the residential-use ban as a complete camping rule.8 The Town materials also do not establish a separate approval path for tiny homes or accessory dwelling units; ask Codes Enforcement to classify the proposed structure and apply its district, building-code and sanitation requirements.8 In the Lake Watershed and Riparian Corridor District, a one-story dwelling needs at least 1,100 square feet of building area, while a dwelling with more than one story needs at least 900 square feet; part of either minimum may be non-living area.14

How do septic permits work inside the Town of Cazenovia?

New structures in the Town of Cazenovia must comply with the sanitation requirements of the Town, Madison County and New York State health departments, the state environmental agency and other authorities regulating water and sewage disposal.15 Madison County Public Health reviews and approves alternative onsite wastewater designs and construction, gives septic-placement guidance, and observes percolation and deep-hole tests.4 The Town makes a certificate of occupancy subject to sanitary-system inspection and certification by the Madison County Department of Health.16 We could not confirm that every conventional septic installation follows the same county approval path, so contact Madison County Public Health before design or excavation.17 Only 11.9% of Madison County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, making early site evaluation especially useful.18

Building a home in the Town of Cazenovia: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is governed by the Town and ask Codes Enforcement to identify its zoning district, permitted use, setbacks and any overlay requirements.28
  1. Contact Madison County Public Health early for septic placement and soil-test guidance, especially if the site may need an alternative wastewater design.17
  1. If work in the Cazenovia Lake Watershed Zone will disturb soil, obtain Site Plan or Land Disturbance approval from the Town Planning Board, including for driveway work.19
  1. Submit the building-permit application and required plans to the Codes Enforcement Officer; contractor insurance certifications are required before approved plans and the permit can be issued.20
  1. Do not begin construction or land disturbance until the Town issues the building permit and the required fees are paid.21
  1. Schedule the project-specific inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy or compliance before using the completed work.2223

What should you check before buying land in the Town of Cazenovia?

Ask Town Codes Enforcement to verify the parcel's zoning district, overlays, permitted use and buildable envelope before relying on a listing description.8 Rural A and Rural B dimensional rules differ, and the Lake Watershed and Riparian Corridor District has its own lot and dwelling standards.121324 For a driveway connecting to a Madison County road, the County requires a driveway permit application and fee; a residence on a state highway needs a state driveway permit to build or modify access.2526 We could not confirm a general Town driveway rule for Town roads, so ask Codes Enforcement which highway authority controls the frontage.8 Madison County's effective property-tax rate is 2.3%, and its median annual property-tax bill is $4,058; these are county-level figures, so obtain the parcel's current assessment and tax history.2728

Watch-outs

  • Rural B's dimensional table gives a 3-acre lot minimum, but the Town's district summary says new single-family residential uses are not allowed there; confirm the district and allowed use before buying.611
  • Any soil disturbance in the Cazenovia Lake Watershed Zone, including driveway work, requires Site Plan or Land Disturbance approval from the Town Planning Board.19
  • We could not confirm a general Town owner-builder exemption, private-well permit rule, public-water or sewer connection mandate, or complete local floodplain procedure; ask Town Codes Enforcement and Madison County Public Health before finalizing plans.817

Sources

  1. Chapter 61: Building Construction and Fire Prevention - Town of Cazenovia, NY (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 165: Zoning - Town of Cazenovia, NY (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  3. Article XVIII: Additional Regulations for Certain Specified Uses (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  4. Water & Septic - Individual Systems, quoted and re-checked
  5. Town of Cazenovia Zoning Table 2: Building, Bulk, Placement and Height Rules (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  6. Town of Cazenovia Zoning Table 2: Building, Bulk, Placement and Height Rules (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  7. State & Municipal Workers’ Compensation Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  8. Town of Cazenovia Planning, Building, & Codes Enforcement (townofcazenoviany.gov)
  9. Chapter 61: Building Construction and Fire Prevention - Town of Cazenovia, NY (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  10. Chapter 61: Building Construction and Fire Prevention - Town of Cazenovia, NY (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  11. Zoning Maps & Districts (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  12. Town of Cazenovia Zoning Table 2: Building, Bulk, Placement and Height Rules (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  13. Town of Cazenovia Zoning Table 2: Building, Bulk, Placement and Height Rules (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  14. Article VI: Lake Watershed and Riparian Corridor (LW&RC) District (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  15. Article XIX: Standards and Requirements Applying to all Districts (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  16. Article XIX: Standards and Requirements Applying to all Districts (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  17. Madison County Public Health — Water & Septic (madisoncounty.ny.gov)
  18. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Building Permits & Licenses (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning, Building, & Codes Enforcement (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  21. Planning, Building, & Codes Enforcement (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  22. Planning, Building, & Codes Enforcement (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  23. Planning, Building, & Codes Enforcement (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  24. Article VI: Lake Watershed and Riparian Corridor (LW&RC) District (Town of Cazenovia), quoted and re-checked
  25. Frequently Asked Questions - Highway Department, quoted and re-checked
  26. Residential Driveway Permits (New York statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Cazenovia

Town of Cazenovia’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Work inside the Town of Cazenovia that must conform to the Uniform Code and/or Energy Code, including residential construction and other listed building work.

    • A building permit is required except for the exemptions in § 61-3(B).
    • The listed exemptions include one-story detached sheds, playhouses, or similar structures of 144 square feet or less; temporary theatrical or motion-picture sets and scenery; certain window awnings; partitions or movable cases under five feet nine inches; painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or similar finish work; listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, or cooling equipment or appliances; qualifying equipment replacement; and repairs without impact on fire and life safety.
    • No person may commence work requiring a permit without first obtaining it from the Town.
    • Permit applications require information and construction documents sufficient for Code Enforcement Officer review, and the applicable fee must be paid at submission.

    small detached accessory-structure exemption: <= 144 square feet (One-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings used for tool/storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses.) · permit validity period: 12 months (Work must commence within 12 months after issuance and the permit expires 12 months after issuance, subject to renewal.)

    “No construction or land disturbance is allowed until a permit is issued and fees paid.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction inside the Town of Cazenovia that physically changes or adds structures.
      “New York State Building Code and Zoning Regulations of the Town of Cazenovia require that you obtain a building permit for construction that physically changes or adds structures to your property such as:”
    • Required — Work inside the Town that must conform to the Uniform Code and/or Energy Code.
      “Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be required for any work that must conform to the Uniform Code and/or 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, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney, or flue in any dwelling unit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code administration inside the Town of Cazenovia.

    • The Town administers and enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the New York State Energy Code, and Chapter 61.
    • Chapter 61 was adopted by the Town Board on 2022-11-07 by Local Law No. 6-2022.
    • The operative codes include the Uniform Code and Energy Code; the Town's Code Enforcement Officer administers and enforces them.
    “The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, and this chapter.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction and regulated work inside the Town of Cazenovia.

    • The type and number of inspections depend on the individual project.
    • Twenty-four hours' notice is required.
    • Inspections may be performed by the code officer, Cazenovia/New Woodstock Fire Department members, or approved independent third-party inspectors.

    inspection notice: 24 hours

    “The type and number of inspections needed depend on each individual project. Please review your permit for the inspections you will need.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Permitted construction inside Cazenovia town.
      “The type and number of inspections needed depend on each individual project. Please review your permit for the inspections you will need.”
    • Required — Permitted construction inside the Town of Cazenovia where an applicable construction element is ready for inspection.
      “Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The permit holder shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in Subsection B of this section is ready for inspection.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy of a building or structure, or portion thereof, for which a building permit was issued inside the Town.

    • The work must comply with applicable Uniform and Energy Code provisions.
    • The Code Enforcement Officer or authorized inspector must inspect before issuance.
    • Where applicable, structural-observation/special-inspection reports, flood-hazard certifications, Energy Code test results, and manufactured-building/home seals, insignias, and data plates must be provided before issuance.
    “Certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance required.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Work subject to a building permit and structures or portions converted to another use or occupancy classification inside Cazenovia.
      “A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance 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.”
    • Required — Lawful use or occupancy of a building or structure inside the Town of Cazenovia.
      “No building or structure may be lawfully used or occupied until the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.”
    • Required — New, altered, or converted structures and uses inside Cazenovia town.
      “No building or structure may be lawfully used or occupied until the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside the Town of Cazenovia, New York.

    • Chapter 165 was adopted by the Town Board on July 10, 2017; amendments are noted where applicable.
    “[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Cazenovia 7-10-2017 by L.L. No. 1-2017. Amendments noted where applicable.]”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — Land inside the Town of Cazenovia, excluding any separate incorporated municipality where applicable.
      “The Town of Cazenovia is hereby divided into the following land use districts:”
    • Present — Land inside the Town of Cazenovia.
      “The Town of Cazenovia is hereby divided into the following land use districts:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Land inside the Town of Cazenovia.

    • The Town page identifies Rural A, Rural B, and Lake Watershed and Riparian Corridor land-use districts, plus overlay districts including Agriculture, New Woodstock Hamlet, New Woodstock Central Business, Commercial, Industrial, Wellhead Protection, and Village Edge.
    • The Town page states overlays do not change underlying use and dimensional requirements unless Chapter 165 specifically says so.
    • The Town page states Rural B does not allow new single-family residential uses.
    “The Town of Cazenovia is hereby divided into the following land use districts:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Land-use and overlay districts inside the Town of Cazenovia.
      “The Town of Cazenovia is hereby divided into the following land use districts:”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Principal buildings in the Town of Cazenovia Rural A (RA) District.

    • The schedule is a general overview and states that the specific Zoning Law is authoritative.

    minimum lot area: 3 acres

    “Rural A 250 3 acres 85/50* 50 1 story/35 feet 25 60% 20%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal buildings in the Rural A (RA) District.

    • Front setback is 85 feet from the center line of the abutting street or 50 feet from the front property line, whichever is further.
    • Rear setback is 50 feet; side setback is 25 feet.
    • The schedule is a general overview and the specific Zoning Law is authoritative.

    front setback: 85/50 feet (85 feet from street center line or 50 feet from front property line, whichever is further) · rear setback: 50 feet · side setback: 25 feet

    “* Eighty-five feet from center line of abutting street or 50 feet from the front property line, whichever is further.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Principal buildings in the Rural B (RB) District.

    • The table labels this column maximum impervious surface, not a generic building-footprint limit.
    • The schedule is a general overview and the specific Zoning Law is authoritative.

    maximum impervious surface: 20 percent

    “Rural B 300 3 acres 85/50* 50 1 story/35 feet 35 60% 20%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Principal buildings in the Rural A (RA) District.

    • Maximum height is 35 feet; the schedule also states minimum height of one story.
    • The schedule is a general overview and the specific Zoning Law is authoritative.

    maximum height: 35 feet · minimum height: 1 story

    “Rural A 250 3 acres 85/50* 50 1 story/35 feet 25 60% 20%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use or maintenance of recreational vehicles for living or residential purposes anywhere inside Cazenovia town.

    “No recreational vehicle shall be used or maintained for living or residential purposes in any district.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    New structures inside Cazenovia town; sanitation is regulated by Town, Madison County, New York State, DEC, and other applicable authorities.

    • The town code expressly requires compliance with Town, Madison County and New York State Departments of Health, DEC, and other governmental authorities.
    • The certificate-of-occupancy process is subject to sanitary-system inspection and certification by Madison County Department of Health.
    “No person shall construct any new structure in the Town without first meeting applicable requirements of the Town, the Madison County and New York State Departments of Health, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and other governmental authorities that regulate water supply and sewage disposal systems.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Sanitary systems serving new structures inside Cazenovia town.

    • Certificate of occupancy issuance is subject to sanitary-system inspection and certification by the Madison County Department of Health.
    • Other governmental-authority conditions also apply.
    “Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall be subject to sanitary system inspection and certification by the Madison County Department of Health and compliance with all conditions imposed by any other governmental authority.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Parcels in the Town of Cazenovia's Village Edge Overlay District.

    • The overlay applies to designated uses and parcels demonstrating the ability to provide public water and sewers.
    • This does not establish a town-wide connection mandate for every parcel.
    “The purpose of this overlay district is to provide for the village-type density for designated uses and parcels which demonstrate the ability to provide public water and sewers.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farms or farm operations located in a state-certified Agriculture District inside Cazenovia town.

    • Town zoning regulations may not be construed or imposed to unreasonably restrict or restrain such farms.
    • The exception does not apply where the area's health, safety, and welfare are jeopardized.
    “None of the regulations contained in this chapter shall be construed, interpreted or imposed by the reviewing board or official in such a way as to unreasonably restrict/restrain those farms or farm operations located in a state-certified Agriculture District approved pursuant to New York State Agriculture and Markets Law Article 25-AA.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision applications inside the Town of Cazenovia.

    • The Town Planning Board has authority to approve subdivisions.
    “has the authority to approve subdivisions”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision applications inside Cazenovia town.
      “The Planning Board acts as the overall advisory body interpreting the land use laws and policies set forth by the Town Board and has the authority to approve subdivisions, site plans and various other permits.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Projects involving a driveway or other soil disturbance within the Cazenovia Lake Watershed Zone.

    • Any soil disturbance in the Watershed Zone, including a driveway, requires Site Plan or Land Disturbance approval from the Town Planning Board.
    • The Town page directs applicants to verify whether a separate land-use permit is required.
    “Also, if you are planning a project within the Cazenovia Lake Watershed Zone involving ANY soil disturbance- construction, gardening, clearing of vegetation, driveway - you are required to seek Site Plan or Land Disturbance approval from the Town of Cazenovia Planning Board.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Town building permits inside Cazenovia town.

    • The page states other restrictions apply and directs applicants to the zoning-fees list.
    • Fees vary by project and permit type.

    base fee: 30 USD · building-area fee: per 7.5 USD per 100 square feet · inspection fee: 45 USD per inspection

    “$30 plus $7.50 per every 100 sq ft., plus $45 per inspection (other restrictions apply see zoning fees list below)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Town building permits inside Cazenovia town.
      “$30 plus $7.50 per every 100 sq ft., plus $45 per inspection (other restrictions apply see zoning fees list below)”
    • Variable (with conditions) — Town building permits and construction or land-disturbance permits.
      “Permit fees are based on the type and value”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications inside Cazenovia town.

    • Submit a completed application to the Codes Enforcement Officer.
    • Contractor information and insurance certifications are required before approved plans and a permit can be issued.
    • One- or two-family dwelling projects and commercial projects require two complete sets of plans.
    • No construction or land disturbance is allowed until a permit is issued and fees are paid.
    • Plans are generally examined and processed in about one week depending on project complexity; incomplete plans may take longer.
    • Construction must be completed within one year of permit issuance, subject to renewal for the initial permit cost.

    permit validity: 1 year (may be renewed for the initial cost if work is incomplete)

    “Submit a completed building permit application to the Codes Enforcement Officer. Contractor information (insurance certifications) will be needed before the approved plans and permit can be issued.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building-permit applications inside Cazenovia town.
      “No construction or land disturbance is allowed until a permit is issued and fees paid. After the application and accompanying plans are submitted, it will take a week to examine and process plans (depending on complexity of the project).”
    • Published (with conditions) — Building-permit applications inside the Town of Cazenovia.
      “Submit a completed building permit application”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Cazenovia

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

  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    One- and more-than-one-story dwellings in the Town's Lake Watershed and Riparian Corridor District.

    • Fifteen percent of the stated minimums may be non-living area.

    one-story dwelling minimum building area: >= 1100 square feet (Fifteen percent may be non-living area) · more-than-one-story dwelling minimum building area: >= 900 square feet (Fifteen percent may be non-living area)

    “Minimum building area: (1) One-story dwelling: 1,100 square feet. (2) More than one story: 900 square feet. (3) Fifteen percent of preceding minimums may be non-living area.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders performing residential construction inside the Town of Cazenovia.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Cazenovia town.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Cazenovia town.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy inside Cazenovia town.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Cazenovia town.
5 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Cazenovia publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Madison County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Madison County: county rules, score and offices