20 Answers to 19 Questions - Town Of DeWitt

20 Answers to 19 Questions
About Residential Building and Zoning Regulations in the Town of DeWitt
Answers to residents’ building and zoning questions
1. How is my property zoned?
The zoning of your property can be determined by locating your lot on the Zoning
Map of the Town of DeWitt, available at the Department of Development & Operations
(D&O).
2. What is zoning?
Zoning is a set of rules which control the use of your land and how the land may be
built upon. Zoning rules apply to all real property in the Town of DeWitt outside the
Village of East Syracuse. However, there are different types of zones and zoning districts.
For each zone there are limitations on the allowable use, building size, setting, parking and
signage, etc.
3. What about sheds, satellite dishes, antennae, fences, pools, tanks, and other accessory
structures?
These types of structural improvements are regulated by Town zoning and building
rules. Generally, such fixed or moveable improvements are permittable upon filing a
Development Permit Application complete with an updated survey and building plans.
4. What are the rules on fences?
Fences may be up to six feet high in a back yard but no more than four feet high in
the front yard where the fence should be made of an open design with the finished side
facing neighboring property. No part of a fence may be closer than six inches to a
property line. A copy of your survey and fence plans will be needed in applying for a
Development Permit.
5. What is required for a swimming pool or hot tub?
To install a pool – above or below ground level – a Development Permit is
required. Like all accessory structures, it must be in a back yard and no closer than five
feet to side or rear property lines. It must be fully enclosed with at least a four foot
high fence and have a self-closing, latchable gate as well as meeting other rules of the
Residential Code of NYS.
6. Can I keep an inoperable or unlicensed motor vehicle at my home?
The Town zoning law prohibits the storage of unlicensed and inoperable motor
vehicles at residences. And, commercial vehicles may only be stored at the side or rear
yards.
7. May I park in my front yard?
No. Town zoning rules permit the parking of vehicles on side or rear yards. This
means that pavement or stone is also prohibited except for one driveway.

8. May I pave the road shoulder or parts of my front yard?
The land owned by the Town or other government for transportation can only be
used with a highway work permit by the appropriate government body. Generally, the
only pavement allowed in a residential front yard is for a driveway.
9. Am I allowed to convert a part of my home to an in-law apartment?
Such an apartment is considered a separate dwelling unit and would not be
permitted in a home zoned for single-family use. In DeWitt only R-3, Multi-Family
Districts, permit two or more dwelling units in one building.
10. What about additions or alterations to my home?
You may construct an addition or alter a building if it conforms to zoning and
building rules. Bring a copy of your updated survey and building plans to the D&O.
11. May I operate a business in my home?
Home occupations are prohibited in all residential zoning districts. However, a
NYS group home is a permissible use in residential districts.
12. When are Development Permits required?
A Development Permit is required to:
a) erect, add onto, relocate, or make a structural change to a building or
property;
b) convert or change the use or occupancy of a building or part thereof;
c) install, relocate or remove interior loadbearing partitions;
d) enlarge decrease or otherwise modifying locations of doors or windows;
e) repair fire damage;
f) demolish any building or structure;
g) install or replace any fireplace, woodstove or other solid fuel burning
device or its chimney/ vents, heat producing device;
h) install any type of swimming pool or hot tub;
i) pave an exterior ground area used for vehicle access or parking;
j) fill, excavate or alter grade of land
k) install or erect other physical improvements – whether fixed or moveable
on a property;
l) install or replace a fence.
The best advice we can give you is:
CALL US BEFORE YOU MAKE CONSTRUCTION COMMITMENTS.
13. When are Development Permits NOT required?
A Development Permit is Not required to
a) making ordinary repairs;
b) installing or replacing gutters and downspouts;
c) installing or replacing siding or a roof provided no more than two layers are
to be covered;
d) replacing windows or doors with equal size equipment, or;

e) installing or removing internal, non-loadbearing partitions or walls.
14. How do I obtain permission to build?
Five things are needed to obtain a Development Permit:
1) building plans;
2) an updated survey;
3) Development Permit Application;
4) Workman’s Compensation;
5) Permit fee.
Typically, plan review may take five days to complete so please submit your application
materials in a timely manner.
We are available at your convenience to confidentially discuss your project and how you
can best achieve your building objectives. Call us early! Thank you.
15. How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?
A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is your assurance that construction work is in
conformance with the NYS Building Codes and other applicable laws and regulations. It
is issued by the D&O upon satisfactory completion of all work authorized by a
Development Permit; receipt of all inspection certificates such as plumbing and electrical,
etc., and the filing of a notarized Affidavit for CO.
16. How do I obtain relief or a waiver from the zoning rules?
First, call or visit the D&O office and talk with a staff member. Often times we are
able to suggest alternatives that eliminate the need for a waiver, or, we will assist you in
completing the application to the Zoning Board of Appeals, the board charged with the
responsibility to hear and decide matters relating to zoning. The seven members of this
boar are DeWitt neighbors who volunteer their time to serve the Town.
17. What about electrical work?
Electrical work in the Town does not require a licensed electrician although the
work must be permitted/ inspected by a designated inspection agencies hired by you: New
York Board of Fire Underwriters
http://www.nybfu.org/
Generally, the extension of an existing circuit or adding a new circuit or replacing
the service requires permit/ inspection by a Town designated agency.
An electrical permit is not required for:
a) replacement of defective devices with interchangeable types, wall outlets,
sockets, ballasts, relays, timers and similar devices that do not disturb the
fixed wiring system;
b) electrical work that contains less than 25 volts for operation – for example a
doorbell circuit.
18. What about plumbing work?

Onondaga County regulations specify that a plumber licensed by the County must
perform all plumbing work. You may call County Plumbing Control at 435-6614 or visit
http://www.ongov.net/Health/environmental.html#plumbing .
19. When is professional certification needed?
A NYS licensed architect or engineer must provide originally stamped and signed
plans to the Town when proposed construction is more than 600 SF for residential
construction; any nonresidential new construction; or more than $20,000 in alterations.
20. Other Questions?
Call the Development & Operations Office at: (315) 446-3768.
(8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Town of DeWitt
Department of Development & Operations
5400 Butternut Drive, East Syracuse, NY 13057
Fax 315/449-0620
www.townofdewitt.com
DeWitt… a town of choice in Upstate New York.