The Building Department and the Department of Public Works are listed together due to their close working relationship and the commonality of services to the community. Public Works Director John Lathrop manages both of these departments. Also he oversees town drainage issues, works with the town's contracted engineering firm, Costich Engineering, accepts all Planning Board applications and serves as that board's liaison.

Together these departments are responsible for the Town of Gates planning, zoning and economic development activities as well as ensuring compliance with town ordinances and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention Code and the New York State Building Code.

The Building Department works closely with developers, contractors and property owners in the Town of Gates to ensure that all building construction (new and existing) meets with building and safety regulations. The staff will assist an applicant who wishes to bring a project before the Town Board, Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals. The staff will advise an applicant of other county or state approval requirements and assist in the submission of required inspections and permits.

The Building Department consists of a full-time Code Enforcement Official who handles all property maintenance complaints and violations of the Gates Town Code and coordinates the Home Improvement Loan Application grants and works with the Gates Town Board to ensure all conditional use permits are filed, maintained and annually renewed. There is a part time Building Inspector who is responsible for review of all building plans and performs all legally required inspections. The assistant to the Director is responsible for preparing all Planning and Zoning Board agendas as well as acts as purchasing agent for all Buildings and Grounds.

Many projects require a Building Permit, below are a few examples:

• Construction of a house or building
• Alteration or additions to a house or structure
• Construction or replacement of a deck
• Installation or replacement of a pool, spa, or hot tub
• Construction or enclosure of a porch
• Construction of a shed or other building detached from principal residence
• Conversion of an attic or basement to useable space (recreation room)
• Demolition of any building interior or section (utility sheds excluded)
• Repair of any structure damaged by fire
• Installation or replacement of a hot water heater
• Construction of a sign
• Adding fill, excavating or changing existing drainage
• Relocation or moving any building
• Installation of new or extending existing plumbing

If you are in doubt about whether a project you are undertaking requires a building permit, please call the Building Department at 247-6100 Ext. 241 or email the Building Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . A Town of Gates Building Permit Information Sheet is available under forms. Also, should you be constructing a sign, the Town of Gates Application for a Sign Permit is available under forms. In addition, should your project not conform to the Town of Gates Zoning Ordinance, the applicant is required to appear before the Town of Gates Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets monthly, on the second Monday, and hears applicants request for a variance. Since these meetings are open to the public, a posting must be made to advise your neighbors of your request. Under forms, you can obtain the Town of Gates Application for a Variance and the Notice of Public Hearing.

Public Works 2006

• Stormwater Coalition Report 2006