The main objective of the building inspection department is to provide the residents of the City of Tonawanda with a reliable and professional building department. A wide variety of complaints, questions, issues and other relative City business is handled by this office daily. No two concerns are every the same. Great pride is taken to see that concerns and complaints are handled as quickly and as accurately as possible. Our daily goal is to insure that all City ordinances that are handled by this office are enforced as fairly and efficiently as possible and all buildings are built as safely as possible. Building safety and code compliance are our main objective so as to prevent the loss of life and property and to insure against any claims against the city.


The building inspection department is responsible for enforcement of The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, The City of Tonawanda Zoning Ordinance and other local laws and ordinances.

PERMITS
This department is responsible for reviewing plans for code compliance and issuing building permits, sign permits and fence permits. After permits are issued in progress inspections are required. Building permits are required for:
 

• Roofing
• Siding
• Additions
• Decks Requirements to Obtain a Deck Permit
• Fences Fence Ordinance
• Swimming Pools Swimming Pool Requirements
• Advertising Signs
• All Structural Repairs

Building Permit Application  .pdf File

Building Permit Fees

CONTRACTOR LICENSING
All contractors performing work in the City of Tonawanda are required to file an application for and receive a City of Tonawanda Contractor’s License. A certificate of general liability and workman’s compensation insurance must be provided along with a filing fee of $100.00. Applications are available in the office or click here for contractor's application or click here for fill-in contractor's application.  Click here for Contractor Ordinance

ELECTRICAL WORK

Licensing

The City of Tonawanda requires that any person or firm that installs electrical wiring or equipment for hire in the City of Tonawanda will be required to obtain a City of Tonawanda Electrician Certificate of Competency and a City of Tonawanda Electrical License. 

            Certificate of Competency Application

            Master Electricians Exam  http://www.iccsafe.org/Accreditation/Bulletins/CO_NY-Tonawanda.pdf

             Master Electricians License Application

            Master Electrician Ordinance

Permits

An electrical permit must be obtained from the City of Tonawanda before starting any electrical work.  Permits are required for any extensions of the electrical systems and for any upgrade to service wires or equipment.  All electrical inspections are performed by the City of Tonawanda Electrical Inspector, Thomas Chalupka.  He can be contacted at 716-695-1806.

            Electrical Permit Application

            Electrical Permit Fees - SEE APPLICATION ABOVE

            Electrical Ordinance

PLUMBING WORK -  
All plumbing work must be performed by a City of Tonawanda licensed plumber except that a home owner may perform plumbing work in his or her occupied dwelling. Plumbing Licenses may be obtain from the City Clerk's office.  Permits are required.

Click here for a listing of licensed plumbers in the City of Tonawanda

INFILTRATION SURVEY FOR PROPERTY TRANSFER
The City of Tonawanda requires that a Certificate of Storm Water Compliance be obtained before the transfer of property.  This certificate certifies that no storm water is being infiltrated into the sanitary sewer system.

Infiltration Survey Application Form  (.pdf file)

COMPLAINTS
Code violations are investigated and prosecuted for local ordinances when required. Complaints may be filed by calling 716-695-1806. Your name and address will be required.