Building and Code Enforcement

Building Inspector & Codes Enforcement

Contact:

Jim Maxwell

Address:
6329 Walker Road
Deerfield, NY 13502
Phone: (315) 724-0413, ext 222
Fax: (315) 793-3032
Email: buildinginspector@townofdeerfield.org


This Department  is open daily, to handle your building and Code needs. The office - may not always be physically staffed, due to meetings, inspections, educational classes and call outs.

However, If you need assistance, I can be reached by email, buildinginspector@townofdeerfield.org, or by leaving a voice mail, and I will address your questions and concerns as soon as possible.

 

Thank you,
Jim Maxwell
Building and Codes Dept. 

 

Notes on Swimming Pool permits

- Inflatable pools have the same safety rules and regulations as above/inground pools, so please call before purchasing to understand requirements

- Along with permit, you need a final inspection before using your pool. At that time, we will process your certificate of compliance and return your deposit to you for the eletrical inspection report

 

Notes on Deck permits

Often times, despite the plan review process, field changes occur and a building inspector may subsequently find a different deck constructed than what was detailed on the permit.

Here are 5 common reasons a deck construction fails inspection:

1. No protection against decay - simple issue, usually noted on plans, but sometimes is completed with stanard-grade lumber or portions of the deck built with standard-grade lumber

2. Too few or inadequate fasteners - insufficient attachments include the use of non-weather resistant and/or non-structural fasteners attached to the existing structure, which can cause decks to collapse. Fastener specifications aren't usually called out on the construction plans so inspectors often find undersized nails or untrated nails that will be nothing but rust in a year or fasteners just shear off due to the weight of the loads imposed.

3. Inadequate or Non-approved Structure - The IRC (Section and Table R502.5 (1)) no longer allows 4x4s or 6x6s to be used as girders (Figure 4). All structural beams and the girders must be constructed with multiple 2x4s to 2x12s with the depth and the number of layers of the members determined by the span and spacing. 

4. Insufficient Support and Anchoring - Whether attached to the existing structure or freestanding, all decks are required to be anchored against uplift and braced laterally to prevent racking and to prevent deck from becoming a projectile in high winds

5. Missing or Non-Compliant Guardrails and Handrails - Many owners don't want a guardrail to affect the view from their deck and want something not too tall, often asking for benches or planters to act as guards. Note: handrails are NOT guardrails, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Per section R311.5.6 a handrail is required when there are four or more risers in the stair run and when the stair is more than 30 inches above grade or above the floor below, a guard is also required. 

Links:

Building and Code Enforcement Documents