Build Responsibly

Building Responsibly in Schoharie County

One of the most important considerations when building or buying a home, is how you will minimize the potential adverse impacts to your property and the health and safety of those who reside there. Where you build and how you build will have impacts on our community and generations that follow. All development activities within the regulated floodplain are required to be reviewed by your local Building Code Enforcement Official.

The New York State Building Code sets minimum construction and elevation standards for structures built inside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and gives communities the authority to regulate these standards. To determine what permits and standards are required before you build, contact your Local Building Code Official (who is also the Floodplain Administrator) listed below.

Development along waterways can change the way a stream moves. This can make damage worse for those at risk for flooding – or cause flooding in areas that have never flooded in the past. Regulations are in place to try to prevent this.
 

LOCAL BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
Municipality Name Phone
Blenhiem (Town)
Website
Brian Caron
caroncarpentry29@yahoo.com
518-827-5668
Broome (Town)
Website
Tom Loucks
tom_loucks@yahoo.com
518-231-8400
Carlisle (Town)
Website
Lloyd Stannard 518-231-7779
Cobleskill (Town)
Website
Peter Irwin
codes12043@nycap.rr.com
518-234-4661
Cobleskill (Village)
Website
Michael Piccolo
pecceo@midtel.net
518-234-4661
Conesville (Town)
Website
Ron Barry 607-588-9491
Esperance (Town)
Website
Jerry Weis 518-875-6109
Esperance (Village) Jerry Weis 518-875-6109
Fulton (Town) Brian Caron
caroncarpentry29@yahoo.com
518-827-5668
Gilboa (Town)
Website
Brian Caron
caroncarpentry29@yahoo.com
518-827-5668
Jefferson (Town)
Website
Don Clarke 518-287-1436
Middleburgh (Town)
Website
Tom Loucks
tom_loucks@yahoo.com
518-231-8400
Middleburgh (Village) Website Lloyd Stannard 518-231-7779
Richmondville (Town)
Website
Michael Piccolo
richcode12149@yahoo.com
518-706-0404
Richmondville (Village)
Website
Don Clarke 518-287-1436
Schoharie (Town)
Website
Peter Irwin
codes12157@midtel.net
518-295-6572
Schoharie (Village)
Website
Lloyd Stannard 518-231-7779
Seward (Town)
Website
Jerry Weis 518-234-4590
Sharon (Town)
Website
Jerry Weis 518-705-2494
Sharon Springs (Village)
Website
Cliff Dorrough 607-237-2732
Summit (Town)
Website
Don Clarke 518-287-1436
Wright (Town)
Website
Lloyd Stannard 518-231-7779

 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT
1. Why do I need a floodplain permit?
The floodplain permit helps you by ensuring that your proposed development is constructed in a manner that reduces the risk of life and property damage when floods occur. The standard which has been adopted for floodplain management in the US is the “1% Annual” or “100 Year” Flood, which has a 1% chance of occuring in any given year. It is very possible that you have not seen that flood occur at your parcel, but there is still a risk of flooding. If you are proposing any development or modification to existing development, the local Building Code Enforcement Official will help you determine if you are in a Special Flood Hazard Area. If it is determined that your parcel is totally or partially within a regulatory floodplain, a Floodplain Permit application is required prior to applying for a building permit.

2. How can I tell if my property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
In order to determine if your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you can visit the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Map Service Center link below.

FEMA Map Service Center Website: FEMA.Gov

3. I live in a Special Flood Hazard Area. I was told I cannot build on the property; is this true?
No. If your property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, you can build/re-build as long as floodplain regulations are followed. Speak to your Building Code Enforcement Official for more information.

4. Where can I obtain an Elevation Certificate for my property?
You must hire an Engineer, Architect or Surveyor to complete the survey and Elevation Certificate for your property. The cost is usually between $400-500.