Building Inspection

Building Inspection OfficeImportant Notice of New Regulations

Attention to All Those Owners, Managers & Tenants of Commercial Buildings

New York State (NYS) Carbon Monoxide Law for Commercial Buildings

A New Law affecting all existing commercial buildings now requires the installation of carbon monoxide detection systems. The Law requires compliance to these regulations by June 27, 2016. The specific provisions can be found in Part 1128 of Title 19 NYCRR of the New York Codes and Regulations. For additional information concerning this new Law go to the NY Department of State website.

Variance Applications

Complaint Form                  

Building Inspection Responsibilities

  • Enforce the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the Town of Hamburg, Village of Hamburg and Village of Blasdell Zoning Codes.
  • Reviews plans for building permits to ensure the plans, specifications and any other information that may be required is in compliance with all codes before issuing the proper permits
  • Performs inspections on all building permits to ensure compliance with proper codes.
  • Address complaints and alleged violations for validity and resolution per zoning codes and property maintenance compliance, if there is a violation and it is not corrected we will bring the property owner into court and the judge will decide the final disposition.
  • Conducts fire inspections on commercial building and multiple unit apartment buildings to verify all smoke detectors and exit signs are functioning properly, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire suppression systems are inspected and exit ways are clear of debris.
  • Receives and maintains storm water pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) reports for private subdivisions and commercial construction.

Safety & Other General Information

  • House numbers are required to be placed on all houses in the Town of Hamburg, Village of Hamburg and Village of Blasdell. Numbers must be at least 4 inches high and visible from the street. Address numbers on mailboxes only are not compliant with the proper codes.
  • Remember to keep all generators, pressure washers or other gasoline-powered tools outside and never use in a garage, carport (covered patio) or basement. Keep all gasoline powered tools well away from windows, doors and air-intakes. They all produce large amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) that can build up to dangerous levels in minutes.
  • Make sure you check all Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and replace the batteries if necessary.
  • Remember to check the back of your carbon monoxide detectors for the expiration date.
    Keep all furnace and hot water flue pipes that are power vented out the side of your dwelling clear of snow and debris.
  • Before you use your wood burning stove - remember to clean and maintain flue pipes.
  • Open burning is prohibited, recreational fires must be a minimum of 25 feet from structures and can not produce smoke as a nuisance to surrounding neighbors

New Law

Amanda's Law Effective February 22, 2010

  • Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, on each story having a sleeping area.
  • Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, on each story where a carbon monoxide source is located.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors required where the dwelling unit has appliances, devices or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or has an attached garage

Prohibited Location

Carbon Monoxide alarms shall not be located within or near the openings to garages, bathrooms or furnace rooms. Carbon monoxide alarms shall also not be located in or near locations specified as 'prohibited,' 'not recommended' or the like in the manufacturer's installation instructions.