Building Department

About the department

The Sand Lake Building Department assists its residents with local Zoning Codes, NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes. Because of the in-depth information with these laws, some information may seem confusing. Should you have any additional questions about these laws, please contact the Building and Zoning Inspection with questions.

Permits are required for items like signs, fences, swimming pools, sheds and side work. Other permits that are required by Zoning are reviewed by the Planning Board for compliance before permits are issued. There are many uses that require Zoning Permits and review.

Building Permits

New York State Law and Town Law mandate when permits are required. For example, permits are required for: new homes, commercial buildings, additions, renovations, accessory structures, swimming pools, wood stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, air conditioning installation, plumbing, etc. If you are not sure that your project requires a building permit, please contact our office.

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

Following are estimates of the time to receive a building permit after submitting an application:

What do I need to submit for a Building Permit?

The following are required for a Building Permit:

• Permit Application completed (Building Permit Application)
• Plans of project to be done ( 2 Sets)
• Insurance Certificate
• Other items as needed (may vary, case-by-case),
• Plot Plan
• Rensselaer County Health Department (Permit to Construct)

What is the required schedule for inspections?

The following is the required schedule of inspections:

1. After footings are formed before pouring
2. After foundation is formed before pouring
3. Before backfilling foundation
4. Before basement slab is poured (vapor barrier is required)
5. Rough framing and plumbing inspection before insulation is started
6. Electrical inspections are handled by third party companies (See below). One of these inspectors must be contacted for any electrical alterations or construction.
7. After insulations are complete, before covering
8. Final certificate of occupancy/compliance.

What is required for electrical work?

Electrical inspections which must be done by an approved, third party inspector.

Building Permit Applications

These application forms are on the current Town site.

• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Primary Structure(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Accessory Building(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Electrical / Plumbing(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Driveway Permite Application(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Demolition Permit(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Sewer Permit Application(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Swimming Pool Permit(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Permit - Solid Fuel & Gas Heating Equipment(on the current Town site)
• PDFSolar Panel Permit Application (revised 11-30-22)(on the current Town site)
• PDFRoof Repair Permit(on the current Town site)
• PDFAlteration Level 1(on the current Town site)
• PDFAlteration Level 2(on the current Town site)
• PDFStructural repair(on the current Town site)
• PDFTown of Sand Lake Building Department - Complaint Form(on the current Town site)

Stormwater Management Program and Plan

Tim Lawrence is the Town's Public Stormwater Contact.

• PDF Stormwater Management 2026Accessible web version Original PDF

The full Stormwater Management Program and Plan section is on the current Town site.

Codes

The Town's local laws are published on eCode360: the Municipal Code and the Zoning Code.

Source: townofsandlake.us/building, /buildingpermit and its linked question pages, copied November 11, 2026.