The Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector has office hours on Tuesdays from 4-6 PM, and by appointment. He can be reached at 716-244-0740. Below are links to some helpful information and checklists for obtaining a building permit.
Town of Machias Building Permits
Please be advised that as of 1/1/2026, The Town of Machias will be utilizing the 2025 NYS Uniform Building Code. Electrical inspections will be completed utilizing the 2023 National Electric code.
Starting January 1, 2025, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation implemented significant changes to freshwater wetlands regulations under 6 NYCRR part 664. The changes greatly expand the DEC's regulatory jurisdiction to include property not previously shown on wetland maps. lt is the property owner's responsibility to familiarize themselves with these new regulations and follow the process for identifying Jurisdictional wetlands. Building projects that do not complv with Wetlands law can result in significant violation and mitigation fees.
The Town of Machias utilizes a software package to collect information for the issuance of building permits and manage other business associated with enforcing the Uniform Code of NYS.
There is no online application. Permit applications are made in person during office hours (Tuesday 4PM- 6PM) or by appointment.
Your application and information may require detailed review, and therefore your permit may not be issued "on the spot". Plan accordingly.
To expedite processing your information, please be prepared with the following:
Property Owner of Record
Property Address
Property Tax ID#
Complete description of work to be performed.
Contractor(s) name, address and telephone number
Part 57 of the NYS Workers Compensation Law; all permits require a copy of contractor's workers compensation policy and liability insurance with Town of Machias named as certificate holder. (Please note that Amish are not exempt)
lf you plan on doing the work as the owner, NYS requires you to either purchase a workers compensation policy or provide a CE-200 waiver (Available on NYS workers compensation Board website)
Approved application for private septic system from Catt. Co. Health department building new homes or adding bedrooms to existing homes.
Plans stamped by licensed Architect or Professional Engineer where applicable (new homes, additions, structural changes, elevated decks etc.), drawings, sketches, bill of materials, truss certifications. (new builds require complete design package)
Demolitions may require lead and asbestos testing depending on the age of the structure, or by signing an attestation that you have been made aware of your obligation to do so.
Survey/ Drawing showing property boundaries, location of proposed work relative to lot lines, easements, utilities or any other encumbrances. lt is the responsibility of the owner / contractor to make sure you are legally building on your property.
For electrical work, please indicate who you will be using for the 3rd party inspection
Other documents, permits, plans as required (project specific)
Contact NYS DEC to determine if your project falls within a wetland. Fill out online form for NYS DEC Jurisdictional Wetlands.
