By Mary Marvin, Mayor of Bronxville

March 3, 2025: With spring and summer hopefully just around the corner, many homeowners look to initiate home improvement projects and with that in mind, with the help of the building department staff, I am sharing the most frequently asked questions when first embarking on a project.

Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen, bathroom or to install a tub or shower?

Yes, you will need a permit to do this work with the Village website sharing common examples of particular improvements that require a permit; as example, cabinets, countertops, sinks, tile and fixtures.

Do I need a permit to replace a boiler?

Yes, a boiler requires a mechanical permit, plumbing permit, and electrical along with all required documentation on the proposed/current boiler system.

Do I need a permit to install or replace my HVAC system?

Yes, this requires a mechanical permit and electrical permit plus a survey showing where the compressors are to be located as units are not allowed in any setbacks.

Do I need a permit to replace my current fence?

Yes, one is needed to both replace an existing fence as well as installing a new fence. Repairs to existing fences do not trigger a permit but the installation or replacement of a shed, roof or siding, emergency generators and recreational play sets require permits.

Do I need a permit for a dumpster?

If the dumpster is placed on your private property, no permit is needed. If the dumpster is situated in the Village right of away, a permit is required.

If I want to do an addition on my house, do I now need to install drainage?

Yes, given the tremendous flooding issues in many quadrants of the Village, there are now drainage abatement requirements with the specific conditions found on our website.

Approximately, how long does it take to receive a permit once applied for?

Typical review time is 3 to 4 weeks and it is best to have all subcontractors file while review is being done to speed up the process as doing work without a permit will cause one to pay legalization fees, which will result in double the fee on all permits including the Certificate of Occupancy.

How far in advance must one schedule an inspection?

Inspections must be scheduled 24 to 48 hours prior to the requested date and are handled on a first come first served basis.

Can my permit be expedited?

The Village does not expedite permits as work is reviewed on a first come first served basis with each submission dated to then be placed in the queue.

Do permits need to be closed out once issued and who is responsible for closing out permits?

All permits must be closed out with either a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Completion (which is for minor permits only). Once the work is completed, it is the homeowner, contractor or architect’s responsibility to file for the Certificate of Occupancy. The importance of hiring a reputable skilled contractor cannot be overstated to ensure the safety and prompt execution of your project.

The Building Department recommends that when interviewing prospective contractors, you check the following:

-Verify that the contractor is properly licensed for the work to be undertaken.

-Check how many building permits the contractor has obtained in our jurisdiction in the past two years. This is important as contractors familiar with our local building code requirements and our permitting process have a better understanding of the procedures.

-Require proof of general liability insurance and Workmen’s Compensation insurance before signing documents.

-Check whether subcontractors will be involved, their competency, agree on a payment schedule and designate a point person as the project supervisor.

Do my taxes go up once the Certificate of Occupancy is issued?

Contrary to popular belief, closing out a permit does not result in a tax increase. Once a permit is issued, the Assessor’s office receives a set of architectural drawings showing all improvements being done. Not closing out the active permit only affects you, the homeowner, when you try to sell your home, causing potential delays in closing. You can call the Building Department to schedule an appointment anytime to view your property folder to ascertain if all information is correct and, most importantly, whether you have any open permits instead of waiting to crunch time near a potential home sale.

What are the legal hours one may proceed with permitted work?

Village permits allow work to be undertaken from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays only. If the project is one for which a permit is not required, for example house painting, work may be done on weekends. However, even work acceptable to undertake on weekends must respect the Village’s noise ordinance and not create an undue disturbance. Villagers may call the police desk with any noise concerns.

The permit process is predicated on the need for home safety - be it electrical, structural, water related or fireproofing as it is critical not only to the well-being of your family but that of your neighbors. It is especially important in a Village such as ours where 40% of our residents live in multifamily units and a neighbor’s unsafe remodeling could directly impact the home safety of others.

In that vein, the Building Department recommends you place a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector on every floor and inside every bedroom, testing them on a monthly basis. In addition, common electrical cords should be regularly inspected and thrown away if cracked or frayed and never run under rugs.

Most questions can be answered on our website by visiting www.VillageofBronxville.gov,https://www.villageofbronxville.gov/ by emailing the Building Department or calling the office at 914-337-7338 between 9am to 4pm weekdays.