Building Division

If you have questions regarding building permits or zoning information please contact the Building division at 518-439-4955 ext. 1112.

Permit applications can be submitted the following way:
  1. Emailed to Building@townofbethlehem.org *preferred
  2. Dropped off in the gray drop box in the Town Hall parking lot (be sure to label it Attn: Building Department)
  3. Mailed to:
          Building Department
          445 Delaware Avenue
          Delmar, NY  12054
  4. Dropped off in person in Room 214 of the Town Hall
If your permit is approved you will be provided with an invoice via email in the form of a PDF. You can pay for the permit by mailing a check to the Town Hall (Receiver of Taxes, 445 Delaware Ave, Delmar), dropping off the payment at the gray drop box in the Town Hall parking lot in a sealed envelope or in person at the Receiver of Taxes window in the Town Hall. Any payment option must include the invoice so the Receiver of Taxes knows to which permit it should be applied. Once the payment is processed the approved building permit can be emailed, mailed or picked up in person.

Inspections:
  1. Inspections can be requested by calling 518-439-4955 ext. 1112 (please do not leave inspection requests on the voicemail)
  2. At the discretion of the inspectors, the following inspections can be done via Facetime or via photos:  footings, foundation wall pre-pour, backfill, and sump lines. Please call or email us at Building@townofbethlehem.org for more details.
  3. All inspections must be requested a minimum of 24 hours in advance
Responsibilities
The building inspector is responsible for routine inspections, residential and business construction, and general fire safety. Contact the Building Department for:
  • Building permits
  • Information on new buildings or building lots
  • Building alterations or additions
  • Building and fire code information
  • Disabled access requirements
  • Enforcement of town codes
  • Town Zoning Ordinances and maps
  • Swimming pool installation
  • Sheds and detached garages
  • Decks and fences
Per Section 128-82 of the Town Zoning Code, no person shall alter or add to any existing structure, or construct a new structure or part thereof, nor change the use of any building without a valid zoning and building permit issued by the building inspector.
 
Building Permits & Fee Schedule for permits and inspections.
 
More Information
If you have any questions as to whether something requires a zoning and building permit, contact the Building Division at ext. 1112 and they would be happy to assist you.

The town enforces the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code. Local ordinances are available at the building inspector's office for review.