Code Enforcement & Zoning
Overview
May is Building Safety Month
Building Safety Month will be celebrated internationally during the month of May to raise awareness about building safety. This celebration reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the celebration and learn about the essential work of the Town of Ithaca’s Code Enforcement Officers.
The 2023 Building Safety Month theme is “It Starts with You!”
Building Safety Month uses weekly themes to highlight how building safety issues impact each of us on a personal, local, and global level.
- Week One: Building Safety Starts at Home, May 1-7
- Week One will focus on how building safety impacts our everyday life. We will focus on fire safety tips, and home maintenance tips for safety.
- Week Two: Building Safety Professionals and You, May 8-14
- Week Two will focus on introducing you to the important role that Building Safety Professionals play in keeping your homes, schools, and businesses safe.
- Week Three: Prepare Your Community, May 15-21
- Week Three will focus on how to protect your home and community from disaster.
- Week Four: Advocate for Your Community, May 22-28
- Week Four will focus on giving you the tips and tools you need to help advocate for building safety in your community.
- Week Five: Solving Challenges Together, May 29-31
- Week Five will focus on elevating Building Safety Month to a global scale and addressing issues around the world including extreme weather events and water scarcity.
Among the hardworking members of the Code Council who created Building Safety Month are code officials, plan reviewers, fire inspectors, architects, builders, engineers, design professionals, contractors, and others in the construction industry, including the Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Officers who work to ensure the safety of the buildings where we live, work, and play. These professionals provide the first line of defense against building disasters, working vigilantly to ensure the safety of our community.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Code Enforcement and Zoning is a major function of our municipality including enforcement of NYS Building and Fire Codes and the Town of Ithaca Code (zoning and land use ordinances). We conduct code reviews for projects and permits prior to conducting inspections, issuing building and demolition permits, and final Certificates of Occupancy and/or Compliance. In addition, the Department issues Operating Permits for various rental uses and public assembly as well as multiple residences. We provide public education and outreach; processes Zoning Board of Appeals applications and when needed, we coordinate with other Town staff and County departments.
