Zoning FAQ

• Chicken coops.
• Fences 6 feet or less in height.
• Uncovered decks where the deck floor is 30 inches or less above grade and are accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
• Carports (open on at least two sides) and greenhouses accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
• Agricultural buildings used to store agricultural products, horticultural products and/or farm animals. Structures containing habitable spaces; spaces used to process, treat or package agricultural products; and/or a spaces occupied by the general public shall require a building permit.
• Oil derricks.
• Commercial shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to the diameter or the width does not exceed 2 to 1.
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery – if exterior to a building or structure.
• Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions.

Please note: This document only covers work not requiring a Building Permit and/or a ROZA. A Certificate of Appropriateness may still be required for work on locally designated historic structures or structures in locally designated historic districts.

Revised: 8/17/2020

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouse and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and they are accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling that are less than 24” deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above grade.
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
• Retaining walls 4'-0" or less in height, measured from the lowest level of grade to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below grade and not part of an accessible route.
• Window awnings that are attached to a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling or Group U occupancy structure, are supported by an exterior wall and do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall.
• Movable cases, counters and partitions that are not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work. (Exterior painting on locally designated historic structures or structures in locally designated historic districts requires a Certificate of Appropriateness.)

Please note: This document only covers work not requiring a Building Permit and/or a ROZA. A Certificate of Appropriateness may still be required for work on locally designated historic structures or structures in locally designated historic districts.

Revised: 8/17/2020

• A portable heating appliance, portable ventilation equipment, a portable cooling unit, and/or a portable evaporative cooler.
• Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
• Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated under the Uniform Construction Code.
• A self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and placed into action by motors that are not more than 1 horsepower.

Please note: This document only covers work not requiring a Building Permit and/or a ROZA. A Certificate of Appropriateness may still be required for work on locally designated historic structures or structures in locally designated historic districts.

Revised: 7/5/2019

• Minor repair and maintenance work that includes the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
• Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions. The provisions of the Uniform Construction Code apply to equipment and wiring for power supply and the installation of towers and antennas.
• The installation of a temporary system for testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
• Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring in a single-family or two-family dwelling.

Please note: This document only covers work not requiring a Building Permit and/or a ROZA. A Certificate of Appropriateness may still be required for work on locally designated historic structures or structures in locally designated historic districts.

Revised: 7/5/2019