University at Buffalo (UB) 
Administrative Services Gateway
Administrative Services GatewayBuilding partnerships through collaboration
Code Reviews and Building Permits
Code reviews and building permits are key services during the construction and contract management phase of a project.
The majority of construction requires a Department of Buildings permit. Typically, any construction project that alters major building systems, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural, requires a building permit.
About Building Permits
A building permit allows the building codes official to maintain a record of your construction project, regarding its completion in compliance with minimum standards of safety, and to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction
Building permits shall be required for work which must conform to the Uniform Code.
Since there are many different types and sizes of buildings, each project is evaluated on an individual basis. UB is responsible for issuing the permit and has the authority to revoke or suspend a permit if there are violations to the Uniform Code. Upon completion of a project, a final inspection must be completed and a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
Certified Building Safety Inspector (BSI) or a Certified Code Enforcement Official (CEO) are the only people that can determine code compliance at UB.
Certified Building Safety Inspectors are those individuals who are certified pursuant to 19 NYCRR Part 1208 to perform fire safety and/or property maintenance inspections of existing buildings and structures.
Certified Code Enforcement Officials are those individuals who are certified pursuant to 19 NYCRR Part 1208 to perform any code enforcement activity.
Projects Requiring a Building Permit
In order to perform code review and issue a building permit, a set of drawings, stamped by a NY State certified design professional, is required. Many times these drawings are prepared in Facilities though sometimes they are prepared by off-campus consultants.
Building Permits are also required when work is performed by an off-campus vendor as long as it alters any of the major building systems. Facilities is available to help your department or unit obtain the permit. Also off-campus vendors are required to show proof of insurance.
| Type of Work | Building Permit |
|---|---|
| Classroom, office or laboratory renovations | X |
| Door renovation including installation of new doors | X |
| Electrical systems modifications | X |
| Fume hoods, hazardous material cabinets installation, removal or replacement | X |
| Furniture partitions installation greater than 69” in height or any powered partitions | X |
| Gas fired equipment installation, removal or replacement | X |
| Hazardous materials removal, i.e. asbestos or lead paint | X |
| Heating or air-conditioning systems modifications | X |
| Plumbing systems modifications | X |
| Room or suite of rooms renovations | X |
| Structural modification, such as walls, beams or columns | X |
| Window renovation including installation of new windows | X |
| Type of Work | Work Order |
|---|---|
| Carpet installation or replacement * | X |
| Electrical work, such as new outlets that do not require a new circuit | X |
| Equipment - direct one for one replacement without increase of scope of work | X |
| Furniture (non-powered) installation including partition walls up to 69 inches in height ** | X |
| Painting of one of more rooms | X |
| Plumbing work, such as installation of a sink | X |
*Before new carpeting is even ordered, the area must be tested for asbestos by Environment Health and Safety
**Furniture layout needs Facilities review for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act
*Before new carpeting is even ordered, the area must be tested for asbestos by Environment Health and Safety
**Furniture layout needs Facilities review for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act
Inspections
After a building permit is issued, interim inspections take place to ensure compliance with the codes, rules, and regulations of the New York State. These inspections, along with a written report, are filed with the Code Compliance Manager. At the conclusion of a project, the Code Compliance Manager must close out the building permit and issue a Certificate of Compliance. The building permit and the Certificate of Compliance are filed on-line with the Department of State in Albany.
Requesting Service
Request Service
- Log in and submit a Work Order Request or
- Call Customer Service at 716-645-2025
Contact an Expert
Barry Beebe
Code Compliance Manager
Facilities, Design and Construction
Martin Hohle, P.E.
Deputy Code Enforcement Official
Facilities, Design and Construction