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Town planning department reports jump in permits and revenues; board approves posting two code-enforcement positions
Summary
Planning and zoning staff said 2024 saw a step-up in staffing and permitting, with more than $1.1 million in revenue reported and hundreds of permits processed; the board approved posting for two civil-service code enforcement positions to expand inspections and follow-up.
Planning Director Alana (last name not provided in the transcript) presented the department’s 2024 annual report, saying the office grew from one full-time employee to six and that total department revenue rose to more than $1,100,000 in 2024, up from roughly $700,000 in 2023. She told the board that development-permit revenue comprised more than $1,000,000 of that total and that permit applications translated to roughly $100,000,000 in estimated construction value based on applicants’ declared construction costs.
Alana described program highlights for 2024 including hazard-mitigation planning, a street-tree giveaway (approximately 5,000 native trees and shrubs distributed), a $50,000 NYSERDA grant for electric landscaping equipment, and continued deer management. She said the department issued 396 development permits in 2024 (up from 374 in 2023), the planning board approved 55 projects (up from 35), and the code board issued 18 variances or special-use approvals.
Derek White, the town’s code enforcement officer, summarized enforcement work: two hundred sixty-four complaints recorded, 148 violations issued to property owners, about 113 inspections on construction projects and approximately 181 certificates tied to building permits. He said building-safety (fire) inspections were conducted; a part‑time inspector, Rick, completed the department’s building-safety inspections and staff plan to add capacity as new hires come on board.
Derek described heightened outreach at Springfield Gardens apartments: the department inspected the complex, issued violations to management and the owner for deficiencies, and is tracking management’s timelines for repairs. He said some owners and management have begun submitting photos and timelines in response.
Councilor Max moved and Councilor Jack seconded a motion to post two code enforcement positions (civil-service hiring), citing the department’s workload; the board voted by voice to approve the posting and the motion carried. Town staff said the positions will be posted through civil service, and internal candidate Leah (Leah Baker) will be eligible to apply for one of the posted roles.
Ending: The board approved advertising for two code-enforcement positions to increase inspection and enforcement capacity; planning staff will continue to centralize planning-board coordination and pursue the department’s 2025 goals, including digitization of records and updates to the town code.
