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1. How do I submit applications?

Permit applications along with payment (checks payable to the Town of Bedford) should be mailed to or dropped off at the Building Department. At this time we are not accepting permits or payments via email.

2. Can I submit applications off-hours?

When the office is closed, you may leave applications in the metal mailbox outside the front glass doors of the building. Please do not email applications.

3. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Please use the contact information provided in the right hand column.

4. When is an electrical permit required?

An electrical permit is required for any/all electrical work and must be worked on by a Westchester county-licensed electrician.

5. How long does it take to get a building permit?

Permits are generally processed in the order they are received, so submitting as soon as you are ready is advised.

Turnaround time is informed by the type of permit submitted, work schedules, volume of applications and may range from two weeks to a few months.  In general, smaller permits are generally in a matter of weeks, big permits are generally in a matter of months. 

6. How can I check the status of my permit application?

You should call the Building Department after a reasonable amount of time for any updates.

7. How do I determine my setbacks?

To determine your setbacks, you must determine your zoning district on the map.

8. May I access copies of plans or records the Building Department has on file?

You may access by submitting a FOIL REQUEST.

9. How many bedrooms can I have?

The number of bedrooms permissible is based on septic size.  That information is maintained at the Department of Health in Mount Kisco. Contact: 914-864-7330. 25 Moore Avenue, Mt. Kisco.

10. How do I know if my property is in Wetlands?

Refer to the tax parcel viewer, enter your address and click “Search,” click on “More Data,” click on “NY Regulated Wetlands,” and determine if the property outlined in yellow intersects with the Wetlands colored in green.

11. What are the NYS and Town building requirements?

Refer to NYS and Town code requirements (link to come).

12. What do I need a permit for?

You likely need a permit for almost every action you could take on your property, including accessory buildings like sheds of any size, as well as generators, and trees. Please refer to our comprehensive list of Building Department-related permits to confirm your need for one or multiple permits. Please note that depending on the project, permits from other boards may be required.

13. Are there any home improvements that do not require a permit?

Yes, some examples include: changing replacement windows, redoing the siding without changing structural components, changing roof shingles, swapping kitchen cabinets, etc.

Please note: these projects may require a permit for any electrical/plumbing work.