Building and Zoning Department

The primary purpose of the Building and Zoning Department is to ensure building safety through the enforcement of municipal, state and federal regulations and codes. All plans for development are first reviewed by the department for adherence to regulatory statutes. Upon approval of proposed plans, permits are issued that allow for the construction and alteration of structures. Throughout the building process, field inspectors visit active work sites reviewing work and approving various stages of construction. Final inspections signal the end of the review process with new or renovated buildings receiving a formal certificate of occupancy, which allows the structure to become occupied.
The primary divisions of the Building Department are:

• Building
• Plumbing
• Electrical

2012 Master Electrician License Application

Zoning and Building Application

Additionally, the department assists residents and developers with understanding ordinances and regulations that affect construction in Dunkirk. The following is a list of informational services that are also provided:

• Understanding the City Zoning Ordinance Evaluating and Assisting Requests for Property Re-zoning Review applications for the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Handling Complaints About Zoning, Building or other Local Laws

The Building and Zoning Department has compiled a list of frequently accessed documents in the Department’s Document Library.  In additional general code information pertaining to all project in New York State can be found online through the New York State Division of Code and Administration.

Building and Zoning Department
City Hall
342 Central Ave
Dunkirk NY 14048
(716) 366-9858

Allan Zurawski
Code Enforcement Officer