Thinking about lifting your Cape or opening your attic with a dormer but not sure how to go from sketch to Certificate of Occupancy? You want extra space without red tape, surprises, or delays. In this guide, you’ll get a clear plan for Westbury permits, zoning, code must-haves, costs, inspections, and the steps to your CO. Let’s dive in.
Permit basics in Westbury
Any dormer that changes your roof or adds living area needs a Village building permit before work starts. The Village lists additions and structural alterations as permit-required work, and work cannot begin until the permit is issued. See the Village’s permitting guidance on the Building Department page for what to file and how fees are calculated based on construction cost. You can review requirements and forms on the Village site at the Building Department page.
- Where to apply: Village of Westbury Building Department at Village Hall.
- What to submit: completed application, two sets of scaled construction drawings, two copies of your property survey, original sealed plans by a NY licensed architect or engineer, contractor insurance or owner’s affidavit, and permit fees. Details are on the Village’s Building Department page.
- Licensed trades: Westbury requires Village-licensed electricians and plumbers. Keep approved stamped plans on site and schedule inspections with 48 hours’ notice.
Zoning checks to do first
Start by confirming your zoning district and the rules that apply to your lot. Use the Village’s zoning map and check the Village Zoning Code for setbacks, height, lot coverage, and floor area limits. If your dormer would exceed any of these, you may need an area variance with a public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Learn how that process works on the Village’s ZBA page.
If your property sits in a landmark area or is subject to HOA rules, factor in those approvals. The Village’s Boards page is a good place to check for the Landmark Preservation Commission and other boards.
Design and code must-haves
Westbury enforces New York State’s Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. As of this writing, the 2020 code edition is in effect. The State adopted updates that will take effect December 31, 2025, so confirm the edition the Village is enforcing when you file. Find the current code adoption notes at the NYS Department of State.
- Sealed plans: The Village requires plans sealed by a licensed architect or engineer. Plans should show framing, roof connections, window sizes, egress compliance, insulation details, and any trade work.
- Egress: New or enlarged bedrooms must have emergency escape windows. Typical minimums are a 5.7 square foot net clear opening, 24 inches minimum opening height, 20 inches minimum width, and a sill no higher than 44 inches above the floor. Verify with the code edition in effect.
- Ceiling height and stairs: Most habitable rooms require 7 feet minimum ceiling height. Stair headroom is commonly 6 feet 8 inches minimum.
- Energy code: Additions must meet State Energy Code rules for insulation, window performance, and air sealing. Expect an insulation and air barrier inspection.
- Alarms: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must meet code where sleeping areas are affected.
Costs and timelines
Every dormer is different, but here are practical ranges and what drives them.
- Construction costs: Small cosmetic window dormers can be a few thousand dollars up to about $8,000. Fully framed dormers that add usable space often run $15,000 to $90,000 depending on size, structural work, and finishes. Many New York area projects land in the $60,000 to $90,000 range when significant interior finish or roof replacement is included. See typical ranges in this HomeAdvisor overview.
- Design and permits: Plan preparation and engineering often add 5 to 20 percent. Westbury sets permit fees based on construction cost. Work started without a permit can trigger doubled fees to legalize it. See permit details on the Building Department page.
- Timelines: Pre-design and feasibility typically take 1 to 3 weeks. Design and sealed drawings often take 2 to 6 weeks. Village plan review can be a few weeks for simple projects, or months if a variance is needed. Construction ranges from 1 to 2 weeks for a small dormer to 3 to 8 weeks for a framed and finished dormer. The code directs the Superintendent to issue a CO within 10 days of a compliant request. See the CO provision in the Village Code.
Step-by-step roadmap
Follow this plan to move from idea to CO with fewer surprises.
Step 1: Confirm feasibility
- Verify you are inside the Village of Westbury and not an unincorporated area. Confirm zoning and lot specifics using the zoning map and the Zoning Code.
- Check for landmark or HOA rules on the Village’s Boards page.
Step 2: Hire your design team
- Engage a licensed architect and, for dormers, often a structural engineer. Westbury requires sealed plans. Ask them to show framing, egress dimensions, insulation, and any trade routing.
Step 3: Do a pre-application check
- Optional but smart. Speak with Building Department staff to spot likely review comments, confirm the code edition, and flag any zoning triggers early. Use the Building Department page to prepare your questions.
Step 4: File the permit
- Submit the completed application, two sets of sealed plans, two surveys, insurance or owner affidavit, and fees. Do not start work until the permit is issued.
- If zoning is an issue, prepare a ZBA application and add hearing time. See the ZBA page for the process.
Step 5: Build and pass inspections
- Post the permit. Keep approved plans on site. Schedule inspections with 48 hours’ notice through the Building Department.
Step 6: Close out and request CO
- After final inspections and any required UL electrical compliance, submit your updated survey and request the Certificate of Occupancy or Completion. The Village code provides for CO issuance within 10 days when everything conforms. See the CO provision.
Inspections you can expect
- Footing or foundation, if any structural support is added
- Framing for roof and dormer connections
- Rough electrical and plumbing, where applicable
- Insulation and air barrier for energy compliance
- Final electrical with Certificate of Compliance when required
- Final building inspection for CO or Certificate of Completion
Find scheduling guidance and requirements on the Building Department page.
Avoid delays and extra costs
- Zoning variances add time and fees. If your design nudges setbacks, height, coverage, or floor area, plan for a hearing. Review the Zoning Code early.
- Structural surprises in older homes, like damaged rafters or the need for added beams, can drive change orders. Budget a contingency and insist on a thorough site review. See common cost drivers in this HomeGuide overview.
- Energy Code compliance can require specific insulation values and window performance. Confirm details with your designer and the NYS Uniform Code.
- Unlicensed trade work can fail inspection. Use Village-licensed electricians and plumbers.
- Starting without a permit risks doubled fees to legalize. Apply first and build only after issuance. See the Building Department page.
From CO to listing or living
A well-planned dormer can unlock better layouts, natural light, and functional bedrooms. With sealed plans, a clear filing, and timely inspections, your path to a CO is straightforward. If you are thinking about resale, getting the CO in hand helps buyers and attorneys feel confident and can make closing smoother.
Ready to map your dormer to your moving or selling plans? Reach out to Jonathan Chandler for local guidance on timing, value, and the next best step.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a dormer in the Village of Westbury?
- Yes. Any structural change or addition requires a Village building permit before work starts, as outlined on the Building Department page.
What code applies to Westbury dormers right now?
- Westbury enforces New York State’s Uniform Code; the 2020 edition is in effect until State updates take effect December 31, 2025. Confirm the edition with the Village and review the State’s code page.
How much does a dormer cost on Long Island?
- Small window dormers can be a few thousand dollars; full framed dormers often range from $15,000 to $90,000 or more depending on complexity, with many NY-area projects around $60,000 to $90,000. See the HomeAdvisor overview.
What inspections will Westbury require for a dormer?
- Typical inspections include framing, rough electrical and plumbing, insulation, final electrical, and a final building inspection. See scheduling and requirements on the Building Department page.
When will I receive my Certificate of Occupancy?
- After passing final inspections and submitting required documents, the code directs CO issuance within 10 days of a compliant request. See the CO section of the Village Code.
