The Pawling Town Board has determined that approximately 700 residential building permits have not been finalized and have an “open” status in the Building Department.  As a result the board has instituted a “Building Department Amnesty Program”.

The amnesty program affords residential property owners the opportunity to renew “open” building permits at a flat rate of $150.  This is a considerable savings over the regular fee schedule.  According to Supervisor David Kelly property owners need to understand that closing out a building permit and obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy does not affect the tax assessment of the property.

“We are sending out details of the plan to affected property owners on May 15th and hope they take advantage of this opportunity to save money on their projects” said Supervisor Kelly.

The “Amnesty Program” will run for a six-month period starting June 1st and ending December 31st of 2012.  The program covers “open” residential building permits from 1973 to present.

Further details of the program can be obtained by calling the Town of Pawling Building Department at (845) 855-3244.