Applications FAQ

Do I need to come to the Village Planning Department in person to get an application?
Applications can be downloaded from the Village website. Once you log into the website, click “Forms and Permits” on the left hand side and scroll down to see the Planning Department applications.  

How do I know what applications and forms to fill out?
Any questions please call the Planning Deparment and ask to set up an appointment with the Village Planner. 

Where can I go to get information on how to fill out the forms or a pre-application meeting?
Any questions please call the Planning Deparment and ask to set up an appointment with the Village Planner and we will coordinate the meeting with any Village staff that should be present.

I know that the fees for various permits and board applications vary from year to year. Where can I find out what the current fee is?
The annual fee schedule is available at the Village of Ossining website. You may also contact the Planning Department at (914)762-6232.

How do I know whether or not I need to consult with an architect for a project that I may submit an application for?
If the application that you wish to submit requires that plans (site plans, floor plans, or elevations) be provided in order to adequately present the nature and extent of the proposed project to the boards, then it is recommended that you contact a licensed architect before submitting your application.

When I submit an application to the boards, does the content need to be in any specific order?
Applications should consist of complete packets, with each packet containing one copy of each the items that you are required to submit which are listed in detail in the application instructions.

A deadline for an application is approaching and one or two of the items that I need for my application packet are not yet available and I won’t have them until after the deadline. Do I need to wait until next month to apply, or can I submit what I have now and submit the missing items once I have them?
Please see the instructions included in the application.  Once an application is submitted, the Planning Department will determine if any application is complete and can be heard. If you have any questions on the content of the application please contact the Planning Department at (914)762-6232.

I want to submit an application, but I have some questions that I would like to speak to someone about before I pay the fee(s). Is it possible for me to come in and meet with someone from the Planning Department to discuss my project?
The Planning Department is available, by appointment, for pre-application meetings to discuss a potential project but the applicant is responsible for filling out the application and obtaining all of the necessary documents.

I’m a property owner and my architect has submitted an application to the Planning Board or Board of Architectural Review. Should I come to the meeting, or should I just have my architect attend?  Do I have to attend the work session as well?
If possible it is recommended that both the applicant and the applicant’s architect attend the meeting.  A representative must be present in order for the application to be heard.  However, applicants are encouraged to attend the work session prior to the board meeting, but it is not required.

I’m currently in the process of negotiating a deal for the purchase of a property and I need to appear before one of the boards. Since I’m not yet the owner, what kind of documentation do I need to provide with my application?
If you wish to submit an application for a property that you do not own, you will need to include a signed and notarized letter from the property owner with your application authorizing you to appear before the board to discuss the project.

Q. I have an application before the boards and I noticed that owners of nearby properties have decided to attend the board meetings. How large is the radius for the area that neighbor notifications are sent to?
Neighbor notices are sent out to all properties within a 300 foot radius of the applicant’s property.

If I decide not to move forward on an application I have already submitted, can I get the application fee refunded?
The application fee is non-refundable.

I had submitted an application to the boards previously but did not attend a meeting for several months and the application was removed from the agenda. What do I need to do to have my application put back on the agenda?
If your application was removed from the agenda you will need to file a new application.