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1. How can I apply for a residential construction permit?

You can use our convenient online form by clicking on the text of the question (above); or, you can contact our Building Office at 60 Main Street or by phoning 315-769-6803. Office hours are M - F, 8 AM to 4:30 PM (closed for lunch).

2. How much is a building permit?

It depends on the construction value.

3. What forms / papers are necessary for a building permit to be granted?

A drawing of the lot showing renovation / construction. A list of materials being used. Truss information stating snow load if applicable. Constructor and workmen's compensation insurance information.

4. What is the purpose of the Village Zoning Board?

The purpose of the Zoning Board is to determine and vary the application thereof in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the zoning rules.

5. What requires a building permit?

Any and all new construction, enlargement, alterations, renovations, siding, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, systems, pools, fences, and demolition require a permit.

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1. Who do I call with a Dog issue

call Massena Human Society at 315-764-1330

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1. Does the Fire Department fill pools?

No we do not. Please Contact the Village of Massena Water Department for further information.

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1. Who should I contact to reserve space at the Community Center?

Please contact the Village Clerk's office for the details about using the room(s) at the Community Center, when they are available and forms for using them.

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1. How do I decide what work to do?

The Rehabilitation Coordinator will inspect each property with the owner to identify improvements that can be made with assistance under this program. A written description (Work Write-up) of that work will be prepared for review and approval by the owner. The Rehabilitation Coordinator will identify all improvements that are needed to meet local codes and remove any health and safety hazards in the property. Those problems must be addressed if any assistance is provided for the property.

2. How do I find a contractor?

The Rehabilitation Coordinator will identify local contractors who have been approved for work under this program. Of course, property owners may also select contractors who will be asked to provide proposals for this work. All contractors must be approved by the Rehabilitation Coordinator before they can work on any property where assistance is being provided under this program.

3. How do I apply for assistance?

Call or visit the Building Department at:
Village Office
60 Main Street
Massena, NY 13662

Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Special appointments can be arranged for other times. Please ask for Avis Hazelton or Dale Beaulieu at 315-769-6803.

4. What strings are attached?

All code violations must be corrected if assistance is provided under this program. In addition, applicants must agree not to sell their homes for 3 years after all work is completed.

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1. How can I pay my taxes?

Taxes may be paid by cash (US only), your personal check, an official bank check, or a money order. We do not accept third party checks or credit cards. We also do not accept post-dated checks. Checks should be made payable to the “Village of Massena."

2. Can I check my tax bill online?

Yes. Go to Townsoft and select "Look Up Taxes" to pay your tax bill online. Townsoft

3. Where can I pay my taxes?

Taxes can be paid in person at:
Town Hall
Room 10-C
60 Main Street
Massena, NY 13662

Our office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (except holidays).

(NOTE: This is the 2nd tax window, all the way down the hall if entering from Main Street. If using the elevator at the rear of the building, take the elevator to the 1st floor and upon exiting, proceed straight to the main hall and then turn left. The Village tax window will be the first tax window you come to on your left.)

Tax payments can also be deposited in the Village’s Drop Box in front of the Town Hall Building. Payments may be mailed to:
Village of Massena
Town Hall Building, Room 10-C
60 Main Street
Massena, NY 13662

A receipt will be mailed to you if you indicate that you want one on your payment stub.

4. May I pay my Village taxes in installments?

Yes. Massena Village taxes may be paid in 2 installments. In order to avail yourself of this option, however, the first payment (1/2 of the total bill) must be made between June 1 and July 1, inclusive. The second payment is due by Friday, August 1 with 5% interest added for the month of July. If the second payment is not made by August 1, but between August 2 and September 2, the interest rate is 6%. And if the second payment is received between September 3 and September 30, the interest rate is 7%. All payments received in September are also subject to a $2 penalty in accordance with Real Property Tax Law Sect. 987 (fees for unpaid tax notices). IF THE FIRST PAYMENT IS NOT MADE BY JULY 1, THE 2 PAYMENT OPTION IS FORFEITED AND THE BILL MUST BE PAID IN ITS ENTIRETY SUBJECT TO ALL APPLICABLE INTEREST RATES.

5. What should I do if I think that there is an error in the taxable assessed value on my tax bill or if I have a question about an exemption (STAR, Senior Citizen, Volunteer Firefighter, Veteran)?

For questions of this type please visit the Office of the Village Assessor in Room 5 of the Town Hall or call 315-769-6924.

6. How much of a penalty will I pay if I don’t pay my taxes by July 1?

Taxes paid between July 2 and August 1 inclusive incur a penalty of 5%. Taxes paid between August 2 and September 2, 2014 (inclusive) incur a penalty of 6%. Taxes paid between September 3 and September 30 incur a penalty of 7% plus a $2 fee for the mailing of an “Unpaid Tax Notice” required by Section 987 of the Real Property Tax Law.

7. What happens if I don’t pay my taxes by September 30?

Taxes that are not paid by September 30, they are sent to the St. Lawrence County Treasurer’s Office in Canton for collection. You should call 379-2234 to find out exactly how much is owed, as St. Lawrence County adds an additional 5% penalty when the taxes are returned to them for collection. Village taxes that are not paid to the County by the end of November will be re-levied on the January Town / County tax bill with appropriate penalties added.

8. What should I do if I don’t receive my tax bill?

Taxes become a lien on your property on June 1 whether you (or your escrow agency) receive your bill or not. Therefore, if you are expecting to receive a bill and do not, you should contact the Village Tax Office in the Town Hall at 315-769-7052, ext. 231 immediately. If your bill is to be paid through an escrow account, you will receive a receipt when your payment has been received from the escrow agency. In that all of the escrow agencies try to pay their tax liabilities during the interest free period (by July 1), if you do not receive a receipt by mid-July you should contact your escrow agency or the Village Tax Office.

Unpaid Tax Notices are sent out at the end of August for any tax bills that have not been paid by then. This Notice is required by Sect. 987 of the Real Property Tax Law. A $2 fee for the mailing of this Notice is added to the total amount to be paid in September.

Please note: Properties that change ownership in March through May may not have the deed recorded soon enough in Canton to have the Village tax bill sent to the new owner or escrow agency at the proper address. Village tax bills are expected to be sent by the County to the printers in the week of May 12. If you buy property during April or May you should be aware of this fact and contact us immediately if you do not receive a bill so as to avoid any unnecessary interest payments. You may also want to contact your escrow agency to be sure that they have received the bill if it is supposed to go to them.

9. What are these other charges (re-levies) on my tax bill?

The Village re-levies water, sewer, refuse and general fund charges that were not paid by March 31 onto the June Village tax bill.

10. What if I want my tax bill sent to a different address next year?

Changes in address are handled through the:
Town Hall

Assessor's Office

Room 5

Massena, NY 13662

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1. How do I obtain a birth record?

There are 3 ways to order:
In person/ or by mail - Town Clerk's Office, 60 Main St Room 3, Massena, NY 13662
online service - www.vitalchek.com Form