MASSENA -- Village Code Enforcement Officer Ken McGowan is reminding village residents that they must obtain a building permit for new construction projects and need to keep their grass trimmed.

McGowan says that includes new construction, an enlargement, removal and demolition. This includes swimming pools, storage buildings, fences, roofing and siding. McGowan also points out that alterations requiring permits include installation of plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation systems.

Property owners do not need permits for repairing windows and doors and building a patio at grade-level, but those still need to comply with village code.

Building permits and code guides can be downloaded from http://massenaworks.com/village/code-officer.asp. They can also be obtained at the Massena Building Department.

McGowan also points out that village property owners are required to keep grass and weeds under six inches. They must also remove all brush, unsightly fences, ripe grass and weeds and flammable and unsightly waste, according to McGowan. This includes from the area between a sidewalk and curb.

For more information, call the Massena Building Department at 769-6803.