What to Know About New York State Building Permit Requirements

If you need to pull a permit anywhere in New York, you’ll need to first understand the ins and outs of New York State building permit requirements. 

This guide walks you through the basics of what you need to know about building permits in New York, including which projects require a permit, how to get one, and how to simplify the process.

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What requires a building permit in New York State?

In New York State, all major construction projects require a building permit. These permits exist to make sure buildings are safe and meet all local and state codes. 

Some projects that typically need a permit include:

• New building construction
• Major renovations or additions to existing buildings
• Electrical work
• Plumbing installations or changes
• HVAC system installations or changes
• Structural changes to a building
• Demolition of structures
• Installing or replacing a roof
• Building a deck or porch
• Installing a pool or hot tub
• Changing the use of a building (such as turning a house into a business)

This list is not exhaustive, and different cities and towns in New York have different rules about what needs a permit. Always check with your local building department to make sure.

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How big of a building can I build without a permit in NY?

In many places throughout New York, small structures like sheds don’t need a permit as long as they are under a certain size (usually 100-200 square feet). However, this isn't a hard and fast rule across the state.

For example, New York City requires a permit for any new building, no matter how small. In some rural areas, on the other hand, you can build larger structures without a permit.

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Do you need a permit for a gazebo in NY?

Small, temporary gazebos (like one used for a party) usually won't need a permit. Large gazebos will need one, however, especially if they use electrical wiring. 

The need for a permit depends on factors like:

1. Size of the gazebo
2. Whether it's a permanent or temporary structure
3. Local zoning laws
4. Where you plan to put the gazebo on your property

Your local building department is the best source for accurate information on your specific situation.

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Who issues building permits in New York State?

Building permits are issued by local government agencies throughout New York State. These might be city or town building departments, or county building departments in the case of some rural areas. 

New York City has its own Department of Buildings, which you can access in person or online. 

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How do I get a building permit in New York State?

Every successful project starts with thorough planning. A detailed plan of what you want to build or change will clue you into which permits you may need later on. A bathroom remodel, for example, will probably need permits for electrical and plumbing. 

Local zoning laws are also important. Make sure your construction project falls within the zoning requirements of your city. New York State is large, so information about specific areas has to be found on city websites rather than NY’s Department of State.

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Submit your application

Once you have your plans ready to go, the next step is to prepare your application. Gather all the required documents for your project — building plans, site plans, proof of insurance, etc. — and fill out the application forms for the permits you need. Turn your completed application into the building department, and pay all required fees.

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Await application review

Once your application is submitted and fees are paid, your city’s building department will need time to look over your submission. They may have questions for you, so be on the lookout for messages that need your attention, and respond quickly. They might also ask you to revise sections of your application or resubmit with changes.

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Receive your permit

If everything is approved, you'll get your building permit. Most large cities have an online portal to track progress and download permits to print out and display at your job site.

Be aware that you might have to schedule one or more inspections during construction. Certain cities and counties require this to ensure the work being performed is up to code.

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How long does it take to get a building permit approved in NY?

The timeline for your building permit will vary depending on your project’s size and scope. Small projects can be approved within a few days or a couple weeks, while large projects can take several months, especially if your city’s building department is particularly busy. 

It’s also important to note that errors on your permit application extend this timeline. If your building department has to hunt for information you didn’t provide, you essentially lose your spot in line. This is why it’s so important to: 

• Make sure your application is complete and accurate
• Respond quickly if the building department asks for more information
• Make sure your plans follow all relevant codes and regulations

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What happens if you don't get a building permit in NY?

Building without a permit in New York State is a bad idea. The approval process exists to provide order, uniformity, and safety to construction projects. If you’re caught sidestepping that process, you could face hefty fines, removal of work, and lawsuits.

On top of that, buildings without the right permits are much more difficult and expensive to sell or get insured. You may not even get water or power to your job site, as most utility companies refuse to connect to unpermitted structures. 

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Streamline the permitting process with PermitFlow

Permits may seem like a hassle, but it’s better to have one than to risk it and suffer the consequences. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, work with PermitFlow. 

PermitFlow’s convenient and user-friendly permitting software will help you navigate the process from start to finish. We’ll help you understand New York State building permit requirements and ensure you’re complying with all relevant building codes and policies.

Use PermitFlow to submit, track, and pull permits effortlessly, and get your permit in your hands as quickly as possible.

Working with PermitFlow can help you:

• Save time: Get your permit faster than you could on your own.
• Avoid mistakes: Avoid common errors that might slow down your application.
• Stay updated: Stay informed about the status of your application throughout the process.
• Handle complex projects: Projects that span multiple cities benefit greatly from PermitFlow.
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Ready to take the headache out of permitting

Don’t navigate all the complexities alone. Talk to our permitting experts and get professional guidance that meets the exact needs of your project.