How to Get Building Permits in New York?

Neenu January 26, 2022

As per the Census Bureau, US Building Permits are the approval or authorization by the government to legally work on construction projects in permit-issuing places. It is mostly demanded privately-owned housing units.

New York State Department of State Regulations (19 NYCRR Chapter 32 Part 1203.3) which implement the Uniform Code state that "Building permits shall be required for work which must conform to the Uniform Code."

This section discusses the features and detailed procedure to obtain a building permit in the state of Texas, United States.

Important Consideration for Building Permits in New York

The building permits are issued by the city Building Department in the city or town located in the state of New York. In some large cities like New York City, the permit application must be prefilled with a satellite office before turning in your final application to the Main Building Department. As the building regulations are set by the local government, the requirements for permit application vary. So,  before applying, check the local permit requirements and building codes. 

The primary permit application types are:

  1. NB ( New Building): Construction of new structures
  2. ALT1 (Alternations Type-1) : Major alterations that will change use, egress, or occupancy
  3. ALT2: Multiple types of work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy
  4. ALT3: One type of minor work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy

The Building code of New York State Section 101.2 describes the works that require building permits. Building permits in New York is necessary for:

  • New buildings, additions, and reconstruction projects.
  • Press boxes, concession stands, toilet facilities, permanent greenhouses, storage/utility buildings, dugouts which include a storage room, guard booths, and similar structures.  (NOTE: For storage/utility buildings, dugouts which include a storage room, guard booths, and ticket booths not exceeding a total gross floor area of 200 square feet, a full submission will not be required.  It will only be necessary to follow the procedure which applies when using Form FP-AU Request for Approval of Use of a Facility.)
  • Bleacher and grandstand projects which involve footings, piers, foundations and/or concrete slabs.  (NOTE: Bleacher or grandstands constructed in conjunction with a building or site project, will be reviewed and a building permit issued for the whole project.)
  • Pavilions, Bandstands, Membrane Structures, and similar structures.
  • Site lighting and outdoor electric, such as field lighting and scoreboards - including supports and electrical hookup.
  • Small types of projects which affect health and safety (ex: means of egress; new or altered fire/safety, electrical and/or mechanical systems).
  • Site development which is in conjunction with a building project, and for which plans and specifications are submitted together with those for the building project will be reviewed and a building permit issued for the whole project.
  • Playground projects which involve on-site construction of various features and structures (ex: retaining walls; footings; walkways; grading/drainage).
  • Irrigation projects.
  • Site work which involves earth moving; utilities; or stormwater systems.
  • Demolition of existing buildings.
The Building code of New York State Section, NYCRR Chapter 32 Part 1203.3,  describes the works that require building permits. Projects Exempted from Building Permits
  • Small site development - including finished grading and planting; fencing; and re-paving of existing roadways, parking lots, and walkways.
  • Bleacher projects which involve only the installation of pre-engineered, factory-built equipment without foundations or site work.
  • Playground projects which involve only the installation of pre-engineered factory-built equipment without site work.

How to Apply for Building Permit in New York?


The process of applying for building permits in New York differs from city to city. Please go through the respective city links of the Building department and look through the application forms.

Usually, the documents and steps required for applying for Building Permit in New York City are:
  1. The full plans and permits of the project are filed by a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA). This includes zoning certificates and certificates of appropriateness.
  2. A PE or RA must submit the construction plans to obtain a plan.
  3. A Department plan examiner reviews the plans for legal and zone objections. 
  4. Fees are set by the city government and cost is calculated based on the total square footage of the project or the estimated value of construction. 
  5. The respective local government websites mentioned above give their fee schedule.

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