Building Division
City of Ithaca Permit Wizard
The Building Division is now accepting building, electrical, demolition, tent, and sign permits online. The permits can be accessed 24/7 from a desktop computer.
Click here to begin the permit application process
Submitting an application does not constitute an issued permit or permission to proceed with the proposed work. The City cannot accept credit card payment at this time. A check or money order payable to the City of Ithaca must be received prior to processing your application.
Remit check or money order to:
City of Ithaca
Attn: Building Division-4th Floor
108 E Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
The check or money order can be mailed or placed in the drop box at City Hall. The property address must be noted on the check or money order. Failure to do so will result in processing delays.
NOTE: This permit wizard is NOT compatible with mobile devices. The wizard also does not support the Mozilla Firefox web browser.
The Electrical Exam will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, from 8:00 am - 11:00 am. All applications must be delivered to the Building Division NO LATER THAN Friday, October 29, 2021, to be able to take the exam.
Please Note: In order to protect city staff and the public, submission and review of building permit applications will be by appointment only. Someone will escort you in and out of the building. Masks are required and social distancing must be maintained.
For information requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), or to view a property file, appointments can be made by calling the Building Division office at (607) 274-6508. Appointments available on: Mondays & Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Duties & Services
Code Inspectors are employees of the Building Division and provide required inspections for building permits, housing inspections, exterior property maintenance and complaints.
The Electrical Inspector is located in the Building Division and is responsible for conducting electrical inspections and electrical surveys. Building permit applications for electrical work can be obtained between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., Monday through Friday.
The main office of the Plumbing Inspector is located on the 4th Floor of City Hall, 108 E. Green Street; call 607-274-6508 for more information.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COMMERCIAL & NON-PROFIT BUILDING OWNERS
Commercial and non-profit building owners in the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County are eligible to apply for Energize NY Finance, which provides capital for clean-energy projects. Energize NY helps property owners identify incentive programs, find reliable and certified contractors/engineering firms, access low-cost long-term financing, and develop a plan to measure/verify energy savings after upgrades are complete. You will see an increase to the value of your buildings, while seeing decreased utility bills — translating into money in your pocket. If your building has tenants, they will appreciate an increased level of comfort from efficient heating/cooling systems, which means fewer maintenance calls to you.
For more information, please click on the following link:
Energize NY Information