Building Permit Information
Contact us for an appointment
Obtaining a Permit
Permit forms may be downloaded and printed. Building permit applications can be submitted by mail or at the time of your appointment. Permit applications must contain the required information and forms or they will not be processed.
When an Architect is Required
The New York State Education Law requires that architectural drawings be submitted for projects affecting structural safety and/or public safety, costing more than $20,000 or for construction of residential buildings of more than 1,500 square feet. Drawings prepared by a New York State registered architect or licensed professional engineer whose signature and seal of registration in New York State shall be legibly imprinted on the plans.
When Building Permits Are Not Required
No building permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories except where such work is located within a designated historic district or in a designated landmark structure or site (see: Chapter § 228):
- Construction or installation of one-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.38 square meters), and where no plumbing, electrical or heating equipment service or system is provided, and that the structure complies with the area and setback requirements of Chapter §325-25
- Installation of swings and other playground equipment
- Installation of swimming pools associated with 1- or 2-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth 24 inches or less and have a water surface area of 100 square feet or less, and are installed entirely above ground
- Installation of fences can be found in Chapter 146 of City Code
- Construction of retaining walls less than four feet in height from grade to the top of the wall for the entire length of the wall unless such walls support a surcharge of soil or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids
- Construction of temporary motion-picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery remaining in place for fewer than 180 days
- Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), provided such awnings do not encroach on any right-of-way or project beyond property lines, and are in compliance with the setback requirements of Chapter §325-8 (see: District Regulations Chart)
- Installation of partitions or movable cases less than 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Painting, wallpapering, tiling, floor covering and other similar finish work
- Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances where such installation requires no extension of permanently installed building electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems
- Repairs that use like material provided that the repairs do not involve:
- The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component
- The removal or change of any required stairs or means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress
- Alteration of fire protections systems, or the removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system for any period of time
- The alteration or removal of required fire separations
- The installation, enlargement, alteration, relocation, or extension of electrical or plumbing systems
- The alteration, relocation or installation of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances and associated chimneys or flues
- The removal or abatement of asbestos or other hazardous material except for paint
Contact Us
-
Phone: (607) 274-6508
Fax: (607) 274-6521108 E. Green St.
4th Floor
Ithaca, NY 14850Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Building Permit Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
or by appointment
Contact: Bill Epthimiatos
(607) 274-6423
Mobile (607) 327-0736Permit applicants are encouraged to Apply Online. Permit applicants with large, complex projects are encouraged to call for an appointment
Electrical Permit Hours
Carol Marion
(607) 274-6411Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.