Permit Classifications

Project Classifications for Building Permits

  • Accessory Structure: As classified by the New York State (NYS) Residential Code; In 1- and 2-family dwellings not more than 3 stories in high with separate means of egress, a building, the use of which is incidental to that of the main building and which is located on the same lot.
  • Addition: An extension or increase in floor area, number of stories, or height of a building or structure.
  • Alteration - Level 1: Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition. Level 1 alterations includes the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.
  • Alteration - Level 2: Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition. Level 2 alterations include the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.
  • Alteration - Level 3: Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition. Level 3 alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50% of the aggregate area of the building. That portion or portions of a building consisting of all reconfigured spaces as indicated on the construction documents. Work area excludes other portions of the building where incidental work entailed by the intended work must be performed and portions of the building where work not initially intended by the owner is specifically required by this code.
  • Change of Occupancy: Change of occupancy provisions apply where the purpose or level of activity within a building that involves a change in application of the requirements of this code.
  • Demolition: Classified as the removal of any building or structure.
  • Fill / Stock Pile: The deposit or removal from any parcel in any twelve month period of more than 50 cubic yards of fill.
  • Historic: Any building or structure that is listed in the State or National Register of Historic Places; designated as a historic property under local or state designation law or survey; certified as a contributing resource within a National Register listed or locally designated historic district; or with an opinion or certification that the property is eligible to be listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing building to a historic district by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places.
  • New 1-2 Family: Buildings three stories or less, with direct exit to the exterior, as classified by the NYS Residential Code.
  • New Commercial: This classification includes occupancies classified by the New York State Building Code (NYSBC) as; Assembly (A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5), Business (B), Educational (E), Institutional (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4), Mercantile (M), Storage (S-1, S-2), and Utility (U).
  • New Hazardous: This classification includes occupancies classified by the NYSBC as; High Hazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5)
  • New Industrial: This classification includes occupancies classified by the NYSBC as; Factory and Industrial (F-1, F-2)
  • New Multiple: This classification includes occupancies classified by the NYSBC as; Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3 as applicable in Section 101.2, R-4)
  • Relocation: Relocated buildings provisions shall apply to relocated or moved buildings.
  • Repairs: The restoration to good or sound condition of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance, including the patching or restoration using original materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures for the purpose of maintaining such materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures in good or sound condition.
  • Signs: Any material, symbol, emblem, structure or device, or part thereof, composed of lettered or pictorial matter or upon which lettered or pictorial matter is placed when used or located out-of-doors or outside or on the exterior of any building, including exterior and interior window surfaces, for display of an advertisement, announcement, notice, directional matter or name, and includes sign frames, billboards, signboards, painted wall signs, hanging signs, illuminated signs, pennants, fluttering devices, projecting signs or grounds signs, and shall also include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration or insignia used to advertise or promote the interests of any person or business when the same is placed in view of the general public.
  • Site Work: Underground or above ground work (other than utilities that involve more than 50 cubic yards of removal or fill: see Fill Permit), topography changes, installation of plantings, paving, retaining walls, drainage culverts and swales, fences and gates, lighting, site furniture, fountains, pools or ponds, bridges, dams, decks, boardwalks, pergolas, signs and any other accessory structures, devices or landscape material on site.
  • Tents: Installation of a tent or canopy having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 square meters) shall not be erected, operated, or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining a permit per event. Exceptions may apply: please check with the Ithaca Building Division (Permit application hours are 8:00am- 10:00am, Monday- Friday)