New York building departments

How permitting works in New York

Uniform Code, local enforcement; NYC separate. Outside New York City, the city, town, or village enforces the state Uniform Code, with the county or the Department of State stepping in where a locality opts out. New York City has its own construction codes and Department of Buildings.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

New York building codes and licensing

Residential code

2025 Residential Code of New York State (based on the 2024 ICC codes with NY changes in 19 NYCRR), effective December 31, 2025

Commercial code

2025 Building Code of New York State, part of the 2025 Uniform Code, effective December 31, 2025

Adopted by

State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council (Department of State, Division of Building Standards and Codes) (opens in a new tab)

Outside city limits

Cities, towns and villages enforce the Uniform Code. A city, town or village can opt out by local law, which shifts enforcement to the county; if the county has also opted out, the NY Department of State enforces.

Contractor licensing

New York State does not license home improvement contractors. New York City, Buffalo, and Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties require a local home improvement contractor license. No state license; local licensing (opens in a new tab)

What is different in New York

• The Uniform Code applies everywhere in the state except New York City, which keeps its own construction codes.
• From October 1 to December 30, 2025, applicants could follow either the 2020 or 2025 Uniform Code. The 2025 Energy Code also took effect December 31, 2025, with no transition period.
• The code is not only in the code books. 19 NYCRR Parts 1219–1229 amend the NYS code books, and some requirements appear only in those regulations.
• A homeowner can cancel a home improvement contract within three days of signing it.

New York department guides

Browse New York counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in New York?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. New York Department of State, Division of Building Standards and Codes
2. NY DOS – Amended Notice of Adoption, 2025 Uniform Code and Energy Code
3. NY DOS – Code Outreach Program 2026-1: NYCRR Changes to the 2025 Codes
4. NY DOS – Adoption of the 2025 Uniform Code (Manufactured Housing announcement)
5. NY DOS – Consumer guide on hiring home improvement contractors

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.