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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin County
Building permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, relocation, demolition, and solid-fuel appliance work that must conform to the New York State Uniform Code or Energy Code.
- Exempt Certain detached accessory structures under 144 square feet (verify with town)
- Exempt Fences and walls below specified heights (typically under 7 ft for fences, 3 ft for walls)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs and maintenance
Note: Exemptions vary by town and may differ from state baseline. Confirm with your town Code Officer before assuming a project is exempt.
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Applicant/owner information
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Building code
- New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code; New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code
- Permit validity
- Varies by town; typically permits are valid for 6-12 months from issuance and must be finaled within specified timeframe.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may be permitted in some towns; verify with your town Code Officer before proceeding.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid licenses and insurance as required by New York State and the town.
Source: Franklin County Code Enforcement (Town and Village Officials) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by town, typically 2-6 weeks for plan review after submission.
- 01 Identify the town where your property is located (outside any incorporated village).
- 02 Contact the assigned town Code Officer to determine application requirements.
- 03 Obtain the applicable application form from the town office.
- 04 Prepare required documents per town specifications (plans, site plan, etc.).
- 05 Submit application and fees to the town Code Officer.
- 06 Town conducts plan review and issues permit or correction comments.
- 07 Respond to comments and resubmit as needed.
- 08 Pay any additional fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
- 09 If in Adirondack Park area, also verify APA determination requirements.
Typical processing time: Varies by town, typically 2-6 weeks for plan review after submission.
Source: Franklin County Code Enforcement (Town and Village Officials) ↗
Fee schedule
Franklin County building permit fees
Payment methods vary by town; contact Code Officer for details.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Contact your town Code Officer (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Varies by town; contact Code Officer for deadline.
- Inspection hours
- Varies by town; typically office hours Monday-Friday 9 AM-4 PM
- Time windows
- Varies by town
Typical sequence: Typical sequence per New York State Uniform Code: footing/foundation, underfloor MEP, slab, frame, roof, rough trades, insulation, drywall, finals. Exact sequence varies by town.
Some remote inspections may be permitted at town's discretion; contact Code Officer.
Source: Franklin County Code Enforcement (Town and Village Officials) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Franklin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NY? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Franklin County, NY? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NY? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NY? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Franklin County, NY? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, NY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin County Code Enforcement (Town and Village Officials) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.