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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Smithfield
Building permits are required for new construction, structural alterations, additions, demolition, and other regulated improvements within the Town of Smithfield.
Certain routine maintenance and repair work (confirm with code office)
- Exempt Certain routine maintenance and repair work (confirm with code office)
Note: Contact the Code Enforcement Officer to verify permit requirements for your specific project.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Proof of liability insurance
- Proof of workers' compensation insurance
- Site plan or property sketch
- Construction or architectural plans
- Project scope and estimated cost
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Building code
- NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code.
- Permit validity
- Permits are valid for the period specified by the town; confirm duration with the code office.
- Owner-builder
- Confirm owner-builder and insurance requirements with the Code Enforcement Officer.
- Contractor requirements
- All building permit applications must include proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Contractors must hold valid New York State business licenses.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5-10 business days for complete applications.
- 01 Contact the Code Enforcement Officer.
- 02 The application process always starts with the code enforcement officer, who helps determine the proper application and board review.
- 03 Download or request the applicable permit form.
- 04 Complete the building permit application with required project information, including liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance documentation.
- 05 Prepare supporting documentation including site plans and construction plans.
- 06 Submit the completed application to the Code Enforcement Officer.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fees as specified in the 2025 permits and fees document.
- 08 Obtain the building permit before starting construction.
- 09 Schedule required inspections through the code office.
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days for complete applications.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Verify in current fee schedule
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee or assessed separately; confirm with code office.
03
Permit fee formula
See 2025 permits and fees document.
04
Trade permit fee
Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, mechanical work.
05
Reinspection fee
Assessed for inspections beyond standard sequence; confirm with code office.
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fee for unpermitted work.
Payment accepted at town office.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call Code Enforcement Officer Larry Cesario (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule during normal business hours.
- Inspection hours
- By appointment
- Time windows
- As scheduled with the code office
Typical sequence: Inspection sequence to be confirmed with the code office.
Remote inspections may be permitted; confirm with code office.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Smithfield permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Smithfield, NY? ▸
Building permits are required for new construction, structural alterations, additions, demolition, and other regulated improvements within the Town of Smithfield.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Smithfield, NY? ▸
Building permit fees in Smithfield, NY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Verify in current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: See 2025 permits and fees document.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee or assessed separately; confirm with code office..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Smithfield, NY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Smithfield, NY, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer. 2. The application process always starts with the code enforcement officer, who helps determine the proper application and board review. 3. Download or request the applicable permit form. 4. Complete the building permit application with required project information, including liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance documentation. 5. Prepare supporting documentation including site plans and construction plans. 6. Submit the completed application to the Code Enforcement Officer. 7. Pay applicable permit fees as specified in the 2025 permits and fees document. 8. Obtain the building permit before starting construction. 9. Schedule required inspections through the code office.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Smithfield, NY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Smithfield, NY typically run 5-10 business days for complete applications.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Smithfield, NY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Smithfield, NY. The following work is generally exempt: Certain routine maintenance and repair work (confirm with code office). Note: Contact the Code Enforcement Officer to verify permit requirements for your specific project. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Smithfield, NY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Smithfield, NY via: Call Code Enforcement Officer Larry Cesario. Schedule during normal business hours..
last verified April 2026
source Town of Smithfield code-enforcement function ↗
entry id permits/new-york/madison/smithfield
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Smithfield code-enforcement function before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.