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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Brewster
A building permit is required for any work that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code, including construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure, and installation of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, or flues.
Swings and playground equipment for one- and two-family dwellings
Entirely above-ground pools under 24 inches deep
Window awnings supported by exterior wall of one- or two-family dwelling
Partitions or movable cases under 5 feet 9 inches high
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or similar finish work
Repairs not removing structural elements, altering egress, relocating building systems, or taking fire protection systems out of service
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment for one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Entirely above-ground pools under 24 inches deep
- Exempt Window awnings supported by exterior wall of one- or two-family dwelling
- Exempt Partitions or movable cases under 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or similar finish work
- Exempt Repairs not removing structural elements, altering egress, relocating building systems, or taking fire protection systems out of service
Note: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes and zoning. Confirm edge cases with Code Enforcement Office before proceeding.
Required documents
- Written application signed by owner or authorized agent
- Description of work, tax map number and street address
- Occupancy classification and statement of special inspections
- At least two sets of construction documents
- Copy of contractor's Putnam County license
- Certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation
- Notarized owner consent (if applicable)
- Sketch drawing (where needed)
- Architect or engineer stamp and seal (for work exceeding $10,000)
- Mechanical equipment cut sheets and diagrams (as applicable)
- Property survey (for certain structural work)
- Building code
- New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Energy Code
- Permit validity
- Typical permits valid for reasonable construction timeline; extensions available.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with all application and documentation requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid Putnam County licenses for applicable trades.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-4 weeks for initial review, longer if board approvals required.
- 01 Review Permit Application Instructions and current fee schedule.
- 02 Prepare fully completed application with tax map number, contractor license number, and work description.
- 03 Include certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation.
- 04 Provide notarized owner consent unless owner submits personally or is doing the work.
- 05 Submit sketch drawing where needed; architect or engineer stamp and seal required for work exceeding $10,000.
- 06 Include mechanical equipment cut sheets for furnaces, boilers, HVAC, and plumbing riser diagram as applicable.
- 07 For gas and propane permits, include plumbing application and piping diagram.
- 08 For fences, sheds, decks, porches, and additions under $10,000, include property survey.
- 09 At least two sets of construction documents showing scope of work and code compliance.
- 10 Pay applicable permit fees.
- 11 Schedule inspections and obtain final approvals upon completion.
Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for initial review, longer if board approvals required.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective April 4, 2019
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$125 (residential renovation/alterations) to $500 (commercial new construction)
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Base fee plus tiered rate per $1,000 of construction cost
04
Trade permit fee
Included in permit structure
05
Reinspection fee
Consult fee schedule
06
Penalty (no permit)
$250 penalty plus permit cost for work without permit or stop work order
Residential renovation/alterations: $125 plus cost-based charges. Residential new construction: $250 plus cost-based charges. Commercial new construction: $500 plus cost-based charges. Permit extension: 50% of original fee per extension (max two one-year extensions).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective April 4, 2019) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 845-279-3760 (phone)
- Code Enforcement Office, 50 Main Street (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- Confirm advance notice requirement with Code Enforcement Office
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, standard business hours
Typical sequence: Work must be performed according to approved construction documents. Final inspections and certificate requirements should be coordinated with Code Enforcement Officer based on permit issued.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Brewster permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Brewster, NY? ▸
A building permit is required for any work that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code, including construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure, and installation of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, or flues.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Brewster, NY? ▸
Building permit fees in Brewster, NY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $125 (residential renovation/alterations) to $500 (commercial new construction). Fees are calculated as: Base fee plus tiered rate per $1,000 of construction cost. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Brewster, NY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Brewster, NY, follow these steps: 1. Review Permit Application Instructions and current fee schedule. 2. Prepare fully completed application with tax map number, contractor license number, and work description. 3. Include certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation. 4. Provide notarized owner consent unless owner submits personally or is doing the work. 5. Submit sketch drawing where needed; architect or engineer stamp and seal required for work exceeding $10,000. 6. Include mechanical equipment cut sheets for furnaces, boilers, HVAC, and plumbing riser diagram as applicable. 7. For gas and propane permits, include plumbing application and piping diagram. 8. For fences, sheds, decks, porches, and additions under $10,000, include property survey. 9. At least two sets of construction documents showing scope of work and code compliance. 10. Pay applicable permit fees. 11. Schedule inspections and obtain final approvals upon completion.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Brewster, NY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Brewster, NY typically run 2-4 weeks for initial review, longer if board approvals required.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Brewster, NY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Brewster, NY. The following work is generally exempt: Swings and playground equipment for one- and two-family dwellings; Entirely above-ground pools under 24 inches deep; Window awnings supported by exterior wall of one- or two-family dwelling; Partitions or movable cases under 5 feet 9 inches high; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or similar finish work; Repairs not removing structural elements, altering egress, relocating building systems, or taking fire protection systems out of service. Note: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes and zoning. Confirm edge cases with Code Enforcement Office before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Brewster, NY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Brewster, NY via: 845-279-3760, Code Enforcement Office, 50 Main Street. Confirm advance notice requirement with Code Enforcement Office.
last verified April 2026
source Village of Brewster Office of Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/new-york/putnam/brewster
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Village of Brewster Office of Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.