Unincorporated Schoharie County

Building permits are required for construction, alterations, additions, and other work subject to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Energy Code, unless specifically exempt under state or local rules.

• Exempt Certain minor work is exempt under 19 NYCRR Part 1202, but local municipal adoption and amendments apply.
• Exempt Exempt work may include minor repairs, certain agricultural buildings under specific conditions, and other work as defined in the state code and local amendments.
• Exempt Applicants must check both the state baseline rule and the local municipality's adopted code-enforcement law and zoning rules before proceeding.

Note: Exemption from building permit does not mean exemption from zoning, planning, or other local regulatory requirements. Confirm with the applicable town before proceeding.

Building code

New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (12 NYCRR Part 1201) and New York State Energy Code (12 NYCRR Part 1220), unless the town has adopted more restrictive local provisions.

Permit validity

Validity periods are determined by the applicable town code; permits typically expire 6-12 months from issuance if construction has not commenced.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own property; requirements vary by town.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid New York State construction license or trade license as applicable and maintain required liability insurance.

Source: Town Code-Enforcement and Building Inspector Offices (town-specific) ↗

1. 01
   Determine which town your unincorporated property is located in; use the Schoharie County towns directory.
2. 02
   Contact the applicable town's code-enforcement or building-inspector office before work starts to confirm permit requirements.
3. 03
   Request the town's building-permit application packet or form.
4. 04
   Complete the application with all required supporting documents and plans.
5. 05
   Submit the application to the town office and pay required fees.
6. 06
   Obtain any required planning-board, zoning-board, floodplain, or other town approvals before permit issuance.
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections through the town office and maintain contact during construction.

Typical processing time: Varies by town. Typical processing may range from 1 to 8 weeks depending on project complexity and town review timelines.

Source: Town Code-Enforcement and Building Inspector Offices (town-specific) ↗

Payment methods and processing vary by town; contact the town for details.

Typical sequence: Inspection requirements and sequences are determined by the applicable town code and the specific work being permitted. Contact the town building department for details.

Remote inspection policies vary by town.