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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Lawrence County
Under 19 NYCRR Part 1202, a building permit is required for work that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code unless a listed exemption applies.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 144 square feet (in some cases)
Certain finish work
Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings
Some other narrow categories as listed in 19 NYCRR Part 1202
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 144 square feet (in some cases)
- Exempt Certain finish work
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings
- Exempt Some other narrow categories as listed in 19 NYCRR Part 1202
Note: Exemptions do not authorize code-noncompliant work. Confirm applicability with town Code Enforcement Officer before proceeding.
- Building code
- New York State Uniform Code; Energy Code; local municipal codes
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine the town where your property is located.
- 02 Contact the town Code Enforcement Officer for permit requirements and application forms.
- 03 Verify whether your property is within an incorporated village; if so, contact the village first.
- 04 Prepare required construction documents per town and applicable code requirements.
- 05 Submit application to town Code Enforcement Officer with all required materials.
- 06 Pay permit fees as established by the town.
- 07 Schedule required inspections with the town office.
- 08 Obtain certificate of occupancy before occupying the structure.
§ 04
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated St. Lawrence County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated St. Lawrence County, NY? ▸
Under 19 NYCRR Part 1202, a building permit is required for work that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code unless a listed exemption applies.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated St. Lawrence County, NY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated St. Lawrence County, NY, follow these steps: 1. Determine the town where your property is located. 2. Contact the town Code Enforcement Officer for permit requirements and application forms. 3. Verify whether your property is within an incorporated village; if so, contact the village first. 4. Prepare required construction documents per town and applicable code requirements. 5. Submit application to town Code Enforcement Officer with all required materials. 6. Pay permit fees as established by the town. 7. Schedule required inspections with the town office. 8. Obtain certificate of occupancy before occupying the structure.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated St. Lawrence County, NY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated St. Lawrence County, NY. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 144 square feet (in some cases); Certain finish work; Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings; Some other narrow categories as listed in 19 NYCRR Part 1202. Note: Exemptions do not authorize code-noncompliant work. Confirm applicability with town Code Enforcement Officer before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Town Code Enforcement (varies by town) ↗
entry id permits/new-york/st-lawrence/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town Code Enforcement (varies by town) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.