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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cambridge
A building permit is required for most construction within the Village of Cambridge.
Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local zoning)
- Exempt Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local zoning)
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with village zoning officer before proceeding.
Required documents
- Local village zoning permit
- Washington County building permit application
- Two copies of plans
- Workers compensation documentation or CE-200 waiver
- Septic/sewer approvals where applicable
- Building code
- New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code with local zoning overlay
- Permit validity
- Zoning permit expires if project does not receive certificate of occupancy within 18 months after issuance or before building permit expires, whichever is shorter.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with local zoning law.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must provide workers compensation and disability documentation.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Village review plus 2-4 weeks for county review
- 01 Obtain the required local village zoning permit before development starts.
- 02 If the project triggers site plan review, special use permit review, sign permit review, or demolition permit review, complete those village processes first.
- 03 Submit the Washington County building permit packet with Cambridge village local compliance signoff for the county-issued building permit and certificate of occupancy.
- 04 Post the zoning permit visibly on the premises and keep it posted until permit requirements are satisfied.
Typical processing time: Village review plus 2-4 weeks for county review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Cambridge building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Village permit and appeal fees established by Village Board resolution; fee schedule posted in Village Office.
Contact village office for current fee schedule.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Village: (518) 677-2622 (phone)
- Washington County: (518) 746-2150 (phone)
Typical sequence: Contact village and Washington County for inspection scheduling.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cambridge permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cambridge, NY? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction within the Village of Cambridge.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cambridge, NY? ▸
Building permit fees in Cambridge, NY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Village permit and appeal fees established by Village Board resolution; fee schedule posted in Village Office..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cambridge, NY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Cambridge, NY, follow these steps: 1. Obtain the required local village zoning permit before development starts. 2. If the project triggers site plan review, special use permit review, sign permit review, or demolition permit review, complete those village processes first. 3. Submit the Washington County building permit packet with Cambridge village local compliance signoff for the county-issued building permit and certificate of occupancy. 4. Post the zoning permit visibly on the premises and keep it posted until permit requirements are satisfied.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cambridge, NY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Cambridge, NY typically run Village review plus 2-4 weeks for county review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cambridge, NY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Cambridge, NY. The following work is generally exempt: Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local zoning). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with village zoning officer before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cambridge, NY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cambridge, NY via: Village: (518) 677-2622, Washington County: (518) 746-2150.
last verified April 2026
source Village of Cambridge Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/new-york/washington/cambridge
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Village of Cambridge Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.