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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington County
A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Washington County.
Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local setbacks and zoning)
- Exempt Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local setbacks and zoning)
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the county before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Two copies of plans
- Workers compensation and disability documentation or CE-200 waiver
- Septic/sewer approvals where applicable
- Insurance documentation
- Building code
- New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if no inspection is passed within applicable timeframe.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must provide workers compensation documentation or CE-200 exemption.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must provide workers compensation and disability documentation.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-4 weeks for initial review
- 01 Complete the Washington County building permit application packet.
- 02 Take the packet to the local town compliance officer for LRCC #1 review and signature before filing with the county.
- 03 Submit the completed county application, fee, two sets of plans, insurance documentation or CE-200 exemption, and any septic/sewer materials required for the project.
- 04 Wait for county review and permit issuance; the county allows two to four weeks for processing and review.
- 05 At project completion, obtain LRCC #2 local signoff before the county will issue a certificate of occupancy or compliance.
Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for initial review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100
02
Permit fee formula
Residential new one- and two-family dwellings: $0.30/sf with $250 minimum; Additions: $0.30/sf with $150 minimum; Repairs and alterations: $0.25/sf with $100 minimum; Garages and accessory structures: $0.25/sf with $100 minimum
03
Penalty (no permit)
Two times the application fee or $200, whichever is greater
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (518) 746-2150 (phone)
Typical sequence: Contact county for inspection sequence and scheduling.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Washington County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, NY? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Washington County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington County, NY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Washington County, NY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100. Fees are calculated as: Residential new one- and two-family dwellings: $0.30/sf with $250 minimum; Additions: $0.30/sf with $150 minimum; Repairs and alterations: $0.25/sf with $100 minimum; Garages and accessory structures: $0.25/sf with $100 minimum.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, NY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, NY, follow these steps: 1. Complete the Washington County building permit application packet. 2. Take the packet to the local town compliance officer for LRCC #1 review and signature before filing with the county. 3. Submit the completed county application, fee, two sets of plans, insurance documentation or CE-200 exemption, and any septic/sewer materials required for the project. 4. Wait for county review and permit issuance; the county allows two to four weeks for processing and review. 5. At project completion, obtain LRCC #2 local signoff before the county will issue a certificate of occupancy or compliance.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, NY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Washington County, NY typically run 2-4 weeks for initial review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington County, NY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Washington County, NY. The following work is generally exempt: Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local setbacks and zoning). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the county before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, NY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, NY via: (518) 746-2150.
last verified April 2026
source Washington County Department of Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/new-york/washington/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Washington County Department of Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.