Chenango County, NY - Unincorporated Area Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County-administered building permit program for county-participating municipalities in Chenango County. For unincorporated land, the applicable town remains the practical local jurisdiction for zoning and local-law compliance, but Chenango County Code Enforcement issues the building permit in participating areas.

Department

Chenango County Fire and Building Code Enforcement Office, Department of Public Health

Address

County Office Building, 5 Court Street, Norwich, NY 13815

Phone

607-337-1796

Website

https://www.chenangocountyny.gov/

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in a county-participating municipality rather than the City of Norwich, the Town/Village of Greene, or the Village of Earlville.
2. Complete the Chenango County building permit application and do not begin construction until the permit is approved and issued.
3. Submit drawings sufficient to describe the work; stamped plans are required unless the project qualifies for the state-law exemption for one- or two-family dwellings of 1,500 square feet or less or certain non-structural alterations under $20,000.
4. Attach workers' compensation and disability forms or the applicable exemption forms.
5. Obtain the application's local compliance certification from the town supervisor, village mayor, or authorized representative stating the project complies with local zoning, sanitary, subdivision, and flood-hazard regulations.
6. Pay the county fee and schedule inspections as construction progresses.

Source: Chenango County Fire and Building Code Enforcement Office, Department of Public Health

General Requirements

Chenango County's fee schedule states building permits are required for any work that must conform to the NYS Uniform Building Code.

Required Documents

• Completed county building permit application
• Project description
• Estimated cost
• Drawings
• Plot plan with setbacks and wells/sanitation
• Architect or engineer information if required
• Workers' compensation and disability forms or applicable exemption forms
• Local compliance certification from town supervisor or village mayor

Building code

New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Permit fee formula

Varies by work type; examples: decks $50, porches $50, swimming pools $50, reroofing $50, residential generators $50, residential demolition $50

Penalty (no permit)

Double fee for projects started without a permit

Payment note

50% of original permit fee for a one-year renewal after permit expiration

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 20, 2022).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Necessary repairs not affecting structural features
• Alterations that do not affect structural features, fire-safety features, electrical systems, or solid-fuel appliances and that cost less than $20,000

Important: Applicants should confirm any claimed exemption with the county or town before proceeding, because local zoning, floodplain, septic, or other approvals may still apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 607-337-1796 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspection types listed on county application: footing/foundation, framing, plumbing/heating/ventilation, electrical, energy/insulation, and final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Chenango County Local Law No. 2 of 2010
• Contact Information and Territory Breakdown
• License lookup guide: New York Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New York Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New York hub: New York Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Chenango County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Chenango County, NY?

Chenango County's fee schedule states building permits are required for any work that must conform to the NYS Uniform Building Code.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Chenango County, NY?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Varies by work type; examples: decks $50, porches $50, swimming pools $50, reroofing $50, residential generators $50, residential demolition $50.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chenango County, NY?

1. Confirm the parcel is in a county-participating municipality rather than the City of Norwich, the Town/Village of Greene, or the Village of Earlville. 2. Complete the Chenango County building permit application and do not begin construction until the permit is approved and issued. 3. Submit drawings sufficient to describe the work; stamped plans are required unless the project qualifies for the state-law exemption for one- or two-family dwellings of 1,500 square feet or less or certain non-structural alterations under $20,000. 4. Attach workers' compensation and disability forms or the applicable exemption forms. 5. Obtain the application's local compliance certification from the town supervisor, village mayor, or authorized representative stating the project complies with local zoning, sanitary, subdivision, and flood-hazard regulations. 6. Pay the county fee and schedule inspections as construction progresses.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Chenango County, NY?

The following work is generally exempt: Necessary repairs not affecting structural features; Alterations that do not affect structural features, fire-safety features, electrical systems, or solid-fuel appliances and that cost less than $20,000. Note: Applicants should confirm any claimed exemption with the county or town before proceeding, because local zoning, floodplain, septic, or other approvals may still apply.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chenango County, NY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 607-337-1796.