Franklin County, NY - Unincorporated Area Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas outside incorporated village limits. Permit authority is ordinarily the town where the parcel is located.

Department

Franklin County Code Enforcement (Town and Village Officials)

Address

Franklin County Office Building, 355 West Main Street, Malone, NY 12953

Phone

518-481-7700

Website

https://www.franklincountyny.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Identify the town where your property is located (outside any incorporated village).
2. Contact the assigned town Code Officer to determine application requirements.
3. Obtain the applicable application form from the town office.
4. Prepare required documents per town specifications (plans, site plan, etc.).
5. Submit application and fees to the town Code Officer.
6. Town conducts plan review and issues permit or correction comments.
7. Respond to comments and resubmit as needed.
8. Pay any additional fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
9. If in Adirondack Park area, also verify APA determination requirements.

Typical processing time: Varies by town, typically 2-6 weeks for plan review after submission.

Source: Franklin County Code Enforcement (Town and Village Officials)

General Requirements

Building permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, relocation, demolition, and solid-fuel appliance work that must conform to the New York State Uniform Code or Energy Code.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Applicant/owner information
• Proof of property ownership or authorization

Permit validity

Varies by town; typically permits are valid for 6-12 months from issuance and must be finaled within specified timeframe.

Building code

New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code; New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may be permitted in some towns; verify with your town Code Officer before proceeding.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold valid licenses and insurance as required by New York State and the town.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Varies by town

Plan check fee

Varies by town

Permit fee formula

Varies by town; contact Code Officer for fee structure

Trade permit fee

Varies by town

Reinspection fee

Varies by town

Penalty (no permit)

Varies by town

Payment note

Payment methods vary by town; contact Code Officer for details.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Franklin County Code Enforcement (Town and Village Officials) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact your town Code Officer (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Varies by town; contact Code Officer for deadline.

Inspection hours

Varies by town; typically office hours Monday-Friday 9 AM-4 PM

Time windows

Varies by town

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence per New York State Uniform Code: footing/foundation, underfloor MEP, slab, frame, roof, rough trades, insulation, drywall, finals. Exact sequence varies by town.

Some remote inspections may be permitted at town's discretion; contact Code Officer.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code; New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup (California contractors only; verify NY requirements separately)
• Franklin County Directory
• Town and Village Contact Sheet
• 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

Franklin County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, relocation, demolition, and solid-fuel appliance work that must conform to the New York State Uniform Code or Energy Code.

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

The minimum permit fee is Varies by town. Fees are calculated as: Varies by town; contact Code Officer for fee structure. Plan check fee: Varies by town.

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

1. Identify the town where your property is located (outside any incorporated village). 2. Contact the assigned town Code Officer to determine application requirements. 3. Obtain the applicable application form from the town office. 4. Prepare required documents per town specifications (plans, site plan, etc.). 5. Submit application and fees to the town Code Officer. 6. Town conducts plan review and issues permit or correction comments. 7. Respond to comments and resubmit as needed. 8. Pay any additional fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work. 9. If in Adirondack Park area, also verify APA determination requirements.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NY?

Typical processing time is Varies by town, typically 2-6 weeks for plan review after submission..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Certain detached accessory structures under 144 square feet (verify with town); Fences and walls below specified heights (typically under 7 ft for fences, 3 ft for walls); Ordinary repairs and maintenance. Note: Exemptions vary by town and may differ from state baseline. Confirm with your town Code Officer before assuming a project is exempt.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact your town Code Officer. Varies by town; contact Code Officer for deadline..