Greene County, NY - Unincorporated Area Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Greene County properties are administered by the applicable town in which the parcel is located. Greene County does not operate a centralized county building-permit office for private construction. Applicants should file with the town code-enforcement or building office for their specific location.

Department

Town Code Enforcement Offices (Countywide Reference)

Website

https://dos.ny.gov/uniform-fire-prevention-and-building-code

Application Process

1. Identify the town where your unincorporated property is located (Athens, Cairo, Catskill, Coxsackie, Durham, Greenville, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, New Baltimore, Prattsville, or Windham).
2. Contact the applicable town's Code Enforcement or Building office for the current permit application packet.
3. Submit required application materials, bill of materials, and any project-specific documents.
4. Pay fees as required by the town.
5. Schedule and pass required inspections.

Typical processing time: Varies by town; contact local code enforcement for specifics.

Source: Town Code Enforcement Offices (Countywide Reference)

General Requirements

Building permits are required for construction in unincorporated Greene County. Exact requirements vary by town.

Required Documents

• Building permit application (town-specific form)
• Bill of materials
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Project scope documentation
• Owner/applicant acknowledgements

Permit validity

Varies by town code.

Building code

New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

Owner-builder

Requirements vary by town; contact local code enforcement.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must comply with local town license and insurance requirements.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Varies by town; contact local code enforcement for fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town Code Enforcement Offices (Countywide Reference) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by town; contact local code enforcement.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Verify contractor license: New York Licensing Information System
• NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Local Government Code Enforcement
• 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

Greene County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits are required for construction in unincorporated Greene County. Exact requirements vary by town.

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

Fees are calculated as: Varies by town; contact local code enforcement for fee schedule..

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

1. Identify the town where your unincorporated property is located (Athens, Cairo, Catskill, Coxsackie, Durham, Greenville, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, New Baltimore, Prattsville, or Windham). 2. Contact the applicable town's Code Enforcement or Building office for the current permit application packet. 3. Submit required application materials, bill of materials, and any project-specific documents. 4. Pay fees as required by the town. 5. Schedule and pass required inspections.

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

Typical processing time is Varies by town; contact local code enforcement for specifics..

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

The following work is generally exempt: State exemptions under 19 NYCRR Part 1202 apply unless the local town has adopted stricter rules.; Local zoning and permit rules still apply even for exempt work.. Note: Confirm exempt-work status with your applicable town code enforcement before starting work.