City Building Permits

Town of Wells, NY - Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Wells, New York. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New York Hamilton County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The Town of Wells has a local building-permit and code-enforcement program that enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes within town boundaries.

Department
Town of Wells Code Enforcement
Address
P.O. Box 493, Wells, NY 12190
Phone
518-207-7952

Online Permit Portal

Platform: Local government office • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer (George Boudreau) or Town Clerk's office.
  2. Download or obtain a building permit application from the town website.
  3. Complete the application with project details and scope.
  4. Prepare required site plans and construction documents.
  5. Provide proof of property ownership.
  6. Provide proof of insurance or workers' compensation, or a notarized affidavit explaining why it is not required.
  7. Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Town Clerk's office.
  8. Application may be submitted by phone, mail, email, or in-person.
  9. Code Enforcement reviews the application and issues the permit.
  10. Schedule and pass required inspections during construction.

Typical processing time: Not specified; confirm with Code Enforcement.

Source: Town of Wells Code Enforcement

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction and alterations in the Town of Wells.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Site plans and construction documents
  • Proof of property ownership
  • Proof of insurance or workers' compensation, or notarized affidavit explaining why it is not required
Permit validity
Not specified in available documentation.
Building code
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes
Owner-builder
Owner-builders may be permitted for owner-occupied residential projects; confirm with Code Enforcement.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must be qualified and licensed. Proof of workers' compensation insurance is required.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Permit fees are project-based. See the Building Permit Application Fee List in the Documents section of the Code Enforcement Department page.
Payment note
Contact Code Enforcement for payment details and current fee schedule.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Wells Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 518-207-7952 (phone)
  • 518-924-4521 (fax)
  • gb705886@aol.com (email)
Scheduling deadline
At least 24 hours' notice is required for inspections (some sections state two days' notice; applicants should follow the stricter timing and schedule inspections early).
Inspection hours
Not specified; contact Code Enforcement office.
Time windows
Not specified; coordinate with Code Enforcement.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required during and after construction. The Code Enforcement Department reviews plans, issues permits, performs onsite inspections, investigates noncompliance, and issues Certificates of Occupancy and/or Certificates of Compliance.

Not specified; confirm availability with Code Enforcement.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Wells Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Wells Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Wells, NY?
A building permit is required for construction and alterations in the Town of Wells.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Wells, NY?
Fees are calculated as: Permit fees are project-based. See the Building Permit Application Fee List in the Documents section of the Code Enforcement Department page..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Wells, NY?
1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer (George Boudreau) or Town Clerk's office. 2. Download or obtain a building permit application from the town website. 3. Complete the application with project details and scope. 4. Prepare required site plans and construction documents. 5. Provide proof of property ownership. 6. Provide proof of insurance or workers' compensation, or a notarized affidavit explaining why it is not required. 7. Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Town Clerk's office. 8. Application may be submitted by phone, mail, email, or in-person. 9. Code Enforcement reviews the application and issues the permit. 10. Schedule and pass required inspections during construction.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Wells, NY?
Typical processing time is Not specified; confirm with Code Enforcement..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Wells, NY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 518-207-7952, 518-924-4521, gb705886@aol.com. At least 24 hours' notice is required for inspections (some sections state two days' notice; applicants should follow the stricter timing and schedule inspections early)..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Wells can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Hamilton County

View all Hamilton County jurisdictions →