Town of Smithfield, NY - Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Smithfield.

Department

Town of Smithfield code-enforcement function

Address

Town of Smithfield, NY

Website

https://townofsmithfield.com/applications-and-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer.
2. The application process always starts with the code enforcement officer, who helps determine the proper application and board review.
3. Download or request the applicable permit form.
4. Complete the building permit application with required project information, including liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance documentation.
5. Prepare supporting documentation including site plans and construction plans.
6. Submit the completed application to the Code Enforcement Officer.
7. Pay applicable permit fees as specified in the 2025 permits and fees document.
8. Obtain the building permit before starting construction.
9. Schedule required inspections through the code office.

Typical processing time: 5-10 business days for complete applications.

Source: Town of Smithfield code-enforcement function

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, structural alterations, additions, demolition, and other regulated improvements within the Town of Smithfield.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Proof of liability insurance
• Proof of workers' compensation insurance
• Site plan or property sketch
• Construction or architectural plans
• Project scope and estimated cost
• Proof of property ownership or authorization

Permit validity

Permits are valid for the period specified by the town; confirm duration with the code office.

Building code

NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code.

Owner-builder

Confirm owner-builder and insurance requirements with the Code Enforcement Officer.

Contractor requirements

All building permit applications must include proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Contractors must hold valid New York State business licenses.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Verify in current fee schedule

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee or assessed separately; confirm with code office.

Permit fee formula

See 2025 permits and fees document.

Trade permit fee

Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, mechanical work.

Reinspection fee

Assessed for inspections beyond standard sequence; confirm with code office.

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fee for unpermitted work.

Payment note

Payment accepted at town office.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Certain routine maintenance and repair work (confirm with code office)

Important: Contact the Code Enforcement Officer to verify permit requirements for your specific project.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call Code Enforcement Officer Larry Cesario (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule during normal business hours.

Inspection hours

By appointment

Time windows

As scheduled with the code office

Typical inspection sequence: Inspection sequence to be confirmed with the code office.

Remote inspections may be permitted; confirm with code office.

Additional Resources

• Building code: NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code.
• Verify contractor license: New York State Department of State Licensing
• 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

Town of Smithfield Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Smithfield, NY?

Building permits are required for new construction, structural alterations, additions, demolition, and other regulated improvements within the Town of Smithfield.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Smithfield, NY?

The minimum permit fee is Verify in current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: See 2025 permits and fees document.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee or assessed separately; confirm with code office..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Smithfield, NY?

1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer. 2. The application process always starts with the code enforcement officer, who helps determine the proper application and board review. 3. Download or request the applicable permit form. 4. Complete the building permit application with required project information, including liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance documentation. 5. Prepare supporting documentation including site plans and construction plans. 6. Submit the completed application to the Code Enforcement Officer. 7. Pay applicable permit fees as specified in the 2025 permits and fees document. 8. Obtain the building permit before starting construction. 9. Schedule required inspections through the code office.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Smithfield, NY?

Typical processing time is 5-10 business days for complete applications..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Smithfield, NY?

The following work is generally exempt: Certain routine maintenance and repair work (confirm with code office). Note: Contact the Code Enforcement Officer to verify permit requirements for your specific project.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Smithfield, NY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Code Enforcement Officer Larry Cesario. Schedule during normal business hours..

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