Village of Brewster, NY - Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Village of Brewster.

Department

Village of Brewster Office of Code Enforcement

Address

50 Main Street, Brewster, NY 10509

Phone

845-279-3760

Website

https://www.brewstervillage-ny.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review Permit Application Instructions and current fee schedule.
2. Prepare fully completed application with tax map number, contractor license number, and work description.
3. Include certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation.
4. Provide notarized owner consent unless owner submits personally or is doing the work.
5. Submit sketch drawing where needed; architect or engineer stamp and seal required for work exceeding $10,000.
6. Include mechanical equipment cut sheets for furnaces, boilers, HVAC, and plumbing riser diagram as applicable.
7. For gas and propane permits, include plumbing application and piping diagram.
8. For fences, sheds, decks, porches, and additions under $10,000, include property survey.
9. At least two sets of construction documents showing scope of work and code compliance.
10. Pay applicable permit fees.
11. Schedule inspections and obtain final approvals upon completion.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for initial review, longer if board approvals required.

Source: Village of Brewster Office of Code Enforcement

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any work that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code, including construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure, and installation of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, or flues.

Required Documents

• Written application signed by owner or authorized agent
• Description of work, tax map number and street address
• Occupancy classification and statement of special inspections
• At least two sets of construction documents
• Copy of contractor's Putnam County license
• Certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation
• Notarized owner consent (if applicable)
• Sketch drawing (where needed)
• Architect or engineer stamp and seal (for work exceeding $10,000)
• Mechanical equipment cut sheets and diagrams (as applicable)
• Property survey (for certain structural work)

Permit validity

Typical permits valid for reasonable construction timeline; extensions available.

Building code

New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Energy Code

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must comply with all application and documentation requirements.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold valid Putnam County licenses for applicable trades.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$125 (residential renovation/alterations) to $500 (commercial new construction)

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee

Permit fee formula

Base fee plus tiered rate per $1,000 of construction cost

Trade permit fee

Included in permit structure

Reinspection fee

Consult fee schedule

Penalty (no permit)

$250 penalty plus permit cost for work without permit or stop work order

Payment note

Residential renovation/alterations: $125 plus cost-based charges. Residential new construction: $250 plus cost-based charges. Commercial new construction: $500 plus cost-based charges. Permit extension: 50% of original fee per extension (max two one-year extensions).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective April 4, 2019).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Swings and playground equipment for one- and two-family dwellings
• Entirely above-ground pools under 24 inches deep
• Window awnings supported by exterior wall of one- or two-family dwelling
• Partitions or movable cases under 5 feet 9 inches high
• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or similar finish work
• Repairs not removing structural elements, altering egress, relocating building systems, or taking fire protection systems out of service

Important: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes and zoning. Confirm edge cases with Code Enforcement Office before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 845-279-3760 (phone)
• Code Enforcement Office, 50 Main Street (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Confirm advance notice requirement with Code Enforcement Office

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Work must be performed according to approved construction documents. Final inspections and certificate requirements should be coordinated with Code Enforcement Officer based on permit issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Energy Code
• Electrical Permit Filing (Putnam County Board)
• 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

Village of Brewster Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Village of Brewster, NY?

A building permit is required for any work that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code, including construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure, and installation of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, or flues.

How much does a building permit cost in Village of Brewster, NY?

The minimum permit fee is $125 (residential renovation/alterations) to $500 (commercial new construction). Fees are calculated as: Base fee plus tiered rate per $1,000 of construction cost. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Village of Brewster, NY?

1. Review Permit Application Instructions and current fee schedule. 2. Prepare fully completed application with tax map number, contractor license number, and work description. 3. Include certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation. 4. Provide notarized owner consent unless owner submits personally or is doing the work. 5. Submit sketch drawing where needed; architect or engineer stamp and seal required for work exceeding $10,000. 6. Include mechanical equipment cut sheets for furnaces, boilers, HVAC, and plumbing riser diagram as applicable. 7. For gas and propane permits, include plumbing application and piping diagram. 8. For fences, sheds, decks, porches, and additions under $10,000, include property survey. 9. At least two sets of construction documents showing scope of work and code compliance. 10. Pay applicable permit fees. 11. Schedule inspections and obtain final approvals upon completion.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Village of Brewster, NY?

Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for initial review, longer if board approvals required..

What work is exempt from building permits in Village of Brewster, NY?

The following work is generally exempt: Swings and playground equipment for one- and two-family dwellings; Entirely above-ground pools under 24 inches deep; Window awnings supported by exterior wall of one- or two-family dwelling; Partitions or movable cases under 5 feet 9 inches high; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or similar finish work; Repairs not removing structural elements, altering egress, relocating building systems, or taking fire protection systems out of service. Note: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes and zoning. Confirm edge cases with Code Enforcement Office before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Village of Brewster, NY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 845-279-3760, Code Enforcement Office, 50 Main Street. Confirm advance notice requirement with Code Enforcement Office.

Other cities in Putnam County