City Building Permits
Town of Putnam Valley, NY - Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Town of Putnam Valley, New York. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the Town of Putnam Valley.
- Department
- Town of Putnam Valley Building and Zoning Department
- Address
- 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, NY 10579
- Phone
- 845-526-2377
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Review the applicable permit forms and current fee schedule.
- Prepare completed permit application with property, zoning, construction description, and floodplain information.
- Include Putnam County contractor information and license number.
- Obtain any required zoning approvals or asbestos certifications.
- Prepare REScheck certification if project is a renovation requiring energy code compliance.
- Submit all documents in person Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Pay applicable permit fees based on estimated construction cost and project type.
- Schedule inspections and obtain certificates of occupancy or compliance upon completion.
Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for initial review, longer if municipal board approvals required.
Source: Town of Putnam Valley Building and Zoning Department
General Requirements
Building Department handles permitting for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, repairs, as well as specialized permits for demolition, fences, walls, gas, generators, HVAC, sewer, tents, trees, wells, and other specific categories.
Required Documents
- Completed building permit application
- Property and zoning information
- Description of construction work
- Floodplain indication
- Owner or authorized agent signature
- Putnam County contractor information and license number
- Asbestos survey or certificate (if required for demolition, renovation, or alteration)
- REScheck certification (if required for renovation)
- Permit validity
- Varies by permit type; renewal fees are half of original fee in second year (minimum $75), then full fee thereafter.
- Building code
- New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Energy Code
- Owner-builder
- Owners are responsible for outstanding town charges and consultant fees associated with the permit.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Putnam County license.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $75 (for some permit renewals)
- Plan check fee
- Included in permit fee
- Permit fee formula
- $20 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; many categories use square-foot valuation schedules
- Trade permit fee
- Electrical: $50; Gas: varies; Plumbing: $75 for five fixtures, $15 each additional; HVAC: $75 per unit
- Reinspection fee
- Included in permit terms
- Penalty (no permit)
- $1,500 or as determined by Town Board for work undertaken or completed before obtaining permit
- Payment note
- Residential single-family dwellings: $130/sq ft; Two-family: $200/sq ft; Accessory buildings: $50/sq ft; Finished basements: $75/sq ft; Interior renovations: $65/sq ft residential, $75/sq ft commercial; Pools: $75; Demolition: $100 residential; Generator: $75 residential; Fence/wall: $75; Minor grading: $75 residential.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 21, 2026).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Town of Putnam Valley Building and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 845-526-2377 (phone)
- Building Department office (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- Confirm specific intervals with Building Department for project type
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Department performs fire and safety inspections and permitting reviews. Confirm final inspection and certificate requirements by permit type with the department.
Additional Resources
- Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Energy Code
- Putnam Valley Zoning Information
- License lookup guide: New York Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: New York Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- New York hub: New York Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Putnam Valley Building and Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Town of Putnam Valley Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Town of Putnam Valley, NY?
- Building Department handles permitting for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, repairs, as well as specialized permits for demolition, fences, walls, gas, generators, HVAC, sewer, tents, trees, wells, and other specific categories.
- How much does a building permit cost in Town of Putnam Valley, NY?
- The minimum permit fee is $75 (for some permit renewals). Fees are calculated as: $20 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; many categories use square-foot valuation schedules. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Putnam Valley, NY?
- 1. Review the applicable permit forms and current fee schedule. 2. Prepare completed permit application with property, zoning, construction description, and floodplain information. 3. Include Putnam County contractor information and license number. 4. Obtain any required zoning approvals or asbestos certifications. 5. Prepare REScheck certification if project is a renovation requiring energy code compliance. 6. Submit all documents in person Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 7. Pay applicable permit fees based on estimated construction cost and project type. 8. Schedule inspections and obtain certificates of occupancy or compliance upon completion.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Putnam Valley, NY?
- Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for initial review, longer if municipal board approvals required..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Putnam Valley, NY?
- The following work is generally exempt: Interior finishes and repairs that do not alter structural elements. Note: Exempt work classifications are specific to Putnam Valley code. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Putnam Valley, NY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 845-526-2377, Building Department office. Confirm specific intervals with Building Department for project type.
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