Putnam County, NY - Unincorporated Area Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas are served by one of six towns: Carmel, Kent, Patterson, Philipstown, Putnam Valley, or Southeast. General building permits are issued by the applicable town building department. County role includes electrical permit coordination.

Department

Putnam County Planning and Zoning Departments (Town-Specific Enforcement)

Address

County Building, 40 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512

Phone

845-808-1000

Website

https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/

Application Process

1. Identify the town in which the property is located (Carmel, Kent, Patterson, Philipstown, Putnam Valley, or Southeast).
2. Contact the applicable town building department to obtain permit application requirements and forms.
3. Prepare required documentation including application, plans, survey, contractor information, and supporting approvals.
4. Submit application to the town building department during office hours.
5. Pay permit fees as determined by the town fee schedule.
6. Coordinate electrical permits through the town (if filed locally) or Putnam County Electrical Board (if applicable to the town).
7. Schedule inspections with the town and obtain certificates of occupancy or compliance upon project completion.

Typical processing time: Varies by town; generally 2-4 weeks for initial review, with additional time for plan corrections or board approvals.

Source: Putnam County Planning and Zoning Departments (Town-Specific Enforcement)

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and most improvements in unincorporated areas. Requirements vary by town.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Property survey or site plan
• Construction plans
• Putnam County licensed contractor information and license copy
• Proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation
• Any required zoning board or planning board approvals

Permit validity

Validity period varies by town; typically 12-18 months with possible extensions.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must verify town requirements and may need to provide additional documentation.

Contractor requirements

All contractors working in unincorporated Putnam County must hold a valid Putnam County contractor license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Varies by town

Plan check fee

Varies by town

Permit fee formula

Varies by town; typically $20-$50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost

Trade permit fee

$50-$100 depending on trade and town

Reinspection fee

Varies by town

Penalty (no permit)

Varies by town; penalties for work without permit range from $250 to $1,500

Payment note

Payment methods vary by town; confirm with the applicable town building department.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Putnam County Planning and Zoning Departments (Town-Specific Enforcement) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Town building department (varies by town) (phone)
• Town building department office (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Varies by town; typically 2-3 days advance notice required.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (varies by town)

Time windows

Varies by town

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential: footing/foundation, rough framing, insulation, drywall, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, final. Sequence varies by town and project type.

Some jurisdictions may allow remote inspections for certain project types; confirm with the applicable town building department.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Energy Code
• Town of Carmel Building Department
• Town of Kent Building Department
• Town of Patterson Building Department
• Town of Putnam Valley Building and Zoning
• Town of Southeast Building Department
• Town of Philipstown 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

Putnam County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and most improvements in unincorporated areas. Requirements vary by town.

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

The minimum permit fee is Varies by town. Fees are calculated as: Varies by town; typically $20-$50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost. Plan check fee: Varies by town.

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

1. Identify the town in which the property is located (Carmel, Kent, Patterson, Philipstown, Putnam Valley, or Southeast). 2. Contact the applicable town building department to obtain permit application requirements and forms. 3. Prepare required documentation including application, plans, survey, contractor information, and supporting approvals. 4. Submit application to the town building department during office hours. 5. Pay permit fees as determined by the town fee schedule. 6. Coordinate electrical permits through the town (if filed locally) or Putnam County Electrical Board (if applicable to the town). 7. Schedule inspections with the town and obtain certificates of occupancy or compliance upon project completion.

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

Typical processing time is Varies by town; generally 2-4 weeks for initial review, with additional time for plan corrections or board approvals..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs that do not affect structural elements or building systems; Interior painting, wallpapering, tiling, or similar finish work; Replacement of doors or windows in existing openings; Installation of utility appliances that do not require special connections. Note: Exempt work classifications vary by town. Confirm specific exemptions with the applicable town building department before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Putnam County, NY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Town building department (varies by town), Town building department office. Varies by town; typically 2-3 days advance notice required..