How much does a building permit cost in Ithaca, NY?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $50 for work valued at $0-$5,000; 1.0% of valuation for $5,001-$50,000; 0.9% for $50,001-$500,000; 0.8% for $500,001-$5,000,000; 0.7% above $5,000,001.

How do I apply for a building permit in Ithaca, NY?

1. Apply online in OpenGov/ViewPoint Cloud or use the in-office kiosk at the Building Division office. 2. Submit plans and supporting forms with the application. 3. If the project affects structural safety or public safety and costs more than $20,000, or is residential construction over 1,500 square feet, New York Education Law requires architect- or engineer-prepared drawings. 4. Pay the permit fee before processing. 5. Complete inspections covered by the permit fee. 6. Obtain final closeout and certificate of occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in Ithaca, NY?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar accessory structures up to 144 square feet with no plumbing, electrical, or heating service. Note: Exemptions do not apply the same way in designated historic districts or landmark structures/sites. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division.

City Building Permits

Ithaca, NY - Building Permit Guide

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

New York Tompkins County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ithaca limits.

Department: City of Ithaca Building Division, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development
Address: 108 E. Green Street, 4th Floor City Hall, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 274-6508
Website: https://www.cityofithacany.gov/137/Permit-Information

Online Permit Portal

Open ViewPoint Cloud

Platform: OpenGov / ViewPoint Cloud • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Building Permit Fee Schedule

Application Process

Apply online in OpenGov/ViewPoint Cloud or use the in-office kiosk at the Building Division office.
Submit plans and supporting forms with the application.
If the project affects structural safety or public safety and costs more than $20,000, or is residential construction over 1,500 square feet, New York Education Law requires architect- or engineer-prepared drawings.
Pay the permit fee before processing.
Complete inspections covered by the permit fee.
Obtain final closeout and certificate of occupancy.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; check with Building Division for current timelines.

Source: City of Ithaca Building Division, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction projects within the City of Ithaca.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Plans and supporting forms
Insurance information
Contractor licenses
Architect or engineer drawings if required by project scope

Permit validity: Varies; check with Building Division.
Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Energy Code
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold valid licenses.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Permit fee formula: $50 for work valued at $0-$5,000; 1.0% of valuation for $5,001-$50,000; 0.9% for $50,001-$500,000; 0.8% for $500,001-$5,000,000; 0.7% above $5,000,001
Penalty (no permit): Work without permit: fees are doubled
Payment note: Additional online processing fee assessed as a percentage of total valuation for online applications, except check or money-order payments.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar accessory structures up to 144 square feet with no plumbing, electrical, or heating service

Important: Exemptions do not apply the same way in designated historic districts or landmark structures/sites. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

Building code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Energy Code
City of Ithaca Permit 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 City of Ithaca Building Division, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ithaca Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ithaca, NY?: A building permit is required for most construction projects within the City of Ithaca.
How much does a building permit cost in Ithaca, NY?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $50 for work valued at $0-$5,000; 1.0% of valuation for $5,001-$50,000; 0.9% for $50,001-$500,000; 0.8% for $500,001-$5,000,000; 0.7% above $5,000,001.
How do I apply for a building permit in Ithaca, NY?: 1. Apply online in OpenGov/ViewPoint Cloud or use the in-office kiosk at the Building Division office. 2. Submit plans and supporting forms with the application. 3. If the project affects structural safety or public safety and costs more than $20,000, or is residential construction over 1,500 square feet, New York Education Law requires architect- or engineer-prepared drawings. 4. Pay the permit fee before processing. 5. Complete inspections covered by the permit fee. 6. Obtain final closeout and certificate of occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ithaca, NY?: Typical processing time is Processing time varies; check with Building Division for current timelines..
What work is exempt from building permits in Ithaca, NY?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar accessory structures up to 144 square feet with no plumbing, electrical, or heating service. Note: Exemptions do not apply the same way in designated historic districts or landmark structures/sites. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Ithaca 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.

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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 Tompkins County

Ithaca Town Cayuga Heights Lansing Village Trumansburg Dryden Village Groton Village Freeville Dryden Town Groton Town Caroline Danby Enfield Lansing Town Newfield Ulysses Unincorporated Area

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