City Building Permits
Glens Falls, NY - Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Glens Falls, New York. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the City of Glens Falls. The city operates its own building permit program independent of Warren County.
- Department
- City of Glens Falls Building and Codes
- Address
- 230 Dix Avenue, Glens Falls, NY 12801
- Phone
- 518-761-3848
Online Permit Portal
Platform: form-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Obtain the correct building permit application and fee schedule from the City Building and Codes page.
- Prepare three sets of plans and specifications; plans must be signed and sealed by a NY architect or engineer unless an exemption applies.
- Complete the application with required supporting documentation, liability insurance, and workers' compensation proof or CE-200 exemption.
- Submit the application and materials to the City of Glens Falls Building and Codes office.
- Wait for city review and permit issuance before starting work.
- Schedule inspections with at least 48 hours notice and obtain closeout approval.
Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and complexity; city review is required before work begins
General Requirements
A building permit is required for all construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, demolition, and installation of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, or flues.
Required Documents
- Completed building permit application
- Three sets of plans and specifications
- Plans signed and sealed by NY architect or engineer (unless exempt)
- Liability insurance documentation
- Workers' compensation and disability proof, or CE-200 exemption
- Permit validity
- Building permits expire 12 months after issuance and become invalid unless work starts within six months; extensions up to 18 months may be allowed for good cause.
- Building code
- NYS International Codes (building, energy, and related codes)
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must provide proof of workers' compensation and disability insurance or submit a CE-200 exemption form.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must submit current certificate of insurance and workers' compensation/disability documentation.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Varies by permit type; check city fee schedule for residential, commercial, and specialized permits
- Payment note
- Applicable fees must be paid at submission; city accepts check or online payment
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- New residential construction of 1,500 gross square feet or less
- Alterations costing $20,000 or less that do not involve structural changes or public safety impacts
Important: Exemptions noted on the city application form still require compliance with Uniform Code and Energy Code; confirm edge cases with the Building and Codes office.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 518-761-3848 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 48 hours notice required
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, slab prep, framing, rough systems, fire-resistant work, energy code compliance, manufactured home installation (if applicable), and final inspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: NYS International Codes (building, energy, and related codes)
- City of Glens Falls - Home
- 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 Glens Falls Building and Codes before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glens Falls Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Glens Falls, NY?
- A building permit is required for all construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, demolition, and installation of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, or flues.
- How much does a building permit cost in Glens Falls, NY?
- Fees are calculated as: Varies by permit type; check city fee schedule for residential, commercial, and specialized permits.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Glens Falls, NY?
- 1. Obtain the correct building permit application and fee schedule from the City Building and Codes page. 2. Prepare three sets of plans and specifications; plans must be signed and sealed by a NY architect or engineer unless an exemption applies. 3. Complete the application with required supporting documentation, liability insurance, and workers' compensation proof or CE-200 exemption. 4. Submit the application and materials to the City of Glens Falls Building and Codes office. 5. Wait for city review and permit issuance before starting work. 6. Schedule inspections with at least 48 hours notice and obtain closeout approval.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Glens Falls, NY?
- Typical processing time is Varies by permit type and complexity; city review is required before work begins.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Glens Falls, NY?
- The following work is generally exempt: New residential construction of 1,500 gross square feet or less; Alterations costing $20,000 or less that do not involve structural changes or public safety impacts. Note: Exemptions noted on the city application form still require compliance with Uniform Code and Energy Code; confirm edge cases with the Building and Codes office.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Glens Falls, NY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 518-761-3848. At least 48 hours notice required.
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