City Building Permits

Village of Cambridge, NY - Building Permit Guide

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

New York Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Village of Cambridge. Village zoning law requires a basic zoning permit before development may commence.

Department
Village of Cambridge Code Enforcement
Phone
(518) 677-2622

Online Permit Portal

Platform: Local village zoning permit required; Washington County building permit for state code compliance • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Obtain the required local village zoning permit before development starts.
  2. If the project triggers site plan review, special use permit review, sign permit review, or demolition permit review, complete those village processes first.
  3. Submit the Washington County building permit packet with Cambridge village local compliance signoff for the county-issued building permit and certificate of occupancy.
  4. Post the zoning permit visibly on the premises and keep it posted until permit requirements are satisfied.

Typical processing time: Village review plus 2-4 weeks for county review

Source: Village of Cambridge Code Enforcement

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within the Village of Cambridge.

Required Documents

  • Local village zoning permit
  • Washington County building permit application
  • Two copies of plans
  • Workers compensation documentation or CE-200 waiver
  • Septic/sewer approvals where applicable
Permit validity
Zoning permit expires if project does not receive certificate of occupancy within 18 months after issuance or before building permit expires, whichever is shorter.
Building code
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code with local zoning overlay
Owner-builder
Owner-builders must comply with local zoning law.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must provide workers compensation and disability documentation.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Village permit and appeal fees established by Village Board resolution; fee schedule posted in Village Office.
Payment note
Contact village office for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local zoning)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with village zoning officer before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Village: (518) 677-2622 (phone)
  • Washington County: (518) 746-2150 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Contact village and Washington County for inspection scheduling.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Village of Cambridge Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Village of Cambridge Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Village of Cambridge, NY?
A building permit is required for most construction within the Village of Cambridge.
How much does a building permit cost in Village of Cambridge, NY?
Fees are calculated as: Village permit and appeal fees established by Village Board resolution; fee schedule posted in Village Office..
How do I apply for a building permit in Village of Cambridge, NY?
1. Obtain the required local village zoning permit before development starts. 2. If the project triggers site plan review, special use permit review, sign permit review, or demolition permit review, complete those village processes first. 3. Submit the Washington County building permit packet with Cambridge village local compliance signoff for the county-issued building permit and certificate of occupancy. 4. Post the zoning permit visibly on the premises and keep it posted until permit requirements are satisfied.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Village of Cambridge, NY?
Typical processing time is Village review plus 2-4 weeks for county review.
What work is exempt from building permits in Village of Cambridge, NY?
The following work is generally exempt: Residential storage buildings of 144 square feet or less (subject to local zoning). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with village zoning officer before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Village of Cambridge, NY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Village: (518) 677-2622, Washington County: (518) 746-2150.

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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.

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