Residential Construction Permits

If you are planning a home improvement project in the city, certain permits are required depending on the type of work. Permits are proof that your project follows health and safety rules. You must apply for permits before starting construction.

The construction permits listed on this page are for 1-2 family residential projects only. Anything above a 1-2 family will require a commercial submission and review. All trade and fire prevention permits (i.e. HVAC, Electrical, Fire Alarm, Sprinkler) must be obtained separately. Plumbing permits must be obtained through Onondaga County.

What Projects Require a Permit?
Click on each tab below to find out which residential construction projects require a permit. Click on each project type to access the online permit application. Scroll down for steps to apply.

Permit Required

No Permit Required

Adding / Replacing Cabinet or Countertop
Changing Fabric on Existing Awning
Decorative Address Plaque
Floor Covering
Painting / Siding (Please alert us if removing or disturbing asbestos or lead paint)
Sealing or Adding Additional Tarvia Layer to Driveway
TV Satellite Dish
Carports

Steps to Apply

Residential Construction Permit Applications are on the City’s Online Application Portal. If you require assistance with online access, please visit us in person at the Central Permit Office.

Online

Step 1.Check with Zoning

Before you start, make sure your project is allowed by our zoning laws by contacting the Office of Zoning. The way that your property is zoned will affect the kind of projects you’re allowed to do. You can also use the Zoning and Application Discovery Tool located on the Online Application Portal.

Step 2.What you Need to Apply

Additional documentation may be required depending on the type of your project. The list below includes frequently requested documents to be familiar with:

A copy of the property survey
A copy of the property survey with proposed work shown on it
A proposal
Detailed drawings / plans
Proof of Liability Insurance
Proof of Disability Insurance
Proof of Workers Compensation Insurance
CE-200 – Certificate of Attestation of Exemption (if not required to carry workers’ compensation and/or disability coverage)

Step 3.Access Application

Select the project type listed above to access the online permit application. If this is your first time using the Online Application Portal, you will need to create an account. Instructions for the portal can be found here.

Step 4.Complete Application

Follow the steps to provide the required information.

Step 5.Submit Payment

A base filing fee must be paid up front. All other additional fees will be calculated once the review is approved. You will be notified when additional fees are due and for how much. The amount you need to pay will depend on:

The type of project
The estimated cost of construction: labor and materials without mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEPs)

Pay by credit card by inputting your credit card information. Credit card fees apply. To pay by check, please visit the Central Permit Office. You can submit your application upon completing an in-person payment.

Step 6.Permit Issuance

Once your application is approved and payment is received, your permit will be issued and uploaded to the documents section of your submission. You must print the permit placard and place in an obvious location at the project site. You will have one year from the time of issuance to complete the project.

Step 7.Schedule Inspection After Work

Upon construction completion, you must contact the Division of Code Enforcement at 315-448-8695 or CodeEnforcement@syr.gov to schedule an inspection. When you call, be prepared to provide the following:

Permit number
Building address
Type of inspection(s)
Type of building (i.e. single family, apartment)

In Person

Step 1.Visit the Central Permit Office

One Park Place
300 South State Street, 1st Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202

The main entrance is located on the south side of the building, facing East Onondaga Street. Parking is available for visitors at the One Park Place Parking Lot, located at 343 East Onondaga Street.

Step 2.Online Access

You may use the computer located at the front kiosk in the Central Permit Office to access the application online. From here, see steps 1 to 7 outlined in the Online Steps to Apply. If you have questions or need assistance, a staff member can help you.

FAQ's

How do I know if an inspection is required?

All construction permits require an inspection after the work is completed. All inspections will be performed by the City except for elevator permits.

How do I schedule an inspection with the City?

You must contact the Division of Code Enforcement at 315-448-8695 or CodeEnforcement@syr.gov to schedule an inspection.

How do I get my permit placard?

Once the permit is approved the placard gets uploaded into the documents section. Once you receive the placard you can begin work on your project.

How long will it take to approve my permit application?

For smaller projects that don’t need additional reviews, you may get approval for your permit the same day. This is called “over the counter” approval. For more complex projects, our staff will review your plans in detail. Some projects require a plan check. This is when different departments need to review your plans to make sure they follow the local and New York State laws. On average, applications that require a plan check take 2 to 4 weeks to process.

Can I pay by check?

To pay by check, you must submit the payment in person to the Central Permit Office. Please make the check payable to Commissioner of Finance. We do not accept mail in payment.

How long is a permit valid for?

Once the permit is issued, you have one year to complete the work.

Can I amend my permit?

Yes, applicants will need to contact permits@syr.gov to request an amendment and have a City team member reopen the permit application to make the adjustment.