Do I Need a Building Permit?

With home ownership comes projects and renovations. Well, for those jobs you have planned, there are other steps you need to think about that do involve the Village of Briarcliff Manor. This includes applying for a building permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, and/or solar permit. Download the Building Permit Application (PDF) to get started.

If in doubt about whether a building permit is needed for work on your new home, assume the answer is yes. You should contact the Building Department at 914-944-2770 to be sure; however, most work does require a permit. We want to stress that you must be sure that any contractors you hire, are licensed in Westchester County and insured. These contractors will know what permits must be obtained - and in many cases will file for them - and see that the project is completed and get a Certificate of Occupancy for the work which has been done. Having the work done by a licensed contractor protects YOU. The work will be done according to code, which is important for your family. Permits ensure that NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes are met, as well as any local building/zoning codes.

Examples of work that may require a building permit include but are not limited to: bathroom and kitchen renovations, roof replacement, finishing basements, pools, decks, and patios, oil tank removal or abatement, new/replacement heating or air conditioning system, new/replacement windows, solar panel installations, house additions or other alteration work.

Examples of work not requiring a building permit include but are not limited to: interior house painting, floor refinishing, carpet installation, indoor window treatment installations.

Neither of the above lists are exhaustive. Again, when in doubt, please call - we're always happy to help and work with you to improve your property.

There are also times when house additions may require a variance and the Building Department can explain what will be required for an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals.