Building Permit Application, Instructions & Fees

A Building Permit will be issued when the application is submitted along with the required supporting documents and the proposed work conforms to the requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the Town of Onondaga Zoning Law and Regulations. The authority conferred with the permit may be limited by conditions. The Codes Enforcement Office must be notified of any changes to information contained in the application during the period for which the permit is in effect.

The following information must be submitted at the time of application:

1. One (1) copy of the application

2. One (1) copy of an up-to-date lot Survey, certified by a licensed NYS Land Surveyor, showing locations of lot and buildings on the premises, and relationship to adjoining premises and public streets

3. One (1) set of plans and specifications describing the proposed work, in accordance with the State Education Law, Section 7307 and 7209. The original seal and signature of a licensed and registered NYS Architect or Professional Engineer must be affixed to all plans except where good cause is shown and if the construction is under 1500-square-feet and the construction cost is less than $20,000

4. If the permit is for installation of a Solid Fuel Burning Appliance, the manufacturer's installation specifications must be submitted at the time of application.

5. One (1) Certificate of Insurance with the Town of Onondaga as a Certificate Holder, listing Worker’s Compensation and NYS Disability benefits, if wages are to be paid to anyone working on the project.

6. One (1) copy of Proof of Ownership (i.e. Deed, or a copy of a Tax Receipt)

7. Driveway Permit

8. Septic Approval

 BUILDING & CODES FEES & FINES 

Application Fee by check or cash as noted in the chart below. (Make checks payable to: Town of Onondaga.) 

Residential Structures: Application: $50 + $0.50 per square foot

Commercial Structures: Application: $100 + $1 per square foot (Minimum Fee: $250/Maximum Fee: $40,000)

Foundation/Slab: Application: $50 + $0.50 per linear/square foot 

Sheds: 

• No permit required if 144 square feet or less (MUST FOLLOW ZONING SETBACK REQUIREMENTS)
• If larger than 144 square feet, Application Fee is $75  
• For storage sheds larger than 220 square feet, see Residential Structure Fees  

Solid Fuel Appliance/Fireplace/Gas Heater: Application: $100

Standby Generator/Electric Vehicle Charging Station: $100

In-Ground Swimming Pool/Spa/Hot-Tub: Application: $125

Above Ground Pool: Application: $75

Temporary/Non-Residential Storage Trailers: Application: $50/trailer

Solar PV System: Application: $150 (MUST BE COMPLIANT WITH UNIFIED SOLAR PERMIT REQUIREMENTS)

Demolition: Application: $100

Communication Tower: Application: $50 + $150 per antenna; Replacement/Ground-mounted equipment - $100

Flood Plain Development Permit: $200

Operational Permits: 

• $50 Residential Use/Haz-mat, Flammable, Compressed Gases
• $200 Industrial/Business Use
• $500 Fireworks
• $100 Public Events

INSPECTIONS

Fire Inspections: 

Single-unit and Multi-family Residential - Initial Inspection - $100

Commercial - Initial Inspection - $250

Mercantile - Initial Inspection - $50; Each Re-Inspection - $50

Apartments (Multi-Dwelling) - Initial Inspection - $250

Miscellaneous:

• Commercial/Residential (2+ violations) - $100
• Screw Piles - $75

*After Business Hours Inspections incur additional charges

OTHER

Code Enforcement Action - $250 + Cost of Materials, Labor and Equipment

Permit Extension: $50 - One extension allowed; Not to exceed 90 days

Building Without a Permit: Permit Fee is doubled plus cost of Stop Work order, if applicable. Please note that undertaking activity that requires a building permit prior to obtaining such permit is a Class A Misdemeanor. 

Stop Work Order - Residential - $200; Commercial - $400

Replacement Certification of Occupancy or Compliance - $25