All construction undertaken in the City of Utica costing $500.00 or more requires a building permit. Building permits are issued on Monday,Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon. If a special circumstance does not allow obtaining a permit during these times please call the Codes Building Department at 792-0202 to request an appointment to speak with a Building Inspector about your project permit needs. All new construction or renovation in the Scenic & Historic District requires a permit irregardless of cost.The Building Inspector will advise you if your project falls within the district and what is required before construction can begin.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY 

A request for a Certificate of Occupancy may be made to the Building Department. An Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Safety and Codes Inspection will need to be completed before a certificate may be issued.Please contact the Building Department for a list of certified inspection agencies. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for the following:

• New construction.
• Change in occupancy.
• Any commercial structure that has been closed for six months or more.
• Any structure that has been closed by the Police, Fire or Codes Department.

Download a Request for Certificate of Occupancy (pdf)

A Certificate of Completion will be issued for a construction project that does not change occupancy or does not substantially alter the original structure.

Please remember to contact the Codes Building Department at 792-0163 before starting any construction project. It is important to check setback requirements, zoning requirements and N.Y.S building codes before construction begins.