A Guide to Permits in the City of Fulton
Why are permits issued?
Permits are issued to protect the health and safety of the general public, and to ensure compliance with construction drawings, specifications, life safety codes, and generally accepted standards.
Where do I obtain a permit application?
All permit applications are available in the office of the Bureau of Code Enforcement, located in the Fulton Municipal Building. Permit applications are also available on our website.
When is a permit required?
State and local codes require that no person or organization shall begin to excavate, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, remodel, repair, or demolish any building or structure or install any systems such as plumbing, heating, electrical, air conditioning, ventilation, fire suppression, or other detection system without first having applied for and obtained a building permit. Also, special structures such as, but not limited to fences, banners, swimming pools, accessory buildings, signs and billboards, retaining walls, chimneys, decks, parking lots, wood stoves, fireplaces, and handicapped ramps require permits.
Additionally, the Fire Department issues special permits for the installation and removal of fuel tanks, welding and cutting operations, tents used as places of public assembly, fireworks displays, and outdoor fires.
What work can be done without a permit?
Interior and exterior painting or decorating, siding, roofing or other necessary repairs that do not involve the material alteration of any structural features.
For example, the replacement of broken glass in a window or the replacement of a ceiling fan do not require a building permit.
When in doubt about the need for a permit, please call the Bureau of Code Enforcement at 315-592-7404.
Are inspections required after the permit is issued?
Yes. Inspections are required during the various stages of construction. When you receive your permit, you will also receive a placard which indicates the inspections that will be necessary during construction. It is required that this placard be placed in a conspicuous location on the site where the work is being performed, and be accessible to the inspector.
How long does it take for a permit to be issued?
All permit applications require at least 24 hours for processing, and may take up to seven days to be issued. Commercial permits may take up to six weeks to process, depending on the size and detail of the plans and specifications.
What happens if I start work without first obtaining a permit?
The Code of the City of Fulton states that a stop work order shall be issued in the event that any unpermitted work is performed. After a stop work order has been issued, any permits that are subsequently issued shall be charged at double the permit fee.
How much do permits cost?
The costs for most permits are based on the cost of construction or other permit related work, including labor and materials.
Cost of Construction
$0 to $1,000
$1,001 to $2,000
$2,001 to $3,000
$3,001 to $4,000
$4,001 to $5,000
$5,000 to $9,999
$10,000 to $11,000
$11,001 to $12,000
$12,001 to $13,000
$13,001 to $14,000
$14,001 to $15,000
Electrical Permit (flat fee)
Permit Fee
$37.50
$45.00
$52.50
$60.00
$67.50
$75.00
$85.50
$89.25
$96.00
$102.75
$109.50
$30.00
If the cost estimate is greater than $15,000, please contact our office for the permit fee and other
possible requirements. A complete permit fee schedule is also available on our website. All
permits (except electrical) include one inspection. Any additional inspections that may be required
shall be charged at $25.00 per inspection. Electrical inspections shall be obtained from an
approved independent inspection agency.
Certificate Fees
Certificate of Zoning Compliance $25.00
Are contractors required to be licensed?
All plumbing, heating, and electrical work must be done by licensed contractors who are registered with the City of Fulton. In addition, all General Contractors doing permitted work must be registered with the City of Fulton. Please contact the Bureau of Code Enforcement for details.
When are stamped architectural or engineering plans required?
New York State law requires stamped plans and specifications from a New York State licensed Architect or Professional Engineer for the construction of any commercial work, for the construction of any new residential dwellings exceeding 1,500 square feet in area (not including garages, carports, porches, cellars, or uninhabitable basements or attics), for any alteration to an existing residential building costing more than $20,000.00, and for changes which affect the structural safety and/or public safety of the building or structure. Detailed plans, drawings, and/or specifications are required in all other instances. For more information, please call the Bureau of Code Enforcement at 315-592-7404.
How many copies of plans and specifications are required when applying for a permit?
Three (3) copies of plans and specifications are required when applying for a building permit. One copy is kept in a master file within the Bureau of Code Enforcement, one copy is forwarded to the Fire Department for their review, and one copy is given to the building inspector assigned to your project.
Will I need approvals from any other departments prior to receiving my permit?
Usually a Zoning Department and sometimes a Planning Commission review is required. Large scale construction projects may also require approval from City Engineering, the Water & Sanitation Department, the Department of Public Works, and/or the Fire Department.
