Home
BlogAlbany Building and Trade Permit Guide
Albany Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Last updated:
Aug 19, 2025
Published:
August 19, 2025
In Albany, New York, most construction work requires a permit before you can start. It’s the city’s way of making sure projects meet safety standards and follow local building codes, protecting both the property and the people who use it. Getting that approval quickly can also save you from costly delays later.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Albany building permits, including what projects require approval, what’s exempt, how much permits cost, and how to complete your Albany building permit application without delays.
Simplify permitting in Albany with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Albany?
Albany follows New York State’s Uniform Code.
In practice, permits are required for:
- Any construction, renovation, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change in occupancy/use of any structure or part of it requires a permit
- Installation, replacement, or modification of electrical devices, heating systems, cooling systems, or wood-burning appliances
- Change of use (e.g., converting residential to commercial) or commercial tenancy changes
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some minor, non-structural cosmetic work may be exempt:
- Cosmetic or minor interior work, such as replacing flooring, tiling a bathroom, painting, or refinishing surfaces
- Simple like-for-like replacements, such as fixing a broken toilet or replacing worn flooring
When in doubt, confirm with the Albany Building Department before starting. Additionally, information on building permits can be found on the City of Albany, NY eCode360 page.
Who oversees permits in Albany?
The Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance (BRC) issues building and trade permits and provides an online Citizen’s Self-Service (CSS) portal for forms, property/permit info, and status.
Contact information:
- Address: 200 Henry Johnson Blvd., First Floor, Suite 1, Albany, NY 12210
- Phone number: 518-434-5995
- Working hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Albany building permit costs
Albany building permit fees depend on the value of the project and what specific type of work you're planning.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New construction/additions (under 2,000 sq ft) |
$450 |
| New construction/additions (2,001–3,000 sq ft) |
$650 |
| New construction/additions (over 3,000 sq ft) |
$800 |
| Alterations (up to $5,000 cost) |
$100 |
| Alterations (over $5,000 cost) |
$100 + $8 per additional $1,000 |
| Improvements (fireplaces, roofs, siding, pools, retaining walls, garage, window replacements) |
$100 |
| Improvements (fences, sheds, wood stoves, chimneys, satellite dish/antenna, gas inserts) |
$50 |
| Improvements (chimney liner) |
$125 |
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New construction/additions (up to 1,000 sq ft) |
$700 |
| New construction/additions (1,000–5,000 sq ft) |
$700 + $9 per additional 100 sq ft |
| New construction/additions (over 5,000 sq ft) |
$1,000 + $9 per additional 100 sq ft |
| Alterations (up to $5,000 cost) |
$400 |
| Alterations (over $5,000 cost) |
$400 + $10.00 per $1,000.00 |
| Signs |
$1.25 per sq. ft. with $25.00 minimum |
If you need more information on your specific case, refer to the building & zoning permit application fees page.
Albany trade permits
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits are only issued to licensed plumbers (Class A or with a Class B license for a single property). Typical scopes: new fixtures, water heaters, re-piping, gas lines.
Albany plumbing permit cost
| Property type |
Base fee |
Surcharge |
| Residential (One- & Two-Family) |
$50 |
$10 per fixture |
| Commercial or 3+ Dwelling Units |
$100 |
1% of project cost |
| Water Heater |
– |
$20 surcharge |
Electrical permits
Must be filed by licensed electricians. As of 2022, third-party electrical inspections are required. Scopes include service upgrades, new circuits, panels, EV chargers, and fire alarm systems.
Albany electrical permit cost
| Property type |
Fee structure |
| Residential (One- & Two-Family) |
$75 – new services or circuits
$150 – new construction or full rehab
|
| Commercial (any size) |
Under 1,000 sq ft: $100 per floor + 1% surcharge
Over 1,000 sq ft: $200 per floor + 1% surcharge
|
| Fire Alarm System (Commercial) |
$100 per floor + 1% surcharge |
HVAC permits
Required for new or replacement furnaces, AC/heat pumps, ductwork changes, and related mechanical systems.
Albany HVAC permit cost
| Property type |
Base fee |
Surcharge |
| Residential (One- & Two-Family) |
$50 |
Boiler/Furnace: +$20
AC per ton: +$5 each
|
| Commercial or 3+ Units |
$100 |
+1% of project cost |
| Sprinkler Heads |
1–10 heads: $5 per head
11–100: $50 + $2 per head
101+: $230 + $1 per head
|
|
Fence and roofing permits
| Project |
Fee |
| Fences, sheds, wood stoves, chimneys, satellite dishes, gas inserts |
$50 |
| Roofing, siding, pools, fireplaces, retaining walls, garages, window replacements |
$100 |
| Chimney liner |
$125 |
To find more information on your specific case of trade, refer to the building & zoning permit application fees page.
Cut weeks off your permitting process.
Let PermitFlow handle the paperwork so your team can stay focused on the build. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Albany, NY
Step 1: Prepare your plans & documents
First, you need to gather all required paperwork before applying.
Here's what to compile:
- Drawings or architectural plans
- Project scope and estimated valuation
- Contractor license and insurance, or NYS CE-200 waiver (if exempt from workers’ comp)
- Trade applications (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fence, roofing, etc., if applicable)
Step 2: Submit your application
Use the BRC forms page and CSS portal to file the Albany building permit application and trade forms (plumbing/electrical/HVAC, fence, etc.).
You can submit via:
- Email (codes@albanyny.gov)
- In person (200 Henry Johnson Blvd., First Floor, Suite 1, Albany, NY 12210).
Step 3: Plan review & approval timeline
BRC’s typical review window is 7-10 business days (varies by scope/queue). Don’t start until the permit is approved and issued. Early starts risk a Stop Work Order ($300).
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an invoice for permit fees. Pay online through the CSS Portal, over the phone, or in person at the Permit Counter.
Step 5: Inspections & close-out
Follow your inspector’s instructions for required inspections (rough/final, and third-party electrical where applicable) and close-out.
Albany permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Albany with PermitFlow
Permitting in Albany can slow even the most organized teams, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects or navigating the city’s process for the first time. Instead of wrestling with applications, requirements, and approval delays, let PermitFlow take the reins.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles your entire permitting workflow. We prepare, submit, and monitor your Albany permits (as well as permits in all other cities where you build!).
Smart contractors partner with PermitFlow because we provide:
- Local permitting expertise: Our team knows Albany's specific permit requirements, which means your applications move along without a hitch
- Complete permit oversight: Monitor and manage all your permits from one centralized platform
- Accelerated processing: We make sure your submissions are perfect from day one to prevent rejections and cut approval times
Don’t let Albany’s permit process drain your time or profits. Contact us today to keep your projects moving and your timelines on track.
In Albany, New York, most construction work requires a permit before you can start. It’s the city’s way of making sure projects meet safety standards and follow local building codes, protecting both the property and the people who use it. Getting that approval quickly can also save you from costly delays later.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Albany building permits, including what projects require approval, what’s exempt, how much permits cost, and how to complete your Albany building permit application without delays.
Simplify permitting in Albany with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Albany?
Albany follows New York State’s Uniform Code.
In practice, permits are required for:
- Any construction, renovation, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change in occupancy/use of any structure or part of it requires a permit
- Installation, replacement, or modification of electrical devices, heating systems, cooling systems, or wood-burning appliances
- Change of use (e.g., converting residential to commercial) or commercial tenancy changes
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some minor, non-structural cosmetic work may be exempt:
- Cosmetic or minor interior work, such as replacing flooring, tiling a bathroom, painting, or refinishing surfaces
- Simple like-for-like replacements, such as fixing a broken toilet or replacing worn flooring
When in doubt, confirm with the Albany Building Department before starting. Additionally, information on building permits can be found on the City of Albany, NY eCode360 page.
Who oversees permits in Albany?
The Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance (BRC) issues building and trade permits and provides an online Citizen’s Self-Service (CSS) portal for forms, property/permit info, and status.
Contact information:
- Address: 200 Henry Johnson Blvd., First Floor, Suite 1, Albany, NY 12210
- Phone number: 518-434-5995
- Working hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Albany building permit costs
Albany building permit fees depend on the value of the project and what specific type of work you're planning.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New construction/additions (under 2,000 sq ft) |
$450 |
| New construction/additions (2,001–3,000 sq ft) |
$650 |
| New construction/additions (over 3,000 sq ft) |
$800 |
| Alterations (up to $5,000 cost) |
$100 |
| Alterations (over $5,000 cost) |
$100 + $8 per additional $1,000 |
| Improvements (fireplaces, roofs, siding, pools, retaining walls, garage, window replacements) |
$100 |
| Improvements (fences, sheds, wood stoves, chimneys, satellite dish/antenna, gas inserts) |
$50 |
| Improvements (chimney liner) |
$125 |
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| New construction/additions (up to 1,000 sq ft) |
$700 |
| New construction/additions (1,000–5,000 sq ft) |
$700 + $9 per additional 100 sq ft |
| New construction/additions (over 5,000 sq ft) |
$1,000 + $9 per additional 100 sq ft |
| Alterations (up to $5,000 cost) |
$400 |
| Alterations (over $5,000 cost) |
$400 + $10.00 per $1,000.00 |
| Signs |
$1.25 per sq. ft. with $25.00 minimum |
If you need more information on your specific case, refer to the building & zoning permit application fees page.
Albany trade permits
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits are only issued to licensed plumbers (Class A or with a Class B license for a single property). Typical scopes: new fixtures, water heaters, re-piping, gas lines.
Albany plumbing permit cost
| Property type |
Base fee |
Surcharge |
| Residential (One- & Two-Family) |
$50 |
$10 per fixture |
| Commercial or 3+ Dwelling Units |
$100 |
1% of project cost |
| Water Heater |
– |
$20 surcharge |
Electrical permits
Must be filed by licensed electricians. As of 2022, third-party electrical inspections are required. Scopes include service upgrades, new circuits, panels, EV chargers, and fire alarm systems.
Albany electrical permit cost
| Property type |
Fee structure |
| Residential (One- & Two-Family) |
$75 – new services or circuits
$150 – new construction or full rehab
|
| Commercial (any size) |
Under 1,000 sq ft: $100 per floor + 1% surcharge
Over 1,000 sq ft: $200 per floor + 1% surcharge
|
| Fire Alarm System (Commercial) |
$100 per floor + 1% surcharge |
HVAC permits
Required for new or replacement furnaces, AC/heat pumps, ductwork changes, and related mechanical systems.
Albany HVAC permit cost
| Property type |
Base fee |
Surcharge |
| Residential (One- & Two-Family) |
$50 |
Boiler/Furnace: +$20
AC per ton: +$5 each
|
| Commercial or 3+ Units |
$100 |
+1% of project cost |
| Sprinkler Heads |
1–10 heads: $5 per head
11–100: $50 + $2 per head
101+: $230 + $1 per head
|
|
Fence and roofing permits
| Project |
Fee |
| Fences, sheds, wood stoves, chimneys, satellite dishes, gas inserts |
$50 |
| Roofing, siding, pools, fireplaces, retaining walls, garages, window replacements |
$100 |
| Chimney liner |
$125 |
To find more information on your specific case of trade, refer to the building & zoning permit application fees page.
Cut weeks off your permitting process.
Let PermitFlow handle the paperwork so your team can stay focused on the build. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Albany, NY
Step 1: Prepare your plans & documents
First, you need to gather all required paperwork before applying.
Here's what to compile:
- Drawings or architectural plans
- Project scope and estimated valuation
- Contractor license and insurance, or NYS CE-200 waiver (if exempt from workers’ comp)
- Trade applications (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fence, roofing, etc., if applicable)
Step 2: Submit your application
Use the BRC forms page and CSS portal to file the Albany building permit application and trade forms (plumbing/electrical/HVAC, fence, etc.).
You can submit via:
- Email (codes@albanyny.gov)
- In person (200 Henry Johnson Blvd., First Floor, Suite 1, Albany, NY 12210).
Step 3: Plan review & approval timeline
BRC’s typical review window is 7-10 business days (varies by scope/queue). Don’t start until the permit is approved and issued. Early starts risk a Stop Work Order ($300).
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an invoice for permit fees. Pay online through the CSS Portal, over the phone, or in person at the Permit Counter.
Step 5: Inspections & close-out
Follow your inspector’s instructions for required inspections (rough/final, and third-party electrical where applicable) and close-out.
Albany permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Albany with PermitFlow
Permitting in Albany can slow even the most organized teams, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects or navigating the city’s process for the first time. Instead of wrestling with applications, requirements, and approval delays, let PermitFlow take the reins.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles your entire permitting workflow. We prepare, submit, and monitor your Albany permits (as well as permits in all other cities where you build!).
Smart contractors partner with PermitFlow because we provide:
- Local permitting expertise: Our team knows Albany's specific permit requirements, which means your applications move along without a hitch
- Complete permit oversight: Monitor and manage all your permits from one centralized platform
- Accelerated processing: We make sure your submissions are perfect from day one to prevent rejections and cut approval times
Don’t let Albany’s permit process drain your time or profits. Contact us today to keep your projects moving and your timelines on track.
