City of Syracuse

Applying for a Permit

The information presented here is only a guide.
Please contact the Code Enforcement staff in the Central Permit Office to determine what’s required for your project.

What to bring

Construction drawings require an architect or engineer's stamp unless the alterations to any building or structure:

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cost twenty thousand dollars or less, and

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do not involve changes affecting the structural safety or public safety thereof.

Click below to see how many sets of plans must be submitted for your project and property:

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Single Family or Two-Family Houses (No Commercial Use)

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Commercial Properties and Residential Properties with 3 or More Units

Plan sets must include:

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complete a survey and detailed 'site plan' showing elevations (contours if requested)

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proposed building location

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adjacent structures

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water service

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sewer and storm drainage disposal

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Building code analysis/code review for your specified occupancy

Structural plans must have:

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complete foundation details

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elevation views

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section views

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framing details

Supporting materials may include items such as: soil reports, structural calculations, energy calculations or statement, drainage calculations, etc.

Contact the Code Enforcement Permit Desk at (315) 448-8600 for specific information required for your project.

Over the Counter Permits

For smaller projects, both commercial and residential, it may be possible to obtain approval "over the counter," if plans can be reviewed in under 20 minutes by a Code Enforcement Plans Examiner, and no other agency outside of the Permit Desk needs to review the project.

Simple renovations may include drywall removal and replacement, modifications to existing layout of interior walls, minor repairs to steps, storefronts, decks, pools and garages.

How to Pay

All applications that cannot be reviewed over the counter and are left for review shall have plan review fees paid at the time of application. All other fees will be paid at time of issuance. Payment is by check or money order. Credit cards, debit cards and cash are NOT accepted.

Location

Central Permit Office City Hall Commons, Room 101 201 East Washington Street Syracuse, NY 13202
Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free parking for up to 2 hours is available for customers using the Central Permit Office.
Please allow at least 15 to 30 minutes for all permit applications.

Note: The Code Enforcement Office is authorized to:

Require that the applicant meet to discuss plans for the proposed work or change of occupancy prior to the issuance of a permit in order to establish the specific applicability of the provisions of the New York State Building Code and/or local codes.

Exception: One- and two-family dwellings that are not undergoing extensive alteration or a change of occupancy.

Require an existing building to be investigated and evaluated by a registered design professional based on the circumstances agreed upon at the preliminary meeting to determine the existence of any potential non-conformances with the provisions of the New York State Building Code.

If you have questions or comments, contact us at: DOCEPermits@syrgov.net

FIRE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND FORMS

Determining the Required Fire Flow Click here

All plans for new buildings or additions must be examined to ensure an adequate water supply is available in the event fire-fighting activities are needed at a particular location. Click this link for more information on the criteria for determining required fire flow based on your property type.

Fire Alarm System Installation Plan Review and Permit Submission Requirements Click here

All fire alarm systems must meet the minimum criteria set forth by the 2015 International Fire Code. Click here for more information on fire alarm system standards and requirements.

Fire Apparatus Access Requirements Click here

Fire apparatus access requirements are designed to provide the fire department with sufficient access to buildings to enable rescue operations and limit the maximum length of hose needed to reach any point along a building or facility in the event fire-fighting services or rescue operations are needed at a given property or facility. Click here to read more about fire apparatus access requirements based on property characteristics.

Fire Pump Submission requirements Click here

All sprinkler contractors performing work on fire pumps are subject to the Syracuse Fire Prevention Bureau’s review and inspection process. Click to learn more about requirements for submission documents.

Fire Sprinkler System Permit Submission Requirements Click here

All sprinkler contractors performing work on fire sprinkler systems are subject to the Syracuse Fire Prevention Bureau’s review and inspection process. Click to learn more about requirements for submission documents.

Kitchen Suppression System Permit Submission Requirements Click here

Two (2) full sets of construction documents shall submitted to the permits desk along with a completed copy of the Fire Suppression Permit Application form. Click this link to learn more about specific requirements for document submission.

Standpipe System Permit Submission Requirements. Click here

All sprinkler contractors performing work on standpipe systems are subject to the Syracuse Fire Prevention Bureau’s review and inspection process. Click to learn more about requirements for submission documents.

Owner’s Information Certificate Click here

This form verifies the construction type and intended use for any property applying for a fire sprinkler permit.

SFPE/NSPE/NICET Joint Position on the Engineer and Engineering Technician Designing Fire Protection Systems Click here

This document outlines rules regarding the relationships between design, code compliance and construction entities to that are intended to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare from fire and related hazards attributed to the constructed environment, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.