Permits in New York, NY

Six common home projects, checked for New York, New York County. Pick a project below for a full result with sources and a checklist.

Choose a project

Shed

Detached or attached storage, garden, or workshop sheds.

General pattern — verify locally

Fence

New fences and fence replacements in front, side, or back yards.

General pattern — verify locally

Deck

New decks, deck replacements, and deck additions attached to or detached from the house.

General pattern — verify locally

Retaining wall

New or replacement retaining walls supporting soil, slopes, or driveways.

General pattern — verify locally

Water heater replacement

Replacing or relocating a gas, electric, heat pump, or tankless water heater.

General pattern — verify locally

EV charger installation

Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle charging equipment for a home garage or driveway.

General pattern — verify locally

What we know about New York

Water heater replacement: New York City's Department of Buildings review process is widely described as more multi-step than a typical mid-sized city, often involving separate plumbing and mechanical sign-offs.

EV charger installation: NYC has been updating fire code guidance around battery charging in enclosed parking; ask specifically about any EV-charging-related fire code provisions in addition to the standard electrical permit.

While you are planning work in New York, you may also want what common household appliances cost to run in New York, how to dispose of old paint, batteries, and other household hazardous waste, and smoke alarm placement and the 10-year expiration rule.