Amherst, NY Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 83-5-1 bars anyone from commencing the relocation, replacement, demolition, erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement or removal of any building, structure or parking lot, or changing a required means of egress, without first obtaining a building permit or quick permit issued by the Commissioner of Building. New construction is deemed to start once excavation or site grading begins. A short list of exempt work needs no permit: playground equipment under 144 square feet, above-ground pools under 24 inches deep, fences not enclosing a pool, certain retaining walls, temporary stage sets, window awnings on one- and two-family homes, low partitions, painting and similar finish work, listed portable appliances, in-kind component replacement, and minor repairs that do not touch load-bearing elements, egress, building systems or fire protection.

Applications go to the Building Department and must include a completed filing form, a dimensioned site plan showing setbacks and yard separations, and construction documents sealed by a licensed New York engineer or architect where required. A permit expires if actual construction is not begun within six months (two months for demolition), though the Commissioner may postpone that expiration up to six months at his discretion. Once work starts, it must finish within two years or the permit lapses, forcing either removal of completed work or a new application under the code then in effect; a follow-up permit issued to finish prior work must be completed within six months of its own issuance. A permit can be revoked or suspended for a false statement, incomplete information, or work that departs from approved plans.