New Rochelle, NY Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Erection, alteration, demolition, excavation, change of use
- Where to apply
- Bureau of Buildings, filed with the Building Official
- Permit expiration
- Void if work not started within 90 days
- Minor-work exemption
- Alterations under $10,000 may be waived
- Unpermitted structures
- Must be removed per § 111-14
Summary
New Rochelle requires a building permit before any construction, alteration, demolition, excavation or change of use begins on a structure covered by the State Code. Section 111-8 of the Building Code bars starting such work, including erecting a crane on private property, until the owner files an application with the Building Official and receives a permit, unless the project qualifies for one of the code's specific exemptions.
No person, firm or corporation shall commence the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, removal, improvement, demolition, excavation or conversion of any building or structure or part thereof, or change the occupancy or use of any building or structure or part thereof, or perform any work which must conform to the State Code, or cause the same to be done, or shall erect any crane on private property, without first filing with the Building Official an application and obtaining a permit therefor, except as otherwise exempted under the provisions of this code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4601407; v60 updated 2025-12-02; through 12-02-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 111-8 of the New Rochelle Building Code states that no person, firm or corporation may commence the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, removal, improvement, demolition, excavation or conversion of any building or structure or part thereof, or change its occupancy or use, without first filing with the Building Official an application and obtaining a permit, except as otherwise exempted. The requirement covers structural work, additions, demolitions, excavations and even erecting a crane on private property. Applications go to the Bureau of Buildings under Section 111-10, must be signed and notarized, accompanied by the required fee, and for larger projects must include two sets of plans, a plot plan referencing Section 331-136 of the Zoning Ordinance, and, for buildings over 10,000 square feet, an affidavit from a supervising engineer or architect under Section 111-11B.
Section 111-9 exempts ordinary repairs that do not touch structural features, egress or life-safety systems, fences six feet or under that are accessory to a dwelling and not tied to a pool enclosure, and, at the Building Official's discretion, minor alterations under $10,000 that leave structural, fire-safety, electrical, plumbing and heating systems untouched. A permit expires if work is not started within 90 days of issuance or is suspended for six months, subject to 90-day extensions the Building Official can grant for cause under Section 111-11C. Fees are set in Chapter 133.
Violations & Fines
Starting covered work without a permit is unlawful under Section 111-8, and Section 111-14 requires any structure erected without a permit and not conforming to the State Code to be removed. The Building Official can also revoke an issued permit under Section 111-11G for false statements on the application or work that deviates from approved plans, halting the project until it is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for ordinary home repairs in New Rochelle?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Rochelle
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How other cities in Westchester County handle building permits.