Yonkers, NY Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 56-17
- Permit issuer
- Dept. of Housing and Buildings
- Application form
- Sworn statement, in duplicate
- Design professional
- NY-licensed architect or engineer
- Legal basis
- NY State Uniform Code
Summary
Before any construction, alteration, repair, installation, or demolition in Yonkers, the owner, lessee, or their architect, engineer, or builder must apply to the Department of Housing and Buildings for a building permit under City Code § 56-17 and the New York State Uniform Code.
Before commencement of any construction, alteration, repair, installation, work or activity which requires issuance of a building permit pursuant to the New York Uniform Code or this chapter, the owner or lessee or agent of either or the architect, engineer or builder employed by such owner or lessee shall apply to the Department for a building permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4745274; v31 updated 2025-10-28; through 10-28-2025).
Full Breakdown
Yonkers Code § 56-17 bars starting construction, alteration, repair, installation, work, or activity until the Department of Housing and Buildings issues a building permit. The application is a sworn statement, in duplicate, naming the owner, the New York-licensed architect or professional engineer who designed the work, and a construction superintendent with 10 years' experience. Plans and surveys must carry the seal of a New York-licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor and comply with Education Law § 7209. No change to the approved plans covered by the Uniform Code may be made without the prior written consent of both the designer and the Department.
Violations & Fines
Starting construction, alteration, or demolition before the Department of Housing and Buildings issues the permit violates § 56-17 and the New York Uniform Code, and changing approved plans without the Department's prior written consent is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a building permit in Yonkers?
Who applies for the permit?
Do the plans need a professional seal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yonkers
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