4 rules for unincorporated Queens County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
In Queens, temporary portable sheds on one- or two-family properties are exempt from DOB permits if they are 120 square feet or less, not over 7'6" tall, located at least 3 feet from any lot line, do not obstruct windows, and there is only one per tax lot. Larger or permanent sheds require a DOB permit.
1 RCNY §101-14 (Rules of the City of New York)
Backyard Sheds — Storage sheds are permitted in rear yards only. Prefabricated and custom-built sheds are regulated the same way under New York City law. Homeowners may not need to submit work plans to the Department of Buildings or secure work permits to install a backyard shed – unless it will be within three feet of the property line. If so, the work plans must show the shed is built with no...
Fences up to 6 feet for one- and two-family dwellings in Queens are exempt from DOB permits. Homeowners can self-install. Fences over 6 feet or for multi-family buildings require a DOB permit with plans by a licensed professional. Front yard fences limited to 4 feet in residential zones.
1 RCNY §101-14 (Rules of the City of New York)
Fences (other than at construction sites) — Applications for fences may be filed with a PW1 form by checking Box 6D and entering Fence Not Temp. However, as per 1 RCNY §101-14, for one- and two-family dwellings, the Department does not require permits for fences 6 feet or less in height and homeowners may install their own fencing. [...] In all cases, it is recommended that a licensed land surv...
Most deck construction in Queens requires a DOB work permit. NYC is stricter than many jurisdictions — earthwork, foundation, framing, and electrical work for decks all require permits and licensed professionals. Plans must be filed by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer. Patios at grade may be exempt for minor work.
NYC Administrative Code §§ 28-105.4, 28-105.4.1, 28-105.4.2; NYCECC R402
Project Requirements for Owner: New Deck and Porch Installation — Work you can do without a permit — NYC Administrative Code Section AC 28-105.4 clarifies work exempt from permit, which does not absolve work from compliance with any other law or rules enforced by the Department. Owners are obligated to comply with requirements of other City agencies. Unless otherwise indicated, permits shall no...
NYC requires DOB permits for virtually all renovation work beyond cosmetic changes. Permits are categorized as Alteration Type 1 (major), Type 2 (multiple work types), or Type 3 (minor, one work type). Plans must be filed by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer. Working without a permit carries fines of $2,500–$25,000+.
NYC Administrative Code §§ 28-105.4.1, 28-105.4.2, 28-105.4.4, 28-105.4.5
Does my project require a permit? — Most construction in New York City requires approval and permits from the Department of Buildings. Some minor alterations may be done without a work permit. For example, installing new kitchen cabinets doesn't require a permit but contractors must have a Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license. [...] Some example...
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