The City of Utica Codes Department handles building plan review and construction inspection in the city. It is at 1 Kennedy Plaza, Utica, NY 13502, phone (315) 792-0163, open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
This guide covers the Codes Department, what needs a permit, the city fees, City plumbing and electrical licensing, certificates of occupancy and right-of-way permits. Only the one-, two- and three-family certificate of occupancy fees are given; ask the Codes Department about the others.
What requires a building permit in the City of Utica?
In Utica any construction costing $1000.00 or more needs a building permit, as does installing a solid fuel heating appliance, chimney or flue in a dwelling unit.
All new construction or renovation in the Scenic & Historic District needs a permit regardless of cost; the Building Inspector will say whether a project is in the district. An asbestos survey and abatement are required for all demolitions.
New York builds on one statewide code, the Uniform Code, outside New York City; the 2025 edition and 2025 Energy Code took effect on 31 December 2025 (the all-electric provisions remain suspended by court order). Cities, towns and villages administer it, and local standards stricter than the code need Code Council approval. The Uniform Code in New York
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Get a free quote →Who handles permitting in the City of Utica?
| Office | Handles | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Codes Department | Plan review, construction inspection, trade licence lists and exams; 1 Kennedy Plaza | (315) 792-0163 |
| Codes Building Department | Setbacks, zoning and code questions; appointments with a Building Inspector | 792-0157 |
| Plumbing inspector | Plumbing inspections; One Kennedy Plaza | (315) 792-0123 |
| Electrical inspector | Electrical inspections; One Kennedy Plaza | (315) 792-0222 |
| Engineering Department | Curb cut, dumpster, sidewalk and street opening permits | See the Engineering permits page |
Board approvals and inspection programs in Utica
Approvals before you apply
Where required, Scenic & Historic Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board approvals must be secured before applying for the building permit.
Part 1203 inspection program
Places of public assembly, multiple dwellings, dormitories and hazardous commercial uses fall under the city’s Part 1203 building inspection program, with its own application and fees, enacted in May 2008.
Right-of-way
Curb cut, dumpster, sidewalk and street opening permits for work in the city right-of-way come from the Engineering Department.
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Get a free quote →City of Utica permit costs and fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Repairs, alterations and additions, $1,000-$10,000 of value | $150.00, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or part |
| New 1-, 2- and 3-family homes, up to 1000 sq. ft. | $250.00 |
| New homes, 1,001 to 2,000 sq. ft. | $350.00 |
| New homes, over 2,000 sq. ft. | $450.00 |
| New commercial construction and additions over 1,000 sq. ft. | $.20 per sq. ft. up to 50,000 sq. ft. |
| Plumbing permit | $25.00 up to $1,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 |
| Certificate of occupancy | $125.00 one-family; $200.00 two-family; $275.00 three-family |
| Residential demolition (1, 2 or 3 family) | $35.00 up to 500 sq. ft.; $50.00 for 501 to 1,500 sq. ft.; $100.00 over 1,500 sq. ft. |
| Commercial demolition | $100.00, $250.00 and $500.00 in the same bands |
Work value includes general construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and fire protection. Checks are made payable to “City of Utica”.
Plumbing and electrical licences in the City of Utica
Only persons licensed by the City of Utica may do plumbing or electrical work in the city. The Codes Department keeps the lists of active licensed plumbers and electricians and runs the plumbing and electrical licence exams; call 315-792-0163. Plumbing and electrical inspections must be passed before the Building Inspector’s final inspection.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Where a municipality issues separate trade permits, the work is done under whatever electrical or plumbing licence that city, town or county requires; many places license neither trade. Trade licences in New York
How to get a building permit in the City of Utica
Contact the Codes Building Department at 792-0157 to check setbacks, zoning and state code requirements, or to ask for an appointment with a Building Inspector.
Get any Scenic & Historic Commission, Planning Board or Zoning Board approval first.
A full set of stamped plans (two sets to get one back) with site plan, architectural, structural, MEP and fire drawings, plus an energy compliance sheet.
Make the check payable to “City of Utica”.
Plumbing and electrical work must be done by City of Utica licensees.
Every permit carries an expiration date set by the City of Utica, which may void a permit if work does not start in time; confirm the expiry on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in New York
Rather not deal with the City of Utica building department?
Get a free quote →Inspections in the City of Utica
Plumbing and electrical inspections come first: the plumbing inspector is at (315) 792-0123 and the electrical inspector at (315) 792-0222. A certificate of occupancy needs electrical, plumbing, fire safety and codes inspections, and is required for new construction, a change in occupancy, a commercial building closed six months or more, or a building closed by Police, Fire or Codes. Work that does not change occupancy gets a Certificate of Completion.
Official City of Utica permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- City of Utica Codes Department
- Utica building permits
- Utica building permit requirements
- Utica building department fees
- Utica plumbing and electrical inspection
- Utica Part 1203 building inspection program
- Utica Engineering Department permits
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
What work needs a building permit in Utica?
Any construction costing $1000.00 or more, a solid fuel heating appliance, chimney or flue in a dwelling unit, and all new construction or renovation in the Scenic & Historic District regardless of cost.
Can any licensed electrician work in Utica?
Only persons licensed by the City of Utica may do plumbing or electrical work in the city; the Codes Department keeps the lists of active licensees.
What does a certificate of occupancy cost in Utica?
$125.00 for a one-family, $200.00 for a two-family and $275.00 for a three-family building.
Inspections are where schedules slip.
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- Confirm the office for the parcel and the zoning, historic or street approvals that go with the permit
- Prepare the application, insurance certificates and plans and file them online or at the counter
- Schedule the inspections and follow the permit through to the certificate of occupancy
Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in New York. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
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More New York permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about City of Utica permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.