City of White Plains, New York Building Permit Guide

The City of White Plains Department of Building issues building permits in the city. It is at 70 Church St., White Plains, NY 10601, phone 914-422-1269, fax 914-422-1471. It enforces a local White Plains Supplemental Building Code Ordinance alongside the state Uniform Code and the city zoning ordinance.

This guide covers the Department of Building, its application forms and insurance rules, the fees effective July 01, 2019, inspections under the Supplemental Building Code and the zoning, planning and county licensing steps. No newer fee schedule was found, so confirm amounts with the department.

Which White Plains building application do you need?

White Plains uses a Building Long Form for projects that add volume and a Building Short Form for projects that do not, plus a separate Zoning Compliance Form. Paper applications must be completed, notarized and brought to the Building Department.

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

Who handles permitting in the City of White Plains?

Insurance, zoning and county licences in White Plains

Insurance certificates

No application is accepted without a certificate of insurance made out to the City of White Plains, 255 Main Street, naming the city as additional insured on the liability policy. Contractors with employees need $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence, $1,000,000 automotive liability, and statutory workers’ compensation and NYS disability (Acord forms not accepted). A homeowner doing the work with no employees must show general liability insurance of $500,000 per occurrence and a completed NYS Workers’ Compensation Board form CE-200.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals decides area and use variances, appeals of zoning decisions and certain special use permits. It meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month (except August) at 7:00 pm in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall.

Westchester County licences

Westchester County requires home improvement contractors to hold a county licence from the Department of Consumer Protection; the application fee is $750.00 from January 1, 2026.

City of White Plains permit costs and fees

Fees effective July 01, 2019, based on estimated cost:

Plumbers and electricians in White Plains

Westchester County requires plumbers and electricians to hold a Westchester County trade licence. In White Plains, plumbing is charged at $50 plus $30 per additional $1,000 for one and two family dwellings and $75 plus $30 per additional $1,000 for multifamily and commercial work.

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 White Plains

Every permit carries an expiration date set by the City of White Plains, 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

Inspections in the City of White Plains

Under the White Plains Supplemental Building Code a new house needs at least site preparation (with the Department of Public Works), foundation, rough mechanical/plumbing/fire protection/electrical, frame and masonry, insulation and final inspections. The department generally acts on inspection requests within forty-eight (48) hours, and the contractor or a responsible representative must be present at each mandatory inspection. Cancelling a scheduled inspection without 48 hours notice costs $300.

Official City of White Plains 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 White Plains Department of Building
• White Plains building permit applications
• White Plains building fees
• White Plains inspection information
• White Plains insurance compliance
• White Plains Zoning Board of Appeals
• Westchester County home improvement contractor licensing
• Westchester County plumber and electrician licences

Frequently asked questions

When does the White Plains Building Department accept applications?

Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on normal business days. Paper applications must be completed and notarized.

Which White Plains form do I use?

The Building Long Form for projects that add volume and the Building Short Form for projects that do not, plus a separate Zoning Compliance Form.

Are White Plains fees current?

The fee page says fees are effective July 01, 2019, and no newer schedule was found; confirm the amounts with the department.

Simplify City of White Plains permitting with Alliance Permitting

• 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.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about City of White Plains permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.