Roof Permits and Paperwork in New York

One code, many offices

New York has a statewide building code, the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which includes the residential code that covers roof coverings, underlayment and ice barriers. The NY Department of State's Division of Building Standards and Codes maintains it and explains how it is administered (NY Department of State, Division of Building Standards and Codes). Enforcement is local. Cities, towns and villages each run code enforcement offices that issue permits and do inspections.

Inside city limits, the City of Syracuse handles residential building permits (City of Syracuse). In the suburbs, the town or village code office does. Onondaga County government is a useful starting point for finding town and village offices (Onondaga County government). Some places, such as villages inside towns, have their own office separate from the surrounding town.

Which roof jobs usually need a permit

Requirements vary by municipality, but full re-roofs, structural changes, new roof framing, and work that changes the roofline often need a permit. Small shingle repairs often do not. The safest move is to ask the local code office directly or have the roofing estimate state who will check and pull the permit. When a permit is needed, there is usually an inspection at the end, and some offices inspect during the job.

Code points worth asking about

• Layers: the code limits re-covering over existing roofing in many cases.
• Ice barrier: in areas with a history of ice damming, the residential code calls for an ice barrier at the eaves. Central New York qualifies.
• Underlayment and flashing: requirements for materials and installation.
• Ventilation: attic ventilation requirements tie into how the roof is detailed.

Written contracts

New York's General Business Law has specific rules for home improvement contracts, including that many must be in writing and spell out the work, the materials, the start and completion dates, and payment terms. The New York State Attorney General publishes plain guidance on what to look for and how to avoid home improvement scams (New York State Attorney General). The FTC adds general tips on hiring a contractor (FTC consumer advice).

Paperwork to keep

• The signed contract and any change orders.
• The permit and final inspection sign-off.
• Product and installation warranty documents from the manufacturer and installer.
• Photos before, during and after, especially of the decking and eaves.
• Receipts and proof of payment.

These help with future insurance claims and when the house is sold. See what shapes a roofing estimate and roof replacement.

Related pages: roof replacement, roof repair, ice dams & snow damage, and what shapes an estimate.

Sources: NY Department of State, Division of Building Standards and Codes; City of Syracuse; Onondaga County government; New York State Attorney General; FTC consumer advice.