Barndominium permitting is limited statewide; extra approvals or variances may be needed.
The NY Department of State administers the Uniform Code. NYC has its own separate building code administered by the NYC Department of Buildings. Agricultural exceptions exist in the state building code supplements.
Primary Code
NY Uniform Code / NYC Building Code
Code Version
2020 NY Code based on 2018 IBC (NYC has separate code)
Adoption Level
Statewide
Statewide Enforcement
Yes
All municipalities enforce building codes. NYC DOB has a separate, complex process.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Agricultural buildings have exceptions referenced in state building code supplements. Farm structures may be exempt from certain requirements.
Small structures may have reduced requirements.
Heavy snow loads upstate and in mountains. Coastal wind loads on Long Island. Moderate seismic risk in parts of the state.
Wind Load
100–145 mph
high zone
Snow Load
25–80 psf
Seismic
A–C
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
NY Energy Conservation Construction Code
Version
2020 ECCCNYS
Strict energy code statewide.
License Type
No state license required (NYC requires licenses)
No state-level contractor license. NYC requires contractor licenses. Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties have local requirements.
Front
25–50 ft
Side
10–25 ft
Rear
20–35 ft
Strict zoning in downstate municipalities. Upstate rural areas more flexible.
Frost depth 36-48 inches. Basements standard in most areas.
Full permits required.
Agricultural exceptions in state code. Upstate farming communities more flexible.
Challenging in most areas. Upstate rural towns offer the best opportunities.
Full permits required.
Full Uniform Code or NYC Building Code compliance.
HOAs common in suburban developments downstate. Upstate rural land generally unrestricted.
Coastal flood zones on Long Island, NYC, and Hudson Valley. Post-Superstorm Sandy regulations.
Verify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
