Need a building permit for a shed in New Hartford, NY?

Benjamin Oxenford Author

May 13, 2021 |

A top question about sheds is if a building permit is required by your town. For New Hartford, here's some info.

Some of the top Internet searches for sheds include, "sheds without permits" and "sheds without planning permission" and even "sheds without council approval." This is a frequent question, so give some help here - specifically for the town of New Hartford, NY.

Each town has it's own rules governing the building of structures and how the land is used. This sets some standards and helps neighbors get along.

Here are some "shed relevant" abbreviated entries from the Town of New Hartford Codes:

§ 65-4A: Building and/or site grading permits

A. Building and/or site grading permits [are] required [...for] the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof,[...including] grading and clearing for any building or use....

§ 118-23: Additional accessory use standards.
A. Accessory buildings, structures and uses shall be permitted only on the same lot as the principal building to which they are accessory.

B. An accessory building shall not be constructed on a lot without a principal structure...

C. Location of accessory buildings, structures and uses.
(1) No accessory buildings, structures or uses shall be located in the front yard on any lot...
(2) Accessory buildings, structures and uses shall be set back at least five feet from the rear and side lot lines...

D. Accessory buildings, structures and uses shall not alter the character of the premises on which they are located...

E. In the A, RA, LDR and MDR Districts, the maximum height of an accessory building or structure for a residential use shall be one story or 15 feet, whichever is less. The highest height level shall be measured at the peak of the building...

G. There shall be not more than two accessory buildings or structures on a residential lot...

These are abbreviated for items that apply to sheds. 

So, yes a permit is required. Also a shed must be at least 5 feet off the property lines and other structures. The plans sent with the permit need you to show the elevation of the shed in relation to the existing grades and other structures in the area that the shed is to be installed. The cost for the permit is $30 or less.

See the Town of New Hartford Codes website for more information (it might have changed since this writing)

There are similar rules for other towns, but to be sure, check with your own local city or town office. Here's the contact info for the New Hartford code enforcement officers:

• 315-733-7500 , Ext. 2423 - hours: 8 AM - 4 PM
• A. Lawrence Gell: lgell@townofnewhartfordny.gov
• George Farley: gfarley@townofnewhartfordny.gov