Building Permits

Check to see if you need a permit for the work you are going to do.

• Work Exempt from Permit(PDF, 264KB)

• Contractors - State-licensed Contractors may apply for and pull all necessary building permits
• Agents - Third Party representatives can act on behalf of the property owner, with their written authorization, and apply for and pull building permits. The state-licensed contractor performing the work needs to be listed on the application.
• Owners - Property Owners can apply and pull building permits, either listing the hired contractor on the application, or as an Owner-Builder, acting as their own general contractor.
  • To pull a permit as an Owner-Builder, the applicant MUST own the property, consider the property their primary residence for a minimum of 12 months prior to completion of work, and complete work themselves.
  • For more information on state law regarding acting as Owner-Builder, see Contractors State License Board website.
  • Contractors State License Board Owner Builder Brochure(PDF, 171KB)

Any contractor or handyman hired to perform work in Albany must have a current Albany business license at the time of permit issuance. Please see the Business License page for more information on how to apply for or renew a business license.

Smaller residential projects limited to only minor or no structural changes can typically be issued within 1-2 business days, such as:

• Furnace Replacements
• Water Heater Replacements
• Electrical Panel Change-outs and Upgrades
• Siding Replacement or Repair

Other documents in addition to the Building Permit Application may be required for Over-the-Counter Permits such as:

• Window Replacements(PDF, 188KB)
  • Photos of existing windows
  • Illustration or spec sheet showing appearance and dimensions of new window(s)
  • Site Plan showing location of windows to be replaced
• HVAC installations
  • Site Plan showing location of condenser or outdoor unit and distance to property lines
• Re-Roofs
  • Fire Code Section - Open Flames(PDF, 177KB)
• Sewer Laterals
  • An Encroachment Permit(PDF, 157KB) is needed for any work in the Public Right-of-Way and must be completed by a licensed contractor

Other projects that do not qualify for an Over-the-Counter permit will typically require Plan Review.

For detailed information on Building Permit Submittal Requirements for projects requiring Plan Review, see Plan Review page.

Information regarding building designs and plan sets can be found in:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Handout(PDF, 553KB)
• Building Permit Submittal Checklist for ADUs(PDF, 177KB)
• Building Design Authority List(PDF, 26KB)
• Bathroom Remodel Submittal List(PDF, 118KB)
• Kitchen Remodel Submittal List(PDF, 292KB)