Building Division

Welcome to the Town of Brookhaven’s Building Division Web Page. We will try to make your experience as pleasant as possible. Here are a few questions and answers that can help you understand the process and help us process your building permit application.

Why do I need a Building Permit?
It’s the law! The Town of Brookhaven Building Division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Brookhaven Town Code Section 16-3.

When is a Building Permit Required?
A Building Permit is required for New Homes, Additions, Alterations, Manufactured Homes, and Accessory Structures. Accessory Structures most commonly include detached garages, sheds, decks, gazebos and swimming pools. “A permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing plumbing systems.”

What do I need to apply for a Building Permit?

1. You must submit – Three (3) sets of construction plans for all permits. Additions 700 square feet or larger and all second story additions must have plans prepared by a registered Architect or Professional Engineer. Existing structures require As Built Plans. Stoves and factory-built fireplaces are to be installed to manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Building Permit Application completed with owners signature.
3. Plumbing Permit Application completed with signature (if applicable).
4. Transactional Disclosure Form completed with signature.
5. Certification of Structures Form completed with signature.
6. Affidavit for Health Department Requirements (additions to existing structures) completed with signature.
7. Four (4) photocopies of a survey (Survey must be complete, legible, and full size.)
8. One (1) photocopy of a tax bill or a tax printout from the Assessors Office.
9. One (1) Photocopy of all Certificates of: Occupancy, Compliance, Existing Use, or Zoning Compliance for all existing structures on premises.
10. Proof of Workers Compensation and Disability (Proposed Structure) from builder/contractor.
11. Statement of estimated cost may be required for labor and materials for structures not calculated by square foot.
12. Fee – paid when application is accepted (cash or check only).

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?
The Building Division is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. If the Plans Examiner approves your plans and all of your Building Permit paper work is in order, your building permit may be issued the same day. Please be aware that the process may take all day, so please be prepared.
How long is a Building Permit valid?

A Building Permit is valid for one year from the date it was issued.

When do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?
Upon completion of your final inspection, the Building Division will mail a list of the requirements for a CO. To complete the process you may be required to get a lead solder test, new survey, and/or an electrical inspection as well as approvals from various agencies depending on your project. After all CO requirements are satisfied you will be issued a CO within three days.

The property owner is ultimately responsible for complying with the building code and codes of The Town of Brookhaven. Building without a permit will only cause more hardship and delays in the future when you may not have the luxury of time. Penalties for not obtaining a Building Permit are triple the Permit Fees for each permit required. In some cases, other penalties may result.