Our permit guides are designed to be used as an initial step and reference guide to building your new home or ADU. Use them to help research and navigate the permitting process in your county.
PERMIT
GUIDES
NAVIGATE PERMITS WITH CONFIDENCE.
HOW TO USE
THESE GUIDES
Each guide is organized by county or region. Start with the county where your parcel sits. If you are unsure which county applies, look up your parcel address on your state's GIS or tax map portal.
For most projects you will need permits from at least two separate agencies: the local building department (or county code enforcement office) and the county health department (for septic and well). In the Adirondacks, add the Adirondack Park Agency to that list. In Vermont, check whether Act 250 applies.
The permit process is sequential. Health department approvals for well and septic typically have to be in place before the building department will issue a building permit. Plan for that dependency in your timeline.