Cortlandt Permits, Inspections & Code Enforcement: What to Do in 2026
If you are planning a home addition, renovation, new building, pool, demolition, structural change or another construction project in Cortlandt, the office most people mean by the “Cortlandt Building Department” is the Town of Cortlandt Department of Technical Services (DOTS) Code Enforcement Division.
The division handles building permits, construction-code review, inspections, Certificates of Occupancy, demolition permits and several related approvals. Engineering staff may also become involved when a project affects drainage, steep slopes, wetlands, trees, driveways or other site-development issues.
Code Enforcement / Building Division: Town of Cortlandt Department of Technical Services
Address: 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
Code Enforcement: 914-734-1010
Technical Services / Engineering: 914-734-1060
Current Director of Code Enforcement: John Schembari
Town Hall published hours: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM. Call Code Enforcement before traveling if you need to meet a specific inspector or reviewer.
Information reviewed for 2026. Fees, staff assignments and project-specific requirements can change, so use the official portal for the final filing.
First: Make Sure Cortlandt Is the Correct Permitting Authority
This is an easy step to miss. The Town’s GIS guidance states that Cortlandt contains two incorporated villages: Buchanan and Croton-on-Hudson. The Town GIS contains some information for those villages, but that does not mean the Town Code Enforcement office automatically handles every village building permit.
- Write down the full property address.
- Find the property’s Section, Block and Lot number if available.
- Open the Town of Cortlandt GIS page.
- Search the parcel and confirm whether it is in the unincorporated Town or within Buchanan or Croton-on-Hudson.
- If the boundary is unclear, call Code Enforcement at 914-734-1010 before filing.
If your property is in Croton-on-Hudson, the Village Engineering Office operates its own building-permit process. This jurisdiction check can save a frustrating rejected application or payment to the wrong municipality.
For comparison, nearby Westchester municipalities also have separate systems. See our guides to the Bedford Building Department and Armonk/North Castle building-permit process.
What Does the Cortlandt Code Enforcement Division Handle?
The Town describes Code Enforcement as its building department. Its responsibilities include reviewing applications, checking zoning and code compliance, issuing permits, inspecting permitted work and investigating code complaints.
| Service | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Building permits | New construction, additions, alterations and other regulated building work. |
| Construction inspections | Required stages such as foundations, framing, systems, energy-code work and final inspection. |
| Certificates of Occupancy | Final authorization for applicable new, altered or changed-use buildings and property. |
| Demolition permits | Removal of regulated buildings or structures. |
| Zoning review | Checks whether proposed use, setbacks and construction comply with Town zoning. |
| Environmental/site approvals | Projects may also require wetlands, steep-slope, tree, driveway or engineering review. |
| Fire inspections | Applicable commercial, multifamily, public-assembly and other regulated occupancies. |
| Municipal/property records | Duplicate certificates, prior-to-zoning information and applicable property searches. |
Do You Need a Building Permit?
Cortlandt’s Town Code generally requires a building permit before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering or improving a building or structure. The Code also specifically covers installation of solid-fuel heating equipment.
In practical terms, contact Code Enforcement before beginning projects such as a new house, substantial addition, structural renovation, garage, larger accessory structure, structural deck work, commercial construction or other work that changes regulated building components.
Work that may not require a building permit
Cortlandt Code §149-12 contains specific exceptions. These are narrower than many homeowners expect.
- Necessary repairs that do not materially affect structural features.
- Certain alterations costing less than $10,000, but only when all listed conditions are satisfied. Among other limits, the work cannot materially affect structural features, fire-safety features, involve installation or extension of electrical systems, or include solid-fuel heating appliances and associated chimneys or flues.
- Accessory residential structures of 100 square feet or less that are not intended for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.
- Above-ground swimming pools containing less than 24 inches of water.
How to Apply for a Cortlandt Building Permit
Cortlandt directs applicants to its OpenGov/ViewPoint permitting system. The Town Code also states that building-permit applications are to be filed through approved permitting software or another approved Town procedure.
Step 1: Define exactly what you are building
Write a clear scope before opening the application. Include whether the project involves new construction, an addition, structural work, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, a driveway, retaining walls, demolition, a pool or a change in use.
Step 2: Check your parcel and zoning
Use the Town’s GIS to confirm the parcel and basic property information. If you need the zoning district or are unsure whether the proposal meets setbacks or use requirements, call Code Enforcement at 914-734-1010.
Step 3: Identify additional approvals before filing
Depending on the site, the building permit may be affected by zoning, wetlands, steep slopes, tree removal, drainage, driveway access, Planning Board approval, Zoning Board approval or Westchester County Health Department requirements.
The Town’s Engineering Division specifically reviews many residential and commercial applications for environmental and site issues including stormwater, topographical alteration, trees and wetlands.
Step 4: Prepare the documents
Cortlandt’s Code requires enough information to determine compliance with the Uniform Code, Energy Code, zoning and local laws. Depending on the project, expect to provide some combination of:
- Property owner information
- Property address and parcel identification
- Description of existing and proposed use
- Detailed scope of work
- Estimated construction cost
- Plot or site plan
- Construction drawings
- Survey information
- Architectural or engineering documents where required
- Contractor and insurance documentation
- Related zoning, environmental or agency approvals
Plans, surveys or specifications that require professional preparation under New York law must carry the appropriate seal of a New York licensed architect, engineer or land surveyor.
Step 5: Open the official permit portal
Go to the Town of Cortlandt online permitting system. Create or sign in to your account, select the appropriate permit type, enter the property and project information, and upload the required documents.
Step 6: Pay the application fee and respond to review comments
Application and permit charges depend on project type and value. Do not assume the initial application payment is the final total. Engineering review, trade permits, consultant escrow or other approvals can create additional charges.
If the reviewer requests revisions, respond through the application process and replace or supplement plans as directed. An incomplete application can delay review much more than taking a little extra time to prepare the first submission properly.
Step 7: Wait until the permit is issued before starting regulated work
Approval of a concept or submission of an application is not permission to build. Once a permit is issued, the Town Code requires it to be prominently displayed at the property during construction where practical.
Cortlandt Building Permit Fees in 2026
The Town Board adopted its 2026 Master Fee List on February 10, 2026. The figures below are useful for budgeting, but project-specific totals can include several separate charges.
| 2026 fee | Residential | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit application fee | $200 | $550 |
| Building permit: up to $10,000 project value | $150 | $300 |
| Additional value over $10,000 | $10 per additional $1,000 | $12 per additional $1,000 |
| Plan amendment | $200 plus revised fee based on added construction cost | $550 plus revised fee based on added construction cost |
| Electrical permit | $200 | $200 |
| Standalone driveway permit | $100 | $200 |
| Demolition permit | $200 for single-family main dwelling; $50 per residential accessory structure | $500 per structure |
Work performed without required approval: the 2026 fee schedule lists double all fees for work performed without approval and a permit, with limited authority for the Town Board to waive the penalty in specified circumstances such as a declared emergency or fire damage.
The fee schedule also says applicants are responsible for applicable electronic-payment or bank-processing charges. Consultant reviews may require applicant-funded escrow, with a Town administration and review charge where applicable.
View the official 2026 Cortlandt Master Fee List before making your final payment.
How Long Does a Cortlandt Permit Stay Active?
There are two different deadlines worth understanding.
Application inactivity: Cortlandt Code §131-3 states that an application may be deemed void if no activity occurs for 90 days from the initial application.
Issued permit: under the same section, if permitted work is not started within one year after permit issuance, the permit expires unless the Director authorizes additional time in writing. The Code also provides a one-year completion period, subject to written authorization for additional time for work already underway.
The 2026 fee schedule contains renewal charges, so do not allow a permit to quietly expire. If construction is delayed, contact Code Enforcement before the deadline rather than after it.
Cortlandt Building Inspections: What Gets Inspected?
Do not cover walls, framing, utilities or other regulated work before the required inspection. Cortlandt Code specifically requires applicable work to remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted.
Depending on the project, inspections can include:
- Work site before permit issuance
- Footings and foundations
- Preparation for concrete slabs
- Framing
- Structural systems
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems
- Fire-protection systems
- Fire-resistant assemblies and penetrations
- Chimneys, flues, gas vents and solid-fuel appliances
- Insulation and other Energy Code items
- Manufactured-home or factory-manufactured building installation where applicable
- Final inspection after permitted work is complete
How to request an inspection
- Check your approved permit and plans to identify the next required inspection.
- Make sure that stage of construction is complete and safe to inspect.
- Keep the work visible. Do not install finishes or cover regulated work prematurely.
- Have the property address and permit number ready.
- Follow any inspection-request option associated with your permit. If the required method is unclear, call Code Enforcement at 914-734-1010.
- After the inspection, review any correction notice carefully.
- Fix rejected work and request reinspection before covering it.
The Town Code also allows a remote inspection in some circumstances when an in-person inspection is impractical and the Code Enforcement official determines that a remote review can provide the same necessary level of verification.
Certificate of Occupancy: Do Not Stop After the Final Inspection
A passed inspection does not automatically mean every permit file is closed.
Cortlandt requires a Certificate of Occupancy for applicable new buildings, structural alterations, certain changes in use and other situations described in the Town Code. For new or altered buildings, the written CO application is made before requesting the final inspection.
After the final inspection, Code Enforcement determines whether the completed work matches the approved application and complies with the Uniform Code, zoning and other applicable requirements. Where appropriate, the Town Code provides for issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy within 30 days after work is complete.
For a substantial one- or two-family project, closeout documentation may include an as-built survey and other project-specific certifications. Do not order final professional documents too early; confirm the exact closeout list attached to your permit.
Projects That Can Trigger Extra Review
A building permit is often only one piece of a Cortlandt project. The Engineering Division reviews development applications for compliance with environmental and site requirements.
| Project condition | Possible additional review |
|---|---|
| Wetlands or wetland buffer | Freshwater wetlands review or permit |
| Steep property or major grade changes | Steep-slope / topographical alteration review |
| Tree removal connected to site work | Tree review or permit where applicable |
| New or modified driveway | Driveway, curb-cut or engineering review |
| Private septic or water system | Westchester County Department of Health approval may be required |
| Proposal does not meet zoning | Zoning Board of Appeals variance may be required |
| Larger site-development proposal | Planning Board or other land-use approval may be required |
The Town Code specifically provides that a building permit cannot be issued until required zoning, steep-slope, wetlands and other applicable approvals have been addressed. This is why checking the site before preparing final building plans can save both money and time.
Building Codes Used in Cortlandt in 2026
Cortlandt administers New York State’s Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Energy Code together with the Town’s zoning and local requirements.
For regulated permit applications in 2026, New York’s 2025 Uniform Code and 2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code are the current statewide code framework. They became fully effective on December 31, 2025.
The statewide code set includes the New York State Residential, Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Fire, Property Maintenance and Existing Building codes, along with the Energy Code.
For the most current statewide amendments and interpretations, use the New York Department of State Building Standards and Codes.
If you are researching how New York towns can use different local filing systems while applying the same statewide code framework, our Brookhaven, New York building-permit guide provides another useful example.
Common Mistakes That Delay Cortlandt Permits
- Applying to the Town for a village property. Confirm jurisdiction first.
- Starting work after applying but before permit issuance. Wait for the actual permit.
- Submitting plans without enough site information. Zoning, grading, drainage or wetlands issues can affect approval.
- Assuming a small project automatically needs no permit. Cortlandt’s exemptions have specific conditions.
- Ignoring related permits. Electrical, plumbing, driveway or environmental approvals may be separate.
- Covering work before inspection. The Town requires applicable work to remain exposed until accepted.
- Changing the approved plan during construction without approval. Significant revisions may require a plan amendment.
- Forgetting permit expiration dates. Contact the Town before the permit becomes inactive or expires.
- Treating the final inspection as automatic closeout. Finish the Certificate of Occupancy or compliance process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the phone number for the Cortlandt Building Department?
The Town’s Code Enforcement Division, which functions as the building department, can be reached at 914-734-1010.
2. Where is the Cortlandt Building Department located?
Code Enforcement is at Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567.
3. Can I apply for a Cortlandt building permit online?
Yes. The Town directs applicants to its OpenGov/ViewPoint online permitting system. Prepare your project information and supporting documents before starting the online application.
4. Does every home repair need a building permit in Cortlandt?
No. Town Code contains exemptions for certain nonstructural repairs and limited alterations, but the conditions are specific. Work can still be subject to zoning and New York State code requirements even when a building permit is not required.
5. Does a small shed need a building permit?
Cortlandt Code exempts an accessory residential structure not greater than 100 square feet when it is not intended for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Setbacks and other zoning rules still apply.
6. How much is a Cortlandt building permit in 2026?
The 2026 residential application fee is $200 and the residential building-permit fee is $150 for up to $10,000 in project value, plus $10 per additional $1,000 over $10,000. The commercial application fee is $550 and the commercial building-permit fee is $300 for up to $10,000, plus $12 per additional $1,000. Other permits and review fees can apply.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Cortlandt?
Have your permit number, property address and inspection type ready. Follow the inspection procedure associated with your permit; when the method is unclear, contact Code Enforcement at 914-734-1010. Keep regulated work exposed until it is inspected and accepted.
8. How long is a Cortlandt building permit valid?
Town Code generally provides that an issued permit expires if work is not commenced within one year after issuance, unless additional time is authorized in writing. It also addresses completion within one year. Contact Code Enforcement before expiration if a project is delayed.
9. Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy after construction?
For applicable new buildings, permitted enlargements or alterations, changes of occupancy and other regulated situations, yes. Required inspections and closeout documents must be completed before final approval.
10. Is Croton-on-Hudson handled by the Cortlandt Building Department?
Do not assume so. Croton-on-Hudson is an incorporated village within the Town of Cortlandt and has its own Engineering/Building services. Confirm the property’s municipal jurisdiction before filing through the Town of Cortlandt portal.
Bottom Line
For most building-permit questions in the unincorporated Town of Cortlandt, start with the Code Enforcement Division at 914-734-1010. Confirm jurisdiction and zoning first, prepare complete plans and site information, file through the official online system, wait for permit issuance before beginning regulated work, keep construction exposed for required inspections, and finish the Certificate of Occupancy or compliance process before considering the job closed.
The process feels much easier when you solve zoning, site and document questions before submitting the permit. A few minutes spent checking the parcel and required approvals can prevent weeks of avoidable revisions later.