Short answer: It’s complicated.
New York State requires that building permit applications to Seneca County Code Enforcement include plans stamped by a Design Professional (either a licensed Architect or a licensed Engineer) when NYS Education Law requires that plans be stamped by a design professional Rules And Regulations – Department of NY State.
What makes it complicated is that the requirements are slightly different for Architects and Engineers.
a. All construction and alterations to a structure require plans stamped by an NYS-licensed Engineer.
Except:
1) Stamped plans are not required for agricultural structures when the project costs less than $ 10,000 UNLESS the work affects the structural safety of the structure;
2) Stamped plans are not required for residential structures with a gross habitable floor area of 1,500 square feet or less if the project costs less than $ 10,000 UNLESS the work affects the structural safety of the structure.
b) All construction and alterations to a structure require plans stamped by an NYS-licensed Architect.
Except:
1) Agricultural structures;
2) Residential buildings with a gross habitable floor area of 1,500 square feet or less;
2) Alterations costing $20,000 or less, UNLESS the work affects the structural safety of the structure.
Choosing a Design Professional
We cannot recommend a design professional for your project. Some direction is available via the New York State Education Department at: