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.

See Chapter 16 of the Consolidated Laws; Title VIII: The Professions; Article 145 Engineering and Land Surveying, Section 7209.

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.

See Chapter 16 of the Consolidated Laws; Title VIII: The Professions; Article 147 Architecture, Section 7307.


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: