Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Ontario County, New York
54Index Score / 100 #40 of 62 in New York
Building permits are required for work in Ontario County, New York that must comply with the state Uniform Code or Energy Code, and the city, town or village containing the parcel runs that permit process12. Zoning is also municipal and varies by city, town and village, not set by the county3. Septic review is separate from the municipal building office: call Ontario County Public Health, which works with the state Health Department's Geneva District Office, to learn who reviews a new system45.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for covered work; the applicable city, town or village normally administers the permit1
Zoning
Rules vary by municipality; verify the official map with the relevant city, town or village3
Building inspections
Required for permitted work, performed by the applicable code enforcement authority6
Certificate of occupancy
Required before occupying work that needed a building permit7
Septic system approval
State and local responsibility is mixed; confirm the reviewer for the parcel before design4
SPDES discharge permit for septic
Not required for a typical home system under 1,000 gallons per day with no industrial waste8
Public health functions for Ontario County, including environmental-health coordination; the department's own page says it keeps no in-house environmental health specialists and partners with the state district office for enforcement
Primary state enforcement and investigative body for environmental health regulations in Ontario, Wayne and Yates counties, per Ontario County's own Environmental Health page
Technical assistance to Ontario County's towns and villages on zoning maps, comprehensive plans and development-proposal review; does not adopt zoning or issue building permits itself
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Do you need a building permit in Ontario County, New York?
Yes. Work in Ontario County that must conform to the New York Uniform Code requires a building permit, although permitted exceptions may apply1. The Uniform Code and Energy Code operate statewide, and local governments generally administer and enforce them within their jurisdictions9. A local code-enforcement program may exempt a qualifying one-story detached tool shed, storage shed or playhouse of 144 square feet or less, but exempt work must still comply with the codes10. Ask the relevant municipal code office which exclusions it has adopted before treating a small project as permit-free. Agricultural buildings used directly and solely for agricultural purposes are exempt from regular periodic inspections, not from every permit, code requirement or safety inspection11.
Who issues building permits in Ontario County, and how do you reach them?
For an ordinary private project, start with the code-enforcement office for the city, town or village containing the parcel because the responsible local government administers the statewide code requirements2. If you do not know the municipality, the Ontario County Planning Department supports municipalities with zoning maps and development-proposal review and can help orient your search12. Reach the Planning Department at 20 Ontario Street, 2nd Floor, Canandaigua, NY 14424, or 585-396-445512. The local permit application must provide enough information to show code compliance, including the work description, tax map number, street address, occupancy classification, any applicable special-inspection statement and acceptable construction documents; the enforcing authority may request more13. Building-permit fees vary locally; Ontario County Planning Board referral review itself has no fee14.
Does Ontario County have zoning, and who sets the rules?
Zoning in Ontario County varies by city, town and village rather than coming from one county-administered set of parcel rules1516. Ontario County publishes local municipal zoning maps, but the original signed maps are kept by each municipality's clerk; verify the current map with the relevant municipal zoning office17. For minimum lot size, setbacks, building height, lot coverage, accessory dwellings or allowed uses, identify the municipality and zoning district first, then ask that zoning office for the current text. The Ontario County Planning Department supports municipalities with zoning maps and development-proposal review12. A subdivision may require Ontario County Planning Board referral when the land lies within 500 feet of specified boundaries, parks, rights-of-way, agricultural districts, channels or government-owned land; the county board advises, while the local board decides18. A qualifying subdivision plan also needs health-authority approval showing satisfactory sewerage facilities before filing with the county clerk19.
How do septic permits work in Ontario County?
New York regulates onsite wastewater statewide, but administration in Ontario County is split among state and local bodies and depends on location420. A project discharging less than 1,000 gallons per day of ordinary sewage to groundwater does not need a state SPDES discharge permit, but that exemption does not clear the system for construction8. Ontario County Public Health has no in-house environmental health specialists and partners with the New York State Department of Health's Geneva District Office, which covers Ontario, Wayne and Yates counties521. We could not confirm which office approves every new residential system, so call Ontario County Public Health before commissioning a design5. Only about 12.5% of Ontario County soils rate better than "very limited" for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation and allow for a more involved design22. Alternative systems require health-authority plan approval before construction23.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Ontario County?
We could not confirm one rule for living in an RV or occupying a tiny home across Ontario County. Local zoning varies by city, town and village, so ask the parcel's municipal zoning office whether residential RV use, temporary occupancy during construction, tiny homes and the proposed utility arrangement are allowed in that district3. Use the signed municipal map rather than relying only on the county's published copy17. A tiny home used as a dwelling may also need a building permit, required inspections and a certificate of occupancy or compliance before use167. The Ontario County Planning Department can help identify the municipality and available zoning map when the parcel's jurisdiction is unclear12.
Building a home in Ontario County: the steps, in order
Identify the city, town or village containing the parcel; its code-enforcement program administers the building-permit process2.
Verify the zoning district and signed official map with that municipality's clerk or zoning office17.
Ask the code office for its application and fee schedule; expect a work description, tax map number, street address, occupancy classification, applicable special-inspection statement and construction documents13.
Ask Ontario County Public Health to identify the septic reviewer, then arrange the site evaluation54.
Obtain the access permit from the road owner: Ontario County requires one for a new connection to a county road, and subdivision applications need a site plan and driveway profile2425.
Keep permitted work accessible for required inspections6.
Submit any applicable flood-hazard certification and obtain the certificate of occupancy or compliance before occupying the permitted work267.
What to check before you buy land in Ontario County
Water: we could not confirm a countywide private-well permit rule; Ontario County's Environmental Health page points owners to Cornell Cooperative Extension for sampling kits and lab guidance5. Soils: only about 12.5% of the county's soil rates better than "very limited" for a conventional drain field, so a lot that looks buildable may need a more involved septic design22. Access: a new connection to an Ontario County road needs a highway work permit, while a driveway on a state highway needs a state permit2427. Flood: private development in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area requires a local floodplain-development permit, and applicable flood-hazard certifications must be submitted before the certificate of occupancy or compliance2826. Taxes: Ontario County's effective property tax rate is about 2.2%, and the median property tax bill is about $4,460 a year2930.
Watch-outs
New in 2026, Ontario County's Bureau of Highways moved highway work permits, including new driveways, onto an online DPW permit portal, though hauling permits still follow the county's regular paper process rather than the portal24.
Ontario County's own Environmental Health page says its Public Health Department keeps no in-house environmental health specialists and refers enforcement to the state's Geneva District Office, so confirm who reviews a new septic system before you design one5.
Ontario County zoning rules vary by municipality, and the online maps are local copies; verify the signed official map with the relevant city, town or village zoning office before relying on a district boundary317.
Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Ontario County highlighted among the New York counties · colored by Index score
How Ontario County scores
Seclusion23100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.
Admin Boringness5690% ev.
Durability83100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost63100% ev.
Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$331kTypical home
2.2%Property tax
$5,135Land / acre
35.8"Annual rain
2.1% of yrsSevere drought
0.9 / yr (+0.9)Mid-century 100°F days
9.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.47" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$997Home insurance / yr
1% / yrInsurance growth
0.31%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
278,138People within 30 min
3,720,895People within 2 hr
108,836Radius comparison (15 mi)
174.7People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
82.3%Land at 15% slope or less
12.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Ontario County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
Not yet researched: Town of Canadice · Canandaigua · Town of Canandaigua · Geneva · Town of Geneva · Town of Gorham · Town of Hopewell · Town of Manchester · Village of Manchester · Town of Naples · Village of Naples · Town of Phelps · Village of Phelps · Town of Seneca · Town of Victor · Village of Victor
Answers from the rulebook for Ontario County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Ontario County rules
InspectionsRequired
Construction, renovation, and code-enforcement work within the scope of the Ontario County Uniform Code enforcement local law.
Construction inspections are made prior to issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, and Operating Permits.
The CEO may also conduct fire-safety, property-maintenance, complaint-related, and other inspections authorized by the local law.
The county law requires random field inspections of at least 5% of specified county renovation, remodeling, or construction work not otherwise required to be inspected.
random field inspection minimum: >= 5 percent (County renovation, remodeling, or construction work not otherwise required to be inspected under the local law.)
“to conduct construction inspections; inspections to be made prior to the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, and Operating Permits; fire safety and property maintenance inspections; inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints; and all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this local law;”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Work subject to a Building Permit within the scope of the Ontario County Uniform Code enforcement local law.
The CEO issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance when permitted work is completed in accordance with the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
Required supporting materials may include structural observations or special-inspection reports, flood-hazard certifications, Energy Code test results, and manufacturer seals or data plates for factory-manufactured buildings or manufactured homes.
A temporary certificate may be issued for substantial completion under the conditions in the local law.
“A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance shall be required for any work which is the subject of a Building Permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof, which are converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
The countywide aggregate of local zoning in Ontario County, including zoning administered by its towns, villages, and cities; Ontario County itself does not administer each local zoning ordinance.
Local zoning is regulated by the applicable municipality.
The county's listed zoning maps are local maps, and original signed official copies are stored by the clerk of the respective municipality.
The Ontario County Planning Board reviews certain zoning and planning actions referred by a village, town, or city before the municipality makes a final decision; its review is advisory and local boards may overturn its recommendation by a super majority vote.
Countywide variation includes different municipal classifications of rural areas and different uses allowed in commercial, light industrial, and industrial districts.
“Individual Towns vary with regard to whether they classify rural areas as primarily intended for agriculture or for a mix of residential and agricultural use. Towns and villages also vary with regard to what office, assembly, and manufacturing uses are allowed in commercial, light industrial and industrial districts.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate describing zoning and planning decisions made by Ontario County municipalities.
“Towns and villages also vary with regard to what office, assembly, and manufacturing uses are allowed in commercial, light industrial and industrial districts.”
Varies (with conditions) — The countywide aggregate of local zoning administered by cities, towns, and villages in Ontario County.
“The documents below are local zoning maps. Original signed copies of the official maps are stored by the clerk of the respective municipality. You should always check with the City, Town, or Village Zoning Office to verify the map is the current official version.”
Varies (with conditions) — Countywide aggregate of zoning administered through Ontario County's villages, towns, and cities; this claim does not state that the county administers each municipal ordinance.
“The Ontario County Planning Board reviews certain zoning and planning actions referred by a village, town, or city before the municipality makes a final decision.”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Published local zoning maps for municipalities within Ontario County.
The maps are local municipal zoning maps, not a demonstrated countywide zoning map.
Original signed copies are stored by the respective municipality clerk.
The applicable City, Town, or Village Zoning Office should verify the current official map.
“The documents below are local zoning maps. Original signed copies of the official maps are stored by the clerk of the respective municipality. You should always check with the City, Town, or Village Zoning Office to verify the map is the current official version.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published — Municipal zoning maps published through the Ontario County official website.
“The documents below are local zoning maps. Original signed copies of the official maps are stored by the clerk of the respective municipality. You should always check with the City, Town, or Village Zoning Office to verify the map is the current official version.”
Partial — Published local zoning-map coverage for cities, towns, and villages in Ontario County.
“The documents below are local zoning maps. Original signed copies of the official maps are stored by the clerk of the respective municipality. You should always check with the City, Town, or Village Zoning Office to verify the map is the current official version.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Environmental-health and septic-related oversight in Ontario County.
Ontario County describes itself as a partial-service health department.
Environmental-health issues such as sanitation and safety inspections are directly managed by the NYSDOH Geneva District Office.
The county also partners with municipal agencies and the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District for specified septic programs.
“Ontario County is partnering with the Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District in the administration of this program.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivisions referred to the Ontario County Planning Board under New York Municipal Law Article 12-B.
CPB review is required for subdivisions when the property lies within 500 feet of a city, village, or town boundary; an existing or proposed county or state park or recreation area; the right-of-way of an existing or proposed county or state parkway, thruway, expressway, or highway; a state agricultural district; a county-owned or regulated stream or drainage channel; or county/state-owned land containing a public building or institution.
The CPB action is advisory and the local board may overturn it by supermajority vote.
The source describes referral review, not a complete countywide subdivision approval regime.
“Review Criteria: These actions require CPB review only when they occur on property lying within 500 feet of any:”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision applications referred to the Ontario County Planning Board from a city, town, or village.
“Subdivisions [...] Review Criteria: These actions require CPB review only when they occur on property lying within 500 feet of any:”
Regulated (with conditions) — Municipal subdivision actions referred to the Ontario County Planning Board under New York State referral rules.
“These actions require CPB review only when they occur on property lying within 500 feet of any:”
Driveway accessRequired
Driveway, subdivision, development, and temporary-access connections to the Ontario County Road network.
For subdivisions, a detailed site plan with a driveway profile is required to apply.
Sight distances must be listed; substandard sight distance can require relocation or a sign-package fee at the applicant's expense.
Ontario County DPW must possess a physical or digital SWPPP before issuing a subdivision/development permit.
The checklist says DPW does not require permits for general maintenance or seal coating/paving of an existing driveway.
“For Subdivisions: A detailed site plan with a profile view of the driveway is required at the minimum to apply for a permit.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Work requiring a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance under the Ontario County Uniform Code enforcement local law when flood-hazard certification is applicable.
Flood-hazard certifications are required supporting materials where applicable before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance.
The cited source does not establish a countywide ban or a complete floodplain-development permit program.
“In addition, where applicable, the following documents [...] shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance: (1) a written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of special inspections, (2) flood hazard certifications,”
Permit feesPublished
Ontario County Planning Board review referrals.
The source states that County Planning Board review has no fee.
This does not establish the fee schedule for municipal building permits, septic permits outside the cited sewer-district law, or other permits.
County Planning Board review fee: 0 USD
“There are no fees for County Planning Board review. Any request for payment claiming to be associated with the County Planning Board is fraudulent.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Ontario County has no countywide zoning; zoning is adopted and administered by individual towns and villages, as shown by the current Town of Canandaigua zoning law.
Work that must conform to the New York State Uniform Code or Energy Code throughout New York State except New York City, where the city has its own construction code; local authorities having jurisdiction administer and enforce the state requirements within their boundaries.
A local authority having jurisdiction may expressly exempt one or more listed categories of work from the building-permit requirement.
Permitted exemption categories include one-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, or similar structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or townhouses not exceeding 144 square feet gross floor area; temporary sets and scenery; certain window awnings; partitions or movable cases less than 5 feet 9 inches high; painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or similar finish work; listed portable equipment or appliances; certain equipment replacements; and repairs that do not affect fire and life safety.
A permit exemption does not authorize work violating the Uniform Code or Energy Code.
Beginning December 31, 2025, regulated parties submitting building permit applications must comply with the 2025 NYS Uniform Code, subject to the stated transition option before that date.
maximum gross floor area for listed detached accessory structures: <= 144 square feet (Only for one-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or townhouses and used for tool/storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses.) · height threshold for listed partitions or movable cases: < 5 feet 9 inches
“Each authority having jurisdiction shall include in its code enforcement program provisions requiring building permits to be required for work that must conform to either or both of the Codes.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Work in Ontario County that must conform to the New York Uniform Code or Energy Code.
“An authority having jurisdiction’s code enforcement program must require any party who proposes to perform any work which must conform with the Uniform Code or Energy Code to obtain a building permit. However, the code enforcement program may exclude work in any of the following 12 categories from the building permit requirement:”
Required — Work in Ontario County that is required to conform to the New York State Uniform Code.
“Building permits must be required for any work which is required to conform to the Uniform Code. Certain exceptions are permitted.”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A homeowner who intends to own and occupy a manufactured home and seeks to perform required installation work in Ontario County.
19 NYCRR Part 1210 requires a certified installer to be on site while the manufactured home is being installed.
The homeowner may apply for certification as the installer.
Any required component completed by the homeowner must be supervised and certified by an installer holding certification issued under Part 1210.
This source concerns manufactured-home installation and does not establish an exemption from building permits or the Uniform Code.
““A person who intends to own and occupy a manufactured home may apply for certification as the installer of such manufactured home””
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — An Ontario County homeowner who intends to own and occupy a manufactured home and seeks to install it or complete a required installation component.
“A person who intends to own and occupy a manufactured home may apply for certification as the installer of such manufactured home”
Conditional — An individual intending to own and occupy a manufactured home, including in Ontario County, who seeks installer certification for that home.
“Owner-occupant installer certificate. A person who intends to own and occupy a manufactured home may apply for certification [...] without satisfying the experience requirements”
Conditional — Owner-performed home-improvement work at an owner’s primary residence in New York, as to a New York State home-improvement-contractor license.
“Check your local government licensing requirements: New York State does not license home improvement contractors. However, some counties and local municipalities do, including New York City, Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties, and the City of Buffalo.”
Building code adoptedAdopted
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code for construction statewide outside New York City, including residential construction in towns and other local governments.
The Uniform Code took effect January 1, 1984.
New York City was permitted to retain its own code.
Cities, towns, and villages outside New York City do not need to adopt the Uniform Code affirmatively; it is automatically in effect.
A local government cannot exclude itself from all or any part of the Uniform Code.
Building permits must be required for work that must conform to the Uniform Code, subject to permitted exceptions.
effective date: 1984-01-01
“The Uniform Code is applicable in every part of the State (except the City of New York, which was permitted to retain its own code).”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted — New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code applicable in Ontario County.
“The Uniform Code, which took effect on January 1, 1984, prescribes the minimum standards for building construction in New York. It is applicable in every part of the State with the exception of New York City, which is currently permitted to retain its own code.”
Adopted (with conditions) — New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and State Energy Conservation Construction Code applicable in Ontario County.
“These Codes provide for the construction of safe, resilient, and energy efficient buildings throughout New York State.”
Septic permitLimited
Facilities discharging sewage-wastewater to groundwater through septic systems or similar systems statewide.
A SPDES permit is not required when total groundwater discharge design flow is less than 1,000 gallons per day and the wastewater contains no industrial or other non-sewage wastes.
The exemption does not eliminate possible approval requirements from the appropriate city health department, county health department, or district office of the New York State Department of Health before construction.
Other DEC permits or approvals from other agencies may also be required.
groundwater discharge design flow: < 1000 gallons per day (Sewage-wastewater containing no industrial or other non-sewage wastes)
“No SPDES permit is required [...] less than 1,000 gallons per day [...] no industrial or other non-sewage wastes”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Construction of a residential individual onsite wastewater treatment system using an alternative system under 10 NYCRR Appendix 75-A.
“Prior to construction of an individual onsite wastewater treatment system utilizing an alternative system pursuant to 10 NYCRR Appendix 75-A, plans for the design of the system shall be reviewed and approved by the State or county health department official having jurisdiction.”
Septic inspectionLimited
Post-construction certification for residential alternative onsite wastewater treatment systems under Appendix 75-A.
A design professional must supervise construction.
The design professional must certify after construction that supervision occurred and that construction conforms to approved plans.
The cited passage establishes certification, not a general periodic inspection schedule for routine operation.
“a design professional shall provide [...] a certification”
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Use of an individual onsite wastewater treatment system where a municipal or communal wastewater system is unavailable.
The system must comply with statewide Appendix 75-A minimum standards.
Alternative systems require prior review and approval by the State or county health department official having jurisdiction.
Design must be prepared by or under the supervision of a design professional.
“when a municipal or communal system is not available”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential realty subdivisions, including subdivisions of fewer than 50 lots.
Community water and/or sewers may be required when public services are available, groundwater quality or quantity is poor, or site conditions are unacceptable for onsite wastewater treatment systems.
The source addresses subdivision approval and does not establish a universal statewide connection mandate for every individual residential parcel.
“Yes, if there is good reason such as: public services are available”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Farm operations located within a New York agricultural district, including associated land, on-farm buildings, equipment, manure processing and handling facilities, and qualifying agricultural practices.
The protection applies only to farm operations in an agricultural district.
Local governments must exercise their planning and land-use authority consistently with Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law.
Local governments may not unreasonably restrict or regulate the covered farm operation unless public health or safety is threatened.
Only farm operations are protected; the Department evaluates whether the regulated activity encompasses a farm operation.
The reasonableness analysis considers whether the restriction is unreasonable on its face and as applied to the particular situation, and depends on the totality of the circumstances.
A farmer, municipality, or other eligible requester may seek a Department opinion concerning the effect of a proposed or existing local law or ordinance.
If the Department determines that a local law or ordinance is unreasonably restrictive, it may seek remediation and the Commissioner may issue an order to comply or bring an enforcement action.
“Local governments, when exercising their powers to enact and administer comprehensive plans and local laws, ordinances, rules or regulations, shall exercise these powers in such manner as may realize the policy and goals set forth in this article, and shall not unreasonably restrict or regulate farm operations within agricultural districts in contravention of the purposes of this article unless it can be shown that the public health or safety is threatened.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Regular, periodic Uniform Code inspections of agricultural buildings used directly and solely for agricultural purposes in Ontario County.
“Executive Law § 381(1), as amended by Chapter 159 of the Laws of 2007, provides that the Part 1203 rules adopted by the Secretary of State shall not “require or be construed to require regular, periodic inspections of (A) owner-occupied one and two-family dwellings, or (B) agricultural buildings used directly and solely for agricultural purposes, provided, however that this shall not be a limitation on inspections conducted at the invitation of the owner or where conditions on the premises threaten or present a hazard to public health, safety, or welfare.””
Conditional — Farm operations within New York agricultural districts seeking protection from unreasonable local planning, zoning, land-use, or permitting restrictions.
“shall not unreasonably restrict or regulate farm operations within agricultural districts in contravention of the purposes of this article unless it can be shown that the public health or safety is threatened.”
Available (with conditions) — Agricultural uses and agricultural-use structures within the Adirondack Park Agency jurisdiction, including relevant Freshwater Wetlands Act and Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers System Act permitting contexts.
““Agricultural uses” and “agricultural use structures” are generally exempted from permitting requirements under New York State’s Adirondack Park Agency Act”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building-permit applications for work subject to the New York State Uniform Code or Energy Code, administered through the authority having jurisdiction’s code-enforcement program.
A building permit is required for work that must conform to the Uniform Code or Energy Code.
The code-enforcement program may exclude listed categories, including qualifying detached structures not exceeding 144 square feet, temporary sets and scenery, certain awnings, partitions or movable cases under 5 feet 9 inches, finish work, listed portable equipment, qualifying equipment replacements, and repairs that do not affect fire and life safety.
Excluded work must still conform to applicable Uniform Code and Energy Code provisions.
An authority having jurisdiction may instead require permits for all work subject to the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
Applications must include, at minimum, the work location, nature, extent and scope; tax map number and street address; occupancy classification; applicable special-inspection statement; and acceptable construction documents.
Construction documents may need site plans, code-compliance information, structural and building-system information, Energy Code compliance, flood-hazard information, and licensed architect or professional-engineer documentation where applicable.
detached accessory structure exemption threshold: <= 144 square feet (one-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings used for tool/storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses) · movable partition or case exemption height: < 5 feet 9 inches
“An authority having jurisdiction’s code enforcement program must require any party who proposes to perform any work which must conform with the Uniform Code”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Building-permit application process for Uniform Code work in Ontario County.
“Application for Building Permit. An authority having jurisdiction’s code enforcement program must provide for an application process that requests sufficient information to enable the code enforcement official to determine that the intended work meets the requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code.”
Partial — Minimum state Uniform Code permit process applicable in Ontario County through the responsible local government's enforcement program.
“Each local government’s program for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code must conform with the requirements of Part 1203, and must include the following features:”
Published (with conditions) — Commercial property development involving new or modified access to a New York state highway, change of use, or expansion of an existing development on a state highway
“The application and review process generally consists of the following three stages of review:”
Campground & park staysLimited
Temporary camping at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation campgrounds statewide.
All campers must register and obtain a camping permit.
Check-in is from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; campers must register and occupy the campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first reservation night or the campsite may be re-rented and fees may be forfeited.
Campers must vacate by 11:00 a.m. on the final day.
Camping permits are limited to 14 nights but may be renewed depending on site availability.
From July 1 through Labor Day, only 14 cumulative nights of camping can be obtained at any campground.
Campsite occupancy is limited to 6 persons, two tents or one hard-wheeled equipment and one tent, and two vehicles; occupancy varies for Family campsites.
Violation of any campground rule is grounds for eviction; an evicted person is not entitled to a refund or to return for one week.
maximum permit duration: <= 14 nights (May be renewed depending upon availability of sites.) · seasonal cumulative camping limit: <= 14 nights (From July 1 through Labor Day, at any campground.) · campsite occupancy: <= 6 persons (Occupancy varies for Family campsites.)
“All campers must obtain a camping permit. Campers may check in from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. but must register and occupy their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night of their reservation or the campsite will be subject to re-rental and fees may be forfeited. Campers must vacate their campsite no later than 11:00 a.m. on the final day. Camping permits will not be issued for more than 14 nights but may be renewed depending upon availability of sites. From July 1 through Labor Day only 14 cumulative nights of camping can be obtained at any campground.”
county building authorityLimited
County administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code and Energy Code within a local government, including unincorporated town areas, when the local government has opted out or when the Secretary of State designates the county.
Every local government ordinarily administers and enforces the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
A local government may opt out by local law enacted before July 1; the opt-out becomes effective January 1 of the following year.
After a local-government opt-out, the county administers and enforces the codes within that local government.
The county may itself enact a local law opting out; if both local government and county opt out, the Secretary of State administers and enforces the codes.
Counties may charge fees to defray administration and enforcement costs.
A responsible county must establish a code-enforcement program by local law, ordinance, or other appropriate regulation.
local-government opt-out deadline: < July 1 · successor enforcement date: January 1 (the January 1 next succeeding the effective date of the local law)
“The secretary may designate the county in which such local government is located to administer and enforce the uniform code in such local government.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — New York counties' administration and enforcement of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and county adoption of higher or more restrictive construction standards affecting residential construction.
“In such event the county in which said local government is situated shall administer and enforce such codes within such local government [...] unless the county shall have enacted a local law providing that it will not enforce such codes within that county.”
county zoning authorityNone
New York counties' authority to adopt Euclidean zoning regulations for unincorporated land.
New York State law authorizes zoning power for cities, towns, and villages, not counties.
Counties retain other land-use-related powers under separate statutes and municipal home rule provisions, but those powers are not general county zoning authority.
“No enabling legislation had been adopted that delegates zoning power to counties.”
Inside cities and towns in Ontario County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Lake Residential zoning district in the Town of South Bristol, Ontario County.
The schedule identifies the district as LR, Lake Residential.
The source states the schedule was amended on 10-14-2002, 11-14-2005, 1-11-2010, 2-17-2014, and 11-14-2016.
Minimum lot area is 10,000 square feet; minimum width is 50 feet; lake frontage is 100 feet.
The same schedule specifies 50-foot front, 10-foot side, and 25-foot rear setbacks, a 35-foot maximum building height, and 20% maximum lot coverage.
minimum lot area: 10000 square feet · minimum lot width: 50 feet · minimum lake frontage: 100 feet
In New York, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Ontario County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Minimum dwelling size
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Well permit — Private and public drinking-water wells in Ontario County.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Ontario County, New York
Is Ontario County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Ontario County scores 54/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and workable self-sufficiency basics: 35.8″/yr rainfall and 48% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 278,138 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Ontario County, New York?
Ontario County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Town or village code enforcement office; NYSDOH Geneva District Office covers environmental health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Ontario County, New York?
Land in Ontario County runs about $5,135 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Ontario County?
Ontario County gets about 35.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.1% of years.
How remote is Ontario County?
A representative private-land location has about 278,138 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,720,895 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
