What requires a Building Permit?

he following is copied from our local code...  When in doubt please call the office  (518) 943-2381 ext.101

§ 87-4. Building permits...
  1. Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure, or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
  2. Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories:
    1. Construction or installation of one-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided that the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.88 square meters);
    2. Installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
    3. Installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above the ground;
    4. Installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool;
    5. Construction of retaining walls, unless such walls support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids;
    6. Construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery;
    7. Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
    8. Installation of partitions or movable cases less than five feet nine inches in height;
    9. Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work;
    10. Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;
    11. Replacement of any equipment, provided that the replacement does not alter the equipment's listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment's original specifications; or
    12. Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:
      1. The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;
      2. The removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
      3. The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; or
      4. The removal from service of all or part of a fire-protection system for any period of time.