Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has announced that the City of Syracuse Central Permit Office reported a record-breaking year for permitted construction value in 2024. The total reached $413.5 million, surpassing the previous high of $399.7 million set in 2022. This figure includes both residential and commercial building permits and reflects the projected value of construction work requested through annual permits.

“Reaching this level is another clear indicator Syracuse is surging,” said Mayor Walsh. “Investment and construction are strong. To respond to this growth, our Central Permit Office continues to implement process changes and develop creative strategies to improve timelines for permit approvals. I am proud of the collective efforts being made across City departments to have greater collaboration, increase efficiencies, and drive progress toward a brighter future.”

The City's Central Permit Office manages between 4,000 to 5,000 permits annually. To accommodate the increased permitting activity, the office has expanded its capacity by engaging third-party firms to assist with reviewing design plans for compliance. These firms help reduce turnaround times for plan reviews, and applicants have the option to pay for expedited reviews.

Digitizing permit applications has also contributed to handling the increased workload effectively. Through the City's Online Application Portal, residents and businesses can submit applications online, search required approvals before starting projects, send inquiries to City staff, upload documents, and make payments via credit card. The portal offers 24-hour electronic access aimed at streamlining application approvals and scheduling meetings or inspections more efficiently.

Notable projects permitted last year include expansions at Tech Garden and SYR Terminal at the airport; renovations at Almus Olver Towers; developments like Starbucks on Tipperary Hill; student housing at The Standard at Syracuse; and Syracuse University’s Catholic Center.

In 2025, all commercial and residential applications will be moved online by the CPO. More information about using the portal can be found at goto.syr.gov/onlineapplications.