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1. Can I submit my completed paperwork at your office?

Currently, in-person services are available by appointment only.  Please call 518-434-5995 and press 0 to make an appointment for in-person submittals/inspections requests. Please note you may need to leave a voicemail, but calls are returned throughout the day in the order they are received.

2. How long does it take for my permit application to be approved?

This is a hard question to answer as it depends on many factors, including the scope of the project and whether additional information or corrections need to be made to your application.  Although many permit applications are processed within a few days, the general rule of thumb for our department is 7 to 10 business days.  If you have not heard from your inspector after 10 business days, give our office a call.

3. How do I register for a Residential Occupancy Permit (ROP)?

Obtaining a ROP begins with registering the rental property by completing a Rental Dwelling Registry Form and submitting it to our office along with the applicable fee.  When completing the form, indicate your preferred date and time for the ROP inspection.  You can submit your completed form to us via email or in-person by appointment only.  If you submit the completed form to us via email, you will receive a call from us for payment via credit card.  You can also mail your form with a check to our office.

Once your registry form is received, your inspection will be scheduled for the date and time you have selected.  If we cannot accommodate your requested dat eand time will call you for an alternate date and time.

4. I received a Stop Work Order (SWO), what do I do now?

SWOs are issued when work is being or has been done without a permit being issued.  This carries a $300 fine.  Your fist step is to stop all work if it was issued for work currently being done.  You will also need to pay the SWO fine or complete an application to have the fine waived or reduced.  Once the fine is satisfied, you will need to apply for and obtain a permit before continuing the work.  You will find permit applications on our forms page, only licensed contractors may apply for electrical, plumbing & elevator work.

If you have received a SWO and have questions please email our office.

5. I applied for a building permit, what happens next and can I start the work now?

Once you apply for a permit, it is assigned an inspector.  The inspector will start the review of your application and if any additional information or further clarification is needed, the inspector will contact you.  This usually takes place one or two business days after your application depending on the amount of applications received.  It is always a good idea to include your email address on your application as this is the best way for the inspector to fully communicate what is required.

You cannot start work until the permit has been approved and issued, starting work before the permit has been issued may subject you to a Stop Work Order.  Again, emailing the issued permit to you is the fast way for you to receive your permit.

6. I received an Unsafe/Unfit (USUF) Order, what do I do now?

You will need to apply for and obtain permits to correct the violations which caused the building or portion thereof to be Unsafe/Unfit.  Once the corrections have been made, you need to call our office to schedule a re-inspection.  Once the re-inspection has been performed and all violations have been corrected, then the USUF designation will be removed and the building or portion thereof may be re-occupied.

Electrical, Plumbing & Elevator Permits may only be applied for by a Licensed individual or company.  Failure to obtain permits may subject you to a Stop Work Order.

7. What is the difference between a Change of Use & a Change of Tenant Permit and when is one needed?

A Change of Use Permit is required when there is a change in the use of the property, for example from an office to a beauty salon.  A Change of Tenant Permit is required when their is a change within the same use, for example a bar remaining a bar but there is a change in ownership (of the bar) or name and operations.

Floor plans with dimensions are required for any change of use permits.  Many of these are not required to be professional drawings, but most show details of the layout(s).

Additional permits may be required:

• Building Permit for any work to be done
• Electrical Permit for any electrical work to be done
• Plumbing Permit for any plumbing work to be done
• Sign Permits for any signs to be installed or changed