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1. Why are you requiring email addresses for tranactions?

Email affords us the abaility to better serve you.  We are able to send out reminders for upcoming expiring items and include information for you that we are unable to perform via traditional postal mail.

We are also able to communicate with you more effectively for deficient items needed to move your project along.

If you think we may not have your current email address you can update us by clicking here

2. Do you send out reminders for expiring permits, certifications and/or Residential Occupancy Permits

We send out reminders only if we have an email address on file for the owner and/or agent.  Reminder email will contain information on how to comply with the upcoming item that is expiring.

Emails will either come from codes@albanyny.gov or svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net - please look for this email addresses.  Please do not respond to the svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net as it is an unattended email address.  Any follow up questions should be sent to codes@albanyny.gov.

You can update your contact information with us to include your email address here

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

Our office is open to the public for in-person tranactions.  When you get to the entrance door, ring the bell for the BRC.  Doorbells are located to the right of the door on the brick wall.

4. 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.

5. 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.  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 date and time we will call you for an alternate date and time.

You will receive a confirmation email of the scheduled inspection date and time (one hour block - the inspector has anytime within the hour to arrive).  Emails will either come from codes@albanyny.gov or svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net - please look for this email addresses.  Please do not respond to the svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net as it is an unattended email address.  Any follow up questions should be sent to codes@albanyny.gov.

6. 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.

7. 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.

Any communication from us regarding your permit application will either come from codes@albanyny.gov or svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net - please look for this email addresses.  Please do not respond to the svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net as it is an unattended email address.  Any follow up questions should be sent to codes@albanyny.gov or directly to the inspector indicated in the email.

8. 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.

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

A Building Permit is required for both Change of Use and Change of Commercial Tenants.  A Change of Use is when there is a change in the use of the property, for example from an office to a beauty salon.  A Change of Commercial Tenant is when there 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. CLICK HERE for our informational regarding Change of Use/Commerical Tenant.

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:

• 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