The NYS building, and local City codes exist to ensure that new construction and the maintenance of existing structures follow minimum requirements for life and safety guidelines. The development of building and property maintenance codes by the City and State, are born out of public safety first and foremost. Most persons, typically speaking, do not have the experience or knowledge of general construction practices and engineering that would result in the peace of mind that all work performed, provides a safe environment for public use and occupancy.

All Code Enforcement Officers have years, if not decades, of construction related experience, and hundreds of hours of specific training, that provides them with the knowledge needed to evaluate and inspect buildings for safe living or working conditions. Safety is the cornerstone of the job of the Code Enforcement Officer or Housing Inspector.

NYS and City codes, are minimum requirements for safe building practices and living conditions as they relate to structures. They represent the minimum threshold of construction requirements to meet State and City guidelines for the safe occupancy of a building or maintenance of a property.

Our mission is to educate and provide a knowledgeable resource of the code and how it applies to your building, construction or property condition. We are dedicated to helping you understand any deficiency your building or property may have, and provide the prescription to resolve your particular condition.

Building, Electrical, & Fence Permit Applications

Building Permit Application for a Contractor

Fence Building Permit Application Package for Owner Occupied and Owner doing the work

Fence Building Permit Package from a Contractor

Electrical Permit Application

Certificate of Ordinary Repair Application

Permit for Home Owner - Owner Occupied Package

Permit for Home Owner Investor Non-Occupant Package

Plumbing permit application

Other Permits

• Contractors Work Permit
• Dumper Permit
• Sidewalk Permit
• Lot Line Adjustment Application
• Work in Row
• Nonporous Paving Application
• Curb Cut Application
• Revocable Permit

Development Applications

• Rezoning Application
• Application for Special Use Permit Form (Please note the following forms are also to be filled out online: PART 1 and PART 2)
• Use Variance Application
• Area Variance Application
• Zoning Ordinance
• Sign Regulations, see Zoning Article IX
• Historical Map of Schenectady Districts
• Site Plan Application
  (Please note the following forms are also to be filled out online: PART 1 and PART 2)
• Change in Tenancy Application
  (Please note the following forms are also to be filled out online: PART 1 and PART 2)
• Subdivision Application
  (Please note the following forms are also to be filled out online: PART 1 and PART 2)
• BZA Guidelines for Applicants
• Planning, Zoning and Historic Commission Fees
• SEQR Application ( for commercial variances and Special Use Permits)
• Historic Application and Instructions
  (Please note the following forms are also to be filled out online: PART 1 and PART 2)

Building Permits – A building permit is legal permission to build or renovate a building/structure within the city, issued by the Building Department. Valid building permits are good for 12 months, at which time the permit will automatically expire and a new permit must be obtained to complete any unfinished work. An application to extend a building permit may be obtained by appealing to the Building Inspector with the circumstances for the extension and a realistic updated schedule for completion.

A building permit ensures that your repair, alteration or construction will be done and completed in compliance with NYS and City code.

Almost every alteration, repair, or construction requires a building permit. Painting a home, (with the exception of an historic district), is one of the very few exceptions to this rule. However, if the home needs repairs prior to painting, that would require a permit.

How do I Get a Permit? Building permits are obtained by filling out an application and submitting supporting documents that include, but not necessarily limited to;

• A detailed scope of work, including materials, dimensions, structural definitions, and a cost estimate of the construction
• A licensed electrical and plumbing contractor if applicable
• Workers compensation insurance, or a personal waiver for self performed work
• An architectural drawing, or sketch, dependent on the scope of work
• Zoning Approval may be required for new construction or additions or alterations

Please call the Building Department with any questions regarding the work you are proposing and we will gladly provide you with the guidance you need.

NOTE: Performing work on a new or existing building without the proper permit(s), is subject to violations and fines including, but not limited to, Stop Work Order, Working Without Permits, and general code violations. CALL BEFORE YOU BUILD!!!

Applications & Licenses

For a list of all downloads, visit the City's official website.

Business, LLC, Partnerships Applying for Any Application (Include this with any application)

• LLC Registration Form
• Partnership Registration Form
• Corporation Registration Form

• Certificate of Use Application
• Certificate of Use Application Renewal
• Circus/Carnival License Application
• Dance & Dance Hall License Application
• Electronic & Table Games License Application
• Movie Theater & Live Entertainment License Application
• Precious Metals License Application
• Second Hand Dealer License Application
• Second Hand Dealer Police Log
• Sidewalk Outdoor Cafe Application Application
• Transient Performances License Application
• Scrap Metal Processor License Application

The detailed municipality information displayed on this page is not a property of America's Building Records (ABR). This information is complied for your convenience from the municipality's official website. For the most up-to-date information please visit their official website.