Show All Answers

1. Where in Town Hall is the Building Department located?

Second floor, Room 214.

2. Where in Town Hall is the Planning Department located?

Second floor, Room 203.

3. Who can I contact to ask about construction activity?

Construction activity is monitored by the Building Department. The records are available to the public and can be viewed in Room 214 of the Town Hall. To contact the Building Department by telephone, dial 518-439-4955, ext. 1112.

4. Who should I contact to ask about proposed projects?

Proposed projects are monitored by the Planning Department. The records are available to the public and can be viewed in Room 203 of the Town Hall. You can contact the Planning Department by telephone at 518-439-4955, ext. 1159.

5. What type of project requires a building permit?

Any addition, alteration, or demolition of any building requires a permit. Permits are also required for the installation of decks, emergency generators, fences, hot tubs, lawn sprinklers, pools, porches, ramps, roofing, sheds, and signs. Changes of occupancy in commercial buildings and other projects also require a building permit. Please contact the Building Department for further details.

6. How do I apply for a building permit?

You must fill out a building permit application, which be picked up in the hall outside of the Building Department. All applications come with an instruction sheet which should be read carefully. All submissions should be made in person to ensure an application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

7. How long does the permit application process take?

The issuance of a residential permit typically takes an average of 7 to 10 business days, depending on the current workload. Commercial permits take an average of 14 to 21 business days to process. Work shall not start on any project until a permit has been obtained. In order to obtain an approved permit, it must be paid for in the Tax Department first. You can then proceed upstairs to the Building Department where the permit will be printed and issued.

8. Do I have to be present when the building inspector is conducting an inspection?

It is always best to be present during an inspection; however, you will need to discuss this with the Building Department when scheduling your inspection. Inspections should be scheduled 24 hours in advance, and can be done by calling the Building Department at 518-439-4955, ext. 1112. Morning inspections are offered between the hours of 10:30 and 12:00. Afternoon inspections are offered between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00. When calling to schedule an inspection, please specify which time slot you prefer.

9. How can I find information on zoning?

Zoning information can be found in Chapter 128 of the Town Code, or by contacting the Building Department at 518-439-4955, ext. 1112. Specific zoning requests (e.g., buildable lot information, legal uses, home occupations, etc.) should be made in writing.

10. Where can I learn about the land use, planning, and review process?

See the Citizen's Guide to Land Use, Planning and Development.

11. Who do I contact to report a code violation?

Contact the Building Department at 518-439-4955, ext. 1112, to report what you think may be a violation. Please be prepared to give your contact information. Most complaints should be made in writing.

12. How can I get a copy of a survey for my property?

Surveys are filed in the Albany County Clerk's Office, 32 Russell Road, Albany, NY 12206-1324. Surveys are filed by map and drawer numbers that are shown on the deed. To obtain a copy of your survey, contact the County Records Department at 518-487-5120. You may also submit a Freedom of Information request to the Town Clerk of Bethlehem asking for a copy of your survey. If your survey is on record and you have indicated that you would like a copy, you will be charged a fee of $0.25 per page for each copy produced.

13. Where can I get a copy of the deed for my property?

Deeds are filed in the Albany County Clerk’s Office, 32 Russell Road, Albany, NY 12206-1324. Deeds are filed by liber and page numbers. To obtain a copy of your deed, contact the County Records Department at 518-487-5120. Deeds and Mortgages filed after 1980 are also available online via the County Clerk’s web site.

14. Where can I get more information about the roundabouts in town?

The roundabouts in town are located on state roads. Please visit their website for more information.

15. Can I have an in-law or accessory apartment?

Other than for properties located in Rural Districts, accessory apartments require a Special Use Permit as noted in Section 128-73 of the Zoning Law. Special Use Permits are issued by the Planning Board.