Building Department & Code Enforcement

  • City Hall
    2 Fifteenth Street, Room 8
    Watervliet, NY 12189

  • 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

City Permit Schedule

If you have any questions please contact the Building Department at 518-270-3800 ext. 107

Work not requiring a permit: 

Assessed Home Improvements

  • Exterior painting
  • Repairing or replacing exterior trim
  • Minor repair of existing porches or steps
  • Repairing sidewalks or driveways on private property
  • Repainting, repairing or cleaning brickwork stone or other masonry
  • Improving lawns or landscaping
  • Adding or replacing gutters or downspouts
  • Repairing existing fencing
  • Installing weather stripping, storm windows and doors
  • Interior painting and wallpapering
  • Repairing existing walls and ceilings
  • Installing carpeting

Work requiring a permit:

Unassessed Home Improvements

  • Adding or replacing above ground swimming pools
  • Remodeling, alterations and repairs that include changes to or placement of portions of the structural system of the building (structural system includes all framing, masonry and sheathing materials.)
  • Replacement of roofs
  • Replacement of sidewalks and driveways
  • Construction of decks and stairs
  • Installing new or replacement fences
  • Plumbing additions or replacement
  • Electrical additions or replacement
  • Heating changes (i.e. furnace replacement)
  • Exterior repairs where the work to be done, including scaffolding or ladders used, extends beyond property lines
  • Replacing existing ceiling and wall materials (plaster, etc.) in buildings of two families or more
  • Replacing windows and doors
  • Adding or replacing wood-burning stoves or fireplace inserts
  • Barricade permit when necessary
  • Adding exterior lighting

Assessed Home Improvements

  • All new structures or additions to existing structures
  • Major exterior structural changes
  • Interior alterations which provide additional rooms
  • Adding new basements where none exist
  • Adding central heating or central air conditioning systems
  • Adding fireplaces
  • Converting a room in a residence into a commercial use
  • In-ground pools
  • Updating kitchens and baths

Note: All exterior improvements to historic property and/or property within a historic district will require a building permit and a historic district review.

All work must comply with New York State Building Code and the Watervliet City Code and Charter.

Please feel free to call the Watervliet Building Department if you have any questions regarding whether or not a home improvement project needs a building permit – 518-270-3800 ext. 126