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1. Do I need a building permit for any or all of the following installations including a fence, swimming pool, siding, deck or roof repair or replace?

Yes, a building permit is required to replace all of the above projects. However, it is not required to repair.

2. Do I need a permit to have a dumpster on my property or in the street in front of my property?

Yes, a permit is required to have a temporary dumpster either on your property or in the street in front of your property. 

3. Do I need a building permit to install/replace my driveway?

Yes, a building permit is required to install or replace a driveway.

4. What is Title VI?

Title VI applies to any program for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under a law administered by the United States Department of Transportation. Federal financial assistance includes grants and loans of Federal loans; the grant or donation of Federal property and interests in property; the detail of Federal personnel; the sale and lease of and the permission to use Federal property or any interest in such property without consideration or at a nominal consideration, or in recognition of the public interest to be served by such sale or lease to the recipient and any Federal agreement, arrangement or other contract which has as one of its purposes the provision of assistance.

5. What is discrimination under Title VI?

Discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, is an act (action or inaction), whether intentional or unintentional, through which a person, solely because of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, age or disability, has been otherwise subjected to unequal treatment or impact under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Transportation.

6. Who may file a Title VI complaint?

A complaint may be filed by any person who believes they or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination.

7. What are the Title VI complaint procedures?

49 CFR 21.1, provides that, “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation.”

In order to comply with Title VI and all of the regulations of 49 CFR Part 21, the City of Cohoes, acting by and through its Planning Department provides complaint procedures for those persons who believe that they have been subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Transportation. These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file a formal complaint with other State or Federal agencies or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.

8. Who do the Title VI procedures apply to?

Title VI applies to any program for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under a law administered by the United States Department of Transportation. Federal financial assistance includes grants and loans of Federal loans; the grant or donation of Federal property and interests in property; the detail of Federal personnel; the sale and lease of and the permission to use Federal property or any interest in such property without consideration or at a nominal consideration, or in recognition of the public interest to be served by such sale or lease to the recipient and any Federal agreement, arrangement or other contract which has as one of its purposes the provision of assistance.

9. How is a discrimination complaint filed?

A complaint must be in writing, signed by the person(s) or their representative(s) and must include the complainant(s) name, address and telephone number.

A signed written complaint must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination. The signed complaint must be sent to Melissa Cherubino at the Building Department.

10. How long will it take for my complaint to be resolved?

The complaint will be reviewed by Melissa Cherubino. Where practicable, the complainant shall be notified, in writing, of the findings and remedial action, if any, within a period not to exceed 60 days.

11. How do I get a permit?

An owner or his contractor can apply for the permit. Depending on the type of work planned, you may need a survey of the property and plans or drawings that show details of construction. You can call ahead to check. Fees for a building permit must be paid at the time of the application. Permit applicants can expect to have the approved permit within 5 to 10 business days after submitting an application.

Permit applications must be checked against the various codes the City enforces, including building, housing, plumbing, zoning and preservation. Specially trained staff in the Cohoes Building Department will help you with this process. In most cases fees are based upon the cost of the project; in some cases the fees are pre-set. You can call ahead to check.

When a permit application is approved, a permit card is issued and must be displayed on the job until the work is finished. A set of approved construction plans should remain on the job site during the period of construction. To obtain a permit, visit the Code Enforcement Office.

12. What is the cost of a permit?

Permit fees vary by project.

View the current permit fees.

13. What is the procedure for installing a pool on my property?

To review the steps needed, visit the procedures for building a pool page.

14. When do you need a plumbing permit?

A plumbing permit is required to:
- Install or replace a plumbing fixture (bathtub, shower, water heater, etc.)
- Install, repair or replace a water supply line, storm or sanitary drainage line or vent line
- Mechanical de-rooting of a sanitary drainage system to remove a blockage.

A plumbing permit is not required to:
- Replace a rubber or fiber washer in an existing faucet
- Use a rubber plunger to remove a blockage drainage system

15. Who can do electrical work?

The owner-occupant of a single-family dwelling may perform electrical work within his/her own dwelling without having a licensed electrician, but he or she must still obtain an electrical permit at the City Cohoes Building Department and make application for inspection with a City approved electrical inspection agency in order that the work performed is inspected and approved.

Your electrician must file for an electrical permit and an application for inspection with a City approved electrical agency before work starts.

16. How often must I have my apartment inspected?

Each time you re-rent an apartment it has to be inspected.

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1. How do I obtain a certified birth, death or marriage record?

Certified vital records may be obtained in person, or by mail. Please contact the City Clerk's Office for more information.

2. How do I obtain a new dog license?

To obtain a new license you must supply proof of rabies vaccination and proof of spay/neutering (if applicable). License must be renewed yearly.

For neutered or spayed dogs, the yearly rate is $12.50. For dogs that aren't neutered or spayed dogs, the rate is $20.50.

The yearly rate for senior citizens 65 years and older is $1 for neutered or spayed dogs and $3 for dogs that aren't neutered or spayed dogs.

3. How do I renew an existing dog license?

Renewal forms are sent to owners directly from the City Clerk's office and if rabies vaccination has expired, new proof must be submitted. Licenses need to be renewed every year and they may be renewed by mail, in person or online.

4. What is the procedure for obtaining a marriage license?

A couple who plans on marrying in New York State may obtain their marriage license from any Town or City Clerk within the State. The prospective couple must be at least 18 years of age. (Under 18 years of age, parental consent is required). The marriage license must be obtained at least 24 hours before the marriage and it is valid for 60 days after issued. The fee for a marriage license is $40.

Proof of age and identity with any of the following:

- Baptismal Record

- Certified Birth Record

- Naturalization Record

You also need a driver's license, passport or employment photo ID.

If either party was previously married, certified divorce papers for every marriage must be presented. If a death occurred, a certified death certificate is required.

For more information on how to obtain a license,

contact the City Clerk's Office.

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1. Are Court sessions open to the public?

Yes, Court sessions are open to the public.

2. How can I pay my fine?

You may submit a money order or certified check made out to "Cohoes City Court" either in person or by mail, or you may bring cash to the office. The Court does not accept personal checks. Visa or MasterCard may be used for any vehicle and traffic violation. Credit card payments must have authorized signatures, therefore, no telephone credit card transactions can be accepted, except by fax.

Credit card payments made in person must be accompanied by 1 form of photo identification or 2 other forms of identification. Credit card payments made by mail or fax must be accompanied by a signed cardholder acknowledgment form, which will be a part of the notice of fine payment mailed to you. If other than the defendant is making the payment, a photocopy of the card holder's photo identification with signature (i.e. drivers license) is also required.

The amount charged may not exceed the amount imposed by the Court. Any credit card transaction that is rejected for failure to submit all required information will result in the filing of a default judgment without prior notice.

3. How do I file a small claim by myself for back rent?

You should contact the Court for information regarding the proper paperwork you need to obtain and complete. View the Court's contact information.

4. How do I file a small claim?

In order to file a small claim in our Court, the person whom you are suing (the Defendant) must either live or work in the County of Albany. In other words, the address you provide the Court must be located in Albany County. You do need an exact address. You cannot use a P.O. Box. The amount of your claim cannot exceed $5,000.

Once you have this information, you may file the paperwork at the Court Office, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Corporations, partnerships and associations having a principal office in the State of New York may bring a commercial claim against a person or a business located in Albany County for an amount up to $5,000.

The Court may hear cases brought by DBAs provided they show proof that they are, in fact, a DBA. For more information, you may pick up a booklet on Small Claims at the Court Office.

5. How do I get a public defender?

In order to obtain a Public Defender, you must financially qualify and be charged with a crime or violation other than a traffic infraction. For more information regarding the qualifications, you may contact the Public Defender's Office at 518-447-7150.

6. How do I contact the Court's Office?

View the contact information for the City Court.

7. What do I do if I get a parking ticket?

You may mail your fine into the Treasurer's Office at City Hall, or you can request a Parking Ticket Protest Form from the Treasurer's Office. Complete that form and return it to the Treasurer's Office.

The Treasurer will forward protest forms to the Judge for his review and decision. You will be notified by the Treasurer's Office of the outcome. View the Court's contact information.

8. What do I do if I get a suspension notice?

You should immediately contact the Court to determine the reason for the suspension. If the suspension is for failing to pay a fine, the payment should be remitted to the Court. If the suspension is for failing to answer the summons, then you should appear in Court to expedite the procedure.

If you are unable to appear and the charge is not a misdemeanor, you may be able to mail in a plea, be sent a notice with the amount to pay, remit your payment and be mailed a receipt. NYS Department of Motor Vehicles suggests that you carry this receipt with you for a minimum of a year as they no longer have the capability to lift suspensions. The Court mails notifications to DMV and they advise it takes this long for it to clear.

9. What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?

There are a few options when getting a traffic ticket. On the back of the yellow ticket given by the officer is what is called a plea by mail. If you wish to plead guilty, you may sign and date Part A pleading guilty and the Court will mail you back a notice of fine. If you wish to plead not guilty, you may sign and date Part B pleading not guilty and you will be scheduled for an appearance and a possible trial.

If you do not wish to plea by mail but rather you would like to speak to a Judge then you must appear on the date that is listed on the front of your ticket at the bottom of your ticket. Please note that most tickets you can mail in your plea, however, there are some exceptions.

All misdemeanor tickets must appear in Court. If there is a question on whether you were charged with a misdemeanor, you may contact the Court for clarification.

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1. I would like to buy a HUD home. What should I do?

Contact any local realtor who would have a listing, and they will help you with the purchase. If you have internet access, you could check the HUD Website.

2. I would like to start a large business or would like to relocate my large business in Cohoes. How can the City help me?

In addition to the loan programs that the Cohoes Local Development Corporation administers for small businesses, the Cohoes Industrial Development Agency is an agency that has the authority to issue revenue bonds to assist large businesses. Besides the Cohoes Industrial Development Agency, the Cohoes Urban Renewal Agency can assist large businesses with site acquisition.

To find links to these helpful agencies, visit our Business Resources Section.

3. I would like to start a small business in Cohoes. Are there funds available?

The Cohoes Industrial Development Agency administers a Business Loan Program and a Micro-Enterprise Loan Fund. The Department is staff to the Cohoes Industrial Development Agency. Any individual who is interested in financial assistance from either loan program should contact the Department at 518-233-2117 for details. Technical assistance is also available.

4. My home is in need of rehabilitation. Does the City have any programs that might help me?

Presently the Department does not administer any home rehabilitation programs. However, the Department may be able to refer you to programs that are administered by not-for-profit agencies or other governmental entities. For example, posted on our website is information about the home repair programs of the Albany County Rural Housing Alliance for low-income Cohoes residents.

5. Where and when do the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals meet?

Both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals meet in the Common Council Chambers of City Hall. The Planning Commission usually meets the second Monday of the month, and the Zoning Board of Appeals usually meets the fourth Wednesday of the month. Both meetings start at 6:30 p.m.

6. Where is the Cohoes Visitors Center, and what are its hours of operation?

The Cohoes Visitors Center is located in the Cohoes Music Hall at 58 Remsen Street. It is opened Tuesday to Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Group tours are available at any time but must be scheduled at least one week in advance.

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1. What are the hours the pool is open?

The pool is open every day from noon to 7 p.m from the end of June to mid August.

2. When and where do I sign up for soccer?

Soccer registration is sent out through the schools at the end of the school year. Registration dates are posted on those forms.

3. When is the pool opening?

The pool opens at the end of June and stays open until late August.

4. Where can I get an application for summer employment?

For information about summer employment in Cohoes, visit the summer employment page.

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1. Can I connect to the Internet at the Library?

Yes! The library has 6 sit-down public access computers as well as 1 computer dedicated to quick reference such as searching the library catalog or the online databases. The library also provides wireless connection and partons are welcome to bring their laptop or other internet devices to the library. Anyone who has a valid library card and is at least 18 years old may use the computers.

If you are between 8 and 18 you must also have a permission slip signed by one of your parents.

If you are 8 years old or under you must have an adult with you.

2. Do you have city Directories?

Yes! The library has city directories ranging from 1861 to 1935 on microfilm and they have 1895 to approximately 2000 in hard copy although some years may be missing.

3. Do you have copies of old newspapers?

The library has copies of local newspapers on microfilm from February 1895 to December 1957. We have a microfilm reader but it does not make photocopies. Ask at the circulation desk for help.

4. Do you have last week's newspaper?

No. The library keeps Sunday papers until Wednesday or Thursday. Daily papers, including the Times Union, The Troy Record, The Gazette, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today are all changed daily. They are not kept because we have no storage space.

Copies of newspapers are available locally at Troy Public Library, Colonie Town Library, or the Albany Public Library.

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1. How do I obtain a copy of crime reports?

To obtain a crime report you must submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request at City Hall. You may pick up a FOIL request form at the police desk. Depending on the circumstances of the report, certain information may not be authorized for release. Your request will be reviewed in a timely manner and you will be contacted by a member of the Police Department notifying you of the results. There is an administrative copying fee of 25 cents per page for all FOIL requests.

2. How do I obtain a copy of motor vehicle accident reports?

For accidents that occur in Cohoes, motor vehicle accident reports are normally completed in 72 hours. You must call the Police Department at 518-237-5333 to inquire about a particular report prior to coming to headquarters.

3. How do I obtain a photo I.D.?

You can obtain a photo I.D. through the Cohoes Police Department. Before you can obtain the I.D., you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a Cohoes resident.
(Proof of residency required, ex: recent bill, phone bill).
- You must be at least 21 years of age.
- Birth Certificate.
- Social Security Card.
- $25 processing fee.
*$10 - Seniors

I.D.'s are done on Tuesdays and you must have an appointment. You may go to the window to make an appointment, or if the window is closed you may call 518-237-5333 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

*Senior discount applies to 60 years old and over.

4. Who do I call about court appearances or related actions?

Citizens often call the police department in regards to matters that must be addressed by the court. The police cannot confirm or change the date of a court appearance or adjust a fine or dismiss charges against a defendant. All such issues must be directed to Court personnel at 518-233-2134.

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1. How can I get rid of metal items (lawnmowers, bikes, washers, dryers, stoves, etc.)?

The last Thursday of every month, the Department of Public Works will collect all metal items free of charge. Call 518-233-2139 to be put on the list for pick up. This day is restricted to metal only.

2. How do I dispose of bulk items (furniture, rugs, etc.)?

Residents must complete a trash collection request form. The form along with payment can be returned to the Treasurer’s Office at City Hall. Payment may also be made by phone with a credit card by calling the Treasurer’s Office at (518) 233-2111 or on with the online payment system on the home page of the city website. Pick-ups are normally scheduled for the resident’s next regular trash pick up day.  Items may also be taken to the annual spring clean-up day (held one Saturday in May or June). Access the

trash collection request form (PDF).

3. How do I dispose of tires?

Residents must complete a trash collection form. The form along with payment can be returned to the Treasure’s Office at City Hall. Access the trash collection request form (PDF).

4. How do I get rid of electronics and televisions?

Electronics and televisions are not an acceptable item for regular garbage pick up or bulk pick up. Electronics and televisions can be dropped of at the City of Cohoes' Annual Spring Clean-Up Day at Lansing Park that is held in May or June or a list of collection sites can be found on the Public Works webpage. 

trash collection request form (PDF).

5. What do I do if my garbage does not fit in the containers I have?

Each resident is allowed up to two City issued garbage containers and one recycling containers. If one trash container is not sufficient, a second container may be purchased through the Treasurer’s Office at City Hall.