Building Department & Code Enforcement

The City of Watervliet Code Enforcement is comprised of New York State Department of State certified code officers who work with residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other City departments to help maintain safe, healthy, and attractive living and working environments. 

Through fair and unbiased enforcement of adopted City Codes and Ordinances, including land use regulations, zoning ordinances, health and housing codes, sign standards, and building and fire codes, the primary objective of Code Enforcement is to achieve compliance. 

City of Watervliet Code Enforcement officers wear official uniforms with badges that they can provide upon request 

Permit Requirements

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.

Work Requiring Permit

Before construction begins, plans are reviewed to determine whether the proposed work complies with the Uniform Code. If the project meets the applicable requirements, a permit may be issued authorizing construction to begin. This review includes examining construction plans, dimensions, and other project information to determine whether the proposed work complies with applicable code requirements.

The Code Enforcement Officer’s responsibility does not end there. Throughout the construction phase, the Code Enforcement Officer has to conduct inspections to ensure that the work is completed safely. Once all requirements are satisfied and a final inspection has taken place, the municipality can issue a Certificate of Occupancy and Compliance, confirming that the building complied with the Code and can be legally used for its intended purpose.

  • 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
  • Repair or replace existing 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

  • All new structures or additions to existing structures including decks
  • 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
Work Not Requiring a Permit

  • 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

Common Violations

Exterior property areas, premises, and interior structures must be kept free of excessive accumulations of rubbish or garbage. 

Refuse and Recycling Cans should only be left out from 6:00pm the night before your Scheduled Trash Pickup Day, to 8:00pm the latest on day of Trash Pickup. To figure out which day your Trash is scheduled to be picked up, click here. 

All rubbish needs to be properly contained in the appropriate Refuse and Recycle Cans, with lids fully covering the cans.  

Signs that do not comply with the City of Watervliet Code Ordinance are prohibited. 

Noise that is excessively loud or disturbing and that interferes with the comfort, peace, health, or safety of others may be considered a nuisance. 

Construction and commercial landscaping activities are permitted only during the following hours: 

  • Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. 
  • Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 

Grass and weeds exceeding 10 inches in height are prohibited. 

It shall be the duty of any owner of any lot or parcel of land in the City of Watervliet to cut and remove grass and weeds on the property.  

Whenever the enforcement officer finds that there has been a violation against this Code, they shall issue and serve upon the owner of the subject property an appearance ticket. 

No person shall cause any vehicle to be an abandoned vehicle. 

In the City of Watervliet, A motor vehicle shall be deemed to be an abandoned vehicle if left unattended: 

(1) With no number plates affixed thereto for more than six hours on any highway or other public place in the City.(2) For more than 24 hours on any highway or other public place, except a portion of a highway or public place on which parking is legally permitted.(3) For more than 48 hours after the parking of such vehicle shall have become illegal, if left on a portion of a highway or public place on which parking is legally permitted.(4) For more than seven days on property of another if left initially without permission of the owner. 

Vehicles in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, stripping, or dismantling are also considered code violations. 

Read the Code about Removing Abandoned or Unlawfully Parked Cars here.  

Vehicles must be parked on City Streets or approved parking areas.

  • Residential structures must not show visible signs of decay. 
  • Exterior wood surfaces, except decay-resistant materials, must be protected from weather and deterioration using paint or another approved protective covering. 
  • Vacant accessory structures, including garages, must be maintained in good repair. 
  • A permit is required when a building or structure is enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, or demolished. 

For a complete explanation of code violations in Watervliet, review the City’s Code of Ordinances through our “City Code” page at the top, or click here. 

Report a Code Violation

When reporting an issue, please provide as much detail as possible. Including your contact information is helpful in case a Code Enforcement Officer needs additional information while investigating the case.  

The City of Watervliet has a web application that allows residents to report code enforcement issues using a phone or computer. To access this Form, click here. 

The City of Watervliet has a form that can be filled out in-person. The Building/Code Department is located at City Hall, upstairs in Room 8.  This office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. 

In-person Complaint Form 

Call the Code/Building Department at (518) 270-3800 ext. 126 

This office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. Please leave a message regarding the Issue you are reporting, along with the address, and your name and number. 

Inspections

Owners Responsibility:

Property owners are responsible for complying with applicable smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements established by New York State law and must ensure that all emergency exits are accessible and unlocked, and the property is well-maintained and safe.

Tenants’ Rights:

NYS Tenant Rights helps protect tenants living in rental housing from unsafe conditions such as mold, leaking roofs, pest infestations, lead exposure, radon, unsafe electrical conditions, and related health and safety concerns when exercising their right to request repairs or report violations to Code Enforcement. 

Rental inspections are integral to resident safety. Rental inspections help ensure that rental properties remain safe, habitable, and compliant with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. During these inspections, Code Enforcement Officers identify potential hazards and verify that required safety standards are being met. The city conducts two types of rental inspections known as the Residential Occupancy Permit Inspection (ROP) inspection and Residential Unit Clarification Certificate (RUCC) inspection.

  • ROP Inspection takes place every 3 years for rental units only. Owner occupied units do not need an ROP inspection. During a ROP inspection, Code Enforcement Officers are looking to see the condition of the property. The inspection is split into two sections: exterior and interior.
    • When examining the exterior of the property, officers check the general appearance of the building which includes examining: paint, sidings, windows, yard, fencing, foundation, roof, sidewalk, driveways, and steps.
      • If deficiencies are identified, the property owner will be notified and required to correct them before the property can be brought into compliance. For example, if a section of your house has chipped paint, the officer will tell you to paint it.
      • Officers also verify that the property’s premise identification number (house number) is clearly displayed and visible from the street so emergency responders can quickly identify the property if needed.
    • When examining the interior of the building, officers look for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (which need to be 10-year models), outlets, bedrooms and bathroom conditions, water access, ceiling and wall conditions, lighting, windows, light fixtures and more.
      • Any deficiencies identified during the inspection must be corrected to ensure the property meets applicable safety standards.
    • This thorough examination ensures that the building is livable and does not pose a threat to its residents, the property owner, and community members.
  • An RUCC inspection is required after one tenant moves out and before another tenant moves in. Renting a unit without first obtaining the required inspection may result in enforcement action, including an appearance in City Court. An RUCC inspection makes sure that the place is livable and has all necessities, such as smoke alarms and monoxide detectors.
    • During an RUCC inspection, Code Enforcement Officers examine electricity (wiring, outlets, etc.), placement of smoke and monoxide detectors, detectors in the cellar, fuse box, hot water tanks, and more.

Neither inspection is intended to evaluate housekeeping or cleanliness. Instead, Code Enforcement Officers focus on identifying safety hazards and verifying compliance with the Uniform Code. Their goal is to ensure that rental properties provide a safe living environment for tenants and do not pose risks to the public.

Property Maintenance Code of New York State (the “PMC”) is part of the Uniform Code enforced by the Building Department. The City’s Sanitation Officer inspects vegetation, debris and garbage collection on private property. Click here for more information on the importance of exterior property maintenance.

The Uniform Code establishes minimum safety standards for buildings throughout the state. The overall purpose of the Uniform Code is to protect the public from hazards, ensure that there are accessible exits, and set minimum standards for building construction and fire prevention[1]. In other words, the Uniform Code establishes minimum safety requirements and assigns responsibilities to property owners, contractors, local governments, and the State to help prevent tragedies like this from occurring again.

The Uniform Code encompasses nearly all the buildings that people use today, including homes, apartment buildings, restaurants, schools, offices, factories, and places of worship. It establishes standards for structural safety, fire protection, energy efficiency, plumbing, electrical systems, accessibility, and many other aspects of construction.

The Uniform Code is not merely a set of recommendations. It is a New York State law that establishes minimum standards designed to protect the public from fire, structural and other building-related hazards.

Without the Uniform Code, apartment buildings can have inadequate exits, restaurants may lack fire suppression systems, stairways might not meet safety standards, and smoke alarms may not be installed. Without these safety measures, lives may be placed at risk.

Because of the Uniform Code, exits are accessible so during an emergency everyone can exit quickly and safely. The Uniform Code establishes consistent safety standards that help emergency responders, property owners, contractors, and local officials carry out their responsibilities effectively. Moreover, the Uniform Code sets standards so structural failures are less likely, and accidents can be properly mitigated and handled. And most importantly, the buildings that New Yorkers use daily are safer because of the Uniform Code.

To view a copy of the code, click here.

Keeping Watervliet Clean 

Watervliet is home to a little over 10,000 people with approximately 5,000 households. Within such a small community, keeping our neighborhoods clean requires a shared commitment from homeowners, tenants, businesses, and the city. Clean streets, well-maintained properties, and properly managed waste not only improve the appearance of our community but also protect public health, discourage pests, and create a safer environment for everyone.

Prevent Pests and Diseases

All pests have one thing in common: they rely on scattered garbage and unkempt yards for food and shelter. By removing these food sources and hiding places, residents can significantly reduce pest activity around their homes.

Reduce Food Sources

  • Properly discard trash in garbage bins and close the lids immediately and tightly
  • Pick up fallen fruit and properly dispose it
  • Properly seal and store pet food indoors at night.
  • Keep the kitchen clean
    • Wash dishes immediately
    • Clean counters immediately after meals
    • Sweep floors and discard crumbs in the trash can

Eliminate Shelter

  • Mow and maintain your lawn promptly (every 7 days, preferably)
    • Trimming tall weeds and lawns strips away pests’ hiding spots and makes them prone to predators
    • Unattended lawns provide pests with an endless supply of food. By maintaining it, you are eliminating outdoor food sources
  • Seal all entry points such as: cracks, gaps around utility lines, window frames, vents, and siding
  • Install screens for windows and doors

Reduce Moisture

  • Clean gutters and eliminate standing water
    • Standing water and clogged or undrained gutters provides a breeding ground for mosquitos, some of which can transmit vector-borne illnesses (illnesses transmitted through insect bites-such as dengue)
  • Remove decaying and moist leaves
    • Decaying and moist leaves is an ideal breeding ground for insects to reproduce

In conclusion, pests thrive in a dirty, untidy, moist environment. Therefore, the best way to eliminate pests is by taking care of lawns, properly disposing garbage, and keeping a clean environment. By maintaining properties and streets, we are destroying the breeding ground, shelter, and food that pests thrive on while improving the overall look of our city.

In case of an infestation, please contact a local pest control or exterminator.

Protect Public Health

Pests carry harmful bacteria, toxins, and diseases that pose significant health risks. For example, a sting from a wasp or bee can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock in sensitive individuals. On the other hand, ticks and mosquitos can spread Lyme’s disease or West Nile. These illnesses can cause fever, allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal illness, and other serious health problems.

To avoid the possible health risks listed above, it is encouraged to take the appropriate steps to eliminate pests in your home and neighborhood.

Property Maintenance:

Aside from attracting pests, illegal dumping, overflowing garbage, and littering can create safety hazards for the community. Debris left on sidewalks, streets, and other public areas can obstruct pedestrian walkways, increase the risk of trips and falls, and force pedestrians into the roadway, where they may be at greater risk of injury. In addition to creating safety concerns, litter and illegal dumping diminish the appearance of our neighborhoods and reduce community pride.

Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property, unless responsibility has been transferred under the terms of a rental agreement or as otherwise provided by law. The City’s Building and Code Department is responsible for enforcing the New York State Property Maintenance Code and ensuring compliance with applicable maintenance requirements. As part of those requirements, property owners are responsible for maintaining the alleyway, lawn, curb area, sidewalk, and, where applicable under City requirements, the area extending to the centerline of the roadway.

In addition, the responsibility extends to the inside of homes too. Dumping fat, grease, and other waste into the sink, toilet, tub, or floor drains, risks contaminating the entire city’s water supply and affecting the sewer system. Such actions can also clog pipes and destroy your plumbing. As a result, water can be cut off. As a homeowner or tenant, please ensure that you do not dispose of such items in the kitchen or bathroom. Instead, collect grease, fat, or oil in a container and throw it out in the trash.

By maintaining your property and the areas surrounding it, you help create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming community for everyone.

The Role of Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works handles all garbage, waste, and recycled items for the city of Watervliet. Sanitation workers ensure that our garbage is properly disposed of, streets remain clean, and the public health and well-being is never compromised. These professionals constantly deal with significant hazards and health risks such as chronic back pain, infectious diseases, physical trauma, and operational injuries.

Collecting refuse and recycling is physically demanding and exposes sanitation workers to traffic, heavy lifting, sharp objects, hazardous materials, and adverse weather conditions. Following the City’s collection procedures helps crews work more safely and efficiently. That is why the city has implemented designated days for different services. For example, regular garbage and recycling material is picked up between Monday and Thursday, while Friday is for collecting grass clippings and any missed garbage and bulk item disposal is scheduled for a specific day in a month.

When residents do not comply with established rules, the Building Department has to issue violations. A resident can receive a violation for the following reasons:

  • The lids for the garbage cans are not properly closed and trash is overflowing
  • Bulk items (anything that is too big to be picked up by the standard garbage truck, such as furniture, mattresses, etc) are placed for collection on a refuse and recycling collection day
  • Garbage cans are not stored on your property 12 hours after trash can has been collected
  • Garbage cans are placed on the curb on a non-collection day

With more than 5,000 households across the entire city, the responsibility of properly disposing garbage lies strictly on residents. Collection policies are designed to help sanitation crews work safely, efficiently, and consistently throughout the City.

Poor sanitation can attract a wide variety of pests, including rodents, insects, and nuisance wildlife. Pests can cause severe property damage by digging holes, ruining plants, and rupturing electrical wires. Even though most property damage is reversible, it can still be costly and time-consuming. In addition, pests carry harmful diseases, bacteria, and toxins. Therefore, by properly disposing garbage, not only will the city look cleaner, but it will also reduce pests.

Sanitation workers go above and beyond to keep our city clean. That is why we encourage you to help them do their part by doing yours.

[1]https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US3678674-watervliet-ny/

Building Department Forms

City Permit Schedule

If you have any questions, please contact the Building Department at 518-270-3800 ext. 126

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