Planning Department Building Department Thomas Hulihan, Planning Director Tim Lippert, Building and Zoning Administrator [email protected] [email protected] Amy Lolik, Assistant Planning Director Phone: (518) 465-1693 [email protected] Phone: (518) 462-4839
LINK TO PLANNING DEPARTMENT PAGE LINK TO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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The Planning & Building Departments have several roles relating to the development and re-development of the city's land and structures through administration of the Zoning Code and Building Code. These codes are adopted and periodically amended by the City of Rensselaer Common Council to protect the health, safety, property, and welfare of the City's residents as well as comply with New York State law.
The Building Department administers the building and zoning codes through issuance of permits, conducting inspections, and issuance of violation letters and tickets.
The Planning Department administers applications to the public board and environmental review process required of most development or redevelopment in the city. Applicants for site plans, subdivision plats, special permits, certificates of appropriateness, and variances present their proposals or requests through this office for approval by the Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals, whose members are city residents appointed by the Mayor.
The Planning Department also administers the HOME Program, which provides income-based grants for home rehabilitation under the Federal Housing & Urban Development Agency (HUD).
The City of Rensselaer has established Building Permit, Certificate of Compliance (businesses), Certificate of Occupancy (rented residential), Rental Dwelling Registry, Site Plan Review, Subdivision, Stormwater Management, and Zoning requirements for all properties within its borders.
If you are looking to do work on your existing city home, plan new construction, or are relocating a business to our city, please contact our office so we can assist you with our local rules and application procedures.
The link Below is a Brochure with information about the City of Rensselaer.
Rensselaer: Hub of New York’s Tech Valley
Here are some links to relevant local laws administered by this department: