Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Who is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the sidewalk surrounding my property?

Answer : The property owner is responsible for the sidewalk as per Chapter 228, Article I, Section 18 of the City Code.

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Question: Do I need a permit to repair or replace my sidewalk?

Answer : Yes. You can get the application for a Sidewalk Permit at City Hall, Department of Engineering, Room 205. The application includes a small diagram of your property with measurements. We also require a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of Schenectady as additionally insured to be on file in our office and a $50.00 fee. (Homeowner and/or contractor should call their insurance carrier for the Certificate of Insurance.)
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Question: Do I need a permit to have a dumpster placed on my property?

Answer : If you can get a dumpster completely onto your property ( Dumpsters cannot be placed on the sidewalk) then No you do not need a permit. If you have to put the dumpster in the road then, Yes you will need a Dumpster Permit. You can get a Dumpster Permit through the Department of Engineering, Room 205, City Hall.

Please Note: This permit is issued through the Department of Engineering but permission must first be given by the Signal Control Department. Their phone number is (518) 382-5065. They will fax their approval to our office. We also require a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of Schenectady as additionally insured on file in our office before the Dumpster Permit can be issued. (Homeowner should call their insurance carrier for the Certificate of Insurance.)

Question: Do I need to obtain a permit to put in a driveway?

Answer : Yes. In order to lower the curb to put in a driveway you need to obtain a Curb Cut Permit from the Department of Engineering, Room 205, City Hall. The application for this permit includes a small diagram of your property with measurements. We also require a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of Schenectady as additionally insured to be on file in our office and a $50.00 fee. (Homeowner and/or contractor should call their insurance carrier for the Certificate of Insurance.)

Please Note: While the Curb Cut Permit is issued through the Department of Engineering, you may also need a permit from the Building Inspector’s Office. For more information, please call (518) 382-5050.

Question: I want to hang a sign/awning outside of my business and over the City right-of-way, do I need a permit?

Answer :Yes. In order to have anything that hangs into the City right-of-way you must have a Revocable Permit. The Revocable Permit application can be picked up in the Department of Engineering, Room 205, City Hall. The application includes a small diagram of your property with measurements. We also require a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of Schenectady as additionally insured to be kept current and on file in our office and a $100 fee. Upon approval by the City Council the Revocable Permit shall be issued.

Please Note: Before the Revocable Permit can be issued, you must have a Building Permit from the Building Inspector’s Office and permission from the Zoning Officer.

Question: If there is a pothole in the road, who should I call?

Answer : There are two answers to this question. If it is a pothole, then you should call the Bureau of Service – Street Department at (518) 382-5120. If it is an area where a ‘street cut’ had been made then you should call the Department of Engineering at (518) 382-5082 so that we can inform the company who made the ‘street cut’ to repair.

Question: Do I need a permit to install a new driveway, patio or other hard, nonporous surface on my property?

Answer : Yes, If a property owner shall be using Asphalt, Concrete, Brick, or other nonporous material on the property they will be required to apply for the Nonporous Permit which you can find in the "Permits" Page.