Frequently Asked Questions

The preservation of Troy's rich architectural heritage depends on the willingness of owners to exercise proper care in the maintenance and management of their properties. The Historic District and Landmark review Commission exists to aid property owners in discharging this responsibility. If you are planning any modifications to the exterior of a building within the boundaries of one of the historic districts, you are required by law to have the project reviewed by the Commission and approved by the Planning Department before work can commence. While this procedure may sound burdensome, it is actually quite simple, and its purpose is to help you preserve the investment you have already made in a historically significant property. For advice on preparing a proposal for the Commission, contact James Rath at 518-279-7169.

Interior work and ordinary exterior repairs and maintenance, such as replacing broken window glass or repainting the same colors, do not require the Commission's approval. The exception for interior work is if it affects the exterior, such as the blocking up of a window, in which case the project must be reviewed by the Commission.

The City's Bureau of Code Enforcement can tell you whether a permit is needed for work you are considering. Typically, using ladders and scaffolds in the City right-of-way requires a barricade permit. Replacing (rather than repairing) a window or door requires a building permit.

The Commission reviews your proposal to evaluate the effect of the proposed changes on the architectural and historical character of your building and/or the historic district.

No. The Commission reviews only changes that the property owner proposes to make.

There was concern when the Historic District and Landmark Ordinance was passed in 1986 that certain owners might allow their historic buildings to deteriorate to such a degree that the buildings would be in danger of losing their significant features or even of falling down. To help prevent such "demolition by neglect", the Landmarks Ordinance requires that designated properties be kept in good repair. This provision is similar to the Bureau of Code Enforcement's requirement that all City of Troy buildings must be maintained in a safe condition. If you are interested in making repairs to your designated building, the Planning Department staff is available to give you expert technical advice.

No. Landmark designation does not "freeze" a building or an area. Alterations, demolitions and new construction continue to take place, but the Commission must review the proposed changes and find them to be appropriate. This procedure helps ensure that the special qualities of the designated buildings are not compromised or destroyed. In addition, new construction may occur when an owner of a vacant lot wishes to construct a new building on the site. The Commission has approved such proposals when the design of the infill was appropriate to the character of the historic district. Such an example is the MOSS Bookstore at the corner of Second and Congress Streets.

When selecting an architect or contractor, you should keep in mind that there is a growing number of professionals who are accustomed to working on historic buildings or with renovation methods that are sensitive to the historic character of old buildings. Ask professionals about their experience with landmark buildings and whether they are familiar with the Historic District and Landmark Review Commission application process. Request references and look at completed projects. The Commission does not recommend restoration professionals. Owners of historic buildings in your neighborhood and the City of Troy's Planning Department staff may be able to provide information about area contractors. You may contact the Planning Department at 518-279-7168.

Yes. You should inform each of your tenants that the Historic District and Landmark Ordinance protects the building and that the Commission must approve alterations in advance. If a tenant makes alterations without receiving Commission approval before doing the work, the building owner will be held responsible.

No, you do not need to tell the Commission that you are selling your building. Landmark designation places no restrictions on an owner's right to sell his/her property.

Yes. Even though the Commission informed the owner of each property when they were listed, it will help the new owner to comply with the Historic District and Landmark Ordinance.

The Commission has a hardship provision. You may apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish your designated building or to alter it inappropriately on the grounds of "insufficient return" or "hardship".

The Commission discourages demolition of the historic fabric of the community.

Yes. The criteria for approving permits for work on buildings owned by not-for-profits are the same as the criteria on other buildings.

Yes. The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings of local, state or national importance. The National Parks Service through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers this program. The National Register has no connection to the City of Troy Historic District and Landmark Review Commission, although many of Troy's individual landmarks and historic districts are also listed on the National Register. For more information, contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, State Historic Preservation Office, Peebles Island State Park, P.O. Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189, 518-237-8643.

Members of the public are encouraged to call the City of Troy Planning Department to discuss questions or concerns about the effects of designation. The staff of the Planning Department is experienced in working with owners to help them meet their practical needs while preserving the architectural and historic character of the city’s landmarks.

The person most directly affected by the alleged conduct should be the person to complain. Under most circumstances, this is the person most likely to provide the best information about the incident. However, third party complaints will be accepted and investigated to the best of our ability.

To help ensure evidence is still available and recollections of the incident are fresh, complaints should be made as soon as possible after the alleged misconduct occurred.

Anonymous complaints are investigated, but not recommended. Although anonymous complaints are investigated, the investigations are less likely to reveal all the facts surrounding an incident when the investigator is unable to contact the complainant. Troy Police Department encourages individuals with allegations of misconduct by our employees to identify themselves and submit to an interview.

The subject of the complaint should involve alleged misconduct by an employee. The focus of the Troy Police Department complaint procedure is on alleged misconduct by the Troy Police Department employee that encompasses violation of laws or Troy Police Department policies and procedures. Dissatisfaction with an arrest or ticket is not considered a “complaint” and you will be referred to the court with the appropriate jurisdiction.

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency call 518-270-4421.

No, If a crime took place outside of the City of City of Troy, NY Police Department please call the police department for that city.

If this took place on a state Freeway please call the Highway Patrol Office nearest you.

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in.

In-Person
You may obtain a copy of your police report by stopping by the Troy Police Department at 55 State Street, Troy, NY.  The report can be picked up at the Police Desk (front desk) at anytime including nights and weekends. The Police Desk is open 24 hours 7 days a week. You must show a valid Driver License or other government issued photo ID. The Police report may take up to 48 hours before it is available for pickup.

Email

1. Complete and sign the Request Copy of Police Report Form.  
2. Attach the form and a copy of your Driver License or other government issued photo ID.
3. Include your First Name, Last Name and the words Request Copy of Police Report in the subject line.
4. Email form to the Troy Police Records Division

Mail 

1. Print, complete and sign the Request Copy of Police Report Form.
2. Mail the form with a COPY of your Driver License or other government issued photo ID and a self addressed envelope to the following address:
   Troy Police Department
   Attention: Records Division
   55 State Street
   Troy, NY 12180

Fee
There is no charge for the report. It's FREE

Request Records Not Your Own
The City of Troy requires that you submit a FOIL Request for records that are not your own.

Contact Us
If you wish to contact the Records Division you may leave a voicemail message at 518-270-4654. Messages are checked through out the business week. For voicemail messages requiring a response, please leave your name and a phone number that you can be reached at. 

Please note that record requests can only be made in person, by mail or by email.

In-Person
You may obtain a copy of your own local criminal record by stopping by the Troy Police Department at 55 State Street, Troy, NY. A copy of your criminal record can only be picked up on a Tuesday or Thursday between the hours of 9:00 am and 11:00 am. You must show a valid Driver License or other government issued photo ID.

Email

1. Complete and sign the Local Criminal Record Request Form.  
2. Attach a copy of your Driver License or other government issued photo ID to the email.
3. Include your First Name, Last Name and the words Request Copy of Local Criminal Record in the subject line.
4. Email request to the Troy Police Records Division

Mail

1. Print, complete and sign the Local Criminal Record Request Form.    
2. Mail the form with a COPY of your Driver License or other government issued photo ID and a self addressed envelope to the following address:
   Troy Police Department
   Attention: Records Division
   55 State Street
   Troy, NY 12180

Fee
There is no charge for a copy of your local Criminal Record. It's FREE.

Contact Us
If you wish to contact the Records Division you may leave a voicemail message at 518-270-4654. Messages are checked through out the business week. For voicemail messages requiring a response, please leave your name and a phone number that you can be reached at. 

Please not that record requests can only be made in person, by mail or by email.

In-Person
You may obtain a copy of a police clearance letter by stopping by the Troy Police Department at 55 State Street, Troy, NY. A Police Clearance Letter can only be picked up on a Tuesday or Thursday between the hours of 9:00 am and 11:00 am. You must show a valid Driver License or other government issued photo ID..

Email

1. Attach a copy of your Driver License or other government issued photo ID to the email.
2. Include your First Name, Last Name and the words Request Police Clearance Letter in the subject line.
3. Email the request to Troy Police Records Division

Mail

1. Include your name in the request.  
2. Mail your request with a COPY of your Driver License or other government issued photo ID and a self addressed envelope to the following address:
   Troy Police Department
   Attention: Records Division
   55 State Street
   Troy, NY 12180

Fee
There is no charge for a Police Clearance Letter. It's FREE.

Contact Us
If you wish to contact the Records Division you may leave a voicemail message at 518-270-4654. Messages are checked through out the business week. For voicemail messages requiring a response, please leave your name and a phone number that you can be reached at. 

Please note that record requests can only be made in person, by mail or by email.

Phone
If you wish to contact the Records Division you may leave a voicemail message at 518-270-4654. Messages are checked through out the business week. For voicemail messages requiring a response, please leave your name and a phone number that you can be reached at. 

Please note that record requests can only be made in person, by mail or by email.

Email
You can email the Troy Police Records Division  

Mail 
Troy Police Department
Attention: Records Division
55 State Street
Troy, NY 12180

When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.

• Call 911 immediately.
• Be observant and make mental notes.
• Are there any weapons involved?
• What is the address?
• Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
• Any clothing description?
• How many people involved?
• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

• Never say "nine eleven." There is no eleven on a telephone keypad or dial. Always say "nine-one-one."
• Always call from a safe place. If there is a fire in the house, get out first and then call.
• Post your address near the phone.
• Never call 911 as a prank or joke. You can get into trouble and keep someone who really needs help from getting it in time.
• 911 is not for animal emergencies. Leave the number for the vet next to the phone. If you need to reach the City's Dog Warden call 518-270-4640.
• Call 911 if you think you have an emergency and explain the situation to the dispatcher. If you call
• 911 by mistake, don't hang up. Explain the mistake to the dispatcher and say there is NO EMERGENCY.

If you are moving, it is important to update the mailing address on your account. You may contact the billing office at 518-279-7100 or complete our Change Water Billing Name/Address Form (PDF). The form can be mailed or faxed.

If you are moving, it is necessary to update the mailing address on your account by contacting the billing office of the City of Troy at 518-279-7100.

If you are purchasing or selling a home in Troy, contact the billing office at 518-279-7100 to request a final meter reading. The final bill should be presented at the home's closing to ensure the seller pays all accrued charges.

Yes, the City has the authority to discontinue your water service or shut off your water in compliance with the duly adopted City of Troy, Department of Public Utilities, "Rules and Regulations," Section 111. Under that section, the department can discontinue water service for various reasons including non-payment.

Bills change according to water usage, which fluctuates as a result of a number of things, including the number of people who live at a property. Everyone has different personal water habits that will affect the amount of water used in a given month, and water consumption may vary from season to season. Many customers increase their water consumption in the summer months by using water cooled air conditioning, watering gardens, washing cars, filling swimming pools, etc. Bills may also fluctuate based on the number of days in a billing period. The City of Troy bills quarterly, however, on occasion a bill can be over or under the 90 day period. Most bills are based on actual readings, while estimated bills are based on usage history.

Bills change according to water usage, which fluctuates from month to month. Many customers increase their water consumption in the summer months by using water cooled air conditioning, watering gardens, washing cars, filling swimming pools, etc. Otherwise, a drastic increase in consumption could be an indication that a problem at a property exists and should be inspected for leaks by checking all plumbing, fixtures and water appliances.

Bills change according to water usage, which can fluctuate based on personal water habits. You can lower the water consumption at your property by installing water saving devices or following some simple conservation tips.

Actual readings are obtained quarterly by a meter reader. Many meters are read by an outside register that transfers the meter reading to a location for easy access. If this register is blocked on in a yard that is locked, the usage will be estimated based on previous usage. Newer meters are able to be read remotely, this means the meter readers can obtain the usage from driving by the customers home. If you have a questions please contact the billing office at 518-279-7100

Your sewer charge is based on the water consumption at your property.

Bills can't be paid over the phone. However, you can pay your bill online using our online service.

Credit cards are also accepted online via the website.

• Check all faucets and piping for leaks by monitoring for drips of water under sinks and from exposed pipes.
• Add a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, this means you have a leak. Some toilet leaks are intermittent, so you don’t always see or hear the water running.
• Use the water meter as a guide. Make sure all water using appliances are turned off, read the water meter, wait 10 to 15 minutes and read the water meter again. If the meter has moved at all there may be a leak.
• Check plumbing in the basement by monitoring for drips of water coming from exposed pipes.

Occasionally, leaks develop behind walls or in areas that are not visible. Read your meter periodically to monitor for drastic changes.

If you will be away for an extended period of time, you may call the maintenance department at 518-237-0241 to shut off the water service at your property. Once the water service is shut off, all faucets should be completely drained. In addition, you should notify the billing office at 518-279-7100 of your forwarding address, so that you may receive your water and sewer bills. Troy has a return service with the Post Office, and any bills which are undelivered are returned to the city.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to protect the service pipe and water meter from freezing. If your meter does freeze, the City of Troy will replace the meter, and your account will be assessed a meter replacement fee. If the service pipe freezes, it is the owner's responsibility to thaw the frozen pipe or consult a licensed plumber.

Tips on preventing your pipes from freezing:

• Insulate water meter and pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces.
  Additionally, insulating hot water pipes will decrease your wait time for warm water.
• Repair broken and cracked windows, doors, and walls. Close all doors and windows near pipes, and make sure there is no draft.
• During cold weather (prolonged temperatures below 32 degrees), allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to water pipes that run through unheated spaces.
• Disconnect garden hoses, and install covers on all outside faucets. Shut off water to outside faucets, and drain those water lines.

Do not use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. This is not only a fire hazard, it could also cause a steam explosion. Use a hair dryer or heat lamp to thaw a frozen pipe, and open a nearby faucet to release vapor from melting ice.

When pipes are frozen, there is often water available at one faucet but not another. If there is no water at all, the problem may be in the street. Call the Department of Public Utilities maintenance department at 518-237-0241.

Your water meter is read from left to right, just like a car odometer. Your meter reads in gallons of water.

The City service is billed based on the units listed on your property per the Assessor's Office. Each unit will be billed at the current rate. 
For example if your building has two units you will be billed at "2 units X the current rate".

An owner-occupied two-unit property who has elected not to rent  or occupy such residential second unit on a permanent basis can apply for an exemption from the fee for the non-rented unit. The owner of the property may complete an exemption form with the City's Code Enforcement office or download and complete the "Solid Waste Collection Fee: Exemption Application Form (PDF)". 

Please return the form in-person to the Code Enforcement office at Troy City Hall, or by mail to:

City of Troy
c/o Code Enforcement
433 River Street
Troy, NY 12180

Upon verification the fee will be exempt.

Yes, any commercial or residential property that has private garbage collection service can be eligible for exemption from the collection fee upon completion and submission of the Solid Waste Collection Fee: Exemption Application Form and required paperwork. Upon approval, the fee will be exempted.

An owner occupied residential property who has received an Enhanced STAR designation will be entitled to the exemption of one unit from the solid waste fee. For example, if the owner lives in a two unit home and qualifies for the Enhanced STAR exemption, one unit in which he/she occupies would be exempt, but the additional unit would be subject to the fee. If the City has not applied the STAR exemption to your Solid Waste bill, please submit a Solid Waste Collection Fee: Exemption Application Form.

Please return the form in-person to the Treasurer's office at Troy City Hall, or by mail to:

City of Troy
c/o Comptroller's Office
433 River Street
Troy, NY 12180

Upon verification the fee will be exempt.

Buildings registered with the City's vacant building registry are eligible for exemption from the fee. Please provide a completed Solid Waste Collection Fee: Exemption Application Form along with a copy of a paid vacant building registration receipt or vacant building waiver. 

Please return the Solid Waste Collection Fee: Exemption Application in-person to the Treasurer's office at Troy City Hall, or by mail to:

City of Troy
c/o Comptroller's Office
433 River Street
Troy, NY 12180

Upon verification the fee will be exempt.

If you believe your property was incorrectly identified, please contact the City Assessor’s office at (518) 279-7126 or (518) 279-7127.

A complaint is a written document submitted to the Ethics Commission containing allegations that a City Official has violated one or more of the City's governmental ethics laws. The person filing the complaint with the Ethics Commission is called the "complainant." The person in the complaint who is alleged to have violated the City's governmental ethics laws is called the "respondent." All complaints must be notarized prior to submission.

The Commission's sworn complaint form can be filled out and printed from the Commission's website, or sent to you via mail/email. The sworn complaint must be mailed or dropped off at the City Clerks Offices; it cannot be submitted electronically. Please email the Ethics Commission if you would like a sworn complaint form mailed to you or call the City Clerk at 518-279-7134 or contact the Personnel office if a city employee.

No. The Commission's procedures, as set forth in City Code section 43-22(a), only allow for written sworn complaints to be filed though they may be turned in during the public section of general meeting, but there will be no discussion on the matter.

The Commission's procedures allow Commission staff to process a complaint that does not include the name of the complainant but all claims filed must contain your name and contact information. Under New York States Labor Law Section 740 and City Code Section 43-3.1, Employees are afforded whistleblower protection and protection from retaliatory actions. You must check the appropriate box on the complaint form to notify the commission that you are filing as an employee of the City of Troy.

Although certain Commission records pertaining to each complaint are available to the public following a dismissal, the identity of the complainant will be kept confidential if you specify you are an employee or officer of the city or you specify in writing a detailed reason why you must remain anonymous.

In accordance with Ethics Commission procedures, the Commission will conduct a preliminary review of the complaint to determine whether the allegations fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission. The preliminary review is generally completed within thirty days of receiving the complaint. If the Commission determines that the allegations are not within the Commission's jurisdiction, the complaint will be dismissed and letters will be sent to the complainant and respondent explaining the reasons for the dismissal.

If the Commission determines that the allegations are within the Commission's jurisdiction, the Commission will authorize an inquiry or investigation. Neither the complainant nor the respondent is notified when an inquiry or investigation is authorized. Following the conclusion of the inquiry or investigation, the results of that inquiry or investigation are presented to the Commission, which will then determine whether the matter should be dismissed, referred to another agency, a settlement negotiated, advisory opinion or disciplinary recommendation to respondents immediate reporting authority, or submitted for a probable cause hearing. If the Commission decides to dismiss the matter, both the complainant and respondent will be notified.

You can look up your district on the Rensselaer County's Citywide District Map or see the Troy City Council Members Page to get information on a district.

• Email City Council
• Fax them at: 518-270-4639
• Send a letter: 433 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
  Your message will be forwarded to the entire Council.
• Come to a Council meeting to speak with them in person

Refer to the Members section on the City Council page for individual phone numbers and email addresses.

No. Cats eventually climb down on their own when they are hungry or thirsty.

Call the Fire Chief’s Office – 518-270-4471 and arrange a time to come to the administrative office to receive a copy of the basic fire report.

To become a firefighter, you must meet the minimum requirements and take a firefighter entrance exam. You can get a list of the qualifications at Troy Civil Service, 433 River Street, Suite 5000. Troy, NY 12180, or call the Personnel Department at 518-273-7123. For information on future recruiting efforts, contact the Fire Department Chief’s Office at 518-270-4471.

To ensure the most effective service at the time of an emergency, our crews must remain with their fire apparatus during their entire shift. Our crews work 24-hour shifts, and they have no scheduled meal breaks. It is possible that on the way back to the fire station after a call, the crew could stop to pick up food or supplies for the station. Each shift, firefighters and their crews pay out-of-pocket for groceries and meals.

They maintain constant radio contact with the communications center and will respond to any emergency, regardless of current location or non-emergency assignment. They don't necessarily have to be sitting in the fire station to be dispatched to a call. Very often, our firefighters spend long periods of their day training, running calls, without returning to the station, or stopping to eat

Yes.  New York State prohibits the burning of leaves.

You can contact the EMS Billing Company, COMSTAR at 1-800-488-4351. COMSTAR’s Customer Service Representative will be able to answer your questions

Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This lets firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduce the chances of a backdraft explosion.

The fire hose is the lifeline of a firefighter when fighting a fire. If you drive over it, the hose can be damaged, and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted -- possibly causing injury or death.

Firefighters work a 24-hour shift and must supply their own food. They combine their money to purchase food for meals. Often, you will see them at a grocery store in a fire engine. The only way the Troy Fire Department can ensure that firefighters will respond and arrive in an average of less than 4 minutes is by using the vehicle they respond in -- with all the firefighters present and available. Sometimes they receive a call while shopping for food, which means they leave directly from the grocery store and must come back later to finish their grocery shopping.

Any leaking or broken fire hydrants should be reported to the City of Troy Department of Public Utilities at (518) 279-7100. Please do not paint any hydrants yourself, as hydrants are painted special colors and tell firefighters how much water they will discharge based on those colors.

All fire companies have first responder personnel and can get help to you more quickly. The Medic Unit will provide transportation to an emergency room, depending on the nature of the call. All members of the Troy Fire Department are certified Emergency Medical Technician or Certified paramedics. All fire companies are staffed with at least one paramedic on board.

In the business of emergency response time is of the essence. We pursue a goal of arriving in as few minutes as possible for any emergency. Especially with fire since it doubles inside with each minute while the fire department responds. Sending multiple units ensures quick arrival to the scene so that the fire fighters can begin extinguishing the fire.

Once that process is started many times other responding units are returned to service. As well, an actual fire is very dangerous. The robust response ensures our members can perform the task of extinguishment in the safest way possible. That response is always under constant review and subject to adjust as circumstances change.

No, your service schedule will not change.

Yes, recycling will still be picked up on the same day as your regular service.

No. Only City-issued trash barrels will be serviced.

Nothing will change if you have a City-issued barrel. You will continue to use the same one. 

Delivery is anticipated to begin in late April. Please check back at this page (www.troyny.gov/cleanstreets) for details on your zone. 

Option 1, use for non-trash purposes: You may continue using your old container for household purposes other than trash and recycling.

Option 2, put out for pick-up: Please check back at this page (www.troyny.gov/cleanstreets) for specifics, or call for more information. All containers will be recycled. 

• Program Details and Logistics: Office of General Services: (518) 271-5237.
• Trash and Recycling Service: Department of Public Works Dispatcher: (518) 270-4579.
• Communications: Deputy Director of Public Information: (518) 279-7131.

It will be 96-gallons, have wheels, and an attached lid. A limited quantity of smaller 32-gallon trash barrels will also be available to residents to satisfy their needs, ease of use, and aesthetics. The garbage fee will remain the same for both trash barrel sizes. To submit a request for the smaller size, please visit this page (www.troyny.gov/cleanstreets) or call (518) 271-5237.

Please contact the Office of General Services at (518) 271-5237. Further instructions will be provided.