Permit must be issued BEFORE work is started.
Building and Fire Services
To apply for a Change in Tenant, No Work online, click here.
How to obtain a Commercial Building and Zoning Permit
Submit Commercial Zoning Verification Application
You need to complete the following:
- Commercial Zoning Verification Application submitted to the Building Department.
- Applicable fee must be submitted (refer to the Fee Schedule for appropriate fee).
- Two (2) copies of key plans and site plans must be submitted. The key plans and site plans must show the entire building along with all existing tenants and proposed tenant(s).
- We will not accept your application without a site plan.
Obtain necessary documents from Planning and Economic Development Department
Refer to the Planning and Economic Development Department (PEDD) website for the department's requirements for the approval of a commercial building permit or contact them at (518) 783-2741.
- Visit the PEDD forms page for additional documentation. Keep in mind that the requirements might vary depending on the size of your project.
Apply for a Building Permit
You need to complete the following:
- Building and Zoning Building Permit Application submitted to the Building Department.
- Two copies of complete plans for the proposed project (Drawing sheets shall be no larger than C size (24" x 36").
- All plans must bear the seal and signature of a New York State Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer on each sheet.
- Drawings must include all floor plans, elevations, cross sections, structural, plumbing, mechanical, H.V.A.C., electrical, fire alarm, smoke detection and sprinkler drawings complying with the current New York State Building Codes.
- Architect or Engineer of record must provide the required Architect Forms (Signature Form and Review of Plans Form) for the Town of Colonie.
- It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the Building Department receives all approvals from other Town Departments before a permit can be issued.
- The contractor, tenant, or property owner must supply the required General Liability Insurance Certificates (ACORD FORM) and the Worker's Compensation Certificate (C105.2 form, CE-200 form, U26.3 form) stating the Town of Colonie as "Certificate Holder" for ALL building permits. See Sample of Insurance Packet for more details.
- When the application material is approved by the Building Department and the required fee for the Building and Zoning permit is paid, the permit will be issued. Refer to the Fee Schedule for appropriate fee.
- Any new signs or modifications to existing signs will require separate sign permit applications.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance
The procedure for obtaining a Commercial Building Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance is as follows, but not limited to:
- Once the Building Department issues the building permit, it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the Building Department and schedule the required inspections.
- The Building Department must be contacted so that a final inspection can be made upon completion of all work indicated on the approved Building and Zoning Permit application and plans.
- It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Building Department with written approvals from the following departments prior to occupancy of this structure:
- A certificate of final electric approval from Town Approved Electrical Inspector
- Town of Colonie Planning and Economic Development Department (site) (518) 783-2741
- Town of Colonie Pure Waters Department (sewer) (518) 783-2766
- Town of Colonie Department of Fire Services (518) 783-2706
- Town of Colonie Department of Public Works (518) 783-6292
- Latham Water District (518) 783-2750
- Albany County Health Department (if required) (518) 447-4580
- Letter - Certificate of Completion from R.A. or PE requesting a Certificate of Occupancy
The Building Department will issue a Certificate of Occupancy to the applicant for the project when all the above items, if required, are completed.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO OCCUPY A BUILDING WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY. VIOLATORS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINES AND/OR IMPRISONMENT.
Submit your documents
You can bring your information and documents or mail it along with the applicable fee(s) to:
Public Operations Center
All forms MUST be legible and must contain complete address including zip code.
Still have questions?
You can contact us at our office line. If you are still stuck, we can help you figure out everything when you visit our office.
Contact
Second Floor
347 Old Niskayuna Road
Latham, NY 12110-2286