Show All Answers

1. What kinds of home improvements require a building permit?

Any home improvement involving structural change requires a building permit.

Find a list of the types of projects that require permits in the Building Department Services section of the Building Department page. 

Visit the Code of the Town of Ballston for more specific information.

Please contact the Building Department with any questions:

Phone: 518-490-2715
Email: building@townofballstonny.org

2. Do I need a permit for a fence?

You do not require a permit for a fence.  We recommend that you have the nice side facing out and put it inside your property line by 1-2 feet so you are not trespassing if you need to do any maintenance or repair on the fence.  Also, the fence should not exceed 6 feet in height.

Please note that if your neighborhood has a Homeowner's Association they may have rules about fences.

3. Do I need a permit for a shed?

Sheds that are 120 square feet or less do not require a permit. 

Sheds over 120 square feet require a building permit and are subject to current zoning regulations. 

Visit the Permit Application Forms section of the Building Department page. Applications include instructions for submittal.

Please note that if your neighborhood has a Homeowner's Association they may have rules about shed placement, regardless of size.

Please contact the Building Department with any questions:

Phone:  518-490-2715 
Email:   building@townofballstonny.org 

4. Do I need a permit for a roof replacement?

No permit is required for replacement of a roof unless there is a structural change.

5. How do I apply for a building permit?

Choose the permit application that fits your project from the Permit Application Forms section of the Building Department page. Applications include instructions for submittal.

Please contact the Building Department with any questions:

Phone:  518-490-2715 
Email:   building@townofballstonny.org 

6. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections can be scheduled in person, by phone at 518-490-2715, or Email the Building Department. 

Please provide your name, phone number, property location and type of inspection needed. 

We require 24 hours advance notice, and will do our best to accommodate your request.

7. Does the Building Department do electrical inspections?

The Building Department does not conduct electrical inspections.  If your permit requires an electrical inspection, the following inspection agencies are Town-approved, or you can have any licensed electrical inspector perform the inspection:

Atlantic Inland: 607-753-7188 or 518-692-9295

Middle Department Agency: 518-273-0861 (Inspector is in the office from 7 am to 9 pm)

The Inspector, LLC: 800-478-0535 or 518-481-5300

8. Where can I find my setback requirements?

Town of Ballston bulk requirements can be found online in the Town Code Chapter 138 Zoning.

Please contact the Building Department by phone at 518-490-2715 or Email the Building Department with any questions.

9. How do I get Building Department records for a property?

To view available Building Department records, such as building permits, architectural drawings, septic plans, etc., for a property, whether owned by you, a property you wish to purchase, etc., you must submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the Town Clerk's Office.

Please note that the Town of Ballston Building Department does not have any of these records available online; they are only available by FOIL request.

The Freedom of Information Law, commonly know as "FOIL" (Public Officers Law, Article 6, Sections 84-90), is New York State's principal statute regarding public access to government records. For more information about FOIL, please visit the New York State Committee on Open Government.

Please see the following for how to file a FOIL request:

Town of Ballston FOIL request information:

• All FOIL requests must be filed with the Town Clerk's Office
• If not filed in person, we will acknowledge receipt of your request within 5 days of receiving it
• We will fulfill your request within 20 days, and will contact you once the information is available
• You may view the records at Town Hall, have copies emailed to you (size permitting), and/or receive photocopies (size permitting; fees apply, see below)
  
  

To file a FOIL request you will need the following two items:

1. A completed Freedom of Information Law Request Form (be as specific as possible about the information you are requesting)

• Available at Town Hall OR
• Click The Freedom of Information Law Request Form (PDF) to complete online and print (the form cannot be submitted online) OR
• Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 to have a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Your Driver's License

• If submitting by drop-off, mail, or email, please include a photocopy of your driver's license

Options for submittal:

In person:

• Town Hall, 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

By drop-off:

• Drop the completed form with a photocopy of your driver's license in the gray, locked mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:   

• Mail the completed form with a photocopy of your driver's license to: Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

By email:     

• Scan and email the completed form with a photocopy of your driver's license to: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org.

Fee Schedule:

Viewing the records at Town Hall is free.

Having copies of records emailed to you is free.

Photocopy fees (per page):

• 8.5" x 11" = $.25
• 22" x 34" = $2.50
• 2' x 3' = $3.00
• 3' x 4' = $6.00
• Please note that fees are subject to change at any time

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 with any questions.