Code Enforcement       - Do I need a building permit for any or all of the following installations: fence, swimming pool, siding, deck or repair/replace a roof ?       - How do I get a permit?       - What is the cost of a permit?       - What is the procedure for installing a pool on my property?       - When do you need a plumbing permit?       - Who can do electrical work?       - How often must I have my apartment inspected?       Code Enforcement           Do I need a building permit for any or all of the following installations: fence, swimming pool, siding, deck or repair/replace a roof ? Yes, a building permit is required to replace all of the above projects, not to repair.           How do I get a permit? A permit can be obtained from the Code Enforcement Office on the second floor of City Hall or online at www.ci.cohoes.ny.us. The Office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday.  An owner or his contractor can apply for the permit. Depending on the type of work planned, you may need a survey of the property and plans or drawings that show details of construction. You can call ahead to check.  Fees for a building permit must be paid at the time of the application.  Permit applicants can expect to have the approved permit within 5-10 business days after submitting an application. Permit applications must be checked against the various codes the City enforces - building, housing, plumbing, zoning, preservation, etc. Specially trained staff in the Cohoes Building Department will help you with this process. In most cases fees are based upon the cost of the project; in some cases the fees are pre-set. You can call ahead to check. When a permit application is approved, a permit card is issued and must be displayed on the job until the work is finished. A set of approved construction plans should remain on the job site during the period of construction. Please refer to the Building Permits web page for additional information.           What is the cost of a permit? Fees *All fess must be paid first before applicant can receive a permit* Barricade Permit $30 with a building permit $60 without a building permit Utility Street Excavation $100 Building Permit 1% of the cost of the project, $50 Minimum Fence 1% of the cost of the project, $30 Minimum Demolition $250 for Commercial or Dwelling $75 Accessory Structure Driveway 1% of the cost of the project or $50 Minimum Sidewalk 1% of the cost of the project or $50 Minimum           What is the procedure for installing a pool on my property?   In order to install a pool on your property you must obtain a special use permit from the Cohoes Planning Board.  The application is available at the City’s website:  www.cohoes.com.  Click “Forms Center” from the column of yellow buttons on the left hand side of the screen.  Then select “Special Use Permit” under “Planning Board.”    The Board meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm in Cohoes City Hall, second floor room 15 – commonly known as the Common Council Chamber.  You can check the meeting schedules online at the City website.  On the Home page, click on the yellow button marked “Meeting Schedule.”   The applicant should submit materials two weeks prior to the meeting.  Materials should include an aerial drawing of the property along with setbacks from the property lines to the proposed pool and placement of all other structures on the lot.  The packet can be mailed or hand delivered to the Director of Building and Planning in room 17, second floor, City Hall located at 97 Mohawk Street in Cohoes, NY 12047.   Once the Planning Board approves the special use permit, the property owner should obtain a building permit from the Department of Building and Planning.  The building permit costs a minimum of $50 or 1% of the total project cost.  In addition, the property owner will need to prove that the pool’s safety features meet NYS Code.  The owner must install a 4’ fence with a self-locking gate around the pool and install an alarm system on the pool.  These items should be listed on the building permit application.   Finally, along with the building permit, the contractor who will install the pool must provide proof of insurance.  The contractor installing the pool must show proof of general liability, workers compensation and disability benefits.  The homeowner can perform the work, but will need to complete a notarized form available in our office.   The building permit application and insurance forms are also available on the City website.  The “building permit application” can be found under “Code Enforcement.”  Please feel free to contact the Director of Building and Planning at 233-2130 with any questions or concerns.  Thank you in advance for your anticipated compliance.           When do you need a plumbing permit? A plumbing permit is required to 1. Install or replace a plumbing fixture (bathtub, shower, water heater, etc.). 2. Install, repair or replace a water supply line, storm or sanitary drainage line or vent line. 3.Mechanical de-rooting of a sanitary drainage system to remove a blockage. A plumbing permit is not required to 1. Replace a rubber or fiber washer in an existing faucet. 2.Use a rubber plunger to remove a blockage drainage system.           Who can do electrical work? The owner-occupant of a single-family dwelling may perform electrical work within his/her own dwelling without having a licensed electrician, but he or she must still obtain an electrical permit at the City Cohoes Building Department and make application for inspection with a City approved electrical inspection agency in order that the work performed is inspected and approved. Your electrician must file for an electrical permit and an application for inspection with a City approved electrical agency before work starts.           How often must I have my apartment inspected? Each time you re-rent an apartment it has to be inspected.