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Building Department

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1. How many layers of shingles can I have on my roof?

The maximum is 2 layers of shingles.

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Civil Service Administration

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1. Interviews

Though the City of Saratoga Springs Municipal Civil Service Commission strongly recommends and suggests that appointing authorities conduct interviews; neither New York State Civil Service Law nor local Civil Service Rules require that individuals on an eligible list be interviewed by the appointing authority.

In cases where a significant number of candidates are qualified for appointment, and it would be too cumbersome to interview all of them, it is within the discretion of the appointing authority to determine who to select for an interview.

2. Why are tests band scored?

Band scoring provides a more realistic assessment of a candidate's performance on written tests than point-by-point scoring. It takes into account that no test can measure a candidate's abilities with perfect confidence or assess all the abilities relevant to a given job. Also, increasing the use of band scoring on civil service test considerably opens the field of candidates who can be considered for appointment.

Example: A range of raw scores (number of questions answered correctly) from 45 to 47 are assigned a band score of 80.0. In other words if you answer 45, 46, 47 out of 60 questions correctly your final score will be 80.

3. Can I see the eligible list?

Yes, there is a "public" eligible list binder in the City of Saratoga Springs Municipal Civil Service office. The "public" eligible indicates canvass results, dates of certification for interviews, appointment information but does not show candidate's addresses.

A copy of the eligible list can be requested through the Freedom of Information Law. Freedom of Information requests are processed through the City Attorney's office.

4. What is the Rule of Three?

Read more about how the rule of three process works. Rule of three explanation

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Code Enforcement FAQ's

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1. When do I have to shovel / clear my sidewalks after a storm?

12 Hours after the storm has stopped. Chapter 203 of City Code

2. What is the City's Noise Ordinance?

No noise is allowed between the hours of 11pm and 7am Chapter 148 of City Code

3. Do I need a permit to place a dumpster or construction equipment in the City Right of Way?

Yes, you will need to fill out a Right of Way Permit Application. You will find the application under the Dumpster / Right of Way tab Chapter 217 of City Code

4. Do I need to register my vacant building?

Yes. Registration forms are located in the Vacant tab Chapter 222 of City Code

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Department of Public Works

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1. How do I shut off my water?

Should your plumbing freeze in winter season or if you locate a drip in your home, you will have to stop the water supply to undertake any repairs. Contact the Utilities Department for assistance with location of your curb box.

2. How do I rent the Canfield Casino?

View the Canfield Casino page and then contact the Department of Public Works at 518-587-3550, ext. 2555 Canfield Casino Information Page

3. What if I need to repair my sidewalk?

First we recommend you contact several contractors to obtain quotes that you can compare for the work proposed. The contractor of your choice will then work with a Engineering Technician through a Street Opening Permit. Click the link to access the permit form.

4. Where can I get salt and sand for my sidewalk?

At the City Garage on Division Street, just inside the gate you can load up your bucket with free salt and sand for use on your City sidewalk.

5. What should I do if a plow hits my mailbox?

If damage occurs to your mailbox or property as a result of City snow removal services please contact DPW at 518-587-3550, ext. 2555

6. How do I report a street light that is out?

You can contact the DPW office at 518-587-3550, ext. 2555. They can report the issue to National Grid. Please be sure to note the street name and location of the street light before calling.

7. How do I report a water leak?

If you see water gushing out of an unusual place, or at your neighbor's property, you can call DPW at 518-587-3550, ext. 2623. The water crew will be dispatched to the site to assess the situation.

8. How Do I Become a DPW Vendor or Supplier?

In order to be able to do business with the City of Saratoga Springs All Vendors must have a Vendor Agreement and a copy of their W9 on file.  Follow this link to learn more...

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Finance Department - Budget Information

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1. What are the General Operating Expenses by Department?

Please see the OpenGov Department's page.

2. What are the General Operating Expenses by Expense Type?

Please see the OpenGov Expenses page.

3. What are the revenue sources that support the General Operating Budget?

Please see the OpenGov Revenues page.

4. What General Operating Budget expenditures does the Mayor's Department oversee?

Please see the OpenGov Mayor page.

5. What General Operating Budget expenditures does the Finance Department oversee?

Please see the OpenGov Finance page.

6. What General Operating Budget expenditures does the Public Works department oversee?

Please see the OpenGov Public Works page.

7. What General Operating expenditures does the Public Safety Department oversee?

Please see the OpenGov Public Safety page.

8. What General Operating Budget expenditures does the Accounts Department oversee?

Please see the OpenGov Accounts page.

9. What General Operating Budget expenditures does the Recreation Department oversee?

Please see the OpenGov Recreation page.

10. What does the City spend on the Police Department by expense type?

Please see the OpenGov Expenses page.

11. What does the City spend on the Fire Department by expense type?

Please see the OpenGov Expenses page.

12. How much was spent on Overtime and Comp-time in the General Operating Budget?

Please see the OpenGov Personal Sevices page.

13. What does the City spend for Health and Vision Insurance (General, Water, and Sewer Budgets)?

Please see the OpenGov Employee Benefits page.

14. What are City Water Budget expenses?

Please see the OpenGov Public Works page.

15. What are the revenue sources that support the Water Budget?

Please see the OpenGov Revenues page.

16. What are City Sewer Budget expenses?

Please see the OpenGov Public Works page.

17. What are the revenue sources that support the Sewer Budget?

Please see the OpenGov Revenues page.

18. How do I go directly to the OpenGov portal to explore on my own?

Please see the OpenGov Department's page.

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Fire Department

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1. Why do you need to Display your house number?

When the Fire Department responds to a given location, they may be delayed in arriving if the address is not clearly seen from the street. Although it's fairly easy to spot a column of smoke from a house fire, it's difficult for firefighters to see someone having a medical emergency, which may waste critical time having to knock on several doors to try and find the correct address. Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street. The numbers should be four(4) inches in height and being reflective always assists at night.

2. What to do when you see or hear an emergency respond vehicle.

When an emergency vehicle is heard and/or seen, drivers should carefully pull their vehicle to the right of the road and stop. If they are at an intersection, or stopped in traffic when they see lights or hear a siren, drivers should remain stopped and wait until the emergency vehicles have passed. Do not make quick or erratic maneuvers. The law is very specific; drivers must yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle. Drivers also should stay 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.

3. Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in the roof during a fire?

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 reduces the chance of a backdraft explosion.

4. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors?

We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months, an easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clock for daylight savings time.

5. Why do we see fire department crews at the store?

All crews must remain in service to respond to calls at all times and because the crews work a 24-hour shift, they must eat their lunch and dinner at the station. At times firefighters all eat the same meal, as a group. The crews pay for their food out of their own pockets. So, after the equipment is checked and the housework completed, one of the fire trucks will then make a quick trip to the grocery store to purchase food for the shift.

6. Why do you send a fire truck along with an ambulance to a medical emergency?

Fire trucks have first responder personnel and can get help to you more quickly. The ambulance or rescue unit will provide medical care and transportation to an emergency room, depending on the nature of the call. All members of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department are Certified Emergency Medical Technicians or Certified Paramedics. Patient Critical Care

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Freedom Of Information - FOIL

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1. How do I file a FOIL request?

To complete the online FOIL request form click here or submit via email, fax or from this site for PDF form click here. email: FOIL@saratoga-springs.org

2. Is there a fee for a FOIL reply?

There is a $.25 per page fee for document processing. The fee for maps, color and larger documents can be as much as $5.00 each.

3. When can I expect a response to my FOIL request?

The Law provides for an initial response acknowledging your request within 5 business days of receipt. It may take up to 20 business days to receive the completed response to your request. If your request is extensive, an additional 20 business days may be requested.

4. What if I no longer want to receive a reply to my FOIL request?

If you no longer need the information, please send a cancellation request to "email".

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Mayor's Office

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1. Who runs the city?

The City of Saratoga Springs is a Commission form of Government run by a council of department commissioners and votes. See City Charter, 2.2 City Council and Powers

2. Where can I find the Mayor's office?

First floor of City Hall Room 9.

3. Can I attend and speak at a City Council meeting?

Yes, the starting time of the City Council meetings are reserved for anyone who wishes to speak a designated amount of time.

4. Can the Mayor attend an upcoming event?

Yes, if you wish to Mayor to attend an upcoming event, please send an email to mayor@saratoga-springs.org with the details of date, time, location, occasion, and what role the mayor is asked to play.  

Contact Us

5. Can I request a proclamation from the Mayor's office?

Yes. Proclamations are reserved for organizations and can be requested once a year. A certificate of recognition or a congratulatory letter can be considered as an alternative.

Contact Us

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Office of Planning & Economic Development

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1. How do I find out what zoning district a property is in?

Locate the land parcel on the City's current Zoning District Map and reference the map key.

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Official Payments

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1. Who is Official Payments?

Official Payments is the leading provider of electronic payment solutions and provides our clients with the most reliable way to process payments. Our network of partnerships including the IRS, 27 states and the District of Columbia, 350+ colleges and universities, and 3000+ municipalities enables us to the largest selection of payment services and solutions.

2. What are the advantages of using Official Payments?

Faster payment via Internet, flexibility to pay credit card balances over time, rewards from card issuers that carry such programs. And you'll also have the Satisfaction of knowing your payment has been officially paid through a trusted and secure service provider authorized by the IRS.

3. What are the benefits of using the online payment system?

By making an electronic payment, customers gain control of their payments. They can pay their obligation over time and on their own schedule. Paying by credit card may provide your customers with use of their money for an additional 30 to 60 days, depending on the credit card billing cycle. Paying by electronic check saves time and e ort. Your customers are able to avoid long lines and don’t have to worry about their checks getting lost in the mail.

4. How do I earn card reward points?

Depending on the nature of the card reward program, your customers can earn points, miles, or money back for the payments they make. The value of the reward can exceed the cost of the convenience fee incurred. Explore the special offers brought to you by Offi¬cial Payments and our approved partners by visiting the Official Payments website.

5. Why is there a convenience fee and why am I paying for it?

Official Payments charges a convenience fee for processing the payment transaction. This fee is not charged by or paid to our clients. The convenience fee is assessed to cover operating costs and the costs associated with servicing thousands of transactions. Users will be informed of all charges and fees before authorizing the payment.

6. Will I be able to review the convenience fees before submitting my payment?

Yes. Official Payments will calculate and present the convenience fee based on the information you provided. You will also be presented with the Terms and Conditions of using our system. Use the “Accept” button to proceed with the payment or “Decline” to stop the payment process.

7. How safe is Official Payments system?

The system has been tested and proven. The IRS and more than 3000 state and local governments have chosen Official Payments as an electronic service provider for their customers. The information gathered is private and will not be forwarded to anyone.

8. Will I receive confirmation of my payment?

You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the transaction. This confirmation number and your card or bank statement will provide confirmation of your payment.

9. Who do I call if my payment doesn’t appear on my card or bank statement?

Call Official Payments’ customer service toll-free line at 1-800-847-4567. Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.

10. What else can I pay through Official Payments?

For a complete list of payment types visit the

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Overall

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1. How do I apply for a handicap parking permit?

To apply for a handicap parking permit, bring a completed form from the Department of Motor Vehicles filled out by your Physician. You need to be a resident of the City of Saratoga Springs to receive a permit from the City's Accounts Department. Use the handicap ramp entrance and elevator located left of City Hall's Broadway entrance. Handicap Tags are now being issued in the Accounts Dept. and is open Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Handicap Parking Permit Forms are available on the New York DMV wesbite.

2. How do I apply for a marriage license?

If you are over the age of 18, both individuals must be present. You are required to show your driver’s license, birth certificate, a certified copy of divorce papers or death certificate (if applicable), and know your social security number. There is a 24 hour waiting period once the license is purchased and is only valid in New York State for 60 days. The license fee is $40.00 (cash, check, or money order made payable to the City Clerk). If you are under the age of 18, or have any additional questions, please contact the City Clerk's Office.

3. How do I apply for home improvement grants and loans?

Information can be found through the Community Development Office.

4. How do I apply for small business loans?

Information can be found through the Community Development Office.

5. How do I apply for the School Tax Relief (STAR) Program?

If you own property in the City of Saratoga Springs and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for a STAR school property tax exemption. If you are 65 years old or older, and own property in the City of Saratoga Springs that is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the Enhanced STAR Program and/or additional exemptions. For additional information on STAR programs and exemptions, please visit the City Assesor page.

6. How do I file a FOIL request with the City?

Please view the Freedom of Information Law page.

7. How do I find a Justice of the Peace?

Please contact the City Clerk's Office.

8. How do I find a Notary?

We are sorry, but at this time we are unable to offer notary services to the public. Thank you for your understanding.

9. How do I find an application for the Design Review Commission?

Contact Bradley Birge at 518-587-3550, extension 2515 for information on this subject.

10. How do I find an application for the Planning Board?

Please see the

11. How do I find an application for the Zoning Board?

Contact Susan Barden at 518-587-3550, extension 2493.

12. How do I find out what can be funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?

Information can be found through the Community Development Office.

13. How do I Handle a Boil Water Advisory ?

If the City issues a boil water order please visit the NYS Department of Health website.

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Parking Tickets

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1. How can a parking ticket be paid?

There are many ways one can pay a ticket:

1.Pay in person in City Hall. Please note that to pay your parking ticket in person, city hall is temporatily located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

2.We accept check, money order, credit card or pay in cash ($5.00 discount for cash payment.)

3.CLICK HERE to pay online (There will be a $3.50 charge per ticket.)

4.Call 1-800-996-0285 to pay by phone (There will be a $3.50 charge per ticket.)

5.Mail in payment with check or money order made to Traffic Violations Bureau to Traffic Violations Bureau, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 4

2. Who do I contact if I have a question about my parking ticket?

You can call the Traffic Violations Bureau at 518-587-3550 x 2513
Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Tuesday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

3. When does a parking ticket increase?

Parking tickets will double if not paid within 15 days of issuance.
(post marks will be will be accepted.)

4. Where do I pay a Uniformed Traffic ticket?

Uniformed Traffic tickets may be paid at the City Court Office located in City Hall, 2nd floor, Monday – Friday 9:00am – 3:45pm. For questions you can contact them at (518) 451-8780

5. How can I contest a ticket?

Call the Traffic Violations Bureau at (518) 587-3550 x 2513 and they will schedule you a court date. Parking Ticket trails are once a month.
(Letters contesting tickets will not be accepted.)

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Police Department

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1. How an individual can obtain information relation to their own previous criminal history?

Please see the Obtaining Personal Criminal Records page.

2. How can I pay my parking ticket?

Parking tickets can be paid by mail (see ticket instructions), in person at the Department of Public Safety, at 474 Broadway, Floor 2 in City Hall, or on line by credit card (Visa and Mastercard only).

3. What is the city noise ordinance?

The definition of specific acts deemed unreasonable noise can be found in Part 2, General Legislation, Chapter § 148-4 of the Noise Ordinance

4. What is the city curfew?

The definition the curfew can be found in Part 2, General Legislation, Chapter § 96-1 of the Code of the City of Saratoga Springs.

5. Is possession of an open alcoholic beverage legal in public outdoor areas?

Open containers of alcoholic beverages are generally illegal in certain public areas of the city. More information about this law can be found in Part 2 General Legislation, Chapter 61: Alcoholic Beverages the Code of the City of Saratoga Springs.

6. Where can I find information about child safety seats?

For information about NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law regarding child safety seats, as well as general information, refer to the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

7. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Please see the Obtaining Police Reports page.