Michael Morelli
Director
Town Hall, Room 203
(518) 439-4955, Ext. 1189
Fax: (518) 439-5808
E-mail:

Department Telephone/E-mail Directory

Responsibilities of Office

The Department of Economic Development and Planning is responsible for planning, economic development, building permit and code enforcement services. The Department includes the Building and Planning divisions and provides staff services and administrative support to the Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Planning Board as well as other advisory groups and committees from time to time.

Route 85 Improvements / Roundabouts

Route 85 is a State Road. The road and its roundabouts are not maintained by the Town of Bethlehem.

NYS Department of Transportation website regarding roundabouts (https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/main/roundabouts)

NYS Department of Transportation document entitled "A Citizen´s Guide to Roundabouts"

Color-coded diagram showing route of travel to and from the Price Chopper Plaza via the New Scotland Road roundabout

Color-coded diagram showing route of travel to and from the Price Chopper Plaza via the Blessing Road roundabout

Aerial map of Route 85 showing three roundabouts

Revised Aerial map of Route 85 showing four roundabouts - including the one located at the entrance of the Vista Technology Campus

Study: Roundabouts Ease Traffic (June 15, 2007 article in the Poughkeepsie Journal)

Economic Development and Planning Department
Frequently Asked Questions

For Applications and Forms, please visit the Town's Forms page.
For the Comprehensive Plan, Fee Schedules, Subdivision Regulations or the Zoning Law, please visit the Town's Planning Division page.

Q.  Where in Town Hall is the Building Department located?
A.  Second floor, Room 214.

Q.  Where in Town Hall is the Planning Department located?
A.  Second floor, Room 203.

Q.  Where in Town Hall can I get information on Zoning?
A.  Second floor, Room 203, Planning Department.

Q.  Who can I contact to ask about construction activity?
A.  Construction activity is monitored by the Building Department. The records are available to the public and can be viewed in Room 214 of the Town Hall. To contact the Building Department by telephone, dial (518) 439-4955, ext. 1112.

Q.  Who should I contact to ask about proposed projects?
A.  Proposed projects are monitored by the Planning Department. The records are available to the public and can be viewed in Room 203 of the Town Hall. You can contact the Planning Department by telephone, dial (518) 439-4955, ext. 1158 or via e-mail.

Q.  Where can I find information on Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, compliance with and/or violation of Building and Fire Codes?
A.  You can contact the Building Department on the second floor of the Town Hall, Room 214, by telephone by calling (518) 439-4955, ext. 1112 or via e-mail.

Q.  What are the procedures/requirements for obtaining a Building Permit? How long does it take?
A.  Contact the Building Department on the second floor of Town Hall in Room 214 for an application and instruction sheet. Issuance depends on current workload, however, typical turnaround time is 7-10 business days.

Q.  Can you give me examples of the types of projects that need a Building Permit?
A.  Additions, alterations, clearing and grading, decks, demolition, hot tubs, inserts (e.g., gas logs), pools, porches, ramps, sheds, signs, sprinkler systems (indoor and outdoor), wood burning furnaces (exterior), fences and roofing. Contact the Building Department if you have any questions about a project you may be considering undertaking.

Q.  Do I have to be present when the Building Inspector is conducting an inspection?
A.  It is always best to be present during an inspection, however, you will need to discuss this with the Building Department when making arrangements for your inspection.

Q.  How can I find out what Zoning District a property is in?
A.  You can contact the Building Department with questions related to Zoning.

Q.  How can I find out what uses are allowed in a Zoning District?
A.  You can contact the Building Department with questions related to Zoning.  This information is also available on the Town's web site or on CD in the Town Clerk's Office, Room 104 at the Town Hall.

Q.  How do I find out if a lot is buildable?
A.  You can contact the Building Department in writing to find out if a parcel is buildable.

Q.  Where can I find out about setback requirements?
A.  You can contact the Building Department at (518) 439-4955, ext 1112 or refer to the Area, Yard and Bulk Requirement Chart as found in Chapter 128-100 of the Town's Zoning Law.

Q.  Where does my property line start?
A.  Check your survey to determine property line boundaries.

Q.  How can I get a copy of a survey for my property?
A.  Surveys are filed in the Albany County Clerk's Office, 32 Russel Road, Albany, NY 12206-1324. Surveys are filed by Map and Drawer numbers that are shown on the Deed. To obtain a copy of your survey, contact the County Records Department at (518) 487-5120. You may also submit a Freedom of Information request to the Town Clerk/Bethlehem asking for a copy of your survey. If your survey is on record and you have indicated that you would like a copy, you will be charged a fee of $0.25 per page for each copy produced.

Q.  Where can I get a copy of the Deed for my property?
A.  Deeds are filed in the Albany County Clerk's Office, 32 Russel Road, Albany, NY 12206-1324. Deeds are filed by Liber and Page numbers. To obtain a copy of your Deed, contact the County Records Department at (518) 487-5120. Deeds and Mortgages filed after 1980 are also available online via the County Clerk's web site at http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/clerk/default.asp?id=371.

Q.  Where can I get more information about the new roundabouts in town?
A.  The roundabouts in town are located on State roads. Please visit their informational web site at https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/main/roundabouts

Q.  Who is responsible for maintaining the highway right-of-way?
A.  Town right-of-ways are typically 25 feet from the center line of the road. The Town's Highway Department is responsible for maintaining right-of-ways on Town owned roads. The Town is not responsible for maintaining right-of-ways located on County and State roads. For questions regarding County Roads, please contact the Albany County Highway Department at (518) 765-2786; for questions regarding State Roads, please contact the New York State Department of Transportation at (518) 765-2849.

Q.  What are the requirements/restrictions for

fences?
        Refer to Section 128-47 of the Zoning Law.
pools, spas and hot tubs?
        Refer to Section 128-60 of the Zoning Law.
home occupation?
        Refer to Section 128-50 of the Zoning Law.
boats, commercial vehicles and trailers?
        Refer to Section 128-56 of the Zoning Law.
unregistered vehicles?
        Refer to Section 128-75 of the Zoning Law.

Q.  Can I have an in-law or accessory apartment?
A.  Other than for properties located in Rural Districts, "Accessory Apartments" require a Special Use Permit as noted in Section 128-73 of the Zoning Law. Special Use Permits are issued by the Planning Board.

Q.  Who should I contact to find out what Fire District I am in?
A.  Contact the Building Department.

Q.  Can I have a small camp fire in my backyard?
A.  Contact the Building Department.

Q.  What if I want to burn a large pile of wood or debris on my property?
A.  Opening burning is by permit only. Burn permits are based on population density as well as other criteria. To obtain a burn permit, contact the Albany County Office of Environmental Health at (518) 447-4620.