Frequently Asked Questions

Department: Assessment

• When can someone apply for the Star program?
• When is grievance day?
• When does the Assessment roll come out?
• What is an Equalization Rate?
• What is a Level of Assessment?
• What is a Residential Assessment Ratio?

• What are Building Permits required for?
• Can a homeowner do his own plumbing work?
• Can a homeonwer do his own electrical work?
• Does an above-ground pool have to be enclosed by a fence?
• Does an in-ground pool have to be fenced?
• Whate is the maximum height of a fence?
• Does the good side of a fence have to face the neighbor?
• Is a permit required to re-pave an existing driveway?
• What are the requirements for new stairs?
• Can a solid fence be placed to the City's sidewalk?

• Where are you located?
• What are the directions to Binghamton City Hall?
• What are your hours?
• Where can we park?
• Do you validate parking while I am doing business at City Hall?
• Is this where you go to get married?
• Is this where you get your handicapped parking tag?
• Do you issue birth and death records?
• Who do I call to get a divorce?
• Where can I find a copy of my divorce papers?
• Where do I obtain a dog license?
• Where do I find or file a business certificate?
• What are the requirements for outdoor cooking?
• What regulations do I have to follow for Posting, distributing bills, notices, advertising matter and painting sidewalks?
• What is the regulation for posting a political sign?
• Can a solid fence be placed to the City's sidewalk?

• Why does it take so long for compliance?
• How long do people have to paint their houses?
• Who is responsible for corections of code violations, the owner of the premises or the occupant/tenant?
• When does the inside of an apartment have to be painted?
• What date can the landlord shut off the heat due to summer weather?
• Are timers or set back thermometers allowed to be used by a landlord?
• How long does a resident have to clean the snow off the sidewalks?
• How high is grass allowed to grow before a notice to mow is sent out?
• How many unlicensed vehicles can you have on your property in the City?
• Can we receive a building permit from your department?
• Do we need a certificate of compliance in order to live in our apartment?
• How do I obtain a certificate of compliance for my rental unit?
• How should I file a complaint with Code Enforcement?
• How many smoke detectors are required in my apartment?

• What types of grants, if any, are available through the City of Binghamton?
• Where can I find a listing of commercial properties available in the City of Binghamton?
• What other type of financial assistance can the City of Binghamton provide for start up business or expansion and growth?
• Can you provide a listing of businesses in the City of Binghamton and their contact person?
• Who can I talk to about bidding on services contracted by the City of Binghamton?
• Who can help me with taking a concept or business idea and making it a reality? (Filing dba, financing, location, business plan, etc.)?
• Why the City of Binghamton over any other community?  Who can help me with analyzing the location options for my business?

• When is a street work permit required?

• When are School taxes due?
• When are City & County taxes due?
• Where do I pay my Real Estate & School Taxes?
• Who do I call if I have a question about my tax bill?

• When is the next City Council meeting?
• How do I go about arranging a public event at City Hall or in the Community?
• How can the City help clean up garbage on my street?
• Who is in charge of the cleaning the graffiti on the train overpasses?

• Are dogs allowed in the parks?
• What is being served for lunch at the Senior Centers?

• What is considered garbage (that which is put into an offical City Bag), as opposed to "trash"?
• From residents new to the area.... Why do we have to use official City Bags for our garbage?
• What is considered "yard waste" and what day is it collected?
• Is recycling really necessary and effective?
• Why do City snowplows always deposit large amounts of snow in my driveway?
• Why do City plows travel several times over the main streets before plowing the residential areas?
• Who is responsible for the maintenance of sidewalks?
• The curbs in front of my house have deteriorated over the years.  Will the City replace these?
• How do I report a pothole?
• Who shall I notify when there is a street light that is out or in need of repair?

• Does this office have records for all of Broome County?
• Can I have access to any record?
• Can I look at my sealed birth records?
• Why aren't these records public knowledge?

• Why is my water bill so high (compared to normal), and can you reduce it?
• My water smells like kerosene.  What are you doing to it?
• My water is (or was) rusty, is it safe to drink?
• How do I get my water turned off (and then back on) at the curb?
• Is City water safe to drink?  What do you test it for?
• Can I fill my swimming pool from a fire hydrant?
• My water pressure is low - why?
• Why do I have to pay a minimum bill when my water is shut off?
• Why can't the water & sewer bills go into the tenants name?
• Can I pay my bill with Visa/Mastercard, on-line or at the Giant Market?
• When are my water bills due?
• I did not receive the last bill, why should I have to pay the late fees?
• Why do our bills go out two months after reading meters?

• Where can I get an application to work or take a civil service exam for the City of Binghamton?
• When is the Firefighter Exam going to be given next?
• When is the Police Officer Exam going to be given next?

• Which council member is in my district?

• What is a Binghamton Neighborhood Assembly?

Every year between November 1 and March 1.

Every year on the fourth Tuesday in May.

The tentative roll comes out on May 1st, the final roll is out on July 1st.

At its simplest, an Equalization Rate is the state's measure of a municipality's level of assessment (LOA).  This is the ratio of total assessed value (AV) to the municipality's total market value (MV).  Therefore, AV/MV=Equalization Rate.  (See link below to  www.orps.state.ny.us for additional information)

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The Level of Assessment is simply the percentage of full value at which properties are assessed within a community. For instance, an LOA of 50% would indicate that assessments are at half of the market value; an LOA of 100% represents a community that is assessing at full value. (See link below to  www.orps.state.ny.us for additional information)


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RPTL Article 7, Title 1-A, Section 738 mandates the calculation of Residential Assessment Ratios (RARs) annually. RARs are used by assessors as a general measure of assessment equity and by taxpayers in board of assessment review grievances and/or small claims hearings.  (See link below to  www.orps.state.ny.us for additional information)


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As per New York State Law*, Building Permits are required for work that must conform to the Uniform Building Codes, which includes: New residential, commercial and industrial buildings, additions to residential, commercial and industrial buildings, interior and exterior structural repairs, alterations, improvements and remodeling of existing structures, garages, carports, sheds larger than 100sf, roofing, siding, decks, porches, stairs, fences, swimming pools in which the water depth is greater than two-feet, heating systems (new and replacements), fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, solid fuel burning appliances, gas fired decorative appliances, parking lots approved by the Planning Commission and demolition of all structures.

* New York Code's Division will have a new standard for administration and enforcement that will take effect January 1, 2007 and the above will be amended to comply with New York State.

Yes, with certain limitations.  Contact Building & Construction at 607-772-7004 for more information.

Yes,  with certain limitations.  The applicant must be the owner/occupant of a residential building with three apartments or less and with no commercial use.  The work is limited to interior wiring only and does not include any work in regards to the electrical service and/or panel.

Yes, if any part of the pool wall is less than 48" high.  Any stair access to the pool must have a self closing and latching gate of four feet in height or the ladder must be the type that can be locked in the upright position when the pool is not in use.

Yes, a four-foot high fence is required around the pool area in compliance with the New York State Code.

Residential: eight foot with restrictions.
Commercial: ten foot with restrictions.

No, it is up to the property owner who is installing the fence to choose which way to face the fence.

No, but a new driveway may require approvals.

For one and two family homes the minimum stair tread is 9", the maximum riser height is 8 1/4", the minimum stair width is 36".  Handrails are required for stairs that have more than two risers, the minimum height is 34" and the maximum height is 38" measured from the nosing of the stair tread.  Handrails and deck guards shall not have any openings between spindles/barristers of 4".  Commercial and Multi-family Codes are different.

No, a solid fence can not be installed that will restrict visibility of either pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

1st Floor, City Hall, 38 Hawley Street.

From Route 17 (I-86) West/I-81 South or Route 17 (I-86) East/I-81 North:

Take Exit 4S. At traffic signal at Frederick Street, highway becomes Route 363. Continue straight on this route, crossing over railroad tracks. First exit is Robinson Street. Second exit is US 11 (Court Street). Immediately after that is the exit for Susquehanna Street. This is a very short exit, with a STOP sign at the end. Proceed straight (west) all the way to the end. You will be forced to take a right on State Street. Once you do, you will see the Fire Station and the Police Station on your right. This is City Hall, but the main entrance is on Hawley Street. Parking is available in the red parking garage. From State Street, turn right onto Hawley Street, then left at the first traffic signal to enter the garage.

From I-88 West:

Follow I-88 West. Take Exit 1 to Route 7. Continue straight on Route 7 until signal at Fredrick Street. Continue Straight and Roadway becomes Route 363 South. Continue as above.

From Route 434 East:

Head east on Route 434. End of Route 434 curves to the left (northerly) and becomes State Street. City Hall is just beyond the bridge on your right. Continue as above.

Hours are 9 to 5, however we issue Marriage Licenses 9:00am to 3:45pm only.

On the street at a meter or across the street in the parking ramp.

Certain offices do validate parking.

Yes, this is the office where you apply for a marriage license.  This office can also perform Marriage Ceremonies.

Yes, City of Binghamton residents, only.

No, the Office of Vital Statistics offers these records for a fee.

Questions about divorce should be directed to an Attorney.

The Broome County Clerk’s Office.

The Municipal Clerk where you reside.  This office issues dog licenses for City of Binghamton residents only.

The Broome County Clerk’s Office.

Outdoor cooking shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:

(1) In the case of an outdoor cafe, no fee shall be required if an outdoor cafe permit is currently in affect for the property. If there is no outdoor cafe permit in affect, an outdoor cooking permit shall be obtained for a fee of $10.

(2) The outdoor cooking apparatus utilized by the permittee, shall be specifically included in the insurance requirements, as set forth in subsection (h) of Section Three of the rules and regulations, to be supplied to the City Clerk.

(3) The outdoor cooking apparatus to be used shall be fueled by no more than a 20 lb. propane tank

(4) The outdoor cooking apparatus shall not remain outdoors when not in use and furthermore, the subject fuel tank shall never be stored indoors.

(5) The permittee shall maintain either a rubber or steel structure under the cooking apparatus to catch all grease or other droppings from the apparatus while in use. Should any grease or other substance land upon the city owned sidewalk, the permittee shall immediately remove same and return the sidewalk to its original condition, in accordance with Section Four(3)(c) of these rules and regulations.

(6) The permittee shall construct and maintain at all times when the outdoor cooking apparatus is in use, a barrier located not less than five feet (5’) around all sides of the apparatus to insure that all patrons or pedestrians cannot come into contact with said apparatus.

§ 14-11. Posting, distributing bills, notices, advertising matter; painting sidewalks.
A. No person shall distribute or permit to be distributed any handbills or printed circulars in any public highway, except that the same may be left within any building; nor shall any person post or cause to be posted any bill, card or advertisement, other than legal notices, upon any telephone, telegraph or electric pole in the city, or upon any building or fence, except by permission of the owner of said building or fence.

B. No person shall paint, print or write, or cause to be painted, printed or written on any sidewalk any words, figures, pictures or advertising device of any character.
(Gen. Ord. 1958, p. 2, § 1(1, 2)) (Excerpt from code of ordinances)

Provided that such signs are not more than 32 square feet in area if located in a commercial or Industrial District or eight square feet in area if located in any other district; are limited to not more than one per lot; are located entirely on private property pursuant to the owner's consent; are clearly marked with the name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the removal of such sign; are erected not more than 60 days prior to any general, special or primary election, and are removed within 14 days following such election; and are erected only in the district in which the candidate is running for office. (Excerpt from Zoning Ordinance of the City of Binghamton). For this and other questions about signage or land use, please contact zoning enforcement at 772-7004.

No, a solid fence can not be installed that will restrict visibility of either pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Due process of the law.  A set amount of time is given to correct the violation.  This time begins upon the receipt of the notice of violation.  If, on re-inspection, attempts to comply are in progress and the time-frame is reasonable for the corrections needed, another re-inspection date will be assigned.  If the violation still exists with no attempt at compliance, a Court Appearance Ticket is issued for the following Thursday.  Once the case has reached the Courts, Corporation Counsel and the Code Officer present the case to the Courts and the decides the outcome and timeframe.

30 days but it could be as long as 6 months depending on the Court's discretion.  The seasonal nature of paint application is considered.

The person responsible for creating the violation is responsible.  Most sanitary conditons are the responsibility of the occupant/tenant.  Most structural and equipment deficiencies are the responsibility of the owner.

By law, an apartment has to be painted when the condition of the paint has deteriorated and becomes unsanitary.

The heat inside a home must be maintained at 68 degrees when the outside temperature is below 55 degrees.

Timers are not allowed.  A set back can be used but has to be set at a minimum of 68 degrees.

24 hours after the snow stops, the snow must be removed from the sidewalks.

10 inches.

No unlicensed or junk vehicles are allowed on a property at any time.  The unlicensed vehicle must be in an enclosed garage.

No, building permits must be obtained through the Building & Construction Department.

You should have one to live in your apartment.  NOTE:  A Cerificate of Occupancy is different than a Certificate of Compliance.  Certificates of Occupancy are issued by the Department of Building & Construction after major or new construction is completed and inspected.

Call the Code Enforcement Office at (607) 772-7010.  An Inspector will be assigned to inspect the apartment.

The proper way to file a complaint with Code is to call the Code Office at 772-7010.  The Complaint Tracking System is a Database that requires certain information and assigns a Tracking number to this specific complaint.  Your name and phone number will be part of the electronic file but it will remain strictly confidential.  If the Inspector requires clarification or additional information, direct contact with the complainant is required.  If the current status of your complaint is requested, it can be immediately accessed from any computer terminal in Code Enforcement.

At least one WORKING detector is required in every sleeping area of each living unit, in each room for sleeping purposes, in each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars.  In addition, a multi-story apartment building is required to have one WORKING detector at each landing level of staircases.  PLEASE check your detectors frequently!!

There are no grants available for businesses.

The Department of Economic Development of the City of Binghamton has an on going list of commercial properties in the City of Binghamton. This department works with various commercial realtors in the area in trying to maintain a complete, updated listing. The staff is able to assist you through the site selection or relocation process, identifying your businesses needs.

Since 1982 the City of Binghamton through their Binghamton Local Development Corporation has offered business owners a low cost alternative to filling the gap in financing packages. Hundreds of local companies have taken advantage of loans at below market rates. These funds may be used for building purchase or construction, building reconstruction or rehabilitation, machinery and equipment purchase and installation or start up costs of a small business. For more information contact the Department of Economic Development.

Yes. Also, the Broome County Chamber may assist you with this information.

The purchasing agent in the Purchasing Department.
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The Department of Economic Development can assist with general business information and referrals for commercial and industrial firms. Site selection and relocation assistance, access to State and Federal programs and requirements, assessment and tax information, and accessibility to various entities that would be able to further assist.

The Department of Economic Development has a staff available to analyze all the options specific to your business. It is our job to assist the businesses in the community with all resources available in achieving their individual goals.

When ever there is any work planned in the street ROW which is from the back edge of the sidewalk on each side of the street.  This includes any curb or sidewalk work, any type of excavation, placement of dumpsters, cranes and other construction equipment.  If there is any doubt about the need for a permit, please call the Engineering Department at 607-772-7007.

School taxes are levied on September 1st of each year.  A bill is mailed on September 1st of each year and is payable in three installments.

- Installment #1 is due in September.  If this installment is not paid by the last day of September, late and collection fees will be assessed.
- Installment #2 is due in November.  If this installment is not paid by the last day of November, late and collection fees will be assessed.
- Installment #3 is due in March.  If this installment is not paid by the last day of March, late and collection fees will be assessed.

City & County taxes are levied on January 1st of each year.  A bill is mailed on January 1st of each year and is payable in two installments. 

- Installment #1 is due in January.  If this installment is not paid by the last day of January, late fees will be assessed.
- Installment #2 is due in July.  If this installment is not paid by the last day of July, late fees will be assessed.

Real Estate and School Taxes are collected by Broome County. 

Walk-in payments at:  Broome County Office Building
                                (directly across from City Hall)
                              2nd floor - Real Property Tax Dept
                              Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 except holidays

Mail payments to:  B.C. Receiver of Taxes
                            PO Box 2087
                            Binghamton, NY  13902-2087

Checks made payble to:  B.C. Receiver of Taxes

For assessment or exemption questions, or change of address issues you should call the City of Binghamton Assessor's Office at 607-772-7002.

For all other questions call the Broome County Tax Help Line at 607-778-2309.

First and third Mondays of every month unless Monday is a holiday, then it is on the Tuesday following.

Contact Tarik Abdelazim, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, at (607) 772-7001.

Many times citizens of the community come together and volunteer to clean up the neighborhoods.

The rail service is in charge of cleaning the graffiti on the property.

Yes, but only if they are on a leash and you must clean up after them.

First Ward Senior Center - call 729--6214
Greenman Center - call 772-7166

The rule of thumb is as follows.... Anything that fits in a green City Bag belongs in a City Bag.  Anything too large or too heavy to go in a City Bag is considered "trash".

When recycling started in 1991, the City eliminated the tipping fee tax included on everyone’s property tax bill that was based solely on assessment. Instead, the City went to the bag (user fee) system, which charges residents for the amount of garbage they actually generate. 

Basically, anything that grows on your property such as brush, grass clippings and leaves are considered "yard waste".  Soil and stone are not considered yard waste and are not collected by the City of Binghamton.  Yard waste is collected every monday Citywide, except during Holiday weeks.

Most definitely.  Since the inception of the recycling program in 1990, over 130,000 tons of material has been diverted from the County Landfill, from the City of Binghamton alone.  This has saved the City over $5,000,000 in tipping fees.

It is the City's responsibility to remove snow from all streets in the interest of public safety.  In ding so, the snow has to be pushed to the curbside, which unavoidably deposits snow in driveway openings.  The City suggest that you wait until the plow goes by before clearing your driveway.

During a heavy prolonged snowfall, the first priority is to open up the emergency routes and main arteries before proceeding to the residential areas.  The goal then becomes to clear all streets of snow accumulation within a reasonable time after snow stops falling.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of sidewalks.

When a street is scheduled for reconstruction, curbs, sidewalks, underground utilities, and the road surface are all replaced as part of the project.  Generally speaking however, curbs and sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner as stated in the City Ordinance.  The City Engineering Department does offer a 50 - 50 rebate program which residents must sign up for.  The City then pays 50% of the cost for curb and/or sidewalk replacement and the property owner pays ther other 50%.

To report a pothole, please call our Dispatch Office at 772-7020 or our Administrative Offices at 772-7021.

To report a street light that is out or in need of repair, please call our Administrative Offices at 772-7021.  We will then fax a repair request to NYSEG.

Only City of Binghamton records are available.

No, only the people who are over 18 and are listed on the record can have access.

No.

Confidentiality.

We most often find this is due to a leaking toilet of which the homeowner is unaware.  Sometimes, for extremely high leakage and a first time occurence, we can reduce it.

This is almost always after painting, wood finishing or new carpeting.  It is the very small amount of chlorine dioxide in the water combining with the organic vapors from the new paint, varnish or carpet.

If it has cleared up, it is safe to drink. Even when rust colored, there is still residual chlorine, and the water is microbiologically safe, although not aesthetically acceptable. The concentration of iron necessary to impart color is small, and not a health concern.

We provide this service free of charge upon request.  Make request by calling the Water Billing Office at 772-7024.

City water is tested throughout the day. It is safe to drink. This information is all in our comprehensive annual water supply statement.

No.

Often, it is because the City portion, or the private portion, or both portions of the service pipe is old galvanized steel, which is badly corroded. Sometimes, it is because the house plumbing is inadequately sized, or also corroded galvanized steel. Otherwise, there are a number of possible reasons which we investigate.

You pay a minimum bill of $43.00 for having a meter on the premises. If you have us remove the meter, you will not have to pay a bill.

The water and sewer bills will roll to the City/County taxes if they are not paid. The owner is still responsible for the bill.

The Treasurer's Office is not equipped to accept credit card or on-line payments at this time.  This may change in the future.

Bills are issued in April, August, and December and are due at the end of that month.

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to know when their bills are due. We also put an ad in the newspaper around the 15th of the month stating if you did not receive a bill to contact our office.

It takes approximately 12 weeks to read meters in all the homes in the City.

Application forms are available from the City of Binghamton Civil Service Office, 5th floor City Hall, 38 Hawley Street, Binghamton, New York 13901.  Office hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., or by downloading it from here.

Tentatively scheduled for June 2009.  Please note:  Candidates should check for any scheduling updates on a regular basis.

FAQs for the Police Officer Examination can be accessed by clicking the Link for City Civil Service Dept., then clicking NYS Dept. of Civil Service

   
• Robert Weslar - District 1 

   
• Martin Gerchman - District 2

   
• Teri Rennia - District 3

   
• Lea Webb - District 4

   
• Sean Massey - District 5

   
• Charles Kramer - District 6

   
• Edward Collins - District 7

Binghamton Neighborhood Assemblies (BNAs) are grassroots, neighborhood organizations that were established in each of  Binghamton's eight neighborhoods to encourage citizen* participation in city government. Working as neighborhood advocacy/action groups, NAs help improve communication between the citizens of Binghamton and city government through regular meetings scheduled in each neighborhood. BNAs serve as organized, democratic forums where neighbors can learn about public issues that affect them and advise city representatives of their concerns and needs. From stop signs to major development projects, the BNAs offer residents an innovative way to not only learn of neighborhood and city issues, but actively participate in and engage the planning and decision-making process of local government. *Citizens are defined as residents, businesses, not-for-profits, community organizations and educational institutions.