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1. What kind of building code does the City of Glens Falls use?

The building code in Glens Falls the International Code Commission International Building Code with New York modifications.

2. Does Building and Codes inspect construction?

Yes, contact our office to inquire further.

3. Does Building and Codes inspect apartments?

Yes, Building and Codes will inspect apartments to investigate complaints of unsatisfactory housing or housing maintenance. For more information, contact our office.

4. Is there a property maintenance code?

Yes. Property code complaints have to do with the outside appearance of a piece of property. For more information, contact our office.

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1. What are the requirements to be a candidate for election?

Candidates must be registered to vote, must have been full-time residents of the city for at least one year prior to qualifying, and must not hold any other elective office.

2. When may I begin raising campaign funds?

A potential candidate may begin raising funds at any time after filing designation of a campaign treasurer and bank designation with the City Clerk. The campaign account must be separate from any personal accounts and used only for depositing campaign funds and making campaign expenditures.

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1. What office at Glens Falls City Hall do I go to in order to obtain permits and licenses?

For the following permits and licenses, you will go the City Clerk's Office, 1st floor, City Hall, 42 Ridge Street, Glens Falls:

Entertainment Licenses
(needed by businesses that have live entertainment on their premises);
Encroachment Permits
(for curb cuts, driveway work, street openings);
Taxi Drivers Permits and Taxi Owner's Licenses;
Rubbish and Garbage Haulers Licenses;
Commercial and Non-Commercial Gas Pump Licenses;
Special Sales - Hawking, Peddling, Soliciting and Transient Merchants Licenses;
Mobile Food Unit Vending Licenses;
Plumbers Licenses (Master and Special);
Garage Sale Permits;
Glens Falls Transit Monthly and 25/52 Ride Permits;
Handicapped Parking Permits;
Parking Permits (issued on quarterly basis for Elm and/or Exchange Street Parking Lots only);
Bingo, Games of Chance, Bell Jar and Raffles Licenses;
Marriage Licenses;
Dog Licenses; Dog Releases {for dogs picked up running loose in the City );
Hunting and Fishing Licenses.

In order to obtain Building and Construction-related permits and Temporary Sign Permits, you will go the Buildings & Codes Office, 3rd floor, City Hall, 42 Ridge Street, Glens Falls.

Should you have any questions about these prcedures, call the City Clerk's Office at (518) 761-3800, FAX the office at (518) 743-0663 or Email at cityclerk@cityofglensfalls.com. The City Clerk's Office is open Monday-Friday (except legal holidays) from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

2. I need to obtain my birth certificate. Where do I go and what do I need to bring with me?

The Glens Falls City Clerk's Office has records of those born in the City dating back to 1888. The City Clerk's Office has birth records only for those persons born in Glens Falls. A certified copy or transcript of birth may be issued to the person named on the birth certificate, if 18 years of age or older; the parents of the person named on the birth certificate; to the lawful representative of the person named or the parents of the person named or to a person with a New York State Court Order.

To obtain a certified copy of your birth an applicant must provide the name, date of birth, place of birth, fathers first and last names and mother's first and maiden names of the person named on the birth certificate.

In order to obtain a copy, the applicant must show proper identification. A driver's license, state issued non- drivers license identification card, military identification card, passport, naturalization papers, employers photo identification card or two current utility bills issued immediately preceding the application and showing the applicant's name and address are acceptable forms of identification.

The fee for a Certified Copy of birth is $10.00 per copy, specified by Public Health Law 4173(3).

3. We need to get a marriage license, where do we go to obtain one and what is the procedure?

A couple planning to get married in New York state may go to any City or Town Clerk's Office to obtain a marriage license. The license is good for marriage anywhere in the state, The license must be signed by the couple in the presence of the City or Town Clerk. The marriage license fee is $40.00 + $10.00 for the certified transcript for a total of $50.00. The marriage license is good for sixty days. There is a 24 hour waiting period from the time that a couple applies for the marriage license and the time that they may actually be married. There is no blood test required to obtain a marriage license in New York. The state requires that the couple show proof of identification (driver's license, DMV-issued non-driver's license, passport or employer's picture I.D. card) and proof of age (birth certificate, baptismal record, etc). If either the bride or groom to be were previously married, the City or Town Clerk will need to see copies of Divorce papers or a Death Certificate (if a previous spouse died), before the marriage license may be issued. The state also has requirements if either applicant is age 17 or under, Contact the Clerk's office for details.

4. I need to get a hunting or fishing license from the City Clerk's Office. What do I need to bring with me?

The Glens Falls City Clerk's Office is an agent for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and sells resident and non-resident hunting and fishing licenses.

In order to obtain any hunting or fishing license at resident rates, the applicant must show proof of New York State residence. Valid proof of residency includes a current driver's license, Income tax form (W-2 or IT-201) or voter registration card. All forms of identification other than driver's licenses must be accompanied by a signed and completed Residence Affidavit Statement, which is available at the City Clerk's Office. Other acceptable forms of identification are 12 continuous months of utility bills, credit card bills or bank statements. If unable to show proof of New York state residence, an applicant may purchase a hunting or fishing license at non-resident rates.

In addition to showing identification, an applicant must show proof of proper hunting or trapping eligibility in order to obtain a hunting or trapping license. You will need to show proof of hunting/trapping eligibility with any previous license from any state or country from any previous year or 8 Hunter Training Certificate. There is no eligibility requirement for those obtaining a fishing license.

There are reduced fees for Senior Citizens and Military Disabled.

5. I need to obtain a license for my dog. Where do I go and what do I need to bring with me?

Any dog four months of age or older must be licensed within the community where the owner resides in New York State. If you live in the City of Glens Falls, you may license your dog with the City Clerk's Office, 1st floor, City Hall, 42 Ridge Street. You must bring proof of current rabies vaccination and spaying or neutering.

The annual fee for licensing of a spayed or neutered dog is $5.00, while the fee for an unspayed or unneutered dog is $13.00.

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1. When do you have public ice skating?

In July and August and usually during school breaks.

2. How do I purchase tickets for Glens Falls Civic Center events?

In person or by phone at the box office at (518) 798-0202. Visit the Glens Falls Civic Center website for more details.

3. How do I join the walking program?

By registering at the Administration Office or Box Office. The fee is 10$ per year.

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1. Is this HUD for rental assistance?

No, you need to contact the Glens Falls Housing Authority for information about rental assistance.

2. Is this where I can obtain a grant?

Possibly- you can obtain a grant or loan if you are income eligible.

3. Is this where I can get windows?

No- the program is based on priority need items being done in your home.

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1. What kind of assistance is available?

This is a grant-loan program based on income. You may or may not have a loan payment. If so, it will be a 5 year loan at 3% interest.

2. How do I apply for rehabilitation funds?

Applications are issued from the Community Development Office located on the second floor of City Hall, 42 Ridge St. After the application is completed and supporting paperwork is ready for submission, an interview is conducted which begins the program's qualification process.

3. How will I know if I am qualified?

After you have completed the interview and provided all required backup documentation, you will receive a letter in 3-4 weeks notifying you of eligibility.

4. If I have been accepted, how long is the waiting period?

The waiting period is approximately 9-12 months before you are contacted by the Rehabilitation Specialist who will make an inspection of your home.

5. What happens when the Rehabilitation Specialist comes to my house?

Your home will be inspected from top to bottom and before leaving the premises, he will note specifications for the Work Write Up. The Work Write Up is to be approved by the home owner before the bid is distributed to the City's qualified contractors who have chosen to bid.

6. Will the contractors come to look at the projects?

Yes, they may. The contractors have 10 days to bid on the job. Submitted bids are opened at the City of Glens Falls Community Development Office.

7. Do I select the contractor?

The City selects the lowest bidder from those who bid on the project. You, as a home owner, may pay the difference between the selected lowest bidder and the contractor of your choice who has participated in the bidding process. Irregardless of the selection of the contractor, the agreement is with the homeowner and the contractor. The City of Glens Falls is not party to that agreement.

8. What happens after the Contractor is chosen?

Your application goes before the Common Council for final approval. Once this is done, you will be contacted. When all paperwork is signed by you and the contractor, a date is set to begin work.

9. What guarantee is there for workmanship?

After the final payment to the contractor, materials and workmanship are guaranteed for 1 year.

10. After the rehabilitation is complete, how long do I have to keep the property?

The property will have to be kept for 5 years. If you sell the property before that time, the grant will be pro-rated by the City of Glens Falls Community Development Office.

11. Will there be a lien against my property?

Yes, the lien is for 5 years. After that time, a satisfaction of mortgage will be issued.

12. How will the rehabilitation affect my real property assessment?

It may or may not affect your assessment which is considered on a case by case basis.

13. Does this program cover weatherization?

No, our program is for housing rehabilitation for fixing homes whose owners meet the income requirements.

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1. Why is my water bill so high?

Even though the bill is based on usage, the minimum is 2,700 cu ft. So even if your usage is only for 2,500 cu ft., you get billed for 2,700 cu ft.

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1. How do I go about having a street festival?

Prepare a detailed plan which can be submitted to the Police, Board of Public Safety, and Common Council.

2. If I wanted to use City Park for a concert, who do I have to talk to?

The Recreation Department controls the City Park, as well as all the other parks within the city limits, so you would have to speak with the Recreation Department to understand the approval process.

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1. How many fire stations does the Glens Falls Fire Department have?

Two- the Central Station on Ridge Street, and our Second Station on Broad Street.

2. How many personnel does the Glens Falls Fire Department have?

We have 38 Uniformed Personnel.

3. How many calls do you get?

We get about 1800 calls per year.

4. How many firefighters are on duty per day?

We have a minimum of an eight man response.

5. How large of an area does the Glens Falls Fire Department Cover?

We cover the entire City of Glens Falls, which is approximately 3 square miles.

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1. What hours are City Hall offices open?

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

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1. How do I catch the bus?

Streets: Wait at the bus stop sign or a corner, signal to driver by waving your arm.

Highway: Stand where you can be seen in time for a safe stop on the correct side of the road. Signal the driver by waving your arm.

2. How do I get off of the bus?

Pull the signal cord approximately on block (500 ft.) before your requested stop. After the bus comes to a complete stop, depart carefully. DO NOT STEP IN FRONT OF THE BUS AFTER EXITING.

3. What do I do if I need help with a schedule?

Feel free to ask the driver questions about your trip when you are boarding the bus. Please do not distract the driver while the bus is in motion. If you need help in advance, pleaase call our office at 792-1085 M-F 8:30-4:30.

4. What is a transfer?

If your trip with GGFT requires that you take two consecutive buses, you may purchase a reduced price transfer. Please notify the driver upon boarding that you need to transfer at Ridge St. Terminal. The driver will charge you the additional amount and give you a transfer slip that must be handed to the next driver. Transfers must be used on the next available connecting bus.

5. What are tokens and passes?

Special tokens and passes may be purchased for your convenience. Monthly passes can be purchased at Glens Falls City Hall, local Hannafords, and ACC. Contact the GGFT office for more info.

6. What are the rules of the bus?

Eating, drinking, smoking, and pets are prohibited on the bus. All passengers are expected to respect the rights, hygiene, and safety of other passengers and the driver at all times.

7. How do I catch a trolley?

GGFT operates trolley service to and from the Lake George area during the summer season. Trolley schedules are printed seperately, or can be found in our Document Center. No transfers are accepted between trolleys and year-round route services.

8. Does this website have a copy of the route map/schedule for the bus/trolley?

Yes it does. The route map can be found in the Document Center.

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1. How many parks have pavilions?

Three parks have pavilions: East Field, Crandall Park, and Haviland's Cove. Call 615-0446 for pavilion availability.

2. How do I reserve a pavilion?

To reserve a pavilion you must submit a Pavilion Reservation form to the City of Glens Falls Recreation Department office. The fee is $75 plus a $100 refundable deposit and the pavilions are available seasonally, June through Labor Day (availability may be extended if weather permits).

3. How do I reserve a city facility, park or athletic field for an event?

You can print and fill out the online Application for use of Facility, Park, or Athletic Field, then mail it to the City of Glens Falls Recreation Department, 42 Ridge Street, 2nd floor, Glens Falls. Please note that the application is only part of the process, and approval is not implied with its submission.

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1. Where do I get an application?

You can get one by contacting the Civil Service/Human Resources, or from the Human Resources section of the Document Center.

2. Do I have the right application?

Yes, there is only one application.

3. When is the next Police Officer exam?

The website boards/calendars should have the date of future exams.

4. When is the next firefighter exam?

Check the website boards/calendars, the date of future exams should be posted there.

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1. Can I have a graduation party?

Yes, you may invite neighbors.

2. Can we have a fire at a graduation party?

No, there is no open burning in the City.

3. Can I have a band at my graduation party?

Yes, but they must be done playing by 10:00 PM.

4. Can I serve alcohol at my graduation party?

Yes, If the person who is consuming alcohol is 21 years of age or older. If they are under 21 then it is against the law. Not having alcohol at graduation parties is suggested.

5. Can I have an open container of alcohol at block parties?

No, you cannot have an open container.

6. Where can I find information regarding sex offenders that might be in the area?

For information on sex offenders in the area, go to the Glens Falls Police Department Website (http://www.glensfallspd.com) or you can go to the New York State Sex Offender Registry website (http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/index.htm - you have to log into the New York State Sex Offender Registry to use it).

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1. What are the bid limits or requirements?

They follow the established Purchasing Policy and Procedure.

2. Are prevailing wage rates required?

Yes, they are required for anyone working on city property or buildings.

3. When is an invoice being paid?

Based on scheduled cutoffs for departments and corresponding Common Council Meetings.

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1. I’m bringing my family to Upstate New York for vacation and want to know what’s there to do in Glens Falls?

The tourism webpage is full things to do all around the City, if you have any specific questions you can get in contact with Amy Collins at the Tourism Department at (518) 761-3864.

2. We’re looking for a great restaurant for a special occasion. Any recommendations?

Glens Falls has plenty of great restaurants! Check out the "Eateries" page from the Tourism main page.

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1. How do I find out about my water/sewer bill?

That is handled on a case-by-case basis by calling (518) 761-3814.

2. I have a problem with my water/sewer infrastructure, what should I do?

That is handled on a case-by-case basis by calling (518) 761-3814.

3. I have a question about the quality of my water.

That is handled on a case-by-case basis by calling (518) 761-3814.