Homeowner Resource Center

Owning a home in Center Square is a privilege and a responsibility. You’re the steward of a piece of Albany’s architectural history. Here’s what you need to know.

Historic District Rules: What Requires Approval

Center Square is a designated historic district, which means that any exterior work visible from a public street or alley requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) before you can get a building permit. Complex projects or those requiring Historic Resources Commission review can take longer for approval. Don’t schedule contractors until your permit is approved and in hand.

Renovations that require special historic approval include, but are not limited to:

  • Replacing windows or doors
  • Changing paint color on masonry or trim (in some cases)
  • Adding or modifying fences, awnings, or signs
  • Roofing, siding, or facade changes
  • New construction or additions
  • Solar panel installation (special rules apply in historic districts)
  • Sidewalk or stoop work

When in doubt, contact the City Planning Office before starting work. Starting without a permit risks a Stop Work Order, a fine, and possible mandatory removal of completed work. CSA is also here to help! Contact us with questions.

Key Resources and Links

Parking

All residents of Center Square are eligible for residential parking permits, as well as a flexible guest permit. You’ll need proof of Center Square residency (e.g., a current lease or utility bill).

Need to reserve spaces for a moving truck, delivery, service vehicle or something short-term?

Call the City of Albany Traffic Engineering Division at (518) 434-5791 to reserve curbside spaces. Applicable fees apply.

  • Up to 3 spaces: $25
  • 4–9 spaces: $50
  • 10+ spaces: $100

Trash & Recycling

If your trash and recycling are picked up by the City of Albany Department of General Services, both are picked up Tuesday morning. Place bins curbside no earlier than 4:30pm the evening before. The Department of General Services also collects oversized items and yard waste and has electronics recycling programs. For more information and specifics, view this FAQ. Multi-unit apartments and condos use private trash and recycling services; in such a case, contact your building management for specifics.

Snow Removal

There’s nothing quite as gorgeous as a fresh snowfall in Center Square…until you trudge out to the coffee shop and cannot move. City ordinance puts the responsibility of clearing sidewalks on property owners. If you’re a tenant, check the terms of your lease for snow removal responsibilities. All sidewalks adjacent to properties must be cleaned within 24 hours of the completion of the storm, including handicap ramps. If this is not done, the property will be cleaned and the owner will receive a fine and a bill for the service performed.

Encounter a sidewalk that has not been cleared after 24 hours? See the next section!

Reporting Problems

Need to report issues to the City of Albany? Want to hear about other alerts, such as closed roads or pothole projects?

  • SeeClickFix: report potholes, graffiti, broken sidewalks, abandoned vehicles (also available as a smartphone app)
  • Report a street light issue
  • NIXLE: sign up for real-time text/email alerts from the Albany Police Department on incidents and road closures

Your Elected Representatives and Neighborhood Resources

Deirdre Brodie

City of Albany, 6th Ward Common Council Member

Susan Pedo

Albany County Legislator, 5th District

Kevin Reedy

Albany Police, Neighborhood Engagement Unit