Troy, NY Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Chapter 141, the Buildings chapter of the Troy City Code, builds inspection around the certificate of occupancy in § 141-17. No building hereafter erected can be occupied or used, in whole or in part, until it is completed in accordance with the plans and specifications filed with the building permit application and a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Director of Code Enforcement. The same bar applies to a building altered, extended, enlarged or worked upon under a building permit when the work creates a hazardous condition before completion.

The inspection stages are two. The Director or a representative examines and inspects the building during its construction work, and again at its completion. After the final inspection, once satisfied that the work meets the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and all applicable ordinances, the Director issues the certificate within 10 days of application. It is dated, names the project, certifies conformity with applicable building laws and regulations, and gives the address of the building and the uses for which it was made. Where the Director has reasonable doubt as to safety, he or she can require reasonable tests or investigation, documentary proof of strength of materials, or affidavits from the registered architect or professional engineer in charge, and no certificate issues until all work is in conformity. Section 141-3 also gives the Director the right to examine existing buildings with regard to occupancy, safety, public health and welfare.

Business spaces have added steps. No one can occupy a vacated business space until a certificate of occupancy is obtained from the Bureau of Code Enforcement, and when a new business use is established in an existing building, a work permit must be obtained and, at a minimum, an interior inspection made. The certificate must be permanently displayed where it is readily visible from outside the primary entrance. The zoning chapter adds in § 285-16 that the Director can issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for a period of six months until specified minor work items are completed, and § 285-14 directs the Director to make all necessary inspections of buildings or premises.