Troy, NY Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Chapter 47 of the Troy City Code covers monuments and landmarks in the City of Troy, Rensselaer County, New York. Under § 47-2, the City of Troy Planning Commission acts as the Historic District and Landmark Review Commission. Under § 47-3(A), the Commission recommends designations of historic buildings, spaces, objects, sites, monuments, landmarks and districts, and the City Council then approves or disapproves by a majority vote of the total membership. The Council must first hold a public hearing with notice published in a newspaper of general circulation. For designations affecting less than 50 property owners, notice goes by personal mailing to each owner.

Anyone can petition. Section 47-3(D) has the Commission evaluate petitions for buildings, sites, monuments or districts as historically, naturally or architecturally significant, using criteria it adopts with the National Register of Historical Places criteria as a guide. Petitioners supply the information the Commission requests on its forms, plus a map of the building, site, monument or district.

Designation brings review. Section 47-4(A) applies the chapter to buildings, structures, outbuildings, walls, fences, steps, topographical features, earthworks, paving and signs that are designated landmarks or sit in a designated historic district. Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not change design, material or outward appearance is excepted under § 47-4(B), as is work the Director of Code Enforcement determines public safety requires because of dangerous or unsafe conditions.

Section 47-5 requires a certificate of appropriateness before any exterior change starts or any building permit issues. The written application lists the applicant's contact details, location, photographs, elevations, a perspective drawing and material samples, with a scale drawing when signs or lettering are involved. Under § 47-7 the Commission decides within 60 calendar days unless the applicant agrees to more time. If a certificate is denied, § 47-6 lets the owner seek hardship relief by proving the property cannot earn a reasonable return, cannot be adapted to another use with a reasonable return, and that efforts to find a preservation-minded buyer failed.