The City of Albany announced on Apr. 8 that it is seeing improved compliance with Residential Occupancy Permits (ROPs) after reintroducing advance email reminder notifications to property owners. The initiative, which resumed in February, involves sending emails 60 and 30 days before ROP expiration dates and aims to prevent permits from lapsing.
The program matters because maintaining up-to-date ROPs helps ensure safe living conditions for residents throughout the city. Stronger compliance also supports effective enforcement of building codes and enhances communication between city officials and landlords.
So far in 2026, the department has sent out 530 emails at the 60-day mark and another 575 at the 30-day mark to notify owners about upcoming expirations. The Codes Department is actively updating its database with current contact information, including both email addresses and phone numbers, allowing for more direct outreach to property owners.
Officials say that an increase in expired permits is mostly due to changes in building ownership but note a steady rise in inspection scheduling as a result of these proactive reminders. Saturday inspections remain available for added flexibility.
“We have made measurable progress, and that is a direct result of the work happening under the leadership of Director Valerie Scott and her team,” said Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs. “They are building a system that is proactive, organized, and responsive. We are continuing to improve communication with landlords and work towards strengthening enforcement. It is imperative that our residents live in safe conditions in our City.”
Valerie Scott, Director of the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, said: “We are taking a proactive approach to compliance… Our team is updating contact information, issuing advance notices, scheduling inspections more quickly, and making ourselves available on weekends. That consistency is helping reduce expired permits and improve communication with property owners.”
Monthly updates on ROP compliance are published as part of Albany’s transparency initiative through the Department’s website.
Albany has historical ties to figures such as President Martin Van Buren as well as governors Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt according to its official history page. The city also promotes arts events like its Tulip Festival—which was recognized among North America’s top events—and hosts hundreds of thousands annually according to its cultural affairs page. City Hall itself was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson in 1883; it features one of few municipally owned carillons nationwide as detailed by city records.
According to its official website Albany seeks sustainable revitalization through community-focused initiatives, reflecting ongoing efforts like those surrounding ROP compliance.
