City & County taxes are issues and collected by Broome County (607) 778-2169.

School taxes are issues and collected by Broome County (607) 778-2169.

Real Estate and School Taxes are collected by Broome County.

Walk-in payments at:

Broome County Office Building
(directly across from City Hall)
2^nd Floor—Real Property Tax Department
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm (except holidays)

Mail payments to:

B.C. Receiver of Taxes
PO Box 2087
Binghamton, NY 13902-2087

Checks made payable to: B.C. Receiver of Taxes

For assessment or exemption questions, or change of address issues you should call the City of Binghamton Assessor's Office at (607) 772-7002.

For all other questions call the Broome County Tax Help Line at (607) 778-2169.

The New York State Education Law requires that Architect’s or Engineer’s stamped drawings be submitted for all construction, installations or alterations affecting structural safety and/or public safety, and/or costing more than $20,000   and/or to residential buildings of more than 1,500 square feet.  

New York State Education Law also requires that Engineer’s stamped drawings shall be submitted for construction, installation or alteration to any residential structure where the project cost is more than $10,000.

Properly certified documentation of all required insurances, including but not limited to liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and disability insurance must be submitted with the building permit application.

Companies, contractors, sole proprietors and homeowners must provide proof of liability, workers' compensation, and disability insurance coverage for all contractors and workers involved in the project. The forms must be submitted with the building permit and be on the correct forms. Liability insurance can be on an ACORD form, Workers' Compensation must be on a C105.2 or U-26 form, and Disability insurance must be on a DB120.1 form.

Workers Compensation and Disability Insurance cannot be on an ACORD form.

Sole proprietors may complete a workers' compensation waiver (CE-200) that can be obtained from the Workers' Compensation Board.

If the homeowner is performing the work they may complete the workers' compensation waiver (CE-200). The signature on this form must be witnessed by a Notary Public.

An asbestos survey is required for all renovation, remodeling, repair and demolition of all interior and exterior building materials. As per NYS Industrial Code Rule 56, asbestos material must be abated by licensed contractors utilizing certified asbestos handlers, with the exception of owner-occupied single family homes, where the owner may remove the asbestos. However, it is not recommended that the owner remove asbestos. The owner could potentially expose themselves, their family and neighbors to asbestos fibers if correct engineering controls and work methods are not utilized during the abatement. For further information and updates, please see the NYS website at:

Yes. Any structural alteration requires a permit. However repairs to nonstructural components do not need a permit.

Yes. Electrical work of any kind requires an Electrical Permit, even if you are the homeowner.

Before the review process can begin.  You must submit a complete set of documents including:

• A completed application
• All trade contractors listed,
• Proof of insurances
• An asbestos survey and report of remediation
• 2 sets of stamped drawings prepared by an Architect or Engineer
• If stamped drawings are not required for your job, you must provide unstamped drawings and a comprehensive description of the proposed work, including dimensions.
• Manufacturer’s specifications and installation instructions
• The application fee.

In accordance with Code of Ordinances, Chapter §200-9. Building permits, a Building Permits is required. for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code.

This work may include: demolition of structures; construction of new residential, commercial and industrial buildings; additions to residential, commercial and industrial buildings; interior and exterior structural repairs; alterations, improvements and remodeling of existing structures; and the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation, demolition, or the extension of electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems.
A Building Permit is required for the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, gas fired decorative appliances, chimney or flue; garages, carports, sheds larger than 100 square feet; decks, porches and stairs; roofing and siding; fences; swimming pools in which the water depth is greater than two-feet; residential and commercial heating systems (new and replacements); fire suppression systems, or fire alarm systems; parking lots subject to Planning approval.

You may also need to get a permit if there is a change in the type of the business the space will be used for, even though no renovation is planned. Certain types of business will require different permits and inspections from the Codes, Fire, and/or Police Departments. The County Health Department may also need to inspect your work.

Yes, you can both obtain a marriage license and get married in the Binghamton City Clerk's Office. Marriage Ceremonies may be performed at the availability of the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk.

Work Sessions are held on the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of every month. Business Meetings are held on the Wednesdays following Work Sessions. Certain exceptions may apply if a Work Session or Business Meeting falls on a holiday, so please consult the City Council page for a complete listing of all meetings.

To access City of Binghamton records, please submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, also known as an Application for Public Access to Records. The City of Binghamton will respond to your request within five (5) business days.

Records of divorces filed within Broome County are maintained by the Broome County Clerk's Office.

You may obtain a dog license from the Clerk of the municipality in which you reside. This office issues dog licenses for City of Binghamton residents only.

Records of births and deaths occurring within the City of Binghamton are recorded by the Registrar of Vital Statistics. For more information, please visit the Office of Vital Statistics page.

Low interest loans are available through our Binghamton Local Development Corporation.

Business owners can check for initiatives, available grants and tax credits from the New York State Department of Labor website for new hires, job postings, on-the-job training, hiring dislocated workers, youth, formerly incarcerated individuals and veterans.

NYSERDA offers training, grants, loans and incentives for energy audits, and efficiency upgrades.

Yes, we can provide contact information for businesses in the City of Binghamton.

Since 1982 the City of Binghamton through the Binghamton Local Development Corporation has offered business owners a low cost alternative to filling the gap in financing packages. Hundreds of local companies have taken advantage of loans at below market rates. These funds may be used for building purchase or construction, building reconstruction or rehabilitation, machinery and equipment purchase and installation or start up costs of a small business. For more information contact the Department of Economic Development.

The Department of Economic Development follows available commercial properties in the City of Binghamton. We work with property owners and/or commercial realtors to identify properties with the proper zoning that are suitable for your businesses needs and budget.

The Economic Development Office can assist with general business information, site selection, information about various County, State and Federal programs and low-interest loan programs from the Binghamton Local Development Corporation. Please visit our Resources for Start-Ups and Established Businesses page.

To talk to about bidding on services contracted by the City of Binghamton, please contact the Purchasing Agent in the Purchasing Department.

The Department of Economic Development has a staff available to analyze all the options specific to your business needs. It is our job to assist relocating to or expanding in the City of Binghamton with all resources available to achieve their individual goals.

All questions regarding Ambulance billing should be directed to our billing agency: Intermedix Billing Company (888) 980-9318.

To access City of Binghamton records, please submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, also known as an Application for Public Access to Records. The City of Binghamton will respond to your request within five (5) business days.

Open burning within the City of Binghamton is only permitted under certain specific circumstances.

If you have questions after reading § 235-12 of the City Ordinance, call the Fire Marshal's Office at (607) 772-7123.

To go about arranging a public event at City Hall, contact the Mayor's Office at (607) 772-7001 or mayorkraham@cityofbinghamton.com.

To access City of Binghamton records, please submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, also known as an Application for Public Access to Records. The City of Binghamton will respond to your request within five (5) business days.

Yes, but only if they are on a leash and you must clean up after them. There is also a dog park at Cheri A. Lindsey Memorial Park & Bark Park.

There are no pavilions within the City of Binghamton's parks. If you wish to reserve a pavilion within a Broome County park, please contact the Broome County Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Services.

Please contact the First Ward Senior Center directly at (607) 729-6214.

Application forms are available on this page or from the City of Binghamton Civil Service Office, 4th floor City Hall, 38 Hawley Street, Binghamton, New York 13901. Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:15am - 3:45pm.

Kind of.

Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contributing buildings to National Register Historic Districts may be eligible for Federal and/or New York State Tax Credits for potentially up to 20% of qualifying costs for owner-occupied residential buildings, or up to 40% of qualifying costs for incoming producing buildings (this includes RENTAL residential). More information is available on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) website.

Any designated historic property, Nation Register or Local Landmark, may be eligible for the 444a tax abatement program. If a historic preservation project will result in the accessed value, and therefore the taxes, to go up, that increase in taxes can be abated for a total of 10 years (100% abatement for the first 5 years, 80% abatement in year 6, 60% abatement in year 7, et cetera).

Please call the Historic Preservation Planner at (607) 772-7028 for more information.

The first step to meet with the Historic Preservation Planner, who can go over your proposed plan and provide some guidance on what might be acceptable. The next step is to fill out a CAUD Design Review Application, which can be downloaded from CAUD section of the Planning, Housing, and Community Development website. Submit your completed application to the Historic Preservation Planner, along with copies of architectural drawings, photographs of the property, product samples or brochures, or any other materials necessary for CAUD to make proper review (consult with the Historic Preservation Planner as to what materials may be required for your specific project). The more detailed information you can provide the Commission, the easier and quicker they will be able to reach a decision. After you submit your application materials, city staff will review them for completeness and submit a report to CAUD, detailing the proposal and staff findings. The application will be reviewed at the monthly CAUD meeting (held the last Tuesday of every month, at 12:00 noon, in the Planning Conference Room, 4th Floor, City Hall). You are highly encouraged to attend this meeting so you can address any concerns the Commission has in person.

Please contact the Historic Preservation Planner to find out if your property qualifies as a historic property.

Yes. All exterior changes to a designated property must go through some level of review. The review process applies to exterior improvements, including (but not limited to): painting, window and door replacement, walls and fences, and signage. Please refer to the Historic Design Review page for details.

The city maintains a list of all locally designated properties. This includes individually designated properties as well as historic districts. You can check whether your property is designated with the Historic Preservation Planner.

There is no fee for Design Review. There is a $100 fee for a Local Landmark designation review.

Call the City of Binghamton Historic Preservation Planner at (607) 772-7028 or email us.

If your property qualifies as a historic property or is located within the boundaries of a historic district, all exterior alterations, additions, and repairs require a review by the Commission on Architecture & Urban Design (CAUD). This includes alterations that do not require a permit. If you are unsure if your project requires review, contact the Historic Preservation Planner for guidance.

A historic property is a property that is designated or has been determined eligible at the local, state, or federal level. Properties eligible for local historic designation must either be important for representing broad patterns of history, for their association with the life of a historically significant person, or for conveying high architectural or artistic value.

CAUD stands for Commission on Architecture and Urban Design. It is comprised of members of the public, who oversee the establishment and preservation of historic landmarks and historic districts in the City of Binghamton. To this end, they are authorized by City ordinance to review proposed exterior alterations to all historic landmarks or properties located within historic districts. They can then decide to issue a Certificate of Approval, Approval with Conditions, or Denial based on their findings.

To start a neighborhood watch in your community, please contact the Crime Prevention office at (607) 772-7093.

The City of Binghamton Police Department is a professional law enforcement organization dedicated to providing the finest police service to the residents of the City of Binghamton. The Department is always looking for honest, dedicated people with the highest integrity to join the force.

Employment as a police officer is governed by the Binghamton Civil Service Commission. Please refer to the Employment page for job openings and examination dates.

To access City of Binghamton records, please submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, also known as an Application for Public Access to Records. The City of Binghamton will respond to your request within five (5) business days.

You can report suspected drug activity to the Special Investigations Task Force at (607) 778-3941 or by using the Binghamton Police Tip Form.

To report a pothole, please use the City of Binghamton App. You may also call our dispatch office at (607) 772-7020.

Most definitely. Since the inception of the recycling program in 1990, over 130,000 tons of material has been diverted from the County Landfill, from the City of Binghamton alone. This has saved the City over $5,000,000 in tipping fees.

Yard waste includes any and all parts of trees (including Christmas trees), shrubbery, grass, flowers, and similar organic waste. Soil and stone are not considered yard waste, and are not collected. Branches must be less than four (4) feet in length, less than four (4) inches in diameter, and must be bundled with string, twine or rope (no wire please). The maximum weight for bundles is 50 pounds. All other yard waste must be placed in an open top container no greater than 33 gallons or in compostable paper yard waste bags. Yard waste in plastic bags will no longer be collected. The maximum weight for each bag or container is 50 pounds. No more than 8 containers and/or bags per property will be collected per week. Raking leaves into the street or along the curb line is prohibited. Yard waste is collected Citywide every Monday, from the first Monday in March, through the first Monday in December, unless a listed holiday falls within that week. Additional collection days will be announced, as deemed necessary for Christmas tree collection or special unscheduled collections.

Anything that fits in an official City Bag belongs in a City Bag and is considered garbage. Anything too large or too heavy to go in a City Bag is considered trash.

Occasionally, if yard waste is particularly heavy, our crews are sometimes not able to complete the entire Citywide route on a given Monday. If this occurs, please keep your yard waste at curbside, and our crews will collect it on Tuesday. If for some reason it is still not collected by 4:00pm Tuesday, please contact DPW Dispatch at (607) 772-7020.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of sidewalks.

In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, § 355-14. depositing snow on streets and sidewalks is prohibited.

In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, § 265-13. public sidewalks abutting upon private property shall be maintained and repaired by the owner of the property in accordance with the following provisions:

1. The owner shall cause his or her sidewalk to be kept free of obstructions and in good repair and conditions and safe for public use.
2. In the event that sidewalks become out of grade (a heave, movement or settlement greater than one inch), the owner shall bring the same into true grade.
3. Where the owner shall fail or neglect to repair any sidewalk or bring the same to true grade within 45 days as determined by the Code Enforcement Bureau, the sidewalk shall be repaired or brought to grade by the Department of Public Works, and a bill for the expenses incurred shall be presented to the owner and collected in accordance with §§ 91 and 92 of the Second Class Cities Law of the State of New York. The bill presented to the owner shall include all City expenses, material and contractor costs.
4. The accumulation of snow and ice on sidewalks must be removed within 24 hours after said accumulation ceases. In the event of noncompliance, the Code Enforcement Director may direct the Department of Public Works to clean said sidewalks, and a bill shall be presented to the owner as per Subsection I(3).
5. In addition, the owners of commercial properties in areas defined as business or commercial districts under Chapter 410, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Binghamton, shall be required to maintain the sidewalk(s) abutting their property free of litter, trash and garbage and shall provide trash receptacles into which their patrons may dispose of all litter, trash and/or garbage generated by the provision of services or goods to their patrons.

To report a street light that is out or in need of repair, please use the City of Binghamton App. You may also call our dispatch office at (607) 772-7020. If possible, please include the pole number in your request.

During a heavy prolonged snowfall, the first priority is to open up the emergency routes and main arteries before proceeding to the residential areas. The goal then becomes to clear all streets of snow accumulation within a reasonable time after snow stops falling.

It is the City's responsibility to remove snow from all streets in the interest of public safety. In doing so, the snow has to be pushed to the curbside, which unavoidably deposits snow in driveway openings. The City suggest that you wait until the plow goes by before clearing your driveway.

When recycling started in 1991, the City eliminated the tipping fee tax included on everyone's property tax bill that was based solely on assessment. Instead, the City went to the bag (user fee) system, which charges residents for the amount of garbage they actually generate. See City solid waste ordinance § 350-21.

City & County taxes are issues and collected by Broome County (607) 778-2169.

A property owner can complete the change of address form and submit it to the Treasurer’s Office by email to wsbilling@cityofbingham.com or mail to 38 Hawley Street Binghamton NY 13901.

After the closing has occurred the new property owner must show proof of ownership to transfer the account into their name. This can be the first page of the Deed or a Statement of Sale. This information can be emailed to wsbilling@cityofbinghamton.com or mailed to 38 Hawley Street Binghamton NY 13901 and the new owner must include the property address, a contact phone number, and billing address.

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to know when their bills are due. We also put an ad in the newspaper around the 15^th of the month stating if you did not receive a bill to contact our office.

Reference the following map to determine when water bills are due in your area of the City.

Map Legend

Bills are issued for each district on the first of each indicated months.

Oct, Feb, Jun (Yellow)

Dec, Apr, Aug (Red)

Nov, Mar, Jul (Blue)

Sep, Jan, May (Green)

School taxes are issues and collected by Broome County (607) 778-2169.

Real Estate and School Taxes are collected by Broome County.

Walk-in payments at:

Broome County Office Building
(directly across from City Hall)
2^nd Floor—Real Property Tax Department
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm (except holidays)

Mail payments to:

B.C. Receiver of Taxes
PO Box 2087
Binghamton, NY 13902-2087

Checks made payable to: B.C. Receiver of Taxes

For assessment or exemption questions, or change of address issues you should call the City of Binghamton Assessor's Office at (607) 772-7002.

For all other questions call the Broome County Tax Help Line at (607) 778-2169.

The Water and Sewer bills will roll to the City and County taxes if they are not paid. The owner is still responsible for the bill.

No, you cannot fill your swimming pool from a fire hydrant.

Water&Sewer bills can be paid with a credit card or electronic on-line at the Online Payments page. There is also payment kiosk installed on the 2^nd floor of City Hall where you can use a credit card to pay Water&Sewer bills.

The City does accept partial payments for water and sewer bills. However, we also remind users that water service will be shut off if they fail to meet the aforementioned criteria.

Make a request by calling the Water Billing Office at (607) 772-7024. There is a $50.00 fee for this service.

The pay period is now 45 days from the date the bill is issued.

City water is tested throughout the day. It is safe to drink. See the reports and transparency section above for annual water quality reports.

If it has cleared up, it is safe to drink. Even when rust colored, there is still residual chlorine, and the water is microbiologically safe, although not aesthetically acceptable. The concentration of iron necessary to impart color is small, and not a health concern.

Often, it is because the City portion, or the private portion, or both portions of the service pipe is old galvanized steel that is badly corroded. Sometimes, it is because the house plumbing is inadequately sized, or also corroded galvanized steel. Otherwise, there are a number of possible reasons that we investigate.

This is almost always due to painting, wood finishing or new carpeting. It is the very small amount of chlorine dioxide in the water combining with the organic vapors from the new paint, varnish or carpet.

If a landlord pays your water bill, you should contact them about payment of the building’s delinquent water bill. If you cannot reach your landlord, you are encouraged to contact a local service organization, such as the Department of Social Services or Volunteers of America. If you find yourself in this situation and you are a Binghamton University student, you are encouraged to contact the Office Campus College.

If you are a tenant and water service is included in your rent, you have the right to request a hearing on your own behalf to keep water service to the property. At the hearing you must be able to provide proof that:

1. Your landlord is responsible for water bills, and
2. Rent was paid to the landlord.

If you are able to provide proof of this, the hearing officer can prevent service shut off to the property if you agree to be responsible for all future water bills for as long as you are a tenant at the property. A copy of future water bills will be sent to both the landlord and the tenant.

Pursuant to New York State Real Property Law § 235-a if you are a tenant living in an apartment building containing three or more units and you pay for water service as part of your rent, you may avoid water shut off by the City by paying the delinquent water bill in full and deducting the bill from future rent.

If you are a tenant living in a single or two-family home and you pay for water service as part of your rent, you may wish to consult with private counsel on what legal remedies you have.

If you are a property owner you must pay your bill in full in order to prevent service shut off. If you believe your meter reading is not accurate you should call the City Treasurer's Office at (607) 772-7027 on how to proceed.

If you believe you have a justifiable reason for non-payment of your water bill you may request a hearing on the matter pursuant to the City of Binghamton Code § 405-52.C. Please note that simply not having adequate funds is not a justifiable reason for non-payment.

Your request for a hearing must be in writing, sent by certified mail to the City Treasurer and be post-marked not less than five days prior to the shut off date listed in the notice.

You pay a minimum bill for having a meter on the premises. If you have us remove the meter, you will not have to pay a bill.

We most often find this is due to a leaking toilet of which the homeowner is unaware. Our local law does not allow for water bill reductions in this situation.

If you are a property owner you must pay your bill in full in order to prevent service shut off. If you believe your meter reading is not accurate you should call the City Treasurer's Office on how to proceed.

If you believe you have a justifiable reason for non-payment of your water bill you may request a hearing on the matter pursuant to the City of Binghamton Code § 405-52.C. Please note that simply not having adequate funds is not a justifiable reason for non-payment.

Your request for a hearing must be in writing, sent by certified mail to the City Treasurer and be post-marked not less than five days prior to the shut off date listed in the notice.