Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance

02/28/2025

Today Director Rick LaJoy and Deputy Director Valerie Scott testified at the NYS Codes Council meeting regarding upcoming codes changes on behalf of Capital District NYSBOC and along with other reps from around the state.

12/12/2024

Last week we honored one of our Building Inspectors who consistently goes above and beyond what is expected. Brendon has been with our department for just a few years, but his commitment and compassion for the job and our community was evident immediately. Thank you Brendon for all you do. We appreciate you.

Our office is fortunate to be full of people with the passion to help serve our community in their roles.

11/28/2024

From our BRC Family to you and yours!

10/15/2024

Recently two BRC employees were recognized for their contributions to our Department. John O'Connell, a Building Inspector & Katelynn LaJoy, one of our Information Clerks are great team members and we thank them for their commitment to our Department and the City of Albany. Congratulations!

08/24/2024

Facing eviction or need legal assistance? Our August Housing Empowerment Series with Legal Aid Society of NENY will provide information on how to access legal representation and what steps to take if you're facing eviction. This months series will be held at Albany NY Library
To join via zoom click on the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87560349220?pwd=MRDowabTzRht0okKFFVqUdMnDEtYAD.1

07/27/2024

| Are you ready? The Albany Police Department is looking for its next generation of community-focused and compassionate officers. Sign up for the FREE officer civil service exam by August 21!

Test date is Saturday, September 28.

Ideal candidates will have:
1) Situational judgment
2) Language fluency
3) Information ordering and language sequencing
4) Problem sensitivity and reasoning
5) Selective attention
6) Visualization
7) Spatial orientation
8) Physical fitness

Hit “Apply” now, at jobs.albanyny.gov/exams

05/01/2024

Today we honored our longest tenured employee Harold VanSchoick. Harold is celebrating 50 years with the City of Albany.

He began his career with the City in 1974 with the Albany Fire Department. He retired on a Friday as a Lieutenant in 2004 and began his career with Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance on the following Monday.

Lieutenant Van as he is most commonly known and a tremendous asset to the City. His weather of knowledge cannot be replicated.

Thank you Van for all that you do. We are privileged to have you.

04/05/2024

This week we recognized one of our valued Code Inspectors Teddy Pearce.

Teddy does a great job and is passionate about ensuring residents are living in a safe environment. He is not only respected by his peers but is respected in our community.

Teddy is an extremely creative young man with an entrepreneurial mind. He's an artist and designer who loves to promote his work in the community on his off time.

We are very fortunate to have him on our team and I look forward to watching his continued growth.

Thank you Teddy for all you do.

02/12/2024

Today we recognized two staff members.

It is always hard to choose someone to recognize because we are blessed to have some of the hardest working staff in the City.

Today we recognized Senior Code Inspector Josh Gold and Plumbing Inspector Ed Foley.

Josh has been with the department for a decade and wears many hats. He oversees a staff of 7 code inspectors which conduct over 1300 inspections each month. Josh is great at putting together their schedules, answering calls and emails and is always there to answer their questions.

Ed has been with our department for over 20 years and is an incredible asset. He is not only our plumbing inspector but he is also the president for the inspectors union. His knowledge and experience is second to none and the City is fortunate to have him. Ed is also a great mentor and teacher to the other 14 inspectors.

Thank you both for all that you do. We know our jobs are often thankless but just know we are very thankful to have you both.

Keep up the great work!

02/03/2024

I'd like to take a moment and wish our Deputy Director Valerie Scott a very Happy Birthday.

Valerie is the heartbeat of our department and is a major reason for it's success. She has been shattering glass ceilings her entire life and we have the privilege to sit front row.

Valerie's passion for our industry and her commitment to our profession is unmatched. She has committed decades to not only ensure residents in our community and State live in safe housing, but also for those who operate businesses, do so in a way that is safe for their staff and customers.

Valerie's resume and job history highlight accomplishments that very few have achieved. In 2023 she was elected 1st Vice-President of the New York State Building Officials Conference.

She has spent her life breaking through racial and gender barriers and I could not be more proud and thankful for her. For many this would all seem to be a great way to cap a career, but believe me when I tell you this is just the beginning. Thank you for all you do.

Happy Birthday Valerie. I hope your day is full of joy and happiness.

Valerie Scott: NYSBOC 1st Vice-President

Valerie is the Deputy Director for the City of Albany's Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance. She was elected 1st Vice President at the December 2018 meeting. She has previously served as 2nd Vice-President and Chapter Secretary. Valerie also serves on the Annual Educational Conference Committee, Scholarship Committee and Chairs the Technology Committee

02/01/2024

01/19/2024

Yesterday we celebrated the upcoming expansion of our department with a surprise shower of one of our Permit Techs Jennifer. Congratulations 👏🎉🎉🥳 we are all so happy and excited for you. We can't wait to meet your precious gift.

01/09/2024

The City of Albany is hosting a Job Fair...Are You Ready to Join Albany?