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How to Verify a Professional's License in Yonkers?
Licensing of eligible professionals in Yonkers is handled at the state and city levels. At the city level, the Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau is responsible for issuing licenses to building professionals like home improvement contractors who wish to operate in the city. At the state level, the New York State Office of Professions is responsible for issuing over 30 types of licenses to Yonker professionals like architects and land surveyors. It is essential that you confirm that the professionals you plan to hire have been duly licensed by the appropriate state or city agency. You can verify the licensing status of Yonker professionals licensed by the Office of Professions online via its verification searches webpage, and you can verify professionals with city-issued licenses by contacting the Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau at (914) 377-6808. Alternatively, you can visit the city's Consumer Protection Bureau Office on Mondays through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at:
- Consumer Protection Bureau
- 87 Nepperhan Avenue.
- Room 212
- Yonkers, NY 10701
When hiring a licensed professional, you may also be required to obtain certain permits for your intended projects. For instance, if your planned projects require the service of construction and home improvement professionals, you need to apply to the Yonker Department of Housing and Buildings for the necessary permits. You can direct your questions concerning the city's permit process and requirements to the department at (914) 377-6500.
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Do Yonkers Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?
Yonker has six council districts, and each of these districts represents the neighborhoods under them. The council districts are made up of elected officials who introduce legislation that are intended to benefit the city's residents. You can find out what council district your neighborhood belongs to and your council elected representative via the city council's online map and council members directory, respectively.
While the council districts are not authorized to issue permits to residents, they play a role in approving zoning changes and developmental proposals. In February 2021, the city council refused to approve a draft environmental review plan submitted by the Ginsberg Development Company to redevelop southwest Yonkers next to the Ludlow Train Station after some council members voted against it for failing to address affordable housing for low and middle-income Yonkers residents. On the other hand, in August 2021, the council approved the plan for the Yonkers Joint School Construction Board and the city's Industrial Development Agency to provide up to $80 million in bonds to finance a project to build an elementary school.
How to File an Unfair Business
Complaint in New York City?
Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau is responsible for handling complaints against businesses engaged in unfair business practices in the city. You can file a complaint with this office by downloading the Yonkers Consumer Complaint Form and sending the completed form via mail to:
- Consumer Protection Bureau
- 87 Nepperhan Avenue.
- Room 212
- Yonkers, NY 10701
You can also contact the bureau's helpline at (914) 377-3000 to make verbal complaints. Once the bureau receives your complaint, a bureau inspector will be designated to investigate it and assist in resolving the issue through mediation. However, if the investigation proves that the subject of the complaint has violated the City Code of Yonkers, they may be issued a fine, penalty, or corrective action. Note that Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau is in no place to offer you legal advice or file a civil claim on your behalf. To get legal advice, you can use the lawyer referral services of the Westchester County Bar Association, which is accessible after filling an online referral form. Likewise, if you plan to seek redress, you can file a civil claim at the Yonkers City Court, which has jurisdiction to handle general civil claims up to $15,000 and small claims actions of up to $5,000.