Welcome to the City of Kingston, NY

Kingston, dating to the arrival of the Dutch in 1652, is a vibrant city with rich history and architecture, was the state's first capital, and a thriving arts community. City Hall is in the heart of the community at 420 Broadway, and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except July & August (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Come tour our historic City, with restaurants that are among the region's finest, and local shopping that promises unique finds.

Historic Churches

Kingston is home to many historic churches. The oldest church still standing is the First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston which was organized in 1659. Referred to as The Old Dutch Church, it is located in Uptown Kingston. Many of the city's historic churches populate Wurts street (6 in one block) among them Hudson Valley Wedding Chapel is a recently restored church built in 1867 and now a chapel hosting weddings. Another church in the Rondout is located at 72 Spring Street. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1849. The original church building at the corner of Hunter Street and Ravine Street burned to the ground in the late 1850s. The current church on Spring Street was built in 1874.

Kingston, NY

Kingston became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British on October 13, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga. In the 19th century, the city became an important transport hub after the discovery of natural cement in the region, and had both railroad and canal connections.

Kingston, NY

The town of Rondout, New York, now a part of the city of Kingston, became an important freight hub for the transportation of coal from Honesdale, Pennsylvania to New York City through the Delaware and Hudson Canal. This hub was later used to transport other goods, including bluestone. Kingston shaped and shipped most of the bluestone made to create the sidewalks of New York City.

Contact Us

City Hall Address:
420 Broadway
Kingston, New York
12401

Phone:
(845) 331-0080
Email:
[email protected]

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Planning Department

To view projects currently under review, or to submit an application, please visit the new City of Kingston Planning Board Portal

Planning Board

The Kingston Planning Office includes the Planning Director, Assistant Planner, Senior Clerk, Historic Preservation Administrator, and the Urban Forester. The Planning Department is responsible for overseeing several functions, activities and commissions on a regular basis.

Kingston Planning Board – Regular meetings are held once a month, on the third Monday evening, with exceptions made for holidays and month of August. Special meetings are scheduled as needed by the Board Chairman.

The Planning Board undertakes reviews of Major Site Plans, subdivisions, special permits, Major Waivers, and curb cut requests. The Board also makes recommendations to the Common Council on rezoning applications for both map changes and text amendments and provides zoning variance recommendations upon the request of the ZEO. Staff to the Planning Board is responsible for meeting with applicants and/or their designated representative to discuss the process and information needed to make submissions. Our office provides individuals with technical assistance in matters regarding planning, zoning and the SEQR laws. Detailed reviews of plans are completed and site inspections made to assist the Board with the decision-making process. Follow-up meetings and inspections are completed with Building Officials and Planning staff to ensure compliance with approved plans. The Planning Administrator also reviews Minor Site Plan applications and Minor Waiver requests.

Planning Projects & Meeting Materials (Pre-March 2025)

Listing files in 'Planning Board'

*Times are adjusted to the local time of the organization (GMT -5)

Paper Street Sales – Periodically, the City may decide to sell a paper street, or an adjoining property owner may request to purchase. The Planning Office works with other departments on the sale of these parcels.

Surplus Property - Contact City Corporation Counsel

Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission - The HLPC meets monthly, typically on the first Thursday of the month. For more information click the link to the HLPC page.

Kingston Tree Commission - The City of Kingston Tree Commission meets monthly, typically on the second Tuesday of the month. For more information click the link to the Tree Commission page.

Miscellaneous The Planning Office assists with the oversight of a variety of special projects and Commissions, including the Rondout Lighthouse, Volunteer Firemen's Museum, City of Kingston Tree Commission, the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the City of Kingston Noise Ordinance. The department is also involved in various re-development projects and grant administration for community benefit projects and programs, and assists other municipal agencies to enhance their respective programming and projects.

Helpful Links

Kingston 2025 Comprehensive Plan

Zoning Code

Interactive Zoning Map

Subdivision Regulations

Rondout Lighthouse - 2005 Building Condition Report