Town Clerk/Taxes

The Town Clerk's Office is the center of the Town government. It is responsible for recording activities of the Town government and is the central depository of documents and papers vital to the lives of the townspeople. The office involves a great variety of duties and responsibilities.

It is the central information center that helps and directs people to the proper location for the information they desire.

The Town Clerk is an elected office with a four-year term. A Deputy is appointed by the Town Clerk to assist in the duties of the office.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Summer Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Tax Information

Town of Clarence - School District Map

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

The Town Clerk's Office serves as a sales agent for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age and older. Identification is required (i.e. New York State Drivers License). A Senior License is available for those 70 years and older.

Hunting Licenses can be obtained by providing identification, a hunter training certificate or a previous hunting license. A Senior License is also available for hunting.

Jr. Hunting License is available for 12 year olds who have taken the hunter training course and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Bow hunting Licenses are available with proper identification, a current hunting license and a previous bow hunting stamp or bow hunting training certificate.

Jr. Archery is available to 14 year olds with all of the Jr. Hunter requirements and a bow hunter training certificate.

Non-Resident Licenses are available with identification and eligibility requirements.

Dog Licenses

All dogs in New York State require a license. Proof of a rabies vaccination from a veterinarian is required giving the date the shot was given and the expiration. Spayed or neutered dogs require a veterinarian certification for the first license.

The fees are: $10.00 for a spayed or neutered dog and $18.00, if they are not. Dog licenses must be renewed every year.

Pavilion Reservations - application

The Town of Clarence has 6 beautiful parks with 9 pavilions available to residents. Reservations can be made beginning the first business day of March for that summer season at the Town Clerk‘s Office. Pavilions are available beginning around May 15th until around October 15th. The parks are open from 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. every day. You must be a Town resident to apply. An application can be obtained from the Town Clerk to be filled out and returned for approval. Note: New Fees enacted by Town Board 1/6/10. (See application.)

Legion Hall Reservations - application

The Legion Hall at 5850 Goodrich Road is available to service organizations and for private use by Town residents. Service groups can use the building for meetings or special events. Private use is permitted with a $75 fee and a $150 deposit, which is returned upon inspection by the Parks Department. It is closed on Holidays. An application can be obtained from the Town Clerk and returned for approval by the Town Board. Hours for use are 8:00 A.M. until Midnight. Any application for a reservation must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance of the function, and 48 hour notice of cancellation. Note: New Fees enacted by Town Board 1/6/10. (See application.)

Clubhouse Reservations - application

Only service organizations of the Town of Clarence are permitted to use this building. There is the large meeting room, small meeting room and a meeting room upstairs. Hours for use are 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. Fees are charged for use of dishes and fundraising events. It is closed Holidays. Application is made through the Town Clerk and approved by the Town Board. Note: New Fees enacted by Town Board 1/6/10. (See application.)

Birth Certificates

All births that occur in the Town of Clarence are filed with the Town Clerk and a birth certificate is issued. Applications are available in the office. Our birth records go back to 1882. A certified copy of a birth certificate is available for $10 upon proof of the person making the request.

Death Certificates

All deaths that occur in the Town of Clarence are filed with the Town Clerk. A burial certificated is then obtained. We have death certificates on file from 1882 and forward. Certified copies are provided for $10 per copy to an appropriate person or family member. Burial certificates are on file for each burial in the Town.

Marriage Licenses

Marriage Licenses are issued by the Town Clerk. You must obtain the license at least 24 hours before the ceremony or up to 60 days in advance. Proper identification is required (drivers license and birth certificate). The fee is $40. Both parties must come in to the office in order to sign the document. If one or both parties were previously married, divorce papers with a file date or a death certificate, which ever applies is required. After the ceremony is performed, the license is returned and a certificate of marriage is issued. Additional certified copies are available for $10 per copy.

Genealogy Requests

Birth, Death and Marriage records are available for genealogy purposes dating back to the 1880's. A request can be made by mail or by stopping in the office.

Games of Chance Licenses

The Town of Clarence passed a Games of Chance Law in 1997 that allows authorized organizations to conduct games of chance within the Town. An identification number must be obtained for the NYS Racing and Wagering Board. Contact the Town Clerk's Office for the necessary forms and information.

Town Board Meetings

The Town Clerk attends all meetings of the Town Board and must keep a complete and accurate record of the proceedings of each meeting. Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, except November and December, they are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. The Work Session is held at 6:00 P.M. and the regular meeting begins at 7:30 P.M. The agenda is prepared on the Monday preceding the meeting. Any resident wishing to be placed on the agenda must notify the Town Clerk by the Friday before. A complete copy of all minutes dating back to 1904 are on file.

Notary Public

The Town Clerk and the Deputy Town Clerk are Notary Publics. We are available during normal business hours. Proper identification must be submitted and the person must sign their document in our presence. This service is free.

Freedom of Information Office

The Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, Article 6) provides that all records are accessible to the public, except records or portions of records that fall within a specific exempt category. Requests can be obtained from the Town Clerk by submitting the request in writing or stopping into the Town Clerk's Office and filling out a request form. The officer has five days to answer the request or notify the person when the request will be available. A written explanation is prepared for any request that is denied. A fee of $.25 per page may be charged.

Garbage Disposal

The Town of Clarence has a Mandatory Recycling Law in place. Companies are licensed in the Town Clerk's Office in order to be able to pick up household waste from the residents and businesses. This is not included on your tax bill and is the responsibility of each resident. The following are the companies currently licensed to pick up household waste in the Town:

• BFI - 614-3333
• CID/Waste Management - 496-5000
• Modern Disposal - 692-1272

Handicap Parking Permits

The Town Clerk issues Temporary and Permanent Handicap Parking Permits. Forms are available that must be filled out by a doctor. A letter on a doctor's stationery is also acceptable. The doctor verification should be presented at the Town Clerk's Office and the permit will be issued. The applicant must submit his/her NYS drivers license or NYS identification card when applying for a handicap permit. License plates are issued through the Department of Motor Vehicles.