Building Setbacks & Zoning in Islip, NY: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Islip or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Islip has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Setback Rules

Islip Residence A district requires 40 ft front, 15 ft side (35 ft total), 40 ft rear setbacks under Town Code §68 Schedule of District Regulations. Residence AAA (large lot) requires 50/25/50 ft. Zoning Board of Appeals grants variances.

Key details: Code: Town Code 68 Schedule. Res A Front: 40 ft. Res A Sides: 15 ft (35 combined). Waterfront: 75 ft from MHW. Variance: ZBA required.

Building in setback without variance: stop work order, 500-1,000 dollar fine, possible removal order. Zoning Board of Appeals variance filing fee: 500-1,500 dollars.

Lot Coverage Limits

Islip Residence A district maximum lot coverage 25 percent (buildings only). Total impervious coverage limited by MS4 stormwater rules to 40-50 percent. Residence AAA: 20 percent building coverage.

Key details: Res A: 25 percent building. Res AAA: 20 percent. Impervious: 40-50 percent total. Includes: Pools, large decks. Stormwater: SPDES over 1 acre.

Exceeding coverage: variance required or removal order. New impervious over 1 acre disturbed triggers NY SPDES General Permit requirement.

Structure Height Limits

Islip limits single-family residential buildings to 35 ft and 2.5 stories in Residence districts. Accessory structures limited to 18 ft or the height of principal building, whichever is less. Measured from pre-construction grade.

Key details: Residence: 35 ft / 2.5 stories. Accessory: 18 ft max. Business: 35-50 ft. Airport Overlay: FAA Part 77 restrictions. Measured: Pre-existing grade.

Exceeding height without variance: stop work order and removal requirement. Structures in airport approach surface without FAA determination: federal violation.

The Bottom Line

Islip's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Islip is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Islip's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.