How Babylon Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Babylon maintains 125 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Babylon falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Clearing trees or vegetation from private or public property in the Town of Babylon requires a land clearing permit, a $2,500 performance bond, and payment of a Town Board-set fee.
Key details: Tree defined as: 1-inch diameter or more. Permit valid for: 90 days. Performance bond: $2,500, 3-year term. Fine for violation: $250-$1,500 per day.
Clearing land without a permit, or violating a permit condition, is an offense under § 213-375 punishable by a fine of $250 to $1,500 or up to 15 days' imprisonment per violation, plus a Bureau of Administrative Adjudication civil penalty and possible Town-ordered restoration of the property at the violator's expense.
Compared to other cities, Babylon takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Weed Ordinances
On any developed lot in the Town of Babylon, weeds, brush, grass and similar growth can't exceed eight inches: the limit applies once a certificate of occupancy has issued, with mature trees and manicured shrubs exempted.
Key details: Height limit: 8 inches. Applies to: Developed parcels (C.O. issued). Exempt: Mature trees, manicured shrubs. Enforcement: Notice, then Town correction + lien.
The Town issues a notice of remediation demanding correction; if the owner doesn't comply within 72 hours the Town cuts the growth itself and assesses the cost as a lien on the property, plus Chapter 133 fines starting at $500.
Native Plants
In the Town of Babylon's PIP-2 Planned Industrial Park District, all landscaping must use native or low-maintenance species, and at least 20% of every parcel must be planted in meadow, native shrubs and trees under § 213-590.
Key details: Minimum native landscaping: 20% of parcel. Species required: Native or low-maintenance only. Approval needed: Planning Board site plan. Counts toward 20%: Yards, buffers, stormwater areas. Applies to: PIP-2 Planned Industrial Park zone.
Developing a PIP-2 parcel without meeting the 20% native-landscaping minimum or Planning Board site plan approval violates § 213-590, punishable under § 1-15: $250 to $2,500 per offense, each day separate.
The Bottom Line
Babylon's landscaping rules 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 Babylon is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Babylon's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.