Landscaping Rules in Huntington, NY

If you live in Huntington or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Huntington has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Water Restrictions

In the Dix Hills Water District, irrigation is limited to odd calendar days for odd-numbered addresses and even days for even-numbered addresses from May through September, with escalating fines for violations.

Key details: Restricted months: May through September. Schedule: Odd/even address matches odd/even date. First offense: Written warning. Second offense penalty: Up to $100. Third+ offense penalty: Up to $500.

Violating the odd-even watering schedule draws a written warning for a first offense, a penalty of up to $100 for a second offense, and a penalty of up to $500 for a third or subsequent offense under § 99-11(1)(C). General Chapter 99 violations otherwise carry a $500 to $1,500 fine under § 99-13, and the Town Attorney may seek civil penalties of up to $250 per day.

Tree Trimming

Huntington makes it the property owner's job to keep trees, shrubs and woodland from blocking sight lines and passage on adjoining public rights-of-way. Letting growth obstruct pedestrians or drivers violates Chapter 186, and cutting or pruning any tree still requires the property owner's written consent first.

Key details: Duty holder: Owner of property adjoining right-of-way. Prohibited condition: Obstructing pedestrian or motorist visibility. Consent required to trim: Written property owner consent. Construction guard height: 4-foot fence along dripline. Fine range: $300 to $750 per violation.

A property owner who lets a tree, shrub or woodland block sidewalk or street visibility, or who prunes without the required written consent, is guilty of an offense under § 186-15: a fine of $300 to $750 for a tree involved in the violation, up to 15 days imprisonment, or both, with each day the obstruction continues a separate offense. The Town Attorney may also seek an injunction compelling the trim.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing, destroying, or substantially altering any Landmark, Large, or Medium tree, or more than three Small Trees or any Woodland within a year, requires a permit from the Town's Department of Planning and Environment, and a replanting mitigation plan is frequently required.

Key details: Governing code: Town Code Chapter 186. Permit issuer: Dept. of Planning and Environment. Medium tree threshold: 32-inch circumference at 4.5 ft. Fine per tree: $300 to $750 each. Woodland fine: $3,000 to $15,000 per acre.

Illegal removal draws a fine of $300 to $750 per tree, or $3,000 to $15,000 per acre of woodland (trebled on Town land), plus up to 15 days' jail, court-ordered replanting or replacement value, and a six-month permit ban.

This is one of the stricter rules in Huntington's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Weed Ordinances

In Huntington, grass or weeds taller than ten inches on any parcel, improved or vacant, are unlawful under Town Code § 156-46. Cultivated flowers, gardens, trees and shrubs are exempt, and the Town abates violations and bills the owner.

Key details: Height limit: Grass/weeds over 10 inches. Applies to: Any zoning district, incl. vacant land. Exempt: Cultivated flowers, gardens, trees, shrubs. Cure period: 21 calendar days after notice. Cost recovery: $200 surcharge; costs become tax lien.

Grass or weeds over ten inches draws a notice to cut within 21 days; ignore it and Huntington abates the lot, bills the owner plus a $200 administrative surcharge, and liens unpaid costs to the tax bill.

The Bottom Line

Huntington'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 Huntington is broadly strict or permissive.

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