Property Maintenance in Babylon, NY

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

Property Blight

Owners of business, industrial, multiple-residence and senior-residence properties in the Town of Babylon must keep buildings, fences and landscaping safe, sanitary and free of debris under Article XXIX.

Key details: Covered zones: business, industrial, multi-residence. Must be kept: safe, sanitary, clean, neat. Debris removal cost borne by: owner/occupant. Exterior repair rule: town-wide (§ 213-368).

Letting a covered property fall into an unsafe, unsanitary or debris-strewn condition, or letting a building exterior deteriorate structurally, violates §§ 213-367 and 213-368 and is enforceable under the Town's general penalty provisions.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Undeveloped parcels in the Town of Babylon can't grow weeds, brush or grass past two feet: a looser cap than the eight-inch rule for developed lots, but still enforceable under Chapter 133.

Key details: Height limit: 2 feet. Applies to: Undeveloped parcels, no C.O.. Exempt: Mature trees, manicured shrubs. Enforcement: Notice, then Town correction + lien.

Noncompliant owners get a notice of remediation; if uncorrected, the Town removes the growth and assesses the cost as a lien on the property, on top of Chapter 133 fines that start at $500 for a first offense.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Property owners and tenants in the Town of Babylon must clear sidewalks of snow and ice within four hours after snowfall stops, excluding the overnight 9 p.m.-7 a.m. window.

Key details: Deadline: 4 hours after snow stops. Exempt hours: 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Frozen ice: spread ashes/sand/sawdust, then clean. Liability: owner liable for resulting injuries. Default fine: $250-$2,500 (§1-15A).

No chapter-specific fine is set for § 191-1, so the Code's general penalty applies: $250 to $2,500 and up to 15 days in jail per § 1-15A, on top of civil liability for any resulting injury.

The Bottom Line

Babylon's property maintenance 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.

Keep in mind that Babylon can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.