Property Maintenance in Huntington, NY

If you live in Huntington or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Huntington has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Property Blight

Huntington scores properties on a point system to designate them as officially 'Blighted' under Chapter 156, Article VII, covering conditions from broken windows to vermin infestation. A blighted designation triggers a registration list, annual fees, and Town-ordered remediation.

Key details: Section: Huntington Code § 156-61. Adopted: L.L. No. 21-2011. Top-tier factor points: 50 points each, 5 factors. Vermin infestation points: 30 points. Remediation cost recovery: Lien on the property.

Section 156-67 authorizes the Town to remedy a violation itself after a public hearing declares the property a nuisance, then assess all abatement costs and expenses as a lien against the property until paid. A property that remains blighted after a prior designation is deemed a 'persistent blighted property,' which carries an annual blighted-property assessment fee and continued Town-directed abatement, with notice mailed by certified and regular mail to the owner of record.

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.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Huntington property owners must clear snow and ice from the sidewalk fronting their land within 24 hours for residential properties and 12 hours for commercial properties after snowfall stops, under Town Code § 173-16. The overnight window from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. doesn't count toward the clock. Fines start at $100 and climb with sidewalk frontage and repeat violations.

Key details: Residential deadline: 24 hours after snow stops falling. Commercial deadline: 12 hours after snow stops falling. Excluded hours: 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. don't count. First-offense fine: $100-$250 (≤100 ft) or $250-$1,000 (>100 ft). Repeat-offense fine: $250-$500 or $500-$1,500 within five years.

A first § 173-16 offense costs $100 to $250 for properties with 100 feet of sidewalk frontage or less, and $250 to $1,000 above that. Repeat offenses within five years rise to $250-$500 or $500-$1,500 depending on frontage. Each additional day of an uncleared walk after notice is a separate offense, and the Town Attorney may also sue to force compliance and recover cleanup costs.

The Bottom Line

Huntington'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 Huntington is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Huntington'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.