Landscaping Rules in Colonie, NY (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Colonie, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Grass and weed height in the Town of Colonie is regulated under the Property Maintenance article of Chapter 62 (Building Construction Administration), Article IV, codified at https://ecode360.com/15257077. The Code defines weeds as any untended or uncultivated grasses, bushes, deleterious or unhealthful vegetation or other growing matter in excess of 10 inches in height, except trees, properly tended ornamental shrubbery, properly tended flowers or vegetables, properly tended pastureland, woodland or land under cultivation. Enforcement is handled by the Town of Colonie Building Department.
Colonie NY Grass Height and 10-Inch Weed Standard
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Routine trimming of a wholly private tree on a residential lot in the Town of Colonie does not require a Town permit. Trees within the Town right-of-way and on Town-owned property are managed by the Department of Public Works; trees protected by an approved subdivision or site plan are governed by Chapter 177 (Trees) and Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use). Subdivision-protected trees over three inches in diameter cannot be cut without Planning Board consent. New York follows common-law self-help for trimming a neighbor's overhanging branches to the property line.
Colonie NY Tree Trimming and Right-of-Way Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in the Town of Colonie is governed by Chapter 177 (Trees), adopted June 25, 1970 by Local Law No. 6-1970, and by Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use). The Planning Board may require that trees be left standing in approved subdivisions, and no live tree exceeding three inches in diameter may be cut down in such designated areas without express Planning Board consent. Trees may be cut to the footprint of approved buildings or driveways and within 10 feet of their perimeter. Routine removal of dead or hazardous trees on a private residential lot outside a protected area generally does not require a Town permit.
Colonie NY Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Weed control in the Town of Colonie is governed locally by the Property Maintenance article (Chapter 62, Article IV) of the Town Code, which defines weeds as untended or uncultivated grasses, bushes, deleterious or unhealthful vegetation, or other growing matter in excess of 10 inches in height (with exceptions for tended plantings, pastureland, woodland, and cultivated land). At the state level, NY Agriculture and Markets Law and DEC guidance regulate noxious and invasive species. Pesticide application by commercial applicators requires a NYS DEC certification under Article 33 of the Environmental Conservation Law.
Colonie NY Weed and Noxious Vegetation Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
The Town of Colonie's Latham Water District is governed by the Water chapter of the Town Code (https://ecode360.com/13241665). The Town Board may declare a water emergency by resolution and direct the Superintendent of the Water Department to issue a proclamation prohibiting lawn sprinkling, ornamental irrigation, vehicle washing, or limiting use to certain hours or days. Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $250, imprisonment up to 15 days, or both. NY ECL Article 15 governs statewide drought advisories.
Colonie NY Water Restrictions and Latham Water District
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
The Town of Colonie does not mandate native-plant landscaping on residential property. The Conservation Advisory Council (CAC), authorized under NY General Municipal Law Article 12-F, reviews development and landscape plans and recommends native-plant preservation. The CAC and the Town's annual Tree and Shrub Giveaway promote native species voluntarily. NYS DEC's Pollinator Protection Program and the 2023 Birds and Bees Act restrict neonicotinoid use to protect pollinators. NY Ag and Markets Law §305-a protects sound agricultural practices in agricultural districts.
Colonie NY Native Plants and Conservation Advisory Council
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting in the Town of Colonie is permitted and encouraged. The Town operates a curbside yard-waste collection program (April through November) via County Waste, picking up grass clippings, leaves, hedge and shrub trimmings, garden clippings, and branches up to 3 inches diameter and 4 feet long, tied in bundles or placed in biodegradable bags. The Town Yard Waste Composting Facility at 1319 Loudon Road has operated since 1987; finished compost is distributed free to Town residents at 4 Arrowhead Lane. NY 6 NYCRR Part 361-3 governs composting facilities; the Town's facility operates under DEC permit.
Colonie NY Backyard Composting and Curbside Yard Waste
Few RestrictionsLooking for Albany County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Colonie city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Albany County →