8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Onondaga County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Grass height enforcement is handled by individual towns in Onondaga County. Typical limits run 8 to 10 inches, with City of Syracuse enforcing a 10-inch maximum under its property maintenance code.
Street trees in the public right-of-way are managed by Syracuse Department of Parks (for city) or the town highway department. Private trees may be trimmed by the owner without permit.
No countywide tree removal permit required. Street tree removal in Syracuse requires Parks Department approval. Some towns regulate removal within buffer zones or steep slope overlays.
Noxious weeds and invasive species regulated under 6 NYCRR Part 575. Municipal property maintenance codes treat tall weeds over 10 inches as a nuisance.
6 NYCRR Part 575 & Part 576 (NYSDEC Invasive Species Regulations)
In 2015, a NYS Regulation 6 NYCRR Part 575 became effective which prohibits or regulates the possession, transport, importation, sale, purchase and introduction of select invasive species. The purpose of this regulation is to help control invasive species by reducing new infestations and spread of existing populations. This regulation includes plants, animals, invertebrates, fungi, algae, and c...
Onondaga County draws water from Otisco Lake and Lake Ontario via OCWA. Central New York rarely faces drought restrictions. OCWA asks for voluntary conservation during summer peak demand.
Rainwater harvesting is legal in New York with no state permit required for residential rain barrels. DEC encourages the practice for stormwater reduction.
Native plantings encouraged. DEC maintains a list of prohibited invasive species under 6 NYCRR Part 575. No town in Onondaga County requires native plants but several offer rebates through SWCD.
NYSDEC Invasive Species Program
Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or human health. Invasives come from all around the world. As international trade increases, so does the rate of invasive species introductions. Invasive species threaten nearly every aspect of our world and are one of the greatest threats to New York's biodiversity. They cause or contribute to: Habitat ...
Artificial turf is allowed on private residential lots throughout Onondaga County. Some historic districts in Syracuse restrict front-yard turf for aesthetic reasons.
1 cities in Onondaga County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Onondaga County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Onondaga County Ordinance Hub →