7 rules for unincorporated Orange County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Orange County allows hens in NYC but roosters are banned. Coops must meet health standards. Livestock prohibited in most residential zones. NYC Health Code governs.
NY Ag & Markets §123 permits local leash laws. Most Orange County towns require dogs leashed off-owner-property. Orange County parks (Thomas Bull Memorial, Algonquin) require leashes 6 ft or shorter.
NY Agriculture & Markets Law §107(5) preempts breed-specific legislation statewide, so Orange County NY and its municipalities (Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen) cannot ban pit bulls or any other breed. Dangerous-dog determinations are behavior-based under Ag & Markets §123.
Beekeeping generally allowed in Orange County under NY Ag & Markets Article 15. Most towns (Warwick, Goshen, Chester) permit hives in residential and agricultural zones. Urban cities (Newburgh, Middletown) require setbacks from property lines.
NY Environmental Conservation Law §11-0512 and Ag & Markets §370 ban wild animals as pets statewide in Orange County NY: big cats, bears, wolves, non-human primates, and venomous reptiles. Ferrets are legal (unlike in NYC). Towns may add limits.
NY DEC Environmental Conservation Law ECL 11-0505 prohibits feeding deer and bear statewide, including Orange County NY. Bear activity is significant in western Orange County towns (Deerpark, Greenville, Minisink, Warwick) near the Shawangunk Ridge. Bird feeders are generally permitted but may be ordered removed by DEC following bear incidents.
Orange County NY sets no countywide pet limits. Cities and towns (Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen, Warwick) typically cap 3-5 dogs per residential lot without a kennel license. Commercial kennels require a NY Ag & Markets kennel license.
See every category we cover for Orange County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Orange County Ordinance Hub →