8 rules for unincorporated Orange County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Orange County NY has no countywide grass-height rule. Most towns and villages set 10-12 inch limits via property maintenance codes adopting NY Property Maintenance Code.
Private-property tree trimming is not regulated countywide in Orange County NY. Street trees in villages and cities like Newburgh, Middletown, and Goshen often require a permit from the public-works department or shade-tree commission. Utility trimming is handled by Central Hudson and Orange & Rockland.
No countywide tree-preservation law exists in Orange County NY. Towns with scenic or steep-slope concerns (Cornwall, Warwick, Tuxedo, Woodbury) have tree-removal ordinances tied to viewsheds or hillsides. DEC wetlands (6 NYCRR 663) regulate disturbance statewide.
Towns in Orange County NY enforce noxious-weed and tall-grass rules through adopted property maintenance codes, typically capping residential grass at 10 inches. NY Agriculture and Markets Law 164 targets specific invasive species, and DEC 6 NYCRR Part 575 lists regulated invasives statewide. Abatement notice is typically 7-14 days before the town cuts and bills the owner.
Orange County draws water from Catskill/Delaware system and local wells/reservoirs. No permanent watering schedule. Drought-stage restrictions activate during DEC drought declarations.
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Orange County NY. Rain barrels for non-potable garden and landscape use are encouraged by the NY DEC and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County. No state or county permit is required for residential rain barrels; larger cisterns and potable-use systems require Building Code and Department of Health review.
Native plantings are encouraged in Orange County NY but not mandated. DEC regulates invasive species under 6 NYCRR Part 575. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County and the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum promote native habitat programs.
6 NYCRR Part 575 - Prohibited and Regulated Invasive Species (NYSDEC)
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 residential property in Orange County NY including Newburgh, Middletown, and Goshen. Some villages restrict front-yard synthetic turf via zoning. Stormwater impact review may apply on installations over 1 acre under SPDES.
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