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Orange County, NY Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: NY DEC Part 215 Burn Rules →

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Key Facts

Defensible Space: Not mandated
DEC Burn Ban: Mar 16-May 14
Grass Max: 10 inches typical
State Forests: Sterling, Black Rock
Invasives Rule: 6 NYCRR 575

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Orange County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Orange County NY has no countywide defensible-space statute. NY DEC manages wildfire prevention on state lands including Black Rock Forest, Schunemunk State Park, and Sterling Forest. Individual towns may require nuisance-vegetation abatement.

Full Breakdown

Unlike Western states, New York has no mandatory defensible-space or vegetation-clearance law for private property. The NYS DEC Division of Forest Protection manages wildfire suppression across Orange County's substantial state forestland including Sterling Forest State Park, Schunemunk Mountain, Black Rock Forest, and portions of Harriman State Park. DEC enforces the statewide annual residential burn ban from March 16 to May 14 under 6 NYCRR Part 215. Municipal property-maintenance codes (Newburgh Chapter 194, Middletown Chapter 146, Town of Wallkill Property Maintenance) require owners to cut grass and noxious weeds over 10 inches and to abate nuisance vegetation. Orange County also enforces the NYS Invasive Species Eradication Regulations (6 NYCRR Part 575) for listed species like Japanese stiltgrass and mile-a-minute vine.

Violations & Fines

Grass/weeds over 10 inches: $50-$250 first offense; municipality may mow and bill owner. Burning during DEC ban (Mar 16-May 14): minimum $500 fine first offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to clear brush around my home in Orange County NY?

No state or county defensible-space law applies. Municipal property-maintenance codes may require grass under 10 inches and removal of dead or nuisance vegetation.

When can I burn brush in Orange County?

Residential brush burning is banned statewide March 16 to May 14 under DEC 6 NYCRR 215. Outside that window, local rules apply.

Who fights wildfires on state land in Orange County?

NYS DEC Forest Rangers lead wildfire suppression, supported by local fire departments in Sterling Forest, Black Rock Forest, and Harriman State Park.

How does Orange County compare?

See how Orange County's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.

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Orange County, NY Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Orange County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events

Parking Rules: Overnight Parking

Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws

Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting

Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions

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