Rainwater harvesting is permitted throughout Rockland County with no significant state restrictions. NY Environmental Conservation Law encourages residential collection. Large cisterns may require building permits in Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Orangetown.
New York State does not restrict residential rainwater harvesting. The NY Environmental Conservation Law encourages water conservation, and rain barrels under 200 gallons are permit-free in virtually all Rockland County towns. Clarkstown, Ramapo, Orangetown, Haverstraw, and Stony Point allow standard 55-gallon rain barrels connected to residential downspouts without permits. Large cisterns (typically over 500 gallons) or above-ground storage near structures may trigger building permit requirements under the NY Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Potable use requires treatment meeting Rockland County Department of Health standards under the Rockland County Sanitary Code. The United Water / Veolia service area (most of central Rockland) has historically imposed summer water restrictions making rain barrels a practical supplemental supply. HOAs in Palisades Park development areas may regulate visible placement. The Rockland County Conservation District offers periodic rain barrel workshops.
No penalty for standard rain barrels. Large unpermitted cisterns: building code violation under NY UFPBC, fines $100 to $1,000 plus corrective action. Cross-connection to potable plumbing without backflow preventer: Rockland County Health Department violation $250 to $2,500.
Rockland County, NY
Rockland County has no countywide leaf blower ordinance. Town/village noise codes apply: Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Nyack restrict gas blowers to 8 AM to 6 ...
Rockland County, NY
RV and boat parking in Rockland County residential zones is regulated by local zoning codes. Most towns including Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Orangetown permit s...
Rockland County, NY
Rockland County towns require building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet per the NY Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Clarkstown, Ramapo, and ...
Rockland County, NY
Rockland County pool barriers must comply with NY Uniform Code §326.4 and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Barriers must be 48 inches minimum wi...
Stony Point, NY
The Town of Stony Point regulates livestock and poultry through Town Code Chapter 215 (Zoning), with farm and agricultural uses generally limited to the Town...
Rockland County, NY
Beekeeping is regulated at the town level in Rockland County. Most towns permit hives on residential lots over a certain size (typically 10,000 sq ft) with s...
See how Stony Point's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.