Medford, NY

Suffolk County above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require town building permits and NY Code-compliant barriers. The pool wall itself can serve as the barrier if 48 inches high with removable/lockable ladder. Dry well required for drain water under SCDHS rules.

Suffolk County pool barriers must comply with NY State Uniform Code sec. 326 and 2020 Residential Code Appendix G: 48-inch minimum barrier, self-closing and self-latching gates, no climbable features within 4 feet of exterior, maximum 4-inch gap under barrier, maximum 1-3/4 inch picket spacing.

Suffolk County hot tubs and spas require town electrical permits and must meet NY Code barrier rules (48-inch barrier) unless equipped with an ASTM F1346 approved lockable safety cover. Spas over 24 inches deep trigger pool regulations.

Suffolk County pool construction requires both town building permits and Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) approval under Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 4 for water supply and Article 6 for wastewater. Dry wells are required for backwash water discharge.

Suffolk County pools must follow NY State Uniform Code safety rules plus Virginia Graeme Baker Act drain covers for all new pools. SCDHS Article 6 requires water quality testing for community pools. Pool alarms required on doors providing direct access to pool area.

Suffolk County follows the NYSDEC statewide burn ban under 6 NYCRR Part 215, which prohibits all residential open burning from March 16 through May 14 each year. Outside that window, open burning of brush is also prohibited in Suffolk County because every town exceeds the 20,000-population threshold that would otherwise allow it.

Central Long Island is classified as a high wildfire-risk area by NYSDEC and the US Forest Service due to the Pine Barrens pitch pine and scrub oak ecosystem. Major fires include the 1995 Sunrise Wildfire (5,500 acres) and the 2012 Crescent Bow Fire. Suffolk County towns within or adjacent to the Pine Barrens enforce stricter ignition-source rules during red-flag warnings.

Suffolk County sits within the Central Pine Barrens, one of the highest wildfire-risk regions in the Northeast. The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission and NYSDEC require defensible space around structures in the Core Preservation Area. Property owners are generally expected to maintain 30 feet of clearance around homes with reduced fuel loads.

Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Suffolk County when contained in a proper pit or device, kept under 3 feet in diameter, attended at all times, and at least 15 feet from any structure or property line. Burning yard waste, trash, or construction debris in a backyard fire is prohibited by NYSDEC and local code.

All Suffolk County residences must have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors under the NY Uniform Code and Amanda Law. Since April 2019, any newly installed or replacement battery-powered smoke alarm in NY must be a sealed 10-year lithium battery unit. Rentals require landlord-installed detectors before occupancy.

Propane storage in Suffolk County is governed by the New York Uniform Fire Code (Title 19 NYCRR) and NFPA 58. Residential tanks have setback, capacity, and permit rules enforced by town fire marshals.

Suffolk County opted in to the 2015 NY State sparkler law and allows the sale and use of ground-based sparkling devices (sparklers, fountains, snakes) to persons 18 and older. All aerial, exploding, and consumer-grade fireworks remain illegal statewide under NY Penal Law 270.00. Neighboring Nassau County has opted out and still bans sparklers.

Suffolk County does not regulate backyard recreational fires county-wide; jurisdiction falls to New York State open-burning law (6 NYCRR Part 215) and the individual towns (Brookhaven, Islip, Babylon, Huntington, etc.) under their own Town Code. State law caps recreational fires at 3 feet high by 4 feet wide and limits fuel to clean, untreated wood or charcoal, and bans residential open burning entirely between March 16 and May 14 each year.

Suffolk County does not impose breed-specific restrictions. NY Agriculture and Markets Law 107(5) preempts municipal breed bans: no municipality in New York may regulate dogs based on breed. Dangerous dog proceedings under Ag and Markets 123 are behavior-based and handled in local justice courts.

Beekeeping is generally permitted in Suffolk County subject to town zoning. No county-wide prohibition exists. NY Ag and Markets Law Article 15 regulates apiaries statewide and requires registration with the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Suffolk County Code Chapter 355 (Feeding of Waterfowl) prohibits feeding ducks, geese, and swans in county parks and at county-controlled waterways. NY ECL 11-0505 and DEC regulations prohibit feeding deer and bear statewide. Feeding creates nuisance and public health concerns.

Suffolk County does not set a county-wide pet limit. Town codes govern household pet limits, typically allowing 3 to 5 dogs per household without a kennel license. Kennel licenses are issued by town clerks under NY Ag and Markets Law 110.

Suffolk County requires dogs to be leashed in all county parks under Suffolk County Code Chapter 805. Off-leash areas exist only at designated dog runs. NY Agriculture and Markets Law 121 authorizes municipalities to regulate dogs at large; each town enforces leash rules on town land and public streets.

New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 377-a requires spay or neuter for dogs and cats adopted from shelters, and Suffolk County shelters comply, though there is no general residential mandatory spay-neuter law.

Suffolk County does not require cat licensing countywide, but Chapter 250 prohibits cat abandonment and several towns within Suffolk regulate feral cat colonies and outdoor cats through trap-neuter-return programs.

Suffolk County does not mandate microchipping, but shelters strongly recommend it and many Suffolk towns require microchip or tag identification for licensed dogs as part of standard licensing.

Coyotes are increasingly present in Suffolk County. Management is governed by New York Department of Environmental Conservation rules; killing coyotes outside the regulated hunting season generally requires a permit.

New York does not require statewide licensing of pet groomers, and Suffolk County imposes no specific groomer license. Groomers must still comply with general business, animal welfare, and zoning rules.

Anyone rehabilitating injured or orphaned wildlife in Suffolk County must hold a New York State wildlife rehabilitator license under Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0515. Possession of native wildlife without a permit is illegal.

New York Puppy Mill Pipeline Act bans retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits as of December 15, 2024. Suffolk County pet stores may only offer rescue and shelter animals for adoption.

Veterinary clinics in unincorporated Suffolk County are permitted in commercial and certain professional zoning districts. Each town within Suffolk sets specific zoning. State licensing is governed by New York Education Law Article 135.

Suffolk County Code Chapter 762 prohibits animal cruelty including hoarding, and New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353 makes overdriving, torturing, or failing to provide proper sustenance a misdemeanor.

Federal and New York law protect migratory and native birds in Suffolk County. Take, possession, or nest disturbance is generally illegal without permit, including for piping plovers nesting on Suffolk beaches.

Suffolk County Code Chapter 299 (Wild Animals) prohibits keeping wild, dangerous, or exotic animals as pets county-wide. NY Ag and Markets Law 370 and Environmental Conservation Law 11-0512 prohibit possession of wild animals, venomous reptiles, and large carnivores statewide.

Suffolk County allows hens in NYC but roosters are banned. Coops must meet health standards. Livestock prohibited in most residential zones. NYC Health Code governs.

Home occupations are permitted in residential zones throughout Suffolk County subject to town-specific conditions. Most towns require the business be operated by a resident, occupy less than 25-30 percent of the dwelling, generate no external evidence of business activity, and produce no significant customer traffic or deliveries. Home-based professional offices are usually the least restricted category.

Suffolk County town codes sharply restrict home business signage. Most towns allow one unlit, non-flashing sign no larger than 2 square feet, flush-mounted to the dwelling or mailbox post. Freestanding yard signs, illuminated signs, and any external advertising beyond professional name-plate are prohibited in residential zones.

Suffolk County home occupations are regulated by each town's zoning code. Most towns (Brookhaven, Islip, Huntington, Smithtown) require home occupation permits with conditions: no external signage beyond a small nameplate, no non-resident employees, limited customer visits, and no external alterations to the dwelling.

Suffolk County home daycare operators must be registered or licensed under NY Social Services Law Article 6, Title 1 and regulated by OCFS (18 NYCRR Parts 417 and 418). Family daycare (up to 6 children) requires OCFS registration; group family daycare (7-12) requires a license.

Suffolk County towns limit customer visits to home occupations to avoid residential-traffic impacts. Typical rules cap client visits at 4-8 per day by appointment only, prohibit group classes or simultaneous visitors, and require off-street parking for all visiting customers. Businesses generating significant traffic must relocate to commercial zones.

New York Agriculture and Markets Article 20-C governs home-processed foods. Suffolk County residents can sell low-risk shelf-stable foods (baked goods, jams, granola, dry mixes) under the Home Processor Exemption without a commercial kitchen, subject to kitchen inspection by NY Ag and Markets and labeling requirements. Acidified, canned, and refrigerated foods are excluded.

Abandoned vehicles in Suffolk County are governed by NY Vehicle and Traffic Law 1224. Vehicles left 96 hours on public ways or 48 hours with visible damage may be removed. Private-property abandoned vehicles require owner/town action under local property maintenance codes.

Street parking in Suffolk County is regulated by individual towns and villages under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law. Most towns prohibit parking 2 AM-6 AM on public streets November through April for snow removal. No countywide alternate-side system.

Suffolk County and its towns follow NY State Unified Solar and EV Permit Standard for residential Level 2 EV charger installs. PSEG Long Island offers rebates. Commercial parking with 25+ spaces required to provide EV-ready spaces under NY ECC 2020.

Overnight on-street parking is restricted in most Suffolk County towns during winter months (November 1-April 1), typically 2 AM-6 AM, to facilitate snow plowing. Year-round overnight bans apply in several incorporated villages.

Driveway construction in Suffolk County requires town building permits and curb cut approval from Suffolk County DPW when accessing County Routes (CR). Stormwater requirements apply to driveways over 500 sq ft under MS4 rules.

RV and boat parking in Suffolk County is regulated at the town level. Most towns limit residential RV/boat storage to side or rear yards, screened from view, with size caps around 30-35 feet. Beach towns impose stricter trailer storage rules.

Suffolk County towns broadly prohibit overnight residential parking of commercial vehicles over 10,000 GVW or bearing commercial signage. One pickup or van often permitted per dwelling as a resident work vehicle.

Fence height limits in Suffolk County are set by each town zoning code, not county-wide. Typical limits are 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards for residential lots. Agricultural and commercial zones allow taller fences. Pool fencing has separate 4-foot minimum requirements under state code.

Corner lot sight-triangle requirements are set by each Suffolk town zoning code. Typical sight triangles require a 25 to 30 foot clear zone at intersections where fences and landscaping over 30 inches are prohibited. This applies to residential corner lots throughout the county.

Pool fencing in Suffolk County is governed by NY Residential Code Appendix G and town building codes. All residential pools, spas, and hot tubs deeper than 24 inches require a 48-inch minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Suffolk County Department of Health Services inspects commercial pools.

Fence neighbor disputes in Suffolk County are governed by NY Real Property Law and common law. NY RPAPL 843 (spite fence statute) prohibits fences over 10 feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor. No statutory shared-cost requirement exists; costs are contractual or common law.

Fence permits are required at the town level in Suffolk County. Most towns require building department permits for fences over 6 feet or for any fence in front yards. Application typically requires a survey showing property lines and proposed fence location.

Suffolk County does not regulate fence materials. Town zoning codes govern permitted materials, with barbed wire and electric fences restricted or prohibited in residential zones. Historic districts on the East End impose aesthetic material requirements.

Tree trimming on private property in Suffolk County generally requires no permit unless the tree is a protected species, a street tree, or in a regulated area (Pine Barrens, wetlands buffer, historic district). Each town maintains its own tree preservation ordinance, and utility trimming by PSEG Long Island follows NY PSC rules.

Artificial turf is permitted on residential property in Suffolk County but is regulated by town zoning and stormwater codes. Most towns treat synthetic turf as impervious or semi-impervious surface for lot-coverage calculations. Installation over 500 square feet generally requires stormwater management review.

The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) enforces odd-even outdoor watering countywide. Homes with odd street numbers water on odd calendar days, even numbers on even days; watering between 10 AM and 4 PM is prohibited May 1-September 30. SCWA serves 1.2 million residents from the sole-source aquifer.

Suffolk County actively promotes native Long Island plant species to protect the sole-source aquifer and Pine Barrens ecosystem. The Long Island Native Plant Initiative and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County provide plant lists. Towns increasingly require native plantings in subdivision landscape plans.

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged throughout Suffolk County. Rain barrels and small cisterns require no permit. The Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District periodically offers subsidized rain-barrel programs. Larger cisterns and potable reuse systems require plumbing permits and backflow prevention.

Most Suffolk County towns require a permit to remove trees above a certain diameter, with replacement requirements. Brookhaven requires permits for trees over 6 inches DBH, Huntington over 8 inches, and Southampton and East Hampton have aggressive tree protection ordinances on the East End. Clearing for development requires a tree survey.

Suffolk County towns classify tall weeds and noxious vegetation on private property as public nuisances under their property maintenance codes. Listed noxious weeds under NY Ag and Markets Law Article 14 (e.g., ragweed, poison ivy adjacent to public ways, giant hogweed) must be controlled.

Suffolk County does not set a countywide grass-height maximum; each town enforces its own property maintenance code. Most Suffolk towns (Brookhaven, Islip, Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon) cap lawn height at 10 inches, with Southampton and East Hampton using 12 inches. Unmaintained lots are abated by town crews at owner expense.

Small sheds under 100-144 square feet are generally permit-exempt in Suffolk County towns but must still meet setback rules (typically 3-5 feet from side and rear property lines). Sheds over 144 sq ft or those on permanent foundations require building permits. Electrical or plumbing connections always require separate permits.

Carports in Suffolk County are treated as accessory structures and require building permits in most towns regardless of size because they have a roof and foundation connection. Side-yard and rear-yard setbacks apply; attached carports must meet principal-structure setbacks. Tent-style fabric carports are often prohibited as primary vehicle storage.

Converting a garage to living space in Suffolk County requires a full building permit, zoning approval, plan review, and Suffolk County Department of Health Services sign-off if septic is affected. Converted space must meet R-3 residential code: egress, ceiling height, insulation, smoke/CO detection, and heat. Replacement parking must usually be provided.

Tiny homes in Suffolk County face significant hurdles. Towns require minimum dwelling sizes (often 600-750 sq ft), and tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences. Fixed tiny houses must meet full NY Residential Code including Suffolk DHS septic approval.

Accessory apartments (ADUs) are legal in every Suffolk County town under varying rules. Most towns require owner-occupancy of the primary dwelling, a minimum lot size (often 7,500-20,000 sq ft), a rental permit, and one off-street parking space for the ADU. Internal conversions and attached ADUs are most commonly permitted; detached ADUs are more restricted.

Suffolk County imposes a 3 percent hotel/motel occupancy tax under County Code Chapter 523 on all rentals under 30 days. Combined with NY State sales tax 4 percent and Suffolk County sales tax 4.625 percent, total STR tax burden is roughly 11.625 percent. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit county bed tax automatically.

Suffolk County town STR permit applications typically require proof of liability insurance, usually 500,000-1,000,000 dollars minimum. Airbnb Host Protection (1M) and Vrbo Liability Insurance satisfy most town requirements. Standard homeowners policies exclude STR activity.

Suffolk County town codes set STR occupancy limits based on bedrooms. Typical rule: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, with absolute caps around 12-16 people in the largest houses. Hamptons share-house laws historically targeted group rentals.

Suffolk County STR parking is regulated by town code. Most towns require one off-street parking space per bedroom for rental properties, prohibit overnight street parking of guest vehicles in many residential zones, and require parking plans as part of rental permit applications.

Suffolk County STR noise rules are enforced at the town level. East Hampton, Southampton, and Southold all impose enhanced noise penalties on rental properties with strict quiet hours (typically 10 PM-7 AM or 11 PM-7 AM) and graduated fines that can trigger rental permit revocation.

Suffolk County towns impose minimum-stay requirements (night caps on short rentals). Southold bans rentals under 14 days. East Hampton limits Class A rentals (non-owner-occupied) to 2 rentals per 6 months with 14-day minimum. Southampton limits rentals to two 2-week periods per 6-month window.

Stays of 30 days or longer are exempt from Suffolk County hotel-motel occupancy tax and most town short-term rental registries. Extended home-shares fall under New York Real Property Law and the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act rather than transient-rental ordinances.

Suffolk County does not impose a host-presence rule on short-term rentals. Town governments (Southampton, East Hampton, Southold, Riverhead) regulate hosted versus unhosted stays, while county Hotel/Motel Law focuses on registration and tax remittance rather than owner occupancy.

Suffolk County does not maintain a countywide three-strikes registry for short-term rental violators. East End towns enforce escalating penalties, and Southampton plus East Hampton can revoke a rental registry permit after two or three confirmed violations within a defined window.

Suffolk County imposes no countywide primary-residence requirement, but East End towns increasingly tie rental registries to homestead status. State Bill A8284 would add disclosure obligations but stops short of mandating owner residency, leaving the question to local zoning.

Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the Suffolk County 3 percent hotel-motel occupancy tax under voluntary collection agreements. State Bill A8284 would add platform liability for unregistered listings, but until enacted, hosts remain primarily liable for compliance with town registries.

Suffolk County towns require STR registration with town code enforcement. East Hampton, Southampton, Southold, Shelter Island, Brookhaven and Riverhead all maintain rental registries. Platforms must verify registration numbers in several towns. Typical validity 2 years, fee 200-500 dollars.

Suffolk County STR regulation is at the town level. East Hampton, Southampton, Southold, Riverhead, Shelter Island and Brookhaven all require rental registration or permits. Hamptons towns operate the strictest regimes with biennial registration, inspections, and minimum-stay limits.

Garage sale signs in Suffolk County are regulated as temporary signs under town codes. Most towns permit small signs (2-4 sq ft) on the sale property and with owner permission on other private lots, posted no more than 24-48 hours before the sale and removed within 24 hours after.

Holiday decorations on private property in Suffolk County are generally unregulated provided they do not create a nuisance, block sight lines at intersections, or violate electrical/fire codes. Most towns have safe harbor periods allowing displays 30-60 days before and 2-4 weeks after holidays.

Political signs in Suffolk County are protected First Amendment speech. Town codes cannot impose content-based restrictions per Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Most Suffolk towns allow political signs on private property with size caps (typically 6-16 sq ft) and removal required within 7 days after election.

Rental registration in Suffolk County is handled at the town level. Most Suffolk towns, including Brookhaven, Islip, Babylon, Southampton, East Hampton, and Huntington, require annual or biennial rental permits with inspections. Fees range from 150 to 500 dollars per unit.

Suffolk County is covered by New Yorks Good Cause Eviction Law (Part HH of Chapter 56, Laws of 2024), but only in towns or villages that affirmatively opt in. As of 2026, no Suffolk municipality has opted in, so standard RPAPL Article 7 eviction rules apply across the county.

Suffolk County is NOT opted into the NY Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA) for most housing, but NY HSTPA 2019 reforms apply statewide: security deposits capped at 1 month, 14-day rent grace period, and tenant-screening fee cap of $20. Rental permits required by most Suffolk towns.

The 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act sharply curtailed no-fault evictions across New York, including Suffolk County. Landlords must give 30 to 90 days written notice before non-renewal, scaled to tenancy length, and cannot terminate solely to raise rent on long-term tenants.

Suffolk County landlords must accept Housing Choice Vouchers under New York source-of-income law. The Suffolk County Department of Social Services and the Town of Brookhaven Housing Authority administer the federal program for roughly 4,500 households countywide.

New York Real Property Law Section 768, added by the 2019 HSTPA, makes unlawful eviction or tenant harassment a Class A misdemeanor statewide, including Suffolk County. Landlords cannot use force, lockouts, utility shutoffs, or repeated intimidation to push tenants out.

Suffolk County landlords must include statewide HSTPA disclosures in residential leases, including the New York Office of Rent Administration tenant rights summary, security-deposit rules, and rent-increase notice requirements. AB 1482 itself is California law and does not apply.

New York Real Property Law Section 7-108, enacted via the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act, caps residential security deposits at one month rent statewide, including Suffolk County. Landlords must return deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement of any deductions.

New York Human Rights Law Section 296, amended in 2019, bars Suffolk County landlords from refusing to rent based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, veterans benefits, and child support. The Suffolk County Human Rights Commission accepts complaints.

New York COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act protected Suffolk County tenants from March 2020 through January 15, 2022. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program later distributed over $2.4 billion statewide. No active general eviction moratorium remains in Suffolk.

Suffolk County mandates recycling under Local Law 13-2013 and New Yorks Mandatory Source Separation Law (ECL 27-0719). Residents must separate paper, metal, glass, and plastics #1 and #2 from trash. Most towns use single-stream curbside recycling weekly.

Suffolk towns require trash containers placed at the curb or edge of the road, not in the street, with containers removed within 12-24 hours after collection. Containers cannot be stored in front yards on non-collection days in most town codes.

Bulk item pickup in Suffolk County is handled by individual towns, usually by appointment or on designated bulk weeks. Brookhaven, Islip, and Smithtown offer scheduled bulk pickup; residents can also self-haul to town transfer stations or the Smithtown MSF.

Trash collection in Suffolk County is handled by towns through contracted haulers or town sanitation districts. Most residents place refuse curbside twice weekly with recycling on a designated day. Brookhaven runs the Town of Brookhaven Sanitation program; Smithtown, Islip, and Huntington maintain municipal garbage districts.

NY Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law 335-b restricts HOA solar bans. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic rules but cannot prohibit rooftop solar on owner-owned property or impose requirements that reduce system output by more than 10%.

Suffolk County towns participate in the NY Unified Solar Permit program for residential systems under 25 kW. Permit fees capped at $350 plus PSEG Long Island interconnection approval required. NY-Sun incentives available.

Sidewalk snow clearing in Suffolk County is governed by town codes. Brookhaven, Islip, Huntington, and most villages require property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending. Incorporated villages often have shorter windows.

Garage sales in Suffolk County are regulated by individual towns. Most permit 2-4 sales per year per household with permits typically required. Brookhaven allows 4 sales per year, Islip allows 3, Southampton limits to 2. Hours usually 8 AM to 6 PM.

Suffolk County and its towns enforce property maintenance under New York Property Maintenance Code (19 NYCRR Part 1226) plus local chapters. Brookhaven Chapter 85, Islip Chapter 68, and Huntington Chapter 156 address blight. Zombie property registry fees apply to foreclosed homes under NY RPAPL 1308.

Vacant lots in Suffolk towns must be kept free of debris, with grass and weeds under 10-12 inches. Owners are responsible for abatement. Central Pine Barrens protection areas have additional clearing restrictions under the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act.

Suffolk towns require trash containers stored out of sight behind the front building line when not at curb. Covered rigid containers are mandatory; bags alone are prohibited in most towns due to wildlife concerns.

Suffolk County HOAs and condominiums are governed by NY Real Property Law (RPL) Article 9-B (Condominium Act sec. 339) for condos and Not-for-Profit Corporation Law for HOAs. Board meetings require notice to unit owners; annual meetings required; quorum typically 25-50 percent.

Suffolk County HOA architectural review committees operate under authority granted in the recorded declaration and bylaws. NY courts apply the business judgment rule (Levandusky v. One Fifth Avenue) - board decisions upheld if made in good faith and within authority. Written standards and timely review required.

Suffolk County HOA and condo assessments are governed by the recorded declaration and NY RPL sec. 339. Common charges are liens against unit ownership with priority under NY law. Special assessments typically require board approval (or owner vote per bylaws). Late fees and interest per declaration.

Suffolk County HOA/condo covenants are enforced via the recorded declaration. Boards may impose fines if bylaws authorize, record liens for unpaid fines, and seek injunctions. Owners have reciprocal right to sue for lax enforcement. Business judgment rule governs.

Suffolk County HOA/condo disputes proceed through the recorded governing documents (often internal grievance and mediation) and then to NY Supreme Court. No mandatory state HOA mediation program exists. NY Attorney General handles some condo offering plan disputes. Small claims court available for assessment disputes under 10,000 dollars.

Lot coverage in Suffolk County typically limited to 20-35% of lot area depending on town and zoning district. Gross floor area (GFA) limits also apply in East End towns to prevent McMansions.

Residential height limits in Suffolk County typically cap principal structures at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. East End towns (Southampton, East Hampton) impose pyramid law restrictions. Accessory structures limited to 15-20 feet.

Residential setbacks in Suffolk County vary by town and zoning district. Typical one-acre zones require 50 ft front, 25 ft side, 50 ft rear. Quarter-acre zones typically require 30 ft front, 10 ft side, 35 ft rear. East End towns impose larger setbacks in agricultural overlays.

Suffolk County food truck vending is restricted near schools, parks, and beaches by individual towns. Typical no-vend zones: 500 ft from schools during session and within designated downtown business districts. Beach parking lots require town concession contracts.

Food trucks in Suffolk County require Suffolk County Department of Health Services mobile food service permit plus town vendor permits. Annual DHS permit fee $600-$1,200. NYS tax certificate required. Commissary kitchen mandatory.

Commercial drone operators in Suffolk County must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for all Class C (ISP) and Class D (Gabreski, East Hampton) airspace. Real estate, construction, and event operators also need county park permits and may need beach permits from individual towns.

Recreational drone operation in Suffolk County is strictly limited by FAA airspace. Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is Class C airspace extending to 4,400 ft in a 5 NM core with 10 NM shelf. Francis S. Gabreski Airport (FOK) and East Hampton (HTO) impose further restrictions. LAANC authorization required in controlled airspace.

Under New Yorks Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA, 2021), adults 21 and over may grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature cannabis plants per person, with a household maximum of 6 mature and 6 immature. Home cultivation became legal statewide once adult-use retail rules went into effect in 2022.

Adult-use cannabis dispensaries and on-site consumption lounges may operate in New York under state licenses. Under MRTA, Suffolk County municipalities had until Dec 31, 2021 to opt out of retail dispensaries and consumption sites. Many Suffolk towns opted out including Smithtown, Islip, Huntington, Oyster Bay area villages, and numerous incorporated villages. Towns that did not opt out, such as Brookhaven, Southampton, East Hampton, and Riverhead, permit dispensaries subject to zoning.

New York Cannabis Law Section 222 allows adults 21 and older to grow up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants per person at home, capped at six mature and six immature per household, applicable in Suffolk County.

OCM-licensed retail dispensaries and microbusinesses may deliver adult-use cannabis to Suffolk County residents subject to state delivery rules. Towns that opted out of dispensaries still allow lawful delivery from licensees elsewhere.

Under New York Cannabis Law and Office of Cannabis Management rules, retail dispensaries must keep minimum distances from schools and houses of worship. Suffolk-area towns can layer additional buffers within OCM limits.

Suffolk County elevators are regulated under NY Industrial Code 12 NYCRR Part 20 and ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators. Annual inspections by NY State Department of Labor or authorized insurance inspectors required. Certificate of operation must be posted in elevator car.

Suffolk County scaffolding governed by NY Labor Law 240 (Scaffold Law), imposing absolute liability on owners and contractors for gravity-related injuries. Scaffolds over 40 feet require DOB permits in participating towns, engineered designs, and OSHA-compliant guardrails.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services enforces pest control under Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 7. Licensed exterminators must be NY DEC-certified under 6 NYCRR Part 325. Bedbug disclosure required for rentals under NY MDL 27-2018.

Suffolk County pre-1978 housing is subject to EPA RRP Rule and NY Public Health Law Article 13 Title 10. Landlords must disclose known lead hazards (federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act). NY State Department of Health operates lead poisoning prevention program; Suffolk County DHS conducts case investigation.

New York Uniform Code requires fire sprinklers in new townhouses and many multifamily buildings, but one and two family dwellings are not mandated countywide. Some Suffolk towns require sprinklers in larger new homes.

Childcare centers in Suffolk County must meet New York Office of Children and Family Services regulations and Uniform Code occupancy E or I-4 standards, with strict fire safety, egress, and inspection requirements.

Suffolk County dwellings and businesses must comply with New York Uniform Code egress requirements. Bedroom and exit doors must operate from inside without keys, special tools, or knowledge.

Several Suffolk County towns have adopted floor area ratio, lot coverage, and bulk limits to curb mansionization, especially in the Hamptons. Limits are set at the town and village level, not by Suffolk County.

Suffolk County erosion control is governed by NY SPDES SWPPP requirements, Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Act (NY ECL Article 34), and town Chapter 84 (Brookhaven) and similar. Bluff, dune, and beach construction requires NYSDEC Tidal Wetlands and CEHA permits.

Suffolk County grading and drainage controlled by town land disturbance permits and Suffolk County Pine Barrens Protection Act. Central Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area is largely off-limits to development. Compatible Growth Area requires hydrology review.

Suffolk County is covered by NY SPDES MS4 general permit. All disturbances over 1 acre require SWPPP; Peconic Estuary and South Shore Estuary watershed projects trigger enhanced phosphorus controls. Suffolk County Article 6 regulates sanitary density to protect groundwater.

Suffolk County has extensive FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along Atlantic coast, Long Island Sound, Great South Bay, Peconic Bays, and Shinnecock Bay. New construction in VE and AE zones must elevate to BFE + 2 ft freeboard. Superstorm Sandy prompted enhanced elevation requirements countywide.

Suffolk County drivers are subject to New York State idling rules under 6 NYCRR Part 217, generally limiting non-essential idling of heavy-duty diesel vehicles to five minutes, with stricter local school-zone enforcement around Suffolk school districts.

Suffolk County has no countywide gas leaf blower ban, but several East End villages and towns including Southampton Village, East Hampton Village, and Sag Harbor restrict gas-powered blowers seasonally to address noise and air quality concerns.

Suffolk County coastline along Long Island Sound, Peconic Bays, and the Atlantic Ocean is regulated under New York State coastal erosion and tidal wetlands laws, with overlay permitting from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services for nearshore work.

Suffolk County adopted a Climate Action Plan and joined New York State Climate Smart Communities, committing to greenhouse-gas reduction, sea-level-rise adaptation, and aquifer protection consistent with the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Suffolk towns honor no-solicitation signs posted at residences. Brookhaven Town Code 91-9, Islip 50-8, and Huntington 142-10 make it a violation to solicit at any home displaying a clear No Soliciting sign. Suffolk County has no centralized no-knock registry.

Door-to-door solicitors in Suffolk County must obtain permits from each town. Brookhaven, Islip, Huntington, and East Hampton require identification cards, background checks, and fees 50-250 dollars. Hours generally limited to 9 AM-6 PM or sunset. Religious and political speech exempt under First Amendment.

Garage sale permits in Suffolk County are issued at the town level. Brookhaven requires a free permit allowing 4 sales per year of up to 3 days each. Islip allows 3 per year, Southampton 2. Permits obtained from Town Clerk before sale; walk-in or online.

Suffolk County Parks close from sunset to 8 AM year-round under Suffolk County Code Chapter 575. Town and state parks have similar dusk-to-dawn closures. Violating park hours is a trespass ticket with 50-250 dollar fines.

Suffolk County does not have a countywide juvenile curfew. Several villages and towns maintain curfew ordinances, typically 10 or 11 PM to 5 or 6 AM for minors under 17, with parental accompaniment, employment, and emergency exceptions.

Suffolk County towns have some of the strongest dark-sky ordinances in New York. Southampton, East Hampton, Southold, and Shelter Island enforce full-cutoff fixture requirements, lumen caps, and color temperature limits at or below 3000K.

Suffolk County light trespass rules require that no light from a property exceed 0.1 footcandle at adjacent residential property lines. East End towns enforce civil and criminal remedies for repeat violations.

Suffolk County does not enforce a sit-lie ordinance against people experiencing homelessness. State and federal constitutional rulings, including Martin v. Boise, limit local power to criminalize sleeping in public when no shelter is available. Town-level rules vary.

Suffolk County coordinates encampment sanitation through the Department of Social Services and the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. State law requires reasonable advance notice and storage of personal property, with placement offers preceding any cleanup of a sustained encampment.

Suffolk County must provide emergency shelter to eligible homeless families under New York Social Services Law Section 350-j and the Callahan consent-decree principles. The Department of Social Services places households in motels, family shelters, and transitional bridge housing across Long Island.

Suffolk County restaurants are inspected by SCDHS under NY State Sanitary Code Subpart 14-1. Unlike NYC, Suffolk does not post letter grades; inspection reports are public via the SCDHS food service portal.

Suffolk County participates in NY State syringe access programs and household sharps collection. Pharmacies sell syringes without prescription under NY ESAP, and SCDHS coordinates safe disposal events and kiosks.

Property owners must abate rodent harborage under SCDHS sanitary code provisions. Town code enforcement handles residential complaints; SCDHS focuses on food establishments, multi-family housing, and vector-borne disease risks.

Under NY State Sanitary Code Subpart 14-1, every Suffolk food service establishment must have at least one supervisor on premises with a Food Protection Certificate. SCDHS accepts ANSI-accredited courses and the NYC course.

New York Real Property Law Section 235-bb requires landlords to disclose bed bug infestation history before signing a lease. Suffolk County rental code enforcement is handled by individual towns; landlords remain responsible for treatment.

New York's Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Loose Fill Packaging Ban took effect January 2022 under ECL Article 27. Suffolk food service businesses must use compliant alternatives for cups, clamshells, and trays.

Suffolk County's single-use plastics policy and statewide hospitality rules direct food service establishments to provide plastic utensils, napkins, and condiment packets only on customer request, reducing waste at the source.

Suffolk County Local Law adopted a Skip the Straw rule requiring food service establishments to provide single-use plastic straws and stirrers only on customer request, aligning with broader county environmental policy.

All Suffolk County retailers must comply with the New York State Bag Waste Reduction Act, codified at NY ECL Article 27 Title 28, banning single-use plastic carryout bags statewide since March 2020 with optional five-cent paper-bag fees.

Suffolk vape retailers must register with the NY Department of Taxation and Finance, comply with PHL flavor and age rules, and meet local zoning. Sales near schools face additional Suffolk County buffer restrictions.

New York Public Health Law bans the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vape products statewide. Menthol cigarettes remain legal under state law, but federal FDA action and Suffolk retail rules continue to evolve.

New York Public Health Law Section 1399-aa sets the minimum age for tobacco, vape, and nicotine product sales at 21 statewide. SCDHS and the State conduct compliance checks at Suffolk retailers.

The Suffolk County Water Authority enforces an odd-even outdoor watering schedule from May through September to manage peak demand on the sole-source aquifer that supplies 100 percent of county drinking water.

The Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program, funded by a quarterly water-quality surcharge, supports turf-to-native conversion incentives that reduce fertilizer runoff and irrigation demand on the sole-source aquifer.

Customers of the Suffolk County Water Authority and private well owners can report leaks, water-quality concerns, and main breaks through SCWA, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, and the New York State drinking-water hotline.

Coastal development in Suffolk County requires consistency review under New York Department of State Coastal Management and town Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs, with overlay approvals required for projects within mapped coastal boundaries.

The Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act of 1993, codified at NY ECL Article 57, creates a Core Preservation Area and Compatible Growth Area in central Suffolk County administered by the Pine Barrens Commission with strict land-use controls.

Suffolk County encourages transit-oriented development around Long Island Rail Road stations through county planning support, the New York State Pro-Housing Communities program, and town zoning overlays in places like Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, and Wyandanch.

Truck movement in Suffolk County follows New York State commercial-vehicle rules, with parkway truck bans on Northern State, Southern State, and Sunrise Highway parkway sections, plus town and village loading-zone enforcement on local streets.

Suffolk County maintains an expanding bicycle-route network that includes on-road bike lanes on county roads, multi-use paths along parkways, and the Long Island Greenway and Setauket-Port Jefferson Greenway corridors.

Suffolk County recognizes heritage and specimen trees through county Chapter 662 scenic-corridor designations and town-level codes such as East Hampton Code Chapter 256 and Southampton Town tree rules that protect large or historically significant trees.

Suffolk County Code Chapter 662 establishes the County Tree Preservation Law, regulating tree removal on county-controlled property and within scenic and protected corridors, while delegating most private-property tree rules to towns and villages.

New York Workers' Compensation Law and Labor Law guarantee paid family leave and paid sick leave to Suffolk County employees through statewide programs, leaving little room for stricter county-level paid leave mandates.

New York Labor Law sets a uniform downstate minimum wage applying to Suffolk County, currently $16.50 per hour and indexed annually; Suffolk County cannot adopt a higher local minimum wage.

The New York HERO Act requires Suffolk County employers to adopt airborne infectious disease prevention plans and permits joint labor-management workplace safety committees, providing a statewide framework that overlays scheduling and workplace policies.

Suffolk County levies a 3% hotel/motel occupancy tax on transient lodging stays under 30 days, on top of New York State sales tax, totaling roughly 7% combined for guests at Hamptons and East End accommodations.

Suffolk County requires tobacco and vapor product retailers to hold a county Tobacco Retail Dealer Registration in addition to the New York state license, with strict age-21 sales rules and flavored vape restrictions enforced by SCDHS.

Massage therapy in Suffolk County is regulated primarily through New York State licensing; therapists must hold a license from the State Education Department, while local towns and villages may impose additional zoning and business permit requirements on massage establishments.

Suffolk County requires pawnbrokers, jewelers, scrap metal dealers, and other secondhand dealers to register with the police department and report transactions, helping investigators trace stolen property recovered across Long Island.

New York State Liquor Authority law and local Suffolk County town codes generally prohibit consuming alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers in public streets, parks, and beaches outside licensed premises and permitted special events.

Under New York Cannabis Law and Public Health Law, adults over 21 may smoke or vape cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is allowed, but Suffolk County parks and many town beaches prohibit smoking, effectively banning cannabis use there.

Loud parties on Long Island fall under town noise ordinances and the New York Penal Law disorderly conduct statute, with Hamptons summer rentals drawing intensive enforcement under SCPD and town police noise patrols.

Suffolk County prohibits smoking in county parks, beaches, and many outdoor public spaces, building on New York's Clean Indoor Air Act with additional county-level restrictions covering tobacco, vaping, and cannabis.

New York courts have struck down most general loitering offenses on constitutional grounds, leaving Suffolk County to rely on narrowly drawn state statutes; the county's Article XII Anti-Discrimination Local Law also bars discriminatory enforcement targeting protected groups.

Suffolk County skateboarders are governed mainly by town ordinances regulating sidewalk and street use; New York Vehicle and Traffic Law treats e-skateboards and similar devices under separate state rules with limits on roadway operation.

Suffolk County operates under welcoming-county policies aligned with the New York State Trust Act, generally limiting local law enforcement cooperation with civil federal immigration detainers absent a judicial warrant.

New York does not mandate E-Verify for private employers, and Suffolk County does not require it locally; participation is voluntary except where federal contracts or specific state programs require employment eligibility verification through the federal system.