Irondequoit, NY Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 94-3B of the Town of Irondequoit Code splits unimproved residential building lots into four cases. In a subdivision where 50% or more of the building lots are developed, the owner must maintain the individual lot in its entirety. In a subdivision where less than 50% are developed, the owner must maintain the lot within 50 feet from the public right-of-way and within 20 feet from the rear and side lot lines on which any contiguous property has been improved. Outside a subdivision, a lot less than 2.5 acres must be maintained in its entirety, while a lot of 2.5 acres or more needs upkeep only in the same 50-foot and 20-foot bands.

"Maintain" has a defined meaning in § 94-2: to cut, trim or remove brush, grass, rubbish or weeds, including golden nematode and ragweed, or to spray with herbicides, or to cut, trim, remove or destroy poisonous shrubs or weeds, on a regular basis so as to prevent excessive overgrowth, maintain safe conditions and uniform appearance. Commercial and industrial owners have no partial zone: § 94-3C makes them maintain the whole lot.

Enforcement runs on notice. Under §§ 94-5 and 94-6 the Town Board, Commissioner of Public Works/Superintendent of Highways, Building Inspector, Fire Marshal or Code Compliance Inspector can order an owner to cut, trim or remove, and compliance is required within seven days of receipt of notice. Section 94-7 requires the notice to specify the place, manner and time and to go by registered or certified mail to the owner's last known address. When the owner fails to comply, § 94-8 has the Town authorize the work, and § 94-9 assesses the cost, including out-of-pocket administrative expense, against the lot as a lien and charge on the real property. Designated Environmental Protection Overlay Districts, conservation easements and forever wild lands are exempt under § 94-4.