Brooklyn vacant lots must be fenced, clean, and rodent-free per NYC Admin Code §16-128 and HPD rules — violations trigger DSNY cleaning liens.
Vacant lot owners in Brooklyn must comply with NYC Admin Code §16-128 (Sanitation Code), which requires that lots be kept free of trash, weeds, rubbish, and rodent harborage. Lots must be enclosed by a fence at least 6 feet high to prevent illegal dumping. DSNY inspects complaint-driven lots; if the owner fails to remediate within 5 days of notice, DSNY performs cleaning and bills the owner — unpaid charges become tax liens. HPD has additional authority under the Housing Maintenance Code for vacant residential lots. Community Boards and local organizations may initiate adoption programs to convert vacant lots into community gardens through GreenThumb. Illegal dumping on vacant lots is a misdemeanor under §16-119 with fines up to $5,000.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Kings County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Kings County, NY
NYC strictly regulates commercial vehicle parking. Commercial vehicles may park at meters for up to 3 hours and are banned from residential areas overnight (...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn pools must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 4 feet high per NYC Building Code and Health Code §165.57.
Kings County, NY
Feeding pigeons, squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife that creates unsanitary conditions is prohibited in Brooklyn under NYC Health Code §153.09.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn residents may keep backyard hens, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep are prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01.
Kings County, NY
NYC Health Code §161.01 prohibits most wild, exotic, and farm animals. Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, pot-bellied pigs, venomous snakes, large reptiles, ...
Kings County, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City under New York Penal Law §270.00. This includes sparklers longer than 10 inches, firecrackers, Roman cand...
See how Kings County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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