Owners of vacant lots on Staten Island must keep them clean, free of debris, and fenced with a minimum 6-foot fence if the lot is in a built-up area. Weeds and grass must be cut below 18 inches. DSNY and DOB enforce; failure triggers city cleanup with a lien plus penalties.
Under NYC Admin Code 16-128, DSNY can clean a neglected lot and bill the owner with a 1,500 dollar service charge plus actual cost, recoverable as a tax lien. Vacant lot fencing must comply with DOB rules on height, materials, and setback from the sidewalk. Contact Staten Island at 311 for enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Richmond County, NY
Staten Island outdoor lighting must comply with NYC Zoning Resolution Section 23-00 and 42-00 performance standards for glare and trespass.
Richmond County, NY
NYC Zoning performance standards and common-law nuisance address excessive light trespass onto neighboring Staten Island properties.
Richmond County, NY
Official NYC-issued or approved bins must be placed at the curb between 6 PM the night before pickup and 4 AM the morning of pickup, and removed from the pub...
Richmond County, NY
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) collects trash on Staten Island. Under the 2024 Containerization Rule, residential buildings with 1-9 units must place re...
Richmond County, NY
Bulk items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) are collected by DSNY on regular trash days with no separate appointment for most items. Mattresses and box sp...
Richmond County, NY
Recycling is mandatory on Staten Island. Metal, glass, plastic, and cartons go in one bin (blue labeled); mixed paper and cardboard go in a separate bin (gre...
See how Richmond County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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