Showing ordinances that apply to Southold, NY
Southold is an unincorporated community (population 6,040) in Suffolk County, New York. Because Southold is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Suffolk County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The vacant lot maintenance rules below are the ones that govern your area.
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.
Brookhaven Town Code Section 57-3 requires lot owners to keep grass under 10 inches and remove debris; notice of violation triggers 10-day abatement window before town does the work and bills the owner with a lien. East Hampton Town Code Chapter 205 and Southampton Chapter 270 have similar rules. The Central Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area (Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton) prohibits most clearing, grading, or disturbance under 6 NYCRR Part 609 and the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act, even for maintenance, without Pine Barrens Commission review. Compatible Growth Area properties have managed growth standards. Fire Island communities have additional dune vegetation protection.
Overgrown vacant lot: 250-1,000 dollars, plus abatement cost with lien. Unauthorized Pine Barrens clearing: up to 10,000 dollars per violation plus restoration.
See how Southold's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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