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

Chapter 83, Brush, Grass and Weeds (L.L. No. 7-1975, last amended for this limit by L.L. No. 2-2015), applies to any lot or tract of land in the Town of Union outside the incorporated Villages of Johnson City and Endicott. Section 83-4 exempts lots zoned as an agricultural district, and the Town Board can exempt tracts of 10 or more acres from the weeds and tall grass provisions at its discretion.

Section 83-5(A) makes it unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant, or an agent or employee having control of an occupied or unoccupied lot or tract, to permit weeds, tall grass or other objectionable vegetation to exceed 10 inches on the average, or to permit any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush. The same subsection sets a four-inch average limit on the strip along the adjacent sidewalk, street or alley between the property line and the curb, or between the property line and the traveled portion where there is no curb. Subsection B bans poison ivy, jimson weed, ragweed and other harmful plants from extending over, overhanging or bordering any public place, and from sending seeds or pollen into public places.

An owner of a vacant building faces a tighter number. Section 158-4(E)(13) requires lawns, yards and vacant lots to be trimmed and mowed with grass and weeds no more than six inches, and clean and free of rodent harborage and infestation.

Notice is served personally on the owner, lessee, occupant, the manager designated under § 155-10 or a responsible person, or posted conspicuously with a copy mailed. If the person fails to cut, trim or remove within three days of service, § 83-7 lets the Town do the work and assess the total cost, including staff time, against the real property as a lien collected like other Town charges, plus attorneys fees and court costs.