113 local rules on file · Pop. 1,992 · Onondaga County
Showing ordinances that apply to Seneca Knolls, NY
Seneca Knolls is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 1,992 in Onondaga County, New York. Because Seneca Knolls is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Onondaga County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Onondaga County may have different rules.
Onondaga County has no countywide household pet limit; towns set their own caps, typically 3–5 dogs and/or cats per residence, with kennel permits required above the limit. All dogs four months and older must be licensed annually under NY Agriculture & Markets Law §109, administered by each municipality.
Onondaga County Dog Control Local Law requires dogs to be leashed or under direct control on public property and off-owner property.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Onondaga County ordinances.
NY ECL 11-0505 prohibits feeding deer and bears statewide. Onondaga County includes deer-dense suburbs where enforcement is active.
Driveway standards set by town zoning and highway codes. Curb cuts require permits from the municipality or NY DOT on state highways. Syracuse Zoning Ordinance regulates residential driveway width (typically 10-20 ft).
RV and boat parking regulated by town zoning codes. Most Onondaga County towns prohibit on-street RV parking over 24-48 hours and require side or rear yard storage with setbacks.
NY Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 1224 defines abandoned vehicles. Syracuse Code allows removal after 96 hours on public streets. Private property abandonment is handled under NY Lien Law Article 9 with a mandatory notice process.
Syracuse enforces odd-even overnight parking rules Nov 15-Apr 1 for snow removal. Suburban Onondaga towns vary; some ban overnight on-street parking year-round on residential streets.
EV charging supported by NY State NYSERDA Charge Ready NY program. NY Public Service Commission Case 18-E-0138 governs utility EV infrastructure. NY State Building Code requires EV-ready parking in new construction (NYStretch Energy Code).
Street parking in Onondaga County follows NY Vehicle & Traffic Law plus local codes. City of Syracuse enforces odd-even street cleaning rules Nov 15-Apr 1 and posted no-parking zones.
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs or bearing commercial signage are generally prohibited on residential streets overnight in Syracuse and most Onondaga County towns. Syracuse Chapter 27 enforces these restrictions with fines and towing.
STR noise governed by town/city noise ordinances. Most Onondaga County towns impose 10 PM-7 AM quiet hours. Repeat noise complaints at STRs can trigger permit revocation in Syracuse and Skaneateles.
Occupancy limits set by NY Property Maintenance Code and local STR ordinances. Standard: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional. Skaneateles caps STR occupancy at 2 per bedroom plus 2.
Registration required in Syracuse (rental registry), Skaneateles (STR permit), and select Onondaga County towns. Annual renewal typical. Platforms collect county room tax automatically.
Onondaga County imposes 7 percent hotel room occupancy tax on stays under 30 days (Onondaga County Local Law). Applies to STRs, hotels, B and Bs. NY State sales tax 4 percent plus 4 percent county sales tax also apply.
No county-wide STR night cap. Skaneateles limits non-owner-occupied STRs to limited rental nights per year under its STR law. Syracuse has no night cap but requires registration.
Onondaga County does not have a county-wide STR permit. Individual towns (Skaneateles, Manlius, Pompey) have adopted STR registration requirements. City of Syracuse requires STR registration under its rental registry.
STR parking must comply with local zoning. Most Onondaga County towns require off-street parking for all guests (typically 1 space per bedroom). On-street overflow prohibited during snow emergencies.
No state or county-wide STR insurance mandate. Skaneateles and some Onondaga towns require proof of liability insurance (typically $500,000-$1,000,000) at STR permit application.
Home occupation permits governed by individual town zoning codes (Salina, DeWitt, Camillus, Manlius, Clay, etc.). Typical conditions: incidental to residential use, no employees beyond residents, no exterior signage, limited customer visits.
Home occupations allowed in most Onondaga County residential zones as an accessory use. Syracuse Zoning Code (ReZone 2022) permits home occupations by right with conditions. Suburban towns typically require a home occupation permit.
Home occupation signage heavily restricted. Syracuse allows one non-illuminated sign under 2 sq ft. Most suburban towns prohibit external signs entirely for home-based businesses.
NY Home Processor Exemption under Ag and Markets Law Article 20-C allows home production of non-hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, granola). Registration with NY Department of Ag and Markets required.
Home occupations in Onondaga County must not generate traffic beyond normal residential levels. Client visits typically capped at 1 to 2 clients at a time with off-street parking required.
Family day care (up to 6 children) and group family day care (7-12 children) regulated by NY OCFS under Social Services Law Article 6 Title 5-A. Registration or licensing required. Onondaga County towns may impose zoning conditions.
NY Residential Code requires 48-inch minimum barrier around pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing self-latching gates required. Openings under 4 inches. Applies countywide under state building code.
Building permit required for all pools over 24 inches deep under NY Uniform Code (19 NYCRR Part 1219/Residential Code Section R326). Local code enforcement office issues permits. Plumbing and electrical permits separate.
Pool alarms required for doors leading to pool in new/substantially altered residences (NY Residential Code). Anti-entrapment drain covers required (federal VGB Act). Pool disclosure required at sale under NY Property Condition Disclosure Act.
Hot tubs/spas over 24 inches deep require permits and barriers under NY Residential Code unless equipped with a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Electrical permit required for hardwired units.
Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require same permits and barriers as in-ground under NY Residential Code. Ladder must be removable or lockable when pool unattended. Setbacks set by local zoning.
Consumer fireworks are illegal in Onondaga County. The county opted out of the 2015 sparkler law, so even sparklers and ground-based sparkling devices are banned.
Smoke and CO detectors required in all NY dwellings under 19 NYCRR Part 1225 (Uniform Code). Amanda's Law requires CO alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
Onondaga County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Central New York receives steady precipitation and is dominated by deciduous forest with low fire risk.
Recreational fire pits allowed in Onondaga County towns under 6 NYCRR Part 215. Pit must be under 3 ft diameter, burn only clean seasoned wood, and stay 10+ ft from structures.
Onondaga County has no countywide defensible space requirement. Brush clearance is handled by individual town property maintenance codes.
Outdoor burning of brush, leaves, or debris is prohibited in Onondaga County from March 15 to May 15 under the NYSDEC statewide burn ban. Burning household trash is illegal year-round.
Small recreational backyard fires for cooking or warmth are allowed in most Onondaga County towns outside the spring burn ban. Fire must be attended and under 3 ft wide.
Rainwater harvesting is legal in New York with no state permit required for residential rain barrels. DEC encourages the practice for stormwater reduction.
Grass height enforcement is handled by individual towns in Onondaga County. Typical limits run 8 to 10 inches, with City of Syracuse enforcing a 10-inch maximum under its property maintenance code.
Noxious weeds and invasive species regulated under 6 NYCRR Part 575. Municipal property maintenance codes treat tall weeds over 10 inches as a nuisance.
Artificial turf is allowed on private residential lots throughout Onondaga County. Some historic districts in Syracuse restrict front-yard turf for aesthetic reasons.
Onondaga County draws water from Otisco Lake and Lake Ontario via OCWA. Central New York rarely faces drought restrictions. OCWA asks for voluntary conservation during summer peak demand.
No countywide tree removal permit required. Street tree removal in Syracuse requires Parks Department approval. Some towns regulate removal within buffer zones or steep slope overlays.
Native plantings encouraged. DEC maintains a list of prohibited invasive species under 6 NYCRR Part 575. No town in Onondaga County requires native plants but several offer rebates through SWCD.
Street trees in the public right-of-way are managed by Syracuse Department of Parks (for city) or the town highway department. Private trees may be trimmed by the owner without permit.
Sheds under 144 sq ft are typically exempt from NY Uniform Code permit requirements, though setbacks still apply. Sheds over 144 sq ft require a building permit from the town or city.
ADUs permitted under local zoning in Onondaga County. No statewide NY ADU preemption as of 2026. Town of DeWitt, Manlius, and Syracuse allow accessory apartments with a special use permit.
Converting a garage to habitable space requires a building permit, zoning approval, and an amended certificate of occupancy. Must meet egress, insulation, heat, and light code under NY Uniform Code.
Tiny homes on foundations must comply with NY Uniform Code minimums. NY has no specific tiny-home appendix. Tiny homes on wheels treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in most Onondaga County zones.
Carports require a building permit if attached to the dwelling or over 144 sq ft. Setbacks match accessory structure rules. Fabric or temporary carports restricted in many towns.
Onondaga County Dog Control Ordinance (Local Law No. 1-1987, as amended) prohibits persistent barking exceeding 15 minutes continuously.
Commercial noise regulated by municipal codes. Syracuse zoning limits industrial noise at residential property lines to 65 dBA day, 55 dBA night.
No county construction hour rule. Syracuse permits construction 7 AM to 9 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 9 PM weekends. Suburban towns vary.
Onondaga County has no countywide quiet hours. Syracuse and suburban towns set local rules; NY Penal Law 240.20 unreasonable noise applies countywide.
NY Vehicle and Traffic Law 375(31) prohibits modified or defective mufflers statewide. Onondaga County Sheriff enforces on county roads.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) operations preempted by federal law. FAA Part 150 noise compatibility plan governs.
No countywide leaf blower restrictions. Syracuse and suburban towns allow gas leaf blowers within general construction hours.
Plainly audible at 50 ft standard in Syracuse. County unincorporated areas rely on NY Penal Law 240.20 unreasonable noise.
Syracuse requires a zoning permit for fences over 6 ft. Most suburban towns require permits for any fence.
NY RPAPL 843 spite fence statute: structures over 10 ft erected to annoy neighbors are a private nuisance.
No countywide fence rule. Syracuse zoning limits front yard fences to 4 ft and rear/side to 6 ft. Suburban towns similar.
Wood, vinyl, chain-link, and ornamental metal allowed. Barbed wire restricted to agricultural and industrial zones.
Onondaga County and NY VTL require clear sight triangles at street intersections for traffic safety. Typical residential standard: a 30 ft × 30 ft triangle measured from the curbs or pavement edges, kept clear of fences, hedges, and plantings taller than 3 feet. Enforcement is local — each town's zoning code incorporates the standard.
NY Residential Code and Uniform Code require 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate around pools over 24 inches deep.
No specific holiday display ordinances at county or Syracuse level. General nuisance and light trespass standards apply. HOAs in suburbs (Fayetteville Manlius, Skaneateles) may impose display restrictions.
First Amendment and NY case law protect political signs in residential yards. Syracuse allows political signs up to 6 square feet without permit; must be removed within 7 days after election. No content-based restrictions per Reed v Town of Gilbert.
Garage sale signs in Onondaga County are allowed on private property only. Syracuse and most towns prohibit signs on utility poles, trees, and in the public right-of-way. Signs must be removed within 24-48 hours of the sale ending.
Commercial drone operators in Onondaga County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Much of the county falls within Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) Class C airspace, requiring LAANC authorization. County park operations need separate permits.
FAA preempts airspace regulation. Hobbyist drones must register (250+ grams) and follow Part 107 or recreational exception rules. Onondaga County Parks prohibit drone takeoff/landing in county parks without permit. Syracuse Hancock Airport Class C airspace requires LAANC authorization.
Onondaga County Parks close at dusk year-round per Parks Department rules. Syracuse city parks are closed from 11 PM to 6 AM under Chapter 41. After-hours permits are available for special events.
Syracuse juvenile curfew ordinance (Chapter 22, Article IV) prohibits minors under 17 from being in public 11 PM-5 AM Sunday-Thursday, midnight-5 AM Friday-Saturday. Parents may be held liable.
Light trespass addressed through town zoning nuisance provisions. Most Onondaga County towns cap residential property-line illuminance at 0.5-1.0 foot-candles. Syracuse Zoning Ordinance includes lighting performance standards.
No countywide dark-sky ordinance in Onondaga County. Individual towns may restrict light trespass through zoning. NY State Conservation Law section 15-0601 (Dark Skies Protection Act) applies to state-owned/operated outdoor lighting only.
Syracuse aggressive anti-blight enforcement through Division of Code Enforcement and Land Bank. Greater Syracuse Land Bank acquires tax-delinquent and vacant properties. Receivership available for neglected buildings.
Syracuse Property Conservation Code Chapter 27 requires trash containers with tight-fitting lids, stored behind the front building line. Towns in Onondaga County require similar screening from the public right-of-way.
Syracuse property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends per City Code Chapter 27, Article VIII. Accumulated snow/ice must be cleared to full sidewalk width. City may remove and bill owner.
Syracuse requires vacant property registration under Chapter 27 with annual fee starting at 250 dollars and escalating with duration of vacancy. Lots must be maintained, fenced if hazardous, and grass cut.
Garage sales are permitted countywide in Onondaga County residential zones. Syracuse limits sales to 3 per household per calendar year, maximum 3 consecutive days each. Most towns allow 2-4 sales annually without a permit.
NY Public Health Law Article 13 Title X and 10 NYCRR Part 67 regulate lead. Syracuse Lead Ordinance (Chapter 27 Article VI) requires proactive inspections for pre-1978 rental housing in high-risk areas. Federal EPA RRP rule applies to renovations.
Scaffolding regulated under NY Labor Law sections 240-241 (Scaffold Law) and the NY State Uniform Code (19 NYCRR Part 1219). Onondaga County municipalities enforce permits through local building departments.
NY State requires annual elevator inspections under 12 NYCRR Part 34 and local building code enforcement. Syracuse enforces ASME A17.1 safety code. Certificate of Compliance required and posted in cab.
Pest control in Onondaga County is governed by the NY Property Maintenance Code (19 NYCRR Part 1226) plus local housing codes. Pesticide applicators must hold DEC certification under NY Environmental Conservation Law Article 33.
Stormwater regulated under NY SPDES MS4 program (6 NYCRR Part 750). Onondaga County is part of the MS4 permit area. Onondaga Lake Ambient Monitoring Program and the 1998 Amended Consent Judgment drive strict water quality rules.
Erosion and sediment control required for construction disturbing 1+ acre under NY SPDES GP-0-20-001. Onondaga Lake watershed triggers enhanced controls under the Save the Rain program.
FEMA NFIP floodplain management applies throughout Onondaga County. Local flood damage prevention laws follow NY DEC model ordinance. Onondaga Creek, Ley Creek, and Onondaga Lake shoreline have mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Grading in Onondaga County is regulated by town codes and NY DEC SPDES stormwater rules. Syracuse and most towns require grading permits for significant earthwork and drainage plans for new construction; runoff may not be diverted onto neighbors under NY common law.
NY Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA 2021) allows adults 21+ to grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants per person, 6 and 6 per household. Must be at private residence, not visible from public, secured from minors. County cannot prohibit.
Under NY MRTA, municipalities had until Dec 31 2021 to opt out of adult-use retail dispensaries and on-site consumption. Syracuse opted IN. Several Onondaga County towns (Clay, Cicero, Manlius, Camillus, Salina) opted OUT of retail dispensaries.
CCRs enforceable as equitable servitudes under NY common law. Fines must be authorized by governing documents. Board decisions protected by business judgment rule (Levandusky v One Fifth Avenue, 75 NY2d 530).
No mandatory pre-litigation ADR for NY HOAs. Disputes resolved through internal grievance process per bylaws, then civil court (NY Supreme Court). Small claims available for assessments under $5,000.
Common charges lien automatic under NY RPL 339-z for condominiums. HOAs enforce via CCRs. Unpaid assessments can lead to foreclosure. NY RPL 339-aa gives common charge lien priority over most liens except first mortgage and taxes.
Architectural review committees operate under CCRs/bylaws. NY has no statute capping review time or standards. Boards must act in good faith and not arbitrarily (business judgment rule applies per Levandusky precedent).
HOA/condo boards governed by NY Real Property Law 339 (Condominium Act) and Not-for-Profit Corporation Law for HOAs. Annual meetings required, written notice 10-50 days, quorum per bylaws. Records open to members.
Syracuse designates vending zones downtown and at special events. Mobile vendors are generally prohibited within 100 feet of brick-and-mortar restaurants without written consent. Suburban Onondaga County towns restrict vending to commercial zones or permitted events.
Food trucks in Syracuse require a Mobile Food Vendor permit from the City Clerk plus Onondaga County Health Department mobile food service permit under NY Sanitary Code Subpart 14-4.
No countywide just-cause eviction law. Syracuse has a Tenant Protection Act (2023) requiring good cause for nonrenewal and eviction. Outside Syracuse, NY Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) governs.
NY Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA) applies statewide. Rent stabilization covers NYC and Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA) municipalities. Onondaga County has NOT opted into ETPA, so Syracuse is not rent-stabilized, but HSTPA tenant protections (security deposit cap, notice requirements, late fees) apply.
Syracuse requires rental registration and Certificate of Suitability for most 1-3 unit rentals under Chapter 27-B of the city code. Towns in Onondaga County (Salina, DeWitt, Clay) have their own rental registry programs.
Lot coverage limits set by town zoning. Typical R-1 residential: 25-35% building coverage, 40-50% total impervious. Syracuse R-1 district allows up to 40% building coverage.
Setbacks set by town zoning in Onondaga County. Typical R-1 residential: front 25-35 ft, side 8-15 ft, rear 25-40 ft. Syracuse Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 1300) uses district-specific standards.
Residential height limits in Onondaga County typically cap at 30-35 ft and 2.5 stories. Syracuse R-1 and R-2 districts limit to 35 ft per the Syracuse Zoning Ordinance. Commercial and mixed-use districts allow greater heights subject to zoning district specs.
NY does not have a statewide solar access law preempting HOAs (unlike CA, FL, TX). HOA covenants may restrict solar panel placement and appearance. NY Real Property Law Section 339-ee allows condo boards to set reasonable rules.
Solar panel permits required under NY State Uniform Code. NY Unified Solar Permit (NY-Sun program) streamlines residential PV up to 25 kW. NYSERDA NY-Sun incentives available. Syracuse and most Onondaga towns have adopted the Unified Solar Permit.
OCRRA operates bulky waste drop-off at Rock Cut Road and Ley Creek transfer stations. Syracuse offers scheduled curbside bulk pickup through DPW for large items. Fees vary by item type.
OCRRA (Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) manages waste disposal countywide. Curbside pickup provided by municipality or private hauler depending on town. Syracuse DPW collects weekly.
Onondaga County mandatory recycling law (Local Law 3 of 1990) requires source separation of paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics #1-#2. OCRRA Blue Bin single-stream program serves most of county.
Syracuse requires trash and recycling totes placed at curb no earlier than 6 PM the evening before collection and removed by 10 PM on collection day. Bins must not block sidewalks or fire hydrants.
Syracuse honors posted No Soliciting signs; violation subjects solicitor to trespass charge and permit revocation. No formal county-wide No Knock registry. Federal Do Not Call Registry applies to phone solicitation.
Syracuse requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain Transient Merchant License from City Clerk under Chapter 35. Fee approximately 100 dollars plus background check. Towns (DeWitt, Clay, Salina) have their own peddler permits.