Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement department is to assist residents and property owners in the Village with complying with the zoning codes and regulations of our municipality and enforcement of the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Codes.

Code Enforcement Complaints

If you have a code complaint, you can submit a complaint to Code Enforcement via e-mail to Jamie Burgess, Bob Young or Scott Zelko directly. All complaints after 12:00pm need to be submitted electronically. 

Codes and Regulations: Common Code Questions Overview

Codes and regulations, common in every community, are established to create a standard of living and protect property values. In populated suburban areas such as Horseheads, these laws are essential to maintaining harmony and providing an attractive community to live, work and shop. The Village’­s codes and regulations are not intended to take away the rights of property owners. Rather, the codes maintain our quality of life that makes our village unique.

This information is intended to inform our community of the standards created to make our Village the best place to live in the Southern Tier. Here is an overview of some of the regulations:

• Animals: Dogs cannot run loose. Dogs and cats cannot be a nuisance to the neighborhood.
• Dumping: of snow, ice stones, grass clippings, dirt, rubbish, leaves, yard waste or other debris on vacant land, village streets or drainageways is prohibited.
• Fences: cannot be over six feet high in rear yard and three feet in front yard. Good side must be facing outward.
• Firewood: Neatly stacked, seven cords maximum, not more than 4 feet high or within three feet of property line and not stored in front yard.
• Grass, brush and weeds: Lawns must be mowed and kept free of noxious weeds, brush obstructions or rubbish.
• Parking: Cannot be in the front yard and must be in an established driveway. Cannot be on grass between sidewalk and street.
• Trailers, House Coaches and Vessels: Must be stored in established driveway and at least 15 feet from intersection of driveway and public road surface.
• Property Maintenance: All buildings and grounds must be in good repair. Yards must be kept clear of garbage, trash and debris.
• Rummage Sales: No more than 3 times a year and no longer that 5 consecutive days. Sales can only be conducted between 7:00am and 6:00pm. A sign no larger than 2′ x 2′ on property and cannot be attached to any utility pole, tree or any other public or private property. All goods not sold must be removed from view after sale.
• Sidewalks: Must be kept free and clear of obstructions and debris. Snow must be cleared within 24 hours of a storm event.
• Abandoned Vehicles: Any vehicle that is inoperable, unlicensed, unregistered or uninsured is considered a junk vehicle and is not allowed on private property except in an enclosed building. Placing a tarp over the vehicle does not satisfy the requirements.