Code Frequently Asked Questions

Is open burning allowed? 

No, there is no open burning in the Town and Village of Horseheads including burning in a rubbish barrel.

Can I have a campfire?

Bonfires and recreational fires are regulated by the Fire Code of New York State. A recreational or bonfire cannot be more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Any open fire that will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

Are there standards for premises identification? 

Yes, buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be arabic numbers or alphabetic numbers. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch.

What if I need a premises number? 

Contact the Town of Horseheads Assessors Office at (607) 739–0873 for pemises number assignment.

Can I run a home occupation from my property? 

Yes, with the following regulations.

• Must be one of the following types of business: Hairdresser or cosmetologist, barber, financial consultant, accountant, tutor, artist, author, licensed massage therapist, computer consultant, home secretary, contractor, custom dressmaking or tailoring, desktop publishing, professional office, cruise agent or mail order sales.
• Must be conducted by person owning and residing in the dwelling unit.
• Must be in dwelling unit living space. Cannot exceed 25% or 500 square feet of home whichever is less.
• Must be no external evidence of the occupation except for a sign not exceeding 2 square feet attached to dwelling.

Can I place a mobile home or double wide trailer in the Village?

Yes, but only in a mobile home park.

Can I place a temporary sign in front of my business? 

Yes, but by permit only and not for more than 60 consecutive days in any calendar year.

Are smoke detectors required in existing residential buildings?

Yes, The Property Maintenance code of New York State requires smoke detectors at all of the following locations:

• On each ceiling or wall outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms..
• In each room used for sleeping purposes.
• In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and unoccupied attics.

Can open flame cooking devices, such as LPG-fueled grills and charcoal burners be used on balconies or decks in apartment buildings?

No, they cannot be used on combustible balconies or decks. Cylinders greater than 2.5 lbs. cannot be stored on balconies. All cooking must be at least 10 feet from building.