As a landscaping and hardscaping company that has served Dutchess, Greene and Ulster Counties in the mid-Hudson Valley for over 30 years, we keep a close eye on the local rules and regulations on property design and maintenance.
Many local laws targeting vacancy and blight prevention are no-brainers, but there are others that homeowners and business owners should keep in mind as guideposts as you plan out your dream backyard.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but here is a summary of some Hudson Valley towns’ local landscaping laws as of spring of 2025. Always go directly to the source to confirm the latest information.
Dutchess County
Beacon
In Beacon, permits are required for any planting, cutting, removal or changes for shade or ornamental trees, or shrubs, that are located in public highways, sidewalks or other public areas.
Homeowners and business owners must keep their property clear of weeds, brush, and not let grass get higher than ten inches. The city could then do the clearing themselves at your expense.
For landscaping businesses, we must be licensed in Beacon and adhere to specific hours, never working on Sundays and limited hours on weekends.
Hyde Park & Pawling
In both Hyde Park and Pawling, there is a requirement for parking lot landscaping. There must be at least one three-inch diameter tree for every ten parking spaces, and a minimum of 15% of the perimeter area has to be landscaped.
Town of Poughkeepsie
In the Town of Poughkeepsie, lawns have to be trimmed to a height of no greater than 12 inches, as the town wants to prevent overgrown grass that could be a nuisance for neighbors. Meanwhile, the Dutchess County Planning Department urges the integration of landscaping into a larger open space system, with the use of native plants, natural site features, and the connection of landscaping to surrounding greenery patterns.
In new developments, the town requires a landscaping plan that shall be maintained for the life of the site.
Village of Wappingers Falls
Wappingers Falls has regulations on fencing; while a permit is not required, you cannot have fences in your side or rear yards higher than six feet; in front yards, you cannot go higher than four feet.
Greene County
Coxsackie
In Coxackie, there are regulations about the maintenance of grass and bushes that are along public streets. For parking lots, owners must maintain a low overhead caopy of trees and 15% of the total paved area has to be landscaped. Curbed islands have to have at least one deciduous tree.
Greenville
Greenville’s Commercial Mixed-Use District has zoning regulations that state that agricultural-use buildings should harmonize with the area’s agricultural character through the appropriate use of materials, paint colors and landscaping.
Ulster County
City of Kingston
In the City of Kingston, there are regulations on landscaping for multi-family and non-residential properties that emphasize native species, specific requirements for landscape strips in certain zoning districts and regulations for the heigh of garden walls and fences.
Town of Kingston
The Town of Kingston says that you can’t grow your grass higher than ten inches.
Village of New Paltz
In New Paltz, certain projects require the submission of a landscaping plan prepared by a New York State-registered landscape architect. They require the permanent maintenance of landscaping, and the use of native and non-invasive plants.
Town of Saugerties
The Town of Saugerties has laws that regulate landscaping through specific buffer and screening requirements for country general stores, convenience stores, restaurants and bars, bed and breakfasts and inns. They also have detailed regulations for telecommunication facilities, which focus on preserving existing vegetation and screening the facility with plantings.
Town of Woodstock
In Woodstock, developed lots have to be maintained in a “dust-free” and “erosion-resistant” condition through suitable landscaping or hardscaping. For parking areas of three or more parking spots that are in or near a residential district, there must be a dense natural screen or other barrier.