Oyster Bay, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 135 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 135-52
Garbage and refuse; height or vegetation
Operative Text
A. Adequate sanitary facilities and methods shall be used for the collection, storage, handling and disposal of garbage and refuse. B. In multiple dwellings, it shall be prohibited to store or accumulate garbage or refuse in public halls and stairways. C. It shall be unlawful for any owner of real property within the Town or the agent of such owner and/or any person, firm or corporation occupying any real property within the Town to permit: (1) Lawns, weeds, grass, brush and growth of vegetation of any kind to obtain a height in excess of eight inches. (2) Garbage, litter, refuse, rubbish or rubble to accumulate thereon.
Oyster Bay, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 135 § 135-52 establishes two categories of property maintenance requirements. First, garbage and refuse must be collected, stored, handled, and disposed of using adequate sanitary methods, and in multi-unit buildings refuse may not be left in shared hallways or stairways. Second, property owners, their agents, and occupants are prohibited from allowing vegetation—including lawns, weeds, grass, and brush—to exceed eight inches in height, or from allowing garbage, litter, or rubble to accumulate on the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 135 § 135-52, compliant property owners and managers generally ensure that trash receptacles are properly maintained and that refuse is never left in common areas such as hallways or stairways in multi-family buildings. They also routinely monitor outdoor areas to keep all vegetation trimmed below the eight-inch threshold and arrange for timely removal of any accumulated litter or debris. Because the ordinance applies to owners, their agents, and occupants alike, operators of rental properties commonly address these standards in lease agreements and conduct periodic property inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 135-52 of the Oyster Bay Code of Ordinances gives occupants a clear picture of their own obligations: they are among the parties who can be held responsible for overgrown vegetation or accumulated refuse on property they occupy, not just the owner. Tenants who observe violations—such as a landlord failing to provide adequate refuse facilities or allowing common-area hallways to fill with garbage—may have grounds to raise those conditions through the Town of Oyster Bay's code enforcement process. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing the Town's complaint procedures can help clarify what options are available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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