The Department of Public Safety consists of four operating Divisions: Code Enforcement, Security, Animal Control, and Special Services. The Department is responsible for the majority of the uniformed enforcement and security activities within the Town. The nature of the work performed by the Department of Public safety is both proactive and reactive. Proactive by enforcing state and local laws and regulations as observed and reactive by responding to and investigating complaints filed by the citizens of the Town. This is accomplished by the various Divisions patrolling in a community oriented fashion in an area of 94 square miles and serving a population of over 200,000 residents. The Department of Public Safety maintains high standards of professionalism and uses modern training methods, vehicles, and equipment.

Click here to view the current list of Accessory Apartments in the Town of Huntington.

ADMINISTRATION

The Director serves at the direction of the Supervisor and Town Board.  He is the principle executive officer of the department and directly responsible for the administration of the department.

DIVISION OF ANIMAL CONTROL

The Division has the following responsiblilites:  Enforcement of  the Town of Huntington as well as any state or local laws, statutes, rules or regulations pertinent to the control of animals, including but not limited to the requirements of the Agriculture and Markets Law of the State of New York; the maintenance of the Town Animal Shelter as well as all non-enforcement programs of the Town Animal Shelter, and performance of other duties as may be deemed necessary by the Town Board or the Director of the Department.

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON DOG RUN

This dog run is for the use of Town of Huntington residents only.  All dog run users will please show consideration for all parties, including the neighbors.  Irresponsible owners who don't socialize, train or clean up after their dogs will JEOPARDIZE the privilege of having this dog run.  The dog run is located next to the Animal Shelter at the bottom of Deposit Road, East Northport and is open7 days a week from 7:30 am until dusk.

DOG RUN RULES

DIVISION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT

This Division has the following responsibilities:  Enforcement of the Town Code of the Town of Huntington, generally, as well as any state and local laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules or regulations pertinent to matters within the jurisdiction of town government, as follows:  Inspections to determine compliance with codes, ordinances, local laws, rules and regulations within the jurisdiction of the town; investigations to determine the existence of violations of codes, ordinances, laws, rules or regulations received and/or observed; and the performance of other duties as may be deemed necessary by the Town Board or the Director of the Department.  The Division consists of the Code Enforcement Bureau, the Accessory Apartment Bureau and the Sign Bureau.

DIVISION OF SPECIAL SERVICES

This division is responsible for the enforcement of handicapped parking codes and fire zone codes through the Handicapped Parking Enforcement Program (HPE) by utilizing the services of volunteers.  The Meter Maintenance Bureau performs the maintenance and repair of parking meters.  The Abandoned Vehicle Bureau conducts the identification and removal of abandoned vehicles within the town.

CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

• Can your office check to see if a structure (shed, deck, addition or pool) has a proper building permit and C.O.?

  Yes. If a complaint is made, we open an investigation. If necessary, notices are issued advising to legalize, remove or go to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

• What kind of fence is required around a pool?

We advise that pools must have minimum of 4' fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate(s). If a complaint is made, we do a field inspection. If necessary, notices are issued advising Town and State requirements on pool fencing.

• Can pools be drained onto roadway?

No. If a complaint is made, an inspector is then sent out to do a field investigation.

• What height of fence, and where can a fence be put on residential properties?

  We advise caller that if the fence is 6' in height or less, there is no set back requirement and no permit is necessary. If the fence is more than 6' in height, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the building department. If complaint is made, we open an investigation.

• Can we report an illegal apartment?

  Yes. We open an investigation. If violations exist, action is taken to bring dwelling into compliance by removal or legalization of the apartment.

• Can commercial vehicles be kept on residential properties?

  We advise complainant that it is a violation if the vehicle has 6 wheels or more, and parked or stored overnight on property. If complaint is made, we open an investigation.

• Can commercial vehicles be parked on the street?

  We advise that it is only a violation if a 6-wheeled vehicle is parked on the street between 10pm and 8am, or any time on Sunday. We also advise that since this office is not generally open to investigate allegations during these times, they may call the police to file a complaint, or be willing to file an affidavit in order for this department to take action.

• Can commercial businesses be conducted out of a residential house?

  We advise that if the business is a Doctor, Lawyer or Dentist Office, generally, the only requirement is a permitted use certificate from the building department. Any other type of business would have to go to the Zoning Board for approval. Then proper permits would have to be issued from the building department. If a complaint is made on an illegal business, we open an investigation.

• Can unregistered vehicles be stored on any property?

  Yes. Only one unregistered vehicle is allowed to be stored per lot. If a complaint is made that there is more than one unregistered vehicle, we open an investigation.

• What can be done about litter and debris on private property?

  We advise that if it can be seen from a public street, or an adjoining property, it is in violation of Town Code. If a complaint is made, an investigation is opened

• Where and when can garbage pails be put out for collection?

  We advise that garbage and receptacles can not be put out prior to 4:00 PM the evening before scheduled pick-up, and receptacles must be removed to behind the front line of the house no later than 12:00 PM the following day after pick-up. If a complaint is made, we open an investigation.

• Can boats, campers or trailers be stored on private property?

  We advise that if it is larger than 15', it must be stored behind the front line of the main structure. If a complaint is made, an investigation is opened

• What can be done about noise from construction, leaf blower, music, dog barking or unreasonable noise in general?

  We advise the complainant that our office sends a letter citing the Town Code violated. If further action is necessary we open an investigation.

• Can dumpsters be put on street?

We advise the complainant to contact the Highway Department for permits. If a complaint is made, we open an investigation.

On any complaints received, the complainant must advise us of the exact location of the alleged violation.

SECURITY DIVISION

What are the hours of the Security Division? The Division is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and be contacted at (631) 351-3234. 

When is a commuter permit needed to park at    any of the Town railroad stations?

A permit is required Monday through Friday between 5:00 AM and 5:00PM. Parking permits can be obtained from the Town Clerk's Office.

I received a parking violation returnable to the Town of Huntington, how much do I pay?

Contact the Traffic Violations Bureau at (631) 351-2840.

There is an abandoned vehicle on my street, what do I do?

Contact the Abandoned Vehicle Bureau at (631) 351-3234.

Should I spay or neuter my pet?

There are several advantages of having your pet spayed or neutered.

• For females, there is less mess to deal with during their 21-day heat cycle.
  
• Spaying a female before her first heat cycle reduces the chance of mammary tumors and uterine diseases.
  
• Neutered males tend to be less aggressive, less likely to mark their territory and roam less looking for potential mates.

Should I choose a puppy or adult dog?

Adult dogs are the best-kept secret of dog ownership. Most adult dogs bond quickly and require less time and energy.

Should I use a crate to train my new dog?

Crate training is the easiest way to acclimate him to his new environment, your home. It is also the best way to housebreak your new dog.

Where do I purchase a dog license?

The Town Clerk's Office issues New York State dog licenses. The applicant must provide a valid rabies certificate with their application. The Town Clerk's telephone number is 351-3206.

When is the Shelter Open?

The Animal Shelter is open seven days a week. Monday, through Friday we are open from 8AM to 6PM.  Saturday and Sunday the Shelter is open from 9AM to 4PM. Our telephone number is (631) 754-8722.

What can be done about dogs at large?

We advise complainant that Code Enforcement sends a letter citing the Town Code violated. If further action is necessary an officer will respond during normal business hours.

SIGN BUREAU

Do I need a permit for a sign on my storefront?

Yes.  All signs installed on a building need a sign permit.

Can I put a sign at my house for my home occupation?

Yes, if you go to the buiding department and apply for a permitted use for your home occupation.

Can I put advertising signs on telephone poles?

No.  Any facial sign painted, erected or affixed so that any portion of a sign extends above the highest point of a building or any sign on any telephone, telegraph, electric or lighting pole or on any traffic device or on any tree, stone or other natural object is not allowed.

How big can my sign be?

Sign sizes are based on the business district that the building is in.  The business district sizes can be found in the Town code under 198-92 or by calling 351-3140 during regular Town Hall business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Do I have to renew my sign permit?

Yes, every three years sign permits are renewed.  A letter will be sent out one month before it expires.

Can a sign be placed out by the road without a permit?

No.  Freestanding signs are allowed by permit only and can be installed when requirements are met with setbacks set forth in the town code.

Do awning signs need a permit?

Yes.  All print on awnings must have a permit.  You need a building permit for the awning itself from the building department.

Am I permitted to place a For Sale sign or realty For Sale sign on my property?  Also, am I permitted to place signs at other locations, i.e. town right-of-ways, directing traffic to specific locations?

Yes.  You may post one For Sale sign on your property ten feet from the curb.  No.  You may not post any other signs on the town right-of-ways.

Town of Huntington Sign Fees

as of 12/01/04

Application for all FACIAL signs up to 25 square feet is a minimum fee of $50.00.

All signs over 25 square feet shall be assessed at $2.00 per square foot.

All signs up to 25 square feet are $50.00.

Anything over 25 square feet add $2.00 per square foot.

Application for free-standing/monument signs up to 25 square feet is a minimum fee of $50.00.

All signs over the minimum square feet shall be assessed at $2.00 per square foot.

All free-standing/monument signs up to 25 square feet are $50.00.

All signs over the minimum square feet add $2.00 per square foot.

Additional fees will be charged for erecting or placing a sign without a permit.

The total fees for erecting or placing a sign anytime prior to issuance of the appropriate permit shall be three times the amount established by the above guidelines.

Renewals are due every three years.

Renewal fees as of 1/1/05 are a minimum fee of $50.00 for all signs below 50 square feet.    All signs above 50 square feet will be $50.00 plus $1.00 per square foot over the 50 square feet.

Temporary Event and Grand Opening Permits are a fee of $50.00.