Ordinances

Below are a few examples of what is contained in the Village Code. A copy of the Village Code Book is on file at the Village Clerk’s Office or can be viewed online here.

Snow Removal

Owners of property which adjoins a public sidewalk are obligated to keep the sidewalk free from snow and ice for the full width and length abutting the owner’s property within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall or after the snow has been deposited on the sidewalk. In the case that snow and ice on any sidewalk is frozen so hard that it cannot be removed without injury to the sidewalk, the property owner must spread, or cause to be spread, sand, salt, sawdust, or other suitable material. As soon as is practical thereafter, the sidewalk must be completely cleared of such snow and ice. If the property owner fails to comply within 24 hours they will be served with a notice to comply, which will be issued by the Code Enforcement Officer.

If property owners fail to remove the snow and/or ice from the sidewalks or to cover ice with salt, sand or like material within 24 hours of the service of the notice to comply, the Village may have the snow and ice removed or the sidewalk sanded and salted. The failure of an owner to comply within 24 hours after being served with a copy of a notice to comply, shall be a violation and shall be punishable by a fine as follows:

(1) For a first violation in any calendar year: $100.

(2) For a second violation in the same calendar year as the first violation: $200.

(3) For a third violation in the same calendar year as the first violation: $300.

(4) Each subsequent violation in the same calendar year as the first violation shall result in a fine of $300.

The Code Enforcement Officer will mail notice of fines for violation to the owner at the owner’s address on file for the billing of real property taxes. If the fine is not paid within 30 days of its mailing, it will become a lien upon the real estate adjoining the public sidewalk and shall be re-levied on the next Village real property tax bill.

For more information, read the New York Landmarks Conservancy article “Don’t Salt Your Steps: Winter Technical Tips”.

To view the amended Sidewalk Law, including a schedule of fines, click here.

Dogs

Village of Chatham Code Book, Chapter 30; Dogs and Other Animals.

Dog Licenses are provided by the Town Clerk of the Town of Chatham or the Town of Ghent, depending on the location of your residence. A map showing the Town boundaries within the Village can be viewed here. For more information, contact your Town Clerk.

Dog License Application (Town of Chatham)
Dog License Application (Town of Ghent)

Animal Control

If you need assistance contact the Animal Control Officer in your town. A map showing the town boundaries within the Village can be viewed here. For more information, contact your Town Clerk. For contact information, click on an individual’s name in the table below.

Town of Chatham Animal Control Officer: (518) 917-3330

Town of Ghent Dog Control Officer: (518) 392-5435

Town of Ghent Deputy Dog Control Officer: (518) 392-2062

Noise

The Village does not have a general noise ordinance, but some situations are covered in the code, such as barking dogs and home occupations.

For barking dogs, contact your town’s Animal Control Officer.

For all other matters, contact the Chief of Police.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps must not discharge into the sanitary sewer. This would cause problems at the sewage treatment plant. Improper sump pump installations are subject to a fine. If you have questions about your sump pump setup, contact the Building Inspector.

Parking

Vehicles parked on Village streets must be moved a minimum of once every 24 hours. Overnight parking on Village streets is prohibited year-round except where noted in the Village Code.

Fireworks

The sale and use of fireworks in the Village are prohibited, except by special permit. For more information, contact the Village Clerk.