Town of Islip

Town Attorney

Fire Prevention Bureau

1. With respect to filing a complaint, where are they filed and am I required to leave my name?
   
   All complaints are registered at the Central Complaint Unit, 631-224-5460 and complaints are filed only if the complainant identifies themselves; however, the complainant’s name is confidential and maintained in the Division of Code Enforcement and not released to anyone.
2. Can I have an unregistered vehicle on my property?
   
   No, you cannot keep an unregistered vehicles on your property.
3. Can I keep a commercial vehicle parked in driveway?
   
   You cannot park a commercial vehicle on your property overnight. Commercial vehicle being identified as a vehicle with writing on it (painted lettering) and/or the vehicle is over 9,000 pounds in weight/size.
4. Can a portable basketball hoop be kept in the street?
   
   No, they should be put back on the owner’s property after use.
5. My neighbor’s tree is hanging into my yard over my pool. Can I cut it back?
   
   You need to ask your neighbor for permission to cut back that part of the tree that is overhanging.
6. Can I keep a boat on my property?
   
   You can maintain a boat anywhere on your property. It would be a violation of Town Code if the placement of the boat is causing a motorist sight obstruction.
7. My neighbor’s fence is falling down onto my property, what can I do?
   
   This falls under civil matter between neighbors unless of course there is a pool in which case the owner of the property with the pool would need to have the fence repaired.
8. Are there setbacks for fences?
   
   Yes, there are setbacks; please call the Department of Zoning at 631-224-5438 to obtain setback information.
9. Do pools require fencing? Do you need a pool permit?
   
   Yes, above-ground and in-ground pools require fencing and you are required to obtain a pool permit prior to installation through the Building Department. Call Permits in the Building Department at 631-224-5469 to obtain al the requirements of a pool permit.
10. Can I have an apartment in my home?
    
    In order to have an “accessory apartment” in a single family dwelling, you must obtain an “accessory apartment permit” which is granted through the Town of Islip Board of Appeals. Call the Board of Appeals at 631-224-5489 to inquire about the application process as well as the criteria for an accessory apartment.
11. Can I have bedrooms in a cellar?
    
    No, there can be no sleeping in a cellar.
12. Is there a difference between a cellar and a basement?
    
    Yes, a cellar is 50% or more below grade level.
13. Thinking about renting or purchasing a home?
    
    Call us at 631-224-5548 to check for any possible violations on property and whether the property has a rental permit.
14. How do I obtain a rental permit for a single and two family dwelling?
    
    You would obtain the rental application from the Housing Division at 631-224-5474.