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1. When do the Boards meet?

- The Board of Appeals and Planning Board normally meet once a month.
- The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) meets about every 2 weeks.
- The Committee for Historic Preservation meets once a month.

2. What do I need to do to obtain a pre-date letter or certificate of use and occupancy for an existing structure or building?

Instructions: Pre-date Letters and Certificates of Use and Occupancy (PDF)

3. How long does it take to get the plans reviewed by the Building Department after BAR approval?

Normally, 1 to 4 weeks depending on the work load.

4. When do I need a building permit?

A permit is required for all work except ordinary maintenance. Refer to the New York State Residential and Building Code for "Scope".

5. Do I need a building permit for a fence?

Yes, because the fence must meet Zoning Code requirements and must also have approval for the type of fence installed. Approval of the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) is also usually required.

6. Do I need a permit for installing or replacing a sidewalk, walkway or patio?

Yes, because lot coverage requirements must be met.

7. Do I need a building permit to replace my roof?

Roof shingles may be replaced without a permit. Wood shingles are prohibited. Any work other than shingles requires a permit.

8. Do I need a permit for bathroom or kitchen alterations or renovations?

Yes, because Building Code compliance must be checked.

9. Do I need a permit for paving or repaving a driveway?

Yes, because the lot coverage requirements must be met.

10. Do I need a permit to install a pool or tennis court?

You not only need a Building Permit, but you must also get a Special Use Permit from the Board of Appeals.

11. Do I need a permit to install a television satellite dish?

Pursuant to the Village Code, receive-only satellite dishes less than 1 meter in size can be installed without a building permit or approval of the Board of Appeals. However larger installations may require a Special Use Permit from the Board of Appeals. Regardless of the size of the installation.

12. What Boards might be involved in my application for a building permit?

You may need the approval of:
- The Board of Appeals if a zoning question is involved pertaining to setbacks, lot coverage, use, pools and tennis courts, etc.
- The Planning Board if a problem is involved concerning wetlands, subdivisions, lots at a distance from a street, non-residential use in a residential zone, etc.
- The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) if the appearance of the building is changed by alterations and/or additions.
- The Committee for Historic Preservation if demolition or substantial demolition of a structure is involved.

13. Does approval of the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) mean I have a building permit?

No, the building department must still review the plans for conformance to Codes. You must request this review after BAR approval.

14. When does the Building Department review the plans for conformance to Code?

If the application does not involve any of the boards, the plans are reviewed chronologically as they come over the counter.

If the BAR has approved the application, the applications are reviewed chronologically as requests are received following the BAR hearing. The reasons for this are that some applications do not have construction documents.

15. Where can I find the building Department fees?

Under the building department section of the Village-Wide Fees and Charges Schedule

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1. What can I see on Scarsdale Government Television?

Scarsdale Government Television cablecasts live regular night meetings of the Village Board of Trustees on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Resident public access programming, such as "Food for Thought" and "From the Couch", is a regular staple. There are also programs of public and community interest such as a regular weekly program by Assemblywoman Paulin and the Scarsdale Adult School's "Conversations", an interview show. Programming is cablecast from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.. At all other times there is a message bulletin board with information from Scarsdale's governmental and community organizations, accompanied by background music.

2. Who do I call when I am having a problem with my cable television service?

Scarsdale residents with problems or complaints regarding cable television service should first contact Cablevision at 777-9000 or Verizon at 1-888-441-4292. Cablevision & Verizon must comply with certain state and local customer service standards. If your concern is not satisfactorily addressed by the cable company please call the Village's Cable TV Coordinator at 722-1107.

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1. When can fines be paid?

The Court is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fines may be paid from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

2. When is the Village Court in session?

Court is in session every Wednesday. Traffic and criminal summonses are answerable at 9:15 a.m., the Criminal Calendar is called beginning at 9:30 a.m. and parking tickets answerable from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m., no later.

Small Claims trials are generally scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of each month. Extra civil and traffic trial days are scheduled as needed.

3. Is a personal appearance necessary in answering summonses?

No. Pleas of "guilty" and "not guilty" may be entered by mail. The Court will send further instructions and/or information by return mail. Please call the court to inquire at 914-722-1120

4. What happens when a defendant ignores a traffic summons?

If a defendant fails to respond to a traffic summons in person or by mail, fails to appear for a scheduled trial and/or fails to pay the fine, the Motor Vehicle Bureau is notified. The DMV will then suspend the driver's license and the driver will be subject to a misdemeanor charge if stopped by a police officer while driving with a suspended license.

5. How many points do various traffic infractions carry?

The point system is controlled by the Motor Vehicle Bureau. The Court does not assign the points, nor can the Court prevent points from being given for moving violations.

6. Will the insurance company increase a driver's premiums for a traffic infraction?

The Court has no control over insurance company practices. For information about possible premium increases, one should contact their insurance company or insurance broker.

7. Are there any helpful hints for dealing with the Court?

Please remember that the Court's personnel are there to be helpful. None of the clerks were driving your car. None of them parked it; and none of them issued the ticket. The court clerks don't make up the rules or penalties, and they want to help you as much as possible.

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1. Where can I discharge the water from my basement sump pump?

For best management practices, sump pumps should be connected to an owner maintained dry well or detention basin when available.  If that is not an option, permission to connect to a municipal drainage facility through the street right-of-way permit process may be a second resort.  With regard to code, sump pumps can not be discharged into a laundry tub, sink or any pipe in the house's sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps that are illegally connected to the sanitary sewer system overload the system, cause sewage to back up and are a violation of the Westchester County Sanitary Code and Village code.  All new installations of pumps, drainage facilities and related items do require permits from the Village.  Owners are strongly urged to contact Building and Engineering Department staff should they have any questions.

2. Do I need a permit for a project I am planning?

Call 914-722-1106 before you formalize any agreements or contracts.

3. What can I plant within 13 feet of a roadway?

You must have approval from the Village Engineer to plant any trees or bushes in this area other than grass and low ground cover. On most streets the Village right of way extends approximately 13 feet from the edge of the pavement. You can call the Engineering Department at 914-722-1104 to get an exact distance. If you have a survey of your property it would be helpful.

4. What must I do to install a circular driveway?

Circular driveways are approved by the Village Engineer. Submit a scaled drawing of the proposed driveway. Circular driveways are limited to properties having at least 130 feet of frontage and cannot be closer than 125 feet to an intersection. They also have to be approved by the Board of Architectural Review. A more complete listing of the guidelines for driveways can be obtained from the Building or Engineering Departments.

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1. Where do I get a counter-top pail and bin?

The Village of Scarsdale is offering “Starter Kits” to residents which can be easily purchased at the Recycling Center office for $20. Payment may be made by credit card, debit card, or personal check made payable to the Village of Scarsdale. Kits include one 2-gallon counter-top pail, one 6-gallon home storage & transportation bin and one roll of 25 compostable bags for your pail. If you wish to receive an at-home consultation on how to get started in food scrap recycling, please fill out the

Food Scrap Recycling Consultation Form

2. Am I required to use the countertop pail being offered by Scarsdale?

Residents may use any bin they would like to collect food scraps. Any container with a snug fitting lid that will fit under your sink or on your kitchen counter will work. Suggested sizing for the countertop pail is from 1 to 2.5 gallons. Suggested sizing for the storage and transportation bin is 5 to 6 gallons.

3. Where can I purchase additional compostable bags?

Durable compostable bags are available for purchase at the Scarsdale Recycling Center office (110 Secor Road) for $2.00/roll of 25 bags and are sized to fit up to a 2.5-gallon kitchen caddy. Payment may be made by credit card, debit card, or personal check made payable to the Village of Scarsdale; cash is not accepted.

We make food scrap recycling easy, neat, and clean!

4. Can I use plastic bags labeled “biodegradable”?

“Biodegradable” plastic bags are not accepted in the food scrap recycling bins. Compostable bags are made of plant-based materials that break down in the composting process. Plastic bags labeled “biodegradable” are made of plastic that breaks down into small pieces of plastic and will contaminate the compost.

5. Am I required to use compostable bags?

Using a compostable bag is not required. You can either use a compostable bag, a paper bag, or no bag.

6. Will composting be messy or smelly?

Collecting food scraps should not be any more messy or smelly than putting food scraps in your trash. The same materials are being collected – just in a different container. Using compostable bags with your pail will also keep everything cleaner.

7. What happens to the food scraps after they leave the recycling facility?

All material collected is processed and made into compost by a commercial composting facility outside of Scarsdale with specialized processes to quickly break down the organic matter - even meat scraps, fish and bones. The compost is then sold to landscapers and garden centers.

8. What is the difference between using the Scarsdale Food Scrap Recycling service and backyard composting?

Good compost can be made in a backyard composter or in a commercial composting facility. The difference between the two is that a backyard composter is limited to certain foods (fruits, vegetable, coffee grounds, egg shells) while a commercial composting facility can accept any food. Food such meat, fish, dairy, bones, shells, pasta, bread, rice, fats and oils can all be composted at a commercial facility. If you already have a backyard composter, it is suggested to keep composting in your backyard and use this service for those foods that can’t go into a backyard composter.

9. Why Compost?

Food makes up 30% of what people sends to landfills and incinerators, which then creates greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. When composted, food scraps and organic waste can be turned into a soil amendment that helps grow more plants, fruits and vegetables!

10. Do I need to notify the Sanitation Department if I am away and wont be putting out my food scrap bin?

No. Once you are signed up, you do not need to notify the Sanitation Department about weeks you will not be putting out your bin.  Like all other Sanitation Dept services, even if you do not put out your bin one week, as long as you are registered for curbside food scrap pickup, the Sanitation Department will still continue to stop at your home weekly for your curbside food scrap recycling pickup.  For any changes to your service, such as moving to a new house, please contact composting@scarsdale.com or call the Sanitation Department at 917.722.1294.

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1. What is the Village policy with regard to shade tree maintenance?

Shade trees are located throughout the Village usually in the strip of land in the Village right-of-way between the edge of the pavement and the private property line. It has been the Village's practice to perform maintenance on these trees as required based on observations by the Public Works staff or based on requests by the public to either inspect or remove a tree. In the Spring of each year the Highway Division prepares a list of trees needing work and these trees are serviced throughout the summer with the goal of having all work performed prior to the beginning of the fall leaf season (usually about October 15th).

If you believe that a tree is in need of maintenance, please call the Highway Department at 722-1285. Upon notification of a need for maintenance the Village will inspect the tree and decide what action is appropriate.

If the tree is entangled in the electric wires overhead, we will notify Consolidated Edison to remove the canopy of the tree. After Con Ed has "topped" the tree the remainder to the tree trunk will be removed by Village forces. In those cases where the tree is not entangled in the overhead electric wires, the Village will schedule removal of the tree based on our estimate of the danger to the public. Once the tree trunks are removed the remaining stumps are left to naturally disintegrate except in those cases where a specific request is made to have the stump removed. In this case the Village will remove the stump during winter months as time permits.

New trees to replace the removed trees will be replaced only upon request of the adjoining property owner. The Village plants new trees annually in the spring.

2. What should I do in case of a sewage backup?

During normal working hours (7am to 5pm Monday through Friday except holidays) call the Village Department of Public Works at 722-1150 or 722-1285. At all other times call the Police Department at 722-1200. The Police Department will contact the Public Works emergency response crews to inspect the Village main line sewer. It is important that the main line be checked first to make certain that it is not blocked. It is also important that you do not remove the sewer clean out cover in your home until you are certain that the main line sewer (usually in the street) is running freely. Please be sure not to throw anything other than toilet paper in the toilet. Tissue, rags, baby wipes, and other disposable will clog the line.

3. Can I remove trees on my private property?

Activities that require a tree removal permit from the Village Engineer:

1) The removal of 3 or more trees exceeding 6 inches DBH (diameter of a tree trunk measured at 54 inches above the ground) per lot per 12 month period.

2) Trees identified to be removed or protected as a result of a Land Use Board determination.

3) Removal of replacement trees 6 inches or less DBH that are planted as a result of a Land Use Board determination or pursuant to Section 281-10.

4) Removal of tree(s) determined to be preserved by a Land Use Board for at least 2 growing seasons after the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Land Use Board approval.

Also, the removal of any of the following species of trees requires a permit from the Village Engineer:

1) American Elm

2) American Beech Tree

3) Heritage Trees (a tree designated by the Board of Architectural Review to be unique and of importance of the community)

4) Any tree in a wetland or wetland buffer area - in accordance with Chapter 171 - Freshwater Wetlands of the Scarsdale Village Code.

A resident may remove a tree(s) on private property as-of-right provided any of the following:

1) Trees 6 inches DBH or less can be removed with no restrictions.

2) Removal of up to 2 trees exceeding 6 inches DBH per lot per 12 month period. A tree removed that is 36 inches DBH or greater must be replaced with a replacement tree.

A tree may be removed under an actual or ongoing emergency for the protection of life or property. If a tree is determined by a Tree Expert to be dead, dying, hazardous or diseased, a report from the Tree Expert must be submitted to the Village Engineer. A tree may also be removed if considered an invasive species (a non-native species that adversely affects the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically and are listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE)).

For further reference or clarification, please see Chapter 281 - Trees, Grass, Brush and Weeds of the Scarsdale Village Code. Access to the Code is available on-line.

4. Who repairs curb stones?

Throughout the Village there is a variety of curbing types. These range from a simple asphalt "hip" to granite curbing. The Village standard for curbing in residential neighborhoods is sixteen inch Westchester granite laid with open joints. Based on available budget appropriations the Village will install curbing for drainage control protection of road surface and right-of-way. New curbing is usually installed at the expense of the fronting property owner in accordance with the Village standard for aesthetic purposes only. Once acceptable curbing is installed, it will be maintained by the Village. Existing granite curbing is usually raised when the street is repaved if the amount of curb face available for drainage control is reduced to a point that the curbs drainage control function is seriously reduced. On occasion when drainage requirements justify it, the Village will install an asphalt "hip" along private property to protect it from erosion.

5. How do I know where my property begins?

Most right-of-ways in residential streets are fifty feet wide. The cartway (that portion of the street which is paved) is normally twenty four feet wide. Therefore if the cartway is centered in the right-of-way, there is a thirteen foot wide strip on either side of the cartway between the pavements edge and the property line. This can vary considerably however. Your property survey will show the distance from the front of your house to the Village right-of-way.

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1. How does the Village's Annual Fall Leaf Collection work?

The Village of Scarsdale's Annual Fall Leaf Collection Program in which leaves from residential properties are placed in piles at the curb line and collected with leaf vacum trucks by Village public works crews is costly with a total of $680,028 budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Adopted Budget. Often due to wind, rain or improper placement these leaf piles end up in the street narrowing vehicular travel lanes resulting in traffic safety concerns. These leaves are also prone to blocking stormwater access to catch basins resulting in localized street flooding and phosphate runoff into our waterways. Fortunately, there is an alternative leaf management practive, on-site leaf mulching! On-site leaf mulching involves shredding leaves where they are and utlizing the shredded leaves as a winter mulch and/or compost for the lawn

2. What is Leaf Mulching?

Leaf mulching is the practice of chopping leaves into small pieces. Mulched leaves can be left on your lawn, as they fall between the grass blades and disappear, or piled 3" or 4" deep on garden beds and around shrubs where they act as a protective layer in the winter and, in the growing season, prevent weed growth and help conserve water. Leaf mulch decomposes over time, and adds important nutrients and structure to the soil.

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1. What entitles a person to be able to use the Scarsdale Parks and Recreation Facilities?

A resident is a person residing on a property on which the dwelling unit is partly or completely located in the boundaries of the Village of Scarsdale. The Department obtains a residency listing from the Board of Education resident census. If your name does not appear in this listing, proof of residency will be required.

2. How can I find out about all the activities that the Recreation Department offers?

The Department sends two brochures a year to each household. Our Fall/Winter Brochure is sent the first week of September covering the period of time between September through March. Our Spring/Summer Brochure is sent mid-March covering the period of time between March and August. This newsletter includes our Pool, Tennis, and Day Camp applications. Also, there is a pull-out Youth Sports Guide for Elementary School Children in the Fall/Winter Brochure for easy reference of Youth Sports Program registration and contact information.

3. How can I become a member of the swimming pool?

The Department administers photo ID cards beginning April 1st which each member needs to obtain to become a pool member.

4. How do I obtain a tennis permit?

The Department administers photo ID cards beginning April 1st. Tennis permits must be renewed annually for each April 1 through March 31 season.

5. How do I find out details on a particular program?

Click on a link in the "Program Registration Forms" and "Recreation Brochures" section above for more information. (Adobe Acrobat reader required). Flyers are also available in the Recreation Department office.

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1. What do I do with hazardous materials and old paints?

Any material classified as hazardous waste must be brought to the Household Material Recovery Facility in Valhalla. Empty paint cans may be brought to the recycling center at 110 Secor Road. You can find out more information by calling the Recycling HelpLine at 914-813-5425, visit the Household Material Recovery Facility website.

2. When is my yard waste collected?

Yard waste is collected once a week throughout the Village, except on holiday weeks when there is no yard waste collection.

Please tie up branches, and place leaves, grass and other organic material in biodegradable bags at the curb.

3. What do you collect as recyclables?

In the paper stream you may put out newspapers, corrugated cardboard, magazines, junk mail, telephone phone books and catalogs. These items are collected at the curb every other Wednesday.

In the commingled stream you may put glass bottles, tin cans, aluminum cans, foil trays and plastic bottles numbers 1 through 7.

4. What are the hours of the Recycling Center?

The Recycling Center, located at 110 Secor Road, is open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Want to meet some new friends? Stop in on a Saturday -- it is the place to be! Learn about recycling, drop-off some textiles (any condition) to be re-used or recycled, or perhaps donate a piece of furniture for a worthy cause. Although we have started a new curbside food scrap recycling service, which one needs to sign-up for, food scrap drop-off is still available, as well! Food scrap recycling starter kits and supplies are available for purchase at ultra-competitive prices (at-cost); all payments are check, only. See you there! 

5. When is my collection?

For a complete collection schedule for Garbage, Recyclables, Bulky Waste and Yard Waste call 914-722-1294 or view the Sanitation and Recycling Collection Schedule (PDF)

6. What can I put out for bulky waste collection?

Bulky waste consists of furniture, appliances or metal items. Refrigerators must have the doors removed. Construction demolition is not considered bulky waste and will not be removed by Village crews.

7. What time should I place my garbage, recyclables or bulky trash for collection?

All materials for collection shall be placed for collection no later than 7 a.m. of the day of collection and no earlier than the day preceding the scheduled collection.

8. What if my house is missed on my collection day?

If for some reason we miss your house on any of your scheduled collection days call 914-722-1294 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. After 3:30 p.m. call 914-722-1150 and leave a message.

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1. Can I request that a STOP sign be installed to slow down vehicles?

In accordance with the New York State Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the proper use of stop signs are as safety measures to determine the right of way at intersections experiencing sufficient traffic and vehicular accidents and where poor visibility, unusual geometry or unexpected traffic conflicts exist. When stop signs are installed to slow down speeders, drivers tend to actually increase their speed between signs to compensate for the time lost by stopping. Some drivers tend to accelerate rapidly after a stop, possibly creating an unsafe situation. Studies have shown that most drivers reach their top speed within 100 feet of a stop sign.

2. Which traffic laws apply to pedestrians?

Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals, signs and pavement markings when they are crossing a street [Section 1150, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. Pedestrians are not allowed on expressways or interstate highways.

3. What is the law regarding crosswalks?

When there is no traffic control signal, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, particularly if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk on the same side of the road, or there is potential danger to the pedestrian [Section 1151, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. In addition, every driver approaching an intersection or crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian accompanied by a guide dog or a cane [Section 1153-c, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

4. What if there isn't a crosswalk?

If there isn't a crosswalk, sign or signal at mid-block locations, a pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway [Section 1152, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

5. What about sidewalks?

The driver of a vehicle, when entering or exiting from an alleyway, building, private road or driveway must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on a sidewalk [Section 1151-a, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks where they are provided and safe to use. When sidewalks are not provided, a pedestrian is required to walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic [Section 1156-b, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

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1. I just moved to Scarsdale. Does my dog need a license?

Yes, if it is 4 months of age or older. New York State requires all dogs older than four months to be licensed within the municipality where the dog is "harbored." Proof of neutering or spaying is required, along with the appropriate fee. Also, proof of rabies vaccination is required each year when renewal is due.

Dog License Fee Information

2. How do I get a parking permit for the parking facilities at the commuter train station?

For information on getting a parking permit for the parking facilities at the commuter train station, please visit the main parking page.

3. I intend to get married in New York State. What do I need to get a marriage license in Scarsdale?

Please visit the Village Clerk's page to view what is required to get a marriage certificate.

4. I live in Scarsdale. How do I get a handicapped parking permit?

If you qualify as "a severely disabled" person, an application for the permit is available at the Clerk's Office. You will also need a certification letter from a physician on the physician's official stationery. The letter must be dated, state that the patient is permanently (or temporarily) disabled, and describe the disability.

According to the Vehicle and Traffic Law, a "severely disabled person" is one having one or more of the following permanent impairments:
1. Limited or no use of one or both legs
2. A neuro-muscular dysfunction which severely limits mobility
3. Another type of physical or mental disability which prevents the person from getting around without great difficulty and makes use of public transportation difficult
4. Blindness

A temporary (maximum of 6 months) permit can be issued for a severely disabling condition that is expected to improve, such as a broken leg.