What do Highway Right-Of-Ways mean to residents?
• Pursuant to New York State Highway Law, the Highway Superintendent inherits the obligation of keeping our highway right-of-ways clear and unobstructed. The setback requirements in our Zoning Ordinance are excellent and support the efforts of the Highway Superintendent. However, we are finding some landowners who are planting trees/bushes and installing fences in these right-of-ways. Please remind the sub-dividers/landowners/contractors etc., that you come in contact with, that they may not plant bushes, trees, or build anything in the highway right-of-way without prior approval from the Town Highway Superintendent. Usually a town highway right-of-way extends 16-25 feet from the edge of the pavement back into the yard. Section 8.C.(1) E.(1) Germantown Zoning Ordinance requires 20 feet and prior approval of the Highway Superintendent. Our Highway Superintendent, Richard Jennings, will be glad to meet with any landowner that is thinking about planting trees or a hedge, or erecting a fen
