Homeowner Information

Parking

  • Parking is limited to one side of the street so fire vehicles can pass safely through our narrow streets.

  • Overnight parking is NOT permitted on any street in Chester Park between 2:00am and 6:00am. Summons start at $25.  A reduced fine is usually available if the summons is paid within 24 hours. (If you have overnight guests and no room in your driveway, call the Pelham police at 914-738-2800 with the make, model and license plate of the car.)

  • The private gravel drive at the west end of the Park is for the use of the three houses it borders. Please do not park or drive on this road.

  • Please also refrain from driving in the Park.  Driving in the Park damages the grass and violates Village law.

[Village Code ch. 22]

Trash and leaf removal

For weekly Pelham schedule, click here.

Notes

  • Report a missed garbage pickup to info@pelhamgov.com with subject line "Garbage Complaint."

  • Household garbage put out Sunday evenings is fair game for neighborhood skunks and cats.  Be sure the lids are secure.

  • Fines for "Improper placement of garbage" and "rubbish infractions" are a substantial source of revenue for the town.  Try to follow the rules.

  • Holidays affecting household garbage and bulk trash collection are:

    • Martin Luther King Day

    • Presidents' Day

    • Memorial Day

    • Independence Day

    • Labor Day

    • Columbus Day

    • Thanksgiving Day

    • Christmas Day

Which is which?

Household garbage includes everything not mentioned below.

Organic waste refers to grass clippings, flowers, leaves, brush, twigs and  branches.  These items must be placed in:

  • a biodegradable paper bag

  • an open 30-35 gallon container or

  • tied in bundles that are a maximum of 3 feet long and 18 inches high.

Bulk metal includes large appliances such as dishwashers, hot water heaters, filing cabinets, metal fencing, bedframes and pipes. Refrigerators and ACs must be certified as freon-free.

Bulk trash includes large cardboard boxes, furniture, toys, carpets, etc.

It does NOT include:  any organic matter (tree trunks, roots and logs), construction debris (including porcelain sinks and paint cans), auto parts, TVs and computer monitors.  Contact any local landscaping, construction or automotive service for assistance with disposing these items.

Click Here for Pelham's Sanitation and Recycling FAQ.

Dog Licensing and Clean-up

  • Pelham requires annual licensing and tagging of dogs. The licensing fee is $16. Click here for the licensing application.

  • Village law also requires owners leash, curb and clean up after their pets. Although the leash law has been loosely enforced, dogs running free in the Park pose a liability to both the dog owner and members of CPA.

  • Nuisance laws permit residents to file complaints against owners of dogs which persistently bark or otherwise disrupt the community.

  • Contamination from dog waste is a chronic problem in Chester Park. While most Chester Park residents diligently clean up after their dogs, others do not. A large number of dog walkers also visit from the neighboring Mayflower and Pelhamdale apartments in New Rochelle.

[Village Code ch. 42]

The fight against dog pollution will have to be fought on many fronts. It begins with applauding those who clean up after their animals, and politely asking those who don't to "come back with a plastic bag."  

As a practical measure, dog walkers also need to be encouraged to select areas less frequented by children and other pedestrians, such as the green area along the south side of Willow (north of the Sanborn Map building).

Pelham's profusion of ordinances

Mowers and leaf blowers

Mowers, leaf blowers and other gas-powered tools may only be used during the following hours:

  • Weekdays: 8:00am to 5:30pm (commercial landscaping services)

  • Or 8:00am to 8:00pm (homeowners)

  • Saturday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

  • Sundays and holidays: Noon - 4:00pm

Leaf blowers are only permitted during "leaf season" (Oct. 15 to Dec. 15 and Mar. 15 to Apr. 30). You and your gardener are free to rake leaves or cut grass with a hand mower any time you wish.  You are NOT free to deposit your leaves in the Park or along its curbs.

Sidewalk maintenance and snow removal

Homeowners are responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear of snow, ice and low branches. The cement must also be kept in good repair. Sidewalk repaving requires a Village permit.

 [Village Code Ch. 76 and  81 ]

Fence construction

Fence construction requires a Town permit and must conform to specific height and transparency restrictions: side fences may be a maximum of 4 feet high; back fences may be 6 feet; all fences must be at least 25% "open" to permit visibility between properties (to facilitate police surveillance).

Signs

Signs may not be posted on either public property, such as utility poles, or front lawns. If you put up a "Cat found" or "House 4 Sale" sign the Police will ask you to take it down. Though the ordinance probably violates First Amendment rights, the Village is trying to prevent entrepreneurs from turning our public spaces into bill-boards. Political posters and "Lemonade for sale" signs seem to be exempt.

[Village Code ch. 77]

Details on the Village Code are available at the Village office (195 Sparks Ave. - 738-2015) or by clicking here.