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Assessment

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1. How do market changes impact assessments?

For example, four homeowners purchased homes in Horseheads for $100,000 in 2002. Over the years, the value of the real estate has changed. House A may now sell for $80,000, house B may still sell for $100,000, house C may now sell for $120,000 and house D may now sell for $160,000. Updating the assessments will reflect the new market values and will fairly distribute the tax burden based on the current market value of each property.

2. What percentage of market value is my home assessed at?

The Assessor inventories and values Real Property at a uniform percentage of value which is 99% for the Town of Horseheads.

3. How do I challenge my assessment?

The Assessor's office accepts informal assessment review requests annually from July 1st through March 31st. Formal reviews are conducted annually on Grievance Day, the 4th Wednesday in May. An application must be filed in hard copy format at the assessor's office on or before 8 pm on the 4th Wednesday of each May. The Assessor's Office begins accepting Grievance applications on May 1st; early filing is encouraged.

4. What is STAR?

STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief Program that provides an exemption on a portion of school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences. There are two types of STAR exemptions: Enhanced and Basic.

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Codes & Permits

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1. What are the Code Enforcement Office hours?

Code Enforcement Office Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-10:00am and 3:00pm -3:45pm.

2. I am moving my business to a new location in the Town of Horseheads. What approvals do I need from the Town of Horseheads?

In some cases, the business needs to have a site plan review by the Planning Board. In other cases, a Building Permit will be required and a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. All new businesses will require a fire inspection before opening.

3. Does the Town of Horseheads conduct Fire Inspections in commercial buildings?

Yes, all commercial buildings are inspected every three years and all places of assembly every year.

4. Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms required in all dwelling units and commercial buildings?

Yes, all dwelling units are required to have a carbon monoxide alarm and by June 2016 all commercial buildings must have a carbon monoxide alarm installed.

5. Do I need a Building Permit for re roofing and shingle replacement?

All reroofing including shingle layover must have building permits.

6. Can open flame cooking devices, such as LPG-fueled grills and charcoal burners be used on balconies or decks in apartment buildings?

No, cannot be used on combustible balconies or decks. Cylinders greater than 21/2 pounds. cannot be stored on balconies. All cooking must be at least 10 feet from the building.

7. Are smoke detectors required in existing residential buildings?

Yes, The Property Maintenance Code of New York State requires smoke detectors at all of the following locations:

• On each ceiling or wall outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
• In each room is used for sleeping purposes.
• In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and unoccupied attics.

8. Can I place a temporary sign in front of my business?

Yes, but by permit only and not for more than 30 consecutive days in any calendar year.

9. Can I place a mobile home or double wide trailer in the town?

Yes, but only in a mobile home park.

10. Can I conduct door to door sales?

Yes, with permit that is issued by Town Clerk.

11. Can I have an unlicensed vehicle on my property?

No, must be licensed, registered, and operable. Cannot be tarped but can be stored inside a garage without a proper license.

12. Are there standards for premises identification?

Yes, buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetic numbers. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches.

13. Can I erect an open sided canopy on my property?

Tents and membrane structures having an area in excess of 200 square feet and canopies in excess of 400 square feet shall not be erected, operated, or maintained for any purpose without approval from the code enforcement office.

Exceptions 

• Tents are exclusively used for recreational camping purposes. 
• Fabric canopies and awnings open on all sides with a maximum size of 700 square feet, multiple canopies adding up to 700 square feet without fire breaks of 12 feet to all structures, and a minimum of 12 feet to all structures and tents.

All tents and canopies cannot be erected for more than 180 days in a 12-month period.

14. Can I have a camp fire?

Bonfires and recreational fires are regulated by the Fire Code of New York State. A recreational or bonfire cannot be more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Any open fire that will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

15. Is open burning allowed?

No, there is no open burning in the Town and Village of Horseheads. This also includes burning in a rubbish barrel.

16. What is zoning?

Zoning regulates the use of land within its boundaries. The zoning regulations have different zoning districts with each district having different permitted uses and requirements. The purpose is to:

• Promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the community
• Reduce congestion on the streets and highways
• Ensure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers
• Provide adequate light and air
• Prevent overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population
• Establish zones wherein regulations concerning the land and structures, the density of development, the size of yards, the percentage of lots that may be occupied and the provisions of parking will be set forth to encourage the most appropriate development

17. When do I not need a permit?

Residential

• Siding
• Replacement windows
• Non-structural necessary repairs
• Fences that meet zoning requirements

Commercial

Check with the office at 607-739-7605.

18. When do I need a permit?

New York State and Town of Horseheads laws mandate when a permit is required. The following is to use as a guideline.

Residential

• New construction of homes, garages, and carports
• Addition and alterations of buildings
• Storage buildings 120square feet and over, including prefabricated buildings delivered to the site
• Decks and porches
• Enclosing porches, decks
• Extending roofs over decks and porches
• Rebuilding and structural renovations
• Swimming pools above and in-ground including decks around pools - Installation of woodstoves, fireplaces, and chimneys
• Demolition and removal of buildings

Commercial

• New construction
• Most improvements, alterations, enlargements, repairs, and changes of tenants
• Signs, including temporary signs
• Change of Occupancy

19. How do I apply for a job with the town?

You can send an application to:

Town of Horseheads
150 Wygant Road
Horseheads, NY 14845

You can also call 607-739-8783 to see if there is an opening. Some of the jobs require you to take a Civil Service Test. You can check Chumeng County Civil Service Examination Calendar for more information. 

20. How do we obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for permit?

A final inspection must be performed and any required paperwork (electrical inspection, pre-engineered truss certification, etc) must be on file with the Code Enforcement Officer.

21. Do electrical installations need to be inspected?

Yes, all inspections are performed by a third-party agency. A list of agencies will be on the building permit card when a permit is issued.

22. What type of building permit inspections are required?

During construction inspection of footers, foundation, framing, insulation, plumbing, and a final inspection to close out a permit is required. A list of inspections will be given when a permit is issued.

23. How long is a building permit good for?

A permit is good for one year from the date of issue and can be renewed for six months upon payment of a fee.

24. How long does it take to obtain a building permit?

If all documentation is received and insurance papers are in order usually within a day or two. However, new construction, major additions, and other permits could take up to two weeks depending on workload.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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Parks and Recreation

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1. What are the rules of the facility?

This link will take you to the Rules page. /DocumentCenter/View/139/Rules-and-Regulations-of-the-Use-of-the-Holding-Point-PDF 

2. Are dog's allowed in the park?

Yes but they must be on a leash and under control at all times. 

There are also 10 dog waste stations to pick up after your dog when neccessary.

3. What we expect of our patrons?

We appreciate that if you moved something that you return it to where you got it from.

Show respect to our staff, umpires and other patrons of the park. This is a place for youth there is no need for foul language.

Please pick up after yourself and your dog.

Please follow all Rules set forth for the facility.

4. What are the Guidelines for the BMX track?

The following link will take you to the BMX track guidelines /173/BMX-Track-Guidelines.

The Track will be closed whenever the track is too wet and it is asked of riders to check with staff before entering the track area. 

5. What are Park Hours?

7am till 8pm or sunset.

6. What is the Park Season?

April 1st to October 31st. There may be limited Days open Before April 1st for Elmira College Baseball/Softball only.

7. What amenities does the park provide?

Inside the park is .7 miles long walking path, 4 softball fields, 4 little league baseball fields, 1 large baseball field, two batting cages, a BMX track, and large pavilion with bathrooms included. 

Outside of the main park is two multiuse fields and a box lacrosse field. 

 

8. What fields can be reserved?

Multi-Use fields on the east and west side of Town Hall, BMX Track, Fields 1-9 and the Holding Point Complex, Breesport Community Park and Hazlett Park.  

9. Are reservations required to use the fields?

No but it is suggested to do so during busy times of the year. If an organization reserves the field, they have the right to that field during their time requested. No fields will be held for an organization without reservation. Therefor if you give us a schedule for practice but don't reserve the field if another organization wants to reserve the field they will be allowed to.

10. Where do I find the Calander for Field availability?

This link https://horseheadsny.myrec.com/info/facilities/default.aspx will take you to the site for the field schedule. 

11. Who plays at the facility?

We are the proud home of The Elmira College Softball and Baseball programs.

Many Youth baseball programs use our facilities such as Horseheads little league (HHLL), Finger Lake Falcons, and Corning Elite.

Many Youth Softball programs use our facilities such as Horseheads girls' softball Association (HGSA), Rebels, Fury and a few others occasionally. 

Horseheads youth Lacrosse, Horseheads BMX, and Chemung Valley Soccer Association (CVSA), and a senior softball league also use our facilities. 

12. What is the price for field reservations for local league play?

All fields rental for two (2) hours is $15.

All fields rental for four (4) hours is $25.

13. Cost to reserve fields for Tournaments?

Softball Fields (4) one day event $150

Youth Baseball fields (4) one day event $150

Softball Fields (4) two day event $300

Youth Baseball fields (4) two day event $300

Adult Baseball Field one day event $150

Adult Baseball Field two day event $300

14. How do I reserve a field(s)?

This link will take you to the application /DocumentCenter/View/138/Holding-Point-Application-PDF.

15. What do we provide for tournaments?

We provide staff to drag fields before the start of the tournament and start of every day. We will not drag between individual games except for Championship games if desired.

We will line the fields to start each day then reline between all games, including raking home plate and pitching mound.

We will maintain the garbage and recycle containers throughout the tournament.

We will try to provide at least 1 food truck for the tournament unless stated you don't want one.

Bathrooms will be cleaned every morning and checked threw out the day. 

16. How many bags of drying material is allowed?

For Games and Tournaments 3 bags per field and anything over will be charged to the organization for reimbursement.

No material will be used for practice. 

17. What is the Price for a food truck to attend events?

$50 for one weekend use and $250 for a season pass.

18. What is the reservation fee for the Holding Point Recreation Pavillion?

$50.00 per reservation. 

19. Does the Park have a Facebook Page?

Yes, the park Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066876841075

The BMX operator also has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/horseheadsbmx

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Town Clerk

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1. What is the fee to license my dog?

If your dog is spayed/neutered, the fee is $8.00.  If your dog is not spayed/neutered the fee is $18.00.

2. How do I request a parking with disabilities permit?

To request a parking with disabilities permit - you may pick up a form at the Town Clerk's Office or find by click here: Application for License Plates or Parking Permits. This must be filled out by you and your physician. Then you must take it to the municipality where you live. It could be the City, Town or Village depending on your address.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a Marriage Certificate?

To obtain a copy of your Marriage Certificate - come to the Town Clerk's office in person or send in a notarized letter. There is a $10 fee for each copy. We cannot provide information by phone. You may call first to see if your license is on file in this office.

4. Am I registered to vote? Where do I vote?

To see if you are registered to vote or to see where your polling place is located, contact the Chemung County Board of Elections at 607-739-5475 or online at Chemung County. 

5. How do I obtain a marriage license?

Both people must be present to obtain the marriage license, with a birth certificate and picture identification. If either person has been previously married, they must submit all divorce papers at the time of obtaining the license. Make sure it is your divorce decree and not the separation agreement. The marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the time that the license is issued. The marriage license is only valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued.  Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older. The certificate is only valid within New York State excluding New York City.

6. How can I get current tax information? Taxes paid last year?

For current and previous tax information please click.

View delinquent tax information on the Chemung County Website. Go to Chemung County's website, select Departments - pick Treasurer's office and tax search program. This will allow you to check the current year or previous year's tax information. Or Call Chemung County Treasurer's Office at 607-737-2927.

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Town Court

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1. How do I pay my fine(s)/surcharge(s)?

The Horseheads Town Court currently accepts payment of the fine(s)/surcharge(s) by credit card, online, money order or certified check made payable to Horseheads Town Court at 150 Wygant Road, Horseheads, NY 14845. Cash is accepted only if paid in person.
The payment must be for the exact amount due. If payment is in excess of the amount due the entire payment will be returned. Any check not certified will be returned.

2. What are the Court Clerk's hours?

Monday through Thursday 8:00 am until 3:30 pm & Friday 8:00 am until 2:30 pm. 

*Times are subject to change based on the Court's needs.

3. How do I contact the Court?

• By mail: 
  Horseheads Town Court
  150 Wygant Road 
  Horseheads, NY 14845
  
• Phone: 607-739-2113
  
  • If the Clerk does not answer when you call, please listen to the message.

4. When is Court held?

Court is held every Tuesday at 7 pm. If Court is cancelled a message is left when calling the Court.

5. Can I resolve a traffic infraction by phone or e-mail?

No. You must appear in person or notify the Court by mail.

• Address: 
  Town of Horseheads Justice Court
  150 Wygant Road 
  Horseheads, NY 14845
  
• Phone: 607-739-2113

6. Who can I talk to if the Court Office is closed?

No one. Only the Court Clerk may answer questions or take payments. If the Court Clerk is unavailable, you must attempt to contact the Court Clerk again. The Operator and other Town Employees can not assist you in person or by telephone. The Office is normally open but it is occasionally necessary to close or be closed without advanced notice.

7. What if I cannot make it to Court?

Contact the Court immediately. Only the Court may grant adjournments and adjournments are not granted within 48 hours of the appearance date. You are expected to find an alternative method to Court should you encounter any last minute problems such as your car not starting.

8. What if I don't pay the fines?

When you are assessed a fine or surcharge, the Court will direct you to make payment in full by a specific date. The Court accepts partial payments only upon request and approval by the Judge. If you pay by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your receipt.