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1. What does the Town Attorney do?

The Town Attorney's Office is the principal legal advisor to the Town Board and all Town departments. This office represents the Town in all legal matters affecting the Town's interests. The Town Attorney's Office is also responsible for drafting resolutions, local laws, and ordinances for the Town Board.

2. Does the Town Attorney provide notary public services?

No, the Town Attorney's Office does not provide notary public services to the public.

3. What is the process for purchasing a Town-owned property?

All property inquiries must be made via written request to the Town Attorney’s Office. The request must provide all known details regarding the property, including:

• Property location


• Address


• Suffolk County Tax Map Number


• Hamlet


• Names of side streets


• Whether the property is vacant or occupied


• If there is a structure upon it.

The inquiry will be processed and a determination will be sent to the requester.

4. How can I annex a paper street to my property?

Send a written inquiry to the Town Attorney’s Office, requesting that the Town abandon the property. The request must provide all known details regarding the property, including:

• Property location


• Address


• Suffolk County Tax Map Number


• Hamlet


• Names of side streets


• Whether the property is vacant or occupied


• If there is a structure upon it

The inquiry will be processed and then a determination will be sent to the requester.

5. What is a FOIL request?

A Freedom of Information request (FOIL) is a request for access to Town Records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, article 6 sections 84-90).

Once the request form is received by the Town Clerk via fax or in person, the Town Attorney reviews the request with subject area personnel. The law pertains to records only. It is not intended for examination of employees or officials. The Town is not required to create a new record in response to a question or questions.

The Town may seek clarification of the requested information and may reasonably decline to honor a request that is not descriptive enough within the context of the Town's record keeping system.

All records are available, unless an exception permits an agency to deny access. Common sense and the potential for harm that might arise from a specific disclosure, such as that which could preclude the government from carrying out its duties, are things that could limit disclosure.

6. What is the process for making a FOIL request?

Once the request is made and requested information is compiled by the subject area department, it is forwarded to the Town Clerk's Office and the requester is notified that the information is available. This is usually done by phone.

For more information, contact the Town Clerk's Office at (631) 957-3017.

7. How long does it take to get a FOIL request completed?

Once the request is filed with the Town Clerk's Office, it is reviewed by the Town Attorney's office. These requests are typically returned within 20 business days.

8. Can I make a FOIL request for property information?

FOILS can be filed for property information by non-owners as per usual procedures.

Property owners do not need to file a FOIL request to get information pertaining to property they own (and can show proof).

If a Certified Certificate of Occupancy is required, the application can be filled out by the property owner in the Department of Planning & Development's Building Division. Certified documents usually take about 2 weeks to be prepared.

9. What is the process for recording Covenants and Restrictions?

To record a Covenant and Restriction, requestors must submit the original Covenant and Restriction, survey and deed, and approval to the Town Attorney’s Office for review and approval as to legal form.

10. How can I obtain an Excavation Permit/Road Opening Permit?

Applications for Excavation Permits/Road Opening Permits may be obtained at the Department of Public Works' Highway Engineering Division. You may also call (631) 957-TOWN (8696) for more information.

11. How do I claim an impounded vehicle?

To reclaim a towed vehicle at the Town Attorney’s Office, the owner must produce the title and their photo identification. The owner then receives a release form, which must be notarized outside the Town of Babylon. Once the release form is notarized, it must be submitted to the Town Clerk to pay towing and storage charges. The owner must then bring a receipt and copy of the release form to the Department of Public Works to retrieve their vehicle.

If the vehicle is not registered, the owner must have a Town of Babylon licensed tow company remove it from the Department of Public Works. If the vehicle is registered, the owner can drive it out.

12. What is the processing time for a Notice of Claim for property damage?

There is no set time period for this action.

13. Where is the Parking Violations Bureau?

The Parking Violations Bureau is located at 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon in Room 14 at the Town Hall Annex. The office is open for constituents from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm each work day. Any questions, please call (631) 422-7682.

14. What are the Town's parking violations?

Summonses are written by either Suffolk County Police, Town of Babylon Public Safety Officials, or Park Rangers for all New York State and Town violations that exist while a vehicle is parked on a public street. Violations include, but are not limited to:

• Handicapped Parking Zone


• Fire Zone


• No Parking


• Expired Registration


• Expired Inspection

Fines must be paid and received by the Town within 30 days of the ticket in order to avoid penalties.

Fines can be paid in person, online at Parking Ticket Payments, or by mail. If paying by mail, make check or money order payable to the Town of Babylon and write your license number and the ticket number on the front of the payment to ensure proper credit. Mail the ticket and payment to the Town of Babylon, Parking Violations Bureau, 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon, NY, 11703-4005.

15. What are the responsibilities of the Code Enforcement Division?

The Division of Code Enforcement is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Town of Babylon Code violations which occur at residential and commercial properties. This division works closely with local police and government agencies to improve the quality of life of Town of Babylon constituents. They are NYS certified Code Enforcement Officials and have the authority to issue summonses when necessary.

The Town Code is available online. Additionally, Town Code books may be purchased in the Town Clerk’s office for $452.00. Annual code supplements cost $60 per annual issue.

16. How do I retrieve my car that's been impounded?

Vehicles that have been towed or impounded by the Town of Babylon can be retrieved once an abandoned vehicle release form has been signed and notarized by the Town of Babylon Auto Impound Department.

Only the titled owner will be able to reclaim the vehicle:

• The titled owner must appear at the Town Attorney's Office, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, with the title and ID before 2:00 pm to obtain a release form to reclaim the vehicle.


• The titled owner must also have a tow truck driver, licensed to tow in the Town of Babylon, meet them at the DPW after the paperwork is complete.


• The notarized release form is brought to the Town Clerk's Office and the fees must be paid in cash. You will receive a receipt and a copy of the release form.
• The documents are then brought to the Department of Public Works located behind Town Hall.