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1. How do I apply for the STAR program?

Register for the School Tax Relief (STAR) Credit Information (PDF)

Register for the STAR credit

2. How do you apply for the Veteran’s Exemption?

See our links to Veterans Exemption Forms.

3. Is my assessment information available online?

Go to the Dutchess County Parcell Access Map and choose "enter name or address."

You can also check the Current Assessment Rolls in Dutchess County.

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1. How do I Obtain a Dog License ?

You must come to Town Hall to complete this Transaction

Here are the current criteria

• All dogs must be licensed by 4 months of age
• All dogs over the age of 90 days must be vaccinated for rabies
• Applicants must submit a rabies vaccination certificate and neutering/spaying certificate along with the appropriate fee

Fees

The fee is $15 for a dog that has been spayed or neutered and $23 for unaltered dogs. For owners who are at least 65 years old, the fee is $8 for a dog that has been spayed or neutered and $13 for unaltered dogs.

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1. What is the difference between a driveway resurface and a driveway reconstruction?

• A driveway resurface is repaving over an existing blacktop driveway, without any changes.

• A driveway reconstruction is paving a gravel driveway or changing a paved driveway in any way. Examples are: ripping out an existing driveway, widening or lengthening an existing driveway and/or making a parking spot off of the driveway.

2. Does the Town Highway Department pick up dead animals that have been hit by a car?

Only deer that are on a Town road or on the edge of a Town Road. The Highway Department does not remove dead animals from private property. If an animal is on a State or County road, then you would need to call the State Department of Transportation (454-3390) or the County Highway (486-2900), depending on what road the animal is on.

3. Is there a Town dump?

No the Town does not have a Town Dump.  Unfortunately, the Town of Hyde Park Transfer Station has been closed by Royal as of December 2022.  The Town is currently seeking other avenues in hopes of being able to provide this service to its residents once again.  Recycle Depot on Van Wagner Road in Poughkeepsie is the closet location however they do not take bagged garbage.

The Town will keep everyone posted if a solution is found regarding a Transfer Station in the Town of Hyde Park.  We appreciate your patience and extend our sincere apologies for the inconvenience.  

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1. How can I obtain a position with the Town of Hyde Park?

Most of our positions are in the competitive class and candidates for the position must be reachable on a civil service list for the position title. We also have a few non-competitive and labor class positions that we hire directly for. Those positions are publicly advertised on sites such as Indeed, Craig’s List, or in local newspapers. They are also posted on our Town Website on the Human Resources, Highway, Police, and Parks and Recreation Department pages.

2. What is the procedure for Civil Service exams?

Civil Service exams are given by the Dutchess County Human Resources Department. Exam notices for specific titles are listed on the Dutchess County Website and are also posted at the Hyde Park Town Hall. Notices are posted anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks prior to the examination date and applications can be completed online or in person at the Dutchess County Office Building, 5^th floor. When the town has a vacancy for a competitive class position, we request and canvass a list that the county provides from examinations that have been previously given.

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1. What time do the parks open and close?

Parks open at 8:00 am and close at dusk, Monday – Sunday.

Hackett Hill Park is closed to the public during the hours of Adventure Day Camp during the summer. Please refer to the latest Recreation Brochure for dates of Adventure Day Camp.

2. How do I register my child for day camp and swimming lessons?

We are rolling out our new online registration system for Summer 2021. Please find our recreation homepage here (link), and our list of programs and activities here (link). For help and questions using our registration system, please call us at 845-229-8086, or send an email to summercamp@hydeparkny.us.

To register by mail, please complete the Registration Form. To drop this form off at the recreation office, we have installed a drop box at our Recreation Department (Hackett House - 59 East Market Street). Due to occupancy limits we are doing our best to limit in person registration this year. 

3. How do I sign up for the Senior Drop-In Center and Seniorcise?

Please call 229-8086, ext. 4 for more information and to register for the Senior Center. The Senior Center is located at the Dutch Reformed Church Hall, 4408 Albany Post Road.

The Senior Center is open to any resident who lives in the Town of Hyde Park and is age 62 and over.

4. How do I sign my child up for Little League, Soccer or Hyde Park Presidents Youth Football & Cheerleading?

These programs are independent from the Town’s Recreation Department. For more information click the links for these youth organizations:

• Hyde Park Little League
• Hyde Park Soccer
• Hyde Park Youth Football and Cheer

5. How do I become a sponsor for a community event?

Please call Robert Pollard, Recreation Director at (845) 229-8086, ext. 5

6. How do I register my child for Teen Center?

Look for more information this Fall!

7. Is there a fee to play on the Disc Golf Course at Hackett Hill Park?

No, it is open and free to the public.

8. How do I get my Hyde Park Trail “WALKABOUT” patch?

Please visit the Hyde Park Healthy Trails Walkabout page.

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1. Do I need a permit for a shed?

See our Shed Information Handout.

2. Do I need a permit to erect a fence?

No. There are no setback requirements for a fence. However, the fence must be located on your property and you are not allowed to trespass onto an adjoining property to maintain the fence. Fences on property borders must not exceed 6 feet in height above the adjoining grade. The fence should not block visibility for vehicle drivers nor be in the road right of way.

Zoning Regulations for Fences and Walls (PDF)

3. What zoning district am I in?

You can look up your zoning district by a searching your tax parcel ID number, Owner’s name, or address via Dutchess County Parcel Access. 

Directions to find out what district you are in:

• Select “Town of Hyde Park” at the top right-hand side of your screen

• Enter the last 6 digits of your parcel number/hit the Owner tab and enter the property owner’s name/hit the address tab and enter the physical address of the property - in the column to the right of the aerial map of Dutchess County. Hit the ‘go’ button

• Select your property in that same column

• Select the “Full property card” option (in red) at the bottom of that column

• Scroll down the pop-up screen to the bottom until you reach the “Site Information”

• The Zoning Code will be listed by acronym

Town of Hyde Park Zoning Map (link)

4. What are my setback requirements?

It depends on the zoning district you are in. See the instructions above for locating your Zoning District. Then refer to the setback requirements in the following attached PDFs and Links:

• Setback Requirements (Link)

• Schedule of Use Regulations (PDF)

• Schedule of Bulk Regulations (PDF)

• Crossroads Core Zoning District (PDF)

• Town of Hyde Park Zoning Map (PDF)

5. Can I have chickens or other livestock on my property?

Use Regulations (Link)

Site Plan Application (PDF)

6. How do I file a complaint?

Complete and submit the following form(s). Please note that forms must be signed.

• Building Department Complaint Form (for Property Maintenance and/or Building Safety and Fire complaints)

• Zoning Department Complaint Form (for Animal Husbandry, Signs, Construction Site Stormwaters, Illicit Discharges, Unregistered/Derelict Vehicles, and/or Other complaints)

7. Can I subdivide my property?

Only if you have enough property to create lots which will meet all the minimum bulk regulations.

• Dutchess County Parcel Access (Link)

• Setback Requirements (Link)

• Schedule of Use Regulations (PDF)

• Schedule of Bulk Regulations (PDF)

• Crossroads Core Zoning District (PDF)

• Town of Hyde Park Zoning Map (PDF)

8. Does the Town have a survey of my property?

Rarely. If a house has been recently built, the building department may have a survey on file.

9. Where can I find the Schedule of Use Regulations?

You can find it within our online Town Code. Click here to be taken to the exact link.

10. Where can I find the Schedule of Bulk Regulations?

You can find it within our online Town Code. Click here to be taken to the exact link.

11. What is the procedure for obtaining a Variance?

• Apply for a building permit (PDF)
• Receive a denial letter from the Zoning Administrator
• Fill out Variance application form and submit with fee
• Attend ZBA meeting for discussion and public hearing
• ZBA grants or denies the variance

12. What is an Area Variance?

An Area Variance provides relief from the dimensional requirements established for your zoning district. For more information, see our Zoning Board of Appeals Relief page.

13. What is a Use Variance?

A Use Variance is seeking relief from uses that are not permitted in your zoning district. For more information, see our Zoning Board of Appeals Relief page.

14. Where do I find definitions for terms contained within the Town's Zoning Code?

Here is the link to the Hyde Park Zoning Code’s Definition of Terms: Terms Defined (Link)

Town of Hyde Park eCode

15. Why wasn’t I notified that my neighbor is building a house, pool, deck, etc.?

No notification is made unless the proposed structure requires a Variance, Site Plan or a Special Use Permit in which case adjacent property owners are notified prior to a Public Hearing on the matter. You may wish to check this website monthly for agendas for both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board for more information or sign up to receive their agendas by email.

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1. How do I get a copy of a Police report?

You need to fill out a FOIL request and submit it to the Town Clerk's office.

(Please see the town's FOIL Request page for more information.)

2. How do I get a copy of an Accident Report?

There is a $10 fee for a copy of an accident report. Bring your identification to the Police Department, 3 Cardinal Road, and we will provide you with a copy after 5 business days.

3. Where can I get information on Domestic Violence or Child Abuse?

All of the agencies listed below provide services to victims. Each number listed is a 24-hour hotline:

Battered Women’s Services – 845-485-5550

Crime Victims Assistance Program – 845-452-1110 or 845-452-7272

Grace Smith House – Poughkeepsie Shelter 845-471-3033

Elder Support Program - 845-452-1110 or 845-452-7272

Astor Home for Children – 845-485-9700

NY State Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-342-3720

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1. How long is the Supervisor’s term?

Along with the Town Board, the Supervisor is elected every two years. The Highway Superintendent, the Town Clerk, and the Tax Receiver serve four-year terms.

2. How do I contact the Supervisor?

You can either email Supervisor Rohr or call her at 845-229-5111, option 8.

3. What is the primary job of the Supervisor?

New York State Town Law defines the jobs of elected officials. The Town Supervisor is the Chief Fiscal Officer for the Town and has many other duties. The NY State Comptroller has provided a guide (PDF) for elected officials, which can be helpful in understanding the responsibilities of town officials.

4. How do I contact my Town Board representative?

The Town is divided into four wards, and each representative is elected to represent their ward on the Town Board every two years.

Ward 1 Councilperson: Neil Krupnick – 845-233-4775 or email Neil.

Ward 2 Councilperson: David Ray – 845-518-4299 or email David.

Ward 3 Councilperson: Stephen Woodcock – 845-905-2685 or email Stephen.

Ward 4 Councilperson: Kenneth Schneider – 845-229-0729 or email Ken.

To determine your ward and your representative, please see the Ward Map (PDF) and the following PDFs which are arranged in alphabetical order by street name.

Hyde Park Streets W1 (PDF)

Hyde Park Streets W2 (PDF)

Hyde Park Streets W3 (PDF)

Hyde Park Streets W4 (PDF)

5. How do I make a complaint regarding property maintenance or a zoning issue?

Please submit a Complaint Form to the Building Department (PDF) or the Zoning Administrator (PDF).

6. What is the Town doing to improve the business district?

See the Hyde Park Downtown Initiative and our Newsletters.

7. What projects are under way in Hyde Park?

The Planning Board lists all Current Projects on our website.

8. What do my tax dollars pay for?

Town of Hyde Park 2018 Budget (PDF)

9. Who is in charge of water and sewer for the Town?

The Dutchess County Waste Water Authority is in charge of our water and sewer.

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1. When are the trails open? It’s a weekend and the Facebook page says it’s closed.

All trails are open free to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. The “closed” notice on the Hyde Park Trails Facebook page refers to only the offices of Hyde Park Recreation Dept., our home base for Hyde Park Trails.

2. Where are there restrooms on the trails?

At the national park sites, restrooms are available at the NPS visitor centers. At Mills-Norrie State Park, restrooms are available at the Norrie Point Environmental Center and seasonally at the Campground. At Town parks, porta-johns are available year-round at Pinewoods and Hackett Hill, and seasonally at Riverfront Park.

3. Where can I get trail maps?

We try to keep our trailhead kiosks stocked with trail map/brochures. Trail map/ brochures are also available at the NPS visitor centers (open weekdays and weekends), at the Town of Hyde Park Recreation Department offices at Hackett Hill (weekdays), and as downloads from our Maps page.

4. Is there hunting?

Hunting is not allowed on the parks that host the Hyde Park Trails, but there may be hunting on neighboring lands. It's a good idea to wear blaze orange in the woods during the fall hunting season: a hat, vest, sweatshirt, pack cover, or whatever.

5. Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Dogs are welcome on leash on all of our parks and preserves. IMPORTANT: Be sure to clean up after your pet.

We discourage dogs on our organized walks and hikes, however, since we are generally interested in seeing and hearing wildlife undisturbed.

6. What is the weather in Hyde Park?

We recommend checking the National Weather Service website before planning your trip here or heading out on the trail. If you are on the trail right now and the weather looks ominous, you can check the NWS website for storm radar and special alerts.

7. Where can I get a Walkabout trail patch?

It’s easy as 1, 2, 3, but it DOES require doing some walking & hiking:

(1) Pick up a Hyde Park Trails Walkabout map/guide at a trailhead kiosk, any National Park Service visitor center, Town of Hyde Park Recreation offices at Hackett Hill, or download one.

(2) Walk at least 5 of the trails listed on the Walkabout map/guide. You’ve totally got this part, right? Check them off your list.

(3) Return your completed trail checklist to receive a free patch at any of the National Park visitor centers in Hyde Park, or at Hyde Park Recreation offices.

For more information, see our Walkabout page.

8. How can I report a problem on the trail?

Leave a message at Town of Hyde Park Recreation office, 845-229-8086, or email us. Try to describe the problem and its location (which park, which trail, etc.) We will relay your information to the appropriate park manager.

9. How can I find out about more trails in our area?

Dutchess County has more than 76 trail systems totaling more than 350 miles. Visit the Dutchess County Healthy Communities trail map series.

Since 1920, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has been the premier source of maps and hiking information in our area, and a major sponsor of trail stewardship.

10. How can I get involved in Hyde Park Trails?

We welcome scouting organizations, educational institutions, and others, including just plain interested individuals. Are you interested in becoming a trail monitor or maintainer? Or helping with events or special projects? Email Hyde Park Recreation to find out about our upcoming projects, plans, events and wish lists.

11. How can I protect myself and family from Lyme disease if we go on the trails?

Ticks that carry diseases are common in our area. Taking some basic precautions can help keep you safe.

See our Be Tick Smart page for information and links.

12. What’s with those green and white trail markers with the maple leaf?

The leaf is actually a tulip-tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, and it is the logo of Hyde Park Trails. The tulip-tree was Franklin D. Roosevelt’s favorite tree species. FDR was a leader in forestry and conservation, and planted over 500,000 trees on his land, including thousands of tulip-trees. While the logo is used to brand the entire Hyde Park Trail system, its use on trail markers is limited to the trunkline through-route of the Hyde Park Trail, which extends for about 9 miles between Top Cottage and the Vanderbilt Mansion.

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1. Where can I find the town’s zoning rules?

Link to the Town of Hyde Park Zoning Laws

2. What is a Variance?

A variance is a request to deviate from current zoning requirements. If granted, it permits the owner to use his land in a way that is ordinarily not permitted by the zoning ordinance. It is not a change in the zoning law, but a waiver from the requirements of the zoning ordinance.

Use Variance

A use variance is asking for permission to establish a use of the property not otherwise, permitted, in the zoning district. The applicant must prove " unnecessary hardship." 

Area Variance

An area variance is permission to build in an otherwise restricted portion of the property (such as in the required front, side or rear yards, or above the required building height, or in excess of the lot coverage regulations).

For more information, please see the Zoning Board of Appeals Relief page.

3. What does a setback mean?

Setback is the distance from a curb, property line, or structure within which building is prohibited. Setbacks are building restrictions imposed on property owners. Local governments create setbacks through ordinances and Building Codes, usually for reasons of public policy such as safety, privacy, and environmental protection.

4. Does my property line extend to the road pavement?

Your front property line is established by survey and may be marked with ‘monuments’. These are small concrete pillars placed at the corners of a parcel. The corridor for Town roads is 50 feet. The corridors for county and state roads vary. An approximation of the front property line is half the corridor width from the center of the road pavement. Pavements do not always adhere to the exact center of a corridor so this is not an accurate method of determining a front property line.

5. Why do I have to go to the Hyde Park ZBA to get approval for my project?

All zoning boards of appeals are directly given appellate jurisdiction by State law. Appellate jurisdiction is the power to hear and decide appeals from decisions of the officials charged with the administration and enforcement of the zoning ordinance or local law. This is the primary function and purpose of the zoning board of appeals, which also has the power to interpret the zoning ordinance or local law and to grant variances.

6. Is it legal to put yard sale signs on telephone poles?

108-24B (2) No sign shall be placed, painted, or drawn on utility poles, bridges, culverts, or other road or utility structures or signposts, or on trees, rocks, or other natural features, except that signs not exceeding one square foot posting property boundaries may be placed on trees. No signs shall be placed on municipally owned property without the permission of the Town Board.

7. Can I place a shed up to the property line?

108-2.2 SHED definition: A temporary or permanent accessory structure for storage or animal husbandry, not to exceed 140 square feet of floor space and 10 feet in height. The term "shed" does not include a shipping container or truck body.

108-5.15 bulk regulation chart: One Shed may be placed up to five feet from the rear and side property lines but must adhere to the front property line setback.

8. Does the town enforce deed restrictions?

Deed restrictions are enforced by the New York State Supreme Court.

9. Can I submit a petition to the ZBA?

The Zoning Board of Appeals is a court-like body. Petitions for changes in our zoning laws should be submitted to the Town Board.

10. How do I report a zoning violation?

Please submit a Complaint Form to the town's Zoning Administrator.

11. Can I Raise Chickens?

Backyard Chickens/Animal Husbandry Information