East Hampton Village Will Regulate Landscapers

East Hampton officials want to make sure the playing field is level, and that means everyone plays by the same set of rules.

Anyone doing business as a landscaper within East Hampton Village boundaries come January 1 will have to register and pay a $200 fee every year.

“The registration form, at a minimum, shall state that the landscaper has read, understands, and agrees to comply with the Village’s noise law with respect to the dates and times for permitted property maintenance and landscaping, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, and all other relevant Village laws and policies,” according to the adopted measure.

A decade ago, the village passed legislation limiting the hours that construction could take place and noise-generating activity could begin. But too many contractors are still unaware of the limitations, residents say. The licensing law will hopefully rectify the situation.

A controversial East Hampton Village ban of the commercial use of gas and diesel-powered leaf blowers will be in effect for the summer season, from June 1 to Labor Day.

A first-time offender will face a possible $250 to $1000 fine. Those fines go up to $500 and $2500 for second-time offenders, and $1000 to $5000 for a third.

The ban does not affect homeowners or tenants who want to work on their garden or properties themselves, though there are curfews in place for such uses.

Becky Molinaro Hansen, village administrator, said the village sent out mailers reminding businesses of the coming code changes, which become official New Year’s Day.

The rule applies to regional or even national companies that do business here. “A business entity shall be responsible for all employees understanding the applicable rules and regulations and compliance with the requirements of this article and the Village Code,” she said, even if the crew is sent from up-island.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com