Columbia County
Town of Copake, NY: zoning for new construction
Thinking about building in the Town of Copake? Here is what the zoning actually says, pulled straight from the town code. Town of Copake runs 8 zoning districts, with residential minimum lot sizes ranging from 0.69 to 3 acres depending on the district. Short-term rentals - see local ordinance here. Use the district figures below to size up a parcel before you buy, then confirm the specifics with the building department.
Zoning districts
| District | Min lot | Setbacks F / S / R | Max height | ADU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Residential | 3 ac | — | 35 ft | As of right |
| Hamlet | 0.69 ac | — | 35 ft | As of right |
| Hamlet Business | 1 ac | — | 35 ft | special-use-permit |
| Highway Business | 2 ac | — | 40 ft | No |
| Copake Lake | 3 ac | — | 35 ft | No |
| Chrysler-Rhoda-Snyder Ponds | 3 ac | — | 35 ft | No |
| Mixed Use | 2 ac | — | 40 ft | special-use-permit |
| Taconic Shores | — | — | 35 ft | No |
Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals - see local ordinance. Local Law No. 11 of 2023 (effective April 1, 2024) requires an STR Operating Permit for all rentals; enhanced STR permit required if rented more than 120 days/year.
Good to know
- UtilityNYSEG territory.
- Zoning codeecode360.com/10553589
- Building dept(518) 329-1234
- Last reviewed2026-06-02
Sizing up a specific parcel in Copake?
Aldo pulls the exact zoning district, setbacks, and build feasibility for any parcel - before you buy. Run a free zoning report.
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Zoning figures for Town of Copake are compiled from the municipal code (last reviewed 2026-06-02) and provided for decision-support only - not legal, engineering, or architectural advice. Setback and dimensional standards often carry conditions and exceptions; verify with the building department at (518) 329-1234 before relying on any number. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.