Orange County
Town of Highlands, NY: zoning for new construction
Thinking about building in the Town of Highlands? Here is what the zoning actually says, pulled straight from the town code. Town of Highlands runs 9 zoning districts, with residential minimum lot sizes starting around 0.34 acres. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Residence | — | — | — | As of right |
| Single-Family Residence | — | — | — | As of right |
| Two-Family Residence | — | — | — | As of right |
| Garden Apartment Residence | — | — | — | As of right |
| Moderate-Density Apartment Residence | — | — | — | As of right |
| High-Density Apartment Residence | — | — | — | As of right |
| Mobile Home Court | — | — | — | As of right |
| Rural Residence | — | — | — | As of right |
| Business | 0.34 ac | — | 35 ft | No |
Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals - see local ordinance. STR ordinance enacted 2022; amended 2024. Permit required with $500 annual fee and inspection. Allowed in residential districts where single-family dwellings permitted.
Good to know
- UtilityCentral Hudson territory.
- Building dept(845) 446-4280
- Last reviewed2026-06-16
Sizing up a specific parcel in Highlands?
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 Highlands are compiled from the municipal code (last reviewed 2026-06-16) 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 (845) 446-4280 before relying on any number. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.