Pine Plains FAQ’s

  • Constructing a New Building or Structure

    • Houses, garages, sheds (typically if over 144 sq ft), barns, and commercial buildings.

    • Adding On or Expanding

      • Home additions, room extensions, porches, or decks.

    Renovating Interior Spaces

    • Major kitchen or bathroom remodels, adding walls or altering layouts.

    Installing or Modifying Electrical or Plumbing Systems

    • Adding circuits, upgrading service panels, new plumbing lines, or fixtures.

    Roof Work

    • Replacing or repairing roofs, especially structural work beyond shingles.

    Window and Door Changes

    • Enlarging openings, replacing with different sizes, or adding new ones.

    Demolishing a Structure

    • Tearing down sheds, garages, or any part of a structure.

    Changing the Use of a Building

    • For example, converting a garage into a living space.

    Installing Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, or Chimneys

    • Includes venting systems.

    Installing Fences

  • Applications are available on the town website or at the Building Department. Office hours are Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10 AM–12 PM. Call (518) 398-7193 x7 or email buildinginspector@pineplains-ny.gov

  • Reach out to the Planning Board via the town clerk’s office. Applications for site plans, subdivisions, or special use permits are available on the town website.

  • Town Board meetings are open to the public and typically held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at Town Hall. Agendas and minutes are posted online.

    Workshop meetings are scheduled when needed on the third Monday of the month and are open to the public.

  • Pine Plains Town Board is the primary governing body of the Town of Pine Plains.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Passes local laws and ordinances

    • Approves the town budget and oversees spending

    • Appoints members to other boards (like the Planning or Zoning Boards)

    • Makes decisions on general town governance issues (roads, public services, staffing, contracts, etc.)

    • Conducts public hearings on town policies and laws

    • Supervises town departments and officials

    Composition: Typically consists of a Town Supervisor and four Town Board members, all elected by town residents.

    Pine Plains Planning Board focuses on land use and development review within the town.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Reviews and approves site plans, subdivisions, and special use permits

    • Ensures new development complies with zoning laws and the town's comprehensive plan

    • Holds public hearings for land use applications

    • Makes recommendations to the Town Board on zoning changes

    • May be involved in long-term planning and updates to the town’s Comprehensive Plan

    Composition: Members are appointed by the Town Board, not elected.Item description

  • Property taxes are paid to the Town Tax Collector. Payments can be made by mail, drop box, or in person during posted hours. Visit pineplains-ny.gov for due dates and info.

  • You may file a grievance with the Board of Assessment Review on Grievance Day (May 27, 2025). First, contact the Assessor’s Office at (518) 398-7193 x7.

    Complete Form RP-524: This is the official form to contest your assessment. You can obtain it from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

  • Here is the link to the tax code

  • New Pine PLains Herald https://www.newpineplainsherald.org/


    Check the Community News and Events Calendar on the town website, or follow the Town of Pine Plains on Facebook for updates.

  • Pine Plains is served by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, Willow Roots Pantry, and transportation programs like Dial-a-Ride. Contact (845) 486-2555.

  • Contact the Town Clerk at (518) 398-7155 x7 for permits and availability. The town park pavilion and community room require reservations.

  • Voter Registration — Forms and FAQs

    Voter Registration in New York State

    Register Online at the NYS DMV

    Early Voting 

    FAQs Dutchess County Board of Elections

    Absentee Voters

    Absentee Voting in New York State

    Dates, Deadlines, and how to apply.Item description

    If You Own a Second Home

    Vote Where It Counts
    Citizens with dual residences have the right to choose where they want to vote. They do not have to vote where they maintain their primary residence. Students are permitted to vote where they go to school.

    Absentee Voters

    Absentee Voting in New York State

    Dates, Deadlines, and how to apply.