East Williston Village Board Amends Code, Clarifies Sidewalk and Garage Sale Laws

Village makes minor changes to code chapters on streets, public spaces, and auctions and sales.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The East Williston Village Board approved resolutions to amend Chapters 121 and 11 of the Village Code, which pertain to streets and public spaces, and auctions and sales, respectively. The changes aim to clarify language around sidewalk liability and garage sale regulations. The board also approved a new local law allowing 6-foot fences on residential properties abutting public land, commercial properties, or properties with conditional-use grants.

Why it matters

These code amendments help the village keep its laws up-to-date and address issues that have arisen over time, such as vague language around sidewalk liability and contradictory garage sale regulations. The new fence law also provides clarity for homeowners on properties bordering certain types of land.

The details

The changes to Chapter 121 stem from a meeting last year where the village's insurance provider pointed out vague language. The approved amendment will more clearly transfer appropriate liability to the homeowner for the sidewalk. The Chapter 11 amendment addresses a confusing and contradictory portion of the law regarding garage sales, with the board repealing Article I and amending Article II.

  • The village board approved the resolutions at its Monday, February 9, 2026 meeting.
  • The board has begun budget planning for the next fiscal year and will post a draft budget in the coming weeks, with a budget hearing scheduled for the March 9 meeting.

The players

Bonnie Parente

The mayor of East Williston, who said the village has been reviewing its code and making updates as needed.

Anthony Gallo

The village's deputy mayor, who reported that the fire department did not receive any alarms during a recent snowstorm but had a group of firefighters remain on call at the station.

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What they’re saying

“As we go through the Code, as we live with the Code, we see things that were codified many years ago that don't quite say what they're supposed to say.”

— Bonnie Parente, Mayor (longislandpress.com)

What’s next

The board will consider shortening the time required for residents to clear snow from sidewalks to 18 hours at its next meeting.

The takeaway

East Williston's village government is proactively reviewing and updating its municipal code to ensure the laws remain clear and relevant, demonstrating a commitment to good governance and responsiveness to community needs.