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Animal Control

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1. I lost my dog; what do I do?

Contact Brighton Animal Control at (585) 784-5120. Give us your name, address and a phone number to contact you at. Give us the breed, color, sex, age and any collar/tags that are on the dog. If you live near the border of the city or another town then you should contact their animal control depts. as well. Rochester (585) 428-7274; Penfield (585) 340-8616; Henrietta (585) 359-7009; Pittsford (585) 248-6240. You should also contact the Humane Society at (585) 223-1330. If your dog returns home before we call you back then please leave us a message to let us know you are all set.

2. My dog is impounded; what do I do?

If you know your dog has been impounded, then come in to the Town Clerk's Office at 2300 Elmwood Ave. Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon come to the main entrance to the Police Dept. at 2300 Elmwood Ave., pick up the phone and tell 911 you need animal control to respond to the office. You will need to provide up-to-date license and rabies information, as well as pay the accrued impound and boarding fees for your dog. You will then be given a pink copy of the impound paperwork. Take that paperwork to the appropriate animal hospital where your dog is boarded. Showing them the paperwork will get your dog returned to you. The animal hospital will not release your dog to you without the necessary paperwork.

3. My dog was impounded by a Police Officer on a Saturday after 12:00 noon; what do I do?

The Police Officers do not have authorization to check on the status of dog licenses, collect seizure/impound fees and complete the impound paperwork. You will have to wait until Monday morning to redeem your dog.

4. My dog doesn't have a license; what do I do?

If your dog has been impounded then you can obtain a license for it when you come in to the Town Clerk's Office to pay the fees. You will need to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. In addition, if your dog has been neutered/spayed then you can save on the cost of the license by providing that documentation. The metal license tag you receive should be attached to your dog's collar at all times.

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Assessment

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1. How much are my taxes?

Taxes are provided by the Town Clerk at (585)784-5240. They may also be viewed online through the Monroe County property portal. www.monroecounty.gov

2. What is STAR?

STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief program that provides an exemption on a portion of school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences.
There are two types of STAR exemptions: Enhanced and Basic. More Information and Applications

3. How do I challenge my assessment?

The Assessor's office accepts informal assessment review requests annually from August 1st through December 31st.

Formal reviews are conducted annually on Grievance Day, the 4th Tuesday in May.

The Grievance Application form is available through the link provided below but must be filed in hard copy format at the assessor's office on or before 8:00 pm on the 4th Tuesday of each May.

The Assessor's Office begins accepting Grievance applications on May 1st; early filing is encouraged. Grievance Application Form

4. When was the last Town-wide update?

The last Assessment update was in 2008.

5. What is an Assessment Roll Re-Valuation?

New York State law requires that assessments be fair, and that all properties be assessed at a uniform percent of market value.

Market values change. If the assessments do not reflect these changes, then some property taxpayers could pay more than their fair share of taxes, while others may pay less than their fair share. Revaluations are intended to restore fairness throughout the community.

6. Is my property market value the same as the assessed value?

The Assessor inventories and values Real Property at a uniform percentage of value which is 100% for the Town of Brighton.

7. How do market changes impact assessments?

For example, four home owners purchased homes in Brighton for $100,000 in 2002. Over the years, the value of real estate has changed. House “A” may now sell for $80,000, house “B” may still sell for $100,000, house “C” may now sell for $120,000 and house “D” may now sell for $160,000.

Updating the assessments will reflect the new market values and will fairly
distribute the tax burden based on the current market value of each property.

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Courts

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1. I got a traffic ticket, what do I do?

If you receive a traffic ticket you have several choices on how to handle it: Pleading Guilty, Pleading Not Guilty or a Court Appearance without A Plea by Mail More...

2. How do I pay my traffic fine?

You must plead guilty in writing or in person in order for the Judge to assess the fine and surcharge. More...

3. I can’t make my court date, what do I do?

Call the Brighton Court Office before the court date at (585) 784-5152 to see if it can be rescheduled.

4. Do I need an attorney?

Whether or not you need an attorney to handle your traffic infraction is a personal decision that only you can make. If your license is in jeopardy based on the point system or if a traffic charge resulted from an accident, you are advised to consult an attorney.

5. I would like to observe a court session, is this allowed?

Yes, court is open to the public. For hearings and/or trials – you may want to contact the Court office to confirm the time.

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Finance

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1. When will my invoice get processed?

The Town Board reviews all claims at the Wednesday bi-monthly Town Board Meetings and checks are mailed for approved claims on the following Friday.

2. When can I pick up my check?

Checks may be picked up in the Finance Office after 3:00 pm on the Friday following a Town Board Meeting.

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Fire Department

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1. I just received an alarm renewal letter, but I cancelled my alarm service, what do I do?

Just mail back the letter to the Fire Marshal:

Brighton Town Hall
2300 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618

Include a note that your service has been cancelled.

2. I want to rent a tent for an event, do I need a permit?

Yes, fill out the Fire Marshal Permit Application and bring it in to the Town Hall. Permit Application

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Highway

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1. What must residents know about driveway snow removal?

View the Highway Winter Policies here. More...

2. A snowplow hit my mailbox? What do I do?

View the Highway Winter Policies here. More...

3. What are the town's winter parking policies?

View the Highway Winter Policies here. More...

4. What if my street is slippery? Whom do I call?

Please call the Highway Department at (585) 784-5280.

5. There is a pothole on my street whom do I call?

Report the pothole location (address and/or nearest cross street) to Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280

6. There is a dead animal in front of my house, what do I do?

Call Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280 and give the location (address and/or nearest cross street) and the type of animal.

7. There is a street light out on my street, whom do I call?

Call RG&E at (585) 771-6780 to report any street lighting issues.

8. The street sign is broken on my street, whom do I call?

Report the street sign location (address and/or nearest cross street) to Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280.

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Home

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1. Where is the Town Hall located?

The Brighton Town Hall is located at 2300 Elmwood Avenue between Monroe Avenue and Clinton Avenue. Map

2. Where is the Recreation department located?

Brighton Recreation is located in the former Brookside School at 220 Idlewood Road. Take Westfall Road to Evans Lane then turn onto Idlewood Road and look for the school sign.

The other entrance is off Winton Road between Westfall Road and route 590. Look for the Brighton Parks & recreation sign on the east side of Winton Road. Map

3. What are your hours?

Regular business hours for the Town Hall offices are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

4. Where do I go for court?

The Brighton Town Court is located in the Public Safety Wing of the Town Hall complex at 2300 Elmwood Avenue. Map

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for a vacant position at the Town of Brighton?

You may download an application and return it directly to the department or to the Personnel Office at:

Brighton Town Hall
2300 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618 Application

2. How do I find out about Civil Service job openings and exams?

Visit the Monroe County Website

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Parks and Recreation

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1. How do I rent a facility?

All facility reservations must be made in person at the Brighton Recreation Office located at 220 Idlewood Road.

2. I signed up for a class and need to cancel, can I get a refund?

No refunds are issued except when a program is cancelled or if you move before a program starts or a doctor certifies illness of a participant. A $10 administrative fee will be withheld on all refunds unless the class is cancelled.

3. I signed up for the wrong program, can I switch to another one?

Requests to transfer from one program to another must be made 2 weeks prior to class start date. A $10 administrative fee will be charged and must be paid before request is processed.

4. I rented a lodge or pavillion, can I have alcohol at my party?

No alcohol is allowed in any Town Park or facility.

5. I signed up for a class and have not received a confirmation. How do I know if I am in the class?

No news is good news. Assume you are in the class you registered for unless you hear from us. We will contact you if there is a problem with your registration.

6. I am not a Brighton resident, can I still register for a class?

Yes. Non-resident registration starts 2 weeks after Resident registration begins.

7. Can I take my dog to the park?

Yes, as long as it is on a leash at all times and you pick up after it.

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Police

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1. How do I deal with annoying phone calls?

The best immediate action to take is to hang up the phone, wait for a dial tone and press *64 on your telephone immediately after the call is received. There is a charge for this trace. The telephone company will advise you at that time if the trace was successful. Regardless of the success of the trace, call 911 and request an officer to respond to your location for an aggravated harassment report. Calls not of a threatening nature will be classified as an annoyance. Based upon the investigation, the officer and the telephone company may institute further action.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Copies of approved accident reports are available to the drivers and occupants involved. Copies of approved crime and incident reports are available to the victim. Copies of reports can be obtained either in person or by mail by enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope. The cost for all copies is $0.25 per page.

3. The people to notify in an emergency at my business have changed, how do I notify the Police Department?

The police department requests that the list of people to notify in an emergency be kept as accurate as possible. In this way, we can contact you immediately if necessary and not needlessly bother individuals no longer connected with your business. To update your information, print out the update form and mail it to the police department. Emergency Contact Form

4. When must child restraint seats be used?

Children under the age of 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be in approved child safety seats. Children ages 4, 5, 6, and 7 must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system, such as a child safety seat, harness/vest, or booster seat. Seat belts are not designed for children under 4’9”, and do not protect small children. Your child should stay in a booster seat until the adult seat belt fits him or her properly. This is usually when your child reaches 4'9" in height and is about 8 years old.

All passengers under the age of 16 must use seatbelts. All front seat passengers, including the driver, are required to use a seatbelt.

5. How do I get my towed vehicle released?

For vehicles authorized to be released, an "Authorization for Release Slip" must be obtained from Records during normal business hours. To obtain the "Authorization for Release Slip" you must provide the following documents:

• Valid Ownership Papers (Title &/or Registration)
• Valid Insurance Card
• Valid Personal Photo ID

The vehicle will only be released to the registered or titled owner, unless written notarized authorization from the owner is produced.

An owner obtaining a release slip where the vehicle is stored at the PD impound may pick it up 24 hours a day. The minimum tow fee is $105.00 and is subject to additional charges. The storage fee of $12.00 per day starts after the vehicle is OK’d for release. Payment must be made in the form of cash (exact amount). You may call Records at 784-5125 to find out the amount due.

An owner obtaining a release slip where the vehicle is stored at Sutherland Service, Murray's Towing or Twelve Corners Towing must contact the appropriate vendor for release information and storage fees. Their phone numbers are: Sutherland - (585) 381-5610; Murray's - (585) 334-5382; and Twelve Corners - (585) 473-5000.

6. How do I report suspected drug activity?

To report suspected drug activity, call the Brighton Police Department's hotline at (585) 784-5382.

7. How may I get my fingerprints taken?

Fingerprints are available to Town residents and those people working within the Town of Brighton.

Fingerprints are taken on Mondays from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, holidays excluded.

Please call ahead (585) 784-5125 to ensure that fingerprinting for that day has not been canceled.

Anyone wishing to have their fingerprints taken must provide a completed and signed fingerprint card, available from the requesting agency.

The fee is $5.00 cash (exact amount only, please) per fingerprint card.

The police department no longer fingerprints for immigration purposes.

8. What restrictions are placed on operators of motor vehicles with learner's permits?

A person with a learner's permit may operate a vehicle between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 pm when in the direct company of a person age 21 or older who is in possession of a valid New York State driver's license to operate that type of vehicle. Persons with permits may drive between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am when in the direct company of a licensed parent, guardian, Driver Education teacher or Driving School Instructor. See additional restrictions and information on the NYS DMV web site. NYS DMV

9. What restrictions are placed on drivers with junior licenses?

A person under the age of 18, holding a junior license, may drive between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 pm. A person with a junior license may drive without a supervising driver between 9 pm and 5 am only directly between a school course or employment. See additional restrictions and information on the NYS DMV web site. NYS DMV

10. What parking restrictions exist in the Town of Brighton?

No parking is allowed on Town streets from November 1 to April 15 between the hours of 2:00 am and 7:00 am. From April 16 to October 31 there is no parking allowed on any State road or where otherwise posted.

11. How do I pay a parking or traffic ticket?

The fines for a parking ticket are listed directly on the ticket. If you plead guilty, the fine can be paid to the Court either in person Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm or by mail.
For traffic tickets, you must enter a plea to the court either in person or by mail, before your court date (see Section "B" on the reverse side of the traffic ticket). You may plead guilty either in person Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm or by mail and the fine will be assessed.
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12. What are the telephone numbers for the police department?

For Emergencies and Complaints dial 9-1-1
Administration dial (585) 784-5150
Investigative Division dial (585) 784-5110
Records Division dial (585) 784-5125

13. Who is required to wear a bicycle helmet?

All persons age 14 and younger are required to wear a bicycle helmet when they are riding a bicycle or roller-blading.

14. Am I required to register my bicycle?

Although it is not required, you may register your bicycle with the Brighton Recreation Department if you desire. If you do not register your bicycle it is a good idea to keep the serial number in a safe place in the event the bicycle is lost or stolen.

15. How do I retrieve property in police custody?

Property may be retrieved during the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm by contacting the property clerk at (585) 784-5118. It is recommended you call before you come to the police department to avoid any inconvenience. Property held as a result of criminal activity must first be cleared for release by the district attorney’s office.

16. During what times of the year are studded snow tires legal?

Studded snow tires are legal between October 15 and May 1.

17. Can I call the police if I am locked out of my vehicle?

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the police department no longer attempts to open locked doors. A tow company or locksmith is your best alternative. If a child or pet is locked inside, a police officer will request the fire department to gain entry into the vehicle.

18. How do I take care of a warrant issued for my arrest?

You have two choices. You may call 9-1-1 and advise the operator that a warrant has been issued and that you would like to turn yourself in or you may appear at the police department and advise the records personnel at the front counter.

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Public Works

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1. I have an old water heater at the curb, when will you pick it up?

Call your hauler. All bulk items must be removed by private refuse companies because the Town only picks up yard debris. If you're in a refuse district, call Waste Management at (585) 254-3500.

2. Can I store my boat on my driveway?

Outside storage of campers, boats and trailers greater than 24 feet in length or 6 feet in height on residential lots is permitted for up to 72 hours in any 4 day period. Campers, boats and trailers and utility trailers under those dimensions may be parked in the rear yard only, provided they are not within 10 feet of a property line and are screened from the view of neighbors. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 785-5226 and we'll help.

3. My neighbor has teenagers and lots of cars and very frequently cars are parked on their lawn. Is this allowed?

Parking of any vehicle on grassed areas in the front yard is prohibited by Town code. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

4. My neighbor has cut his grass only twice this summer. How often should the grass be cut?

Town code requires that all properties are kept free of accumulations of brush, shrubs, weeds, grass, stumps, roots, excessive and noxious growths, garbage, refuse and debris. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

5. The house across the street has peeling paint and exposed wood. Can the Town do something about this situation?

Town code requires that exposed surfaces be treated to resist deterioration and weathering if they are not naturally resistant. Materials that are treated must be maintained in a neat, orderly, serviceable manner. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll inspect.

6. The sidewalks in front of my house are cracked and in bad shape. Must I pay for their repair?

The Town has sidewalk districts that enable repairs to be made to the sidewalks and the cost is shared by the homeowners in those districts. Call the Highway Department at (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll inspect.

7. I'm building a deck in my backyard. Do I need a permit?

Please remember that permits are required for fences, sheds, air conditioners, decks, pools and most other projects. Please call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 we will be happy to answer your questions.

8. Why has my plastic bag full of yard waste not been picked up by the Highway Department?

The Town no longer picks up grass clippings. We encourage residents to recycle them back into the lawn. Further, nothing in plastic bags will be picked up. You can use the brown lawn & leaf bags or an empty refuse container (which will be emptied and placed back on your property) for brush and leaves.

9. Can I store an unlicensed vehicle on my driveway?

No, any unlicensed, uninspected vehicle is considered to be a junk car and must be under cover (garage) or off the site. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

10. My neighbor never removes their garbage cans/toter from the street. Is this allowed?

Trash should not be put out until the day prior to scheduled collection. Containers must be removed from the front yard by the end of the day of pickup. Call (585) 784-5221 or (585) 784-5226 and we'll help.

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Sewer

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1. Is my home or property connected to the Town's sanitary sewers?

If you feel there is a question of whether your home or business is connected to the sewer system, please call Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280.

2. I need to know where the Town's sanitary sewers are.

If you need to know where the sanitary sewers are because excavation work is being planned call UFPO/Dig Safe at 811. If you need to know the location of sanitary sewers for any other reason call Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280.

3. Whom do I call if I have a sewer backup?

Call Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5282 where personnel are on call 24 hours a day. If a Dispatcher is not inside the building, a telephone answering service will take any messages and forward it to a Sewer employee. The employee will return your call and respond to the problem.

4. Can you recommend a plumber to clean out my sewers?

The Town of Brighton does not recommend or endorse any plumber. It is advised to call around and get a few estimates for any work you need done. We do have a list of plumbing contractors that are licensed with the City of Rochester and have also taken out a license to work in the Town of Brighton. Call Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280 for a current list.

5. Is there a charge if I call Brighton Operations about a sewer backup and it is determined that there is not a problem with the public sewer?

There is no charge whether there is a problem found with the public sewer or not. If any problems are found with the property owners plumbing, it will be the owner’s responsibility to have it repaired at their own expense.

6. Whom do I call about odor problems?

If the odor is outside or inside contact Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280. A frequent cause for inside odors is a dry trap. Pouring a quart of water into all sinks, showers/tubs and floor drains may correct this problem. If it is felt that the odor may be of an explosive nature (Natural Gas) leave the building immediately and call 911 from a neighbor’s house.

7. My stool just blew up! What happened?

Water being splashed out of the toilet may occur when the Sewer Department is cleaning sewers. This sometimes happens when there is a problem with the plumbing inside your house. Contact Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280 who will determine if your problem occurred when the sewer main was being cleaned.

8. Why are there flags in my yard?

It is generally because there is excavation work being planned in the area and the person, company or utility planning the work has requested "locations" through UFPO/Dig Safe. The flags mark the location of buried utility lines. Before the Sewer Department would do any major excavation work (backhoe type work) on your property you would be contacted unless an emergency situation occurs.

9. Why did you put a manhole in my yard while I was at work?

When manholes are built the tops of the manholes are left accessible. Later when homes and businesses are built manholes are occasionally buried in yards and driveways. The Sewer Department Routine Cleaning Crew usually locates these "lost" manholes when they clean the sewers. The buried manholes are then turned over to the Repair Crew that adjusts the manholes to grade so they are accessible again. Manholes can be adjusted using the 16 inches of allowable adjustment between the manhole cone and frame.

10. What can I dump down the sewers or my drains?

Please read this sewer brochure or contact Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280. Sewer Brochure

11. Whom do I call about storm sewer problems?

Street flooding, catch basins that are in disrepair, standing water, or other storm related water problems, contact Brighton Operations at (585) 784-5280.