N.Y. Town Law Section 191
Petition

Except as otherwise provided in the case of a water storage and distribution district, water quality treatment district or sewage disposal district, a petition for the establishment or the extension of an improvement district shall be signed by the owners of taxable real property situate in the proposed district or extension thereof, owning in the aggregate at least one-half of the assessed valuation of all the taxable real property of the proposed district or extension thereof, as shown upon the latest completed assessment-roll of said town; provided, however, that if there be any resident owners, the petition shall include the signatures of resident owners owning taxable real property aggregating at least one-half of the assessed valuation of all the taxable real property of the proposed district or extension owned by resident owners, according to the latest completed assessment-roll. If a portion only of a parcel of such real estate appearing upon the assessment-roll is situate within the proposed district or extension thereof, then the town board may determine the relative value of the part thereof within the proposed district or extension thereof, based upon the valuation of the entire parcel as the same appears upon the assessment-roll. Such petition shall describe the boundaries of the proposed district or extension in a manner sufficient to identify the lands included therein as in a deed of conveyance, and shall be signed by the petitioners, and acknowledged or proved in the same manner as a deed to be recorded, or authenticated in the manner provided by the election law for the authentication of nominating petitions. If such petition shall request the construction or acquisition of an improvement, it shall state the maximum amount proposed to be expended therefor. If the petition shall not request the construction or acquisition of an improvement but shall propose the performance or supplying of certain services, it may state the maximum amount to be expended annually for such services. In addition, a petition for the establishment or extension of a park or public parking district shall describe the property proposed to be acquired for the purposes thereof.

Source: Section 191 — Petition, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/TWN/191 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Oct. 18, 2025).

190
Establishment or extension of improvement districts 190–A
Water storage and distribution districts 190–B
Sewage disposal districts 190–C
Preparation of maps and plans 190–D
Procedure for establishment of a sewage disposal district 190–E
Wastewater disposal districts 190–F
Additional powers of sewer districts 190–G
Water quality treatment districts 191
Petition 191–A
Preparation of maps and plans for sewer, wastewater disposal, drainage and water districts before petition 192
Maps and plans for sewer, wastewater disposal, drainage and water districts 192–A
Provision for excess sewer, drainage or water facilities 193
Notice of hearing on petition 194
Establishment or extension of districts 194–A
Powers of town boards with respect to certain contracts 195
Recording of determination 196
Modification of plans for sewer, wastewater disposal, drainage, water or water quality treatment districts 197
Performance of the work 197–A
Contracts by water districts or town water storage and distribution districts with water authorities 198
Powers of town boards with respect to improvement districts 198–A
Special districts for disposal of duck waste in Suffolk county 199
Proceedings for lateral sewers, drains or water mains 200
Petition for street improvement and proceedings thereon 200–A
Construction and repair of sidewalks pursuant to order of town board 201
Sewer and water connections 202
Expenses of improvement 202–A
Expense of maintenance 202–B
Increase or improvement of facilities 202–C
Dissolution and diminishing area of certain districts 202–D
Increase of maximum amount to be expended 202–E
Acquisition and improvement of additional property in park districts 202–F
Construction or installation of certain improvements in state highways and county roads 203
Existing districts preserved 204
Transition to benefit basis levy of assessments in existing lighting districts 207
Re-establishment of certain water supply districts as water districts 208
Joint administration and operation of special or improvement districts with town functions 208–A
Acquisition of land for proposed district 208–B
Dissolution of lighting or public parking districts
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Oct. 18, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 191. Petition's source at nysenate​.gov

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