NY S01836

Authorizes town boards to designate town highways with average daily traffic under 400 motor vehicles as "low-volume roads" and classify them into six categories: low-volume collector roads, residential access roads, resource/industrial access roads, agricultural land access roads, farm access roads, and recreation land access roads.

Permits town boards to designate low-volume agricultural or recreational access roads with fewer than 50 daily vehicles as "minimum maintenance roads," allowing reduced frequency of maintenance activities like snow removal, paving, and mowing while keeping roads passable and functional.

Requires town boards to conduct public hearings, issue written findings, provide certified notice to property owners, and obtain recommendations from the town highway superintendent and planning board before designating minimum maintenance roads.

Stipulates that minimum maintenance designations cannot restrict farm operations in agricultural districts, must maintain emergency vehicle and school bus access, and do not constitute road abandonment.

Takes effect 120 days after enactment and allows property owners to petition for discontinuation or modification of minimum maintenance designations, with a 24-month waiting period before resubmitting rejected petitions.