Zoning Ordinance Revisions (Adopted 10/20/2011) – Public Notice

The following summarizes Town of Ancram Zoning Ordinance revisions adopted by the Town Board on October 20, 2011: A) Open Space Conservation Subdivisions: Section V(I) of the Town of Ancram Zoning Ordinance entitled “Residential Cluster Development” has been deleted and replaced with a new section entitled “Open Space Conservation Subdivisions”. Section V(I) establishes requirements for 60% open space, standards for site design to protect open spaces and critical environmental features, a process for detailed site analysis, and protection and maintenance options for open space. This section shall be the required site plan review process for all major subdivisions. B) Site Plan Review: A new section XIII entitled “Site Plan Review” has been added. This amendment establishes procedures and development standards for commercial structures, major and minor subdivisions, and certain single-family homes. It details uses requiring site plan approval and those that are exempt. It includes a process for application and review by the Planning Board including sketch plan, public hearing, referrals to other agencies, submission requirements, parameters for decision-making, and development standards. It requires use of the open space conservation subdivision process for major subdivisions, and establishes siting guidelines for minor subdivisions. The amendment also establishes a one-meeting, abbreviated process with development criteria for certain single and two-family residences not part of a subdivision, certain agricultural structures, and certain agri-tourism operations. Single-family homes not part of a subdivision will require site plan approval by the Planning Board only when certain features exist on the parcels, such as steep slopes, regulated wetlands or streams, or if the parcel is adjacent to an active farm operation, contains a protected ridgeline as may be identified by the Town, is proposed to be 3,000 square feet or greater or is used for farm worker housing.