A.
It is declared to be the policy of the Town of Rhinebeck to consider subdivision plats as part of a plan for the orderly, economic, aesthetic, environmentally sound and efficient development of the Town consistent with its community character and the continuing needs of its people for conservation of natural and cultural resources, quality residential building sites and enjoyable open space. The Town of Rhinebeck is home to nationally significant scenic viewsheds, historic architecture, natural beauty, and rural landscapes. These Subdivision Regulations have been carefully designed in recognition of the need to protect such resources. Additional purposes and standards for conservation subdivisions, which are strongly encouraged in the Town, are set forth in Chapter 125, Zoning, § 125-43, of the Town Code of the Town of Rhinebeck.
B.
The following objectives, related to the public health, safety and
welfare, shall guide decisions made by the Planning Board concerning
all proposed development subject to the provisions of this chapter:
(1)
Land is to be subdivided in a way that enhances the natural
and scenic resources of the area in which it is located and preserves
important scenic viewsheds, environmental resources, tracts of contiguous
wildlife habitat, and viable farmland.
(2)
Land to be subdivided and developed shall be of such character
that it can be used safely for building purposes without danger to
health, or peril from fire, flood, or other menace, and without resulting
in significant damage to the ecology and scenic characteristics of
the area in which it is located.
(3)
Proper provision shall be made for water supply, drainage, sewage
and other needed improvements and utilities.
(4)
All proposed development shall be so designed as to be in harmony
with the development pattern of adjacent and neighboring properties.
(5)
Proposed streets shall compose a convenient system and shall
be of such width, grade and location as to accommodate present and
prospective traffic while minimizing impacts on the environment. Rural
road standards will be promoted for development within rural areas,
with requirements matching the low-intensity rural purpose.
(6)
All development shall be designed to facilitate adequate fire
and emergency protection and provide access for fire-fighting and
related equipment.
(7)
Proper provision shall be made for permanent reservations of
open space, by conservation easement held by a local land trust, for
conservation, recreation, parks and trails and for the long-term protection
of natural drainage and significant historical and environmental features,
including water resources and wildlife habitats.
(8)
Proper provision shall be made for leaving undeveloped natural
areas and corridors to mitigate adverse environmental impacts of the
proposed subdivision and to sustain a diversity of native vegetation
and wildlife, to protect water resources, agricultural land, viewsheds,
and to implement the Town's policies of protecting its environmental
and cultural resources pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning
Law,[1] Wetlands Law,[2] and other applicable local laws.
(9)
Future development shall bear a fair share of the capital costs
to the Town for public improvements necessary to service such new
development and shall cause improvements which can be maintained at
reasonable cost.
(10)
All development and related reservations of land shall be in
harmony with the Town of Rhinebeck Comprehensive Plan, including the
Significant Habitats Report and Open Space and Affordable Housing
Implementation Plan, the Dutchess County Plan: Directions, the Greenway
Compact, including Greenway Connections: Greenway Compact Program
and Guides for Dutchess County Communities, and shall be consistent,
as applicable, with the Town's historic districts, the Local
Waterfront Revitalization Program, the Mid-Hudson Historic Shorelands
Scenic District Management Plan, the Hudson Valley Scenic Roads Masterplan,
the Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance document and any designated
critical environmental areas under the State Environmental Quality
Review Act (SEQR).
(11)
All review under these regulations shall be coordinated, to
the extent practicable, with involved agencies at the county and state
level and with other local officials, boards and commissions, including
the Conservation Advisory Council[3] and Waterfront Advisory Committee, to ensure consistent,
well-informed decision-making.
C.
Conservation subdivisions shall meet the supplemental procedures
and requirements for conservation subdivisions as set forth in this
chapter. To the extent any conflict exists between the requirements
for a conservation subdivision and any other section of the Town of
Rhinebeck Code, the requirements for conservation subdivision shall
apply.
D.
In their interpretation and application, provisions of these regulations
shall be held to be minimum requirements. More stringent provisions
may be required if it is demonstrated that different or higher standards
are necessary to promote the Town's public health, safety, and
welfare.
E.
Greenway Compact. The Town of Rhinebeck is a member of Dutchess County's
Greenway Compact Program and has adopted Greenway Connections: Greenway
Compact Program and Guides for Dutchess County Communities, as amended
from time to time, as a statement of land use policies, principles,
and guides to supplement other established land use policies in the
Town. The Town of Rhinebeck Subdivision Regulations have been designed
to be consistent with Greenway Connections and the Greenway Compact
Program. In its discretionary actions under these Subdivision Regulations,
the Planning Board should take into consideration said statement of
policies, principles and guides, as appropriate and when in harmony
with the Town Comprehensive Plan, including the Significant Habitats
Report and Open Space and Affordable Housing Implementation Plan.
