In order to assure an orderly and compatible
relationship between residence districts and nonresidence districts
along their common boundary lines, the following requirements shall
be met along such boundaries:
A. Minimum required transitional side and rear yards
within nonresidence districts adjoining residence districts shall
be 30 feet.
B. In a VB or VI District, the minimum required screening
within required transitional side and rear yards shall be a six-foot-high
stockade-type fence or equal, to be erected and maintained by the
nonresidential property owner along the side and rear property lines.
C. In a SCB, HC or CIP District, the minimum required
screening within a required transitional side or rear yard shall be
an eight-foot-high, six-foot-wide protective planting strip in accordance
with specifications established by the municipality and guaranteed
by a letter of credit. This buffer area shall be planted and perpetually
maintained with living trees and shrubs and shall have such other
grading and landscaping as are necessary to visually and audibly screen
the activity from the adjacent district. The treatment of the buffer
area shall, however, not appear to be unnatural or rigid, such as
bunker-like, straight ridges or walls, as determined by the Planning
Board during its review of the site plan.
On a corner lot in any district except the VB
District, within the triangular area determined as provided in this
section, no wall or fence or other structure shall be erected to a
height in excess of two feet; and no vehicle, object or any other
obstruction of a height in excess of two feet shall be parked or placed;
and no hedge, shrub or other growth shall be maintained at a height
in excess of two feet, except that trees whose branches are trimmed
away to a height of at least 10 feet above the curb level, or pavement
level where there is no curb, shall be permitted. Such triangular
area shall be determined by two points, one on each intersecting street
line, each of which points is 50 feet from the intersection of such
street lines.
[Amended 11-21-2019 by L.L. No. 5-2019]
A. Purpose.
(1) These regulations are intended to preserve a traditional rural character
to the land use pattern in the Town of Wheatland through preservation
and creation of open space and less intensive land uses. This Article
is not intended as a device for ignoring the Zoning Regulations of
the Town, the standards set forth therein, nor the planning concepts
upon which the Zoning Ordinance has been based.
(2) It is the desire of the Town of Wheatland to protect the natural,
historic and community resources by promoting open space development
within our Town for the purpose of:
(a)
Encouraging the use of Town land in accordance with its character
and adaptability;
(b)
Maintaining a small, rural town look, and feel, and village
or hamlet appearance where appropriate, in the discretion of the Town
of Wheatland Planning Board. Assuring the permanent preservation of
open space, agricultural lands, and other natural resources;
(c)
Allowing innovation and greater flexibility in the design of
developments;
(d)
Facilitating the construction and maintenance of streets, utilities,
and public services in a more economical and efficient manner;
(e)
Ensuring compatibility of design and use between neighboring
properties;
(f)
Encouraging a less sprawling form of development, thus preserving
open space as undeveloped land; and,
(g)
Developing an interconnected system of walking and biking trails
B. Benefits. Open space development has numerous environmental and community
benefits, including:
(1) Reduces the impervious cover in a development. Impervious cover contributes
to degradation of water resources by increasing the volume of surface
runoff and preventing infiltration of rainfall into the soil surface.
(2) Reduces pollutant loads to streams and other water resources.
(3) Reduces potential pressure to encroach on resource buffer areas.
(4) Reduces soil erosion potential by reducing the amount of clearing
and grading on the site.
(6) Preserves open space for recreation.
(7) Reduces the capital cost of development.
(8) Reduces the cost of stormwater management by concentrating runoff
in one area and reducing runoff volumes.
(9) Provides a wider range of feasible sites to locate stormwater BMPs.
(10)
Reduces the cost of future public services needed by the development.
(11)
Can increase future property values.
(12)
Creates wildlife habitat "islands."
(13)
Creates a sense of community and pedestrian movement.
(14)
Can support other community planning goals, such as farmland
preservation, walkways, trails, recreation and maintaining a small,
rural town look, and feel.
C. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
The area of land adjacent to a stream that is subject to
inundation during a storm event that has a recurrence interval of
100 years.
COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE
The area of open space remaining after natural open space
has been designated. The area may be used for passive or active recreation,
or stormwater management.
GREEN SPACE
Opens space maintained in a natural, undisturbed or revegetated
condition.
IMPERVIOUS COVER
Any surface in the urban/suburban landscape that cannot effectively
absorb or infiltrate rainfall.
NATURAL CONDITION
The topography and vegetation of an area that is unaltered
by clearing and grading during construction and protected in perpetuity.
NON-TIDAL WETLAND
Those areas not influenced by tidal fluctuations that are
inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances
do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life
in saturated soil conditions.
OPEN SPACE
A portion of a development site that is permanently set aside
for public or private use and will not be developed. Open space may
be used as community open space or preserved as green space.
OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT
A development pattern that arranges the layout of buildings
in a compact area of the site so as to reserve a portion of the site
for community open space or green space that is protected in perpetuity.
RESOURCE BUFFER AREA
This area is also commonly referred to as riparian buffer.
These areas include, but are not limited to forested separation or
buffers along creeks, streams and rivers by planting of trees, scrubs,
and natural grass or appropriate vegetation with the goal toward moderating
flooding, the recharging of groundwater, preventing soil erosion and
preserving of improving certain type of wildlife habitat. Consultation
with various publications, including those published by the NYS department
of Environment Conservation regarding the "Three Zone concept should
be done to assure and accomplish the goals stated herein.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The width of a public roadway that encompasses the pavement
width, and adjacent land needed for placement of sidewalks, utilities
and storm drainage.
STREAM BUFFER
A vegetated area bordering a stream which exists or is established
to protect a stream system. Alteration of this vegetated area is strictly
limited.
UNBUILDABLE LAND
The area of a site that includes wetlands and submerged areas,
slopes of 25% or more, and the 100-year floodplain.
D. Application.
(1) The provisions of this ordinance apply to all development and site
plan review for the Town of Wheatland
(2) The minimum size of an open space development shall be five acres.
(3) Subdivisions of more than 4 lots from a source parcel from a lot
of 100 acres or greater shall require an open space plan.
(4) Open space is a by-right form of development and shall not require
a special exception or additional review.
(5) Plats registered before the adoption of this ordinance are exempt
from the provisions of this ordinance.
E. Open space requirements.
(1) The following areas shall be high priorities for inclusion in designated
open space:
(b)
High quality forest resources.
(e)
High quality soil resources.
(2) Areas not considered open space. The following land areas are not
included as dedicated open space for the purposes of this article:
(a)
The area of any street right-of-way proposed to be dedicated
to the public;
(b)
Any portion of the project used for commercial purposes;
(c)
Land considered unbuildable as defined in this section;
(d)
Existing rights-of-way and utility easements;
(3) An open space community shall maintain a minimum of 40% of the gross area of the site as dedicated open space held in common ownership. Except as noted in Subsection
E(2) any undeveloped land area within the boundaries of the site may be included as required open space.
(4) All land within a development that is not devoted to a residential
unit, an accessory use, vehicle access, vehicle parking, a roadway,
an approved land improvement, or, if applicable, a commercial use,
shall be set aside as common land for recreation, conservation, agricultural
uses, or preserved in an undeveloped state.
(5) At least 75% of designated open space shall be contiguous, with no
portion less than 100 feet wide unless part of a walkway, trail or
bikeway.
(6) At least 50% of designated open space shall be designated as "green
space" as defined in Section A and shall be maintained in a natural,
undisturbed condition.
(7) Reasonable effort must be made to locate green space adjacent to
green space in an adjoining property(s) to the satisfaction of the
Planning Board.
(8) Limited access to green space may be allowed in the form of a walking
or hiker/biker path, the total area of which must be no more than
2% of the total green or open space area.
(9) The remaining designated open space may be "community space" and
may be used for passive or active recreation, or the location of stormwater
management facilities.
(10)
If used for stormwater management, all design, construction,
maintenance, and public safety requirements shall be met.
(11)
If used for active recreation, impervious cover shall not exceed
5% of this area.
(12)
Allowable structures. Any structure(s) or building(s) accessory
to a recreation, conservation or agriculture use may be erected within
the dedicated open space, subject to the approved open space plan.
F. Open space management.
(1) The boundaries of designated open space areas, recreation areas,
stormwater management facilities, and green space shall be clearly
delineated on plans, including record plats, and marked in the field
with signage approved by the Planning Board if necessary, to distinguish
these areas from private property.
(2) Development in designated open spaces in the future is prohibited.
The dedicated open space shall be set aside through an irrevocable
conveyance that is found acceptable to the Planning Board, such as:
(a)
Ownership by the individual lot owners as a homeowner's
association.
(b)
Conservation easement.
[1]
If owned by a separate entity, a conservation easement shall
be established for the area as defined in subsection 3 below and shall
be given to the Town of Wheatland.
[2]
A conservation easement, established as defined in subsection
3) below may be transferred to an established, designated land trust
organization, among whose purposes it is to conserve open space and/or
natural resources. This option is recommended for natural open space
areas. Such transfer is allowable, provided that:
[a] The organization is acceptable to, the Planning
Board of the Town of Wheatland and is a bona fide conservation organization
with perpetual existence;
[b] The conveyance contains appropriate provision for
proper reverter or retransfer in the event that organization becomes
unwilling or unable to continue carrying out its functions;
[c] A maintenance agreement acceptable to the homeowners
association is entered into by the developer and the organization.
[d] The conservation easement shall:
[i] Protect open space from future development and
environmental damage by restricting the area from any future building
and against the removal of soil, trees, and other natural features,
except as is consistent with conservation, recreation, or agricultural
uses or uses accessory to permitted uses;
[ii] Dictate whether open space is for the benefit
of the owner only, residents only, or may be open to residents of
the Town of Wheatland.
(c)
Recorded deed restrictions; or
(d)
Covenants that run perpetually with the land.
(3) Such conveyance shall assure that the open space "will be protected
from all forms of development, except as shown on an approved site
plan, and shall never be changed to another use. Such conveyance shall:
(a)
Indicate the proposed allowable use(s) of the dedicated open
space.
(b)
Require that the dedicated open space be maintained by parties
who have an ownership interest in the open space.
(c)
Provide standards for scheduled maintenance of the open space.
(d)
Provide for maintenance to be undertaken by the Town of Wheatland
in the event that the dedicated open space is inadequately maintained
or is determined by the Town to be a public nuisance, with the assessment
of costs upon the property owners.
G. Continuing obligation. The dedicated open space shall forever remain
open space, subject only to uses, construction or maintenance of existing
structures approved by the Town of Wheatland on the approved site
plan. Further subdivision of open space land or its use for other
than recreation, conservation or agricultural purposes, except for
easements for utilities, sewer and septic systems, shall be strictly
prohibited.
H. Regulatory flexibility. To encourage flexibility and creativity consistent
with the open space and green space concepts, the Planning Board may
grant specific departures from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance
for yard, lot, and bulk standards as a part of the approval process.
In projects of 50 acres or more, specific areas may be designated
for commercial land uses that serve the open space community. Any
regulatory modification shall be approved through a finding by the
Planning Board that the deviation shall result in a higher quality
of development than would be possible using conventional zoning standards.
The Planning Board may allow incentive zoning and wetland banks to
accomplish green and open space requirements. This includes but is
not limited to the Planning Board allowing establishment or extension
of green space, open space, walkways (including sidewalks), trails,
bikeways in other areas of the Town or contributions to a fund to
establish or enhance existing green and open spaces to comply with
the requirements of this section. Regulatory modifications are not
subject to variance approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals. No part
of an open space community plan may be appealed to the Zoning Board
of Appeals.
I. Performance guarantee. The Planning Board may require that a performance
guarantee, be deposited with the Town to insure completion of improvements.
J. Scheduled phasing. When proposed construction is to be phased, the
project shall be designed in a manner that allows each phase to fully
function on its own regarding services, utilities, circulation, facilities,
and open and green spaces. Each phase shall contain the necessary
components to insure protection of natural resources and the health,
safety, and welfare of the users of the open and green spaces and
the residents of the surrounding area. Each phase of the project shall
be commenced within 24 months of the schedule set forth on the approved
site plan. If construction of any phase is not commenced within the
approved time period, approval of the plan shall become null and void.
K. Revision of approved plans.
(1) General revisions. Approved plans for an open space community may be revised in accordance with the procedures set forth in §
130-33.
(2) Minor changes. Notwithstanding §
130-33K(1), minor changes to an approved open space community plan may be permitted by the Planning Board following normal site plan review subject to the finding of all of the following:
(a)
Such changes will not adversely affect the initial basis for
granting approval;
(b)
Such minor changes will not adversely affect the overall open
space community in light of the intent and purpose of such development
as set forth in this article; and
(c)
Such changes shall not result in the reduction of open space
area as required herein.
[Amended 8-7-1980; 2-1-2007 by L.L. No. 1-2007]
A. Private pools. Private pools will be allowed in accordance
with the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
B. Public pools.
(1) An owner of a public pool is required to post adequate
bond set by the municipal legislative body, to ensure proper upkeep
and maintenance of the pool and immediate area.
(2) The pool shall meet all the requirements set forth
in this chapter for private pools.
(3) Public pools shall be provided with adequate Red Cross
lifeguards and lifesaving equipment, when in use.
(4) A renewal permit shall be issued each year by the
Building Inspector.
C. Maintenance.
(1) It is the pool owner's responsibility to maintain
the pool in a safe and sanitary condition. Damage caused by the pool
contents or occupants is the owner's responsibility.
(2) The Building Inspector shall, at his discretion, inspect and file reports with the municipal legislative body. If a pool is maintained below the standards as outlined in this chapter, the municipal legislative body shall notify the owner in writing to bring the pool up to the standards of appearance and safety consistent with the best interest of the community. If the owner fails to take remedial action within 10 days of receipt of such notice, he shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to penalties noted in §
130-75.
D. Application for permit. Each application for a swimming
pool permit shall be submitted to the Building Inspector, accompanied
by the following:
(3) Pool dimensions, depth and the volume of water in
gallons.
(4) Type and size of filter system, filtration and backwash.
(5) Pool pump capacity and the pressure or head at filter
and backwash flows.
(7) A certified check in an amount as set forth on the
Town Fee Schedule, which shall be issued by the installer of the pool.
The check shall be held by the Building Inspector until he receives
verification that plumbing and electrical inspections have been completed,
at which time the check will be returned.
[Added 8-7-1980]
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the Town Board may issue temporary permits for the location of individual mobile homes outside mobile home parks in accordance with the provisions of Chapter
89, Mobile Homes and Mobile Home Parks.