This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Law of the Town of Schodack, New York."
This chapter regulates and restricts the location, construction, alteration, occupancy and use of buildings and structures and the use of land in the Town of Schodack and, for said purposes, divides the town into zoning districts.
This chapter is enacted pursuant to the Town Law of the State of New York, Chapter 62, Article 16, of the Consolidated Laws, to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare, specifically including the following additional purposes:
A. 
The facilitation of the efficient, economical and adequate provision of public utilities and services.
B. 
The assurance of adequate sites for residential, agricultural, industrial and commercial uses.
C. 
The provision of privacy for families and the maximum protection of residential areas.
D. 
The prevention and reduction of traffic congestion, so as to promote efficient and safe circulation of vehicles and pedestrians.
E. 
The gradual elimination of nonconforming uses.
F. 
The conservation of the taxable value of land and buildings throughout the town, while enhancing the appearance of the Town of Schodack as a whole.
G. 
The encouragement of flexibility in the design and development of land.
H. 
The protection of the general environment in compliance with the objectives of applicable state and federal regulatory programs.
I. 
The protection of the natural resources of the community, including but not limited to the protection of the water resources of the town.
J. 
The development of land and the use thereof to enable businesses and land developers to take the greatest opportunity to properly utilize solar energy, including but not limited to the following:
(1) 
The protection of the water resources of the Town.
(2) 
The design of plans to utilize solar energy opportunities to reduce the loss of nonrenewable sources of energy.
K. 
The development of land and the use thereof for the protection and enhancement of agricultural lands as part of any agricultural district, as established in accordance with the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
This chapter shall be reviewed and amended, as may be necessary, at any time; however, a comprehensive review of this chapter shall be undertaken no later than five years from the date of adoption and at subsequent intervals of no greater than five years.