A.
It is the policy of the Town of Dover to allow a variety of uses of land, provided that such uses do not adversely affect neighboring properties, the natural environment, or the rural and historic character of the town. Many uses are therefore permitted only upon issuance of a special permit by the Planning Board, in order to ensure that these uses are appropriate to their surroundings and consistent with the purposes of this chapter. Some uses are allowed by right, subject only to site plan approval (see Use Table in § 145-10B). Communication towers, junkyards, adult entertainment uses, and uses not listed on the Use Table (if not prohibited by § 145-10C) require a special permit issued by the Town Board, which shall follow the procedures and standards established for the Planning Board in this Article IX.
B.
Accessory uses or structures used in connection with a special permit or site plan use shall be subject to the same approval requirements as the principal structure or use.
C.
Minor and major projects.
(1)
A minor project is a special permit or site plan application that falls within all of the following thresholds (over a three-year period):
(a)
Construction of four multifamily dwelling units or a lodging facility with six bedrooms.
(b)
Construction of facilities or structures for a nonresidential use covering 3,000 square feet of building footprint.
(c)
Alteration of existing structures or expansion of such structures by 1,000 square feet.
(d)
Conversion of existing structures totaling 5,000 square feet to another use.
(e)
Alteration and active use of 10,000 square feet of land, with or without structures.
(f)
Soil mining that does not require a Department of Environmental Conservation permit.
(g)
Construction of a structure that is 80 feet or higher above average grade level.
(2)
A major project is a special permit or site plan application exceeding any of the minor project thresholds.