For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms
or words used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
A. The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization,
partnership, trust, company or corporation as well as an individual.
B. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive.
C. The word "used" or "occupied" includes the words "intended,
designed or arranged to be used."
D. The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel."
E. The present tense includes the future tense, the singular
number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ABUT
To have a common property line or zoning district boundary
at one or more points, or being separated from a common property line
or zoning district boundary by a street, right-of-way, alley, easement,
river or stream.
[Added 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU)
A secondary dwelling unit that is subordinate and incidental
to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling. An ADU may be part of
a building that contains the single-family dwelling or in a freestanding
accessory structure on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling.
A single-family dwelling with and ADU is not considered a two-family
dwelling.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A physically subordinate building on a parcel.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019; amended 10-23-2023 by L.L. No.
7-2023]
ACCESSORY USE
A use found on the same parcel as the principal use, which
is subordinate to, incidental to, and customarily found in connection
with the principal use. An accessory use need not be located within
an accessory structure. In a residential zoning district on property
where a residential use is principal, business or commercial use may
not be considered accessory.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
ADDITION
New construction which increases the height or floor area
of an existing building.
ADEQUATE
That which is barely sufficient or suitable; as much as necessary,
average or fair.
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
ADJACENT PARCELS
Any parcel that abuts or is contiguous with the project site,
including parcels across a street, rail line, a right-of-way or a
river/stream.
[Added 4-22-2013 by L.L. No. 8-2013]
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment intended exclusively for adults, the viewing
of which is normally excluded from minors by reason of age. "Adult
entertainment" includes but is not limited to topless dancers, striptease
performers and pornographic magazines, books and films on tape, compact
disc or digital video disc, or other media.
AGE-RESTRICTED TRANSACTIONS
The buying or selling of products for which federal, New
York State, or Otsego County law designates a minimum age for purchase.
[Added 11-28-2022 by L.L. No. 9-2022]
AGRICULTURE
The raising of fruits, vegetables, timber resources, and
other plants and the structures incidental thereto.
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
ALTERATION
Construction in a building which may change the structural
parts or location of openings but does not change the overall dimensions
of the building. "Altering" is the act of making alterations.
APPLICANT
A person requesting approval under this chapter.
[Added 11-23-2015 by L.L.
No. 13-2015]
ARBOR
A light open structure, usually having a lattice framework,
intended to support vines, flowers or other vegetation.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE
Human remains and objects, such as tools, bottles, dishes,
seeds and bones of prehistoric American Indian and historic American
periods. Areas which contain these objects are also archaeological
resources and include graves, wells, privies, trash pits, basements
and foundations.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
A classification characterizing buildings that share many
common attributes, including similarity in general appearance, in
the arrangement of major design elements, in ornamentation, in the
use of materials and in form, scale and structure.
ARCHITECTURAL VALUE
A sum total of style, integrity or originality, antiquity
and craftsmanship as they relate to buildings or other structures.
ARRANGEMENT
The placement of materials into a harmonious order or into
a correct or suitable sequence, relationship or adjustment.
AS ESTABLISHED
That which commonly exists or is in use and established in
the adjacent or immediately surrounding area.
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
AUDITORIUM
That part of a theater, school or public building which is
set aside for an audience for listening and viewing.
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE/AGENT
A person whom an applicant has authorized in a signed writing
to act on the applicant's behalf. The authorization can appear on
an application or in a separate document filed with the Zoning Enforcement
Officer.
[Added 11-23-2015 by L.L.
No. 13-2015]
AWNING
A roof-like covering of canvas or similar material over a
window, door, porch, deck or patio.
BALCONY
A projecting platform, either cantilevered or supported from
below, enclosed with a railing or balustrade.
BALUSTER
One of a number of short vertical members used to support
a balustrade or a handrail.
BALUSTRADE
A railing, including a top rail, balusters and usually a
bottom rail.
BASEMENT
That portion of a building which is partly underground, but
which has at least 50% of its interior height, measured from floor
to ceiling, above the average finished grade of the ground adjoining
the building.
BUFFER
To provide a natural or landscaped area or screening device
designed to mitigate visual and auditory impacts, including car headlights,
glare and lighting, between different incompatible uses when those
uses are in effect.
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009; amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No.
16-2014]
BUILDING
An enclosed and permanent structure, as distinguished from
mobile structures.
BUILDING PERMIT
A permit granted by the County Codes Enforcement Officer,
in compliance with the Building Code of New York State or the Residential
Code of New York State, as appropriate.
BULK
The size and shape of building and nonbuilding uses, and
the physical relationship of their exterior walls or their locations
to lot lines and other buildings or other walls of the same building,
and all open spaces required in connection with a building. Bulk regulations
deal with all matters relating to requirements for lot width, lot
area, yard dimensions and height of structures.
BULKHEAD
A structure on the roof of a building covering a shaft or
service equipment.
CANOPY
A covered area which extends from the wall of a building
to protect an entrance.
CARPORT
A covered automobile shelter, with one or more sides open
to the weather, associated with or attached to a dwelling.
CELLAR
That portion of a building which is partly or wholly underground,
but which has at least 50% of its interior height, measured from floor
to ceiling, below the average finished grade of the ground adjoining
the building.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A document evidencing approval by the Historic Preservation
and Architectural Review Board of an application to make a change
in the design, material, or outward appearance of a property located
within the Historic Preservation and Architectural Overlay District.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
CHANGE IN DESIGN, MATERIAL OR OUTWARD APPEARANCE
An alteration that will affect either the exterior architectural
or environmental features of a historic property or any building,
structure, site, object or landscape feature. Such changes include
but are not limited to a reconstruction or alteration of the size,
shape or elevation of a historic property, including any of its architectural
elements or details; demolition or relocation of a historic structure;
commencement of excavation for construction purposes; or the erection,
alteration, restoration or removal of any building or other structure,
including walls, fences, steps or other appurtenant features, except
exterior paint alterations or signage.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
CHARACTER
All those visual aspects and physical features that comprise
the appearance of a building, structure, property, neighborhood or
district. Character-defining elements of a building include its overall
shape, scale and height; the number and placement of openings (doors,
windows); roof shape, configuration, and related features (dormers,
chimneys); building materials and craftsmanship; architectural style,
decorative trim and details and other features, as well as the various
aspects of site and environment. Character-defining elements of a
neighborhood additionally include building setbacks, rhythm of spacing
between buildings, geographic and landscape features, directional
orientation of buildings, and presence (or lack) of outbuildings.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
A development design technique that concentrates buildings
in specific areas on a site to allow the remaining land to be used
for recreation, common open space and preservation of environmentally
sensitive areas. Wetlands and land with slopes greater than 15°
cannot be used in the calculation to determine the number of clustered
dwelling units permitted in the appropriate district regulations.
COMBINATION VEHICLES
An equipment configuration which includes a separate power
unit (tractor) and at least one trailer.
[Added 2-28-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011]
COMMERCIAL PAID PARKING
A privately (i.e., nonmunicipally) owned area devoted to
outdoor, off-street parking in approved parking spaces, other than
accessory off-street parking spaces, where, for a charge or fee, five
or more motor vehicles may be stored for the purpose of temporary
or long-term parking. Notwithstanding the foregoing, house trailers,
utility trailers, combination vehicles, construction equipment (i.e.,
dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, etc.), and nonregistered motor
vehicles are not included in the definition of motor vehicles permitted
to be parked in designated commercial paid parking areas and are therefore
prohibited from parking therein.
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 7-2008; 7-20-2009 by L.L. No.
4-2009; 2-28-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011]
COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
A building or buildings with an on-site resident manager
for long-term occupancy by six or more unrelated people in which cooking
facilities may be shared or absent.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
COMPARABLE
More similar characteristics than dissimilar.
COMPATIBILITY
When used in the context of the regulations for the Historic and Architectural Control Overlay District (§
300-26), materials and designs that can exist in close proximity without affecting each other detrimentally. Compatibility is achieved through careful attention to general design, scale, texture and composition of building materials, proportion, arrangement of openings for windows and doors, roof shape, setbacks, spacing of buildings, and character.
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
COMPENSATORY
That which offsets and/or counterbalances.
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
COMPENSATORY DEVICE
Design technique(s) employed to offset potential significant
environmental, aesthetic, safety, health or welfare issues for a proposed
project, and may include, but are not limited to, plantings, walls,
fences, changes in elevation, curved internal roadways, curbing, wheel
stops, or entrance/exit placement.
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
CONDOMINIUM
A building or buildings on a parcel with ownership in common
of the parcel and certain parts of the building(s) thereon, which
would normally be used by all the occupants (including but not limited
to the basement, hallways, stairways, and elevators), and individual
ownership in fee of a particular area in such building(s).
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
CONSERVATION
The overseeing and maintenance of a structure and/or lot
to arrest its decay or destruction, usually by applying a variety
of measures.
CONSTRUCTION
All the work performed in building and altering structures.
"Constructing" means building and altering structures.
CONTRIBUTING
A building, site, structure or object adding to the historic
character of the property, the neighborhood and/or the Village of
Cooperstown.
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
CONVERSION
A change in the use of a building to another use which may
be subject to different requirements.
COOPERATIVE
A building or buildings on a parcel with ownership by a corporation,
the shareholders of which have the right through a proprietary lease
to occupy an area within such building(s).
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
CORNICE
A molded projection which crowns or finishes the part to
which it is affixed.
COUNTY CODES OFFICIAL
An employee of the Otsego County Code Enforcement Office
that is responsible for administration and enforcement of the New
York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Construction Code
(Uniform Code) and the New York State Energy Conservation Code (Energy
Code).
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
COURT, OUTER
An open space enclosed on three sides by exterior walls of
a building.
COVENANT
An agreement between two or more individuals, incorporated
within a deed, which stipulates how land will be used.
DECK
A flat open platform, usually made of wood or wood composites,
intended for relaxation and recreation.
DEED
A duly attested written document executed under seal and
delivered to effect a transfer and conveyance of real property or
interests therein.
DEMOLITION
The systematic destruction of a structure in whole or in
part.
DENSITY
The quantity of buildings distributed over an area unit of
measure, such as the number of buildings per acre.
DISREPAIR, SERIOUS
A condition which threatens the structural integrity of the
building or structure, its weatherproofing, or the health and safety
of its occupants. It includes but is not limited to the deterioration
of exterior walls or other vertical supports, deterioration of roofs,
exterior floors or steps, or other horizontal members, deterioration
of exterior chimneys, deterioration or crumbling of exterior stucco
or mortar, ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roofs or foundations,
including broken windows or doors, or the deterioration of any feature
so as to create a hazardous condition, which could lead to the claim
that demolition is necessary for the public safety.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
DOMICILE
One's permanent and primary residence, which is declared
in legal documents to pay taxes, receive social security benefits,
vote, bank, and register vehicles and animals. An individual can only
have one domicile, while they can have more than one residence.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
DWELLING
A building or buildings providing complete independent living
for long-term occupancy, including permanent provisions for sleeping,
eating, cooking and sanitation.
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY
A building or buildings providing for three or more dwellings
for three or more families on one parcel.
[Amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018; 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
A building or buildings providing for one dwelling for one
family on one parcel.
[Amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018; 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A building or buildings providing for two dwellings for two
families on one parcel.
[Amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018; 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
EASEMENT
A right of accommodation, for a specific purpose, in land
owned by another, such as a right-of-way.
EASEMENT, FACADE
A voluntary legal agreement that protects an exterior elevation
or elevations of a property. Under the terms of an easement, a property
owner grants a portion of, or interest in, his/her property rights
to an organization or municipality whose mission includes historic
preservation. Once recorded, an easement becomes part of the property's
chain of title, thus binding not only the owner who grants the easement
but all future owners as well.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
EAVE
That part of a roof which projects beyond the exterior wall,
usually the lower edge of a sloped roof.
ERECTED
Construction members that have been hoisted, assembled and
secured.
EXTERNAL FEATURES
The architectural style and general arrangement of the exterior
elements of a structure.
FACADE
A building's vertical surfaces, including all permanent architectural
details.
FAMILY
One or more persons occupying a single housekeeping unit
and using common cooking facilities, and related by genetics or marriage
or by a recognized legal bond, including but not limited to adoption,
foster-child/foster-parent relationship, or domestic partnership,
and excluding combinations of individuals that include more than four
persons unrelated to the remainder of the group.
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014; 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
FEATURE
A prominent or distinctive aspect, quality or characteristic
of a property that contributes significantly to its physical character.
Features include but are not limited to the kind, composition and
texture of building materials, including roofing and siding, and the
type, style and material of all windows, doors, chimneys, trim, signs
and other appurtenant architectural fixtures, details or elements
relative to the forgoing.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
FENCE
A fence is considered a structure requiring a zoning permit
under the terms of this chapter. See definition of "yard" for limitations
of height and location. The height of a fence shall be measured from
the average grade for any fence section to the top of the fence, excluding
any decorative caps, finials or posts, provided such are no more than
20% higher than the fence.
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
FIELD CHANGE
A minor change or adjustment to an approved application/permit
(or certificate of appropriateness), that will not substantially alter
the intent, layout or design of the approved plan. Field changes require
review by the Planning Board and/or Historic Preservation and Architectural
Review Board, whichever is applicable.
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
FILLING STATION
Any premises where gasoline is dispensed from stationary
exterior pumps and other petroleum products are sold and/or dispensed.
GAME ROOM
Any place of business that operates three or more mechanical
or electronic games or pay devices or tables for which charge is made
either directly or indirectly. Examples, by way of illustration and
not limitation, are billiard halls, amusement centers, and video arcades.
Adult supervision is required in game rooms frequented by children
under 14 years of age.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
GARAGE (COMMERCIAL)
A structure designed or used for service, maintenance, repair
or other commercial activity in relation to automotive vehicles.
GARAGE (PRIVATE)
A structure designed and used for the parking of vehicles
for the use of the residents of the dwelling to which the garage is
accessory.
GROSS SQUARE FEET
The sum of all areas with a ceiling height of seven feet
or higher on all floors of a building included within the outside
faces of its exterior walls.
[Added 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014; amended 10-23-2023 by L.L. No.
7-2023]
GUEST SLEEPING ROOM
A partitioned part of the interior of a hotel, motel, or
transient rental which contains a bed or beds, is 'maintained primarily
for sleeping purposes, and is let out by its owner or, in the case
of a hotel or motel, any agent of its owner at any time to transient
guests for compensation.
[Added 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014; amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
GYMNASIUM
A fitness center, health club and/or indoor athletic facility
devoted to physical conditioning, exercise, sports activities or games.
[Amended 5-27-2014 by L.L. No. 8-2014]
HARDSHIP
Where an owner of property has established that a property is incapable of earning a reasonable return, as provided in §
300-26F and
G of this chapter.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
HARMONY
A pleasing relationship of style, architecture or use of
a building to its surroundings.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
Any item or agent (biological, chemical, radiological, and/or
physical) which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals,
or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other
factors.
[Added 12-22-2016 by L.L.
No. 11-2016]
HEALTHCARE FACILITY
A facility licensed in the State of New York and used for
the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or care of human ailments, including
a clinic, adult home, wellness center, nursing home, or medical center.
A healthcare facility may include accessory uses, such as but not
limited to offices; support facilities, such as medical laboratories,
diagnostic testing centers, physical therapy and pharmaceutical facilities;
storage facilities for medical equipment, supplies and records; hospital
operations and maintenance facilities, such as food service and laundry
facilities, housekeeping and maintenance storage areas; extended care
facilities; overnight accommodations and cafeteria facilities for
on-duty employees and medical residents; medical libraries, research
and educational facilities; cogeneration, incineration, water, electrical
and heating equipment facilities; and off-street parking spaces and
structures.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
HEIGHT
Vertical distance between the bottom and top points of a
building, measured on the side(s) of the building corresponding to
the lot frontage. The bottom point shall be the mean elevation at
finished grade as measured at the face of the building on the side
corresponding to the lot frontage. The top point shall be: a) the
highest point of a flat or mansard roof; or b) the average height
of the highest pitched, gabled, hip, shed or gambrel roof.
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
HISTORICALLY APPROPRIATE
Changes to a structure that respect its historical character
and architecture and are compatible therewith.
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
HISTORIC BUILDING, STRUCTURE OR PROPERTY
Any building, structure or property recognized to have important
historical or architectural significance which contributes to the
character of the Village of Cooperstown. Such buildings, structures
or properties are those that: a) possess special character or specific
historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of the political,
cultural, economic or social history of the Village; b) are identified
with historic personages; c) are the work of a designer whose work
has significantly influenced an age; d) are examples of a particular
architectural style or mode of construction; or e) are part of a group
of structures, buildings or sites that are significant as a single,
identifiable entity, although their individual components may lack
particular historic or architectural distinction or merit. Such term
includes but is not limited to those buildings, structures or properties
listed individually on the national or state registers of historic
places or as contributing resources within a historic district listed
on the national or state registers of historic places.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
HISTORIC CHARACTER
The architectural style of a structure that relate it to
its historical significance.
HOME OCCUPATION
An occupation or profession which is customarily carried
on in a dwelling or in a building or other structure accessory to
a dwelling by a member of the family residing in the dwelling and
is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for
residential purposes. Home occupations include but are not limited
to art studios, barbershops, beauty parlors, dressmaker shops and
professional offices of physicians, dentists, lawyers, engineers,
architects, accountants and real estate agents.
[Amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018; 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
HOTEL
A nonresidential building, group of buildings, or portion
of a building, which provides accommodations for transient guests,
and may provide a variety of accessory uses. Hotels shall include
a minimum of five guest sleeping rooms and an owner of the building
or an agent thereof in attendance on the premises whenever one or
more of said rooms are occupied by guests.
[Amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
INCIDENTAL
Subordinate in terms of square footage, intensity of use,
and/or purpose.
[Added 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
INTEGRITY
The soundness of a building; for the purpose of historic
preservation, additionally the authenticity of a property's historic
identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that
existed during the property's period of significance.
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
LABORATORY
A place equipped and used for experimental study, research,
analysis, testing or preparation in any branch of science.
LANDSCAPE
To improve the appearance of, as by planting trees, shrubs,
flowers or grass or by altering contours of the ground.
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
LIGHT MANUFACTURING
The processing, fabrication, assembly, disassembly, treatment,
packaging of products and the incidental storage of related materials
and products where all associated activity is conducted within a building
and where there in not a significant increase in ambient light, odor,
smoke, noise or traffic.
[Amended 10-22-2012 by L.L. No. 7-2012]
LOADING BERTH
A space within a building or on the same lot providing for
the standing, loading or unloading of a commercially operated motor
vehicle on a regular basis.
[Added 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
LOT
See "parcel."
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
LOT COVERAGE
The portion of a parcel that is occupied by any building
or structure and any required parking located outside a building,
computed at 162 square feet per required off-street parking space,
plus an accessway(s) to said required parking.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
LOT FRONTAGE
The front of a lot shall be construed to be the portion nearest
the street. For the purpose of determining yard requirements on corner
lots and through lots, all sides of a lot adjacent to streets shall
be considered frontage, and yards shall be provided as indicated under
the definition of "yards" in this section of this chapter below.
LOT OF RECORD
A lot, the legal description of which has been recorded in
the office of the Otsego County Clerk.
LOT WIDTH
The maximum distance between the side lot lines of a lot
measured by a straight line, parallel (or as nearly parallel as possible)
to the front lot line, on or within the required front yard. In cases
of properties that front on a cul-de-sac, the lot width shall be measured
along the arc of the circle rather than a straight line.
[Added 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Actions involving painting, roof repair or other similar
minor repairs, not including structural alterations, changes in architectural
details or changes in types of materials.
MEAN HIGH WATER LEVEL (MHWL)
The average springtime high water level. The MHWL can be
determined by observing along the shoreline vegetative characteristics
such as the presence, absence or destruction of terrestrial or aquatic
vegetation, and physical characteristics such as a clear natural line
impressed on a bank, scouring, shelving, or the presence of sediments
or debris.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
MEMORIAL
An architectural or sculptural object or a plaque commemorating
a person or event.
MIXED OCCUPANCY
Use of a structure or property for one or more business or
commercial uses or a combination of residential and business and/or
commercial uses.
[Amended 2-25-2013 by L.L. No. 5-2013; 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018; 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
MOBILE HOME
A factory-built dwelling constructed on a chassis to facilitate
its transportation to a building site. A travel trailer or recreational
vehicle shall not be construed to be a mobile home. Factory-built
homes which are permanently placed on foundations, which are commonly
known as "modular homes" or "manufactured homes," are also not considered
to be mobile homes.
MOBILE HOME PARK OR COURT
A parcel of land which has been planned and improved for
the placement of four or more mobile homes for long-term occupancy.
MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION
An area of land which has been subdivided into separate parcels
and improved for the placement on each lot of a mobile home for long-term
occupancy.
MOTEL
Same as "hotel."
[Amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
MUSEUM
A not-for-profit institution chartered by the New York State
Education Department and engaged in the acquisition, preservation,
study and exhibition of works of artistic, historic or scientific
value.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The surrounding area or vicinity; often a district, block
or blocks, or locale with distinctive characteristics regarding land
use, development and/or architectural styles or features.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
NONCONFORMING LOT
Land that does not now comply with the area or bulk regulations
for the zoning district but which did comply with applicable regulations
at the time such lot was established.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
Any building that does not now meet the limitations on building
size and/or location on a lot in the district in which such building
is located, but which did meet existing limitations prior to the adoption,
revision or amendment of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use or activity which lawfully existed prior to the adoption,
revision or amendment of this chapter, but which fails by reason of
such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the district in
which it is located.
NONCONTRIBUTING
A building, site, structure or object that does not contribute
to the historic significance of the historic district.
OFFICE
A place where a particular kind of business is transacted
or a service is supplied, where such use does not involve the keeping
of stock or merchandise or the purchase or sale of goods on the premises.
A medical or dental office, however, is included in the definition
of a "healthcare facility."
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014; 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
OPEN SPACE LAND
The designation given to parks, recreational or natural land
or other land not to be occupied by buildings.
ORDINARY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Restoration of an architectural or environmental feature
to correct deterioration, decay or damage, or to sustain the existing
form, that does not involve a material change in design, material
or outer appearance. For purposes of this definition, changes in color
are not considered a material change in design, material or outer
appearance except where colors of material that cannot be subsequently
changed is involved, such as the color of brick or stonework.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
OVERLAY DISTRICT
A mapped zone that imposes a set of requirements in addition
to those of the underlying zoning district. In an area where an overlay
district is established, property is placed simultaneously in two
districts, and the property may be developed only under the conditions
and requirements of both districts.
OWNER
The person that appears on the deed recorded in the office
of the Otsego County Clerk.
[Amended 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
PARAPET
A low guarding wall or any point of sudden drop as at the
edge of a terrace, roof or balcony.
PARCEL
A land area that is considered as a unit and legally recorded
as a single piece in the Otsego County tax records.
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
PARKING SPACE, OFF-STREET
Area designated for the storage of a motor vehicle that is
on private property.
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
PARKING STRUCTURE
A building for the parking of motor vehicles having one or
more tiers or levels. A parking structure may stand alone or be part
of a larger building. It may be below grade or either partially or
totally above grade.
[Added 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
PATIO
Any outdoor living space that is adjacent to a building,
usually made of brick, stone or concrete.
PAVING
See "dustless surface."
PERSON
Any individual or individuals, partnership, proprietorship,
company, corporation, association, nonprofit or for-profit entity
of any kind or type.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A building used for the regular assembly of persons for the
primary purpose of religious worship, which is operated, maintained,
and controlled by a religious body incorporated in the State of New
York, together with related accessory structures and uses by such
religious body.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
PLAT
A map, plan or chart of a municipality indicating the location
and boundaries of individual properties.
PLOT
Parcel of land consisting of one or more lots or portions
of lots which are described by reference to a recorded plat or by
survey.
PORCH
An exterior structure that shelters a building entrance and/or
that extends along the outside of a building, usually roofed and generally
open-sided, but may also be partially enclosed, screened or glass-enclosed.
PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER
A portable receptacle with at least one dimension (length,
width or height) exceeding five feet that can be used, or is used,
for the storage of personal property of any kind, and that is not
located in a building.
[Added 12-22-2016 by L.L.
No. 11-2016]
PRESERVATION
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
A.
With respect to a historic property, the maintenance and repair
of existing historic materials and retention of a property's form
as it has evolved over time.
B.
With respect to neighborhood character, the retention of the
significant features that established a particular character of a
neighborhood.
PRIMARY RESIDENCE
Dwelling where one spends the majority of one's time, which
for an individual can be demonstrated by evidences of residency including
but not limited to voter registration, vehicle registration, driver's
license, residency claimed on state tax return, qualification for
residential school tax relief, and receipt of mail.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE
The physically predominant building on a parcel.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant use of any parcel, whether it
occurs in a principal or an accessory structure or outside of a structure.
"Mixed occupancy," as defined in this Code, may be considered a principal
use.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019; amended 10-23-2023 by L.L. No.
7-2023]
PROPERTY
A parcel of real property located in the Village of Cooperstown.
When not otherwise specifically described or limited, said term includes
any buildings, structures and other improvements located thereon.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
PROPORTION
A satisfactory relationship and balance of architectural
features as they relate to one another in terms of size, shape and
texture.
PUBLIC PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Land and any accessory structures in public ownership or
owned or leased and operated by a nonprofit entity [IRC § 501(c)(3)]
that is set aside for public use and which may or may not have been
developed for recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, tennis
courts, horse and bike trails, athletic fields, picnic areas, or swimming
areas.
[Amended 7-18-2001 by L.L. No. 6-2011; 11-24-2014 by L.L. No.
16-2014]
PUBLIC UTILITY STRUCTURE
A structure used for, or in connection with, the transmission,
distribution or regulation of water, sewer, gas, electric, telephone
or other public utility service.
REASONABLE
That which is logical, not excessive, evidences common sense
and fairness.
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
REASONABLE RETURN
An economic return on an investment which falls within a
range that is neither confiscatory nor unduly profitable.
[Added 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
RECONSTRUCTION
Reproducing by new construction the exact form and detail
of a deteriorated or missing part.
RECREATIONAL FACILITY
A place, either indoor or outdoor, equipped for the conduct
of sports and leisure-time activities that are operated as a business
and/or open to the general public for a fee. Examples, by way of illustration
and not limitation, are batting cages and bowling alleys.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
REHABILITATION
Returning of a building to a useful state through repair,
preservation, alteration or modification.
REMOVAL
The permanent deletion of materials from a structure.
RESIDENCE
See "dwelling."
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
RESIDENTIAL
Used primarily for housing for long-term occupancy.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
RESTAURANT
Any establishment that provides as a principal use the sale
of food or beverages in a state ready for consumption. A "restaurant"
shall not be deemed to include a vending conveyance or vending stand
on public property that is regulated under the Village Vending Law.
Neither shall a restaurant include a use that is accessory to another
use, such as a snack bar or refreshment stand that is accessory to
a recreational facility or a cafeteria that is accessory to a hospital,
school or other institutional use.
[Added 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
RESTORATION
The accurate reestablishment of the form, materials and details
of a building as it appeared at a particular time; may require the
removal of later work or reconstruction of earlier work which had
been removed.
RETAIL STORES AND SHOPS
Any building or portion thereof in which one or more services
or one or more articles of merchandise are sold at retail. Retail
outlets in which light manufacturing or processing are incidental
to the sale of goods or services on the same premises are included
in this definition. Exterior lots for the display and sale of vehicles,
heavy equipment or manufactured housing are excluded from this definition.
[Amended 10-20-2008 by L.L. No. 7-2008]
ROADSIDE STAND
See Chapter
277, Vending, Peddling and Soliciting, of the Code of the Village of Cooperstown.
SCALE
Relationship of parts to one another. See "proportion."
SCHOOL
An educational institution recognized as such by the New
York State Board of Regents.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
SCREEN
To provide a vertical barrier, such as a wall, mound, fence
or vegetation, designed to shield or obscure one or more abutting
or nearby structures, building components or uses from others.
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 16-2014]
SCREENING
That which shelters, protects or conceals an area or object(s).
[Added 7-20-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
SEQRA
New York State Environmental Quality Review Act.
SETBACK
Same as a required yard or the minimum distance between a
structure and a point of reference such as the lot line or street
line.
SHOOTING GALLERY
An area designed and used for the discharging of firearms
and similar weapons, including paintball, airsoft, and BB guns for
the purposes of target practice or competition.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 7-2023]
SHORT-TERM RENTAL
A special permitted use for overnight accommodations provided
for or offered to one or more transient guests in exchange for compensation.
Meals may be served to overnight guests but not to the public. Motels
and hotels are excluded from this definition.
[Added 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
SIGN
See Chapter
227, Signs, of the Code of the Village of Cooperstown.
SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A drawing which is prepared to scale and submitted with an application for site development plan review, and which contains all required information set forth in §
300-43C of this chapter.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
SPECIAL USE PERMIT
A zoning permit that allows a use following individual consideration
through an established review procedure. Such a use may require certain
conditions before being permitted.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
STREET LINE
The curbline of a public street. Where no curb exists, the
outermost edge of the paved surface is considered the street line.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on
the ground or attached to something having a fixed location on the
ground. Among other things, "structures" include buildings, walls,
fences, swimming pools, signs, and billboards.
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
STUDIO
The workroom of an artist or artisan.
STYLE
See "architectural style."
SUBDIVISION
The division of any parcel of land into two or more lots, plots, sites or other divisions of land for immediate or future sale or for building development. Refer to Chapter
245, Subdivision of Land, of the Code of the Village of Cooperstown.
SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED
The point in the project where the building or structure
is fit to be used for its intended purpose.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
TERRACE
An embankment with a level top, often paved or planted for
leisure use, or a flat roof or raised space or platform adjoining
a building.
TEXTURE
The visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance
of materials.
THEATER
A place of assembly for the showing of motion pictures, films
or videos, or for the production of plays and special events.
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
A special permitted use granted prior to 2018 permitting
a building within which overnight accommodations are provided for
or offered to transient guests in exchange for compensation. Meals
may be served to transient guests but not to the public. Motels and
hotels are excluded from this definition.
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 14-2014; 2-23-2015 by L.L. No. 3-2015; 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
TOWNHOUSE
One of a series of two or more houses constructed in an unbroken
row, separated by common or party walls. Land located directly beneath
the townhouse is in the same ownership; land around the townhouse
may be in the same ownership or in common ownership with other townhouse
owners and subject to association care and maintenance.
TRANSIENT GUEST(S)
Individuals or families who occupy overnight accommodations
for compensation for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. This
includes individuals or families who stay for less than 30 days or
pay for a rental period of less than 30 days, even if the rental terms
provide for a stay of 30 days or more.
[Amended 11-24-2014 by L.L. No. 14-2014; 2-23-2015 by L.L. No. 3-2015]
TRANSIENT RENTAL
Any rental for transient guests including short-term rentals,
existing tourist accommodations and preexisting nonconforming short-term
rental units. Motels and hotels are excluded from this definition.
[Added 1-18-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
TRUNK DIAMETER
The diameter of a tree measured at four feet above the ground.
UNDEVELOPED LAND
Real estate that is not improved with a building.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
USE
The specific purpose for which land or a building is used
or occupied.
VALUE, TRUE
The value of a property as calculated by applying the official
equalization rate to the assessed value.
VARIANCE
A relaxation of the terms of this chapter where such variance
will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions
peculiar to the property and not the result of the actions of the
applicant, a literal enforcement of the law would result in unnecessary
and undue hardship.
VIEWSHED
An area of land, water, and other landscape elements that
is visible from a fixed vantage point.
[Added 10-23-2023 by L.L.
No. 7-2023]
VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The governing body of the Village, as detailed in Village Law, Chapter
64 of the Consolidated Laws of New York.
VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD
The Board created by the Village Board of Trustees and empowered by it to perform the duties of a Planning Board as specified in Article 7 of the Village Law, Chapter
64 of the Consolidated Laws of New York.
VILLAGE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Board created by the Village Board of Trustees and empowered
by it to consider and approve variances and certain special permits
and to make interpretations of this chapter and to review challenges
to decisions of the Village Zoning Enforcement Officer.
VILLAGE ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
An individual appointed by the Village Board of Trustees
and given the responsibility to oversee and enforce all provisions
of this chapter. Also referred to as the "Village Codes Official"
in this chapter.
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
VILLAGE ZONING PERMIT
A permit granted by the Village Planning Board, the Village
Zoning Board of Appeals, the Village Historic Preservation and Architectural
Review Board and/or the Village Board of Trustees and issued by the
Village Zoning Enforcement Officer in compliance with this chapter.
Village zoning permits may also be referred to as "building permits"
in this chapter, but are not to be confused with building permits
which are issued by the Otsego County Codes Office in compliance with
the New York State Residential and Building Codes.
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
WALL
An outside structure, similar to a fence, but usually constructed
of stone or brick.
WAREHOUSE
A building, or portion thereof, designed or used for the
storage of goods, merchandise, supplies or other commodities.
WETLANDS
Land forms referred to as "swamps," "marshes," "wet meadows,"
"lakes," "ponds" and "streams" that have specific types of vegetation
and soil types associated with them. See New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation.
WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENT
A building or buildings, or portion(s) thereof, used as a
distribution center for the sale of goods, in particular to retailers,
in large quantities.
YARD
A required open space unoccupied and unobstructed by any
structure or portion of a structure from:
[Amended 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]
A.
Forty-eight inches above the general ground
level of the graded lot upward in a front yard; or
B.
Forty-eight inches above the general ground
level of the graded lot upward in side or rear yard(s), which limitation
may be increased for fences to no more than 96 inches upon filing
with the ZEO of the written acquiescence of each owner of property
adjoining the subject side or rear yard(s).
C.
On a corner Lot in any Residential district, nothing may be Erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a Height of three feet and eight feet above the center-line grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the Street Lines of such corner Lots and a line adjoining points along said Street Lines 25 feet from their point of intersection. (See §
300-28, Supplementary Yard requirements.)
YARD, FRONT
A yard extending between side lot lines across the front
of a lot. In the case of corner lots with two or more frontages, the
Codes Official shall determine the front yard requirements such that
at least one front yard shall be provided having the full depth required
in the zoning district while the other front yard shall have at least
half the full depth required. Depth of required front yards shall
be measured at right angles to a straight line joining the foremost
points of the side lot lines, which, in the case of rounded property
corners at street intersections, shall be presumed to be the point
at which the side and front lines would have met without such rounding.
Front and rear yard lines shall be parallel.
YARD, SIDE
A yard extending from the rear line of the required front
yard to the rear lot line. Width of required side yards shall be measured
at right angles to a straight line joining the ends of front and rear
lot lines on the same side of the lot. The inner side yard line of
a required side yard shall be parallel to the straight line so established.
YARD, REAR
A yard extending across the rear of the lot between inner
side yard lines. In the case of corner lots with formal frontage,
the rear yard shall extend from the inner side yard line of the side
adjacent to the interior lot to the rear line of the half depth front
yard. Depth of required rear yards shall be measured at right angles
to a straight line joining the rearmost points of the side lot lines.
The forward rear yard line of a required yard shall be parallel to
the straight line so established.
ZEO
See "Village Zoning Enforcement Officer."
[Added 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 11-2019]