The long title shall be as follows: "A Law Regulating and Restricting the Location, Construction and Use of Buildings and Structures and the Use of Land in the Unincorporated Area in the Town of Ramapo, County of Rockland, State of New York."
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Law of the Town of Ramapo, New York."
There is hereby established a new Comprehensive Zoning Law for the Town of Ramapo, which law is set forth in the text, tables and map that constitute this chapter. Said law is adopted for all of the purposes set forth in Article 16 of the Town Law, and all power and authority granted therein are hereby adopted. The Zoning Law implements the policies for land use in the Town of Ramapo Comprehensive Plan and is adopted for the protection and promotion of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community as follows:
A. 
To guide the future growth and development of the Town in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan of land use and population density that represents the most beneficial and convenient relationships among the residential, nonresidential and public areas within the Town, considering the suitability of each area for such uses, as indicated by existing conditions, trends in population and modes of living and having regard for the use of land, building development and economic activity, considering such conditions and trends both within the unincorporated areas of the Town and with respect to the relation of the Town to areas outside thereof.
B. 
To provide adequate light, air and privacy; to promote safety from fire, flood and other dangers; and to prevent overcrowding of the land and undue congestion of the population.
C. 
To protect the character and the social and economic stability of all parts of the Town and to encourage the orderly and beneficial development of all parts of the Town.
D. 
To protect and conserve the value of land throughout the Town and the value of buildings appropriate to the various districts established by this chapter.
E. 
To bring about the gradual conformity of the uses of land and buildings through the Comprehensive Zoning Plan set forth in this chapter, and to minimize the conflicts among the use of land and buildings.
F. 
To promote the most beneficial relation between the use of land and buildings and the circulation of traffic throughout the Town, having particular regard to the avoidance of congestion in the streets and the provision of safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian traffic movements appropriate to the various uses of land and buildings throughout the Town.
G. 
To provide a guide for public policy and action in the efficient provision of public facilities and services and for private enterprise in building development, investment and other economic activity relating to uses of land and buildings throughout the Town.
H. 
To limit development to the availability and anticipated capacity of public facilities and services.
I. 
To prevent the pollution of watercourses and wetlands; to safeguard the water table; to avoid hazardous conditions and excessive damage resulting from stormwater runoff and flooding; and to encourage the appropriate use and sound management of natural resources throughout the Town.
J. 
To preserve the natural beauty of the physiography of the Town; to protect the Town against unsightly, obtrusive and obnoxious land uses and operations; to enhance the aesthetic aspect of the natural and man-made elements of the Town and to ensure appropriate development with regard to those elements.
A. 
Unless otherwise listed below, the numbers, abbreviations, terms and words used herein shall have the meanings of common usage as set forth in the latest edition of Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary. Terms of law shall have the meanings as set forth in the latest edition of Black's Law Dictionary.
B. 
Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, words used in the present tense include the future tense; words used in the singular number include the plural; words used In the plural number include the singular; the word "herein" means in this chapter; the word "requirements" means chapter; and the words "this chapter" shall mean this chapter and the maps included herein as enacted or subsequently amended.
C. 
The word "person," as used in this chapter, shall be defined to include, but not be limited to, an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, limited liability company, an unincorporated association, a firm or any other form of entity, contractors, subcontractors or journeymen; "used" or "occupied," as applied to any land or building, shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied."
D. 
The "Town" is the Town of Ramapo in the County of Rockland, State of New York; the "Town Board," "Board of Appeals," "Planning Board" and "Building Inspector" are respectively the Town Board, Board of Appeals, Planning Board and Building Inspector of the Town.
E. 
"Article," as a term of reference in this chapter, refers to this chapter.
F. 
"Shall" is always mandatory, except when applied to public officials, in which event "shall" is directory. "Time requirements" shall, nevertheless, be considered mandatory.
As used in the chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY
The term applied to a building, structure or use which is clearly incidental or subordinate to, and customarily in connection with, the principal building, structure or use and which is located on the same lot with the principal building, structure or use. Any accessory building or structure attached to a principal building or structure is deemed to be part of such principal building or structure in applying the bulk requirements to such building or structure. No use shall be considered accessory where such use requires a greater area of a lot or larger setbacks or yards or for which greater restrictions than for the principal use on the lot are imposed by this chapter.
ACCESSORY APARTMENT
A dwelling unit which is incidental and subordinate to a permitted principal residence use and is located within the principal dwelling.
[Amended 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
ACTIVE ADULT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Age-restricted residential development primarily for active and independent functioning persons over 55 years of age.
ADJOINING
Physically touching or bordering upon or sharing a common property line or major portion thereof.
ADULT STUDENT
Full-time married student attending a postsecondary level educational institution whether for general or religious instruction.
ADULT STUDENT HOUSING
Housing designated to be used only for adult married students, faculty, spouses and minor children while the adult student is pursuing full-time postsecondary education at an educational institution.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL or VETERINARY CLINIC
A facility for the care and treatment of animals, including shelters and like facilities, other than animal kennels as defined herein.
ANIMAL KENNELS
Any building, structure or premises in which animals are kept, boarded or trained in excess of the size, number or species limitations prescribed for accessory use of a residence.
APARTMENT
A dwelling unit, other than an accessory apartment, that is located in a multifamily dwelling or in a building that is partially nonresidential in use.
AREA, GROSS
The measure of land in a horizontal plane, uncorrected or adjusted for legal encumbrances, surface conditions or slope.
ASSISTED LIVING
A residential facility providing a special combination of housing, supportive services, personalized assistance and health care designed to respond to those persons needing help with the difficulties and activities of daily living, but who do not require nursing home care. The facility may provide a central or private kitchen, dining, recreational and other facilities with separate bedrooms.
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
The conduct within a fully enclosed building of repairs to the drive train and chassis of vehicles.
AUTOMOTIVE WASHING FACILITIES
A building or area of land designed exclusively for the cleaning of motor vehicles whether by machinery line or with hand-operated cleaning devices. The incidental washing or cleaning of vehicles associated with other permitted uses shall not be deemed automotive washing facilities under this chapter.
BASEMENT
See "basement" as defined in the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
BEDROOM
Any habitable space in excess of 100 square feet, other than a living room, dining room, bathroom, hallway or kitchen.
[Amended 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
BILLBOARD
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction conducted, sold, offered or existing elsewhere than on the same lot where such sign is displayed or not for the principal use of such lot.
BUFFER
An area of specified dimension extending between a rear or side property line or a zoning district line and a required yard. The buffer shall not be used or otherwise encroached upon by any activities on the lot so as to provide for adequate separation and protection from otherwise inharmonious or incompatible uses.
BUILDING
Any structure, or extension thereof or addition thereto, having a roof supported by such things as columns, posts, piers or walls and intended for the shelter, business, housing or enclosing of persons, animals or property.
BUILDING, ACCESSORY
See "accessory."
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted the main or principal use of the lot on which said building is situated.
BULK
The size and shape of buildings and nonbuilding uses, and the physical relationship of their exterior walls or their location 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 include regulations dealing with floor-area ratio, lot area, street frontage, lot width, height, setback, required yards and development coverage.
BULK, NONCOMPLYING
That part of a building, structure or nonbuilding use which does not conform to one or more of the applicable bulk requirements of this chapter.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Official certification that a building or structure conforms to this chapter and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as may be amended.
CERTIFICATE OF USE
Official certification that a building or structure or part thereof conforms to the use requirements and other pertinent provisions of this chapter and may be used in conformity with law.
CHANGE IN USE
Any use which differs substantially from the previous use of a building, structure or nonbuilding use.
CLUBHOUSE
A building, structure, lot or land area used as a private club or social organization with annual membership dues, and not conducted for profit or gain.
COMMERCIAL RECREATION
A business enterprise whose principal function is the operation of facilities for sports and leisure, including but not limited to swimming, skating, racquet sports, health and fitness and customarily associated accessory uses.
COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
A committee established by resolution of the Town Board, whose membership shall consist of specified Town departments, agency officials and consultants retained by the Town for the purpose of reviewing and evaluating applications or proposals, advising Town boards and agencies, and conducting architectural review.
COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL FACILITY
A multipurpose mixed use facility used for recreational, sporting, social, educational and cultural activities and events, owned and operated by a public or not-for-profit group, agency or corporation, open to the public and/or its members, which may contain any of the following uses: Gymnasium, swimming pool and locker rooms; dance, aerobics, exercise rooms and/or studios; offices, conference and meeting rooms, classrooms, arts and craft rooms and multipurpose room; programs and facilities for early childhood development, adult day care, adult education and for after-school and/or evening instruction; senior center, teen center; auditoriums limited to use by the owner of such facility and other not-for-profit entities; cafeteria, lunchroom, cafe, snack bar and gift shop incidental to the usage of the facility with no restaurant or food service establishment catering to the general or outside public permitted; playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts; playing fields for team sports, and track and field events; indoor storage incidental to the operation of the facility.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE FACILITY
Pursuant to § 41.34 of the Mental Hygiene Law, a supportive living facility with four to 14 residents, or a supervised living facility subject to licensure by the Office of Mental Health or the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities which provides a residence for up to 14 mentally disabled persons, including residential treatment facilities for children and youth.
COMPLETELY ENCLOSED BUILDING
A building separated on all sides from adjacent open space or from other buildings by fixed exterior walls or party walls, pierced only by windows and entrance or exit doors and covered by a permanent roof.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The materials, written and/or graphic, including but not limited to maps, charts, studies, resolutions, reports and other descriptive material that identify the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards, devices and instruments for the immediate and long-range protection, enhancement, growth and development of the Town located outside the limits of any incorporated village, adopted pursuant to Town Law § 272-a.
CONGREGATE CARE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
A residential development providing a shared living environment for six or more persons primarily aged 60 or older who are able to provide for themselves most of their activities of daily living, and who can maintain a semi-independent life style. Residents will have separate apartments with private bedrooms and baths, but may share dining and other living facilities.
CONTRACTOR'S STORAGE YARD
A building or area of land where a person, firm or corporation engaged in the construction business, or a related field, stores building materials, equipment and supplies used exclusively in his business as a contractor. Retail or wholesale sale of any contractor's materials or supplies is prohibited.
COUNTRY INN
A country inn is defined as an estate-type residential structure which had in the past served as a single-family residence and in which the following uses are permitted:
[Added 11-25-2013 by L.L. No. 7-2013]
A. 
Inn with rooms for overnight rental.
B. 
Restaurant with no more than 50 seats capacity.
C. 
Catering facility for no more than 300 guests.
D. 
Farm winery/farm with required New York State license.
E. 
Store for retail sale of farm winery/farm products.
COURT
An unobstructed open area bounded on three or more sides by the walls of a building or buildings. It does not include any such area with no windows opening upon it, except windows on a stairway. An "outer court" extends to a street or yard; an "inner court" does not.
COVERAGE, DEVELOPMENT
The percentage of the area of a lot covered by buildings, parking areas, accessory structures and any impervious materials, including natural impervious areas.
CRAWL SPACE
A space between the ceiling of one story and floor of the next story, or between the ground and the first floor, which usually contains pipes, ducts, wiring and lighting fixtures and permits access but is not greater in height than three feet six inches.
DAY CAMP
Any plot of land, including any buildings or structures thereon, if any, used for any assembly for recreational purposes on a seasonal basis, but not including any nursery school unless the bulk requirements for a day camp are met by said nursery school, nor including any living quarters except for one one-family residence on the plot.
DAY-CARE CENTER
A facility with an individual and required number of assistants providing care for seven or more children, depending on age, in accordance with a strict staff/child ratio, for more than three hours a day but less than 24 hours a day. Centers may be established as the sole use in an individual building or as an accessory use in a church, school or other building and may be run by an individual, association, corporation, or institution licensed by the New York State Department of Social Services.
DENSITY
The permissible number of lots or units determined by dividing the minimum lot area as set forth in § 376-41 by the number of lots or units allowed by this chapter.
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
DESIGNATED STREET LINE
See "street line, designated."
DORMITORY
A building or part of a building containing private or semiprivate rooms which open to a common hallway, which rooms are sleeping quarters for administrative staff, faculty or students, along with bathroom, dining, cooking, laundry, lounge and recreation facilities, as required. Dormitory rooms shall not contain separate cooking, dining or housekeeping facilities, except that one dwelling unit with complete housekeeping facilities may be provided for use of a superintendent or supervising staff for every 50 dormitory rooms, or major part thereof. No more than one communal dining room shall be provided in the building or structure used for dormitory purposes. Single-family, two-family and/or other multiple residential facilities, other than that described above, are not to be considered as dormitories. Private rooms may be occupied by no more than one person and semiprivate rooms by no more than four persons.
[Amended 1-25-2012 by L.L. No. 1-2012]
DUMP
See "junkyard."
DWELLING UNIT
A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof containing complete housekeeping facilities for only one family, including any domestic servants employed on the premises, having no enclosed space (other than vestibules, entrances or other hallways or porches) or cooking or sanitary facilities in common with any other dwelling unit. A house trailer, boarding- or rooming house, convalescent home, dormitory, fraternity house, hotel, inn, lodging, nursing or other similar home or other similar structure shall not be deemed to constitute a dwelling unit.
FAMILY
A group of persons living together as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit and consisting of either:
A. 
One or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption.
B. 
Not more than four persons not necessarily related by blood, marriage or adoption.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
A residence wherein child day-care services provided for three to six children (eight children after school hours) depending on age, for more than three hours a day in an approved home, licensed by the New York State Department of Social Services. The applicant must reside in the dwelling in which the day-care home is located.
FAMILY AND GROUP CARE FACILITY (NON-PADAVAN)
A residential facility in which groups of unrelated persons live, along with one or more adults who serve in a supervisory role. Such a facility shall not be construed to mean a "community residence facility" as defined in § 41.34 of the Mental Hygiene Law.
FENCE
An unroofed barrier or unroofed enclosing structure, including retaining walls.
FIELD CHANGE
A change or adjustment to an approved site development plan, due to field conditions that will not substantially alter the intent, layout or design of the approved plan.
FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN/SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (FINAL PUD PLAN/SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN)
An approved preliminary planned unit development plan prepared at such additional detail and showing information as is required by the PUD regulations, and the modifications, if any, required by the legislative body at the time of approval of the preliminary planned unit development plan, if such preliminary plan has been so approved.
[Added 7-13-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN/SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL (FINAL PUD PLAN/SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL)
The signing of a final plan by a duly authorized officer of the authorized board or body pursuant to a resolution granting final approval to the plan or after conditions, if any, specified in said resolution granting conditional approval of the plan are completed. Such final approval qualifies the plan for filing in the office of the Clerk as provided herein.
[Added 7-13-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
FLOOR AREA RATIO
The gross floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the area of the lot.
FRONTAGE
The horizontal distance measured along the full length of a street line abutting the lot.
GASOLINE SERVICE STATION
A building or other structure or a tract of land used for the retail servicing of motor vehicles, including the sale of petroleum products; sale and servicing of tires, batteries, automotive accessories and replacement items; washing and lubrication services; and the performance of routine automotive maintenance and repairs. Sale of other retail products from the premises shall not be deemed to affect the use of the facility as a gasoline service station.
GROSS FLOOR AREA
[Amended 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
A. 
The sum of the gross horizontal area of every floor of a building measured from the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building or from the inside perimeter of the exterior walls to the interior of the party walls separating the two buildings, including:
(1) 
Basement space, but excluding nonhabitable space below grade (subbasement) devoted to mechanical equipment, or accessory storage.
(2) 
Attic space, whether or not a floor has been laid, over which there is structural headroom of six feet three inches or more.
B. 
Regardless of the internal arrangement of a building, it shall be deemed to have at least one floor for each 20 feet of height or a major fraction thereof. However, "floor area" does not include:
(1) 
Terraces, porches and steps.
(2) 
Crawl space.
(3) 
Stairways/stairwells.
GROUP FAMILY DAY-CARE CENTER
A residence wherein day-care services are provided for up to 10 children of all ages, including not more than four children under two years of age or up to 12 children where all such children are over two years of age. A group family day-care center may also provide services to two additional children of school age, before or after school hours, licensed by the New York State Department of Social Services. The applicant must reside in the dwelling in which the group family day-care center is located.
HEIGHT
The vertical distance from the average elevation of the proposed finished grade along the wall of a building (or adjacent to the side of a nonbuilding use) to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs of such building (or nonbuilding uses), except as specifically exempted in § 376-60.
HOME OCCUPATION
An accessory use of a personal service character customarily conducted entirely within a residence, by the residents thereof, which use is incidental and secondary to the use of the residence for dwelling purposes, does not change the character thereof, does not have any exterior evidence of such accessory use other than a permitted announcement sign, does not involve, except as otherwise permitted in residence districts, the parking, storage or standing of any commercial vehicles or construction equipment or the outdoor storage of materials and which does not involve the keeping of a stock-in-trade or the sale of any goods or the use of any chemical, mechanical or electrical equipment which is not customary household appliance or light office equipment. Said activity shall not occupy more than 1/2 of the ground floor area of the residence or its equivalent elsewhere in the residence if so used. No person, other than the residents engaged in such activity, may be employed by them in connection with said activity. The conducting of a clinic, hospital, barbershop, beauty parlor, photographer's salon, tearoom, tourist home, animal hospital, boarding or breeding kennel, convalescent home, funeral home, stores of any kind or any similar use shall not be a home occupation.
HOME PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
An accessory office or area of a person located within a person's residence devoted to a professional service occupation, in which knowledge in some department of science or learning is applied to the affairs of others, either advising or guiding them, or otherwise serving their interest or welfare through the practice of a profession founded on such knowledge. Said office activity shall be incidental and secondary to the use of the residence for dwelling purpose, shall not change the character thereof and shall not have any evidence of such accessory use other than a permitted announcement sign. Said activity shall not occupy more than 1/2 of the ground floor area of the residence or its equivalent elsewhere in the residence if so used. In said activity, no more than two persons, including members of the family residing on the premises, shall be employed. Permissible home professional office uses include, but are not limited to, the following: clergymen, lawyers, physicians, dentists, architects, engineers or accountants.
HOTEL
A building which has transient living and sleeping accommodations for rent for 10 or more persons, provides amenities such as maid service, linen service and dining service, and which is open for year-round occupancy.
[Amended 9-8-2014 by L.L. No. 8-2014]
HOTEL, DOWNTOWN
A hotel located within the Neighborhood Business, Multifamily, or Community Business areas identified in the Monsey Area Plan contained in the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement prepared in connection with the Town of Ramapo Comprehensive Plan dated January 2004.
[Added 9-8-2014 by L.L. No. 8-2014]
HOTEL, HIGHWAY
A hotel that is not a downtown hotel.
[Added 9-8-2014 by L.L. No. 8-2014]
HOUSE OF WORSHIP
A. 
LOCALA building used exclusively for the conduct of organized religious services with the occupancy of the sanctuary space not to exceed 100 persons. Residence by an officiating clergyman in the building is permitted as an accessory use. No school or outside catering is permitted.
B. 
COMMUNITYA building used exclusively for the conduct of organized religious services with the occupancy of the sanctuary space exceeding 100 persons. Residence by an officiating clergyman is permitted as an accessory use. No school is permitted. Outside catering is permitted upon receipt of a special permit for such use.
INDUSTRIAL SERVICE ROAD
See "road, industrial service."
INTEGRATED RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL USE
A mixed-use development, consisting of residential and nonresidential uses, such as offices, media production facilities, or similar uses, allowed in a mixed-use zoning district, that is planned and designed to create a campus-like institutional setting which incorporates all necessary infrastructure, located on one or more adjacent tax lots under common ownership, controlled and managed by a central entity, and operated to provide live/work opportunities for residents of the development.
[Added 11-9-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
JUNKYARD
An area of land, with or without buildings, used for or occupied by a deposit, collection or storage, outside a completely enclosed building, of used or discarded materials, such as wastepaper, rags or scrap material or used building materials, house furnishings, machinery, vehicles or parts thereof, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage or sale of other use or disposition of the same. A deposit or the storage on a plot of two or more unregistered, wrecked or broken-down vehicles or parts of two or more such vehicles for one week or more in a residential district, or for three weeks or more in any other district, shall be deemed to be a "junkyard."
LABORATORY AND RESEARCH FACILITIES
A building for experimentation in pure or applied research, design, development and production of prototype machines or of new products and uses accessory thereto, wherein products are not manufactured for wholesale or retail sale, wherein commercial servicing or repair of commercial products is not performed and wherein there is no display of any material or products.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Any act, play, show, revue, pantomime, scene, song, dance act, or song and dance act, participated in by one or more employees, guests, customers or any other person or persons, including the playing of records, tapes, CDs, DVDs or other recorded music or sounds.
LOCAL CONVENIENCE COMMERCIAL
Establishments that deal in the retail sales of convenience goods (food, drugs and sundries) and such personal services as laundry and dry cleaning, hair styling and shoe repair. The maximum permitted aggregate gross floor area on any site shall not exceed 100,000 square feet. The floor area of any single store shall not exceed 8,000 square feet, except that food stores or combined sales stores may not exceed 45,000 square feet. Other commercial uses of any kind elsewhere specified in this chapter shall not be deemed "local convenience commercial."
LOCAL OFFICE - BUSINESS
Establishments that include art studios, banks, offices of salesmen, attorneys, dentists, sales representatives, architects, brokers, physicians, engineers, insurance agents, real estate agents, land surveyors, musicians, antique shops, barbershops, funeral chapels or other activity found by the Planning Board to be related to the services of the neighborhood residents or of a character consistent in scale, intensity of activities and traffic generation (including traffic from outside the immediate neighborhood) with local convenience commercial activities. Other uses of any kind elsewhere specified in this chapter shall not be deemed "local office - business."
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by plot, subdivision or as otherwise permitted by this chapter to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
LOT AREA
The total horizontal area included within the property lines of a lot, except that for any minimum lot area specified in this chapter, the area shall be adjusted as set forth in § 376-42A.
LOT, CORNER
A lot at the junction of, or abutting on, two or more intersecting streets where the interior angle of intersection does not exceed 135°. A lot abutting a curved street shall be deemed a corner lot if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street lines intersect at an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT LINE
Any boundary of a lot other than a street line.
LOT LINE, FRONT
The lot line which abuts or runs along the designated street line. In the case of a lot situated to the rear of another lot, its front lot line shall be the rear lot line of the front lot for purposes of measuring the front setback and lot width.
LOT LINE, REAR
The lot line generally opposite the street line. If the rear lot line is less than 10 feet in length or if the lot comes to a point in the rear, the rear lot line shall be deemed to be a line parallel to the front lot line not less than 10 feet long lying farthest from the front lot line.
LOT WIDTH
The distance measured along a line drawn parallel to the front lot line at a distance equal to the minimum front setback requirement.
MIKVAH
A facility providing for ritual baths.
MIKVAH, COMMUNITY
A mikvah intended for community-wide use, with patrons either walking or driving to the facility.
MIKVAH, NEIGHBORHOOD
A mikvah intended for use by patrons generally living within a half-mile radius of the mikvah, with patrons primarily walking to the facility; said use shall be limited to no more than one pool
MONOPOLE
A freestanding pole having a single point.
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
MULTIFAMILY DWELLING
A building containing three or more dwelling units.[1]
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE OF WORSHIP
A portion of a multifamily dwelling used exclusively for the conduct of organized religious services. No school or outside catering is permitted. At least 75% of the membership must live within a 3/4 mile radius of the house of worship. The bulk requirements shall be the use group for the multifamily dwelling in which the house of worship is located. No more than one house of worship per tax lot will be permitted.
[Added 1-30-2019 by L.L. No. 3-2019]
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT
An eating establishment, other than a drive-in restaurant, providing regular table service within a fully enclosed building. A neighborhood restaurant shall not have live entertainment.
NIER (NONIONIZING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION)
Electromagnetic radiation ranging from extremely low frequency (ELF) to ultraviolet (UV) comprises nonionizing radiation. Nonionizing radiation includes the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF), and extremely low frequency (ELF).
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
NONCOMPLYING BUILDING
A structure lawfully existing at the effective date of this chapter or any amendment thereto affecting such structure, which does not comply with the bulk requirements of this chapter for the district in which it is situated, irrespective of the use to which such structure is put.
NONCONFORMING USE
Any use of a building or structure, lot or land, or part thereof, lawfully existing at the effective date of this chapter or any amendments thereto affecting such use, which does not conform to the use requirements of this chapter for the district in which it is located.
NURSERY SCHOOL
Any private school accredited by the Education Department of the State of New York, designed to provide daytime care or instruction for two or more children from two to six years of age, inclusive, operated at least five days per week and seven months per year. No nursery school shall be operated during the months of July and August unless it meets with the requirements of a day camp as specified in this chapter, except for any school operated with a number of children no greater than the average attendance throughout the regular school year and without use of an outdoor swimming facility or pool.
OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS
Establishments that include offices of salesmen, sales representatives, architects, engineers, physicians, dentists, attorneys, insurance brokers, real estate brokers and persons with similar occupations. Other uses of any kind elsewhere specified in this chapter shall not be deemed "office, professional and business."
OFFICIAL MAP
The Official Map adopted and established by the Town Board and pursuant to Town Law § 270 of that part of the Town outside of the limits of any incorporated village, showing the streets, highways, parks and drainage systems laid out on such map, including any references to more detailed maps and studies. The Official Map is final and conclusive with respect to the location and width of streets, highways, drainage systems and parks shown thereon; and the Official Map is established to conserve and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
OPEN SPACE
A portion of a development site that is permanently set aside and will not be developed with buildings, structures, roads or driveways, provided, however, that open space may be used for passive recreation, including gardens, landscaped areas, trails and parking for trailheads, which may include paved areas to provide accessibility, and accessory appurtenances to passive recreational uses such as trash receptacles, interpretive and directional signage, picnic tables, and benches.
[Added 11-9-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
OPERATING PERMIT
A permit is required to conduct activities or to use a category of buildings as set forth in 19 NYCRR 1203.3(g) as may be amended.
[Added 11-10-2016 by L.L. No. 4-2016]
ORDER TO REMEDY
An order to remedy any condition found to exist in, on, or about any building in violation of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the provisions of this chapter.
[Added 11-10-2016 by L.L. No. 4-2016]
OWNERSHIP, SAME
Includes all vested or contingent interests of any person or his agent, representative, successor or assignee and irrespective of whether or not such interest is recorded, in the following circumstances:
A. 
Direct ownership by such person or his or her spouse, child, parent, sibling or spouse of sibling, heir or next of kin, agent, corporation, firm, entity, partnership or unincorporated association.
B. 
Ownership of property by different corporations, firms, partnerships, entities or unincorporated associations, in which such a person is a stockholder, a partner or associate, or his or her spouse, child, parent, sibling or spouse of sibling, heir or next of kin or owns an interest of 10% or greater in each corporation, firm, partnership, entity or unincorporated association.
C. 
When such person or his estate, successors or assigns, or any person or entity included in Subsections A and B herein, may be materially or substantively affected by the relief sought or by any determination in any proceeding sought before any board, body, commission or agency of the Town of Ramapo, whether or not such person is a party to such application or proceeding and whether or not such person appears on the record of such proceeding.
PARKING AREA
A lot or part thereof used for the storage or parking of motor vehicles, with or without the payment of rent or charges in money and/or other consideration.
PARKING LOT
Lot or part thereof used for the storage of motor vehicles, which contains space rented to the general public by the hour, day, week, month or year.
PERSON
See § 376-4C.
PLANNED BUILDING DEVELOPMENT
An area developed according to plan as a single entity and containing one or more structures to accommodate nonresidential uses and appurtenant parking areas and other uses incidental to the predominant uses.
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)
A site upon which residential, commercial, office, retail, or other land uses, or any combination thereof may be authorized in a flexible manner so as to achieve the goals of the Town Comprehensive Plan.
[Added 7-13-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZED BOARD OR BODY
Town of Ramapo Planning Board.
[Added 7-13-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PUD DISTRICT)
An independent, freestanding zoning district, wherein the zoning regulations need not be uniform for each class or type of land use, but where the use of land shall be in accordance with a preliminary planned unit development plan approved by the Town of Ramapo Town Board.
[Added 7-13-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
PRELIMINARY PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PRELIMINARY PUD PLAN)
A proposal for a planned unit development showing the layout of the proposed project, including, but not limited to, maps, plans, or drawings relating to proposed land uses, approximate location and dimensions of buildings, all proposed facilities, including preliminary plans and profiles, at suitable scale and in such detail as is required by these PUD regulations; architectural features, lot sizes, setbacks, height limits, buffers, screening, open space areas, lighting, signage, landscaping, parking and loading, traffic circulation, protection of natural resources, public or private amenities, adjacent land uses and physical features, and such other elements as may be required by these PUD regulations.
[Added 7-13-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
PRELIMINARY PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL (PRELIMINARY PUD PLAN APPROVAL)
The approval with conditions, if any, of the layout of a proposed planned unit development as set forth in a preliminary PUD plan and the simultaneous amendment of the zoning local law or ordinance by the legislative body to create and map a planned unit development district encompassing the plan, subject to the approval of the plan in final form pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
[Added 7-13-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant use for which a lot or building is used.
R DISTRICT or RESIDENCE DISTRICT
An RR-160, RR-80, RR-50, R-40, R-40A, R-35, R-25, R-15, R-15A, R-15C, R-15MR, MR-16, MR-12, MR-8 or RSH District in the Town of Ramapo, or a corresponding district in an adjoining municipality.
RESIDENCE
A building or part thereof designated, used or occupied for one or more dwelling units, but not including hotel, motel, or trailer.
RESIDENCE, MULTIFAMILY
A building which is designed, used or occupied for residential purposes for three or more dwelling units.
RESIDENCE, ONE-FAMILY
A building designed, used or occupied for residential purposes for one dwelling unit only.
RESIDENCE, ONE-FAMILY DETACHED
A one-family residence which is separated from other buildings by open space.
RESIDENCE, ONE-FAMILY SEMIATTACHED
A building or structure which comprises one dwelling unit for one family and which is attached or connected to another dwelling unit for one family at their common property line by means of a party wall, the length of which represents at least 50% of the total sidewall length of which the party wall is a part, and which is separated from any other building or structure by open space on the side lot line opposite the party wall and by open space on the front and rear lot lines. Each dwelling unit must be on its own lot. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a "one-family semiattached residence" until such time as the Building Inspector finds the other dwelling unit to be substantially complete.
RESIDENCE, THREE-FAMILY DETACHED
A building which is designated, used or occupied for residential purposes for three dwelling units.
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
RESIDENCE, THREE-FAMILY SEMIATTACHED
A building or structure which comprises three dwelling units for three families and which is attached or connected to another dwelling unit for three families at their common property line by means of a party wall, the length of which represents at least 50% of the total side wall length of which the party wall is a part, and which is separated from any other building or structure by open space on the side lot line opposite the party wall and by open space on the front and rear lot lines. Each three-family dwelling must be on its own lot. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a three-family semiattached residence until such time as the Building Inspector finds the other dwelling units to be substantially complete.
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
RESIDENCE, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED
A building which is designed, used or occupied for residential purposes for two dwelling units.
RESIDENCE, TWO-FAMILY SEMIATTACHED
A building or structure which comprises two dwelling units for two families and which is attached or connected to another dwelling unit for two families at their common property line by means of a party wall, the length of which represents at least 50% of the total side wall length of which the party wall is a part, and which is separated from any other building or structure by open space on the side lot line opposite the party wall and by open space on the front and rear lot lines. Each two-family dwelling must be on its own lot. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a two-family semiattached residence until such time as the Building Inspector finds the other dwelling units to be substantially complete.
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
RESTAURANT
Any establishment, however designated, at which food and beverages are sold for consumption on the premises, whether in a building or elsewhere on the property.
RESTAURANT, DRIVE-IN
Any restaurant, refreshment stand, snack bar, daily bar, hamburger stand or hot dog stand where food is served primarily for consumption at counters, stools, tables or bars outside the building or primarily for consumption in an automobile parked on the premises, whether such food is brought to said automobile by the customer or by employees of the restaurant, regardless of whether or not additional seats or other accommodations are provided for customers inside the building. Any drive-through restaurant shall be considered a "drive-in restaurant."
RESTAURANT, NEIGHBORHOOD
See "neighborhood restaurant."
RIDGELINE PROTECTION AREA
A designated area where restrictions on the location of buildings or structures are required to protect important viewsheds or minimize visual impacts on public viewpoints from roads, parks, or other public areas.
[Added 11-9-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
ROAD, COLLECTOR
Any street which serves to carry traffic from local residential streets to secondary streets.
ROAD, INDUSTRIAL SERVICE
A public street or right-of-way providing access to a planned office and/or industrial building development of at least 10 acres in a PI or LO District, subject to the requirements of § 376-52E.
ROAD, LOCAL
Any street which serves primarily as an access to abutting residential properties.
ROAD, MAJOR
Any street which is used primarily as a route for traffic between communities or large areas.
ROAD, SECONDARY
Any street which serves to carry traffic from collector streets to a system of major streets.
SANITARY LANDFILL
A site for the disposal of solid waste.
SCHOOL OF GENERAL INSTRUCTION
Any public or private elementary or middle school, junior high school, high school, college, university or postgraduate school offering courses in general instruction at least five days per week and seven months per year.
SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Any public or private elementary, middle school, junior high school, high school or college offering courses in religious instruction at least five days per week and seven months per year.
SCHOOL OF SPECIAL INSTRUCTION
Any nonpublic school conducting a regularly scheduled curriculum of specialized or vocational study.
SCREEN or SCREENING
A. 
A strip at least 10 feet wide, densely planted (or having equivalent natural growth) with shrubs or trees at least four feet high, at the time of planting, of a type that will form a year-round dense screen at least six feet high within three years;
B. 
An opaque wall or barrier or uniformly painted fence at least six feet high; or
C. 
Any other islands, barriers, emplacements, walls, fences, trees, plantings, shrubbery or other artificial or natural dividing strip or marker of any kind, wherever located on the site, conditioned or required in any building permit, certificate of occupancy, site development plan, subdivision approval, special permit, variance, zone change or other requirement of any board, agency, commission or official of the Town of Ramapo pursuant to this chapter.[2]
SECONDARY DWELLING UNIT
A dwelling unit previously approved as an accessory apartment or a new dwelling unit that meets the requirements for an accessory apartment in an R-15A or R-15C Zoning District which is eligible for issuance of a separate certificate of occupancy upon compliance with the requirements of § 376-68.
[Added 1-25-2012 by L.L. No. 1-2012]
SETBACK
The minimum distance between a principal building, structure or use and a property line of the lot or, where a buffer is required, between the principal building, structure or use and any part of the buffer. (See Sketches B and C found at the end of this chapter.)
SETBACK, FRONT
The distance from the building or use to the front lot line.
SETBACK, REAR
The distance from the building or use to the rear lot line.
SETBACK, SIDE
The distance from the building or use to any lot line other than to the front or rear lot lines.
SHOPPING CENTER
A structure or structures and customary parking and loading areas providing for a variety of retail commercial establishments managed as a unit and having the following characteristics:
A. 
A unified architectural treatment and identifiable theme relating each of the commercial establishments within.
B. 
A common interrelated parking and site circulation system with consolidated access to public roads.
C. 
Individual establishments oriented to pedestrian traffic by access signs and display, which are not generally visible or only incidentally visible to the parking areas.
D. 
Common amenities provided to patrons apart from the commercial establishments, such as benches, site decoration and landscaping, rest rooms and the like.
E. 
Common spaces which are available for public assemblage, special events and local notices.
SIGN
Any surface or device containing a sign display, the purpose of which is to bring the subject thereof to the attention of the public through the communication of a visual message.
SIGN, ADVERTISING
Any exterior sign which contains a sign display that attempts to solicit business through the inclusion of information which is not pertinent to the identification of a particular establishment and its location. Such information includes, but is not limited to, hours of operation, detailed description of merchandise offered for sale, lease or rent; sales and marketing policies, including prices; and promotional slogans.
SIGN, ANNOUNCEMENT
Any sign used to announce the use of the lot or direction or location of buildings and structures on the lot for an office, home occupation, religious, charitable or other institutional use. An announcement sign may be indirectly illuminated.
SIGN AREA
The area within the shortest line that can be drawn around the outside perimeter of the face of a sign display, including all decoration but excluding supports, if any, unless the same are illuminated as illumination is defined under "sign, illuminated." In computing total sign area, the area of the faces of all sign displays shall be counted, and any neon tube, string of incandescent lights or similar device shall be considered as having a minimum dimension of three inches.
SIGN, BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION
A sign containing the name of the establishment and information on the business conducted therewith, but specifically excluding phrases directing an action (i.e., stop, buy, eat).
SIGN, DIRECTORY
A sign or number of signs containing the name and type of a business, constructed of compatible materials and design.
SIGN DISPLAY
A display or legend, including but not limited to letters, words, logos and insignia which are used as or presented as an announcement or identification.
SIGN, FLASHING
Any illuminated signs on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION
A sign used to identify the name of a permitted institution or establishment which is the principal use upon the lot.
SIGN, ILLUMINATED
A sign on which artificial light is directed or which is constructed of translucent materials through which light is directed. A sign on which the illuminating source is visible to the public way or any property line, except for signs constructed from neon-type tube, is not a permitted sign in any district.
SIGN PLAN
A plan depicting the size, location, materials and content of a sign, which plan shall be the sole permitted display for any sign subject to the site development plan rules and regulations.
SIGN, SHOPPING CENTER IDENTIFICATION
For a permitted shopping center, a sign containing the name of the shopping center and the names of tenants, each of which comprises more than 1/3 of the total floor space of the center but no other business, and for which no other business signs are visible on the same frontage.
SIGN, WALL AREA
The area of a building wall (not exceeding 20 feet above ground level in NS Districts and 30 feet in all other districts) measured in the plane of the street frontage, including windows and doors.
STABLE or RIDING ACADEMY
Any establishment where horses are kept for riding, driving or stabling for compensation or incidental to the operation of any club, association, ranch or similar establishment.
STORY
That part of any building, exclusive of cellars but inclusive of basements, comprised between the level of one finished floor and the level of the next higher finished floor or, if there is no higher finished floor, then that part of the building comprised between the level of the highest finished floor and the top of the roof beams. Each 10 feet or fraction thereof of height shall be deemed a story in absence of finished floors.
STREET
A street, which is one of the following: an existing town, village, county or state highway or road; a public road shown on a filed subdivision plat; or a street shown on the Official Map of the Town.
STREET CENTER LINE
A line, equidistant from each street line of a street or, if no street line is established, the center line of the existing pavement or, if the street is unpaved, the center line of the existing traveled way.
STREET FRONTAGE
See "frontage."
STREET LINE
The right-of-way line of a street.
STREET LINE, DESIGNATED
The line established by the Official Map as the street right-of-way, whether or not in public ownership.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials constructed, assembled or erected on, above or below the ground or attached to something having location on, above or below the ground, including but not limited to buildings, fences, tanks, towers and swimming pools.
SWIMMING CLUB
A recreational club with swimming facilities operated for members and their guests, whether or not operated for profit.
SWIMMING POOL, PRIVATE
A. 
IN-GROUND POOLAn artificial pool or structure intended for wading, bathing or swimming purposes made of concrete, masonry, metal or other impervious material and which is an accessory use to a residence and for the exclusive use of the occupants of the residence and their guests.
B. 
ABOVEGROUND POOLAn artificial pool or structure which is so constructed as to be above grade and which has a ladder or steps in order to obtain access to the pool and which is an accessory use to a residence for the exclusive use of the occupants of the residence and their guests.
TOWNHOUSE
A dwelling unit sharing a common side or rear wall or walls with another dwelling unit, but occupying the entire volume within its portion of the building from the lowest level to the roof and having its own separate entrance or entrances to the outside.
TRAILER
A vehicle, including but not limited to a mobile home, which can be used as habitation for one or more persons or for business, commercial or office purposes. The term "trailer" shall include such vehicles mounted on temporary or permanent foundations with the wheels removed.
UNDERWATER
Land is underwater where it is so shown on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Map of the Town or where it is within the channel lines of a classified stream as shown on the Rockland County Drainage Agency Official Map. In addition, soils classified as "muck soils" by the United States Soil Conservation Service based on field investigations shall be deemed land "underwater."
USE
The specific purpose for which land or a building is used or occupied or maintained.
USE, ACCESSORY
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the primary use on a lot, whether such accessory use is conducted in a principal or accessory building or on the lot.
USE, NONCONFORMING
See "nonconforming use."
VEHICLE
A motorized means of transporting or carrying something.
VETERINARY CLINIC/HOSPITAL
See "animal hospital."
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICES
The provision of wireless communication services, including those more commonly referred to as "cellular telephones," which services are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in accordance with and as the term "personal wireless service" is defined in the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(c) or as hereafter amended.
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICES FACILITY
Any equipment used in connection with the commercial operation of wireless communication services, as defined herein and as the term "personal wireless services facility" is defined in the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(c) or as hereafter amended, to transmit and/or receive frequencies, including but not limited to antennas, monopoles, equipment, appurtenances and structures.
[Added 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006]
YARD, REQUIRED
Open and unobstructed ground area of the plot, extending inward from a lot line the distance specified in the requirements for the district in which the lot is located. Where a buffer is required, the buffer shall be deemed to commence at the lot line and the yard requirement shall be deemed to commence from the interior line of the buffer. (See Sketches B and C.[3])
YARD, REQUIRED FRONT
A required yard extending along the full length of the front lot line between the side lot lines.
YARD, REQUIRED REAR
A required yard situated along the rear lot line and extending the full width of the lot to the side lines of the lot.
YARD, REQUIRED SIDE
A required yard extending along a side lot line from the required front yard (or from the front lot line if there is no required front yard) to the required rear yard (or to the rear lot line if there is no required rear yard).
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "neighborhood place of worship" which immediately followed this definition was repealed 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006.
[2]
Editor's Note: The definition of "senior citizen housing development" which immediately followed this definition was repealed 6-14-2006 by L.L. No. 4-2006.
[3]
Editor's Note: Said sketches are included at the end of this chapter.