Definition of terms. As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
AASHTO
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials.
[Added 10-21-1986]
ACCESSORY CONVENIENCE SALES
An accessory use to a filling station whereby food, beverages,
periodicals and similar items are purchased.
[Added 7-8-1997]
ACCESSORY USE, STRUCTURE OR BUILDING
A subordinate use, structure or building customarily incidental
to and located on the same lot occupied by the main use or building
or on a contiguous lot in the same ownership. The term "accessory
building" may include a private garage and/or private greenhouse.
ACTIVE USE
A use that generates daily public patronage, including but
not limited to bars, commercial entertainment, restaurants, museums,
retail (sales and service), personal service, offices, and similar
uses, and a use which provides an amenity for building residents.
[Added 8-11-2020 by L.L. No. 9-2020]
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
A public or private establishment which presents topless
dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, exotic dancers or
other similar entertainments and which establishment is customarily
not open to the public generally and excludes any minor by reason
of age. This use includes adult massage parlors, peep shows and adult
theaters and similar types of businesses.
[Added 9-13-1994]
ADULT HOME
A residential facility under 100,000 square feet, for individuals
who meet the admission standards of the applicable state law and regulations,
and which is licensed or otherwise certified by the State of New York
as an adult home for the purpose of providing long-term residential
care, room and board, housekeeping, personal care, and related forms
of assistance as required by state law and regulations.
[Added 4-26-2007; amended 4-20-2023 by L.L. No. 8-2023]
ADULT RETAIL SHOP
An establishment having as a substantial or significant portion
of its stock-in-trade videotapes, films, slides, books, magazines
or adult accessories, whether for sale or rent, and which establishment
is customarily not open to the public generally but excludes any minor
by reason of age.
[Added 9-13-1994]
AGRICULTURE
Includes the cultivation of the soil for food products or
other useful or valuable growths of the field or garden, tillage or
husbandry, but shall not include dairying, the raising of livestock,
fowl or birds or other forms of animal husbandry where the same is
carried on as a business or gainful operation.
ANIMAL HOSPICE
All or part of the premises, buildings and facilities utilized
for the purpose of taking in and providing for the care and treatment
of sick, abandoned, homeless, injured, deformed and/or terminally
ill animals.
[Added 7-11-2006]
ANTENNA, DISH
A device used to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic
waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based uses wherein the
device incorporates a reflective surface that is solid, open-mesh
or bar-configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn,
parabola or cornucopia.
[Added 5-28-1991]
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
A residential facility for individuals who meet the admission
standards of the applicable state law and regulations, and which is
licensed or otherwise certified by the State of New York as an assisted
living facility for the purpose of providing housing, support services,
personalized assistance, and health care. Such services should include,
but not be limited to, providing of common meals, transportation services,
medically eligible services, and related forms of assistance as required
by state law and regulations.
[Added 4-26-2007; amended 4-20-2023 by L.L. No. 8-2023]
AVERAGE NATURAL GRADE LEVEL
The mean elevation of the land along and adjacent to the
front of a building or structure prior to the placement of any fill
thereon, or as depicted on plans previously approved in accordance
with this chapter, whichever is more recent.
[Added 10-2-2012]
BASEMENT
A story partly below grade and having not more than 1/2 its
height below grade.
[Amended 10-21-1986]
BERM
An artificial earthen mound that is higher than the adjacent
land.
[Added 7-2-2008]
BOARD OF APPEALS
The Board of Zoning Appeals of the Town of Smithtown, New
York.
BOARD, TOWN
The Town Board of the Town of Smithtown, New York.
BUILDING
A structure with a roof supported by columns or walls and
having a horizontal area of more than 50 square feet.
BUILDING AREA
The aggregate of the horizontal area measured around the
outside of the foundation walls and of the floors of roofed porches
and roofed terraces inclusive, and including the area of accessory
buildings, if any.
BUILDING LINE
That line established by the required front yard depth as
the closest point to the front property line at which a building may
be constructed.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
The initial outlay by the owner or operator of a use to establish
a business, exclusive of the fair market value of the structure in
which the use is located. For nonconforming uses, the initial outlay
shall be calculated up to the date the use became nonconforming.
[Added 9-13-1994]
CAR WASH
A building or lot or part thereof containing facilities such
as water pumps, self-propelled brushes, conveyor chains and dryers,
used for washing motor vehicles.
[Added 10-21-1986]
CELLAR
A story having more than 1/2 its height below grade. A "cellar"
is not included in computing the number of stories for the purpose
of building height measurement.
[Added 10-21-1986]
CLUB, COUNTRY
A club for golfing, hunting, fishing, horseback riding or
similar sports.
CLUB, MEMBERSHIP, NONPROFIT
The premises, buildings and facilities utilized by a local
chapter holding a valid charter from an international, national or
state nonprofit membership organization or by a bona fide local nonprofit
civic association, which is not operated for profit and which holds
and maintains an income-tax-exempt status under the regulations and
rulings of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States. Membership
in the nonprofit club shall be regulated by the articles or bylaws
of the club, and the club shall cater exclusively to members and their
guests primarily for a social, literary, fraternal, recreational,
patriotic, educational, religious or political purpose. This term
shall not include a fitness center, swim club, country club, game
center or commercial public use, as defined herein, and any club providing
any child-care arrangement, including but not limited to day care
and day camp, as defined herein, must make separate applications to
the applicable entity charged with authorizing such child-care use.
[Amended 8-19-2003]
COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT
A room, hall or building or portion thereof which contains
arcade, billiard halls, electronic or video games, escape rooms, galleries,
museums, theaters, and similar uses.
[Added 4-14-1981; amended 4-18-2024 by Res. No. 2024-404]
COMMERCIAL PUBLIC RECREATION, INDOORS
Indoor recreation facilities such as bowling alleys, skating
rinks, fitness centers, swimming pools, athletic fields or courts,
gymnastics centers, mini golf, sports simulators, and similar facilities.
This term shall not apply to facilities of any public or private grade
school, high school, college or university where such facilities are
used exclusively by the school’s students and/or faculty.
[Added 4-18-2024 by Res. No. 2024-404]
COMMERCIAL PUBLIC RECREATION, OUTDOORS
An outdoor recreation that includes such facilities as batting
cages, swimming pools, athletic fields or courts, skating rinks, mini
golf, golf courses less than 50 acres, driving ranges, go-kart racing
tracks, and similar facilities. This use shall not apply to facilities
within public parks or to golf courses larger than 50 acres.
[Added 4-18-2024 by Res. No. 2024-404]
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
Any commercially registered vehicle weighing up to 10,000
pounds gross vehicular weight and measuring up to 20 feet in length.
[Added 12-10-1996; amended 11-4-1997; 8-2-2010]
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE, LARGE
Any commercially registered vehicle weighing more than 10,000
pounds gross vehicular weight or measuring more than 20 feet in length.
[Added 12-10-1996; amended 11-4-1997; 8-2-2010]
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Any membership association set up for the purposes of the
ownership, maintenance and management of those areas of townhouse
development held in common ownership.
[Added 8-9-1983]
COMMUNITY SHOPPING CENTER
A use of land, building or structures permitted in the Shopping
Center Business District, which contains a minimum of 20 acres and
less than 25 acres, has a minimum of 100,000 square feet of gross
floor area and serves a trade area population of between 40,000 and
100,000.
[Added 9-24-1968]
CONTRACTOR SHOWROOM
An establishment of at least 3,000 square feet of floor area
and used to display and place orders for windows, doors, cabinets,
countertops, carpets, recreational structures, and similar items that
are delivered to the customer's home or business. A contractor showroom
shall not include establishments wherein customers leave the site
with merchandise.
[Added 3-22-2012]
CONVENIENCE STORE/MINI-MARKET
Establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of a limited
line of packaged and pre-packaged foods, beverages, newspapers, tobacco,
vaping products, household products, lottery tickets, and provisions
such as bread, eggs, and milk.
[Added 11-7-2023 by L.L.
No. 15-2023]
COUNTER-SERVICE RESTAURANT
An eating establishment having a seating capacity of more
than 16 seats, where food and/or beverages are served to patrons in
their vehicles or are sold at counters inside the building and patrons
are not served at tables by waiters or waitresses.
[Added 6-26-1973; amended 7-10-1979; 3-8-1994]
DAY CAMP
The use of a building, premises and facilities to provide
daytime instruction and recreational programs for two or more children
away from home. All camps operating during any summer month or months
shall be licensed by the Department of Public Health of the State
of New York. This term shall not be deemed an accessory use to a membership
club.
[Added 6-24-1975; amended 8-19-2003]
DAY-CARE CENTER
Includes any child-care arrangement, public, private or parochial
child-care center, school-aged child-care program, day nursery school,
kindergarten, play school, or similar school or service, operating
pursuant to any required authorization, license or permit of the State
of New York or the County of Suffolk; any facility providing nonresidential
care for three or more children or persons with disabilities or persons
over 65 years of age for not more than 16 hours a day; any facility
that provides child-care services, as defined in § 410-p
of the New York State Social Services Law; or any child day-care center,
as defined in § 390 of the New York State Social Services
Law. This term shall not be deemed an accessory use to a membership
club, nor shall the term apply to schools, community residences or
medical facilities.
[Added 10-21-1986; amended 6-9-1992; 10-7-1997; 8-19-2003]
DECK
A flat-floored, roofless structure serving generally as outdoor
living space. The "deck" height is the greatest vertical distance
between the "deck" floor and natural or approved grade.
[Amended 7-23-1991; 3-23-1993]
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining,
dredging, filling, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage
of equipment or materials.
[Added 8-25-1987; amended 9-12-1995]
DWELLING
A building arranged, intended or designed to be occupied
by one or more families living independently of each other upon the
premises.
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY
A building designed for and occupied exclusively as a home
or residence for not more than one family.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A building designed for and occupied exclusively as a home
or residence for two families.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms with provisions for cooking, living, sanitary
and sleeping facilities arranged for the use of one family.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND
Any area with one or more of the following characteristics:
[Added 1-7-1986]
(1)
Any area of special flood hazard as defined by Chapter
168, Flood Damage Prevention, of the Town Code.
[Amended 3-22-2012]
(3)
Depth to seasonal high-water table of less than 10 feet.
(4)
Freshwater wetlands, as defined by Chapter
170, Article
II, of the Town Code.
(5)
A distance of less than 100 feet to the nearest surface water
feature identified on the latest United States Geological Survey 6.5-minute
topographic map.
(6)
Poorly drained soils, as defined by the United States Soil Conservation
Service.
(7)
A habitat for protected, threatened or endangered species.
FAMILY
[Amended 7-10-1979; 12-28-2023 by L.L. No. 4-2024]
(1)
As used herein shall mean:
(a)
One, two or three persons occupying a single dwelling unit;
or
(b)
Four or more persons occupying a single dwelling unit who are
related by blood, marriage, legal adoption, or legal foster relationship
occupying a dwelling unit and living together as a traditional family
or are occupying a dwelling unit, whether or not related to each other
by blood, marriage or adoption, or foster relationship, and living
together as the functional equivalent of a traditional family.
(c)
It shall be presumed that four or more persons living in a single nonprofit dwelling who are not related by blood, marriage, legal adoption, or legal foster relationship do not constitute the functional equivalent of a traditional family. This presumption can be overcome only by a showing that, under the standards enumerated in Subsection
(d) hereof, the group constitutes the functional equivalent of a traditional family. A determination as to the status of such group may be made in the first instance by the Building Director or his designee, or on appeal from an order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Building Director or his designee, by the Board of Zoning Appeals in conformance with this chapter.
(d)
In determining whether individuals are living together as the
functional equivalent of a traditional family, the following criteria
must be present:
[1]
The group is one which in structure and function resembles a
traditional family unit; and
[2]
The occupants must share the entire single- or one-family dwelling
unit and live and cook together as a single housekeeping unit. A unit
in which the various occupants act as separate roomers or boarders
may not be deemed to be occupied by the functional equivalent of a
traditional family; and
[3]
The occupancy is permanent and stable. Evidence of such permanence
and stability includes, but is not limited to:
[a]
The occupants' length of stay together in the current dwelling
unit or other dwelling units;
[b]
The presence of minor children regularly residing in the household
who are enrolled in local schools;
[c]
The occupants use the address of the dwelling for their vehicle
registration, driver's licenses, passports, bank accounts, bills,
loans, tax returns, and other licenses and permits;
[d]
The occupants share expenses for food, rent, ownership costs,
utilities, and other household expenses;
[e]
Common ownership of furniture and appliances and the common
use of vehicles among the members of the household;
[f]
Whether the household is a temporary living arrangement or a
framework for transient living;
[g]
The household has been living together as a unit for a year
or more, whether in the current dwelling unit or in other dwelling
units;
[4]
Any other factor reasonably related to whether or not the occupants
are the functional equivalent of a family.
(2)
Floor plans of the dwelling unit shall be submitted to the Building
Director or his designee, and on appeal if necessary to the Board
of Zoning Appeals, and must conform to all Town, county, and state
laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
(3)
Any determination under this subsection shall be limited to
the status of a particular group of persons as a family and shall
not be interpreted as authorizing any other use, occupancy, or activity.
(4)
The Building Director or his designee, or the Board of Zoning
Appeals, may impose such conditions and safeguards as it shall deem
reasonable, necessary and/or advisable in order to maintain the stability
and character of the neighborhood and protect the health, safety,
and welfare of the community.
FILLING STATION
A building or lot or part thereof supplying and selling gasoline
or other equivalent fuel for motor vehicles at retail direct from
pumps and storage tanks. A "filling station" may include accessory
facilities for rendering services for motor vehicles, such as lubrication,
washing and minor repairs.
FITNESS CENTER
A health and/or wellness facility which offers exercise,
fitness, physical wellness, nutrition, health or sports programs and
services to its members. This term shall not apply to athletic or
gymnasium programs of any public or private grade school, high school,
college or university where such programs are offered exclusively
to its students and/or faculty.
[Added 8-19-2003; amended 4-18-2024 by Res. No. 2024-404]
FITNESS STUDIO
An establishment that primarily provides scheduled fitness
courses, including such establishments as dance studios, martial arts
studios, yoga studios, and similar uses. The term shall not include
fitness centers.
[Added 4-18-2024 by Res. No. 2024-404]
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The sum of the horizontal areas of all stories of all buildings
on a site, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls
or from the center line of walls separating two buildings, but not
including accessory buildings less than 144 square feet and less than
12 feet in height, and not including cellars or half-stories.
[Added 10-21-1986; amended 6-20-1989; 3-8-2011; 10-2-2012; 3-17-2016; 6-11-2024 by Res. No. 2024-604]
FLOOR AREA, MINIMUM HABITABLE
The total horizontal area of all stories of a dwelling unit,
measured between the outside walls of the building, but excluding
garages, carports, open porches, terraces, utility rooms, basements
and those floor areas that have a clear ceiling height of less than
seven feet six inches. The "minimum habitable floor area" requirement
of a dwelling with a height of more than one story shall be increased
by 300 square feet to allow for stairs and additional hallway areas.
FOOD RETAIL
An eating establishment where the preparation and sale of
food and/or beverages are served to patrons in a ready-to-consume
state, primarily off the premises, where orders are generally not
taken at the customers' tables but at a counter, and where food is
wrapped in disposable wrapping containers. Seats may be provided for
on-site consumption and/or customer waiting.
[Added 9-6-2022 by Res.
No. 2022-781]
FUEL STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
A premises other than a filling station used to store more
than 5,000 gallons of flammable or hazardous solids, liquids or gases
in tanks or trucks.
[Added 10-21-1986]
FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE
A use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it
is located or carried out in close proximity to water, such as a docking
or port facility necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo
or passengers, shipbuilding and ship repair facilities. The term does
not include long-term storage, manufacturing, sales or service facilities.
[Added 9-12-1995]
GARAGE, PARKING
A building or portion thereof, not a private garage, used
for the parking of motor vehicles and not used for making repairs
thereto. The parking of motor vehicles under or above a building or
portion thereof shall be construed as a use of the building.
[Amended 1-7-1986; 6-11-2024 by Res. No. 2024-606]
GARAGE, PRIVATE
An accessory building of not less than 10 feet in width and
20 feet clear interior depth from door to wall and used for the storage
of not more than three private motor vehicles and for one commercial
motor vehicle owned and used by the owner or tenant of the lot on
which the "private garage" is erected.
[Amended 1-23-1968]
GARAGE, REPAIR
Except as provided for in §
322-12M, a building used for adjustment, painting, replacement of parts or other repair of motor vehicles or parts thereof, whether or not accessory or incidental to another use, except for premises wherein the floor area for repair work is less than or equal to 49% of the floor area used for a motor vehicle show room.
[Amended 6-9-1992; 11-1-1994]
GARAGE, STORAGE
An accessory building used for the storage of goods, materials
or equipment, not including motor vehicles, and not used for repairs,
assembly, servicing or a similar use.
[Added 1-7-1986]
GARDEN APARTMENT
A low-rise residential building or group of buildings in
which dwelling units are attached at one or more common roofs, walls
or floors. Each unit's habitable area shall be located above ground
level.
[Amended 1-20-2022 by Res. No. 2022-109]
HEIGHT OF A STRUCTURE OR BUILDING
Except as otherwise provided herein, the height of a structure
or building shall be the vertical distance measured from the average
natural grade level, as defined in this chapter, to the highest point
of the building or structure. The highest point shall not include
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment; parapets; stairway
and elevator bulkheads; antennas; and other minor appurtenances. In
the Nissequogue River Corridor, the height of a structure or building
shall be the vertical distance measured from the lowest finished grade
at the foundation of the building or structure to the highest point
of the building or structure. The highest point shall include heating,
ventilation and air-conditioning equipment; parapets; stairway and
elevator bulkheads; and antennas larger than 20 square feet measured
in any vertical plane.
[Added 10-21-1986; amended 10-2-2012]
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
[Added 9-12-1995]
(1)
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places
or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting
the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
(2)
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the
Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered
historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary
to qualify as a registered historic district; or
(3)
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places
in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved
by the Secretary of the Interior.
HOME CENTER
A premises which is more than five acres in size, which is used for the sale of building products, tools, garden supplies, flooring products and so forth, whose operation is located entirely within a building. For purposes of this chapter, this use is classified as a retail establishment, not otherwise listed herein, pursuant to §
322-8B.
[Added 1-21-1997]
HOME OCCUPATION[Amended 10-9-1984]
(1)
An accessory activity of a professional or occupational nature
which is conducted entirely within a dwelling unit and which is conducted
solely by members of the family residing within the unit and not more
than one additional person who does not reside within the unit. The
use is to be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use
of the dwelling unit. Furthermore, the use shall not have an adverse
effect on the surrounding residences. The following uses and similar
uses are not to be permitted as occupations: beauty parlors, hairdressing
and manicuring establishments, barbershops; tearooms; tourist homes;
convalescent homes; funeral homes; retail or wholesale shops or stores;
dancing schools; real estate offices; veterinarian offices; animals
hospices; animal boarding facilities; kennels; and animal hospitals
and biological or medical testing laboratories (effective October
9, 1984).
[Amended 7-11-2006]
(2)
Any home occupation which had been in existence in compliance
with this definition and Chapter
322, the Building Zone Ordinance of the Town of Smithtown, prior to October 9, 1984, shall be subject to the provisions of Article
XI of the Building Zone Ordinance.
HOOKAH LOUNGES, VAPE STORES/LOUNGES, SMOKE SHOPS
Any facility or location whose business operation, and its
principal use, includes on-site indoor smoking/sale of cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vape pens, vapors,
e-liquids, other legal marijuana derivatives or other substances.
As it relates to provisions concerning hookah lounges and vape stores/lounges,
the term "smoking" is defined as the inhalation of the smoke/liquid
nicotine/vapors/water pipe tobacco and other substances encased in
electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and pipes commonly known as "hookah,"
" waterpipe," "shisha," and "narghile," or any similar device.
[Added 4-26-2018 by L.L.
No. 2-2018; amended 11-7-2023 by L.L. No. 15-2023]
HOSPITAL
The premises or buildings, whether publicly or privately
operated, used for the diagnosis, treatment or other care of human
ailments, which may include related facilities such as laboratories,
training facilities, central service facilities and staff offices.
A "hospital" shall not include institutions for the treatment of alcoholism,
drug addiction or mental diseases. Dormitories may be permitted as
accessory buildings, provided that they are limited exclusively to
nurses or other staff.
[Amended 4-20-2023 by L.L. No. 8-2023]
HOTEL
A building or part thereof which has a common entrance, common
heating system and general dining room and which contains seven or
more living and sleeping rooms designed to be occupied by individuals
or groups of individuals for compensation. A "hotel" shall not provide
apartment dwelling units.
HOUSE TRAILER
A movable single-family dwelling of more than 17 feet in
length, equipped with a vehicular chassis but lacking one or more
of the following mechanical systems and equipment: plumbing, heating,
electrical, cooking and refrigeration. See "mobile home."
JUNK
Discarded materials including scrap metal, old iron, steel,
brass, copper, tin, lead or other base metals; old cordage, rope,
rags, fibers or fabrics; wastepaper; salvage materials; old machinery,
equipment and parts, whether dismantled or not; and motor vehicles
no longer used as such, whether for the purpose of resale of used
parts or components therefrom, for the purpose of reclaiming for use
some or all of the materials therein, whether metal, glass, fabric
or otherwise, for the purpose of disposing of the same or for any
other purpose; but "junk" shall not include materials or objects held
and used by a manufacturer as an integral part of his own manufacturing
processes. This term shall not include construction and demolition
debris.
[Added 6-27-1989; amended 11-18-2003]
JUNKYARD
Includes a lot, land, or structure used as an automobile
or vehicle salvage yard; an automobile or vehicle reduction yard;
a motor vehicle junkyard; an automobile or vehicle wrecking establishment;
an automobile or vehicle graveyard; a scrap metal processing yard
or facility; or a vehicle dismantling yard or facility. This term
shall not include a transfer station as defined herein.
[Amended 6-27-1989; 11-18-2003]
KIOSK OR BOOTH
A structure or building with one or more open sides designed
for retail sales or service, separating its occupant from patrons
or customers, whether on a public street, sidewalk, parking lot or
any other portion of the lot cited property. The term "kiosk" or "booth"
shall not include a telephone booth or a passenger shelter.
[Added 5-8-1979]
LOCAL WATERFRONT AREA
The area of the Town, excluding incorporated villages, described
in the Town of Smithtown Local Waterfront Revitalization Program on
file with the New York State Department of State.
[Added 10-21-1986]
LOT
A parcel of land, exclusive of street areas, used or designed
to be used by one use or structure or by a related group of uses or
structures and the accessory uses or structures customarily incident
thereto, including such open spaces as are arranged or designed and
required in connection with such structure or group of structures.
A "lot" may or may not be the land shown as a single "lot" on a duly
recorded plat or other official record.
LOT AREA
The total horizontal area included within lot lines.
LOT, CORNER
A lot with frontage on two or more intersecting streets,
at their point of intersection.
LOT FRONTAGE
The dimension measured from side lot line to side lot line,
or the equivalent in the case of a corner lot, along a line parallel
to the street line at the required minimum front yard depth (the building
line).
LOT LINE
Any boundary of a lot. Any "lot line" not a rear lot line
nor a front lot line shall be deemed a side lot line.
LOT LINE, FRONT
The dividing line between the lot and a street. On a corner
lot, both street lines shall be considered "front lot lines."
LUMBERYARD
A premises, less than five acres in size, which is principally
used for the sale of lumber and related materials which will be used
in building construction. For purposes of this chapter, lumber products
shall include unfinished and finished wood, substitute wood products,
roofing materials and related construction material, stored within
and/or outside of a building or structure.
[Added 1-21-1997]
LWRP (LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM)
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program of the Town of
Smithtown, as submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant to the
Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act (Executive Law
Article 42), a copy of which is in the office of the Town Clerk.
[Added 6-20-1989]
MICROBREWERY
An establishment required to be licensed as a microbrewery
by the New York State Liquor Authority.
[Added 3-22-2012]
MINI-STORAGE WAREHOUSE
A building or a group of buildings in a controlled-access
and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individualized,
compartmentalized and controlled access stalls or lockers for the
dead storage of customer's goods or wares.
[Added 8-27-1985; amended 10-21-1986; 12-1-1987]
MIXED-USE BUILDING
A multistory structure that is designed to integrate various
uses, such as office, commercial, institutional, and residential uses,
with active uses occupying the ground floor. A building that is designed
exclusively for one use type shall not be considered mixed use. A
mixed-use building integrates uses in a coherent physical design.
[Added 8-11-2020 by L.L. No. 9-2020]
MOBILE HOME
A movable single-family dwelling equipped with a vehicular
chassis and provided with all the following mechanical systems and
equipment: plumbing, heating, electrical, cooking and refrigeration.
See "house trailer."
MODIFICATION OF ZONING PROVISIONS
The implementation of a plan to permit greater flexibility
of the zoning requirements in certain residence districts, pursuant
to the provisions of § 54-10Q.
MOTEL
The premises and building or group of buildings, whether
detached or in connected units, used as individual sleeping or dwelling
units, with direct outside access and related office and with or without
restaurant facilities, designed primarily for transient automobile
travelers and provided with accessory off-street parking facilities.
The term "motel" includes buildings designed as tourist courts, motor
lodges, auto courts and other similar appellations but shall not be
construed to include mobile or immobile trailers.
MOTOR VEHICLE SHOWROOM
The use of any building or lot or part thereof for the sale,
rent, lease or display of new or used automobiles, vans, trucks, trailers,
buses, farm machinery, construction equipment, recreation vehicles
or boats.
[Added 10-21-1986]
NIGHTCLUB
An establishment, not including a membership club, that has
dancing with music or live entertainment in conjunction with the consumption
of alcoholic beverages.
[Added 3-22-2012]
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure lawfully existing at the effective date of this
chapter, or any amendment thereto affecting such structure, which
does not conform to the Table of Dimensional Regulations 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, structure, lot or land or part thereof
lawfully existing at the effective date of this chapter, or any amendment
thereto affecting such use, which does not conform to the Table of
Use Regulations of this chapter for the district in which it is situated.
NONNUISANCE INDUSTRY
Any industry the manifestations of which do not extend beyond
the limits of the property where it is located by reason of the emission
of odor, dust, fumes, smoke, gas, vibration, light, noise or similar
condition or any other condition hazardous to the community.
NURSERY
A building or lot or part thereof used for raising flowers,
shrubs or plants for sale.
[Added 10-21-1986]
NURSERY SCHOOL
A school designed to provide daytime care and instruction
for two or more children from two to five years of age, other than
children of the resident family, licensed by the New York State Board
of Regents and operated on a regular basis. A day camp shall not be
deemed to be a "nursery school."
[Amended 6-24-1975]
NURSING HOME
A facility licensed or otherwise certified by the State of
New York as a nursing home that provides full-time skilled nursing
care.
[Added 4-20-2023 by L.L.
No. 8-2023]
OPEN-FRONT RESTAURANT
An eating establishment where food and/or beverages are purchased
at open counters and may be consumed on the premises outside the building,
whether in parked vehicles or seated at outdoor tables or counters.
[Added 6-26-1973]
OUTDOOR DINING AREA, PERMANENT
Any unenclosed or partially enclosed outdoor area that is adjacent to and operated as part of an enclosed sit-down restaurant and that is used for the purpose of serving food and drink to customers seated at tables. The "outdoor dining area" shall be allowed only as an accessory use to the sit-down restaurant use, as defined by the term "restaurant" in this section. It is subject to all the requirements set forth in §§
322-9B, 322-10B and 322-82C(25).
[Added 2-5-1985; amended 5-3-2022 by Res. No. 2022-436]
OUTDOOR DINING AREA, SEASONAL
Any unenclosed or partially enclosed outdoor area that is adjacent to and operated as part of an enclosed sit-down restaurant and that operates on a seasonal (179 consecutive day) basis in any calendar year for the purpose of serving food and drink to customers seated at tables. It is subject to all the requirements set forth in §
322-12P.
[Added 5-3-2022 by Res.
No. 2022-436]
OUTDOOR INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES
Any mixing, sorting, screening, purifying, assembling, disassembling,
compacting, painting, coating, finishing, or other action of any material,
product, equipment, vehicle, or vessel that is not entirely within
an enclosed building unless these activities are conducted for the
development of a site in accordance with a valid building permit.
Storage, loading, and unloading shall not be considered as an outdoor
industrial activity.
[Added 9-22-2016]
OUTDOOR STORAGE
The keeping, locating, storing, stockpiling, maintaining,
housing or placing of any good, material or equipment of whatever
kind or nature or any vehicles, vessels, or any parts thereof, any
trailer or shipping or storage container, including roll-offs, between
the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in any location other than within
an enclosed building.
[Added 2-13-1990; amended 12-6-1994; 9-22-2016]
OVERLAY DISTRICT
A special purpose zoning district that overlays another zoning
district of the Town, or a portion thereof, and which provides therein
either more restrictive or less restrictive zoning standards than
the underlying zoning district.
[Added 4-24-2014]
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 SPACE
A stall or berth which is arranged and intended for parking
of one motor vehicle in a garage or parking area, with a minimum width
of nine feet and a minimum length of 18 feet.
PAVED SURFACE
The land surface covered with asphalt, concrete, bricks,
cobblestones, gravel, plastic or similar material.
[Added 9-5-2000]
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY (PWSF)
Facility for the provision of personal wireless services, as defined by Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. A PWSF is any unstaffed facility for the transmission and/or reception of personal wireless services, usually consisting of an antenna array, transmission cables, equipment shelter and, a mount. See Chapter
242 of the Town Code.
[Added 5-15-2001]
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL PARK
A community of industries grouped according to an overall
master plan to guide the development and improvement of the entire
industrial park tract, which shall contain a minimum of two acres.
[Added 12-24-1968; amended 10-21-1986]
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
A tract or parcel of land located in the Planned Residential Development District, controlled by legal or beneficial owner or owners or other persons with enforceable proprietary interest, inclusive of the condominium ownership and/or lessee, such land to be developed as a single entity for a number of dwelling units with lot size (if lots are present), coverage, density, bulk of buildings or other dimensional regulations which do not correspond to any one residential district established by any other Article or section of this chapter, except as set forth in Article
VI of this chapter.
[Added 5-20-1969; amended 2-1-1972]
POWER EQUIPMENT SHOP
A building or portion thereof used to service, repair, rent,
and/or sell lawnmowers, snowblowers, snowmobiles, personal watercraft,
and similar equipment.
[Added 3-22-2012]
PROPANE EXCHANGE
The use of land for the outdoor storage of propane cylinders
for the purpose of sale, rent, lease, or trade.
[Added 7-13-2004]
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of the time and place of a hearing, meeting or proceeding
printed in the official newspaper of the Town of Smithtown, New York,
and the erection of a sign or signs on the premises, prior to the
time of such hearing, meeting or proceeding, as provided by law and
this chapter.
PUBLIC OR SEMIPUBLIC BUILDING[Amended 4-2-1985; 9-12-1989]
(1)
Any nonprofit school, elementary or high, accredited by the
New York State Education Department; library; museum; fire station;
governmental administration building; civic center; passenger transportation
station or terminal; hospital; municipal garage; or church, synagogue
or similar place of worship, provided that said building is not used
in whole or in part for any commercial purpose.
(2)
Any building used or controlled exclusively for public purposes
by any department or branch of a state, county or municipal government.
(3)
Any building used principally for religious assembly.
PUBLIC UTILITY
Persons, firms and corporations supplying gas, electricity,
water, power, transportation, telegraph or telephone service to the
general public; and public utility machinery and equipment, which
shall include pipes, lines, wires and other conductors or conduits,
materials, apparatus, poles, towers, tanks, tools, vehicles, supplies
and storage facilities used by "public utilities."
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
A use of land, buildings or structures permitted in the Shopping
Center Business District, which contains over 30 acres of land, has
over 300,000 square feet of gross floor area and contains one or more
full-line department stores and serves a trade area population of
over 150,000.
[Added 5-23-1967]
RESEARCH LABORATORY
A building for experimentation in pure or applied research
design, development and production of prototype machines or devices
or of new products and the uses accessory thereto. With respect to
the application of this chapter, such "research laboratory" shall
meet the standards of a nonnuisance industry.
RESTAURANT
An eating establishment in which food and/or beverages are
prepared and served to patrons seated at tables and/or counters inside
the building. The term "restaurant" shall not include the types of
eating or drinking establishments commonly known as "open-front restaurants,"
"curb-service roadside stands," "counter-service restaurants" or establishments
of the type at which food and/or beverages are consumed on the premises
outside the building, nor shall it include a tavern, bar, inn, discotheque
or any other similar use.
[Amended 6-26-1973]
RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT, STORE OR SHOP
An establishment wherein goods, wares, merchandise, produce,
commodities or similar articles are offered for sale or sold to the
general public or the ultimate consumer. The terms "retail establishment,
store or shop" shall not include any other use listed in the Table
of Use Regulations.
[Added 1-7-1986; amended 11-7-2023 by L.L. No. 15-2023]
SAND MINING
Any alteration of the surface or subsurface conditions of land by any activity that removes, deposits or disturbs rock, gravel, sand, silt, soil or any other geologic deposits. This term shall not be construed to include any site preparation activity for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapters
112, Article
II; 154, Article
III; 245, Article
IV; 248; 252; or 285 or Article
XIII of this chapter of the Town Code.
[Added 10-8-1985]
SHIPPING CENTER
A building or portion thereof used primarily to accept packages
to be delivered via messenger or commercial carriers. The term "shipping
center" may be combined with printing and copying services.
[Added 3-22-2012]
SIGN
Any surface, fabric, device, group of letters or display arranged, intended, designed, painted, drawn, erected, hung, constructed, maintained or used to convey information visually, which is exposed to public view, upon which is displayed or included forms shaped to resemble any human, animal, plant, product or similar physical object or any text, trademarks, banners, insignias, decorations, symbols, letters, numbers, figures or marks. See Article
X for specific kinds and types of signs.
[Amended 6-25-1985]
SIGN WIDTH
The vertical distance measured between the top and bottom
of a sign.
[Added 6-25-1985]
SOLID WASTE
Garbage; refuse; sludge; stumps; wood chips; discarded leaves,
grass, mulch, or other plant materials; or used concrete, asphalt,
brick, glass, wood, plastics, metal, ceramics, containers, or other
manufactured materials. The term shall not apply to waste or recyclable
material stored in cans, dumpsters, or compactors as an incidental
accessory use to residences, schools, offices, stores, restaurants,
and similar uses.
[Added 9-22-2016]
SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE
A use in one or more districts for which the Board of Appeals may grant a permit pursuant to the provisions of Article
XII.
STORY
That portion of a building which is between one floor level
and the next higher floor level or the roof, except that the topmost
"story" shall count only where the wall plates are at least five feet
10 inches above the plate of the next lower "story."
STORY, HALF
That portion of a building which is between the topmost floor
level and the roof where the wall plates are less than five feet 10
inches above the plate of the next lower story, provided that the
floor area shall not exceed 1/2 the floor area of the next lower story.
[Amended 10-21-1986]
STREET
Any state, county or Town road or any "street" shown upon
a subdivision plat filed in the County Clerk's office.
STREET LINE
The dividing line between a lot and a street.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected on or under the ground or
water or upon another "structure" or building. The portions of buildings,
garages, sheds, cabanas, gazebos, swimming pools, porches, patios,
decks, parking lots, driveways, stairs, steps, fences, retaining walls,
signs, lights, flagpoles, statues and similar items. For the purpose
of this chapter, truck facilities shall not be considered structures.
[Amended 2-13-1990]
SUBREGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
The use of land, buildings or structures permitted in the
Shopping Center Business District, which contains a minimum of 25
acres but less than 30 acres of land, has a minimum of 200,000 square
feet of gross floor area and serves a trade area population of between
100,000 to 150,000.
[Added 9-24-1968]
SWIMMING POOL
A receptacle for water or an artificial pool capable of holding
water depth at any point of more than 24 inches deep at any point,
designed or intended for the purpose of the immersion or partial immersion
therein and including all appurtenant equipment. The word "pool" shall
be construed to mean in-ground, above-ground, on-ground outdoor water
pools, hot tubs and spas that are installed or constructed indoors
or outdoors.
[Amended 5-5-2009]
TAVERN, BAR OR INN
An establishment where mainly beverages are served with or
without food as an auxiliary accommodation.
[Added 6-26-1973]
THEATER
A building or part of a building devoted to showing motion
pictures, musical entertainment or stage productions on a paid admission
basis. For purposes of this chapter, this use shall not include and
specifically prohibits any adult uses and adult entertainment as defined
in this chapter.
[Added 5-11-1999]
THEATER, MULTIPLEX
A type of theater for motion pictures, musical performances
or live acts that has more than two auditoriums and more than 500
seats.
[Added 4-25-1989]
TOWNHOUSE STRUCTURE
Three or more single-family attached homes (dwelling units),
each of which has its own access to the outside.
[Added 8-9-1983; amended 1-20-2022 by Res. No. 2022-109]
TRANSFER STATION
Includes a lot, land or structure, or any combination thereof,
where solid wastes, including but not limited to uncontaminated waste
resulting from construction, remodeling, repair and demolition of
structures and roads, masonry materials, concrete, drywall and refuse,
are taken from collection vehicles and placed in or exchanged with
other transportation units for movement to another facility or where
solid wastes are temporarily collected and/or processed and subsequently
placed in transportation units for transport to another facility.
This term shall not include any lot, land or structure or any combination
thereof which handles recycled asphalt products exclusively.
[Added 11-18-2003; amended 5-19-2005]
TRUCKING STATION
Any premises, except for retail stores, used for the maintenance,
repair or storage of four or more commercial vehicles at the same
time.
[Added 1-7-1986]
VARIANCE
Authorization by the Board of Zoning Appeals, or the Planning Board where authorized pursuant to §
322-30.4 of this chapter or §
248-31A and
B of the Town Code, to utilize land for a use or in a manner otherwise prohibited by this chapter.
[Amended 3-22-2012; 4-4-2017]
VEHICLE STORAGE RACK
Accessory structure or mechanical equipment that is utilized
to allow vehicles to be stored above finished grade as an accessory
use to a motor vehicle or boat showroom.
[Added 1-23-2020 by L.L.
No. 2-2020]
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
A building or portion thereof used for the teaching of specialized
courses, including, but not limited to, business, trades, college
exam preparation, and driver education.
[Added 3-22-2012]
WALL
A work or structure of wood, stone or other materials or
combination thereof intended for defense, security, screening or enclosure
or for the retention of earth, stone, fill or other materials as in
the cases of retaining walls, bulkheads and seawalls.
WAREHOUSE
The use of a building by retailers, wholesalers and other
commercial or industrial users, the principal activity of which is
the storage of commodities. This definition shall not be deemed to
include "mini-storage warehouses," as that term is defined within
this chapter.
[Added 6-26-1973; amended 8-27-1985]
WHOLESALE BUSINESS
An establishment wherein goods, wares, merchandise, produce,
commodities or similar articles are offered for sale or sold only
in bulk or large quantities to wholesalers and retailers or to institutional,
industrial or business uses. A "wholesale business" does not include
any establishment wherein goods, wares, merchandise, produce, commodities
or similar articles are offered for sale or sold to the general public
or the ultimate consumer. Any business wherein goods, wares, merchandise,
produce, commodities or similar articles are offered for sale and
that has front windows comprising more than 25% of the area of the
front wall shall create a rebuttable presumption that the business
is a retail store or shop as defined in this chapter.
[Added 1-7-1986]
WINERY
An agricultural processing facility, located on a site of
10 acres or more, used for the commercial purpose of processing grapes,
other fruit products, or vegetables to produce wine or similar spirits.
Processing includes crushing, fermenting, blending, aging, storage,
related administrative office functions, retail sales, and tasting
facilities for the products of the facility. A minimum of nine acres
of the winery site must be devoted solely to the cultivation of the
fruit products or vegetables to be processed on site into wine or
spirits. The winery must be licensed by, and operated in compliance
with the requirements of, the New York State Department of Agriculture
and Markets and the New York State Liquor Authority.
[Added 9-8-2009; amended 4-22-2010]
WINERY EVENT
An accessory activity of a winery approved by the Town Board
which may include festivals, weddings, receptions, conferences, a
seasonal restaurant operation with a seating capacity of no more than
60 seats that operates only from March through October, and other
similar activities; provided that any such activities occur only Monday
through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and sunset and Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
[Added 4-22-2010]
YARD, FRONT
The required open space extending along the street line of
any street on which the lot abuts.
YARD, REAR
The required open space extending along the rear lot line
(not a street line) throughout the whole width of the lot.
YARD, SIDE
The required open space extending along the side lot line
from the front yard to the rear yard.