[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Westhampton Beach 12-9-1988 by L.L. No. 28-1988. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Village of Westhampton Beach hereby assumes the responsibility and authority to implement and administer a coastal erosion management program within its jurisdiction pursuant to Article 34 of the New York Environmental Conservation Law. In addition, it is the purpose of this chapter to:
A. 
Establish standards and procedures for minimizing and preventing damage to structures from coastal flooding and erosion and to protect natural protective features and other natural resources.
B. 
Regulate, in coastal areas subject to coastal flooding and erosion, land use and development activities so as to minimize or prevent damage or destruction to man-made property, natural protective features, other natural resources and to protect human life.
C. 
Regulate new construction or placement of structures in order to place them a safe distance from areas of active erosion and the impacts of coastal storms to ensure that these structures are not prematurely destroyed or damaged due to improper siting, as well as to prevent damage to natural protective features and other natural resources.
D. 
Restrict public investment in services, facilities or activities which are likely to encourage new permanent development in erosion hazard areas.
E. 
Regulate the construction of erosion protection structures in coastal areas subject to serious erosion to assure that when the construction of erosion protection structures is justified, their construction and operation will minimize or prevent damage or destruction to man-made property, private and public property, natural protective features and other natural resources.
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Westhampton Beach finds that the coastal erosion hazard area:
A. 
Is prone to erosion from action of the Atlantic Ocean and Moriches Bay. Such erosion may be caused by the action of waves, currents running along the shore and wind-driven water or ice. Such areas are also prone to erosion caused by the wind or runoff of rainwater along the surface of the land, as well as by human activities such as construction, navigation and certain forms of recreation.
B. 
Experiences coastal erosion which causes damage to publicly and privately owned property and to natural resources, as well as endangering human lives. When this occurs, individuals and private businesses suffer significant economic losses, as do the local economies, either directly through property damage or indirectly through loss of economic return. Large public expenditures may also be necessitated for the removal of debris and damaged structures and replacement of essential public facilities and services.
C. 
Experiences erosion-related problems that are often contributed to by man's building without considering the potential for damage to property and by undertaking activities which destroy natural protective features, such as dunes or vegetation.
The following terms, as used in this chapter, shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
ADMINISTRATOR
The Building Inspector, who is the local official responsible for administering and enforcing this chapter. The powers and duties of this position are more fully described in § 74-14C hereinbelow.
BEACH
The zone of unconsolidated earth that extends landward from the mean low waterline to the seaward toe of a dune or bluff, whichever is most seaward. Where no dune or bluff exists landward of a "beach," the landward limit of a "beach" is 100 feet landward from the place where there is a marked change in material or physiographic form or from the line of permanent vegetation, whichever is most seaward. Shorelands subject to seasonal or more frequent overwash or inundation are considered to be beaches.
BLUFF
Any bank or cliff with a precipitous or steeply sloped face adjoining a beach or a body of water. The seaward limit of a "bluff" is the landward limit of its seaward natural protective feature. Where no beach is present, the seaward limit of a "bluff" is the mean low water. The landward limit is 25 feet landward of the receding edge or, in those cases where there is no discernible line of active erosion, 25 feet landward of the point of inflection on the top of the "bluff." (The point of inflection is that point along the top of the "bluff" where the trend of the land slope changes to begin its descent to the shoreline.)
COASTAL EROSION HAZARD AREA MAP
The final map, dated June 7, 1988, and any amendments thereof, issued by the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which delineates boundaries of coastal erosion hazard areas subject to regulation under this chapter.
COASTLINE and COASTAL WATERS
The land adjacent to the Village's coastal waters is the "coastline." "Coastal waters" are the Atlantic Ocean, Quantuck Bay, Moneybogue Bay and Moriches Bay and their connecting water bodies, bays, harbors, shallows and marshes.
DEBRIS LINE
A linear accumulation of waterborne debris deposited on a beach by storm-induced high water or by wave action.
DUNE
A ridge or hill of loose, windblown or artificially placed earth, the principal component of which is sand.
EROSION
The loss or displacement of land along the coastline due to the action of waves, currents, winddriven water, waterborne ice or other impacts of storms. It also means the loss or displacement of land due to the action of wind, runoff of surface waters or groundwaters or groundwater seepage.
EROSION HAZARD AREA
An area of the coastline which is a structural hazard area or a natural protective feature area.
EROSION PROTECTION STRUCTURE
A structure specifically designed to reduce or prevent erosion, such as a groin, jetty, revetment, breakwater or artificial beach nourishment project.
EXISTING STRUCTURE
A structure and appurtenances in existence or one where construction has commenced or one where construction has not begun but for which a building permit has been issued prior to the effective date of this chapter.
GRADING
A redistribution of sand or other unconsolidated earth to effect a change in profile.
MAJOR ADDITION
An addition to a structure resulting in a twenty-five-percent-or-greater increase in the ground area coverage of the structure, other than an erosion protection structure or a pier, dock or wharf. The increase will be calculated as the ground area coverage to be added, including any additions previously constructed under a coastal erosion management permit, divided by the ground area coverage of the existing structure, as defined in "existing structure."
MEAN LOW WATER
The approximate average low-water level for a given body of water at a given location, determined by reference to hydrological information concerning water levels or other appropriate tests.
MODIFICATION
The change in size, design for function.
[Added 5-1-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
MOVABLE STRUCTURE
A structure designed and constructed to be readily relocated with minimum disruption of the intended use. Mobile homes and structures built on skids or piles and not having a permanent foundation are examples of "movable structures."
NATURAL PROTECTIVE FEATURE
A nearshore area, beach bluff, primary dune, secondary dune or marsh and its vegetation.
NATURAL PROTECTIVE FEATURE AREA
A land and/or water area containing natural protective features, the alteration of which might reduce or destroy the protection afforded other lands against erosion or high water or lower the reserve of sand or other natural materials available to replenish storm losses through natural processes.
NEARSHORE AREA
Those lands underwater beginning at the mean low waterline and extending waterward in a direction perpendicular to the shoreline to a point where mean low-water depth is 15 feet or to a horizontal distance of 1,000 feet from the mean low waterline, whichever is greater.
NORMAL MAINTENANCE
Periodic replacement or repair of same-kind structural elements or protective coatings which do not change the size, design or function of a functioning structure. A functioning structure is one which is fully performing as originally designed at the time that "normal maintenance" is scheduled to begin. "Normal maintenance" of a structure does not require a coastal erosion management permit.
PERSON
Any individual, public or private corporation, political subdivision, government agency, public improvement district, partnership, association, firm, trust, estate or any other legal entity whatsoever.
PRIMARY DUNE
The most seaward major dune where there are two or more parallel lines within a coastal area. Where there is only one dune present, it is the primary one. Occasionally one or more relatively small dune formations exist seaward of the "primary dune." These smaller formations will be considered to be part of the "primary dune" for the purposes of this chapter. The seaward limit of a "primary dune" is the landward limit of its fronting beach. The landward limit of the primary dune is 25 feet landward of its landward toe.
RECEDING EDGE
The most landward line of active erosion, or in cases where there is no discernible line of active erosion, it is the most seaward line of permanent vegetation.
RECESSION RATE
The rate, expressed in feet per year, at which an eroding shoreline moves landward.
REGULATED ACTIVITY
The construction, reconstruction, alteration, modification or restoration of a structure, or the addition to a structure, or the placement of a structure, or any action or use of land which materially alters the condition of land including grading, excavating, dumping, mining, and dredging, filling or other disturbance of the soil. The terms "development" and "activity," when used in this chapter, have the same meaning as "regulated activity."
[Amended 5-1-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
RESTORATION
The construction, reconstruction, alteration or modification of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the estimated full replacement cost of the structure at the time of filing the application for a coastal erosion hazard permit. The calculation as to whether the cost equals or exceeds 50% of the full replacement cost shall include the sum of the percentage of the cost under all prior coastal erosion hazard permits. If the sum of the percentage of cost undertaken under prior permits does not equal or exceed 50% of the full replacement cost at the time the prior permit or permits were issued, then a coastal erosion hazard permit may be issued, provided that the total cost does not exceed the difference between the total percentage of cost undertaken under all prior permits and the maximum fifty-percent limitation set forth herein. If the sum of the percentage of cost for all work undertaken under prior permits equals or exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the structure at the time of the application, all work proposed under the application shall constitute a restoration. The estimated full replacement cost of the structure at the time of filing the application for a coastal erosion hazard permit not already issued shall be determined by the greater of the "Replacement Cost New" or "RCN" set forth in the Town of Southampton Assessor's Office appraisal of the subject structure, or the replacement cost determined by an independent certified appraiser chosen by the Village of Westhampton Beach for such purpose, the cost of which shall be paid by the applicant in advance.
[Amended 5-1-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008; 4-7-2011 by L.L. No. 3-2011]
SECONDARY DUNE
The major dune immediately landward of the primary dune. The seaward limit of a "secondary dune" is the landward limit of its fronting primary dune. The landward limit of a "secondary dune" is 25 feet landward of its landward toe.
SIGNIFICANT FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
Those habitats which are essential to the survival of a large portion of a particular fish or wildlife population; support rare or endangered species; are found at a very low frequency within a geographic area; support fish or wildlife populations having significant commercial or recreational value; or that would be difficult or impossible to replace.
STRUCTURAL HAZARD AREA
Those shorelands located landward of natural protective features and having shorelines receding at a long-term average recession rate of one foot or more per year. The inland boundary of a "structural hazard area" is calculated by starting at the landward limit of the fronting natural protective feature and measuring along a line perpendicular to the shoreline a horizontal distance landward which is 40 times the long-term average annual recession rate.
STRUCTURE
Any object constructed, installed or placed in, on or under land or water, including but not limited to buildings or permanent sheds; fences and/or walls; decks; inground and aboveground pools; garages; mobile homes; roads; public service distribution, transmission or collection systems; tanks; docks; piers; wharves; groins; jetties; seawalls; bulkheads; breakwaters; revetments; artificial beach nourishment; or any addition to or alteration of the same.
TOE
The lowest surface point on a slope face of a dune or bluff.
UNREGULATED ACTIVITY
Excepted activities which are not regulated by this chapter include, but are not limited to, docks, piers, wharves or structures built on floats, columns, open timber piles or other similar openwork supports with a top surface area of less than 200 square feet or which are removed in the fall of each year; normal beach grooming or cleanup; maintenance of structures when normal and customary and/or in compliance with an approved maintenance program; and planting vegetation and sand fencing so as to stabilize or entrap sand in primary dune and secondary dune areas, in order to maintain or increase the height and width of dunes.
VEGETATION
Plant life capable of surviving and successfully reproducing in the area or region and which is compatible with the environment of the coastal erosion hazard area.
The coastal erosion hazard area is hereby established to classify land and water areas within Westhampton Beach, based upon shoreline recession rates or the location of natural protective features. The boundaries of the area are established on the final map prepared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation under § 34-0104 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and entitled "Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Map of the Village of Westhampton Beach," as dated June 7, 1988, and including all amendments made thereto by the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation pursuant to § 34-0104 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.
A. 
Requirements. No person may engage in any regulated activity in an erosion hazard area, as depicted on the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Map of the Village of Westhampton Beach, as amended, without first obtaining a coastal erosion management permit. No coastal erosion management permit is required for unregulated activities.
B. 
General standards. A coastal erosion management permit will be issued only with a finding by the administrator that the proposed regulated activity:
(1) 
Is reasonable and necessary, considering reasonable alternatives to the proposed activity and the extent to which the proposed activity requires a shoreline location.
(2) 
Is not likely to cause a measurable increase in erosion at the proposed site and at other locations.
(3) 
Prevents, if possible, or minimizes adverse effects on natural protective features and their functions and protective values, existing erosion protection structures and natural resources.
C. 
Structural hazard area restrictions. The following restrictions apply to regulated activities within structural hazard areas:
(1) 
A coastal erosion management permit is required for the installation of public service distribution, transmission or collection systems for gas. electricity, water or wastewater. Systems installed along the shoreline must be located landward of the shoreline structures.
(2) 
The construction of nonmovable structures or placement of major nonmovable additions to an existing structure is prohibited.
(3) 
Permanent foundations may not be attached to movable structures, and any temporary foundations are to be removed at the time the structure is moved. Below-grade footings will be allowed if satisfactory provisions are made for their removal.
(4) 
No movable structure may be located closer to the landward limit of a bluff than 25 feet.
(5) 
No movable structure may be placed or constructed such that, according to accepted engineering practice, its weight places excessive groundloading on a bluff.
(6) 
Plans for landward relocation of movable structures must be included with each application for a permit. Movable structures which have been located within a structural hazard area pursuant to a coastal erosion management permit must be removed before any part of the structure is within 10 feet of the receding edge. The last owner of record, as shown on the latest assessment roll, is responsible for removing that structure and its foundation, unless a removal agreement was attached to the original coastal erosion management permit. With the attachment of a removal agreement to the coastal erosion management permit, the landowner or the signator is responsible for the landward relocation of movable structures. Removal agreements may be made when the last owner of record and the owner of the structure are different with the approval of the Village at the time the permit is issued.
(7) 
Debris from structural damage which may occur as a result of sudden unanticipated bluff-edge failure, dune migration or wave or ice action must be removed within 30 days of the damaging event.
(8) 
Any grading, excavation or other soil disturbance conducted within a structural hazard area must not direct surface water runoff over a bluff face.
Nearshore areas dissipate a substantial amount of wave energy before it is expended on beaches, bluffs or dunes by causing waves to collapse or break. Nearshore areas also function as reservoirs of sand, gravel and other unconsolidated material for beaches. Sandbars, which are located in nearshore areas, control the orientation of incoming waves and promote the development of ice cap formations which help protect shorelines during winter storms. The roots of aquatic vegetation in nearshore areas bind fine grained silts, clays and organic matter to form a fairly cohesive bottom that resists erosion. The following restrictions apply to regulated activities in nearshore areas:
A. 
Excavating, grading, mining or dredging, which diminishes the erosion protection afforded by a nearshore area, is prohibited, except construction or maintenance of navigation channels, bypassing sand around natural and man-made obstructions and artificial beach nourishment, all of which require a coastal erosion management permit.
B. 
Clean sand or gravel of an equivalent or slightly larger grain size is the only material which may be deposited within nearshore areas. Any deposition will require a coastal erosion management permit.
C. 
All development is prohibited in nearshore areas unless specifically provided for by this chapter.
Beaches buffer shorelands from erosion by absorbing wave energy that otherwise would be expended on the toes of bluffs or dunes. Beaches that are high and wide protect shorelands from erosion more effectively than beaches that are low or narrow. Beaches also act as reservoirs of sand or other unconsolidated material for longshore littoral transport and offshore sandbar and shoal formation. The following restrictions apply to regulated activities in beach areas:
A. 
Excavating, grading or mining which diminishes the erosion protection afforded by beaches is prohibited.
B. 
Clean sand or gravel of an equivalent or slightly larger grain size is the only material which may be deposited within beach areas. Any deposition will require a coastal erosion management permit, which may be issued only for expansion or stabilization of beaches.
C. 
Active bird nesting and breeding areas must not be disturbed unless such disturbance is pursuant to a specific wildlife management activity approved in writing by the Department.
D. 
All development is prohibited on beaches unless specifically provided for by this chapter.
Dunes prevent overtopping and store sand for coastal processes. High, vegetated dunes provide a greater degree of protection than low, unvegetated ones. Dunes are of the greatest protective value during conditions of storm-induced high water. Because dunes often protect some of the most biologically productive areas, as well as developed coastal areas, their protective value is especially great. The key to maintaining a stable dune system is the establishment and maintenance of beach grass or other vegetation on the dunes and assurance of a supply of nourishment sand to the dunes. The following restrictions apply to regulated activities in dune areas:
A. 
In primary dune areas:
(1) 
Excavating, grading or mining of primary dunes is prohibited. Moving sand on the same site so as to increase the size of a dune and simultaneously preserve a residential structure in existence on the effective date of this chapter is not prohibited, so long as the protective features of the dune are maintained and a coastal erosion management permit is obtained.
(2) 
Clean sand of a compatible type and size is the only material which may be deposited. Any deposition requires a coastal erosion management permit.
(3) 
All depositions must be vegetatively stabilized, using species tolerant of the conditions at the site, and must be placed so as to increase the size of, or restore a dune or dune area.
(4) 
Active and clearly potential nearby bird nesting and breeding areas must not be disturbed, unless such disturbance is pursuant to a specific wildlife management activity approved in writing by the Department.
(5) 
Nonmajor additions to existing structures are allowed on primary dunes pursuant to a coastal erosion management permit and subject to permit conditions concerning the location, design and potential impacts of the structure on the primary dune.
(6) 
Stone revetments or other erosion protection structures compatible with primary dunes will only be allowed at the seaward toe of primary dunes and must not interfere with the exchange of sand between primary dunes and their fronting beaches.
(7) 
[1]The construction, or reconstruction, without modification of an existing structure that does not constitute a restoration shall be permitted pursuant to a coastal erosion management permit.
[Added 11-8-1993 by L.L. No. 8-1993; amended 5-1-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008; 4-7-2011 by L.L. No. 3-2011; 7-5-2011 by L.L. No. 7-2011]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(7), regarding elevation of existing structures, was repealed 7-5-2011 by L.L. No. 7-2011. This local law also provided for the redesignation of former Subsection A(8) as A(7).
(8) 
Major additions and restorations are prohibited in a primary dune.
[Added 7-5-2011 by L.L. No. 7-2011]
B. 
In secondary dune areas:
(1) 
All depositions must be of clean sand of a compatible type and size, and all grading must be performed so as to increase the size of, or restore a dune or former dune area.
(2) 
Excavating, grading or mining must not diminish the erosion protection afforded by them.
(3) 
Nonmajor additions to existing structures are allowed on secondary dunes pursuant to a coastal erosion management permit.
(4) 
Permitted construction, reconstruction, restoration or modifications must be built on adequately anchored pilings such that at least three feet of open space exists between the floor joints and the surface of the secondary dune, and the permitted activity must leave the space below the lowest horizontal structural members free of obstructions.
C. 
Unless specifically provided for under this chapter, all activities and development in the dune areas, other than those set forth in Subsection A or B above and Subsection D, shall be prohibited.
[Amended 5-1-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
D. 
The restrictions of § 74-11, Traffic control, apply to dune areas.
Bluffs protect shorelands and coastal development by absorbing the often destructive energy of open water. Bluffs are a source of depositional material for beaches and other unconsolidated natural protective features.
A. 
The following activities are prohibited on bluffs:
(1) 
Excavating or mining, except when in conjunction with conditions stated in a coastal erosion management permit issued for minor alterations in construction of an erosion-protection structure or for provision of shoreline access.
(2) 
The restrictions of § 74-11, Traffic control, apply to bluffs.
(3) 
All development, unless specifically allowed under this chapter.
(4) 
Disturbance of active and clearly potential nearby bird nesting and breeding areas, unless such disturbance is pursuant to a specific wildlife management activity approved in writing by the Department.
(5) 
Soil disturbance that directs surface water runoff over a bluff face.
B. 
Activities specifically allowed under this section are:
(1) 
Minor alteration of a bluff done in accordance with conditions stated in a coastal erosion management permit issued for new construction, modification or restoration of an erosion protection structure.
(2) 
Bluff cuts done in accordance with conditions stated in a coastal erosion management permit issued for the provision of shoreline access, where:
(a) 
A cut is made in a direction perpendicular to the shoreline.
(b) 
Ramp slope may not exceed 1:6.
(c) 
Side slopes may not exceed 1:3 unless terraced or otherwise structurally stabilized.
(d) 
Side slopes and other disturbed nonroadway areas must be stabilized with vegetation or by other approved physical means.
(e) 
The completed roadway must be stabilized and drainage provided for.
(3) 
New construction, modification or restoration of walkways or stairways done in accordance with conditions of a coastal erosion management permit.
(4) 
Nonmajor additions to existing structures may be allowed on bluffs pursuant to a coastal erosion management permit.
The following requirements apply to the construction, modification or restoration of erosion protection structures:
A. 
The construction, modification or restoration of erosion protection structures must:
(1) 
Not be likely to cause a measurable increase in erosion at the development site or at other locations.
(2) 
Minimize and, if possible, prevent adverse effects upon natural protective features, existing erosion protection structures and natural resources, such as significant fish and wildlife habitats.
B. 
All erosion protection structures must be designed and constructed according to generally accepted engineering principles or, where sufficient data is not currently available, where there is a likelihood of success in controlling long-term erosion. The protective measures must have a reasonable probability of controlling erosion on the immediate site for at least 30 years.
C. 
All materials used in such structures must be durable and capable of withstanding inundation, wave impacts, weathering and other effects of storm conditions for a minimum of 30 years. Individual component materials may have a working life of less than 30 years only when a maintenance program ensures that they will be regularly maintained and replaced as necessary to attain the required 30 years of erosion protection.
D. 
A long-term maintenance program must be included with every permit application for construction, modification or restoration of an erosion protection structure. The maintenance program must include specifications for normal maintenance of degradable materials. To assure compliance with the proposed maintenance programs, a bond may be required.
Motorized and nonmotorized traffic must comply with the following restrictions:
A. 
Motor vehicles must not travel on vegetation, must operate seaward of the debris line and, when no debris line exists, must operate seaward of the seaward toe of the primary dune or bluff.
B. 
Motor vehicle traffic is prohibited on bluffs and primary dunes, except for officially designated crossing areas.
C. 
Pedestrian passage across primary and secondary dunes must utilize elevated walkways and stairways or other specially designed dune-crossing structures. Walking on or traversing any dunes or portions thereof is prohibited, except as provided herein. Whenever possible, the use of elevated walkways and stairways shall be common to multiple parcels and residences. All said walkways and stairways shall require a coastal erosion management permit.
[Amended 4-11-1997 by L.L. No. 5-1997]
A. 
Applicability. The requirements of this chapter do not apply to emergency activities that are necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare, including preventing damage to natural resources. Whenever emergency activities are undertaken, damage to natural protective features and other natural resources must be prevented, if possible, or minimized.
B. 
Notification to administrator. The administrator must be notified by the person responsible for taking the emergency measures within one working day from the commencement of an emergency measure, and a description of the problem and activities must be provided. The description must be in writing, outline the public health or safety or resource for which protection was sought and relate the measures which were taken to secure the protection.
C. 
Improper or insufficient notification. If the administrator determines that a regulated activity has been undertaken without a coastal erosion management permit and does not meet the emergency activity criteria, then the administrator will order the immediate cessation of the activity. In addition, the administrator may require:
(1) 
Removal of any structure that was constructed or placed without a coastal erosion management permit; and
(2) 
The return to former conditions of any natural protective feature that was excavated, mined or otherwise disturbed without a coastal erosion management permit.
A. 
Variances from standards and restrictions.
(1) 
Strict application of the standards and restrictions of this chapter may cause practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. When this can be shown, such standards and restrictions may be varied or modified, provided that the following criteria are met:
(a) 
No reasonable, prudent, alternative site is available.
(b) 
All responsible means and measures to mitigate adverse impacts on natural systems and their functions and values have been incorporated into the activity's design at the property owner's expense.
(c) 
The development will be reasonably safe from flood and erosion damage.
(d) 
The variance requested is the minimum necessary to overcome the practical difficulty or hardship which was the basis for the requested variance.
(e) 
Where public funds are utilized, the public benefits must clearly outweigh the long-term adverse effects.
(2) 
Format and procedure. Any request for a variance must be in writing and specify the standard, restriction or requirement to be varied and how the requested variance meets the foregoing criteria of this section. The burden of demonstrating that the requested variance meets those criteria rests entirely with the applicant.
(3) 
Fees. Each variance request must be accompanied by the fee otherwise imposed for a use variance.
(4) 
Expiration. Any construction activity allowed by a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals must be completed within one year from the date of approval or approval with modifications or conditions. Variances expire at the end of this one-year period without further hearing or action by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
B. 
Appeals.
(1) 
Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to hear, approve, approve with modification or deny requests for variances or other forms of relief from the requirements of this chapter and to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the administrator in the enforcement of this chapter, including any order requiring an alleged violator to stop, cease and desist.
(2) 
The Zoning Board of Appeals may, in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination of the administrator, including stop or cease-and-desist orders. Notice of such decision will forthwith be given to all parties in interest. The rules and procedures for filing appeals are as follows:
(a) 
Appeals must be filed with the Village Clerk within 30 days of the date of the adverse decision.
(b) 
All appeals under this chapter made to the Zoning Board of Appeals must be in writing on standard forms prescribed by the Board. The Board will transmit a copy to the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for his information.
(c) 
All appeals must refer to the specific provisions of this chapter involved, specify the alleged errors, the interpretation thereof that is claimed to be correct and the relief which the appellant claims.
(3) 
Judicial review. Any person or persons, jointly or severally aggrieved by a decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals or subject to exhaustion of remedies hereunder, any officer or any board of the Village may apply to the Supreme Court for review by a proceeding under Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
C. 
Floodproofing in a coastal hazard area. A variance may be granted for floodproofing a lawfully preexisting building located in the coastal hazard area by placing it on adequately anchored pilings, subject to the following conditions:
[Added 7-5-2011 by L.L. No. 7-2011]
(1) 
No reasonable, prudent alternative site is available.
(2) 
The building is raised either to the elevation required by FEMA guidelines or such that at least three feet of open space exists between the floor joists and the surface of the preexisting grade, whichever results in the higher elevation.
(3) 
The space below the lowest horizontal structural members is left free of obstruction.
(4) 
The building is not located further seaward after the floodproofing than it was before floodproofing and, in any event, is not located seaward of the crest of the primary dune.
(5) 
The dune is not excavated except to the minimum extent required to place the pilings.
(6) 
The volume and cross-sectional area of the dune are not diminished as a result of the project and the project includes restoration and/or replenishment of the dune as may be required to meet this condition.
(7) 
All responsible means and measures to mitigate adverse impacts on natural systems and their functions and values have been incorporated into the activity's design at the property owner's expense.
(8) 
The development will be reasonably safe from flood and erosion damage.
(9) 
The variance requested is the minimum necessary to overcome the practical difficulty or hardship which was the basis for requesting it.
(10) 
Where public funds are utilized, the public benefits clearly outweigh the long-term adverse effects of any proposed activities and development.
A. 
Coastal erosion management permits. A coastal erosion management permit will be issued for regulated activities which comply with the general standards, restrictions and requirements of the applicable sections of this chapter, provided that the following is adhered to:
(1) 
The application for a coastal erosion management permit must be made upon the form provided by the administrator and must include the following minimum information:
(a) 
A description of the proposed activity, including tax map number for location.
(b) 
A map drawn to a scale no smaller than 1:50, showing details of the proposed activity.
(c) 
Any additional information the administrator may require to properly evaluate the proposed activity.
(2) 
Each application for a coastal erosion management permit must be accompanied by a fee of $100.
(3) 
Permits will be issued by and bear the name and signature of the administrator and will specify the:
(a) 
Activity or operation for which the permit is issued.
(b) 
Address or location where the activity or operation is to be conducted.
(c) 
Name and address of the permittee.
(d) 
Permit number and date of issuance.
(e) 
Period of permit validity. If not otherwise specified, a permit will expire one year from the date of issuance.
(f) 
Terms and conditions of the approval.
(4) 
When more than one coastal erosion management permit is required for the same property or premises under this chapter, a single permit may be issued listing all activities permitted and any conditions, restrictions or bonding requirements. Revocation of a portion or portions of such consolidated permits will not invalidate the remainder.
(5) 
A coastal erosion management permit may be issued with such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure compliance with the policies and provisions of Article 34 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the Coastal Erosion Management Regulations implementing Article 34 (6 NYCRR Part 505) and the laws and policies of the Village of Westhampton Beach.
B. 
Bonds. The Village may require a bond or other form of financial security. Such bond or security must be in an amount, with such surety and conditions as are satisfactory to the Village, so as to insure compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the erosion area permit.
C. 
Administrator. The authority for administering and enforcing this chapter is hereby conferred upon the Building Inspector, who shall otherwise hereunder be described as the administrator. The administrator has the powers and duties to:
(1) 
Apply the regulations, restrictions and standards or other provisions of this chapter.
(2) 
Explain to applicants the map which designates the land and water areas subject to regulation and advise applicants of the standards, restrictions and requirements of this chapter.
(3) 
Review and take appropriate actions on completed applications.
(4) 
Issue and sign all approved permits.
(5) 
Transmit written notice of violations to property owners or to other responsible persons.
(6) 
Prepare and submit reports.
(7) 
Perform compliance inspections.
(8) 
Serve as the primary liaison with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
(9) 
Keep official records of all permits, inspections, inspection reports, recommendations, actions of the Coastal Erosion Hazard Board of Review and any other reports or communications relative to this chapter or request for information from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
(10) 
Perform normal and customary administrative functions required by the Village relative to the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act, Article 34 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, 6 NYCRR Part 505, and this chapter.
(11) 
Have, in addition, powers and duties as are established in, or reasonably implied from this chapter as are necessary to achieve its stated purpose.
D. 
When an application is made for a coastal erosion management permit, a variance thereto or other form of approval required by this chapter and such activity is subject to other permit, variance, hearing or application procedures required by another federal, state or local regulatory agency pursuant to any federal, state or local law or ordinance, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall, at the request of the applicant, consolidate and coordinate the application, permit, variance and hearing procedures as required by each regulatory agency into a single, comprehensive hearing and review procedure. However, nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to limit or restrict any regulatory agencies, which are properly a party to such a consolidated review proceeding, from the independent exercise of such discretionary authority with respect to the issuance, denial or modification of such permits, variances or other forms of approval as they may have been granted by law.
[Added 3-10-1989 by L.L. No. 3-1989]
The provisions, regulations, procedures and standards of this chapter will be held to be the minimum requirements necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
The provisions of this chapter will take precedence over any other laws, ordinances or codes in effect in the Village to the extent that the provisions of this chapter are more stringent than such other laws, ordinances or codes. A coastal erosion management permit issued pursuant to this chapter does not relieve the permit applicant from the responsibility of obtaining other permits or approvals as may be necessary, nor does it convey any rights or interest in real property.
A violation of this chapter is hereby declared to be an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding $250. Each week's continued violation of this chapter will constitute a separate additional violation. Nothing herein will prevent the proper local authorities of the Village from taking such other lawful actions or proceedings as may be necessary to restrain, correct or abate any violation of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 74-18, Incorporation, added 11-8-1993 by L.L. No. 8-1993, was repealed 5-1-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008.
[Added 11-8-1993 by L.L. No. 8-1993]
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, phrase, word or portion of this chapter is for any reason held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions or provisions of this chapter.