The regulations set forth in this article establish a specialized
district for the area of the Village located between Oswego Street
and Lock Street and between East Genesee Street and the Seneca River.
A. The primary intent of this district is to foster a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented
environment. The physical form of the district is important to maintain
and enhance the historic mixed-use character of the downtown core
and address the river frontage as illustrated in the June 2006 Village
of Baldwinsville Central Business District Strategic Development Plan.
B. Infill development that is compatible with the above-mentioned character
is encouraged, thus providing residents with a range of housing options
and commercial opportunities, together with ease of walking, to enable
a more efficient use of services and resources, creating a convenient,
enjoyable place to live.
The following basic standards shall be applicable to all properties
within the overlay district unless exceptions are granted in accordance
with the requirements specified herein:
A. Build-to line applicable to buildings and structures on East Genesee
Street. The build-to line shall be a minimum of 13 and a maximum 15
feet from the southern curbline of East Genesee Street.
(1) The build-to line applicable for proposed street bisecting East Genesee and the Sergi Yevitch Trail would adhere to the standards described in §
345-67A.
B. Build-out requirements for frontage. For properties fronting on East
Genesee Street there would be a seventy-five-percent minimum build-out
requirement on the build-to line, where either the building, wall
or ornamental fence would comprise that area. For properties that
have boundaries on the river, a similar seventy-five-percent build-out
on that build-to line is required, which may consist of a building
facade, a street wall or ornamental fence (minimum of three feet,
not to exceed four feet).
(1) The build-out requirement may be reduced by adding a public use sidewalk
or alleyway up to 20 feet wide connecting other walkways for pedestrian
movement. This sidewalk or alleyway would be included in the seventy-five-percent
build-out requirement.
C. Setbacks applicable to buildings and structures from Seneca River
or proposed new street. The minimum build-to line shall be 10 feet
from the northern edge of the Sergi Yevitch Trail that runs along
the river. The maximum setback from the said Sergi Yevitch trail shall
be 13 feet.
(1) Patios for outdoor dining may fulfill the setback requirement.
(2) Patios may be made of paving stones, bricks, wood, synthetic wood-look
products or architectural concrete. Unacceptable materials include,
but are not limited to, asphalt, poured concrete and loose stones.
(3) The depth of the patio may not exceed 100% of the connecting building.
(4) A wall or ornamental fence shall define the setback (minimum height
of three feet, not to exceed four feet).
D. Encroachments. Awnings, tables, chairs, umbrellas, bollards and other
temporary furnishings for outside dining or decoration, and A-frame
signs, may encroach onto and over the public sidewalk, provided that
a five-foot unobstructed corridor is maintained for pedestrians. An
encroachment permit may be issued by the Code Enforcement Officer
upon a finding that such encroachments do not impair pedestrian movement
or public safety. Such encroachments shall be deemed to be licenses
(not property rights) to use the public right-of-way, revocable by
the Village at its sole discretion when necessary for public safety
or public improvement. Encroachments shall only be permitted during
the hours the business is open and shall be removed during snow events
to allow for snow removal activities.
[Amended 6-21-2018 by L.L. No. 5-2018]
(1) Seasonal permits. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,
where a business desires to add seasonal planters, tables and chairs
and similar items to its site, such change is not subject to Planning
Board site plan review. For such additions, a seasonal permit must
be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer.
E. Building alignment and configuration. All buildings facing East Genesee
Street and facing the Seneca River shall be placed so that their facades
are parallel to the street line of East Genesee Street and to the
river.
F. Building height. All buildings fronting on East Genesee Street shall
be between two (approximately 20 feet) and four (approximately 45
feet) stories high and within one-story height of the neighboring
property's structures. All buildings fronting on the Seneca River
shall be between two (approximately 20 feet) and three (approximately
45 feet) stories high and within one-story height of the neighboring
property's structures.
G. Parking. Parking for properties fronting on East Genesee Street, the proposed new street and for properties fronting on the Seneca River shall generally be positioned to the sides of the primary building located on the property. The position, layout and quantity of required on-site parking shall be in accordance with the on-site parking requirements set forth in Article
XII of this chapter unless otherwise modified or varied by the Village Planning Board upon its review and approval of the property's site plan.
H. Mechanical/electrical systems. All mechanical/electrical systems
for rooftops should not exceed maximum height requirements for the
district and should be adequately screened and set back from the building
facade. All mechanical systems at ground level should be adequately
screened, with high-quality screening, from the public right-of-way
or the river, as approved by the Planning Board and Architectural
Review Board.
I. Trash collection/storage. Utility, trash, recycling, food waste,
service equipment and other storage containers shall be located away
from public rights-of-way and be enclosed or screened from view with
high quality screening, trash facilities and recycling containers
shall be located within opaque structural enclosures, as approved
by the Planning Board and Architectural Review Board.
[Amended 6-21-2018 by L.L. No. 6-2018]
A. All property development and improvement, other than maintenance and upgrades to architectural elements only, within the Overlay District shall be subject to site plan review by the Planning Board as specified under Article
XIII of this chapter and on matters identified under Article
XXII of this chapter by the Architectural Review Board of the Village.
(1) Attached signs, painting, upgrades to architectural elements identified under Article
XXII of this chapter shall be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board with the understanding that certain architectural elements must meet the standards set forth in this section and within the Architectural Review Board Guidelines.
(2) Maintenance-in-kind shall not require further review.
(3) The Code Enforcement Office will review all plans and forward applicants
to the appropriate board for review, if necessary.
B. In addition to those matters of consideration relevant to site plan review as specified in §
345-34B of this chapter by the Village Planning Board, the following matters shall be considered:
(1) Pedestrian access. One of the objectives of the overlay district
is to improve pedestrian access within the downtown core of the Village.
As such, site plans will include sidewalks and plans for pedestrian
access to parking areas, to East Genesee Street, the proposed new
street, and the Seneca River, and to other public areas. Site plans
should allow access from the front and rear of the buildings.
(2) Reduction of curb cuts. Existing curb cuts along East Genesee Street
shall be eliminated wherever feasible.
(3) View of river from East Genesee Street. In order to improve the visibility
of the river from East Genesee Street, it is encouraged that plans
allow for visual gaps between structures and properties from East
Genesee Street to the Seneca River.
(4) View of river from the Baldwin Canal Square. In order to improve
the visibility of the river from the Baldwin Canal Square, it is encouraged
that the development plans for properties adjacent to the Village
Square allow for maximum views to the river from all locations in
the Baldwin Canal Square Park.
(5) Lighting. Lighting plans should consider parking areas, all access
areas, as well as pedestrian lighting on East Genesee Street and on
the riverfront.
(6) Subdivision. The subdivision of properties within the district is
encouraged to take advantage of build-outs on East Genesee Street,
the riverfront; and the proposed new street.
[Amended 6-21-2018 by L.L. No. 7-2018]
Appeals for use variances and variances of density requirements
shall be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals. If appropriate findings
are made under state law, the Zoning Board of Appeals may grant the
requested variances, provided the development and maintenance of the
properties in question adhere to the basic standards and the standards
for site design and development specified in this chapter. The Zoning
Board of Appeals shall not have the authority to waive those standards
or grant exceptions as reserved for review by the Village Planning
Board or Architectural Review Board. (Variances approved by the Zoning
Board of Appeals shall not include conditions allowing adjustments
to building or parking layouts.)