[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Putnam
Valley 6-14-2017 by L.L. No. 1-2017. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The intent of this chapter is to protect the historic stone
walls and chambers located in Putnam Valley as they are a cultural
resource and help preserve the rural character of the Town. This chapter
will establish guidelines for the identification of historic stone
walls and chambers and provide for the protection and preservation
of the Town's historic stone walls and chambers. The protection
and preservation of the Town's historic stone walls and chambers
is in furtherance of the public health, safety and welfare.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
A vertical structure of aligned natural stone built before
1900, normally constructed to designate a property boundary or to
separate agricultural activities within a farmstead. Further classification
of historic stone walls will follow the guidelines set forth in Exploring
Stone Walls by R.M. Thornton (Walker & Co., New York 2005), as
the same may be revised from time to time.
A dome-shaped structure of aligned natural stone built before
1900 which normally has an opening to the interior of the chamber.
A.
The alteration, relocation or demolition of an historic stone wall
or chamber or any portion thereof which is located in Putnam Valley
shall require prior written permit of the Building Inspector, obtained
by submission of a specific plan containing details of the location,
project, and reconstruction plan. The plan must show due regard for
the historic value of the stone wall or chamber and repair methods
compliant with these guidelines. A contingency repair bond may be
required by the Building Inspector.
B.
The alteration, relocation or demolition of an historic stone wall
or chamber as part of any site plan or subdivision project must also
be approved by the Planning Board.
C.
The replacement of an historic stone wall or chamber at its original
location shall be with the same materials and the same construction
method as the original wall or chamber, using as many original stones
as possible.
D.
Cuts for driveways, roads, utility easements or fire lanes shall
be of the minimum necessary length, and ends of the walls and impacted
chambers must be restored.
E.
Historic stone walls or chambers in disrepair or neglected condition
shall not be removed from their present location, but must be repaired
or left as is. Any in situ reconstruction shall match that of the
original wall or chamber.
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be
subject to a fine of $500. Each day any violation of this chapter
shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.
If any one or more sections of this chapter shall for any reason
be adjudged unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the judgment shall
not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining provisions.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to restrict, amend,
repeal, or otherwise limit the application or enforcement of the Town
of Putnam Valley Town Code.
