This chapter shall be known as the "Zoning Code of the Town of Aurora, Erie County, and State of New York."
This chapter is made in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan and design found necessary by the Town Board of the Town of Aurora to lessen congestion; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to promote health and welfare; to provide adequate light, air and access; to prevent overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate adequate transportation, water supply, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements; to prevent deterioration of the value of property; and to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the Town.
Except where specifically defined herein, all words used in this chapter shall have their customary meanings. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural, and words in the plural number include the singular. The word "person" includes a firm, partnership or corporation as well as an individual. The word "used" shall be interpreted to include the term "designed or intended to be used." The term "shall" is always mandatory.
A. 
The following words, terms and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:
ACCESSORY BUILDING/STRUCTURE
A building or structure, detached from or attached to a principal building on the same lot and whose use is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building, including but not limited to a garage, barn, shed, gazebo, deck, carport, or aboveground pool.
ACCESSORY USE
Use of land or of a building or portion thereof customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot with such principal use.
ADDITION
Extension or increase in area or height of a building or structure.
AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
A district set up under Article 25-AA of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law to conserve, protect and encourage development and improvement of agricultural lands.
AGRICULTURE
The use of land for agricultural purposes, including tilling of the soil, dairying, pasture, apiculture, arboriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, forestry, animal and poultry husbandry, and the necessary accessory uses for the packing or storing of products, provided that the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that of normal agricultural activities and conducted in accordance with the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
ALTERATIONS
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the exit facilities or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location or position to another.
ANTENNA
A system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive radio or similar communication frequency signals. Such signals shall include but not be limited to radio, television, cellular, paging, data transmission, personal communication services and microwave communications.
ASSISTED LIVING
See "nursing home."
BAR or TAVERN
An establishment licensed under the laws of New York State for the sale of alcoholic beverages and their consumption on the premises, not to include a nightclub.
BASEMENT
That portion of a building that is partly or completely below grade. See the New York State Building Code: Story above grade.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An operator-occupied one-family dwelling within which is provided overnight accommodations for transient paying guests, and which may include the serving of breakfast, and possibly other meals, to such guests.
BOARDINGHOUSE
See "rooming house."
BREWERY
An establishment where beer ale and other malt liquors are brewed.
BUFFER AREA
A unit of land, together with a specified type and number of plantings thereon, and any structures or landforms which may be required between land uses to eliminate or minimize conflicts between them.
BUILDABLE AREA
The area of a lot remaining after the minimum yard and open space requirements of the Zoning Law have been met.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals or chattel.
BUILDING FRONT LINE
A line parallel to the front lot line transecting that point in the building face which is closest to the front lot line. This face includes porches but does not include steps.
BUILDING LINE
A line parallel to the street line at a distance therefrom equal to the depth of the front yard required for the zoning district in which the lot is located.
BUILDING PERMIT
A building permit, construction permit, demolition permit, or other permit that authorizes the performance of work. The term "building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed, amended, or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter. (See Chapter 65.)
BUILDING, HEIGHT OF
The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the proposed finished grade at the front of the building to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck line of mansard roofs and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.
BUILDING, MUNICIPAL
Any one or more of the following uses, including grounds necessary for their use, and accessory buildings/structures:
(1) 
Public libraries and museums.
(2) 
Government buildings (Town, county, state or federal).
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted the main or principal use of the lot on which said building is situated.
BUSINESS
An organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities, both for profit and nonprofit.
C DISTRICT
A commercial district, includes C1, C2 and C3 unless otherwise specified.
CAMP TRAILER
See "recreational vehicle."
CAMPGROUND
A parcel of land used or intended to be used, let or rented for occupancy by or of two or more recreational vehicles, tents or other recreational or temporary shelter or sleeping quarters of any kind.
CELLAR
See "basement."
CEMETERY
Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including columbarium, mausoleum and mortuary, when operated within the boundary of such lands and in accordance with the requirements of New York State law.
CHILD-CARE CENTER
A private establishment enrolling four or more children, where tuition, fees or other forms of compensation for the care of the children are charged and which is licensed or approved by New York State to operate as a "child-care center."
CHURCH
See "place of religious worship."
CLUB
An association of persons forming a membership organization with bona fide dues-paying members. The organization services and caters exclusively to its members and guests, and its premises and buildings are devoted to recreational, athletic, social, fraternal, civic, or cultural activities consistent with the purposes of the association.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The official charged with the duty to enforce this chapter and other laws, ordinances, codes and regulations relating to buildings and property.
COMMERCIAL AMUSEMENT AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Establishments engaged in providing entertainment or recreation for a fee or admission charge, including dance halls; bowling alleys; billiard and pool establishments; commercial sports arenas, rinks and racetracks; amusement parks; membership sports and recreation clubs; game parlors; and health clubs.
COMMERCIAL GROSS FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross floor area of the several floors of a commercial building, including the area under roofed porches and roofed terraces. All dimensions shall be measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or exterior roof supports.
COMMERCIAL NURSERY
An establishment where herbaceous plants and related lawn care, landscaping and gardening products are sold to retail customers.
DAY-CARE FACILITY
Day care provided on a regular basis for more than three children or adults, away from their own homes, for more than three hours and fewer than 24 hours per day and as regulated by New York State Social Services Law § 390.
DEVELOPMENT
Any project that increases the value of property that may include but not be limited to:
(1) 
Installation of service connections to municipal services and/or public utilities.
(2) 
Erection of a dwelling or principal building.
DISTILLERY
A facility where fermented grain, fruit or vegetables are distilled into spirits or liqueurs.
DISTRICT or ZONING DISTRICT
An area or section of the Town described on the Zoning District Map established by the Town in accordance with this chapter and within which uniform requirements regulate the use of land and structures and the height, bulk, density and setback of structures.
DRIVE-IN SERVICE/DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE
A facility where a product is sold, or a service performed for customers while they are in or near their motor vehicles in off-street parking or service areas. The term includes drive-in banking, drive-in food service, fast-food service, gasoline station, auto wash and similar uses.
DWELLING
A building or portion thereof designed, suitable for, and used for human habitation.
DWELLING GROUP
Two or more separate dwellings on the same lot.
DWELLING UNIT
A building or portion thereof containing kitchen, bathroom, dining, sleeping and related facilities necessary and/or incidental to human habitation, designed and intended as a self-contained household unit for a single individual or family.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY
A building or portion thereof containing three or more dwelling units or townhouses.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
A detached building containing one dwelling unit only.
DWELLING, TOWNHOUSE OR ROWHOUSE
Attached one-family dwellings of at least three such units in which each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit, and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common fire-resistant walls.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A detached building containing two dwelling units only.
EAF
See "environmental assessment form."
ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL
See "Code Enforcement Officer."
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF)
A form used by an agency to assist it in determining the environmental significance or nonsignificance of actions. An EAF is used in the implementation of SEQRA as that term is defined in Part 617 of Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations.
FAMILY
One or more persons occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit.
FAMILY CARE FACILITY
Living space in a private home in which a family or individual cares, on a twenty-four-hour basis, for up to three mentally or physically disabled children or adults.
FARM
Any parcel of land which is used for gain in the raising of agricultural products, livestock, poultry, and dairy products. It includes necessary farm structures and the storage of equipment used. It excludes the raising of fur-bearing animals, riding academies, livery or boarding stables and dog kennels.
FLAG LOT
See Chapter 99, Article VI, Open Development Area.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The current official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated the areas of special flood hazard for the Town of Aurora and incorporated herein by reference.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
The operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency preparedness measures, flood control works and land use and development control measures.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
FRANCHISE ARCHITECTURE
A building design that is trademarked or identified with a particular chain or corporation or is generic in nature.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
An accessory building/structure or portion of a main building used for the storage of self-propelled vehicles used by the occupants of the premises, including space for not more than one passenger vehicle used by others.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
Any garage other than a private garage, available to the public and operated for gain and which is used for the storage, repair, rental, greasing, washing, servicing, adjusting or equipping of automobiles or other motor vehicles.
GASOLINE STATION
A drive-in service for the sale of motor fuel, diesel motor fuel, oil and motor vehicle accessories and which may include facilities for lubricating, washing or servicing vehicles, but not including painting or body repairs or the sale of new or used cars. The term includes "filling station" and "service station."
GROUP RESIDENCE
A group of individuals occupying a single dwelling or dwelling unit as an integral component of a recognized program of physical or mental health rehabilitation, or other custodial supervision and care living arrangement operated by a nonprofit entity, with resident supervisory personnel. This term shall not include rooming houses, boardinghouses, nursing homes, dormitories, sorority houses, fraternity houses, or similar facilities.
GUN CLUB, SHOOTING RANGE or ARCHERY RANGE
An outdoor facility, which may or may not include accessory buildings/structures, used for the discharge of firearms at a fixed mark or target.
HABITABLE FLOOR
Any floor usable for living purposes, including working, sleeping, eating, cooking or recreation.
HALF STORY
A story under a sloping roof having a ceiling height of seven feet or more for not exceeding 1/2 the floor area of the uppermost full story in the building.
HOME OCCUPATION
See District regulation, § 116-8.
HOTEL
A facility containing rooms rented to primarily transient guests, with parking space convenient to each room, in which guest units have no cooking facilities but in which meals and accessory services may be provided. The term includes "motel," "motor inn," "motor lodge," and similar designations.
IN-LAW APARTMENT
An owner-occupied, single-family dwelling with a separate apartment within the dwelling and without a separate entrance that may include at least one kitchen, one bathroom and one bedroom, to be occupied solely by a relative of said property owner and not to be advertised as rental property or sold as a double or duplex.
INDUSTRY
Storage, manufacture, preparation or repair of any article, substance or commodity.
KENNEL
An establishment in which more than three dogs more than six months old are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained or sold.
LIVESTOCK
Includes but is not limited to horses, cattle, hogs, fowl, poultry or furred animals.
LOT
A parcel of land occupied or capable of being occupied by one building and the accessory buildings/structures or uses customarily incident to it, including such open spaces as are required by this chapter.
LOT AREA
The total area within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any street rights-of-way.
LOT DEPTH
The mean distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured in the general direction of the side lines of the lot.
LOT FRONTAGE
The length of the front lot line measured at the street right-of-way line.
LOT LINE
The line of record bounding a lot.
LOT LINE, FRONT
A lot of record, parallel to the street right-of-way.
LOT LINE, REAR
The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line, or in the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, a line 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
LOT WIDTH
A distance between the side lot lines of a lot and parallel to the front lot line of that lot measured at the minimum required building setback line.
LOT, CORNER
A lot or parcel of land abutting upon two of more streets at their intersections or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot.
LOT, MINIMUM AREA OF
The smallest lot area established by this chapter on which a use or structure may be located in a particular district.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A residential building constructed in an off-site manufacturing facility in accordance with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (FMHCSS) established June 16, 1976 and administered by HUD. Such use shall be regulated by Town of Aurora Zoning Code, Chapter 116, §§ 116-36 and 116-37.
MEAN HEIGHT
The average of the roof eave height and the height of the highest point on a roof surface.
MOBILE HOME
A residential dwelling that was fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility, designed to be a permanent residence, built prior to the enactment of the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (FMHCSS) on June 16, 1976. Such use shall be regulated by Town of Aurora Zoning Code, Chapter 116, §§ 116-36 and 116-37.
MOBILE HOME PARK
An area of land occupied or designed for occupancy by two or more mobile homes or manufactured homes. Such term also includes the term "trailer camp" and "trailer park."
MODULAR HOME
A structure intended for residential use and fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility in accordance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes.
MOTEL
See "hotel."
MOTOR VEHICLE
Every vehicle operated or driven which is propelled by power other than muscle power, except:
(1) 
Electronically driven mobility devices operated or driven by a person with a disability.
(2) 
Vehicles that run on rails or tracks.
(3) 
Snowmobiles.
(4) 
All-terrain vehicles.
(5) 
Self-propelled machines used for growing and harvesting of farm produce.
(6) 
Self-propelled caterpillars and crawler-type equipment operated on a construction site.
MUNICIPAL OR PUBLIC UTILITY STRUCTURE
A facility necessary for the installation, delivery, and/or maintenance of utility services in and for the Town of Aurora.
NIGHTCLUB
A place of entertainment open at night for eating, drinking, dancing, etc., and usually having a floor show or live music.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A building or structure lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter which does not conform to the district regulations for the dimensions and height of such building or structure or whose location results in nonconformity as to minimum yard dimensions or maximum lot coverage.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot of record lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter that does not meet the district regulations for minimum area or dimensions.
NONCONFORMING USE
Lawful occupancy of a structure or land by a use that does not conform to the regulations of the district in which it is situated at the time of adoption of this chapter or any amendment thereto.
NONPROFIT
A person, firm, partnership, trust, company, corporation, organization, institution and similar entities so designated as "nonprofit" or "not-for-profit" by virtue of charter or incorporation and certification by the Internal Revenue Service.
NURSERY SCHOOL
A facility for daytime care or instruction for two or more children from two years through seven years old, operated on a regular basis.
NURSING HOME
A premises on which is provided lodging, meals, and continuing nursing care for compensation to convalescent or chronically ill persons. The term "nursing home" shall include a convalescent home or rest home.
OVERLAY DISTRICT
A mapped zoning district that imposes a set of requirements in addition to those of the underlying districts.
PARK
Any land and/or associated structures created and maintained by a municipality for the express use and enjoyment by the general public for recreational purposes.
PARKING AREA
An area of land, excluding driveways thereto, which is out of the public right-of-way and is designated for and adequately improved for the parking and maneuvering of motor vehicles.
PARKING SPACE
The area required for a motor vehicle and sufficient accessibility for the occupants of said vehicle as stipulated in this chapter.
PERMIT, BUILDING
See "building permit."
PERMITTED USE
A specific use noted in Article III of this chapter for which land, lots, buildings or structures may be used, occupied or maintained under this chapter as a matter of right.
PERSON
A firm, partnership, trust, company, corporation, organization, institution and similar entities, as well as an individual acting as owner, lessee, agent or employee.
PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP
A specially designed building or structure or consecrated place where individuals or a group of people such as a congregation come to preform acts of devotion, veneration or religious study.
POULTRY
Domestic fowls raised for meat or eggs; chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, etc., collectively.
PREMISES
A lot, plot or parcel of land, easement or public way, including any structures thereon.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE
The structure in which is conducted the main or principal use of the lot on which said structure is located. In any residence district, any dwelling shall be deemed the "principal structure" on the lot on which it is situated.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
The office of a lawyer, doctor, dentist and any person performing any activity or service licensed pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law of the State of New York.
PROHIBITED USE
Any use which is not listed as a permitted use, special permit use or permitted accessory use this chapter shall be considered a prohibited use hereunder in all zoning districts.
PUBLIC UTILITY STRUCTURE
See "municipal or public utility structure."
R DISTRICT
A residential district, includes R-1, R-2, R-3, and RR unless otherwise specified.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A mobile recreational unit, such as a travel trailer, pickup camper, converted bus, tent trailer, camper trailer or similar vehicle.
RESIDENTIAL FLOOR AREA
All habitable space as defined by the Residential Code of New York State.
RESTAURANT
A permanent building with table or counter and chair facilities used for the serving of meals to the public.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, PRIVATE
A parcel of land which has a specific owner and some other party, or the public at large has a legal right or easement to traverse that land.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, PUBLIC
Land over which the public may travel subject to restrictions by the government with jurisdiction, whether or not said government has control of the land by ownership or easement.
ROOMER
A person other than a member of a family or functional family unit who resides in a rooming house or boardinghouse on a temporary or seasonal basis. The term includes "lodger" and "boarder."
ROOMING HOUSE or BOARDINGHOUSE
A dwelling unit used for temporary or transient occupancy purposes by at least three, but not more than 12, individuals or not constituting a family or functional family unit who pay expenses by the room or based on a share of total expenses of the dwelling unit. The term does not include a motel, hotel, group residence, or short-term rental.
SEQRA
The New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, and its implementing regulation in Title 6 of New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, Part 617.
SERVICE STATION
See "gasoline station."
SETBACK
The required minimum distance from the street right-of-way line or any other lot line that established the area within which a structure must be erected or placed. See "building line."
SHORT-TERM RENTAL
Owner-occupied residence where a dwelling unit or part thereof is rented for compensation for lodging by an individual(s) for periods of not less than one night and not more than 30 consecutive days.
SIGN
Any structure or part thereof, or device attached thereto or painted or represented thereon, which shall display or include any letter, word, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device or representation used as or which is in the nature of an announcement, direction, or advertisement. The word "sign" includes the word "billboard" but does not include the flag, pennant, or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political, educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic, professional, religious, or like campaign, drive, movement, or event.
SITE PLAN
A drawing of the site, presenting information and accompanied by documentation as specified in Chapter 95.
SPECIAL USE
A use which is authorized subject to requirements imposed by the Town Board or Zoning Board of Appeals to assure that the proposed use is in harmony with the law and will not adversely affect the neighborhood.
STABLE, PRIVATE
A stable which is an accessory use for the family which resides on the premises and on or at which horses, ponies or similar types of animals are kept or fed, but not for remuneration, sale or hire.
STABLE, PUBLIC
A stable on or at which horses, ponies or similar types of animals are kept or fed for remuneration, hire or sale.
STOCK-IN-TRADE
Any merchandise (wares, goods, farm produce, etc.) purchased, made, or otherwise acquired for resale.
STORAGE YARD
An outdoor area where vehicles, equipment, merchandise, raw materials, or other items are accumulated or stored for an indefinite period of time.
STORAGE, OUTDOOR
Land used for the keeping of goods, wares or supplies on land outside of any building or structure. This shall not be construed as including the activities of junkyards or landfills, as referenced in the Town Code.
STORY
That part of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it. A basement shall be counted as a "story" if the ceiling is more than five feet above the average adjoining ground level or if used for business or dwelling purposes.
STREET
A public or private thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property. This term shall be synonymous with "road."
STREET LINE
The line which delineates the public right-of-way of a road or street, as established by the local, county or state agency having jurisdiction and as shown on the real property Tax Maps of the Town.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the supporting members of a building or other structure, such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected for occupancy or use.
SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION
Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition, "substantial alteration" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.
TOWNHOUSE
A residential building consisting of a series of individually owned one-family units having a common party wall between each unit, with private outside entrances, separate front and rear yards and separate utilities and located on a separate recorded lot.
TRAVEL TRAILER
See "recreational vehicle."
TRUCK CAMPER (slide-in or chassis mount)
See "recreational vehicle."
USE
The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged, or intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
USE, ACCESSORY
A use, occupancy or tenancy which is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use, occupancy or tenancy and located on the same lot or premises.
USE, CHANGE OF
A change in the nature of occupancy or use of any principal building or structure.
USE, PRINCIPAL
The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged, or intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
USE, PROHIBITED
Any use which is not listed as a permitted use, special permit use or permitted accessory use in this chapter shall be considered a prohibited use hereunder in all zoning districts.
USE, TEMPORARY
One established for a fixed period of time with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of such time. Such uses do not involve the construction or alteration of any permanent structure.
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of the Zoning Law.
VARIANCE, AREA
The authorization by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the use of the land in a manner which is not allowed by the dimensional or physical requirements of the applicable zoning regulations.
VARIANCE, USE
The authorization by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the use of land for a purpose which is otherwise not allowed or is prohibited by the applicable zoning regulations.
VOLITILE MATERIALS
Gasoline or any substance more vaporizable or flammable than gasoline.
WETLANDS
Areas designated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as wetlands and those adjacent land areas within 100 feet of the delineated wetland; federal wetlands regulated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers; and any locally protected wetlands.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS)
A machine that converts the kinetic energy in the wind into a usable form. Commonly known as a "wind turbine" or "windmill."
YARD
An open space that lies between the principal or accessory building/structure and the nearest lot line. Such yard is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward by any structure or building, except as may be specifically provided in the zoning local law.
YARD, FRONT
A space extending the full width of the lot between a principal building and the front lot line unoccupied and unobstructed by buildings or structures from the ground upward, the depth of which shall be the least distance between the front lot line and the front of such principal building.
YARD, REAR
An open space extending the full width of the lot between the principal building and the rear lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as hereinafter specified, the depth of which shall be the least distance between the rear lot line and the rear of such principal building.
YARD, SIDE
A space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the principal building and the side lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as hereinafter specified. The required width of side yards shall be measured horizontally from the nearest point in the side lot line to the nearest building.
ZERO LOT LINE
The location of a building on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building's sides rest directly on a lot line.
B. 
Other terms and phrases. Other terms and phrases not specifically defined in this section but defined in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code applicable to general building construction will have the meanings ascribed therein. All other words not specifically defined and used in this section shall carry their customary meanings.
A. 
The Town of Aurora is hereby divided into the following types of districts, hereinafter referred to as "zoning districts:"
R1
Residence District
R2
Residence District
R3
Residence District
RR
Rural Residential District
A
Agricultural District
C1
Commercial District
C2
Commercial District
C3
Commercial District
B. 
References to "any R District" shall be interpreted to mean any R1, R2, R3, or RR District.
C. 
References to "any C District" shall be interpreted to mean any C1, C2, or C3 District.
A. 
The zoning districts are shown on the Zoning Map which accompanies and which, with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby made a part of this chapter.
B. 
The Zoning Map and each subsequent amendment thereto shall be duly certified and filed by the Town Clerk.
The boundaries of each district are hereby established as shown on said Zoning Map and are intended to follow street and road lines, existing lot and property lines, creeks and other like natural dividing lines or extensions of such lines. Where a boundary line does not follow such a line, it shall be located on the map by appropriate descriptions and dimensions.
A. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
One single-family dwelling, with no other dwelling or principal building on the same lot.
(2) 
Church or other place of worship or religious instruction: parish house, rectory; convent in connection with school, all subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95, regardless of the building square footage.
(3) 
Public or private school accredited by the New York State Education Department, all subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95, regardless of the building square footage.
(4) 
Public park or public playground maintained by the State of New York, County of Erie or Town of Aurora.
(5) 
Home occupations. Any use which:
(a) 
Is carried on wholly within the enclosed walls of the dwelling unit or an accessory structure and does not use more than 25% of the total floor area of a dwelling unit or 500 square feet, whichever is the lesser.
(b) 
Is carried on only by a member or members of the family residing in the dwelling unit with no additional employees.
(c) 
Shall have no external evidence of such use. No stock, merchandise, equipment, or displays of any kind shall be visible outside the dwelling unit or accessory building/structure.
(d) 
Is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.
(e) 
Does not create vehicular traffic, noise, dust, vibration, odor, glare, fumes or electrical interference that may create a nuisance to abutting properties or be detrimental to the residential character of the neighborhood.
(f) 
No external structural alterations which are not customary to a residential structure shall be allowed.
(g) 
The following uses and other uses similar in character shall not be considered to meet the intention of this definition: retail sales, vehicle engine repair, vehicle body work, veterinary hospital, dog kennel, bar or restaurant, or any use that is not permitted in Type 5 (wood frame) building construction under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
(6) 
Customary accessory uses, including but not limited to private residential garages or accessory buildings/structures, and the further accessory uses in residences on Big Tree Road (Rt. 20A), Quaker Road (Rt. 20A), Olean Road (Rt. 16) and Buffalo Road (Rt.16) only: professional offices of lawyers, physicians and surgeons, dentists, building architects, public accountants, and professional engineers, located and conducted wholly within the dwelling and incidental to the primary residential use of such dwelling; and provided, further, that, except for household servants and yardmen, not more than one person shall be employed and only as assistant to the professional resident. Furthermore, in all cases where such professional offices are established, off-street automobile parking shall be provided for all residents, staff and customers of that professional.
(7) 
Group family day cares and family day-care homes as defined and regulated by New York State.
(8) 
Bed-and-breakfast as defined by New York Building Code and subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95, regardless of the building square footage.
(9) 
Signs, limited in accordance with § 116-34A.
B. 
Maximum mean height.
(1) 
For principal buildings: 2 1/2 stories, not to exceed 35 feet.
(2) 
For accessory buildings/structures: One story, not to exceed 15 feet.
C. 
Building size.
(1) 
Dwelling: not less than 1,200 square feet.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: footprint not to exceed 25% of the required rear yard.
D. 
Minimum lot size.
(1) 
Frontage along or parallel to the street right-of-way: 125 feet.
(2) 
Area: 32,670 square feet (3/4 of an acre, not including the right-of-way).
(3) 
Width: 125 feet.
E. 
Front yard depth or setback.
(1) 
A minimum of 75 feet from the street right-of-way.
(2) 
Where 20% or more of the lots in the same block on the same side of the street and within 1,000 feet of a proposed building are improved with buildings, the average setback of such existing buildings shall establish the minimum setback or building line. This provision shall not be interpreted to permit a front yard depth of less than 45 feet.
(3) 
In the case of a corner lot, all buildings shall comply with the required front yard setbacks from the right-of-way of the primary street (street of property address). All such buildings shall be a allowed a setback of 45 feet from the right-of-way of the secondary street.
(4) 
No accessory building/structure shall be erected in the front yard.
F. 
Side yards.
(1) 
Principal building: each side yard a minimum of 20 feet.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
G. 
Depth of rear yard.
(1) 
Principal building: a minimum of 50 feet, measured from the wall of the principal building closest to the rear property line.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: A distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
A. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
Any use permitted and as regulated in the R1 District.
(2) 
Two-family dwellings, with no other dwelling or principal building on the same lot.
(3) 
A professional office as listed in § 116-8.1A(6), conducted in a dwelling by the resident thereof.
(4) 
The keeping of not more than three roomers or boarders.
B. 
Maximum mean height.
(1) 
For principal buildings: 2 1/2 stories, not to exceed 35 feet.
(2) 
For accessory buildings/structures: One story, not to exceed 15 feet.
C. 
Building size.
(1) 
Single-family dwelling: not less than 1,200 square feet.
(2) 
Two-family dwelling: not less than 1,800 square feet, with a minimum dwelling unit size of 500 square feet.
(3) 
Accessory building/structure: footprint not to exceed 25% of the required rear yard.
D. 
Minimum lot size.
(1) 
Frontage along or parallel to the street right-of-way: 100 feet.
(2) 
Area: 32,670 square feet (3/4 of an acre not including the right-of-way).
(3) 
Width: 100 feet.
E. 
Front yard depth or setback.
(1) 
A minimum of 50 feet from the street right-of-way.
(2) 
Where 20% or more of the lots in the same block on the same side of the street and within 1,000 feet of a proposed building are improved with buildings, the average setback of such existing buildings shall establish the minimum setback or building line. This provision shall not be interpreted to permit a front yard depth of less than 30 feet.
(3) 
In the case of a corner lot, all buildings shall comply with the required front yard setbacks from the right-of-way of the primary street (street of property address). All such buildings shall be allowed a setback of 45 feet from the right-of-way of the secondary street.
(4) 
No accessory building/structure shall be erected in the front yard.
F. 
Side yards.
(1) 
Principal building: each side yard a minimum of 12 1/2 feet.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
G. 
Depth of rear yard.
(1) 
Principal building: a minimum of 40 feet measured from the wall of the principal building closest to the rear property line.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
A. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
Any use permitted and as regulated in the R2 District.
(2) 
Multiple-family dwelling.
(3) 
Boarding- or rooming house.
B. 
Permitted uses when approved by the Town Board through a special use permit:
(1) 
Nonprofit institutions for charitable, religious, cultural or community social purposes, not including institutions for mental patients, correctional, or animal rescue purposes. All nonprofit institutions are subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95, regardless of occupancy classification or the size of the building.
(2) 
Dwelling group consisting of two or more dwellings on the same lot.
(a) 
Each dwelling shall be situated on the lot in such a manner that in the event the property is split, each dwelling will meet the zoning requirements with regard to lot size and property line setbacks of the district in which the dwelling is located.
(b) 
Any inconsistencies with any zoning regulations will require Zoning Board of Appeals approval prior to any Town Board action.
C. 
Maximum mean height.
(1) 
For principal buildings: 2 1/2 stories, not to exceed 35 feet.
(2) 
For accessory buildings/structures: One story, not to exceed 15 feet.
D. 
Building size.
(1) 
Single-family dwelling: not less than 720 square feet.
(2) 
Two-family dwelling: not less than 1,200 square feet, with a minimum dwelling unit size of 500 square feet.
(3) 
Multiple-family dwelling: not less than 500 square feet per dwelling unit.
(4) 
Accessory building/structure: footprint not to exceed 25% of the required rear yard.
E. 
Minimum lot size.
(1) 
Frontage along or parallel to the street right-of-way: 90 feet.
(2) 
Area: 32,670 square feet (3/4 of an acre not including the right-of-way), plus an additional 4,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit in excess of two.
(3) 
Width: 90 feet.
F. 
Front yard depth or setback.
(1) 
A minimum of 50 feet from the street right-of-way.
(2) 
Where 20% or more of the lots in the same block on the same side of the street and within 1,000 feet of a proposed building are improved with buildings, the average setback of such existing buildings shall establish the minimum setback or building line. This provision shall not be interpreted to permit a front yard depth of less than 30 feet.
(3) 
In the case of a corner lot, all buildings shall comply with the required front yard setbacks from the right-of-way of the primary street (street of property address). All such buildings shall be allowed a setback of 30 feet from the right-of-way of the secondary street.
(4) 
In the case of a multiple-family dwelling, there shall be no parking of vehicles in the area between the street line and any portion of a structure used for dwelling purposes.
G. 
Side yards.
(1) 
Principal building: each side yard a minimum of 12 1/2 feet.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: A distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
H. 
Depth of rear yard.
(1) 
Principal building: a minimum of 40 feet, measured from the wall of the main building closest to the rear property line.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
A. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
One single-family dwelling or one two-family dwelling with no other dwelling or principal building on the same lot.
(2) 
Church or other place of worship or religious instruction: parish house, rectory; convent in connection with school, all subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95, regardless of the building square footage.
(3) 
Public or private school accredited by the New York State Education Department, all subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95, regardless of the building square footage.
(4) 
Public park or public playground maintained by the State of New York, County of Erie, or Town of Aurora.
(5) 
Home occupations (as noted in § 116-8).
(6) 
Customary accessory uses, including but not limited to private residential garages or accessory buildings/structures, and the further accessory uses in residences on Big Tree Road (Rt. 20A), Quaker Road (Rt. 20A), Olean Road (Rt. 16) and Buffalo Road (Rt. 16) only: professional offices of lawyers, physicians and surgeons, dentists, building architects, public accountants, and professional engineers, located and conducted wholly within the dwelling and incidental to the primary residential use of such dwelling; and provided, further, that, except for household servants and yardmen, not more than one person shall be employed and only as assistant to the professional resident. Furthermore, in all cases where such professional offices are established, off-street automobile parking shall be provided for all residents, staff and customers of that professional.
(7) 
Group family day cares and family day-care homes as defined and regulated by New York State.
(8) 
Bed-and-breakfast as defined by New York Building Code and subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95, regardless of the building square footage.
(9) 
Signs, limited in accordance with § 116-34A.
(10) 
The keeping of domestic animals, subject to the following limitations:
(a) 
Six chickens or other poultry per acre, no roosters, confined to lot boundaries and housed in the rear yard at least 25 feet from any lot line.
(b) 
Not more than two of any other species of domestic animals.
[1] 
The keeping of large domestic animals, including but not limited to horses, goats, sheep, etc., shall have a minimum of one-acre undeveloped land per animal.
[2] 
The keeping of pigs and cattle shall have at least two acres of undeveloped land per animal.
(c) 
The keeping of manure behind the residence and at a minimum of the 60 feet to the side and rear property lines.
(11) 
Apiary limited to five hives. These agricultural limitations shall only apply to lots improved with a residential structure. RR areas not improved with a residential structure shall be allowed full agricultural uses as stipulated in § 116-8.5 until such time that a residential structure is built on the lot.
B. 
Permitted uses when approved by the Town Board through special use permit:
[Added 9-12-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022[1]]
(1) 
Dwelling group consisting of two or more dwelling units on the same lot.
(a) 
Each dwelling shall be situated on the lot in such a manner that in the event the property is split, each dwelling will meet the zoning requirements with regard to lot size and property line setbacks of the district in which the dwelling is located.
(b) 
Any inconsistencies with any zoning regulations will require Zoning Board of Appeals approval prior to any Town Board action.
[1]
Editor's Note: Pursuant to this local law, former Subsections B through H were redesignated as Subsections C through I, respectively.
C. 
Maximum mean height.
(1) 
For principal buildings: 2 1/2 stories, not to exceed 35 feet.
(2) 
For accessory buildings/structures: One story not to exceed 15 feet.
D. 
Building size.
(1) 
Dwelling: not less than 1,200 square feet.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: footprint not to exceed 25% of the required rear yard.
E. 
Minimum lot size.
(1) 
Frontage along or parallel to the street right-of-way: 125 feet.
(2) 
Area: 32,670 square feet (3/4 of an acre, not including the right-of-way).
(3) 
Width: 125 feet.
(4) 
See § 116-25 for exceptions.
F. 
Front yard depth or setback.
(1) 
A minimum of 75 feet from the street right-of-way.
(2) 
Where 20% or more of the lots in the same block on the same side of the street and within 1,000 feet of a proposed building are improved with buildings, the average setback of such existing buildings shall establish the minimum setback or building line. This provision shall not be interpreted to permit a front yard depth of less than 45 feet.
(3) 
In the case of a corner lot, all buildings shall comply with the required front yard setbacks from the right-of-way of the primary street (street of property address). All such buildings shall be a allowed a setback of 45 feet from the right-of-way of the secondary street.
(4) 
No accessory building/structure shall be erected in the front yard.
G. 
Side yards.
(1) 
Principal building: each side yard a minimum of 20 feet.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
H. 
Depth of rear yard.
(1) 
Principal building: a minimum of 50 feet, measured from the wall of the principal building closest to the rear property line.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 10 feet.
A. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
Any use permitted and as regulated in the RR District.
(2) 
Two-family dwelling with no other dwelling or principal building on the same lot.
(3) 
Agricultural, floricultural, and horticultural pursuits, including but not limited to dairies, general farms, horse farms, greenhouses, plant nurseries, produce farms, and the raising of bees, poultry and livestock, together with all customary buildings and structures necessary for the production and storage of the products of such pursuits.
(4) 
Seasonal cottages, as defined by the Town Assessor, occupied less than six months a year and not constructed for year-round occupancy.
(5) 
Customary accessory uses and structures, including but not limited to seasonal roadside stands, for the sale of the products of such land, and signage as regulated in § 116-34B.
B. 
Permitted uses when approved by the Town Board through a special use permit:
(1) 
Camp to be used by the general public.
(2) 
Farm equipment sales and display.
(3) 
Fur farm.
(4) 
Public stable, riding academy or horseback training facility.
(5) 
Private club, private recreation or camping area serving only club members and not conducting activities usually conducted for profit.
(6) 
Cemetery.
(7) 
Golf link.
(8) 
Dwelling group.
(9) 
Dog kennel: an establishment in which three or more dogs over four months in age are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained and/or sold, including dog rescue and adoption operations.
(10) 
Animal rescue.
(11) 
Public utility buildings and all associated structures.
(12) 
Quarries, clay, sand and gravel pits, subject to § 116-21 and § 116-35.
(13) 
Veterinary hospitals or clinics.
C. 
Maximum mean height.
(1) 
For a principal nonfarm building: 2 1/2 stories, not to exceed 35 feet.
(2) 
Two-story, not to exceed 20 feet for accessory buildings/structures.
(3) 
No height limit for farm structures, other than farm dwellings, if an agricultural exemption exists through the Town Tax Assessor, except as regulated by other applicable ordinances or codes.
D. 
Building size.
(1) 
Single-family dwellings not less than 1,200 square feet.
(2) 
Two-family dwellings not less than 1,800 square feet, with a minimum dwelling unit size of 500 square feet.
(3) 
Multiple-family dwellings not less than 500 square feet per dwelling unit.
E. 
Minimum lot size.
(1) 
Frontage along or parallel to the street right-of-way: 200 feet.
(2) 
Area: three acres, not including the right-of-way.
(3) 
In the case of a multiple-family dwelling, an additional 4,000 square feet for each dwelling unit in excess of one.
(4) 
Width: 200 feet.
(5) 
See § 116-25 for exceptions.
F. 
Front yard depth or setback.
(1) 
A minimum of 75 feet from the street right-of-way.
(2) 
No accessory building/structure shall be erected in the front yard.
G. 
Side yards.
(1) 
Principal building: each side yard a minimum of 40 feet.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 20 feet.
H. 
Depth of rear yards.
(1) 
Principal building: a minimum of 100 feet, measured from the wall of the principal building closest to the rear property line.
(2) 
Accessory building/structure: a distance equal to the mean height of the proposed accessory building/structure, but not less than 20 feet.
A. 
The purpose of establishing commercial districts and the following regulations is to establish certain areas in the Town where retail businesses, offices, and other commercial uses of land will be encouraged and to establish standards by which development in these areas will occur. Each applicant for land use and development shall comply with the Town of Aurora Commercial Design Standards to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with the purpose and intent of the Town Code.
B. 
Intent: Pursuant to the recommendations in the Regional Comprehensive Plan of 2004, these districts are designed to preserve community character, properly manage future growth and development, and provide for economic development. All commercial districts must preserve and enhance cultural and historic resources and promote architectural development styles consistent with the character of these resources. Concentration is around the Village of East Aurora in order to avoid sprawl. Limited commercial uses are envisioned along Route 16 south of the Village of East Aurora up to Blakely Road to complement the village center, and in commercial districts along Route 240, which should be consistent with the surrounding area.
C. 
Objectives.
(1) 
Parking should be at the sides or rear of the buildings wherever feasible and screened to maintain the residential character of the Town.
(2) 
Landscaping and setback standards should be utilized to improve visual characteristics and buffer development and redevelopment from adjoining sensitive land uses.
(3) 
Commercial development must complement the character of the surrounding area, and provide for an improved and positive image pursuant to the Town of Aurora Commercial Design Guidelines.
(4) 
Franchise architecture is not permitted.
(5) 
A landscape plan must be provided as part of the site plan application.
(6) 
Building frontages should be active, with non-reflective, minimally tinted window openings at the first-floor level.
D. 
Maximum mean height.
(1) 
For principal buildings: 35 feet in height.
(2) 
For accessory buildings/structures: two stories, not to exceed 20 feet.
E. 
Building size.
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family: not less than 1,200 square feet.
(2) 
Dwelling, two-family: not less than 1,200 square feet with a minimum dwelling unit size of 500 square feet.
(3) 
Dwelling, multiple-family: not less than 500 square feet per unit.
(4) 
Accessory buildings/structures residential: The footprint of any single, accessory building/structure not to exceed 25% of the required rear yard area.
(5) 
Accessory buildings/structures residential and commercial: The combined footprint of all accessory buildings/structures not to exceed 50% of the footprint of the principal building.
(6) 
All other uses: as stipulated in the specific district, but in any event, no individual building/structure may exceed 30% of the lot area excluding right-of-way.
F. 
Minimum lot size.
(1) 
Frontage along all or parallel to the right-of-way: 100 feet.
(2) 
Area: 32,670 square feet (3/4 of an acre) for the principal building, not including the right of way.
(3) 
Lot width: 100 feet.
G. 
Front yard depth or setback.
(1) 
A minimum of 50 feet from the street right-of-way for buildings. A minimum of 20 feet of green space between the street right-of-way and any parking.
(2) 
In the case of a corner lot, all buildings shall comply with the front yard setbacks from the right-of-way of the primary street (street of property address). All such buildings shall be allowed a setback of 30 feet from the right-of-way of the secondary street.
(3) 
No accessory building/structure in the front yard.
H. 
Side yards.
(1) 
Each side yard when used for residences: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 20 feet.
(2) 
Each side yard when used for commercial buildings in a C-1 or C-2 District: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 30 feet.
(3) 
Each side yard when used for commercial buildings in a C-3 District: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 40 feet.
(4) 
Each side yard when used for accessory buildings/structures: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 10 feet.
I. 
Depth of rear yard.
(1) 
Each rear yard when used for residences: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 30 feet.
(2) 
Each rear yard when used for commercial buildings in a C-1 or C-2 District: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 45 feet.
(3) 
Each rear yard when used for commercial buildings in a C-3 District: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 60 feet.
(4) 
Each rear yard when used for accessory buildings/structures: A distance equal to or greater than the mean height of the building but not less than 15 feet.
J. 
Maximum developed space. No more than 50% of the lot area of any lot may be used for structures and impermeable surfaces.
K. 
Additional special requirements for commercial uses.
(1) 
Activity shall not create excessive noise, smoke, odor or vibration beyond the lot lines of the lot on which the use occurs. There shall be no emissions of dust, dirt, smoke, fly ash, noxious gases or other noxious substances which are likely to harm the health of persons, animals or plant life.
(2) 
Special use permits are required for any drive-through facilities. Drive-through facilities are not permitted in C-1 Districts.
(3) 
All rooftop HVAC units, communications equipment, or other rooftop equipment shall be screened from view at ground level by use of building and/or roof features compatible with the design of the building.
(4) 
For lots that are developed with a single building, the building shall be oriented towards the street on which the building fronts. When a building fronts more than one street, the building shall be oriented towards the street on which adjacent buildings with similar uses front.
(5) 
All landscaped areas shall be maintained and preserved consistent with the plan as originally approved or as amended by the Town Board.
(6) 
In addition to the Town of Aurora off-street parking, § 116-27, all adequate space for standing, loading, and unloading shall be provided and permanently maintained.
L. 
Site plan review regulations of Chapter 95 are required for all commercial uses.
M. 
In the event of a discrepancy between the provisions in these C Districts and any other part of this Code, the provisions in this C District apply.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the C-1 Commercial District is to provide areas or centers for shopping and service-oriented uses that are easily accessible to the neighborhoods which they serve, which are not intended to draw customers from considerable distances, or which have low-volume traffic and no significant impacts so as to be minimally intrusive upon residential neighborhoods. These districts shall be limited both in size and in proximity to one another.
B. 
Building size for commercial purposes.
(1) 
Five thousand square feet maximum.
C. 
Uses permitted by right:
(1) 
Packaging/mailing services.
(2) 
Professional and clerical offices.
(3) 
Floral shops, arts and craft stores/studios, bookstores, sewing and knitting supplies, bicycle sales/repairs, newsstand, and tourism-related materials.
(4) 
Barbershop or beauty parlor, printing shop, tailor/dressmaker, shoemaker, shoe repair, optician, decorator, photographer.
(5) 
Any use permitted and as regulated in the R-2 District.
D. 
Uses by special use permit of the Town Board:
(1) 
Retail food store/grocery and sales, drugstore/pharmacy, hardware store, and other small local retail shops.
(2) 
Bank or other financial institution, laundromat/dry cleaner pickup station, medical and dental clinics, and other similar personal services.
(3) 
Restaurant, cafe, caterer, and other eating places.
(4) 
Nonprofits for charitable, religious, cultural or community social purposes, not including institutions for mental patients, correctional, or animal rescue purposes. All nonprofit institutions are subject to site plan review regulations of Chapter 95.
(5) 
Hotel, motel, and short-term rentals.
(6) 
Child day-care center and elder care center as defined and regulated by the State of New York.
(7) 
Clubhouses as defined in § 116-4 and community center.
(8) 
Health or fitness center.
(9) 
Dental clinics not involving any overnight occupancy.
(10) 
Funeral home or undertaking facility with no crematorium.
(11) 
Pet shop, provided such shop does not have any outside pens or runs.
(12) 
Brewery, distillery, provided there is no on-site consumption.
(13) 
Other uses not specifically listed as permitted uses, but similar in nature and compatible with C1 uses.
E. 
Storage. No storage except in completely enclosed buildings.
F. 
Customary accessory uses, including but not limited to parking areas, require a special use permit when they are accessory to a use that requires a special use permit.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the C-2 Commercial District is to provide areas in the Town where business offices and businesses may be located which include activities that may draw clientele from all areas in the Town and from outside the Town. It is the intention to locate such areas where there is minimal impact on established residential neighborhoods, where the necessary infrastructure is available, and where transportation facilities can be provided. The uses in this district will typically involve more traffic and related noises than in the C-1 Commercial District.
B. 
Building size for commercial purposes.
(1) 
Twenty thousand square feet maximum.
C. 
Uses permitted by right:
(1) 
Any use permitted by right in the C-1 District as regulated in Section 116-8.7 with a building size of no more than 10,000 square feet.
D. 
Uses by special use permit of the Town Board:
(1) 
Any use permitted by right in the C-1 District with a building size over 10,000 square feet up to 20,000 square feet maximum.
(2) 
Any use requiring a special use permit in the C-1 District.
(3) 
Shops for construction trade.
(4) 
Commercial amusement and recreation establishments such as sports facilities, indoor and outdoor theaters, bingo or dance halls and nightclubs.
(5) 
Automotive fuel filling station, automobile and truck repair, auto body repair, and agriculture equipment repair.
(6) 
Storage yards which shall be completely enclosed by a suitable fence and/or buffer at least six feet high and shall contain only the products of a business located on the same lot.
(7) 
Warehouse and storage-type services.
(8) 
A club, organization, or recreation area or building including camps and campsites serving the public.
(9) 
Wholesale sales and incidental storage, provided that all goods shall be stored in fully enclosed structures in conformance with the bulk regulations for buildings.
(10) 
Lumber and building material and equipment sales and service.
(11) 
New or used vehicle and equipment sales and rentals, including, but not limited to, farm equipment, snowmobiles, ATV's, trailers, motorbikes and the like.
(12) 
Medical clinics not involving any overnight occupancy.
(13) 
Motor vehicle washing facilities.
(14) 
Office buildings for business and professional offices, including incidental clinics, cafeterias and recreational facilities for the exclusive use of company employees.
(15) 
Pet shop, including those with outside pens or runs.
(16) 
Veterinary office, clinic, or small animal hospital.
(17) 
Brewery, distillery, including on-site consumption.
(18) 
Bar, tavern.
(19) 
Customary accessory uses, including but not limited to parking areas.
(20) 
Other uses not specifically listed as permitted uses, but similar in nature and compatible with C2 uses.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the C-3 Commercial District is to provide areas in the Town where businesses, medium-sized retail, and industrial and manufacturing facilities may be located, which include activities that may draw clientele from all areas in the Town and from outside the Town. It is the intention to locate such areas where there is minimal impact on established residential neighborhoods, where the necessary infrastructure is available, and where transportation facilities can be provided. The uses in this district will typically involve more traffic and related noises than in the C-2 Commercial District.
B. 
Building size for commercial purposes.
(1) 
Thirty thousand square feet maximum.
C. 
Uses permitted by right:
(1) 
Research, design, and development facilities utilizing office spaces, indoor scientific laboratories, and other similar indoor spaces.
(2) 
Customary accessory uses, including but not limited to parking areas.
D. 
Uses by special use permit of the Town Board when conducted in an enclosed building:
(1) 
Any use permitted and as regulated in the C-2 District other than dwellings and other residential structures.
(2) 
Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering, finishing, cleaning or any other processing or incidental storage of products or materials involving the use of only oil, gas or electricity for fuel and which operation, in the opinion of the Town Board, will not create any dangerous, injurious, noxious or otherwise objectionable fire, explosive, radioactive or other hazard, noise or vibration, smoke, dust, odor or other form of air pollution, electromagnetic or other disturbance, glare or harmful discharge, storage or dispersal of liquid or solid wastes in a manner or amount so as to adversely affect the surrounding area.
(3) 
Food preparation (e.g., baking, bottling, mixing, and milling).
(4) 
Processing or canning of putrescible food products (e.g., meat, fish, or dairy products, fermented foods such as sauerkraut, vinegar, or the like).
(5) 
Adult entertainment businesses as described in Article V of this chapter.
(6) 
Junkyards.
(7) 
Uses requiring an adult-use cannabis license.
(8) 
Other uses not specifically listed as permitted uses, but similar in nature and compatible with C3 uses.
A. 
Purpose: It is the purpose of this overlay to recognize the hamlet of West Falls as an existing built-up area consisting of mixed land uses at a higher density than that in the surrounding area of the Town.
B. 
Intent: Pursuant to the recommendations in the Regional Comprehensive Plan of 2004, this overlay district is designed to serve as a rural service hamlet that preserves the character and quality of the West Falls hamlet area, including through the adoption of architectural guidelines to control aesthetics, landscaping, and connective features. This zone is also intended to encourage the development of uses that are in harmony with the surrounding area, improve the visual character of the area, promote walkability, protect adjoining residential uses, and enhance the area by encouraging service-oriented uses that are primarily focused on customers within the hamlet, but which are not intended to draw customers from considerable distances, or which have low-volume traffic and no significant impacts so as to be minimally intrusive upon residences.
C. 
Boundary description: The West Falls Hamlet Overlay District encompasses all properties contiguous to Bridge Street and to Rte. 240 from the southern border of the Town to the intersection with Behm Road.
D. 
Objectives:
(1) 
Emphasis is placed on the redevelopment of existing properties and the strong residential character of the hamlet.
(2) 
Conversions of residential structures for office or commercial use are permitted.
(3) 
Projects should be "pedestrian-friendly." Pedestrian access should be an integral part of any site plan in this area.
(4) 
Parking should be at the sides or rear of the buildings wherever feasible and screened to maintain the residential character of the area. Parking requirements should, however, be flexible, allowing agreements for shared parking between businesses to be counted as part of the required parking spaces.
(5) 
Landscaping and setback standards should be utilized to improve visual characteristics and buffer development and redevelopment from adjoining sensitive land uses.
(6) 
Architectural standards shall complement the character of a hamlet district and provide for an improved and positive image for the area. Facade designs that improve the character of the area are preferred.
(7) 
Franchise architecture is not permitted.
E. 
Permitted principal uses. The uses permitted in the West Falls Hamlet Overlay District shall be the same as the underlying zoning district(s).
F. 
Accessory buildings. The accessory uses permitted in the West Falls Hamlet Overlay District shall be the same as the accessory uses permitted in the underlying zoning district(s).
G. 
In addition to set Town standards, freestanding signs may not be any larger than 12 square feet.
H. 
Architectural standards. Building standards.
(1) 
Building frontages shall face the public right-of-way.
(2) 
New building forms and elevations should be detailed and articulated to create interesting rooflines and strong patterns of shade and shadow.
(3) 
Large buildings should have height variations to give the appearance of distinct elements.
(4) 
Building colors should accent, blend with, or complement the surrounding environment. Bright or brilliant colors should be reserved for trim and accents.
(5) 
Building frontages with frequent doors, windows, and articulations such as bays and porches, are preferred.
(6) 
Storefront construction should be recessed enough at the point of entry to allow the door to swing out without obstructing the sidewalk.
(7) 
Awnings and overhangs for shade and shelter are encouraged.
I. 
Building standards. Roofs.
(1) 
Flat roofs are prohibited. Roof pitches must be a minimum of two inches of rise and 12 inches of run.
(2) 
Roofs should complement the overall style of the building.
(3) 
Roof materials should not be reflective.
(4) 
Roof colors should complement the overall character of the building.
(5) 
All roofs shall incorporate measures to prevent falling snow and ice onto the sidewalk, if applicable.
J. 
Site and landscaping.
(1) 
Site plan review regulations of Chapter 95 are required for all new principal buildings.
(2) 
Development shall promote the character of the hamlet core by maintaining a setback consistent with the buildings in the area provided that such development meets existing setback minimums.
(3) 
Any proposed development or redevelopment shall include sidewalks that contribute to the goal of a unified pedestrian network in West Falls, if feasible.
(4) 
The rear of commercial buildings (existing and proposed) shall be enhanced, where appropriate, to improve views to surrounding residential properties.
(5) 
No more than 80% of the lot area of any lot may be used for structures and impermeable surfaces. In the event of a discrepancy between this provision and a requirement in a specific district, this provision prevails.
A. 
Except as hereinafter provided, no building or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located.
B. 
No building shall hereafter be erected or altered to a greater height, to accommodate or house a greater number of families, to have any yard or setback less in width or depth or to have lesser floor area, in the case of dwellings, than is specified herein for the district in which such building is located.
No part of a yard or other open space required about any building for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be included as a part of a yard or other open space similarly required for another building.
No lot, yard, setback, parking area or other space shall be so reduced in area, dimension or capacity as to make said area, dimension or capacity less than the minimum required under this chapter. If already less than the minimum required under this chapter, said area, dimension or capacity shall not be further reduced.
A. 
No building shall hereafter be erected or substantially altered in any area depicted as a floodway on the Flood Boundary - Floodway Map or as a special flood hazard area on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), nor shall any land be used or developed, except in accordance with the regulations for control of special flood hazards.
B. 
No land shall be disturbed except in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 96, Stormwater Management, of the Code.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, morals, safety or the general welfare. Wherever the requirements of this chapter are at variance with the requirements of any other applicable law, ordinance, regulation or private agreement, the more restrictive or that imposing the higher standard shall govern.
The degree of flood protection required pursuant to this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. The data or regulatory provisions herein are not, however, a warrant that other areas may not be subject to flooding nor that base flood elevations may not be exceeded, and the incorporation of these regulatory provisions shall not be construed to create liability, express or implied, on the part of the Town of Aurora or any departments or agencies thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter, or any administrative decision made thereunder.