[Added 11-15-2022 by L.L. No. 24-2022]
In order to maintain an appropriate visual quality for residential properties, residential subdivisions, preserve property values, protect neighborhood character and safeguard quality of life, certain standards shall apply as specified herein for all zoning use districts on parcels of land that have one-, two-, and multifamily dwelling unit uses upon.
A. 
Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purposes of this Code, have the meanings shown in this Article VII.
B. 
Terms defined in other sections of this Code. Where terms are not defined in this Article VII and are defined in Chapter 301, or other referred section of this Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as stated therein.
C. 
Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this Code, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
D. 
The following terms, used throughout this Article VII, shall be defined as follows:
DRIVEWAY
A distinct area of a parcel situated partially in the front yard and sometimes extending to the side yards, as defined herein, constructed of asphalt, pavement, cement, stone, pebbles or other non-vegetative material such as compacted dirt, which automobiles use for means of egress from or ingress to a parcel of real property and/or by which automobiles may park on the property, not including the parking area within a structure such as a garage.
DWELLING
Any house or building which is designed for and occupied exclusively as the home or residence of one or more persons permanently.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY
A building, other than a garden apartment or apartment house, designed for and occupied as a residence by three or more families living independently of each other.
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY
A detached building designed for and occupied exclusively as a home or residence by not more than one family.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A building designed for and occupied exclusively as a home or residence by the owner and/or the owner's family and a second person or family living independently of each other.
FRONT YARD
The area between the street right-of-way and the front line of the main building projected to the side lot lines on any lot in a residence district, excluding the driveway, as defined herein.
NONDRIVEWAY
Those other areas within a front yard, as defined herein, that are not consistent with the term driveway, as defined herein, which may include areas containing other various types of a ground cover including but not limited to: grass species (also referred to as a lawn) and/or other suitable combination of vegetative ground cover including but not limited to trees, shrubbery, ground ivy and/or ornamental flowers, dirt or mulch.
REAR YARD
The area between the rear lot line and the front line of the main building projected to the side lot lines on any lot in a residence district.
SIDE YARD
A space unoccupied, except by a building or structure or accessory use as herein provided, situated between the line of the principal building and sidelines of the lot and extending from the front lot line to the rear lot line.
A. 
For one-, two- and multi-family dwellings and within all zoning use districts in the Town of Riverhead exclusive of driveway(s), as defined herein, there shall be a nondriveway area, as defined herein.
B. 
No portion of any nondriveway area(s) within a front yard, as defined herein:
(1) 
Shall be used for the parking, placement or storage of vehicles (motorized and nonmotorized), including but not limited to: automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, recreational vehicles and campers.
(2) 
Shall be utilized for the storage of any dismantled automobile part(s) relating to repair work or the servicing of vehicle(s) of any kind.
(3) 
That contain(s) any vegetative species (including lawns) shall be damaged or destroyed by overuse or by the parking or driving of motor vehicles on such established areas. Carpet, tarps, sand, dirt or any other materials that damage or destroy the front yard of the nondriveway area shall not be permitted.
C. 
The failure to maintain a nondriveway area, as defined herein, pursuant to Subsection A above and/or the use of a nondriveway area, as defined herein, in a manner set forth at Subsection B shall be violations hereunder and subject to a fine not less than $500.
D. 
[1]Upon motion of the prosecuting attorney or pro se defendant, the court may dismiss the violation or reduce the minimum fine imposed where it finds that the defendant upon notice of the violation, immediately corrected the violative conditions or produced evidence of other exigent circumstances compelling the use of the nondriveway area for temporary parking of vehicles.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection D, regarding exceptions, was repealed 8-20-2024 by L.L. No. 21-2024. This local law also renumbered former Subsection E as Subsection D.