[Amended 2-22-2024 by L.L. No. 4-2024, effective 2-27-2024]
A. Legislative intent. The Town Board wishes to increase the Planning
Board membership to seven members and appoint each member for a three-year
term. It is the intent of this article, pursuant to the Municipal
Home Rule Law, that the Town Board supersede Town Law § 271
to establish terms of office which are inconsistent with Town Law
§ 271.
B. Authority of Chairperson.
(1) The principal executive officer and administrative head of such Planning
Board shall be the Chairperson, who shall be appointed by the Town
Board for such term and at such compensation as may from time to time
be fixed by the Town Board.
(2) The Town Board may appoint a Deputy Chairperson at such compensation
and for such term as may from time to time be fixed by the Town Board,
who shall generally act in behalf of the Chairperson and who shall
perform such duties as may be directed by the Chairperson and as are
vested in and imposed by the provisions of this chapter, by statute
or by other lawful authority.
(3) Before entering upon the duties of his office, the Chairperson shall
execute and file with the Town Clerk an official undertaking, if the
same is required by the Town Board, in such sum as prescribed by the
Town Board and in such form as approved by the Town Attorney.
(4) The Chairperson shall have such powers as prescribed by law as shall
be necessary for the proper administration of the Planning Board consistent
with applicable provisions of law.
C. Any person appointed as a member of the Planning Board shall serve
for a term of three years, at such compensation as may from time to
time be fixed by the Town Board. After the expiration of the terms
of the members serving on the Planning Board, any member reappointed,
or any successor in office, shall serve for a term of three years.
If a vacancy shall occur other than by expiration of term, it shall
be filled by the Town Board, by appointment, for the unexpired term;
however, no such appointment shall exceed three years. Any new appointment,
reappointment or appointment to a vacancy shall not exceed three years.
D. Of the seven members so appointed, at least one will be a licensed
architect, and additionally at least two members will be either a
licensed architect, a licensed engineer, a licensed attorney, an environmentalist
or a certified planner. Additionally, four positions will be appointed
as community members at large. Said composition to be phased in with
any reappointment and/or new appointment effectuated on or after the
effective date of this article. Nothing herein contained will invalidate
decisions of this Board during this phase-in period.
E. Performance of functions by Town Board. Whenever there is no duly
constituted Town Planning Board existing in the Town of Brookhaven,
all functions of a planning board as governed by New York State law
and the Code of the Town of Brookhaven shall be performed by the Town
Board. The provisions of this section shall supersede any inconsistent
provisions of any other section of this chapter.
F. Referrals to Town Board. All other officers, boards, agencies and
commissions shall make referrals to the Town Board, acting as a Planning
Board, in the manner provided in this Code or any rule or regulation
before taking official action, in case there is no duly constituted
Town Planning Board.
G. The Town Supervisor shall serve in the capacity of Chairperson of
the Planning Board and the Deputy Supervisor shall serve in the capacity
of Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Board in case there is no duly
constituted Town Planning Board and the Town Board is acting as a
Planning Board.
H. General severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section
or item of this article shall be adjudged by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not impair nor invalidate
the remainder hereof, but such adjudication shall be confined in its
operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or item directly
involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been
rendered.
[Added 2-22-2024 by L.L. No. 4-2024, effective 2-27-2024]
The Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven hereby dissolves the
Planning Board pursuant to the authority of Town Law § 271
and all functions of a planning board as governed by New York State
law and the Code of the Town of Brookhaven shall be performed by the
Town Board.
[Amended 2-22-2024 by L.L. No. 4-2024, effective 2-27-2024]
A. As provided by this chapter, special permits from the Planning Board
shall be granted only where said Board shall determine:
(1) That the use will not prevent the orderly and reasonable use of adjacent
proportion or of properties in the surrounding area or impair the
value thereof.
(2) That the use will not prevent the orderly and reasonable use of permitted
or legally established uses in the district wherein the proposed use
is to be located or of permitted or legally established uses in adjacent
districts.
(3) That the safety, health, welfare, comfort, convenience or order of
the Town will not be adversely affected by the proposed use and its
location.
(4) That the use will be in harmony with and promote the general purposes
and intent of this chapter.
B. In making such determination, the Planning Board shall give consideration,
among other things, to:
(1) The character of the existing and probable development of uses in
the district and the peculiar suitability of such district for the
location of any of such permissive uses.
(2) The conservation of property values and the encouragement of the
most appropriate uses of land.
(3) The effect that the location of the proposed use may have upon the
creation or undue increase of traffic congestion on public streets,
highways or waterways.
(4) The availability of adequate and proper public or private facilities
for the treatment, removal or discharge of sewage, refuse or other
effluent, whether liquid, solid, gaseous or otherwise, that may be
caused or created by or as a result of the use.
(5) Whether the use or materials incidental thereto or produced thereby
may give off obnoxious gases, odors, smoke or soot.
(6) Whether the use will cause disturbing emission of electrical discharges,
dust, light, vibration or noise.
(7) Whether the operation in pursuance of the use will cause undue interference
with the orderly enjoyment by the public of parking or of recreational
facilities, if existing or if proposed by the Town or other competent
governmental agency.
(8) The necessity for an asphaltic or concrete surfaced area for purposes
of off-street parking and loading of vehicles incidental to the use
and whether such area is reasonably adequate and appropriate and can
be furnished by the owner of the plot sought to be used within or
adjacent to the plot wherein the use shall be held.
(9) Whether a hazard to life, limb or property because of fire, flood,
erosion or panic may be created by reason or as a result of the use
or by the structures to be used therefor or by the inaccessibility
of the plot or structures thereon for the convenient entry and operation
of fire and other emergency apparatus or by the undue concentration
or assemblage of persons upon such plot.
(10)
Whether the use or the structures to be used therefor all cause
an overcrowding of land or undue concentration of population.
(11)
Whether the plot area is sufficient, appropriate and adequate
for the use and the reasonable anticipated operation and expansion
thereof.
(12)
The physical characteristics and topography of the land.
(13)
Whether the use to be operated is unreasonably near to a church,
school, theater, recreational area or place of public assembly.
C. Expiration. All special permits granted by the Planning Board pursuant
to this chapter shall expire three years after the date of the Planning
Board's grant of approval thereof unless a building permit has been
issued and substantial construction has commenced in reliance thereon.
The Planning Board may grant a maximum of three extensions, not to
exceed one year each, of the grant of approval where a building permit
has been issued and substantial construction, with sufficient proof
of such substantial construction, having commenced in reliance thereon.
D. In granting such permits, the Planning Board may waive or modify
any of the criteria listed herein or within the specific zoning districts
and/or it may limit the duration of the special use permits and prescribe
appropriate conditions and safeguards in conformity with this chapter.
[Amended 6-24-2014 by L.L. No. 12-2014, effective 7-8-2014; 10-28-2014
by L.L. No. 23-2014, effective 11-4-2014; 11-20-2018 by L.L. No. 26-2018, effective 12-3-2018; 2-22-2024 by L.L. No. 4-2024,
effective 2-27-2024]
A. Site plan review and approval is required in all zoning districts
for all buildings and structures or land use and/or for all alterations
or changes in use thereto, except for the following: single-family
dwellings; subdivision maps or plats, including residential land divisions,
notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this chapter; permitted
agricultural uses other than horse farms, and customary accessory
uses thereto; and the exceptions set forth in § 85-116.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned requirements, the Town Board may,
upon proper application therefor, grant a waiver from the within site
plan review and approval requirements for properties located within
the Fire Island National Seashore (aka Great South Beach at Fire Island
National Seashore).
B. In each case where a site plan is required, the applicant shall submit
a site plan, prepared by a registered New York State landscape architect,
land surveyor, architect or engineer, to the Planning Board prior
to the filing of the application for a building permit with the Chief
Building Inspector. Elevations, showing front, side and rear architectural
features of the proposed structures, shall be submitted with the site
plan and shall be considered a part thereof. The applicant shall demonstrate
that the architectural and aesthetic features of the proposed structure
will conform to and enhance the architectural features of the neighborhood.
In appropriate cases, the Planning Board and/or the Commissioner of
Planning, Environment and Land Management may require a landscape
plan prepared by a registered New York State landscape architect.
C. The Planning Board is hereby authorized to review and approve, approve
with modifications or disapprove said site plan in accordance with
all applicable standards contained herein or within the Subdivision
Regulations and to adopt such rules as it deems necessary to exercise
the powers herein granted.
(1) Requirement of stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). A stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) consistent with the requirements of Chapter
86, Stormwater Management and Erosion Control, shall be required for site plan approval. The approved SWPPP shall meet the performance and design criteria and standards and be consistent with the provisions as set forth in Chapter
86, Stormwater Management and Erosion Control, of the Town Code.
D. The Chairman of the Planning Board may require a public hearing in
conjunction with site plan review for development in any zoning district
upon making a determination that construction on or the use of the
subject site may have a significant impact on the surrounding community.
E. The Planning Board shall consider the following elements in its review
process: ingress to and egress from all public highways to the premises,
subject to the approval of the appropriate municipal agencies having
jurisdiction of such highways, the traffic pattern within the premises,
the location and placement of parking spaces, parking areas, loading
areas and spaces, curbs, sidewalks and access driveways as may be
required under this chapter, or by any municipal agency, all drainage
facilities, grading, lights, the placement of signs on the premises,
the location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures
upon the site, open spaces, landscaping, screening, architectural
features, all other physical features and improvements, the impact
of the proposed use on adjacent land and land uses and such other
elements as may be reasonably related to the health, safety and general
welfare of the community.
G. There shall be submitted with the application for site plan approval
a copy of any restrictive covenant running in favor of the Town, or,
if there is no such restrictive covenant, the applicant shall furnish
an affidavit to that effect.
H. In any case where the site plan submitted by the applicant indicates
that a variance and/or special permit is needed in order to construct
or use the premises as shown on said site plan, the applicant shall
submit an application for said variance and/or special permit to the
appropriate board upon the filing of the application for approval
of the site plan with the Planning Board. Upon adoption by said board
of a resolution with respect to the application for a variance and/or
special permit, the applicant shall submit to the Planning Board the
date and case number of said resolution as well as the decision rendered
by the issuing board. If the variance and/or special permit is granted,
said variance and/or special permit shall be deemed to be incorporated
in the site plan submitted by the applicant. In those cases where
a variance and/or a special permit is required, there shall be no
final approval of the site plan by the Planning Board until such variance
and/or special permit has been granted by the appropriate board. Upon
issuance, said variance/special permit shall be deemed incorporated
within the site plan, and shall remain valid for the duration of the
site plan or any authorized extension thereof for all site plans approved
on or after the effective date herein.
I. If no public hearing is held, the Planning Board shall render its
decision with respect to site plan approval within 62 days after receipt
of the application unless an extension has been agreed upon.
J. In all cases, the Planning Board shall notify the applicant of the
decision rendered and shall set forth its reasons for the action taken.
K. Final site plan approval and all other permits, approvals and authorizations
as may be required from other municipal and governmental agencies
and departments shall be obtained prior to the issuance of a building
permit(s).
L. Any property developed or used pursuant to an approved site plan
shall be developed, maintained, and used in conformity with the provisions
of said site plan. Any variations from or amendments to an approved
site plan must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board. No
site work, including the removal of trees or other vegetation, shall
proceed until all permits required therefor have been issued.
M. Upon the recommendation of the Chief Building Inspector or the Planning
Board, the Town Board may revoke an existing certificate of occupancy
or certificate of zoning compliance and may direct that such occupancy
or use be discontinued upon a showing that the subject premises is
being occupied or used in violation of the approved site plan. Said
order of the Town Board shall be made after a hearing held on notice
to the last owner of record of the subject premises as indicated by
the current assessment roll of the Town of Brookhaven. In the event
that the Town Board directs that such occupancy or use be discontinued
or in the event that a parcel is being used or occupied without an
approved site plan, the Town Attorney is authorized to commence proceedings
in a court of appropriate jurisdiction to restrain said use or occupancy.
N. Posting for applications involving site plans, preliminary subdivisions
or final subdivisions. At least one poster, not less than one foot
by two feet in size, must be conspicuously posted along each street
frontage of the property which is the subject of the application,
at least 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing before the
Planning Board. This ten-day posting requirement for all applications
involving site plans, preliminary subdivisions or final subdivisions
shall be required for all such applications submitted on or after
the effective date of this amendment. Such poster shall contain the
following information:
(1) A brief explanation of the proposed site plan approval requested.
(2) That a hearing will be held before the Planning Board at a specified
date and the time and place with regard to the proposed hearing.
(3) Said poster must remain in place until the hearing has been completed
and must be removed no later than seven days thereafter. The applicant,
or applicant's agent, shall verify that said poster is still in place
on a daily basis and shall promptly replace that poster should it
be removed or defaced.
(4) The Planning Board shall adopt regulations governing the format of
said poster and the manner and place in which it is posted. Said Board
may require the applicant to use a poster supplied by it, in which
event the Planning Board may set a fee to cover the cost of said poster.
(5) On the date of said hearing, the applicant or applicant's agent shall
submit an affidavit in such form as shall be approved by the Planning
Board, together with a photograph of said poster, said affidavit to
state that said poster was posted in conformity with this chapter
and in all manners complies with its requirements.
O. Expiration of site plans.
(1) All site plans shall expire three years after the date of final conditional
approval, unless a building permit has been issued and substantial
construction, with sufficient proof of such substantial construction,
having been commenced in reliance thereon.
(2) All site plans and special permits granted pursuant to Article
XXVII shall expire one year after the date of final conditional approval, unless a building permit has been issued and substantial construction, with sufficient proof of such substantial construction, having been commenced in reliance thereon.
P. Extension of final conditional site plan approval.
(1) Upon application to the Commissioner of Planning, Environment and
Land Management seeking an extension of the final conditional site
plan approval, the Commissioner may grant the final conditional site
plan approval a maximum of three extensions, not to exceed one year
each, subject to the applicant sufficiently demonstrating that for
each such application:
(a)
The extension request is made prior to the expiration of the
final conditional site plan approval;
(b)
The applicant is diligently trying to meet the conditions of
the final conditional site plan approval; and
(c)
The applicant is diligently pursuing all other required governmental
permits and approvals.
(2) Upon application to the Commissioner of Planning, Environment and Land Management seeking an extension of the final conditional site plan approval granted pursuant to Article
XXVII, the Commissioner may grant the final conditional site plan approval a maximum of one extension, not to exceed one year, subject to the applicant sufficiently demonstrating that for each such application:
(a)
The extension request is made prior to the expiration of the
final conditional site plan approval;
(b)
The applicant is diligently trying to meet the conditions of
the final conditional site plan approval; and
(c)
The applicant is diligently pursuing all other required governmental
permits and approvals.
Q. Inactive site plan applications. Site plan applications which remain
incomplete and/or for which the applicant initiates no activity for
a period in excess of one year may be deemed withdrawn by the Commissioner
of Planning, Environment and Land Management, so long as written notice
is provided to the applicant informing said applicant of the Commissioner's
intent to deem the application withdrawn at least 30 days prior to
the Commissioner's determination. If an application is inactive for
more than two years, it shall be deemed withdrawn.
R. For each application for site plan approval, review of an amended
site plan or inspection of a site plan, the fee shall be that as established
by Town Board resolution. For purposes of said section, the term "on-site
improvements" shall include but not be limited to the installation
of drainage facilities, the paving of the parking field, and the installation
of any curbs or sidewalks.
S. Amendment of site plans. An application for an amendment to a previously
approved site plan shall include the previously approved site plan,
together with all amendments noted thereon. The Commissioner shall
determine compliance with the applicable Town Code provisions as of
the date of submission thereof.
T. Upon its review of an application for amendment(s), modification(s)
and/or addition(s) to a previously approved site plan and/or existing
site development, the Planning Board shall review the entire site
plan and existing site development; the Planning Board, in conjunction
with its review and approval of the application for amendment(s),
modification(s) and/or addition(s) to said site plan, may impose such
reasonable conditions as it deems appropriate with respect to existing
improvements including parking, landscaping, including but not limited
to planting screens, maintenance, additional and/or enhanced landscaping,
and any other site features it deems appropriate, and/or to require
any reasonable modification to the existing site plan and/or site
development as it deems appropriate in connection with its grant of
approval of the proposed additional and/or modified site plan development.
[Amended 11-20-2018 by L.L. No. 26-2018, effective 12-3-2018; 2-22-2024 by L.L. No. 4-2024, effective 2-27-2024]
A. Minor alterations to an approved site plan. Upon written request,
the Commissioner or his/her designee is hereby authorized to review
and approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove requests for
minor site plan alterations to an approved final site plan (prior
to or during construction), to accommodate minor changes resulting
from actual field conditions, minor changes required by other governmental
agency permits, or minor enhancements or improvements to the approved
site plan. The Commissioner, at his/her sole discretion, may decline
jurisdiction by referral of any minor site plan alternation to the
Planning Board for its review and determination.
B. The Commissioner or his/her designee is hereby authorized to review,
approve or approve with modifications minor site plan applications
subject to the following provisions.
(1) Installation or modification of accessory improvements including
but not limited to ADA compliance improvements, waste management solutions,
emergency generators, vehicle charging stations, HVAC, heat pumps,
green energy improvements and similar.
(2) Rehabilitation, revision or change in the facade of an existing building
or structure.
(3) Installation or modification of parking areas, stormwater collection, landscaping, buffer plantings, fencing, utilities, utility and dumpster pads, recycling pads or enclosures and similar accessory improvements. Existing sites which are not in compliance with the requirements of source separation and arrangement for the collection for recycling pursuant to Chapter
46 of this Code shall not be penalized and no parking variance shall be required for the loss of parking stalls resulting from the installation of the required recycling collection areas consistent with Chapter
46 of this Code and the guidelines provided by the Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management.
(4) Additions to an existing nonresidential building or new structures
that do not exceed 1% of the existing gross floor area or 1,000 square
feet, whichever is greater.
(5) Additions and accessory improvements to attached dwelling units that
were constructed pursuant to a prior site plan grant.
(6) A change from an existing permitted use(s) to a new permitted use
in an existing building or structure where the proposed new use has
an increased and higher parking requirement under the Town Code. For
multi-tenant structures, the applicant shall obtain from the Building
Division a document certifying the current certificate of occupancy
for subject tenant space(s) of the project.
(7) The Commissioner, at his/her sole discretion, may decline jurisdiction
by referral of any minor site plan application to the Planning Board
for its review and determination.
C. The applicant shall provide any information and documentation which
the Commissioner deems necessary and appropriate for his/her review
of the application and may provide additional information that is
pertinent to such application.
D. The Commissioner or his/her designee shall take existing improvements
into consideration and determine whether or not additional on-site
improvements are necessary and/or appropriate, including but not limited
to drainage, parking, curbs and walks, landscaping and fencing, and
may require such improvements as part of his/her approval of said
minor site plan.
E. For existing buildings, structures, and improvements possessing a
certificate of occupancy or its equivalent, but do not meet current
land development and dimensional standards of this chapter, the Commissioner
or his/her designee may require additional on-site improvements that
will bring the site into closer conformance with current land development
and dimensional standards as are deemed necessary and/or appropriate.
F. Emergency minor site plans.
(1) Damaging winds, torrential rainfall, flooding and storm surge from
hurricanes or natural disasters can cause significant damage to motor
vehicles. These damaged motor vehicles can impede emergency response
efforts and pose a persistent threat to the security, life and health
to persons and property in the affected areas and, therefore, are
deemed a public health hazard and a public nuisance.
(2) The Commissioner of the Department of Planning, Environment and Land
Management is hereby authorized to review emergency minor site plan
applications for the temporary storage of motor vehicles. Upon favorable
recommendation from the Commissioner of the Department of Planning,
Environment and Land Management, the Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven,
by resolution, may designate a parcel suitable for temporary parking
and storage of damaged motor vehicles, subject to conditions as the
Town Board may deem appropriate.
(3) Emergency minor site plans shall be subject to the following criteria:
(a)
A State of Emergency was declared by the Supervisor of the Town
of Brookhaven or the Governor of the State of New York.
(b)
The proposed site is not located within the Core Area of the
Central Pine Barrens.
(c)
The proposed site is commercially or industrially zoned.
(d)
The proposed site has received prior site plan approval and
all proposed storage shall be located on existing asphalt or stabilized
base which was designated for parking of motor vehicles or similar
activity on the prior approved site plan.
(e)
A bond is submitted which is equal to $200 per vehicle stored
on the site.
(f)
Within six months of approval, submission of proof to the Commissioner that all fluids have been removed from all vehicles stored. Properties cited as noncompliant shall be subject to penalties in accordance with Article
XII.
(g)
All site plan application and expedited review fees as set forth
in Town Board resolution have been paid.
(4) The Commissioner may apply the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in this chapter at his/her discretion in review of said application(s) and in making a recommendation to the Town Board. The Commissioner, at his/her sole discretion, may decline jurisdiction of any minor emergency site plan request and such application shall require site plan review and approval pursuant to §
85-113 of this chapter.
(5) The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining building permits
and a temporary certificate of use or certificate of occupancy, as
applicable.
(6) Expiration. All approvals for the temporary parking and storage of
motor vehicles shall expire six months after the date of emergency
minor site plan approval.
(a)
An applicant may submit a request to the Town Board seeking
an extension of time limits herein. The Town Board may grant a maximum
of one extension, not to exceed six months.
(7) No application for emergency minor site plan approval may be submitted under this Subsection
F, entitled "Emergency minor site plans," after March 31, 2013.