The following are definitions of general terms used throughout this chapter with the exception of use definitions, which are defined in Article 8:
100-YEAR FLOODPLAINLand subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year as specified in the City Ordinance Chapter
120, Flood Damage Prevention.
To share a common wall or lot line without being separated by a public or private street or alley.
ACCESSA way or means to provide physical entrance to a property or physical element of the landscape.
ACCESSIBILITY RAMPA ramp or similar structure that provides wheelchair or similar access to a structure.
ACCESSORY STRUCTUREA detached structure located on the same lot as the principal building that is incidental to the use of the principal building.
ACCESSORY USEThe use of land or a structure, or portion thereof, customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or structure.
ADDITIONConstruction that increases the size of a structure in terms of building footprint, height, or floor area.
AFFORDABLE HOUSINGDwellings that are affordable by qualified very low and low-income households.
AGE-RESTRICTED HOUSINGA multi-family dwelling or a planned residential development of various dwelling types where 80% of the dwelling units are required to be occupied by at least one person who is age 55 or older.
ALLEYA service road with one-way or two-way traffic providing a secondary means of public access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
ALTERATIONA change, addition, or modification in construction, other than cosmetic or decorative, or any change in the structural members of buildings such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders.
AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO EQUIPMENTAn amateur (ham) radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including equipment such as, but not limited to, a tower or building-mounted structure supporting a radiating antenna platform and other equipment.
ANCILLARYIn regard to principal uses, a structure or use that provides support and is typically integral to a principal structure or use.
AQUACULTURE/AQUAPONICSA structure designed for the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants under controlled conditions.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATUREA part or projection that contributes to the aesthetics of a structure, exclusive of signs, that is not necessary for the structural integrity of the structure or to make the structure habitable.
ARTERIAL STREETA street that meets the definition of the New York State Department of Transportation for the arterial street functional classification.
AWNINGA roof like structure typically made of cloth, metal, or other material attached to a frame that extends from and is supported by a building. Awnings are typically erected over a window, doorway, or building front and they may be raised or retracted to a position adjacent to the building.
BALCONYA roofed or unroofed platform that projects from the exterior wall of a structure above the ground floor, which is exposed to the open air, has direct access to the interior of the building, and is not supported by posts or columns extending to the ground.
BANNERA temporary sign printed upon flexible material mounted with or without rigid frames on a building.
BAY WINDOWA window that projects outward from the structure, which does not rest on the building foundation or on the ground.
BERMAn earthen mound designed to provide visual interest on a site, fully or partially screen undesirable views, reduce noise, or fulfill other similar purposes.
BIKE FACILITYImprovements to accommodate bicyclists, including bike parking, bike lanes, and repair stations and the like.
BIKE LANEA designated area within a street right-of-way reserved for bicycle travel and separated from the rest of the roadway by painted lines, other pavement markings, or physical barriers.
BIKE SHAREA membership-based bike-sharing service that provides bike rental to members, billable by the hour or other time increments.
BLANK WALLThe horizontal linear dimension of contiguous building wall that does not contain fenestration, doors, or decorative elements such as banding, medallions, artwork such as murals and mosaics, change in wall plane of at least three inches, or other architectural or material embellishment. Any wall less than five feet in height is not considered to be a blank wall.
BLUE ROOFA roof designed to store water and discharge rainfall.
BUFFERAn area of dimensional separation between land uses, buildings, or structures, which is undeveloped, with installed screening and/or undisturbed and left in a natural condition.
BUFFER YARDLand area with landscape plantings and other components used to separate one use from another and to shield or block noise, lights, or other nuisances.
BUILDABLE AREAThe portion of a lot, excluding required setbacks, where a structure or building improvements may be erected.
BUILDINGAny structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
BUILDING ENVELOPEThe three-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted to be built on a lot and which is defined by regulations governing building setbacks, maximum height, and bulk, by other regulations, and/or by any combination thereof.
BUILDING LINEA line measured at the building wall of a structure between lot lines including architectural features, such as facade modulation and bay windows.
BUILDING PERMITA permit issued by the duly designated building official authorizing the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, or maintenance of a building, structure, or portion thereof.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMA combination of solar panels and solar energy equipment integrated into any building envelope system such as vertical facades, semitransparent skylight systems, roofing materials, or shading over windows, which produce electricity for onsite consumption.
CANOPYA canopy is a roof-like cover designed for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment affixed to a building or freestanding, with supports that extend to the ground.
CAR SHAREA membership-based car-sharing service that provides automobile rental to members, billable by the hour or other time increments.
CARPORTAn open-sided roofed vehicle shelter, usually formed by extension of the roof from the side of a building, but may be freestanding. A carport must be open on at least two sides. A carport attached to a structure is considered part of that structure.
CENTERLINE (ROAD)A line representing the physical center of a roadway between road shoulders.
CENTRAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMA permanently installed water supply system, including the facilities, works, and water sources used by such system, that is owned and operated by a single entity lawfully authorized to provide a supply of potable water to more than one user. A central water supply system may be a municipal central water system or a private central water system.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCYA document issued by the proper authority allowing the occupancy or use of a building and certifying that the structure or use has been constructed or will be used in compliance with all the applicable municipal codes and ordinances.
CHANGEABLE MESSAGE BOARDA sign designed where a portion of the sign area allows for a message to be changed manually. A changeable message board sign does not include electronic message signs or portable reader-board sign.
CHANNELA natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and banks that conducts continuously or periodically flowing water.
CHIMNEYA vertical shaft of reinforced concrete, masonry or other approved material enclosing one or more flues, for the purpose of removing products of combustion from solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel.
CLEARINGAny activity that removes the vegetative surface cover. This can include, but is not limited to, logging equipment operation, the cutting and skidding of trees, stump removal and/or brush root removal.
COLDFRAME STRUCTUREA temporary unheated outdoor structure used for protecting seedlings and plants from the cold.
CO-LOCATIONPlacement of equipment from more than one service or service provider on a single tower or site.
COMPLETE STREETSInfrastructure constructed/modified based on the Saratoga Springs Complete Streets Plan, as amended from time to time.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANThe document adopted by the City Council containing policies for the general development of the City, which indicates the general location for physical growth of the community, together with any and all amendments thereto.
CONSERVATION EASEMENTA perpetual restriction on the use of land, created in accordance with the provisions of Article 49, Title 3, of the
Environmental Conservation Law or §
247 of the General Municipal Law, for the purposes of conservation of open space, agricultural land, and natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources.
A pattern of development that places dwelling units on those portions of a property most suitable for development, while leaving substantial portions as undeveloped open space.
CONTOUR LINEContour lines denote elevation or altitude and depth on maps.
CORNER LOT ELEMENTAn accentuated vertical element located on a building corner at a street intersection that can be located within a required step back.
CROSS-ACCESSA vehicular and/or pedestrian connection between abutting properties that connects the two sites and allows vehicles and/or pedestrians to travel between sites without having to exit to the street.
DAYA calendar day, unless otherwise specified as a business day in this chapter.
DECKA roofless outdoor space built as an above ground platform projecting from the wall of a structure and connected by structural supports at grade or by the structure.
DENSITYThe number of dwelling units per acre.
DESIGN MANUAL (STORMWATER MANAGEMENT)The New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, most recent version including applicable updates that serve as the official guide for stormwater management principles, methods and practices.
DEVELOPER AGREEMENTAn agreement between the City and the developer through which the City agrees to vest development use or intensity or refrain from interfering with subsequent phases or development through new legislation in exchange for provision of public facilities or amenities by the developer in excess of those required under current community regulations. Such agreements shall include "inclusionary housing agreements," etc.
DOCKA fixed or floating structure, including moorings, used for the purpose of berthing buoyant vessels.
DONATION BOXAn unmanned receptacle designed with a door, slot, or similar opening intended to accept and store donated clothes and household items.
DWELLINGA structure, or portion thereof, designed exclusively for human habitation.
DWELLING UNITOne or more habitable rooms which are occupied, or which are intended or designed to be occupied as a residence by one household or family, with facilities for living, sleeping, sanitation, and cooking.
EASEMENTAuthorization by an owner for the use, by others for a specific purpose, of a designated part of his property.
EAVEThe projecting lower edges of a roof overhanging the wall of a structure.
ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONVehicle battery charging equipment that supplies electric energy for the recharging of plug-in electric vehicles, including electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNA sign designed where a portion of the sign area uses changing light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the electronic display panel(s) to form a message or messages in text and/or image from where the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. Time/temperature signs are not considered electronic message signs. Flashing signs, animated signs, and video display signs are not considered electronic message signs.
ENCROACHMENTThe extension, placement, or existence of any structure, or a component of such, into a required setback, adjacent property or right-of-way.
ENDWALLThe wall of the end unit of a townhouse development that is not attached to another dwelling unit or party wall.
EQUINEA member of the equus genus of mammals in the family Equidae, including horses and ponies.
ERECTTo build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix.
EROSION CONTROL MANUALThe most recent version of the "New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control" manual, commonly known as the "Blue Book."
ESCAPE WELLA reinforced excavation that surrounds a basement window installed for emergency egress.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGThe illumination of an outside area or object by any man-made device that produces light by any means.
EXTERIOR STAIRWELLOne or more flights of stairs, and the necessary landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous passage from the entryway of a floor or level to another in a structure located on the exterior of a principal building.
FACADEAn exterior building wall, from grade to the top of the parapet or eaves. A facade incorporates the full width of a building elevation, including any projections or recesses occurring across an elevation. The front facade is the principal elevation of a building and contains the building's main entrance, the rear facade is the building's rear exterior wall, and the side facades are a building's side exterior walls.
FAMILYOne or more persons related by blood, marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership, and all adopted and foster children and all children under legal guardianship of any person in the household. A family is also defined as a group of no more than four unrelated persons maintaining a common household in a single dwelling unit.
FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCELand, designated as "farmland of statewide importance" in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)'s Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database on Web Soil Survey, that is of statewide importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops as determined by the appropriate state agency or agencies. Farmland of statewide importance may include tracts of land that have been designated for agriculture by state law.
FEATHER FLAG/SAILA freestanding attention-getting device, vertical in orientation, typically constructed of cloth held taut by a single post.
FENCEA structure used as a boundary, screen, separation, means of privacy, protection or confinement, and is constructed of wood, plastic, metal, wire mesh, masonry, or other similar material and is used as a barrier, including retaining walls.
A. FENCEOPEN — A fence that has, over its entirety, more than 70% of the superficial surface consisting of regularly distributed openings.
FENCESOLID — A fence that has, over its entirety, no distributed openings. A shadowbox design fence is considered a solid fence. A chain link fence with slats is not considered a solid fence.
FENCE, CORRALCorral fences are fences designed and constructed with posts and two to four rails to contain animals.
FINAL PLATThe final map upon which the owner's plan of subdivision is presented to the Board for approval, and which, if approved, shall be submitted to the County Clerk for recording. The final plat is submitted as part of the final submission.
FINANCIAL SECURITYMonetary backing provided by the owner, from a bank or financial institution, which guarantees the City that a specific amount of money will be kept available for the completion of an approved project. Said financial security is to be drawn on only by the City.
FLAGFlags of any nation, state, municipality, or political subdivision, flags officially designated as a national, state, or local symbol, or flags of fraternal, religious, and civic organizations. Pennants and sails are not considered flags.
FLOODLIGHTA powerful light, typically in a grouping of several lights, used to illuminate the exterior of a building or sign.
FOOD TRUCK OR TRAILERA motor vehicle or a food trailer towed by another vehicle, designed and equipped to prepare, assemble, and sell food and/or beverages directly to consumers.
FOOT-CANDLEA unit of measure of illuminance equal to one lumen of light spread over an area of one square foot.
FRONTAGEThe boundary between a building and the right-of-way or the pavement of a public sidewalk. Frontage may also refer to the full linear dimension of this boundary.
GARAGEAn accessory building or portion of a principal building used for the storage of motor vehicles of the occupants of the premises.
GAZEBOA freestanding outdoor accessory structure with a roof designed for recreational use and not for habitation.
GENERIC LEGAL ITEM EXCHANGE BOXAn outdoor accessory structure maintained by a property owner on private property where legal items such as books, recorded performing arts and media, puzzles, games, and the like, are kept for public and/or exchanges with no fees, sales, or other compensation and are publicly accessible.
GLAREThe effect by reflections of light with intensity sufficient as determined in a commercially reasonable manner to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility in any material respects.
GRADINGExcavation or fill of material, including the resulting conditions thereof.
GREEN ROOFA building roof partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
GREENHOUSE (ACCESSORY)A structure constructed chiefly of glass, glasslike or translucent material, cloth, or lath, which is devoted to the protection or cultivation of flowers or other tender plants.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMA solar energy system that is anchored to the ground via a pole or other mounting system, detached from any other structure, that generates electricity for on-site or off-site consumption.
GUESTROOMA room occupied by one or more guests for compensation and in which no provision is made for cooking. Guestroom does not include rooms in a dormitory.
HABITABLE/LIVING SPACEA space in a building suitable for living, sleeping, cooking, bathing, washing or sanitation purposes.
HEDGEA row of closely planted shrubs, bushes, or any kind of plant forming a boundary.
HOME OCCUPATIONAny commercial activity carried out for economic gain by a resident, conducted as an accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit. Telecommuting is not considered a home occupation.
HORSE STABLE (PRIVATE)An accessory structure or land use that is designed, arranged, used, or intended to be used for the keeping of equines for the private use of the occupants of a principal building and their guests.
INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER PERMITA State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued to a commercial industry or group of industries which regulates the pollutant levels associated with industrial stormwater discharges or specifies on-site pollution control strategies.
INFILTRATIONThe process of percolating stormwater into the subsoil.
INFRASTRUCTUREFacilities and services needed to sustain residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and other activities, including, but not limited to, water lines, sewer lines, and rights-of-way.
INSTITUTIONAL USEA nonprofit, public, or quasi-public use, such as a place of worship, educational facility, hospital, assisted or custodial care facility, or government-owned or government-operated structure or land used for public purpose.
INTENSITY OF USESquare feet of gross floor area, number of dwelling units, number of employees, or other factor used as a basis for requiring off-street parking or loading facilities.
LAND DISTURBANCE ACTIVITYAny activity including clearing, grading, excavating, filling, demolishing or stock piling that results in soil disturbance. Includes land development activity and construction activity.
LIGHT POLE BANNERBanners mounted on and with arms installed perpendicular to light poles.
LIGHTING, FULL CUT OFFA light distribution where the candela value is zero at or above horizontal (90° above nadir) and does not exceed 10% at or above a vertical angle of 80° above nadir.
LIGHTING, SEMI CUT OFFA light distribution where the candela value does not exceed 5% of the maximum intensity at or above horizontal (90° above nadir) and 20% at or above a vertical angle of 80° above nadir.
MARQUEEA permanent roof-like structure that extends from the wall, with no supports extending to the ground, constructed over the entrance of a building of permanent building materials that includes a sign element along its edge for changeable messages, whether electronic or by hand.
METES AND BOUNDSA method of describing the boundaries of land by directions and distances from a known point of reference.
MURALA graphic displayed on the exterior of a building for the purposes of decoration or artistic expression, including but not limited to painting, fresco, or mosaic. A mural is public art and does not include any advertising or commercial content.
NADIRThe angle pointing directly downward from the luminaire or 0°.
NATIVE PERENNIAL VEGETATIONNative wildflowers, forbs, and grasses that serve as habitat, forage, and migratory way stations for pollinators but excluding any prohibited or regulated invasive species as determined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
NITSA luminance unit equal to one candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source.
NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTIONPollution from any source other than from any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyances, and shall include, but not be limited to, pollutants from agricultural, silvicultural, mining, construction, subsurface disposal and urban runoff sources.
NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGEThe expression of noncommercial ideas and messages. A noncommercial message does not promote a business, product, service, commercial entertainment, or other commercial activity offered on or off the premises.
NONCONFORMING LOTA lawful lot of record that predates comprehensive zoning or at one time conformed to the lot dimension requirements of the zoning district in which it is located, but because of this chapter, or a subsequent amendment to this chapter, does not meet current requirements.
NONCONFORMING SIGNA sign that predates comprehensive zoning or at one time conformed to applicable zoning regulations, but because of this chapter, or a subsequent amendment to this chapter, does not meet current requirements.
NONCONFORMING SITE ELEMENTA site development element, such as landscape or lighting, that predates comprehensive zoning or was constructed or installed in conformance with the applicable zoning regulations, but because of this chapter, or a subsequent amendment to this chapter, does not meet current requirements.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTUREA principal or accessory structure that predates comprehensive zoning or at one time conformed to applicable zoning regulations, but because of this chapter, or a subsequent amendment to this chapter, does not meet current requirements.
NONCONFORMING USEThe use of a structure or land that predates comprehensive zoning or at one time was an allowed use within a zoning district, but because of this chapter, or a subsequent amendment to this chapter, is no longer allowed.
NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTSZoning districts that allow a variety of nonresidential uses such as retail, restaurant, service, and office, where such types of uses are the primary uses allowed, or where a wide range of commercial uses are allowed with residential uses to create mixed-use development. Nonresidential districts are identified in §
240-2.1 as "mixed-use and commercial districts" (excluding AC, NCU and UN), "institutional districts," and "industrial districts."
A structure or land used, or intended to be used, for nonresidential uses, which includes, but is not limited to, retail, office, entertainment, recreation, public, institutional, and other nonresidential uses. Structures with multi-family dwellings with ground floor nonresidential uses are considered mixed-use development and considered a nonresidential use for the purposes of this chapter.
OFF-PREMISES COMMERCIAL SIGN - PERMANENTA permanent sign directing attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment event, activity, or other commercial activity that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted at the property upon which the sign is located.
OFF-PREMISES COMMERCIAL SIGN - TEMPORARYA temporary sign directing attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment event, activity, or other commercial activity that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted at the property upon which the sign is located. This includes any ground-mounted, building-mounted, or sign painted, pasted, or otherwise affixed to any tree, rock, fence, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, sidewalk, parkway, curb or street, bench, or trash receptacle that directs attention off-premises.
OFF-STREET PARKINGThe storage space for an automobile on premises other than streets or rights-of-way.
OUTLOTAn area of land set aside within a retail center for a separate principal building that shares a circulation system and may share common parking with the larger retail center development but is separated from the principal building or buildings, typically located along the property line.
OVERLAY DISTRICTA district established in the chapter that is superimposed on one or more zoning districts or parts of zoning districts. The standards and requirements associated with an overlay district may be more or less restrictive than those in the underlying districts.
OWNERAny person or entity, including the owner of the title or a mortgage whose interest is shown of record in the mortgage and conveyance records; a person or entity shown as owner in the records of the tax assessor of the county in which the property is situated; or the agent of any such person or entity and those in possession of a dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises.
PARAPETThe extension of a false front or wall above a roofline.
PARKING FACILITYA parking lot and/or parking structure. Parking facility does not include parking spaces and parking pads for individual dwelling units for single-family, two-family, or townhouse dwellings.
PARTY WALLA wall starting from the foundation and extending continuously through all stories to or above the roof that separates one building from another along a property line, but is in joint use by each building.
PATIOA hard surface at or less than six inches above grade designed and intended for gathering or cooking and not used as a parking space. Patios are constructed such that its finished walking surface is laid or poured directly on finished grade.
PEDESTRIAN FACILITIESSidewalks, shared use paths, and similar facilities intended for pedestrian mobility.
PERFORMANCE BONDAn obligation in writing, under seal, issued by a surety company, satisfactory to the City, binding the obligator to pay a sum of money to the City if the obligor fails to satisfactorily install and/or maintain improvements as required under §
33 of the General City Law, including escrow agreement and other similar collateral or surety agreements.
An open structure, which may be either freestanding or attached to a structure, that forms a partially shaded pedestrian walkway, passageway, or sitting area, and is constructed of a semi-open roof and vertical posts that support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice. If attached to a structure, it is considered part of the building. Freestanding pergolas are considered accessory structures.
PERVIOUS PAVINGA range of sustainable materials and techniques for permeable paving with a base and sub-base that allow the movement of stormwater through the surface. Gravel and loose rock are not considered pervious paving.
PHASING (STORMWATER MANAGEMENT)Clearing a parcel of land in distinct pieces or parts, with the stabilization of each piece completed before the clearing of the next.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFFStaff of the Saratoga Springs Office of Planning and Economic Development that provides technical assistance on development applications made to the City's land use boards as well as other planning and development duties.
PLATA map representing a tract of land illustrating the boundaries and location of individual properties and streets, or a map of a subdivision or planned unit development site plan.
POLLINATORBees, birds, bats, and other insects or wildlife that pollinate flowering plants, and includes both wild and managed insects.
POLLUTANT OF CONCERNSediment or a water quality measurement that addresses sediment (such as total suspended solids, turbidity or siltation) and any other pollutant that has been identified as a cause of impairment of any water body that will receive a discharge from the land disturbance activity.
PORCHAn architectural feature that projects from the exterior wall of a structure, has direct access to the street level of the building, and is covered by a roof or eaves.
PORCH - ENCLOSEDA porch enclosed by walls, screens, lattice or other material. A screened-in porch is an enclosed porch.
PORCH - UNENCLOSEDA porch that is open on all sides that do not abut a principal building wall.
PORTE COCHEREA permanent structure built over a driveway or entry drive attached to a dwelling that provides temporary shelter to persons exiting a vehicle.
PRELIMINARY PLATA drawing showing the salient features of a proposed subdivision submitted to the Board for its consideration prior to submission of the final plat. The preliminary plat is submitted as part of the preliminary submission.
PRIME FARMLANDLand designated as "prime farmland" in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)'s Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database on Web Soil Survey, that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is also available for these land uses.
PRINCIPAL BUILDINGA non-accessory structure in which a principal use of the lot on which it is located is conducted.
PRINCIPAL USEThe main use of land or structures as distinguished from an accessory use.
PUBLIC ARTArt in any media that has been planned and executed with the intention of being staged in the physical public domain, usually outdoors and accessible to all.
PUBLIC UTILITYA closely regulated private enterprise with an exclusive franchise for providing a public service deemed necessary for the public health, safety and welfare.
PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITIESTelephone, electric and cable television lines, poles, equipment and structures; water or gas pipes, mains, valves or structures; sewer pipes, valves or structures; pumping stations; telephone exchanges and repeater stations; and all other facilities, equipment and structures necessary for conducting a service by a government or a public utility.
RECHARGEThe replenishment of underground water reserves.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLEAny vehicle or boat designed for temporary living quarters, recreation, or temporary human habitation and not used as a commercial vehicle including, but not limited to, the following: boat/watercraft, camper trailer, motorized trailer, off-road vehicle, racing car or cycle, travel trailer, and truck camper.
REFUSE CONTAINERA container for the collection of refuse with a hooking mechanism that permits it to be raised and dumped into a sanitation truck typically between one to two cubic yards.
RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY (FOR SWPPP)Activities related to the development of living quarters for single-family or two-family dwelling units for purposes of establishing SWPPP requirements only.
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTSZoning districts where the primary permitted use is residential. Residential districts, within the use structure, may allow very limited compatible nonresidential uses, such as places of worship. Residential districts are identified in §
240-2.1 as "residential districts" and include the NCU, AC, and UN Districts.
A structure designed and used or intended to be used for residential occupancy by one or more households, such as single-family, two-family, townhouse, and multi-family dwellings. Multi-family dwellings with ground floor nonresidential uses are considered mixed-use development and are considered a nonresidential use for the purposes of this chapter.
RIGHT-OF-WAYA strip of land dedicated for use as a public way. In addition to the roadway, it typically incorporates the curbs, tree belt, sidewalks, and shoulders.
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMA solar energy system located on the roof of any legally permitted building or structure that produces electricity for on-site or off-site consumption.
ROOFLINEThe top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.
SATELLITE DISH ANTENNAA dish antenna designed for transmitting signals to a receiver or receiving station or for receiving television, radio, data, communication, or other signals from other antennas, satellites, or other services.
SEARCHLIGHTAn attention-getting device where an artificial light of high intensity is shined upward in a focused beam and can turn in any direction to attract attention to a location. Also known as sky-beams or sky spotlights.
SENSITIVE AREAS (STORMWATER MANAGEMENT)Cold water fisheries, shellfish beds, swimming beaches, groundwater recharge areas, water supply reservoirs, habitats for threatened, endangered, or special concern species.
SEQRAThe State Environmental Quality Review Act of New York State as defined in 6 NYCRR Part
617.
A path that supports multiple recreation and transportation opportunities, such as walking, bicycling, and wheelchairs.
SHEDAn accessory structure, often purchased pre-built or as a kit in pre-fabricated sections, that is not designed to be served by heat or plumbing and does not need to be placed on a permanent foundation. A shed is typically intended to store lawn, garden, or recreational equipment.
SIGNA lettered, numbered, symbolic, pictorial, or illuminated visual display designed to identify, announce, direct, or inform that is visible from a public right of way.
SIGN, A-FRAMEA temporary sign ordinarily in the shape of the letter "A" or some variation thereof, which is displayed on the ground, not permanently attached to the ground, and usually two-sided, generally connected at the top and separated at the bottom.
SIGN, ANIMATEDA sign that uses moving or changing lights to depict action, movement, or the optical illusion of movement of part of the sign structure, sign, or pictorial segment, or including the movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity to create a special effect or scene. Animated signs do not include electronic message signs.
SIGN, AWNINGAn awning is a roof-like cover designed for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment, which projects from a wall or roof of a structure over a window, walkway, or door, with no supports that extend to the ground. An awning sign is a sign printed or displayed upon an awning.
SIGN, BALLOONA sign or advertising device designed to be airborne or inflated and tethered to the ground or other structure. This includes any air-inflated signs and any signs that inflate and move via air inflation.
SIGN, BLADEA sign that is attached to a rigid structure that extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of the structure to which it is attached.
SIGN, CANOPYA canopy sign is a sign printed, mounted, or installed upon a canopy. A sign canopy may be one of two types:
A. CANOPYNON-STRUCTURAL — A roofed structure attached to a building, which is not integral to the structure, that is made of durable, weather-resistant material such as canvas, canvas-like material, nylon, or vinyl-coated fabric, placed to extend outward from the building and is supported both by mountings on the structure wall and by supports that extend to the ground.
CANOPYSTRUCTURAL — A roofed structure constructed of permanent building materials, such as metal, brick, stone, wood or similar building materials, that is constructed as part of and attached to a building, extends outward from the building, and is supported both by the structure and by supports that extend to the ground.
SIGN, FLASHINGA sign with an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention. Flashing signs do not include electronic message signs.
SIGN, FREESTANDINGA sign that is placed on or supported by the ground, independent of the principal structure on the lot.
SIGN, GATEWAYA sign that is installed over a pedestrian entryway and supported by the ground, independent of the principal structure on the lot, designed as an entryway feature to the property.
SIGN, GHOSTA painted wall sign that remains from an earlier time or advertises the use of a building that provides evidence of the history of the use of the building or activities of the community. A ghost sign is not an off-premises sign.
SIGN, MOVINGA sign where the entire sign structure or a portion of which rotates, moves, elevates, or in any way alters position or geometry. A tri-vision sign where triangular prisms rotate inside a frame to show a new message and/or information are considered moving signs. Moving signs do not include clocks or barber poles.
SIGN, PORTABLEA sign whose principal supporting structure is intended, by design and construction, to rest upon the ground for support and may be easily moved or relocated for reuse. Portable signs include, but are not limited to, signs mounted upon a trailer, wheeled carrier, or other non-motorized mobile structure, with wheels or with wheels removed. Portable signs do not include A-frame signs.
SIGN, ROOFA sign that is erected, constructed, or maintained on and/or extending above the roof structure or parapet of any building with the principal support attached to the roof structure.
SIGN, WALL (PAINTED)A sign that is painted, applied, or affixed directly on the exterior wall of a building or structure. A painted wall sign is not limited to only the application of paint, but includes other methods of application and/or material, including, but not limited to, tiles or screen-printing.
SIGN, WALL (PROJECTED)A sign that is projected by an optical device that projects an image directly onto the exterior wall of a building or structure by light or other technological means.
SIGN, WALL (STANDARD)A sign that is attached directly to an exterior wall of a building or dependent upon a building for support and projects 18 inches or less from the wall of a structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane substantially parallel to the face of the wall. Window signs are not considered wall signs.
SIGN, WINDOWA sign that is attached directly to, placed directly upon, or printed directly on the interior or exterior of a window or door of a building, or a sign placed on the interior within three feet of a window intended for viewing from the exterior of such a building. A window sign may be either permanent or temporary. Shadowbox design within display windows, where the window display is designed with a background enclosure against which signs are mounted that blocks view into the establishment, is considered a window sign and the entire area of the shadowbox is subject to the maximum sign area limitation.
SIGNIFICANT TREEA broadleaf tree that measures 12 inches or more in diameter at breast height or a coniferous tree that measures 24 inches or more in diameter at breast height. Any tree of an invasive species, regardless of size, is not considered a significant tree.
SKETCH PLANA concept, informal map of a proposed subdivision or planned unit development site plan of sufficient accuracy to be used for the purpose of discussion and classification.
SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENTElectrical material, hardware, inverters, conduit, storage devices, or other electrical and photovoltaic equipment associated with the production of electricity.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMThe components and subsystems required to convert solar energy into electric energy suitable for use. The term includes, but is not limited to, solar panels and solar energy equipment. The area of a solar energy system includes all the land inside the perimeter of the solar energy system, which extends to any interconnection equipment. A solar energy system is classified as a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 solar energy system as follows:
A. Tier 1 solar energy systems include the following:
1. Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
Building-integrated solar energy systems.
Tier 2 solar energy systems include ground-mounted solar energy systems with system capacity up to 25 kW AC and that generate no more than 110% of the electricity consumed on the site over the previous 12 months.
Tier 3 solar energy systems are systems that do not meet the definitions of Tier 1 and Tier 2 solar energy systems.
SOLAR PANELA photovoltaic device capable of collecting and converting solar energy into electricity.
STABILIZATIONThe use of practices that prevent exposed soil from eroding.
STACKING SPACEA space specifically designed and designated as a waiting area for vehicles patronizing a drive-through facility or service bay.
STANDPIPEA rigid vertical or horizontal pipe to which fire hoses can be connected, which may be building, ground, or roof mounted.
STEPBACKIn building height, a stepback is the required additional distance that upper stories of a structure must be recessed from the facade of the stories below.
STOOPAn exterior floor typically, constructed of stone, concrete, and/or masonry, with a finished floor elevation higher than the adjacent ground level, often with steps leading up to it, and utilized primarily as an access platform to a structure. A stoop may be roofed and designed with railings, but cannot be enclosed.
STOP-WORK ORDERAn order issued which requires construction activity on a site be stopped.
STORAGE BATTERYA device that stores energy and makes it available in an electrical form.
STORMWATERRainwater, surface runoff, snowmelt and drainage.
STORMWATER HOTSPOTA land use or activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace metals or toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff, based on monitoring studies.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENTThe use of structural or nonstructural practices that are designed to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate its adverse impacts on property, natural resources and the environment.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITYOne or a series of stormwater management practices installed, stabilized and operating for the purpose of controlling stormwater runoff.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (SMPs)Measures, either structural or nonstructural, that are determined to be the most effective, practical means of preventing flood damage and preventing or reducing point source or non-point source pollution inputs to stormwater runoff and water bodies.
STREAMA watercourse having a source and a terminus, banks and channel through which water flows at least periodically.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONAny change, other than incidental repairs, which would prolong the life of supporting members of a structure, such as the addition, removal, or alteration of bearing walls, columns, beams, girders or foundations.
STRUCTUREAny constructed or placed material in or upon the ground, including buildings, towers, sheds, pools, signs and the like, but excluding sidewalks, paving, grading, patios, and the like.
SUBDIVISIONThe division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots.
SURFACE WATERS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKLakes, bays, sounds, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, wells, rivers, streams, creeks, estuaries, marshes, inlets, canals, the Atlantic Ocean within the territorial seas of the State of New York and all other bodies of surface water, natural or artificial, inland or coastal, fresh or salt, public or private (except those private waters that do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface or underground waters), which are wholly or partially within or bordering the state or within its jurisdiction. Storm sewers and waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons which also meet the criteria of this definition are not waters of the state. This exclusion applies only to man-made bodies of water which neither were originally created in waters of the state (such as a disposal area in wetlands) nor resulted from impoundment of waters of the state.
SURVEYThe process of precisely ascertaining the area dimensions of a piece of land and conducted by an individual licensed by the New York State Department of Education. This process may also involve ascertaining the precise location of naturally occurring or built features, and topography.
TASTING ROOMAn area within an alcohol production facility where guests may sample products produced on-site.
TIMBER HARVESTINGThe felling and trimming trees and subsequent transportation of the logs to a mill.
UNIFIED CONTROLThe combination of two or more tracts of land wherein each owner has agreed that his tract of land will be developed under the same development approvals.
USEThe purpose or activity for which the land or structure is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.
VIDEO DISPLAY SIGNA sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic video, whether pre-recorded or streaming. This includes projection of an electronic video on a wall or other surface.
WATERCOURSEAny stream, pond, lake, drainage channel, or other area of land that is normally filled with water. Boundaries of a watercourse are measured at the high-water mark.
WATERWAYA channel that directs surface runoff to a watercourse or to the public storm drain.
WETLANDAn area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as hydrophytic vegetation.
WETLAND, JURISDICTIONALAn area of land that is characterized by hydrophytic vegetation, saturated soils, or periodic inundation, which is classified as a wetland or by either the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
WHITE ROOFA roof designed to deliver high solar reflectance, reducing heat transfer to the building and the ability to radiate absorbed or non-reflected solar energy.
WIND TURBINEA device that converts the wind's kinetic energy into electrical energy.
ZONING LOTA lot or combination of lots within a single block, which may be designated by its owner or developer, or by the Zoning Officer to be used, developed, or built upon as a unit. A zoning lot may coincide with a lot of record or may be comprised of one or more lots of record under common ownership as specified in the conditions of §
240-19.4.
The administrative officer, or his/her designee, charged with enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
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