A.
Intent and purpose. The steps in obtaining a site plan approval outlined in this chapter are deemed necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the Village. A clean and attractive environment is also declared to be of importance to the health and safety of the inhabitants of the Village and, in addition, such an environment is deemed essential to the maintenance and continued development of the economy of the Village and the general welfare of its inhabitants.
B.
The Planning Board has been granted the authority to review and approve site plans in accordance with New York State Village Law § 7-725B, and the relevant provisions of this chapter.
C.
Procedures.
(1)
Pre-submittal conference:
(a)
The purpose of this conference shall enable a smoother application process for both the applicant and the Planning Board, while also increasing transparency and collaboration between developers and Village officials.
(b)
Before submitting a full application for site plan approval, a pre-submittal conference shall be held between the applicant and representatives of the Village (Planning Board, Code Enforcement, and others).
[1]
The applicant should be prepared for this conference with information relating to the requirements of a site plan application which are specified below:
[a]
The location, use, design, dimensions, and height of each use and building.
[b]
The location and arrangement of vehicular accessways and the location, size, and capacity of all areas used for off-street parking, loading, and unloading.
[c]
The location and dimensions of sidewalks, walkways, and other areas established for pedestrian use.
[d]
The design and treatment of open areas, buffer areas, and screening devices maintained, including dimensions of all areas devoted to lawns, trees, and other landscaping devices.
[e]
Provisions for water supply, sewage disposal, and storm drainage, including a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), if required for the proposed development.
[f]
Such other data and plans as the Code Enforcement Officer, or the Planning Board may require to properly act on the application.
[2]
The applicant should also bring a copy of their site plan approval application for review of completeness, and any other documents that may help at the pre-submittal conference to better understand the full scope of the proposed project.
[3]
The Village representatives should be prepared to provide clarity on the application requirements and look over the application for completeness. Further, the Village representatives should help the applicant identify potential issues and give feedback on project.
(2)
Site plan approval waiver:
(a)
The purpose of this provision is to streamline the approval process for minor development projects that do not significantly impact the surrounding area, thereby encouraging responsible and efficient growth within the community.
(b)
Based upon the pre-submittal conference, the applicant may be able to apply for a site plan approval waiver, if the Village representatives determine that the proposed project is a minor development by meeting the following criteria:
[1]
The proposed project is utilizing an existing building or is proposing an addition of less than or equal to 10% of the current building's footprint.
[2]
Is a use that does not require a special use permit.
[3]
Changes in use that do not increase the intensity of use or traffic.
[4]
Installations or modifications that do not alter the essential character of the neighborhood.
[5]
Changes in use that do not result in significant changes to site drainage or increase impervious surfaces.
[6]
Generate additional noise, traffic, or other disturbances that would affect neighboring properties.
[7]
Adversely impact natural resources, including wetlands, water bodies, or significant vegetation.
(c)
A site plan approval waiver must be signed by the representative member(s) of the Planning Board, the Code Enforcement Officer, and the Village Clerk.
(d)
This site plan approval waiver will allow applicant to immediately apply for the appropriate building permits.
(3)
Site plan approval process.
(a)
If at the pre-submittal meeting, it is determined that the applicant is required to submit a full site plan application, a full application meeting the requirements of this code, must be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer.
(b)
If the application is determined to be complete and addresses any issues raised at the pre-submittal meeting, it shall be placed on the next scheduled Planning Board agenda.
(c)
The Planning Board shall review the application, provide input to the applicant, schedule a public hearing and, if needed, begin the SEQR process.
(d)
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing and shall notify the public of such hearing in a timely manner in accordance with local and NYS law requirements.
(e)
The applicant, and any stakeholders such as, but not limited to, neighbors and surrounding business owners may speak on the project/item at the public hearing. The Planning Board may then close the public hearing or leave it open until the next meeting (if there are outstanding issues).
(f)
Applications for site plan approval shall be acted on by the Planning Board after a public hearing and the SEQR process has been completed (if required). The Board of Appeals decision, along with any conditions or requirements will be passed onto the Code Enforcement Officer, who will then deliver this decision to the applicant and advise them on the next steps in the approval process.
(g)
If a site plan approval is granted, the applicant will then proceed with any other required approvals or permits, and their building permit application. This process will also include final sign-off from the Village Engineer.