[HISTORY: Adopted Town Board of the Town of Union 5-6-1987
by L.L. No. 7-1987. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
The Town of Union finds that freshwater wetlands are
invaluable resources for flood protection, wildlife habitat, open space, water
resources and recreation and other benefits associated therewith which, if
preserved and maintained in an undisturbed, natural condition, constitute
important assets to existing and future residents of the Town.
B.
It is the intent of the Town Board to protect the citizens
of the Town of Union by preserving, protecting and conserving freshwater wetlands
and the benefits derived therefrom, to prevent the despoliation and destruction
of freshwater wetlands and to regulate use and development of such wetlands
consistent with the general welfare and beneficial economic, social and agricultural
development of the Town.
C.
The State of New York has enacted legislation titled
the "Freshwater Wetlands Act," Article 24 of the Environmental Conservation
Law, which authorizes the Town to establish its own local procedures for the
protection and regulation of wetlands lying within the jurisdiction of the
Town. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has promulgated
implementing regulations for local government adoption of Article 24 authority
found in Part 665 of Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and
Regulations of the State of New York (6 NYCRR 665).
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Freshwater Wetlands
Law of the Town of Union."
The following terms, phrases and words and their derivatives shall have
the meanings given herein:
All lands within 100 feet, horizontally, of the vegetative boundary
of any freshwater wetland. The Town may establish an adjacent area broader
than 100 feet where necessary to protect and preserve a wetland. Such an extension
shall not become effective until the Town has provided the opportunity for
public notice and hearing. The Town shall provide a minimum of 30 days'
notice to the public, affected landowners, easement owners and the Commissioner
of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Cultivating and harvesting products, including fish and vegetation,
that are produced naturally in freshwater wetlands and installing cribs, racks
and other in-water structures for cultivating these products, but does not
include filling, dredging, peat mining or the construction of any buildings
or any water-regulating structures such as dams.
Any form of draining, dredging, excavation, or removal of soil, mud,
sand, shells, gravel or other aggregate; any form of dumping, filling or depositing
of any soil, stones, sand, gravel, mud, rubbish or fill of any kind, either
directly or indirectly; erecting any structures or roads; the driving of pilings
or placing of any other obstructions, whether or not changing the ebb and
flow of the water; any form of pollution; and any other activity which substantially
impairs any of the several functions served by freshwater wetlands or the
benefits therefrom which are set forth in § 24-0105 of the Environmental
Conservation Law.
Any person who files an application for any permit issued by the
Town pursuant to this chapter, and shall include the agent of the owner or
a contract vendee.
The outer limit of the vegetation and the lands and waters as specified
in the definition of "freshwater wetlands."
Any cutting of trees over six inches in diameter at breast height
over any ten-year cutting cycle where the average residual basal area of such
trees after such cutting is less than 30 square feet per acre, measured within
the area harvested; provided, however, that where regeneration is assured
by stand conditions such that after such cutting the average residual basal
area of the trees at least one inch in diameter at breast height is at least
30 square feet per acre, measured within the area harvested, a clear-cut will
not be deemed to have taken place unless the average residual basal area of
trees over six inches in diameter at breast height is less than 10 square
feet per acre, similarly measured.
The activity of a farmer or landowner in:
Grazing and watering livestock.
Making reasonable use of water resources for agricultural purposes.
The depositing or removal of the natural products of freshwater wetlands
by recreational or commercial fishing, shellfishing, aquiculture, hunting
or trapping.
The selective cutting of trees.
The clear-cutting of vegetation other than trees for growing agricultural
products.
Constructing winter truck roads of less than five meters (approximately 16 feet) in width for removing timber cut in accordance with Subsection A(4) of this definition, where construction is limited to cutting vegetation and compacting ice and does not alter water flows.
Operating motor vehicles for agricultural purposes.
Draining for growing agricultural products.
Erecting structures, including fences, required to enhance or maintain
the agricultural productivity of the land.
Using chemicals and fertilizers according to normal, accepted agricultural
practices in order to grow crops for human and animal consumption or use in
or adjacent to wetlands, where authorized by other state, federal or local
laws, including the application of stabilized sludge as a fertilizer when
applied at agronomic loading rates in accordance with a valid 6 NYCRR 360
or 364 landspreading permit.
Otherwise engaging in the use of wetlands for growing agricultural products
such as crops, vegetables, fruits or flowers.
Public health activities, orders and regulations of the New York State
Department of Health, provided that copies of all such orders or regulations
affecting wetlands are filed with the Department of Environmental Conservation
in advance.
Land use, improvement or development for which final approval was adopted
prior to September 1, 1975, from the Town authority having jurisdiction over
such land use.
Does not mean:
Clear-cutting trees.
Constructing roads that require moving earth or other aggregate or that alter water flow or in any way deviate from Subsection A(6) of this definition.
Filling or deposition of spoil, even for agricultural purposes.
Mining.
Erecting structures not required to enhance or maintain the agricultural
productivity of the land.
Depositing any soil, stones, sand, gravel, mud, rubbish or fill of
any kind.
Lands and waters of the Town, as shown on a Freshwater Wetlands Map
filed with the Town Clerk, which contain any or all of the following:
Lands and submerged lands, commonly called "marshes," "swamps," "sloughs,"
"bogs" and "flats," supporting aquatic or semiaquatic vegetation of the following
vegetative types:
Wetland trees which depend upon seasonal or permanent flooding or sufficiently
waterlogged soils to give them a competitive advantage over other trees.
Wetland shrubs which depend upon seasonal or permanent flooding or sufficiently
waterlogged soils to give them a competitive advantage over other shrubs.
Emergent vegetation.
Rooted, floating leaved vegetation.
Free-floating vegetation.
Wet meadow vegetation which depends upon seasonal or permanent flooding
or sufficiently waterlogged soils to give them a competitive advantage over
other open land vegetation.
Bog mat vegetation.
Submergent vegetation.
Lands and submerged lands containing remnants of any vegetation that
is aquatic or semiaquatic that has died because of wet conditions over a sufficiently
long period, provided that such wet conditions do not exceed a maximum seasonal
water depth of six feet and provided further that such conditions can be expected
to persist indefinitely, barring human intervention.
An official wetlands map, and any amendments thereto, promulgated
by order of the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, pursuant to Title 3 of Article 24 of the Environmental Conservation
Law, on which are indicated the approximate locations of the actual boundaries
of regulated wetlands.
A written notification by the Planning Department to a person, issued
in response to a written request to conduct an activity in the wetland or
its adjacent area, indicating that the proposed activity meets the description
and standards identified in the minimum land use regulations for that activity.
No freshwater wetlands permit is required for the proposed activity. These
activities have been determined as being compatible with freshwater wetlands
and not having a significant adverse impact on wetlands or their functions
and benefits.
Any person who files an application pursuant to this chapter or is
permitted to intervene pursuant to this chapter, or any official within whose
area is located the freshwater wetland or adjacent area which is the subject
of an application for a freshwater wetlands permit.
That form of Town Board approval required by this chapter for the
carrying on of a regulated activity.
Any corporation, firm, partnership, association, trust, estate, one
or more individuals and any unit of government or agency or subdivision thereof.
The presence in the environment of man-induced conditions or contaminants
in quantities or characteristics which are injurious to humans, vegetation,
wildlife or property.
Any action resulting in direct or indirect physical impact on a freshwater
wetlands, including but not limited to any regulated activity.
Any activity within a freshwater wetland or on the adjacent area
which, directly or indirectly, may substantially alter or impair the natural
condition of any freshwater wetlands, including any form of pollution, including
but not limited to installing a septic tank, running a sewer outfall, discharging
sewage treatment effluent or other liquid wastes into or so as to drain into
a freshwater wetland and any other activity which substantially impairs any
of the several functions served by freshwater wetlands or the benefits derived
therefrom.
A.
Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful
for any person, without obtaining a written permit therefor issued by the
Town of Union, to alter any freshwater wetland.
B.
The activities of farmers or landowners in grazing and
watering livestock, making reasonable use of water resources, harvesting natural
products of the wetlands, selectively cutting timber, draining land or wetlands
for growing agricultural products and otherwise engaging in the use of wetlands
or other land for growing agricultural products shall be excluded from regulated
activities and shall not require a permit.
A.
Any person proposing to conduct a regulated activity
upon any freshwater wetland shall file an application for a permit with the
Planning Department. The application shall contain the following:
(1)
The name and address of the owner and applicant.
(2)
The street address and tax map number of the property
covered by the application.
(3)
A statement of authority from the owner for any agent
making application.
(4)
A statement of the proposed work and the purpose thereof.
(5)
An environmental assessment long form.
(6)
Plans for the proposed regulated activities. The plans
shall be drawn to a scale of not less than one inch equals 50 feet unless
otherwise specified by the approval authority and shall show the following:
(a)
The location of the construction or area proposed to
be disturbed and its relation to property lines, buildings, roads and watercourses
within 250 feet.
(b)
Estimated quantities of material of excavation or fill
computed from cross sections.
(c)
The location of any well and depth thereof and any sewage
or wastewater disposal system within 100 feet of the disturbed area.
(d)
Existing and adjusted contours at reasonable intervals
in the proposed disturbed area, to a distance of 100 feet beyond.
(e)
Details of any drainage system proposed both for the
conduct of work and after completion thereof and measures proposed to control
erosion and siltation both during and after the work.
(f)
Where creation of a lake or pond is proposed, details
of the construction of any dams, embankments and outlets or other water-control
devices.
(7)
Copies of all applicable county, state or federal permits
which are required for such work or improvement, unless such permits are conditioned
on obtaining a permit under this chapter.
(8)
An application fee as may be set by resolution of the
Town Board.
B.
The Planning Department, upon receipt of the application,
supporting plans and documentation, shall determine the compatibility category
and institute the proper action indicated by the minimum land use regulations
in 6 NYCRR 665.7. If the application is exempt from regulation or needs a
letter of permission, the Planning Department shall correspond with the applicant
in the manner indicated by the state land use regulations. If the application
is of such a nature that a permit is required from the Town Board, the application
shall be reviewed by the Wetlands Advisory Commission for recommendation to
the Town Board.
A.
Preparation for public hearing.
(1)
No sooner than 30 days and not later than 60 days after
receipt of such application and after notice of application has been published
by the applicant in the official newspapers of the Town, the Town Board shall
hold a public hearing on such application unless no notice of objection has
been filed and the Town finds the activity to be of such a minor nature as
not to affect or endanger the balance of systems within the wetlands and it
has been determined to be compatible with state standards for issuance of
permits in 6 NYCRR 665.7, in which case the Town may, in the exercise of discretion,
dispense with such hearing. Where the Town finds a hearing is not necessary,
a decision setting forth reasons therefor shall be prepared, shall be a matter
of public record and shall be mailed to all persons who filed a statement
with the Town following the publication of such notice of application. All
owners of record of adjacent land shall be notified by certified mail of the
hearing not less than 15 days prior to the date set for such hearing. The
Town shall cause the notice of hearing to be published in the official newspapers
of the Town. All applications shall be on file and open to public inspection
at the office of the Town Clerk. At such hearing, any persons may appear and
be heard.
(2)
In granting, denying or limiting any permit, the Town
Board shall consider the effect of the proposed activity with reference to
the public health and welfare, fishing, flood, hurricane and storm dangers
and the protection or enhancement of other functions of freshwater wetlands
and the benefit derived therefrom. In no case shall a permit be issued which
does not meet the permit issuance standards and statewide minimum land use
regulations found in Part 665 of Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes,
Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (6 NYCRR 665).
B.
The applicant shall have the burden of demonstrating
that the proposed activity will be in accord with the policies and provisions
set forth in this chapter.
C.
The Town Board may place conditions on permits and may
require a bond to cover compliance and any permit restrictions. The Town Board
may suspend or revoke a permit if it finds the applicant has not complied
with conditions or limitations set forth in the permit or has exceeded the
scope of activity as set forth in the application.
D.
A permit approved by the Town does not relieve the applicant
of the necessity to obtain authorization from other agencies which have jurisdiction
over the project proposal.
E.
The Town Board shall state upon the record findings and
reasons for all actions taken pursuant to this chapter.
F.
Operations conducted under permit or letter of approval
shall be open to inspection at any time by the Planning Department.
G.
Duly filed notice in writing that the state or any agency
or subdivision thereof is in the process of acquiring any freshwater wetlands
by negotiation or condemnation authorizes but does not require denial of any
permit, but only if both the affected landowner and the Town have been so
notified.
A.
Any aggrieved applicant may take an appeal to the Town
Board within 20 days from the filing of the decision. Upon receipt of the
notice of appeal, the Town Board shall set a time within 30 days thereafter
when a hearing on such appeal will be heard, public notice having been given
in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town at least five days prior
to such appeal.
B.
Any decision or order of the approval authority made
pursuant to or within the scope of this chapter may be reviewed at the instance
of any person affected thereby, including but not limited to any owner of
the affected area or wetland and any resident of the Town of Union, by the
New York State Freshwater Wetlands Appeals Board in accordance with Title
11 of Article 24 of the State Environmental Conservation Law, provided that
such review is commenced by the filing with the Board of a notice of review
within 30 days after the service of such order or notice of such decision
given, as the case may be.
C.
Any party to any proceeding before the approval authority
may make an appeal to the New York State Freshwater Wetlands Appeals Board
in accordance with Title 11 of Article 24 of the State Environmental Conservation
Law from any order or decision of the approval authority issued or made pursuant
to or within the scope of this chapter, provided that such appeal is commenced
by the filing with the Board of a notice of appeal within 30 days after service
of such order or after notice of such decision given, as the case may be.
D.
Any decision or order of the approval authority made
pursuant to or within the scope of this chapter may be reviewed at the instance
of any person, including but not limited to any owner of the affected wetland
or adjacent area and any resident of the Town of Union, in accordance with
Article 78 of the State Civil Practice Law and Rules, provided that such review
is commenced within 30 days of the filing of such decision or order, and the
limitation upon the availability of such remedy as prescribed in § 7801
of the Civil Practice Law and Rules shall not be applicable to the applications
for review of determinations and orders made pursuant to this chapter. In
the event that the court finds the action reviewed constitutes a taking without
just compensation and the land so regulated merits protection under this chapter,
the court may, at the election of the Commissioner of the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation, either set aside the order or require the Commissioner
to proceed under the Eminent Domain Procedure Law to require the wetlands
or such less than fee rights therein as have been taken.
E.
The institution of a judicial proceeding to review a
determination or order of the approval authority shall preclude the institution
of a proceeding before the Board to review such a determination or order.
The availability of such review before the Board shall not affect the right
of any person to seek review of a determination of the approval authority
as provided in Article 78 of the State Civil Practice Law and Rules.
A.
Administrative sanctions. Any person who violates, disobeys
or disregards any provisions of this chapter, including any rule or regulation,
Town law or ordinance, permit or order issued pursuant thereto, shall be liable
to the people of the state for a civil penalty not to exceed $3,000 for every
such violation, to be assessed, after a hearing or opportunity to be heard
upon due notice and with the rights to specification of the charges and representation
by counsel at such hearing, by the Town Board. Such penalty may be recovered
in an action brought by the Attorney General at the request and in the name
of the Commissioner or the Town in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(1)
Such civil penalty may be released or compromised by
the Commissioner or Town before the matter has been referred to the Attorney
General at the request and in the name of the Commissioner or the Town in
any court of competent jurisdiction. Such civil penalty may be released or
compromised and any action commenced to recover the same may be settled and
discontinued by the Attorney General with the consent of the Commissioner
or the Town Board.
(2)
In addition, the Commissioner or the Town Board shall
have power, following a hearing held in conformance with the procedures set
forth in Article 71, § 1709, of the New York State Environmental
Conservation Law, to direct the violator to cease his violation of the Act
and to restore the affected freshwater wetland to its condition prior to the
violation insofar as that is possible within a reasonable time and under the
supervision of the Commissioner or the Town Board. Any such order of the Commissioner
or Town Board shall be enforceable in an action brought by the Attorney General
at the request and in the name of the Commissioner or Town Board in any court
of competent jurisdiction.
B.
Criminal sanctions. Any person violating any provision
of this chapter, including any rule or regulation, Town law or ordinance,
permit or order issued pursuant thereto, shall, in addition, be guilty of
a violation punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000
for the first offense. Any subsequent offense shall be a misdemeanor punishable
by a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000 or a term of imprisonment
of not less than 15 days nor more than six months, or both. Instead of these
punishments, an offender may be punishable by being ordered by the court to
restore the affected freshwater wetland to its condition prior to the offense,
insofar as that is possible. The court shall specify a reasonable time for
the completion of such restoration, which shall be effected under the supervision
of the Town. Each offense shall be a separate and distinct offense, and, in
the case of a continuing offense, each day's continuance thereof shall
be deemed a separate and distinct offense.
This chapter shall take effect on receipt by the Town of an order of
the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
formally transmitting jurisdiction.
