In the construction of this chapter, the rules
and definitions contained in this article shall be observed and applied,
except where the word usage clearly indicates otherwise. For clarity
of interpretation of the context, the following definitions of word
use shall apply:
A.Â
Words used in the present tense shall include the
future tense.
B.Â
Words used in the singular number shall include the
plural number, and the plural the singular.
C.Â
The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary.
D.Â
The word "lot" shall include the words "piece," "parcel,"
"plat" and "plots," and the phrase "used for" shall include the phrases
"arranged for," "designed for," "intended for," "maintained for" and
"occupied for."
E.Â
The word "person" includes a corporation or partnership,
as well as an individual.
F.Â
The word "town" means the Town of Rotterdam.
G.Â
The words "this local law" or "this chapter" shall
mean the Rotterdam Zoning Local Law as originally adopted and as amended
from time to time.
[Amended 7-9-2003 by L.L. No. 9-2003]
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
To cease, for more than six months, the use and maintenance
of land, buildings or structures which have been nonconforming uses;
or to change from one nonconforming use to another or to a conforming
use.
Permission or ability to enter, approach, or pass to and
from public and private property.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
The control of street (or highway) access for the purpose
of improving the efficiency, safety, and/or operation of the roadway
for vehicles, including, as applicable, prohibiting, closing, or limiting
direct vehicle access to a roadway from abutting properties, either
with physical barriers (curbs, medians, etc.) or by land dedication
or easement.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
The vertical distance measured from average grade to the
apex of the uppermost structural member.
[Added 7-9-2003 by L.L. No. 11-2003]
A structure or use which is:
Conducted or located on the same zoning lot
as the principal building or use served, except as may be specifically
provided elsewhere in this chapter.
Clearly incidental to, subordinate to and serves
the principal use.
Either in the same ownership as the principal
use or is clearly operated and maintained solely for the comfort,
convenience, necessity or benefit of the occupants, employees, customers
or visitors of or to the principal use.
The use of land for agricultural purposes, including farming,
dairying, pasturage, horse boarding; agriculture, horticulture, floriculture,
viticulture and animal and poultry husbandry, and the necessary accessory
uses for packing, treating or storing produce; provided, however,
that the operation of any such accessory use shall be secondary to
that of the normal agricultural activities.
[Amended 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A public thoroughfare which affords only a secondary means
of access to abutting property and is not intended for general traffic
circulation.
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement
in the structural parts or in the exit facilities; or an enlargement,
whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height; or the
moving from one location or position to another.
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such
as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders.
Pedestrian amenities serve as informal gathering places for
socializing, resting, and enjoyment of a particular area and contribute
to a walkable district. Typical amenities include extrawide sidewalks,
street trees, sitting spaces, weather protection (including, for example,
awnings or canopies), pedestrian-scale lighting, trash receptacles,
bus stop seating, and similar features.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
See "hospital, animal."
The total of areas taken on a horizontal plane at the main
grade level of the principal building and all accessory buildings,
including porches, covered and uncovered, terraces and steps attached
directly to the dwelling.
The total area within the property lines of a project, excluding
external streets.
Offsets, projections, recessed wall, windows, doors, and
similar features that provide variation to a building facade.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
Any area of land, including any structure or structures thereon,
that is or are used or designated to be used for the repair of motor
vehicles. This shall include major or minor motor vehicle repairs
as may be authorized by this chapter.
A story partly underground but having at least 1/2 of its
height above the average level of the adjoining ground. A basement
shall be counted as a story for the purpose of height measurement
if the vertical distance between the ceiling and the average level
of the adjoining ground is more than five feet or is used for business
or dwelling purposes.
Any dwelling in which one or more persons, either individually
or as families, are provided sleeping accommodations, with or without
meals, in exchange for payment.
[Added 11-24-1999 by L.L. No. 17-1999]
See § 270-151.
See "bed-and-breakfast."
[Amended 11-24-1999 by L.L. No. 17-1999]
An establishment which sells or produces on and/or off-site
alcoholic beverages, including beers, ales, meads, braggot, hard ciders,
wines and similar spirituous liquors. Ancillary activities to include
on-site consumption and contains kitchen facilities for consumption
of food and beverages. The maximum size for such an establishment
shall not exceed 25,000 square feet. The owner must possess a valid
restaurant-brewer license from the NYS Liquor Authority. Off-site
distribution of alcoholic beverages shall be consistent with New York
State Liquor Authority law as now enacted and in the future.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any structure built for the support, shelter or enclosure
of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind and
which is permanently affixed to the land.
A building surrounded by open space on the same lot.
The line of that face of the building nearest the front line
of the lot.
The vertical distance measured from the average elevation
of the proposed finished grade at the front of the building to the
highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck line of mansard
roofs and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip
and gambrel roofs.
A solar energy system that consists of integrating photovoltaic
modules into the building materials comprising the structure, such
as the roof material or the facade material, and which does not constitute
a rooftop or building-mounted solar system.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
A building in which is conducted the main or principal use
of the lot on which said building is situated.
A parcel of land designed for the accommodation of tourists
and campers. Such accommodations are deemed to include space for parking
automobiles, erection of tents and overnight cabins, tables and cooking
facilities, excluding, however, mobile homes.
Any facility offering any of the following types of care:
[Amended 11-24-1999 by L.L. No. 17-1999]
Skilled nursing care, including, in addition
to room and board, those nursing services and procedures employed
in caring for the sick which require specialized training, judgment,
technical knowledge and skills.
Housing arrangements provided to meet the needs
of the elderly and/or disabled population in the community by affording
an opportunity for them to live in close proximity to family members
who can help maintain their health, independence and privacy.
A building, or portion thereof, containing facilities for
washing automobiles, using production-line methods or other mechanical
devices or providing space, water, equipment or soap for the complete
or partial handwashing of automobiles, whether by operator or by customer.
A story partly underground and having more than 1/2 of its
clear height below the average level of the adjoining ground. A cellar
shall not be considered a story for the purposes of height measurement
in determining the permissible number of stories.
All property and appurtenances thereto used or held exclusively
for the burial or other permanent deposit of the human dead, excluding
crematoriums.
A person who has received training and is certified by CPESC
Inc., to review, inspect and/or maintain erosion and sediment control
practices.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and
banks that conducts continuously or periodically flowing water.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A small housing structure where chicken hens have areas to
sleep and nest, and which provides them protection from weather and
predators.
[Added 11-9-2022 by L.L. No. 8-2022]
A female chicken.
[Added 11-9-2022 by L.L. No. 8-2022]
A fenced-in area attached to a chicken enclosure, where chicken
hens are allowed to run and peck.
[Added 11-9-2022 by L.L. No. 8-2022]
Any activity that removes the vegetative ground cover and/or
trees, including, but not limited to, root mat removal and/or topsoil
removal.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A facility for treatment of human ailments, operated by a
group of physicians, dentists or other licensed practitioners for
the treatment and examination of outpatients.
An organization, lodge or service organization catering exclusively
to members and their guests; or premises and buildings for recreational
or athletic purposes which are not conducted primarily for gain, provided
that there are not conducted any vending stands or merchandising or
commercial activities, except as required generally for the membership
and purpose of such club.
The extraction of stone, sand, gravel or topsoil for sale,
as an industrial operation, and exclusive of the extraction of stone,
sand, gravel or topsoil solely in furtherance of on-site construction
projects which are permitted uses in the district in which they are
to be undertaken and for which a building permit has been lawfully
issued by the Town of Rotterdam Building Inspector/Code Enforcement
Officer and which does not constitute mining, as defined herein.
[Amended 5-10-1989 by L.L. No. 12-1989; 11-22-1989 by L.L. No. 20-1989; 2-12-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992; 7-9-2003 by L.L. No. 9-2003]
Every type of motor-driven vehicle used for commercial purposes
on the highways, such as the transportation of persons, goods, wares
and merchandise, including tow trucks, contractors' trucks, trailers
and machinery, tractor-drawn trailers and semitrailers and tractors,
except where such vehicle is used as a recreational vehicle or is
used on a day-to-day basis by a family.
An area of land within a site designated for residential
development and designed, intended and reserved for the use of residents
of the development. Common open space may include such complementary
structures and facilities as are appropriate for the recreational
needs of the residents of the development.
A place of assemblage of people of a particular religion
with common interests to advance the general welfare of such people
as a group as well as the welfare of the community at large. Such
meeting places exclude the use of any pinball machines or other mechanical
devices from which a profit may be derived, except, however, food-
, soda- , candy- and cigarette-dispensing devices.
Land which exhibits environmental sensitivity but is developable
as long as the natural vegetation, character, and environmental sensitivity
are considered through the use of clustering and reservation of open
space implemented through flexible zoning techniques such as planned
unit developments, transfer of development rights, tree protection
and other regulations.
[Added 9-15-2005 by L.L. No. 16-2005]
A voluntary agreement made between a property owner and an
appropriate third party, such as a land trust or public agency. The
easement is a legal device for conveying the right to enforce restrictions
on the use of the land. These restrictions are intended to conserve
open space or to protect valuable environmental areas.
[Added 9-15-2005 by L.L. No. 16-2005]
A place of business being operated for the sale and purchase,
at retail, of cold drinks, packaged foods, tobacco and similar convenience
goods.
[Amended 4-11-2001 by L.L. No. 4-2001]
A street or a portion of a street with only one vehicular
outlet and having a turning loop or similar arrangement at the closed
end.
[Added 9-26-1990 by L.L. No. 19-1990]
A private residence where six or fewer children receive day
care and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours per day.
The prohibition of use of a portion of property in order
to provide an amenity such as open space through deed covenants, restrictions
and easements. The deed that a lot owner receives may also convey
ownership in common with other lot owners to a common area. The easement
provides that the common area may not be developed except for specified
purposes relating to open space and recreation.
[Added 9-15-2005 by L.L. No. 16-2005]
The New York State Storm water Management Design Manual,
most recent version, including applicable updates that serves as the
official guide for stormwater management principles, methods and practices.
[Amended 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A portion of the territory of the Town within which certain
uniform regulations and requirements, or various combinations thereof,
apply under the provisions of this chapter.
A place of business being operated for the sale and purchase,
at retail, of food and other goods, services or entertainment, which
is laid out and equipped so as to allow its patrons to be served or
accommodated while remaining in their automobiles, or which allows
the consumption of any food or beverage in automobiles on the premises
or elsewhere on the premises but outside any completely enclosed structures.
A residential building, or one or more portions thereof,
occupied or intended to be occupied exclusively for residential purposes,
but not including habitations provided in nonresidential uses, such
as lodging rooms.
[Amended 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
A dwelling that is joined to another dwelling at one or more
sides by a party wall or walls.
[Amended 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
A dwelling that is entirely surrounded by open space on the
same lot designed for or occupied exclusively by one single-family
residence having no roof, wall, or floor in common with any other
dwelling unit.
[Amended 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
An attached dwelling with three or more dwelling units situated
on one lot.
[Amended 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
A detached building designed for or occupied exclusively
by one family situated on one lot. One-family dwelling includes manufactured
homes that meet the requirements of the New York State Building Codes.
[Amended 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
A detached building under 2,000 square feet of habitable
space that is designed for or occupied exclusively by one family situated
on one lot. One-family dwelling includes manufactured homes that meet
the requirements of the New York State Building Codes.
[Added 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
A building not more than three stories in height consisting
of one-family dwelling units constructed in a group of three to eight
attached units, in which each unit extends from foundation to roof
and with open space on at least two sides. Each dwelling unit shall
be on a separate, individual lot.
[Added 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
A single detached building designed for or occupied exclusively
by two families situated on one lot.
[Amended 11-12-2008 by L.L. No. 11-2008]
One or more rooms with provision for living, cooking, sanitary
and sleeping facilities arranged for the use of one family.
[1]The wearing away of the land surface by action of wind, water,
gravity, or other natural forces.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A set of plans prepared by or under the direction of a licensed/certified
professional indicating the specific measures and sequencing to be
used to control sediment and erosion on a development site during
and after construction.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
The most recent version of the "New York Standards and Specifications
for Erosion and Sediment Control" manual, most commonly known as the
"Blue Book."
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
Digging, scooping or other methods of removing earth materials.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
The exterior walls of a building facing a street line. A
building on a corner lot shall be deemed to have two facades.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
Any number of individuals occupying the premises and living
and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit. This term shall
not be deemed to include a group occupying a boardinghouse, lodging
house, club, fraternity, hotel or similar premises.
Any parcel of land containing at least five acres, which
is used for gain in the raising of agricultural products, livestock,
poultry and/or dairy products. It includes necessary farm structures
within the prescribed limits and the storage of equipment used. It
excludes the raising of fur-bearing animals, riding academies, liveries
or boarding stables and dog kennels.
Any place or premises located on a farm in New York State,
in which New York State labeled beer is manufactured, stored, and
sold, or any other place or premises in New York State in which New
York State labeled beer is manufactured, stored, and sold.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
An establishment engaged in the production and distribution
of beers, ales, meads, braggot, hard ciders, wines and similar spirituous
liquors as otherwise defined. The establishment may include other
uses such as a tasting room and shall allow for both sale and on-site
consumption of alcoholic beverages with limited food offered for consumption
in the tasting room. Limited retail sale of merchandise associated
with the establishment is permitted. Production shall be consistent
with the NYS Liquor Authority limits for these types of establishments.
Off-site distribution of alcoholic beverages shall be consistent with
New York State Liquor Authority Law as now enacted and in the future.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any place or premises, located on a farm in New York State,
in which New York State labeled cider is manufactured, stored, and
sold, or any other place or premises in New York State in which New
York State labeled cider is manufactured, stored, and sold.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any place or premises located on a farm in New York State
in which liquor is manufactured and sold, or any other place or premises
in New York State in which liquor is manufactured primarily from farm
and food products, as defined in Subdivision 2 of § 282
of the Agriculture and Markets Law, and such liquor is sold.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any place or premises located in New York State, in which
New York State labeled mead or braggot is manufactured, stored, and
sold, or any other place or premises in New York State in which New
York State is labeled mead or braggot is manufactured, stored, and
sold. The owner must possess a valid Farm Meadery License from the
NYS Liquor Authority.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any place or premises, located on a farm in New York State,
in which wine is manufactured and sold.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any structure or device, regardless of composition, which
encloses a parcel of land or divides a parcel of land into more than
one portion or serves as a barrier, but shall not include a building
or growing plants or trees.
Depositing or stockpiling of earth materials.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A temporary rise in stream flow or stage that results in
significant adverse effects in the immediate vicinity.
A passageway for storm-and/or surface waters along a natural
watercourse and/or along an artificial channel constructed under due
process of law for passage of storm- and/or surface waters.
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors
of the building measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls
or from the center line of walls separating two buildings. All roofed
areas, except porches, terraces, cellars, basements and enclosed off-street
parking areas, shall be included in the calculation of floor area.
A photovoltaic panel or tile that is installed flush to the
surface of a roof and which cannot be angled or raised.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
A unit of illuminance on a surface that is everywhere one
foot from a uniform point source of light of one candle and equal
to one lumen per square foot.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
A solar energy system that is directly installed in the ground
and is not attached or affixed to an existing structure. Pole-mounted
solar energy systems shall be considered freestanding or ground-mounted
solar energy systems.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
Tanks intended or used for the storage of fuel oil, kerosene
or any combustible fuel intended for sale by truck or other means
of conveyance to purchasers at some other destination, excluding,
however, from the above definition, all gasoline storage tanks used
at gasoline filling stations for retail sale.
An enclosed space for the storage of one or more motor vehicles,
provided that no business, occupation or service is conducted for
profit therein nor space therein for more than two cars is leased
to a nonresident of the premises.
The elevation of the center line of the streets as officially
established by Town authorities.
The completed surfaces of lawns, walks and roads brought
to grades as shown on the official plan or designs relating thereto.
Excavation of fill, rock, gravel, sand, soil, or other natural
material including the resulting conditions therefrom.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
For computing off-street parking requirements, the sum of
the gross horizontal area(s) of the floor(s) of the building(s) measured
from the interior faces of the walls. All roofed areas, except porches,
terraces, cellars, basements, enclosed off-street parking areas and
pedestrian walkways in an enclosed mail, shall be included in calculation
of floor areas.
A business, profession, occupation or trade conducted for
gain or support entirely within a residential building, or a structure
accessory thereto, which is incidental and secondary to the use of
such building for dwelling purposes and which does not change the
essential residential character of such premises.
[Amended 7-9-2003 by L.L. No. 9-2003]
An institution or facility providing health services and
medical or surgical care, including prevention, diagnosis or treatment,
to persons, on a nonresidential basis or on a temporary inpatient
or outpatient basis, suffering from pain, illness, disease, injury,
deformity or other abnormal physical or mental condition. As an integral
part of the institution or facility, other uses or facilities are
included (but not limited to) such as laboratories, outpatient facilities,
therapy facilities, training facilities, adult daycare facilities,
and medical or other professional offices. The foregoing shall not
include an outpatient chemical dependence treatment clinic requiring
a license or operating certificate under applicable law.
[Amended 12-12-2018 by L.L. No. 11-2018]
An establishment where a full range of medical services are
provided to small and/or large animals by one or more veterinary doctors
and staff. This use shall be deemed to include, as necessary for treatment
or observation, overnight animal boarding for not more than five animals.
An establishment which is open to transient guests, in contradistinction
to a boarding, rooming or lodging house, and is commonly known as
a "hotel" or "motel" in the community in which it is located, and
which provides customary hotel services such as maid service, the
furnishing and laundering of linen, telephone and secretarial or desk
service and the use and upkeep of furniture. A hotel or motel may
include dining facilities located on the premises.
The use of more than 200 square feet of the area of any lot,
whether inside or outside a building, or the use of any portion of
that half of any lot that joins any street for the storage, keeping
or abandonment of junk, including scrap metals or other scrap materials,
or the dismantling, demolition or abandonment of automobiles or other
vehicles or machinery or parts thereof.
A use or building in which the principal activity is the
keeping, raising, breeding or boarding of dogs, cats or other animals,
which may be considered household pets, in return for remuneration
or for personal gain. For the purpose of this chapter, any such activity,
excluding boarding, shall not be considered a kennel where accessory
to a principal residential use, provided that not more than three
animals exceeding six months of age are kept.
Construction activity including clearing, grading, excavating,
soil disturbance, or placement of fill resulting in land disturbance
of equal to or greater the one acre. Also includes activities disturbing
less than one acre of total land area that is part of a larger common
plan of development or sale, even though multiple separate and distinct
land development activities may take place at different times on different
schedules.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005;
amended 10-27-2010 by L.L. No. 12-2010]
The legal or beneficial owner of land, including those holding
the right to purchase or lease the land, or any other person holding
proprietary rights in the land.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
Any additions or modifications to the natural features of
a site to restore construction disturbance and to make it more attractive,
as by adding lawns, trees, and shrubs to the natural environment.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
An independent organization that works with landowners interested
in protecting open space, often working cooperatively with government
agencies. A land trust may accept donations of land, funds to purchase
land, or development rights that permanently limit land development,
or can purchase land for permanent protection.
[Added 9-15-2005 by L.L. No. 16-2005]
A contiguous area where multiple separate and distinct construction
activities are occurring under one plan. A "plan" shall be thither
defined as inclusive of any announcement or piece of a documentation
(including a sign, public notice or hearing, sales pitch, advertisement,
drawing, permit application, zoning request, computer design, etc.)
or physical demarcation, indicating that construction activities may
occur on a specific plot.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A business premises equipped with individual clothes washing
machines for the use of retail customers, exclusive of any laundry
facilities provided as an accessory use in multiple-family apartment
development.
A facility or business at which the consumption of cannabis
is allowed pursuant to a lawfully issued license for an adult-use
cannabis on-site consumption location under the NY Cannabis Law and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
[Added 12-27-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
A facility or business engaged in the acquisition, possession,
sale and delivery of cannabis to cannabis consumers pursuant to a
lawfully issued license for an adult-use cannabis retail dispensary
under the NY Cannabis Law and regulations promulgated thereunder,
and not including any licensed adult-use cannabis on-site consumption
facility.
[Added 12-27-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
A person currently licensed to practice engineering in New
York State or who is a certified professional in erosion and sediment
control (CPESC).
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
The dividing line between the street and lot.
A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit and devoted
to a certain use or occupied by a building or a group of buildings
that are united by a common interest of use, and the customary accessories
and open spaces belonging to the same. Such lot shall have frontage
on an improved public street.
A parcel of land at the junction of and fronting on two or
more intersecting streets. A lot shall be deemed to front on each
highway it abuts and be subject to the requirements of a front yard
on each such highway, with the yards opposite thereto on corner lots
subject to side yard requirements only.
That percentage of the plot or lot area covered by the area
of all principal and accessory buildings.
A mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot
lines, measured in the general direction of its side lot lines.
A lot other than a corner lot.
Any line dividing one lot from another.
Any lot which has been established as such by plat, survey,
record or deed prior to the effective date of this chapter, as shown
in the records of the office of the Assessor, Town of Rotterdam.
An exterior lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately
parallel streets.
The width measured at right angles to its depth. The width
of a lot (frontage) shall be considered to be the distance between
the straight lines connecting front and rear lot lines at each side
of the lot, measured across the two front property points where they
intersect with the street line. The lot width at the street line shall
meet the minimum requirements specified for each respective zoning
district, except in the case of lots on the turning circle of culs-de-sac,
where the definition of "lot, width of, cul-de-sac" shall apply.
[Amended 9-26-1990 by L.L. No. 19-1990]
The width measured at right angles to its depth. The width
of lot, cul-de-sac shall be considered to be the distance between
straight lines connecting front and rear lot lines at each side of
the lot, measured across the two front property points where they
intersect with the street line. However, at the line approximately
parallel to the front lot line and measured across the rear of the
required front yard, the width shall be equal to the required lot
width specified in the required zoning classification. The width between
the front property boundaries where they intersect with the street
line shall not be reduced more than 25% of the required lot width
specified in the respective zoning classification set forth in this
chapter.
[Added 9-26-1990 by L.L. No. 19-1990]
Clearing, grading and excavating resulting in a land disturbance
that will disturb equal to or greater than five acres of land, or
will disturb less than five acres of total land area, but is part
of a larger common plan of development or sale that will ultimately
disturb equal to or greater than five acres.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which,
in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body
feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 300 or more square
feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be
used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected
to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning
and electrical systems contained therein; except that such term shall
include and structure which meets all the requirements of this definition
except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer
voluntarily files a certification required by the Secretary of Housing
and Urban Development and complies with the standards established
under 42 U.S.C. Chapter 70.
[Added 7-9-2003 by L.L. No. 9-2003]
Any place or premises in New York State wherein the owner
possesses a valid Micro Brewer's License from the NYS Liquor Authority.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
An establishment engaged in the production and distribution
of beers, ales, meads, braggot, hard ciders, wines and similar spirituous
liquors as otherwise defined. The establishment may include other
uses such as a tasting room and shall allow for both sale and on-site
consumption of alcoholic beverages with limited food offered for consumption
in the tasting room. The maximum size for such an establishment shall
not exceed 75,000 square feet. Limited retail sale of merchandise
associated with the establishment is permitted. Production shall be
consistent with the NYS Liquor Authority limits for these types of
establishments. Off-site distribution of alcoholic beverages shall
be consistent with New York State Liquor Authority Law as now enacted
and in the future.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any place or premises in New York State wherein the owner
possesses a valid Micro Distiller's (A-1) License or Micro Rectifier's
(B-1) License from the NYS Liquor Authority.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any place or premises located on a farm in New York State
in which wine or cider is manufactured and sold.
[Added 5-24-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
Any activity regulated by the New York State Mined Land Reclamation
Law (Environmental Conservation Law, Article 23, Title 27), including,
but not limited to, the extraction of overburden and minerals from
the earth; the preparation and processing of minerals, including any
activities or processes or parts thereof for the extraction or removal
of minerals from their original location and the preparation, washing,
cleaning, crushing, stockpiling or other processing of minerals at
the mine location so as to make them suitable for commercial, industrial
or construction use, exclusive of manufacturing processes, at the
mine location; the removal of such materials through sale or exchange
or for commercial, industrial or municipal use; and the disposition
of overburden, tailings and waste at the mine location. Mining shall
not include the excavation, removal and disposition of minerals from
construction projects, exclusive of the creation of water bodies or
excavations in aid of agricultural activities. For the purposes of
this provision, the term "construction projects" shall mean the excavation,
removal and disposition of minerals solely in the furtherance of on-site
construction projects which are permitted uses in the district in
which they are to be undertaken and for which a building permit has
been lawfully issued by the Town of Rotterdam Building Inspector/Code
Enforcement Officer.
[Added 5-10-1989 by L.L. No. 12-1989; amended 11-22-1989 by L.L. No. 20-1989; 2-12-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992; 7-9-2003 by L.L. No. 9-2003]
Clearing, grading and excavating resulting in a land disturbance
that will disturb equal to or greater than one acre and less then
five acres of land, or will disturb less than one acre of total area
but is part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will
ultimately disturb equal to or greater than one acre and less than
five acres.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005;
amended 10-27-2010 by L.L. No. 12-2010]
Mixed-use development refers to the combining of retail/commercial
and/or service uses with residential or office use in the same building
or on the same site in one of the following ways:
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
VERTICAL MIXED USEA single structure with the above floors used for residential or office use and a portion of the ground floor for retail/commercial or service uses.
HORIZONTAL MIXED USE, ATTACHEDA single structure which provides retail/commercial or service use in the portion fronting the public or private street with attached residential or office uses behind.
HORIZONTAL MIXED USE, DETACHEDTwo or more structures on one site which provide retail/commercial or service uses in the structure(s) fronting the public or private street, and residential or office uses in separate structure(s) behind or to the side.
A portable unit designed and built to be towed on its own
chassis, comprised of frame and wheels, connected to utilities and
designed to be without a permanent foundation for year-round living.
A unit may contain parts that may be folded, collapsed or telescoped
when being towed and expanded later to provide additional cubic capacity,
as well as two or more separately towable components designed to be
joined into one integral unit capable of being again separated into
the components for repeated towing. Mobile units can be designed to
be used for residential, commercial, educational or industrial purposes;
excluded, however, are travel trailers, motorized homes, pickup coaches
and camping trailers.
A land area occupied or designed for occupancy by two or
more mobile homes for living purposes.
See "hotel or motel."
Any passenger vehicle, truck, truck-trailer, trailer or semitrailer
propelled or drawn by mechanical power.
Any area of land, including any structure or structures thereon,
that is used for the dispensing of gasoline or oil or other fuel for
the propulsion of vehicles, excluding, however, motor vehicle repair
shops, as defined in this section. This definition shall include any
convenience store, as defined in this chapter, which engages in sale
and/or dispensing of gasoline. For the purpose of this chapter, there
shall be included within this term any area of land or structure designed
to be used for polishing, greasing, washing, spraying, dry cleaning
or otherwise cleaning or servicing motor vehicles.
[Added 9-12-1990 by L.L. No. 18-1990; amended 4-11-2001 by L.L. No. 4-2001]
General repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines,
motor vehicles or trailers, such as collision service, body repair
and frame straightening; painting and upholstering; vehicle steam
cleaning; and undercoating. The sale of gasoline or oil or other fuel
for the propulsion of motor vehicles shall also be deemed to be included
in this term.
Minor repairs, incidental replacement of parts and motor
service to passenger automobiles and trucks not exceeding 1 1/2, tons'
capacity, but not including any operation included in the definition
of "motor vehicle repairs, major." The sale of gasoline or oil or
other fuel for the propulsion of motor vehicles shall also be deemed
to be included in this term.
Any building or structure which does not comply with all
of the regulations of this chapter or of any amendment hereto governing
bulk for the zoning district in which such building or structure is
located or which is designed or intended for a nonconforming use.
A structure or land lawfully occupied by a use at the time
of the passage of this chapter or of any amendment hereto that does
not conform after the passage of this chapter or amendment hereto
to the regulations of the district in which it is situated. "Nonconforming
use" shall include any building containing one or more dwelling units
in addition to the number permitted by the district regulations where
such building is located.
A permit application prepared and filed by an owner or operator
with the Department of Environmental Conservation as an affirmation
that a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) has been prepared
and will be implemented in compliance with the state pollution discharge
elimination system general permit for stormwater runoff for construction
activity (GP-02-01).
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
See "care homes."
A party associated with a construction project that meets
either of the following two criteria:
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
The party has operational control over construction
plans and specifications, including the ability to make modifications
to those plans and specifications; or
The party has day-to-day operational control
of those activities at a project which are necessary to ensure compliance
with a SWPPP for the site or other permit conditions (e.g., they are
authorized to direct workers at a site to carry out activities required
by the SWPPP or comply with other permit conditions).
A portion of a larger parcel of land generally designated
as a site for a separate structure and commercial establishment for
a larger tract. An outparcel may or may not be a subdivision of a
larger parcel. To be recognized as an outparcel, the portion must
be identified on a site plan approved for the larger parcel.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
The titleholder of record of real property; or if he is deceased,
then his estate.
The area required for parking one automobile, truck or vehicle,
which, for the purposes of this chapter, is held to be an area nine
feet wide and 18 feet long, not including passageways.
Development which is designed with an emphasis primarily
on the street sidewalk and on pedestrian access to the site and building,
rather than on auto access and parking areas. The building is generally
placed close to the street, and the main entrance is oriented to the
street sidewalk. There are generally windows or display cases along
building facades which face the street. Typically, buildings cover
a large portion of the site. When parking areas are provided, they
are generally limited in size, and they are not emphasized by the
design of the site.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
Development activities on a parcel of land performed in distinct
sections, with the stabilization of each section completed before
development of the next.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A solar energy system that produces electricity by the use
of semiconductor devices, called "photovoltaic cells," that generate
electricity whenever light strikes them.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
A map, plan or layout of the Town or section or subdivision
thereof, indicating the location and boundaries of individual properties
and streets.
The entrance to a building that most pedestrians expect to
use. Generally, each building has one primary entrance. It is the
widest entrance of those provided for use by pedestrians. In multitenant
buildings, primary entrances open directly into the building's lobby
or principal interior ground level circulation space. When a multitenant
building does not have a lobby or common interior circulation space,
each tenant's outside entrance is a primary entrance. In single-tenant
buildings, primary entrances open directly into lobby, reception,
or sales areas.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
A use of land or buildings for athletics, including incidental
retail sale of athletic accessories and apparel, hiking or bicycle
trails, picnic grounds, and similar uses.
[Added 6-12-2002 by L.L. No. 11-2002]
An office maintained by an individual or firm for the practice
of one or more of the following professions: medicine, dentistry,
law, engineering, architecture, teaching, accounting, or any profession
regulated pursuant to Title VIII of the New York State Education Law.
[Amended 6-26-2019 by L.L. No. 9-2019]
A lot or parcel in the Town of Rotterdam, owned or operated
by the town, the county, the state or the federal government or a
nonprofit agency, used for open space or recreational purposes and
open to the general public.
A corporation or business rendering and devoting its property
to the provision of services which are essential to the public interest.
A person who has skills and knowledge related to the construction
and operation of solar electrical equipment and installation and has
received safety training on the hazards involved. Persons who are
on the list of eligible photovoltaic installers maintained by the
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
or who are certified as a solar installer by the North American Board
of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), shall be deemed to be
qualified solar installers for the purposes of this definition. Persons
who are not on NYSERDA's list of eligible installers or NABCEP's list
of certified installers may be deemed to be qualified solar installers
if the Town Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer or such other
Town officer or employee as the Town Board designates determines such
persons have had adequate training to determine the degree and extent
of the hazard and the personal protective equipment and job planning
necessary to perform the installation safely. Such training shall
include the proper use of special precautionary techniques and personal
protective equipment, as well as the skills and techniques necessary
to distinguish exposed energized parts from other parts of electrical
equipment and to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
The conditioning of the land affected by mining to make it
suitable for any uses or purposes consistent with the provisions of
the New York State Mined Land Reclamation Law (Environmental Conservation
Law, Article 23, Title 27) and this chapter.[2]
[Added 5-10-1989 by L.L. No. 12-1989; amended 11-22-1989 by Ord. No. 20-1989; 2-12-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992]
Every type of motor-driven vehicle used primarily for recreational
purposes and including living and/or sleeping facilities.
See "care homes."
A structure for the display and sale of agricultural products.
A male chicken.
[Added 11-9-2022 by L.L. No. 8-2022]
A solar energy system in which solar panels are mounted on
top of the structure of a roof either as a flush-mounted system or
as modules fixed to frames.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
A kindergarten, primary or secondary school not operated
by a public school district but furnishing a comprehensive curriculum
of academic instruction similar to that of public school.
An educational institution operated by a public school district
under the laws of the State of New York.
Solid material, both mineral and organic, which is in suspension,
is being transported, has been deposited, or has been removed from
its site of origin.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A barrier that prevents sediment from leaving a site by filtering
sediment-laden runoff or diverting it to a sediment trap or basin.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
The minimum distance between the front line of a building
or structure and the front property line.
Ground areas with a slope greater than 25% covering a minimum
horizontal area of 1/4 acre or 10,890 square feet and a minimum horizontal
dimension of 10 feet.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
An attached building in a row or group with each building
separated from adjoining building by a common wall or walls. Included
is an enclosed mall characterized by business entrances facing a pedestrian
walkway with a common roof covering the business area and the walkway.
Any structure, or part thereof, or device attached thereto
or painted or represented thereon, which shall display or include
any letter, word, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device or
representation used as, or which is in the nature of, an announcement,
direction or advertisement. The word "sign" includes the word "billboard,"
but does not include the flag, pennant or insignia of any nation,
state, city or other political unit or of any political, educational,
charitable, philanthropic, civic, professional, religious or like
campaign, drive movement or event.
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity,
service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than
on the premises and only incidentally on the premises, if at all.
A freestanding sign, with no moving parts or lights, no larger
than 24 inches wide and 36 inches high and including the base shall
be no higher than 48 inches from ground level (excluding real estate
and construction signage).
[Added 10-27-2010 by L.L. No. 13-2010]
A permit issued by the municipality for the construction
or alteration of ground improvements and structures for the control
of erosion, runoff and grading.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
Solar photovoltaic systems or solar-thermal systems which
serve only the building to which they are attached or the building
or buildings located on the same lot as such system. The Building
Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer shall be authorized to require
any applicant to submit proof of the last 12 months of electricity
usage for such lot or building or, in the case where 12 months of
electricity usage data cannot be produced, proof of the projected
electricity usage for such lot or building, for purposes of determining
whether an applicant's proposed solar energy system constitutes a
small-scale solar energy system.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine,
a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics and electrical
collection and distribution equipment, and accessory facilities or
equipment, which has a nameplate capacity of not more than 100 kilowatts.
[Added 10-8-2008 by L.L. No. 10-2008]
A solar photovoltaic cell, panel, or array, or solar hot
air or water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as
an energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of
stored heat.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
Solar collectors, controls, energy storage devices, heat
pumps, heat exchangers, and other materials, hardware or equipment
necessary to the process by which solar radiation is collected, converted
into another form of energy, stored, protected from unnecessary dissipation
and distributed. Solar systems include solar-thermal, photovoltaic
and concentrated solar. A solar energy system does not include any
solar energy system of four square feet in size or less.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
Energy generation facility or area of land principally used
to convert solar energy to electricity, whether by photovoltaics,
concentrating solar-thermal devices or various experimental solar
technologies, with the primary purpose of wholesale or retail sales
of electricity or off-site consumption.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
A device for the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
A device that stores energy from the sun and makes it available
in an electrical form.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
Solar-thermal systems directly heat water or other liquid
using sunlight. The heated liquid is used for such purposes as space
heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and heating pool water.
[Added 2-22-2017 by L.L.
No. 1-2017]
Covering or maintaining an existing cover or soil. Cover
can be vegetative (e.g., grass, trees, seed and mulch, shrubs, or
turf) or nonvegetative (e.g., geotextiles, riprap, or gabions).
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
All soil-disturbing activities at the site have been completed,
and a uniform perennial vegetative cover with a density of 80% has
been established or equivalent stabilization measures (such as the
use of mulches or geotextiles) have been employed on all unpaved areas
and areas not covered by permanent structures.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
An accessory building in which horses are kept for private
use and not for hire, remuneration or sale.
A building in which horses are kept for public use for hire,
remuneration or sale.
The rust land-disturbing activity associated with a development,
including land preparation such as clearing, grading, and filling.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
Ground areas with a slope greater than 15% covering a minimum
horizontal area of 1/4 acre or 10,890 square feet and a minimum horizontal
dimension of 10 feet.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
The character expressed by buildings placed close to the
street with ground-floor display windows, weather protection (including,
for example, awnings or canopies), corner building entrances or recessed
entries, and similar features.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
The use of structural or non-structural practices that are
designed to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate its adverse impacts
on property, natural resources and the environment.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
An employee designated by the municipality to accept and
review stormwater pollution prevention plans, forward the plans to
the applicable municipal board(s) and inspect stormwater management
practices.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A plan for controlling stormwater runoff and pollutants from
a site during and after construction activities.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it; or, if there
is no floor above it, then the space between any floor level and the
roof.
A public thoroughfare which affords the principal means of
access to abutting property or is legally existing on any map of a
subdivision filed in a manner provided by the laws of the Town of
Rotterdam.
The portion of the right-of-way that is between the lot line
and the edge of the vehicular lanes. The principal streetscape components
are curbs, sidewalks, planters, street trees, and street lights.
[Added 9-27-2017 by L.L.
No. 4-2017]
A combination of materials, other than a building, to form
a construction that is safe and stable, including, among other things,
stadiums, platforms, radio towers, sheds, storage bins, fences and
display signs.
An open lot, or part thereof, with its appurtenant facilities,
devoted primarily to the showing of moving pictures or theatrical
productions, on a paid-admissions basis, to patrons seated in automobiles
or on outdoor seats.
See "bed-and-breakfast."
[Amended 11-24-1999 by L.L. No. 17-1999]
Includes any tower, edifice, pole or other structure, whether attached to a building or freestanding, and whether guyed or self-supporting, designed to be used as or for the support of devices to be used for the transmission and/or reception of radio frequency signals, such as but not limited to broadcast, shortwave, citizens' band, and FM or television signals. Any existing tower which is not in conformance with these regulations shall be considered as a nonconforming use. Wind energy facilities, small wind energy facilities, and wind measurement towers shall conform with the requirements of Chapter 269 of the Town Code.
[Added 10-8-2008 by L.L. No. 10-2008]
Includes a tower which is attached to a building by a rigid
member.
Includes a tower which is not attached to a building by a
rigid member.
A licensed professional engineer staffed within the Department
of Public Works or a duly authorized representative appointed by the
Rotterdam Town Board.
[Added 12-9-1992 by L.L. No. 37-1992]
An attached house in a row or group with each house separated
from adjoining houses by a common wall or walls.
A vehicular portable structure built on a chassis, designed
to be used primarily as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreation
and vacation uses and not placed on a foundation. For the purpose
of this chapter, this term shall be construed to include self-propelled
living quarters commonly called "recreation vehicles" and "pickup
campers."
See "accessory use."
The purpose or activity for which the land or building thereon
is designed, arranged or intended or for which it is occupied or maintained.
A use which may be lawfully established by this chapter.
Each individual use specifically named in any subdivision
defining the permitted uses for each zoning district contained in
this chapter.
[Added 12-28-1988 by L.L. No. 13-1988]
A use, either public or private, which, because of its unique
characteristics, cannot be properly classified as a permitted use
in any particular district. After due consideration in each case of
the impact of such use upon neighboring land and of the public need
for the particular use at the particular location, such special use
may or may not be granted.
A transitional vegetated area located between upland and
aquatic habitats. For the purposes of this chapter, it shall be considered
the strip of natural and/or managed vegetation 25 feet, measured horizontally,
from a designated U.S. Army Corps of Engineer wetland and 100 feet,
measured horizontally, from a designated NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation wetland.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
Any body of water, either natural or man-made, including
but not limited to lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, tributaries, drainageways,
and intermittent streams.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
A horizontal distance of 50 feet away from and parallel to
the mean high water level of a watercourse.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or
ground water at a frequency or duration sufficient to support, and
that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
include those areas determined to be wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
[Added 4-27-2005 by L.L. No. 9-2005]
Any wind turbine or array of wind turbines designed to deliver
electricity to the power grid for sale with a combined production
capacity of more than 100 kilowatts of energy, including all related
infrastructure, electrical collection and distribution lines and substations,
access roads and accessory structures, including accessory facilities
or equipment.
[Added 10-8-2008 by L.L. No. 10-2008]
A tower used for the measurement of meteorological data such
as temperature, wind speed and wind direction.
[Added 10-8-2008 by L.L. No. 10-2008]
An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a main building,
extending the full width of the lot and situated between the street
line and the front line of the building projected to the side lines
of the lot. The depth of the front yard shall be measured between
the front line of the building and the street line. Covered or uncovered
porches, whether enclosed or unenclosed, shall be considered as part
of the main building and shall not project into a required front yard.
An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a main building,
extending the full width of the lot and situated between the rear
line of the lot and the rear line of the building projected to the
side lines of the lot. The depth of the rear yard shall be measured
between the rear line of the lot and the rear line of the building.
An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a main building,
situated between the side line of the building and the adjacent side
line of the lot and extending from the rear line of the front yard
to the front line of the rear yard.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "factory
manufactured home," which immediately followed this definition, was
repealed 7-9-2003 by L.L. No. 9-2003. See now the definition of "manufactured
home."
[2]
Editor's Note: The definition of "recreational
use," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 6-12-2002
by L.L. No. 11-2002.
