[Amended 11-10-1959]
A. 
Certain words in this chapter are defined for the purpose hereof as provided in this article, and where a word used in this chapter is not defined or is not fully defined by this article, the definitions set forth in the applicable division of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code shall apply, but nothing in that code shall be deemed to authorize a construction or use prescribed by this chapter, and in the event of any conflict between the provisions of that code and this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall in all cases control.
[Amended 9-19-2005 by L.L. No. 1-2005]
B. 
Words used in the present tense include the future and the future the present; and the singular numbers includes the plural and the plural the singular; the word "lot" includes the word "plot," as the sense may require it; the word "shall" is always mandatory.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY BUILDING, STRUCTURE OR USE
A subordinate building, structure or use customarily incident to, and located on the same lot occupied by, the main building, structure or use.[1]
[Amended 9-19-2005 by L.L. No. 1-2005]
AGRICULTURE
Includes the cultivation of the soil for food products or other useful or valuable growths, crops or products of the field or garden, tillage or husbandry, but shall not include dairying, raising of livestock, fowls or birds where the same is carried on as a gainful operation.
ALTERATION
As applied to a building or structure is the change or rearrangement of the structural parts, or any enlargement, whether by extending on any side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location to another. It does not include ordinary repairs to buildings or structures.[2]
AVERAGE PREEXISTING GROUND LEVEL
With respect to an improved parcel, the mean ground level along the foundation of an existing single-family dwelling or other structure prior to any excavation, regrading, construction or demolition relating to any project for which building permits are required and with respect to which a determination of ground level, mean ground level or average preexisting ground level must be made hereunder; with respect to an unimproved vacant parcel, the mean ground level along the boundaries of the buildable envelope of such parcel (i.e., the area within such parcel enclosed by lines that are parallel to and set back from each front, rear and side property line at a distance equal to, respectively, the minimum required front, rear and side yard setback as applicable to such parcel under this chapter).
[Added 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
BASEMENT
A story partly underground, but having at least 1/2 of its height, measured from floor to finished ceiling or, if none, to the bottom of the rafters supporting the first floor, above the average mean ground level adjacent to the building.
[Added 3-24-1959; amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
BILLBOARD or POSTER PANEL
A sign erected and maintained by an outdoor advertiser.
BUILDING
A combination of materials other than a structure to form a construction that is safe and stable and adapted to permanent or continuous occupancy or public, institutional, residence, business or storage purposes; the term "building" shall be construed as if followed by the words "or part thereof."
BUILDING AREA
The area of the maximum horizontal cross-section of the buildings on a lot, excluding cornices, eaves, gutters or chimneys projecting not more than 24 inches, steps, one-story open porches, bay windows extending not more than one story and projecting not more than five feet, balconies and terraces.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
The Building Department of the Incorporated Village of Baxter Estates.
[3]
CELLAR
A story having more than 1/2 of its height, measured from floor to finished ceiling, or, if none, to the bottom of the rafters supporting the first floor, below the average mean ground level adjacent to the building.”
[Added 3-24-1959; amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT
Any lot or premises, other than one owned or maintained by the municipality, used for parking automobiles or other motor vehicles by the public upon the payment of a fee, whether or not such use be an accessory use.
CORNER LOT
A lot situated at the intersection or junction of two or more streets.
COURT
An open and unoccupied space on the same lot as a building and enclosed on at least three sides by walls of a building.
[Amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Department of Health and any other health board or department established pursuant to the laws of the State of New York and having jurisdiction over the regulation, control and/or supervision of matters pertaining to and affecting the public health in the Village of Baxter Estates.
[Amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
DEPTH OF A LOT
The mean distance from the street line of the lot to its opposite rear line, measured in the general direction of the side lines of the lot.
DISPLAY SURFACE
The total number of square feet of sign space on one side of a sign, exclusive of moldings.
DWELLING UNIT
The enclosed space occupied by one family and no more with facilities for eating, sleeping and cooking. An apartment and a one-family house are each single dwelling units.
[Added 9-11-1962]
EXISTING BUILDING
A building erected prior to the effective date of this chapter.
EXPOSED SUBLEVEL
The portion of any basement or cellar, as measured from floor to finished ceiling, or, if none, to the bottom of the rafters underlying the first floor, that lies above the finished mean ground level immediately adjacent to any exterior wall of the dwelling; provided, however, that if the finished mean ground level along any such exterior wall varies, then the height of the exposed sublevel lying above such finished mean ground level shall be deemed the average measurement of the height of the exposed sublevel above ground level based upon four separate measurements made at equal distances along such wall.
[Added 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
FAMILY
One or more persons related by blood, marriage or legal adoption residing and cooking or warming or preparing food together as a single housekeeping unit, exclusive of household servants; or one or more persons, though not related by blood, marriage or legal adoption, residing and cooking or warming or preparing food together as a single housekeeping unit, exclusive of household servants, so long as the persons, as a group, bear the generic character of a family unit as a relatively permanent household, and are not a framework for transients or transient living.
[Amended 2-14-1978 by L.L. No. 1-1978; 9-19-2005 by L.L. No. 1-2005; 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT
Any business or enterprise primarily engaged in the sale of ready-to-consume food and beverage generally served in disposable or pre-packaged containers or wrappers, with disposable utensils, to patrons who ordinarily select their orders from posted menus offering a limited number of specialized items, including, but not limited to: hamburgers, chicken, fish and chips, sandwiches, pizza, tacos, hot dogs, and similar items, which are prepared according to standardized procedures for consumption either on or off premises, in a facility where a substantial portion of food and beverage sales are for consumption off-premises; provided, however, that grocery stores, delicatessens and bakeries shall not be deemed fast-food restaurants.
[Added 3-7-2000 by L.L. No. 1-2000]
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross floor areas of all floors of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls. In particular, floor area shall exclude all floor space in any cellar, but shall include all of the following:
[Added 6-4-1991 by L.L. No. 1-1991; amended 9-19-2005 by L.L. No. 1-2005; 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007; 9-6-2018 by L.L. No. 5-2018]
A. 
Floor space in any basement, if used for other than mechanical equipment or storage, or if the height of the exposed sublevel thereof exceeds the finished mean ground level by at least four feet;
B. 
Floor space of each story above the basement or the cellar and below the attic, and that portion of any attic space whether or not a floor has been laid that provides structural headroom of seven feet or more;
C. 
Floor space in interior balconies and interior lofts;
D. 
Floor space in roofed terraces, exterior balconies or porches, if more than 50% of the perimeter thereof is enclosed by a parapet more than three feet nine inches in height, or a railing less than 50% open and more than four feet six inches in height;
E. 
With respect to any room in a single family home having a height, from finished floor to finished ceiling in excess of 8 1/2 feet, an amount which shall be in addition to the floor area thereof included pursuant to Subsection B., and which shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x), the floor area of such room, by (y), the number of feet (including any numerical fraction thereof) by which the height of such room exceeds 8 1/2 feet, by (z), 10%.
FLOOR AREA RATIO
The total floor area on the lot divided by the total lot area.
[Added 6-4-1991 by L.L. No. 1-1991]
FRONT STREET
The street upon which a lot abuts. If a lot abuts upon more than one street, it means the street designated as the front street in an application for a building permit at the applicant's election.
FRONT YARD
A yard across the full width of the lot extending from the front line of the building to the front line of the lot.
GASOLINE SERVICE STATION or AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
The use of premises for the dispensing of motor fuels, lubricants and other materials used in the operation of motor or other vehicles, and/or where minor repairs to motor or other vehicles are made (used synonymously in this chapter).
GROUND LEVEL
The level of the ground in its natural state at the point of measurement.
[Added 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
GROUND SIGN
One erected upon any part of the premises other than a building.
GROUP GARAGE
A building, one story in height, divided into separate units or with a common means of access, used for the storage of noncommercial automobiles, but not used for servicing or making repairs to automobiles.
HABITABLE FLOOR AREA
The area of actual floor measured between interior wall surface (exclusive of baseboards and moldings) in rooms of a dwelling used for living, eating and/or sleeping, and no area shall be deemed habitable if the adjoining space above it is now or hereafter classified as not habitable by any provision of law, code, regulation or rule applicable to this Village, but so much of the floor area of kitchens or bathrooms as lies beneath cooking or plumbing fixtures or cabinets of less than 42 inches in height shall be included as habitable floor area. As examples and not in limitation of the generality of the foregoing, open porches, terraces, area of rooms not provided with built-in heating fixtures or outlets or natural light and ventilation or of which any part is below grade, attached or built-in garages, passageways, hallways, closets and kitchenettes shall not be included in habitable floor area.
[Amended 3-24-1959; 12-13-1960; 9-11-1962]
HEIGHT OF A BUILDING
The height of a building or other structure shall be the vertical distance from the mean ground level along the foundation of the building or other structure to the highest point of the building or other structure.
[Amended 3-24-1959; 12-13-1960; 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
HOTEL
A residence building differing from a multiple-family dwelling in that it is built for transient instead of permanent residence, and individuals or families are not allowed to do their own cooking on the premises.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
All nonvegetative surfaces on a lot, including buildings, driveways, walkways, decking, patios and other surfaces comprised of pavement, concrete, masonry, flag stand, gravel, bluestone, wood or other surface coverings that render the ground unsuitable for the growth of vegetation or plant. Areas of lawn, vegetation, live landscaping, and exposed soils shall not be deemed impervious surface.
[Added 6-4-20155 by L.L. No. 1-2015]
INDUSTRY
The manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, processing or finishing of materials, goods or articles of any kind or nature to be sold at wholesale or retail.
[Amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
INTERIOR LOT
A lot other than a corner lot.[4]
LODGE
A building used by fraternal organizations.
LOT
A parcel of land with or without buildings or structures located thereon, as surveyed and apportioned for sale or other purpose.
LOT AREA
The area of a lot measured to the street line only.
MAIN BUILDING
The building which houses the principal purpose for the utilization of the lot, as permitted under this chapter.
MEAN GROUND LEVEL
The average elevation of the ground level measured along any distance or group of distances on a parcel, including, for example, along a property line or portion thereof, or along any wall of a building, or along the entire foundation of a building. Such average elevation shall be determined based upon measurements at not fewer than four points, equally spaced, along each distance to be measured, such as, for example, each exterior wall of a building. Any application to the Building Department that requires a determination of ground level, mean ground level or average preexisting ground level under this chapter must be accompanied by a topographical survey map of the premises, prepared by a duly licensed surveyor, containing such data as is reasonably required by the Village Building Official.
[Amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP
A building or portion of a building in which a motor vehicle repair work business is conducted.”
[Amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
MULTIPLE DWELLING
A residence building accommodating three or more families living independently of each other and allowed to do their own cooking on the premises.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING OR USE
One that does not conform with the regulations of the zoning district in which it is situated.
[Amended 9-19-2005 by L.L. No. 1-2005]
OPEN PORCH
A roofed open structure projecting from the outside wall of a building without window sash or any other form of permanent enclosure.
PARKING SPACE
The off-street paved or surfaced area available and usable for the parking of motor vehicles, exclusive of aisles, driveways, passageways, lamps and other necessary space appurtenant thereto, in which provision is made for accommodating each motor vehicle in an area at least nine feet by 18 feet in size, with aisles for two-way traffic at least 23 feet wide, and aisles for one-way traffic at least 16 feet wide.
[Amended 4-2-1984 by L.L. No. 2-1984]
PREMISES
A lot or lots, including the land and all buildings or structures thereon.
[Amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
PUBLIC AREA
Any area, title to which was vested as of January 1, 1962, in the federal or state government or any subdivision thereof or any area title to which is hereafter vested in this Village with its consent where such area has been or shall be acquired, deeded or dedicated according to law for a beach, street or park, or where such area consists in whole or in part of lands covered by bodies of water.
[Added 9-11-1962]
A. 
VACANT PUBLIC AREAA public area which is not in any part covered or occupied by any structures or improvements other than walls, fences, roadways or sidewalks.
B. 
CONTIGUOUS VACANT PUBLIC AREAA single vacant public area or one or more such areas adjoining each other along one or more common boundary lines.
PRIVATE GARAGE
A building used for the storage of not more than three noncommercial automobiles owned and used by the owner or tenant of the lot on which it is erected for a purpose accessory to the use of the lot.
PUBLIC GARAGE
A use or building or portion of a building used for the commercial storage, rental and/or minor repair of motor vehicles.
REAR YARD
A yard across the full width of the lot extending from the rear line of the building to the rear line of the lot.
RESIDENCE UNIT
A portion of a residence building housing not more than two families and separated from another unit by a party wall. Such unit shall be considered a separate building.
RESTAURANT
A business or other enterprise engaged primarily in the preparation and sale of food and/or beverages selected from a full menu and consumed on the premises of the business by patrons seated at a table or counter and served by a waiter or waitress and using nondisposable food and beverage containers and utensils. Sales of food and beverages in disposable containers and wrappers for off-premises consumption, if incidental to the primary business or enterprise described herein, shall not cause such business or enterprise to be treated as a fast-food restaurant.
[5]
[Added 3-7-2000 by L.L. No. 1-2000]
SIDE YARD
A yard between the side of the building and the corresponding side line of the lot and extending from the front yard to the rear yard in the case of a single building on the front portion of the lot. In the case of a rear building on the back portion of a lot, the side yard shall be the yard between the side of said rear building and the corresponding side line of the lot and extending from the front face of said rear building to the rear line of the lot.
SIGN
Includes every kind of billboard, signboard and other shape or device or display arranged, intended, designed or used as an advertisement, announcement or direction, including any text, symbol, marks, letters or figures painted on or incorporated in the composition of the exterior surface of a building or structure.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
A building designed for and occupied exclusively as a home or residence for not more than one family.
STORY
That part of any building comprised between the level of one finished floor and the level of the next higher finished floor, or if there is no higher finished floor, then the term "story" shall mean that part of the building comprised between the level of the highest finished floor and the top of the roof beams. A basement shall be counted as a story in determining height. A cellar shall not be counted as a story in determining height.
[Added 3-24-1959]
STREET
Any public thoroughfare or space more than 20 feet in width which may or may not have been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use.
STREET FRONTAGE
The distance between the boundary lines of a lot when measured along any property line abutting a public street.
[Amended 4-5-1964]
STREET LINE
A lot line dividing a lot from a street.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials other than a building to form a construction that is safe and stable, including, without limitation, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, radio towers, water tanks, oil and fuel tanks, water towers, sheds, display signs, fences, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces, pools, pergolas, gazebos and machinery or equipment that, due to its size and weight, or the manner in which it is affixed to the ground or to another structure or building, is not portable. The term “structure” shall be construed as if followed by the words "or part thereof."
[Amended 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
SUPERINTENDENT OF BUILDINGS
The officer or other person specifically charged by the Village Board of Trustees with the administration and enforcement of this chapter, or his duly authorized representative.
[Added 3-7-2019 by L.L. No. 1-2019]
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
A building erected or used exclusively as a central station where telephone lines meet and where connections are made between them, and where no trucks or materials are stored.
TERRACE
An open porch without a permanent roof.[6]
TWO-FAMILY ATTACHED RESIDENCE BUILDING
Shall consist of residence units, as defined by this chapter, each arranged for two families, separated by an eight-inch masonry fire wall as a party wall.
TWO-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING
A dwelling designed for and occupied exclusively as a home or residence for not more than two families.
TWO-STORY BUILDING
Any building where the area of the second floor is equal to at least 75% of the area of the first floor.
TWO-AND-ONE-HALF-STORY BUILDING
One where the provisions of the definition of “two-story building” are complied with and where the main eaves are below the mid-height of the third story.
WIDTH OF A LOT
The mean width measured at right angles to its depth.
YARD
An open and unoccupied space on the same lot with a building, open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "abattoir," which immediately preceded this definition, was repealed 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007.
[2]
Editor's Note: The definition of “automobile,” added 6-9-1964, which immediately followed this definition, was deleted 9-19-2005 by L.L No. 1-2005.
[3]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "Building Inspector," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed pursuant to L.L. No. 1-2019, adopted 3-7-2019. See now the definition of "Superintendent of Buildings."
[4]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "junkyard, " added 9-19-2005 by L.L. No. 1-2005, which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007.
[5]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "sanitorium," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007.
[6]
Editor's Note: The former definitions of "tourist camp" and "trailer or camp car," which immediately followed this definition, were repealed 10-15-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007.