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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SPCC 2025-11-19YouTube Link:https://tinyurl.com/2ws79xzs Date: Location: Wednesday November 19, 2025 108 E. Green Street Ithaca NY 14850 November 19th 2025 SPECIAL MEETING OF COMMON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES VOTING RECORD 1.Call To Order 1.1 Emergency Evacuation Notice 1.2 Agenda Review 2.Public Hearing 2.1 Amendment to City's Sign Ordinance Attendance Record of Voting Members Name Present Absent/Excused Mayor - Robert Cantelmo X 1st Ward - Kayla Matos X 1st Ward - Phoebe Brown X 2nd Ward - Ducson Nguyen X 2nd Ward - Kris Haines-Sharp X 3rd Ward - David Shapiro X 3rd Ward - Pierre Saint-Perez X 4th Ward - Patrick Kuehl X 4th Ward - Tiffany Kumar X 5th Ward - Margaret Fabrizio X 5th Ward - Clyde Lederman X Also Present: Alderpersons Fabrizio and Haines-Sharp are out on an excused absence. Alderpersons Lederman, Kumar, and Kuehl arrived late and were absent at the Call To Order. Discussion Summary: The November 19th 2025, Special Meeting of Common Council is called to order at 6pm. Alderpersons Fabrizio and Haines-Sharp are absent and excused; Alderpersons Lederman, Kumar, and Kuehl are absent at Call To Order, but will be arriving late to attend the meeting. There are no changes, additions, or deletions to the agenda. City Attorney Kessler confirmed that Council may proceed with a vote on Item 3.1- Ithaca Energy Code Supplement, as it is just a date change. Timestamp 1:33-2:58 Discussion Summary: Three Public Hearings were held to hear feed back from the public on the following: Amendment to the City Sign Ordinance, Southside Zoning Ordinance, and Site Plan Review Ordinance. Timestamp. 3:00- 21:06 Discussion Summary: There are no speakers from the public for this public hearing. 2.2 Southside Rezoning Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to Open the Public Hearing on the Amendment to City Sign Ordinance. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. Motion Carried 6-0. Alderpersons Shapiro, Kumar, Lederman, Fabrizio, and Haines-Sharp are absent. Vote Passed 6-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Moved By: Kayla Matos Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to Close the Public Hearing on the Amendment to the City Sign Ordinance. Moved by Alderperson Matos, Seconded by Alderperson Saint- Perez. Motion carried 6-0 Vote Passed 6-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Discussion Summary: Six (6) speakers from the public provided comments in support of the Southside Zoning legislation. Timestamp. 3:31-17:02 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to Open the Public Hearing for the Southside Zoning Ordinance. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. Motion carries 8-0. Let the record reflect that Alderperson Lederman and Kumar are now in attendance. Alderpersons Kuehl, Fabrizio, and Haines-Sharp are absent. 2.3 Site Plan Review Ordinance Vote Passed 8-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Patrick Kuehl Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to close the public hearing on the Southside Zoning Ordinance. Moved by Alderperson Kuehl, Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Motion Carried 9-0 with Alderpersons Fabrizio and Haines-Sharp absent. Let the record reflect Alderperson Kuehl is in attendance. Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Two (2) speakers from the public provided council with comments in support of the Site Plan Review. Timestamp 17:05-21:10 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Clyde Lederman Motion Summary: Motion to open the Public Hearing for the Site Plan Review. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Lederman. All In Favor of opening the public hearing. Motion carries 9-0 (Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp Absent) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously 3.Special Order of Business 3.1 Ithaca Energy Code Supplement Update- Discussion Only Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: David Shapiro Motion Summary: Motion to Close the Public Hearing on the Site Plan Review. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Shapiro. Motion Carried 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: The Ithaca Energy Code Supplement was summarized and moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez. This is an alteration to the implementation date of the existing Ithaca Energy Code Supplement from January 1, 2026, to July 1, 2026. Director of Sustainability Rebecca Evans provided Council with an update and overview of the item; there were no questions or comments from Council. Timestamp 21:11-24:41 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Ducson Nguyen Motion Summary: Ithaca Energy Code Supplement moved by Alderperson Sainte- Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. Motion Carried Unanimously 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) 3.2 Amendment to Authorized Personnel Roster (RISE Program)- Ithaca Youth Bureau 3.3 Amendment to City's Sign Ordinance Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: The Resolution amending the Youth Bureau Personnel Roster for the year 2026 (RISE PROGRAM) to defund one Youth Program Coordinator (35 hours), and fund one Youth Program Leader (35 hours) was moved and summarized by Alderperson Lederman. Director of the Youth Bureau Greg Houck provided Council with an overview and answered questions raised during discussion. Timestamp 24:44-35:33 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Resolution amending the Youth Bureau Personnell Roster for the RISE Program. Moved by Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Motion Carried 8-1 with Alderperson Shapiro opposed. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 8-1 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Amendment to the City Sign's Ordinance was moved and summarized by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Timestamp 35:41-36:27 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez 3.4 Southside Rezoning Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Amendment to the City Sign Ordinance- Ordinance Amending the Ithaca City Code Chapter 272 "Signs" to Transfer the Review of Sign Waivers to the Planning and Development Board. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Seconded by Alderperson Kumar. All In Favor. Motion Carried Unanimously 9-0. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Alderperson Lederman moved and summarized the Negative Declaration, Lead Agency Declaration, and the Ordinance amending the Southside Zoning Form Districts. There was some discussion among Council members on the topic prior to the vote, with some expressing mixed views, including concerns that the changes did not go far enough, while others supported moving the item forward based on community input. Timestamp 36:28-42:42 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Declaration of Lead Agency for Southside Zoning moved by Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Motion Carried 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X 3.5 An Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter 276 "Site Plan Review" Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Negative Declaration for Southside Zoning moved by Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Motion carries 9-0. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Ordinance Amending Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca Chapter 325, entitled "Zoning" to establish Southside Form Districts and Rezoning. moved by Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Motion Carried 8-1 with Alderperson Kuehl opposed. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 8-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Alderperson Lederman moved and summarized the ordinance amending the Ithaca City Code Chapter 276 "Site Plan Review." There was no discussion between Council on the item. Council thanked staff for bringing this item forward. Timestamp 42:44-43:40 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl 3.6 Preliminary General Fund Balance Policy Motion Summary: Motion to adopt the Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter 276 "Site Plan Review" moved by Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Kuehl. Motion carried Unanimously 9-0. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines- Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo introduced the Fiscal Response Package. This represents the first phase of a comprehensive effort to restore fiscal discipline, transparency, and structural stability to the City of Ithaca’s financial operations. It introduces four core fiscal policies for adoption by the Common Council: 1. Preliminary Fund Balance Policy 2. Restriction on the Use of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) for Vehicles and Short-Lived Assets 3. Monthly Financial Reporting Requirement 4. Interim Debt Management Policy for FY2027 Timestamp 43:44- 49:20 Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Clyde Lederman Motion Summary: Preliminary General Fund Balance Policy moved by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Lederman. All In Favor of adopting the resolution, motion Carried 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Clyde Lederman Motion Summary: Moved as written, Resolution Prohibiting the Use of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) for the Purchase or Financing of Vehicles and Short- Lived Equipment (Finance) with one verbal amendment from the Mayor, " Now therefore be it resolved that the Common Council hereby prohibits the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes for the purchase, lease, or financing of vehicles or any other "physical" assets with a useful life of less than ten years. Seconded by Alderperson Kumar. All In Favor of adopting the resolution. Motion Carries 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Resolution Requiring Monthly Financial Reporting to the Mayor and Common Council (Finance), moved as written with three (3) additional Resolves. Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. All In Favor of adopting resolution as written. Motion Carried 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) (1) Be it further resolved that the controllers' office submit no later than the January 7th 2026 meeting of the common council a draft template to serve as standardized report for review; (2) be it further resolved by the same date, the controller is directed to identify any impediments or resource challenges that may interfere with said office's ability to provide the information set forth above (3) and be further resolved that the common council will promptly address any such resource constraints to maximize the office's ability to furnish such information 3.7 Home Rule Resolution Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Resolution Establishing an Interim Debt Management Policy and Limiting Short-Term Debt Obligations for Fiscal Year 2027 (Finance), Moved as written by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Kumar. All In Favor of adopting this Resolution. Motion Carried 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo introduced three home rule resolutions: School Speed Zone Resolution, Red Light Camera Resolution, and the Citywide Parking Permit Resolution. The mayor briefly explained the purpose of each related to traffic safety and parking. Members shared perspectives on pedestrian and roadway safety and future implementation considerations, and all resolutions were approved unanimously. Timestamp 49:24- 1:01:48 Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Resolution Requesting the NYS Legislature to Enact Legislation Authorizing a Speed Safety Camera Demonstration Program in the City of Ithaca. Moved by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Motion carried Unanimously 9-0. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Ducson Nguyen Motion Summary: Resolution Requesting the NYS Legislature to Enact Legislation Authorizing a Red Light Camera Demonstration Program in the City of Ithaca. Moved by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. All In Favor of adopting resolution, Motion Carried Unanimously 9-0. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines- Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl Motion Summary: Resolution Requesting the NYS Legislature to Enact Legislation Expanding Authority for Resident and Commuter Parking Permit Programs. Moved by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Kuehl. All in Favor of adopting the 3.8 Reparations Working Group 4.Meeting Wrap-Up resolution. Motion Carried Unanimously 9-0. (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: The Mayor Cantelmo moved and summarized a resolution authorizing the establishment of a City reparations working group to advise Common Council on the scope and implementation of a reparations study approved in the FY2025 budget. The resolution outlined the working group’s responsibilities, including developing an RFP, overseeing the study scope and timeline, supporting public engagement and transparency, and making initial appointments, with provisions for additional council and staff representation. There was no additional discussion from Council following the motion. Timestamp 1:02- 1:03:40 Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Resolution on Reparations Working Group Authorization and Mayoral Appointments, Moved by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. All In Favor of adopting the resolution. Motion Carried Unanimously 9-0 (Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Before adjournment, the Mayor reported that the City, County, and Cornell underwriters reached an agreement to significantly increase Cornell’s contribution to TCAT, resulting in additional funding of approximately $280,000 to support operations in 2026. Council members noted that this contribution, supported through the City’s fund balance, will help avoid service cuts next year and emphasized the need to identify sustainable, equitable long-term funding solutions. Council business concluded. Meeting adjourned, with Council remaining for Advice of Council. Timestamp 1:03:44-1:06:29 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Meeting Adjourned moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Kumar. All In Favor of Adjourning. Motion Carried Unanimously 9-0 ( Absent: Fabrizio, Haines-Sharp) Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Clyde Lederman X Public Hearing Submitted: 1-7-2026 Adopted: 01-07-2026 Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk 1. Resolution Establishing a Preliminary General Fund Balance Policy and Directing the Development of a Permanent Policy (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca recognizes that maintaining an adequate fund balance is essential to ensuring fiscal stability, sustaining core operations, and protecting against unforeseen revenue shortfalls or expenditure shocks; and WHEREAS, best practices in municipal finance—including guidance from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)—recommend maintaining unrestricted fund balance levels in the general fund of no less than two months of operating expenditures, generally equivalent to between 15% and 20% of annual expenditures; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca currently lacks a formally adopted fund balance policy, and establishing one is critical to improving long-term financial planning, creditworthiness, and public transparency; and WHEREAS, the Common Council seeks to adopt a preliminary benchmark to guide budgetary and financial decisions for the remainder of FY2026 while the administration develops a comprehensive, permanent policy for Council review and adoption; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby establishes a preliminary general fund balance target of fifteen percent (15%) of annual general fund expenditures to serve as an interim policy standard for financial planning, budget development, and fiscal management; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the administration is hereby directed to develop and present a proposed permanent General Fund Balance Policy for review by the Mayor and Common Council, to be finalized and adopted no later than prior to the development of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the administration shall, in developing said policy, consider national best practices, peer-city comparisons, and recommendations from the City Controller, external auditors, and the Mayor’s Finance Advisory Group, and shall ensure that the proposed policy provides clear guidance on minimum and maximum fund balance thresholds, replenishment strategies, and reporting protocols. Moved by- Mayor Cantelmo Seconded by- Alderperson Lederman Carried Unanimously 9-0 ( Haines-Sharp and Shapiro Absent) 2. Resolution Prohibiting the Use of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) for the Purchase or Financing of Vehicles and Short-Lived Equipment (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca maintains a diversified capital program funded through a combination of long-term bonds, bond anticipation notes (BANs), grants, and pay-as-you-go appropriations; and WHEREAS, Bond Anticipation Notes are intended as short-term financing instruments to provide temporary funding for capital projects with long useful lives, pending permanent financing through the issuance of serial bonds or the receipt of external reimbursements; and WHEREAS, the City’s current BAN portfolio includes a material share of short-term obligations used to acquire vehicles and other depreciating assets with useful lives of less than ten (10) years; and WHEREAS, the use of BANs for short-lived assets such as vehicles exposes the City to structural debt rollover risk, creates asset-liability mismatches, and undermines the long-term fiscal integrity of the City’s capital program; and WHEREAS, best practices in municipal finance—as reflected in guidance from the New York State Comptroller’s Office and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)—recommend that such assets be financed on a pay-as-you-go basis or through lease-purchase arrangements tied to the asset’s useful life; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby prohibits the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) for the purchase, lease, or financing of vehicles or any other physical asset with a useful life of less than ten (10) years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all future vehicle and short-lived equipment acquisitions shall be funded through operating appropriations, capital reserves, or lease-purchase agreements that align debt service with the asset’s lifespan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Controller and City Manager shall ensure compliance with this policy in all future capital planning and financing activities; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Manager, and Controller shall jointly develop, within ninety (90) days, a proposal to establish a Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund to provide for the recurring replacement of such assets without recourse to short- term debt instruments. Moved by Mayor Cantelmo Seconded by Alderperson Kumar Carried as Amended 9-0 (Haines-Sharp and Shapiro Absent) 3. Resolution Requiring Monthly Financial Reporting to the Mayor and Common Council (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca recognizes that timely, accurate, and comprehensive financial information is essential for sound fiscal management, transparent governance, and proactive decision-making; and WHEREAS, best practices from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) emphasize that governments should have formal policies and procedures documenting financial reporting, internal controls and rehearsal of the accounting process to support accountability and consistency; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Common Council require regular visibility into the city’s financial position, including revenues, expenditures, fund balances, debt service, major capital commitments, and risks to fiscal sustainability; and WHEREAS, instituting a monthly report cycle rather than quarterly will strengthen the City’s ability to identify emerging issues early, align budgets and forecasts more precisely, and respond to changing conditions in real time; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council directs the City Controller to produce and submit to the Mayor and Common Council a standardized Monthly Financial Report, covering the prior month’s financial activity, year-to-date results, comparisons to budget and prior year, projected full-year variances, fund balance status, and commentary on emerging risks and opportunities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Monthly Financial Report shall include, at a minimum, the following elements: • General Fund revenues by major category, year-to-date compared to budget and prior year; • General Fund expenditures by major category, year-to-date compared to budget and prior year; • Fund balance status including actual, target (for example as set in the Fund Balance Policy), and projection; • Debt service obligations and any deviations from budgeted assumptions; • Capital commitments and major project expenditures by fund and project status; • A forecast for fiscal year end outcomes, including a narrative section describing any material risks (revenue shortfalls, expenditure pressures, major one-time items, cash flow issues) and recommended management actions; • A concise executive summary suitable for dissemination to non-financial stakeholders (e.g., Council, department heads, public); and • Delivery schedule: the report shall be delivered no later than thirty (30) days after the close of each month, and include a brief cover memo from the Controller summarizing key take- aways and corrective actions where needed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Controller shall make the Monthly Financial Report publicly available via the City’s website (or appropriate public portal) within thirty (30) days of month-end, subject to any lawful confidentiality limitations, to enhance transparency and trust in the City’s fiscal operations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the controllers' office submit no later than the January 7th 2026 meeting of the common council a draft template to serve as standardized report for review BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the same date, the controller is directed to identify any impediments or resource challenges that may interfere with said office's ability to provide the information set forth above and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the common council will promptly address any such resource constraints to maximize the office's ability to furnish such information BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Manager, and Controller shall jointly review this reporting structure annually and make recommendations to the Common Council for enhancements (e.g., dashboard visuals, additional analytics, rolling forecasts) before the development of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Move by Mayor Cantelmo Seconded By Alderperson Saint-Perez Carried as Amended 9-0 (Haines-Sharp and Shapiro Absent) 4. Resolution Establishing an Interim Debt Management Policy and Limiting Short- Term Debt Obligations for Fiscal Year 2027 (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca recognizes that prudent debt management is essential to maintaining long-term fiscal sustainability, preserving creditworthiness, and ensuring intergenerational equity in capital financing; and WHEREAS, the City’s current capital structure relies heavily on short-term financing instruments, particularly Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs), which now constitute a material share of the City’s total outstanding debt; and WHEREAS, while BANs serve as temporary financing tools for capital projects pending long-term bond issuance or grant reimbursement, continued reliance on rolling BANs over multiple years creates structural debt rollover risk, exposes the City to rising interest costs, and undermines the predictability of debt service obligations; and WHEREAS, best practices in municipal finance—as reflected in the guidance of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the New York State Comptroller’s Office—recommend maintaining total short-term debt exposure below ten percent (10%) of total outstanding debt obligations and converting BANs to serial bonds within the statutory maturity period; and WHEREAS, the Common Council intends to adopt a permanent Debt Management Policy prior to the development of the Fiscal Year 2028 Budget, but deems it necessary to establish an interim policy for Fiscal Year 2027 to ensure immediate corrective action and disciplined financial planning; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby establishes an Interim Debt Management Policy for Fiscal Year 2027, which shall require that the City’s total short-term debt obligations—including all outstanding Bond Anticipation Notes—be reduced to less than ten percent (10%) of total debt outstanding by December 31, 2027; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) renewals shall be authorized or issued beyond Fiscal Year 2026, and that all BANs outstanding at the close of FY2026 shall either be retired through payment or converted into serial bonds in accordance with State law and prudent financial practice; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Controller, in consultation with the Mayor, City Manager, and City Attorney, shall prepare and present to the Common Council by March 31, 2026, a Debt Reduction and Conversion Plan identifying: 1. The total outstanding short-term debt and associated projects; 2. A repayment and conversion schedule through FY2027; 3. Projected debt service impacts under both current and proposed structures; and 4. Recommended amendments to capital financing practices to sustain long-term balance; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Common Council shall review the implementation of this interim policy no later than January 2027, and shall adopt a permanent Debt Management Policy governing all future borrowing, repayment, and capital financing practices prior to the introduction of the Fiscal Year 2028 Budget. Moved by Mayor Cantelmo Seconded by Alderperson Kumar Carried Unanimously 9-0 (Haines-Sharp, Shapiro Absent) Date: Time: Location: Watch Online: Wednesday November 19, 2025 6:00 PM 108 E. Green Street Ithaca NY 14850 https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings November 19th 2025 SPECIAL MEETING OF COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA- AMENDED 1. Call To Order 1.1. 1.2. 2. Public Hearing 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 3. Special Order of Business 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 3.5. 3.6. 3.7. 3.8. 4. Meeting Wrap-Up Emergency Evacuation Notice Agenda Review Amendment to City's Sign Ordinance Southside Rezoning Site Plan Review Ordinance Ithaca Energy Code Supplement Update- Discussion Only Amendment to Authorized Personnel Roster (RISE Program)- Ithaca Youth Bureau Amendment to City's Sign Ordinance Southside Rezoning An Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter 276 "Site Plan Review" Preliminary General Fund Balance Policy Home Rule Resolution Reparations Working Group 1 Public Hearing Members of the public can provide short statements germane to the subject of the public hearing during this portion of the meeting. 3 minutes is the maximum time allotted per speaker, but the chair reserves the right to modify the amount of time per individual at the start of the meeting. Groups of 3 or More Speakers are allotted more speaking time. For Longer Speaking Time - Multiple speakers on the same topic can speak as a group with one Designated Speaker to represent the Group. This will give you more time to share your thoughts and concerns during the Public Comment Forum. 3-4 Persons with One Designated Speaker - Allotted 5 minutes 5 or More Persons with One Designated Speaker - Allotted 7 minutes Can't Come to the Meeting but still want to speak? Register to Speak Virtually - Register to Speak Here Attending the Meeting to Speak in Person? Pre-Registration Not Required Comment Cards or a Sign-Up Sheet will be provided to those who attend in person. Once you have filled out your Comment Card or Sign-up Sheet the Clerk will collect the card or sign-up before the start of the meeting. Your name will be called to speak in the order the cards are received. Please Note Comment Cards/Sign-up Sheet will be accepted up until the Public Hearing begins. Once the Sign-up Sheet or Comment Cards are collected, and you can submit your comment in writing by following the link below. Want to Submit a Comment and Not Speak in Person? To Submit Written Comments - Public Comment Form *Written comments submitted with be compiled and entered into the record. 2 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning & Economic Development Christine Ibert, TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Rebecca Evans DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:Ithaca Energy Code Supplement Update- Discussion Only ITEM #:3.1 MEMORANDUM Introduction and Discussion Only ATTACHMENTS: Ithaca Energy Code-Ord 2025.pdf 3 An Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter 146 Article VII, “Establishment and Implementation of the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement” WHEREAS, the State of New York has adopted updated building code standards by regulation effective January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, the State of New York is in litigation over the legality of the building code standard requiring the elimination of fossil fuel usage in certain buildings; and WHEREAS, on November 12, 2025, the State of New York and other parties to the litigation signed a stipulation agreeing to suspend the implementation of regulations implementing the All Electric Buildings Act, which would prohibit the use of fossil fuels in certain developments and renovations, while the litigation proceeds on appeal; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca was preparing to adopt certain optional portions of the state regulations set to go into effect on January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, the existing Ithaca Energy Code Supplement contains provisions that go into effect on January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, the existing Ithaca Energy Code Supplement contains provisions that are conflict with the proposed, but now suspended, state regulations; and WHEREAS, in order to allow the City time to establish an orderly transition to a new regulatory framework, the City desires to delay the implementation date of the existing Ithaca Energy Code Supplement from January 1, 2026 to July 1, 2026 so that it can either adopt the state regulations if upheld on appeal, or establish a new, updated energy code supplement that is independent of the state regulations; and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca desires to amend Chapter 146 of the Ithaca City Code for the reasons stated above; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council has demonstrated its commitment to the goals set forth in the Ithaca Green New Deal with the adoption of the reaffirmation resolution in May 2025, which will require limiting new sources of greenhouse gas emissions; now, therefore, ORDINANCE 2025-__ BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Amendments to Chapter 146 of the Ithaca City Code 4 The following portions of Chapter 146 Article VII of the Ithaca City Code are hereby amended as follows: 1 § 146-50 Title, legislative purpose, intent, and effective date. A. This article shall be known and cited as the "Establishment and Implementation of the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement." The purpose and intent of this article is to establish a green building code for all new construction, certain additions, and major renovations, as specified and defined in this article, of any buildings, structures, or premises, regardless of use or occupancy with requirements above and beyond the state energy code. The requirements set forth give priority to electrification, renewable energy, and affordability. B. The intent of this article is to: (1) Deliver measurable and immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings, major renovations, and new additions; (2) Advance best practices in the design of affordable buildings to deliver reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and (3) Provide a rapid but orderly transition to alternative sources of energy, e.g., not fossil fuel based, to supply major building energy needs, such as space heating and hot water heating, by July 1, 2026. C. The regulatory structure set forth in this article and requirements of the Article are effective upon enactment. Additional requirements to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions become effective in 2023 and by July 1, 2026. … Section 2. Severability Clause Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 3. Effective Date This ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2026 and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. 1 Strikethrough indicates removals. Underlining indicates additions. Ellipses (…) indicate the omitted text remains unaltered. 5 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Ithaca Youth Bureau Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Gregg Houck, Youth Bureau Director Suki Tabor, Youth Bureau Deputy Director DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:Amendment to Authorized Personnel Roster (RISE Program)- Ithaca Youth Bureau ITEM #:3.2 MEMORANDUM Seek Council authorization to amend the 2026 personnel roster to reflect a change for an existing position within the Ithaca Youth Bureau • Defund (1) existing 35-hour Youth Program Coordinator position. • Fund (1) 35-hour Youth Program Leader position ATTACHMENTS: Resolution to Amend Youth Bureau 2025 Authorized Roster RISE - November 2025 (1).pdf IYB Amendment To Roster Memo RISE - November 2025 (2).pdf 6 Resolution to amend the Youth Program Unit of the City of Ithaca Schedule of Authorized Personnel for the Year 2026 WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has assessed its current staffing needs and has identified necessary adjustments to the staffing of the RISE program in order to meet the direct service needs of the program; and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau can achieve its staffing adjustments without amendments to its 2026 approved budget by defunding currently authorized, funded positions and utilizing savings from current vacancies; therefore be it RESOLVED THAT, the City of Ithaca Schedule of Authorized Personnel Youth Program Unit shall be amended effective January 1, 2026: Defund: One (1) Youth Program Coordinator – 35 hours Fund: One (1) Youth Program Leader – 35 hours 7 M E M O R A N D U M Date: November 3, 2025 To: Common Council From: Gregg Houck, Youth Bureau Director Suki Tabor, Youth Bureau Deputy Director RE: Amendment to Authorized Personnel Roster (RISE Program) – Ithaca Youth Bureau PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to seek Council authorization to amend the 2026 personnel roster to reflect a change for an existing position within the Ithaca Youth Bureau. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Ithaca Youth Bureau formally requests approval to fund a youth program leader position and unfund a program coordinator to better align with the needs of the department. BACKGROUND & ANALYSIS In April of 2025, it was determined that the needs of youth and families in the community had changed significantly since the pandemic and the decision was made to merge two existing programs, the Paul Schreurs Memorial Program and the College and Career Discovery Program, into one new initiative. The team of both programs came together to design a program that served more youth, while continuing to serve our existing participants in ways that better reflect their current needs. At the time of our budget submission (in the spring), we had two youth program coordinators and two youth program leaders staffing this program. One of the youth program coordinators resigned in September. As we move forward with this initiative, it was determined that a having a third youth program leader position instead of a second youth program coordinator would be the most effective way to meet the direct service needs of the program. QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL We respectfully request Council’s approval to amend the Youth Bureau 2026 Personnel Roster to include a funded Youth Program Leader and to defund a Youth Program Coordinator position. KEY ISSUE The direct service needs of the program can be better served by having one Youth Program Coordinator and 3 Youth Program Leaders. This change is needed since the current 2026 budget has two Youth Program Coordinators and two Youth Program Leaders. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that Council approve the following personnel changes to take effect January 1, 2026 • Defund (1) existing 35-hour Youth Program Coordinator position. • Fund (1) 35-hour Youth Program Leader. BUDGET IMPACT This personnel change will be accommodated within the existing 2026 approved budget. No amendments are required, as the cost will be offset by the defunded position. 8 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning & Economic Development Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Planning and Development DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:Amendment to City's Sign Ordinance ITEM #:3.3 MEMORANDUM The proposed amendment would transfer the responsibility for reviewing variances from the City's Sign Ordinance from the Board of Zoning Appeals to the Planning and Development Board. ATTACHMENTS: Sign Waiver Circulation Packet - October 2025.pdf City Sign- LOR.pdf 9 To: Robert Cantelmo, Mayor Deborah Mohlenhoff, City Manager Common Council Victor Kessler, City Attorney Adam Potter, Superintendent of Public Works Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning & Development Rob Fell DeWalt, Director of Code Enforcement Alan Karasin, Director, Public Information & Technology City of Ithaca Department of Planning and Development Katie Borgella, Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning and Sustainability Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission Planning & Development Board From: Megan Wilson, Deputy Director of Planning & Development Date: October 23, 2025 Re: Proposal to Transfer the Review of Sign Waivers to the Planning and Development Board _______________________________________________________________________________ The City of Ithaca Sign Ordinance provides regulations of signage, including number and size of signs, location, and prohibited sign types. Currently, an applicant who would like to propose signs that do not meet those requirements may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance. Such signs are reviewed by both the Planning and Development Board (for site plan and design review) and the Board of Zoning Appeals (for the variance). Staff recommends that the Planning and Development Board take responsibility for reviewing sign waivers (previously “sign variances”), in addition to conducting site plan and design review. The Planning Board will be able to evaluate design considerations, building massing, and materials whereas the Board of Zoning Appeals does not factor design, lighting, and overall site conditions into its review. Additionally, the process of reviewing sign packages by two boards can take several months. The proposed amendment will consolidate the review process and reduce the amount of time to reach a decision. The proposed amendment also modifies one of the criteria in evaluating sign waiver requests. The proposed change would eliminate “Number of letters” as a criterion for evaluating appeals and replace it with “Size of building” as a consideration for variance requests. Staff recommends the relationship between the size of the building and the size of the proposed sign be taken into consideration when reviewing requests for larger or additional signs. The number of letters criterion has not been useful in past reviews. The proposed amendment is an Unlisted action under the City’s Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) has been prepared. The draft ordinance and SEAF are attached for your review. If you have any questions, please contact me at mwilson@cityofithaca.org. CITY OF ITHACA 108 E. Green St. — Third Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Lisa Nicholas, AICP, Director Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6565 E-Mail: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org 10 An Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter 272, “Signs” to Transfer the Review of Sign Waivers to the Planning and Development Board WHEREAS, the City’s Sign Ordinance regulates size and location of commercial signs throughout the City; and WHEREAS, any sign that does not meet these requirements must obtain a sign variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals or be modified to meet the requirements; and WHEREAS, currently both the Planning and Development Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals review non-compliant commercial signs, and the review of sign packages by two boards takes several months; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board can incorporate variance requests into the site plan review process and evaluate additional signage requests in the context of broader building and design considerations; now, therefore ORDINANCE 2025-__ BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Amendments to Chapter 272 of the Ithaca City Code The following portions of Chapter 272 of the Ithaca City Code are hereby amended as follows: 1 *** §272-16 Historic signs Historic signs in any zoning district shall be exempt from the requirements to conform, and from other requirements of this chapter, provided that an approved historic sign permit is obtained in accordance with the following: A. Procedure. (1) Requests for retention of signs which are felt to be historic may be made to the Department of Planning, Building and Development by the owner of the property on which such sign is located, by the owner's agent or by any other party with the owner's consent and shall be made in writing. Each such request shall be accompanied by a statement outlining the reason for the request, including written or pictorial information documenting the sign's history, 1 Strikethrough indicates removals. Underlining indicates additions. Ellipses (…) indicate the omitted text remains unaltered. 11 original and current purpose, colors and other relevant details which may be helpful in evaluating the request. (2) Upon receipt of a completed request form and supporting documentation, the Director of Planning and Development or designee shall refer the applicant to the Landmarks Commission for a determination as to whether the sign is historic. Upon receipt of a determination from the Landmarks Commission, the Director of Planning and Development or designee shall determine whether the sign is related directly to uses currently existing on the premises and, if so, shall proceed as if it were a regular sign permit application, subject to the following: a. Signs determined by the Landmarks Commission to be historic shall be permitted in addition to conforming signage currently existing on the premises but shall be counted in computing the amount of signage permitted on the premises in the event that additional signs are applied for. Nonconforming, nonhistoric signage on the premises shall be treated as provided in §272-14 and shall not preclude approval of historic signs. b. Consistent with considerations of safety, such signs shall be permitted to retain their original size, shape, location, method of attachment, illumination, projection from building surface and other characteristics. Modifications thereto for any purpose shall respect the character and appearance of the original sign, and the reasons for such modification shall be clearly explained in the application. c. If such sign would be in any respect nonconforming to the provisions of this chapter, it shall be referred to the Board of Zoning Appeals for approval. (3) Historic signs which are clearly unrelated to existing uses of the premises and which conform in all other respects to the requirements of this chapter may be approved without referral to the Board of Zoning Appeals Planning and Development Board and shall not be counted against the signage permitted on the premises so long as they remain functionally unrelated to existing uses thereon. Historic signs forming an integral part of the original design or ornament of a building shall not be required to be removed, conformed or obliterated in order to comply with the terms of this chapter but shall be reviewed as provided by this section. B. Signs on landmark sites. Signs on sites designated as local landmarks shall be referred to the Landmarks Commission for a determination and a certificate of appropriateness before approval action by the Director of Planning and Development or designee or Planning and Development Board Board of Zoning Appeals. Signs on sites designated as having state or national historic significance but not locally designated shall be referred to the Landmarks Commission for determination as to whether they are historic and shall be governed by applicable regulations. §272-18 Duty and authority of Planning and Development Board 12 The Planning and Development Board shall advise the Director of Planning and Development with reference to desirable and effective use of signs for the purpose of enhancing and maintaining the natural beauty and cultural and aesthetic standards of the community. The Planning and Development Board shall have the authority to grant waivers from the rules promulgated in this section. The Planning and Development Board may advertise, prepare, print and distribute pamphlets and other media which, in its judgment, will further these purposes. §272-18 Variances Waivers, review, and appeal Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Director of Planning and Development or designee relative to the provisions of this chapter may appeal such decision to the Planning and Development Board, within 30 days of the date of the notification of the Director’s determination, by submitting a completed sign waiver application, including an application fee as set and revised from time to time by the Director, and Board of Zoning Appeals , as provided in Chapter 325, Zoning, of this Code, and shall comply with all procedural requirements by said Board of Zoning Appeals including payment of a fee of $100 to defray the cost of the required legal notice providing written notice to all property owners within 200 feet of the boundaries of the proposed sign location. posting a sign on the property that is easily legible from the public right-of-way at least 20 days prior to the meeting. The content of the sign shall be determined by the Director of Planning & Development. However, when any variance, review or appeal relative to the provisions of this chapter is requested, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall not take action until a report is received from the Planning and Development Board. If, however, no report is received within 45 days after referral, then approval by the Planning and Development Board shall be presumed, and the Board of Zoning Appeals shall proceed accordingly. In making its any determination or decision with respect to any waiver, the Planning and Development Board proposed sign, any city officer or any board having jurisdiction shall be guided by the general purpose of this chapter, as stated in § 272-1 hereof, and shall also consider the following: A. Size of sign. The purpose for which the sign is erected, and the distance from which the sign is intended to be or can possibly be read, and the character of adjacent streets shall be taken into consideration. In all cases, the smallest sign that will suit the purpose shall be the guide, taking into account the legitimate commercial or other interests which are intended to be promoted by the sign and the speed limits and traffic conditions on adjacent streets. B. Size of building. The relationship between the size of the building and the size of the proposed sign shall be taken into consideration when considering requests for larger or additional signs. Number of letters. A sign with only a few letters need not be as large as one with many letters to be seen from the same distance. 13 C. Other signs. The context of existing signs in the vicinity of the proposed sign shall be taken into consideration. D. The character of the neighborhood. The proposed use shall not be detrimental to the general amenity or neighborhood character so as to cause a devaluation of neighboring property or material inconvenience to neighboring inhabitants or material interference with the use and enjoyment by the inhabitants of the neighboring property. E. Public interest. The protection of the public interest and the desirability of maintaining open spaces, views and vistas shall be considered insofar as possible. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Planning and Development Board. Board of Zoning Appeals may have the decision reviewed by a Special Term of the Supreme Court in the manner provided by Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. Section 3. Severability Clause Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 4. Effective Date This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. 14 Page 1 of 3 Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1 -Project Information Instructions for Completing Part 1 – Project Information. The applicant or project sponsor is responsible for the completion of Part 1. Responses become part of the application for approval or funding, are subject to public review, and may be subject to further verification. Complete Part 1 based on information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to any item, please answer as thoroughly as possible based on current information. Complete all items in Part 1. You may also provide any additional information which you believe will be needed by or useful to the lead agency; attach additional pages as necessary to supplement any item. Part 1 – Project and Sponsor Information Name of Action or Project: Project Location (describe, and attach a location map): Brief Description of Proposed Action: Name of Applicant or Sponsor:Telephone: E-Mail: Address: City/PO: State: Zip Code: 1. Does the proposed action only involve the legislative adoption of a plan, local law, ordinance, administrative rule, or regulation? If Yes, attach a narrative description of the intent of the proposed action and the environmental resources that may be affected in the municipality and proceed to Part 2. If no, continue to question 2. NO YES 2. Does the proposed action require a permit, approval or funding from any other government Agency? If Yes, list agency(s) name and permit or approval: NO YES 3. a. Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? __________ acres b.Total acreage to be physically disturbed? __________ acres c. Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? __________ acres Check all land uses that occur on,DUHadjoining RU near the proposed actioQ  8UEDQRural(non-agriculture),ndustrial Commercial Residential (suburban) $TXDWLF2WKHU 6SHFLI\ ƑForest Agriculture ƑParkland SEAF 2019 Amendment to Chapter 272, Signs, to Transfer Responsibility for Granting Waivers to Sign Requriements to the Planning & Development Board City of Ithaca The proposed amendment would transfer the responsibility for granting waivers to sign requirements from the Board of Zoning Appeals to the Planning and Development Board. The amendment also includes a revision to one of the criteria for granting a waiver as well as several minor technical corrections. City of Ithaca 607274-6550 mwilson@cityofithaca.org 108 E. Green Street Ithaca NY 14850 ✔ 15 Page 2 of 3 5. Is the proposed action, a. A permitted use under the zoning regulations? b. Consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan? NO YES N/A 6. Is the proposed action consistent with the predominant character of the existing built or natural landscape?NO YES 7. Is the site of the proposed action located in, or does it adjoin, a state listed Critical Environmental Area? If Yes, identify: ________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES a. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels? EAre public transportationservices available at or near the site of the proposed action? FAre any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near WKHsite of the proposed action? NO YES 9. Does the proposed action meet or exceed the state energy code requirements? If the proposed action will exceed requirements, describe design features and technologies: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES 10. Will the proposed actionconnect to an existingpublic/private water supply? If No, describe method for providing potable ZDWHU: _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES 11. Will the proposed action connect to existing wastewater utilities? If No, describe method for providing wastewater treatment: ______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES DUFKDHRORJLFDOVLWHVRQWKH1<6WDWH+LVWRULF3UHVHUYDWLRQ2IILFH 6+32 DUFKDHRORJLFDOVLWHLQYHQWRU\" NO YES  D. Does any portion of the site of the proposed action, or lands adjoining the proposed action, contain wetlands or other waterbodies regulated bya federal, state or local agency? EWould the proposed actionphysically alter, or encroach into, any existing wetland or waterbody? If Yes, identify the wetland or waterbody and extent of alterations in square feet or acres: _____________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES  D'RHVWKHSURMHFWVLWHFRQWDLQRULVLWVXEVWDQWLDOO\FRQWLJXRXVWRDEXLOGLQJDUFKDHRORJLFDOVLWHRUGLVWULFW ZKLFKLVOLVWHGRQWKH1DWLRQDORU6WDWH5HJLVWHURI+LVWRULF3ODFHVRUWKDWKDVEHHQGHWHUPLQHGE\WKH &RPPLVVLRQHURIWKH1<62IILFHRI3DUNV5HFUHDWLRQDQG+LVWRULF3UHVHUYDWLRQWREHHOLJLEOHIRUOLVWLQJRQWKH 6WDWH5HJLVWHURI+LVWRULF3ODFHV" E ,VWKHSURMHFWVLWHRUDQ\SRUWLRQRILWORFDWHGLQRUDGMDFHQWWRDQDUHDGHVLJQDWHGDVVHQVLWLYHIRU 16 Page 3 of 3 Identify the typical habitat types that occur on, or are likelyto be found on the project site. Check all that apply: ƑShoreline ƑForest Agricultural/grasslands Early mid-successional Wetland ƑUrban Suburban 15. Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animal, or associated habitats, listed by the State or Federal government as threatened or endangered? NO YES 16. Is the project site located in the \HDUIlood plan?NO YES 17. Will the proposed action create storm water discharge, either from point or non-point sources? If Yes, a. Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties? b. Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems (runoff and storm drains)? If Yes, briefly describe: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES 18. Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that ZRXOGresult in the impoundment of water or other liquids(e.g. retention pond, waste lagoon, dam)? If Yes, explain WKHpurpose and sizeRIWKHLPSRXQGPHQWBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ____________________________________________________________________________________________ _ NO YES 19. Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the location of an active or closed solid waste management facility? If Yes, describe: _______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES 20.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been WKHsubject of remediation (ongoingRU completed)for hazardous waste? If Yes, describe: _______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES I &(57,)< THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUEAND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE Date: _____________________Applicant/sponsorname:BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB______________________BBBBBBBBB__________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________________7LWOHBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Megan Wilson 10/23/2025 Deputy Director of Planning & Development PRINT FORM 17 Page 1 of 2 $JHQF\8VH2QO\>,IDSSOLFDEOH@ 3URMHFW 'DWH 6KRUW(QYLURQPHQWDO$VVHVVPHQW)RUP 3DUW,PSDFW$VVHVVPHQW Part 2 LVWREHFRPSOHWHGE\WKH/HDG$JHQF\ Answer all ofthefollowingquestions in Part 2 using theinformation contained in Part 1 and other materials submitted by theproject sponsoror otherwise available to the reviewer. When answeringthequestions thereviewershould be guided by theconcept “Have my responses been reasonable considering the scale and context of the proposed action?” No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur 1. Will the proposed action create a material conflict with an adopted land use plan or zoning regulations? establishment of a Critical Environmental Area (CEA)? affect existing infrastructure for mass transit, biking or walkway? a.public / private water supplies? b. public / private wastewater treatment utilities? waterbodies, groundwater, air quality, flora and fauna)? problems? SEAF 2019 Sign Ordinance Amendment 10/23/2025 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ PRINT FORM 18 Page 2 of 2 Foreveryquestion in Part 2 that was answered “moderate to large impact may occur”, or if there is a need to explain why a particularelement oftheproposed action may or will not resultin a significant adverseenvironmental impact, please completePart 3. Part 3 should, in sufficient detail,identifytheimpact, including anymeasures or design elements that have been included by theproject sponsorto avoid or reduceimpacts. Part 3 should also explain howthelead agency determined that theimpact mayor will not besignificant. Each potential impact should be assessed considering its setting, probabilityofoccurring, duration, irreversibility, geographic scope and magnitude. Also consider thepotential forshort- term, long-term and cumulative impacts. that the proposed action may result in one or more potentially large or significant adverse impacts and an environmental impact statement is required. that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. _________________ Name of Lead Agency Date Title of Responsible Officer Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency 4IPSU&OWJSPONFOUBM"TTFTTNFOU'PSN 1BSU%FUFSNJOBUJPOPG4JHOJGJDBODF "HFODZ6TF0OMZ<*GBQQMJDBCMF> 1SPKFDU %BUF ✔ This is a city-wide ordinance to transfer responsibility for granting waivers from requirements of the City's Sign Ordinance from the Board of Zoning Appeals to the Planning and Development Board. It involves no physical alteration or construction and will therefore have no environment impacts. City of Ithaca Common Council 10/23/2025 Robert Cantelmo Mayor Sign Ordinance Amndmt 10/23/2025 PRINT FORM 19 1 | P a g e To: Common Council Re: Planning & Development Board Recommendation to Council Regarding the Proposed Amendment to Sign Legislation Date: November 3, 2025 The Planning Board has reviewed the memo and packet describing the proposed amendment to the City of Ithaca Sign Ordinance legislation Megan Wilson, Deputy Director of Planning & Development, dated October 14, 2025. The Board is in support of the proposed amendments to the City of Ithaca Sign Ordinance as the waivers will remove barriers, both time and monetary for applicants as well as streamline the process with one Board completing the sign review and waiver. CITY OF ITHACA 108 E. Green St. — Third Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Lisa Nicholas, AICP, Director Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6565 E-Mail: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org 20 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning & Economic Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Megan Wilson DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:Southside Rezoning ITEM #:3.4 MEMORANDUM Southside Zoning Proposal Declaration of Lead Agency Declaration of Environmental Significance. Ordinance ATTACHMENTS: Lead Agency- Southside Zoning - Council Materials - November 2025.pdf Neg Dec- Southside Zoning - Council Materials - November 2025-2.pdf Ordinance- Southside Zoning - Council Materials - November 2025-3.pdf Southside Zoning - Council Materials - November 2025.pdf 21 Common Council Draft Resolution 12/3/2025 An Ordinance To Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Establish Section 325-46 Southside Form Districts and to Rezone Portions of the R-2b, R-3a, R-3aa, P-1, B-2a, R-3b, SW-2, B-4, B-1a, B-2a, CBD-100, and WEDZ-1b to Traditional Residential (TR), Residential Transition (RT), Medium-Density Mixed Use (MD-MU), and Urban Mixed Use (UMU) - Declaration of Lead Agency WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, the proposed zoning amendment is a “Type 1” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposal to adopt Section 325-46 Southside Form Districts and to rezone properties in the R-2b, R-3a, R-3aa, P-1, B-2a, R-3b, SW-2, B-4, B-1a, B-2a, CBD-100, and WEDZ-1b to the Traditional Residential (TR), Residential Transition (RT), Medium Density-Mixed Use (MD-MU), and Urban Mixed Use (UMU) districts. 22 Common Council Draft Resolution 12/3/2025 An Ordinance To Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Establish Section 325-46 Southside Form Districts and to Rezone Portions of the R-2b, R-3a, R-3aa, P-1, B-2a, R-3b, SW-2, B-4, B-1a, B-2a, CBD-100, and WEDZ-1b to Traditional Residential (TR), Residential Transition (RT), Medium-Density Mixed Use (MD-MU), and Urban Mixed Use (UMU) - Determination of Environmental Significance WHEREAS, The Common Council is considering a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Zoning, to establish a new Section 325-46, Southside Form Districts, and rezone 549 parcels in the greater Southside neighborhood to Traditional Residential (TR), Residential Transition (RT), Medium-Density Mixed Use (MD-MU), and Urban Mixed Use (UMU), and WHEREAS, the appropriate environmental review has been conducted, including the preparation of a Full Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated October 30, 2025, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is a “Type 1” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the FEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Full Environmental Assessment Form, dated October 30, 2025, and be it further RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. 23 An Ordinance Amending The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Establish Section 325-46 Southside Form Districts and to Rezone Portions of the R-2b, R-3a, R-3aa, P-1, B-2a, R-3b, SW-2, B-1a, B-2a, and WEDZ-1b to Traditional Residential (TR), Residential Transition (RT), Medium- Density Mixed-Use (MD-MU), and Urban Mixed-Use (UMU). WHEREAS, the “Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan” was endorsed by Common Council on April 3, 2019, and the adoption of a form-based code has been considered a central measure of its Land Use chapter goals, and WHEREAS, the “Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan” included a “Future Land Use” map of the Southside Neighborhood depicting four desired Form Districts, and WHEREAS, city staff has drafted a proposal to establish the desired Form Districts as described in the “Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan” that are modeled after the “Collegetown Area Form Districts” and that include regulations that reflect the neighborhood’s built environment; now, therefore, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: ORDINANCE NO. _____ Section 1. Declaration of Legislative Findings and Purpose The Land Use chapter of the “Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan” identifies several goals for future development in Southside. These goals include: • Allow architecturally compatible infill development within the Traditional Residential, Residential Transition, and Medium- Density Mixed Use areas; • Support the redevelopment of underutilized parcels and parking lots within the Urban Mixed Use areas to provide commercial uses and higher density housing; • Ensure zoning requirements are consistent with the historic character of the Henry St. John Historic District and other locally-designated structures; • Provide regulation of built-form to ensure new development is compatible with the architectural character of the neighborhood; and 24 • Preserve and enhance green space that is a vital component of the urban environment. The “Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan” recommends the adoption of a form-based code as a necessary step to implement the neighborhood plan. The Common Council finds that the establishment of the Southside Form Districts will advance the City’s goals for existing and future development in the Southside neighborhood as specified in the “Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan.” Section 2. Section 325-4 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca are hereby amended to establish the Southside Form Districts which include the following zoning districts: Traditional Residential (TR), Residential Transition (RT), Medium Density, Mixed Use (MD-MU), and Urban Mixed Use (UMU). Section 3. Chapter 325 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to add a new Article to be inserted as Article X, entitled, "Southside Zoning," and all subsequent articles and sections shall be hereby renumbered accordingly. Section 4. “§325-46 Southside Form Districts,” shall be inserted in its entirety into said Article X as §325-46. Section 5. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the designation from R-2b, R-3a, R-3aa, R-3b, and P- 1 to Traditional Residential for the following tax parcels: 93.-7-7; 106.-1-2; 93.-7-6; 93.-7-5.1; 93.-7-4; 93.-7-2.1; 93.-7-2.2; 93.-7-1; 105.-3-3; 105.-3-1; 105.-3-2; 93.-6-15; 93.-6-16; 93.-6-17; 93.-6-19; 93.-6-20; 93.-6-21; 93.-6-22; 93.-6-1; 93.-6-2; 93.-6-3; 93.-6-4.1; 93.-6-4.2; 93.-6-5; 93.-6-6; 93.-6-7.5; 93.-6-7.1; 93.-6-7.2; 93.-6- 7.3; 93.-6-7.4; 93.-6-8; 93.-6-9; 93.-6-10; 93.-6-11; 93.-6-12; 93.-6- 14; 105.-4-5; 105.-4-6; 105.-4-7; 105.-4-8; 105.-4-1; 105.-4-2; 105.- 4-3; 93.-5-1; 93.-5-2; 93.-5-3; 93.-5-4; 93.-5-5; 93.-5-6; 93.-5-7; 93.-5-8; 93.-5-9; 93.-5-10; 93.-5-11; 93.-5-12; 105.-2-2; 105.-2-3; 105.-2-4; 105.-2-5; 105.-2-6; 105.-2-7; 105.-2-8; 105.-2-9; 105.-2-10; 105.-2-11; 105.-2-1; 93.-5-13; 93.-5-14; 93.-5-15; 93.-5-16; 93.-5-17; 93.-4-7; 93.-4-8; 93.-4-9; 93.-4-10; 93.-4-6; 93.-4-11; 93.-4-5; 93.- 4-12; 93.-4-4; 93.-4-13; 93.-4-3; 93.-4-14; 93.-4-2; 93.-4-15; 93.-4- 16; 93.-4-17; 93.-4-18; 93.-4-19; 93.-4-20; 93.-4-21; 93.-4-1; 105.- 1.2.2; 105.-1-1; 105.-1-2.1; 105.-1-3; 105.-1-22; 105.-1-4; 105.-1-5; 105.-1-6; 105.-1-7; 105.-1-8; 105.-1-9; 105.-1-10; 105.-1-11; 105.-1- 12; 105.-1-13; 105.-1-14; 105.-1-15; 105.-1-16; 105.-1-17; 105.-1-18; 105.-1-19; 105.-1-20; 105.-1-21; 105.-5-1; 105.-5-2; 105.-5-3; 105.-5- 4; 105.-5-5; 105.-5-6; 105.-5-7; 105.-5-8; 105.-5-9; 105.-5-10; 105.- 25 5-11; 105.-5-12; 105.-5-13; 105.-5-14; 105.-5-15; 105.-5-16; 105.-5- 17; 105.-5-18; 105.-5-19; 105.-5-20; 105.-5-21; 105.-5-22; 105.-5-23; 105.-5-24; 105.-5-25; 105.-5-26; 105.-5-27; 105.-5-28; 105.-5-29; 105.-5-30; 105.-5-31; 105.-6-6; 105.-6-7; 105.-6-1; 105.-6-2; 105.-6- 3; 105.-6-4; 103.-3-1; 103.-3-2; 103.-3-3; 103.-3-4; 103.-3-5; 103.-3- 6; 103.-3-7; 103.-3-8; 103.-3-9; 103.-3-10; 104.-1-3; 104.-1-4; 104.- 1-5; 105.-1-6; 105.-1-7; 105.-1-8; 103.-2-1; 103.-2-2; 103.-2-3; 103.- 2-4; 103.-2-5; 103.-2-6; 103.-2-7; 103.-2-8; 103.-2-9; 103.-2-10; 103.-2-11; 103.-2-12; 103.-2-13; 103.-2-14; 103.-2-15; 103.-2-16; 103.-2-17; 103.-2-18; 103.-2-19; 103.-2-20; 103.-2-21; 103.-2-22; 103.-2-23; 103.-2-24; 103.-2-25; 94.-3-1; 94.-3-2; 94.-3-3; 94.-3-4; 94.-3-5; 94.-3-6; 94.-3-7; 94.-3-8; 94.-3-9; 94.-3-10; 94.-3-11; 94.- 3-12; 94.-3-13; 94.-3-14; 94.-3-15; 94.-3-16; 94.-3-17; 94.-3-18; 94.- 3-19; 94.-3-20; 94.-3-21; 94.-3-22; 94.-3-23; 94.-3-24; 94.-3-25; 94.- 3-26; 94.-3-27; 94.-3-28; 94.-3-29; 94.-3-30; 94.-3-31; 94.-3-32; 94.- 3-33; 94.-3-34; 94.-3-35; 93.-1-1; 93.-1-2; 93.-1-3; 93.-1-4; 93.-1-5; 93.-1-6; 93.-1-7; 93.-1-8; 93.-1-9; 93.-1-10; 93.-1-11; 93.-1-12; 93.- 1-13; 93.-1-14; 93.-1-15; 93.-1-16; 93.-1-17; 93.-1-19; 93.-1-22; 93.- 1-23; 93.-1-24; 93.-1-25; 93.-1-26; 93.-1-29; 93.-1-30.1; 93.-1-30.2; 80.-8-1; 80.-8-2; 80.-8-3; 80.-8-5; 80.-8-6; 80.-8-7; 80.-8-8; 80.-8- 9; 80.-8-10; 80.-8-11; 80.-8-12; 80.-8-13; 80.-8-14; 93.-2-1; 93.-2-2; 93.-2-3; 93.-2-4; 93.-2-5; 93.-2-6; 93.-2-7; 93.-2-8; 93.-2-9; 93.-2- 10; 80.-11-1.1; 80.-11-4; 80.-11-5; 93.-3-1; 93.-3-2; 93.-3-3; 93.-3- 4; 93.-3-5; 93.-3-6; 70.-7-15; 70.-7-16; 80.-10-1; 80.-10-4; 80.-10-5; 80.-10-6; 80.-10-7; 80.-10-8; 80.-10-9; 71.-10-4; 71.-10-5; 71.-10-6; 71.-10-7; 71.-10-8; 71.-10-9; 71.-10-10; 71.-10-11; 80.-9-1; 80.-9-2; 80.-9-3; 80.-9-4; 80.-9-5; 80.-9-6; 80.-9-7; 80.-9-8; 80.-9-9; 80.-9- 10; 80.-9-11; 80.-9-12; 71.-9-4; 71.-9-5; 71.-9-6; 71.-9-7; 71.-9-8; 71.-9-9; 71.-9-10; 71.-9-11; 80.-6-1; 80.-6-2; 80.-6-3; 80.-6-4; 80.- 6-5; 80.-6-6; 80.-6-7; 80.-6-8; 80.-6-9; 80.-6-10; 80.-6-11; 80.-6-12; 80.-6-13; 80.-6-14; 71.-8-7; 71.-8-8; 71.-8-9; 71.-8-10; 71.-8-11; 71.-8-12; 71.-8-14; 71.-8-15; 71.-8-16; 80.-5-3; 80.-5-5; 80.-5-6; 80.-5-7; 80.-5-8; 80.-5-9; 80.-5-10; 80.-5-11; 80.-5-12; 80.-5-13; 80.-5-14; 80.-5-16.2; 80.-5-15; 71.-7-3; 71.-7-4; 71.-7-5; 71.-7-6; 79.-9-3; 79.-9-4; 79.-9-5; 80.-1-2; 80.-1-3; 80.-1-4; 80.-1-5; 80.-1- 6; 80.-1-7; 80.-1-9; 80.-1-10; 71.-7-19; 71.-7-20; 71.-7-21; 72.-8-17; 72.-8-19; 79.-4-3; 79.-4-4; 79.-4-6; 79.-4-8; 79.-4-9; 79.-4-10; 79.- 4-11; 79.-4-12; 79.-4-13; 79.-4-14; 79.-4-15; 79.-5-12; 79.-5-13; 79.- 5-14; 79.-5-15; 79.-5-16; 79.-5-17; 79.-5-18.1; 79.-5-18.2; 79.-5- 18.3; 79.-5-20; 79.-5-21.1; 79.-8-1; 79.-8-2; 79.-8-3; 79.-8-4; 79.-8- 5; 79.-8-6; 79.-8-7; 79.-8-8; 79.-8-9.11; 79.-8-9.12; 79.-8-9.21; 79.- 8-9.22; 80.-2-1; 80.-2-2; 80.-2-3; 80.-2-4; 80.-2-5; 80.-2-6; 80.-2-8; 80.-2-9; 80.-2-10; 80.-2-11; 80.-2-12; 80.-2-14; 80.-2-15; 80.-2-16; 80.-2-18; 80.-2-19; 80.-2-20; 79.-6-10; 79.-6-13; 79.-6-14; 79.-6-15; 26 79.-6-16; 79.-7-4; 79.-7-5; 79.-7-6; 79.-7-7; 80.-3-1; 80.-3-3; 80.-3- 4.2; 80.-3-6; 80.-3-7; 80.-3-8; 80.-3-9; 80.-3-10; 80.-3-14; 80.-3-15; 79.-6-8.2; 80.-4-1; 80.-4-2; 80.-4-3; 80.-4-4; 80.-4-5; 80.-4-6; 80.- 4-7; 80.-4-8; 80.-4-9; 80.-4-10; 80.-4-11; 80.-4-12; 80.-4-13; 80.-4- 15; 80.-4-17; 80.-4-18; 80.-7-1; and portions of 79.-6-8.2; 80.11-1.2; and 103.-1-1.2. The boundaries of this amendment are shown on the map entitled “Southside Form Districts – October 2025,” a copy of which shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office. Section 6. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the designation from R-2b, R-3a, R-3aa, R-3b, and SW-2 to Residential Transition for the following tax parcels: 104.-1- 2; 103.-1-2.1; 103.-1-2.2; 94.-1-6.2; 94.-1-8; 94.-1-9; 94.-1-10; 94.- 1-11; 94.-1-12; 94.-1-13; 94.-1-14; 94.-1-15; and portions of 94.-1-22 and 103.-1-1.2. The boundaries of this amendment are shown on the map entitled “Southside Form Districts – October 2025,” a copy of which shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office. Section 7. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the designation from R-2b, R-3aa, B-1a, and B-2a to Medium Density Mixed Use for the following tax parcels: 70.-7-1; 70.- 7-2; 70.-7-3; 71.-10-1; 71.-10-2; 71.-10-3; 71.-9-1; 71.-9-2; 71.-9-3; 71.-8-1; 71.-8-2; 71.-8-3; 71.-8-4; 71.-8-5; 71.-8-6; 71.-7-1; 71.-7- 2; 71.-7-7; 71.-7-8; 71.-7-9; 71.-7-10; 71.-7-11; 71.-7-12; 71.-7-13; 71.-7-14; 71.-7-15; 71.-7-16; 71.-7-17; 71.-7-18; 72.-8-9; 72.-8-10; 72.-8-11; 72.-8-12; 72.-8-13; 72.-8-14.2; 72.-8-15; 72.-8-16; 79.-6- 8.1; and a portion of 79.-6-8.2. The boundaries of this amendment are shown on the map entitled “Southside Form Districts – October 2025,” a copy of which shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office. Section 8. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the designation from R-2b, SW-2, and WEDZ-1b to Urban Mixed Use for the following tax parcels: 103.-1-1.1; 103.-1-3; 94.-1-1; 72.-8-1; 79.-4-1; 79.-5-1.1; 79.-5-21.2; 79.-5-25.1; and a portion of 94.-1-22. The boundaries of this amendment are shown on the map entitled “Southside Form Districts – October 2025,” a copy of which shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office. 27 Section 9. All applicable sections within the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca shall be updated in accordance with the amendments made herewith. Section 10. Severability. If any selection, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 11. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. 28 M E M O R A N D U M Date: November 5, 2025 To: Common Council From: Megan Wilson, Deputy Director of Planning and Development RE: Revised Southside Form Districts EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City is proposing the establishment of the Southside Form Districts, a key goal in the Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan, adopted by Common Council on April 3, 2019. Current zoning regulations in the neighborhood do not match the built environment, since many of the existing properties predate the City’s first zoning code. To address this, the new zoning would create four new districts: Traditional Residential (TR), Residential Transition (RT), Medium -Density Mixed-Use (MD- MU), and Urban Mixed-Use (MU). These districts take into account the existing built environment of the greater Southside neighborhood, ensuring that future development in the area will reflect the goals for the area, as identified in the neighborhood plan. PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS The Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan identifies the following Land Use Goals: • Allow architecturally compatible infill development within the Traditional Residential, Residential Transition, and Medium-Density Mixed-Use areas; • Support the redevelopment of underutilized parcels and parking lots within the Urban Mixed-Use areas to provide commercial uses and higher density housing; • Ensure zoning requirements are consistent with the historic character of the Henry St. John Historic District and other locally designated structures; • Revise existing zoning to reflect the desired future land uses of the Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan; • Adopt a form-based code to ensure that new development is compatible with the existing character of the neighborhood; and, • Implement a minimum green space requirement. If adopted, the proposed Southside Form Districts would result in the establishment of four new zoning districts and the rezoning of approximately 549 parcels in the greater Southside neighborhood. Proposed Southside Form Districts  • The Traditional Residential district contains the majority of Southside’s residences, including single family homes, duplexes, and small-scale multiple dwellings. This area includes much of the Henry St. John Historic District. Pitched roofs are a required feature, with front porches optional. Newly constructed buildings shall not exceed three stories in height.  • The Residential Transition district includes a few areas of the neighborhood, primarily along South Titus Avenue and Fair Street. The district will allow for larger buildings and will serve as a higher density residential buffer that 29 2 transitions between the neighborhood’s residential and mixed-use districts. Roofs may be pitched or flat, and structures may not exceed three stories in height. New development in this district should encourage medium - density residential use.  • The Medium-Density Mixed-Use district is featured primarily along West Green Street and includes a few properties in the Henry St. John Historic District. This corridor will primarily provide medium -density residential structures while also allowing small-scale commercial use. The district serves as an essential buffer between the neighborhood’s residential and commercial areas. The district requires pitched roofs and a maximum building height of three stories.  • The Urban Mixed-Use district includes lots along South Meadow Street. The district is intended for larger commercial uses than those found in the Medium Density Mixed-Use district. High density residential uses are also encouraged. The district requires a minimum height of three stories, allowing for taller, higher density structures in the neighborhood. The previous version of the Southside Form Districts was presented in June 2025, and Common Council recommended that several changes be considered. Planning staff researched the policy changes, conducted an online survey, and spoke with various City departments about implications of the recommended changes. Planning staff presented this information to Common Council in September 2025, and Common Council decided to move forward with the elimination of off-street parking requirements for all zones within the Southside Form Districts and to further reduce minimum lot sizes in all districts. Staff has updated the code document to reflect these changes. POLICY ALIGNMENT STATEMENT The adoption of the proposed Southside Form Districts advances Council’s legislative policies regarding housing, particularly the goal of adding additional housing units. The new Southside Form Districts allow greater density in both form and use, which make it possible to develop additional housing throughout the neighborhood. This includes additional units within existing buildings, multiple dwellings in all districts, greater capacity for accessory dwelling units on existing lots, and infill development of primary structures. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING The action proposed is the adoption of new zoning for the greater Southside neighborhood, and this amendment will be budget-neutral to the City. The zoning would allow additional development in several districts, which would ultimately result in growth of the tax base. PUBLIC FEEDBACK Public outreach was conducted during the development of the proposed zoning, including two community surveys and a public open house at the Southside Community Center. The May 2025 draft of the proposed zoning was circulated for comment in May-June 2025, and a formal public hearing was held in June 2025. Following Common Council’s recommended changes, another online survey was conducted in August 2025. The current zoning proposal was distributed for comment in late October 2025, and another public hearing will be held on November 19, 2025. NEXT STEPS • November 19, 2025: Public hearing; discussion and consideration by Common Council Committee of the Whole • December 3, 2025: Final consideration by Common Council (pending outcome of 11/19 Committee meeting) 30 §325-46 SOUTHSIDE FORM DISTRICTS ITHACA, NEW YORK DRAFT October 2025 Stre e t B C D A 31 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 32 §325-46 SOUTHSIDE FORM DISTRICTS CONTENTS 325-46.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS ......................................................................1 A. Short Title ...........................................................................................................1 B. Intent ..................................................................................................................1 C. Applicability .......................................................................................................1 D. Design Review and Approval Required ................................................................1 E. Landmarks Preservation Commission ..................................................................1 F. Other Applicable Sections ...................................................................................2 325-46.2 DISTRICT STANDARDS ......................................................................3 A. Establishment of Districts ...................................................................................3 B. Definitions and Related Standards .......................................................................3 C. Southside Form Districts .....................................................................................7 D. Traditional Residential (TR) ...............................................................................9 E. Residential Transition (RT) ...............................................................................13 F. Medium-Density Mixed Use (MD-MU) ...........................................................17 G. Urban Mixed Use (MU) ....................................................................................21 325-46.3 ALLOWED USES .............................................................................25 A. Use Table ...........................................................................................................25 33 Southside Form Districts 34 1Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 325-46.1 General Provisions A. Short Title This section shall be known as the “Southside Form Districts.” B. Intent The intent of this section is to establish updated zoning regulations to implement the Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan, adopted by Common Council on April 3, 2019. This section establishes the zoning regulations necessary to guide implementation of the City-adopted vision for future land uses and development within the Southside neighborhood. Specifically, the Southside Form Districts are intended to: (1) Allow architecturally compatible infill development within the Traditional Residential, Residential Transition, and Medium-Density Mixed Use areas; (2) Support the redevelopment of underutilized parcels and parking lots within the Urban Mixed Use areas to provide commercial uses and higher density housing; (3) Ensure zoning requirements are consistent with the historic character of the Henry St. John Historic District and other locally-designated structures; (4) Provide regulation of built-form to ensure new development is compatible with the existing architectural character of the neighborhood; and (5) Preserve and enhance green space that is a vital component of the urban environment. C. Applicability (1) No building or part thereof within any district of the Southside Form Districts shall be erected, moved, or altered on its exterior unless in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located. (2) In the event that provisions of the Southside Form Districts conflict with other sections of the City Municipal Code, the Southside Form Districts shall prevail. (3) In cases of nonconforming uses, buildings, and lots, refer to Chapter 325 Zoning, Article VI. D. Design Review and Approval Required (1) All new construction (including parking lot construction or expansion) is subject to the design review process set forth in Chapter 160, Design Review, of the City Municipal Code. (2) No building permit shall be issued or structure or building shall be erected, and no exterior of an existing building or structure shall be altered, remodeled, enlarged or extended until the project or development has design review approval. E. Landmarks Preservation Commission Regardless of the underlying zoning, all new construction (including additions) within a designated local historic district or on the same tax parcel as an individually designated local landmark is subject to review and approval by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission for compliance with Sections 228-6(B) and (C) of the City Municipal Code. 35 2 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 F. Other Applicable Sections The following sections of Chapter 325 shall apply in the Southside Form districts. Those sections of Chapter 325 not listed below do not apply within the Southside Form districts. (1) § 325-2. Statutory authority, and purpose. (2) § 325-3. Definitions and word usage, except as modified in § 325-45.2 (B), Definitions and Related Standards. (3) § 325-4. Establishment of districts. (4) § 325-5. Zoning Map. (5) § 325-6. Interpretation of boundaries. (6) § 325-7. Application of regulations. (7) § 325-8. District regulations. (8) § 325-9. Standards. (Special Permits) (9) § 325-10. Accessory Apartments. (10) § 325-14. Application. (11) § 325-15. Use regulations. (12) § 325-16. Height regulations, except as expressly modified in this section. (13) § 325-17. Area regulations. (14) § 325-18. Yard regulations. (15) § 325-20. Off-street parking. (16) § 325-23. General standards applying to all land uses. (17) § 325-25. Location of accessory structures. (18) § 325-26. New structures along streams or inlets. (19) § 325-29. Landmarks. (20) § 325-29.1. Adult uses. (21) § 325-29.3. Dumpsters. (22) ARTICLE VA. Telecommunications Facilities, and Services. (23) ARTICLE VI. Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots. (24) ARTICLE VII. Administration and Enforcement. (25) ARTICLE IX. Amendments. (26) ARTICLE X. Penalties. 36 3Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 325-46.2 District Standards A. Establishment of Districts Six zoning districts are established for the Southside area. These districts are as follows: Abbreviation District TR Traditional Residential RT Residential Traditional MD-MU Medium-Density Mixed Use MU Urban Mixed Use B. Definitions and Related Standards The definitions of §325-3 shall control, except where a definition is provided below. (1) Blank Wall (a) Length of blank wall area means a portion of the exterior facade of the building that does not include: windows or doors; columns or pilasters; other articulation greater than 12 inches in depth; or a substantial material change (paint color is not considered a substantial change). (b) Maximum length of blank wall applies in both a vertical and horizontal direction on street-facing facades. The shortest dimension of any rectangular area of blank wall shall not exceed the maximum length for the district (8’ in TR, RT, and MD-MU districts and 12’ in the MU district). BlankWall Blank Wall Blank Wall (2) Building Height (a) The existing definition of building height shall apply (refer to § 325-3 - “Height of Building”). (b) Building heights in the Southside districts are regulated using stories. No portion of any building shall exceed the maximum number of stories. (c) The only parts of the building which may exceed the maximum building height are bulkheads, housing for mechanical equipment, towers and similar constructions not intended for human occupancy, provided that the requirements of §325-46.2B(12) are met. (3) Building Projections No part of any building shall encroach into any setback, except as described below: (a) Overhanging eaves and bay windows may project up to 2 feet into any required setback. (b) Awnings and balconies may extend up to 5 feet into any required setback provided that such extension is at least 2 feet from the vertical plane of any lot line. 37 4 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 (4) Doors and Entries (a) An entrance providing both ingress and egress, operable to residents or customers, is required to meet the street-facing entrance requirements. Additional entrances off another street, pedestrian area or internal parking area are permitted. (b) The entrance spacing requirements must be met for each building. Entrance sepa r a t i o n requir (5) Front Porches (a) A front porch must be a minimum of 6 feet deep, not including steps. (b) A front porch must cover at least 33% of the street-level story facade width of the building. (c) A front porch must be roofed and edged by balustrades (railings) or low walls, and posts that extend up to the roof. The entire front porch must be of open air construction with all exterior faces being at least 50% open. 6’Min 33%min Se t b a c k (6) Front Stoops (a) A front stoop shall be a maximum of 5 feet deep, not including steps, and a maximum of 6 feet wide. (b) A front stoop may be roofed but not enclosed. 5’ max 6’ max Se t b a c k (7) Glazing (a) When required, glazing is the minimum percentage of transparent windows and doors that must cover a street-level story’s street-facing facade. (b) Glazing is considered transparent where it has a transparency higher than 80% and external reflectance of less than 15%. (c) Glazing is measured between 2 and 12 feet above the abutting sidewalk. 38 5Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 Gl a z i n g 12’ 2’ (8) Infill Development in MU District (a) More than one principal structure is permitted on a parcel in the MU district provided that the first principal structure meets all requirements of §325-46. (b) Any additional principal structure placed behind a principal structure that abuts the street and sidewalk must meet all requirements of §325-46 except: (1) Front setback; (2) Distance between functioning entries; (3) Glazing; and (4) Street-level active uses required (c) If the above requirements are met, §325-8B(1) shall not apply to additional structures on a parcel in the MU district. (9) Parking Setback (a) Definition: A line which extends vertically and parallel to the street, in front of which parking on the site is not allowed. (b) All parking areas shall be located behind the parking setback line. (c) The parking setback line does not apply to on-street parking. (10) Recessed Entry (a) Definition: A functioning entry that is set back a minimum of 5’ from the front facade of the building. (11) Top Story Limitation A habitable 3rd story in the Traditional Residential district must be fully contained within a pitched roof. Pro- jecting eaves and dormers are permitted. The aggregate width of the dormers cannot exceed 50% of the width of the roof on the side where the dormer(s) are located, except as may be allowed by design review. (12) Utilities and Mechanical Equipment All utilities and mechanical equipment must be screened from public view. (a) Incorporation of mechanicals into stories with occupiable space is encouraged; if this is done, mechanicals will be calculated as part of building height. (b) Alternatively, mechanicals will not be measured as part of building height, provided that: (1) The mechanical equipment is not incorporated into stories with occupiable space; (2) The mechanical equipment is architecturally integrated into the building; and (3) The mechanical equipment is less than one-third of the building footprint and does not exceed 9 feet in height above the roof. 39 6 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 40 7Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 C. Southside Form Districts 41 8 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 42 9Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 PURPOSE & INTENT The Traditional Residential district contains the majority of Southside’s existing residences, includ- ing single family homes, duplexes, and small-scale multiple dwellings. Many of these structures were constructed prior to the implementation of the City’s first zoning ordinance. Much of the Henry St. John historic district, which runs along South Geneva and South Albany Streets, is included in this area. The intent of this new district is to create regulations that better reflect the neighbor- hood’s existing residential environment. New construction in this district shall reflect the built environment of Southside in form and scale. Pitched roofs are a required feature, with front porches being optional. Newly constructed build- ings shall not exceed three stories in height. The Traditional Residential district accommodates single-family, two-family, and multi-family resi- dential uses. This district will bring many existing residential structures into compliance while ensur- ing new construction better reflects the character of the neighborhood. D. Traditional Residential (TR) 43 10 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 LOT CRITERIA SITING LOT SIZE A Area, min 2,000 sf B Width at street line, min 30’ LOT COVERAGE C Lot coverage by buildings, max 50% D Green space, min 20% MIN OFF-STREET PARKING None PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Front setback, min 5’ B Side, min 5’ Other side, min 3’ C Rear setback, min 10’ ACCESSORY STRUCTURE D Side setback, min 3’ E Rear setback, min 3’ F Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) square footprint per unit, max 800 sf All other structures square footage of footprint per unit, max 600 sf PARKING LOCATION G Garage setback from front facade, min 20’ Parking setback at front facade Traditional Residential (TR) Stre e t Stre e t C C D B A Stree t Stre e t C EG A B A D D F 44 11Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 HEIGHT ACTIVATION PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Height (stories), max 3 B Height (stories), min 2 Habitable space in the 3rd story must be fully contained within the pitched roof. See §325- 45.2B(11) ACCESSORY STRUCTURE C Height, (stories), max 2 FLOOR HEIGHT (PRINCIPAL BUILDING) D Street-level (floor to floor), min 9’ E 2nd story (floor to floor), min 9’ ROOF F Pitched roof Required Shed roof not allowed as primary roof G Pitch of principal gable, min/max 6:12/12:12 STREET FACADE A Length of blank wall, max 8’ DOORS AND ENTRIES B Functioning entry on the street-facing facade, min 1 For corner lots, one functioning entry is required on the primary street-facing facade PORCH C Front porch or Stoop Required Stree t Stre e t F A BDE G C Stre e t Stre e t B C A Traditional Residential (TR) 45 12 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 46 13Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 E. Residential Transition (RT) PURPOSE & INTENT The Residential Transition district includes a few areas of the neighborhood, primarily along South Cayuga Street, South Titus Avenue, and Fair Street. While single-family and two-family uses are permitted, this district will accommo- date higher-density residential housing such as rowhouses and mid-scale apartment buildings. The intent of this district is to serve as a transition between the neighborhood’s Traditional Residen- tial core and the new mixed-use district along the edge of West Green Street and South Meadow Street. To accommodate higher density, the Residential Transition district allows for larger buildings and greater lot coverage. Roofs may be pitched or flat, and structures may not exceed three stories in height. New construction in this district should accommodate medium-density residential use, filling the gap between the Traditional Residential and Mixed-Use districts in the broader neighbor- hood. 47 14 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 Residential Transition (RT) LOT SIZE A Area, min 2,000 sf B Width at street line, min 30’ LOT COVERAGE C Lot coverage by buildings, max 70% D Green space, min 30% MIN OFF-STREET PARKING None PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Front setback, min 5’ B Side setback 1. Side, min 5’ 2. Other Side, min 3’ C Rear setback, min 10’ ACCESSORY STRUCTURE Side setback, min 3’ Rear setback, min 3’ Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) square footprint per unit, max 800 sf All other structures square footage of footprint per unit, max 600 sf PARKING LOCATION D Garage or parking setback from front facade, min 0’ LOT CRITERIA SITING Stree t Stre e t D AA B C Stre e t Stre e t C D B A 48 15Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Height (stories), max 3 ACCESSORY STRUCTURE Height, (stories), max 2 FLOOR HEIGHT (PRINCIPAL BUILDING) B Street-level (floor to floor), min 10’ C Upper-story (floor to floor), min 10’ ROOF D Pitched or flat roof Allowed STREET FACADE A Building length, primary street, max 75’ B Length of blank wall, max 8’ DOORS AND ENTRIES C Functioning entry on the street-facing facade, min 1 PORCH, STOOP OR RECESSED ENTRY D Front porch, stoop or recessed entry required for each functional entry HEIGHT ACTIVATION Stree t Stre e t A BC D Stre e t Stre e t C A D B Residential Transition (RT) 49 16 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 50 17Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 F. Medium-Density Mixed Use (MD-MU) PURPOSE & INTENT The Medium-Density Mixed Use district (abbre- viated MD-MU) is primarily located along West Green Street, including a few structures in the Henry St. John Historic District. This corridor will primarily provide medium-density residential structures while also allowing small-scale com- mercial use. The district serves as an essential buffer to maintain the residential character of the neighborhood while allowing for more diverse uses. Many of the regulations for the MD-MU district are similar to Traditional Residential, includ- ing lot coverage, a required pitch roof, and a maximum building height of three stories. New construction or redevelopment in the district will reflect the existing built form of the area while allowing additional housing, offices, and small retail. 51 18 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 Medium-Density Mixed Use (MD-MU) LOT SIZE A Area, min 2,000 sf B Width at street line, min 30’ LOT COVERAGE C Lot coverage by buildings, max 50% D Green space, min 30% MIN OFF-STREET PARKING None PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Front setback, min 10’ B Side setback, min 5’ C Rear setback, min 20’ ACCESSORY STRUCTURE D Side setback, min 3’ E Rear setback, min 3’ F Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) square footprint per unit, max 800 sf All other structures square footage of footprint per unit, max 600 sf PARKING LOCATION G Garage setback from front facade, min 20’ H Parking setback at front facade LOT CRITERIA SITING Stre e t Stre e t H G AA B C E D D F B Stre e t Stre e t C C C D A 52 19Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Height (stories), max 3 B Height (stories), min 2 Habitable space in the 3rd story must be fully contained within the pitched roof. See §325- 45.2B(11) ACCESSORY STRUCTURE C Height, (stories), max 2 FLOOR HEIGHT (PRINCIPAL BUILDING) D Street-level (floor to floor), min 9’ E 2nd story (floor to floor), min 9’ ROOF F Pitched roof Required G Pitch of principal gable, min/max 6:12/12:12 STREET FACADE A Building length, all streets, max 45’ B Length of blank wall, max 8’ DOORS AND ENTRIES C Functioning entry on the street-facing facade, min 1 For corner lots, one functioning entry is required on the primary street-facing facade PORCH D Front porch or stoop Required HEIGHT ACTIVATION Stree t Stre e t C A G DE B F Stree t Stre e t C D A B Medium-Density Mixed Use (MD-MU) 53 20 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 54 21Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 E. G. Urban Mixed Use (MU) PURPOSE & INTENT The Urban Mixed-Use district includes lots along South Meadow Street and a small area along South Cayuga Street. This district is intended for larger commercial uses than those found in the Medium-Density Mixed-Use district. High-densi- ty residential uses are encouraged. Unlike the other three districts, the Urban Mixed- Use district does not require off-street parking. Pitched or flat roofs are allowed, and a recessed entry is required for each functional entry. The Urban Mixed-Use district requires a minimum of three stories in building height, allowing for taller, higher density structures in the neighborhood. New construction or redevelopment in the Urban Mixed-Use district is expected to include larger buildings that accommodate a wide range of uses. 55 22 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 Urban Mixed Use (MU) LOT SIZE A Area, min 3,000 sf B Width at street line, min 30’ LOT COVERAGE C Lot coverage by buildings, max 70% D Green space, min 10% MIN OFF-STREET PARKING None PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Front setback, min 5’ B Side setback, min 5’ C Rear setback, min 10’ Spacing between primary structures on same parcel, min 5’ ACCESSORY STRUCTURE Side setback, min 0’ Rear setback, min 0’ Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) square footprint per unit, max 800 sf All other structures square footage of footprint per unit, max 600 sf PARKING LOCATION D Parking setback, from front facade, min 30’ Internal or underground parking must be wrapped by residential on street-facing facades (except for entries/exits) and may not be visible from a public street. LOT CRITERIA SITING Stree t Stre e t C A A B D Stre e t Stre e t C D B A 56 23Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 PRINCIPAL BUILDING A Height (stories), max 5 B Height (stories), min 3 ACCESSORY STRUCTURE Height, (stories), max 2 FLOOR HEIGHT (PRINCIPAL BUILDING) C Street-level (floor to floor), min 1. Residential 10’ 2. Commercial 12’ D Upper-story (floor to floor), min 10’ ROOF E Pitched or flat roof Allowed STREET FACADE A Building length, primary street, max 1. All structures 75’ B Length of blank wall, max 12’ DOORS AND ENTRIES C Distance between functioning street- facing entries, max 35’ Commercial entries must be functioning and usable during business hours. RECESSED ENTRY D Recessed entry required for each functional entry HEIGHT ACTIVATION Stre e t Stre e t B A CD E Stre e t Stre e t B A D C Urban Mixed Use (MU) 57 24 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 58 25Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 325-46.3 Allowed Uses A. Use Table District Permitted Primary Use Permitted Accessory Use TR 1. One-family or two-family dwelling 2. Multiple dwelling (see §325-3) 3. Church and related buildings 4. Library or fire station 5. Nursery school, child day care center, group adult day care 6. Nursing, convalescent or rest home 7. Public park or playground By Special Permit of Board of Zoning Ap- peals: 8. Bed and Breakfast Inns 9. Neighborhood commercial facility (see §325-3) 10. Public utility structure except office 11. Schools (all) and related buildings 1. Off-street parking 2. Private garage for not more than 4 cars 3. Structures for construction purposes, not to remain over two years 4. By Special Permit: Towers or structures for receipt or transmission of electronic signals for commercial purposes or for generation of electricity to be used on the premises where generated in any district (see §325-9). Except for personal wireless services facilities. 5. Home occupations: Special Permits required in certain situations (see §325-9B). 6. Accessory dwelling unit 7. Private garden shed or similar accessory structure intended for personal storage RT 1. One-family or two-family dwelling 2. Multiple dwelling (see §325-3) 3. Church and related buildings 4. Library or fire station 5. Nursery school, child day care center, group adult day care 6. Nursing, convalescent or rest home 7. Public park or playground By Special Permit of Board of Zoning Ap- peals: 8. Bed and Breakfast Inns 9. Neighborhood commercial facility (see §325-3) 10. Public utility structure except office 11. Schools (all) and related buildings 1. Off-street parking 2. Private garage for not more than 4 cars 3. By Special Permit: Towers or structures for receipt or transmission of electronic signals for commercial purposes or for generation of electricity to be used on the premises where generated in any district (see §325-9). Except for personal wireless services facilities. 4. Accessory dwelling unit 5. Private garden shed or similar accessory structure intended for personal storage 6. Home occupations: Special Permits required in certain situations (see §325-9B). 59 26 Southside Form Districts DRAFT October 2025 District Permitted Primary Use Permitted Accessory Use MD-MU 1. One-family or two-family dwelling 2. Multiple dwelling (see §325-3) 3. Church and related buildings 4. Library or fire station 5. Nursery school, child day care center, group adult day care 6. Nursing, convalescent or rest home 7. Public utility structure except office 8. Public park or playground 9. Schools (all) and related buildings 10. Business or professional office 11. Bank or monetary institution 12. Club, lodge, or private social center 13. Light hand fabrication as well as sales 14. Funeral home or mortuary 15. Inn 16. Neighborhood commercial facility (see §325-3) 17. Office of government 1. Off-street parking 2. Private garage for not more than 4 cars 3. By Special Permit: Towers or structures for receipt or transmission of electronic signals for commercial purposes or for generation of electricity to be used on the premises where generated in any district (see §325-9). Except for personal wireless services facilities. 4. Accessory dwelling unit 5. Private garden shed or similar accessory structure intended for personal storage 6. Home occupations: Special Permits required in certain situations (see §325-9B). MU 1. One-family or two-family dwelling 2. Multiple dwelling (see §325-3) 3. Church and related buildings 4. Library or fire station 5. Nursery school, child day care center, group adult day care 6. Nursing, convalescent or rest home 7. Public utility structure 8. Public park or playground 9. Business or professional office 10. Bank or monetary institution 11. Club, lodge, or private social center 12. Light hand fabrication as well as sales 13. Funeral home or mortuary 14. Hospital or sanatorium 15. Hotel 16. Inn 17. Schools (all) and related buildings 18. Retail store or service commercial facility 19. Restaurant, fast food establishment, tavern 20. Theater, bowling alley, auditorium or other similar place of public assembly 1. Off-street parking 2. By Special Permit: Towers or structures for receipt or transmission of electronic signals for commercial purposes or for generation of electricity to be used on the premises where generated in any district (see §325-9). Except for personal wireless services facilities. 3. Neighborhood parking area subject to regulations of §325-20(B) 4. Parking garage 60 27Southside Form DistrictsDRAFT October 2025 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 61 Page 1 of 13 Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1 - Project and Setting Instructions for Completing Part 1 Part 1 is to be completed by the applicant or project sponsor. Responses become part of the applicationfor approval or funding, are subject topublicreview, and may be subject to further verification. Complete Part 1basedon information currently available. If additional research or investigation would beneeded to fully respond to any item, please answer as thoroughly aspossible basedoncurrent information; indicatewhether missing informationdoesnot exist, or is notreasonably available to the sponsor;and,whenpossible, generally describe workor studieswhichwould be necessaryto updateor fully developthat information. Applicants/sponsors must complete all items in SectionsA & B. InSectionsC, D & E,most items contain an initial question that must be answered either“Yes”or “No”. If the answer to the initial question is“Yes”, complete the sub-questions thatfollow. If the answer to the initial question is “No”,proceed to thenextquestion. Section F allows the project sponsor to identify and attach any additional information. Section G requires thename and signatureof the DSSOLFDQWRUproject sponsor toverify that the information contained inPart1is accurate and complete. A.Project and $SSOLFDQWSponsorInformation. Name of Action or Project: Project Location (describe, and attach a general location map): Brief Description of Proposed Action (include purpose or need): Name of Applicant/Sponsor: Telephone: E-Mail: Address: City/PO: State: Zip Code: Project Contact (if not same as sponsor; give name and title/role): Telephone: E-Mail: Address: City/PO: State: Zip Code: Property Owner (if not same as sponsor): Telephone: E-Mail: Address: City/PO: State: Zip Code: FEAF 2019 Proposed Adoption of the Southside Form Districts Greater Southside neighborhood, City of Ithaca The City is considering a proposal to rezone the greater Southside neighborhood through the establishment of the Southside Form Districts. The new zoning will create four form districts that will better align with the neighborhood's built environment and development goals, as outlined in the Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan, adopted by Common Council in April 2019. City of Ithaca 607-274-6550 planninginfo@cityofithaca.org 108 E. Green Street Ithaca NY 14850 62 Page 2 of 13 B. Government Approvals B. Government Approvals Funding, orSponsorship.(“Funding” includesgrants, loans, taxrelief,and anyotherforms of financial assistance.) Government Entity If Yes: Identify Agency and Approval(s) Required Application Date (Actual or projected) a.City&RXQVHOTown%RDUG,Yes  No or Village Board of Trustees b. City, Town or Village  Yes  No Planning Board or Commission c.City Townor  Yes  No Village Zoning Board of Appeals d.Other local agencies  Yes  No e. County agencies  Yes  No f. Regional agencies  Yes  No g. State agencies  Yes  No h.Federal agencies  Yes  No i. Coastal Resources. i. Is theproject site withina Coastal Area, or the waterfront area ofa Designated Inland Waterway?Yes  No ii. Is theproject site located in a community with anapproved LocalWaterfront Revitalization Program? Yes  No iii. Is the project site within a Coastal Erosion Hazard Area? Yes  No C.Planning and Zoning C.1. Planning and zoning actions. Will administrative or legislative adoption, or amendment of a plan, local law, ordinance, rule or regulation be the  Yes No only approval(s) which must be granted to enable the proposed action to proceed? x If Yes, complete sections C, F and G. x If No, proceed to question C.2 and complete all remaining sections and questions in Part 1 C.2. Adopted land use plans. a.Do any municipally- adopted (city, town, village or county) comprehensive land use plan(s) include the site  Yes  No where the proposed action would be located? If Yes, does the comprehensive plan include specific recommendations for the site where the proposed action  Yes  No would be located? b.Is the siteof theproposed actionwithin anylocal or regional special planning district(for example:Greenway Yes  No Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA); designated State or Federal heritage area; watershed management plan; or other?) If Yes, identify the plan(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ c. Is the proposed action located wholly or partially within an area listed in an adopted municipal open space plan,  Yes  No or an adopted municipal farmland protection plan? If Yes, identify the plan(s): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ✔Common Council ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ City of Ithaca Parks & Recreation Master Plan 63 Page 3 of 13 C.3. Zoning a. Is the site of the proposed action located in a municipality with an adopted zoning law or ordinance. Yes  No If Yes, what is the zoning classification(s) including any applicable overlay district? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. Is the use permitted or allowed by a special or conditional use permit? Yes  No c. Is a zoning change requested as part of the proposed action? Yes  No If Yes, i.What is the proposed new zoning for the site? ___________________________________________________________________ C.4. Existing community services. a.In what school district is the project site located? ________________________________________________________________ b.What police or other public protection forces serve the project site? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ c.Which fire protection and emergency medical services serve the project site? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ d.What parks serve the project site? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ D.Project Details D.1. Proposed and Potential Development a.What is the general nature of the proposed action (e.g., residential, industrial, commercial, recreational; if mixed, include all components)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. a. Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? _____________ acres b.Total acreage to be physically disturbed? _____________ acres c. Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? _____________ acres c. Is the proposed action an expansion of an existing project or use? Yes  No i.If Yes, what is the approximate percentage of the proposed expansion and identify the units (e.g., acres, miles, housing units, square feet)? % ____________________ Units: ____________________ d.Is the proposed action a subdivision, or does it include a subdivision? Yes  No If Yes, i.Purpose or type of subdivision? (e.g., residential, industrial, commercial; if mixed, specify types) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii. Is a cluster/conservation layout proposed? Yes  No iii.Number of lots proposed? ________ iv.Minimum and maximum proposed lot sizes? Minimum __________ Maximum __________  Yes  No _____ months _____ _____ month _____ year HWill WKHproposed actionbe constructed in multiple phases? LIf No, anticipatedperiod of construction: LLIfYes: x Total numberof phases anticipated x Anticipated commencement date of phase 1(includingdemolition) x Anticipated completion dateof finalphase _____ month _____year x Generally describe connections or relationships among phases, including any contingencies where progress of one phase may determine timing or duration of future phases: _______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ✔ R-2b; R-3a; R-3b; SW-2; WEDZ-1b ✔ ✔ Southside Form Districts Ithaca City School District Ithaca Police Department Ithaca Fire Department Baker Park, Titus Triangle Park, Wood Street Park, Southside Community Center 64 Page 4 of 13 f.Does the project include new residential uses? Yes No If Yes, show numbers of units proposed. One Family Two Family Three Family Multiple Family (four or more) Initial Phase ___________ ___________ ____________ ________________________ At completion of all phases ___________ ___________ ____________ ________________________ g.Does the proposed action include new non-residential construction (including expansions)? Yes  No If Yes, i.Total number of structures ___________ ii.Dimensions (in feet) of largest proposed structure: ________height; ________width; and _______ length iii.Approximate extent of building space to be heated or cooled: ______________________ square feet h.Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that will result in the impoundment of any  Yes  No liquids, such as creation of a water supply, reservoir, pond, lake, waste lagoon or other storage? If Yes, i.Purpose of the impoundment: ________________________________________________________________________________ ii.If a water impoundment, the principal source of the water:  Ground water  Surface water streams  Other specify: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.If other than water, identify the type of impounded/contained liquids and their source. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.Approximate size of the proposed impoundment. Volume: ____________ million gallons; surface area: ____________ acres v.Dimensions of the proposed dam or impounding structure: ________ height; _______ length vi.Construction method/materials for the proposed dam or impounding structure (e.g., earth fill, rock, wood, concrete): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ D.2. Project Operations a. Does the proposed action include any excavation, mining, or dredging, during construction, operations, or both?  Yes  No (Not including general site preparation, grading or installation of utilities or foundations where all excavated materials will remain onsite) If Yes: i .What is the purpose of the excavation or dredging? _______________________________________________________________ ii.How much material (including rock, earth, sediments, etc.) is proposed to be removed from the site? x Volume (specify tons or cubic yards): ____________________________________________ x Over what duration of time? ____________________________________________________ iii.Describe nature and characteristics of materials to be excavated or dredged, and plans to use, manage or dispose of them. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.Will there be onsite dewatering or processing of excavated materials? Yes  No If yes, describe. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ v.What is the total area to be dredged or excavated? _____________________________________acres vi.What is the maximum area to be worked at any one time? _______________________________ acres vii.What would be the maximum depth of excavation or dredging? __________________________ feet viii.Will the excavation require blasting? Yes  No ix.Summarize site reclamation goals and plan: _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b.Would the proposed action cause or result in alteration of, increase or decrease in size of, or encroachment  Yes  No into any existing wetland, waterbody, shoreline, beach or adjacent area? If Yes: i.Identify the wetland or waterbody which would be affected (by name, water index number, wetland map number or geographic description): ______________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 65 Page 5 of 13 ii. iii. Describe how the proposed actionwould affect thatwaterbodyor wetland, e.g. excavation,fill, placement ofstructures, or alterationof channels,banks and shorelines. Indicate extent of activities, alterations and additions in square feetor acres: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Will WKHproposed action cause or result in disturbance tobottom sediments?Yes No If Yes,describe: __________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.Will WKHproposed action cause or result in the destruction or removalof aquatic vegetation? Yes  No IfYes: x aFUHV of DTXDWLFvegetation proposedto be removed ___________________________________________________________ x H[SHFWHG acreageof aquatic vegetation remaining after project completion________________________________________ x purpose of proposed removal (e.g. beach clearing, invasive species control, boat access): ____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ x proposed method of plant removal: ________________________________________________________________________ x if chemical/herbicide treatment will be used, specify product(s): _________________________________________________ v.Describe any proposed reclamation/mitigation following disturbance: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ c.Will the proposed action use, or create a new demand for water? Yes  No If Yes: i.Total anticipated water usage/demand per day: __________________________ gallons/day ii.Will the proposed action obtain water from an existing public water supply? Yes  No If Yes: x Name of district or service area: _________________________________________________________________________ x Does the existing public water supply have capacity to serve the proposal? Yes  No x Is the project site in the existing district? Yes  No x Is expansion of the district needed? Yes  No x Do existing lines serve the project site? Yes  No iii.Will line extension within an existing district be necessary to supply the project? Yes  No If Yes: x Describe extensions or capacity expansions proposed to serve this project: ________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ x Source(s) of supply for the district: ________________________________________________________________________ iv.Is a new water supply district or service area proposed to be formed to serve the project site? Yes  No If, Yes: x Applicant/sponsor for new district: ________________________________________________________________________ x Date application submitted or anticipated: __________________________________________________________________ x Proposed source(s) of supply for new district: _______________________________________________________________ v.If a public water supply will not be used, describe plans to provide water supply for the project: ___________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ vi.Ifwater supplywill befromwells (public or private),ZKDWLVWKHmaximum pumping capacity: _______gallons/minute. d. Will the proposed action generate liquid wastes? Yes  No If Yes: i.Total anticipated liquid waste generation per day: _______________ gallons/day ii.Nature of liquid wastes to be generated (e.g., sanitary wastewater, industrial; if combination, describe all components and approximate volumes or proportions of each): __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Will the proposed action use any existing public wastewater treatment facilities? Yes  No If Yes: x Name of wastewater treatment plant to be used: _____________________________________________________________ x Name of district: ______________________________________________________________________________________ x Does the existing wastewater treatment plant have capacity to serve the project? Yes  No x Is the project site in the existing district? Yes  No x Is expansion of the district needed? Yes  No 66 Page 6 of 13  Yes  No x Do existing sewer lines serve theproject site? x Will Dline extension within anexisting districtbenecessary to servetheproject? Yes  No If Yes: x Describe extensions or capacity expansions proposed to serve this project: ____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.Will a new wastewater (sewage) treatment district be formed to serve the project site? Yes  No If Yes: x Applicant/sponsor for new district: ____________________________________________________________________ x Date application submitted or anticipated: _______________________________________________________________ x What is the receiving water for the wastewater discharge? __________________________________________________ v.If public facilities will not be used, describe plans to provide wastewater treatment for the project, including specifying proposed receiving water (name and classification if surfacedischarge ordescribesubsurface disposalplans): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ vi.Describe any plans or designs to capture, recycle or reuse liquid waste: _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ e.Will the proposed action disturb more than one acre and create stormwater runoff, either from new point  Yes  No sources (i.e. ditches, pipes, swales, curbs, gutters or other concentrated flows of stormwater) or non-point source (i.e. sheet flow) during construction or post construction? If Yes: i.How much impervious surface will the project create in relation to total size of project parcel? _____ Square feetor _____ acres (impervious surface) _____ Square feet or _____ acres (parcel size) ii.Describe types of new point sources. __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Where will the stormwater runoff be directed (i.e. on-site stormwater management facility/structures, adjacent properties, groundwater, on-site surface water or off-site surface waters)? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ x If to surface waters, identify receiving water bodies or wetlands: ________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ x Will stormwater runoff flow to adjacent properties? Yes  No iv.Does WKHproposedplan minimize impervious surfaces,usepervious materials or collect and re-use stormwater? Yes  No f. Does the proposed action include, or will it use on-site, one or more sources of air emissions, including fuel  Yes  No combustion, waste incineration, or other processes or operations? If Yes, identify: i. Mobile sources during project operations (e.g., heavy equipment, fleet or delivery vehicles) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Stationary sources during construction (e.g., power generation, structural heating, batch plant, crushers) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Stationary sources during operations (e.g., process emissions, large boilers, electric generation) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ g.Will any air emission sources named in D.2.f (above), require a NY State Air Registration, Air Facility Permit, Yes  No or Federal Clean Air Act Title IV or Title V Permit? If Yes: i.Is the project site located in an Air quality non-attainment area? (Area routinely or periodically fails to meet  Yes  No ambient air quality standards for all or some parts of the year) ii.In addition to emissions as calculated in the application, the project will generate: x ___________Tons/year (VKRUWWRQV)of CarbonDioxide (CO2) x ___________Tons/year(VKRUWWRQV) of NitrousOxide (N22) x ___________Tons/year(VKRUWWRQV) of Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) x ___________Tons/year(VKRUWWRQV) of Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) x ___________Tons/year (VKRUWWRQV)of CarbonDioxide equivalent ofHydrofloXrocarbons (H)&V) x ___________Tons/year (VKRUWWRQV)ofHazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) 67 Page 7 of 13 h.Will the proposed action generate or emit methane (including, but not limited to, sewage treatment plants, Yes  No landfills, composting facilities)? If Yes: i.Estimate methane generation in tons/year (metric): ________________________________________________________________ ii. Describe any methane capture, control or elimination measures included in project design (e.g., combustion to generate heat or electricity, flaring): ________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ i.Will the proposed action result in the release of air pollutants from open-air operations or processes, such as  Yes  No quarry or landfill operations? If Yes: Describe operations and nature of emissions (e.g., diesel exhaust, rock particulates/dust): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ j.Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels or generate substantial  Yes  No new demand for transportation facilities or services? If Yes: i.When is the peak traffic expected (Check all that apply): † Morning † Evening †Weekend † Randomly between hours of __________ to ________. ii.For commercial activities only, projectednumberof truck trips/dayDQGW\SH HJVHPLWUDLOHUVDQGGXPSWUXFNV BBBBBBBBBBBBB LLL LY v. Parking spaces: Existing _____________BBBBBBProposed___________ Net increase/decrease _____________BBBBBBBB 'RHVWKHSURSRVHGDFWLRQLQFOXGHDQ\VKDUHGXVHSDUNLQJ"<HV1R  Yes  No vi.Arepublic/private transportation service(s)orfacilities availablewithin ½ mile of the proposed site? vii Will theproposed action include access topublictransportation or accommodationsfor useofhybrid, electric  Yes  No or other alternative fueled vehicles? viii. Will the proposed action include plans for pedestrian or bicycle accommodations for connections to existing  Yes  No pedestrian or bicycle routes? k.Will the proposed action (for commercial or industrial projects only) generate new or additional demand  Yes  No for energy? If Yes: i.Estimate annual electricity demand during operation of the proposed action: ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Anticipated sources/suppliers of electricity for the project (e.g., on-site combustion, on-site renewable, via grid/local utility, or other): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Will the proposed actionrequire anew,or anupgrade to an existing substation? Yes  No l. Hours of operation. Answer all items which apply. i. During Construction:ii.During Operations: x Monday - Friday: _________________________x Monday - Friday: ____________________________ x Saturday: ________________________________x Saturday: ___________________________________ x Sunday: _________________________________x Sunday: ____________________________________ x Holidays: ________________________________x Holidays: ___________________________________ ,IWKHSURSRVHGDFWLRQLQFOXGHVDQ\PRGLILFDWLRQRIH[LVWLQJURDGVFUHDWLRQRIQHZURDGVRUFKDQJHLQH[LVWLQJDFFHVVGHVFULEH BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 68 Page 8 of 13 m. Will the proposed action produce noise that will exceed existing ambient noise levels during construction, Yes  No operation, or both? If yes: i.Provide details including sources, time of day and duration: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Will WKHproposed action remove existing naturalbarriersthat could act asa noisebarrieror screen? Yes  No Describe: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ n.W thill prope osactioed havn eoutd lighoor ting? Yes  No If yes: i.Describe source(s), location(s), height of fixture(s), direction/aim, and proximity to nearest occupied structures: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Will proposed action remove existing natural barriers that could act as a light barrier or screen? Yes  No Describe: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ o.Does the proposed action have the potential to produce odors for more than one hour per day? Yes  No If Yes, describe possible sources, potential frequency and duration of odor emissions, and proximity to nearest occupied structures: ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ p. Yes  No Will theproposed action include any bulkstorageof petroleum (FRPELQHGFDSDFLW\RIover1,100gallons) or chemical productsJDOORQVLQDERYHJURXQGVWRUDJHRUDQ\DPRXQWLQXQGHUJURXQGVWRUDJH? If Yes: LProduct(s) to be stored ______________________________________________________________________________________ LLVolume(s)______ perunit time ___________ (e.g., month, year) LLLGenerally describe WKHproposed storagefacilities________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ q.Will the proposed action (commercial, industrial and recreational projects only) use pesticides (i.e., herbicides, Yes  No insecticides) during construction or operation? If Yes: i.Describe proposed treatment(s): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Will the proposed action use Integrated Pest Management Practices? Yes  No r.Will the proposed action (commercial or industrial projects only) involve or require the management or disposal  Yes  No of solid waste (excluding hazardous materials)? If Yes: i.Describe any solid waste(s) to be generated during construction or operation of the facility: x Construction: ____________________ tons per ________________ (unit of time) x Operation : ____________________ tons per ________________ (unit of time) ii.Describe any proposals for on-site minimization, recycling or reuse of materials to avoid disposal as solid waste: x Construction: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ x Operation: __________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Proposed disposal methods/facilities for solid waste generated on-site: x Construction: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ x Operation: __________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 69 Page 9 of 13 s. Does the proposed action include construction or modification of a solid waste management facility? Yes  No If Yes: i.Type of management or handling of waste proposed for the site (e.g., recycling or transfer station, composting, landfill, or other disposal activities): ___________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Anticipated rate of disposal/processing: x ________ Tons/month, if transfer or other non-combustion/thermal treatment, or x ________ Tons/hour, if combustion or thermal treatment iii.If landfill, anticipated site life: ________________________________ years t.Will WKHproposed action at thesite involve the commercial generation, treatment,storage,or disposal of hazardous  Yes  No waste? If Yes: i.Name(s) of all hazardous wastes or constituents to be generated, handled or managed at facility: ___________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Generally describe processes or activities involving hazardous wastes or constituents: ___________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii. Specify amount to be handled or generated _____ tons/month iv.Describe any proposals for on-site minimization, recycling or reuse of hazardous constituents: ____________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ v.Will any hazardous wastes be disposed at an existing offsite hazardous waste facility? Yes  No If Yes: provide name and location of facility: _______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If No: describe proposed management of any hazardous wastes which will not be sent to a hazardous waste facility: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E. Site and Setting of Proposed Action E.1. Land uses on and surrounding the project site a.Existing land uses. i.Check all uses that occur on, adjoining and near the project site.  Urban  Industrial  Commercial  Residential (suburban)  Rural (non-farm)  Forest  Agriculture  Aquatic  Other (specify): ____________________________________ ii.If mix of uses, generally describe: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b.Land uses and covertypes on the project site. Land use or Covertype Current Acreage Acreage After Project Completion Change (Acres +/-) x Roads, buildings, and other paved or impervious surfaces x Forested x Meadows, grasslands or brushlands (non- agricultural, including abandoned agricultural) x Agricultural (includes active orchards, field, greenhouse etc.) x Surface water features (lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, etc.) x Wetlands (freshwater or tidal) x Non-vegetated (bare rock, earth or fill) x Other Describe: _______________________________ ________________________________________ 70 Page 10 of 13 c.Is the project site presently used by members of the community for public recreation? Yes  No i.If Yes: explain: __________________________________________________________________________________________ d.Are there any facilities serving children, the elderly, people with disabilities (e.g., schools, hospitals, licensed  Yes  No day care centers, or group homes) within 1500 feet of the project site? If Yes, i.Identify Facilities: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ e. Does the project site contain an existing dam? Yes  No If Yes: i.Dimensions of the dam and impoundment: x Dam height: _________________________________ feet x Dam length: _________________________________ feet x Surface area: _________________________________ acres x Volume impounded: _______________________________ gallons OR acre-feet ii.Dam=s existing hazard classification: _________________________________________________________________________ iii.Provide date and summarize results of last inspection: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ f.Has the project site ever been used as a municipal, commercial or industrial solid waste management facility, Yes  No or does the project site adjoin property which is now, or was at one time, used as a solid waste management facility? If Yes: i. Has the facility been formally closed? Yes  No x If yes, cite sources/documentation: _______________________________________________________________________ ii.Describe the location of the project site relative to the boundaries of the solid waste management facility: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Describe any development constraints due to the prior solid waste activities: __________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ g.Have hazardous wastes been generated, treated and/or disposed of at the site, or does the project site adjoin  Yes  No property which is now or was at one time used to commercially treat, store and/or dispose of hazardous waste? If Yes: i.Describe waste(s) handled and waste management activities, including approximate time when activities occurred: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ h. Potential contamination history. Has there been a reported spill at the proposed project site, or have any  Yes  No remedial actions been conducted at or adjacent to the proposed site? If Yes: i.Is any portion of the site listed on the NYSDEC Spills Incidents database or Environmental Site  Yes  No Remediation database? Check all that apply:  Yes – Spills Incidents database Provide DEC ID number(s): ________________________________  Yes – Environmental Site Remediation database Provide DEC ID number(s): ________________________________  Neither database ii.If site has been subject of RCRA corrective activities, describe control measures:_______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Is the project within 2000 feet of any site in the NYSDEC Environmental Site Remediation database? Yes  No If yes, provide DEC ID number(s): ______________________________________________________________________________ iv.If yes to (i), (ii) or (iii) above, describe current status of site(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 71 Page 11 of 13 v.Is the project site subject to an institutional control limiting property uses? Yes  No x If yes, DEC site ID number: ____________________________________________________________________________ x Describe the type of institutional control (e.g., deed restriction or easement): ____________________________________ x Describe any use limitations: ___________________________________________________________________________ x Describe any engineering controls: _______________________________________________________________________ x Will the project affect the institutional or engineering controls in place? Yes  No x Explain: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ E.2. Natural Resources On or Near Project Site a.What is the average depth to bedrock on the project site? ________________ feet b. Are there bedrock outcroppings on the project site? Yes  No If Yes, what proportion of the site is comprised of bedrock outcroppings? __________________% c.Predominant soil type(s) present on project site: ___________________________ __________% ___________________________ __________% ____________________________ __________% d.What is the average depth to the water table on the project site? Average: _________ feet e. Drainage status of project site soils:  Well Drained: _____%of Vite  Moderately Well Drained: _____% of site  Poorly Drained _____%of Vite f.Approximate proportion of proposed action site with slopes:  0-10%: _____% of site  10-15%: _____% of site  15% or greater: _____% of site g.Are there any unique geologic features on the project site? Yes  No If Yes, describe: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ h.Surface water features. i.Does any portion of the project site contain wetlands or other waterbodies (including streams, rivers, Yes  No ponds or lakes)? ii.Do any wetlands or other waterbodies adjoin the project site? Yes  No If Yes to either i or ii, continue. If No, skip to E.2.i. iii.Are any of the wetlands or waterbodies within or adjoining the project site regulated by any federal, Yes  No state or local agency? iv.For each identified UHJXODWHGwetland and waterbody on theproject site, providethefollowing information x Streams:Name ____________________________________________ Classification _______________________ ‡Lakesor Ponds: Name ____________________________________________ Classification_______________________t Wetlands:Name ____________________________________________ Approximate Size ___________________ ‡Wetland No. (if regulatedbyDEC) _____________________________ v.Are any of the above water bodies listed in the most recent compilation of NYS water quality-impaired  Yes  No waterbodies? If yes, name of impaired water body/bodies and basis for listing as impaired: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ i. Is theproject site in adesignatedFloodway? Yes  No j.Is theproject site in the100year Floodplain? Yes  No k.Is theproject site in the500year Floodplain? Yes  No l. Is the project site located over, or immediately adjoining, a primary, principal or sole source aquifer? Yes  No If Yes: i.Name of aquifer: _________________________________________________________________________________________ 72 Page 12 of 13 m. Identify the predominant wildlife species that occupy or use the project site: ______________________________ ______________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________ n.Does the project site contain a designated significant natural community? Yes  No If Yes: i.Describe the habitat/community (composition, function, and basis for designation): _____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Source(s) of description or evaluation: ________________________________________________________________________ iii.Extent of community/habitat: x Currently: ______________________ acres x Following completion of project as proposed: _____________________ acres x Gain or loss (indicate + or -): ______________________ acres o.Does project site contain any species of plant or animal that is listed by the federal government or NYS as  Yes  No endangered or threatened, or does it contain any areas identified as habitat for an endangered or threatened species? p. Does the project site contain any species of plant or animal that is listed by NYS as rare, or as a species of  Yes  No special concern? q.Is the project site or adjoining area currently used for hunting, trapping, fishing or shell fishing? Yes  No If yes, give a brief description of how the proposed action may affect that use: ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E.3. Designated Public Resources On or Near Project Site a. Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in a designated agricultural district certified pursuant to  Yes  No Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 25-AA, Section 303 and 304? If Yes, provide county plus district name/number: _________________________________________________________________ b.Are agricultural lands consisting of highly productive soils present? Yes  No i.If Yes: acreage(s) on project site? ___________________________________________________________________________ ii.Source(s) of soil rating(s): _________________________________________________________________________________ c. Does the project site contain all or part of, or is it substantially contiguous to, a registered National  Yes  No Natural Landmark? If Yes: i.Nature of the natural landmark:  Biological Community  Geological Feature ii.Provide brief description of landmark, including values behind designation and approximate size/extent: ___________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ d.Is the project site located in or does it adjoin a state listed Critical Environmental Area? Yes  No If Yes: i.CEA name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Basis for designation: _____________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Designating agency and date: ______________________________________________________________________________ ,I<HV L6SHFLHVDQGOLVWLQJ HQGDQJHUHGRUWKUHDWHQHG BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ,I<HV L6SHFLHVDQGOLVWLQJBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 73 Page 13 of 13 e. Does the project site contain, or is it substantially contiguous to, a building, archaeological site, or district  Yes  No whichis listedonWKH1DWLRQDORU6WDWH5HJLVWHUofHistoricPODFHVRUWKDWKDVEHHQ GHWHUPLQHGE\WKH&RPPLVVLRQHURIWKH1<6 2IILFHRI3DUNV5HFUHDWLRQDQG+LVWRULF3UHVHUYDWLRQWREHHOLJLEOHIRUOLVWLQJRQWKH6WDWH5HJLVWHU of Historic Places? If Yes: i.Nature of historic/archaeological resource:  Archaeological Site  Historic Building or District ii.Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Brief description of attributes on which listing is based: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ f.Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in or adjacent to an area designated as sensitive for  Yes  No archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory? g.Have additional archaeological or historic site(s) or resources been identified on the project site? Yes  No If Yes: i.Describe possible resource(s): _______________________________________________________________________________ ii.Basis for identification: ___________________________________________________________________________________ h. Yes  No ,Vtheproject site ZLWKLQILYHVPLOHVRI anyofficially designated and publicly accessible federal, state,or local scenicor aesthetic resource? If Yes: i.Identify resource: _________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Nature of, or basis for, designation (e.g., established highway overlook, state or local park, state historic trail or scenic byway, etc.): ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Distance between project and resource: _____________________ miles. i. Is the project site located within a designated river corridor under the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers  Yes  No Program 6 NYCRR 666? If Yes: i.Identify the name of the river and its designation: ________________________________________________________________ ii.Is the activity consistent with development restrictions contained in 6NYCRR Part 666? Yes  No F. Additional Information Attach anyadditional informationwhich may beneeded toclarify yourproject. If you have identified any adverse impacts which couldbe associatedwithyourproposal,pleasedescribe those impacts plus any measureswhich youproposeto avoid or minimize them. G. Verification I certify that the information provided is true to the best ofmy knowledge. Applicant/Sponsor Name ___________________________________ Date_______________________________________ Signature________________________________________________ Title Deputy Director of Planning & Development City of Ithaca 10/30/2025 PRINT FORM 74 Page 1 of 10 Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 2 - Identification of Potential Project Impacts Part 2 is to be completed by the lead agency. Part 2 is designed to help the lead agency inventory all potential resources that could be affected by a proposed project or action. We recognize that the lead agency=s reviewer(s) will not necessarily be environmental professionals. So, the questions are designed to walk a reviewer through the assessment process by providing a series of questions that can be answered using the information found in Part 1. To further assist the lead agency in completing Part 2, the form identifies the most relevant questions in Part 1 that will provide the information needed to answer the Part 2 question. When Part 2 is completed, the lead agency will have identified the relevant environmental areas that may be impacted by the proposed activity. If the lead agency is a state agency and the action is in any Coastal Area, complete the Coastal Assessment Form before proceeding with this assessment. Tips for completing Part 2: •Review all of the information provided in Part 1. •Review any application, maps, supporting materials and the Full EAF Workbook. •Answer each of the 18 questions in Part 2. •If you answer “Yes” to a numbered question, please complete all the questions that follow in that section. •If you answer “No” to a numbered question, move on to the next numbered question. •Check appropriate column to indicate the anticipated size of the impact. •Proposed projects that would exceed a numeric threshold contained in a question should result in the reviewing agency checking the box “Moderate to large impact may occur.” •The reviewer is not expected to be an expert in environmental analysis. •If you are not sure or undecided about the size of an impact, it may help to review the sub-questions for the general question and consult the workbook. •When answering a question consider all components of the proposed activity, that is, the Awhole action@. •Consider the possibility for long-term and cumulative impacts as well as direct impacts. •Answer the question in a reasonable manner considering the scale and context of the project. 1.Impact on Land Proposed action may involve construction on, or physical alteration of,† NO † YES the land surface of the proposed site. (See Part 1. D.1) If “Yes”, answer questions a - j. If “No”, move on to Section 2. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may involve construction on land where depth to water table is less than 3 feet.E2d 9 9 b.The proposed action may involve construction on slopes of 15% or greater.E2f 9 9 c. The proposed action may involve construction on land where bedrock is exposed, or generally within 5 feet of existing ground surface. E2a 9 9 d.The proposed action may involve the excavation and removal of more than 1,000 tons of natural material. D2a 9 9 e. The proposed action may involve construction that continues for more than one year or in multiple phases. D1e 9 9 f. The proposed action may result in increased erosion, whether from physical disturbance or vegetation removal (including from treatment by herbicides). D2e, D2q 9 9 g.The proposed action is, or may be, located within a Coastal Erosion hazard area.B1i 9 9 h.Other impacts: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 Agency Use Only [If applicable] Project : Date : FEAF 2019 75 Page 2 of 10 2.Impact on Geological Features The proposed action may result in the modification or destruction of, or inhibit access to, any unique or unusual land forms on the site (e.g., cliffs, dunes, † NO † YES minerals, fossils, caves). (See Part 1. E.2.g) If “Yes”, answer questions a - c. If “No”, move on to Section 3. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a.Identify the specific land form(s) attached: ________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ E2g 9 9 b.The proposed action may affect or is adjacent to a geological feature listed as a registered National Natural Landmark. Specific feature: _____________________________________________________ E3c 9 9 c.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 3.Impacts on Surface Water The proposed action may affect one or more wetlands or other surface water † NO † YES bodies (e.g., streams, rivers, ponds or lakes). (See Part 1. D.2, E.2.h) If “Yes”, answer questions a - l. If “No”, move on to Section 4. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may create a new water body.D2b, D1h 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in an increase or decrease of over 10% or more than a 10 acre increase or decrease in the surface area of any body of water. D2b 9 9 c.The proposed action may involve dredging more than 100 cubic yards of material from a wetland or water body. D2a 9 9 d.The proposed action may involve construction within or adjoining a freshwater or tidal wetland, or in the bed or banks of any other water body. E2h 9 9 e. The proposed action may create turbidity in a waterbody, either from upland erosion, runoff or by disturbing bottom sediments. D2a, D2h 9 9 f.The proposed action may include construction of one or more intake(s) for withdrawal of water from surface water. D2c 9 9 g.The proposed action may include construction of one or more outfall(s) for discharge of wastewater to surface water(s). D2d 9 9 h.The proposed action may cause soil erosion, or otherwise create a source of stormwater discharge that may lead to siltation or other degradation of receiving water bodies. D2e 9 9 i.The proposed action may affect the water quality of any water bodies within or downstream of the site of the proposed action. E2h 9 9 j.The proposed action may involve the application of pesticides or herbicides in or around any water body. D2q, E2h 9 9 k.The proposed action may require the construction of new, or expansion of existing, wastewater treatment facilities. D1a, D2d 9 9 76 Page 3 of 10 l.Other impacts: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 4.Impact on groundwater The proposed action may result in new or additional use of ground water, or † NO † YES may have the potential to introduce contaminants to ground water or an aquifer. (See Part 1. D.2.a, D.2.c, D.2.d, D.2.p, D.2.q, D.2.t) If “Yes”, answer questions a - h. If “No”, move on to Section 5. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may require new water supply wells, or create additional demand on supplies from existing water supply wells. D2c 9 9 b.Water supply demand from the proposed action may exceed safe and sustainable withdrawal capacity rate of the local supply or aquifer. Cite Source: ________________________________________________________ D2c 9 9 c. The proposed action may allow or result in residential uses in areas without water and sewer services. D1a, D2c 9 9 d.The proposed action may include or require wastewater discharged to groundwater.D2d, E2l 9 9 e. The proposed action may result in the construction of water supply wells in locations where groundwater is, or is suspected to be, contaminated. D2c, E1f, E1g, E1h 9 9 f. The proposed action may require the bulk storage of petroleum or chemical products over ground water or an aquifer. D2p, E2l 9 9 g.The proposed action may involve the commercial application of pesticides within 100 feet of potable drinking water or irrigation sources. E2h, D2q, E2l, D2c 9 9 h. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 5.Impact on Flooding The proposed action may result in development on lands subject to flooding.† NO † YES (See Part 1. E.2) If “Yes”, answer questions a - g. If “No”, move on to Section 6. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may result in development in a designated floodway.E2i 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in development within a 100 year floodplain.E2j 9 9 c.The proposed action may result in development within a 500 year floodplain.E2k 9 9 d.The proposed action may result in, or require, modification of existing drainage patterns. D2b, D2e 9 9 e. The proposed action may change flood water flows that contribute to flooding.D2b, E2i, E2j, E2k 9 9 f.If there is a dam located on the site of the proposed action, is the dam in need of repair, or upgrade? E1e 9 9 77 Page 4 of 10 g.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 6.Impacts on Air † NO † YES The proposed action may include a state regulated air emission source. (See Part 1. D.2.f., D.2.h, D.2.g) If “Yes”, answer questions a - f. If “No”, move on to Section 7. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. If the proposed action requires federal or state air emission permits, the action may also emit one or more greenhouse gases at or above the following levels: i. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide (CO2) ii.More than 3.5 tons/year of nitrous oxide (N2O) iii. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon equivalent of perfluorocarbons (PFCs) iv.More than .045 tons/year of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) v. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide equivalent of hydrochloroflourocarbons (HFCs) emissions vi.43 tons/year or more of methane D2g D2g D2g D2g D2g D2h 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 b.The proposed action may generate 10 tons/year or more of any one designated hazardous air pollutant, or 25 tons/year or more of any combination of such hazardous air pollutants. D2g 9 9 c. The proposed action may require a state air registration, or may produce an emissions rate of total contaminants that may exceed 5 lbs. per hour, or may include a heat source capable of producing more than 10 million BTU=s per hour. D2f, D2g 9 9 d.The proposed action may reach 50% of any of the thresholds in “a” through “c”, above. D2g 9 9 e. The proposed action may result in the combustion or thermal treatment of more than 1 ton of refuse per hour. D2s 9 9 f.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 7.Impact on Plants and Animals The proposed action may result in a loss of flora or fauna. (See Part 1. E.2. m.-q.)† NO † YES If “Yes”, answer questions a - j. If “No”, move on to Section 8. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a.The proposed action may cause reduction in population or loss of individuals of any threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. E2o 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by any rare, threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the federal government. E2o 9 9 c. The proposed action may cause reduction in population, or loss of individuals, of any species of special concern or conservation need, as listed by New York State or the Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. E2p 9 9 d.The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by any species of special concern and conservation need, as listed by New York State or the Federal government. E2p 9 9 78 Page 5 of 10 e. The proposed action may diminish the capacity of a registered National Natural Landmark to support the biological community it was established to protect. E3c 9 9 f. The proposed action may result in the removal of, or ground disturbance in, any portion of a designated significant natural community. Source: ____________________________________________________________ E2n 9 9 g.The proposed action may substantially interfere with nesting/breeding, foraging, or over-wintering habitat for the predominant species that occupy or use the project site.E2m 9 9 h.The proposed action requires the conversion of more than 10 acres of forest, grassland or any other regionally or locally important habitat. Habitat type & information source: ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ E1b 9 9 i.Proposed action (commercial, industrial or recreational projects, only) involves use of herbicides or pesticides. D2q 9 9 j.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 8.Impact on Agricultural Resources The proposed action may impact agricultural resources. (See Part 1. E.3.a. and b.)† NO † YES If “Yes”, answer questions a - h. If “No”, move on to Section 9. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a.The proposed action may impact soil classified within soil group 1 through 4 of the NYS Land Classification System. E2c, E3b 9 9 b.The proposed action may sever, cross or otherwise limit access to agricultural land (includes cropland, hayfields, pasture, vineyard, orchard, etc). E1a, Elb 9 9 c. The proposed action may result in the excavation or compaction of the soil profile of active agricultural land. E3b 9 9 d.The proposed action may irreversibly convert agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, either more than 2.5 acres if located in an Agricultural District, or more than 10 acres if not within an Agricultural District. E1b, E3a 9 9 e.The proposed action may disrupt or prevent installation of an agricultural land management system. El a, E1b 9 9 f. The proposed action may result, directly or indirectly, in increased development potential or pressure on farmland. C2c, C3, D2c, D2d 9 9 g.The proposed project is not consistent with the adopted municipal Farmland Protection Plan. C2c 9 9 h.Other impacts: ________________________________________________________9 9 79 Page 6 of 10 9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources The land use of the proposed action are obviously different from, or are in † NO † YES sharp contrast to, current land use patterns between the proposed project and a scenic or aesthetic resource. (Part 1. E.1.a, E.1.b, E.3.h.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - g. If “No”, go to Section 10. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. Proposed action may be visible from any officially designated federal, state, or local scenic or aesthetic resource. E3h 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in the obstruction, elimination or significant screening of one or more officially designated scenic views. E3h, C2b 9 9 c. The proposed action may be visible from publicly accessible vantage points: i.Seasonally (e.g., screened by summer foliage, but visible during other seasons) ii.Year round E3h 9 9 9 9 d.The situation or activity in which viewers are engaged while viewing the proposed action is: i. Routine travel by residents, including travel to and from work ii. Recreational or tourism based activities E3h E2q, E1c 9 9 9 9 e. The proposed action may cause a diminishment of the public enjoyment and appreciation of the designated aesthetic resource. E3h 9 9 f. There are similar projects visible within the following distance of the proposed project: 0-1/2 mile ½ -3 mile 3-5 mile 5+ mile D1a, E1a, D1f, D1g 9 9 g.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 10. Impact on Historic and Archeological Resources The proposed action may occur in or adjacent to a historic or archaeological † NO † YES resource. (Part 1. E.3.e, f. and g.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - e. If “No”, go to Section 11. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur E3e 9 9 b.The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory. E3f 9 9 c. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, an archaeological site not included on the NY SHPO inventory. Source: ____________________________________________________________ E3g 9 9 a.The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, any buildings, archaeological site or district which is listed on the National or State Register of Historical Places, or that has been determined by the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places. 80 Page 7 of 10 d.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 e.If any of the above (a-d) are answered “Moderate to large impact may occur”, continue with the following questions to help support conclusions in Part 3: i.The proposed action may result in the destruction or alteration of all or part of the site or property. ii.The proposed action may result in the alteration of the property’s setting or integrity. iii.The proposed action may result in the introduction of visual elements which are out of character with the site or property, or may alter its setting. E3e, E3g, E3f E3e, E3f, E3g, E1a, E1b E3e, E3f, E3g, E3h, C2, C3 9 9 9 9 9 9 11. Impact on Open Space and Recreation The proposed action may result in a loss of recreational opportunities or a † NO † YES reduction of an open space resource as designated in any adopted municipal open space plan. (See Part 1. C.2.c, E.1.c., E.2.q.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - e. If “No”, go to Section 12. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may result in an impairment of natural functions, or “ecosystem services”, provided by an undeveloped area, including but not limited to stormwater storage, nutrient cycling, wildlife habitat. D2e, E1b E2h, E2m, E2o, E2n, E2p 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in the loss of a current or future recreational resource.C2a, E1c, C2c, E2q 9 9 c. The proposed action may eliminate open space or recreational resource in an area with few such resources. C2a, C2c E1c, E2q 9 9 d.The proposed action may result in loss of an area now used informally by the community as an open space resource. C2c, E1c 9 9 e. Other impacts: _____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ 9 9 12. Impact on Critical Environmental Areas The proposed action may be located within or adjacent to a critical † NO † YES environmental area (CEA). (See Part 1. E.3.d) If “Yes”, answer questions a - c. If “No”, go to Section 13. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a.The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quantity of the resource or characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA. E3d 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quality of the resource or characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA. E3d 9 9 c.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 81 Page 8 of 10 13. Impact on Transportation The proposed action may result in a change to existing transportation systems.† NO † YES (See Part 1. D.2.j) If “Yes”, answer questions a - f. If “No”, go to Section 14. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. Projected traffic increase may exceed capacity of existing road network.D2j 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in the construction of paved parking area for 500 or more vehicles. D2j 9 9 c. The proposed action will degrade existing transit access.D2j 9 9 d.The proposed action will degrade existing pedestrian or bicycle accommodations.D2j 9 9 e.The proposed action may alter the present pattern of movement of people or goods.D2j 9 9 f.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 14. Impact on Energy The proposed action may cause an increase in the use of any form of energy.† NO † YES (See Part 1. D.2.k) If “Yes”, answer questions a - e. If “No”, go to Section 15. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action will require a new, or an upgrade to an existing, substation.D2k 9 9 b.The proposed action will require the creation or extension of an energy transmission or supply system to serve more than 50 single or two-family residences or to serve a commercial or industrial use. D1f, D1q, D2k 9 9 c. The proposed action may utilize more than 2,500 MWhrs per year of electricity.D2k 9 9 d.The proposed action may involve heating and/or cooling of more than 100,000 square feet of building area when completed. D1g 9 9 e.Other Impacts: ________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 15. Impact on Noise, Odor, and Light The proposed action may result in an increase in noise, odors, or outdoor lighting. † NO † YES (See Part 1. D.2.m., n., and o.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - f. If “No”, go to Section 16. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may produce sound above noise levels established by local regulation. D2m 9 9 b.The proposed action may result in blasting within 1,500 feet of any residence, hospital, school, licensed day care center, or nursing home. D2m, E1d 9 9 c. The proposed action may result in routine odors for more than one hour per day.D2o 9 9 82 Page 9 of 10 d.The proposed action may result in light shining onto adjoining properties.D2n 9 9 e.The proposed action may result in lighting creating sky-glow brighter than existing area conditions. D2n, E1a 9 9 f.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 16. Impact on Human Health The proposed action may have an impact on human health from exposure † NO † YES to new or existing sources of contaminants. (See Part 1.D.2.q., E.1. d. f. g. and h.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - m. If “No”, go to Section 17. Relevant Part I Question(s) No,or small impact may cccur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action is located within 1500 feet of a school, hospital, licensed day care center, group home, nursing home or retirement community. E1d 9 9 b.The site of the proposed action is currently undergoing remediation.E1g, E1h 9 9 c.There is a completed emergency spill remediation, or a completed environmental site remediation on, or adjacent to, the site of the proposed action. E1g, E1h 9 9 d.The site of the action is subject to an institutional control limiting the use of the property (e.g., easement or deed restriction). E1g, E1h 9 9 e. The proposed action may affect institutional control measures that were put in place to ensure that the site remains protective of the environment and human health. E1g, E1h 9 9 f. The proposed action has adequate control measures in place to ensure that future generation, treatment and/or disposal of hazardous wastes will be protective of the environment and human health. D2t 9 9 g.The proposed action involves construction or modification of a solid waste management facility. D2q, E1f 9 9 h.The proposed action may result in the unearthing of solid or hazardous waste.D2q, E1f 9 9 i.The proposed action may result in an increase in the rate of disposal, or processing, of solid waste. D2r, D2s 9 9 j.The proposed action may result in excavation or other disturbance within 2000 feet of a site used for the disposal of solid or hazardous waste. E1f, E1g E1h 9 9 k.The proposed action may result in the migration of explosive gases from a landfill site to adjacent off site structures. E1f, E1g 9 9 l. The proposed action may result in the release of contaminated leachate from the project site. D2s, E1f, D2r 9 9 m. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 83 Page 10 of 10 17. Consistency with Community Plans The proposed action is not consistent with adopted land use plans. † NO † YES (See Part 1. C.1, C.2. and C.3.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - h. If “No”, go to Section 18. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action’s land use components may be different from, or in sharp contrast to, current surrounding land use pattern(s). C2, C3, D1a E1a, E1b 9 9 b. The proposed action will cause the permanent population of the city, town or village in which the project is located to grow by more than 5%. C2 9 9 c. The proposed action is inconsistent with local land use plans or zoning regulations. C2, C2, C3 9 9 d. The proposed action is inconsistent with any County plans, or other regional land use plans. C2, C2 9 9 e. The proposed action may cause a change in the density of development that is not supported by existing infrastructure or is distant from existing infrastructure. C3, D1c, D1d, D1f, D1d, Elb 9 9 f. The proposed action is located in an area characterized by low density development that will require new or expanded public infrastructure. C4, D2c, D2d D2j 9 9 g. The proposed action may induce secondary development impacts (e.g., residential or commercial development not included in the proposed action) C2a 9 9 h. Other: _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 18. Consistency with Community Character The proposed project is inconsistent with the existing community character. † NO † YES (See Part 1. C.2, C.3, D.2, E.3) If “Yes”, answer questions a - g. If “No”, proceed to Part 3. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may replace or eliminate existing facilities, structures, or areas of historic importance to the community. E3e, E3f, E3g 9 9 b. The proposed action may create a demand for additional community services (e.g. schools, police and fire) C4 9 9 c. The proposed action may displace affordable or low-income housing in an area where there is a shortage of such housing. C2, C3, D1f D1g, E1a 9 9 d. The proposed action may interfere with the use or enjoyment of officially recognized or designated public resources. C2, E3 9 9 e. The proposed action is inconsistent with the predominant architectural scale and character. C2, C3 9 9 f. Proposed action is inconsistent with the character of the existing natural landscape. C2, C3 E1a, E1b E2g, E2h 9 9 g. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 84 Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 3 - Evaluation of the Magnitude and Importance of Project Impacts and Determination of Significance Part 3 provides the reasons in support of the determination of significance. The lead agency must complete Part 3 for every question in Part 2 where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse environmental impact. Based on the analysis in Part 3, the lead agency must decide whether to require an environmental impact statement to further assess the proposed action or whether available information is sufficient for the lead agency to conclude that the proposed action will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. By completing the certification on the next page, the lead agency can complete its determination of significance. Reasons Supporting This Determination: To complete this section: x Identify the impact based on the Part 2 responses and describe its magnitude. Magnitude considers factors such as severity, size or extent of an impact. x Assess the importance of the impact. Importance relates to the geographic scope, duration, probability of the impact occurring, number of people affected by the impact and any additional environmental consequences if the impact were to occur. x The assessment should take into consideration any design element or project changes. x Repeat this process for each Part 2 question where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse environmental impact. x Provide the reason(s) why the impact may, or will not, result in a significant adverse environmental impact x For Conditional Negative Declarations identify the specific condition(s) imposed that will modify the proposed action so that no significant adverse environmental impacts will result. x Attach additional sheets, as needed. Determination of Significance - Type 1 and Unlisted Actions SEQR Status: † Type 1 † Unlisted Identify portions of EAF completed for this Project: † Part 1 † Part 2 † Part 3 "HFODZ6TF0OMZ<*G"QQMJDBCMF> 1SPKFDU %BUF FEAF 2019 ✔ ✔✔✔ TheactionistheadoptionoftheGreaterSouthsideFormDistrictstoimplementtheGreaterSouthsideNeighborhoodPlan,adoptedbytheCityofIthaca CommonCouncilinApril2019aspartofPhase2ofthecomprehensiveplan.Thenewdistrictswerecreatedtoreflectthecurrentbuiltenvironmentand desiredlandusesoftheGreaterSouthsideNeighborhood.Theseproposedregulationswithinthesedistrictsweredrawnfromextensiveanalysisofthe builtenvironment,ensuringtheyareconsistentwithexistingcommunitycharacter,PlanIthaca,andtheneighborhoodplan. TheareaproposedforrezoningincludeshistoricSouthside,SouthoftheCreek,andaportionoftheS.MeadowStreetcorridor.Italsoincludesallofthe HenrySt.Johnlocalhistoricdistrictaswellaslocallydesignatedindividuallandmarks.Zoningrequirementsintheseareasmorecloselyalignwithexisting builtenvironment.Zoningchangeswillhaveapositiveimpactonhistoricresources.Additionally,manypropertiesinthestudyareaarewithinthe100year and500yearfloodplain.Toensuredevelopmentthataccommodatesfloodplainrequirements,buildingheightintheproposeddistrictsismeasuredonly instories,ratherthanfeet.Theproposeddistrictsmayhavesomeinfluenceinfuturedevelopmentofthearea.Thesedevelopmentsaresubjecttotheir ownenvironmentalreviewthatwillbenolessprotectiveoftheenvironment. SouthsideFormDistricts 10/30/2025 85 Upon review of the information recorded on this EAF, as noted, plus this additional support information and considering both the magnitude and importance of each identified potential impact, it is the conclusion of the as lead agency that: † A. This project will result in no significant adverse impacts on the environment, and, therefore, an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. Accordingly, this negative declaration is issued. † B. Although this project could have a significant adverse impact on the environment, that impact will be avoided or substantially mitigated because of the following conditions which will be required by the lead agency: There will, therefore,beno significant adverse impacts fromthe project as conditioned,and, therefore, thisconditioned negative declaration is issued. A conditionednegative declarationmay be usedonly forUNLISTED actions(see 6NYCRR 617. d) . †C. This Project may result in one or more significant adverse impacts on theenvironment, and an environmental impact statement mustbeprepared to further assessthe impact(s) and possible mitigation and toexplore alternatives to avoidor reduce those impacts. Accordingly, this positive declaration is issued. Name of Action: Name of Lead Agency: Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Title of Responsible Officer: Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Date: Signature of Preparer (if different from Responsible Officer) Date: For Further Information: Contact Person: Address: Telephone Number: E-mail: For Type 1 Actions and Conditioned Negative Declarations, a copy of this Notice is sent to: Chief Executive Officer of the political subdivision in which the action will be principally located (e.g., Town / City / Village of) Other involved agencies (if any) Applicant (if any) Environmental Notice Bulletin: http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/enb.html 1BHFPG AdoptionoftheGreaterSouthsideFormDistricts CityofIthacaCommonCouncil Robert G.Cantelmo Mayor 10/30/2025 MeganWilson 108 E. Green Street 607-274-6550 mwilson@cityofithaca.org CityofIthacaCommonCouncil PRINT FULL FORM 86 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Christine Ibert, TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Nikki Cerra DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:An Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter 276 "Site Plan Review" ITEM #:3.5 MEMORANDUM City staff is recommending changes to the site plan review ordinance to improve efficiency, enhance and simplify language, and increase thresholds for staff review of site plans. ATTACHMENTS: 11-19-25 SPR Ordinance Amendments CC Packet 111325.pdf Site Plan Review- LOR.pdf 87 M E M O R A N D U M Date: November 13, 2025 To: Common Council From: Nikki Cerra, Environmental & Landscape Planner RE: Proposed Amendments to Chapter 276 of the City Code, Site Plan Review EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Planning Staff has submitted proposed changes to the Site Plan Review ordinance for your consideration. Chapter 276 of the City Code, Site Plan Review, dictates how and by whom development projects are reviewed. Most development in the City requires site plan approval, either by the Planning & Development Board, or, depending on size, by planning staff. The ordinance lays out the process and criteria for the review with the goal of improving the design, function, aesthetics and safety of projects, preserving and enhancing neighborhood character, and ensuring that projects balance the needs of the developer with other community goals. The staff is recommending the proposed changes to improve the efficiency of the review, clarify language, and facilitate the development of middle housing types, that will increase the diversity of housing stock in Ithaca. The broad stroke changes include clearer and more current language and the rearrangement of sections. The most impactful proposed change is raising the threshold for Limited Site Plan Review (staff review) from two- family dwellings to multiple dwellings and mixed-use developments up to 14 residential units. Limited Site Plan Review is done on a rolling basis and is usually completed in days or weeks, rather than the months involved in full site plan review before the Planning Board. This change would preserve full review on larger projects while easing the administrative burden on owners and developers of small properties. The proposed amendments are an Unlisted action under the City’s Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) has been prepared. The draft ordinance and SEAF are attached for your review. If you have any questions, please contact me at ncerra@cityofithaca.org. PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS The Planning and Development Board and staff refer to the Site Plan Review Ordinance, Chapter 276, on a regular basis and as such have noted changes that could make site plan review more efficient. Planning staff worked with the City Attorney's Office to develop the proposed amendments now before the Common 88 Council. The Planning and Development Board has also reviewed the amendments and recommends their adoption (please see the attached recommendation). POLICY ALIGNMENT STATEMENT This item advances Council’s legislative policies regarding Housing. Specifically, increasing the upper thresholds for Limited Site Plan Review addresses Council’s strategic goal of adding new housing units, as this will encourage a more diverse range of housing and the missing middle type of housing. QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL Does Council approve the recommended SPR amendments? BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING The costs associated with this project result from staff time, which is already included in the 2025 City budget. No additional funding is needed to prepare the ordinance. PUBLIC FEEDBACK The public hearing was posted and will be held at the Common Council meeting on November 19, 2025. NEXT STEPS If approved, the Planning staff will modify application materials to reflect these changes. As a part of enhancing the efficiency of the Limited Site Plan Reviews, the applications will be integrated into and available on OpenGov. 89 An Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter 276 “Site Plan Review” WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca conducts site plan review to ensure that land development within the City is in the best interests of the City and its residents; and WHEREAS, staff in the Department of Planning and Development have identified inefficiencies and archaic language in the existing Site Plan Review Ordinance; and WHEREAS, staff have worked to identify changes to the ordinance that will improve the efficiency of site plan review and simplify the ordinance language while maintaining and improving the quality of site plan reviews; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendment will help to increase the diversity of housing stock in Ithaca by encouraging the missing middle housing types, which are housing types anywhere between single-family detached homes to mid-rise apartment buildings WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca desires to amend Chapter 276 of the Ithaca City Code for the reasons stated above; now, therefore ORDINANCE 2025-__ BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Amendments to Chapter 276 of the Ithaca City Code The following portions of Chapter 276 of the Ithaca City Code are hereby amended as follows: 1 § 276-2. Definitions. Definitions of specific terms or words as used in this chapter shall conform to the definitions of the same terms in the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 325, § 325-3. In addition to the definitions in Chapter 325, the following terms shall be used in this chapter as they are defined in this section: AFFECTED SITE AREA — Any area (including new and modified gross floor space) that is physically changed as a result of the proposed development. Such changes do not have to be permanent or irreversible for the area to be considered affected. For example, a construction 1 Strikethrough indicates removals. Underlining indicates additions. Ellipses (…) indicate the omitted text remains unaltered. 90 staging area will be considered an affected area if tree damage or significant soil compaction is likely to result. BICYCLE PARKING FACILITY — Includes the bicycle parking spaces, one or more bicycle racks, and, when applicable, the access aisle(s) between groups of bicycle racks. Bike lockers and other secure, enclosed areas that can accommodate bicycle storage may be considered bicycle parking facilities. "Bicycle parking space" refers to a location for which the parking of one bicycle is intended. A "bicycle rack" is an element of the bicycle parking facility that supports one or more bicycles and to which one or more bicycles may be locked. BOARD — The Planning and Development Board, unless otherwise specified. COMMISSIONER The Building Commissioner for the City of Ithaca, New York. DEVELOPMENT — Any land use activity or project which requires a permit from the Building Department and will result in changes to the physical condition, appearance or type of use, or intensity of use, of property. 1. Development projects includes but isare not limited to: a. New construction, reconstruction, modification or expansion of existing structures or site improvements. b. Landfilling, excavation, grading, parking lot construction or any other disturbances to the natural or existing topography or vegetation of the site. c. Demolition of structures or site improvements. d. Any project that requires a building permit under section 146-5 of this Code. 2. A project shall not be considered a development if it is one or a combination of the following: a. Replacement in kind only; b. Interior construction only; or c. Infrastructure maintenance only. DIRECTOR — The Director of Planning and Development for the City of Ithaca, New York or their his/ her designee. EXPANSION — An enlargement of, or addition to, an existing structure or a paved area, including driveways, parking areas and sidewalks. MODIFICATION — Rearrangement of site layout or an exterior alteration to an existing structure (including any changes to a building facade, except replacement in kind). PERFORMANCE GUARANTY — Any security that may be accepted by the City as a guarantee that the improvements required as part of site plan approval will be satisfactorily completed. 91 RECONSTRUCTION — Construction of buildings or site plan improvements following total demolition of a previous development. REPLACEMENT IN KIND — Replacement of materials (for maintenance purposes) which does not have an effect on the appearance of the existing building and site. SITE IMPROVEMENT — Features including but not limited to planting, paving, retaining walls, drainage culverts and swales, fences and gates, lighting, site furniture, fountains, pools, bridges, dams, decks, boardwalks, pergolas, signs and any other accessory structures, devices or landscape materials on the site. SITE PLAN — The development plan showing the existing and proposed conditions, including but not limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, marshes and waterways; open spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs, lighting and screening devices; submitted along with building plans, elevations and building materials; and any other information that may be reasonably required to allow an informed decision to be made by the Board or the Director. STORMWATER POLLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP) — A plan to identify and mitigate stormwater impacts as defined in Chapter 282. § 276-3. Applicability; exceptions. A. General applicability. 1. Site plan review (SPR) applies to all development as defined in this Chapter. new construction and reconstruction of both residential and nonresidential development (except that excluded by § 276-3C), including parking areas of three or more spaces in residential zoning districts. 2. Upon the concurrence direction of the City Manager Director and the Superintendent of Public Works or upon the direction of Common Council, site plan review (SPR) applies to construction of landscape and infrastructure improvements which do not normally require a building permit, but nevertheless have an extensive public use, prominent visibility, or a potentially large environmental impact, such as construction of trails or trailheads; development of, or improvements to, existing parks; construction or reconstruction of bridges; and rebuilding of public or private streets that involve streetscape improvements. B. Projects of limited scope. 1. The Director, or their designee, shall have the authority to review and act on a development proposal if the proposed project meets the description in § 276-3A but is below the thresholds described below. For such projects of limited scope, reviewed by the Director, a public hearing is not required. The Planning and Development Department shall be the lead agency 92 in the environmental review of such projects, except for projects that meet the description in § 276-3A(2), which shall follow environmental review laws or regulations for determination of lead agency. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Ithaca City Code to the contrary, no review by any advisory commission or other advisory body shall be required for projects of limited scope as herein defined. There shall be no requisite review of the environmental assessment forms (EAF) by the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission in these cases. See § 276-5C for situations when projects of limited scope will be referred to the Board for a full review. The upper thresholds for projects of limited scope are: a. Development All new construction and reconstruction of single-lot residential development of a single-family detached or semidetached dwelling or a two-family dwelling, or other multiple dwelling of up to fourteen units. b. Modification and or expansion of residential development involving no more than 4,000 square feet of total affected site area. c. Development of mixed-use development involving up to fourteen residential units. d. New construction, reconstruction, modification or expansion of nonresidential development Nonresidential development in residential zones involving no more than 3,000 square feet of total affected site area. e. Modification and expansion of Nonresidential development in nonresidential zones, involving no more than 10,000 square feet of total affected site area. f. Construction of landscape and infrastructure improvements as described in § 276-3A(2). 2. When an application is received for site plan review under the provisions for projects of limited scope as noted above, the Director shall, within 10 working days of the date of the submission of the complete application, notify the Council members in whose ward the project is to be located. C. Exemption 1. Existing uses and developments which in their present configuration and use are legally authorized as of the date of this legislation shall not be subject to SPR. 2. Exterior modifications to an existing single-lot residential development of a single-family detached or semidetached dwelling, or a two-family dwelling, or other multiple dwelling of up to fourteen units, including additions, porches, facade changes, landscaping, accessory structures other than those permitted for occupancy, and site improvements, excluding the development of parking areas for three or more cars as required under § 325-20. D. City and other government projects. For City and other government projects, the threshold of applicability, the review procedure and the review criteria shall be the same as for all SPR applicants unless the Common Council decides that any particular government project shall be reviewed on an advisory basis only. However, even if a project is subject to advisory review only, no construction shall begin until the Board or the Director has completed the review, 93 including the issuance of any findings and recommendations that the Board or the Director determines to be appropriate. Projects subject to advisory SPR only shall be presented to the Board for advisory review beginning as early as possible, and in any case no later than when the environmental review is started. The Board may or may not be the lead agency of the environmental review of projects subject to advisory SPR only. § 276-4. Other permits and approvals. An approved site plan shall be binding on all further permits and approvals needed for the project. The Board or the Director's decision to approve a site plan does not excuse an applicant from complying with all other permits and approvals that may be needed, including but not limited to street and sidewalk permits, utility permits and tree permits. Permits from Building Division. For projects subject to SPR, a permit from the Building Department Building Division shall be issued only after SPR approval has been granted. In a case where a conditional SPR approval has been given, no certificate of occupancy or completion shall be issued until final SPR approval has been given and all conditions of such final approval have been met. See also § 276-9. A. Variances. 1. Any required variance must be obtained from the Board of Zoning Appeals before the Planning Board will issue preliminary or final site plan approval, or final site plan approval may be conditioned on obtaining a variance or zoning permit. 2. For projects that require both a variance and site plan approval, the Planning Board will act as lead agency in the environmental review for both actions. The Board of Zoning Appeals cannot grant a variance until the Planning Board has completed the environmental review. B. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). All Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans must be approved by the Stormwater Management Officer (SMO) in accordance with § 282 before final site plan approval is granted, or the Board may make approval of the SWPPP a condition for site plan approval. § 276-5. Authorization to review site plans. A. The Planning and Development Board is authorized to conduct SPR according to the procedures described in § 276-6. B. The Director is authorized to conduct SPR of projects of limited scope as defined in § 276-3B. 94 C. In For projects of limited scope, the Director may refer review to the Board, which shall conduct SPR according to the procedures described below in § 276-6, when any of the following conditions arise: 1. There is public controversy concerning the proposed development, as determined by the Board or the Director. 2. The application is referred to the Board by the Director. The Director, in their sole discretion, determines that review by the Board would be in the best interest of the City. 3. The applicant appeals to the Board after decision by the Director is made. § 276-6. Site plan review (SPR) procedures. A. Process initiation. 1. The Director of Planning and Development or his/her their designee shall determine whether SPR is required when an application for a building permit, a demolition permit, or a fill permit is filed. Such determinations may be appealed in accordance with section 276-12.to the Planning and Development Board within 30 days of the written notification that SPR is required. 2. For projects which do not require a building permit, as described in § 276-3A(2), if the City Manager or Common Council determines that SPR shall apply, then the Director shall ensure that the project is submitted to the Board within thirty (30) days of the determination. the Director may request of the Superintendent of Public Works that a project be subject to SPR. If the Superintendent and Director concur, then the project shall be subject to SPR. If they do not agree, the Director may request that Common Council decide if SPR shall apply. The Director shall, in accordance with § 276-5C, determine if the project requires review by the Board. B. The following procedures are required for both full site plan review and projects of limited scope: 1. Sketch plan conference with planning staff, or when appropriate, with the Board as a whole. A preapplication meeting with planning staff, or consultation with the Board, may be required in the sole discretion of the Director. This step may occur before the application for a building permit if it can be reasonably assumed that SPR would be required, in order to inform the applicant of the SPR process and to explain the standards for approval, before substantial time and effort are invested in the preparation of plans. The Director should determine at this stage whether the proposal is a project of limited scope as defined in § 276- 3B. 2. Submission of application materials. 95 a. Applicants must submit a complete site plan review application, including building permit application and fee, or other application materials reasonably required by the Director. all applicable materials as described in the Site Plan Review Checklist, which may be obtained from the Department of Planning and Development. b. Additional application materials may be required by the Board. Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, the Board has the discretion to require applicants to engage the services of licensed design professionals and other experts such as architects, landscape architects, engineers, ecologists or surveyors. c. For all new construction and reconstruction of single-lot residential development of a single-family detached or semidetached or a two-family dwelling, applicants must complete the Residential Infill Neighborhood Compatibility Review Application, which may be obtained from the Department of Planning and Development. 3. Environmental review. An environmental review of the proposed development shall be conducted prior to SPR approval in accordance with Chapter 176 of the City Code. C. The following procedures are required for full site plan review and not required for projects of limited scope: 1. Planning and Development Board meeting. Following timely receipt of a complete application for site plan approval, the Board shall schedule consideration of the application at its earliest possible scheduled meeting. The Board may establish additional procedures and requirements, within the framework provided by this chapter, for conducting site plan review. 2. Public notice. a. By mail. At least 20 days before the first meeting at which the Planning and Development Board considers either a determination of environmental significance or preliminary site plan approval, the applicant shall notify the record owners by mail of all properties within 200 feet of the project site. The Director may submit a request to the Board asking that notice be given in an increased radius, not to exceed 500 feet, from the project site. If the Board approves the request by majority vote, the applicant must notify all property owners within expanded radius. Failure to demonstrate compliance with this requirement shall be grounds for denying approval of a site plan. Such notice shall be in the form approved by the Board, briefly state essential facts about the proposal, include the proposed site plan, and inform recipients of the date, time and place of the meeting and the place where further information about the proposal and the review process may be obtained. Applicant shall provide the Board with certification of compliance for notice procedures. 96 b. By posting. At least 20 days before the first meeting at which the Planning and Development Board considers either a determination of environmental significance or preliminary site plan approval, the applicant shall post a sign at the center of each property line of the project site which fronts on a public or private roadway or public right-of-way. Such signs shall be continuously maintained and displayed facing the roadway until final action has been taken by the Board to approve or deny the site plan. The required signs shall may be obtained from the Department of Planning and Development, and a nonrefundable fee shall be paid for each sign or replacement obtained. At the time such signs are obtained, the applicant or the applicant's representative shall indicate, in writing, the date on which the signs are to be erected. c. By newspaper. The hearing on the preliminary site plan shall be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the City at least five days before the hearing. 3. Coordination and consultation. SPR projects requiring the review and approval of the Board may also be reviewed by the Building Department Division, the Engineering Office, the Fire Department, the City Forester, andor any other City officials or non-City consultants deemed appropriate by the Planning Board or the Director. Any comments from these reviewers shall be summarized and forwarded to the Board to aid its decision on the proposal. 4. Planning and Development Board meeting. Following timely receipt of a complete application for site plan approval, the Board shall schedule consideration of the application at its earliest possible scheduled meeting. The Board may establish its procedures and requirements, within the framework provided by this chapter, for conducting site plan review. 4. Public hearing. Prior to rendering any decision on a SPR application, the Board shall first hold a public hearing on the proposed development. This may begin concurrently with any required public hearing for the purpose of environmental review of the same project and may continue after any such environmental review public hearing is closed. Public hearings are not required for projects of limited scope as defined in § 276-3B, unless the project is referred to the Board for SPR. 5. Action on application for site plan approval. a. Within 65 days after completion of environmental review on a complete SPR application, the Board (or the Director if it is a project of limited scope as defined in § 276-3B) shall render one of the following decisions: [1] Preliminary approval only. [2] Preliminary approval with conditions. 97 [3] Preliminary and final approval. [4] Preliminary and final approval with conditions. [5] Disapproval of the site plan. b. In the a case where a Board's action is required and where only preliminary approval only is granted, final approval shall be considered at the earliest scheduled Board meeting subsequent to the applicant's submittal of a an adequately revised site plan that, in the Director’s sole discretion, adequately addresses the reasons for preliminary approval, whereupon the Board shall render one of the following decisions: [1] Final approval. [2] Final approval with conditions. [3] Disapproval of the site plan. 6. Communication of decision. The Director of Planning and Development and the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of a site plan review decision no later than 10 working days after the date of decision. When a site plan is approved, the Director or their designee shall file a stamped copy of the approved site plan, including any conditions of approval, shall accompany the notification to the Director of Planning and Development with the cCity cClerk. D. Changes to approved site plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter or any other City ordinance or regulation to the contrary, an approved site plan may not be modified without express written approval of the Board, except as approved by the Director of Planning and Development or designee as specified herein. Proposed changes (whether before or after construction) to approved site plans must be submitted to the Department of Planning, Building and Development Director or their designee for review to determine whether the effect of the proposed changes warrants reconsideration of the project's approval status. The Director of Planning and Development or designee shall make one of the following determinations: 1. That the proposed changes do not affect the approval status of the site plan. 2. That the changes are significant and shall require a reopening of the review by the Director or by the Board, as applicable. 3. That the proposed changes are likely to have such an extensive or significant effect on the project that a new SPR application is required, if a new application is required it shall be subject to the fees in §276-8. 98 E. Extension of deadlines. All deadlines for decisions on an SPR application may be extended upon mutual agreement by the Board, the Director, and the applicant, as applicable. § 276-7. Project review criteria. A. General criteria: 1. Avoidance or mitigation of any negative impacts. The following shall be emphasized in particular: a. Erosion, sedimentation and siltation control in accordance with Chapter 282 of the City Code. b. Protection of significant natural features and areas, including but not limited to trees, views, watercourses or bodies of water and land forms, on or near the site. The protection of existing mature vegetation, especially trees over eight inches DBH (diameter-breast- height) may be required unless a justification for their removal can be made by the applicant. c. Protection of, and compatibility with, other nearby features and areas of importance to the community, including but not limited to parks, landmarks, neighborhoods, commercial areas, and historic districts. 2. Compliance with all other regulations applicable to the development. These include, but are not limited to, the Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Stormwater Regulations Ordinance, Landmarks Preservation Ordinance, Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance and Environmental Quality Review Ordinance of the City of Ithaca,1 and the State Environmental Quality Review Act.2 3. Improvement of the visual quality of the site and its vicinity through: a. The presence of a perceivable form and order in the basic layout of the major architectural and landscape elements. b. The proper and effective use of landscape architectural elements such as plantings, land forms, water features, paving and lighting, including the location and appearance of proposed signage. c. An appropriate arrangement, form, scale, proportion, color, pattern and texture of buildings and other site improvements. d. An appropriate relationship between the proposed development and the nearby streetscape, landscape, and the built environment. e. The integration of works of art on the site where appropriate and possible. f. The appropriate arrangement of landscape and architectural elements to preserve existing views both to, from and through the site. 4. Adequate wastewater and sewage disposal facilities. Calculations of the existing and estimated increased loads on the system may be required. 5. Adequacy of fire lanes and fire and emergency access and the availability of fire hydrants. 6. Safe arrangement of vehicular access, circulation, intersections and traffic controls. Analysis of the project's impact on parking and traffic may be required, including sight lines at curb cuts. 99 7. Handicap Accessibility of buildings, pathways and parking in accordance with ADA standards. 8. Safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access and circulation, including provision for bicycle parking facilities and sidewalks along public streets, unless applicant demonstrates that a sidewalk is not feasible due to site constraints. This criterion is subject to the authority of the Board of Public Works as defined in the City Charter and City Code. ... B. Criteria for tree preservation, plant selection and planting site construction, plant materials and maintenance. ... 4. For projects on City property, the City Forester and any applicable advisory body and the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission shall be consulted in plant species selection and planting soil specification. 5. Tree and shrub species selection and quality. a. The City Forester and the Shade Tree Advisory Committee any applicable advisory body will be given the opportunity to review and make comments on all plant selections and planting soil specifications. Use of invasive species should be avoided. Species selection should consider available soil volume, overhead clearance and specific site conditions. For further guidance see also Ithaca's Trees, Tree Selection. b. For the planting of trees in the City right-of-way, large trees maturing at a height greater than 30 feet should be planted on all sites unless there are primary electric lines overhead or other structural conflicts. Where a conflict exists, trees maturing at a height of 30 feet or less should be planted. c. For the planting of trees in the City right-of-way, adequate soil volume must be provided based on the tree species selected (also see § 276-7B(4), Planting site construction and preparation.) d. For the planting of trees in the City right-of-way, when possible, small trees should have a mature shape and stature so that pedestrians may eventually walk under them. e. For all tree and shrub plantings, specifications shall adhere to the American Nursery and Landscape Association ANSI Z60.1 nursery standards or any successor standard. See also Ithaca's Trees, Appendix I: Specifications, "Nursery Stock Quality Guideline Specifications for Deciduous Street Trees. f. For all tree plantings, deciduous trees should be at least 1 1/2 inches caliper (diameter at 12 inches above grade) at the time of planting. Size of evergreen trees and shrubs may vary depending on location and species. 6. Planting. a. See also Ithaca's Trees, Tree Planting. 100 b. All plant materials shall be installed to the following standards: 1. All planting beds for shrubs shall be excavated to a minimum depth of two feet. 2. Tree pits in lawn to be excavated to depth of the tree root ball and shall be three times the width of the root ball in all directions 3. All trees in lawn areas to receive a three-inch-deep covering of mulch, covering at least the extent of the root ball. Mulch must remain clear of the trunk of the tree. See also Ithaca's Trees, Appendix II: Standard Tree Planting Details, Typical Tree Planting in Ordinary Soil. 4. Balled and Burlapped (B&B) trees must have metal cages of the root ball removed prior to planting, and the biodegradable burlap covering the root ball should be pulled down and removed on at least the top 1/3 of the root ball. The remainder can remain. If nonbiodegradable covering material is used it must be completely removed from the root ball. 5. At time of planting the topmost structural root of the root ball should be no more than a few inches below the finished grade; excess soil should be removed from the top of the root ball so the trunk flare is clearly visible. 6. Guying is not generally required for newly planted trees. Any trees that require guying will be done using nylon straps (or similar) rather than wire in hose. Guying must be removed after 1-2 years. 7. Maintenance. a. All newly planted trees should have irrigation bags, which are to be filled weekly during their first growing season. b. A two three-year guarantee for any tree or shrub is required. Replacement of trees and shrubs that are dead, dying or seriously damaged is required for the first three two years after project completion. c. The owner shall replace dead, dying and/or seriously damaged plant materials of the approved site plan, within a reasonable time period during the current (or immediate next) planting season. Any other damaged or missing elements, including but not limited to fences, bollards, signs, shrubs, street furniture, etc., of the approved plan must be similarly replaced by the owner. This will ensure that landscaping remains in compliance with the final site plan as approved by the Planning and Development Board. 8. Changes to approved site plan. Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter or any other City ordinance or regulation to the contrary, an approved site plan may not be modified without express written approval of the Planning and Development Board except as approved by the Director of Planning and Development or designee as specified herein above. C. Criteria for automobile parking areas. All parking areas shall be designed in conformance with § 325-20 of the City CodeOrdinance. The Board may make such additional reasonable stipulations as it deems appropriate to carry out the intention of this chapter. 1. Parking areas in residential zoning districts. In order to protect the character of residential areas, plans for parking areas with the capacity of three or more cars within residential zoning districts must conform to either the setback compliance method or, at the discretion of the Planning Board, the landscaping compliance 101 method described respectively in § 325-20 E(5)(a)F(3) (a) and (b). Such plans must also comply with all other general and specific standards of § 325-20. Where turnarounds, or other maneuvering spaces not required for access to parking spaces, are provided that meet minimum size for a parking space, they shall be counted as a parking space for the purposes of this subsection. 2. Screening of parking areas. There shall be screening with a minimum eight-foot-wide planting area or fences between a motor vehicle parking area and adjacent properties and public ways, except where there is motor vehicle parking that is shared by more than one property or where commercial properties abut. In such cases the Board may require landscaping as it deems appropriate. 3. Division of long rows of parking spaces. For all parking areas with more than 30 adjacent interior parking spaces in a row, the design must incorporate planting areas so that there are no more than 10 continuous parking spaces between planting areas. ... D. Criteria for bicycle parking facilities. Bicycle parking shall be required for all uses requiring site plan review as per § 276-3(A)(1) except as may be determined by the Board or the Transportation City Engineer. Covered bicycle parking is strongly recommended. The Planning and Development Board may make such additional reasonable stipulations as it deems appropriate to carry out the intention of this chapter. The Planning and Development Board shall use the following standards in its consideration of the location and the type/design of bicycle parking facilities. ... § 276-8. Fees. Application fees. The application fees shall be based on the total construction, site work, current average building cost per square foot as defined by the Building Division, and landscaping cost. and shall be charged in accordance with the following schedule The Director, or their designee, shall set reasonable fees based on the above criteria and shall cause a fee schedule to be published on a publicly available website, made available in the Planning Department upon request, and included in the Site Plan Review Application. The Director, or their designee, may require applicants to provide such information as is necessary to determine the appropriate fee amount and to verify the accuracy of all information submitted in the Site Plan Review Application. The Director, or their designee, may, from time to time, but in no event more frequently than once per year, revise the rate of fees, and shall cause such revisions to be published in accordance with this section. 102 Full site plan review Less than $10,000 $75 $10,000 to $50,000 $150 $50,000 to $100,000 $300 Over $100,000 $1.50 per $1,000 *Modified site plan review Less than $50,000 follow the fee schedule for full site plan review. B. Payment of fees. For site plan review projects that require a use or area variance from the BZA, 50% of the fee is due at the time of application and 50% is due after the Planning Board completes environmental review. For all other projects, the full fee is due at the time of application. C. For all government projects and projects that fit the description in § 276-3A(2), the site plan review fee shall be waived. D. Applicants may be required to reimburse the City for legal costs incurred in cases where such costs exceed $5,000.00, or if the Director or the City Attorney determines that the application requires review that necessitates the hiring of outside counsel or other experts. In such cases the Applicant will be required to sign a contract agreeing to the terms and conditions of reimbursement before the Board makes any determination on the application. § 276-9. Performance guaranty. No certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion shall be issued until all improvements required by site plan approval are installed, and including any conditions placed on such approval are fulfilled, or until a sufficient guaranty, in the form of a performance bond, letter of credit or other security, is in place. The Director of Planning and Development or their his/her designee shall be responsible for the overall inspection of site improvements. § 276-10. Expiration of approval; extension of approval. If the construction of a development has not commenced within two years of the date of the site plan approval, such approval shall expire, unless an extension has been granted by the Board 103 following a written request by the applicant. If the construction of a development has not commenced within two years of the date of the limited site plan approval, such approval shall expire, unless an extension has been granted by the Director following a written request by the applicant. The Board or the Director, as applicable, shall either approve or deny a request for an extension when, in their sole discretion, the Board or Director determines such approval or denial is in the best interest of the City. The application for extension for a site plan approval or limited site plan approval must be made within thirty days following the expiration of the original approval; after such point a new application with new fee is required. The renewal will be for two years from date of original expiration. No more than three two-year extensions may be granted. An application for an extension of SPR approval shall not be considered a new SPR application. This regulation does not apply to government projects and projects that fit the description in § 276-3A(2). § 276-11. Enforcement; inspections; penalties for offenses. Development projects may be periodically inspected for conformance to the approved site plan, including the maintenance of the viability of the planting required as part of the site plan approval. If there is nonconformance, or if any conditions of SPR approval are not fulfilled, no certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion shall be issued. Where a development reverts to nonconformance after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, current owners of the development shall be notified, in writing, and given the opportunity to correct the situation. If the Director determines that the corrective measures are inadequate, the City shall may implement any necessary changes to the site to bring it into conformance, the cost of which shall be charged to the property owner, plus a 25% administrative fee. In addition, a fine of $500/ per violation per day may be imposed for any violations of the provisions of this chapter or of any conditions imposed by a permit issued pursuant to site plan approval. Development projects shall be inspected at least once two years after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion. § 276-12. Appeals. A. The determination (by the Director of Planning and Development or his/her designee) of whether a development proposal is subject to SPR may be appealed to the Board within 30 days of the written notification that SPR is required. A. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Director may appeal to the Board. Any appeal made must be submitted in writing to both the Director and to the Board within 30 days of the date of the decision or determination to be appealed. B. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Board, or any officer or agency of the City, regarding SPR, may apply to the Supreme Court for review by a proceeding under Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. ... 104 Section 2. Severability Clause Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 3. Effective Date This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. 105 Page 1 of 3 Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1 - Project Information Instructions for Completing Part 1 – Project Information. The applicant or project sponsor is responsible for the completion of Part 1. Responses become part of the application for approval or funding, are subject to public review, and may be subject to further verification. Complete Part 1 based on information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to any item, please answer as thoroughly as possible based on current information. Complete all items in Part 1. You may also provide any additional information which you believe will be needed by or useful to the lead agency; attach additional pages as necessary to supplement any item. Part 1 – Project and Sponsor Information Telephone: E-Mail: administrative rule, or regulation? If Yes, attach a narrative description of the intent of the proposed action and the environmental resources that may be affected in the municipality and proceed to Part 2. If no, continue to question 2. NO YES If Yes, list agency(s) name and permit or approval: b.Total acreage to be physically disturbed? __________ acres c. Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? __________ acres 4.Check all land uses that occur on, are adjoining or near the proposed action: 5. Urban Rural (non-agriculture) Industrial Commercial Residential (suburban) Aquatic Other(Specify):□ Forest Agriculture □ Parkland SEAF 2019 106 Page 2 of 3 a.A permitted use under the zoning regulations? b.Consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan? 6.Is the proposed action consistent with the predominant character of the existing built or natural landscape?NO YES If Yes, identify: ________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES 8.a. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels? b.Are public transportation services available at or near the site of the proposed action? c.Are any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near the site of the proposed action? NO YES If the proposed action will exceed requirements, describe design features and technologies: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES 10.Will the proposed action connect to an existing public/private water supply? If No, describe method for providing potable water: _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES 11.Will the proposed action connect to existing wastewater utilities? If No, describe method for providing wastewater treatment: ______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NO YES archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory? NO YES 13. a. Does any portion of the site of the proposed action, or lands adjoining the proposed action, contain wetlands or other waterbodies regulated by a federal, state or local ag ency? b.Would the proposed action physically alter, or encroach into, any existing wetland or waterbody? If Yes, identify the wetland or waterbody and extent of alterations in square feet or acres: _____________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 12.a. Does the project site contain, or is it substantially contiguous to, a building, archaeological site, or district which is listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, or that has been determined by the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places? b.Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in or adjacent to an area designated as sensitive for 107 Page 3 of 3 14.Identify the typical habitat types that occur on, or are likely to be found on the project site. Check all that apply: □Shoreline □ Forest Agricultural/grasslands Early mid-successional Wetland □ Urban Suburban 15.Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animal, or associated habitats, listed by the State or Federal government as threatened or endangered? 16.Is the project site located in the 100-year flood plan?NO YES 17.Will the proposed action create storm water discharge, either from point or non-point sources? If Yes, a.Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties? b.Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems (runoff and storm drains)? If Yes, briefly describe: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 18.Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that would result in the impoundment of water or other liquids (e.g., retention pond, waste lagoon, dam)? If Yes, explain the purpose and size of the impoundment:______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ _ NO YES 19.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the location of an active or closed solid waste management facility? If Yes, describe: _______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 20.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the subject of remediation (ongoing or completed) for hazardous waste? If Yes, describe: _______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE Date: _____________________ Applicant/sponsor/name: ____________________________________________________ __________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________________Title:__________________________________ 108 Page 1 of 2 Agency Use Only [If applicable] Project: Date: Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 2 - Impact Assessment Part 2 is to be completed by the Lead Agency. Answer all of the following questions in Part 2 using the information contained in Part 1 and other materials submitted by the project sponsor or otherwise available to the reviewer. When answering the questions the reviewer should be guided by the concept “Have my responses been reasonable considering the scale and context of the proposed action?” No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur SEAF 2019 109 Page 2 of 2 For every question in Part 2 that was answered “moderate to large impact may occur”, or if there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action may or will not result in a significant adverse environmental impact, please complete Part 3. Part 3 should, in sufficient detail, identify the impact, including any measures or design elements that have been included by the project sponsor to avoid or reduce impacts. Part 3 should also explain how the lead agency determined that the impact may or will not be significant. Each potential impact should be assessed considering its setting, probability of occurring, duration, irreversibility, geographic scope and magnitude. Also consider the potential for short- term, long-term and cumulative impacts. Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 3 Determination of Significance Agency Use Only [If applicable] Project: Date: 110 1 | P a g e To: Common Council Re: Planning & Development Board Recommendation to Council Regarding the Proposed Amendments to Site Plan Review Legislation Date: November 3, 2025 The Planning Board has reviewed the memo and packet describing the proposed amendments to the City of Ithaca Site Plan Review Ordinance from Nikki Cerra, Environmental & Landscape Planner, dated October 27, 2025. The Board fully supports the amendment and recommends adoption. By raising the limited site plan review thresholds, the amendments reduce barriers, both a timeline barrier and monetary barrier, to local developers for these middle-size housing types, which in turn hopefully promotes middle-size housing developments. CITY OF ITHACA 108 E. Green St. — Third Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Lisa Nicholas, AICP, Director Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6565 E-Mail: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org 111 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Mayor's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:Preliminary General Fund Balance Policy ITEM #:3.6 MEMORANDUM Resolution Establishing a Preliminary General Fund Balance Policy and Directing the Development of a Permanent Policy (Finance) ATTACHMENTS: Fiscal Response Package – Strengthening Financial Governance and Long-Term Stability.pdf Resolution- Fiscal Response Package.pdf 112 M E M O R A N D U M Date: November 4, 2025 To: Common Council From: Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo Re: Fiscal Response Package – Strengthening Financial Governance and Long-Term Stability EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Fiscal Response Package represents the first phase of a comprehensive effort to restore fiscal discipline, transparency, and structural stability to the City of Ithaca’s financial operations. It introduces four core fiscal policies for adoption by the Common Council: 1. Preliminary Fund Balance Policy (15%) 2. Restriction on the Use of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) for Vehicles and Short- Lived Assets 3. Monthly Financial Reporting Requirement 4. Interim Debt Management Policy for FY2027 Together, these measures establish a framework for responsible budgeting, improved financial visibility, and long-term debt reduction, positioning the City for credit recovery and future growth. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND THEMES Over the past two fiscal years, the City has faced compounding challenges — persistent BAN rollover exposure, delayed audits, incomplete financial reporting, and the absence of basic fiscal policies such as a fund balance target or debt ratio limits. These vulnerabilities have been further amplified by administrative turnover and the retirement of key financial staff. The Common Council has consistently expressed concern about the City’s overreliance on short- term borrowing and the lack of internal controls governing cash flow and reserves. The Fiscal Response Package responds directly to these structural weaknesses, aligning the City with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices and recommendations of the New York State Comptroller’s Office. NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION At present, the City of Ithaca: • Has no adopted Fund Balance Policy, limiting its ability to maintain appropriate reserves and preserve credit standing. • Carries short-term obligations exceeding 40% of total debt, with recurring BAN renewals financing depreciating assets. • Lacks standardized monthly financial reporting, leaving Council unable to monitor fiscal performance in real time. 113 • Operates without a formal debt management policy, resulting in unpredictable debt service obligations. Immediate legislative action is necessary to impose clear fiscal parameters, improve transparency, and direct the administration toward sustainable financial planning before the FY2027 budget process begins. PROJECTED IMPACT The Fiscal Response Package will: • Stabilize the City’s reserves by setting a 15% minimum general fund balance. • End BAN misuse for vehicles and short-lived equipment and require cash-based or lease- purchase financing. • Improve transparency and accountability through monthly financial reports to the Mayor and Council within 30 days of month-end. • Cap short-term debt exposure at under 10% of total outstanding debt by FY2027 and eliminate BAN renewals beyond FY2026. • Mandate a debt conversion plan to restructure outstanding obligations into serial bonds. Collectively, these measures will reduce fiscal risk, align the City’s practices with national standards, and restore trust in financial management. FEASIBILITY All actions proposed are legislative and administrative in nature, requiring no additional appropriations beyond existing staff time. Implementation will occur within current budgetary resources under the joint direction of the Mayor, City Manager, and City Controller. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING While the policies themselves impose no direct expenditures, they are expected to yield material long-term savings by lowering interest costs, reducing rollover fees, and improving debt service predictability. Strengthened financial management will also position the City for improved bond ratings and reduced borrowing costs. PUBLIC FEEDBACK Public discussion of these resolutions is scheduled as part of the November 19, 2025 Special Finance and Administration Work Session, with formal action anticipated at the December 3, 2025 Common Council meeting. The resolutions and this memo will be made publicly available via the City’s website in advance of deliberation. NEXT STEPS Following Council adoption, the administration will: 1. Implement the monthly reporting protocol beginning December 2025. 2. Deliver a Debt Reduction and Conversion Plan by March 31, 2026. 3. Present a draft permanent Debt Management Policy by late 2026. 114 4. Begin design of a Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund for FY2027. These actions form the foundation of the City’s Fiscal Policy Modernization Roadmap (2025– 2027), leading toward a full suite of financial policies aligned with national best practice. 115 1. Resolution Establishing a Preliminary General Fund Balance Policy and Directing the Development of a Permanent Policy (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca recognizes that maintaining an adequate fund balance is essential to ensuring fiscal stability, sustaining core operations, and protecting against unforeseen revenue shortfalls or expenditure shocks; and WHEREAS, best practices in municipal finance—including guidance from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)—recommend maintaining unrestricted fund balance levels in the general fund of no less than two months of operating expenditures, generally equivalent to between 15% and 20% of annual expenditures; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca currently lacks a formally adopted fund balance policy, and establishing one is critical to improving long-term financial planning, creditworthiness, and public transparency; and WHEREAS, the Common Council seeks to adopt a preliminary benchmark to guide budgetary and financial decisions for the remainder of FY2026 while the administration develops a comprehensive, permanent policy for Council review and adoption; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby establishes a preliminary general fund balance target of fifteen percent (15%) of annual general fund expenditures to serve as an interim policy standard for financial planning, budget development, and fiscal management; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the administration is hereby directed to develop and present a proposed permanent General Fund Balance Policy for review by the Mayor and Common Council, to be finalized and adopted no later than prior to the development of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the administration shall, in developing said policy, consider national best practices, peer-city comparisons, and recommendations from the City Controller, external auditors, and the Mayor’s Finance Advisory Group, and shall ensure that the proposed policy provides clear guidance on minimum and maximum fund balance thresholds, replenishment strategies, and reporting protocols. 116 2. Resolution Prohibiting the Use of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) for the Purchase or Financing of Vehicles and Short-Lived Equipment (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca maintains a diversified capital program funded through a combination of long-term bonds, bond anticipation notes (BANs), grants, and pay-as-you-go appropriations; and WHEREAS, Bond Anticipation Notes are intended as short-term financing instruments to provide temporary funding for capital projects with long useful lives, pending permanent financing through the issuance of serial bonds or the receipt of external reimbursements; and WHEREAS, the City’s current BAN portfolio includes a material share of short-term obligations used to acquire vehicles and other depreciating assets with useful lives of less than ten (10) years; and WHEREAS, the use of BANs for short-lived assets such as vehicles exposes the City to structural debt rollover risk, creates asset-liability mismatches, and undermines the long-term fiscal integrity of the City’s capital program; and WHEREAS, best practices in municipal finance—as reflected in guidance from the New York State Comptroller’s Office and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)—recommend that such assets be financed on a pay-as-you-go basis or through lease-purchase arrangements tied to the asset’s useful life; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby prohibits the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) for the purchase, lease, or financing of vehicles or any other asset with a useful life of less than ten (10) years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all future vehicle and short-lived equipment acquisitions shall be funded through operating appropriations, capital reserves, or lease-purchase agreements that align debt service with the asset’s lifespan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Controller and City Manager shall ensure compliance with this policy in all future capital planning and financing activities; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Manager, and Controller shall jointly develop, within ninety (90) days, a proposal to establish a Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund to provide for the recurring replacement of such assets without recourse to short- term debt instruments. 117 3. Resolution Requiring Monthly Financial Reporting to the Mayor and Common Council (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca recognizes that timely, accurate, and comprehensive financial information is essential for sound fiscal management, transparent governance, and proactive decision-making; and WHEREAS, best practices from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) emphasize that governments should have formal policies and procedures documenting financial reporting, internal controls and rehearsal of the accounting process to support accountability and consistency; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Common Council require regular visibility into the city’s financial position, including revenues, expenditures, fund balances, debt service, major capital commitments, and risks to fiscal sustainability; and WHEREAS, instituting a monthly report cycle rather than quarterly will strengthen the City’s ability to identify emerging issues early, align budgets and forecasts more precisely, and respond to changing conditions in real time; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council directs the City Controller to produce and submit to the Mayor and Common Council a standardized Monthly Financial Report, covering the prior month’s financial activity, year-to-date results, comparisons to budget and prior year, projected full-year variances, fund balance status, and commentary on emerging risks and opportunities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Monthly Financial Report shall include, at a minimum, the following elements: • General Fund revenues by major category, year-to-date compared to budget and prior year; • General Fund expenditures by major category, year-to-date compared to budget and prior year; • Fund balance status including actual, target (for example as set in the Fund Balance Policy), and projection; • Debt service obligations and any deviations from budgeted assumptions; • Capital commitments and major project expenditures by fund and project status; • A forecast for fiscal year end outcomes, including a narrative section describing any material risks (revenue shortfalls, expenditure pressures, major one-time items, cash flow issues) and recommended management actions; • A concise executive summary suitable for dissemination to non-financial stakeholders (e.g., Council, department heads, public); and • Delivery schedule: the report shall be delivered no later than thirty (30) days after the close of each month, and include a brief cover memo from the Controller summarizing key take- aways and corrective actions where needed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Controller shall make the Monthly Financial Report publicly available via the City’s website (or appropriate public portal) within thirty (30) days of month-end, subject to any lawful confidentiality limitations, to enhance transparency and trust in the City’s fiscal operations; and 118 BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Manager, and Controller shall jointly review this reporting structure annually and make recommendations to the Common Council for enhancements (e.g., dashboard visuals, additional analytics, rolling forecasts) before the development of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. 119 4. Resolution Establishing an Interim Debt Management Policy and Limiting Short- Term Debt Obligations for Fiscal Year 2027 (Finance) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca recognizes that prudent debt management is essential to maintaining long-term fiscal sustainability, preserving creditworthiness, and ensuring intergenerational equity in capital financing; and WHEREAS, the City’s current capital structure relies heavily on short-term financing instruments, particularly Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs), which now constitute a material share of the City’s total outstanding debt; and WHEREAS, while BANs serve as temporary financing tools for capital projects pending long-term bond issuance or grant reimbursement, continued reliance on rolling BANs over multiple years creates structural debt rollover risk, exposes the City to rising interest costs, and undermines the predictability of debt service obligations; and WHEREAS, best practices in municipal finance—as reflected in the guidance of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the New York State Comptroller’s Office—recommend maintaining total short-term debt exposure below ten percent (10%) of total outstanding debt obligations and converting BANs to serial bonds within the statutory maturity period; and WHEREAS, the Common Council intends to adopt a permanent Debt Management Policy prior to the development of the Fiscal Year 2028 Budget, but deems it necessary to establish an interim policy for Fiscal Year 2027 to ensure immediate corrective action and disciplined financial planning; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby establishes an Interim Debt Management Policy for Fiscal Year 2027, which shall require that the City’s total short-term debt obligations—including all outstanding Bond Anticipation Notes—be reduced to less than ten percent (10%) of total debt outstanding by December 31, 2027; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) renewals shall be authorized or issued beyond Fiscal Year 2026, and that all BANs outstanding at the close of FY2026 shall either be retired through payment or converted into serial bonds in accordance with State law and prudent financial practice; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Controller, in consultation with the Mayor, City Manager, and City Attorney, shall prepare and present to the Common Council by March 31, 2026, a Debt Reduction and Conversion Plan identifying: 1. The total outstanding short-term debt and associated projects; 2. A repayment and conversion schedule through FY2027; 3. Projected debt service impacts under both current and proposed structures; and 4. Recommended amendments to capital financing practices to sustain long-term balance; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Common Council shall review the implementation of this interim policy no later than January 2027, and shall adopt a permanent Debt Management Policy governing all future borrowing, repayment, and capital financing practices prior to the introduction of the Fiscal Year 2028 Budget. 120 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Mayor's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:Home Rule Resolution ITEM #:3.7 MEMORANDUM Discussion: School Speed Zone Redlight Cameras Citywide Parking Permits ATTACHMENTS: School Speed Zone Res.pdf Red Light Cam Res.pdf Citywide Parking Permit Res.pdf 121 Resolution Requesting the New York State Legislature to Enact Legislation Authorizing a Speed Safety Camera Demonstration Program in the City of Ithaca WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca seeks to improve roadway safety and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists from speeding, which is a leading cause of severe crashes and fatalities; and WHEREAS, the Common Council has endorsed the principles of the Public Safety Reform Report (2021), which urged the City to develop alternative enforcement strategies that reduce reliance on traditional police traffic stops; and WHEREAS, Mayor Robert Cantelmo has publicly emphasized that reducing unnecessary traffic stops enhances safety for both residents and officers, while ensuring that any automated enforcement program must be transparent, equity-driven, and subject to public oversight; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes that automated enforcement must not replicate patterns of over- policing, and that camera placement must be guided by safety data and engineering review rather than neighborhood demographics; and WHEREAS, the State Legislature has previously authorized speed safety camera programs in other municipalities, including New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and Kingston, under Vehicle and Traffic Law §1180-b and §1180-f et seq., which legislation includes a $50 penalty, no points, and due process protections; and WHEREAS, a special act of the Legislature is required to authorize such a demonstration program in the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS, section 40 of the Municipal Home Rule Law authorizes the City of Ithaca to request that the New York State Legislature pass special legislation relating to the property, affairs, or government of the City; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby requests the introduction, enactment, and adoption of state legislation substantially in the form attached hereto; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor, with the assistance of the City Clerk and subject to the advice of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to transmit a Home Rule Request, together with any and all necessary supporting documentation, to the New York State Legislature, and to pursue all necessary action to secure introduction and passage of such special legislation; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Council expresses its intent, subject to state authorization, to adopt local legislation consistent with the state act, incorporating: • the principles of the Public Safety Reform Report (2021); • the Mayor’s public commitments to equity, transparency, and privacy protections; • explicit recognition that speed cameras can reduce dangerous traffic stops while enhancing officer and resident safety; • placement criteria that prioritize crash reduction, pedestrian safety, and traffic calming, subject to review and study by the City Engineer’s Office, and explicitly designed to avoid disproportionate concentration in marginalized communities; 122 • prohibitions on per-ticket vendor compensation; and • a five-year demonstration period with annual reporting and evaluation. 123 AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Ithaca The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1180-__ to read as follows: § 1180-__. Owner liability for failure of operator to comply with certain posted maximum speed limits. (a) 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the city of Ithaca is hereby authorized to establish a demonstration program imposing monetary liability on the owner of a vehicle for failure of an operator thereof to comply with posted maximum speed limits in a school speed zone within such city (i) when a school speed limit is in effect as provided in paragraphs one and two of subdivision (c) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article or (ii) when other speed limits are in effect as provided in subdivision (b), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article during the following times: (A) on school days during school hours and one hour before and one hour after the school day, and (B) a period during student activities at the school and up to thirty minutes immediately before and up to thirty minutes immediately after such student activities. Such demonstration program shall empower the city of Ithaca to install photo speed violation monitoring systems within no more than twelve school speed zones within such city at any one time and to operate such systems within such zones (iii) when a school speed limit is in effect as provided in paragraphs one and two of subdivision (c) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article or (iv) when other speed limits are in effect as provided in subdivision (b), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article during the following times: (A) on school days during school hours and one hour before and one hour after the school day, and (B) a period during student activities at the school and up to thirty minutes immediately before and up to thirty minutes immediately after such student activities. In selecting a school speed zone in which to install and operate a photo speed violation monitoring system, the city shall consider criteria including, but not limited to, the speed data, crash history, and the roadway geometry applicable to such school speed zone. 2. No photo speed violation monitoring system shall be used in a school speed zone unless (i) on the day it is to be used it has successfully passed a self-test of its functions; and (ii) it has undergone an annual calibration check performed pursuant to paragraph four of this subdivision. The city shall install signs giving notice that a photo speed violation monitoring system is in use to be mounted on advance warning signs notifying motor vehicle operators of such upcoming school speed zone and/or on speed limit signs applicable within such school speed zone, in conformance with standards established in the MUTCD. 3. Operators of photo speed violation monitoring systems shall have completed training in the procedures for setting up, testing, and operating such systems. Each such operator shall complete and sign a daily set-up log for each such system that he or she operates that (i) states the date and time when, and the location where, the system was set up that day, and (ii) states that such operator successfully performed, and the system passed, the self-tests of such system before producing a recorded image that day. The city shall retain each such daily log until the later of the date on which 124 the photo speed violation monitoring system to which it applies has been permanently removed from use or the final resolution of all cases involving notices of liability issued based on photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images produced by such system. 4. Each photo speed violation monitoring system shall undergo an annual calibration check performed by an independent calibration laboratory which shall issue a signed certificate of calibration. The city shall keep each such annual certificate of calibration on file until the final resolution of all cases involving a notice of liability issued during such year which were based on photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images produced by such photo speed violation monitoring system. 5. (i) Such demonstration program shall utilize necessary technologies to ensure, to the extent practicable, that photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images produced by such photo speed violation monitoring systems shall not include images that identify the driver, the passengers, or the contents of the vehicle. Provided, however, that no notice of liability issued pursuant to this section shall be dismissed solely because such a photograph, microphotograph, videotape or other recorded image allows for the identification of the driver, the passengers, or the contents of vehicles where the city shows that it made reasonable efforts to comply with the provisions of this paragraph in such case. (ii) Photographs, microphotographs, videotape or any other recorded image from a photo speed violation monitoring system shall be for the exclusive use of the city for the purpose of the adjudication of liability imposed pursuant to this section and of the owner receiving a notice of liability pursuant to this section, and shall be destroyed by the city upon the final resolution of the notice of liability to which such photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images relate, or one year following the date of issuance of such notice of liability, whichever is later. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, photographs, microphotographs, videotape or any other recorded image from a photo speed violation monitoring system shall not be open to the public, nor subject to civil or criminal process or discovery, nor used by any court or administrative or adjudicatory body in any action or proceeding therein except that which is necessary for the adjudication of a notice of liability issued pursuant to this section, and no public entity or employee, officer or agent thereof shall disclose such information, except that such photographs, microphotographs, videotape or any other recorded images from such systems: (A) shall be available for inspection and copying and use by the motor vehicle owner and operator for so long as such photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images are required to be maintained or are maintained by such public entity, employee, officer or agent; and (B) (1) shall be furnished when described in a search warrant issued by a court authorized to issue such a search warrant pursuant to article six hundred ninety of the criminal procedure law or a federal court authorized to issue such a search warrant under federal law, where such search warrant states that there is reasonable cause to believe such information constitutes evidence of, or tends to demonstrate that, a misdemeanor or felony offense was committed in this state or another state, or that a particular person participated in the commission of a misdemeanor or felony offense in this 125 state or another state, provided, however, that if such offense was against the laws of another state, the court shall only issue a warrant if the conduct comprising such offense would, if occurring in this state, constitute a misdemeanor or felony against the laws of this state; and (2) shall be furnished in response to a subpoena duces tecum signed by a judge of competent jurisdiction and issued pursuant to article six hundred ten of the criminal procedure law or a judge or magistrate of a federal court authorized to issue such a subpoena duces tecum under federal law, where the judge finds and the subpoena states that there is reasonable cause to believe such information is relevant and material to the prosecution, or the defense, or the investigation by an authorized law enforcement official, of the alleged commission of a misdemeanor or felony in this state or another state, provided, however, that if such offense was against the laws of another state, such judge or magistrate shall only issue such subpoena if the conduct comprising such offense would, if occurring in this state, constitute a misdemeanor or felony in this state; and (3) may, if lawfully obtained pursuant to this clause and clause (A) of this subparagraph and otherwise admissible, be used in such criminal action or proceeding. (b) If the city of Ithaca establishes a demonstration program pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section, the owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a penalty imposed pursuant to this section if such vehicle was used or operated with the permission of the owner, express or implied, within a school speed zone in violation of subdivision (c) or during the times authorized pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section in violation of subdivision (b), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article, such vehicle was traveling at a speed of more than ten miles per hour above the posted speed limit in effect within such school speed zone, and such violation is evidenced by information obtained from a photo speed violation monitoring system; provided however that no owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a penalty imposed pursuant to this section where the operator of such vehicle has been convicted of the underlying violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article. (c) For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: 1. "manual on uniform traffic control devices" or "MUTCD" shall mean the manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices maintained by the commissioner of transportation pursuant to section sixteen hundred eighty of this chapter; 2. "owner" shall have the meaning provided in article two-B of this chapter; 3. "photo speed violation monitoring system" shall mean a vehicle sensor installed to work in conjunction with a speed measuring device which automatically produces two or more photographs, two or more microphotographs, a videotape or other recorded images of each vehicle at the time it is used or operated in a school speed zone in violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article in accordance with the provisions of this section; and 126 4. "school speed zone" shall mean a distance not to exceed one thousand three hundred twenty feet on a highway passing a school building, entrance or exit of a school abutting on the highway. (d) A certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a technician employed by the city of Ithaca, or a facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images produced by a photo speed violation monitoring system, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. Any photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images evidencing such a violation shall include at least two date and time stamped images of the rear of the motor vehicle that include the same stationary object near the motor vehicle and shall be available for inspection reasonably in advance of and at any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for such violation pursuant to this section. (e) An owner liable for a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article pursuant to a demonstration program established pursuant to this section shall be liable for monetary penalties in accordance with a schedule of fines and penalties to be promulgated by the parking violations bureau of the city of Ithaca, or by other such agency authorized by the city to promulgate such a schedule. The liability of the owner pursuant to this section shall not exceed fifty dollars for each violation; provided, however, that such parking violations bureau or other authorized agency may provide for an additional penalty not in excess of twenty-five dollars for each violation for the failure to respond to a notice of liability within the prescribed time period. (f) An imposition of liability under the demonstration program established pursuant to this section shall not be deemed a conviction as an operator and shall not be made part of the operating record of the person upon whom such liability is imposed nor shall it be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage. (g) 1. A notice of liability shall be sent by first class mail to each person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article pursuant to this section, within fourteen business days if such owner is a resident of this state and within forty-five business days if such owner is a non-resident. Personal delivery on the owner shall not be required. A manual or automatic record of mailing prepared in the ordinary course of business shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. 2. A notice of liability shall contain the name and address of the person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article pursuant to this section, the registration number of the vehicle involved in such violation, the location where such violation took place, the date and time of such violation, the identification number of the camera which recorded the violation or other document locator number, at least two date and time stamped images of the rear of the motor vehicle that include the same stationary object near the motor vehicle, and the certificate charging the liability. 3. The notice of liability shall contain information advising the person charged of the manner and the time in which he or she may contest the liability alleged in the notice. Such notice of liability shall 127 also contain a prominent warning to advise the person charged that failure to contest in the manner and time provided shall be deemed an admission of liability and that a default judgment may be entered thereon. 4. The notice of liability shall be prepared and mailed by the city of Ithaca, or by any other entity authorized by the city to prepare and mail such notice of liability. (h) Adjudication of the liability imposed upon owners of this section shall be by the city of Ithaca parking violations bureau, or by any other agency authorized by the city to adjudicate the liability of such matters. (i) If an owner receives a notice of liability pursuant to this section for any time period during which the vehicle or the number plate or plates of such vehicle was reported to the police department as having been stolen, it shall be a valid defense to an allegation of liability for a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article pursuant to this section that the vehicle or the number plate or plates of such vehicle had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time the violation occurred and had not been recovered by such time. For purposes of asserting the defense provided by this subdivision, it shall be sufficient that a certified copy of the police report on the stolen vehicle or number plate or plates of such vehicle be sent by first class mail to the city of Ithaca parking violations bureau or by any other entity authorized by the city to prepare and mail such notice of liability. (j) Adjudication of the liability imposed upon owners of this section shall be by the city of Ithaca parking violations bureau, or by any other agency authorized by the city to adjudicate the liability of such matters. (k) 1. An owner who is a lessor of a vehicle to which a notice of liability was issued pursuant to subdivision (g) of this section shall not be liable for the violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article pursuant to this section, provided that: (i) prior to the violation, the lessor has filed with such parking violations bureau or other authorized agency in accordance with the provisions of section two hundred thirty-nine of this chapter; and (ii) within thirty-seven days after receiving notice from such bureau or other authorized entity of the date and time of a liability, together with the other information contained in the original notice of liability, the lessor submits to such bureau or other authorized agency the correct name and address of the lessee of the vehicle identified in the notice of liability at the time of such violation, together with such other additional information contained in the rental, lease or other contract document, as may be reasonably required by such bureau or other authorized agency pursuant to regulations that may be promulgated for such purpose. 2. Failure to comply with subparagraph (ii) of paragraph one of this subdivision shall render the owner liable for the penalty prescribed in this section. 128 3. Where the lessor complies with the provisions of paragraph one of this subdivision, the lessee of such vehicle on the date of such violation shall be deemed to be the owner of such vehicle for purposes of this section, shall be subject to liability for such violation pursuant to this section and shall be sent a notice of liability pursuant to subdivision (g) of this section. (l) 1. If the owner liable for a violation of subdivision (c) or (d) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article pursuant to this section was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the violation, the owner may maintain an action for indemnification against the operator. 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no owner of a vehicle shall be subject to a monetary fine imposed pursuant to this section if the operator of such vehicle was operating such vehicle without the consent of the owner at the time such operator operated such vehicle in violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article. For purposes of this subdivision there shall be a presumption that the operator of such vehicle was operating such vehicle with the consent of the owner at the time such operator operated such vehicle in violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article. (m) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the liability of an operator of a vehicle for any violation of subdivision (c) or (d) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article. (n) If the city adopts a demonstration program pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section it shall conduct a study and submit an annual report on the results of the use of photo devices to the governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly on or before the first day of June next succeeding the effective date of this section and on the same date in each succeeding year in which the demonstration program is operable. Such report shall include: 1. the locations where and dates when photo speed violation monitoring systems were used; 2. the aggregate number, type and severity of crashes, fatalities, injuries and property damage reported within all school speed zones within the city, to the extent the information is maintained by the department of motor vehicles of this state; 3. the aggregate number, type and severity of crashes, fatalities, injuries and property damage reported within school speed zones where photo speed violation monitoring systems were used, to the extent the information is maintained by the department of motor vehicles of this state; 4. the number of violations recorded within all school speed zones within the city, in the aggregate on a daily, weekly and monthly basis; 5. the number of violations recorded within each school speed zone where a photo speed violation monitoring system is used, in the aggregate on a daily, weekly and monthly basis; 6. the number of violations recorded within all school speed zones within the city that were: 129 (i) more than ten but not more than twenty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; (ii) more than twenty but not more than thirty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; (iii) more than thirty but not more than forty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; and (iv) more than forty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; 7. the number of violations recorded within each school speed zone where a photo speed violation monitoring system is used that were: (i) more than ten but not more than twenty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; (ii) more than twenty but not more than thirty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; (iii) more than thirty but not more than forty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; and (iv) more than forty miles per hour over the posted speed limit; 8. the total number of notices of liability issued for violations recorded by such systems; 9. the number of fines and total amount of fines paid after the first notice of liability issued for violations recorded by such systems; 10. the number of violations adjudicated and the results of such adjudications including breakdowns of dispositions made for violations recorded by such systems; 11. the total amount of revenue realized by the city in connection with the program; 12. the expenses incurred by the city in connection with the program; and 13. the quality of the adjudication process and its results. (o) It shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of section eleven hundred eighty of this article pursuant to this section that such photo speed violation monitoring system was malfunctioning at the time of the alleged violation. 130 Resolution Requesting the New York State Legislature to Enact Legislation Authorizing a Red Light Camera Demonstration Program in the City of Ithaca WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca faces urgent challenges in traffic safety, with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists at continued risk of serious injury or death at high-volume intersections; and WHEREAS, the Common Council has adopted multiple reports and policy frameworks that emphasize the need for data-driven, equity-minded, and community-trusted approaches to public safety, including the City of Ithaca Public Safety Reform Report (2021), which called for alternative enforcement strategies and technology-based interventions to reduce reliance on direct police traffic stops; and WHEREAS, Mayor Robert Cantelmo has publicly reiterated the City’s commitment to deploying tools that enhance roadway safety while advancing equity and accountability, including in statements emphasizing that automated enforcement programs must be narrowly tailored, privacy-protective, and subject to public oversight; and WHEREAS, traffic stops can pose risks to both residents and officers, and alternative enforcement mechanisms such as automated cameras can reduce unnecessary encounters while still upholding safety on the roads; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes that automated enforcement must not perpetuate or exacerbate patterns of over-policing in minoritized or marginalized neighborhoods, and that camera placement must instead be guided by traffic safety priorities, crash history, and engineering analysis conducted by the City Engineer’s office; and WHEREAS, the State Legislature has previously authorized red-light camera demonstration programs in other municipalities, including New York City, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and the City of Yonkers, as codified at Vehicle and Traffic Law §1111-a et seq., which legislation includes a $50 penalty, no license points, and due process protections; and WHEREAS, a special act of the Legislature is required to authorize such a demonstration in the City of Ithaca; and, WHEREAS, section 40 of the Municipal Home Rule Law authorizes the City of Ithaca to request that the New York State Legislature pass special legislation relating to the property, affairs, or government of the City; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby requests the introduction, enactment, and adoption of state legislation substantially in the form attached hereto; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor, with the assistance of the City Clerk and subject to the advice of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to transmit a Home Rule Request, together with any and all necessary supporting documentation, to the New York State Legislature, and to pursue all necessary action to secure introduction and passage of such special legislation; and be it further 131 RESOLVED, that the Council expresses its intent, subject to state authorization, to adopt legislation consistent with the state act, incorporating: • the policy principles of the Public Safety Reform Report (2021); • the Mayor’s public commitments to equity, privacy, and transparency in automated enforcement; • explicit recognition of the need to reduce dangerous traffic stops by providing a safe alternative; • placement criteria that prioritize crash reduction and pedestrian safety, subject to review and study by the City Engineer’s Office, and explicitly designed to avoid over-policing marginalized neighborhoods; • prohibitions on per-ticket vendor compensation; and • a five-year demonstration period with annual reporting and evaluation. 132 AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with traffic-control indications; city of Ithaca The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1111-__ to read as follows: § 1111-__. Owner liability for failure of operator to comply with traffic-control indications; city of Ithaca. (a) 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the city of Ithaca is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt and amend a local law or ordinance establishing a demonstration program imposing monetary liability on the owner of a vehicle for failure of an operator thereof to comply with traffic-control indications in such city in accordance with the provisions of this section. Such demonstration program shall empower such city to install and operate traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring devices at no more than twelve intersections within such city at any one time. 2. Such demonstration program shall utilize necessary technologies to ensure, to the extent practicable, that photographs produced by such traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring systems shall not include images that identify the driver, the passengers, or the contents of the vehicle. Provided, however, that no notice of liability issued pursuant to this section shall be dismissed solely because a photograph or photographs allow for the identification of the contents of a vehicle, provided that such city has made a reasonable effort to comply with the provisions of this paragraph. (b) In any such city which has adopted a local law or ordinance pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section, the owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a penalty imposed pursuant to this section if such vehicle was used or operated with the permission of the owner, express or implied, in violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article, and such violation is evidenced by information obtained from a traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring system; provided however that no owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a penalty imposed pursuant to this section where the operator of such vehicle has been convicted of the underlying violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article. (c) For purposes of this section, "owner" shall have the meaning provided in article two-B of this chapter. For purposes of this section, "traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring system" shall mean a vehicle sensor installed to work in conjunction with a traffic-control signal which automatically produces two or more photographs, two or more microphotographs, a videotape or other recorded images of each vehicle at the time it is used or operated in violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article. (d) A certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a technician employed by the city of Ithaca in which the charged violation occurred, or a facsimile thereof, based upon inspection of photographs, 133 microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images produced by a traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring system, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. Any photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images evidencing such a violation shall be available for inspection in any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for such violation pursuant to a local law or ordinance adopted pursuant to this section. (e) An owner liable for a violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article pursuant to a local law or ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be liable for monetary penalties in accordance with a schedule of fines and penalties to be set forth in such local law or ordinance, except that if such city by local law has authorized the adjudication of such owner liability by a parking violations bureau, such schedule shall be promulgated by such bureau. The liability of the owner pursuant to this section shall not exceed fifty dollars for each violation; provided, however, that such local law or ordinance may provide for an additional penalty not in excess of twenty-five dollars for each violation for the failure to respond to a notice of liability within the prescribed time period. (f) An imposition of liability under a local law or ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall not be deemed a conviction as an operator and shall not be made part of the operating record of the person upon whom such liability is imposed nor shall it be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage. (g) 1. A notice of liability shall be sent by first class mail to each person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article pursuant to this section. Personal delivery on the owner shall not be required. A manual or automatic record of mailing prepared in the ordinary course of business shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. 2. A notice of liability shall contain the name and address of the person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article pursuant to this section, the registration number of the vehicle involved in such violation, the location where such violation took place, the date and time of such violation and the identification number of the camera which recorded the violation or other document locator number. 3. The notice of liability shall contain information advising the person charged of the manner and the time in which such person may contest the liability alleged in the notice. Such notice of liability shall also contain a warning to advise the persons charged that failure to contest in the manner and time provided shall be deemed an admission of liability and that a default judgment may be entered thereon. 4. The notice of liability shall be prepared and mailed by the city of Ithaca, or by any other entity authorized by such city to prepare and mail such notification of violation. (h) Adjudication of the liability imposed upon owners by this section shall be by a traffic violations bureau established pursuant to section three hundred seventy of the general municipal law or, if 134 there be none, by the court having jurisdiction over traffic infractions, except that if such city has established an administrative tribunal to hear and determine complaints of traffic infractions constituting parking, standing or stopping violations such city may, by local law, authorize such adjudication by such tribunal. (i) If an owner receives a notice of liability pursuant to this section for any time period during which the vehicle was reported to the police department as having been stolen, it shall be a valid defense to an allegation of liability for a violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article pursuant to this section that the vehicle had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time the violation occurred and had not been recovered by such time. For purposes of asserting the defense provided by this subdivision it shall be sufficient that a certified copy of the police report on the stolen vehicle be sent by first class mail to the traffic violations bureau, court having jurisdiction or parking violations bureau. (j) 1. In such city where the adjudication of liability imposed upon owners pursuant to this section is by a traffic violations bureau or a court having jurisdiction, an owner who is a lessor of a vehicle to which a notice of liability was issued pursuant to subdivision (g) of this section shall not be liable for the violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article, provided that such owner sends to the traffic violations bureau or court having jurisdiction a copy of the rental, lease or other such contract document covering such vehicle on the date of the violation, with the name and address of the lessee clearly legible, within thirty-seven days after receiving notice from the bureau or court of the date and time of such violation, together with the other information contained in the original notice of liability. Failure to send such information within such thirty-seven day time period shall render the owner liable for the penalty prescribed by this section. Where the lessor complies with the provisions of this paragraph, the lessee of such vehicle on the date of such violation shall be deemed to be the owner of such vehicle for purposes of this section, shall be subject to liability for the violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article pursuant to this section and shall be sent a notice of liability pursuant to subdivision (g) of this section. 2. (i) In such city which, by local law, has authorized the adjudication of liability imposed upon owners by this section by a parking violations bureau, an owner who is a lessor of a vehicle to which a notice of liability was issued pursuant to subdivision (g) of this section shall not be liable for the violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article, provided that: (A) prior to the violation, the lessor has filed with the bureau in accordance with the provisions of section two hundred thirty-nine of this chapter; and (B) within thirty-seven days after receiving notice from the bureau of the date and time of a liability, together with the other information contained in the original notice of liability, the lessor submits to the bureau the correct name and address of the lessee of the vehicle identified in the notice of liability at the time of such violation, together with such other additional information contained in the rental, lease or other contract document, as may be reasonably required by the bureau pursuant to regulations that may be promulgated for such purpose. 135 (ii) Failure to comply with clause (B) of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall render the owner liable for the penalty prescribed in this section. (iii) Where the lessor complies with the provisions of this paragraph, the lessee of such vehicle on the date of such violation shall be deemed to be the owner of such vehicle for purposes of this section, shall be subject to liability for such violation pursuant to this section and shall be sent a notice of liability pursuant to subdivision (g) of this section. (k) 1. If the owner liable for a violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article pursuant to this section was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the violation, the owner may maintain an action for indemnification against the operator. 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no owner of a vehicle shall be subject to a monetary fine imposed pursuant to this section if the operator of such vehicle was operating such vehicle without the consent of the owner at the time such operator failed to obey a traffic-control indication. For purposes of this subdivision there shall be a presumption that the operator of such vehicle was operating such vehicle with the consent of the owner at the time such operator failed to obey a traffic-control indication. (l) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the liability of an operator of a vehicle for any violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article. (m) Any city that adopts a demonstration program pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall submit an annual report detailing the results of the use of such traffic-control signal photo violation- monitoring system to the governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly on or before the first day of June next succeeding the effective date of this section and on the same date in each succeeding year in which the demonstration program is operable. Such report shall include, but not be limited to: 1. a description of the locations where traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring systems were used; 2. the aggregate number, type and severity of accidents reported at intersections where a traffic- control signal photo violation-monitoring system is used for the three years preceding the installation of such system, to the extent the information is maintained by the department; 3. the aggregate number, type and severity of accidents reported at intersections where a traffic- control signal photo violation-monitoring system is used for the reporting year, as well as for each year that the traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring system has been operational, to the extent the information is maintained by the department; 4. the number of events and number of violations recorded at each intersection where a traffic- control signal photo violation-monitoring system is used and in the aggregate on a daily, weekly and monthly basis; 136 5. the number of notices of liability issued for violations recorded by such system at each intersection where a traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring system is used; 6. the number of fines imposed and total amount of fines paid after first notice of liability issued for violations recorded by such systems; 7. the number and percentage of violations adjudicated and results of such adjudications including breakdowns of dispositions made for violations recorded by such systems; 8. the total amount of revenue realized by such city from such adjudications including a breakdown of revenue realized by such city for each year since deployment of its traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring system; 9. expenses incurred by such city in connection with the program; and 10. quality of the adjudication process and its results. (n) It shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of subdivision (d) of section eleven hundred eleven of this article pursuant to a local law or ordinance adopted pursuant to this section that such traffic-control indications were malfunctioning at the time of the alleged violation. 137 Resolution Requesting the New York State Legislature to Enact Legislation Expanding Authority for Resident and Commuter Parking Permit Programs WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has long sought to balance the parking needs of residents, commuters, businesses, and visitors in a dense and growing community; and WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature has previously enacted Chapter 458 of the Laws of 1997, codified in Vehicle and Traffic Law §1640-e, authorizing the City of Ithaca to establish a residential parking permit system in a limited geographic area adjacent to Cornell University; and WHEREAS, this special legislation authorizes the City to issue residential parking permits and fix fees, while requiring that at least twenty percent (20%) of spaces within the permit area remain open for non-residents and that two-hour short-term parking be available; and WHEREAS, Ithaca’s growth, housing needs, and transportation pressures now extend well beyond the boundaries of the current Cornell-adjacent permit zone, and the Common Council finds that broader authority is necessary to manage parking demand, promote equity, and reduce reliance on commuter traffic; and WHEREAS, the ability to establish resident parking permits citywide, and to create tiered commuter permits for non-residents who work in Ithaca, would provide the City with vital tools to (a) prioritize residential quality of life, (b) encourage mode shift toward public transportation and sustainable mobility, and (c) generate revenue to reinvest in local infrastructure and transportation improvements; and WHEREAS, the Common Council affirms that any such expanded authority should be implemented in accordance with principles of equity and fairness, avoiding disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged neighborhoods, and accompanied by public input and data-driven analysis by the City Engineer’s office; and WHEREAS, section 40 of the Municipal Home Rule Law authorizes the City of Ithaca to request that the New York State Legislature pass special legislation relating to the property, affairs, or government of the City; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby requests that the New York State Legislature enact special legislation amending Vehicle and Traffic Law §1640-e or otherwise granting the City of Ithaca authority to: 1. Establish and operate residential parking permit systems on a citywide basis; 2. Fix and require payment of fees for residential permits; 3. Establish and operate commuter parking permit systems for non-resident workers, including the authority to fix and require payment of fees; 4. Retain discretion to set geographic boundaries, hours, and permit conditions by local law or ordinance, subject to safeguards ensuring short-term public access and equitable distribution; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor, with the assistance of the City Clerk and subject to the advice of the City Attorney, is authorized and directed to transmit this request, together with any and all necessary 138 supporting documentation, to the New York State Legislature, and to pursue all necessary action to secure introduction and passage of such special legislation. 139 AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing the city of Ithaca, in the county of Tompkins, to establish a citywide residential and commuter parking permit system The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: Section 1. Section 1640-e of the vehicle and traffic law, as added by chapter 458 of the laws of 1997, is amended to read as follows: § 1640-e. Residential and commuter parking system in the city of Ithaca in the county of Tompkins. 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, the common council of the city of Ithaca may, by adoption of a local law or ordinance, provide for a residential and commuter parking permit system and fix and require the payment of fees applicable to parking within the city of Ithaca in accordance with the provisions of this section. 2. Such parking permit system may be established on any public highway within the city of Ithaca, exclusive of highways located within Cornell University. 3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no permit shall be required on those portions of such streets where the adjacent properties are zoned for commercial/retail use. 4. The local law or ordinance providing for such parking permit system shall: (a) set forth factors necessitating the enactment of such parking system, including but not limited to the reduction of traffic congestion, preservation of residential character, promotion of alternative transportation, and equitable management of commuter access; (b) provide that motor vehicles registered pursuant to section four hundred four-a of this chapter shall be exempt from any permit requirement; (c) provide the times of the day and days of the week during which permit requirements shall be in effect; (d) make not less than twenty percent of the spaces within each designated permit area available to nonresidents, and shall provide short-term parking of not less than one hundred twenty minutes in duration in each such area; (e) provide the schedule of fees to be paid for such permits, which fees may include differential rates for residents and nonresidents if deemed appropriate by the common council; and (f) provide that such fees shall be credited to the general fund of the city unless otherwise specified in such local law or ordinance. 5. No ordinance shall be adopted pursuant to this section until a public hearing thereon has been had in the same manner as required for public hearings on a local law pursuant to the municipal home rule law. 140 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Mayor's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council COW Study Session FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:November 19, 2025 RE:Reparations Working Group ITEM #:3.8 MEMORANDUM Reparations Working Group Authorization and Mayoral Appointments ATTACHMENTS: Udated-Reparations WG Resolution(1).pdf 141 Reparations Working Group Authorization and Mayoral Appointments WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, through adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, approved an amendment appropriating $50,000 in restricted contingency to fund a study into the subject of Reparations for Black residents of the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this appropriation is to examine the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic anti-Black racism in Ithaca, to document the historical record of harm, and to explore potential policy mechanisms for repair and redress; and WHEREAS, the Mayor, pursuant to Section C-11 of the City Charter, is authorized to establish committees and working groups to advance policy development, and has expressed intent to commission a Reparations Working Group consisting of Common Council members, City staff, and community residents to guide the development of the study; and WHEREAS, the Reparations Working Group will be tasked with defining the scope, methodology, and administration of the Reparations Study, ensuring that it reflects both historical understanding and actionable recommendations; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca acknowledges the moral imperative to address the legacy of racial injustice and affirms that the study of reparations is an essential step toward advancing equity, justice, and community healing; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a Reparations Working Group is hereby established to advise the Common Council on the creation, scope, and implementation of the Reparations Study authorized by the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Reparations Working Group shall have the following responsibilities: 1. Develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified research lead to conduct the Reparations Study utilizing the $50,000 placed in restricted contingency; 2. Define the scope of the study, including but not limited to: o A historical detailing of systemic racism faced by Black Ithacans since the incorporation of the City; o An analysis of how systemic racism has inhibited economic stability, opportunity, and safety; o A review of comparative reparations models in other municipalities; o Recommendations for local policy interventions and reparative mechanisms that the City may pursue; 3. Establish a timeline for key benchmarks, progress reports, and deliverables; 4. Identify and conduct outreach to third-party organizations, scholars, and institutions relevant to the study; and 5. Recommend strategies for public engagement and transparency, including public posting and dissemination of the RFP. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following individuals are hereby appointed to serve as members of the Reparations Working Group: • Chavon Bunch, Executive Director, Southside Community Center • Dr. Ibe Jonah, Educator and Scholar, Cornell University • Lushima Lumumba-Kasongo, Community Advocate and Educator • Dr. Nia Nunn, Chair and Associate Professor of Education, Ithaca College • Dr. Russell Rickford, Associate Professor of History, Cornell University • Kayla Matos, First Ward Alderperson, City of Ithaca (ex officio liaison, non-voting) 142 Additional members may include up to one additional member of Common Council (seated after January 1, 2026) and one staff representative from the City of Ithaca, to be designated by the Mayor, following consultation with the City Manager. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Reparations Working Group shall be convened by the Office of the Mayor and supported administratively by the Office of the City Manager, and shall provide quarterly progress updates to the Mayor and Common Council. 143