HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-15 Planning and Development Board Meeting AgendaCITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Planning & Economic Development
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607-274-6558 Fax: 607-274-6558
NOTICE OF MEETING
The regular meeting of the PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD will be held at 6:00 p.m. on MARCH 24TH, 2015 in COMMON
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, City Hall, 108 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY.
AGENDA ITEM Start Time
1. Agenda Review 6:00
2. Privilege of the Floor (3‐minute maximum per person) 6:01
3. Subdivision Review
A. Project: Minor Subdivision 6:15
Location: 104 Campbell Ave., Tax Parcel #19.‐2‐4
Applicant: John & Anne Marie Cummings
Actions: Declaration of Lead Agency PUBLIC HEARING Determination of Environmental
Significance Consideration of Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
Project Description: The applicant proposes to subdivide the 0.513‐acre (22,347SF) parcel into two lots:
Parcel A, measuring 0.243 acres (10,581 SF) with 110 feet of street frontage on Campbell Ave.; and Parcel 2,
measuring 0.27 acres (11,766 SF) with 97 feet of street frontage on Hector St. and 93.2 feet of street
frontage on Campbell Ave., and containing an existing single‐family home. The property is in the R‐1a
Zoning District, which has the following minimum area requirements: 10,000 SF lot size, 75 feet of street
frontage, 25‐foot front yard and 10‐foot side yard setbacks, and a rear yard setback of 50 feet or 25%, but
no less than 20 feet. This is an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and is subject to environmental review.
4. Site Plan Review
A. Project: Four Townhomes 6:30
Location: 402 S. Cayuga St.
Applicant: Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)
Actions: Potential Consideration of Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval
Project Description: The applicant proposes to construct four (4) for‐sale townhomes that will target
moderate‐income, first‐time home buyers. The buildings will be two stories with parking below to take
advantage of the sloped site. Architectural features include front porches, rear decks, shifting roof planes,
and a varied color palette. Site development includes a common asphalt driveway in the rear, walkways
connecting each unit to the existing sidewalk on Cayuga Street, and landscaping. The project site is in the R‐
3b Zoning District and requires an Area Variance for a front yard setback. This is an Type I Action under the
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City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, §176‐4 (h)(2), and the State Environmental Quality
Review Act, §617.4 (11), for which the Planning Board completed environmental review on January 27,
2015.
B. Project: Lake St. Bridge Rehabilitation Site Plan Review & Recreational River Permit 6:45
Location: Lake Street at Fall Creek
Applicant: City of Ithaca
Actions: PUBLIC HEARING Potential Consideration of Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval
Approval of Recreational River Permit
Project Description: The proposed project involves rehabilitation of the Lake Street Bridge. The existing
bridge, built in 1966, is a steel beam and concrete deck superstructure supported on reinforced concrete
abutments. The bridge’s concrete deck slab deterioration has progressed to the point of necessary repair
and the City of Ithaca has determined the need to replace the deck slab and repair the existing reinforced
concrete abutments. The bridge is also currently on the Federal Scour Critical Bridges list due to the
uncertainty of whether the substructures are either pile‐supported or founded on bedrock. To remove the
bridge from the Federal list, this project proposes to install steel‐sheet piling and heavy‐stone fill scour
protection at the substructures as scour mitigation measures. The proposed rehabilitation also involves
concrete deck slab replacement and substructure repairs. The project requires site plan approval, a
Recreational River Permit, as well as permits from NYSDEC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The
project has received approval from the Board of Public Works and Common Council.
C. Project: Mixed‐Use Housing 7:10
Location: 210 Hancock St. (former Neighborhood Pride store)
Applicant: Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)
Actions: No Action ― Discussion Only
Project Description: The applicant proposes to redevelop the entire 2.01‐acre parcel currently containing
the vacant former grocery store, a smaller commercial building, and a 110‐space parking lot. The applicant
proposes to construct thirteen 2‐story townhomes and a 4‐story, approximately 65,000‐SF, mixed‐use
building with approximately 50 apartments and three ground‐floor commercial spaces, totaling
approximately 10,000 SF. 70 parking spaces will be provided ― approximately one third of which will be on
the ground floor of the apartment building. The applicant also proposes to convert portions of Adams St.
and Lake Ave. (both of which are public streets) into “living streets” by making them narrower, providing
green areas, and installing bike and pedestrian amenities. The project is in the B‐2a Zoning District and will
likely require subdivision in the future. The project will require the following approvals: a Parking Variance
from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), approval from the Board of Public Works (BPW) for improvements
to property in the public way, approval for funding from the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA), and
approval from Common Council. This is a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality
Review Ordinance, §176‐4 (h)(2),(k), and (n) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act, §617.4 (9),
and is subject to environmental review.
D. SKETCH PLAN: 215 Spencer St. ― Noah Demarest, STREAM Collaborative 8:00
E. SKETCH PLAN: Tompkins Financial Downtown Headquarters ― Kim Michaels, Trowbridge
Wolf Michaels, LLP & Steve Hugo, HOLT Architects
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification." 2
5. Zoning Appeals 8:20
• #2976: 102 Franklin St. (New Earth Living) ― Area & Parking Variance
• #2977: 122‐4 W. Buffalo St. (Tompkins Learning Partners) ― Sign Variance
6. Old/New Business
A. Review of Planning Board Application Materials
B. CEQR/Steep Slope Update
C. Comprehensive Plan Public Open Houses
D. Planning Board Annual Report
8:30
7. A. Planning Board Chair (verbal) 9:30
B. Director of Planning & Development (verbal) 9:40
C. Board of Public Works Liaison (verbal) 9:50
8. Approval of Minutes: 1/13/15, 1/27/15, & 2/24/15 10:00
9. Adjournment 10:10
ACCESSING MEETING MATERIALS ONLINE
Site Plan Review & Subdivision Applications (and Related Documents)
Site Plan Review application documents are accessible electronically via the “Document Center” on the City web site
(www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter), under “Planning & Development” > “Site Plan Review Project Applications,” and in the relevant year/month
folder. Subdivision application materials can be similarly located, but in the “Subdivision Applications” folder.
Zoning Appeal Materials are also accessible electronically via the “Document Center” on the City web site, under “Board of Zoning Appeals."
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification." 3
PROPOSED RESOLUTION Minor Subdivision
Declaration of Lead Agency City of Ithaca Tax Parcel #19.-2-4
104 Campbell Ave.
City of Ithaca Planning & Development Board
March 24, 2015
WHEREAS: an application has been submitted for review and approval by the City of Ithaca Planning
and Development Board for a Minor Subdivision of City of Ithaca Tax Parcel #19.-2-4, by owners, John
and Anne Marie Cummings, and
WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to subdivide the 0.513-acre (22,347 SF) parcel into two lots: Parcel
A, measuring 0.243 acres (10,581 SF) with 110 feet of street frontage on Campbell Ave.; and Parcel 2,
measuring 0.27 acres (11,766 SF) with 97 feet of street frontage on Hector St. and 93.2 feet of street
frontage on Campbell Ave., and containing an existing single-family home. The property is in the R-1a
Zoning District, which has the following minimum area requirements: 10,000 SF lot size, 75 feet of
street frontage, 25-foot front yard and 10-foot side yard setbacks, and a rear yard setback of 50 feet or
25%, but no less than 20 feet, and
WHEREAS: this is an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act, both of which require environmental
review, and
WHEREAS: this is considered a Minor Subdivision in accordance with the City of Ithaca Code, Chapter
290, Article 1, §290-1, Minor Subdivision – Any subdivision of land resulting in creation of a maximum
of one additional buildable lot, 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, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does hereby declare itself Lead
Agency for the environmental review for the action of Subdivision approval for City of Ithaca Tax
Parcel #19.-2-4, by owners, John and Anne Marie Cummings.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
In favor:
Against:
Abstain:
Absent:
Vacancies: 1
PROPOSED RESOLUTION Minor Subdivision
CEQR City of Ithaca Tax Parcel #19.-2-4
104 Campbell Ave.
City of Ithaca Planning & Development Board
March 24, 2015
WHEREAS: an application has been submitted for review and approval by the City of Ithaca Planning and
Development Board for a Minor Subdivision of City of Ithaca Tax Parcel #19.-2-4, by owners, John and Anne
Marie Cummings, and
WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to subdivide the 0.513-acre (22,347 SF) parcel into two lots: Parcel A,
measuring 0.243 acres (10,581 SF) with 110 feet of street frontage on Campbell Ave.; and Parcel 2, measuring
0.27 acres (11,766 SF) with 97 feet of street frontage on Hector St. and 93.2 feet of street frontage on
Campbell Ave., and containing an existing single-family home. The property is in the R-1a Zoning District,
which has the following minimum area requirements: 10,000 SF lot size, 75 feet of street frontage, 25-foot
front yard and 10-foot side yard setbacks, and a rear yard setback of 50 feet or 25%, but no less than 20 feet,
and
WHEREAS: this is an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and
the State Environmental Quality Review Act, both of which require environmental review, and
WHEREAS: this is considered a Minor Subdivision in accordance with the City of Ithaca Code, Chapter 290,
Article 1, §290-1, Minor Subdivision – Any subdivision of land resulting in creation of a maximum of one
additional buildable lot, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board, being the local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action, did on March 24, 2015 declare itself the Lead Agency for the
environmental review, and
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council and the Tompkins County Planning
Department have been given the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and all comments received to
date on the aforementioned have been considered, and
WHEREAS: this Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review, did on March 24, 2015 review and
accept as adequate: a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and
Part 2, prepared by Planning staff; a plat entitled “Survey Map, No. 104 Campbell Street, City of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York,” dated 1/4/12 and prepared by Sheive Land Surveying; and other application
materials, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board recognizes that information received and reviewed for this
Subdivision indicates the resultant parcels have received the required Area Variances for relief from the City
of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance for properties located in the R-1a Zoning District, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board determines the proposed Subdivision
will result in no significant impact on the environment and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article
8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the State
Environmental Quality Review Act.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
In favor:
Against:
Abstain:
Absent:
Vacancies: 1
PROPOSED RESOLUTION Minor Subdivision
Preliminary & Final Approval City of Ithaca Tax Parcel #19.-2-4
104 Campbell Ave.
City of Ithaca Planning & Development Board
March 24, 2015
WHEREAS: an application has been submitted for review and approval by the City of Ithaca Planning and Development
Board for a Minor Subdivision of City of Ithaca Tax Parcel #19.-2-4, by owners, John and Anne Marie Cummings, and
WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to subdivide the 0.513-acre (22,347 SF) parcel into two lots: Parcel A, measuring 0.243
acres (10,581 SF) with 110 feet of street frontage on Campbell Ave.; and Parcel 2, measuring 0.27 acres (11,766 SF) with 97
feet of street frontage on Hector St. and 93.2 feet of street frontage on Campbell Ave., and containing an existing single-
family home. The property is in the R-1a Zoning District, which has the following minimum area requirements: 10,000 SF
lot size, 75 feet of street frontage, 25-foot front yard and 10-foot side yard setbacks, and a rear yard setback of 50 feet or
25%, but no less than 20 feet, and
WHEREAS: this is an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the State
Environmental Quality Review Act, both of which require environmental review, and
WHEREAS: this is considered a Minor Subdivision in accordance with the City of Ithaca Code, Chapter 290, Article 1,
§290-1, Minor Subdivision – Any subdivision of land resulting in creation of a maximum of one additional buildable lot, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board, being the local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or
carrying out the action, did on March 24, 2015 declare itself the Lead Agency for the environmental review, and
WHEREAS: legal notice was published and property posted, and adjacent property owners notified in accordance with
Chapters 290-9 C. (1), (2), & (3) of the City of Ithaca Code, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board held the required Public Hearing on March 24, 2015, and
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council and the Tompkins County Planning Department have been
given the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and all comments received to date on the aforementioned have
been considered, and
WHEREAS: this Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review, did on March 24, 2015 review and accept as
adequate: a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Part 2, prepared by
Planning staff; a plat entitled “Survey Map, No. 104 Campbell Street, City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,” dated
1/4/12 and prepared by Sheive Land Surveying; and other application materials, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board did on March 24, 2015 make a Negative Declaration of Environmental
Significance for the proposed subdivision, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board recognizes that information received and reviewed for this subdivision
indicates the resultant parcels have received the required Area Variances for relief from the City of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
for properties located in the R-1a Zoning District, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does hereby grant Preliminary and Final Subdivision
Approval to the proposed Minor Subdivision of City of Ithaca Tax Parcel #19.-2-4, by owners, John and Anne Marie
Cummings subject to the submission of three (3) paper copies of the final approved plat, all having a raised seal and
signature of a registered licensed surveyor.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
In favor:
Against:
Abstain:
Absent:
Vacancies: 1
PROPOSED RESOLUTION Site Plan Review
Preliminary & Final Approval Four Townhomes
402 S. Cayuga St.
City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board
March 24, 2015
WHEREAS: an application has been submitted for review and approval by the City of Ithaca Planning and
Development Board for four townhomes to be located at 402 S. Cayuga Street in the City of Ithaca, by Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), and
WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to construct four (4) for-sale townhomes that will target moderate-income, first-
time home buyers. The buildings will be two stories with parking below to take advantage of the sloped site.
Architectural features include front porches, rear decks, shifting roof planes, and a varied color palette. Site
development includes a common asphalt driveway in the rear, walkways connecting each unit to the existing
sidewalk on Cayuga Street, and landscaping. The project site is in the R-3b Zoning District and requires an Area
Variance for a front yard setback, and
WHEREAS: this is a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, §176-4
(h)(2), and the State Environmental Quality Review Act, §617.4 (11), and is subject to environmental review, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board, being the local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action, did on January 27, 2015 declare itself Lead Agency for the environmental review
of the project, and
WHEREAS: legal notice was published and property posted, and adjacent property owners notified in accordance
with Chapter 290-9 C. (1), (2), & (3) of the City of Ithaca Code, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board held the required Public Hearing on March 24, 2015, and
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council, Tompkins County Planning Department, and other
interested parties have been given the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and any received comments
have been considered, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review, has on January 27, 2015
reviewed and accepted as adequate: a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), Part 1, submitted by the
applicant, and Parts 2 and 3, prepared by Planning staff; and the following drawings: “Survey Map, No. 402 South
Cayuga Street, City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,” dated 10/15/12, and prepared by T.G. Miller, P.C.;
“Planting Plan (L401)” and “Site Protection and Grading Plan (L301),” both dated 1/7/15; “Site Plan (L003),” dated
11/18/14; and “Layout Plan (L201)” and “Utility Plan (C101),” dated 12/15/14, all prepared by Trowbridge Wolf
Michaels Landscape Architects; and “Elevations (Sheets 1 & 2),” dated 12/15/14, and all prepared by Claudia
Brenner, Architect; and other application materials, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board did on January 27, 2015 make a Negative Declaration of
Environmental Significance for the proposed subdivision, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board did on March 24, 2015 review and accept as adequate updated elevations titled:
“Elevation Notes Ver. 1.2 (sheets 1a and 2a),” dated 2/16/15 and prepared by Claudia Brenner, Architect; and
WHEREAS: the project was originally scheduled to go the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on March 3rd, 2015,
however, that meeting was canceled due to inclement weather, and the project is now on the BZA agenda for the
April 7th 2015 meeting, and
WHEREAS: as all site plan issues have been long resolved, the Board finds that delaying its approval until after the
variance has been granted will only serve to cause an unnecessary delay, and is therefore inclined to grant approval
subject the condition of the BZA granting the required variance, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: the Planning Board does hereby grant Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval to the project, subject
to the following conditions:
i. Granting of the required areas variance by the BZA, and
ii. Before the Certificate of Occupancy is granted, the public sidewalk contiguous to the site must be in
compliance with the City of Ithaca standards for public sidewalks and in a condition satisfactory to the City
Sidewalk Program Manager.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
In Favor:
Against:
Abstain:
Absent:
Vacancies: 1
860 Hooper Road
Endwell, NY 13760
Tel: 607.231.6600
Fax: 607.231.6650
www.deltaengineers.com
AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY
“We are a seamless extension of our clients’ organizations”
March 16, 2015
Addisu Gebre
City of Ithaca
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Re: Lake Street Bridge over Fall Creek
PIN 3755.34
Delta Project No. 2013.469.001
Dear Mr. Gebre:
Per your request, please find the following update regarding the questions asked during the February 24,
2015 Planning Board Meeting regarding the Lake Street Bridge Rehabilitation project.
Existing Bridge Rail Re-use
We have investigated reuse of the existing bridge rail as a pedestrian rail on the fascia with the installation
of a two rail vehicular bridge rail at the curbline and offer the following:
1. The existing bridge rail is constructed of steel posts with one horizontal bottom rail, two
horizontal intermediate rails, and one horizontal top rail. The spacing between the rails varies from
9 inch maximum to 7 ¾ inches minimum. The distance from the sidewalk to the top of the rail is
39 ½ inches. Review of AASHTO and FHWA requirements for pedestrian rails on bridges
indicates that the existing rail does not meet current pedestrian rail requirements. The minimum
requirements are as follows:
Railing Height - railing on the outside edge of a bridge with adjacent pedestrian walkway
must be 42 inches minimum in height, measured from the top of the walkway.
Horizontal and Vertical Openings in Railings - Openings between horizontal or vertical
members on pedestrian railings must be small enough that a 6 -inch sphere cannot pass
through them in the lower 27 inches. For the portion of pedestrian railing that is higher
than 27 inches, openings may be spaced such that an 8-inch sphere cannot pass through
them.
2. Installation of a two rail bridge rail at the curbline with reinstallation of the existing rail results in
the following:
The termination of the bridge rail installed along the curbline will result in a potential
vaulting hazard for an errant vehicle approaching the bridge. Although used previously for
specific projects, it is typically not recommended by NYSDOT.
“We are a seamless extension of our clients’ organizations”
DELTA ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, & LAND SURVEYORS, P.C. Page 2 of 2
AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY
Based on the above the existing bridge rail should not be used at this site.
Removal of the Bridge Transition Rail at NW Corner
We submitted a request to NYSDOT Region 3 asking for concurrence to remove the bridge transition rail
at the NW quadrant of the bridge. Our request is based on similar justification provided in the Final
Design Report for eliminating the transition sections at the other three corners of the bridge.
Hand Rail on Four Rail Bridge Rail
We are currently proposing to install a round hand rail in the center of the top rail of the bridge rail
located on the bridge fascia. We have requested concurrence with NYSDOT regarding installation of the
rail on top of the existing crash tested rail. We have enclosed a conceptual sketch prepared by Trowbridge
of the handrail on the bridge and the transition of the bridge hand rail to the railing being proposed in the
park.
Respectfully,
DELTA ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, & LAND SURVEYORS, P.C.
Joseph J. Mieczkowski, PE
Project Manager
cc: File
PROPOSED RESOLUTION Regarding Approval
Recreational River Permit
Lake Street Bridge Rehabilitation
City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board
March 24, 2015
WHEREAS: portions of Fall Creek within the City of Ithaca are designated by New York State as a
Recreational River, pursuant to Title 27 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), and
WHEREAS: Section 15-2714.3. hh of the ECL stipulates that “responsibility for the administration of the
area designated herein shall be delegated to the City of Ithaca pursuant to the appropriate regulations,” and
WHEREAS: on July 11, 1990, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca delegated to the City’s Planning
and Development Board the authority to administer the designated area, and to issue permits for work therein,
and
WHEREAS: the ECL also stipulates that the designation of Fall Creek “shall not, solely by operation of this
article, be construed so as to restrict utility or similar facilities…or support-related activities of…Cornell
University conducted in furtherance of its educational purposes…,” and
WHEREAS: an application for a Fall Creek Recreational River Permit has been submitted to the Planning
and Development Board by the City of Ithaca, which permit is required due to a proposed incursion into a
portion of the designated Recreational River area, as part of the Lake Street Bridge Rehabilitation project, and
WHEREAS: this is a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, §176-
4 B. (h) [2], [3], and (m), and the State Environmental Quality Review Act, §617.4 (11), and is subject to
environmental review, and
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental
review, did on February 24, 2015 make a Negative Determination of Environmental Significance for the
project, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board has reviewed the application for completeness and did on February 24,
2015, with assistance of City staff, find the application to be complete in accordance with the requirements of
621.4(d), and
WHEREAS: a Notice of Complete Application was published in the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation’s Environmental Notice Bulletin on March 11, 2015, and
WHEREAS: a public comment period, commencing on March 4 and ending on March 24, 2015, was
provided for public input, and
WHEREAS: a Public Hearing was held on March 24, 2015, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board has determined that:
1. The proposed activity is consistent with the purpose and policies of the Wild, Scenic, and Recreational
River Act, particularly as it applies to Fall Creek, as well as the regulations applicable thereto;
2. The Fall Creek Recreational River resource will be protected and the proposed work within the
Recreational River corridor will not have an undue adverse environmental impact; and
3. No reasonable alternative exists for modifying or locating the proposed work outside the designated area,
and
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, pursuant to the authority granted to it
by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca acting in accordance with Section 15-2714.3. hh of the
Environmental Conservation Law, does hereby grant a Fall Creek Recreational River Permit for the Lake
Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project located on Lake Street at Fall Creek, as said project affects the Fall Creek
Recreational River corridor and as it was approved through the Board’s Site Plan Review process.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
In Favor:
Against:
Abstain:
Absent:
Vacancies: 1
PROPOSED RESOLUTION Lake Street Bridge Rehabilitation
Preliminary & Final Approval Site Plan Review/Recreational River Permit
Lake Street at Fall Creek
City of Ithaca Planning & Development Board
March 24, 2015
WHEREAS: an application for Site Plan Approval has been submitted to the City of Ithaca Planning and
Development Board by the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS: the proposed project involves rehabilitation of the Lake Street Bridge. The existing bridge, built in
1966, is a steel beam and concrete deck superstructure supported on reinforced concrete abutments. The bridge’s
concrete deck slab deterioration has progressed to the point of necessary repair and the City of Ithaca has determined
the need to replace the deck slab and repair the existing reinforced concrete abutments. The bridge is also currently
on the Federal Scour Critical Bridges list due to the uncertainty of whether the substructures are either pile-supported
or founded on bedrock. To remove the bridge from the Federal list, this project proposes to install steel-sheet piling
and heavy-stone fill scour protection at the substructures as scour mitigation measures. The proposed rehabilitation
also involves concrete deck slab replacement and substructure repairs. The project requires site plan approval, a
Recreational River Permit, as well as permits from NYSDEC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project
has received approval from the Board of Public Works and Common Council, and
WHEREAS: this project was previously determined to be “replacement-in-kind” which is considered a Type II
Action not requiring environmental review. Upon further review, it has been determined to be a Type I Action under
the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, §176-4 B. (h) [2], [3], and (m), and the State
Environmental Quality Review Act, §617.4 (11), and is subject to environmental review, and
WHEREAS: the NYSDOT, NYSDEC, the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works, and the City of Ithaca Common
Council have consented to the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board being Lead Agency for this project,
and
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board did on February 24, 2015 declare itself Lead
Agency for the environmental review of the Lake Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and
WHEREAS: legal notice was published and property posted, and adjacent property owners notified, in accordance
with Chapter 290-9 C. (1), (2), & (3) of the City of Ithaca Code, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board held the required Public Hearing on March 24, 2015, and
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) and other interested agencies have been given
the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and any comments received have been considered, and
WHEREAS: the Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review, has on February 24, 2015 reviewed and
accepted as adequate: a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Parts
2 and 3, prepared by Planning staff, with Part 3 revised by the Planning and Development Board; plans entitled
“Preliminary Plan and Elevation (P-1),” dated 12/14, “Under Bridge Access Plan” and “Erosion and Sediment
Control Details,” dated 1/2015, “General Plan and Elevation,” “Bridge Railing Plan,” “Begin Right Wingwall Repair
Details,” “Permanent Sheet Pile Layout Plan and Details,” “Light Pilaster and Fascia Details,” and “Bridge Railing
Details,” dated 2/2015; and other application materials, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board did on February 24, 2015 make a Negative Declaration of
Environmental Significance for the proposed subdivision, and
WHEREAS: the Board did on March 24, 2015 review and accept as adequate additional and revised drawings titled
INSERT REVISED SITE PLAN, BRIDGE ELEVATION, BRIDGE SECTION AND RAILING DETAIL, and other
application materials, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development does hereby grant Preliminary and Final Site Plan
Approval to the project subject to the following conditions:
insert conditions, if any
Moved by:
Seconded by:
In favor:
Against:
Abstain:
Absent:
Vacancies: 1
Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects LLP
1001 West Seneca Street, Suite 201 Ithaca, New York 14850 ph: 607.277.1400
www.twm.la
March 17, 2015
JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Development
Department of Planning and Development
City of Ithaca
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850‐5690
Re: Supplemental Information for 210 Hancock Street Redevelopment
Dear JoAnn:
We are pleased to provide the attached exhibits and the following updates and supplemental
information for the redevelopment of 210 Hancock Street.
Lake Avenue and Adams Street
Based on input from the community engagement process, INHS has proposed the redevelopment of
Lake Avenue and the portion of Adams Street east of Alice Miller Way. At the January 26th Board of
Public Works meeting the Board directed INHS and City Staff to begin considering Lake and Adams
as a “Living Street” and suggested using an easement to facilitate the redevelopment. On March 5th
INHS, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels, and TG Miller met with Michael Thorne, Tom West, and Krin
Flaherty to further discuss the design and easement requirements. At that meeting City Staff
suggested the following:
The project should emphasize pedestrian safety and priority by providing level sidewalk
crossings rather than curb cuts with conventional crosswalks at all intersections.
The proposed improvements, including the proposed playground, should occur in the
Adams Street ROW south of Lake Avenue. The public should retain rights of access to Lake
Avenue, Adams Street, and the proposed playground.
INHS would be responsible for maintenance of the hardscape infrastructure, snow plowing,
lawn and plant maintenance, and playground within the easement.
The City will require access to the adjacent Cascadilla Creek for periodic maintenance of the
channel and potential repair / replacement of the retaining walls outside of the easement.
INHS should coordinate directly with the City Attorney’s office to begin drafting and
reviewing language necessary to provide access and maintenance.
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The attached site plan has been updated to include the comments outlined above as well as the
observations and comments made by the Planning Board at the February 24th meeting including the
following:
Addition of tree islands in the interior drive to create a more “street‐like” feel.
Addition of raised crosswalks and material changes at crossing points on Lake Avenue.
Moving the playground to the south of Adams Street so that children and families do not
need to cross Lake Avenue to get there.
Necking down of green areas near the intersections of Hancock and Adams and the private
interior “street” to provide a more pedestrian‐first approach.
Providing more pedestrian and green space amenity within the Lake Avenue corridor while
minimizing vehicular access ways, including a continuous pedestrian route adjacent to
Cascadilla Creek.
Proposed Subdivision
The attached preliminary subdivision plan creates two new parcels and consolidates the 423 First
Street Parcel. The project is designed to provide conformance with the yard setback and lot
coverage requirements of the B2a Zone after this consolidation and subdivision. INHS requests
that this subdivision and consolidation be included in the environmental review.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to call. We are
looking forward to presenting the project for PRC review and answering questions at your March
17, 2015 meeting.
Sincerely,
Peter Trowbridge, RLA, FASLA
Principal
Exhibits:
1. Updated Site Plan Rendering
2. Preliminary Subdivision Plan
210 Hancock Street Redevelopment
SITE PLAN
HANCOCK STREET
ADAMS STREET
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1. COMMERCIAL GROUND FLOOR WITH RESIDENTIAL ABOVE
2. COVERED PARKING WITH RESIDENTIAL ABOVE
3. TOWNHOMES
4. BIKE PARKING
5. BUS STOP
6. INTERIOR STREET
7. ONE WAY LIVING STREET WITH BIKE LANE
8. PLAYGROUND
LEGEND
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0 30’60’
MIXED USE BUILDINGS
MULTIFAMLY BUILDINGS
TOWNHOMES
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, NY 14850‐5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607‐274‐6550 Community Development/IURA – 607‐274‐6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607‐274‐6558 Fax: 607‐274‐6558
TO: Board of Zoning Appeals
FROM: Planning & Development Board
DATE: March 25, 2015
SUBJECT: Comments for Zoning Appeals #2976 and 2977
On March 24, 2015 members of the Planning and Development Board discussed the above‐listed zoning appeals
and agreed to forward the following recommendations:
APPEAL #2976 102 FRANKLIN STREET
Area Variance
Appeal of Sue Cosentini, New Earth Living, for Susan and Eric Mueller, owners of 102 Franklin Street for Area
Variances from Section 325‐8, Columns 4 and 12, Parking and Other Front Yard, requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance.
The applicant proposes removing a dilapidated two‐story porch on the south side of the building that faces both
Franklin Street and Short Street. It will be replaced with a one‐story porch. The footprint of the existing porch is
13’1” x 5’9”. The proposed porch will be about 37 SF larger and will measure 14’ x 8’. While the existing porch is
compliant with the 10‐foot front yard setbacks, the new porch will be constructed in line with the existing east
side of the building that faces Short Street and will encroach one foot into this required front yard setback.
There is an existing deficient condition at this east wall, as well. This wall bumps out near the rear yard and
encroaches three feet into the required 10‐foot front yard setback.
The property at 102 Franklin Street is also deficient in parking. A garage designed for one car was constructed in
1979. However, because the building is a two‐family unit, the Zoning Ordinance requires two off‐street parking
spaces.
The property at 102 Franklin Street is in the R‐2b use district where two‐family homes are a permitted use.
However, Section 325‐39 requires the Board of Zoning Appeals grant Area Variances for the above deficient
conditions, before a Building Permit can be issued.
The Planning Board can identify no long range planning issues with this appeal and supports granting it. The
new porch makes the building more attractive and will improve the neighborhood character.
APPEAL #2977 122‐124 W. BUFFALO STREET
Sign Variance
Appeal of David H. Smith for Tompkins Learning Partners, Inc. for a Sign Variance from Section 272‐6 B. (2),
Number of Signs, and Section 272‐9A, Setbacks, requirements of the Sign Ordinance.
“An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification.”
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“An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification.”
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Tompkins Learning Partners is requesting to erect a wall sign and a freestanding sign on its property located at
122‐124 West Buffalo Street. Section 272‐6 B. (2) only allows one free‐standing sign or two wall signs in the
zoning district where the property is located. The wall sign is approximately 1.67 SF and will be located just east
of the entry stairs on the exterior wall facing Buffalo Street.
The proposed free‐standing sign will be erected in the front yard of 122‐124 Buffalo Street on 7‐foot tall
aluminum post. Section 272‐9 A. requires all signs to be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any public highway
or street right of way. This sign will be located approximately 5 feet east of the Geneva Street sidewalk and
approximately 3‐4 feet north of the Buffalo Street sidewalk.
The property at 122‐124 East Buffalo Street is in the B‐1a use district where signs are permitted. However, Sign
Ordinance, Section 272‐18 requires that Sign Variances be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals before the
applicant is issued a Sign Permit.
The Planning Board can identify no long range planning issues with this appeal and supports granting it.
Engineering staff have done a preliminary review and do not believe that it creates a vehicular line‐of‐sight issue
at the intersection.
TO: Site Plan Review Applicant
FROM: JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Development
DATE: Effective May 4, 2006
Thank you for your inquiry on the process of Site Plan Review (SPR). Please note: your SPR application will not be
acted on until a Building Permit application has been filed with the Building Divison. The Planning &
Development Board (P&D) renders decisions on development proposals subject to Site Plan Review. In order to
allow time for your proposal to be reviewed by staff and other government and advisory bodies as required, the
complete SPR application is due approximately six weeks prior to the meeting at which you wish the Board to
act on your proposal. The applicant must submit twenty-six (26) reduced copies of the project plans, and 26 copies
of all other project information, including a descriptive narrative, as well as three (3) full-scale sets of the project
drawings. The Board meets every fourth Tuesday of the month, thus the application deadline and other key dates are
as follows:
BY the 15th Day of
month prior to
month you wish to
be on agenda.
Complete application (as described in SPR Requirements list) to be received by the
Division of Planning, Zoning, and Econ. Development. Call Building Division (274-6509
or 274-6510) to arrange to be on Project Coordinating Committee (PCC) agenda.
2nd Monday
(of month)
Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) meets to review Environmental Assessment Form (EAF).
7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall
2nd Tuesday
(of month)
Project Coordinating Committee Meeting
9:00 a.m., 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall
20 Days Prior to
Public Hearing
SPR notice sign to be posted on site. Signs are available for purchase ($10.50 each) in the
Planning Division Office, 3rd Floor, City Hall. (One sign needed for each street of property.)
3rd Tuesday
(of month)
Project Review Committee (of the P&D Board) reviews site plans and EAFs.
(Attendance by applicant or representative is required.)
9:30 a.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall.
4th Tuesday
(of month)
Planning & Development Board Meeting. Environmental Review, Public Hearing, Preliminary
Review of Project. (Attendance by applicant or representative is required.)
6:00 p.m., Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, City Hall.
The enclosed materials are for your use. Please call if you need more information and good luck on your project
development.
Documents Enclosed:
- Site Plan Review Requirements
- Site Plan Review Application Form
- Site Plan Review Notice Requirements
- Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF)
- Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), Part 1
- Supplementary Bicycle Parking Standards
- Site Plan Review Ordinance (Chapter 276 of City Code)
City of Ithaca
SITE PLAN REVIEW (SPR) REQUIREMENTS
Site Plan Review Checklist
This checklist is developed for your use as a reminder of the basic site plan information generally required for
the understanding and evaluation of development proposals. Some items may not be applicable to your
proposal, and additional information may be required. Depending on the scope and complexity of the project,
the site plan may consist of more than one drawing. (See SPR Submittal Requirements Sheet, items 3a‐3e.)
1. Project’s title and address.
2. Preparer’s name and address.
3. Date (and revision dates) on drawings.
4. North arrow, numeric and graphic scale on drawings.
5. Current zoning and zoning boundaries of the site.
6. General land‐use, streets, and significant features within 100’ of the site.
7. Property lines with dimensions and angles, easements, Right‐of‐Ways (ROWs).
8. Existing contours and hydrologic and topographical features within 50’ of the site, including drainage and
runoff patterns, flood hazard areas, wetlands and average depth to groundwater.
9. Proposed contours and spot elevations.
10. Proposed drainage swales, catchments, and other stormwater management devices.
11. Existing curb cuts within 25’ of the proposed access to the development site.
12. Location and design of proposed curb cuts.
13. Location of existing and proposed buildings and accessory structures.
14. Ground floor elevation of proposed buildings.
15. Locations, dimensions, and construction materials of proposed and existing paved areas, including
sidewalks, parking, and loading area.
16. Location and materials of proposed site improvements such as walls, fences, and gates.
17. Existing and proposed utilities, including location, size, and flow direction of sewers, water supply lines,
and culverts. Electric, gas, and telephone lines and appurtenances should also be shown.
18. Location of existing and proposed fire hydrants.
19. Location and types of existing and proposed lighting.
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Revised: 09/29/14
20. Types and dimensions of existing and proposed signs.
21. Types and locations of existing trees within 9’’ Diameter Breast Height (DBH) and above, and the outside
dimension and location of any large shrub mass on or within 20’ of the site. Any removal of existing
vegetation should be clearly indicated.
22. Proposed planting plan and planting schedule. Plant species and variety, size, and quantity should be
specified. Native soil characteristics and any soil amendment should be noted.
23. Erosion control devices during and after construction.
24. Limits of construction.
25. Tree protection devices during construction.
26. Construction phasing lines.
27. Construction staging area.
Review Criteria
General Criteria: Evaluation of site plans will be based on, as appropriate, but not limited to, the factors listed
below. The evaluation will be on activities both during the construction and after the completion of the project.
1. Avoidance or mitigation of any negative environmental impacts identified in the environmental review. The
following shall be emphasized in particular:
A. Erosion, sedimentation, and siltation control.
B. Protection of significant natural features and areas, including, but not limited to,
trees, views, watercourses or bodies of water, and landform, on or near the site.
C. Protection of, and compatibility with, other nearby features and areas of importance
to the community, including but not limited to parks, landmarks, and historic districts.
2. Compliance with all other regulations applicable to the development of, or development on, the subject site.
These include, but are not limited to, the Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations,
Landmarks Preservation Ordinance, Environmental Quality Review Ordinance of the City of Ithaca, and the
State Environmental Quality Review Act.
3. Spatial and visual cohesiveness of the site plan through
A. A perceivable form and order in the basic layout of the major landscape elements,
B. The application of landscape architecture techniques such as the proper and effective
use of plantings, landform, water features, paving, lighting, etc., and color, and
texture of buildings and other site improvements.
4. Adequate storm water management.
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Revised: 09/29/14
5. Adequate wastewater and sewage disposal facilities.
6. Adequacy of fire lanes, and fire and emergency access, and the availability of fire hydrants.
7. Safe arrangement of vehicular access, circulation, intersections, and traffic controls.
8. Safe and convenient pedestrian access and circulation.
9. Handicap accessibility of buildings, pathways, and parking.
10. Open space for play areas and informal recreation, as appropriate, in the case of a residential development.
Criteria for Parking Area Design
The general criteria shall also apply to parking area development. Additionally, in determining the adequacy and
appropriateness of planting and screening of parking areas, zoning regulations and the following guidelines shall
be considered.
1. In parking areas with fewer than twenty (20) parking spaces, adjacent uses and public ways should be
protected against emissions, light and glare from the parking by screening with planting or fences.
2. In parking areas with twenty (20) or more parking spaces, planting should be installed both on the periphery
and within the lot. Plantings within such lots should be located so that no single row of spaces, or any two
adjoining rows, or two rows separated by an aisle, would contain more than a total of 20 spaces unrelieved
by planting.
3. Interior planting islands should be a minimum of 80 square feet with at least six feet on one side. The
planter should also be curbed and have a minimum 3' excavation.
4. High‐branching shade trees should be considered for planting within the parking area, whereas woody
shrubs with a dense growth habit should be considered for peripheral planting. The selected species should
be tolerant of salt injury, soil compaction, and other adverse urban growing conditions. The City Forester or
the Shade Tree Advisory Committee should be consulted in selection of plant species.
Submittal Process
1. Completed application form ― Submit 26 copies.
2. Completed Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), Part I, if required ― Submit 26 copies.
3. Submit three (3) full‐size sets and 26 reduced (11''x17'') sets of the required drawings listed below.
Note: Submitted drawings should be clear, legible, accurate, and with sufficient information
necessary for the evaluation of the site plan. The Board or the Director of Planning and
Development may require that licensed architects, engineers, or landscape architects be
engaged in the design of the projects. Items “b.” through “e.” may be combined, as
appropriate. (See Site Plan Review Checklist on page 1 of this document for required
information.)
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Revised: 09/29/14
A. Location Plan, at 1'' = 50' or larger, as appropriate, to show property boundaries,
streets, general land‐use, current zoning of the site and zoning boundaries, and
significant features within 100' of the proposed project.
B. Site Layout Plan, at 1'' = 20' minimum
C. Grading Plan, at 1'' = 20' minimum
D. Planting Plan, at 1'' = 20' minimum
E. Utilities Plan, at 1'' = 20' minimum
F. Elevation Drawings of proposed structures and signs. Building materials and colors
should be specified. (Samples may be requested.)
5. Soil study, drainage calculation, and other engineering reports as deemed necessary by the City Engineer.
6. Any other information as determined necessary by the Board or the Director of Planning and Economic
Development.
7. SPR application fee, payable by check to: “City of Ithaca.”
Type of Approval Project Cost Application Fee
less than $10,000 $75
$10,000 to $49,999 $150
$50,000 to
$100,000 $300 Site Plan Review
over $100,000 $1.50 per $1,000
less than $50,000 $150 * Modified Site Plan
Review $50,000 or more $250
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Revised: 09/29/14
City of Ithaca
SITE PLAN REVIEW (SPR) APPLICATION
REQUIRED
Building Permit Number: ___________
APPLICANT: Name: Title/Role:
Address 1:
Address 2: City, State, & Zip Code:
Telephone: Cell Phone: E‐Mail:
CONSULTANT: Name: Title/Role:
Address 1:
Address 2: City, State, & Zip Code:
Telephone: Cell Phone: E‐Mail:
PROJECT OWNER: Name: Title/Role:
(if other than applicant)
Address 1:
Address 2: City, State, & Zip Code:
Telephone: Cell Phone: E‐Mail:
― PROJECT DESCRIPTION ―
Project Title:
Project Address:
Type (check one): Residential Commercial Industrial Institutional
Scope of Work (check all that apply & indicate approximate operation/construction cost):
Vegetation Removal $ Façade Change $ Demolition $
New Paving $ Earthwork $ New Planting $
New Structure $ Structure Expansion $ Accessory Structure $
Total Construction Cost: $ Anticipated Construction Period: to
(best estimate)
― OTHER INFORMATION ―
1. If the development site is leased property, list the property owner's name and address below:
Length of Lease:
Note: Owner must include with this application a written statement
authorizing the applicant to serve as the agent of Site Plan Review (SPR).
CONTACT:
Lisa Nicholas, Senior Planner
DIVISION OF PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
108 E. Green Street, 3rd Floor
Ithaca, NY 14850‐5690
(607) 274‐6550 ― Fax: (607) 274‐6558
lnicholas@cityofithaca.org
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2. Please record the application date and approval status of any required federal, state, and/or local permits or approvals
for this project:
Type Approval Agency Application Date Approval Status
Demolition Building Div.
Building Building Div.
Board of Zoning Appeals
Board of Public Works
3. Describe any existing restrictions relevant to developments on this property:
4. Please append/attach any additional information you feel is important for a full understanding of proposed development.
― APPLICATION FEE ―
The application fee is based on the total construction, site work, and landscaping costs, charged in accordance with the
following schedule. The fee is payable by check to the “City of Ithaca,” upon submission of this application.
Type of Approval Project Cost Application Fee
less than $10,000 $75
$10,000 to $49,999 $150
$50,000 to $100,000 $300 Site Plan Review
over $100,000 $1.50 per $1,000
less than $50,000 $150 * Modified Site Plan
Review $50,000 or more $250
* Fee Schedule for Modified Site Plan Review only applies to modifications to approved site plans that do not trigger reconsideration
of the Determination of Environmental Significance. Modifications that require additional environmental review shall follow the fee
schedule for full Site Plan Review. This determination will be made at the time of application.
― APPLICATION CHECKLIST ―
Item No. of Copies
Application Form (completely filled out) 26
Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) 26
Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) ― Part 1 [if required] 26
Full‐Size Drawings 3
Reduced Drawings (11”x17”) [see “Site Plan Review Requirements,” “Submittal Process”] 26
Site Plan Review Application Fee
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS: Please provide electronic versions of ALL documents submitted.
E‐MAILING LARGE FILES: Incoming e‐mails to the City must be under 10 MB in size (incl. the message envelope itself), so please either provide a CD‐
ROM or use a free file‐sharing web site, like: www.hightail.com, www.dropbox.com, www.google.com/drive, etc. You can also split documents into
smaller parts and send multiple e‐mails/files.
Applicant's Signature: Date:
By signing this application form, the applicant acknowledges that City of Ithaca Planning & Economic Development Division staff may visit the site in
order to fully understand the proposed development.
CITY OF ITHACA SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (SEAF)
Project Information
(to be completed by applicant or project sponsor)
1. Applicant/Sponsor:
2. Project Name:
3. Project Location:
4. Is Proposed Action:
New Expansion
Modification/Alteration
5. Describe project briefly:
6. Precise Location (road intersections, prominent landmarks, etc., or provide map):
7. Amount of Land Affected:
Initially: ______ Acres or Sq. Ft. Ultimately: ______ Acres or Sq. Ft.
8. Will proposed action comply with existing zoning or other existing land use
restrictions?
Yes No If no, describe briefly:
9. What is present land use in vicinity of project:
Residential Industrial Agricultural Parkland/Open Space
Commercial Other _________________
Describe:
10. Does action involve a permit/approval or funding, now or ultimately, from
governmental agency (federal/state/local): Yes No
If yes, list agency name and permit/approval type:
11. Does any aspect of the action have a currently valid permit or approval?
Yes No
If yes, list agency name and permit/approval type:
12. As a result of proposed action, will existing permit/approval require modification?
Yes No
I certify the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge.
PREPARER'S SIGNATURE: ____________________________ DATE: ________
PREPARER'S TITLE: __________________________________
REPRESENTING: _____________________________________
CITY OF ITHACA CITY OF ITHACA
FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (FEAF) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (FEAF)
Purpose: This Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) is designed to help applicants and agencies determine, in an orderly
manner, whether a project or action may be significant. The question of whether an action may be significant is not always easy to
answer. Frequently, there are aspects of a proposed action that are subjective or immeasurable. It is also understood those who
determine significance may have little or no formal knowledge of the environment or may not be aware of the broader concerns
affecting the question of significance.
Purpose: This Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) is designed to help applicants and agencies determine, in an orderly
manner, whether a project or action may be significant. The question of whether an action may be significant is not always easy to
answer. Frequently, there are aspects of a proposed action that are subjective or immeasurable. It is also understood those who
determine significance may have little or no formal knowledge of the environment or may not be aware of the broader concerns
affecting the question of significance.
The FEAF is intended to provide a method whereby applicants and agencies can be assured the determination process has been
orderly, comprehensive in nature, yet flexible enough to allow introduction of information to fit a project or action.
The FEAF is intended to provide a method whereby applicants and agencies can be assured the determination process has been
orderly, comprehensive in nature, yet flexible enough to allow introduction of information to fit a project or action.
FEAF Components:
Part 1: Provides objective data and information about a given action and its site. By identifying basic project data, it assists
in a review of the analysis that takes place in Parts 2 and 3.
Part 2: Focuses on identifying the range of possible impacts that may occur from a project or action. It provides guidance as
to whether an impact is likely to be considered small to moderate or whether it is a potentially large impact. The form
also identifies whether an impact can be mitigated or reduced.
Part 3: If any impact in Part 2 is identified as potentially large, then Part 3 is used to evaluate whether or not the impact is
actually important.
THIS AREA IS FOR LEAD AGENCY USE ONLY
DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE—TYPE I AND UNLISTED ACTIONS
Identify the portions of FEAF completed for this action: __Part 1 __Part 2 __Part 3
Upon review of the information recorded on this FEAF (Parts, 2, and 3, if appropriate), and any other supporting information, and
considering both the magnitude and importance of each impact, it is reasonably determined by the Lead Agency that:
__A. The Proposed Action will not result in any large and important impact(s) and will not have a significant impact on the
environment; therefore, A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.
__B. Although the proposed action could have a significant impact on the environment, there will not be a significant effect
for this Unlisted Action, because the mitigation measures described in PART 3 have been required; therefore, A
CONDITIONED NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED. *
__C. The proposed action may result in one or more large and important impacts that may have a significant impact on the
environment; therefore, A POSITIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.
* A Conditioned Negative Declaration is only valid for Unlisted Actions.
Name of Action:
Name of Lead Agency:
Name and Title of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency:
Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency:
Signature of Preparer:
Date:
FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (FEAF)
PART 1—PROJECT INFORMATION
(prepared by project sponsor/applicant)
NOTICE: This document is designed to assist in determining whether the action proposed may have a
significant effect on the environment. Please complete the entire form, Parts A through E. Answers to these
questions will be considered part of the application for approval and may be subject to further verification and
public review. Provide any additional information you believe will be needed to complete Parts 2 and 3. It is
expected that completion of the FEAF will depend on information currently available and will not involve
new studies, research, or investigation. If information requiring such additional work is unavailable, so
indicate and specify each instance.
Name of Action:
Location of Action:
Name of Applicant/Sponsor:
Address:
City/Town/Village: State: ZIP:
Business Phone:
Name of Owner (if different):
Address:
City/Town/Village: State: ZIP:
Business Phone:
Description of Action:
2
Please complete each question (indicate N/A, if not applicable).
A. SITE DESCRIPTION
Physical setting of overall project, both developed and undeveloped areas.
1. Present Land Use: Urban Industrial Commercial Public Forest
Agricultural Other:
2. Total area of project area: ____ acres ____ square feet (Chosen units apply to following section also.)
Approximate Area (Units in Question 2 apply to this section.) Currently After Completion
2a. Meadow or Brushland (non-agricultural)
2b. Forested
2c. Agricultural
2d. Wetland [as per Article 24 of Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)]
2e. Water Surface Area
2f. Public
2g. Water Surface Area
2h. Unvegetated (rock, earth, or fill)
2i. Roads, buildings, and other paved surfaces
2j. Other (indicate type)
3a. What is predominant soil type(s) on project site (e.g., HdB, silty loam, etc.):
3b. Soil Drainage: Well-Drained ______% of Site
Moderately Well-Drained ______% of Site
Poorly Drained ______% of Site
4a. Are there bedrock outcroppings on project site? Yes No N/A
4b. What is depth of bedrock? (feet)
4c. What is depth to the water table? (feet)
5. Approximate percentage of proposed project site
with slopes:
0-10% % 10-15% %
15% or greater %
6a. Is project substantially contiguous to, or does it
contain a building, site or district, listed on or
eligible for the National or State Register of
Historic Places?
Yes No N/A
6b. …Or a designated local landmark or located in a
local landmark district? Yes No N/A
7. Do hunting and/or fishing opportunities currently
exist in the project area? Yes No N/A If yes, identify each species:
_________________________
3
SITE DESCRIPTION (concluded)
8. Does project site contain any species of plant
and/or animal life identified as threatened or
endangered?
Yes No N/A
According to: _____________________________
Identify each species: _______________________
9. Are there any unique or unusual landforms on the
project site (i.e., cliffs, other geological
formations)?
Yes No N/A
Describe: ___________________________________
10. Is project site currently used by the community or
neighborhood as an open space or recreation
area?
Yes No N/A
If yes, explain:_______________________________
11. Does present site offer or include scenic views
known to be important to the community? Yes No N/A
Describe: _________________________________
12. Is project within or contiguous to a site
designated a Unique Natural Area (UNA) or
critical environmental area by a local or state
agency?
Yes No N/A
Describe: _________________________________
13. Streams within or contiguous to project area: a. Names of stream(s) or name(s) of river(s) to which
it is a tributary: ___________________________
_________________________________________
14. Lakes, ponds, or wetland areas within or
contiguous to project area:
a. Name(s): _________________________________
b. Size(s) (in acres): ___________
15. Has site been used for land disposal of solid
and/or hazardous wastes? Yes No N/A
Describe: __________________________________
16. Is the site served by existing public utilities?
a. If Yes, does sufficient capacity exist to allow
connection?
b. If Yes, will improvements be necessary to
allow connection?
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
4
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1. Physical dimensions and scale of project (fill in dimensions as appropriate): ______________
1a. Total contiguous area owned by project sponsor in acres: _______ or square feet: _______
1b. Project acreage developed: Acres initially: Acres ultimately:________
1c. Project acreage to remain undeveloped: ____________________
1d. Length of project in miles (if appropriate): ___________ or feet: ____________
1e. If project is an expansion, indicate percent of change proposed: _________%
1f. Number of off-street parking spaces existing: proposed:_____________
1g. Maximum vehicular trips generated (upon completion of project) per day: _______ and per hour: ______
1h. Height of tallest proposed structure in feet. _______
1j. Linear feet of frontage along a public street or thoroughfare that the project will occupy? ________
2. Specify what type of natural material (i.e., rock, earth, etc.) and how much will be removed from the site:
_______________________________ or added to the site: ________________________________
3. Specify what type of vegetation (trees, shrubs, ground cover) and how much will be removed from the site:
acres:___________ type of vegetation:_____________________________________________________
4. Will any mature trees or other locally important vegetation be removed for this project? ______
5. Are there any plans for re-vegetation to replace vegetation removed during construction? _______
6. If single-phase project, anticipated period of construction: months (including demolition)
7. If multi-phased project, anticipated period of construction: __________ months (including demolition)
7a. Total number of phases anticipated: ______________
7b. Anticipated date of commencement for first phase: month year (including demolition)
7c. Approximate completion date of final phase: month year.
7d. Is phase one financially dependent on subsequent phases? Yes No N/A
8. Will blasting occur during construction? Yes No N/A If yes, explain: __________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
9. Number of jobs generated during construction: __________ After project is completed: __________
10. Number of jobs eliminated by this project: Explain: _____________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
11. Will project require relocation of any projects or facilities? Yes No N/A If yes, explain: ______
________________________________________________________________________________________
12a. Is surface or subsurface liquid waste disposal involved? Yes No N/A; if yes, explain: _______
________________________________________________________________________________________
12b. If #12a is yes, indicate type of waste (sewage, industrial, etc): ______________
12c. If surface disposal, where specifically will effluent be discharged? _____________________
13. Will surface area of existing lakes, ponds, streams, or other surface waterways be increased or decreased
by proposal? Yes No N/A If yes, explain: __________________________
14a. Will project or any portion of project occur wholly or partially within or contiguous to the 100-year flood
plain? Yes No N/A
5
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (concluded)
14b. Does project or any portion of project occur wholly or partially within or contiguous to: Cayuga Inlet
Fall Creek, Cascadilla Creek, Cayuga Lake, Six Mile Creek, or Silver Creek? (Circle all that apply.)
14c. Does project or any portion of project occur wholly or partially within or contiguous to wetlands as
described in Article 24 of the ECL? Yes No N/A;
14d. If #14a., b., or c. is yes, explain: _______________________
15a. Does project involve disposal of solid waste? Yes No N/A
15b. If #15a. is yes, will an existing solid waste disposal facility be used? Yes No N/A
15c. If #15b. is yes, give name of disposal facility: and its location: __________
15d. Will there be any wastes that will not go into a sewage disposal system or into a sanitary landfill?
Yes No N/A If yes, explain: ___________________________________
15e. Will any solid waste be disposed of on site? Yes No N/A If yes, explain: _____________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
16. Will project use herbicides or pesticides? Yes No N/A If yes, specify: ________________
17. Will project affect a building or site listed on or eligible for the National or State Register of Historic
Places or a local landmark or in a landmark district? Yes No N/A; if yes, explain:
18. Will project produce odors? Yes No N/A If yes, explain:
19. Will project product operating noise exceed the local ambient noise level during construction?
Yes No N/A After construction? Yes No N/A
20. Will project result in an increase of energy use? Yes No N/A If yes, indicate type(s): ______
____________________________________________________________________________________
21. Total anticipated water usage per day in gals./day: Source of water:
6
C. ZONING AND PLANNING INFORMATION
1. Does the proposed action involve a planning or zoning decision? Yes No N/A If yes, indicate
the decision required: _________________________
Zoning Amendment Zoning Variance New/Revision of Master Plan Subdivision
Site Plan Special Use Permit Resource Management Plan Other: ______
2. What is the current zoning classification of site? ________________________
3. If the site is developed as permitted by the present zoning, what is the maximum potential development?
4. Is proposed use consistent with present zoning? Yes No N/A
5. If #4 is no, indicate desired zoning: _________________________
6. If the site is developed by the proposed zoning, what is the maximum potential development of the site?
______________________________________________________
7. Is the proposed action consistent with the recommended uses in adopted local land-use plans?
Yes No N/A If no, explain: _____________________________________________
8. What is the dominant land use and zoning classification within a ¼ mile radius of the project?
(e.g., R-1a or R-1b) _____________________________________________________________
9. Is the proposed action compatible with adjacent land uses? Yes No N/A Explain: ________
________________________________________________________________________________________
10a. If the proposed action is the subdivision of land, how many lots are proposed?
10b. What is the minimum lot size proposed?
11. Will the proposed action create a demand for any community-provided services? (e.g., recreation,
education, police, fire protection, etc.)? Yes No N/A Explain: _____________________
If yes, is existing capacity sufficient to handle projected demand? Yes No N/A
Explain: _____________________________
12. Will the proposed action result in the generation of traffic significantly above present levels?
Yes No N/A
If yes, is existing road network adequate to handle additional traffic?
Yes No N/A Explain: __________________________________________
7
D. APPROVALS
1. Approvals: ______________________________________
2a. Is any Federal permit required? Yes No N/A Specify: _________________
2b. Does project involve State or Federal funding or financing? Yes No N/A If Yes, Specify:
______________________________________
2c. Local and Regional approvals:
Agency
Yes or No
Type of
Approval Required
Submittal
Date
Approval
Date
Common Council
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
Planning & Development Board
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission (ILPC)
Board of Public Works (BPW)
Fire Department
Police Department
Building Commissioner
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
(IURA)
8
9
E. INFORMATIONAL DETAILS
Attach any additional information as may be needed to clarify your project. If there are or may be any adverse impacts
associated with your proposal, please discuss such impacts and the measures which you propose to mitigate or avoid
them.
F. VERIFICATION
I certify that the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge.
Applicant/Sponsor Name:
Signature:
Title:
***************** END OF PART 1 *****************
City of Ithaca
SITE PLAN REVIEW NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
All site plan review applicants are required to give two forms of public notice: (1) a letter
to all property owners within 200 feet; and (2) posting of the property. The City
requires this notice to ensure the owners of nearby property and other interested
members of the community are informed of proposed projects. This public notice
supplements the administrative notice that is given to governmental agencies that may
be concerned with various aspects of the proposal.
The Planning & Development Board is particularly interested in receiving information
regarding the possible effects the proposed plan may have on nearby properties, so that
any adverse effects may be avoided or minimized. Any information or comments
received help the Board evaluate the proposal, and may lead to modifications that both
protect the public interest and improve the project.
Attached to this document is a sample format for the mailed notice. It may be added to
or modified ― as long as it contains the essential information of the proposed project
and guidance on where to get additional information. A proposed site plan drawing
must accompany the notice.
This notice must be mailed at least 20 days before the meeting of the Board at which
CEQR or Preliminary Site Plan Approval will be considered. It must go to the owners of
all properties within 200 feet of the project site, in any direction, including any that lie
outside the City, but within 200 feet of the site. You must provide the Division of
Planning & Economic Development with a copy of the notice and mailing list. The Board
will not consider the application until this information has been received.
In addition to notification by mail, applicants must post a sign at each street frontage of
the project site to give the general public notice of the application. This notice must be
posted at least 20 days before the Board meeting and must remain in place until final
action has been taken. Signs can be obtained from the Division of Planning & Economic
Development at a cost of $10.50 per sign (checks payable to "City of Ithaca").
The Division of Planning & Economic Development will publish the legal notice of the
Public Hearing, which must be held before the Board takes final action on the proposed
plan.
If you have any questions about notice requirements, dates, deadlines, or any other
aspect of the site plan review process, please contact the Division of Planning &
Development, 108 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 (Phone: 607‐274‐6550).
Attachment
1 of 2
― SAMPLE FORMAT ―
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL
IN THE CITY OF ITHACA, NY
(to be completed and mailed by applicant)
TO: Owners of property within 200 feet of ____________________________________
(street address of project site)
FROM: ___________________________________________________________
(project owner or owner's agent)
DATE: ____ /____ /_______
I/We have applied to the City of Ithaca's Planning & Development Board for Site Plan
Approval for the following project:
Project Location: _____________________________________________
(street address)
Owned by: ____________________________________________
(owner of property)
Project Description:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
City regulations require you be notified of this application, in case you have questions or
wish to attend the Planning Board meeting, which is scheduled on:
_____________________________ , ____________ at
(date) (time)
____________________________________________________________.
(location)
Anyone may speak to the Board at the scheduled meeting, and written comments can
be given or mailed to the Planning & Development Board at 108 E. Green Street, Ithaca,
NY 14850.
Attached is the proposed site plan. You may view the complete application either: (1) at
the Division of Planning & Economic Development, Third Floor, City Hall, 108 E. Green
Street, Ithaca; or (2) on the City’s website: www.cityofithaca.org.
For further information on the application, please contact:
__________________________________ _________________________________ ;
(name of applicant) (phone number of applicant or agent)
or the Division of Planning & Economic Development at 607‐274‐6550.
2 of 2
Chapter 276, “Site Plan Review” ― Supplementary Bicycle Parking
Standards
As stated in Sec. 276-7 (D):
«Bicycle parking shall be required for all uses requiring site plan review as per Sec. 276-3(A)(1)
except as may be determined by the Board or the Transportation Engineer. Covered bicycle
parking is strongly recommended.»
Detailed Bicycle Parking Standards:
Bicycle parking facilities shall normally be required for all uses requiring site plan review, as
listed in Sec. 276-3.
1. Statement of purpose. It is the intent of the following standards to provide for the regulation
and provision of safe, secure, convenient, and appropriate bicycle parking facilities. The
Planning and Development Board shall use the following standards in its consideration of the
location and the type/design of bicycle parking facilities.
2. Definitions. The term “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. A “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.
3. Standards for the number of bicycle parking spaces to be provided for various uses. See
chart below.
Use
Bicycle Parking Space Standards 1,2,3
Adult day-care home or group adult day-
care facility
1 for client use, plus 1 per 20 employees
Dormitory 1 per 5 persons housed (6 min.)
Dwelling unit 1 per 5 bedrooms or sleeping rooms (single-
family and duplex encouraged but excepted)
Fraternity, sorority, or group house 1 per 5 persons housed (2 min.)
Rooming or boarding house 1 per 5 sleeping rooms (2 min.)
Auditorium or theater 1 per 50 seats (4 min.)
Bar, tavern, or restaurant 1 per 500 square feet of net floor area of the
assembly space (2 min.)
Bed-and-breakfast home or bed-and-
breakfast inn
1 per 10 sleeping rooms (2 min.)
Bowling alley 1 per 2 bowling lanes
Church, funeral home, or mortuary 2 min. (spaces for 2% of expected attendance
recommended)
Fitness center or health club 1 per 20 persons allowed, as determined by the
maximum occupancy load (6 min.)
2
Home occupation requiring special permit None
Hospital, or nursing or convalescent home 1 per 20 employees4 (6 min.)
Hotel or motel 1 per 20 employees4 (6 min.)
Medical or dental office 1 per 2,500 square feet of net assignable floor
area (2 min.)
Nursery school, child day-care center, or
private elementary or secondary school
1 per 20 employees4 plus 1 per 20 pupils enrolled
(4 min.)
Office or bank 1 per 2,500 square feet of net assignable floor
area (4 min.)
Retail store or neighborhood commercial
facility
1 per 2,500 square feet of net assignable floor
area (2 min.)
Wholesale or industry 1 per 30 employees4 (2 min.)
Boat launch 4 min.
Boat storage or repair 4 min.
Boatel 4 min.
Marina 4 min.
Yacht club 4 min.
Human service agencies and centers 1 per 2,500 square feet of floor area (4 min.)
Other uses, not listed above Whichever is greatest: 1 per 20 employees4 OR 1
per 2,500 square feet OR 1 per 10 motor vehicle
spaces (2 min.)
NOTES:
1. In the case of mixed-use of a building or property, the bicycle parking space standards shall
be computed for each use, and the total for all uses shall be provided in accordance with this
section.
2. The Planning and Development Board may, upon consideration of relevant factors,
including, but not limited to, the easy availability of adequate proximate bicycle parking or the
expectation that a lesser number of bicycle parking spaces will meet the parking needs of the
use, determine that a lesser number of bicycle parking spaces is appropriate.
3. Bicycle parking facilities may be located inside or outside of structures.
4. Calculation to be based on the number of employees during the maximum work shift.
5. Location of bicycle parking facilities.
A. Bicycle parking facilities should be located close to building entrances. Bicycle parking
facilities to be in a public right-of-way shall require approval by the Office of the City
Engineer & the Board of Public Works.
B. Bicycle parking facilities that are not located within a building shall be located in highly
visible and well-lighted areas to minimize theft and vandalism.
C. Bicycle parking facilities shall not intrude into pedestrian or vehicular circulation paths.
D. At least 25% of a bicycle parking facility intended primarily for residential uses shall be
located within a garage and other secure indoor or covered areas.
3
E. Bicycle parking facilities shall be covered or otherwise protected from the elements
whenever practical, especially where long-term (over 4 hours) residential and/or
employee parking is anticipated.
F. A minimum clear distance of 24 inches shall be between bicycle racks and walls, other
obstructions, and/or any unpaved surface. Vertical clearance of seven feet minimum is
required for all bicycle parking facilities. There shall be a convenient, paved access route
between the roadway network and the bicycle parking area. (For example, bicyclists
shall not be required to cross lawns or carry bicycles up stairways to reach bicycle
parking facilities.)
6. Type/design of bicycle parking facilities.
A. Bicycle parking facilities shall be designed in such a way so as to accommodate a
standard bicycle (six feet in length, minimum). An eight-foot-long parking space is highly
recommended to account for irregularly parked bicycles.
B. Bicycle racks shall be securely anchored to concrete. The entire footprint of the bicycle
parking facility shall be constructed of concrete. (Asphalt, brick, or other durable surface
may be acceptable at the discretion of the Planning and Development Board.) The
footprint shall be as level as practical.
C. Bicycle racks should be the standard “inverted-U” rack design, approximately 36 inches
high and with vertical elements 20 to 30 inches apart. When multiple “inverted-U” racks
are grouped together, they shall be oriented parallel to one another and should be
spaced 30 inches on center (exceptions for spacing as narrow as 24 inches on center
and as wide as 36 inches on center shall be allowable in some instances at the
discretion of the Planning and Development Board). Though the standard “inverted-U”
rack design is highly recommended, other innovative and/or creative rack designs may
be allowed at the discretion of the Planning and Development Board.
D. Bicycle racks shall support the frame of each bicycle in TWO or more places, separated
horizontally by 20 to 30 inches. (Designs that support bicycles by one wheel only, or at
only one point of the bicycle, are NOT acceptable.)
E. All rack designs shall permit the appropriate use of standard “U”-locks.
F. Enclosed bicycle parking facilities, such as bike lockers and indoor storage rooms, do
not necessarily require the inclusion of a bicycle rack element, depending on the design
of the facility. Such enclosed facilities shall be lockable and otherwise secure.
7. Variations and exemptions to bicycle parking standards.
A. Any property owner required to provide bicycle parking may propose to establish a
shared bicycle parking facility with an adjacent property owner to meet the combined
standards. Such a proposal requires approval by the Planning and Development Board.
B. Possible variation from above standards under site plan review. The Planning and
Development Board may, at its discretion, allow variations from the above standards.
Original Publication Date: January 14, 2010. Revised: November 9, 2012
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York, at a
Regular Meeting on August 7, 2013 adopted the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE 2013-12
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, as
follows:
Section 1:
§ 276-1. Intent.
The intent of this chapter is to provide for the review of site plans for certain land uses in
the City of Ithaca for the purpose of:
A. Preserving and enhancing neighborhood character.
B. Achieving compatibility with adjacent development and uses.
C. Mitigating potentially negative impacts on traffic, parking, drainage, the landscape
and similar environmental concerns.
D. Improving the design, function, aesthetics and safety of development projects and
the overall visual and aesthetic quality of the city.
E. Promoting environmental sustainability in new development, redevelopment and
long term planning.
§ 276-2. Definitions.
A. 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.
B. 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 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 include but are 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.
(2) A project shall not be considered a development if it is one or a combination of
the following:
(a) Replacement in kind only; or
(b) Interior construction only; or
(c) Infrastructure maintenance only.
DIRECTOR -- The Director of Planning and Development for the City of Ithaca, New
York or 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.
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.
STORM WATER 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 new construction and reconstruction of both
residential and non residential development (except that excluded by §276-3C),
including parking areas of three or more spaces in residential zoning districts.
(2) Upon the concurrence of the 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 nervertheless 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 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 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. There shall be no requisite review of the environmental assessment
forms (EAF) by the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) 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) All new construction and reconstruction of single-lot residential development
of a single-family detached or semidetached dwelling or a two-family
dwelling.
(b) Modification and expansion of residential development involving 4,000
square feet (sf) of total affected site area.
(c) New construction, reconstruction, modification or expansion of nonresidential
development in residential zones involving 3,000 sf of total affected site area.
(d) Modification and expansion of nonresidential development in nonresidential
zones, involving 10,000 sf of total affected site area.
(e) 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 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,
including additions, porches, façade changes, landscaping and site
improvements, excluding the development of parking areas for 3 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, 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 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.
A. Permits from Building Department. For projects subject to SPR, a permit from the
Building Department 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.
B. 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.
(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 BZA cannot grant a variance until the the Planning Board has completed
the environmental review.
C. 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.
§ 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.
C. In projects of limited scope the Board shall conduct SPR according to the
procedures described below in § 276-6, when 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.
(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 Building Commissioner 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 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),
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. 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.
(a) Appicants must submit a complete site plan review application, including 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 § 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) 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. 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.
(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 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.
(2) Coordination and consultation. SPR projects requiring the review and
approval of the Board may also be reviewed by the Building Department,
the Engineering Office, the Fire Department, the City Forester and 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.
(3) 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.
[3] Preliminary and final approval.
[4] Preliminary and final approval with conditions.
[5] Disapproval of the site plan.
(b) In the case where a Board's action is required and where preliminary
approval only is granted, final approval shall be considered at the
earliest scheduled Board meeting subsequent to the applicant's
submittal of an adequately revised site plan, 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 Building Commissioner 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, a stamped copy of the approved site plan, including any
conditions of approval, shall accompany the notification to the Building
Commissioner.
D. Changes to approved site plan. Proposed changes (whether before or after
construction) to approved site plans must be submitted to the Commissioner for
review to determine whether the effect of the proposed changes warrants
reconsideration of the project's approval status. The Commissioner in consultation
with the Director 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.
(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.
E. Extension of deadlines. All deadlines for decisions on an SPR application may be
extended upon mutual agreement by the Board and the applicant.
§ 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 §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, Storm Water Regulations Ordinance, Landmarks
Preservation Ordinance, Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance and
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance of the City of Ithaca,iEN and the State
Environmental Quality Review Act.ii[Amended 6-13-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
(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. [Amended 3-5-2003 by Ord.
No. 2003-8]
(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.
[Added 3-5-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-8]
(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.
(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.
(9) Open space for play areas and informal recreation in the case of a residential
development.
(10) Provisions for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green design as
determined by the Board
(11) Conformance to any endorsed or adopted urban design plan or
comprehensive plan relevant to the proposed site.
(12) For new construction of multiple dwellings, commercial buildings and office
buildings, adequate and appropriately located facilities for the storage and
collection of solid waste and recyclable materials shall be required.
Developers of new commercial and mixed-occupancy buildings must design a
waste management system that can support the needs of any allowable use
in the building, including those uses that could result in maximum garbage
generation. Screening of these facilities, as well as other actions relating to
the appearance of the facilities, may be required in accordance with the
Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance, §178 of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code. [Amended 6-13-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-8; 3-5-2003 by Ord.
No. 2003-8]
(13) Shielding or reduction of noise from mechanical equipment and other sources
to the extent reasonably practicable.
(14) Screening or architectural integration of a building’s or structure’s exterior
mechanical equipment.
(15) The scope and definition of the proposed development shall include all
previous development on the property occurring within the past two years
within 200 feet of the proposed development which, when considered
together, may have a substantial aggregate effect on the surrounding
properties. (See definitions of "development" and "affected site area" in § 276-
2B.)
B. Criteria for plant materials and maintenance. All projects shall provide for adequate
types and arrangements of landscaping, both to enhance the site and to
complement the architectural components of the development and to screen or
buffer adjacent uses in public ways. Use of invasive species should be avoided.
Where possible and reasonable, trees shall be planted in an 8’ tree lawn adjacent to
the road. The City Forester shall, when appropriate, be consulted regarding
specifications governing tree species, size, spacing and method and location of
planting. Appropriate guaranties for tree health may be required. Where possible
and reasonable, any trees greater than 8 inches in diameter at breast height of
desirable species and in good health and sound structure, as determined by the City
Forester, should be retained on the site and protected during development per the
requirements of § 306-7B Trees and Shrubs.
(1) Deciduous trees shall have a caliper of at least 2 1/2 inches at breast height
(DBH) at the time of planting. Size of evergreen trees and shrubs may vary
depending on location and species.
(2) All plant materials shall be installed to the following standards:
(a.) All planting beds to be excavated to a minimum depth of two feet.
(b.) Tree pits in lawn to be excavated to depth of root ball plus 6” and shall be
3X the width of the root ball.
(c.) All trees in lawn areas to receive 5’ diameter mulch rings.
(d.) Only nursery-grown plant materials shall be acceptable. All trees, shrubs
and ground cover shall comply with applicable requirements of ANSI
Z60.1 “American Standard for Nursery Stock”.
(e.) No plants or trees shall be located beneath building overhangs.
(f.) Depending on site design and soil conditions, structural soil may be
required under sidewalks and in planting beds contiguous to paved areas.
The City Forester and/or the Director shall work with the applicant to
determine the need for structural soil and the extent of its use.
(3) Dead, dying and/or seriously damaged plant materials of the approved site plan
shall be replaced, by the owner, 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 assure that landscaping remains in compliance with the final site plan as
approved by the Planning and Development Board.
(4) For projects on City property, the City Forester and the Shade Tree Advisory
Committee shall be consulted in plant species selection and planting soil
specification.
(5) 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 Building Commissioner upon consultation with the Director as
specified herein above.
C. Criteria for automobile parking areas. All parking areas shall be designed in
conformance with §325.20 of the City Ordinance. 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 method described respectively in
§ 325-20E(5)(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) There shall be screening with a minimum five-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) In motor vehicle parking areas a minimum of 12% of the interior ground
area (i.e., excluding any peripheral planting area) shall be planting areas
that include trees with a potential mature height of at least 50 feet and a
caliper of at least 2 1/2 inches at the time of planting.
(4) Interior planting areas shall be a minimum of 80 square feet with no
dimensions being less than eight feet. The planter shall be curbed and
have a minimum three-foot-deep excavation.
(5) Applicants are encouraged to design parking areas with pervious paving
when feasible.
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 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.
(1).Standards for the number of bicycle parking spaces to be provided for various
uses. See chart below.
Use
Bicycle Parking Space Standards 1,2,3
Adult day-care home or
group adult day-care facility 1 for client use, plus 1 per 20 employees4
Dormitory 1 per 5 persons housed (6 min.)
Dwelling unit 1 per 5 bedrooms or sleeping rooms (single
family and duplex encouraged but excepted)
Fraternity, sorority or group
house 1 per 5 persons housed (2 min.)
Rooming or boarding house 1 per 5 sleeping rooms (2 min.)
Auditorium or theater 1 per 50 seats (4 min.)
Bar, tavern or restaurant 1 per 500 square feet of net floor area of the
assembly space (2 min.)
Bed-and-breakfast home or
bed-and-breakfast inn 1 per 10 sleeping rooms (2 min.)
Bowling alley 1 per 2 bowling lanes
Church, funeral home or
mortuary
2 min. (spaces for 2% of expected
attendance recommended)
Fitness center or health club 1 per 20 persons allowed as determined by
the maximum occupancy load (6 min.)
Home occupation requiring
special permit none
Hospital or nursing or
convalescent home 1 per 20 employees4 (6 min.)
Hotel or motel 1 per 20 employees4 (6 min.)
Medical or dental office 1 per 2500 square feet of net assignable
floor area (2 min.)
Nursery school, child day-
care center or private
elementary or secondary
school
1 per 20 employees4 plus 1 per 20 pupils
enrolled (4 min.)
Office or bank 1 per 2500 square feet of net assignable
floor area (4 min.)
Retail store or neighborhood
commercial facility
1 per 2500 square feet of net assignable
floor area (2 min.)
Wholesale or industry 1 per 30 employees4 (2 min.)
Boat launch 4 min.
Boat storage or repair 4 min.
Boatel 4 min.
Marina 4 min.
Yacht club 4 min.
Human service agencies
and centers [Added 6-5-
1996 by Ord. No. 96-9]
1 per 2500 square feet of floor area (4 min.)
Other uses not listed above
Whichever is greatest: 1 per 20 employees4
OR 1 per 2500 square feet OR 1 per 10
motor vehicle spaces (2 min.)
NOTES (on chart):
1. In the case of mixed use of a building or property, the bicycle parking space
standards shall be computed for each use, and the total for all uses shall be
provided in accordance with this section.
2. The Planning and Development Board may, upon consideration of relevant
factors, including but not limited to, the easy availability of adequate proximate
bicycle parking or the expectation that a lesser number of bicycle parking
spaces will meet the parking needs of the use, determine that a lesser number
of bicycle parking spaces is appropriate.
3. Bicycle parking facilities may be located inside or outside of structures.
4. Calculation to be based on the number of employees during the maximum
work shift.
(2) Location of bicycle parking facilities.
(a) Bicycle parking facilities should be located close to building entrances, and
should be located at least as close and convenient to building entrances as the
nearest non-handicapped motor vehicle parking space. Bicycle parking facilities
to be in a public right of way shall require approval by the Office of the City
Engineer & the Board of Public Works.
(b) Bicycle parking facilities that are not located within a building shall be located in
highly visible and well-lighted areas to minimize theft and vandalism.
(c) Bicycle parking facilities shall not intrude into pedestrian or vehicular circulation
paths.
(d) At least 25% of a bicycle parking facility intended primarily for residential uses
shall be located within a garage and other secure indoor or covered areas.
(e) Bicycle parking facilities shall be covered or otherwise protected from the
elements whenever practical; especially where long-term (over 4 hours)
residential and/or employee parking is anticipated.
(f) A minimum clear distance of 24 inches shall be between bicycle racks and walls,
other obstructions, and/or any unpaved surface. Vertical clearance of seven feet
minimum is required for all bicycle parking facilities. There shall be a convenient,
paved access route between the roadway network and the bicycle parking area.
(For example, bicyclists shall not be required to cross lawns or carry bicycles up
stairways to reach bicycle parking facilities.)
(3). Type/design of bicycle parking facilities.
(a) Bicycle parking facilities shall be designed in such a way so as to accommodate
a standard bicycle (six feet in length, minimum). An eight-foot-long parking space
is highly recommended to account for irregularly parked bicycles.
(b) Bicycle racks shall be securely anchored to concrete. The entire footprint of the
bicycle parking facility shall be constructed of concrete. (Asphalt, brick, or other
durable surface may be acceptable at the discretion of the Planning and
Development Board.) The footprint shall be as level as practical.
(c) Bicycle racks should be the standard “inverted-U” rack design, approximately 36
inches high and with vertical elements 20 to 30 inches apart. When multiple
“inverted-U” racks are grouped together, they shall be oriented parallel to one
another and should be spaced 30 inches on center (exceptions for spacing as
narrow as 24 inches on center and as wide as 36 inches on center shall be
allowable in some instances at the discretion of the Planning and Development
Board). Though the standard “inverted-U” rack design is highly recommended,
other innovative and/or creative rack designs may be allowed at the discretion of
the Planning and Development Board.
(d) Bicycle racks shall support the frame of each bicycle in TWO or more places,
separated horizontally by 20 to 30 inches. (Designs that support bicycles by one
wheel only, or at only one point of the bicycle, are NOT acceptable.)
(e) All rack designs shall permit the appropriate use of standard “U”-locks.
(f) Enclosed bicycle parking facilities, such as bike lockers and indoor storage
rooms, do not necessarily require the inclusion of a bicycle rack element,
depending on the design of the facility. Such enclosed facilities shall be lockable
and otherwise secure.
(4). Variations and exemptions to bicycle parking standards.
(a) Any property owner required to provide bicycle parking may propose to establish
a shared bicycle parking facility with an adjacent property owner to meet the
combined standards. Such a proposal requires approval by the Planning and
Development Board.
(b) Possible variation from above standards under site plan review. The Planning
and Development Board may, at its discretion, allow variations from the above
standards.
§ 276-8. Fees.
A. Application fees. The application fees shall be based on the total construction,
site work, and landscaping cost and shall be charged in accordance with the
following schedule.
Type of Approval Project Cost Application Fee
Full Site Plan Review Less and
$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
$150
$50,000 or more $250
Limited Site Plan Review Any Amount $50
*The Fee Schedule for Modified Site Plan Review applies only to modifications
to the approved site plan that do not trigger reconsideration of the
determination of environmental significance. Modifications that require
additional environmental review shall 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 Section 276-
3A(2), the site plan review fee shall be waived.
§ 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 Building
Commissioner shall be responsible for the overall inspection of site improvements.
§ 276-10. Expiration of approval; extension of approval. [Amended 12-12-2001 by
Ord. No. 2001-12]
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 following a written request by the applicant. 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
Section 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 implement any
necessary changes to the site to bring it into conformance, the cost of which shall be
charged to the property owner. In addition, a fine of $50/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 Building Commissioner) 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.
B. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Director may appeal to the Board.
C. 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.
Section 2:
§ 276-13. Severability.
If any section, paragraph or provision of this chapter shall be determined to be invalid,
such invalidity shall apply only to the section, paragraph or provision adjudged invalid,
and the rest of this chapter shall remain valid and effective.
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.
Publish Date: August 20, 2013