HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2025-04-10 TB 2025-04-10
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TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEETING
April 10, 2025
Hybrid
Present: Supv Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez,
Cl Christina Dravis, Cl Spring Buck
Other Town Staff: Ray Burger (Planning Director)
*Cassie Byrnes (Secretary to the Supervisor)
Loren Sparling (Deputy Town Clerk)
“*” denotes attendance via Zoom
Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 6:03 p.m.
FINANCIALS AND HUMAN RESOURCES
RESOLUTION #73 (2025) – APPROVE ABSTRACT 4
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves Abstract 4, as audited, general
vouchers #284 through #401 ($1,765,523.59) and TA vouchers #69 through #72 ($9,008.84),
totaling $1,774,532.43.
2nd Supv Leifer
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER PETITION OF D & A PROPERTIES, INC.
FOR ANNEXATION TO THE VILLAGE OF DRYDEN
OF TOWN OF DRYDEN PARCEL NO. 38.-1-30.11
Natalie French, attorney for the Village of Dryden with Hancock Esterbrook, explained
that a joint meeting of the Town Board and Village Board of Trustees needed to be called for
public comment to occur. A quorum from the Village was present, consisting of Michael
Murphy (Mayor), Dan Wakeman (Deputy Mayor), and Allie Buck (Trustee). At 6:05 p.m., the
Village Board of Trustees called their meeting to order.
N French related that a public notice regarding this petition was sent to the school
districts on March 11 and published in the paper starting on March 13. She confirmed the
proper and timely publication of the notice of public hearing and mailing of notic es. There are
recorders present, and an audio recording is being made. Any comments made should be
directed to the Board and not to the petitioners themselves. They should also be limited to that
provided by Section 705 of the New York State General Municipal Law, being a question of
whether the proposed annexation is in the overall general public interest.
Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:07 p.m.
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N French had questions for the petitioner, Benjamin P Whitmore, who was not present
to answer them. She wondered what authority B Whitmore had to sign the petition on behalf of
D & A Properties but can inquire with the petitioner and advise the boards as to their response.
In addition, she noted that a SEQR has not been received from the petitioner, though one is
required, and so lead agency cannot be designated at this time.
No action will be taken tonight. The next step will involve each board producing findings
based on this hearing. Once the SEQR is received, the Village anticipates opting to take lead
agency on it (to which the Town did not have an objection) so a SEQR determination can be
made.
Cl Lamb clarified that the main purpose of the annexation is to add the property to the
Village’s sewer and water service area. It is in the part of Town where there is some
checkerboard-type back and forth with the Village, and so the annexation is something that the
Town has always expected to occur.
The annexation will result in a storage business (on the corner of Enterprise Dr and
Freeville Rd) becoming an isolated “town tract.” While the storage buildings themselves do not
currently require sewer and water, any future (non-storage) development of that isolated parcel
would likely initiate a similar annexation process.
The hearing was left open at 6:11 p.m.
UPDATE ON DRYDEN VILLAGE’S NY FORWARD GRANT
M Murphy reported that the Village is trying to arrange a day to meet with the
consultants assigned to them, as well as Allison Bodine, who will be involved in the process as
the representative from the State. He expected this to occur around April 28-30. As part of this
meeting, they will conduct a walkthrough of the Village to visually assess the potential projects
that the Village submitted as part of its initial application (which focused on the Village’s desire
for revitalization and growth).
Regarding the formation of a committee, the Village has submitted a list of names to the
State but have yet to receive any feedback. One of the decisions that this committee will have
to make is the amount of the matching funds.
At some time in early May, a public presentation will be held in the Village Hall, as
arranged by the consultants. A website will also be launched at this time to provide
information, facilitate public engagement, and solicit grant ideas and applications. Following
this initial presentation, a series of workshops will be held, some providing information on the
process of applying for grant money, with others asking for community input on potential
projects (e.g., dog park, splash pad, parking improvements, and signage).
The consultants will assist individuals and organizations in developing their project
proposals, with submissions likely in late June or July. The Village committee will review
submitted proposals and forward them to the relevant State department (e.g., DOT for road
projects). The State will then provide feedback and approvals. Projects need to demonstrate a
clear benefit and “make sense” to the State, suggesting a need for realistic and impactful
proposals, including those submitted by the Village. The cost for approved projects is free, but
this also means the State is being “very scrutinous” to ensure they are getting value.
The Village anticipates having six meetings (and potentially some evening workshops)
before sending proposals to Albany by the end of November or December. A response from the
State is expected in March or April 2026.
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The Village intends to focus on projects that will improve the appearance and vibrancy
of West Main Street. It is also interested in potentially repurposing the Methodist Church as a
childcare facility or community center so the space does not lie empty; the chapel could also be
used for community musical events due to its great acoustics. A local sleeping bag-making
group currently storing supplies at the Church was mentioned as a potential beneficiary of any
repurposing.
Cl Lamb reminded the Village trustees that the Town of Dryden has a revolving loan
fund that could potentially complement projects that otherwise might not manifest by providing
bridge funding for applicants. If someone needs financing in order to be approved for grant
funding, and cannot get this from a bank or elsewhere, they should look to the Town for
support through its revolving loan fund. He suggested providing a link to the revolving loan
fund page on the Town’s website from the website created by the Village’s consultant.
PUBLIC HEARING (TOWN OF DRYDEN PARCEL NO. 38.-1-30.11) (continued)
There were no further comments. Supv Leifer closed the public hearing at 6:28 p.m.
N French reiterated that things can move forward on this once the petitioner submits
the SEQR.
PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER A LOCAL LAW AMENDING
SECTION 105-9(H) REGARDING
ENUMERATED UNLICENSED DOG FEES
Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. He displayed on screen the Notice of
Public Hearing and subsequently the proposed Local Law Amending Section 105 -9(H)
Regarding Enumerated Unlicensed Dog Fees.
Supv Leifer explained that the amendment would raise the additional fee for an
unlicensed dog found during a dog enumeration from $10 to $20. (The current $10 fee has
been in place for approximately 18 years.)
This initiative will raise awareness and education regarding dog licensing, and
encourage dog owners to license their dogs.
The Town’s Dog Control Officer has done well in getting the word out about the
forthcoming enumeration, so much so that the Town Clerk’s office has seen a noticeable
increase in new dog licenses.
The hearing was left open at 6:34 p.m.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Introduction to Local Law – Repealing and Replacing Chapter 155 Entitled Flood Damage
Prevention – Set Public Hearing for May 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
A Local Law Repealing and Replacing Chapter 155 Entitled Flood Damage Prevention
was introduced (see below). This new law needs to be in effect by June 19, and would ensure
that residents in flood zones can still access flood insurance and potentially receive assistance
in case of flood damage. It would also serve as an educational opportunity to inform residents
about flood risks. The language for the new law was informed by updated flood maps from
FEMA showing newly designated flood zones, as well as input from the Department of
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Environmental Conservation (DEC), suggesting it may be more stringent in terms of flood zone
protection.
This law will be subject to a public hearing on May 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with
potential adoption that same day. The Conservation Board will be informed about these
proposed changes.
PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL 17, 2025
Public Hearing – 6:05 p.m. – 933 Dryden Rd – SUP Application for Auto Repair Garage.
This public hearing was noted.
Presentation – Borger Station Annual Report. Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) is
scheduled to give their annual presentation to the Board next week. Cl Lamb intends to inquire
about their Community Benefit Grant Program and suggests the Town apply every year, noting
its past application for the Rail Trail was successful. Because the Rail Trail still needs money,
the Rail Trail Task Force might do so again this year.
OTHER ITEMS
Billboard at Hanshaw Rd and Rte 13
Board members were informed that the construction of the new electronic billboard at
the intersection of Hanshaw Rd and Rte 13 is behind schedule. It was initially expected to be
live by April 1, but the panels have not yet been delivered. The foundation work for the new
billboard has been completed. The same crew will dismantle the other three existing billboards
in the area once the electronic one is erected.
Hanshaw Village Mobile Home Park CDBG Application
R Burger briefed Board members on the resumption of Hanshaw Village Mobile Home
Park’s (MHP) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application.
Two years ago, the Town initiated a CDBG application for Hanshaw Village to address
its ongoing septic issues, but it was halted at the last minute due to the park’s inability to
cover all associated costs beyond the grant. The MHP is now interested in restarting the CDBG
application process for the current cycle. The proposed project involves connecting the MHP to
the Town’s sewer system near the intersection of Hanshaw Rd and Rte 13, which would
significantly improve the living conditions and sanitation at the MHP.
Mechanisms are being discussed where the MHP would establish an account and
deposit the necessary funds to cover costs not covered by the grant . Should the CDBG be
awarded, this money would be turned over to the Town. If this is something that the Town
Board still wants to consider, Town Planning staff would work to prepare the application over
the next three months to meet the July 31 deadline.
PUBLIC HEARING (ENUMERATED UNLICENSED DOG FEES) (continued)
There were no further comments. Supv Leifer closed the public hearing at 6:46 p.m.
RESOLUTION #74 (2025) – APPROVING LOCAL LAW NO. 3 OF 2025
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
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WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden scheduled a public hearing for April 10, 2025 at 6:00
p.m. for Local Law No. 3 of 2025 entitled “A LOCAL LAW AMENDING SECTION 105 -9(H)
REGARDING ENUMERATED UNLICENSED DOG FEES”; and
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the official newspaper
of the Town and posted on the Town Clerk’s signboard; and
WHEREAS, said public hearing was duly held on the 10th day of April, 2025 at 6:00
p.m. and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in
opposition to said proposed Local Law, or any part thereof; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, it has been
determined by the Town Board that adoption of the proposed Local Law constitutes a Type II
Action as defined under 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(26) and (33).
WHEREAS, the Town Board, after due deliberation, finds it in the best interest of the
Town to adopt said Local Law.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby adopts said local
law as Local Law No. 3 of 2025 entitled “A LOCAL LAW AMENDING SECTION 105-9(H)
REGARDING ENUMERATED UNLICENSED DOG FEES”; a copy of which is attached hereto
and made a part hereof; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Town Clerk be and hereby is directed to enter said Local Law in
the minutes of this meeting and to give due notice of the adoption of said Local Law to the
Secretary of State; and be it further
RESOLVED that this resolution will take effect upon filing with the Department of
State.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
TOWN OF DRYDEN LOCAL LAW NO. ___ OF THE YEAR 2025
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING SECTION 105-9(H) REGARDING ENUMERATED UNLICENSED
DOG FEES
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Dryden as follows:
Section 1. Section 105-9(H) of the Code of the Town of Dryden shall be amended to
read as follows:
Additional fee for enumerated unlicensed dog. In addition to the license and other fees
provided for herein, the owner of a dog identified as unlicensed during a dog enumeration shall
be charged an additional fee of $20 at the time of licensing. All such a dditional fees under this
subsection shall be used to pay the expenses incurred by the town during such enumeration.
Section 2. Remainder.
Except as hereinabove amended, the remainder of the Code of the Town of Dryden shall
remain in full force and effect.
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Section 3. Separability.
The provisions of this Local Law are separable and if any provision, clause, sentence,
subsection, word or part thereof is held illegal, invalid, unconstitutional, or inapplicable to any
person or circumstance, such illegality, invalidity or unconstitution ality, or inapplicability shall
not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions, clauses, sentences, subsections, words, or
parts of this local law or their application to other persons or circumstances. It is hereby
declared to be the legislative intent that this local law would have been adopted if such illegal,
invalid, or unconstitutional provision, clause, sentence, subsection, word or part had not been
included therein, and as if such person or circumstance, to which the local law or part thereof
is held inapplicable, had been specifically exempt therefrom.
Section 4. Effective Date.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the New York State
Secretary of State in accordance with Section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS (continued)
The following local law was introduced and a public hearing set for May 15, 2025, at
6:00 p.m.
RESOLUTION #75 (2025) – INTRODUCING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW REPEALING AND
REPLACING CHAPTER 155 ENTITLED FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, a local law entitled “A LOCAL LAW REPEALING AND REPLACING
CHAPTER 155 ENTITLED FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION” was introduced at this meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board desires to hold a public hearing with respect to the adoption
of said Local Law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a public hearing will be held by the Town
Board of the Town of Dryden with respect to the adoption of the aforesaid Local Law on May 15,
2025 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter may be heard; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause public notice
of said hearing to be given as provided by law.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
TOWN OF DRYDEN
LOCAL LAW NO. ___ OF THE YEAR 2025
A LOCAL LAW REPEALING AND REPLACING
CHAPTER 155 ENTITLED FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Dryden as follows:
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Section 1. Chapter 155 of the Town Code entitled “Flood Damage Prevention” shall be
repealed and replaced with the following:
SECTION 1
STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION AND PURPOSE
155-1 FINDINGS.
The Town Board of the Town of Dryden finds that the potential and/or actual damages from
flooding and erosion may be a problem to the residents of the Town of Dryden and that such
damages may include: destruction or loss of private and public housing, damage to public
facilities, both publicly and privately owned, and injury to and loss of human life. To minimize
the threat of such damages and to achieve the purposes and objectives hereinafter set forth, this
local law is adopted.
155-2 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this local law to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and
to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions
designed to:
(1) regulate uses which are dangerous to health, safety and property due to water or erosion
hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities;
(2) require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
(3) control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective
barriers which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
(4) control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase erosion or
flood damages;
(5) regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or
which may increase flood hazards to other lands, and;
(6) qualify and maintain for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
155-3 OBJECTIVES.
The objectives of this local law are:
(l) to protect human life and health;
(2) to minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
(3) to minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally
undertaken at the expense of the general public;
(4) to minimize prolonged business interruptions;
(5) to minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric,
telephone, sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;
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(6) to help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas
of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas;
(7) to provide that developers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard;
and,
(8) to ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility
for their actions.
SECTION 2
TERMINOLOGY
155-4 DEFINITIONS.
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this local law shall be interpreted so
as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this local law its most
reasonable application.
“Accessory Structure” is a structure used solely for parking (two-car detached garages or
smaller) or limited storage, represent a minimal investment of not more than 10 percent of the
value of the primary structure, and may not be used for human habitation.
"Appeal" means a request for a review of the Local Administrator's interpretation of any provision
of this Local Law or a request for a variance.
"Area of shallow flooding" means a designated AO, AH or VO Zone on a community's Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a one percent or greater annual chance of flooding to an average
annual depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path
of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is
characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
"Area of special flood hazard" is the land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one
percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. This area may be designated as Zone A,
AE, AH, AO, A1-A30, A99, V, VO, VE, or V1-V30. It is also commonly referred to as the base
floodplain or l00-year floodplain. For purposes of this Local Law, the term “special flood hazard
area (SFHA)” is synonymous in meaning with the phrase “area of special flood hazard.”
"Base flood" means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any
given year.
"Basement" means that portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on
all sides.
"Building" see "Structure."
"Cellar" has the same meaning as "Basement."
"Crawl Space" means an enclosed area beneath the lowest elevated floor, eighteen inches or
more in height, which is used to service the underside of the lowest elevated floor. The elevation
of the floor of this enclosed area, which may be of soil, gravel, concrete or other material, must
be equal to or above the lowest adjacent exterior grade. The enclosed crawl space area shall be
properly vented to allow for the equalization of hydrostatic forces which would be experienced
during periods of flooding.
“Critical facilities” means:
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(1) Structures or facilities that produce, use, or store highly volatile, flammable,
explosive, toxic and/or water-reactive materials;
(2) Hospitals, nursing homes, and housing likely to contain occupants who may not
be sufficiently mobile to avoid death or injury during a flood;
(3) Police stations, fire stations, vehicle and equipment storage facilities, and
emergency operations centers that are needed for flood response activities before, during, and
after a flood; and
(4) Public and private utility facilities that are vital to maintaining or restoring normal
services to flooded areas before, during, and after a flood.
“Cumulative Substantial Improvement” means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition,
or other improvement of a structure that equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the
structure at the time of the improvement or repair when counted cumulatively for 10 years.
"Development" means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including
but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, paving, excavation or
drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.
"Elevated building" means a non-basement building (i) built, in the case of a building in Zones
A1-A30, AE, A, A99, AO, AH, B, C, X, or D, to have the top of the elevated floor, or in the case of
a building in Zones V1-30, VE, or V, to have the bottom of the lowest horizontal structure member
of the elevated floor, elevated above the ground level by means of pilings, columns (posts and
piers), or shear walls parallel to the flow of the water and (ii) adequately anchored so as not to
impair the structural integrity of the building during a flood of up to the magnitude of the base
flood. In the case of Zones A1-A30, AE, A, A99, AO, AH, B, C, X, or D, "elevated building" also
includes a building elevated by means of fill or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings
sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement of flood waters. In the case of Zones V1 -V30,
VE, or V, "elevated building" also includes a building otherwise meeting the definition of "elevated
building", even though the lower area is enclosed by means of breakaway walls that meet the
federal standards.
"Federal Emergency Management Agency" means the Federal agency that administers the
National Flood Insurance Program.
"Flood" or "Flooding" means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(l) the overflow of inland or tidal waters;
(2) the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
"Flood" or "flooding" also means the collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or
other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water
exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a
natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature,
such as a flash flood or an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable
event which results in flooding as defined in (1) above.
"Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM)" means an official map of the community
published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of a riverine community's Flood
Insurance Study. The FBFM delineates a Regulatory Floodway along water courses studied in
detail in the Flood Insurance Study.
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"Flood Elevation Study" means an examination, evaluation and determination of the flood
hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations, or an examination,
evaluation and determination of flood- related erosion hazards.
"Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM)" means an official map of a community, issued by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, where the boundaries of the areas of special flood
hazard have been designated as Zone A but no flood elevations are provided.
"Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)" means an official map of a community, on which the
Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard
and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
"Flood Insurance Study" see "flood elevation study."
"Floodplain" or "Flood-prone area" means any land area susceptible to being inundated by
water from any source (see definition of "Flooding").
"Floodproofing" means any combination of structural and non-structural additions, changes,
or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved
real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
"Floodway" - has the same meaning as "Regulatory Floodway."
"Functionally dependent use" means a use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless
it is located or carried out in close proximity to water, such as a docking or port facility necessary
for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, shipbuilding, and ship repair facilit ies. The
term does not include long-term storage, manufacturing, sales, or service facilities.
"Highest adjacent grade" means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to
construction, next to the proposed walls of a structure.
"Historic structure" means any structure that is:
(1) listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by
the Department of the Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the
Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Reg ister;
(2) certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing
to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily
determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
(3) individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic
preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
(4) individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic
preservation programs that have been certified either:
(i) by an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior
or
(ii) directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
"Local Administrator" is the person appointed by the community to administer and implement
this local law by granting or denying development permits in accordance with its provisions. This
person is designated in Section 4 of this Local Law.
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"Lowest floor" means lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement or cellar). An
unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or
storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor;
provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the
applicable non-elevation design requirements of this Local Law.
"Manufactured home" means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built
on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when
connected to the required utilities. The term does not include a "Recreational vehicle."
"Manufactured home park or subdivision" means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land
divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
"Mean sea level" means, for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the National
Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of l929, the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88),
or other datum, to which base flood elevations shown on a community's Flood Insurance Ra te
Map are referenced.
"Mobile home" - has the same meaning as "Manufactured home."
"New construction" means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or
after the effective date of a floodplain management regulation adopted by the community and
includes any subsequent improvements to such structure.
"One-hundred-year flood" or "100-year flood" has the same meaning as "Base Flood."
"Principally above ground" means that at least 5l percent of the actual cash value of the
structure, excluding land value, is above ground.
"Recreational vehicle" means a vehicle which is:
(1) built on a single chassis;
(2) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections;
(3) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and
(4) not designed primarily for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living
quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
"Regulatory Floodway" means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land
areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing
the water surface elevation more than a designated height as determined by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency in a Flood Insurance Study or by other agencies as provided in
Section 4 of this Law.
"Start of construction" means the date of permit issuance for new construction and substantial
improvements to existing structures, provided that actual start of construction, repair,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvement is within 180 days after
the date of issuance. The actual start of construction means the first placement of permanent
construction of a building (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of a
slab or footings, installation of pilings or construction of columns.
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Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as clearing, excavation,
grading, or filling), or the installation of streets or walkways, or excavation for a basement,
footings, piers or foundations, or the erection of temporary forms, or t he installation of accessory
buildings such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main
building. For a substantial improvement, the actual “start of construction” means the first
alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that
alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
"Structure" means a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank that is
principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
“Substantial Damage” means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost
of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of
the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. Substantial damage also mean s
flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a 10-year
period for which the cost of repairs at the time of such flood event, on the average, equals or
exceeds 25 percent of the market value of the st ructure before the damage occurred.
"Substantial improvement" means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value
of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. Substantial improvement
also means “cumulative substantial improvement.” The term includes structures which have
incurred "substantial damage", regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does
not, however, include either:
(1) any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or
local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the
local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe
living conditions; or
(2) any alteration of a "Historic structure", provided that the alteration will not preclude
the structure's continued designation as a "Historic structure."
"Variance" means a grant of relief from the requirements of this local law which permits
construction or use in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this local law.
“Violation” means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the
community’s flood plain management regulations.
SECTION 3
GENERAL PROVISIONS
155-5 LANDS TO WHICH THIS LOCAL LAW APPLIES.
This local law shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the Town
of Dryden, Tompkins County.
155-6 BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD.
The areas of special flood hazard for the Town of Dryden, Community Number 360846 are
identified and defined on the following documents prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
(1) Flood Insurance Rate Map Panels:
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36109C0115D, 36109C0116D, 36109C0117D, 36109C0118D, 36109C0119D,
36109C0136D, 36109C0137D, 36109C0138D, 36109C0139D, 36109C0141D,
36109C0142D, 36109C0143D, 36109C0144D, 36109C0202D, 36109C0204D,
36109C0206D, 36109C0207D, 36109C0208D, 36109C0209D, 36109C021 2D,
36109C0214D, 36109C0216D, 36109C0217D, 36109C0218D, 36109C0219D,
36109C0226D, 36109C0227D, 36109C0228D, 36109C0229D, 36109C0231D,
36109C0232D, 36109C0233D, 36109C0234D, 36109C0236D, 36109C0237D,
36109C0241D, 36109C0242D
whose effective date is June 18, 2025.
(2) A scientific and engineering report entitled “Flood Insurance Study, Tompkins
County, New York, (All Jurisdictions),” dated June 18, 2025.
The above documents are hereby adopted and declared to be a part of this Local Law. The Flood
Insurance Study and/or maps are on file at:
Dryden Town Hall, Planning Department, 93 East Main Street, Dryden, NY 13053
155-7 INTERPRETATION AND CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAWS.
This Local Law includes all revisions to the National Flood Insurance Program through June 26,
2001, and shall supersede all previous laws adopted for the purpose of flood damage prevention.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this local law shall be held to be
minimum requirements, adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare.
Whenever the requirements of this local law are at variance with the r equirements of any other
lawfully adopted rules, regulations, or ordinances, the most restrictive, or that imposing the
higher standards, shall govern.
155.8 SEVERABILITY.
The invalidity of any section or provision of this local law shall not invalidate any other section
or provision thereof.
155-9 PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE.
No structure in an area of special flood hazard shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended,
converted, or altered and no land shall be excavated or filled without full compliance with the
terms of this local law and any other applicable regulations. Any infraction of the provisions of
this local law by failure to comply with any of its requirements, including infractions of conditions
and safeguards established in connection with conditions of the permit, shall constitute a
violation. Any person who violates this local law or fails to comply with any of its requirements
shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined no more than $250 or imprisoned for not more than l5
days or both. Each day of noncompliance shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein
contained shall prevent the Town of Dryden from taking such other lawful action as necessary
to prevent or remedy an infraction. Any structure found not compliant with the requirements of
this local law for which the developer and/or owner has not applied for and received an approved
variance under Section 6 will be declared non-compliant and notification sent to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
155-10 WARNING AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY.
The degree of flood protection required by this local law is considered reasonable for regulatory
purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will
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occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This
local law does not imply that land outside the area of special flood hazards or uses permitted
within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This local law shall not create
liability on the part of the Town of Dryden any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, for any flood damages that result from reliance on this local
law, or any administrative decision lawfully made there under.
SECTION 4
ADMINISTRATION
155.11 DESIGNATION OF THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR.
The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby appointed Local Administrator to administer and
implement this local law by granting or denying floodplain development permits in accordance
with its provisions.
155-12 THE FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT.
A. PURPOSE
A floodplain development permit is hereby established for all construction and other development
to be undertaken in areas of special flood hazard in this community for the purpose of protecting
its citizens from increased flood hazards and ensuring that new development is constructed in a
manner that minimizes its exposure to flooding. It shall be unlawful to undertake any
development in an area of special flood hazard, as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map
enumerated in Section 3, without a valid floodplain development permit. Application for a permit
shall be made on forms furnished by the Local Administrator and may include, but not be limited
to: plans, in duplicate, drawn to scale and showing: the nature, location, dimen sions, and eleva-
tions of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage
facilities, and the location of the foregoing.
B. FEES
All applications for a floodplain development permit shall be accompanied by an application fee
of $250.00. In addition, the applicant shall be responsible for reimbursing the Town of Dryden
for any additional costs necessary for review, inspection and approval of this project. The Local
Administrator may require a deposit of no more than $500.00 to cover these additional costs.
These fees may be amended from time to time by resolution of the Town Board.
155-13 APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT.
The applicant shall provide the following information as appropriate. Additional information may
be required on the permit application form.
(1) The proposed elevation, in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including
basement or cellar) of any new or substantially improved residential structure to be
located in a special flood hazard area. Upon completion of the lowest floor, the
permitee shall submit to the Local Administrator the as-built elevation, certified by a
licensed professional engineer or surveyor.
(2) The proposed elevation, in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including
basement or cellar) of any new or substantially improved non -residential structure to
be located in Zones A1-A30, AE, or AH or Zone A if base flood elevation data are
available. Upon completion of the lowest floor, the permitee shall submit to the Local
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Administrator the as-built elevation, certified by a licensed professional engineer or
surveyor.
(3) The proposed elevation, in relation to mean sea level, to which any new or
substantially improved non-residential structure will be floodproofed. Upon
completion of the floodproofed portion of the structure, the permitee shall submit to
the Local Administrator the as-built floodproofed elevation, certified by a professional
engineer or surveyor.
(4) A certificate from a licensed professional engineer or architect that any utility
floodproofing will meet the criteria in Section 5, UTILITIES.
(5) A certificate from a licensed professional engineer or architect that any non-
residential floodproofed structure will meet the floodproofing criteria in Section 5,
NON-RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.
(6) A description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a
result of proposed development. Computations by a licensed professional engineer
must be submitted that demonstrate that the altered or relocated segment will provide
equal or greater conveyance than the original stream segment. The applicant must
submit any maps, computations or other material required by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) to revise the documents enumerated in Section 3, when
notified by the Local Administrator, and must pay any fees or other costs assessed by
FEMA for this purpose. The applicant must also provide assurances that the
conveyance capacity of the altered or relocated stream segment will be maintained.
(7) A technical analysis, by a licensed professional engineer, if required by the Local
Administrator, which shows whether proposed development to be located in an area
of special flood hazard may result in physical damage to any other property.
(8) In Zone A, when no base flood elevation data are available from other sources, base
flood elevation data shall be provided by the permit applicant for subdivision
proposals and other proposed developments (including proposals for manufactured
home and recreational vehicle parks and subdivisions) that are greater than either 50
lots or 5 acres.
155-14 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR.
Duties of the Local Administrator shall include, but not be limited to the following.
A. PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW
The Local Administrator shall conduct the following permit application review before issuing a
floodplain development permit:
(1) Review all applications for completeness, particularly with the requirements of
APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT, and for compliance with the provisions and standards
of this law.
(2) Review subdivision and other proposed new development, including manufactured
home parks to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from
flooding. If a proposed building site is located in an area of special flood hazard, all
new construction and substantial improvements shall meet the applicable standards
of Section 5, CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS and in particular, SUBDIVISION
PROPOSALS.
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(3) Determine whether any proposed development in an area of special flood hazard may
result in physical damage to any other property (e.g., stream bank erosion and
increased flood velocities). The Local Administrator may require the applicant to
submit additional technical analyses and data necessary to complete the
determination.
If the proposed development may result in physical damage to any other property or
fails to meet the requirements of Section 5, CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, no permit
shall be issued. The applicant may revise the application to include measures that
mitigate or eliminate the adverse effects and re-submit the application.
(4) Determine that all necessary permits have been received from those governmental
agencies from which approval is required by State or Federal law.
B. USE OF OTHER FLOOD DATA
(1) When the Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated areas of special
flood hazard on the community's Flood Insurance Rate map (FIRM) but has neither
produced water surface elevation data (these areas are designated Zone A or V on the
FIRM) nor identified a floodway, the Local Administrator shall obtain, review and
reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a Federal,
State or other source, including data developed pursuant to paragraph 4.3(7), as
criteria for requiring that new construction, substantial improvements or other
proposed development meet the requirements of this law.
(2) When base flood elevation data are not available, the Local Administrator may use
flood information from any other authoritative source, such as historical data, to
establish flood elevations within the areas of special flood hazard, for the purposes of
this law.
(3) When an area of special flood hazard, base flood elevation, and/or floodway data are
available from a Federal, State or other authoritative source, but differ from the data
in the documents enumerated in Section 3, the Local Administrator may reasonabl y
utilize the other flood information to enforce more restrictive development standards.
C. ALTERATION OF WATERCOURSES
(l) Notification to adjacent municipalities that may be affected and the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation prior to permitting any alteration or
relocation of a watercourse and submit evidence of such notification to the Regional
Administrator, Region II, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(2) Determine that the permit holder has provided for maintenance within the altered or
relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood carrying capacity is not dimin -
ished.
D. CONSTRUCTION STAGE
(1) In Zones A1-A30, AE and AH, and Zone A if base flood elevation data are available,
upon placement of the lowest floor or completion of floodproofing of a new or
substantially improved structure, obtain from the permit holder a certification of the
as-built elevation of the lowest floor or floodproofed elevation, in relation to mean sea
level. The certificate shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a licensed
land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same. For manufactured
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homes, the permit holder shall submit the certificate of elevation upon placement of
the structure on the site. A certificate of elevation must also be submitted for a recre-
ational vehicle if it remains on a site for 180 consecutive days or longer (unles s it is
fully licensed and ready for highway use).
(2) Any further work undertaken prior to submission and approval of the certification
shall be at the permit holder's risk. The Local Administrator shall review all data
submitted. Deficiencies detected shall be cause to issue a stop work order for the
project unless immediately corrected.
E. INSPECTIONS
The Local Administrator and/or the developer's engineer or architect shall make periodic
inspections at appropriate times throughout the period of construction to monitor compliance
with permit conditions and enable said inspector to certify, if requested, that the development is
in compliance with the requirements of the floodplain development permit and/or any variance
provisions.
F. STOP WORK ORDERS
(1) The Local Administrator shall issue, or cause to be issued, a stop work order for any
floodplain development found ongoing without a development permit. Disregard of a
stop work order shall subject the violator to the penalties described in Section 3 of
this local law.
(2) The Local Administrator shall issue, or cause to be issued, a stop work order for any
floodplain development found non -compliant with the provisions of this law and/or
the conditions of the development permit. Disregard of a stop work order shall subject
the violator to the penalties described in Section 3 of this local law.
G. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
(l) In areas of special flood hazard, as determined by documents enumerated in Section
3, it shall be unlawful to occupy or to permit the use or occupancy of any building or
premises, or both, or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or
wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure until a certificate of
compliance has been issued by the Local Administrator stating that the building or
land conforms to the requirements of this local law.
(2) A certificate of compliance shall be issued by the Local Administrator upon
satisfactory completion of all development in areas of special flood hazard.
(3) Issuance of the certificate shall be based upon the inspections conducted as
prescribed in under INSPECTIONS, and/or any certified elevations, hydraulic data,
floodproofing, anchoring requirements or encroachment analyses which may have
been required as a condition of the approved permit.
H. INFORMATION TO BE RETAINED
The Local Administrator shall retain and make available for inspection, copies of the following:
(1) Floodplain development permits and certificates of compliance;
(2) Certifications of as-built lowest floor elevations of structures required, and whether
or not the structures contain a basement;
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(3) Floodproofing certificates required and whether or not the structures contain a
basement;
(4) Variances issued pursuant to Section 6, VARIANCE PROCEDURES; and,
(5) Notices required under Section 4, ALTERATION OF WATERCOURSES.
SECTION 5
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
155-15 GENERAL STANDARDS.
The following standards apply to new development, including new and substantially improved
structures, in the areas of special flood hazard shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map
designated in Section 3.
A. SUBDIVISION PROPOSALS
The following standards apply to all new subdivision proposals and other proposed development
in areas of special flood hazard (including proposals for manufactured home and recreational
vehicle parks and subdivisions):
(l) Proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
(2) Public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems shall be
located and constructed so as to minimize flood damage; and
(3) Adequate drainage shall be provided to reduce exposure to flood damage.
B. ENCROACHMENTS
(1) Within Zones A1-A30 and AE, on streams without a regulatory floodway, no new
construction, substantial improvements or other development (including fill) shall be
permitted unless:
(i) the applicant demonstrates that the cumulative effect of the proposed
development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated
development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood
more than one foot at any location, or,
(ii) the Town of Dryden agrees to apply to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA)for a conditional FIRM revision, FEMA approval is received and
the applicant provides all necessary data, analyses and mapping and
reimburses the Town of Dryden for all fees and other costs in relation to the
application. The applicant must also provide all data, analyses and mapping
and reimburse the Town of Dryden for all costs related to the final map
revision.
(2) On streams with a regulatory floodway, as shown on the Flood Boundary and
Floodway Map or the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in Section 3, no new
construction, substantial improvements or other development in the floodway
(including fill) shall be permitted unless:
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(i) a technical evaluation by a licensed professional engineer demonstrates
through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with
standard engineering practice that such an encroachment shall not result in
any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood, or,
(ii) the Town of Dryden agrees to apply to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) for a conditional FIRM and floodway revision, FEMA approval
is received and the applicant provides all necessary data, analyses and
mapping and reimburses the Town of Dryden for all fees and other costs in
relation to the application. The applicant must also provide all data, analyses
and mapping and reimburse the Town of Dryden for all costs related to the
final map revisions.
(3) In Zones A1-A30, AE and AH, and also Zone A if base flood elevation data are
available, if any development is found to increase or decrease base flood elevations,
the Town of Dryden shall as soon as practicable, but not later than six months after
the date such information becomes available, notify FEMA and the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation of the changes by submitting technical
or scientific data in accordance with standard engineering practice.
(4) Whenever any portion of a floodplain is authorized for development, the volume of
space occupied by the authorized fill or structure below the base flood elevation shall
be compensated for and balanced by a hydraulically equivalent volume of excavation
taken from below the base flood elevation at or adjacent to the development site. All
such excavations shall be constructed to drain freely to the watercourse. No area
below the waterline of a pond or other body of water can be credited as a compensating
excavation.
155-16. STANDARDS FOR ALL STRUCTURES.
The following standards apply to new development, including new and substantially improved
structures, in the areas of special flood hazard shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map
designated in Section 3.
A. ANCHORING
New structures and substantial improvement to structures in areas of special flood hazard shall
be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement during the base flood. This
requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces.
B. CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS
(l) New construction and substantial improvements to structures shall be constructed
with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.
(2) New construction and substantial improvements to structures shall be constructed
using methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
(3) For enclosed areas below the lowest floor of a structure within Zones A1-A30, AE, AO
or A, new and substantially improved structures shall have fully enclosed areas below
the lowest floor that are useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or
storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding, designed
to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the
entry and exit of flood waters. Designs for meeting this requirement must eit her be
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certified by a licensed professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the
following minimum criteria:
(i) a minimum of two openings of each enclosed area having a total net area of
not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding;
(ii) the bottom of all such openings no higher than one foot above the lowest
adjacent finished grade and;
(iii) openings not less than three inches in any direction.
Openings may be equipped with louvers, valves, screens or other coverings or
devices provided they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. Enclosed
areas sub-grade on all sides are considered basements and are not permitted.
C. UTILITIES
(1) New and replacement electrical equipment, heating, ventilating, air conditioning,
plumbing connections, and other service equipment shall be located at least two feet
above the base flood elevation, at least three feet above the highest adjacent grade in
a Zone A without an available base flood elevation where permitted, or be designed to
prevent water from entering and accumulating within the components during a flood
and to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses. Electrical wiring and
outlets, switches, junction boxes and panels shall be elevated or designed to prevent
water from entering and accumulating within the components unless they conform
to the appropriate provisions of the electrical part of the Building Code of New York
State or the Residential Code of New York State for location of such items in wet
locations;
(2) New and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the system;
(3) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters. Sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems for
buildings that have openings below the base flood elevation shall be provided with
automatic backflow valves or other automatic backflow devices that are installed in
each discharge line passing through a building's exterior wall; and
(4) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or
contamination from them during flooding.
D. STORAGE TANKS
(1) Underground tanks shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse and lateral
movement during conditions of the base flood.
(2) Above-ground tanks shall be:
(i) anchored to prevent floatation, collapse or lateral movement during conditions
of the base flood; or
(ii) installed at or above the base flood elevation as shown on the Flood Insurance
Rate Map enumerated in Section 3 plus two feet.
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155-17 RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.
A. ELEVATION
The following standards apply to new and substantially improved residential structures located
in areas of special flood hazard, in addition to the requirements in SUBDIVISION PROPOSALS,
ENCROACHMENTS, and STANDARDS FOR ALL STRUCTURES.
(1) Within Special Flood Hazard Areas, new construction and substantial improvements
shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above two feet above
the base flood elevation.
(2) Within Zone A, if the Base flood elevation is not specified, a base flood elevation shall
be determined by either of the following:
(i) Obtain and reasonably use data available from a federal, state or other source
plus 2 feet of freeboard, or
(ii) Determine the base flood elevation in accordance with accepted hydrologic and
hydraulic engineering practices, plus freeboard. Determinations shall be
undertaken by a registered design professional who shall be documented that
the technical methods used reflect currently accepted engineering practice.
Studies, analyses, and computations shall be submitted in sufficient detail to
allow thorough review and approval.
(3) Within Zone AO, new construction and substantial improvements shall have the
lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least
as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's Flood Insurance
Rate Map enumerated in Section 3 plus two feet of freeboard, or not less than 3 feet
if a depth number is not specified.
(4) Within Zones AH and AO, adequate drainage paths are required to guide flood waters
around and away from proposed structures on slopes.
155-18 NON-RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.
The following standards apply to new and substantially improved commercial, industrial and
other non-residential structures located in areas of special flood hazard, in addition to the
requirements in SUBDIVISION PROPOSALS, ENCROACHMENTS, and STANDARDS FOR ALL
STRUCTURES.
(1) Within Zones A1-A30, AE and AH, and also Zone A if base flood elevation data are
available, new construction and substantial improvements of any non -residential
structure shall either:
(i) have the lowest floor, including basement or cellar, elevated to or above two feet
above the base flood elevation; or
(ii) be floodproofed so that the structure is watertight below two feet above the
base flood elevation, including attendant utility and sanitary facilities, with
walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water. All structural
components located below the base flood level must be capable of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effects of buoyancy.
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(2) Within Zone AO, new construction and substantial improvements of non -residential
structures shall:
(i) have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent
grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the
community's FIRM plus two feet (at least three feet if no depth number is
specified), or
(ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be completely
floodproofed to that level to meet the floodproofing standard.
(3) If the structure is to be floodproofed, a licensed professional engineer or architect
shall develop and/or review structural design, specifications, and plans for
construction. A Floodproofing Certificate or other certification shall be provided to
the Local Administrator that certifies the design and methods of construction are in
accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions of this
section, including the specific elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the
structure is to be floodproofed.
(4) Within Zones AH and AO, adequate drainage paths are required to guide flood waters
around and away from proposed structures on slopes.
(5) Within Zone A, when no base flood elevation data are available, the lowest floor
(including basement) shall be elevated at least three feet above the highest adjacent
grade.
155-18 MANUFACTURED HOMES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.
The following standards in addition to the standards in GENERAL STANDARDS, and
STANDARDS FOR ALL STRUCTURES apply, as indicated, in areas of special flood hazard to
manufactured homes and to recreational vehicles which are located in areas of special flood
hazard.
(1) Recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-A30, AE and AH shall either:
(i) be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days,
(ii) be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or
(iii) meet the requirements for manufactured homes in paragraphs 5.5(2), (3) and
(4).
A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system,
is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices
and has no permanently attached additions.
(2) A manufactured home that is placed or substantially improved in Zones A1-A30, AE,
AH and Zone A shall be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the bottom of
the frame of the manufactured home chassis is elevated to or above two feet above
the base flood elevation and is securely anchored to an adequately anchored
foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.
(3) Within Zone AO, the bottom of the frame of the manufactured home chassis shall be
elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number
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specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map enumerated in Section 3 plus two feet (at
least three feet if no depth number is specified).
(4) The foundation and anchorage of manufactured homes to be located in identified
floodways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ANCHORING.
155-19 ACCESSORY STRUCTURES INCLUDING DETACHED GARAGES.
The following standards apply to new and substantially improved accessory structures, including
detached garages, in the areas of special flood hazard shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map
designated in Section 3.
(1) The accessory structure must meet the definition of structure, for floodplain
management purposes, provided in 44 CFR § 59.1, where walled and roofed shall be
interpreted as having two outside rigid walls and a fully secured roof.
(2) The accessory structure should be small, as defined by the community and approved
by FEMA, and represent a minimal investment. Accessory structures of any size may
be considered for a variance; however, FEMA considers accessory structures that
meet the following criteria to be small and therefore not necessarily in need of a
variance, if the community chooses to allow it:
(i) Located in an A Zone (A, AE, A1-A30, AR, A99) and less than or equal to the
size of a one-story, two-car garage.
(3) Accessory structures must meet the standards of ANCHORING,
(4) The portions of the accessory structure located below BFE plus two feet of freeboard
must be constructed with flood-resistant materials.
(5) Mechanical and utility equipment for the accessory structure must be elevated or dry
floodproofed to or above BFE plus two feet of freeboard.
(6) Within Zones AO and Zone A, if base flood elevation data are not available, areas
below three feet above the highest adjacent grade shall be constructed using methods
and practices that minimize flood damage.
(7) The accessory structure must comply with the floodway encroachment provisions of
the NFIP.
(8) The accessory structure must be wet floodproofed to protect the structure from
hydrostatic pressure. The design must meet the NFIP design and performance
standards for openings per 44 CFR § 60.3(c)(5) and must allow for the automatic entry
and exit of floodwaters without manual operation or the presence of a person (or
persons).
155-20 CRITICAL FACILITIES.
In order to prevent potential flood damage to certain facilities that would result in serious danger
to life and health, or widespread social or economic dislocation, no new critical facility shall be
located within any Area of Special Flood Hazard, or wit hin any 500-year flood zone shown as a
B zone or a Shaded X zone on the Community’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
SECTION 6
VARIANCE PROCEDURE
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155-21 APPEALS BOARD.
(l) The Zoning Board of Appeals as established by the Town of Dryden shall hear and
decide appeals and requests for variances from the requirements of this local law.
(2) The Zoning Board of Appeals shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there
is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Local
Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this local law.
(3) Those aggrieved by the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals may appeal such
decision to the Supreme Court pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and
Rules.
(4) In passing upon such applications, the Zoning Board of Appeals, shall consider all
technical evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections of this
local law and:
(i) the danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of
others;
(ii) the danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
(iii)the susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and
the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(iv)the importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the
community;
(v) the necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
(vi)the availability of alternative locations for the proposed use which are not
subject to flooding or erosion damage;
(vii)the compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated
development;
(viii)the relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain
management program of that area;
(ix)the safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles;
(x)the costs to local governments and the dangers associated with conducting
search and rescue operations during periods of flooding;
(xi)the expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of
the flood waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the
site; and
(xii)the costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions,
including search and rescue operations, maintenance and repair of public
utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems and
streets and bridges.
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(5) Upon consideration of the factors of this section and the purposes of this local law,
the Zoning Board of Appeals may attach such conditions to the granting of variances
as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this local law.
(6) The Local Administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions including
technical information and report any variances to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency upon request.
155-22 CONDITIONS FOR VARIANCES.
(l) Generally, variances may be issued for new construction and substantial
improvements to be erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and
surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level,
providing items (i-xii) in this section have been fully considered. As the lot size
increases beyond the one-half acre, the technical justification required for issuing the
variance increases.
(2) Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon
determination that:
(i) the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued
designation as a "Historic structure"; and
(ii) the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and
design of the structure.
(3) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial
improvements and for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally
dependent use provided that:
(i) the criteria of subparagraphs l, 4, 5, and 6 of this Section are met; and
(ii) the structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood
damages during the base flood and create no additional threat to public safety.
(4) Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood
levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(5) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(6) Variances shall only be issued upon receiving written justification of:
(i) a showing of good and sufficient cause;
(ii)a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional
hardship to the applicant; and
(iii)a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood
heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense,
create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public or conflict with
existing local laws or ordinances.
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(7) Any applicant to whom a variance is granted for a building with the lowest floor below
the base flood elevation shall be given written notice over the signature of a
community official that:
(i) the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level
will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as
high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage; and
(ii)such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property.
Such notification shall be maintained with the record of all variance actions as
required in Section 4 of this Local Law.
Section 2. Remainder.
Except as hereinabove amended, the remainder of the Code of the Town of Dryden shall remain
in full force and effect.
Section 3. Separability.
The provisions of this Local Law are separable and if any provision, clause, sentence, subsection,
word or part thereof is held illegal, invalid, unconstitutional, or inapplicable to any person or
circumstance, such illegality, invalidity or unconstitutionality, or inapplicability shall not affect
or impair any of the remaining provisions, clauses, sentences, subsections, words, or parts of
this local law or their application to other persons or circumstances. It is hereby declared to be
the legislative intent that this local law would have been adopted if such illegal, invalid, or
unconstitutional provision, clause, sentence, subsection, word or part had not been included
therein, and as if such person or circumstance, to which the local law or part thereo f is held
inapplicable, had been specifically exempt therefrom.
Section 4. Effective Date.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the New York State Secretary of
State in accordance with Section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Loren Sparling
Deputy Town Clerk