HomeMy WebLinkAboutLL 01 of 2010 Drainage-Stormwater for CZ TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF THE YEAR 2010
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE ZONING CHAPTER OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA
CODE TO ADD PRESERVATION OF CERTAIN DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER
RETENTION FEATURES TO CONSERVATION ZONE PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 270 (Zoning), Article V (Conservation Zones) of the Town of
Ithaca Code, Section 270-10.A, entitled "Purpose," is amended by deleting the phrase
"(September 21, 1993)" and replacing it with the phrase "as amended from time to time"; by
adding the phrase "their importance for natural drainage features," after the phrase "their
existence as biological corridors,"; and adding the phrase "or poorly drained" after the phrase
"highly erodible", so that subsection 270-10.A reads as follows:
"A. It is the purpose of the Conservation Zone to preserve the outstanding natural
features in certain areas of the Town, as described in the Town of Ithaca
Comprehensive Plan, as amended from time to time, and to provide a regulatory
framework through which development can occur with minimal environmental
impact in these areas. Among the natural values and ecological importance of
these areas are their diversity as a plant and wildlife habitat, their existence as
biological corridors, their importance for natural drainage features, their scenic
views and rural character, and their importance as an educational and recreational
resource. In addition, certain lands in the Conservation Zones contain large areas
of steep slopes, wetlands, highly erodible or poorly drained soils and, in one
instance, the City of Ithaca water supply, which must be taken into consideration
in planning for future development."
Section 2. Chapter 270 (Zoning), Article V (Conservation Zones) of the Town of
Ithaca Code, Section 270-10.13, entitled"Purpose," is amended by adding the phrase "preserve
natural stormwater retention and water quality functions," after the phrase "prevent unnecessary
destruction of woodland areas," so that subsection 270-10.13 reads as follows:
"B. It is a further purpose of the Conservation Zone to preserve existing areas of
contiguous open space,prevent unnecessary destruction of woodland areas,
preserve natural stormwater retention and water quality functions,preserve
existing and potential agricultural land and promote appropriate development
densities and flexibility of design and development of land. Developers should be
encouraged to use mechanisms to accomplish these objectives. Such mechanisms
could include enlarged buffer areas, conservation easements, deed restrictions,
and public or semipublic land dedications."
Section 3. In the event that any portion of this law is declared invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected by such
declaration of invalidity.
Section 4. This local law shall take effect upon publication of the local law or an abstract
of same in the official newspaper of the Town, or upon its filing with the New York Secretary of
State, whichever is the last to occur.
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