HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1988-07-05 FILED
TOWN OF ITHACA
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Date � �0 "
'TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD C Cler 4t loin
JULY 5 , 1988
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday , July 5 , 1988 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca ,
New York , . at . 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Montgomery May , James Baker , Robert Miller , David
Klein , Robert Kenerson , Virginia Langhans , Carolyn Grigorov
[ arrived late ] , Robert R . Flumerfelt ( Town Engineer ) , John
C . Barney ( Town Attorney ) , Susan C . Beeners ( Town Planner ) ,
Andrew S . Frost ( Town Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement
Officer ) ,
ALSO PRESENT : Pamela E . Sackett , Stephen E . Sackett , David Fine ,
Karl Niklas , Lydia Hillman , Slade Kennedy Jr . , Myrtle
Whitcomb , John Whitcomb , Ed Cobb , Daniel Schaaf ,
Edward Bosworth , Charlotte Bosworth , Walter J .
Wiggins , Charles Franzese , P . E . , Walter Barrick ,
Joseph Barrick , Christopher McVoy ,
Chairman May declared the meeting . duly opened at 7 : 30 p . m . , and
accepted for the record the Clerk ' s Affidavit of Posting and
Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings in Town Hall and the
�— Ithaca Journal on June 28 , 1988 and June 30 , 1988 , respectively ,
together with the Secretary ' s Affidavit of Service by Mail of said
Notice upon the various neighbors of the property under discussion ,
upon both the Clerk and the Building Commissioner of the City of
Ithaca , , upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning , and upon
the applicant on June 29 , 1988 .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE
PROPOSED SUBDIVISION OF A 0 . 143 ACRE LOT , LOCATED AT 183 KENDALL
AVENUE , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL N0 . 6 - 54 - 4 - 201 INTO TWO EQUAL
PORTIONS , FOR THE PURPOSE OF THEIR CONSOLIDATION WITH TWO ADJOINING
LOTS . PAMELA SACKETT , OWNER / APPLICANT .
Chairmen May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened at 7 : 36 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
Mr . Sackett approached the Board and stated that there are three
50 - foot lots , which are adjacent to each other and owned by the
Sacketts . Mr . Sackett stated that they want to divide the lot , which
is in the center , including dividing half of that lot into each of
the remaining lots . Mr . Sackett noted that the lots would be 75 - foot
frontage lots , rather that 50 feet . Chairman May wondered if the
applicant had anything proposed for the vacant lot , with Mr . Sackett
answering , yes , at some point they would be putting up a residential
home .
Chairman May noted that this was a Public Hearing and asked if
there were anyone present who had any questions or comments .
Planning Board - 2 - July 5 , 1988
• Susan Beeners , Town Planner , noted that the undeveloped lot
would have full frontage on a Town road , adding that the existing
dwelling is about three feet shy of being on a public road , noting
that a variance was granted for construction of that dwelling . Ms .
Beeners stated that this clarifies that the subdivision meets the
zoning requirements . Virginia Langhans asked Mr . Sackett when they
built their house , with Mr . Sackett responding , about three years
ago . Chairman May questioned where the actual pavement ends for
Kendall Avenue , Mr . Sackett , indicating on the map , stated that he
believed that it ended on the edge of 185 Kendall Avenue , and added
that both the ' center lot and the undeveloped lot have frontage on the
road .
There appearing to be no further questions or comments , Chairman
May closed -the Public Hearing at 7 : 42 p . m . , and brought the matter
back to the Board for discussion .
Virginia Langhans wondered if the variance granted was for
construction of a house on a lot that was not on a public highway ,
with Mr . Sackett answering , yes . Mrs . Langhans noted that the house
was 6 . 7 ' to the lot line , with Mrsa�,.Sackett responding that that was
also a variance , as it was only �a 50 - foot lot . Mrs . Sackett
explained that until about a year ago she never owned the other two
lots , adding that the lot she owned was a narrow lot , and
consequently , had to place the house the wrong way on the lot to get
it in there . Robert Miller wondered if there would be 75 feet
frontage on each lot , with Mr . Sackett answering , yes . Chairman May
commented that , at this point , the house will have a very slight
amount of frontage . Virginia Langhans stated that she did not see
any problems , adding that it was an improvement .
There appearing to be no further questions or comments from the
Board , Chairman May asked if anyone were prepared to offer a motion .
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mr . James Baker :
WHEREAS :
1 . This Action is the Consideration of Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of a 0 . 143 acre lot , located at 183 Kendall
Avenue , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 54 - 4 - 20 , into two equal
portions , for the purpose of their consolidation with two
adjoining lots , Parcels No . 6 - 54 - 4 - 21 and 6 - 54 - 4 - 19 .
2 . This iS an Unlisted Action for which the Planning Board has been
legislELtively determined to act as Lead Agency for environmental
review „
3 . The Town Planner has recommended a negative determination of
environmental significance .
;• THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
Planning Board - 3 - July 5 , 1988
• That the Planning Board , acting as Lead Agency in the
environmental review of this Unlisted Action , make and hereby does
make a negative determination of environmental significance .
Aye - May , Baker , Langhans , Klein , Ken erson , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Mrs . Virginia
Langhans :
WHEREAS :
1 . This Action is the Consideration of Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of a 0 . 143 acre lot , located at 183 Kendall
Avenue , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 54 - 4 - 20 , into two equal
portions , for the purpose of their consolidation with two
adjoining lots , Parcels No . 6 - 54 - 4 - 21 and 6 - 54 - 4 - 19 .
2 . This is an Unlisted Action for which the Planning Board , acting
as Lead Agency for environmental review , has made a negative
determination of environmental significance .
3 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on July 5 , 1988 , has
reviewed the following material :
Short Environmental Assessment Form .
" Lands of Pamela E . and Steven Sackett " , dated October 20 ,
1987 , by John S . MacNeill Jr . , P . C . , amended by the
applicant to show the proposed subdivision line .
" Lands of Pamela E . and Steven Sackett " , dated June 17 ,
1988 , by same surveyor , showing the proposed
consolidation of a portion of old lot 214 with old lot
213 .
" Lands of Pamela E . and Steven Sackett " , dated June 17 ,
19881F by same surveyor , showing the proposed
consolidation of a portion of old lot 214 with old lot
215 .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
1 . That the Planning Board waive and hereby does waive certain
requirements for Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval ,
having determined from the materials presented that such waiver
will result in neither a significant alteration of the purpose
of subdivision control nor the policies enunciated or implied by
the Town Board ,
2 . That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Preliminary
and Final Subdivision Approval to the subdivision as herein
• proposed conditioned on the subdivided parcels being
consolidated with the adjoining 50 - foot lots .
Planning Board - 4 - July 5 , 1988
• Aye - May , Baker , Langhans , Klein , Kenerson , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of the Sackett proposed
subdivision duly closed at 7 : 45 p . m .
ADJOURNED PUBLIC HEARING . CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR
MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONS IMPOSED IN THE SEPTEMBER 15 , 1987 ,
PLANNING BOARD SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF AN AIR STRUCTURE ENCLOSING TWO
TENNIS COURT' S AT " LA TOURELLE " , SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT N0 , 1 , 1150
DANBY ROAD , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO , 6 - 36 - 1 - 4 . 2 , AND FURTHER ,
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF LOCAL LAW NO , 3 - 1984
PERTAINING TO SAID SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT NO , 1 , SAID REQUEST
BEING TO PERMIT COOKING OPERATIONS AND BEVERAGE SERVICE IN " LA
TOURELLE " FOR RECEPTIONS AND SIMILAR EVENTS , WALTER J . WIGGINS ,
OWNER / APPLIC:ANT . [ ADJOURNED FROM MAY 17 , JUNE 7 , AND JUNE 21 , 1988 . 1
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above -noted
matter duly opened at 7 : 46 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Chairman
May invited Mr . Wiggins to address the Board . Mr . Wiggins appended a
large map to the bulletin board .
• Mr . Wiggins stated that it was his understanding that Thomas
Niederkorn _-and Susan Beeners had a meeting and made a slight change
in the configuration of the parking designated , in the event there is
an additional building constructed . Mr . Wiggins noted that it
appeared that the entranceway to the northern parking lot had been
changed . Ms . Beeners stated that the change was made to make sure
that the parking for the building addition on the north side conform
to the 30 - foot yard requirement , which is actually in the original
Local Law No , 3 - 1984 , Ms . Beeners stated that the applicant has
proposed to add additional parking spaces for the project , and noted
that that was detailed as an attachment to the EAF . Ms . Beeners
noted that one of the corrections to the EAF is that the traffic
generated should be 800 - 1200 trips per day , adding that that is using
the traffic engineering standards . Ms . Beeners stated that when one
considers the capacity of Route 96B , the amount of traffic that could
be generated by this facility is still really not significant . Ms .
Beeners stated that in the event of any future expansion of the Inn ,
to add another 45 units , there should be a careful look at the
driveway leading in , to see whether that really would be able to
handle that additional traffic . Ms . Beeners did not think that that
was something that the Board should recommend improvements of , at
this time , e . g . , widening the driveway . Ms . Beeners stated that Mr .
Wiggins proposes to add about 27 new parking spaces to accommodate
the existing uses . Ms . Beeners noted that , according to the Zoning
requirements for parking , there is a total estimated need of 108
spaces . Ms . Beeners stated that she felt , to be consistent with the
• zoning , to request 38 new parking spaces , adding that that parking
could be located just to the north of the fire access lane , along the
side , it could also be built into that expanded parking for existing
Planning Board - 5 - July 5 , 1988
• development , which is shown to the west of the existing barn , or
possibly could be put into that parking for building addition area .
Ms . Beeners stated that there has been some concern about
gradualism , as far as a facility such as this , growing along in what
might appear to be an unplanned state , but it appears to Ms . Beeners
that , as long as there is some strict compliance with the requirments
in the law , one really has to acknowledge that the Master Plan for
this area has evolved over time , and added that when La Tourelle was
first established in 1986 there were some uncertainties as to whether
or not the Inn would really make it , was there the market to support
it , would it have to remain as a fairly low - key , e . g . , Bed and
Breakfast type of place , or would there really be a market to sustain
it . Ms . Beeners felt that with the revised Site Plan , and with a
strict compliance with the rules for the Special Land Use District ,
and with final Site Plan Approval for any new structures or other
features that might be constructed , there would not be any great
significant impact . Ms . Beeners stated , to her knowledge , there have
not been any complaints made about the general operation of the Inn .
Chairman MEiy asked Andrew Frost , Building Inspector / Zoning
Enforcement Officer , if he had had any complaints . Mr . Frost
responded that the only item that has come up is when there is a big
gathering , and cars are parked on Route 96 ,
Chairman May noted that this was a Public Hearing and asked if
there were anyone present who wished to speak to the matter of the La
Tourel .le request . No one spoke .
Mr . Wiggins wondered , as shown on the plan , about removing the
existing Poplar trees . Mr . Wiggins noted that those six Poplar trees
were spectacular , and he did not want to remove them . Ms . Beeners
responded that the Poplars are nice now , but are going to be rather
short lived . Ms . Beeners noted that that is one area where some new
evergreens were shown , adding that she had some slight doubts about
whether there should be that many evergreens that close to the
entrance , because it might reduce some of the visibility , especially
of the sign . Ms . Beeners commented that she was not thrilled , either
way , with those trees being in the vicinity of the Poplar area . Mr .
Wiggins again stated that he did not want to remove the trees unless
there was some logical reason to do so , with Ms . Beeners remarking
that plans would have to be made for that possible future decline .
Mr . Wiggins stated that when the trees die they will be taken down -
there would be no problem with that . Ms . Beeners noted that the
proposed plan shows plantings for , essentially , looking at buffering
future long - range types of improvements , and felt it would be wise
for the applicant to get in all that is possible , as they then would
be established . Ms . Beeners asked Mr . Wiggins if that was his
intention . Mr . Wiggins noted that he would be happy to do it in the
Fall . Chairman May stated that he felt one evergreen was really
blocking the sign , as one comes from the south . Ms . Beeners stated
that she would willing to meet with the landscape contractor or with
Mr . Wiggins to discuss some adjustments at the entrance . Mr . Wiggins
offered that that would be fine with him .
Planning Board - 6 - July 5 , 1988
• Chairman May asked if anyone else present wished to speak . No
one spoke . Chairman May closed the Public Hearing at 8 : 03 p . m . and
asked for questions or comments from the Board .
Chairman May stated that the Town Board is the Lead Agency and
the Planning Board is making a recommendation to the Town Board ,
Chairman May asked Robert Flumerfelt , Town Engineer , if he were
in agreement with everything that was indicated on the new Site Plan ,
with Mr . Flu:merfelt responding , yes .
Virginia Langhans referred to a letter addressed to the Town
Planning BoZLrd and Staff , from Bill Lesser , dated June 27 , 1988 .
[ Attached hereto as Exhibit 1 . ]
Mrs . Langhans stated that she , somewhat , agreed with Mr . Lesser
regarding gradualism , although she is not opposed to the development
as it has turned out . Mrs . Langhans noted that she could see in the
beginning where one could not project how it was going to proceed ,
commenting that it just gradually evolved . Mrs . Langhans stated that
she did not have any objections , although she would not want to see
all the Town ' s developments proceed in this way . Mr . Wiggins
responded that he would hope that the Planning Board would note that
each time there has been a change it has been to assist in the
development , overall , and has not been detrimental to the community ,
commenting that , in his opinion , it has added something each time for
the benefit of the community . Mr . Wiggins offered that it has been
hard to know exactly how that plan should be best used , noting that
less than teen years ago it was recommended by the Board to have a
trailer park on the site . Mr . Wiggins stated that the community ' s
concepts of what is good , changes . Mr . Wiggins commented that he
thought the project would grow as a quasi resort kind of location
that is compatible with the area around it . Chairman May stated that
he was sort of inclined to think that the gradualism is good , because
in this kind of a project , in trying to do a marketing study and
really knowing what one is going to have , initially , is quite
difficult . Chairman May commented that this is not to say that
gradualism is good in all projects , noting that he was only
addressing this particular project . Mrs . Langhans stated that there
are some neighborhoods where some sort of a project is approved that
fits in with the general neighborhood , and if there was gradualism
there , the neighbors would be upset . Chairman May stated that he
remembers very well the discussion about how the rooms at the Inn
might be rented , if it did not go as a Country Inn . Mr . Wiggins
responded that the Inn was designed to be able to be converted to an
apartment complex .
There appearing to be no further questions or comments from the
Board , Chairman May asked if anyone were prepared to offer a motion .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Miller , seconded by Mr . Robert Kenerson :
• WHEREAS :
Planning Board - 7 - July 5 , 1988
• 1 . This Action is the Consideration of a Request for Modification
of Local Law No . 3 - 1984 and the Consideration of a Revised
General Stie Plan pertaining to " La Tourelle " Special Land ' Use
District No . 1 , located at 1150 Danby Road , Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No , 6 - 36 - 1 - 4 . 2 .
2 . This is a Type I Action for the which the Town of Ithaca Town
Board is acting as Lead Agency for environmental review . The
• Town of Ithaca Planning Board and the Tompkins County Planning
Department are involved agencies in coordinated review .
3 . The Town Planner has recommended a negative determination of
environmental significance subject to certain mitigating
measurer set forth in the proposed local law amending Local Law
No . 3 - 1984 , and to other measures recommended in Part II -A of
the environmental review .
4 . The applicant has agreed on July 5 , 1988 to comply with said
mitigating measures .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
1 . That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board , acting as an involved
agency in coordinated review , recommend and hereby does
recommend to the Town Board that a negative determination of
• environmental significance be made for this Action .
2 . That the Planning Board determine and hereby does determine ,
after hearing the proposal for modification of the
aforementioned Local Law , that
a . there is a need for the proposed use in the proposed
location ,
b , thE! existing and probable future character of the
neighborhood in which the use is to be located will not be
adversely affected ;
ce the proposed change is in accordance with a comprehensive
plan of development of the Town .
3 . That the Planning Board recommend and hereby does recommend to
the Town. Board approval of the Revised General Site Plan for the
District, and that Local Law No . 3 - 1984 be amended as set forth
in the local law amending Local Law No . 3 - 1984 .
4 . That thE! Planning Board , in making such recommendations to the
Town Board , also recommend and hereby does also recommend the
following :
a . That the landscaping and 38 additional parking spaces
. required by the Planning Board , as reviewed on July 5 ,
1988 , be installed prior to October 31 , 1988 .
i
Planning Board - 8 - July 5 , 1988
• b . That , in order to maintain the concept for this Special
Land Use District as originally established by the Town
Board , no signage advertising the " La Tourelle " dining
facilities be permitted within view of Route 96B .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Baker , Langhans , Kenerson , Miller .
Nay - None ,
Abstain - Klein .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
Chairman May declared the La Tourelle matter duly closed at 8 : 11
p . m .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE WITH RESPECT TO DAY CARE FACILITIES ,
AND TO THE CLARIFICATION OF VARIOUS DEFINITIONS AND PROVISIONS WITH
RESPECT TO YARDS , LOTS , BUFFERS , BUILDING HEIGHT , AND OTHER
MISCELLANEOUS) PROVISIONS , AND FURTHER , CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN OF ITHACA SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
WITH RESPECT' TO DEFINITIONS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO BUILDING
HEIGHT .
• Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened at 8 : 14 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
. Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
1 . Amendment Set # 2 - Amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
to permit Day Care facilities in Residential , Business and Industrial
Zones . [ Attached hereto as Exhibit 2 . ]
Susan Beeners , Town Planner , stated that over the past year
there have been some changes in the Social Services law , making it
such that a municipality cannot prohibit Day Care facilities in that
municipality . Ms . Beeners offered that the Codes and Ordinances
Committee held a discussion , largely based on a lot of input from
Home Day Care providers who were a little scared off on the lengthy
process for Nursery Schools requiring Zoning Board and Planning Board
Special Approval , as these people only wanted to have a place for six
to eight children. Ms . Beeners noted that the proposed amendments
represent the Town ' s attempt to try and establish different scales of
Day Care facilities , which are more in keeping with the
classifications of Day Care by the State and County Social Services
Departments . Ms . Beeners noted that , essentially , in Zones R15 , R30 ,
and R - 9 , the homes with eight children or less would be permitted as
accessory uses , provided that they were licensed or certified by the
State DSS or the County DSS . Ms . Beeners stated that it was felt by
the Codes and Ordinances Committee that that number eight would
really be six in full day time care , with two additional only in part
day time care . Ms . Beeners offered that the extensive review process
that is needed in order to become certified or licensed , includes
character checks , site visits by one of the DSS staff , and also
0
Planning Board - 9 - July 5 , 1988
• includes fire inspection by the Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement
Officer , Andrew Frost , adding that the above would be sufficient as
far as determining the suitability of the home for that number of
children . Ms . Beeners commented that there was some discussion about
whether there would be some problems with having eight children on a
lot , in a Day Care situation , such as with parking . Ms . Beeners
stated that. her recommendation was that the licensing and
certification inspection procedures would probably be sufficient . to
cover that size group , commenting , homes of that size usually require
staggered arrivals and departures , because the Day Care attendants
want to greet the children in person , so that there would not be a
sudden eight. children arriving in eight separate vehicles at one
time , and noting there would also be car - pooling . Ms . Beeners
commented that a significant impact was not seen as far as allowing
up to eight children . Ms . Beeners offered that other changes made
include setting up for Group Family Day Care Homes . Attorney Barney
stated that Group Family Day Care Homes was defined by the Social
Services Law as allowing as many as 12 , under certain circumstances -
two pre - school , two after school , and eight during school , noting it
was kind of a convoluted definition , but was also the one definition
in the Social Services Law which states that a local municipality may
not prohibit Group Family Day Care Homes in residential districts ,
adding that the feeling here was to comply with that part of the
State law , commenting that a provision should be inserted stating
that it is subject to Special Approval by the Zoning Board of
• Appeals , which presumably would entail looking at the same types of
considerations that are looked at with any other Special Approval ,
e . g . , character of a neighborhood , impact , traffic , etc . Ms . Beeners
stated that the Group Family Day Care Homes would be Zoning Board of
Appeals Special Approval items generally in the basic residential
districts , adding that , if it was a Day Care Center which would be
something larger than that , then that would require the Planning
Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals . Ms . Beeners noted that in
regard to a Mobile Home Park district , three children or less would
be an automatically permitted accessory use without any Board review ,
adding , anything more than that would require either Zoning Board or
Zoning Board and Planning Board review and approval . Ms . Beeners
noted that Day Care Centers were added , in Business Districts and
Light Industrial Districts , with Special Approval by the Zoning Board
and the Planning Board review . Ms . Beeners offered that what is
gained is the flexibility for the smaller centers , adding that there
appears to be a great need for eight children or less in a local
neighborhood .
Chairman. May noted that this was a Public Hearing and asked if
there were anyone present who had any comments on the Day Care , and
Group Day Care changes to the Ordinance .
Mrytle Whitcomb of 233 Troy Road spoke from the floor and noted
that there was discussion at the last Town Board Meeting regarding
the proposed Local Law for Sprinkler Systems , and some discussion on
• Day Care . Mrs . Whitcomb wondered about the quantity of children that
were permitted , and asked if that was consistent with the quantity
discussed tonight . John Barney , Town Attorney , responded that he
Planning Board - 10 - July 5 , 1988
• would have to check , noting that it was debated , and would be
reported back at the next meeting . Attorney Barney stated that Day
Care Centers , which are the large group , have to have Sprinkler
Systems , both prospectively and retroactively . Attorney Barney
commented that the focus on retrofitting is more designed to sleeping
facilities . Mrs . Whitcomb noted that her only concern was that there
be consistency . Attorney Barney noted that from a Zoning standpoint
the consideration is a little bit different than from the Life Safety
aspect of thE� sprinkler , commenting , in this situation the concern is
with density , traffic , and occupancy . Mrs . Whitcomb remarked that
the decisions could be totally different concerning the two issues ,
with Attorney Barney responding , yes , the considerations are not
quite the same .
Chairman May asked if anyone else present wished to speak . No
one spoke . Chairman May closed the Public Hearing at 8 : 24 p . m . and
asked for quE! stions or comments from the Board .
Chairman May commented that he felt the changes were good , but
had a question about dropping off the children , because he could see
a number of areas where people might be parking in the street to drop
off children ,, noting that the weather , etc , is a concern . Chairman
May stated that he also felt that someone needs to be aware of that
hazard , commenting , he did not think the DSS cares about that
concern , as that is not part of their consideration . Attorney Barney
• responded that the DSS is concerned with the overall safety of a
facility , but: they would not look at the overall traffic flow in the
same way as a Planning Board , noting that the concern would not be
totally ignored . Attorney Barney stated that the DSS wanted the Town
to make the Town Zoning Ordinance parallel , as much as possible , with
both the DSS levels of care and the definitions .
Virginia Langhans stated that , in her opinion , there could be
problems in :residential areas , e . g . , the house next door all of a
sudden becomes a Day Care Center with eight children . Attorney
Barney stated that there would be no review process at the Town level
with eight or under , commenting , the only review process would be
through the New York State Department of Social Services or the
County Department of Social Services , adding that the NYSDSS or the
County DSS must certify or license the facility if attendance is more
than three . Virginia Langhans noted that most residential houses
have a driveway that comes in and out perpendicular to the road , and
there could be a problem with cars arriving and departing , if the
times were not staggered in a residential area . Ms . Beeners stated
that it would be possible to add a parking requirement , with Mrs .
Langhans responding , one would certainly not want cars parked in the
front lawn . Chairman May mentioned , as a prerequisite of Day Care , a
provision for providing off - street parking would be in order .
Attorney Barney offered that the problem is defining that in a way
that Andrew Frost , BI / ZEO , can determine whether they have it or not .
Ms . Beeners stated that , alternatively , the Town could require that
• parking not tie permitted in a front yard , which is what is required
now for various Special Approval Uses that are in a typical residence
district , commenting whether there would be off - street parking based
Planning Board - 11 - July 5 , 1988
• on the number of employees , or one space per two children , adding
that would mean four spaces off - street .
Chairman May wondered how many adult supervisors were required
for eight children in a Day Care Center , with Ms . Beeners answering ,
two adults . David Klein offered that it may be safer and more
convenient to have some drop - off space , but in a residential
neighborhood there is the possibility of larger than normal parking
areas , adding that that is a more permanent visual impact than the
occasional car pulling off the street . Attorney Barney stated that
the people who represent the Day Care facility operators were very
encouraging to keep the regulation to a minimum , because they do go
through the DSS , and they really wanted to minimize the " roadblocks "
that are put in front of people who are trying to start up a Day Care
Center , Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that she felt it would be
nice if there could be some kind of a Mini Site Plan Approval , which
could be donE! with certain criteria established for a Family Day Care
Home with eight children or less , adding , if it were required that a
Site Plan be submitted to the Zoning Enforcement Officer showing that
a turn - a - around for cars can be provided outside of the front yard
for vehicles to depart might be one possibility . Ms . Beeners offered
that unless there was specific criteria she was not sure that that
would be something that Mr . Frost could act on . Virginia Langhans
stated that all the sites are so different , and to have one typical
would be impossible .
• There bE! ing no further questions or comments concerning proposed
amendments to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance with respect to Day
Care Facilities , Chairman May asked for a motion .
MOTION by Robert Kenerson , seconded by James Baker :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and
hereby does recommend to the Town Board that the proposed local law
amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance to permit Day Care
Facilities in. Residential , Business and Industrial Zones be approved ,
it being the consensus of the Board that such amendment would have a
beneficial impact in serving Day Care needs in such zones .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Baker , Langhans , Miller , Klein , Kenerson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
2 . Amendment Set # 1 - Amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
to clarify various definitions and provisions . [ Attached hereto as
Exhibit 3 . 1
Attorney Barney stated that there were a number of areas over
• the last couple of years that have surfaced as problem areas relative
to either interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance , or at the Planning
Board level :in trying to figure out whether a subdivision does or
Planning Board - 12 - July 5 , 1988
does not meet the requirements , e . g . , lot size , adding that he felt
the Klondike proposal is probably one that comes to mind . Attorney
Barney posed. the question , how do you measure lot width and lot
depth ? Attorney Barney noted that the current Zoning Ordinance
presently reads that lot width and depth shall be measured from the
set - back line , commenting , this is contrary to how the Board has
really been measuring these things in the past , as lot depth is
certainly not measured from the set- back line , it is measured from
the highway line . Attorney Barney offered that lot width has been
measured different ways at different times , depending on what is
foremost in peoples ' minds . Attorney Barney stated that the above is
one example of a number of areas where an attempt has been made to
try and set out in specifics what is supposed to happen .
Attorney Barney stated that he would skip over Section No . 28 ,
which is a clarification in the Multiple Residence Zone as to whether
one can go to twice the height to set up side yard requirements and
to put in a minimum side yard of at least 15 feet between buildings .
Attorney Barney noted that there is a question , and has been a
question , as to whether there can be more than one principle building
on any lot , adding that the proposed amendment to Section 68
clarifies thE� way the Ordinance has been interpreted , noting that it
specifically states there cannot be more than one principle building
on any lot in any residential zone , with the exception of Multiple
• Residence Zones , Attorney Barney referred to Section 4 , and
commented that that section is the definitions of depth , and
specifically provides that the depth of a lot is measured from the
street line , and the rear lot line , adding that a lot only need meet
the depth requirement at one point , perpendicular to the road line .
Attorney Barney offered that he felt this was a kind of convulated
way of saying - take our R- 15 zones and the lots are supposed to have
15 , 000 square feet , the traditional thought is that they are 100 feet
in width , aiad 150 feet in depth , adding that some people have
interpreted that as meaning one has to be able to fit 100X150 feet on
a rectangle lot . Attorney Barney stated that when a number of
subdivisions were viewed that the Planning Board had approved , there
were a lot of them where that has not been the case , e . g . , in a cul
de sac there is a narrowing down in front of less than 100 feet of
frontage , and, a fanning out in back , where you may or may not have a
total depth constant of 150 feet . Attorney Barney noted that in
discussions with the Codes and Ordinance Committee there was a lot of
give and take and the question was - how much of the lot should meet
the depth requirement , noting that the conclusion was that it only
had to be at one point , and the real control on lot size should be
the square footage , so that one could have a long narrow lot , or a
short fat lot , but in either event there had to be at least 15 , 000
square feet a. n an R- 15 zone , or 30 , 000 square feet in an R- 30 zone .
Attorney Barney stated that for depth purposes one can have a
triangular shaped lot that has frontage of 300 feet , and at one point
be 150 feet in depth , commenting , as long as the total triangle had
• 15 , 000 square feet it would meet the requirement .
Planning Board - 13 - July 5 , 1988
• Attorney Barney stated that height is another area where there
have been a series of difficulties , as to what does height mean .
Attorney Barney noted it was eventually concluded that for
enforcement purposes , it was easier to measure from an objective
point , regardless of whether someone has piled a lot of dirt up
against the house or not , to the top of the building . Attorney
Barney stated that , after looking at a number of different
definitions , height would be determined by measuring from the lowest
floor in contact with the ground surface to the highest point of the
building , commenting that , included in the definition of floor was
the floor of a crawl space , a slab , or any similar type of
arrangement . Attorney Barney commented that Andrew Frost , Building
Inspector / Zoning Enforcement Officer , could go into a building and
note the floor , make measurements , and state whether or not the
height requirement is met . Attorney Barney stated , in conjunction
with that , because it would throw a lot of the buildings out of the
normal height limits , if that definition is used , as opposed to a
couple of other definitions found in various places , the height limit
has been increased to 34 feet . Chairman May stated that he was
really surprised that the height is now defined to the chimney or
antenna , noting that he felt it was not an increase , but a decrease .
Attorney Barney responded that Chairman May was correct in a sense
that protuberances have now been picked up , whereas before those were
allowed to extend beyond the height . Chairman May remarked that a
typical antenna would be a minimum of 15 feet in height off a roof ,
• commenting that a chimney would be a minimum of two feet , plus a cap
on many of them , for a total of at least three feet . Attorney Barney
responded that he did not think that concerned the committee too
much , adding that the feeling was , going the 34 feet would be adding
four feet to the height , and not to add on top of that any additional
items that go beyond the limit . Attorney Barney explained , the sense
was , if an antenna was four feet , six feet , eight feet , or two feet ,
it really is part of the height of the building . Attorney Barney
stated that there is nothing prohibiting anyone from coming to the
Zoning Board of Appeals , demonstrating a hardship , and being able to
secure a variance . David Klein stated that he totally agreed with
Chairman May . Mr . Klein noted that , per prior discussions , 34 feet
made some sense with the revised definition , as it gives the
designers some reasonable flexibility , but noted that if the chimney ,
antenna and other protuberances were included it was his feeling that
it puts a whole artifical limit on what one can do . Mr . Klein
offered that when a building is proposed , the chimney may be on the
outside wall , or at the ridge , adding that he was not just talking
about a fireplace chimney , but perhaps from a heating appliance ,
where it may wind up at the gable , as opposed to the lower end , which
would cause some kind of silly manipulations in order to comply . Mr .
Klein stated that he felt there would not be much of a case to come
before the Zoning Board of Appeals , and ask for a hardship . Attorney
Barney stated that a 34 - foot chimney is a pretty high chimney . Mr .
Klein noted that ,, as some of the sketches have illustrated , if one
had a two - story house on a sloping site , with a walkout basement , and
• a reasonably pitched roof , the chimney could conceiveably exceed the
34 feet , depending on where it came out of the sloped roof . Attorney
Barney stated. that in most of the definitions he had reviewed they
Planning Board - 14 - July 5 , 1988
• went to an absolute height on any object coming out of a building ,
adding , that is not across the board , it can be found either way , but
the majority are presently leaning toward absolute limits , rather
than having limits with exceptions . Mr . 6Klein stated that he felt
one of the confusions was that a lot of people look at the New York
State Building Code , and they define height in their way , adding , the
Town of Ithaca Code has no relationship to it , noting that this has ,
on more than one occasion confused people coming in . Attorney Barney
responded that to a certain extent that is the case . Andrew Frost
mentioned thin. discussions held in the past about building heights ,
and comparing different roof pitch levels , it was always measured
from the ridge of the roof , with Chairman May agreeing . Chairman May
stated that there has never been a discussion , that he is aware of ,
where the chimney or antenna , or anything else was ever included .
Andrew Frost stated that there is a section in the Zoning Ordinance
which refers to horizontal projections being exempt from going into a
sideyard .
Karl Niklas of 1005 Danby Road wondered about measuring from the
ground with :respect to height . Attorney Barney responded with , the
distance measured from the surface of the lowest level , ( floor of a
crawl space , basement floor or slab , or other floor , even if below
exterior grade level ) in contact with the ground surface to the
highest point in a parenthetical roof , chimney , antenna or other
protuberance; on the top of a building . Chairman May stated that
• someone in the Town of Ithaca built an unusual structure on posts ,
with parking underneath , and the first floor , of course , was never in
contact with the ground . Attorney Barney stated it does not matter
whether it is soil , it specifically states from the surface of the
lowest level . Virginia Langhans commented that a crawl space is
open . Attorney Barney did not think there would be any difficulty
with Chairman. May ' s comment . Robert Flumerfelt , Town Engineer , noted
that with all the hills in Ithaca , there might be structures that
might be stepped in construction down the hillside that might not
extend more than 10 or 12 feet above the contour of the land , but be
in violation of the height definition , with Attorney Barney agreeing .
Attorney Barney said that there would be exceptions no matter what
definition there is , adding that that is what the variance process is
for .
Attorney Barney stated that there has been clarification as to
what a building is , and there also has been clarification as to what
a structure is , so that the structure comes within the height ,
set - back , etc . , requirements . Attorney Barney said that paved
parking areas have also been included in the term structure .
Attorney Barney noted that provisions are set for establishing the 34
feet overall height restrictions in the various zones .
Karl Niklas of 1005 Danby Road spoke from the floor and wondered
if all structures shall conform to height would be eliminated in the
Preamble , with Attorney Barney answering , no . Mr . Niklas wondered
• what the rationale was concerning the abrupt increase of not
exceeding two - stories [ 34 feet ] on the roadside . Attorney Barney
responded , in addition to that , the ambiguity as to what is the
Planning Board - 15 - July 5 , 1988
ONroadside depends on the construction of a cul de sac , whether uphill
or downhill from a roadside , noting that the thought was to try and
get into a position where the Board could look at a project , and say ,
yes , you comply , or no , you do not comply . Attorney Barney commented
that enforcement at the present time is very difficult . Attorney
Barney noted that the absolute limit is 34 feet . Andrew Frost
wondered if one needed a building permit to put in a driveway , with
Attorney Barney responding , yes , probably . Attorney Barney noted
that there is no height limitation in an Agricultural Zone for
agricultural buildings . Attorney Barney said that the buffer area
requirments have been updated in several of the zones , and enlarged
what the buffer was to consist of in several of the zones . Susan
Beeners noted that the main change was increasing the buffer area
from 25 feet to 30 feet between those districts , and any other
districts , such as an Agricultural District . Attorney Barney noted
that the definitions of sizes of lots were made somewhat more
specific , and also designed to try and take into account the
possiblility of cul de sacs , and the like . Attorney Barney noted
that what is basically being stated is that the frontage of the
actual street line can be reduced , as long as the 100 feet is at a
point 50 feet from the street line . Attorney Barney stated that
there has been discussion as to what a single family dwelling is , or
may be .
Karl Niklas of 1005 Danby Road commented that 34 feet measured
• to a height of a chimney or TV antenna would be a relatively smaller
building than a building or a structure that would be measured to the
peak of its roof at 34 feet . Attorney Barney stated that there would
be a public hearing on this matter at the Town Board meeting .
Chairman May asked if there were any other questions or comments
from the public . No one spoke . Chairman May closed the Public
Hearing at 9 : 10 p . m . and turned the matter over to the Board for
discussion .
David Klein wondered , where in the present Zoning Ordinance is
it noted that there is a limitation of two - stories . Chairman May
responded that there are several places where it is noted , adding
that Section 28 , No . 5 indicates " Height : All structures shall
conform in height with other structures in the vicinity ; provided
howeever , that no structure shall exceed 2 stories on the road side . "
Mr . Klein wondered if that was Multiple Residence . Mr . Klein
wondered if one could build a three - story house , as long as it was 34
feet . Attorney Barney answered , yes , from any side , as long as it
does not exceed the height of adjoining buildings in the vicinity of
Multiple Residence . Mr . Klein commented that in R15 , R30 , Cluster ,
or any of those , one could literally have the entire building three
stories above ground . with Attorney Barney noting , if one meets the
building code requirements . Attorney Barney noted that the
construction would have to be of masonry exterior . Mr . Klein stated
that he was more or less comfortable with the 34 foot height , but
• wondered whether the door is being opened to a lot of three story
buildings . Chairman May stated that he did not see how , as he noted
Planning Board - 16 - July 5 , 1988
the height has been reduced . Chairman May stated that he ,
personally , cannot accept the height as it is written , commenting
that he felt it was in violation of the FCC Dish Ordinance . Attorney
Barney responded that he would check on Chairman May ' s comment .
Chairman May stated that he felt the 34 feet really picked up the
discrepancy by taking the lowest level in contact with the ground ,
rather than average height , noting that he saw that as a reduction
from many , many structure heights at the present time . Attorney
Barney stated that this format has been presented to the Codes and
Ordinances two or three times , adding that this language has been
virtually identicial from all the discussions at the Codes and
Ordinances Committee . Chairman May stated that it has never come
before the Planning Board with the chimney and antenna issue .
Attorney Barney stated he was in agreement with Chairman May ,
Virginia Lanqhans commented on the Tower that the Chamber of Commerce
wishes to construct for identification purposes only . Chairman May
responded that that would be a 34 - foot limitation , as it would be
part of the structure ,
Karl Niklas of 1005 Danby Road offered that , if the height is
increased to 34 feet without specifying levels , the density of people
could , essentially , be increased by 33 % in a Multiple Residence ,
which for a fairly large Multiple Residence project could be a
substantial number of people . Attorney Barney noted that , virtually ,
all of the Multiple Residence structures in the Town are
three - stories , noting that they are two - stories on the roadside , but
basically they are three - story buildings . Attorney Barney stated
that there are building code restrictions that apply as well , which
are different definitions , but the net effect of them is that with
most woodframe construction there is never going to be more than two
livable stories , and maybe one - half of a basement . Susan Beeners
stated that the lot coverage would be decreased by buildings , which
is one of the great advantages of multi - story Multiple Residence .
Attorney Barney stated that there is a control on density ,
commenting , in a Multiple Residence Zone one has to conform to so
many units per acre .
David Klein stated that , obviously there has been a lot of
effort put into this , and was not sure he had a particular solution ,
but felt there were some gaps . Mr . Klein noted that he was concerned
about the 34 feet , without tying it to two - stories , commenting that ,
everyone is assuming construction would be frame , noting that in a
Multiple Residence , or even in a Cluster building it could very
easily go to masonry exterior walls . Mr . Klein said that , in his
opinion , this was not something terribly unusual , but if one is
dealing with tracts of land that do not have lots ' of housing around ,
where does one start saying - general conformance with the structures
in the vicinity . Attorney Barney wondered if , when discussing
definition of story , is something one - half in the basement and
one - half out considered a story . Attorney Barney stated that he
thought the Building Code defines it as a story if it is more than
• 15 % above grade , but then one may wind up with a situation where , it
is permitted to have three - stories if the basement is more than 50 %
out of grade , but it cannot be more than 80 % out of grade , because
now there are three - stories on a slab , and the stories have to be
Planning Board - 17 - July 5 , 1988
• reduced . Attorney Barney noted that it begins to get very convaluted
as how to handle the limitation , if stories are thrown in against an
absolute height requirement . Attorney Barney noted that the present
Ordinance permits a building 30 feet in height , and if it is built
four feet down into the ground , with average grade of four feet up ,
there can be three - stories , such as a basement or subgrade area , and
two - stories on top , which would still make the 30 - foot requirement .
Attorney Barney mentioned that stories did not really help that much ,
in terms of resolving the issue , and indeed , the effort in terms of
trying to define it was more difficult , and add more ambiguities back
into an Ordinance which has enough , and which the whole effort here
is to try and take some out , adding that the end result was not to
try to get too worked up over stories , and go with something fairly
simplistic , :nevertheless , that Andrew Frost with a tape measure can
determine whether there is compliance or not . David Klein stated
that he could see Clustered Subdivisions coming in , with basically
three - story high units totally above grade . Attorney Barney
commented that Cluster does not concern him very much , because the
Planning Board has very broad regulatory powers with respect to
aesthetics . Attorney Barney stated that if someone comes in with a
three - story Cluster , and it is something that is aesthetically
pleasing , and fits the area , he was not sure there was anything wrong
with it , noting that if it is not aesthetically pleasing , or does not
fit the area. , then the Board can simply say no . Attorney Barney
noted that the only area that might have a problem would be Multiple
Residence , but there is a Site Plan Review when the zone is created ,
as part of the rezoning process . David Klein wondered if story had
been defined , with Attorney Barney answering , no , not in this group ,
that was left: for another day . Attorney Barney stated that corollary
proposed changes to the Subdivision Regulations deletes story as a
basis , and goes to the absolute 34 - foot limitation , so there was
really no need to define story because it was not being used anywhere
as a definition . David Klein commented that the Monkemeyer project
was rejected because it was not , in the Planning Board ' s view ,
two - stories , although he was two - stories in accordance with the State
Building Code . Chairman May responded that Mr . Monkemeyer exceeded
the 34 feet in several areas , noting that the roof line was over the
34 feet .
There being no further questions or comments concerning proposed
amendments to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance with respect to
amending the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance to clarify various
definitions and provisions , Chairman May asked for a motion .
MOTION by David Klein , seconded by James Baker :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and
hereby does recommend to the Town Board that amendments to the Town
of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance to clarify various definitions and
provisions be approved , with the recommendation that Number 5 ,
Article 1 , Section 1 , be changed to exclude chimneys , antenna , and
• other similar items .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Planning Board - 18 - July 5 , 1988
• Aye - May , Baker , Langhans , Miller , Klein , Ken erson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
3 . Amendment Set # 3 - Resolution amending the Subdivision
Regulations of the Town of Ithaca . [ Attached hereto as Exhibit 4 . ]
Attorney Barney stated that the first definition in the proposed
resolution is to have building height defined in the Subdivision
Regulations -the same way as in the proposed changes in the Zoning
Ordinance . Attorney Barney referred to the definition of Basement
and Cellar . Chairman May stated that , since story has been taken
out , why is that section needed . Susan Beeners , Town Planner ,
responded that story does remain in the Subdivision Regulations ,
noting that keeping the definition of story as it is in here does not
really seem to make too much of a difference , at this point , as it
does not seem to be terribly relevant to the proposed changes to the
Zoning Ordinance , or to these proposed basement , cellar , and building
height definitions in the Subdivision Regulations . Chairman May
stated that he had difficulty with the statement , " A basement , or
cellar shall be counted as a story for the purposes of height
regulation . " Chairman May remarked that this statement does not make
sense to him . Attorney Barney responded that it makes sense to -him ,
because in each instance it is a dwelling , and habitable space .
• There was a question as to why Basement and Cellar were left in .
Ms . Beeners stated that it was correcting the language in the two
definitions that were before the Board at tonight ' s meeting . Ms .
Beeners commented that the intent of those two items is that basement
would be one - half of its height above the average level of the
ground , and cellar is one that half of its height is below . Attorney
Barney noted that the other change would be to put the height at 34
feet .
Chairman May noted that this was a Public Hearing and asked if
there were any questions or comments from the public .
Ed Cobb of 1005 Danby Road wondered if there could be a binder
put in the document stating that , if the house was on a slab it would
be considered lower . Attorney Barney stated that the 4 - foot increase
was to offset what would be lost by going into the basement , which is
the genesis of the 4 - foot differential , however , as it was being
discussed the sense was that measurement would be to the top of the
chimney , at that point , rather than exclude chimneys .
Chairman May asked if anyone else present wished to speak . No
one spoke . Chairman Mayclosed the Public Hearing at 9 : 37 p . m . and
asked for questions or comments from the Board .
Virginia Langhans wondered if it would be in order to put
• something in the document concerning a slab , noting that , when
building on a slab , one can get three stories . Attorney Barney
offered that , in his opinion of definition , everyone means a slab at
Planning Board - 19 - July 5 , 1988
• grade , but the instant " at grade " is mentioned , the possibility has
been created that the grade can move to either obviate or meet the
definition . Attorney Barney stated that , personally , he would rather
leave it at the very simple 34 feet from whatever that bottom floor
ISO Attorney Barney noted that the Building Code deals with
woodframe construction , which is 99 % of the construction in this kind
of area , is going to control the building right . Attorney Barney
commented that , most people who build on a slab are not building a
three - story home .
There being no further questions or comments concerning certain
proposed amendments to the Town of Ithaca Subdivision Regulations
with respect: to definitions and provisions related to building
height , Chairman May asked for a motion .
MOTION by Virginia Langhans , seconded by James Baker :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and
hereby does recommend to the Town Board that consideration of certain
proposed amendments to the Town of Ithaca Subdivision Regulations
with respectto definitions and provisions related to building
height , be adjourned , pending the handling of the Zoning Ordinance at
the Town Board .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
• Aye - May , Baker , Langhans , Grigorov , Miller , Klein , Kenerson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of consideration of proposed
amendments to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision
Regulations duly closed at 9 : 43 p . m .
SKETCH PLAN REVIEW : PROPOSED " ROSE HILL " CONVENTIONAL AND CLUSTERED
SUBDIVISION , WEST HAVEN AND MECKLENBURG ROADS , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX
PARCEL NO . 6 -• 28 - 1 - 26 . 2 . JOSEPH BARRICK , LAKESIDE DEVELOPMENT , INC . ,
APPLICANT .
Walter and Joseph Barrick were present , along with- Mr . Charles
Franzese , P . E . , of Hunt Engineers and Architects .
Mr . Franzese appeared before the Board and appended maps to the
bulletin board .
Mr . Franzese stated that the purpose of tonight ' s presentation
is to seek a concept approval of this project . Mr . Franzese remarked
that the developers are not proposing any variances to the existing
regulations , in fact , lot sizes proposed exceed the R- 30 requirement .
Mr . Franzese :noted that the west portion of the project is in an R- 30
• zone , and the very eastern part , along West Haven Road , adjacent to
the intersection of Route 79 , is R- 15 , which will be developed as
though it were R- 30 , adding that this significantly decreases the
Planning Board - 20 - July 5 , 1988
• number of lots available to the developer . Mr . Franzese stated that
the project would be phased to allow the construction of lots 1 - 23
which are west of West Haven Road , adding , these parcels can be
serviced through existing utilities , including the water
distribution „ Mr . Franzese commented that , once Phase I is
completed , then Phases 2 - 4 would be constructed off Route 79
intersection and developed pretty much separately from the initial
phase . Mr . Franzese , indicating the phases on the map , noted that
• the only significant change to the map is that Lot # 23 would be
included with Phase I . Mr . Franzese stated that the local Department
of Transportation office has been contacted regarding the impact on
the proposed intersection on Route 79 , adding , the final design on
actual intersection geometry has not been done , but as long as the
necessary stopping site distances are provided , and all the other
general requirments are met , the DOT has no objection . Mr . Franzese
stated that all individual lot access has been eliminated to West
Haven Road , noting that all direct driveways have been eliminated ,
and a buffer zone has been provided between West Haven Road and the
development . Mr . Franzese commented that there has been discussion
with the FirEs Department as to fire protection for Phase I . with the
possibility of installing a dry hydrant and pond . Mr . Franzese
offered that the pond is a current pond , and over the course of
development , would be increased in size to hold the storm water
retention . Mr . Franzese commented that the open space requirements
have been exceeded , including additional buffer zone areas , which
• could be used. , as needed , to help manage storm water run - off from the
parcel . Mr . Franzese noted that all the open areas and buffer areas ,
with the exception of the far western one and the central one , are
located very strategically , and what would normally be discharge
areas for storm water drainage to allow the development to collect
additional run - off and control it before it discharges off the site .
Mr . Franzese offered that the School District has been contacted , and
there are no problems with the increased number of children that
would be generated with a project this size . Mr . Franzese noted that
the long - term phases of fire protection would be handled through the
expansion of the water district , which is another matter .
Chairman May wondered if it was the developer ' s intention to
have all the road system dedicated to the Town , with Mr . Franzese
responding , yes , eventually . Chairman May noted that there were a
number of very narrow fronts on cul de sacs , etc . Mr . Franzese
stated that the most critical road frontage [ pointing to map ] is down
" here " in the area of Phase I , noting that those lots are zoned R - 15 .
Chairman May commented that Lot # 16 appears to be pretty narrow . Mr .
Franzese commented that the lots with narrow frontage are wooded
lots . Robert Flumerfelt , Town Engineer , stated that , at any rate ,
with a little adjustment of the property lines , the requirement could
be met . Virginia Langhans asked about Lot # 23 , with Mr . Franzese
answering , the depth would meet it at " this " end , and narrows down to
the far western border . Mr . Franzese offered that most of the lots
are almost 315 , 000 square feet . Mr . Barrick stated that there 100
• lots on 98 acres , which would be an average of one acre per lot .
Chairman May wondered if Lot No . 23 was over 30 , 000 square feet , with
Mr . Franzese answering , yes .
Planning Board - 21 - July 5 , 1988
• Ms . Beeners asked if there would be any program for active
recreation in any of the open areas . Indicating on the map , Mr .
Franzese stated that there is one proposed fenced - in playground
" here " , adjacent to the pond site , adding , there is a more natural
playground area in the townhouse section . Ms . Beeners wondered if
the open space in general would be retained by residents here , or
would the developer consider dedicating it to the Town . Mr . Franzese
responded that , with the exception of the recreation building in the
r townhouse area , most of the open areas are targeted for physical
separation from existing residential areas , as well as to be used , as
needed , for drainage retention , adding , if they are used for drainage
retention itis important that those areas be maintained . Mr .
Franzese commented that it would be to the advantage of both the
residents of the subdivision , and the Town in general , to maintain
those drainage areas . Ms . Beeners suggested that some access be
required into the DeGraff property , which is to the south , adding
that that property is essentially unsubdivided at this time . Ms .
Beeners noted that in the southwest corner there are about nine acres
to be retained by Eddy Hill Inc . , but wondered if that was
landlocked . Mr . Barrick responded that that property was sold to the
adjacent property owner . Attorney Barney asked when the property was
sold , with Mr . Barrick responding , April 1988 . Chairman May wondered
how it was sold . Mr . Barrick answered that he had no idea , it was
not part of the deal made with him . Chairman May stated that if
there is anything that has been sold off this property , a subdivision
• is needed , before anything happens with the " Rose Hill " project .
David Klein asked about the subdivision from the farmhouse . Attorney
Barney asked who owned what concerning the property . Mr . Barrick
responded that Eddy Hill , Inc . still owns the entire farm , and the
plans are to close on the property in a few weeks . Mr . Barrick
stated that his contract applies specifically to 177 acres . Chairman
May commented that the developer is putting the cart before the
horse , as Eddy Hill , Inc . needs subdivision approval before this
project is legitimate .
Mr . Barrick stated that the complex of townhouses will be a
community in itself , and will include 50 units of townhouse units
with three to six units per structure , adding that these units will
be sold , not rental units . Chairman May commented that it appears to
be in excess of 1000 feet limitation for a cul de sac . Mr . Franzese
stated that there are two accesses into the townhouse area off the
proposed dedicated road , with a short cul de sac at the southern end .
Robert Flumerfelt , Town Engineer , noted that one of the major
things to be considered in this project is the water supply , not only
pressure , but also quantity . Mr . Flumerfelt commented that much of
the land lies above the elevation that could be served from the
present West Hill water tank . Mr . Flumerfelt stated that a booster
pumping system has to be considered versus possible participation in
a new storage tank on West Hill , Mr . Flumerfelt also stated that the
capacity of the City of Ithaca Cliff Street pumping station has to be
• looked at , because those pumps are presently running a high
percentage of the time . Robert Kenerson wondered about sewer
service . Mr . Flumerfelt responded that , at the present time , a new
Planning Board - 22 - July 5 , 1988
sewer system is being installed on West Haven Road , which will be
accessible to this area . Virginia Langhans wondered if it was
anticipated to have a new water tower in this area , with Mr .
Flumerfelt responding , it will be coming in the near future .
Virginia Langhans , along with Carolyn Grigorov , and Chairman May
commented that the proposed project was in a beautiful area . Ms .
Beeners wondered , conceptually , how the Board felt about the project .
• Ms . Beeners offered that it is quite a large development , and there
are intentions to try and phase it so that possible impacts can be
taken care of . Ms . Beeners offered that one of the nice features
about the project is a provision of a buffer zone along West Haven
Road for drainage purposes . Ms . Beeners also noted that the proposed
townhouse complex would be pretty much isolated from the existing
homes . Virginia Langhans commented that the playground area in the
townhouse complex would not be open to the public , adding that the
only open playground area that would be conceivably Town use would be
the one by the big pond . Mr . Franzese responded that the developer
would be willing to expand on that in the other open areas .
Chairman May stated the concept was nice , but before proceeding
any further felt that Mr . Flumerfelt should review the water
situation . Virginia Langhans wondered about the possibility of a
road connection through to Elm Street . Mrs . Langhans asked about the
length of that connection . Ms . Beeners answered that it would be
• about a thousand feet . Ms . -Beeners stated that there is a private
road about 400 feet from the open area to the southeastern most open
area . Mrs . Langhans wondered if the private road would be wide
enough to lend itself to being remade into a Town road . Ms . Beeners
stated that she assumed that provision for that might be something
that should be required in the event the Homeowners ' Association were
to go under , and the road would have an adequate 50 - 60 feet of
right - of -way to be dedicated over to the Town .
Mr . Barrick wondered if there were any chance to secure a
conditional approval concept plan based on findings necessary through
Mr . Flumerfelt , e . g . , water pressure , etc . Chairman May responded
that Sketch Plan Review is an informal discussion , with no approval
granted . Attorney Barney offered that a Preliminary Plat requires a
Public Hearing . Chairman May mentioned that a subdivision of lands
had to be accomplished before a Public Hearing can be scheduled . Mr .
Barrick stated that he would approach Eddy Hill , Inc .
David Klein wondered if there was a major overhead electric
line . Mr . Franzese answered , yes . Chairman May commented that there
is a restriction of building underneath the right- of--way .
Virginia Langhans again noted it was a beautiful site , with a
nice view .
Chairman May asked if there any other comments . There being
• none , Chairman May declared the matter of the " Rose Hill " Sketch Plan
Review duly closed at 10 : 20 p . m .
Planning Board - 23 - July 5 , 1988
ADJOURNMENT
I
Upon Motion , Chairman May declared the July 5 , 1988 , meeting of
the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 10 : 21 p . m .
Respectfully submittted ,
Mary Bryant , Recording Secretary ,
Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary .
Town of Ithaca Planning Board .
Cornell University New York State ('allege of Warren Hall
Agriculture and Life Sciences Ithaca, NY 14853 - 7801
I AIM
. : Ilcpartmrnt of
' Agricultural Economics
MEMO
To: Town Planning Board and Staff
From: Bill Lesser
Date. June 27 , 1988
Re: Wiggins - Proposal
I regret I will be out of town on July 5th and unable to participate in
the discussion of the Wiggins request. I have no concerns about the "tennis
bubble" but do balk at the other aspects of the proposal. What is being
sought, as John Barney correctly identified, is permission to build a resort.
If the proposed changes in the Special Land Use District are accepted it will
be difficult to prevent the complex from growing into a full hotel and sports
complex.
I do not feel the stated need for the changes - the inconvenience to
guests of walking to the restaurant for a drink or the $ 30 cost of a special
liquor license • warrant the request. In this I see neither hardship nor
need. What I do see is gradualism - the initial request for a minimum use
even when on the face of it, its practicality and profitability is
questionable. Then comes a request for an extension of use into something
quite different from the initial proposal. I do not believe the `bed and
breakfast' use category is an appropriate one to initialize the current course
of events. Nor do 1 believe in such gradualism and , if present, I would have
anticipated voting against the requested extension of use. I hope this is of
use when you make your own decisions.
W
3
EXHIBIT 1
i
( AMENDMENT SET # 2 )
(Please Use this Form for Filing your Local Law with the Secretary of State)
o not
Text
doslit dle
el talgilven as amended ,cs or underlining to IDndicateinewdivamer� er being
'
eliminated Tdx ITHACA
OfTown ......•......:..........•...............
(,oval Law No. Of the year 19 88.....
AM13NDING THE TOWN . OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT DP1Y . CF.
FACILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL , BUSINESS AND IDTDUSTRIAL•„�O�T�,�,,,•,•,.
Alocal law ..............................•.................................(iti:aKiiiiej ...........................................................,..........
TOWN BOARD
............................................. of the
. ....................
the ..............................
Be it enacted by •• ••••••••••••••••••"”"""" ""'(N.me d LealetstlVe neJfl
ITHACAas follows :
Town
XV29i 9
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of . Ithaca as readopted ,
amended , and revised effective February 26 , 1968 , and
subsequently amended , be further amended as follows :
le Article I , Section 1 , is amended by adding four new
isions 40 , 41 , 42 , and 43 reading as
Subdivisions , to be Subdiv
follows :
1140 . A ' day care home ' is a facility , home , or other
establishment , other than a school , at which day care
IS; provided for hire for up to three children under the
ag'e of sixteen years .
• 410 A ' group day care facility ' is a facility , home , or
other establishment . licensed by the New York State
Department of Social Services orI certified by the
Tompkins County Department of Socia 1 Services , other
. than a - school , at which day care is provided for hire
for more than three , but no more than eight , children
under the age of sixteen years .
42 , A; '. group family day care home ' ' shall have the
definition set forth in Section 390 of the Social
Services Law of the State' of New ( York , Subdivision
13 ( a ) . and shall be licensed by the New York State
Department of Social Services , or I certified by the
Tompkins County Department of Social Service: .
43 . A ' day care centeris a facilitIy , home , or other
establishment licensed by ' the New York State Department
of Social Services or certified by the Tompkins County
Department of Social Services , at which day care is
provided for hire , and which is nota school , day care
home , group day care facility , or group family day care
EXHIBIT oZ.
Gf9['j`( i ( additional s ace is needed . lease nttnclt slteeis of the same size as this and number each)
I.
1
home . "
2 . Section 3C is amended by adding three more subdivisions
to be subdivisions 4 , 5 and 6 , reading as follows :
" 4 . Day care homes .
5 . Group day care facilities and group family day
care homes upon special approval by the Board of
Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77 , Subdivision 7 .
6 . Day care centers upon special approval of the
Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77 ,
Subdivision 7 . The application for such approval
shall be referred to the Planning Board and no final
action shall be taken until the Planning Board has
approved the site plan for the center ' and submitted
its report or has failed 'to so act within 30 days of
receipt of all required information . "
3 . Section 4 , Subdivision 4 , is amended to read as follows :
114 . Public library , public museum , public , parochial or
private school , nursery school , day care center , fraternity
or sorority houses , . . . "
4 . Section 4 is further amended by adding two more
subdivisions to be subdivisions 18 and 19 readiig as follows :
" 18 . Day care homes and group day care facilities .
19 . Group family day care homes upon special approval by
the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77
Subdivision 7 . "
5 . Section 1 1 , Subdivision 4 , is amended to read as
follows :
114 . Public library , public museum , public , parochial and
private schools , day care center , nursery school , and any
institution of higher learning including dormitory
Accommodations , upon special approval . . . "
6 . Section 1 1 , is further amended by . adding two new
subdivisions , - to be subdivisions 11 and 12 , to read as follows :
" 11 . Day care homes and group day care facilities .
124 Group family day care homes upon special approval by
the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77
Subdivision 7 . "
7 . Section 18 , Subdivision 4 , is amended to read as
follows :
" 4 . Public library , public museum , public , parochial and
private schools , day care center , nursery school , and any
institution of higher learning including dormitory
accommodations , upon special approval . . . "
8 . Section 18 is further amended by addiri'g two additional
subdivisions , to be subdivisions 17 and 18 , to read as follows :
" 17 . Day care homes and group day care facilities .
18 . Group family day care homes upon special approval by
the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77 ,
Subdivision 7 . "
O9 . Section . 27 is amended by adding three new subparagraphs
Page 2
EXHIBIT
• to be subparagraphs 41 5 , and 6 reading as follows
N . Day care home or group day care facility .
5 . Group family day care home upon the special approval of
the Board of Zoning Appeals in the same 'manner as if
said building was located in a Residence District R30 . "
6 . Day care center upon special approval of the Board of
Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77 , Subdivision 7 .
• The application for such approval shall be referred to
the Planning Board and no final action shall be taken
until the Planning Board has approved the site plan for
the Center land submitted its report oar has failed to so
act within 30 days of receipt of all required
information . "
10 . Section 36 is amended by adding a new subdivision , to
be subdivision 5 , reading as follows :
" 5 . Day care centers upon special approval of the Board of
Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77 , subdivision 7 . The
application for such approval shall be referred to the
Planning Board and no final action shall be taken until the
Planning Board has approved the site planlfor the center and
• submitted its report or has failed to so act within 30 days
of receipt of all required information . "
11 . Section 43 is amended by adding a new subdivision , to
be subdivision 5 , reading as follows :
5 . Day care centers upon special approval of the Board of
Zoning Appeals pursuant toSection
shall beubreferred bdivision Ito the
application for such approval
Planning Board and no final action shall be taken until the
Planning Board has approved the site plan for the center and
submitted its report or has failed to so act within 30 days
of receipt of all required information . "
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 .
This law shall take effect ten days after its publication ,
pursuant to applicable provisions of law .
•
Page 3
EXHIBIT
AMENDMENT SET, # 1
(Plense Use this Form for Filing your Local Law with the Secretary of State)
Text of do nicoi�ius a italics or underlining to iiven as. amended & Do not ndicateinew Include being
eliminated an
ITHACA80446*49040900000
of
Town
1111 of the year 19 88.....:
LocalLaw No. .....:....................... ............................
. N OF ITHACA. ZONING . ORDINAL4CE TO CLARIFY
AMENDING
THE TOW
VARIOUS. DEFINITIONS AND PROVISIONS
A localIaw .......... ..........:.. ..................:............. .....'... (insertt41a) .............
OWN BOARD . ..................... I ....................... ...... ........ of the
.. ......... ................ .
the
t-
.............................................. . iell" i" Body)
Be it enacted by cr+.me
.......... ...... ...
as follows •
ITHACA
XAWof ................ ...........................................
To wn
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as readopted ,
amended , and revised effective. February 26 , 1 9 68 , and
subsequently amended , be further amended as follows :
1 . Subdivision 2 of Section 28 is amended to read as
follows :
" 2 . Yards. and Courts .
Front Yards = Not less than fifty feet .
Side Yards - Not less than the height of the nearest
• structure , or fifteen feet , whichever is greater .
Rear Yard .
Not less than twice the heigh of the nearest
structure or thirty feet , whichever 'is greater .
I
Courts - Shall be completely open on one side , with a width
not less than the height of the tallest opposite structure
and a depth not more than one and one - half ' the width . "
2 . Subdivision 3 of Section 28 is hereby amended to read as
follows :
3 . Spaces Between Buildings : The distance between any two
than the average height of both ,
structures shall be no less
� .
or twenty feet , whichever is greater . "
3 . Section 68 of . said Ordinance is amended to read as
follows :
" Other than
SECTION 68 . More than one . building on a lot .
i in a multiple residence district , there shall not be more
EXii tB ch sesheets of tl► e same size as� this and number each)" >�
tg( lf additional space is needed , lease
1
� r
than one principal building on any lot in any residential
district . When there is more than one principal building on
a lot in any district , except a multiple residence district ,
the space between such buildings must be at least equal to
the sum of the side yards required by such buildings or the
sum of the rear and the front yards as the case may be . "
4 . Article I , Section 1 , is hereby amended by adding a new
subparagraph to be subparagraph 4 - a reading as follows :
" 4 - a . The ' depth ' of a lot shall mean the distance between
a point on the street line and the rear of the lot measured
perpendicularly from the street line . A lot need meet the
minimum depth requirements set forth in this Ordinance at
only one point and, not uniformly throughoutithe lot ' s entire
width . "
5 . Article I , Section 1 , is hereby amended ) by adding a new
subdivision , to be subdivision 4 - b reading as follows :
114 - b . ' Height ' as it relates to a building means the
distance measured from the surface of the lowest level
( floor of a crawl space , basement floor ,) slab , or other
floor , even if below exterior grade level ) in contact with
the ground surface to the highest point ( roof , chimney ,
antenna or other protuberance ) on the top of the building .
' Height ' as it relates to a structure otherl than a building
means the distance measured from the lowestllevel or portion
of the structure ( slab , base , cellar ) in contact with the
ground surface to the highest point at ithe top of the
structure . "
6 . Article I , Section 1 , is hereby amended by adding a new
subdivision , to be subdivision 5 - a reading as folllows :
115 - a . A ' building ' is any . structure having a roof supported
by columns or by walls and intended for shelter , housing ,
protection or enclosure of persons , animals or property . "
7 . Article I , Section 1 , subdivision 28 is ' amended to read
as follows *
i
" 28 . A ' structure ' is anything that is i constructe or
erected , on the ground or upon another structure or building .
' Structure ' also includes anything that is constructed or
erected underground and projects up to the ground surface or
I above , or anything that is constructed or erected wholly
underground other than utility lines , septic and water
systems , or other similar types of underground construction
i wholly ancillary to a principal building or structure on the
premises .. ' Structure ' also includes constructed parking
11
• spaces . The term structure includes a building .
8 . Section 4 , . Subdivision 17 of said Ordinance is hereby
amended to read as follows :
i
1 " 17 . In Residence Districts R9 , no structure shall be
' erected , altered , or extended to exceed thirty - four ( 34 )
feet in height . "
i
9 . Section 11 , Subdivision 10 , is hereby amended to read as
j follows :
1110 . In Residence Districts R15 , no structure shall be
erected , altered , or extended to exceed thirty - four ( 34 )
feet in height . " i
I • 10 . Section 18 , Subdivision 16 , is hereby amended to read
as follows :
" 18 . In Residence Districts R301 no structure
I
EXHIBIT 3
mm�
r 7 .QI vr ' • rLi dl, rii , , r rrJel ; rr , .:"n •. ,. fr > .• r ., ' . ... , :q . . . r . . t . kkI.
r
` 1
• shall be erected , altered , or extended to excied thirty - four
( 34 ) feet: in height . "
i
11 . Section 28 , Subdivision 5 , is hereby amended to read as
follows :
115 . Height : All structures shall conform in height with
other structures . in the vicinity , provided , however , that no
structure shall exceed thirty - four ( 34 ) feet iin height . "
12 . Section 37 ,. Subdivision 3 , is hereby amended to read as
follows :
" 3 . Height : All structures shall conform in height with
other structures in the vicinity , provided , however , that no
structure shall exceed thirty - four ( 34 ) feet iin height . "
13 . Section 44 , Subdivision 4 , is hereby , amended to read as
follows :
4 . Height : No structure shall exceed one story above the
lowest exterior grade level or twenty - five ( 25 ) feet in
height , whichever is lower . "
14 . Section 50 of said Ordinance is hereby amended by
• adding a new Subdivision 7 reading as follows :
117 . Height : No structure shall exceed thirty - four ( 34 )
feet in height except by Special Approval from the Board of
atter been ' referred to the
Zoning Appeals after the m
Planning Board for recommendation .
15 . Section 51 , Subdivision 3 is hereby amended to read as
follows :
f1districts , non - agricultural struc -
3 . In agricultural dist , no
1 ture shall be erected or extended to exceed thirty - four ( 34 )
l feet in height . "
16 . Section 29 of said Ordinance is amended by renumbering
fsubparagraph 5 of said section to subparagraph 7 and inserting
{ two new subparagraphs , to be subparagraphs 5 and 6 reading as
I follows :
j " 5.. Buffer, Areas . No structure shall be placed nearer than
30 feet from any other district including any other
residence district , agricultural district , industrial
district , or business district . A strip at least 10 feet
wide , within such buffer area , shall be suitably planted to
screen a multiple residence district from present or future
i residences , or a suitable screening fence shall be erected .
• " 6 . Landscaping , Fencing and Screening . Inadditionto the
landscaping , screening , fencing and buffer requirements set
forth above , additional landscaping , fencing , screening , or
earth berm may be required to be provided in ' any area where
{ the proposed multiple . residence development or accessory
facilities would create a hazardous condition or would
j detract from the value of the neighboring property if such
landscaping , fencing , screening or berm were not provided . "
1
17 . Section 38 of said ordinance is amended by deleting
subparagraphs 5 and 6 and inserting new subparagraphs 5 and 6 to
read as follows :
i
115 . Buffer Areas - and Screening : No structure shall be
1 placed nearer than 50 feet from any residence district and
• 30 feet from any other district . A strip at least 10 feet
wide within such buffer area shall be suitably planted to
screen a Business District from present or future
1 Page 3
t
EXHIBIT 3
I
_ vn®irn.nu�rnimirrm�na�
• residences , or a suitable screening fence shall be erected .
No waste or refuse shall be placed outside any building in a
Business District except under the following conditions :
An area common to all businesses , or a separate area
i for each business shall be reserved at the rear of the
structure or structures . These areas shall contain bins , or
jother receptacles adequate to prevent the scattering of
waste and refuse , and shall be planted or fenc d so as to be
screened from the public view . Such area and receptacles
shall not be located in the buffer area set forth above . No
refuse shall be burned on the premises .
" 6 . In addition to the landscaping , screening , fencing and
buffer requirements set forth above , additional landscaping ,
fencing , screening , or earth berm may be required to be
provided in any area where the proposed sti! ucture or use
would create a hazardous condition or would detract from the
value of neighboring property if such landscaping , fencing ,
screening , or berm were not provided . "
� I
18 . Section 45 of said Ordinance is amended by deleting the
existingsubparagraphs 5 and 6 and inserting nserting two new
i
subparagraphs , to be subparagraphs 5 and 6 reading as follows .
115 . Buffer Areas and Screening : No structure shall be
• placed nearer than 50 feet from any residence district or
I nearer than 30 feet from any other di strict . � A strip at
least 10 feet wide within such buffer area shall be planted
or suitably fenced so as to screen the light industrial
i district from present or future residences .
" 6 . . In addition to the landscaping , screening , fencing and
buffer requirements set forth above , additional landscaping ,
fencing , screening , or earth berm may be required to be
provided in any area where the proposed structure or use
y would create a hazardous condition or would detract from the
value of the neighboring property if such I landscaping ,
fencing , screening , or berm were not provided . i'
19 . Section 50 of said Ordinance is amended by deleting
subparagraphs 5 and 6 and inserting two new subparagraphs , to be
subparagraphs 5 and 6 reading as follows :
115 . Buffer Areas and ' Screening : No structure shall be
placed nearer than 50 feet from any residence district or
nearer than 30 feet from any other districtsl A strip at
j least 10 feet wide within such buffer area shall be planted
or suitably fenced so as to screen the Industrial District
1 from present or future residences . I
• 6 . In addition to the landscaping , screening , fencing and
buffer requirements set forth above , additiona !1 landscaping ,
fencing , screening , or earth berm may be required to be
provided in any area where the proposed structure or use
would create a hazardous condition or would detract from the
j value of neighboring property if such landscaping , fencing ,
i screening, or berm were not provided .
20 . Secti �� n 9 of the Ordinance is amended to read as
follows :
" SECTION 9 . Size And Area Of Lot . Lot sizes and areas in
Residence Districts R9 shall meet the following minimum
requirements :
I
1 . When no public water or sewer is available ,
Ii
• ( a ) minimum lot area shall be at least 1 5 , 000
square feet , and
i
Page 4
EXHIBIT 3
III 1I iiiiiiiiii IN 11111111111111 illilillillll!m�iimimml=1
i
I
i
I
( b ) minimum width at the street line shall be 60
feet ; and
( c ) minimum width at the maximum required front
)and set - back ( 50 feet from the street line ) shall
e 100 feet ; and
( d ) minimum depth shall be 150 feet .
2 . When public water or sewer is available
( a ) minimum lot area shall be at least 12 , 000
square feet ; and
( b ) minimum width at the street line shall be 60
feet ; and
( c. maximum required front) minimum width at the a q
yard set back line 50 feet from the street line )
shall be 80 feet ; and
( d ) minimum depth shall be 120 feet .
3 . When both public water and sewers are available
• ( a. ) minimum lot area shall be at l least 9 , 000
square feet ; and
( b ) minimum width at the street line and at the
maximum required front yard set - back ( 50 feet from
the street line ) shall be 60 feet ; and
( c ) minimum depth shall be 120 feet . ,
21 . Section 16 of said Ordinance is amended to read as
follows :
" SECTION 16 . Size Of Lot . Lots in Residence Districts R15
shall meet the following minimum requirements :
1 . Minimum lot area shall be at least 15 , 000 square feet ,
and
2 . Minimum width at the street line shall be 60 feet; and
3 . Minimum width at the maximum front yard setback line ( 50
feet from the street line ) shall be 100 feet ; and
3 . Minimum depth shall be 150 feet .
22 . Section 23 of said Ordinance is amended to read as
• follows :
" SECTION 23 . Size Of Lot . Lots in Residence Districts R30
shall meet the following minimum requirements :
1 . Minimum lot area shall be at least 30 , 000 square feet ;
and
2 . Minimum width at the street line shall .be 100 feet ; and
3 . Minimum width at the maximum required front yard setback
line ( 60 feet from the street line ) shall be 150, feet ; and
4 . Minimum depth from the highway right of wayshallbe 200
feet .
• 23 , Section 77 of said Ordinance is amended by adding a new
subdivision 9 to read as follows :
I
Page 5 i
EXHIBIT 3 I
f
•
9 . Unless work has commenced in accordance with the
variance or special approval given by the Board of Appeals
within one year from the issuance of the building permit
authorizing such work , not only the building permit but the
variance or special approval shall expire and the permis -
sible users and construction on the property shall revert to
those in effect prior to the issuance of such special
approval or variance . "
24 . Subdivision 1 of Section 4 of said Ordinance is amended
to read as follows :
" 1 . A One Family Dwelling . A one - family dwelling may be
occupied by not more than 1
( a ) an individual , or
(
family ?B ) a Y . or
( c ) a family plus up to two boarders , roomers , lodgers
or other occupants , or
( d ) three individuals , boarders , roome s , lodgers , or
other occupants . "
• 25 . Subdivision 1 of Section 11 of said Ordinance is
amended to read as follows :
" 1 . A One Family Dwelling . A one - family dwelling may be
occupied by not more than
( a ) -an individual , or
( b ) a family , or
( c ) a family plus up to two boarders , roomers , lodgers
or other occupants , or
( d ) three individuals , boarders , roomers , lodgers , or
other occupants . "
26 . Subdivision 1 of Section 18 of said Ordinance is
I
amended to read as follows :
" 1 . A One Family Dwelling . A one - family dwelling may be
occupied by not more than
( a ) an individual , or
( b ) . a family , or
• ( c ) a family plus up to two boarders , roomers , lodgers
or other occupants , or
( d ) three individuals , boarders , roomers , lodgers , or
other occupants . "
27 . Section 72 is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following :
" Where minimum lot sizes are specified in this Ordinance ,
to the approval o
the same shall be subject pp f the Tompkins .
County Health Department or any successor '; agency , and if
such Department or successor requires larger lots to comply
with the County Sanitary Code , the requirements of such
Department or successor shall govern .
•I In the event that any portion of this law is declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction , the validity of the
I ;
Page 6
EXHIBIT ,
n
remaining portions shall not be affected by such declaration of
invalidity .
This law shall take effect ten days after its publication ,
pursuant to applicable provisions of law .
•
•
Page 7
EXHIBIT
' ( AMENDMENT SET # 3 )
sUBREG2 . RES ,. ITHACA 2 , 6 / 28 / 88 4 : 25pm
r
RESOLUTION
AMENDING THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA
WHEREAS , the subdivision regulations of the Town of Ithaca
were adopted by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board on March 24 ,
1956 and
� approved by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca o n
March 24 , 1956 ; and
WHEREAS , said subdivision regulations have been thereafter
amended from time to time ; and
WHEREAS , it is deemed desirable and appropriate to further
amend such subdivision regulations in the manner hereinafter set
forth ,
NOW , THEREFORE , it is
RESOLVED , that the definition of " building height " contained
in Article III , Section 20 of the above - mentioned
subdivision regulations is amended to read as follows :
" Building Height . The distance from the surface of the
• lowest floor ( floor of a crawl space ,
basement floor , slab , or other floor )
even . if below exterior grade level ) in
contact with the ground surface to the
highest point ( roof , chimney , antennae
or - other protuberance ) on the top of the
building . "
and it is further
RESOLVED , that the following definition contained in Article
III , Section 20 of the above mentioned subdivision
regulations are amended to read as follows :
" Basement . A story partly underground but having at
least one - half of its height above the
average level of the adjoining ground .
A basement , or cellar shall be counted
as a story for the purposes of height
regulation .
Cellar . A story partly underground but having at
least one - half of its height below the
average level of the adjoining ground .
A basement or cellar shall be counted as
• a story for the purposes of height
regulation .
EXHIBIT
. i
sUBREG2 . RES , ITHACA 2 , 6 / 28 / 88 4 : 25pm
I
and it is further j
RESOLVED , that Article V , Section 32 , subdivision 6 of said
subdivision regulations be amended by changing the maximum
height from " thirty ( 30 ) feet " to 34 feet in height . "
•
i
2
EXHIBIT
• RECENT HEIGHT_ VIA IANCES AND WAIVERS ( 1986 / 87 ) :
s . b . 1 / 2 0 / 88
RESIDENTIAL :
Eastwood Commons Phase III : 30 ' waived , max . 35 '
permitted. .
Black Oak Lane : 30 ' waived : max . 42 ' permitted .
Deer Run : ' j
Stage 1 : :max . 38 ' 1 " on 2 center units of Bldgs . 2 and
4 . Max . 34 ' on 2 center units of Bldgs . 1 and 3 .
Stage Iae max . - 32 ' on Bldg . 7 if the driveways exceed 7
per cent slope . Max . 34 ' on Bldgs . 6 ana 8 if the
slope measured from building front - to back exceeds
4 feet .
NONRESIDENTIAL :
Ithaca College School of Communications : variance
granted for 30 ' max . height .
Montessori School of Ithaca , East King Road : variance
• granted for 43 ' high bell tower .
Cornell Equitation facility , Pine Tree Rd . : variance granted
for 37 ' maximum height )
Cornell Plantations Service Building , C
aldwell Road :
variance granted for 36 ' maximum height ( partly a
2 - story bldg . )
South Yard Warehouse , Five Mile Drive ( M . Hannan ) : variance
granted for 36 ' maximum height ( 1 - story bldg . , Lt .
Industrial Dist . )
Anderson Moving and Storage , Elmira Rd . : variance granted
for 28 ' maximum height ( 1 - story bldg . , Lt . Industrial
Dist . )
New Residential Ha11 , 1-thaCEOV ,College : 38 ',fee'trri'i,x . 'ht. ;gran'te'd
3 / 2388 for stax towers and roof pilot .
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EXHIBIT �j/
r
( AMENDMENT SET # 3 )
SECTIONS WITHIN ORIGINAL SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE TO BE REVISED o
- Art icle III , Seat ion 20 :
Basement A storey partly underground but having a least f
one -half of. its . height above. the average level of i
the -adjoining ground . A basement or cellar shall
be . counted as a storey for the purposes of height
regulation .-
Building Height The distance from the lowest point at grade
to the highest poi.nt of the roof , excluding
chimneys , antennae , lightning rods , and
similar appendages .
Cer:!' A storey partly underground but having more
than one -half of its height above the average
level of the adjoining ground . A basement or
cellar shall be counted as a storey for the
purposes of height regulation .
Article V , Section 32 , Chapter 6 :
6 . No more than six semi -detached , attached , or multi - storey dwell -
ing units shall be permitted to be clustered in any one struc -
ture , nor shall that structure be more than three storeys high ,
including the basement or cellar . Distances between structures
in the clustered subdivision shall be no less than thirty ( 30 )
feet. No building shall be more than three storeys . In any i
event , no building shall be more than thirty ( 30 ) feet in height .
EXHIBIT
AFFIDAVIT OF PUSUCATION
THE ITHACA JOURNAL
TOWN NOHACA PLANNING '
,Sbdt a{ KtiD lUarkr T1� k � — ` ntIV , 0 : BOARD, TICE
OF PUBLIC ]
HEARINGS, TUESDAY, JULY 5, j
(t 19M -.
YILt
h".�.L�2� . _ �no' . . . . . being dull sworn , deposes B direction of the. Chairman
_ . .. . . . .
of the Planning Board, NOTICE
,y IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Public:
}•sth
and sa
, at he resides in Ithaca, County and state aforesaid and Hearings will be held by the .,
Planning Board of the Town o,
Ithaca on Tuesday, July * 51 '
1988, in Town Ha , 126 East
tbit be is • - - "N -- - • - • - • • • - --• • • - • • -- - - • . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . ... . . . .. Seneca Street, Ithaca, N.Y. , al
the following times and on the
of T� ITEAc + Jot-�� ,tL, a public newspaper printed and published following matters:
7:30 P.M. Consideration of
Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of a
in Ithaca aforesaid, and that a notice , of which the annexed is a tele
0. 143 acre lot, located at 183
Kendall Avenue, Town of Itha- `I
CO •, was published in said a J Fj , co Tax Parcel No. 6-54-420, i!
p paper . . . . . . .. . . the purpose
two thadjoiningr ,licia-
S.'1N� �_ . equal portion for
... _.... . .. .. . . . . . .. .... . .. .•--. . . -• -••- • --. . . .. . .... ... .. . _ . . . . . .. . .. . . . .. . . . . Pamela Sackett, Owner/Ap - ,
plicant.
7:45 P.M. Consideration of .a
. Request for Modification of
_ . .... . .. . . .. . . .. . ... .. .. . . . . . . . . ... . ... .. _ . . _. . . . . . . - - - . .. . . _. . . . . . . . I
. . .. . . .. . ... .. . .• ••. . . _ . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .... .
conditions imposed in the j
September 15, 1987, Planning
and that the Est ll . licaonfitih
t: oSac' notice was on the 2 Board Site Plan Approval of an
p � . .+.�� . . . . . .. . . . . . air structure enclosing two
tennis courts at "La Tourelle", . i
\ Special Land Use District No. I
dfi}' of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . ✓ ,^..`e,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I9. . . 1 , 1150 Danby Road, Town of '.
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 6-36-17
4. 2, and further, Consider-
ation of a Request for Modifi- 1
' - " " cation of iota Law No. 3-1984 y
pertaining to said Specials
Subs 'bed and sworn to before me this Land Use District permit
1 , said
- --•• • • -• • • •- •- -----• - • -- • • • • - . .. . • • • • • • da} request being to permit cook-
ing operations and beverage
service in "La Tourelle" for re- I
- -- -- - - -- --- - - -- - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - captions and similar events. I
9 Walter J. Wiggins, Owner/Ap-
plicant. (Ad'IIourned from May +
e�
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17, June 7, and June 21 ,
. . . . . . . .... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988. )
Notary Public . 8:05 P.M. Consideration 'of j
certain proposed amendments
JEAN FORD to the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance with respect to Day
notary public State of New ypFk Care Facilities, and to the clor-
i ification of various definitions !
and provisions with respect to I
r No. 4654AW yards, . lots, buffers, . building
�llfiffi ,d It41 ;(ompkins C.. Ounly height and other miurther- t
neons provisions, and further;
GO-rlmi,5sion expires Ma 31 191 �, consideration m certain pro- 1
y S posed amendments to thea
Town of Ithaca Subdivision , .4
Regulations with respect to
definitions and provisions re-
toted to building height.
Said Planning Board will at
said times and said place hear
1 . 011 persons in support of such i
matters or objections thereto.
Persons may appear by agent
or in person.
Jean H. Swartwood a
Town Clerk '+
273-1721 'I.
June 30, 1988
•
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