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INSTRUCTIONS
Town of Ithaca Code Supplement No.1
The enclosed new and/or replacement pages should be placed in your Code volume immedi-
ately! The dateline, on the bottom of the page, does not indicate the adoption date of the Code
changes,but rather identifies the pages printed with this supplement.This instruction page should
be placed in the front of your Code volume.
REMOVE INSERT
Certification Page(following Serial No.Page)
Table of Contents, Table of Contents,
v—viii v—viii
1:1 1:1— 1:5
125:1 - 125:6 125:1 - 125:6
125:9— 125:10 125:9— 125:10
153:1 — 153:15 153:1 —153:10
221:3—221:14 221:3—221:14
234:21 —234:22 234:21 —234:22
250:7—250:9 250:7—250:9
250:A1 —250:A6 250 Attachment 1:1 — 1:6
250:A7 250 Attachment 2:1
254:1 —254:3
DL:1 DL:1
Index Pages 1 —21 Index Pages 1 —21
Legislation,by number or date of adoption, included in this supplement: L.L. Nos. 5-2004; 6-
2004;7-2004;3-8-2004;4-12-2004.
1•-15-2004
CERTIFICATION
TOWN OF ITHACA
Office of the Town Clerk
I,TEE-ANN HUNTER,Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca,New York,hereby certify
that the chapters contained in this volume are based upon the original legislation of a
general and permanent nature of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, and that said
legislation, as revised and codified,renumbered as to sections and rearranged into
chapters,constitute the Code of the Town of Ithaca,County of Tompkins, State of New
York,as adopted by local law of the Town Board on July 12,2004.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of
New York,this day of , at the municipal
offices of the Town of Ithaca.
s/TEE-ANN HUNTER
Town Clerk
10-15-2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tools for Finding Information—In addition to the municipality's legislation,this publi-
cation contains tools to help locate information: table of contents, index, chapter outlines
(schemes),and a disposition list.
Chapters—Chapters are generally discrete pieces of legislation,but can also be made up
of several individual pieces on a related topic. In that case, the individual pieces are ar-
ranged into articles or parts within the chapter. The article or part titles can be found in
the chapter scheme or by subject in the index. If you are familiar with a former number or
title,look for it chronologically in the disposition list.
Reserved Chapters—In the numbering of chapters, space has been provided for the
convenient insertion, alphabetically, of later enactments. Help in selecting an appropriate
number for a new chapter is available from the editor. See also the "Instructions for
Amending the Code"in the Preface.
Section Numbering—A chapter-related section-numbering system is employed. Each
section of every item of legislation is assigned a number, which indicates both the num-
ber of the chapter in which the item of legislation is located and the location of the sec-
tion within that chapter. Thus,the fourth section of Chapter 6 is §64.
Scheme—The scheme is the list of section titles that precedes the text of each chapter.
These titles are carefully written so that, taken together, they may be considered as a
summary of the content of the chapter. Taken separately, each describes the content of a
particular section. For ease and precision of reference, the scheme titles are repeated as
section headings in the text.
Page Numbers—A unique page-numbering system has been used in which each chapter
forms an autonomous unit. The first page of each chapter is the number of that chapter
followed by a colon and the numeral"1."Thus, Chapter 6 begins on page 6:1. By the use
of this system, it is possible to add or to change pages in any chapter, or add new chap-
ters,without affecting the sequence of subsequent pages.
v 10-15-2004
ITHACA CODE
PART I: ADMINISTRATIVE LEGISLATION
General Provisions....................................................................... 1:1
Article I-Adoption of Code
Appearance Tickets......................................................................9:1
Banking Transactions................................................................. 14:1
Compensation............................................................................ 20:1
Article I-Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals
Conservation Board................................................................... 23:1
Defense and Indemnification.....................................................28:1
Ethics,Code of........................................................................... 32:1
Health Insurance.............:..........................................................41:1
Ordinances,Publication of......................................................... 54:1
Records Management................................................................. 65:1
Relocation Expenses.................................................................. 69:1
Residency Requirements............................................................ 73:1
Terms of Office.......................................................................... 84:1
Article I,Supervisor
TownBoard............................................................................... 89:1
PART II: GENERAL LEGISLATION
AdultUses................................................................................ 100:1
Agricultural Assessments......................................................... 104:1
Animals.................................................................................... 112:1
Article I—Dog Control and Licensing
Bingo........................................................................................ 121:1
Building Construction and Fire Prevention............................. 125:1
Buildings,Unsafe..................................................................... 129:1
A 10-15-2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Environmental Quality Review................................................ 148:1
Fees.......................................................................................... 153:1
Flood Damage Prevention........................................................ 157:1
Freshwater Wetlands................................................................ 161:1
Gamesof Chance..................................................................... 166:1
LockBoxes.............................................................................. 175:1
Noise........................................................................................ 184:1
Notification of Defects............................................................. 188:1
Numbering of Buildings.......................................................... 192:1
Parks and Recreation Areas.....................................................200:1
Property Maintenance..............................................................205:1
SewerRents.............................................................................210:1
Sewer Use: Use of Public Sewers............................................214:1
Sewer Use: Rules,Regulations&Penalties of Board of
Public Works,City of Ithaca,NY,Re: Water Supply,
Sewage Disposal&Air Conditioning..................................215:1
Sewer Use: Requirements for Contributors Into Joint
POTW...................................................................................216:1
Sewer Use: Administration and Amendments.........................217:1
Signs.........................................................................................221:1
Sprinkler Systems....................................................................225:1
Streets and Sidewalks..............................................................230:1
Article I—Excavations in Town Streets and Highways
Article 11—Construction and Repair of Sidewalks
Subdivision of Land.................................................................234:1
vii 10-15-2004
ITHACA CODE
Taxation...................................................................................239:1
Article I—Senior Citizens Exemption
Article II—Alternative Veterans Exemption
Article III—Business Investment Exemption
Article IV—Exemption for Certain Disabled Persons With Limited
Income
Taxicabs...................................................................................243:1
Vehicles and Traffic............................................................. 250.1
Article I—East Hills Shopping Plaza
Article II—Vehicle Weight Limits
Article III—Parldng;Stop and Yield Intersections
Watercraft................................................................................254:1
Water Protection......................................................................256:1
Part 1—Cross-Connection Control
Part 2—Supplementary Cross-Connection Control
WaterRates..............................................................................261:1
Zoning......................................................................................270:1
Zoning: Special Land Use Districts.........................................271:1
APPENDIX
DISPOSITION LIST
INDEX
Viii 10-15-2004
Chapter 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE I § 1-7. Amendments to Code.
Adoption of Code § 1-8. Code book to be kept up-to-date.
§ 1-1. Adoption of Code. § 1-9. Sale of Code book;
supplementation.
§ 1-2. Continuation of existing § 1-10.Penalties for tampering with
provisions. Code.
§ 1-3. Repeal of enactments not included § 1-11.Changes in previously adopted
in Code.
legislation; new provisions.
§ 14. Enactments saved from repeal;
matters not affected. § 1-12.Incorporation of provisions into
Code.
§ 1-5. Severability. § 1-13.When effective.
§ 1-6. Copy of Code on file.
ARTICLE I
Adoption of Code
[Adopted 7-12-2004 by L.L.No. 7-2004]
§1-1. Adoption of Code.
The local laws, ordinances and certain resolutions of the Town of Ithaca, as codified by
General Code Publishers Corp., and consisting of Chapters 1 through 270, together with an
Appendix, copies of which have been available for public inspection and copies of which
have been timely provided to each member of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, are
hereby adopted as, and shall be known collectively as, the "Code of the Town of Ithaca,"
hereafter termed the "Code." Wherever reference is made in any of the local laws, ordinances
and resolutions contained in the Code to any other local law, ordinance or resolution
appearing in said Code, such reference shall be changed to the appropriate chapter title,
chapter number, article number or section number appearing in the Code as if such local law,
ordinance or resolution had been formally amended to so read.
§1-2. Continuation of existing provisions.
The provisions of the Code, insofar as they are substantively the same as those of local laws,
ordinances and resolutions in force immediately prior to the enactment of the Code by this
local law, are intended as a continuation of such local laws, ordinances and resolutions and
not as new enactments, and the effectiveness of such provisions shall date from the date of
adoption of the prior local law, ordinance or resolution. All such provisions are hereby
continued in full force and effect and are hereby reaffirmed as to their adoption by the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca, and it is the intention of said Board that each such provision
contained within the Code is hereby reaffirmed as it appears in said Code. Only such
1:1
10-15-2004
§ 1-2 ITHACA CODE § 1-4
provisions of former local laws and ordinances as are omitted from this Code shall be deemed
repealed or abrogated by the provisions of§ 1-3 below.
§ 1-3. Repeal of enactments not included in Code.
All local laws and ordinances of a general and permanent nature of the Town of Ithaca in
force on the date of the adoption of this local law and not contained in such Code or
recognized and continued in force by reference therein are hereby repealed from and after the
effective date of this local law.
§ 14. Enactments saved from repeal; matters not affected.
The repeal of local laws and ordinances provided for in § 1-3 of this local law shall not affect
the following classes of local laws, ordinances, rights and obligations, which are hereby
expressly saved from repeal:
A. Any right or liability established, accrued or incurred under any legislative provision of
the Town of Ithaca prior to the effective date of this local law or any action or
proceeding brought for the enforcement of such right or liability.
B. Any offense or act committed or done before the effective date of this local law in
violation of any legislative provision of the Town of Ithaca or any penalty, punishment
or forfeiture which may result therefrom.
C. Any prosecution, indictment, action, suit or other proceeding pending or any judgment
rendered prior to the effective date of this local law brought pursuant to any legislative
provision of the Town of Ithaca.
D. Any agreement entered into or any franchise, license, right, easement or privilege
heretofore granted or conferred by the Town of Ithaca.
E. Any local law or ordinance of the Town of Ithaca providing for the laying out, opening,
altering, widening, relocating, straightening, establishing grade, changing name,
improvement, acceptance or vacation of any right-of-way, easement, street, road,
highway,park or other public place within the Town of Ithaca or any portion thereof.
F. Any local law or ordinance of the Town of Ithaca appropriating money or transferring
funds, promising or guaranteeing the payment of money or authorizing the issuance and
delivery of any bond of the Town of Ithaca or other instruments or evidence of the
town's indebtedness.
G. Local laws or ordinances authorizing the purchase, sale, lease or transfer of property or
any lawful contract,agreement or obligation.
H. The levy or imposition of special assessments or charges.
I. The annexation or dedication of property.
J. Any local law or ordinance relating to salaries and compensation.
1:2 10-15-2004
§ 14 GENERAL PROVISIONS § 1-7
K. Any local law or ordinance amending the Zoning Map.
L. Any local law or ordinance relating to or establishing a pension plan or pension fund for
town employees.
M. Any local law or ordinance or portion of a local law or ordinance establishing a specific
fee amount for any license,permit or service obtained from the town.
N. Any local law adopted subsequent to February 10, 2004.
O. Any matter not contained in a local law or ordinance the substance of which is not
included in the Code, which matter may have been adopted by resolution of the Town
Board or other governing board. Such matters include, among others, the Town's
personnel manual, highway specifications, procurement policies, and budgets.
§ 1-5. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, article, chapter or part of this local law or of any
local law, ordinance or resolution included in this Code now or through supplementation shall
be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not
affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof but shall be confined in its operation to the
clause, sentence, paragraph, section, article, chapter or part thereof directly involved in the
controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.
§ 1-6. Copy of Code on file.
A copy of the Code, in loose-leaf form, has been filed in the office of the Town Clerk of the
Town of Ithaca and shall remain there for use and examination by the public until final action
is taken on this local law; and, if this local law shall be adopted, such copy shall be certified
by the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca by impressing thereon the Seal of the Town, and
such certified copy shall remain on file in the office of said Town Clerk to be made available
to persons desiring to examine the same during all times while said Code is in effect. The
enactment and publication of an abstract of this local law, coupled with the availability of a
copy of the Code for inspection by the public, shall be deemed,held and considered to be due
and legal publication of all provisions of the Code for all purposes.
§ 1-7. Amendments to Code.
Any and all additions, deletions, amendments or supplements to any of the local laws,
ordinances and resolutions known collectively as the "Code of the Town of Ithaca" or any
new local laws, ordinances or resolutions, when enacted or adopted in such form as to
indicate the intention of the Town Board to be a part thereof, shall be deemed to be
incorporated into such Code so that reference to the Code shall be understood and intended to
include such additions, deletions, amendments or supplements. Whenever such additions,
deletions, amendments or supplements to the Code shall be enacted or adopted, they shall
thereafter be printed and, as provided hereunder, inserted in the loose-leaf book containing
said Code as amendments and supplements thereto. Nothing contained in this local law shall
affect the status of any local law, ordinance or resolution contained herein, and such local
1:3 10-15-2004
§ 1-7 ITHACA CODE § 1-11
laws, ordinances or resolutions may be amended, deleted or changed from time to time as the
Town Board deems desirable.
§ 1-8. Code book to be kept up-to-date.
It shall be the duty of the Town Clerk to keep up-to-date the certified copy of the book
containing the Code of the Town of Ithaca required to be filed in the office of the Town Clerk
for use by the public. All changes in said Code and all local laws, ordinances and resolutions
adopted by the Town Board subsequent to the enactment of this local law in such form as to
indicate the intention of said Board to be a part of said Code shall, when finally enacted or
adopted, be included therein by temporary attachment of copies of such changes, local laws,
ordinances or resolutions until such changes, local laws, ordinances or resolutions are printed
as supplements to said Code book, at which time such supplements shall be inserted therein.
§ 1-9. Sale of Code book; supplementation.
Copies of the Code, or any chapter or portion of it, may be purchased from the Town Clerk,
or an authorized agent of the Clerk,upon the payment of a fee to be set by the Town Board in
accordance with applicable law. The Clerk.may also arrange for procedures for the periodic
supplementation of the Code.
§ 1-10. Penalties for tampering with Code.
Any person who, without authorization from the Town Clerk, changes or amends, by
additions or deletions, any part or portion of the Code of the Town of Ithaca or who alters or
tampers with such Code in any manner whatsoever which will cause the legislation of the
Town of Ithaca to be misrepresented thereby or who violates any other provision of this local
law shall be guilty of an offense and shall,upon conviction thereof,be subject to a fine of not
more than$250 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 15 days, or both.
§1-11. Changes in previously adopted legislation; new provisions.
A. In compiling and preparing the local laws, ordinances and resolutions for publication as
the Code of the Town of Ithaca, no changes in the meaning or intent of such local laws,
ordinances and resolutions have been made, except as provided for in Subsection B
hereof. In addition, certain grammatical changes and other minor nonsubstantive changes
were made in one or more of said pieces of legislation. It is the intention of the Town
Board that all such changes be adopted as .part of the Code as if the local laws,
ordinances and resolutions had been previously formally amended to read as such.
B. In addition, the amendments and/or additions as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto
and made a part hereof are made herewith,to become effective upon the effective date of
1:4 10-15-2004
§ 1-11 GENERAL PROVISIONS § 1-13
this local law. (Chapter and section number references are to the local laws, ordinances
and resolutions as they have been renumbered and appear in the Code.)'
C. Nomenclature. In Chapter 205, Property Maintenance, and Chapter 270, Zoning, of the
new Code, references to 'Board of Zoning Appeals" or to 'Board of Appeals" are revised
to read "Zoning Board of Appeals."
§1-12. Incorporation of provisions into Code.
The provisions of this local law are hereby made Article I of Chapter 1 of the Code of the
Town of Ithaca, such local law to be entitled "General Provisions, Article 1, Adoption of
Code," and the sections of this local law shall be numbered §§ 1-1 to 1-13, inclusive.
§1-13. When effective.
This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State of the
State of New York.
1. Editor's Note:In accordance with§1-1111,the chapters,parts and sections which were added,amended,adopted or
deleted by this local law are indicated throughout the Code by a footnote referring to Ch.1,General Provisions,Art.
I.During routine supplementation,footnotes Indicating amendments,additions or deletions will be replaced with the
following history:"Amended(added,deleted)7-12-2004 by L.L.No.7-2004."Schedule A,which contains a complete
description of all changes,is on file in the Town offices.
1:5 10-15-2004
Chapter 125
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION
§ 125-1. Scope. § 125-9. Violations.
§ 125-2. Administration. § 125-10.Penalties for offenses.
§ 125-3. Rules and regulations. § 125-11.Records.
§ 125-4. Building permits. § 125-12.Removal of dangerous buildings
§ 125-5. Construction inspections. or structures.
§ 125-6. Certificates of occupancy. § 125-13.Variance and review.
§ 125-7. Use and operating permits. § 125-14.Miscellaneous provisions.
§ 125-.8. Firesafety inspections. § 125-15.Modification of provisions.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca 12-7-1981 by L.L. No.
1-1981.Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL.REFERENCES
Unsafe buildings—See Ch.129. Signs—See Ch.221.
Fees—See Ch.153. Construction of sidewalks—See Ch.230,Art.H.
Flood damage prevention—See Ch.157. Subdivision of land—See Ch.234.
Property maintenance—See Ch.205. Zoning—See Ch.270.
§ 125-1. Scope. [Amended 10-5-1987 by L.L.No. 14-19871
This chapter shall provide the basic method for administration and enforcement of the New
York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (hereinafter referred to as the
"Building Code") in the Town of Ithaca, and shall establish powers, duties, and
responsibilities in connection therewith.
§125-2. Administration. [Amended 10-5-1987 by L.L. No. 14-1987; 7-9-1990 by L.L. No.
8-1990]
The Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer (hereinafter 'Building Inspector") is
hereby designated to administer and enforce the Building Code within the Town of Ithaca. In
the event the Building Inspector is not available, the Assistant Building Inspector and Zoning
Enforcement Officer, the Town Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca or the Deputy Town
Supervisor is authorized to administer and enforce the Building Code and to issue permits,
certificates, and other notifications thereunder.
§ 125-3. Rules and regulations.
A. The Town Board may adopt rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement
of the Building Code. Such rules and regulations shall not conflict with the Building
125:1 10-15-2004
§ 125-3 ITHACA CODE § 1254
Code, this chapter, or any other provision of law. [Amended 10-5-1987 by L.L. No.
14-1987]
B. The Town Board shall publish all rules and regulations at least 30 days prior to the
effective date thereof in a newspaper of general circulation within the Town of Ithaca.
§ 1254. Building permits. [Added 10-5-1987 by L.L.No. 14-19871
A. No person, firm, corporation, association or other organization shall commence the
erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, repair, removal, or
demolition of any building or structure, nor install heating equipment, without having
applied for and obtained a building permit from the Building Inspector. No permit shall
be required under those circumstances set forth in Chapter 270, of the Code of the Town
of Ithaca (hereinafter referred to as the "Zoning Ordinance") under which no permit is
required.
B. Applications for building permits may be obtained from the Building Inspector.
(1) A completed application must be delivered to the Building Inspector and must
include:
(a) The signature of the applicant or authorized agent;
(b) A description of the site on which the proposed work is to be done;
(c) A statement of the use or occupancy of all parts of the land and of the
proposed building or structure;
(d) A brief description of the proposed work;
(e) The estimated cost of the proposed work with appropriate substantiation as
may be required by the Building Inspector;
(f) The full name and address of the owner and applicant and, if either be a
corporation,the names and addresses of responsible officers;
(g) A set of plans and specifications for the proposed work;
(h) A site plan showing the location of the proposed work on the site and
showing the property lines of the site;
(i) The building permit fee as specified in any applicable Town of Ithaca local
law, ordinance, rule or resolution. [Amended 12-3-1994 by L.L. No.
10-1994; 5-10-2004 by L.L.No. 5-2004]
(j) A statement that the work shall be performed in compliance with Chapter
270, Zoning, the Building Code, and other applicable state and local laws,
ordinances,and regulations;
(k) Such other materials, information, or items as may be reasonably required by
the Building Inspector in order to determine whether the proposed work will
125:2 10-15-2004
§ 125-4 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION § 1254
be in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, including
Chapter 270, Zoning, the Building Code, and this chapter.
(2) The Building Inspector may waive the requirement of plans and specifications and
may waive such of the other requirements in those circumstances where the work
to be done involves minor alterations or where such required information is not
otherwise necessary.
C. At the option of the Building Inspector the Building Inspector may require that the plans
and specifications be accompanied by a certification from a registered architect or
licensed professional engineer of this state that such plans and specifications comply with
the applicable provisions of the Building Code and all local ordinances and requirements.
D. The applicant shall notify the Building Inspector of any changes in the information
contained in the application during the period for which the permit is in effect. A permit
will be issued when the application has been determined to be complete and when the
proposed work is determined to conform to the requirements of the Building Code,
Chapter 270, Zoning, and any other applicable laws, rules or regulations. The authority
conferred by such permit may be limited by conditions, if any, contained therein.
E. All work performed pursuant to such permit shall be in accordance with.the information
and representations made in the application for a permit and there shall be no deviations
therefrom without the prior approval of the Building Inspector. Such approval may be
withheld until sufficient information is provided to the Building Inspector in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Building Inspector to demonstrate that the
proposed deviation is in compliance with the Building Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, this
chapter,and all other applicable laws,rules and regulations.
F. A building permit, when issued, shall be prominently displayed on the property or
premises to which it pertains.
G. A building permit, once issued,may be suspended or revoked if the Building Inspector or
other appropriate officer determines that the work to which it pertains is not proceeding
in conformance with the application, with the Building Code, with Chapter 270, Zoning,
with any other law, rule, regulation or ordinance, or with any condition attached to such
permit, or if there has been a misrepresentation or falsification of a material fact in
connection with the application for the permit.
H. A building permit shall expire one year from the date of issuance or upon the issuance of
a certificate of occupancy (other than a temporary certificate of occupancy), whichever
occurs first. The permit may, upon written request, be renewed for successive one-year
periods provided that 1) the permit has not been revoked or suspended at the time the
application for renewal is made; 2) the relevant information in the application is
up-to-date; a renewal fee is paid as specified in any applicable Town of Ithaca local law,
ordinance, rule or resolution. At the option of the Building Inspector, where the work
disclosed by the application may reasonably be expected to take longer than one year,the
Building Inspector may issue an initial building permit for a term of greater than one
year, but in no event greater than three years, the term to be the length of time it would
be reasonably anticipated to complete the work set forth in the application. [Amended
12-3-1994 by L.L.No. 10-1994; 5-10-2004 by L.L. No. 5-2004]
125:3 10-15-2004
§ 125-4 ITHACA CODE § 125-4
I. Permits to construct a foundation, only in circumstances where it is contemplated that a
building will be constructed on the foundation, may be issued in the discretion of the
Building Inspector under the following circumstances and subject to the following
limitations: [Added 4-9-1990 by L.L. No. 6-1990]
(1) The circumstances under which foundation permits may be issued are as follows:
(a) There has been supplied to the Building Inspector plans which, in the
Building Inspector's judgment, are adequate for him to evaluate and review
the proposed construction of the foundation.
(b) The applicant provides information satisfactory to the Building Inspector,
such as an engineer's or architect's certification, that the foundation will be
adequate to carry the load of the proposed permanent structure.
(c) The need for the foundation permit is established to the satisfaction of the
Building Inspector (e.g., onset of adverse weather conditions, immediate
availability of masons, proposed construction to be on a fast-track basis, or
other reasonable basis for early issuance of a permit for only part of the
building).
(2) Issuance of a foundation permit is wholly discretionary with the Building Inspector
and the applicant shall have no right to the issuance of same.
(3) In addition to the conditions on such permits imposed by this chapter, the Building
Inspector may impose such conditions on the issuance of such permits as the
Building Inspector may reasonably require to protect the health, safety and welfare
of the public including the persons that may be in or around the proposed
foundation. Such conditions may also include the requirement that the applicant
post security in the form of a bond, cash, or letter of credit with the Town to
assure that the foundation will be removed if a building permit for the entire
building is not issued within a stated period of time, such security to be available
to the Town to enable the Town to restore the premises to their condition prior to
the construction of the foundation for which the permit was issued.
(4) The issuance of any foundation permit by the Building Inspector may be revoked
by the Town Board if, in its discretion,the Town Board determines the issuance of
the foundation permit was inappropriate.
(5) Issuance of a foundation permit does not relieve the applicant from fulfilling any
and all requirements for the issuance of a full building permit for the proposed
construction.
(6) Issuance of a foundation permit shall not be construed to be a determination that a
building permit will be automatically issued for the balance of the structure.
(7) Foundation permits may be revoked at any time by the Building Inspector if the
Building Inspector in his discretion:
(a) Determines that the foundation will not be adequate to support the balance of
the structure;
125:4 10-15-2004
§ 1254 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION § 125-5
(b) Determines the applicant is not taking proper precautions to prevent
endangering life, health, property, or the public welfare in the course of
constructing the foundation;
(c) Determines, in his judgment, that the applicant is not proceeding diligently
and properly to provide complete and adequate plans for the issuance of a
full building permit.
(d) Becomes aware of information not previously submitted or available that
makes issuance of a foundation permit inappropriate or inadvisable.
(e) Determines the existence of any other circumstance which reasonably
requires the revocation of the permit.
(8) If a building permit for the remainder of the building has not been issued within
six months of the date of the foundation permit, the foundation permit
automatically expires. However, the Building Inspector may renew the permit for
one or more successive periods of not more than six months per application upon
payment of a fee calculated as if each application were an application for the
original issuance of such a permit.
(9) Upon the revocation or the expiration of a foundation permit without a renewed
foundation permit or a building permit for the balance of the building having been
issued, the foundation constructed pursuant to the foundation permit must be
removed and the ground restored by the owner to substantially the condition it was
prior to the commencement of any excavation and construction.
(10) The fee for the issuance of a foundation permit shall be as specified in any
applicable Town of Ithaca local law, ordinance, rule or resolution. [Amended
12-3-1994 by L.L.No. 10-1994; 5-10-2004 by L.L.No. 5-20041
§125-5. Construction inspections. [Added 10-5-1987 by L.L.No. 14-19871
A. Work for which a building permit has been issued shall be inspected for approval by the
Building Inspector prior to enclosing or covering any portion thereof and upon
completion of each stage of construction, including but not limited to building location,
site preparation, excavation, foundation, framing, superstructure, electrical, plumbing,
heating, air-conditioning, fire protection and detection systems and exit features. It shall
be the responsibility of the owner, applicant, or his agent, to inform the appropriate
inspector that the work is ready for inspection and to schedule such inspection. To
facilitate such inspection and to insure compliance with appropriate Zoning and Building
Code requirements, the Building Inspector may require submission at the appropriate
stage of documentation to substantiate such compliance including, without limitation, the
following.items:
(1) As-built survey maps by a licensed surveyor showing the location of the
foundation relative to property boundary lines and dimensions of the structure;
(2) Appropriate certifications from an engineer relative to water, sewage, structural
integrity, and such other items as the Building Inspector may deem reasonably
125:5 10-15-2004
§ 125-5 ITHACA CODE § 125-6
appropriate certifying that the stated items are in accordance with all applicable
laws, rules and regulations;
(3) Certificates from appropriate electrical inspection agencies such as New York
Board of Fire Underwriters certifying that the electrical work is in compliance with
all applicable laws, codes,rules and regulations.
B. The Building Inspector or his designee shall have the power to order, in writing, the
remedying of any condition found to exist in,'on, or about any building, structure or
premises in violation of the Building Code, Chapter 270, Zoning, or any other applicable
law, rule or regulation, and shall have the authority to state the time period within which
such condition must be remedied. Such orders may be served upon the owner or his
authorized agent personally or by registered mail sent to the address set forth in the
application for any permit submitted to the Town of Ithaca or to the owner's or agent's
last known address. If such condition is not remedied within the time set forth, among
any other remedies that may be available to the Town of Ithaca, the Building Inspector or
his designee may revoke the building permit for such construction and no further
construction shall occur until a new permit has been issued.
C. The Building Inspector or his designee shall have the right of entry, at all reasonable
hours, to any building, structure, or site where work or activity is contemplated or being
done under the provisions of this chapter, or to any building or site alleged to be unsafe
to life or health, upon the exhibition of proper evidence of their position at the Town.
Interference with such authorized entry in an official capacity shall be punishable as a
violation of this chapter.
§125-6. Certificates of occupancy. [Added 10-5-1987 by L.L.No. 141987]
A. Except as set forth below in Subsection B, a building or structure for which a building
permit has been issued shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part until the
125:6 10-15-2004
§ 125-6 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION § 125-7
health, property, or the public welfare. The issuance of a temporary certificate of
occupancy under these circumstances and the right to revoke same are governed by
the same provisions relating to the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy
based upon construction pursuant to a building permit.
(10) The fee for the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be as
specified in any applicable Town of Ithaca local law,ordinance, rule or regulation.
[Amended 12-3-1994 by L.L. No. 10-1994; 5-10-2004 by L.L.No. 5-20041
C. A certificate of occupancy may be issued for any building or individual dwelling unit at
any other time after inspection thereof by request, determination of compliance and
payment of the prescribed fees.
§125-7. Use and operating permits. [Amended 10-5-1987 by L.L. No. 14-1987; 5-13-1991
by L.L. No. 9-1991]
A. Issuance.
(1) Upon payment of the fee, as prescribed in the schedule of fees adopted by the
Town Board, use permits shall be issued by and bear the name and signature of the
Building Inspector and shall specify:
(a) Activity or operation for which such permit is issued.
(b) Address or location where activity or operation is to be conducted.
(c) Name and address of permittee.
(d) Use permit number and date of issuance.
(e) Period of use permit validity.
(2) At the option of the Building Inspector a use permit may be combined with a
building permit if such combination is appropriate.
B. Use permits shall not be transferable and any change in activity, operation, location,
ownership, or use shall require a new use permit.
C. Use permits shall continue until revoked or for a period of time designated at the time of
issuance. An extension of the use permit time period may be granted provided a
satisfactory reason can be shown for failure to start or complete the work or activity
authorized within the required time period.
D. Use permits shall be obtained for the following:
(1) Acetylene generators: To operate an acetylene generator having a calcium carbide
capacity exceeding five pounds.
(2) Automobile tire rebuilding plants: To operate an automobile tire rebuilding plant.
(3) Automobile wrecking yards: To operate an automobile wrecking yard.
125:9 10-15-2004
§ 125-7 ITHACA CODE § 125-7
(4) Bowling establishments: For bowling pin refinishing and bowling lane resurfacing
operations involving the use and application of flammable or combustible liquids
or materials.
(5) Cellulose nitrate motion-picture film: To store, keep or have on hand more than 25
pounds of cellulose nitrate motion-picture film.
(6) Cellulose nitrate plastics (pyroxylin):
(a) To store, keep or have on hand more than 25 pounds of cellulose nitrate
plastics (pyroxylin).
(b) To manufacture articles of cellulose nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) which shall
include the use of cellulose nitrate plastics (pyroxylin) in the manufacture or
assembling of other articles.
(7) Combustible fibers: To store, handle, or use combustible fibers in quantities in
excess of 100 cubic feet, except agricultural products on a farm.
(8) Combustible materials: To store combustible materials including but not limited to
empty combustible packing cases, boxes, barrels, or similar containers, rubber
tires,baled cotton, rubber, cork, or other similar materials in excess of 2,500 cubic
feet gross volume on any premises.
(9) Compressed gases:
(a) To store, handle,or use at normal temperatures and pressures more than:
[1] 2,000 cubic feet of flammable compressed gas; or
[2] 6,000 cubic feet of nonflammable compressed gas.
(b) To store,handle or use any quantity of liquefied, natural or hydrogen gas.
(10) Cryogenics: To store, handle, or use cryogenic fluids, except cryogenics used as a
motor fuel and stored in motor vehicle tanks, as follows:
(a) Production,sale or storage of cryogenic fluids.
(b) Storage or use of flammable cryogenic fluids, cryogenic oxidizers, or
liquefied oxygen in excess of 10 gallons.
(11) Dry-cleaning plants: To use in excess of four gallons of solvents or cleaning agents
classified as flammable or combustible.
125:10 10-15-2004
Chapter 153
FEES
§ 153-1. Purpose. § 153-8. Operating permits and certain
§ 153-2. Fees and charges established. inspections.
§ 153-3. Town Clerk: licenses and § 153-9. Sign permits.
searches. § 153-10.Zoning,subdivision, SEQRA,
§ 1534. Town Clerk: Freedom of Zoning Board of Appeals,and
Information Law. development application fees.
§ 153-5. Town Clerk: miscellaneous fees. § 153-11.Town of Ithaca Fee Schedule.
§ 153-6. Building and foundation permit § 153-12.Fill permits.
fees. § 153-13.Amendments.
§ 153-7. Certificates of occupancy. § 153-14.Transition provisions.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca 5-10-2004 by L.L. No.
5-2004:Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building construction and fire prevention—See Ch.125. Subdivision of land—See Ch.234.
Signs—See Ch.221. Zoning—See Ch.270.
§153-1. Purpose.
A. The purposes of this chapter include the following:
(1) To revise the fees charged by the Town for various activities regulated by the
Town or for various services performed by the Town, including fees for permits
and licenses issued by the Town Clerk, fees for permits or certificates issued by
the Building Code and Zoning Enforcement Officer, Town Engineer, Town
Planner, and other Town officials, and the fees for processing applications for
variances,approvals, and similar matters requiring publication or board action; and
(2) To establish fees for other services, which fees have not been previously charged;
and
(3) To amend or repeal provisions of other Town laws, ordinances or resolutions
dealing with fees that are superseded by the enactment of this chapter.
B. To the extent that this chapter contains provisions inconsistent with any prior local law,
ordinance or resolution of the Town of Ithaca,the provisions of this chapter shall govern.
1. Editor's Note:This chapter also repealed former Ch.153,Fees,adopted 12-3-1994 by L.L.No.10-1994,as amended.
153:1 10-15-2004
§ 153-2 ITHACA CODE § 153-4
§ 153-2. Fees and charges established.
The following fees and charges are established in the Town of Ithaca for the following
permits,licenses, services, applications and other matters set forth below.
§ 153-3. Town Clerk: licenses and searches.
The following fees are established in the Town of Ithaca for licenses and searches.
A. Fee for marriage license together with certificate of marriage issued in conjunction with
marriage license pursuant to §§ 15 and 14-a of the Domestic Relations Law: $40.
B. Certificate of marriage pursuant to Domestic Relations Law § 14-a(2): $10.
C. Marriage transcript(duplicate certificate of marriage): $10.
D. Dog licenses pursuant to § 110 of the Agriculture and Markets Law (including the
portion of the fee payable to the state): $8.50 for spayed and neutered dogs; $16.50 for
unspayed and unneutered dogs.
E. Purebred licenses: $40 for 10 dogs or fewer; $75 for l l.to 25 dogs; $125 for more than
25 dogs.
F. Tax searches: $5 for one-year search.
§ 1534. Town Clerk: Freedom of Information Law.
The following fees shall be charged by the Town Clerk for the provision of copies or other
items pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law or pursuant to any other law, rule or
regulation where no other fee or charge is specifically provided:
A. Copies generally.
(1) The Clerk shall upon request make a copy or copies of any record that is made
available and which can be copied on the Town of Ithaca copying equipment upon
the payment of$.20 per page after the first five pages (first five pages free) of a
letter- or legal-size document. All copies of pages larger than 8 1/2 inches by 14
inches up to 11 inches by 17 inches shall be at $.25 per page.
(2) Copies of CD's containing digital versions of certain Town documents, if made
available, shall be provided upon payment of$5 per CD.
(3) Copies of recorded cassette tapes, if made available, shall be provided upon
payment of$5 per tape.
(4) Any documents, tapes, maps, papers, aerial photos, etc. which cannot be copied in
the Town offices will be supplied to the requestor after payment of actual cost of
copying.
B. Copies of certain documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Clerk shall provide
copies of certain documents(Zoning Ordinance,Noise Regulations, Comprehensive Plan,
153:2 10-15-2004
§ 1534 FEES § 153-6
etc.) and maps (larger than 11 inches by 17 inches) upon payment of the actual costs of
copying.
C. Postage. If the requestor requests that copies of documents be mailed to the requestor
there shall be added to the costs of copying the actual postage costs for documents
heavier than one ounce (up to one ounce free). This provision for reimbursement of
postage costs shall in no way obligate the Town to mail any documents. Such mailing
shall be in the sole discretion of the Clerk.
D. Certification. The Town Clerk shall, upon request, certify that a copy of a document or
record prepared pursuant to the provisions of the preceding subsections is a true copy.
E. Receipts. The Clerk or any other person at the Town receiving funds pursuant to any of
the foregoing subsections shall give to the payor a receipt for the amount paid and
maintain duplicate copies of such receipts for the Town records.
§ 153-5. Town Clerk: miscellaneous fees.
The following additional fee is established in the Town of Ithaca:
A. Checks returned: $15 per check.
§153-6. Building and foundation permit fees.
A. Building permit fees shall be computed on the basis of the value of the improvement to
be constructed as follows:
Value of Improvement Fee
$1 to $2,500.99 $25
$2,501 to $5,000.99 $35
$5,001 to $10,000.99 $45
$10,001 to $20,000.99 $60
$20,001 to $30,000.99 $70
$30,001 to $50,000.99 $100
$50,001 to$100,000.99 $200
$100,001 to$150,000.99 $350
$150,001 to$250,000.99 $550
$250,001 to$350,000.99 $700
$350,001 to$500,000.99 $850
$500,001 to$750,000.99 $1,000
$750,001 to $1,000,000.99 $1,500
$1,000,001 to$2,500,000.99 $2,000
$2,500,001 to $5,000,000.99 $4,000
$5,000,001 to $10,000,000.99 $6,000
153:3 10-15-2004
§ 153-6 ITHACA CODE § 153-8
Value of Improvement Fee
$10,000,001 to $20,000,000.99 $8,000
Over$20,000,000.99 $.50 for each$1,000 of improvement
value; minimum fee $10,000
B. The renewal fee for a building permit shall be the greater of$50 or 25% of the original
building permit fee.
C. The fee for the issuance of a foundation permit shall be the greater of$100 or 25% of
the building permit fee, calculated on the estimated full value of the entire building. The
fee is not refundable and is not credited against the fee for the building permit for the
entire building.
§ 153-7. Certificates of occupancy.
A. The fee for the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy related to a building
permit (six months maximum) shall be the greater of$25 or 50% of the building permit
fee.
B. The fee for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for an existing building shall be
$100.
C. There shall be no additional fee for the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy
related to a building permit.
§153-8. Operating permits and certain inspections.
A. The fees for the issuance of an operating permit required pursuant to Chapter 125,
Building Construction and Fire Prevention, as the same has been subsequently amended,
shall be as follows:
(1) Fees for uses other than multiple residences: $100 per building.
(2) Fees for multiple residences shall be as follows:
(a) Three to five dwelling units in each building: $50 per building.
(b) Six to 10 dwelling units per building: $100 per building.
(c) Eleven dwelling units or more per building: $150 per building.
B. The fees for other inspections by the Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer
required by state law or other regulation, such as required annual inspections of areas of
public assembly (firesafety), shall be $50, plus $30 per hour after the first hour for the
time the Inspector spent traveling to make the inspection, making the inspection, and
preparing any related documentation and certifications relating to such inspection. The
fee for a reinspection shall be $50,plus $30 per hour after the first hour.
153:4 10-15-2004
§ 153-8 FEES § 153-10
C. If an inspection is being conducted by the Inspector for the issuance of an operating
permit at the same time as an inspection is being conducted for firesafety purposes by the
same Inspector to meet the requirements for inspections of areas of public assembly, the
cost of the operating permit shall be credited against any fees that may be payable for
such other inspection.
§153-9. Sign permits.
The application fee for a sign shall be $20, and in addition thereto the sum of $2 for each
square foot of area of such sign.
§153-10. Zoning, subdivision, SEQRA, Zoning Board of Appeals, and development
application fees.
A. Miscellaneous provisions.
(1) The Town Board, Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals, as applicable,
shall hold no public hearing nor take any action to endorse or approve any
application until all applicable fees have been paid to the Town.
(2) Fees shall be calculated by the Building Inspector, Town Planner, Town Clerk, or
by the Deputy Town Clerk associated with the Engineering, Planning, and
Building/Zoning Department. Such fees shall be collected by the Town Clerk or
the Town Clerk's designee, who shall issue a receipt stating the purpose of the
payment. This receipt must be filed with the application as evidence of payment.
(3) All application fees paid to the Town in accordance with the fee schedule shall be
nonrefundable unless miscalculated. No funds paid to the Town for review or
inspection shall be returned to the applicant should an application be disapproved
by the Town, reduced in scale by the applicant, or otherwise partially or wholly
abandoned.
B. Application fees and public hearing fees.
(1) A nonrefundable fee shall be paid along with each application as set forth in the
Schedule of Application Fees set forth below (the "Fee Schedule") to cover
expenses related to the administration and processing of applications, including
agenda or public hearing notice, clerical processing, processing of the application
by planning, engineering and/or building and zoning personnel, the cost of
professional services, including but not limited to engineering, planning, legal, and
other expenses incurred by the Town in its review of the submitted application
material for preliminary and/or final subdivision or site plan approval or other
approvals, and inspection of on-or off-site improvements.
(2) Whenever an application or appeal is filed with the Town for which a public
hearing is required, there shall be paid simultaneously a fee of $50 to defer the
costs of publishing and mailing the notice and application to appropriate parties,
and the cost of transcribing the proceedings relating to the application or appeal.
Such fee of $50 is included in the Fee Schedule set forth below as part of the
153:5 10-15-2004
§ 153-10 ITHACA CODE § 153-10
application fee (e.g., an application fee of$200 includes the public hearing fee of
$50).
(3) If the hearing continues for more than one meeting necessitating republication
and/or re-noticing, an additional public hearing fee shall be paid prior to each
continued hearing. If the matter continues for more than one meeting but the
subsequent meetings do not require a public hearing, an agenda processing fee
shall be paid prior to each additional meeting at which the matter is continued
without a public hearing. In the discretion of the Town Board, Planning Board, or
Zoning Board of Appeals, as the case may be, or the person designated to collect
application fees, additional public hearing fees or additional agenda processing fees
may be waived with respect to any subsequent meetings, particularly if the
continuation was necessitated by actions of the Town officials and not by the
applicant.
(4) In the case of subdivision or site plan applications, the Planning Board, or the
person designated to collect application fees, in its discretion, may waive the fee
for a final plat or plan in those circumstances where final plat or plan approval is
given simultaneously with preliminary plat or plan approval. In these cases, only
the preliminary plat or plan fee would be charged.
(5) As part of the application for preliminary site plan approval, a preliminary estimate
of the cost of improvements shall be provided by the applicant's licensed
professional engineer or registered architect, along with the other items required
for a preliminary site plan application as set forth in Chapter 270,Zoning.
(6) As part of the application for final site plan approval, a revised estimate of the cost
of improvements shall be provided by the applicant's licensed professional
engineer or registered architect, along with the other items required for final site
plan application as set forth in Chapter 270,Zoning.
(7) In the case of site plan applications, the terms "cost of improvements,"
"improvement cost" or"project cost" shall mean the costs of construction of all site
improvements (whether on or off the specific site involved), including grading,
roads, drainage improvements, sewers, water lines, buildings and any other
improvement of any nature whatsoever to be constructed by the applicant. Such
terms exclude land acquisition costs, architect fees, engineering fees and other
similar nonconstruction costs.
(8) The estimates provided with the preliminary or final application shall be used to
determine the required fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule.
(9) An estimate of the cost of improvements provided by the applicant and not by a
licensed professional engineer or registered architect may be accepted when, in the
judgment of the Town Engineer and/or the Town Planner, such estimate is
reasonably accurate. The Town Engineer and/or the Town Planner may adjust such
estimate and the estimate as so revised by the Town Engineer or Town Planner
shall be used to determine the required fee.
153:6 10-15-2004
§ 153-10 FEES § 153-10
(10) In the case of clustered subdivision applications, the fees set forth for subdivisions
shall apply.
(11) In the case of applications for rezoning, a basic fee as set forth in the Fee Schedule
for initial review of the general plan by staff and the Town Board shall be
submitted with the initial application. When the rezoning is referred to the
Planning Board for recommendation, the fee for preliminary site plan review shall
be paid prior to any further review of the general plan by the Planning Board and
prior to any recommendation by the Planning Board to the Town Board. If the
Town Board approves an application for rezoning upon recommendation by the
Planning Board, and when specific development is proposed, the fee for final site
plan review shall be paid to cover the costs of further review by staff and the
Planning Board.
(12) In the case of applications for special approval, a basic fee as set forth in the Fee
Schedule for initial review of the general plan by staff and the Zoning Board of
Appeals shall be submitted with the initial application. If the application is referred
to the Planning Board for a recommendation, the required fee for preliminary site
plan review shall be paid prior to any further review of the general plan by the
Planning Board and prior to any recommendation by the Planning Board to the-
Zoning Board of Appeals. If the Zoning Board of Appeals approves an application
for special approval upon recommendation by the Planning Board, and when
specific development is proposed requiring further review, the fee for final site
plan review shall be paid to cover the costs of further review by staff and the
Planning Board. If the application is not referred to the Planning Board, the basic
fee shall be paid without any further fees for site plan review.
(13) In the case of applications for special permits, a basic fee as set forth in the Fee
Schedule for initial review of the general plan by staff and the Planning Board
shall be submitted with the initial application. If an application is submitted for a
special permit at the same time as an application for site plan approval is
submitted,the fees for site plan approval will be paid without any fees required for
a special permit.
(14) The above fees may be waived in whole or in part, or may be modified, by the
Town Board for good cause shown. Such cause may include, but is not limited to,
an extreme hardship to the applicant in paying for all or a portion of the review
fees,the benefit to the general community that would be provided by the proposed
project, or other unique or special circumstances which would warrant, in the
judgment of the Town Board, such a waiver.
C. SEQRA-related fees.
(1) In addition to the fees required as stated in the Fee Schedule,the fees for review or
preparation of an environmental impact statement involving an application for
approval or funding of an action requiring preparation or filing of a draft
environmental impact statement shall be determined by the lead agency for each
such application. The fees shall be based on the actual cost to the Town for
reviewing or preparing the draft and final environmental impact statement,
153:7 10-15-2004
§ 153-10 ITHACA CODE § 153-11
including the cost of hiring consultants, the salary time of Town employees and
actual disbursements incurred as a result of the review or preparation of such
impact statement, but in no event shall the fees be greater than those established in
6 NYCRR 617.13. The Town Supervisor, Building Inspector, Planner, or Engineer
may require, prior to the commencement of the review or preparation of an
environmental impact statement, a deposit to be made with the Town in an amount
reasonably estimated to cover the fee set forth in this section.
(2) The above fees may be waived in whole or in part, or may be modified, by the
Town Board for good cause shown. Such cause may include, but is not limited to,
an extreme hardship to the applicant in paying for all or a portion of the fees, the
benefit to the general community that would be provided by the proposed project,
or other unique or special circumstances which would warrant, in the judgment of
the Town Board, such a waiver.
§ 153-11. Town of Ithaca Fee Schedule.
The Town of Ithaca Fee Schedule is as follows:
Application Type Fee
Initial application (sketch):
1 to 10 new lots * $100
(without new roads or public utilities)
All others $100,plus $2/lot
Preliminary plat:
1 to 10 new lots * $100,plus $20/lot
(without new roads or public utilities)
All others $100,plus $40/lot
Final plat: 50%of preliminary plat fee
Plats/Replats whose sole purpose is to dedicate land for No charge
public use
Plat reaffirmations $100,plus$5/lot
Site Plan Review:
Initial application(sketch): $100
Preliminary site plan:
Estimated Project Cost
$1 to $10,000.99 $200
$10,001 to$25,000.99 $250
$25,001 to$50,000.99 $300
$50,001 to$100,000.99 $350
$100,001 to $250,000.99 $400
$250,001 to $500,000.99 $500
$500,001 to $1,000,000.99 $750
153:8 10-15-2004
§ 153-11 FEES § 153-14
Application Type Fee
$1,000,001 to $2,500,000.99 $1,000
$2,500,001 to $5,000,000.99 $1,500
$5,000,001 to$10,000,000.99 $2,000
$10,000,001 to $20,000,000.99 $2,500
Over$20,000,000.99 $3,000
Projects with interior work only $250
Final site plan 50%of preliminary site plan fee
Rezoning/Zoning amendment $175,plus pertinent site plan
fees
Special approval/special permit $100.00
Area and use variances $100.00
Sign appeal $100.00
Additional meeting fees:
Agenda processing $30.00
Public hearing processing $50.00
Note: *Number of lots is the number that would exist after subdivision
§153-12. Fill permits.
Fill permits shall be issued only upon the payment by the applicant for same of the following
fee:
A. There shall be a fee of$100 for a fill permit issued by the Town Engineer pursuant to
Chapter 270,Zoning, § 270-217. Additional fees, as specified in § 153-10 of this chapter,
may apply if Zoning Board of Appeals and/or Planning Board approval is necessary.
§ 153-13. Amendments.
The foregoing charges may be changed by local law.
§153-14. Transition provisions.
A. Site plan or subdivision review applications that are pending as of the effective date of
this chapter shall be subject to the following provisions. The fees in effect when the
application was filed shall apply to the pending stage of review (initial, preliminary, or
final). The fees set forth in this chapter shall apply to any further stages of review. Any
fee balance that exists after completion of the pending stage of review shall be applied
towards the fee for the next stage of review.
B. Projects that have completed the review process but are still under construction as of the
effective date of this chapter shall be billed for stormwater construction inspections for
153:9 10-15-2004
§ 153-14 ITHACA CODE § 153-14
up to nine months after the effective date of this chapter. The stormwater construction
inspection fees shall be determined pursuant to the fee provisions that were in effect
when the review process was completed.
153:10 10-15-2004
§ 2214 SIGNS § 221-5
(8) Except as otherwise provided herein, no banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers,
spinners, or similar moving, fluttering, or revolving devices shall be part of an
exterior or window sign, or used for advertising or attracting attention when not
part of a sign.
(9) Phosphorescent, fluorescent, or similar reflective paint or material shall not be used
on exterior signs, except those listed in § 221-5A(1)(a), (b), and(c).
(10) Prohibited sign illumination sources shall be as listed in § 221-8A.
B. Residential and/or agricultural districts. The following signs are prohibited in residential
districts and/or agricultural districts:
(1) Signs as listed in § 2214A.
(2) Projecting signs, except as allowed in § 221-513(1)(b).
(3) Window signs, except temporary signs such as pickup and delivery notices,
political posters, or similar signs.
(4) Signs on awnings or canopies.
§221-5. Exempt signs.
A. All districts.
(1) The following permanent signs, not self-illuminated except as otherwise provided
herein,may be placed in any district without a permit:
(a) Street identification, traffic and other governmental signs and control devices
required by law, ordinance, or regulation.
(b) Official public information signs.
(c) Entrance-exit and directional signs.
(d) House and building numbers.
(e) Memorial signs, building names, erection dates, or similar information cut
into masonry or other permanent surface, or constructed of bronze or other
incombustible material,not to exceed 36 square feet in size.
(f) Signs and markers in cemeteries designating graves and memorials.
(g) "Posted" or"No Trespassing" signs not to exceed four square feet in size.
(h) Historical markers not to exceed six square feet in size.
(i) Hospital identification signs, which may be self-illuminated,not to exceed 24
square feet in size.
(j) Governmental agency and public building identification.
221:3 10-15-2004
§ 221-5 ITHACA CODE § 221-5
(k) Signs or notices erected by a public utility necessary for the direction,
information, or safety of the public.
(2) The following temporary signs, not illuminated unless otherwise specified, may be
placed in any district without a permit:
(a) Emergency or safety signs, illuminated as required.
(b) Directional signs for meetings, conventions, and other assemblies, not to
exceed six square feet in size and to be removed within 15 days after the
event.
(c) One sign, not to exceed six square feet, advertising the sale or rental of the
land or building on which it is located, to be removed within 15 days after
sale or rental and no more than one such sign for each lot or building being
sold. In business and industrial districts, such signs may be up to 24 square
feet in size.
(d) One sign, not to exceed six square feet, listing the architect, engineer,
contractor and/or owner, on premises where construction, renovation, or
repair is in progress.
(e) Political posters,not-for-profit promotional, private sales, or similar signs not
exceeding six square feet in size. In business and industrial zones, such signs
may be up to 24 square feet in size.
(f) Holiday decorations, including lighting.
(g) No more than two banners aggregating not in excess of 15 square feet
containing graphics that are purely decorative and that do not identify,
advertise or convey information.
(3) Flags, emblems, or insignia of a nation, government, or school, may be displayed
in any district without a permit.
B. Residential and/or agricultural districts.
(1) The following signs, on premises,not self-illuminated,may be placed in residential
districts and/or agricultural districts without a permit:
(a) Signs listed as exempt in § 221-5A.
(b) One wall, projecting or freestanding sign on each building frontage
identifying the name and/or address of the occupants of a residence not to
exceed six square feet in size. Signs as needed to identify the building or
activities of colleges and universities,not to exceed 24 square feet.
(c) One wall sign as needed to identify the buildings or activities of houses of
worship, libraries, museums, nursing homes, or similar institutions; and one
freestanding sign neither of which is to exceed 24 square feet in size, and
combined shall not exceed 24 square feet in size. The height of any
freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet.
221:4 10-15-2004
§ 221-5 SIGNS § 221-6
(d) Neighborhood identification signs, not to exceed six square feet in size.
(e) In agricultural districts, signs for the sale of farm and garden produced
products, total area of signs not to exceed six square feet and total number of
signs not to exceed two.
(f) In agricultural districts, breed identification signs, not to exceed six square
feet in size.
(2) Freestanding signs in residential districts and/or agricultural districts shall be
located as specified in § 221-6A(2).
C. Business and industrial districts.
(1) The following signs may be placed in business and industrial districts without a
permit:
(a) Signs listed as exempt in §§ 221-5A and B.
(b) At each entrance to an office,public, or institutional building, a sign denoting
only the name and/or business or profession of the occupants, not to exceed
six square feet in size.
(c) Window graphics,signs and displays as specified in § 221-7E.
(d) Temporary window signs announcing the opening or closing of a business,
sales, and price listings, not to exceed 50%of the total display window area.
(e) At gasoline stations integral graphics or attached price signs on gasoline
pumps.
(2) Any signs erected pursuant to § 221-5C(1) shall be counted in determining the
maximum number of signs permitted pursuant to § 221-613.
§221-6. Regulated signs.
A. Residential and/or agricultural districts.
(1) The following wall or freestanding signs, on premises,not self-illuminated, may be
placed in residential districts and/or agricultural districts on issuance of a permit:
(a) One wall or freestanding sign, not exceeding four square feet in area,
identifying a principal permitted enterprise or use other than residential.
(b) One wall or freestanding sign, not exceeding 24 square feet in area,
identifying a multiple residence.
(2) Freestanding signs in residential districts and/or agricultural districts shall in no
case be located between the sidewalk and the street, nor closer than two feet from
the sidewalk,nor closer than three feet from a building or structure, nor closer than
15 feet from a side lot line; the maximum height of sign and support shall be six
feet.
221:5 10-15-2004
§ 221-6 ITHACA CODE § 221-7
B. Business and industrial districts.
(1) Business and industrial districts regulated signs shall meet the requirements of
§ 221-7.
(2) The following signs may be placed in business and industrial districts on issuance
of a permit:
(a) Regulated signs as listed in § 221-6A.
(b) The following signs may be placed at each on-premise enterprise in business
and industrial districts:
[1] One wall sign or one projecting sign on each building or store frontage,
and one freestanding sign. If a business has entrances for vehicular
traffic on more than one street,two freestanding signs are permitted.
[2] In the case of multiuse facilities, one freestanding sign shall be allowed
for the development as a whole, regardless of the number of separate
enterprises. If such multiuse facility has entrances for vehicular traffic
on more than one street,two freestanding signs are permitted.
[3] In lieu of any one or more of the signs pernutted above, one or more
marquee, awning or canopy signs may be substituted instead provided
that:
[a] Such marquee, awning or canopy sign is located no further than
six feet from the facade of the building to which it relates; and
[b] Such sign(s) complies with the provisions relating to marquee,
awning or canopy signs set forth below; and
[c] The total number of signs does not exceed the number permitted
pursuant to Subsection B(2)(b)[1] and [2] above.
§221-7. Business and industrial districts signs.
A. Wall signs.
(1) The maximum area of wall sign graphics shall be, for each linear foot of building
frontage occupied by the enterprise on which the sign is placed, one square foot.
(2) Wall signs shall not extend beyond the ends or over the top of the wall to which
attached.
(3) Wall signs shall not extend more than nine inches from the face of the building to
which attached.
(4) Any part of a sign extending over pedestrian traffic areas shall have a minimum
clearance of seven feet six inches.
B. Projecting signs.
221:6 10-15-2004
§221-7 SIGNS § 221-7
(1) Projecting sign panels or sign symbols shall have not more than two faces, and the
maximum area of the panel or symbol shall be 15 square feet.
(2) A projecting sign panel or sign symbol may extend three feet maximum from the
building face, or 1/3 the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(3) No part of a projecting sign shall extend into vehicular traffic areas, and any part
over pedestrian traffic areas shall have a minimum clearance of seven feet six
inches.
(4) Projecting signs shall not extend above the level of the floor of the second story of
the building to which attached, nor in any case be higher than 12 feet from the
ground.
(5) Projecting signs shall not be copy-change type except as specified in § 221-7D(3).
C. Freestanding signs.
(1) Freestanding sign panels or sign symbols shall have not more than two faces and
the maximum area of the panel or symbol shall be 50 square feet.
(2) The maximum height of a freestanding sign and support shall be 20 feet.
(3) No part of a freestanding sign shall extend into vehicular traffic areas,and any part
extending over pedestrian traffic areas shall have a minimum clearance of seven
feet six inches.
(4) Freestanding signs shall be placed in front yards only, shall be located no closer
than six feet from a building, 15 feet from the edge of the pavement, and 15 feet
from a side lot line, and no part shall extend over a public street or sidewalk.
D. Marquee,canopy and awning signs.
(1) No sign shall project or be suspended from a marquee, canopy or awning.
(2) Marquee, canopy and awning signs shall be completely within the outer edges of
such marquee, canopy or awning.
(3) Copy-change marquee signs shall be permitted on theaters only.
(4) For each linear foot of marquee perimeter the maximum area of graphics shall be
one square foot.
(5) Canopy or awning graphics may be painted or affixed flat to the surface of the
front or sides, and shall indicate only the name and/or address of the enterprise or
premise.
(6) Canopy or awning graphics shall be a single line of lettering six inches maximum
height.
E. Window signs.
221:7 10-15-2004
§ 221-7 ITHACA CODE § 221-8
(1) Window signs are prohibited above the first floor, except for lettering of five
inches maximum height per line with a maximum of two lines, identifying
professional or business offices.
(2) There shall be no more than one permanent window sign per window and a
maximum of two per enterprise.
(3) The area of permanent window signs shall not exceed 25% of the area of the
window or windows through which they are visible, nor in any case exceed four
square feet.
(4) Copy-change window signs shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(5) Exposed luminous tubing or similar window signs shall consist of no more than
two rows, the lettering shall not exceed six inches in height per row, and the entire
sign shall not exceed three-quarters of the window width or six square feet,
whichever is less.
§221-8. Sign illumination.
A. Prohibited sources.
(1) No illumination which will cause glare reflection constituting a nuisance or a
traffic hazard shall be directed upon a sidewalk, street, or public place, or upon
adjacent premises.
(2) No sign, display or advertising device shall be illuminated by or contain flashing,
intermittent,rotating, or moving lights.
(3) Exposed luminous tubing or similar signs shall be prohibited, except in windows
as specified in § 221-7E(5).
(4) Strings of lights not part of a sign shall not be used for advertising, outlining
buildings or features of buildings, or otherwise attracting attention, except as
specified in § 221-5A(2)(f).
(5) Gas or other flame illumination is prohibited.
B. Permitted sources.
(1) Direct illumination shall be permitted in all districts as follows:
(a) Visible lamps,not exceeding 25 watts per lamp.
(b) Shielded linear light sources and gooseneck reflectors.
(c) Floodlights.
(2) Indirect illumination, including backlighted letters, is permitted in all districts.
(3) Self-illuminated copy-change theater signs are permitted in business districts.
221:8 10-15-2004
§ 221-8 SIGNS § 221-10
(4) Self-illuminated signs and letters are permitted in business and industrial districts.
C. Intensity. No sign shall produce illumination in excess of 10 footcandles above ambient
light level at a distance of four feet on a level'with the sign.
D. Color. In residential districts and/or agricultural districts illumination shall be white or
amber.
§221-9. Sign construction.
A. Fabrication and attachment. All sign fabrication, erection, and attachment shall conform
to the requirements of the latest edition of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code and other applicable codes and regulations. [Amended 7-12-2004 by
L.L.No. 7-20041
B. Electrical.
(1) Lighting fixtures and wiring shall conform to the requirements of the latest edition
of the National Electrical Code and other applicable codes and regulations, and
shall have New York Board of Fire Underwriters' approval.
(2) Transformers,wires, and similar items shall be concealed.
(3) All wiring to freestanding signs shall be underground.
C. Maintenance. All signs, sign finishes, supports, and electrical work shall be kept in good
repair and safe condition.
§221-10. Sign removal; nonconforming signs.
A. Amortization of off-premises signs.
(1) All off-premises signs not permitted by the terms of this chapter, whether valid
nonconforming signs or otherwise, and existing at the time of the adoption of this
chapter shall be removed within a period of four years from the date of the
adoption of this chapter. Off-premises signs which are not valid nonconforming
signs and are not permitted signs under this chapter shall be removed immediately.
B. Disused signs. A sign, and any supports and electrical work, identifying or advertising a
business no longer conducted or a product no longer sold on the premises shall be
removed by the owner of the premises within six months from the date of disuse, unless
the Enforcement Official shall determine that such sign or portions thereof may be
utilized by a subsequent enterprise.
C. Unsafe signs.
(1) Unsafe or insecure signs shall be repaired or removed by the owner of the
premises.
221:9 10-15-2004
§ 221-10 ITHACA CODE § 221-11
(2) If the Enforcement Official determines an unsafe sign to be an actual danger to
persons or property, such sign must be removed within three days of receipt of
written notice.
(3) If the owner fails to comply within three days after notification, the Town shall
remove the sign at cost to the owner of the premises.
(4) If it is determined by the Enforcement Official that any sign is a source of
immediate peril to any person or property, such sign may be removed summarily
and without notice by the Enforcement Official at cost to the owner of the
premises.
D. Surface restoration. Upon removal of any wall sign, including signs painted on walls, the
surface area of the wall shall be restored to an appearance substantially equivalent to the
remaining portion of the facade.
E. Nonconforming signs.
(1) Existing nonstructural signs, such as portable signs, banners, pennants, or similar
signs, which are nonconforming with the provisions of this chapter shall be
brought into conformance or removed within 90 days of the date of the adoption of
this chapter.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter,the lawful use of any sign existing at
the date of the adoption of this chapter may be continued even though such sign
does not conform to the provisions herein.
(3) A nonconforming sign may not be changed or enlarged unless a variance is
granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals. When a nonconforming sign is in need of
alteration, replacement, or substantial repair as shall be determined by the
Enforcement Official, the sign shall be made to come into compliance with the
requirements of this chapter or be removed unless a variance is granted by the
Zoning Board of Appeals.
(4) Abandonment or discontinuance of the use for which any nonconforming sign has
been maintained for a period of more than six months, as shall be determined by
the Enforcement Official, shall terminate the use of such sign. No nonconforming
sign shall be reinstated except by variance granted by the Zoning Board of
Appeals.
(5) Temporary removal of a nonconforming sign for painting or other normal
maintenance shall be limited to a period of 30 days.
§221-11. Design review.
A. Purpose. To encourage the appropriate and compatible design and placement of signs and
street graphics.
B. Sign Review Board.The Planning Board shall be designated as the Sign Review Board.
C. Jurisdiction.
221:10 10-15-2004
§ 221-11 SIGNS § 221-12
(1) All regulated signs may be subject to design review.
(2) The Sign Review Board shall have the discretionary power to vary any maximum
numerical limitation in this chapter by 25%, providing such variation does not
detract from the purposes of this chapter. Such variation shall require the vote of a
majority plus one.
(3) The Sign Review Board may review any sign application to insure conformity with
§ 221-2, and may require changes in the content of the sign.
D. Procedure.
(1) Recommendations and/or decisions shall be based on the guidelines listed in
§ 221-11E.
(2) All decisions shall be transmitted in writing, and copies sent to the applicant and
the Enforcement Official.
E. Guidelines.
(1) The following guidelines may be considered by the Sign Review Board in
determining the acceptability of proposed signs as to design, materials, colors,
illumination,placement and size.
(2) In general, signs should be:
(a) Compatible with surroundings and appropriate to the architectural character
of the buildings on which they are placed.
(b) Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain.
(c) Legible in the circumstances under which they are seen.
(d) Expressive of the identity of individual enterprises but not out of the
character with the community.
§221-12. Enforcement official.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by the Enforcement
Official who shall have the power to make necessary inspections.
B. No sign permit shall be approved by the Enforcement Official except in compliance with
the provisions of this chapter, or as directed by the Sign Review Board or the Zoning
Board of Appeals.
C. The Enforcement Official shall refer to the Sign Review Board any sign application
which he deems not to be in conformance with the purpose of this chapter as set forth in
§ 221-2.
221:11 10-15-2004
§ 221-13 ITHACA CODE § 221-14
§221-13. Sign permit.
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, after the effective date of this chapter, no sign shall
be erected, moved, or altered, except as required by § 221-10, unless and until a sign
permit for such work has been obtained.
B. No permit is required for the following:
(1) Exempt signs.
(2) A permitted sign to be repainted or repaired in exact duplication of the original.
C. Application for sign permit, on forms provided by the Town Clerk, shall be submitted in
duplicate to the Enforcement Official.
D. Applications shall have attached thereto the following information and material:
(1) Application fee as specified in any applicable Town of Ithaca ordinance, local law,
rule or resolution.'
(2) Information as listed on the application form.
(3) Drawings at an appropriate scale, as necessary to show the design, dimensions, and
colors of the graphics and sign structure, details of any illumination sources, and
placement of the sign relative to the building or structure on which it is located
and/or in relation to nearby buildings, structures,street lines and property lines.
E. If the proposed signis in conformance with all requirements, the Enforcement Official
shall issue a permit within seven days or refer the application to the Sign Review Board.
F. If a sign authorized by a permit is not completed and in place within six months, said
permit shall become null and void.
G. Design, construction, and placement of a sign shall not deviate from the plans approved
for issuance of permit.
H. Upon completion of sign, applicant shall submit a photograph of sign in place which the
Enforcement Official shall file with the original sign application.
§221-14. Appeals.
A. The Sign Review Board shall hear and decide on the following matters:
(1) Questions of alleged error in any order or determination of the Enforcement
Official involving the interpretation of the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Requests for variation from the provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 221-11.
B. Decisions of either the Sign Review Board or the Enforcement Official may be appealed
to the Zoning Boards of Appeals.
1. Editor's Note:See Ch.153,Fees,§153-9,Sign permits.
221:12 10-15-2004
§ 221-14 SIGNS § 221-16
C. Upon an appeal, the Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a variance from the terms of
this chapter. No Zoning Board of Appeals decision shall be made on a variance until an
advisory opinion is received from the Sign Review Board. Failure of said Sign Review
Board to report an opinion prior to the hearing on the appeal shall be construed as
approval of the variance.
D. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals may have the
decision reviewed by the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the manner
provided by law.
§221-15. Penalties for offenses.
A. In the event of a breach of any of the provisions of this chapter, the Enforcement Official
shall notify the owner of the premises, in writing, to remove, repair, or bring the sign
into conformance, within 30 days of the date of such notice.
B. Any person, firm, or corporation, whether as owner, lessee, agent, or employee, who
violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or who fails to comply with any order or
regulation made thereunder, or who erects, moves, or alters any sign in violation of any
detailed statement or plans submitted by him and approved under the provisions of this
chapter, shall be guilty of a violation as the same is defined in the Penal Law and shall
be fined not more than $100 for each violation.
C. Each day that such violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate violation.
D. If any sign is erected, altered, or moved in violation of the provisions of this chapter,
proper officials may, in addition to other remedies, institute an appropriate action to
prevent such unlawful operation.
E. Upon failure to comply with any notice within the prescribed time, the Enforcement
Official shall remove or cause removal,repair,or conformance of a sign, and shall assess
all costs and expenses incurred against the owner of the building or land on which the
sign is located.
F. All costs and expenses incurred by the Town of Ithaca in causing the removal or repair
of any sign, as specified in this section and § 221-10, shall be collected from the owner
of the premises on which such sign is located. Payment shall be made in not less than
five days after the receipt of a written demand. Upon failure to make such payment, such
costs and expenses shall be assessed against said owner and shall be paid and collected
as part of the Town and county tax next due and payable. In addition, the Town may
commence any other action or proceeding to collect such costs and expenses.
§221-16. Terminology.
A. For the purposes of this chapter certain words and terms shall have the meanings given
in this section.
221:13 10-15-2004
§ 221-16 ITHACA CODE § 221-17
B. Words used in the present tense include the future tense; words used in the singular
include the plural, and the plural the singular; the word "shall' is mandatory and not
permissive.
C. Certain words imply and include other words as follows:
(1) AFFIX: attach, append,join, suspend.
(2) BUILDING: structure.
(3) ENTERPRISE: business, profession, organization, association.
(4) ERECT: build, construct,alter.
(5) PLACEMENT: location, erection.
(6) STREET: road,highway,lane, alley.
(7) USED: designed, intended, arranged to be used.
§221-17. Definitions.
As used in this chapter,the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT— An agricultural land use area classification as established
by Chapter 270,Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, as amended.
AUXILIARY SIGN — A sign affixed in a subordinate position to the supports of a
freestanding sign.
AWNING— A canvas-covered frame or similar structure that shelters a window, door, deck
or the like from sun and rain.
BACKLIGHTED SIGN — A sign or graphics silhouetted by a light source not directly
visible.
BANNER — A type of flag, not an emblem of a government or institution, with graphics
that are purely decorative or that identify, advertise and/or convey commercial information.
BOARD OF APPEALS — The Zoning Board of Appeals as established in accordance with
the provisions of Town Law.
BUILDING— A structure affixed to a permanent foundation.
BUILDING FACE— The exterior surface of a building.
BUILDING FRONTAGE— That part of a building or lot facing a sidewalk, street, or other
public place.
BUSINESS DISTRICT — A business land use area classification as established by or
pursuant to Chapter 270,Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, as amended.
221:14 10-15-2004
§ 234-28 SUBDIVISION OF LAND § 234-31
B. The monuments shall be constructed of reinforced concrete (3,000 psi in 28 days) and
have no fewer than two no. 3 deformed bars in them, evenly spaced. The monuments
shall be six inches in diameter and 36 inches in length. Each monument shall have a
cross case in the top center or a copper rod extending 1/4 inch above the concrete. All
such monuments may be precast or cast in the hole. It shall be the responsibility of the
developer to maintain the monuments on all unsold lots.
§234-29. Underground wires and cables.
Wires and cables providing local utility and similar services (including but not limited to
electric, telephone, cable television, and streetlighting) in residential subdivisions shall be
placed underground.
§234-30. Phased developments.
In large, phased developments, a sequential installation of utilities and improvements shall be
made in accordance with an agreement satisfactory to the Town Planner, Town Engineer and
Town Attorney. The phasing agreement shall provide for the maintenance of existing roads
and utilities.
ARTICLE V
Rules and Regulations for Clustered Subdivisions
§234-31. Minimum gross area.
A. The minimum gross area for any clustered subdivision proposal shall be five acres.
Clustered subdivisions are permitted only with respect to residential dwelling units. The
Planning Board may not require a subdivider to prepare a cluster plan for lands in a High
Density Residential Zone. [Amended 6-7-2004 by L.L.No. 6-20041
B. The area of the subdivision required to be reserved by the developer for open space shall
not be more than 101/o of the gross area, and shall contain in any event a parcel with an
open area of at least 10,000 square feet.
C. At the time of preliminary approval,it shall be determined whether or not the subdivision
to be considered shall be a cluster design. When the subdivider presents to the Planning
Board a traditional subdivision plan, the Planning Board may approve a preliminary plat
for a given number of units, contingent upon all or part of those units being clustered in
a final plat acceptable to the Planning Board.
D. When the subdivider proposes to develop a portion of the property as a traditional
subdivision and a portion as a clustered subdivision, the Planning Board may approve,
modify and approve, br disapprove the proportions of the project and locations which
shall be developed traditionally or be clustered.
E. In the event the Planning Board approves a traditional subdivision plan at the preliminary
subdivision hearing, the subdivider shall have the option of submitting a cluster plan
234:21 1 0-15-2004
§234-31 ITHACA CODE § 234-32
prior to final plat approval. In this case, the Planning Board shall schedule a public
hearing prior to final subdivision approval in order to consider the cluster proposal.
§234-32. Number of dwelling units permitted.
A. The number of dwelling units permitted in a clustered residential subdivision may in no
case exceed the number otherwise permitted, in the Planning Board's judgment, by the
applicable sections of Chapter 270, Zoning of the Code of the Town of Ithaca. The
Planning Board may restrict the subdivider to a lesser number of dwelling units if, in the
Planning Board's judgment, particular conditions of the site warrant such restriction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the density of dwelling units in a clustered development
shall not exceed 3.5 dwelling units per gross acre in a Residence District R15 or 2.3
dwelling units per gross acre in a Residence District R30.
B. To determine the number of dwelling units permitted to be clustered pursuant to
§ 281,"the Planning Board may require the subdivider, as part of the sketch plat review
process, to prepare a conventional subdivision plat which meets all standards of Chapter
270, Zoning, subdivision regulations, and Town of Ithaca highway and open space
regulations.
C. The Planning Board may exclude areas from the sketch plat which, in its opinion, are
unsuitable for construction of the proposed housing because of excessive slopes, poor
drainage, or other considerations which may be injurious to the health, safety, and
welfare of the community.
D. Considerations which the Planning Board may use in order to limit the number of
dwelling units or lots which may be developed in any clustered subdivision include but
are not limited to:
(1) Will such a development be substantially and materially injurious to the ownership,
use and enjoyment of other property in the vicinity or neighborhood;
(2) Will such a development impede the orderly development of land in the vicinity or
neighborhood, and will such use be appropriate in appearance and in harmony with
the existing or intended character of such land in the vicinity or neighborhood;
(3) Will the street system and off-street parking facilities handle the expected traffic in
a safe and efficient manner and not place an undue burden on existing roads;
(4) Will the natural surface drainageways continue to work effectively;
(5) Are water and sewerage or waste disposal facilities adequate;
(6) Is the environmental quality of the proposal, in terms of site planning, design, and
landscaping, compatible with the character of the neighborhood;
10. Editor's Note:Town Law§281 re:clustered subdivisions was renumbered and amended by L.1992,c.727.See now
Town Law§278.
234:22 10-15-2004
§ 250-16 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC § 250-17
- Abby Road, during the period from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily from May 1
through September 30 of each year.
(15) On both sides of Pleasant Grove Road from the Village of Cayuga Heights line to
the intersection with Forest Home Drive (Route 392).
(16) On both sides of Pine Tree Road from Route 366 southerly to the railroad
overpass.
(17) On the south side of Roat Street running westerly from Blackstone Avenue to the
terminus of Roat Street, during the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.
(18) On both sides of Sharlene Drive from Snyder Hill Road to Eastern Heights Drive
during the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.
(19) On both sides of Snyder Hill Road from the Town of Dryden line to the
intersection with Pine Tree Road.
(20) On both sides of Winthrop Drive from the easterly entrance to the Northeast
School parking lot northerly and westerly to the westerly entrance to the Northeast
School parking lot and on the northerly side of Winthrop Drive from the westerly
entrance to the Northeast School parking lot westerly to the intersection of
Winthrop Drive and Brandywine Road.
(21) On both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue from the City of Ithaca line southeast and
east approximately 2075 feet to the intersection of the west line of the unopened
paper street known as"Maryland Avenue"projected southerly across the full width
of Pennsylvania Avenue, which intersection is also the east line of Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel Number 54.-6-7 projected southerly across the full width of
Pennsylvania Avenue. [Added 4-12-20041
(22) On both sides of Kendall Avenue from its intersection with Pennsylvania Avenue
southeast approximately 2100 feet to its intersection with a line drawn south
southwesterly from the southwest comer of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel Number
54.4-19 to the northwest comer of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel Number 54.-5-25.
[Added 4-12-20041
§250-17. Stopping of motor vehicles.
The stopping of motor vehicles, other than in accordance with erected traffic control devices,
or as may be required by traffic conditions, is prohibited in the following locations:
A. Buttermilk Falls Road West in its entirety.
B. Buttermilk Falls Road East in its entirety.
250:7 10-15-2004
§ 250-18 ITHACA CODE § 250-23
§250-18. Stop signs.
The intersections enumerated on Schedule A annexed hereto are designated as stop
intersections and stop signs are ordered installed at the entrance to such intersections as set
forth on Schedule A.
§250-19. Yield signs.
The intersections set forth on the annexed Schedule B are designated as yield intersections
and yield signs are ordered installed at entrances to such intersections as set forth on_Schedule
B.
§250-20. Penalties for offenses.
A. Any violations of §§ 250-10 and 250-11 shall constitute a traffic infraction and any
persons violating the same shall be deemed guilty of a traffic infraction and shall be
punishable by a fine of not more than $50 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days
or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. Failure to observe the signs erected in accordance with § 250-12 or 250-13 shall be
treated as a traffic infraction and shall be punished as set forth in the Vehicle and Traffic
Law of the State of New York.
§250-21. Authority to impound vehicles.
A. Any vehicle parked or abandoned on any highway within the Town of Ithaca that hinders
or impairs the ability of the personnel of the Town of Ithaca, or any other governmental
agency, to respond to a snowstorm, flood, fire or other occurrence to which a prompt
response is necessary or desirable, may be removed by the Town of Ithaca.
B. Any vehicle found unattended on any highway within the Town of Ithaca which
constitutes an obstruction to traffic may be removed by the Town of Ithaca.
C. Any vehicle parked or abandoned on any highway within the Town of Ithaca where
stopping,standing or parking is prohibited,may be removed by the Town of Ithaca.
§250-22. Storage and charges.
The Town of Ithaca may store any vehicle removed pursuant to § 250-15 in a suitable place at
the expense of the owner. The owner, or person in charge of the vehicle, may redeem the
same upon payment to the Town of Ithaca of the amount of all expenses actually and
necessarily incurred in effecting such removal.
§250-23. Notice of removal.
The Town of Ithaca shall report promptly the removal and disposition of any vehicle pursuant
to §§ 250-15 and 250-16 to the County Sheriff. The Town shall also ascertain, to the extent
250:8 10-15-2004
§ 250-23 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC § 250-25
possible, the owner of the vehicle or person having the vehicle in charge and make reasonable
efforts by mail to notify that person of the removal and disposition of the vehicle and of the
amount required to redeem the vehicle.
§250-24. Review.
The owner, or the person in charge, of a vehicle that has been removed pursuant to § 250-15
may request a hearing to challenge the assessment of any expense imposed pursuant to
§ 250-16. The request for a hearing shall be in writing and shall be filed with the Town Clerk
within 15 days of receiving notice of the removal of the vehicle. The hearing shall be held
within 10 days after the request has been filed. The hearing shall be conducted by the Town
Supervisor or any other impartial person designated by the Town Supervisor. The scope of the
hearing shall be solely to determine whether the removal of the vehicle was authorized by
§ 250-15. The sole effect of a deterniination that the removal of the vehicle was not
authorized by § 250-15, shall be that the owner or person in charge of the vehicle shall not be
responsible for the expenses of towing and storage. Nothing in this article is intended to affect
the liability of the Town of Ithaca for any damage done to any vehicle during towing or
storage.
§250-25. When effective.
A. This article shall be effective 10 days after publication and posting in accordance with
§ 133 of the Town Law except those parts, if any, which are subject to approval under
§ 1684 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York(relating to approval of
traffic control devices on state roads).
B. Any part or parts of this article which are subject to approval under § 1684 of the
Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York shall take effect from and after the
day on which approval in writing is received from the New York State Department of
Transportation.
250:9 10-15-2004
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
250 Attachment 1
Schedule A
Stop Intersections
[Adopted 4-12-19991
On Apple Blossom Lane at its intersection with Peachtree Lane [Added 3-8-20041
On Amber Lane at its intersection with Seven Mile Drive [Added 3-8-20041
On Birchwood Drive at Salem Drive
On Birchwood Drive North at Salem Drive
On Birchwood Drive South at Pinewood Place [Repealed 3-8-20041
On Blackstone Avenue at Christopher Lane
On Blackstone Avenue at Hanshaw Road(northbound and southbound)
On Blackstone Avenue at Roat Street,northbound approach
On Blackstone Avenue at Roat Street,southbound approach
On Bluegrass Lane at Warren Road
On Brandywine Drive at Christopher Lane
On Briarwood Drive at Birchwood Drive
On Briarwood Drive at Birchwood Drive North
On Burns Road at Coddington Road
On old Burns Road at its southbound approach to the intersection with new Bums Road
On Caldwell Road at its north intersection with Campus Road [Added 104-19991
On Caldwell Road at its south intersection with Campus Road[Added 104-19991
On Caldwell Road at Forest Home Drive [Added 104-19991
On Chase Lane at East King Road
On Christopher Circle(east end)at Christopher Lane
On Christopher Circle(west end)at Christopher Lane
On Christopher Circle at Warren Road
On Clover Lane at its intersection with Mitchell Street
On Concord Place at Burleigh Drive
On Coy Glen Road at Elm Street Extension
On Crest Lane at its intersection with Warren Road
250 Attachment 1:1 10-15-2004
ITHACA CODE
On Culver Road at Bostwick Road
On Culver Road at Poole Road
On Deerfield Place at Salem Drive
On Deerfield Place at Winston Drive
On Dove Drive at its easterly intersection with Snyder Hill Road
On Dove Drive at its westerly intersection with Snyder Hill Road
On Drew Road at Sheffield Road
On Drew Road at Woodgate Lane
On Eastern Heights Drive at Sharlene Drive,eastbound approach
On Eastern Heights Drive at Sharlene Drive,westbound approach
On Eldridge Circle at its intersection with Southwoods Drive [Added 3-8-20041
On Elm Street Extension at Poole Road
On Evergreen Lane at Dubois Road
On Fairway Drive at Warren Road
On Forest Home Drive at Caldwell Road
On Forest Home Drive at Judd Falls Road,eastbound approach
On Forest Home Drive at Judd Falls Road,westbound approach
On Forest Home Drive at Pleasant Grove Road,westbound approach
On Forest Home Drive at Warren Road,eastbound approach
On Forest Home Drive at Warren Road,westbound approach
On Game Farm Road at Ellis Hollow Road
On Glenside Road at Coy Glen Road
On Grove Road at Woolf Lane
On Hackberry Lane at Coy Glen Road
On Halcyon Hill at its intersection with Warren Road
On Haller Boulevard at Elm Street Extension
On Harris B. Dates Drive at its intersection with the entrance road to Cayuga Medical
Center [Amended 7-12-2004 by L.L.No.7-2004]
On Harris B. Dates Drive at its intersection with Indian Creek Road
On the westerly extension of Harris B. Dates Drive (extending westerly to the
Professional Building Drive) at its intersection with the north-south portion of
Harris B. Dates Drive
250 Attachment 1:2 10-15-2004
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
On Harwick Road at Honness Lane
On Harwick Road at Wildflower Drive
On Honness Lane at Pine Tree Road
On Hopkins Road at Bundy Road
On Hopkins Road at Hayts Road
On Indian Creek Road at Dubois Road
On John Street at Park Lane
On Judd Falls Road at Arboretum Road
On Judd Falls Road at Campus Road,northbound approach
On Judd Falls Road at Campus Road, southbound approach
On Judd Falls Road at Tower Road,northbound approach
On Judd Falls Road at Tower Road, southbound approach
On Juniper Drive at Coddington Road
On Kay Street at Hanshaw Road
On LaGrand Court at Chase Lane
On Landmark Drive at Park Lane
On Lexington Drive East at Burleigh Drive
On Lexington Drive West at Burleigh Drive
On Lisa Place at Lisa Lane
On Lisa Lane at Texas Lane
On Longview Drive at Poole Road
On Maple Avenue at Pine Tree Road
On Maplewood Drive at Pinewood Drive
On Maplewood Drive at Salem Drive
On Marcy Court at Whitetail Drive
On McIntyre Place at Forest Home Drive
On McIntyre Place at Judd Falls Road
On Muriel Street at Hanshaw Road
On Northview Road at Coddington Road
On Northview Road West at Coddington Road
On Orchard Hill Road at Dubois Road
250 Attachment 1:3 10-15-2004
ITHACA CODE
On Orchard Street at Hanshaw Road
On Orchard Street at Roat Street
On Park Lane at Tudor Road,both approaches
On Peachtree Lane at Seven Mile Drive [Added 3-8-20041
On Penny Lane at Abbey Road,eastbound approach
On Perry Lane at Bundy Road
On Pheasant Lane at Dove Drive,eastbound approach
On Pheasant Lane at Dove Drive,westbound approach
On Pinewood Place at its intersection with Birchwood Drive South [Added 3-8-20041
On Poole Road at Sheffield Road
On Regency Lane at Snyder Hill Road
On Renwick Heights Road at Renwick Drive
On Renwick Place at its northerly intersection with East Shore Drive
On Renwick Place at its southerly intersection with East Shore Drive
On Rich Road at Coddington Road
On Ridgecrest Road at East King Road
On Roat Street at Hanshaw Road
On Rosehill Road at Muriel Street
On Rosehill Road at Winston Drive
On St. Catherine Circle at Blackstone Avenue
On St. Catherine Circle at Siena Drive
On Salem Drive at Hanshaw Road
On Sanctuary Drive at Sapsucker Woods Road
On Sandra Place at Winthrop Drive
On Sapsucker Woods Road at Hanshaw Road
On Saranac Way at its north intersection with Whitetail Drive
On Saranac Way at its south intersection with Whitetail Drive
On Saunders Road at East King Road
On Seven Mile Drive at Bostwick Road
On Simsbury Drive at Brandywine Drive
On Sky-Vue Road at Snyder Hill Road
250 Attachment 1:4 10-15-2004
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
On Snyder Hill Road at its intersection with Pine Tree Road
On Southwoods Drive at its intersection with East King Road [Added 3-8-20041
On Spruce Way at Coddington Road
On Stone Quarry Road at King Road West
On Strawberry Hill Road at Wildflower Drive
On Sugarbush Lane at Snyder Hill Road
On Summerhill Lane at Ellis Hollow Road
On Sunnyview Lane at Terraceview Drive
On Sycamore Drive at Pinewood Drive
On Sycamore Drive at Salem Drive
On Tareyton Drive at Rosehill Road,northbound approach
On Tareyton Drive at Rosehill Road, southbound approach
On Terraceview Drive at Honness Lane
On Terraceview Drive at Towerview Drive,southeastbound approach
On Teton Court at Whitetail Drive
On Tudor Road at Park Lane
On The Byway at its easterly intersection with Forest Home Drive
On The Byway at its westerly intersection with Forest Home Drive
On Townline Road at Sandbank Road
On Updike Road at Coddington Road
On Valley View Road at Elm Street Extension
On Vera Circle at its northerly intersection with Woodgate Lane
On Vera Circle at its southerly intersection with Woodgate Lane
On West Haven Road at Elm Street Extension
On Westview Road at Towerview Drive,northwestbound approach
On Whitetail Drive at its intersection with East King Road
On Whitetail Drive at its intersection with Troy Road
On Wildflower Drive at Honness Lane
On Winston Court at Salem Drive
On Winston Court where the easterly end of the southerly portion of Winston Court
running east and west intersects the easterly portion of Winston Court running north
and south
250 Attachment 1:5 10-15-2004
ITHACA CODE
On Winston Court where the southerly portion of Winston Court running east and west
intersects the westerly portion of Winston Court running north and south
On Winston Court at the northerly end of the middle portion of Winston Court which
runs north and south
On Winston Court at the southerly end of the middle portion of Winston Court which
runs north and south
On Winston Court at Winston Drive
On Winston Drive at Salem Drive
On Winthrop Drive at Warren Road
On Whitetail Drive at its northerly intersection with Saranac Way, eastbound approach
[Added 104-19991
On Whitetail Drive at Teton Court,westbound approach [Added 104-19991
On Woodgate Lane at Poole Road
On Woolf Lane at its intersection with Dubois Road
On Wyckoff Road at Renwick Drive
250 Attachment 1:6 10-15-2004
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
250 Attachment 2
Schedule B
Yield Intersections
[Adopted 4-12-19991
On the access road leading behind the Biggs Complex and Cayuga Medical Center at
both of its intersections (northerly and southerly) with Harris B. Dates Drive
[Amended 7-12-2004 by L.L.No. 7-20041
On Blackstone Avenue at Siena Drive
On Brandywine Drive at Winthrop Drive
On Eastern Heights Drive at Joanne Drive
On Elm Street Extension at Culver Road
On Grove Place at Grove Road
On Hickory Place at Juniper Drive
On Hickory Place at Pineview Terrace
On Kendall Avenue at Pennsylvania Avenue
On Landmark Drive at Eastern Heights Drive
On the westerly branch of Northview Road at its southerly approach to the easterly
branch of Northview Road
On Orchard Street at Roat Street
On Penny Lane at Abbey Road,westbound approach
On Pinewood Place at Birchwood Drive North
On Pineview Terrace at Juniper Drive
On Sharlene Road at Snyder Hill Road
On Sharlene Road at Tudor Road
On Sunnyhill Lane at Harwick Road
250 Attachment 2:1 10-15-2004
Chapter 254
WATERCRAFT
§ 254-1.Definitions. § 254-4.Limits on operators under
§ 254-2.Vessel regulation zone. sixteen years of age.
§254-3.Limits on operations of PWCs § 254-5.Limitations on noise levels.
and specialty prop-craft. § 254-6.Applicability.
§ 254-7.Penalties for offenses.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca 3-8-2004. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Noise—See Ch.184. Parks and recreation areas—See Ch.200.
§254-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CAYUGA LAKE— The whole of Cayuga Lake to its high water mark, all subsurface lands,
and all streams, creeks, rivers, canals, inlets, and other waterways connected thereto, whether
navigable or not,located in the Town of Ithaca.
DAYTIME— One-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset.
NIGHTTIME— One-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.
NON-MOTOR-POWERED VESSEL — A vessel powered by a force other than a motor,
specifically wind or human muscle power, such as a canoe, kayak, paddle boat, crew boat,
row boat,sailboat or sailboard.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OR PWC — A vessel which uses an inboard motor powering
a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated
by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind, the vessel,rather than in
the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.
SHORELINE — Any location where the surface of Cayuga Lake meets land, including
emergent islands and structures of all sorts, but not including wharves, docks, and similar
structures made,placed or installed by any person or entity.
SPECIALTY PROP-CRAFT — A vessel which is powered by an outboard motor or
propeller-driven motor and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or
kneeling on, or being towed behind, the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of
sitting or standing inside the vessel.
254:1 10-15-2004
§ 254-1 ITHACA CODE § 254-6
VESSEL — A vessel as defined in Subdivision 6 of§ 2 of the New York State Navigation
Law or any successor or amendment to such subdivision and section.
WATERCRAFT — Any vessel, vehicle, or contrivance intended, designed, or utilized for
travel over or under water, and that is propelled by a motor or engine of any type, whether
fueled by gasoline or otherwise.
§254-2. Vessel regulation zone.
A vessel regulation zone is established so that no watercraft shall exceed a speed of five miles
per hour within 100 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, raft, float, marked swimming area, or
anchored, moored, floating or non-motorized vessel, or 10 miles per hour when between 100
feet and 500 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, raft, float, marked swimming area, or anchored
or moored vessel, or 45 miles per hour during the daytime and 25 mph during the nighttime
when between 500 and 1500 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, raft, float, marked swimming
area or anchored, moored, floating or non-motorized vessel unless such vessel is being
operated near such shore,dock, float,pier, raft, or anchored vessel for the purpose of enabling
a person engaged in water skiing to take off or land.
§254-3. Limits on operations of PWCs and specialty prop-craft.
No person shall operate a PWC or a specialty prop-craft at any time before 10 a.m. or after
the earlier of 8:00 p.m. or one-half hour before sunset.
§2544. Limits on operators under sixteen years of age.
No person under the age of 16 years may operate a PWC or specialty prop-craft unless he or
she is:
A. Accompanied by a parent or guardian; or
B. Accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 years and:
(1) Possesses a current and valid boating certificate issued by the State of New York,
the United States Coast Guard, or an appropriate power squadron; or
(2) Possesses a captain's license or New York State guide's license.
§254-5. Limitations on noise levels.
In no case shall the noise level of any watercraft, or any activities conducted from such
watercraft,exceed 65 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA during nighttime.
§254-6. Applicability.
This chapter shall apply only to those portions of Cayuga Lake falling under the jurisdiction
of the Town of Ithaca.
254:2 10-15-2004
§ 254-7 WATERCRAFT § 254-7
§254-7. Penalties for offenses.
A violation of this chapter shall be punishable as set forth in § 73-c of the New York State
Navigation Law or any successor or amendment to such section.
254:3 10-15-2004
Chapter DL
DISPOSITION LIST
§ DL-1.Disposition of legislation.
The following is a chronological listing of legislation of the Town of Ithaca adopted since
the publication of the Code, indicating its inclusion in the Code or the reason for its
exclusion. [Enabling legislation which is not general and permanent in nature is
considered to be non-Code material (NCM).] Information regarding legislation which is
not included in the Code nor on this list is available from the office of the Town Clerk.
The last legislation reviewed for the original publication of the Code was L.L. No.
3-2004,adopted 2-9-2004.
§DL-1. Disposition of legislation.
L.L.No. Adoption Date Subject Disposition
3-8-2004 Operation of watercraft Ch. 254
3-8-2004 Stop signs amendment Ch. 250, Art. III
4-2004 3-15-2004 Zoning Map amendment NCM
4-12-2004 Parking amendment Ch. 250,Art. III
5-2004 5-10-2004 Fees amendment Chs. 125 and 153
6-2004 6-7-2004 Subdivision of land Ch. 234
amendment
7-2004 7-12-2004 Adoption of Code Ch. 1,Art. I
8-2004 Zoning Map amendment NCM
DL:1 10-15-2004