HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Packet 2023-01-17
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
Shirley A. Raffensperger Board Room, Town Hall
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 7:00 P.M.
Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom. The public will
have an opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments in-person or through Zoom at
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83643764382.
If the public would like to attend the meeting for viewing purposes only, it is recommended to watch the
livestream video on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC9vycXkJ6klVIibjhCy7NQ/live).
AGENDA
1. Consideration of a recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board regarding a proposed local
law amending Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 270 establishing an Inlet Valley Overlay District.
2. Nomination and Election of Vice-Chair for 2023
3. Persons to be heard.
4. Other Business.
5. Adjournment.
Susan Ritter
Director of Planning
607-273-1747
NOTE: IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY
CHRIS BALESTRA AT 607-273-1747 or CBALESTRA@TOWN.ITHACA.NY.US.
(A quorum of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.)
Accessing Meeting Materials Online
Site Plan and Subdivision applications and associated project materials are accessible electronically on the Town’s website at
https://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/meeting-calendar-agendas/ under the calendar meeting date.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION: Recommendation to the Town Board Regarding a Proposed
Local Law Amending Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 270,
Establishing an Inlet Valley Overlay District
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
January 17, 2023
WHEREAS: In 2017, after adoption of the Town Comprehensive Plan, the Town of Ithaca
commissioned an economic development feasibility study and strategic plan for the Inlet Valley
area(the "Inlet Valley Ithaca Plan") to explore ideas for shaping the corridor's development future,
and for fostering its distinctive semi-rural/agricultural character and the setting for two premier
NYS Parks,
WHEREAS: A key recommendation of the Plan was to revise the zoning regulations to encourage
desired types of uses and a character of development that would make the corridor an appealing and
distinctive destination,
WHEREAS: The proposed Inlet Valley Zoning Overlay District was initiated under the direction of
the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee subsequent to their completion of the Inlet Valley
Ithaca Plan (2018) and later transferred to the Planning Committee for more in-depth work and
refinement,
WHEREAS: The Planning Committee recommended the Inlet Valley Zoning Overlay District to the
Town Board at their meeting in October 2022,
WHEREAS: The Town Board, at their meeting on December 28, 2022, discussed the proposed
local law and referred it to the Planning Board for review and recommendations, and
WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed and discussed the proposed local
law at its meeting on January 17, 2023;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby
recommends that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca adopt the proposed local law amending the
Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 270, Establishing an Inlet Valley Overlay District.
PB Resolution No. 2023-00 : Nomination and Election
Planning Board Vice Chairperson 2023
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
January 17, 2023
Moved by ; seconded by
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board does hereby nominate and elect
as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Board for the year 2023.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that said election shall be reported to the Town Board.
A vote on the motion was as follows:
Ayes:
Abstentions:
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
1 Summary
Planning staff is introducing the Inlet Valley Overlay District to the Planning Board. Adoption of the overlay district
will include these actions:
Zoning code amendment: add the Inlet Valley Overlay District, a new zone with two sub-zones (IV-C: Inlet Valley
center, IV-T Inlet Valley transition), to the Zoning Code (Town Code §270).
Zoning map amendment / rezoning: apply either of the two Inlet Valley Overlay District sub-zones (IV-C, IV-T) to
designated areas in the Inlet Valley Corridor area. (See included map. Current base zone will not change.)
The Town Board saw the first completed draft of the Inlet Valley Overlay District regulations at their meeting on
December 28. At that meeting, the Town Board referred the draft to the Planning Board for a recommendation and
input.
The Town Board will consider setting a public hearing at their meeting on January 9.
Details are below and on the following pages. Attachments follow this memo.
2 Area
Proposed Inlet Valley Overlay District area:
• IV-C (Inlet Valley center) subzone: ± 90.01 acres (gross; includes street rights-of-way)
• IV-T (Inlet Valley transition) subzone: ± 60.51 acres (gross)
• Total: ± 150.52 acres, or about 0.25 mi² (gross)
3 Location
Inlet Valley Corridor, fronting or near Elmira Road (NY 13) between 602 Elmira Road (south of intersection with Five
Mile Drive / NY 13A) and 919 Elmira Road (Sunny Gables). (See included map.)
4 Proposed action and details
4.1 General description
The Town of Ithaca is proposing a new zoning district (with two subzones), the Inlet Valley Overlay District (IV). The
overlay district would apply to a corridor centered on a ± 7,000’ section of Elmira Road (NY 13) between Five Mile
Drive and Treman State Park.
NC (neighborhood commercial) and LI (light industrial) zoning on lots fronting Elmira Road between Five Mile Drive
and Seven Mile Drive are an obstacle to implementing the Town’s plans for the Inlet Valley Gateway. In recent
years, the Planning Department fielded many inquiries for possible uses and projects along Elmira Road in Inlet
Valley. Some proposals meet the spirit of the Town’s plans, but the current zoning wouldn’t allow them. A
Planning Board members
Dan Tasman, Senior Planner / Planning Department
6 January 2023
Inlet Valley Overlay District: zoning code amendment and rezoning
Inlet Valley Overlay District: zoning code amendment, zoning map amendment / rezoning
2023-01-06
2
proposal several years ago for an auto mall complex, if approved, would likely have led to other out-of-scale
projects that would have overwhelmed the surrounding built and natural environment.
The Inlet Valley Overlay District would allow uses and development of a kind and scale that makes sense for and
complements the area, and prohibit uses and development that could be out o f place or harmful. It would put the
Town’s vision for the area into action, and provide more certainty for stakeholders. The overlay is also intended to
keep Elmira Road from becoming a general commercial or semi -industrial strip; a common fate among many similar
areas throughout the country.
4.2 Overlay zoning: how it works
An overlay is a zone that “overlays” or sits on top of the original “base zone”. The underlying zoning stays the same,
but the overlay adds special regulations or incentives that take priority over the default regulations.
If adopted, the Inlet Valley Overlay District will be the first overlay zone in the town’s zoning regulations. Other
planning tools that the Town uses, like cluster subdivision conditions and development rights easements, also keep
the underlying zoning, and add new rules and restrictions.
4.3 Overlay subzones and location
The Inlet Valley Overlay District is made up of two subzones; IV-C (Inlet Valley: center) and IV-T (Inlet Valley:
transition).
IV-C (Inlet Valley: center)
The IV-C overlay subzone is planned for the center or core of the Inlet Valley Gateway area; lots fronting a ± 3,900’
section of Elmira Road from Five Mile Drive to ± 450’ southeast of Seven Mile Drive. This also includes lots on
Brewery Lane and the south end of Ithaca Beer Drive. The IV-C area would cover about the same area as the Inlet
Valley Gateway (future land use) character district in the 2014 Comprehensive Plan.
While lightly developed in general, the proposed IV-C area is the most built up part of Inlet Valley. The IV-C
subzone would overlay LI (light industrial) zoning at the northeastern end, and NC (neighborhood commercial)
zoning around the Elmira Road / Seven Mile Drive intersection. The IV-C area also includes some smaller lots with
LDR (low density residential) zoning on the south side of Elmira Road,
Depending on the underlying zoning, the IV-C subzone would allow low intensity retail, office, lodging, or artisanal
semi-industrial uses that complement nearby state parks and outdoors/agritourism attractions. This is along with
agricultural and low density residential uses that the underlying zoning allows.
IV-T (Inlet Valley: transition)
The IV-T subzone area extends southward from the area around Elmira Road / Caulkins Road intersection, to the
historic Sunny Gables (Turback’s) house. The proposed IV-T overlay subzone area is much less built up; the
Eddydale Farm Market, Early Bird (Sheldrake) farm stand, farm fields and fallow land, and a few single family houses
make up the roadscape. Lots in this area have AG (agriculture) and LDR (low density residential) zoning.
The IV-T overlay subzone will act as a transition zone between more developed parts of the Inlet Valley Gateway
area (IV-C overlay), and Robert Treman State Park. The subzone will allow a limited range of small scale commercial
uses, in keeping with underlying Natural/Open, Rural/Agriculture, and Semi-Rural Neighborhood future land use
Inlet Valley Overlay District: zoning code amendment, zoning map amendment / rezoning
2023-01-06
3
designations in the Comprehensive Plan. This is along with currently permitted agricultural and low density
residential uses.
4.4 Permitted uses
The proposed overlay district regulations use tables to list and define different uses, any applicable conditions, the
overlay and base zones that allow them, and any need for special permit approval from the Planning Board. There
are separate tables for each of these categories.
• Lodging principal uses
• Commercial principal uses
• Industrial and semi-industrial principal uses
• Civic principal uses
• Utility and communications uses
• Accessory uses
The permitted use tables would supersede the def ault permitted use lists for AG, LDR, NC, and CC zones in Town
Code § 270. Permitted agricultural and residential uses would be the same as what § 270 now allows.
4.5 Site and building design
The proposed overlay district regulations also have special standards for these aspects of site design.
• Building design: elevation and wall form, wall articulation, consistent design on visible elevations, roof form and
materials, cladding materials and color, trim, window and door area and design, building entrance orientation
and design, formula (chain) architecture, rooftop/building mounted mechanical equipment location and
screening.
• Landscaping: groundcover, tree preservation, foundation planting, parking lot landscaping.
• Parking and vehicle circulation: size and visibility, parking lot siting, surface materials, circulation, access
management, lot-to-lot connection, internal and perimeter landscaping, stormwater management.
• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
• Fences and walls: permitted materials, height and location.
• Service and equipment areas: siting, screening
• Utilities: underground utilities.
• Outdoor lighting: performance standards, pole height and siting, façade and canopy lighting, security lighting,
light pole and fixture style, light color temperature.
• Signs: freestanding and attached sign special requirements, sign legibility, wayfinding signs, additional
prohibited signs, removal of nonconforming signs.
These requirements implement goals and recommendations related to aesthetics and design in the 2014 Town of
Ithaca Comprehensive Plan, the Recoding Ithaca report from 2017, and the more recent I-VIP Inlet Valley Ithaca Plan:
Economic Feasibility Study and Strategic Plan.
Many of these standards address aspects of building and site design that the Town’s zoning regulations are now
silent on. They’ll help reduce the visibility of parking and utility areas, promote regional vernacular architecture and
natural building materials, and ensure new development fits into its setting as much as possible. Design standards
also offer more certainty to those developing or upgrading their properties, nearby landowners, and Town officials.
Inlet Valley Overlay District: zoning code amendment, zoning map amendment / rezoning
2023-01-06
4
5 Background
5.1 1956: Elmira Road Study
The Proposed Development Plan: Bostwich (sic) Elmira Road Area study from 1956 identified the Elmira Road
corridor from Five Mile Drive and Seven Mile Drive as an ideal location for light manufacturing. The plan was
written in advance of the proposed Appalachian Thruway (I-99), which would have passed through the valley and
the City of Ithaca. The Town implemented the plan by adopting light industrial zoning along Elmira Road southeast
of Five Mile Drive. The Appalachian Thruway, and the predicted demand for industrial space, never came to fruition.
5.2 2014: Comprehensive Plan
The 2014 Comprehensive Plan future land use plan identifies the “Inlet Valley Gateway” character district as a
special focus area, distinct from more general character districts. The Plan targets the Inlet Valley Gateway area as a
“setting for a mix of office, small-scale retail, hospitality, and tourism and agritourism uses, with low-impact light
industrial, artisanal industrial, and skilled trade uses.” The Plan also recommends special site planning and design
standards for the area, and lays out specific design recommendations for future development. The Plan also
discourages agglomeration of mechanical commercial uses (gas stations, auto/RV/powersports dealers, heavy
equipment rental, building trade uses, and the like), and actions that could result in strip commercial development.
5.3 2017-2018: Inlet Valley steering committee and strategic planning
In November 2017, the Town issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an economic development feasibility
study and strategic plan for the Elmira Road corridor in the Inlet Valley area. The Town’s goal was to “determine the
economic feasibility of this corridor being an attractive and suitable location for the growth and development of
businesses related to hospitality, tourism, agriculture, including agriculinary tourism, and other similar uses as
outlined in the town’s 2014 Comprehensive Plan.”
Following several months of research and outreach efforts to stakeholders, consultants drafted the I-VIP Inlet Valley
Ithaca Plan: Economic Feasibility Study and Strategic Plan. The document’s findings and recommendations included:
• Leveraging the area’s location between two state parks, and its “general rural-recreational-agricultural
character”
• Future development that reinforces a rural-recreational-agricultural and agriculinary theme.
• A new zoning district to “improve the aesthetic appearance of the corridor, encourage a mix of compatible land
uses and help create a “brand identity” for the corridor which would support tourism and marketing. …”
• Design standards for architecture, site layout, stormwater retention, and landscaping.
• Special sign requirements, and an 8-10 year period for amortization and removal of nonconforming signs.
• Prohibiting uses like self-storage facilities, which could undermine broader goals for the area.
These planning efforts were funded through a grant from Empire State Development.
5.4 2019-2022: drafting regulations
A consultant team working in association with the authors of the strategic plan created an early draft of overlay
regulations for the Inlet Valley Gateway area. Planning staff, with the guidance of the Planning Committee, used
those early documents as the foundation for drafting overlay regulations in a form that’s easier to use and interpret.
Compared to the consultant draft overlay regulations, the Planning staff draft also allows a somewhat broader
range of uses, and applies a more prescriptive yet still flexible approach to site and building design.
Inlet Valley overlay district
Final revised draft: January 3, 2023
270-171.1 Purpose
The Inlet Valley area has an important role in the regional tourism economy. The overlay district is designed to
achieve the town’s vision for economic development in the Inlet Valley through
• encouraging the ongoing establishment and growth of outdoor recreation, tourism and agriculture-culinary
related uses,
• recognizing the importance of existing commercial and light industrial uses, and
• providing a broader mix of residential and other appropriate land uses.
The overlay district aims to preserve and build upon the most appealing aspects of the Inlet Valley’s rural and
agricultural character, and enhance the area’s appeal as a recreational destination among residents and visitors.
The outcome of development under these provisions will add to the area’s tourism and transportation assets,
enhance the synergistic relationship between the area’s businesses and attractions, and reinforce its sense of
place.
270-171.2 Overlay zones
The Inlet Valley overlay district includes two overlay zones.
• IV-C: Inlet Valley Center. This overlay zone intends to foster a compact mix of destinations. It is centered
generally around the existing light industrial, neighborhood commercial and planned development zones.
• IV-T Inlet Valley Transition. This overlay zone provides a transition from the IV-C overlay zone to
surrounding lower density residential and agricultural zones.
270-171.3 Overview
A. How the overlay district works
The Inlet Valley overlay district is superimposed on underlying (base) zones. The overlay district identifies
requirements that apply in addition to (or instead of) those in the base zone. This includes requirements for:
• Lot area (270-171.4)
• Area, mass, bulk, and siting of structures (270-171.4, 270-171.6)
• Permitted uses (270.171.5)
• Physical design (270.171.6), including
o Architectural design.
o General site planning.
o Pedestrian and vehicle circulation
o Parking and service area location and design.
o Landscaping, screening, site lighting, and pedestrian amenities.
o Signs.
Regulations for the overlay zone apply if overlay and base zone regulations conflict.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 2
B. Review process
Uses and development projects in the Inlet Valley overlay district must follow the review and approval procedures
in Article XXIII Site Plan Review and Approval Procedures when § 270-184 requires such procedures.
270-171.4 Area, bulk, and lot coverage
Area and bulk requirements for ① non-agricultural / residential sites and uses, and ② sites and uses with both
residential and non-agricultural / residential uses, are in the following table.
Area and bulk requirements in the base zone apply to agricultural and residential sites and uses. .
Area and bulk requirements: non-agricultural / non-residential
Overlay zone Lot size
Front / street
fronting side
setback *
Interior side
setback Rear setback
Building
height
(max)**
Lot building
coverage
(max)
Lot
landscape /
open area
coverage ***
IV-C ≥ 30,000’² ≥ 30’ ≥ 20’ ≥ 40’ ≤ 40’ ≤ 30% ≥ 30%
IV-T ≥ 30,000’² ≥ 40’ ≥ 40’ ≥ 50’ ≤ 38’ ≤ 20% ≥ 50%
* Exceptions for yard encroachments in § 270-224 apply.
** Building height is the vertical distance from the average ground level of the building to the highest roofline
point. Building height does not include chimneys, steeples, cupolas, parapet or equipment screening structures,
solar panels, stair enclosures, rooftop patios, antennas, or other similar features that project above the roofline.
Maximum height requirements do not apply to buildings and other structures used for agriculture.
*** Remaining lot area outside the footprint of all buildings and structures; parking areas and driveways / drive
aisles; outdoor storage; service and utility areas; decks, patios and pads; and similar areas.
270-171.5 Permitted uses
A. Permitted uses in general
Permitted uses and structures in the Inlet Valley overlay zones are in the following tables. These tables supersede
lists of permitted principal and accessory uses in the base zones.
A ✓ symbol in a column means the overlay zone allows the base zone use.
A • symbol means the overlay zone does not allow the base zone use.
A ⓢ symbol identifies uses that need special permit approval by the Planning Board. (See Chapter 270 Article
XXIV: Special Permits and Special Approvals.) Special permit approval criteria in Chapter 270 apply. The Planning
Board may impose reasonable conditions on a use, as part of its findings during special permit review.
If a use is not in any of these tables, the overlay zone does not allow the use, even if the base zone normally
allows it.
If a use in the following tables does not have a definition, the definition for that use elsewhere in Chapter 270 (if
any) applies.
Uses are mutually exclusive. A use with a broader scope does not include a more specific use type that the table
also lists or describes, unless provisions in this section note otherwise.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 3
These provisions consider each principal use as if it stands alone, even if that use is functionally integrated with
other defined uses. (Example: if a place of worship has an elementary school, overlay provisions consider the
place of worship and school as separate uses.)
B. Agricultural principal uses
Agricultural and agritourism-related uses that a base zone allows are also allowed in the same zone in the Inlet
Valley overlay district, under the same conditions and limitations, unless provisions in this section note otherwise
C. Residential principal uses
Residential uses that a base zone allows are also allowed in the same zone in the Inlet Valley overlay district, under
the same conditions and limitations, unless provisions in this section note otherwise
D. Lodging principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
1) Bed-and-breakfast
(See definition in § 270-5).
Conditions:
• Requirements for the use in the base zone apply.
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ⓢ
2) Hotel / motel / inn
Facility with ≥ 4 guest rooms for overnight stays by paying guests.
Conditions:
• Re quirements for the use in the base zone apply.
• Rooms: ≤ 60 guest rooms.
• ✱ Rooms in the IV-T overlay: ≤ 10.
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ ✓ⓢ✱ ✓ⓢ✱
E. Commercial principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
1) Adult entertainment business
(See definition in Town Code Chapter 100: Adult Uses.)
Conditions:
• Must meet all applicable requirements of §270-145, including location criteria.
• • ✓ⓢ • •
2) Companion animal services
Any of these uses.
• Veterinarian or animal physical therapy.
• Dog / cat / small animal grooming.
• Dog / cat / small animal day care.
• Dog obedience, behavioral, conformation, or agility/sports training.
Conditions:
• Gross floor area in the LDR zone: ≤ 5,000’², with special permit approval.
• ✱ Gross floor area in the NC and LI zones: ≤ 5,000’²; or ≤ 7,500’² with special
permit approval.
✓ⓢ ✓✱ ✓✱ • •
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 4
E. Commercial principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
3) Day care center
Any of these services to unrelated children or adults in a protective setting.
• Child day care (18 NYCRR Subpart 418-1), small day care (18 NYCRR Subpart 418-
2), school-aged child care (18 NYCRR Part 414).
• Adult day health care (10 NYCRR Part 425), social adult day care (9 NYCRR
§ 6654.20).
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ
4) Personal services: health / fitness
Indoor space and equipment for exercise and physical fitness to the public.
(Examples: health / fitness club, gymnasium, cycling / circuit training studio, personal
trainer, yoga studio, day spa, martial arts studio.)
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 5,000’² in the IV-C overlay, and ≤ 2,500’² in the IV-T overlay.
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ • ✓ⓢ
5) Professional office
Professional, administrative, clerical, outpatient medical or allied health care, design,
or technical service. Includes government offices.
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 2,500’².
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ • •
6) Restaurant / cafe / bar
Preparing or serving meals or drinks to customers onsite or delivery offsite.
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 5,000’².
• Must not have a drive-through window.
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ • •
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 5
E. Commercial principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
7) Retail and service: general
Sale or rental of a physical product to the public, or providing a service to customers
onsite. It does NOT include display, sale, lease, rental, servicing, repair, cleaning,
fueling, or modification of:
• 🛇 Motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, powersports equipment, recreational
vehicles, utility vehicles, or similar items; or related parts or accessories.
• 🛇 Home spas, hot tubs, saunas, or swimming pools.
• 🛇 Bulk or loose lumber, bricks, cladding, mulch, soil, gravel, and similar raw or
finished materials.
• 🛇 Movable or pre-fabricated buildings, sheds, gazebos, decks, or other structures.
• 🛇 Equipment or machinery designed to be towed by a vehicle.
• 🛇 Light and heavy construction, earthmoving, or demolition equipment.
• 🛇 Air compressors, generators, mobile pumps, or similar items.
• 🛇 Accessories related to the items above.
It also does NOT include
• 🛇 Trade uses (examples: HVAC or plumbing service, machine shop).
• 🛇 Wholesale businesses not catering to the public.
• 🛇 Vending machines, automated teller machines, unattended sales, or storage as
a principal use.
• 🛇 Businesses where ≥ 20% of the use area is outdoors or not in a fully enclosed
building.
This use does not exclude uses allowed as small scale commercial uses (see 8 below).
Conditions:
• Gross floor area in the LDR zone: ≤ 5,000’², with special permit approval.
• ✱ Gross floor area in the NC and LI zones: ≤ 5,000’²; or ≤ 7,500’² with special
permit approval.
• Must not have a drive-through window.
✓ⓢ ✓✱ ✓✱ • •
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 6
E. Commercial principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
8) Small scale commercial
Specific retail or service use that help shape and reinforce the Comprehensive Plan’s
vision for the Inlet Valley area. These uses are:
▪ Arts and crafts studio.
▪ Industrial arts studio, where people make art or artisanal products by hand; using
handheld or tabletop/benchtop tools, or similar small footprint machine tools or 3D
printers; and display and sell it onsite. (Examples: metal and wood sculptures, glass
blowing, ceramics. Machine shops, and uses related to building or mechanical trades,
are NOT industrial arts studios.)
▪ Outdoor outfitting, sporting goods, ski, and/or bicycle sales or rental.
▪ Restaurant, café, or bakery, with no drive-through or walk up window service, and
no permanent outdoor seating area.
(Note: the IV-C overlay allows these uses under the restaurant / cafe / bar or retail
and service: general categories.)
Conditions:
▪ A lot may have only one small scale commercial use.
▪ Gross floor area: ≤ 1,500’².
▪ Off-street parking spaces: ≤ 8.
▪ Outdoor service and storage areas related to the use : ≤ 500’². Siting and
screening must comply with 270-171.6 J.
• • • ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ
9) Retail plant nursery
Retail sale of plants, and related home garden equipment supplies and accessories, to
the general public.
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ⓢ
10) Retreat / event venue
Use of land and designated structures for gatherings or events (examples: wedding,
private party, fundraiser event, training event, conference reception).
Conditions:
• Indoor event space gross floor area: ≤ 6,000’².
• This use needs site plan and special permit review. (Site plan and special permit
review are not needed for each event.)
• ✱ In the IV-T overlay zone, this use is allowed only on a site that is listed or
eligible for listing in a national or state registry of historical building, with frontage
and access on Elmira Road. Any new buildings or structures for the use must be
contextually compatible with and subordinate to existing listed or eligible buildings
on the site.
✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ✱ ✓ⓢ✱
11) Winery / distillery / brewery / cidery
Winery, distillery, brewery, or cidery, sales of product made onsite, and related tasting
rooms.
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 10,000’².
✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ •
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 7
F. Industrial and semi-industrial principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
1) Industrial use: low impact
Manufacture mostly from previously prepared materials, preparation, processing, or
repair of products for distribution or sale; with no detectible offsite impacts.
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 5,000’².
• Gross floor area may be 5,000’² to 15,000’² with special permit approval.
• • ✓ • •
G. Civic principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
1) Community workshop
Facility for people to learn, experiment, invent, or make things using shared tools and
resources, in a collaborative setting. (Examples: makerspace, hackerspace, community
kitchen.)
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 10,000’².
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ • •
2) Cultural facility
Facility for display, performance, or enjoyment of heritage, history, arts, or sciences.
(Examples: museum, gallery, library, visitor center, arts performance venue by a
public or private entity.)
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 10,000’².
• ✱ In the NC and LI zone in the IV-C overlay, gross floor area may be 10,000’² to
20,000’² with special permit approval.
✓ ✓✱ ✓✱ • •
3) Farmer’s market
Retail marketplace, mostly under an unenclosed structure, where merchants sell their
products directly to consumers. It does not include grocery or convenience stores, or
resellers.
Conditions:
• Needs special permit and site plan review approval by the Planning Board.
• ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ • •
4) Gallery: specialty vintage
Museum open to the general public, displaying a collection of antique or vintage
items, including farm equipment, tractors, cars, boats, bicycles, steam engines,
textiles, glassware, wines, or similar items of interest.
Conditions:
• Gross floor area: ≤ 20,000’²
• May include sales or restoration/repair of showcased items only as an ancillary
use.
• Outdoor display and storage area of collection items: ≤ 200’².
• 🛇 This use doesn’t allow uses that are expressly not allowed as a “Retail and
service: general” use in the commercial principal use category (table E).
• ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ • •
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 8
G. Civic principal uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
5) Park, playground, community garden
Land used for a park, playground, community garden, garden plots, a nature
preserve, or a similar purpose.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
6) Place of assembly
Facility used for public/resident assembly for worship, meeting, government, or
community purposes. (Examples: religious or secular congregation, community
center, common house, amenity center.) This includes typical ancillary uses.
(Examples: meeting room, kitchen, exercise room, laundry room, workshop, day care
center, offices.)
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ • ✓ⓢ
7) Private club / lodge
Facility of a private club or organization, mostly open only to club members and their
guests. (Examples: service or lodge-based organization, social club, veterans’ club,
labor union.)
✓ⓢ ✓ ✓ • ✓ⓢ
8) Public safety
Police or fire station, ambulance service, or other public safety service
✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ • ✓ⓢ
9) School: primary / secondary
NYS recognized school for primary or secondary (K-12) education.
✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ
H. Utility and communication uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
1) Solar energy system (as a principal use)
(See § 270-219.1)
• • • • •
2) Utility: municipal or public
Facility for collecting, processing, or distributing a public utility commodity.
(Examples: electrical substation, water tank and pumps, lift station, telephone switch.)
Conditions:
▪ Landscaping requirements in §270-171.6 E also apply to utility facilities.
▪ A utility facility that is not in an enclosed building (example: open air electrical
substation) must meet these requirements.
◦ Siting must be as unnoticeable from the public realm and residential uses as
possible.
◦ Screening:
- Height: tall enough to conceal the equipment, up to 12’.
- Materials: brick or stone (real or simulated/precast); split face block.
- Opacity: wall 100% opaque, gates ≥ 75% opaque.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
3) Wind energy facility, small (as a principal use)
(See § 270-219.1)
• • • • •
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 9
H. Utility and communication uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
4) Wireless facility
Equipment, structures, and site or designated area used to transmit or relay
commercial or broadcast wireless services. (Examples: personal wireless service, fixed
wireless Internet, broadcast or television transmitter and antenna.)
Conditions:
• Zoning Code review process and requirements for personal wireless service
facilities in § 270-219 apply.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
J. Accessory uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
1) Antenna: radio hobbyist
Outdoor antenna, and tower or supporting structure (if any), for amateur radio or
other radio hobby use.
Conditions:
• Requirements for amateur radio facilities in the base zone (§ 270-219.3) apply.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
2) Day care: home
Group family day care (18 NYCRR Part 416) or family day care (18 NYCRR Part 417)
in a protective setting, in a dwelling unit.
Conditions:
• Ownership: The operator must live in the dwelling unit as their primary home.
✓ • • ✓ ✓
3) Donation collection box
Outdoor container for collecting donations of clothes and nonperishable items.
• • • • •
4) Home occupation
Business activity subordinate to a residential use in a dwelling unit.
Conditions:
• Requirements for a home occupation in the base zone (§ 270-219.2) apply.
✓ • • ✓ ✓
5) Outdoor entertainment
Performing arts event or activity that takes place in the open, outside of the enclosed
structure that has the principal use.
Conditions:
• Outdoor entertainment must be subordinate and incidental to the principal use.
• Time: Outdoor entertainment may take place only between 12:00 AM and 9:00
PM on Sunday through Thursday, and 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Friday and
Saturday.
• ✓ ✓ • •
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 10
J. Accessory uses
✓ = permitted use • = use not allowed ⓢ = needs special permit approval
IV-C overlay IV-T
overlay
LDR NC LI AG LDR
6) Roadside stand
Sale of produce or value added farm or food products (NY AGM § 282.2), largely
outdoors, in a farm setting.
Conditions:
• A roadside stand may be an accessory use only to a working farm.
• The majority of the products sold at a roadside stand must be from (or derived
from products from) the farm at the stand location.
• Roadside stand setback from public right of way: ≥ 30’.
Parking at a roadside stand must allow safe vehicle access. A roadside stand must
meet parking and vehicle circulation requirements of this section (§ 270 -171.6 F).
• Total footprint of structures for a farm stand: ≤ 500’² in the LDR, NC, and LI
zones, ≤ 3000² in AG zone.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
7) Solar energy system
(See § 270-219.1)
Conditions:
• Re quirements for solar energy systems as an accessory use in the base zone
(§ 270-219.1) apply.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
8) Wind energy facility, small
(See § 270-219.4)
Conditions:
• Requirements for small wind energy facilites as an accessory use in the base zone
(§ 270-219.4) apply.
✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ ✓ⓢ
270-171.6 Design standards and guidelines
A. Intent
Design standards and guidelines promote these aims.
• A distinct identity and sense of place for the Inlet Valley corridor.
• Ecological and aesthetic qualities of the area.
• Development in the context of a verdant, semi-rural setting by two state parks.
• Creative yet context-sensitive architectural design and site planning
• Building for the long term, with design that imparts human scale, visual harmony, and permanence.
• Use of building materials that are durable, natural, traditional, and sustainable.
• A comfortable relationship between people, and the surrounding built and natural environment.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 11
B. Applicability
Development and improvements on a lot with, or developed for, a lodging, commercial, industrial and semi-
industrial, or civic use (after the effective date of the Inlet Valley overlay), must meet the requirements of this
section.
C. Guidelines vs requirements
Some design provisions are recommendations, while others are requirements. The term “should” expresses a
recommended guideline. “Must” expresses a requirement or duty. “May” expresses permission. “May” with a
number expresses permission to a limit.
D. Building design
(1) Style neutrality
These architectural design standards are style neutral. They establish a design language of appropriate forms and
materials for the Inlet Valley overlay district.
(2) Elevation and wall form
All building elevations must have a distinct base, middle, and top.
Scale, proportions, massing, articulation, and design features of street and public facing elevations should
enhance the pedestrian and vehicular experience, and emphasize human scale.
(3) Wall articulation
An elevation ≥100’ long must have wall plane projections or recesses with a depth of ≥5% of the façade length,
extending ≥20% of the façade length. (Example: 100’ long elevation, ≥ 20’ of its length must be set ≥ 5’ back or
forward from the main façade plane.)
An elevation must not have a blank, uninterrupted length of >25’ without having ≥2 of these features on each
story:
• ≥ 0.5’ change in plane.
• change in texture or masonry pattern.
• 15’² window area.
• door opening.
• other equivalent element(s) that visually divides the wall into human scale proportions.
Side or rear walls may have false windows and door openings defined by frames, sills and lintels, or similarly
proportioned modulations, only when actual doors and windows are not possible because of the building use.
(4) Consistent design on visible elevations
Elevations on a building that are visible from or facing a street must have a similar style and quality of materials,
windows, doors, trim, decorative moldings, and wall articulation.
(5) Building construction
A principal or accessory building fronting on Elmira Road (NY 13), Floral Avenue (NY 13A), Seven Mile Drive, or
Calkins Road, must not be a prefabricated or pre-engineered metal structure.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 12
(6) Roof form
Buildings visible from the street should have a sloping roof.
Sloping primary rooflines (not including dormers, entry canopies, or similar accessory elements) mus t have a roof
pitch between 5:12 and 12:12.
Sloping roofs must have eaves that overhang walls by ≥1.5’ (perpendicular distance).
Roof forms must correspond to building elements and functions such as entrances, arcades, and porches. Roof
forms should relate to other buildings on the same lot. A building may have fake dormers, gables, or other roof
projections only to hide mechanical or telecommunications equipment.
Continuous plane of any roof line must be ≤ 100’ long.
Roofline orientation should accommodate solar panels with southern exposure that are parallel to the roofline
slope.
(7) Roof materials
These materials are allowed for a sloping roof.
• Architectural shingles: multi-tone.
• Wood shakes or shingles.
• Slate shingles: natural or synthetic.
• Standing seam metal or copper roofing.
• Copper or colored anodized metal roof flashing.
• Solar shingles.
(8) Cladding materials
Primary cladding materials: One or more of these materials must cover 60% to 100% of cladding area on an y
outside wall. An asterisk 🞸 identifies materials that are most appropriate for the Inlet Valley corridor.
• Brick: individual bricks, veneer, or masonry panels; integral color; nominal size ≥ 3 units/ft² (utility size or
smaller).
• 🞸 Stone: individual stone, veneer, or masonry panels; natural or manufactured.
• 🞸 Clapboard / lap siding: stained / painted wood, fiber cement, composite.
• 🞸 Shingle / shake siding: stained / painted wood, fiber cement, composite.
• 🞸 Board and batten siding: stained / painted wood, fiber cement, composite.
Secondary cladding materials: 0% to 40% of the cladding area on any outside wall may use one or a combination
of these materials.
• Metal architectural wall panels.
• Corrugated or standing seam metal: made for architectural use.
• Precast masonry, ceramic, or cement based trim and cornice features.
• Precast concrete panels.
• Concrete masonry units (CMU): integral dye or pigment color (not “natural gray” or “cinder block” with no
integral color); decorative, textured, or split face.
• Stucco.
• Logs (wood) or log siding (wood, fiber cement).
• Shingle / shake siding: vinyl.
• Board and batten siding: vinyl.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 13
(9) Cladding material and building color in general
Cladding must have a matte or non-reflective finish.
Building colors must be from a palette of natural earth tones, desaturated colors, white, or shades of gray, that
complement natural surroundings. Colors with higher saturation or chroma may only be used on building trim
and accents. Buildings must not have fluorescent colors.
If a building elevation has multiple façade materials or colors, one or two materials should set a dominant
architectural theme, and others used more sparingly as accents. A building must not have a color scheme with
random distribution, a chaotic arrangement of contrasting materials or colors (based on established concepts of
color theory and visual harmony), or patterns of contrasting stripes or geometric shapes.
(10) Change of cladding or color on an outside wall
Cladding material or color on an outside wall may only change:
• at an inside corner,
• at a return ≥ 2’ from an outside corner,
• at a horizontal plane; or
• where a projecting feature or pilaster vertically divides a façade, and separates the different cladding areas.
A sill, cap, or ≥ 5” high trim border must define material changes on a horizontal plane.
(11) Trim
Outside walls with siding must have the following trim.
• Doors and windows: surround ≥ 3.5” wide
• Outside corners: ① corner board ≥ 3.5” wide, or ② mitered edges that align materials on each wall.
• Roof overhangs and eaves: frieze ≥ 3.5” wide.
(12) Window and door area
Elevations of a principal building (not including garage doors or bays) must have the following window and door
opening area (glazing):
• Front, street fronting side, and public area-facing elevations: 15% - 40% on each story
• Interior side elevations: 10% - 40% on each story. Where internal arrangement or use of a non-residential
building makes it impossible to provide windows or doors along part of a wall, a fake window may substitute
for ≤ 50% of required transparent areas.
(13) Window and door design
Windows on a building must be relatively consistent in height and design, and consistent in design with doors on
street facing facades, to create a cohesive and harmonious fenestration pattern.
Windows and doors should have a vertical orientation. Large display windows with a horizontal orientation
should be divided into smaller vertical units or elements.
Window and door openings on a masonry clad wall should have a decorative or functional lintel above the
opening, that looks like it carries the weight above.
A building must not have a storefront curtain wall system. A window curtain wall unit may only be on an interio r
side or rear elevation.
Windows and doors must be recessed into a wall. Buildings must not have flush or surface mounted windows.
This does not apply to storm windows or doors.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 14
(14) Building entrance orientation and design
A principal commercial or industrial building, and ≥ 25% of the tenant spaces in a multi-tenant commercial or
industrial building, must have a public entrance with ≥ 1 of these features.
• Vertically defined bay with different cladding or fenestration than other bays.
• Integral turret, peaked roof form, tower, or (at a corner entrance) a chamfered edge.
• Architecturally integral vestibule with ≥ 64’² GFA, projecting ≥ 3’ from the building wall
• Architecturally integral roof, portico, or porte-cochere that covers ≥ 64’², with support columns ≥ 10” wide
• Architecturally integrated porch or landing with ≥ 64’² of floor area.
The main public entry of a principal building with street frontage must face that street. A building with one
occupant or tenant sited at an intersection of two streets must face the busiest street.
(15) Formula architecture
A building or structure must not have standardized nonfunctional elements that:
• inherently associates the overall building design with a specific brand, business, chain, or corporation; or
• function as an integral sign, regardless of whether it has or doesn’t have words or logos.
(16) Rooftop and building mounted equipment
Rooftop utility, HVAC, and mechanical equipment, ducts, or related elements must have screening of the same
height or higher, to hide them from view. Screening must be ① opaque, and ② integral with the building form.
(Examples: roof well, parapet wall, fake dormer, purpose-built screen or enclosure matching building colors and
materials.) A plumbing or exhaust vent, pipe, or flue that penetrates a roof must match the roof color.
Wall mounted utility, HVAC, and mechanical equipment, ducts, or related elements may only be on an interior side
or rear elevation, with siting or screening that hides those features from the street and neighboring lots as much
as possible.
E. Landscaping
(1) Groundcover
Unsurfaced areas (surfaces with no buildings, structures, or pavement) on a developed lot must have maintained
groundcover, with one or more of these features.
• Turf or ornamental grass.
• Perennial groundcover plants.
• Planting beds for trees, shrubs, and flowers, with a base of mulch, granular stone, or similar nonliving material.
• Pond or water feature.
These areas do not need maintained groundcover.
• Farm field or pasture.
• Stream setback area.
• Natural feature that normally lacks vegetation, or where maintenance is impractical. (Example: steep slope
area, rock outcrop.)
(2) Tree preservation
Mature native and adapted trees should be kept and incorporated into the site where possible.
(3) Foundation planting
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 15
A new building or addition to an existing building must have foundation planting beds parallel to the full length
of the front, street fronting side, and interior side elevations (not including building entrances and doors, and
perpendicular walkways and garage door entries).
Foundation planting area width must be:
• ≥ 5’ next to building walls with a ≤ 20’ eave height.
• ≥ 10’ next to building walls with a > 20’ eave height.
A foundation planting area must include ≥ 1 shrub with a potential ≥ 3’ mature height for every 25’² of planting
area. (A tree with a potential ≥ 8’ mature height may substitute for a required shrub.) Shrubs may have regular
spacing, or be clustered in more naturalistic groups.
As an alternative to foundation planting, the area next to a building may be in the form of a functional pedestrian
plaza, with landscape planters or beds, modular pavers, art, fountains or water features, benches and tables,
pergolas or arbors, life-sized games, small performance spaces, or other amenities, that meet the intent of these
standards according to the Planning Board.
(4) Parking lot landscaping
Requirements for parking lot internal and perimeter landscaping are in the next subsection (F: parking and vehicle
circulation).
F. Parking and vehicle circulation
(1) Size and visibility in general
Parking lots and driveways may only be as large as needed to meet ① minimum requirements for number of
parking spaces; and ② dimensional requirements for parking spaces, driveways and drive aisles, and internal
landscaping.
(2) Parking lot siting
Any off-street parking areas of buildings fronting on Elmira Road (NY 13), Floral Avenue (NY 13A), Seven Mile
Drive, or Calkins Road, must be in the rear or side yard.
A parking lot may only be in front of a principal street-fronting building and the street if ① the building is pre-
existing, and ② the Planning Board finds that existing site conditions make siting a parking area to the side or
rear impractical or impossible. If this is this case, any parking in front of the principal building must:
• be ≥ 20’ from the public right of way line, and
• have only one drive aisle, with a single row of parking.
(3) Parking surface materials
Parking lot and driveway surface must be:
• solid pavement (asphalt, concrete, similar monolithic surface);
• segmental pavers;
• open cell pavers (grass block);
• plastic grid pavers or systems; or
• a similar pervious or impervious material with a hard, dust-free surface.
A parking lot or driveway surface for these uses may use the materials listed above or loose aggregate (gravel,
stone):
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 16
• Agricultural or agritourism use.
• Farmer’s market.
• Roadside stand.
• Plant nursery.
• Retreat / event venue.
• Cemetery.
• Community garden.
• Park or playground.
Any aggregate parking surface must be built in a way that prevents ponding, aggregate loss or spillage, or
trackout onto public streets.
A parking lot surface must have a visually distinct edge.
(4) Circulation
Parking lot layout must allow a vehicle to enter from and exit to the street driving forward.
A parking row with only one way in and out must have a turnaround area or space at the end.
Parking lot layout must allow service vehicles to access loading, service, or trash enclosure areas, with as little
disruption to circulation and parking space access as possible.
(5) Access management
Off-street parking may have one vehicle access point on a street frontage. A lot or building site may have an
additional access point only if the Uniform Code requires it for fire apparatus access.
For a corner lot, vehicle access to off-street parking may only be from the secondary street, not the principal
street.
An access point must be as far from a street intersection and other curb cuts as possible.
A one way access driveway and approach must be 12’ - 14’ wide. A two way access driveway and approach must
be 16’ - 20’ wide. Access driveway corner radius where it meets a roadway must be ≤ 15’.
Continuous curb cuts or driveways, and parking lots that use a fronting street as a drive aisle to access parking
spaces, are prohibited.
If these requirements conflict with New York State DOT access management requirements, the more restrictive
requirement applies.
(6) Lot-to-lot connection
Parking lots for non-residential uses on neighboring lots should have cross-access driveways connecting them, or
provisions for future connection. Property owners must not block cross -access connections or provisions.
(7) Internal landscaping
A row of parking spaces must have a landscape island, ≥ 9’ wide and extending the full depth of the row, ① at
each end; and ② at an interval of ≤ 10 spaces or ≤ 90’ in a row.
A landscape island must have ① maintained groundcover (see E 1); and ② ≥ 1 deciduous tree (≥ 2.5” diameter at
breast height (DBH) at planting, ≥ 30’ height at maturity) for each row it is next to. Two deciduous trees with a
DBH of ≥ 2.0” at planting, and a potential mature height of 20’ - 30’, may substitute for 1 taller required tree.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 17
(8) Perimeter landscaping and buffering
A new or expanded parking lot must have a ≥ 10’ wide landscape buffer between the parking lot surface and the
side or rear lot lines.
An opaque fence, wall, berm, or hedgerow, 4’ to 6’ tall (3’ tall in the minimum principal building front setback
area), must screen a parking lot for a hotel/motel, or commercial or industrial building or use, from any
neighboring residential lot or use.
Street facing sides of a parking lot that front on a street must have plantings with an average of ≥ 1 shrub, with a
potential ≥ 3’ mature height, for every 5’ of parking lot frontage.
(9) Stormwater
Parking lots, driveways, and drive aisles must be built or graded in a way that prevents surface ponding, or
sediment or aggregate collection.
Parking lot landscape islands and perimeter areas must allow decentralized stormwater runoff capture and
infiltration where possible.
G. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities
(1) Pedestrian connectivity
In the IV-C overlay zone, a principal building must have a paved ≥ 5’ wide walkway connecting its main entrance
to the public sidewalk along the fronting street, or public right of way line if there is no sidewalk.
A parking lot must have a ≥ 5’ wide walkway connecting it to the main entrance of the principal building.
Parking lot spaces, driveways, and drive aisles are not walkways.
(2) Bicycle parking
A use must have ≥ 1 dedicated bicycle parking space (bike rack space, bike locker, etc.) for every 5 required
vehicle parking spaces.
H. Fences and walls
(1) Permitted fence and wall materials
A permanent fence or wall may only use these materials, in a way that is customary for fence or wall construction.
• Brick, stone, or cast brick or stone.
• Wood, or a synthetic material that looks like wood.
• Hog wire, sheet or corrugated metal with a matte or non-reflective finish, bamboo, or a similar material, in a
board frame structure.
• Welded wire with vinyl coating.
• Gabion.
Chain link fencing may only be at ① an ancillary use (examples: athletic/ball field, backyard chicken area), or
② a construction or short term event site. Chain link fencing for an ancillary use must have a supporting top rail,
and knuckle selvage ends.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 18
A fence or wall must not have:
• sharp or unfinished wires or edges.
• barbed, razor, or concertina wire (except for agricultural uses, active construction sites, or where law requires
it).
• electrification (except for agricultural uses).
• materials or design features that are hazardous to nearby pedestrians or residents.
A deer fence may not be used as a permanent yard or boundary fence or wall.
(2) Finished side out
Fences should have a “good neighbor” design, where both sides look the same.
A fence or wall with finished and unfinished sides must have its finished or “good” side facing outward, towards
bordering lots or thoroughfares. (See Town Code § 270-223 A 9: zoning - fences and walls.)
(3) Height and location
Maximum fence height is:
• Front yard, street fronting side yard: ≤ 3’.
• Rear yard, street fronting side yard behind principal building front elevation, street fronting side yard behind
principal building rear elevation: ≤ 6’.
Outside of a clear sight triangle (an area within 30’ of the intersection of front and street fronting side property
lines at a street intersection, or 20’ of where a driveway meets the street), these fence or wall elements may be
taller than the maximum fence or wall height.
• Post, pole, or another supporting member.
• Pillar or column.
• Arbor at an opening or gate.
• Fences for athletic or ball fields.
J. Service and equipment areas
(1) Siting
A loading, service, dumpster / waste collection, or outdoor storage area may only be in a rear yard.
Dumpsters or outdoor storage may only be in a dumpster/waste collection or outdoor storage area.
A dumpster/waste collection or outdoor storage area may only be ① integral to a principal or accessory building,
or ② in a separate accessory structure.
Ground mounted mechanical or utility equipment ancillary to a principal structure may only be in a ① rear yard,
or ② interior side yard, behind the front elevation.
(2) Screening
A ① loading, service, dumpster / waste collection, or outdoor storage area; or ② ground mounted mechanical or
utility equipment area, must have siting and screening that hides it from the street and any neighboring
residential uses as much as possible.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 19
Service, dumpster / waste collection, and outdoor storage area screening height must be 6’ - 8’. Screening
materials should match or complement cladding on the principal building, but must be:
• brick or stone (real or simulated/precast);
• split face block;
• vinyl (co-extruded, ≥ 0.150” thick); or
• wood or composite material in a full steel frame.
Gate materials must be:
• metal;
• vinyl (co-extruded, ≥ 0.150” thick); or
• wood or composite material in a full steel frame.
Screening and gates ≥ 0.5’ above the ground must be 100% opaque.
K. Utilities
(1) Underground utilities
All new utility lines must be underground.
L. Outdoor lighting
(1) Performance standards
Outdoor lighting must meet outdoor lighting performance standards in the Town outdoor lighting law (Town
Code Chapter 173), along with the following requirements.
These requirements do not apply to temporary use of decorative lights for holidays or special events.
(2) Freestanding light height
Freestanding lighting height (ground to luminaire) must be:
• Sports fields or courts; outdoor stages: ≤ 25’.
• Parking lot: ≤ 18’.
• All other areas: ≤ 15’.
(3) Freestanding light siting
A light pole must not block a walkway, sidewalk, or curb ramp.
(4) Façade lighting
Building mounted lighting may only direct light downward.
(5) Under canopy lighting
Light fixtures on the underside of canopies, porches, or similar exterior roof areas must be fully recessed or flush
with the underside surface.
(6) Security lighting
Security lighting must be motion activated, to limit nighttime light pollution and glare.
(7) Lighting style
Light poles and fixture style should be consistent with style and period of architecture on the site.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 20
Sconces or gooseneck lighting fixtures may be used to illuminate areas near building walls, directing light
downward against the building wall and areas next to the wall.
Wall packs may only be used as security lighting on the rear wall of a building. Wall packs must not provide
general building or site lighting.
Light poles must have a distinctive base, middle and top. Cobra head lights and bare metal light poles are not
allowed.
Exposed concrete from concrete form (sonotube) bases may only be ≤ 1’ above grade.
(8) Color temperature
Outdoor lighting color temperature must be ≤ 3000K (warm white).
This does not apply to:
• Decorative lighting using ≤ 25 lumen lights.
• Non-fixed or temporary lights.
• Sports fields or courts.
M. Signs
(1) General requirements
Zoning Code regulations for signs in the base zone apply in the Inlet Valley overlay district. (See Chapter 270
Article XXIX: Signs.) In an overlay zone, special requirements for attached and freestanding signs in this
subsection also apply.
(2) Freestanding sign special requirements
Height: Where Zoning Code regulations for signs allow a freestanding sign height of ≥ 5’, the maximum
freestanding sign height in an overlay zone is 6’ for a sign for a single tenant, and 8’ for a multi-tenant sign.
(See Chapter 270 Article XXIX Signs.)
Setback: Freestanding sign setback must be ≥ 5’ from the public right-of-way edge,
Any freestanding sign must be outside of a clear sight triangle area formed by:
• lines following intersecting public right of way lines for 30’ from their intersection; or
• lines following a public right of way line, and a driveway edge or alley right-of-way line, for 15’ from their
intersection.
Face area
Maximum single tenant freestanding sign face area is 32’2 in areas where Zoning Code sign regulations would
normally allow a face area that is ≥ 32 ft²,
Maximum multitenant freestanding sign face area is 50’2 in areas where Zoning Code sign regulations would
normally allow a face area that is ≥ 50 ft²,
Sign structure
A freestanding sign base should use natural materials, or materials that complement the main principal building
on the site.
Sign base and frame colors must be from a palette of muted colors in this Munsell color system range.
Inlet Valley overlay district 2023-1-03 | 21
• Hue: red, yellow-red, yellow, green-yellow, green, blue-green, blue, purple-blue
• Value: 3/ to 10/
• Chroma: /0 to /6
(3) Building mounted sign special requirements
Building mounted signs include wall signs, canopy signs, awning signs, projecting signs, and window signs.
Sign area: Maximum building mounted sign area is [50%] of the default maximum sign area for the base zone.
Coordinated design for multi-tenant buildings: A multi-tenant building must have a coordinated sign plan, with
standards that ensure a consistent theme and visual harmony for all attached signs. Planning staff will determine
if a sign plan meets this requirement.
(4) Sign legibility
Sign faces should be simple, uncluttered, and easily readable.
(5) Sign design: lighting
Sign lighting may only use ① internally illuminated or backlit letters or logos; or ② exterior fixtures mounted
above the sign
Sign lighting fixtures must be fully shielded, with the bulb not visible from a street or sidewalk.
Sign lighting must meet outdoor lighting performance standards in the Town outdoor lighting law (Town Code
Chapter 173). Sign lighting color temperature must be ≤ 3000K (warm white).
(6) Wayfinding signs and kiosks
A group of property or business owners who want to start a wayfinding program in the Inlet Valley overlay district
may request a wayfinding plan and signage program, in coordination with the Town Board. Wayfinding signs and
structures must follow a Town Board-approved design scheme, template, or pattern book that meets the spirit
and intent of the Inlet Valley overlay district design standards.
(7) Additional prohibited signs
These types of signs are prohibited in the Inlet Valley overlay district, in addition to prohibited signs in Chapter
270 Article XXIX
• Light box or sign cabinet signs.
• Signs on dome, waterfall, bullnose, and bubble style awnings.
(8) Nonconforming signs
Pre-existing commercial signs that do not comply with this section must be removed, or renovated or replaced to
comply, by December 31, 2030.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Calkins RoadCALKINS RDGrayhaven Motel
Eddydale FarmMarket
New York State Dept/Parks
EnfieldFallsRoadElmiraRoadElmiraRoadSeven Mile DriveIthaca Beer
Collegeview Mobile Home Park
TownPublicWorksFacility
RoadwayInn
Economy Inn
IthaCan
CemeteryGreen-TreeIthaca BeerDr.FiveMileDr.IthacaAutoService
Map produced by Town of Ithaca Planning DepartmentRevised 01/05/23
Data Sources:Town of Ithaca andTompkins County Information Technology Services 0 1,000 2,000500Feet ²
Inlet Valley Center Overlay Zone
Inlet Valley Transition Overlay Zone
Underlying/Base Zones
Neighborhood Commercial
Light Industrial
Low Density Residential
Agriculture
Conservation
Mobile Home Park
PDZ
Town of IthacaInlet Valley Overlay District Zoneswith Existing Base Zones