HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA Minutes 2016-05-16TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Monday May 16, 2016
215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca
6:00 P.M.
Appeal of Jennifer Minner and Erik Amos, owners, requesting an special approval
and area variance from the requirements of Chapter 270-69 0 "Accessory buildings
and uses authorized by special approval only", of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, to
be able to keep domestic animals and if allowed, a variance to keep animals in a lot
that does not meet the size requirements in Chapter 270-69C(1), located at 200 Roat
St, Tax Parcel No. 71.-6-5, Medium Density Residential (MDR).
Appeal of Walter Wiggins, owner, Scott Wiggins, Managing Director of La Tourelle
Hotel and Spa, agent/applicant, requesting a special approval from the requirements
of Chapter 270-69 C "Accessory buildings and uses authorized by special approval
only", of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, to be able to keep domestic animals, located
at 1150 Danby Rd, Tax Parcel No. 36.-1-4.5, Planned Development Zone No. 1.
Bruce W. Bates
Director of Code Enforcement
607-273-1783
Dated: May 4, 2016
Published: May 6, 2016
TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, Lori Kofoid , being duly sworn, say that I am the Deputy Town Clerk of the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York that the following notice has been duly posted on the sign
board of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca and the notice has been duly published in the
official newspaper, Ithaca Journal:
Q.ADVERTISEMENT
l/^JOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ithaca Journal, Legal Section
Friday May 6, 2016
Location of Sign Board Used for Posting:
Town Clerk's Office
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Date of Posting: May 4, 2016
Date of Publication: May 6, 2016
Deputy Town Clerk
STATE OF NEW YORK)
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) SS:
TOWN OF ITHACA)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of
Notary Public
Commission Expires Dece
TOWN OF ITHACA
ZONING BQ/^
OF APPEALS
NOTKIEOF PUBUG
I HEARINGS
Monday May 16.2016
215 NofOi Tioga Streel.
Idiaca
6:00 P.M.
of Jennifer Mlnner 4
Erik Amos, owners, re- 9
queelins an area variance and '
gpe^ approval from the re- 6
quirements of Chapter 270- 6
^ C 'Accessory buildtngs C
and uses audiortzed by spe- U
Bial approval onl/, of the t
Code of the Town of Ithaca, f
to be able to keep domestic L
animals and If allowed, a var- I
fence to keep animale in a lot '
that does not meet the see t
repuirBments In Chapter 270- 1
69C(U. located at 200 Roat r
St, Tax Parcel No. 7t.-6-5. 1
Medium Density Residential «
(MDR). i
Appeal of Walter Wiggins.»
owner, Scott Wiggins, Man- I
aging Director of La Tour^e f
Hotel and Spa, {
agent/applicant, requesting a <
special approval from the re- |
quirements of Chapter 270-'
69 C 'Accessory buildings f
and uses authorized by '
cial approval onty", of the '
Code of the Town of Ithaca, ^
to be able to keep domestic (
animals, located at 1150 ^
Danby Rd. Tax Parcel No. *
^,-1-4.5, Banned Develop- '
'ment Zone No. 1. '
Bruce W. Bales ^
. Director of Code
Enforcement F
607-273-1783 '*
- Dated: May 4.2016 C
i5/6/2016
TOWN OF ITHACA
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
www.town.ithaca.ny.us
CODE ENFORCEMENT - BRUCE W. BATES, DIRECTOR
Phone (607) 273-1783 n Fax (607) 273-1704
codes@town.Ithaca.nv.us
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE BY MAIL
STATE OF NEW YORK ) SS.:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS )
I, Lori Kofoid , being duly sworn, deposes and says, that deponent is not a
party to the actions, is over 21 years of age with a professional address of 215 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, New York 14850.
That on the 4th Day of May 2016 , deponent served the within Notice upon the
property owners listed on the attached document, of the following Tax Parcel Numbers:
*** 200 Roat St
***1150 Danbv Rd
***
***
Tax Parcel 71.-6-5
Tax Parcel 36.-1-4.5
Tax Parcel
Tax Parcel
Area Variance & Special Approvg
Special Approval
By depositing same enclosed in a postpaid addressed wrapper, in a post office under the
exclusive care and custody of the United States Post Office Department within the State of
New York.
.oriNKofoid
Town of Ithaca
Deputy Town Clerk
Sworn t e this 4th Day of May 2016.
Thomas Avedisian
1206 HanshawRd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Giuliana Campagnola
1209 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
7-00 ?joAT S»T.
Kaja McGowan & Ketut Raka Nawiana
1207 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Steven Rosenblum & Tracy Anne Keel
1205 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Stephen & Amanda Shaw
1201 HanshawRd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Randy Wayne
201 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Greta & Reed Dewey
203 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Joyce and Nicholas Vaneck
205 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Katherine and Patrick Blankenship
1107 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Philip & Emily Walker
1105 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Marlene Kobre
1103 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Yu Pu Zu & Ming Yuan Yang
1101 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Nancy Ridenour
346 Warren Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Scott &. Deanna Grantz
1210 HanshawRd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Murray and Jane Deathe
101 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Lorraine Cooper
105 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Yen and Tro Bui
109 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Tracey Snyder & Brian Goodman
113 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Paul and Leslie Strebel
117 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Maureen McCarvill Dracup Trust
200 Blackstone Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
Evertt & Velma Markwardt Trust
203 Blackstone Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
Stephen & Kathleen Zager
102 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Erik Amos and Jennifer M inner
200 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Marie & David Birk
106 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
David & Marie Birk
106 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Curtis Dewey
1208 Hasbrouck Apts
Ithaca, NY 14850
Robert Venables & Sherene Baugher
111 Blackstone Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
Yves Boisclair & Lise Bouvet
204 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Hilary Diekow
348 Warren Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Jin Su & Ling Zhang
110 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
David & Donna Wexler
209 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Timothy & Merilee Nord
356 Warren Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
St Catherine of Siena Church
302 St Catherines Cir
Ithaca, NY 14850
Jolene Plumley
111 Orchard St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Eric Alani & Esther Racoosin
112 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Fred & Gloria Kulhawy
113 Orchard St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Barbara Roof
301 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Carl & Zsofia Franck
305 Roat St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Everett & June Morse
112 Blackstone Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
Country Club Of Ithaca
189 Pleasant Grove Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Joshua Cope
509 Valley Rd
Brooktondale, NY 14817
Marc Messing & Lori Sonken
PO Box 4046
Ithaca, NY 14852
Jeremy Cusker & Teresa Porri
1039 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Darlene & Leona Noric Gold
1106 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Margot Chiuten & Shawna Black
102 Kay St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Eugenia Bamaba
100 Kay St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Edward & Sally Harwood
1114 Hanshaw Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Prabhu & Kumari Pingali
303 Blackstone Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
Yue Hao & Hongwei Guan
2 Schickel Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Clarence & Terrie Mayu
103 Sesame St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Rich and Linda Marie Leonardo
1134 Danby Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Christopher & Katherine Holmes
101 Larisa Ln
Ithaca, NY 14850
David & Doris Hendrickson
1143 Danby Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Lillian Jane Yengo
1147 Danby Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Namgyal Monastery Institute
412 N Aurora St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Patricia Long
4 Schickel Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Douglas & Louise Derraugh
6 Schickel Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Westview Partners, LLC
217 Buttermilk Ln
Ithaca, NY 14850
Andrew & Inta Ezergailis
1157 Danby Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Edward Kratil and Deborah Seligmann Kratil
1151 Danby Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Kaethe & Nathalie Bessou
401 Nelson Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Clara Leonardo
1132 Danby Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Walter Wiggins
308 N Tioga St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Byron & Amy Barnes
255 WH Street
Benicia, CA 94510
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Monday,May 16,2016
Minutes
Board Members Present:Rob Rosen,Chair;Bill King;Christine Decker;and Chris Jung;
Alternates George Vignaux and Caren Rubin
Staff Present:Bruce Bates,Director of Code Enforcement;Deb DeAugistine,Deputy Town
Clerk;Lorraine Moynihan Schmitt,Attorney for the Town
Appeal of Jennifer Minner and Erik Amos,owners,requesting an area variance and special
approval from the requirements of Chapter 270-69 C "Accessory buildings and uses
authorized by special approval only",of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, to be able to keep
domestic animals and if allowed,an area variance to keep animals in a lot that does not meet
the size requirements in Chapter 270-69C(l),located at 200 Roat St, Tax Parcel No.71.-6-5,
Medium Density Residential (MDR).
Ms. Minner said they would like to keep two to three chickens on their property for the
following reasons. The Town of Ithaca was considering allowing chickens, and during that
time their daughter Julia has been raising chickens at school for a science project. Ms. Minner
has also inherited a chicken from her sister.They've placed a chicken coop in their back yard;
it's a small coop that is moveable and hard to see from the property line. They wouldn't put a
foundation under it and would like to surround it with a temporary fence to keep predators
out. The town sent notice of the application to neighbors, but it was cryptic and made no
mention of chickens,so they started to answer questions from the neighbors.They sent the
application to the neighborhood listserv and have received no complaints; in fact, eight
neighbors—all the adjacent property owners—emailed support and six other neighbors gave
vocal support.
Mr.Rosen asked if they've kept chickens before.
Julia Minner said she did in school,but her parents have not.
Ms.Minner said the chickens will be pets. This is a learning experience for Julia, and the
neighborhood kids are excited about it, too. She said other questions from the neighbors were
whether they plan to sell the chickens, what the coop will be made of, whether the chickens
will make noise, and whether they will create a smell. The answers are that they plan to keep
the chickens for personal use,it's a small wooden coop, there will be only three small hens
and no rooster to make noise, and they will maintain the coop,cleaning it on a weekly basis.
Mr.King asked whether they have chickens yet.
Ms.Minner said they do not;only the coop is there.
Mr. Rosen commented that this lot is much smaller than the town code requires,which is 2
acres, and they have half an acre. He wondered whether it could be mitigated by this being a
school experiment and of a limited duration.
Ms. Minner said the experiment will end, but they were hoping to keep them for the life of the
chicken.They can live for several years.
Mr. Rosen said it could possibly be limited to the lives of the chickens. People have been
granted a variance who have 1.6 or 1.75 acres, where 2 are required.
Ms. Minner said the lot is surrounded by vegetation.Chickens don't require lots of acreage. In
other jurisdictions where they've adopted codes, such as the city of Boston, they allow for a
small number of chickens on a smaller lot.
Mr.Rosen said that maybe the town of Ithaca code is out of sync.
Ms.Moynihan Schmitt pointed out that there was an application from the owners of 116
Muriel Street for special approval for chickens. The minutes from that meeting show that
there was discussion of a possible ordinance in the town respecting chickens.When the
variance was granted, there was a temporal condition of three years to allow for the
progression of the possible ordinance.Special approvals and variances run with the land, not
with the owner of the land, so you can't tie it to the life of the chicken;it's much cleaner to do
a time limit.
Mr.Bates said that the Codes and Ordinances Committee has been rewriting their whole
domestic animal law,which will allow chickens in the medium density residential area.If the
ZBA approves the variance with a three-year limit, it will probably be overridden by the law,
which is in its final stages and will most likely go to the Town Board by the end of this year.
Mr.Vignaux said three chickens is almost negligible on a half-acre lot.
Mr.Bates asked the applicant how they will obtain the chickens.
Ms.Minner said her daughter is raising two at school, and that they ordered the chickens
months ago when they heard that the new ordinance was going forward. But two chickens
might not be enough to keep them warm in the winter and, socially, the hens are better off if
there are at least three.
Mr.Bates wondered how they obtained only three when Ag &Markets only allows them to
be ordered in groups of six.
Ms.Minner said the school ordered a lot of them for the project and many have been taken
home, except by those people who aren't allowed to keep them.
Mr. Rosen thought it was good that they're asking for three chickens, since that is less than
the law anticipates.It will either be legal in three years or they will have to come back for
another variance it they want to continue having chickens.
Mr.Rosen opened the public hearing at 6:22 p.m.
Randy Wayne, who lives across the street at 201 Roat Street, said that they are very excited
about having chickens in the neighborhood.There are lots of kids in the neighborhood,for
whom this can be a learning experience regarding understanding nature and agriculture and
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 page 2
where food comes from. He said all neighbors were notified by email, so any neighbor could
respond and ask questions.
Sara Davis, Roat Street, said her daughter is friends with Julia and they are supportive of the
application. She attended the codes and ordinance meeting in October because she also is
interested in applying for a variance for chickens and looks forward to the ordinance being
passed.
Mr.Rosen closed the public hearing at 6:25.
Members of the board were in favor of granting the variance.
ZBA Resolution 0060-2016:Area Variance
Keep Domestic Animals (Chickens)
200 Roat Street,Tax Parcel No.71.-6-5
May 16,2016
Moved by Rob Rosen;seconded by Bill King
Resolved that this Board grants the appeal of Jennifer Minner and Erik Amos,owners,
requesting an area variance from the requirements of Chapter 270-69 C "Accessory buildings
and uses authorized by special approval only"in a lot that does not meet the size requirements
of Chapter 270-69C-(l),located at 200 Roat Street, Tax Parcel No. 71.-6-5,Medium Density
Residential Zone (MDR),with the following
Conditions
1.That the variance is time limited for three years
2.That there be up to three hens and no roosters
3.That the existing fences around the property must be maintained in a condition and
location substantially similar to what they are now
4.That there be no Guinea fowl
5.That the chicken coop shall be substantially built and located as presented in the
application
6.That the food for the chickens shall be stored in an animal-proof container
7.That the hens shall be for personal use only £ind not any commercial use
And with the following
Findings
1.That the benefit to the applicant outweighs einy detriment to the health,safety,and welfare
of the community in that the benefit cannot be achieved by any other means feasible to the
applicant given that the existing lot is 0.5 acres; and
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 page 3
2. There will not be an undesirable change to the character of the neighborhood or to nearby
properties given that the lot is 0.5 acres,and there will be no more than three hens;and
3. That the request is substantial in that the area need is 2 acres and the property is 0.5 acres,
which is 75% short for that requirement, but nevertheless, the benefit outweighs the
detriment for the reasons above;and
4. That there will not be any adverse environmental effects; and
5. That the alleged difficulty is self-created in that applicant wishes to have chickens, but
nevertheless, the benefit to the applicant outweighs any detriment to the health, safety, and
welfare of the community for the reasons stated above.
Vote
Aye: Rosen, King, Decker, Jung,Vignaux
ZBA Resolution 0061-2016:SEQR
Keep Domestic Animals (Chickens)
200 Roat Street,Tax Parcel No.71.-6-5
May 16,2016
Moved by Rob Rosen;seconded by Chris Jung
Resolved that this Board makes a negative determination of environmental significance
regarding the appeal of Jennifer Minner and Erik Amos, owners, requesting an area variance
and special approval pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 270-69C "Accessory buildings
and uses authorized by special approval only"of the Town of Ithaca Code, to be able to keep
domestic animals and,if allowed,a variance to keep animals in a lot that does not meet the
size requirements of Chapter 270-69C-(l),based on the information given in Parts 1 and 2
and for the reasons stated in Part 3 of the Environmental Assessment Form.
Vote
Ayes: Rosen, King, Decker, Jung,Vignaux
ZBA Resolutloii 0062-2016:Special Approval
Keep Domestic Animals (Chickens)
200 Roat Street,Tax Parcel No.71.-6-5
May 16,2016
Moved by George Vignaux;Christine Decker
Resolved that this Board grants the appeal of Jennifer Minner and Erik Amos, owners,
requesting special approval from the requirements of Chapter 270-69 C "Accessory buildings
and uses authorized by special approval only"of the Town of Ithaca Code, to be able to keep
domestic animals located at 200 Roat Street, Tax Parcel No. 71.-6-5, Medium Density
Residential Zone (MDR),with the following
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 page 4
Findings
a. That the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community in harmony with
the general purposes of the zoning chapter and the medium density residential zone are
being promoted because, as found in the SEQR form, there is no potential for a
significant adverse impacts. The keeping of chickens will enable the applicants to
produce their ovm food, which supports the local food movement;and
b. The premises are reasonably adapted to the proposed use, such use will fulfill a
neighborhood or community need and the keeping of the chickens will enable them to
produce their own food; and
c. The proposed use and location and design of the structure will be consistent with the
character of the district in which it is located for the reasons stated above;and
d. The proposed use will not be detrimental to the general amenity or neighborhood
character in amounts sufficient to devalue neighboring property or seriously
inconvenience neighboring inhabitants for the reasons stated above and given the
mitigating conditions of the special approval set forth below;and
e.Operations in connection with the proposed use will not be more objectionable to
nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, illumination, or other potential
nuisance than the operation of any permitted use in the medium density residential
zone for the reasons stated above and given the mitigating conditions of the special
approval set forth below;2ind
f. Community infrastructure and services, including but not limited to protective
services,roadways,garbage collection,schools,and water and sewer facilities are
currently of adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed use; and
g. The proposed use,building design, and site layout will comply with all the provision
of the zoning chapter and, to the extent considered by this board, with other
regulations and ordinances of the town, with the building code and all other state and
federal laws, rules and regulations and with the Town's Comprehensive Plan given
that this board has just granted an area variance for the action; and
h. The proposed access and egress for all structures and uses are safely designed and the
site layout provides adequate access for emergency vehicles;and
i. The general effect of the proposed use upon the community as a whole,including such
items as traffic load upon public streets and load upon water and sewer systems,is not
detrimental to the health,safety and general welfare of the community given that there
will be no impact at all on these items; and
j. The lot area, access, parking, and loading facilities are sufficient for the proposed use
and access,parking and loading facilities are adequately buffered to minimize their
visual impact given that access,parking and loading facilities are not applicable given
that this board has granted the variance for the lot area requirement;and
k.Natural surface water drainage is adequately managed in accordance with good
engineering practices and in accordance with any applicable Town or local law or
ordinance and existing drainageways are not altered in a manner that adversely affects
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 page 5
other properties as shown by the applicant's control of the stormwater runoff of the
coop;and
1.To the extent reasonably deemed relevant by this board, the proposed use or structure
complies with all the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in this chapter.
And with the following
Conditions
1.That the special approval is time limited for three years
2.That there be up to three hens and no roosters
3.That any existing fences around the property must be maintained in a similar condition
as described in the application submitted for this appeal
4.That there be no Guinea fowl
5. That the coop shall be substantially built and located as presented in the application
6.That the food for the chickens shall be stored in an animal-proof container
7.That the hens shall be for personal use only and not for any commercial use
Vote
Ayes:Rosen,King,Decker,Jung,Vignaux
Appeal of Walter Wiggins,owner,Scott Wiggins,Managing Director of La Tourelle Hotel
and Spa,agent/applicant,requesting a special approval from the requirements of Chapter 270-
69 C "Accessory buildings and uses authorized by special approval only",of the Code of the
Town of Ithaca,to be able to keep domestic animals,located at 1150 Danby Rd,Tax Parcel
No.36.-1-4.5,Planned Development Zone No. 1.
Scott Wiggins introduced his daughter Phoenix Wiggins, who works in the spa and lives on
the property;she will be the chicken experience manager.LaTourelle was farmed for 150
years, and they'd like to bring a bit of that farm back to the experience of the hotel. They have
a variety of gardens and trails that connect with Buttermilk Falls and their desire is to bring in
a small flock of chickens that will be hand-raisedand will enhance the guest experience and
tap into where Tompkins County is going with its agritourism efforts. The chicken coop will
be located just south of the bam.It will not be visible from the road and will be fully fenced
in.It will be more than 50 feet from the property line and a stream and more than 300 feet
from the nearest neighbors.It will be lockedat night and, in addition to the fencing, a wind
screen on top will protect chickens form hawks.There will be a 5-foot high,screened,
traditional deer fence around the chicken coop itself and some screened tunnels between the
coop and some of their screened gardens. One great thing about chickens is that they eat bugs
out of the garden and provide great fertilizer. There will not be a wind screen over the
gardens.
Ms. Wiggins pointed out that once the chickens get bigger, the hawks won't be able to grab
them as easily.
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 page 6
Mr. Vignaux asked about hand-washing facilities since this is a commercial operation and the
Health Department requires a hand-washing sink for guests.
Mr.Wiggins said he would check with the Health Department.
Mr. Rosen opened and closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m.
ZBA Resolution 0063-2016:SEQR
Keep Domestic Animals (Chickens)
1150 Danby Road,Tax Parcel No.36.-1-4.5
May 16,2016
Moved by Rob Rosen;seconded by Bill King
Resolved that this Board makes a negative determination of environmental significance
regarding the appeal of Walter, owner, and Scott Wiggins, managing director,of La Tourelle
Hotel and Spa,agent/applicant,requesting a special approval pursuant to the requirements of
Chapter 270-69C "Accessory buildings and uses authorized by special approval only"of the
Town of Ithaca Code, to be able to keep domestic animals located at 1150 Danby Road, Tax
Parcel No.36.-1-4.5,Planned Development Zone No. 1 based on the information given in
Parts 1 and 2 and for the reasons stated in Part 3 of the Environmental Assessment Form.
Vote
Ayes: Rosen, King,Decker,Jung,Rubin
ZBA Resolution 0064-2016:Special Approval
Keep Domestic Animals (Chickens)
1150 Danby Road,Tax Parcel No.36.-1-4.5
May 16,2016
Moved by Rob Rosen; seconded by Chris Jung
Resolved that this Board grants the appeal of Walter,owner, and Scott Wiggins,Managing
Director,of La Tourelle Hotel and Spa,agent/applicant,requesting special approval as
required by the requirements of Chapter 270-69 C "Accessory buildings and uses authorized
by special approval only"of the Town of Ithaca Code, to be able to keep domestic animals
located at 1150 Danby Road,Tax Parcel No.36.-1-4.5,Planned Development Zone No. 1,
with the following
Findings
a. That the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community in harmony with
the general purposes of the zoning chapter and the medium density residential zone are
being promoted because, as found in the SEQR EAF review, there is no potential for
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 'page 7
significant adverse impacts. The chickens will not be visible from neighboring
properties or the road and the keeping of chickens will enable the applicants to
produce their own food, which supports the local food movement;and
b. The premises are reasonably adapted to the proposed use,such use will fulfill a
neighborhood or community need,given that the applicant is a large lot with screening
from adjacent properties and the keeping of the chickens will enable them to produce
their own food;and
c. The proposed use and location and design of the structure will be consistent with the
character of the district in which it is located for the reasons stated above;and
d. The proposed use will not be detrimental to the general amenity or neighborhood
character in amounts sufficient to devalue neighboring property or seriously
inconvenience neighboring inhabitants for the reasons stated above; and
e.Operations in connection with the proposed use will not be more objectionable to
nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations, illumination, or other potential
nuisance than the operation of any permitted use in Planned Development Zone 1 for
the reasons stated above;and
f. Community infrastructure and services, including but not limited to protective
services, roadways, garbage collection,schools, and water and sewer facilities are
currently of adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed use; and
g. The proposed use, building design, and site layout will comply with all the provision
of the zoning chapter and to the extent considered by this board, with other regulations
and ordinances of the town, with the building code and all other state and federal laws,
rules and regulations and with the Town's Comprehensive Plan; and
h. The proposed access and egress for all structures and uses are safely designed and the
site layout provides adequate access for emergency vehicles; and
i. The general effect of the proposed use upon the community as a whole, includingsuch
items as traffic load upon public streets 2ind load upon water and sewer systems is not
detrimentalto the health, safety and general welfare of the community given that there
will be no impact at all on these items; and
j. The lot area, access, parking, and loading facilities are sufficient for the proposed use
and access,psirking and loading facilities are adequately buffered to minimize their
visual impact given that access, parking and loading facilities are not applicable;and
k. Natural surface water drainage is adequately managed in accordance with good
engineering practices and in accordance with any applicable Town or local law or
ordinance and existing drainageways are not altered in a manner that adversely affects
other properties as shown by the applicant's control of the stormwater runoff of the
coop;and
1.To the extent reasonably deemed relevant by this board, the proposed use or structure
complies with all the criteriaapplicable to site plan review set forth in this chapter.
And with the following
Conditions
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 page 8
1.That there be up to 12 hens and no roosters
2.That any existing fences around the property and gardens must be maintained in a
similar condition to those described in the application submitted for this appeal
3.That there be no Guinea fowl
4.That the chicken coop shall be substantially built and located as presented in the
application
5.That the food for the chickens shall be stored in an animal-proof container
Vote
Ayes: Rosen, King, Decker, Jung,Vignaux
Other Business
Approval of Minutes
Mr.Rosen moved and Mr.Vignaux seconded approval of the March minutes.The vote was
unanimous,with Mr.Vignaux voting.
Mr.Rosen will send an email to the Town Clerk with a recommendation to the Town Board
for the appointment of George Vignaux as a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Caren Rubin will continue as the alternate.
Submitted by,
Debra DeAugistine,
Deputy Town Clerk
ZBA Meeting 05-16-2016 page 9