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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-25 PAB mtg packetInclusion through Diversity Katherine Borgella, AICP Telephone (607) 274-5560 Commissioner of Planning and Sustainability www.tompkinscountyny.gov/planning AGENDA PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday July 25, 2018 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Scott Heyman Conference Room, Old Jail - 125 E. Court Street Call to Order/Agenda Changes – David Herrick, Chair May 23, 2018 Draft Minutes Approval – David Herrick, Chair Introduction of New Staff (Andrea Aguirre) – Katie Borgella TCDPS 2019 Budget Presentation – Katie Borgella Update: Business YES Program – Andrea Aguirre Presentation: Draft Guide to NYS General Municipal Law 239 – Katie Borgella Municipal Outreach Discussion – Katie Borgella Member Reports Adjournment 9:00 am 9:05 am 9:10 am 9:15 am 9:25 am 9:35 am 9:50 am 10:20 am 10:30 am Please allow 1 ½ hours for this meeting. Tompkins County DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABILITY 121 East Court Street Ithaca, New York 14850 If you will be absent, please notify Kristin McCarthy 274-5560 or kmmccarthy@tompkins-co.org 1 PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Old Jail Conference Room, 125 E. Court Street, Ithaca NY 14850 DRAFT MEETING MINUTES Members Attending: Guests: None Call to Order: Chair David Herrick called the meeting to order at 9:04 am. Agenda Review/Changes: There were no changes to the agenda. Draft Minutes Approval: Sue Cosentini moved, and Rod Howe seconded, approval of the March 28, 2018 draft minutes. The motion was carried by the members present except for Martha Armstrong, who abstained because she missed the March meeting. Introduction of New Staff – Katie Borgella Katie Borgella introduced new staff members David West and Darby Kiley to the Board. Election of New Vice Chair – Monika Roth Rod Howe volunteered to serve as vice chair. Action: Monika Roth moved to nominate Rod Howe as vice chair of the Planning Advisory Board. Andy Zepp seconded. Motion carried. Draft 2018 Work Program– Katie Borgella Katie presented the draft 2018 Work Program for the County Department of Planning and Sustainability and asked PAB members for their feedback. The document in its entirety was included in the May agenda packet for anyone seeking more details. Here are a few highlights from Katie’s presentation as well as the from the Q&A session that followed: • The Work Program touches on the organizational culture of the Department and for the first time includes a Mission and Vision Statement to guide and explain the Department’s work. • It features 13 Key Activities for 2018, including 3 planning initiatives, 7 implementing actions, and 3 strategic efforts. A few of these Activities are updating the Energy Strategy, implementing the Cayuga Name  Representation Name  Representation Martha Armstrong P Econ. Development Kathy Schlather P Human Services Joe Bowes P Housing Rob Steuteville A Built Environment Design Sue Cosentini P Business Andy Zepp P Land Preservation/Public Land Management Fernando de Aragón E Transportation Dooley Kiefer E Associate Member David Herrick P Facilities/Infrastructure Others Present Rod Howe P Historical/Cultural Resources Katie Borgella P Commissioner David Kay E Local Planning (urban) Scott Doyle P Associate Planner Anna Kelles P PDEQ Nick Helmholdt P Tourism Program Director/Principal Planner Susan Mann P Energy Darby Kiley P Associate Planner Gay Nicholson E At-Large Kristin McCarthy P Administrative Assistant Marcus Riehl E Natural Environment Megan McDonald P Deputy Commissioner Monika Roth P Agriculture David West P Senior Planner Leslie Schill P Education 2 Lake Blueway Trail, and improving the Department reaches everyone in our community, especially underrepresented populations. • The Department is developing a user-friendly GML 239 guide to share with municipalities, as well as developing a way to offer free GIS services to municipalities and nonprofits. • An internal system exists for tracking project workflow and other aspects of the Work Program, but per a suggestion from a PAB member, staff will explore options for external end-of-year reporting on progress made, as well. Draft Tompkins County Habitat Connectivity Strategy – Scott Doyle Scott Doyle shared the final draft of the County’s Habitat Connectivity Strategy with the members. He first brought the Strategy to their attention in April 2017 with a presentation by two Cornell graduate students, Hannah Plummer and Andrew Varuzzo. That presentation focused on the pinchpoints of habitat connectivity in the County. The current draft gives an overview of the topic, but also identifies specific actions that can be taken to improve connectivity. • A PAB member noted that agricultural land is not well represented in the plan. • A PAB member asked if County had identified privately held land in connector spots, and if so, whether staff had strategized on how to approach those landowners. He also suggested a few changes to the language in the document. Possible Initiatives for Natural Infrastructure Capital Program – Scott Doyle Given that there was nothing substantial to report on the agenda item regarding NYSDEC’s forthcoming action plan for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), Scott approached the members instead for feedback on two possible pilot projects connected to the County’s Natural Infrastructure Capital Program. As part of this program, the Department is looking at innovative ways to work on small-scale stormwater management projects. To that end, two pilot projects with the County Highway Department are being considered for this summer: the Dubois Road Ditch Improvement Project and the County Public Works Facility Stormwater Improvement Project. The first addresses a need to reduce sediment from road ditches and could benefit from State funding for HABs research as there are indicators that the blooms might be transferred via sediment. The latter proposes constructing a small rain garden at the base of the Highway Department parking lot on Bostwick Road as part of parking lot resurfacing. Action: Sue Cosentini moved, and Susan Mann seconded, to endorse the Dubois Road Ditch Improvement Project and the County Public Works Facility Stormwater Improvement Project. Motion carried. Scott will bring the two demonstration projects to PDEQ next for consideration. Cornell Summer Operations – Leslie Schill Leslie Schill updated members on construction and other operational projects planned for Cornell’s campus over the summer. As part of her talk, she shared a PowerPoint presentation that her department will be giving to the university’s board of trustees. In addition, she provided a URL to Cornell’s Summer Projects Interactive Web Tool (https://arcg.is/0r8qm0), which features Town and City of Ithaca projects located close to campus. Here are a few items of note from her presentation: • Work on the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center at Noyes Lodge is nearing completion. • East Avenue will be closed from Tower Road to Campus Road for a major utility update. When it re- opens, there will be two full bus stops, broader concrete sidewalks, and a traffic light at East Avenue and Campus Road. The left-hand turn lane at that intersection will also be removed. • Mui Ho Fine Arts Library should be finished by summer’s end. 3 • Maplewood is close to fully leased, with construction finished on the Mitchell Avenue side of the project. Announcements The North Campus project is entering the municipal approval stage with sketch plan reviews at the Town and City of Ithaca and Village of Cayuga Heights. SEQR documents will be submitted to all 3 municipalities in June, and site plan review is scheduled for completion by end of summer. Adjournment: Chair David Herrick declared the meeting adjourned at 10:30 am. Municipal Guide to NYS General Municipal Law §239: Required Planning, Zoning and Subdivision Referrals DRAFT June 19, 2018 Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability 121 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-274-5560, planning@tompkins-co.org http://tompkinscountyny.gov/planning GML §239 Review Guide 2018 1 Introduction This 239 Review Guide, prepared by the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability, was developed to provide clarity to the referral and review process required by New York State General Municipal Law §239-l, m & n. This law, commonly referred to as GML §239, was established to encourage and coordinate inter-community and county-wide planning and zoning decisions between local municipalities and county planning officials. This Guide consists of three sections. Section one provides an overview to the basic GML §239 legal requirements of referral, review, and the types of projects for referral. Section two provides the guiding policy documents and recommendations that are typically used by the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability during the review process. Finally, section three addresses the process used by Tompkins County to accept, review, and complete referrals. GML §239 requires that cities, towns, and villages in Tompkins County refer particular development applications, proposed zoning changes, and comprehensive plan adoption or amendments to the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability (County Planning) for review, comment, and recommendation prior to taking final action. The purpose of this law is to bring relevant inter-community and county-wide planning, zoning, site plan and subdivision considerations to the attention of neighboring municipalities and agencies having jurisdiction. This guide uses the terms “referring body” and “municipality” interchangeably throughout the document. Which Projects Require Review? There are two criteria that must be met for projects to be subject to review. The first relates to the type of proposed development/action and the second is linked to its geographical location. Types of Projects: GML §239 states that the following proposed actions shall be subject to referral: 1. Adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan; 2. Adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or local law; 3. Issuance of special use permits; 4. Approval of site plans; 5. Approval of subdivisions;1 6. Granting of use or area variances; or 7. Other authorizations which a referring body may issue under the provisions of any zoning ordinance or local law. Geographical Locations: GML §239 states that local projects must be referred only if they affect real property within five hundred feet (500’) of any of the following 2,3: 1 GML §239-n states that the local board must refer applications for preliminary and/or final subdivision approval. Sketch plans are also referable if the local board votes to approve them. Even if sketch plans are not required to be referred, County Planning encourages local Boards to refer sketch plan applications so that we may offer comments early in the review process. 2 GML §239-n states that if any portion of the property meets one of the geographical locations then the project must be referred, even if the developed portion of the property would not be within 500 feet. Section One - General Municipal Law §239 Basics 2 1. The boundary of any city, village or town; 2. The boundary of any existing or proposed county or state park or any other recreation area; 3. The right-of-way of any existing or proposed county or state parkway, thruway, expressway, road or highway; 4. The existing or proposed right-of-way of any stream or drainage channel owned by the county or for which the county has established channel lines; 5. The existing or proposed boundary of any county or state owned land on which a public building or institution is situated; or 6. The boundary of a farm operation located in an agricultural district, as defined by article twenty-five-AA of the agriculture and markets law, except this subparagraph shall not apply to the granting of area variances. May a Municipality Modify the Types of Projects County Planning Reviews? County Planning and any municipality may enter into an agreement to identify certain proposed actions that are of local, rather than inter-community or county-wide concern, and are not subject to referral. County Planning has such an agreement with many municipalities in Tompkins County. The standard intergovernmental agreement used by Tompkins County is included in Appendix E. What Constitutes a Complete Application (Full Statement)? GML §239 requires that the municipality submit a “full statement” (or a complete application as required by local regulations) for a proposed action before County Planning begins its review. This includes: • All materials required by and submitted to the municipality as an application on a proposed action. • A completed Environmental Assessment Form (EAF)4 and all other materials required by such municipality in order to make its determination of significance pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). • For adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or local law: the complete text of the proposed ordinance or local law as well as all existing provisions to be affected thereby, if any. If it is discovered at any point during the County review process that any of the required information has not been provided and that the referral does not comprise a complete application, County Planning will notify the municipality that the submission is incomplete. Please note that GML §239 requires that any additional items that the municipality receives as part of the application be forwarded to County Planning for review. Please also note that County Planning does not review nor accept materials regarding any referral that are sent from any other source than the municipality. All GML §239 Review communications flow directly between County Planning and the municipality. How Much Time Does County Planning Have to Conduct its Review? After receiving a complete application, County Planning has 30 days 5, or longer if agreed upon by County Planning and the municipality, to provide its recommendations to the municipality. If County Planning fails to 3County Planning has developed maps showing properties that are subject to GML §239 Review (Appendix C). 4 Each project should include the environmental assessment that summarizes the project information (SEQR Environmental Assessment Form Part 1). 3 provide its recommendations within the 30 days, or agreed upon time, the municipality may take final action on the proposed action without input from the County. However, any County Planning recommendations received after 30 days, or agreed time, but at least two business days prior to final action by the municipality, must be considered as if the recommendations were received within 30 days. What are Typical County Planning Responses? County Planning typically makes one of four responses as part of its review process. Two of them require a supermajority vote to override recommendations. In other words, if County Planning recommends that a proposal be modified or disapproved, the municipality must either follow the recommendation, or override the modification or disapproval with a majority plus one vote of the full municipal board. The municipality must further state in its report of the final action the reasons for overriding County Planning’s recommendation. In some cases, County Planning may include advisory comments for the municipality to consider during deliberation. What Does the Municipality Need to Do After County Review? Within 30 days of final action, the municipality is required under GML §239 to inform County Planning about the final action taken. What Are the Legal Implications of GML §239? Case law in New York State has shown that the failure of local municipalities to follow the referral requirements of GML §239 may invalidate any final city, town or village decision in a development proposal. Thus, it is crucial that local planning and zoning municipal staff, as well as the governing body, planning and zoning boards, municipal attorneys and enforcement officers, be aware of the state law requirements. 5 Typically, County Planning spends less time than the allowed 30 days for review, however it sometimes requires the full 30 days. It is helpful if referring bodies include in the submittal any key dates for project review, including public hearing dates, dates for agenda packet distribution, etc. 1. Local Decision – No County Impact: County Planning has determined that the proposal will not create significant inter-municipal or county-wide impacts and is primarily of local concern. 2. Approval: County Planning has determined that the proposal would result in meaningful progress towards achieving officially-adopted County principles and policies and will not create significant negative inter- municipal or county-wide impacts. A recommendation for approval is non-binding and no supermajority is needed to override this recommendation. 3. Modification: County Planning has determined that the proposal does not adequately meet the guidelines outlined in this 239 Review Guide or may otherwise create significant negative inter-municipal or county- wide impacts. However, County Planning believes that these impacts could be addressed through modification of the proposal. A recommendation for modification is binding and a supermajority is needed to override this recommendation if the modifications are not made. 4. Disapproval: County Planning has determined that the proposal does not adequately meet the guidelines outlined in this 239 Review Guide or may otherwise create significant negative inter-municipal or county- wide impacts and that these impacts could not be addressed through a simple modification of the proposal. A recommendation for disapproval is binding and a supermajority is needed to override this recommendation. 4 Which Entities are Subject to GML §239? All municipalities in Tompkins County are subject to the provisions of GML §239. Section Two - County Review: Guiding Principles The intended purpose of GML §239 is to bring pertinent inter-community and county-wide matters into consideration in the review of planning, zoning, and development applications by individual municipalities. It is the intention of this GML §239 guide that Tompkins County will be able to provide consistent, transparent reviews of each project and law considered by each local municipality. This guide and its recommendations will be reviewed and updated accordingly as new information is made available. While conducting reviews, County Planning will consider the following items as defined in GML §239-l: 1. Compatibility of various land uses with one another; 2. Traffic generating characteristics of various land uses in relation to the effect of such traffic on other land uses and to adequacy of existing and proposed roadways; 3. Impact on existing and proposed County or State uses; 4. Protection of community character as it relates to predominant land uses, population density and the relation between residential and nonresidential areas; 5. Drainage and watershed; 6. Community facilities; 7. Official municipal and County development policies as may be expressed through comprehensive plans, capital programs or regulatory measures; and 8. Such other matters as may relate to the public convenience, to governmental efficiency and to the achieving and maintaining of a satisfactory community environment. As needed, County Planning will work with various county, state, and federal agencies to analyze projects for potential inter-community and county-wide impacts. Agencies that County Planning regularly work with include the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division, the Tompkins County Highway Department, the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response and the New York State Department of Transportation. Comprehensive Plan Principles and GML §239 Review The Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan seeks to encourage management and preservation of our resources to the equitable benefit of current and future generations. County Planning uses the principles and policies of the Comprehensive Plan as the underlying basis for its review of development proposals. 5 Key Guidelines Used to Review GML §239 Proposals 6 A) Common Topics: Recommendations to Modify or Disapprove a Project Below are the main aspects of proposals that have historically been deemed to have potential negative inter- community or county-wide impacts. 1. Wetlands: For projects that would disturb land within a State or Federal mapped wetland, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to redesign the project so as not to disturb the wetland or, if that is not possible, to document that the functions of the wetland were considered and elaborate on how their proposal will not negatively impact those wetland functions. These modifications are recommended to help preserve and protect water quality and other wetland functions. State (DEC) and Federal (National Wetland Inventory) wetlands on a specific site in Tompkins County can be mapped by using the Tompkins County Natural Resource Inventory. 2. Stream Buffers: For projects that would disturb land within 100’ (from edge of bank) of a perennial stream, or 50’ (from stream centerline) of an intermittent stream 7, County Planning would review the project’s potential impacts on water quality. For communities that have not established stream buffer regulations that protect water quality, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to redesign the project so as not to disturb the 100’ or 50’ buffer and vegetate that buffer if it is not currently vegetated (Reference: Enhancing Water Resources in Tompkins Co: Benefits of Riparian Areas & Stream Buffers). In locations where communities rely on municipal storm sewer systems, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to document how the project would impact water quality and quantity through the use of that system. These modifications are recommended to help preserve and protect water quality. 3. Floodplain Development: For projects that would disturb land within the 100-year floodplain, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to eliminate the need for any building or fill within the floodplain or, if that is not possible, to prepare a hydraulic analysis of the impact of localized flooding both upstream and downstream of the project (Reference: Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan (2013)). These modifications are recommended to help reduce flood risk to property up and downstream of the proposed site. 100-year floodplains on a specific site in Tompkins County can be mapped by using the Tompkins County Natural Resource Inventory and selecting the “Flood Zones” layer. 4. Unique Natural Areas: For projects that would disturb land within a designated Unique Natural Area (UNA), County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to redesign the project so as not to disturb the UNA or, if that is not possible, to document that the factors contributing to the designation of the UNA were considered and elaborate on how their proposal will not negatively impact 6 This is not an exhaustive list of topic areas or the exact language that could be used in review of projects as each development proposal requires its own unique review. County Planning will be guided by all of the Principles and Policies in the Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan (2015), as well as current research on specific topic areas, as supported by County Planning’s topical plans and strategies. The resources referenced throughout this section are available on the County Planning website. 7 Perennial and intermittent streams, and their recommended buffers, on a specific site in Tompkins County can be mapped using the Tompkins County Natural Resource Inventory. 6 the resource (Reference: Tompkins County Environment Management Council (EMC) Unique Natural Area (UNA) Inventory). These modifications are recommended to help preserve and protect the distinct properties of the UNAs. A countywide map of UNAs may be found here.8 5. Public Health: For projects with Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS), County Planning may consult with the Tompkins County Health Department (Reference: OWTS (Sewage) Systems: Procedure for Obtaining a Permit) to identify any regulatory issues. Should any issues be identified, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality condition its approval upon the applicant receiving appropriate permits from the Tompkins County Health Department. These modifications are recommended to ensure the protection of public health and safety and of water quality. 6. State/County Roads: For projects with curb cuts on any County or State road, County Planning would likely consult with the Tompkins County Highway Department or the New York State Department of Transportation to identify any concerns. Should any issues be identified, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to redesign the project to address site-specific concerns. These modifications are recommended to ensure protection of public health and safety and to safeguard the functions of state and county highways. 7. Traffic Impacts: For projects expected to generate more than 1,000 trips per day based on traffic generating estimates from the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation Manual, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to conduct a Traffic Impact Analysis. However, in places where there are existing traffic concerns County Planning may recommend a traffic study for smaller projects. These modifications are recommended to ensure a safe and efficient transportation network. 8. Sidewalk Access: For projects that are located in, or adjacent to, areas with a sidewalk network, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to provide safe connections to the sidewalk network. These modifications are recommended to help promote safe, healthy and active communities. 9. Communication Towers: For communication tower projects, County Planning will consult with the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response (DOER) to ensure the proposed use will not conflict with the County’s public safety communications system. Should conflicts be identified, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to work with DOER to address any conflict. These modifications are recommended to help ensure that public safety communications systems are maintained. 10. Building Energy Use: For residential projects of greater than 10 units or for any non-residential project, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to consider ways to reduce energy demand and/or reduce the use of fossil fuels. For municipalities that have not established their own process for addressing the energy impacts of proposed developments, the County would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to use the Tompkins County Energy Recommendations for New Construction (2018) 9 to document that each of the energy items were considered and elaborate on 8 Background information on the UNA Inventory is available at the noted links; full details of UNAs are available in the full inventory documents available for review at County Planning, municipal offices and local libraries. 9 See Appendix B. Note that the County has adopted these energy recommendations for use in its own SEQRA review process. 7 why they chose to incorporate or not incorporate the recommendations. These modifications are recommended to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 11. Large-Scale Renewable Energy Systems: For large-scale solar and wind energy systems, County Planning has prepared the Tools to Promote and Regulate the Deployment of Renewable Energy Systems (2017)10 to help promote the development of renewable energy sources in the County while addressing their potential negative impacts. For municipalities that have not developed local renewable energy regulations that address the most common impacts of renewable energy developments, the County would review the proposal using the Tools document and would likely recommend that the municipality require the applicant to conform to its recommendations. These modifications are recommended to help promote development of local renewable energy systems while addressing concerns with quality-of-life issues related to renewable energy development. 12. Distinctive Views: For residential projects of greater than 10 units, non-residential projects covering more than 10,000 square feet of land, or projects taller than 50’ and that are located within the one-mile viewshed of a Distinctive View, County Planning would review the project for potential impacts on that Distinctive View. The Tompkins County Scenic Resources Inventory identified 25 Distinctive Views in the County. Fourteen of the 25 Distinctive Views are of the area’s gorges, six include Cayuga Lake, and ten are located in one of the four State Parks. Distinctive Views can be found in all of the towns: Caroline (2), Danby (1), Dryden (1), Enfield (2), Ithaca (6), Lansing (2), Newfield (1), and Ulysses (3); in villages: Lansing (1) and Cayuga Heights (1); and in the City of Ithaca (5). For projects where County Planning thinks there may be an impact on one of these Distinctive Views, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to prepare a visual impact assessment that includes these specific views. These modifications are recommended to help preserve and protect scenic resources. A map of Distinctive Views in the County may be found here. 13. Trails: For projects that include, or are adjacent to, trails identified as priorities for the county-wide trails network (Black Diamond Trail, Ithaca-Dryden Trail, South Hill Recreation Way, Cayuga Waterfront Trail, and Finger Lakes Trail) County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to adequately buffer and provide safe connections to these trails (Reference: Tompkins Priority Trails Strategy). These modifications are recommended to help promote safe, healthy and active communities. A map of the priority trails in the County may be found here. B) Common Topics: Comments on a Project: Below are the main aspects of proposals that have historically been deemed to be important to consider, but not to rise to the level of having potential negative inter-community or county-wide impacts. These would be expressed in the form of a comment in a GML §239 letter from County Planning. 1. Natural Features Focus Areas: For projects located in Natural Features Focus Areas (NFFA), County Planning may comment that larger vegetated stream buffers be provided to help protect wildlife habitat or corridors. (References: Tompkins County Conservation Plan – Parts I and II; Enhancing Water Resources in Tompkins Co: Benefits of Riparian Areas & Stream Buffers). 10 See Appendix F. 8 2. Scenic Byway: For projects located on the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway (external link), County Planning may comment on how a project could be improved to enhance the scenic characteristics of the Byway. 3. Noteworthy Views: For residential projects of greater than 10 units, non-residential projects covering more than 10,000 square feet of land, or projects taller than 50’ and that are located within the one-mile viewshed of a Noteworthy View as identified in the Tompkins County Scenic Resources Inventory, County Planning may suggest that the applicant prepare a visual impact assessment that includes specific views. The Tompkins County Scenic Resources Inventory identified 30 Noteworthy Views in the County. The majority of Noteworthy Views are of Cayuga Lake or another of the County’s numerous scenic watercourses. These views are found throughout the County, in the Towns of Ulysses (3), Enfield (2), Newfield (2), Danby (1), Caroline (3), Dryden (4), Lansing (2), Ithaca (8), Village of Cayuga Heights (1), and the City of Ithaca (4). 4. Invasive Species: For projects that incorporate the use of an invasive species as noted on the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council’s (EMC) Regional Invasive Species list, County Planning may comment that the applicant’s use of that species could encourage the spread of invasive species in the community and suggest that native species be used instead. 5. Outdoor Lighting: For projects including outdoor lighting, County Planning may comment that the applicant’s lighting plans could result in adverse ecological impacts and may suggest alternate lighting options. (Reference: EMC Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Resource (2017)11). 6. Outdoor Recreation: For proposed residential projects of greater than 30 units, County Planning may comment that the applicants provide on-site recreational areas or, if the project is located within a quarter- mile of a public park, playground, or other recreational resource, provide a connection to nearby recreational trails or amenities in their project design. 7. Pedestrian Connections: For projects that would impact the continuity of pedestrian and bicycle connections, County Planning may comment on the sufficiency of pedestrian/bicycle connections and facilities to support the safe movement of people and maintain and improve the transportation network. 8. Transit Service: For residential projects of greater than 30 units, County Planning may comment that the applicant coordinate with Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) to support the safe movement of people and maintain and improve the transportation network. Section Three - Application and Submittal Process It is important for County Planning to provide an accessible and streamlined process for municipalities to complete and submit referrals. This section outlines that process. What is the Application Process? County Planning has developed a “one stop online shop” for municipalities to upload and submit GML §239 referrals. Municipalities should use the online form to upload project information and supporting files on a single-entry form. When the submission is received an automated confirmation email will be sent back to the municipality indicating materials have been received and that the 30 day County review period has commenced. 11 Reference also included in Appendix F. 9 The materials submitted with the online submission form should include all of the project materials required by your municipality for this to comply with the “full statement” requirement of GML §239. This includes all of the SEQR documentation available at the time of project submission. If at any time after submitting the original review materials new application materials are provided or changes are made, those materials must be provided to County Planning for review and uploaded into the online system. If a municipality requires assistance in submitting documents through the online system, please contact the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability. What is the process for submitting GML §239 Referrals? What Information is Required? The County’s Submission Form requires several different types of information: • Municipal information, such as the name of the municipality and municipal contact information for the project. • Project proposal information, such as the project name, applicant name, tax parcel number, and dates related to the review of the project. • Project details, such as the type of action being taken and how the project qualifies for GML §239 review. • Additional information, such as whether the site is served by public water and/or sewer, the number of proposed housing units, the size of proposed buildings, and the presence of floodplains, wetlands, streams, or UNAs on the project site. The municipality uploads the development proposal and related materials directly via the website. Finalizing the GML §239 Process Within the 30-day review period, County Planning examines the project materials and determines if any additional materials are required to evaluate if the proposed project may have a negative inter-community or county-wide impacts. Often County Planning will contact the municipality to clarify aspects of the project. Once Submit Referral on Website *Is it a "Full Statement " YES 30 Day Review Begins County Requests Full StatementNO 10 County Planning has completed its review, it will send a letter with its recommendations and comments to the municipality. GML §239 further requires that each municipality inform the County of its decision on the proposed project including if County recommendations were incorporated into the decision. A resolution or follow up email providing an overview of that decision are appropriate ways to provide that follow up. Questions about the Process? It is the intent of County Planning to update this guide on an annual basis or as needed in order to provide a clear and streamlined process to address any questions or concerns about the referral application and submittal process. Please direct any comments or questions to: Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability 121 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-274-5560 planning@tompkins-co.org Appendices Appendix A: Handout Suitable for Developers - 239 Review Guiding Principles Appendix B: Tompkins County Energy Recommendations for New Construction (2018) Appendix C: Properties Subject to County Planning Agency Review Under GML §239 Appendix D: New York State General Municipal Law §239-l, m & n Appendix E: Standard Intergovernmental Agreement Template Appendix F: Recently Developed Planning Documents • Summary of Recommendations for the Deployment of Solar Energy Systems and Wind Energy Systems (2017) • Tompkins County Environmental Management Council (EMC)’s Recommendations for Indoor and Outdoor Lighting (2017) Appendix A: Handout Suitable for Developers ‐ 239 Review Guiding Principles    We have summarized the material from this Guide that we believe developers may find most useful.  Please feel free to share as you see fit.      1    Key Guidelines Used by County Planning to Review GML §239 Proposals The intended purpose of GML §239 is to bring pertinent inter‐community and county‐wide matters into  consideration in the review of planning, zoning, and development applications by individual  municipalities. It is the intention of this GML §239 guide that Tompkins County will be able to provide  consistent, transparent reviews of each project and law considered by each local municipality. This guide  and its recommendations will be reviewed and updated accordingly as new information is made  available.       While conducting reviews, County Planning will consider the following items as defined in GML §239‐l:   1. Compatibility of various land uses with one another;   2. Traffic generating characteristics of various land uses in relation to the effect of such traffic on  other land uses and to adequacy of existing and proposed roadways;   3. Impact on existing and proposed County or State uses;   4. Protection of community character as it relates to predominant land uses, population density  and the relation between residential and nonresidential areas;   5. Drainage and watershed;  6. Community facilities;  7. Official municipal and County development policies as may be expressed through  comprehensive plans, capital programs or regulatory measures; and  8. Such other matters as may relate to the public convenience, to governmental efficiency and to  the achieving and maintaining of a satisfactory community environment.    As needed, County Planning will work with various county, state, and federal agencies to analyze  projects for potential inter‐community and county‐wide impacts. Agencies that County Planning  regularly work with include the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division, the Tompkins County  Highway Department, the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response and the New York  State Department of Transportation.     County Planning uses the principles and policies of the Comprehensive Plan as the underlying basis for  its review of development proposals.  The Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan seeks to encourage  management and preservation of our resources to the equitable benefit of current and future  generations.   A) Common Topics: Recommendations to Modify or Disapprove a Project Below are the main aspects of proposals that have historically been deemed to have potential negative  inter‐community or county‐wide impacts.  1. Wetlands: For projects that would disturb land within a State or Federal mapped wetland, County  Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to redesign the project so  as not to disturb the wetland or, if that is not possible, to document that the functions of the  2    wetland were considered and elaborate on how their proposal will not negatively impact those  wetland functions. These modifications are recommended to help preserve and protect water  quality and other wetland functions. State (DEC) and Federal (National Wetland Inventory) wetlands  on a specific site in Tompkins County can be mapped by using the Tompkins County Natural  Resource Inventory.   2. Stream Buffers: For projects that would disturb land within 100’ (from edge of bank) of a  perennial stream, or 50’ (from stream centerline) of an intermittent stream1, County Planning would  review the project’s potential impacts on water quality.   For communities that have not established stream buffer regulations that protect water quality,  County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to redesign the  project so as not to disturb the 100’ or 50’ buffer and vegetate that buffer if it is not currently  vegetated (Reference: Enhancing Water Resources in Tompkins Co: Benefits of Riparian Areas &  Stream Buffers).   In locations where communities rely on municipal storm sewer systems, County Planning would  likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to document how the project would  impact water quality and quantity through the use of that system. These modifications are  recommended to help preserve and protect water quality.   3. Floodplain Development: For projects that would disturb land within the 100‐year floodplain,  County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to eliminate the  need for any building or fill within the floodplain or, if that is not possible, to prepare a hydraulic  analysis of the impact of localized flooding both upstream and downstream of the project  (Reference: Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan (2013)).  These modifications are  recommended to help reduce flood risk to property up and downstream of the proposed site. 100‐ year floodplains on a specific site in Tompkins County can be mapped by using the Tompkins County  Natural Resource Inventory and selecting the “Flood Zones” layer.  4. Unique Natural Areas: For projects that would disturb land within a designated Unique Natural  Area (UNA), County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to  redesign the project so as not to disturb the UNA or, if that is not possible, to document that the  factors contributing to the designation of the UNA were considered and elaborate on how their  proposal will not negatively impact the resource (Reference: Tompkins County Environment  Management Council (EMC) Unique Natural Area (UNA) Inventory). These modifications are  recommended to help preserve and protect the distinct properties of the UNAs. A countywide map  of UNAs may be found here.2  5. Public Health: For projects with Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS), County Planning  may consult with the Tompkins County Health Department (Reference: OWTS (Sewage) Systems:  Procedure for Obtaining a Permit) to identify any regulatory issues. Should any issues be identified,  County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality co ndition its approval upon the  applicant receiving appropriate permits from the Tompkins County Health Department. These                                                          1 Perennial and intermittent streams, and their recommended buffers, on a specific site in Tompkins County can be mapped  using the Tompkins County Natural Resource Inventory.      2 Background information on the UNA Inventory is available at the noted links; full details of UNAs are available in the full  inventory documents available for review at County Planning, municipal offices and local libraries.  3    modifications are recommended to ensure the protection of public health and safety and of water  quality.  6. State/County Roads: For projects with curb cuts on any County or State road, County Planning  would likely consult with the Tompkins County Highway Department or the New York State  Department of Transportation to identify any concerns. Should any issues be identified, County  Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to redesign the project to  address site‐specific concerns. These modifications are recommended to ensure protection of public  health and safety and to safeguard the functions of state and county highways.   7. Traffic Impacts: For projects expected to generate more than 1,000 trips per day based on traffic  generating estimates from the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation Manual,  County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to conduct a  Traffic Impact Analysis.  However, in places where there are existing traffic concerns County  Planning may recommend a traffic study for smaller projects. These modifications are  recommended to ensure a safe and efficient transportation network.     8. Sidewalk Access: For projects that are located in, or adjacent to, areas with a sidewalk network,  County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to provide safe  connections to the sidewalk network. These modifications are recommended to help promote safe,  healthy and active communities.  9. Communication Towers: For communication tower projects, County Planning will consult with  the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response (DOER) to ensure the proposed use will  not conflict with the County’s public safety communications system.  Should conflicts be identified,  County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to work with  DOER to address any conflict.  These modifications are recommended to help ensure that public  safety communications systems are maintained.  10. Building Energy Use: For residential projects of greater than 10 units or for any non‐residential  project, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to  consider ways to reduce energy demand and/or reduce the use of fossil fuels. For municipalities that  have not established their own process for addressing the energy impacts of proposed  developments, the County would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to use  the Tompkins County Energy Recommendations for New Construction (2018) to document that each  of the energy items were considered and elaborate on why they chose to incorporate or not  incorporate the recommendations. These modifications are recommended to help reduce  greenhouse gas emissions.  11. Large‐Scale Renewable Energy Systems: For large‐scale solar and wind energy systems,  County Planning has prepared the Tools to Promote and Regulate the Deployment of Renewable  Energy Systems (2017) to help promote the development of renewable energy sources in the County  while addressing their potential negative impacts. For municipalities that have not developed local  renewable energy regulations that address the most common impacts of renewable energy  developments, the County would review the proposal using the Tools document and would likely  recommend that the municipality require the applicant to conform to its recommendations. These  modifications are recommended to help promote development of local renewable energy systems  while addressing concerns with quality‐of‐life issues related to renewable energy development.  4    12. Distinctive Views: For residential projects of greater than 10 units, non‐residential projects  covering more than 10,000 square feet of land, or projects taller than 50’ and that are located within  the one‐mile viewshed of a Distinctive View, County Planning would review the project for potential  impacts on that Distinctive View. The Tompkins County Scenic Resources Inventory identified 25  Distinctive Views in the County. Fourteen of the 25 Distinctive Views are of the area’s gorges, six  include Cayuga Lake, and ten are located in one of the four State Parks. Distinctive Views can be  found in all of the towns: Caroline (2), Danby (1), Dryden (1), Enfield (2), Ithaca (6), Lansing (2),  Newfield (1), and Ulysses (3); in villages: Lansing (1) and Cayuga Heights (1); and in the City of Ithaca  (5).  For projects where County Planning thinks there may be an impact on one of these Distinctive  Views, County Planning would likely recommend that the municipality require applicants to prepare  a visual impact assessment that includes these specific views. These modifications are  recommended to help preserve and protect scenic resources. A map of Distinctive Views in the  County may be found here.   13. Trails: For projects that include, or are adjacent to, trails identified as priorities for the county‐ wide trails network (Black Diamond Trail, Ithaca‐Dryden Trail, South Hill Recreation Way, Cayuga  Waterfront Trail, and Finger Lakes Trail) County Planning would likely recommend that the  municipality require applicants to adequately buffer and provide safe connections to these trails  (Reference: Tompkins Priority Trails Strategy). These modifications are recommended to help  promote safe, healthy and active communities. A map of the priority trails in the County may be  found here.    B) Common Topics: Comments on a Project: Below are the main aspects of proposals that have historically been deemed to be important to  consider, but not to rise to the level of having potential negative inter‐community or county‐wide  impacts. These would be expressed in the form of a comment in a GML §239 letter from County  Planning.  1. Natural Features Focus Areas: For projects located in Natural Features Focus Areas (NFFA),  County Planning may comment that larger vegetated stream buffers be provided to help protect  wildlife habitat or corridors. (References: Tompkins County Conservation Plan – Parts I and II;  Enhancing Water Resources in Tompkins Co: Benefits of Riparian Areas & Stream Buffers).  2. Scenic Byway: For projects located on the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway (external link), County  Planning may comment on how a project could be improved to enhance the scenic characteristics of  the Byway.   3. Noteworthy Views: For residential projects of greater than 10 units, non‐residential projects  covering more than 10,000 square feet of land, or projects taller than 50’ and that are located within  the one‐mile viewshed of a Noteworthy View as identified in the Tompkins County Scenic Resources  Inventory, County Planning may suggest that the applicant prepare a visual impact assessment that  includes specific views. The Tompkins County Scenic Resources Inventory identified 30 Noteworthy  Views in the County. The majority of Noteworthy Views are of Cayuga Lake or another of the  County’s numerous scenic watercourses. These views are found throughout the County, in the  5    Towns of Ulysses (3), Enfield (2), Newfield (2), Danby (1), Caroline (3), Dryden (4), Lansing (2), Ithaca  (8), Village of Cayuga Heights (1), and the City of Ithaca (4).  4. Invasive Species: For projects that incorporate the use of an invasive species as noted on the  Tompkins County Environmental Management Council’s (EMC) Regional Invasive Species list, County  Planning may comment that the applicant’s use of that species could encourage the spread of  invasive species in the community and suggest that native species be used instead.   5. Outdoor Lighting: For projects including outdoor lighting, County Planning may comment that  the applicant’s lighting plans could result in adverse ecological impacts and may suggest alternate  lighting options. (Reference: EMC Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Resource (2017).  6. Outdoor Recreation: For proposed residential projects of greater than 30 units, County Planning  may comment that the applicants provide on‐site recreational areas or, if the project is located  within a quarter‐mile of a public park, playground, or other recreational resource, provide a  connection to nearby recreational trails or amenities in their project design.  7. Pedestrian Connections: For projects that would impact the continuity of pedestrian and  bicycle connections, County Planning may comment on the sufficiency of pedestrian/bicycle  connections and facilities to support the safe movement of people and maintain and improve the  transportation network.  8. Transit Service: For residential projects of greater than 30 units, County Planning may comment  that the applicant coordinate with Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) to support the safe  movement of people and maintain and improve the transportation network.      Appendix B: Tompkins County Energy Recommendations for New Construction (2018)                                                                    For more information contact the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability at 274-5560 or planning@tompkins-co.org Tompkins County Energy Recommendations for New Construction (2018) The Tompkins County Energy Roadmap is intended to help inspire immediate action to reduce energy use and transition to renewable energy as a way to help meet our County’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% compared to 2008 by 2050. Constructing buildings at higher energy efficiency standards and incorporating renewable energy systems are essential to attaining that goal. For more information on these recommendations, please see the Green Energy Incentives Assessment Project Final Report (2016), http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/planning/energy-greenhouse-gas#incentives New Construction Projects Applicants should address how they will support this goal, including documenting that they have considered each of the following four energy elements. 1) ENERGY STAR® products include a wide range of equipment and appliances that are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Water saving fixtures can reduce energy needed for hot water. Recommendations: • Require that water fixtures meet EPA’s Water Sense requirements. • Require that permanent appliances (apartment refrigerators, restaurant cooking equipment, etc.) be ENERGY STAR rated. 2) Recent advances in heat pump design have reduced installation costs and made them more cost- effective than electric resistance heat, propane, and oil, and close in life cycle costs to natural gas. Use of electric heat pumps allows elimination of fossil fuels as they can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic. Recommendations: • Utilize electrically-powered heat pump systems (ground- or air-source heat pumps); avoid boiler- assisted heat pump systems, avoid systems that burn fossil fuels. • Utilize air-source heat pump hot water heaters. 3) The state has a goal that 50% of NYS electricity will be generated by renewables (solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass) by the year 2030. Recommendations: • Design roofs to be “solar receptive”: Maximize area available for solar collection systems. For pitched roofs, place roof-mounted components (plumbing vents, exhaust fans, etc.) on north- facing roof surfaces, to keep south-facing surfaces available for solar collection systems. Orient one roof surface to the south, plus/minus 30 degrees, to maximize potential for solar energy. • Maximize solar collection systems on available roof areas, and consider using high-production solar panels to maximize solar production for a given roof area, especially for medium-rise and high -rise buildings. 4) Energy-efficient building design begins with the building envelope – the walls, windows, foundations, and roof. Recommendations: Tompkins County Energy Recommendations for New Construction (2018), cont. Page 2 of 2 • Design to window-to-wall ratio less than 25% (the new energy code requires 30% or less). Keep large windows on south-facing surfaces and important facades; minimize windows on north- facing surfaces and in spaces that see low occupancy (stairwells, corridors, utility rooms, etc.). • Avoid unusually complex building shapes. • Use 20% more insulation R-value than required by the energy code. • Use best practices for minimizing infiltration and stack effect, and require inspection/commissioning of these elements: vestibules at entrance doors, air sealing around window and door frames, sealing at exterior wall/floor junctions, and guarded blower door testing of individual spaces or entire building floors. Greater than 20 Units - New Construction Projects In addition to the above, applicants should also document that they have considered each of the following three additional energy elements. 5) Lighting controls and high-efficiency lighting technology (such as LED or induction) offer significant benefits including greatly reduced energy use and cost, sophisticated controls, simplified maintenance, and longer life. Recommendations: • Perform lighting design on a space-by-space basis, using the space-by-space lighting power density method (not the whole-building method). Use LED lighting where possible. Design to lighting power density of 15% less than required by the energy code. • Require occupancy sensors where possible, for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Require short off-delay (1 minute or less), and commissioning of lighting controls. 6) High-efficiency heating and cooling systems may cost incrementally more than standard-efficiency but have a positive payback over their useful life. Recommendations: • Select high-efficiency heating and cooling plants with rated efficiencies at least 15% higher than required by the NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code. • Select high-efficiency domestic hot water (DHW) plants with rated efficiencies at least 15% higher than required by the NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code. • Avoid placing heating and cooling distribution systems in unheated spaces, such as attics, basements, etc. Give preference to systems that have efficient distribution systems and low distribution losses (for example, room-by-room fan coils). • Use energy-recovery ventilation systems in air-conditioned buildings, and heat-recovery ventilation systems in buildings that do not have air-conditioning. Design ventilation systems to be separate from heating and cooling systems. • Assess ductwork for heating, cooling and ventilation. If leakage is greater than 10%, seal chases and shafts with aerosol duct-sealing process. • Select heating/cooling systems that allow thermal zoning on a space-by-space basis. 7) Whole-building energy modeling can allow you to dramatically reduce energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and even reduce some construction costs. Recommendation: • Employ whole-building energy modeling to optimize building energy performance. Appendix C: Properties Subject to County Planning Agency Review Under GML §239       1    Appendix D: New York State General Municipal Law §239‐l, m & n    GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW    § 239‐l. Coordination of certain municipal zoning and planning actions; legislative intent and policy.   1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section and sections two hundred thirty‐nine‐m and two hundred thirty‐ nine‐n of this article, the following terms shall apply:   a. "County planning agency" means a county planning board, commission or other agency authorized by  the county legislative body to review proposed actions referenced for inter‐community or county‐wide  considerations subject to the provisions of this section, and sections two hundred thirty‐nine‐m and two  hundred thirty‐nine‐n of this article.   b. "Regional planning council" means a regional planning board or agency established pursuant to the  provisions of this chapter.     2. Intent. The purposes of this section, sections two hundred thirty‐nine‐m and two hundred thirty‐nine‐n of this  article shall be to bring pertinent inter‐community and county‐wide planning, zoning, site plan and subdivision  considerations to the attention of neighboring municipalities and agencies having jurisdiction. Such review may  include inter‐community and county‐wide considerations in respect to the following:   a. compatibility of various land uses with one another;   b. traffic generating characteristics of various land uses in relation to the effect of such traffic on other  land uses and to the adequacy of existing and proposed thoroughfare facilities;   c. impact of proposed land uses on existing and proposed county or state institutional or other uses;   d. protection of community character as regards predominant land uses, population density, and the  relation between residential and nonresidential areas;   e. drainage;   f. community facilities;   g. official municipal and county development policies, as may be expressed through comprehensive  plans, capital programs or regulatory measures; and   h. such other matters as may relate to the public convenience, to governmental efficiency, and to the  achieving and maintaining of a satisfactory community environment.     3. Review considerations. In no way shall the review of inter‐community and county‐wide considerations  pursuant to the provisions of this section, or pursuant to sections two hundred thirty‐nine‐m and two hundred  thirty‐nine‐n of this article, preclude a county planning agency or a regional planning council from making  informal comments, or supplying such technical assistance as may be requested by a municipality.    § 239‐m. Referral of certain proposed city, town and village planning and zoning actions to the county  planning agency or regional planning council; report thereon; final action.   1. Definitions. As used herein:   a. The term "proposed" as used in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (b) of subdivision three of this  section shall be deemed to include only those recreation areas, parkways, thruways, expressways, roads    2    or highways which are shown on a county comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to section two  hundred thirty‐nine‐d of this article or adopted on an official map pursuant to section two hundred  thirty‐nine‐e of this article.   b. The term "referring body" shall mean the city, town or village body responsible for final action on  proposed actions subject to this section.   c. The term "full statement of such proposed action" shall mean all materials required by and submitted  to the referring body as an application on a proposed action, including a completed environmental  assessment form and all other materials required by such referring body in order to make its  determination of significance pursuant to the state environmental quality review act under article eight  of the environmental conservation law and its implementing regulations. When the proposed action  referred is the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or local law, "full statement of such  proposed action" shall also include the complete text of the proposed ordinance or local law as well as  all existing provisions to be affected thereby, if any, if not already in the possession of the county  planning agency or regional planning council. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this  paragraph, any referring body may agree with the county planning agency or regional planning council  as to what shall constitute a "full statement" for any or all of those proposed actions which said  referring body is authorized to act upon.   d. The term "receipt" shall mean delivery of a full statement of such proposed action, as defined in this  section, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the county planning agency or regional planning  council with respect to person, place and period of time for submission. In no event shall such rule or  regulation define delivery so as to require in hand delivery or delivery more than twelve calendar days  prior to the county planning agency's or regional planning council's meeting date. In the absence of any  such rules or regulations, "receipt" shall mean delivery in hand or by mail to the clerk of the county  planning agency or regional planning council. Where delivery is made in hand, the date of receipt shall  be the date of delivery. Where delivery is made by mail, the date as postmarked shall be the date of  delivery. The provisions of this section shall not preclude the rules and regulations of the county  planning agency or regional planning council from providing that the delivery may be a period greater  than twelve days provided the referring body and the county planning agency or regional planning  council agree in writing to such longer period.     2. Referral of proposed planning and zoning actions. In any city, town or village which is located in a county  which has a county planning agency, or, in the absence of a county planning agency, which is located within the  jurisdiction of a regional planning council duly created pursuant to the provisions of law, each referring body  shall, before taking final action on proposed actions included in subdivision three of this section, refer the same  to such county planning agency or regional planning council.     3. Proposed actions subject to referral.   a. The following proposed actions shall be subject to the referral requirements of this section, if they  apply to real property set forth in paragraph (b) of this subdivision:   i. adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan pursuant to section two hundred seventy‐ two‐a of the town law, section 7‐722 of the village law or section twenty‐eight‐a of the general  city law;   ii. adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or local law;   iii. issuance of special use permits;   iv. approval of site plans;     3    v. granting of use or area variances;   vi. other authorizations which a referring body may issue under the provisions of any zoning  ordinance or local law.     b. The proposed actions set forth in paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall be subject to the referral  requirements of this section if they apply to real property within five hundred feet of the following:   i. the boundary of any city, village or town; or   ii. the boundary of any existing or proposed county or state park or any other recreation area; or   iii. the right‐of‐way of any existing or proposed county or state parkway, thruway, expressway,  road or highway; or   iv. the existing or proposed right‐of‐way of any stream or drainage channel owned by the county  or for which the county has established channel lines; or   v. the existing or proposed boundary of any county or state owned land on which a public  building or institution is situated; or   vi. the boundary of a farm operation located in an agricultural district, as defined by article  twenty‐five‐AA of the agriculture and markets law, except this subparagraph shall not apply to  the granting of area variances.     c. The county planning agency or regional planning council may enter into an agreement with the  referring body or other duly authorized body of a city, town or village to provide that certain proposed  actions set forth in this subdivision are of local, rather than inter‐community or county‐wide concern,  and are not subject to referral under this section.     4. County planning agency or regional planning council review of proposed actions; recommendation, report.   a. The county planning agency or regional planning council shall review any proposed action referred for  inter‐community or county‐wide considerations, including but not limited to those considerations  identified in section two hundred thirty‐nine‐l of this article. Such county planning agency or regional  planning council shall recommend approval, modification, or disapproval, of the proposed action, or  report that the proposed action has no significant county‐wide or inter‐community impact.   b. Such county planning agency or regional planning council, or an authorized agent of said agency or  council, shall have thirty days after receipt of a full statement of such proposed action, or such longer  period as may have been agreed upon by the county planning agency or regional planning council and  the referring body, to report its recommendations to the referring body, accompanied by a statement of  the reasons for such recommendations. If such county planning agency or regional planning council fails  to report within such period, the referring body may take final action on the proposed action without  such report. However, any county planning agency or regional planning council report received after  thirty days or such longer period as may have been agreed upon, but two or more days prior to final  action by the referring body, shall be subject to the provisions of subdivision five of this section.     5. Extraordinary vote upon recommendation of modification or disapproval. If such county planning agency or  regional planning council recommends modification or disapproval of a proposed action, the referring body shall  not act contrary to such recommendation except by a vote of a majority plus one of all the members thereof.       4    6. Report of final action. Within thirty days after final action, the referring body shall file a report of the final  action it has taken with the county planning agency or regional planning council. A referring body which acts  contrary to a recommendation of modification or disapproval of a proposed action shall set forth the reasons for  the contrary action in such report.     § 239‐n. Referral of certain proposed subdivision plats to the county planning agency or regional planning  council; report thereon; final action.   1. Definitions. As used herein:   a. The term "proposed" as used in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (a) of subdivision three of this  section shall be deemed to include only those recreation areas, parkways, thruways, expressways, roads  or highways which are shown on a county comprehensive plan, adopted pursuant to subdivision seven  of section two hundred thirty‐nine‐d of this article, or shown on an official map adopted pursuant to  section two hundred thirty‐nine‐e of this article.   b. The term "undeveloped plat" shall mean those plats already filed in the office of the clerk of the  county in which such plat is located where twenty percent or more of the lots within the plat are  unimproved unless existing conditions, such as poor drainage, have prevented their development.   c. The term "referring body" shall mean the city, town or village body authorized by a municipal  legislative body to approve preliminary or final plats or to approve the development of undeveloped  plats and/or plats already filed in the office of the county clerk.     2. Referral of proposed plats. In any city, town or village which is located in a county which has a county  planning agency authorized by the county legislative body to review preliminary or final plats or to approve the  development of undeveloped plats, the clerk of the municipal planning agency, upon receipt of application for  preliminary and/or final approval of a subdivision plat or proposal to develop an undeveloped plat and/or plats  already filed in the office of the county clerk, shall refer certain of such plats to the county planning agency. In  the absence of a county planning agency, the county legislative body may authorize a regional planning council  whose geographic area includes the county, to perform the review functions prescribed herein.     3. Plats subject to referral.   a. The following applications for approval of preliminary or final plats and undeveloped plats shall be  subject to the referral requirements of this section, if the application applies to real property within five  hundred feet of the following:   i. the boundary of any city, village, or town; or   ii. the boundary of any existing or proposed county or state park or other recreation area; or   iii. the right‐of‐way of any existing or proposed county or state parkway, thruway, expressway,  road or highway; or   iv. the existing or proposed right‐of‐way of any stream or drainage channel owned by the county  or for which the county has established channel lines; or   v. the existing or proposed boundary of any county or state owned land on which a public  building or institution is situated; or   vi. the boundary of a farm operation located in an agricultural district, as defined by article  twenty‐five‐AA of the agriculture and markets law.       5    b. The county planning agency or regional planning council may enter into an agreement with the  referring body or other duly authorized body of a city, town or village to provide that certain proposed  plats are of local, rather than inter‐community or county‐wide concern, and are not subject to referral  under this section.     4. County planning agency or regional planning council review of proposed plats; recommendation, report.   a. The county planning agency or regional planning council, when authorized by the county legislative  body, shall review any referred plat for inter‐community or county‐wide considerations, including but  not limited to those considerations identified in section two hundred thirty‐nine‐l of this article. The  county planning agency or regional planning council may adopt such rules and regulations as are  necessary to perform such function. Such county planning agency or regional planning council shall  recommend approval, modification, or disapproval, of such plat, or report that such plat has no  significant county‐wide or inter‐community impact.   b. Such county planning agency or regional planning council, or an authorized agent of said agency or  council, shall have thirty days after receipt of a preliminary or final plat or proposal to develop an  undeveloped plat, or such longer period as may have been agreed upon by the county planning agency  or regional planning council and the referring body, to report its recommendations to the referring  body, accompanied by a statement of the reasons for such recommendations. If such county planning  agency or regional planning council fails to report within such period, the referring body may take final  action on the referred plat without such report. However, any county planning agency or regional  planning council report received after thirty days or such longer period as may have been agreed upon,  but two or more days prior to final action by the referring body, shall be subject to the provisions of  subdivision five of this section.     5. Extraordinary vote upon recommendation of modification or disapproval. If such county planning agency or  regional planning council recommends modification or disapproval of a referred plat, the referring body shall  not act contrary to such recommendation except by a vote of a majority plus one of all the members thereof.     6. Report of final action. Within thirty days after final action, the referring body shall file a report of the final  action it has taken with the county planning agency or regional planning council. A referring body which acts  contrary to a recommendation of modification or disapproval of a proposed action shall set forth the reasons for  the contrary action in such report. 1    Appendix E: Standard Inter‐governmental 239 Agreement Template    Inter‐governmental Agreement  Tompkins County Review of Local Zoning and Planning Actions  Under New York State General Municipal Law     I. This agreement is made this ____________ day of ___________, 2018 between the Tompkins  County Planning Department and the Municipality.    A. Authority and Purpose of State Law  The authority for county planning agency review of certain local planning and zoning actions  is provided in Article 12‐B, Section 239 (l, m & n) of New York State General Municipal Law  (GML).   The purpose as stated in law is “to bring pertinent inter‐community and county‐ wide planning, zoning, site plan and subdivision considerations to the attention of  neighboring municipalities and agencies having jurisdiction.”   B. Current Practice in Tompkins County  The Tompkins County Charter gives responsibility for the implementation of this county  review to the Commissioner of Planning.  All matters identified in GML Section 239 (m & n)  are currently subject to review.  C. Authority for Inter‐governmental Agreement  GML Section 239 (m) specifically authorizes the county planning agency to “enter into an  agreement with the referring body or other duly authorized body of a city, town or village to  provide that certain proposed actions set forth in this subdivision are of local, rather than  inter‐community or county‐wide concern, and are not subject to referral under this section.”  GML Section 239 (n) authorizes the same agreement with respect to subdivision plats.    II. Items to be Excluded from Review    Pursuant to the authority cited herein the parties to this agreement do hereby agree that the  following items are of local, rather than inter‐community or county‐wide, concern and are not  subject to referral to the Tompkins County Planning Department under New York State General  Municipal Law Article 12‐B Section 239 (l, m & n):    A. Lot frontage, width or depth variances for residential uses;  B. Lot area variances for additions to residential uses on existing non‐conforming lots;  C. Special Permits or Site Plan Reviews for permitted accessory uses and home occupations on  residential lots;  D. Residential subdivisions of fewer than 5 lots all of which comply with local zoning standards  and Tompkins County Sanitary Code requirements, and do not involve new local roads or  streets directly accessing a State or county road;  E. Yard setback variances not abutting County or State property, a State or County road right  of way, or a municipal boundary;  F. Site Plan Reviews or Special Permits for change of commercial use in an existing building not  involving any change in building footprint and with no change in vehicular access on a State  or County highway;  G. Sign variances exceeding local standards by 20% or less.  2      III. Execution, Termination and Modification    A. The undersigned parties attest that they have the authority to enter into this    agreement.   This agreement shall become effective upon execution by both parties.  B. The agreement shall remain in effect unless terminated by 60 days advance written notice  by either party.  Such notice shall be by certified mail to the Tompkins County Commissioner  of Planning or the authorized local municipal official, as appropriate.   C. The agreement may be modified by mutual agreement of the parties hereto.    By:   ____________________________________  ______________________                Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning               Date      ____________________________________  ______________________  Planning Board Chair      Date                                  Appendix F: Recently Developed Planning Documents    Resources are included as reference documents for local governments to use as they development laws.  Documents also include details from which Tompkins County will reference in advocating for impacts to  Tompkins County.     Summary of Recommendations for the Deployment of Solar Energy Systems and Wind Energy  Systems (2017)   Tompkins County Environmental Management Council (EMC)’s Recommendations for Indoor  and Outdoor Lighting (2017)      **See the notes section of this report for additional information about this recommendation. Roof-Mounted and Building-Integrated Solar Energy Systems Appropriate Locations. Roof-Mounted and Building-Integrated Solar Energy Systems should be permitted as-of-right on all other permitted buildings and structures throughout the community. Height. Roof-Mounted and Building-Integrated Solar Energy Systems should be required to meet the same height restrictions as any other building or structure. In other words, if located on a principal building they should meet the height requirements of a principal building; if located on an accessory building, they should meet the height requirements of an accessory building. **Historic Districts. Municipalities with historic districts should establish specific guidelines and standards for building owners that wish to install solar energy systems. To the extent possible, the requirements should not involve any additional review beyond that required of any other alteration to an existing historic building. Accessory Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems Appropriate Locations. Accessory Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems should be permitted as- of-right accessory uses throughout the community. Height. Accessory Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems should be required to meet the same height restrictions as any other accessory building or structure. **Location on a Property. (a) Accessory Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems should be required to meet the same setback requirements as any other accessory building or structure. (b) In residential zoning districts, Accessory Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems should be located in side or rear yards, to the extent practical. Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems Appropriate Locations. (a) Communities should conduct a thorough review of all their zoning districts to determine in which Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems would be appropriate. As a general rule of thumb, Industrial Zoning Districts and Agricultural Zoning Districts would be appropriate, as would some Rural and Low-Density Residential Zoning Districts and some Commercial Zoning Districts. Other Zoning Districts may also be suited for such energy systems. (b) Where the municipality’s comprehensive plan does not address renewable energy systems, add language indicating the critical nature of these systems to our energy future and identify the types of areas where they are appropriate. Height. Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems should be required to meet the same height restrictions as an accessory building or structure. Recommendations for Municipal Tools to Promote and Regulate the Deployment of Solar Energy Systems **See the notes section of this report for additional information about this recommendation. Location on a Property. Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems should be required to meet the same setbacks as any other principal building, but not be required to have more than 30 foot rear or side setbacks. Approval Process. Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems should be permitted either with a special use permit or with a site plan review and a public hearing on proposals should be required. **Decommissioning. There is no specific recommendation concerning decommissioning. Refer to the NYSERDA Decommissioning Fact Sheet for guidance. **Glare from Systems. When located where glare may be an issue for specific uses, communities should require the preparation of a glare analysis for proposed Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems. **Stormwater Management. Unless located over an existing parking lot or other already-paved area, a vegetative cover should be established and maintained underneath solar panels in Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems. Management of that vegetative cover should be reviewed as part of the local municipal review of the project. Natural hydrology should be maintained to the maximum extent practical and stormwater management plans required only when already required by a municipality’s stormwater management law or where hydrology is being significantly modified. Screening. Screening of Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems should only be required to address site- specific conditions identified during local municipal review. **Agricultural Resources. Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems should avoid large extents (10 acres or more) of actively-farmed prime agricultural soils. Land underneath solar panels within agricultural areas should be maintained as vegetative cover. For any proposed disturbance of ten acres or more of prime agricultural soils, communities should consider the value of requiring a soil reclamation plan and related financial guarantee of plan implementation. **Natural Resources. (a) Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems should avoid Critical Environmental Areas, Unique Natural Areas, slopes in excess of 15%, clearing extensive areas of forest, and previously-identified distinctive viewsheds. Any systems located in these areas should be required to take appropriate mitigation measures. (b) NYS DEC regulated wetlands should be avoided. Development in federally-identified wetlands should be avoided, but could be considered where wetland hydrological function can be maintained and no endangered or threatened species would be impacted. (c) Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and wildlife corridors should be reviewed for potential impacts on a case-by-case basis. **Water Quality. Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems should be prohibited within 100-foot buffers of perennial streams and 50-foot buffers of intermittent streams. Flood Hazard Areas. Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems, including any related fill, should be prohibited within 100-year floodplains. Any incidental and unavoidable development within the floodplain should be required to assess changes to flood levels, runoff quantity, and velocity resulting from any structure, facility, or fill within a floodplain. No structure, facility, or fill of any kind should be permitted within a floodway.  Recommendations: Solar Energy Systems, cont. **See the notes section of this report for additional information about this recommendation. Small-Scale Wind Energy Systems Appropriate Locations. Small-Scale Wind Energy Systems consisting of a single turbine should be a permitted as-of-right accessory use throughout the community. **Setbacks. Setbacks for Small-Scale Wind Energy Systems from lot lines should be the total height of the installation plus 10 feet, unless the affected adjoining property owner agrees otherwise in writing. This setback should be measured from the center of the tower. Location on a Property. In residential zoning districts, Small-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be located in the side or rear yards, to the extent practical. Height. Small-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be allowed to exceed otherwise-established maximum height requirements. Medium-Scale Wind Energy Systems Appropriate Locations. Communities should conduct a thorough review of all their zoning districts to determine in which Medium-Scale Wind Energy Systems would be appropriate. As a general rule of thumb, Industrial Zoning Districts and Agricultural Zoning Districts would be appropriate, as would some Rural Zoning Districts and some Commercial Zoning Districts. Other Zoning Districts may also be suited for such energy systems. (b) Where the municipality’s comprehensive plan does not address renewable energy systems, add language indicating the critical nature of these systems to our energy future and identify the types of areas where they are appropriate. Approval Process. Medium-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be permitted through a site plan review process in order to ensure that proposed installations comply with the standards established by the community. **Setbacks. (a) Setbacks for Medium-Scale Wind Energy Systems from lot lines should be 1.5 times the total height of the installation. (b) Setbacks from neighboring residences, schools, churches, and libraries should be 2 times the total height of the installation, unless the affected adjoining property owner agrees otherwise in writing. Height. Medium-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be allowed to exceed otherwise-established maximum height requirements. **Natural Resources. Medium-Scale Wind Energy Systems should avoid Critical Environmental Areas, Unique Natural Areas, slopes in excess of 15%, and clearing extensive areas of forest. Any systems located in these areas should be required to take appropriate mitigation measures. **Scenic Resources. Medium-Scale Wind Energy Systems located in previously-identified distinctive or noteworthy viewsheds should be required to prepare a visual impact analysis. Recommendations for Municipal Tools to Promote and Regulate the Deployment of Wind Energy Systems **See the notes section of this report for additional information about this recommendation. Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems Approval Process. Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be permitted either with a special use permit or with a site plan review and a public hearing on proposals should be required. **Setbacks. (a) Setbacks for Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems from lot lines should be 1.5 times the total height of the installation. (b) Setbacks from neighboring residences, schools, churches, and libraries should be 2 times the total height of the installation, unless the affected adjoining property owner agrees otherwise in writing. Height. Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be allowed to exceed otherwise-established maximum height requirements. **Decommissioning. There is no specific recommendation concerning decommissioning. Refer to the NYSERDA Decommissioning Fact Sheet for guidance. **Stormwater Management. When stormwater management plans are required by the community under existing stormwater management ordinances, the impacts of towers, roads, utility lines, and all appurtenant facilities should be considered. **Agricultural Resources. Proposals for Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be reviewed for potential impacts on agricultural operations. **Natural Resources. Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems should avoid Critical Environmental Areas, Unique Natural Areas, slopes in excess of 15%, and clearing extensive areas of forest. Any systems located in these areas should be required to take appropriate mitigation measures. **Water Quality. (a) Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be prohibited within 100-foot buffers of perennial streams and 50-foot buffers of intermittent streams. (b) Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be prohibited in wetlands. **Scenic Resources. Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems located in previously-identified distinctive or noteworthy viewsheds should be required to prepare a visual impact analysis. **Wildlife. Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and impacts on migratory routes and Important Bird Areas should be assessed on a case-by-case basis when proposals are reviewed by municipal officials. **Birds and Bats. Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems should be the subject of bird and bat studies performed in accordance with NYSDEC guidelines. **Shadow Flicker. Communities should require a preliminary (and, if indicated, a more comprehensive) shadow flicker analysis for all proposed Large-Scale Wind Energy Systems. If shadow flicker will occur for more than 30 hours per year on any one nearby residence or facility, mitigation steps should be required. **Ice Throw. No additional recommendations are provided for ice throw as the recommended setbacks are designed, in part, to minimize the impact of ice throw. **Noise and Vibration. Communities should either (a) establish the following noise standards to be measured at neighboring residences, schools, churches, and libraries: x a design goal of 40 dBA; x a long-term average sound limit of 45 dBA; and x a short-term (10-20 minute) maximum sound limit of 50 dBA; or (b) if the community wishes to use setbacks instead of sound measurements to address noise impacts, require that wind turbines be set back from residences, schools, churches and libraries by at least 1,150 feet. Recommendations: Wind Energy Systems, cont. TTOOMPKINS COUNTY EENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 121 East Court Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Telephone (607) 274-5560 http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/emc ENVIRONMENTAL ALERT IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIGHTING Background Over the last decade there have been both rapid advances in lighting technology and converging lines of scientific inquiry documenting health and environmental issues with “blue light”.1 Municipalities, businesses, schools, and individuals all need to be aware of the implications of the lighting decisions they make. Recent studies indicate that a substantial composition of blue light in the spectrum is conducive to productive work for persons who work inside during the day, but deleterious to human health at night, altering circadian rhythms necessary for a “good night's sleep”. Besides human-health impacts, blue light has been implicated in a wide range of ecological impacts as well as increased “sky glow” at night. Minimizing blue light output at night for human health reasons also decreases these additional deleterious impacts. 1 Picture the color spectrum of a rainbow. “Blue light” refers to short wavelength visible light in general, and spans from a violet-blue to a green-blue visible color (~380 to ~500 nanometer wavelengths). In this document, we refer to this color range simply as blue light. Indoor lighting technology.We are moving away from the familiar warm yellow-orange incandescent lights to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which offer better efficiency and economics over time and a wider range of spectrum and light intensity. Although commercially available LEDs include some that are similar to incandescent bulbs, we find ones termed “warm white,” “cool white,” and "daylight,” all of which have a higher proportion of blue light emissions. Outdoor lighting technology.For street lights, the old standard high-pressure sodium bulbs with their orange-hued spectral output are in many cases being replaced with more efficient bright-white LEDs, greatly increasing the municipality's blue light output at night. (In 2016 Binghamton, NY, finished transition of its ~2000 orange-hued high- pressure sodium street lights to bright-white LEDs.) Personal electronic devices. Luminous computer screens, tablets, and smart phones also emit blue wavelength light with potential health impacts. Many operating systems on these devices now include software (or apps can be added) that can be set to limit the devices’ blue light emissions at night. (As of 2017, the computers Ithaca public schools provide to students for home use do not include such capabilities.) Recommendations Municipalities 1. Transition to LED street lights with low blue light emissions.Even street lights with 3000K CCT 2 have increased blue light output compared with existing high-pressure sodium street lights, which are ~2100K CCT. Ideally, from a human health and ecological impact standpoint, street light conversion to LED would involve the equivalent (or lower) blue light output as that from high-pressure sodium (~2100K CCT) street lights. While street light 2 “CCT” stands for “Correlated Color Temperature” and uses the Kelvin temperature scale to roughly indicate spectral content of whitish light. Lower CCT points toward warmer hues (yellowish, orangish) with a lower percentage of blue light, while higher CCT points toward cooler hues (greenish, blueish) and higher blue-light output. manufacturers have been promoting 3000K+ CCT varieties, “amber” LED street lights are available that have very low blue light output (<2000K CCT). While these may be not be the most energy efficient LEDS on the market (i.e. ~3% less efficient), there is still a great energy & maintenance savings compared with existing gas discharge or metal halide street lighting. 2. Avoid using metal halide fixtures for street lights or other outdoor lighting. These are typically strong blue wavelength emitters and less efficient than LEDs. (e.g., Ithaca Wal-Mart parking lot) 3. Consider incorporating Dark Sky 3 outdoor lighting standards into municipal codes. This includes stipulating that no light be directly emitted horizontal or above the horizontal plane of the light — in other words, all direct light emission should be downward. Dark Sky standards currently call for all outdoor lighting to be no higher than 3000K CCT. Yet 3000K CCT is typically composed of substantial blue light. Municipalities should encourage no greater than 2700K CCT for outdoor lighting, and lower if possible. 2700K CCT is readily commercially available for about the same cost as higher CCT lighting. Luminous intensity (brightness) is another metric that should be stipulated in municipal codes and minimized to the extent possible. 4. Consider special outdoor light codes or actions that further reduce blue light emissions for lighting in proximity to natural areas. 5. Schools should consider incorporating automatic night time blue light filters into laptops provided to students for home use. Residential and business lighting 1. Transition to LEDs with 2700K CCT or lower indoor and outdoor lighting at night. Higher CCT lighting should be considered for indoor lighting during the day to simulate the spectral characteristics of sunlight and help maximize human productivity for businesses. Use Energy Star 4 rated LEDs that include the “Lighting Facts” label.5 3 http://www.darksky.org 4 https://www.energystar.gov/ 5 http://www.lightingfacts.com/ 2. Municipalities may want to consider incentives for homeowners (and businesses) to encourage transition to <2700 CCT outdoor lighting. These could be as simple as a letter of thanks that includes a waterproof sticker to apply at the doorway to a building. 3. Use software and apps for automatically minimizing blue light output from computer monitors, tablets, and smart phones, etc. at night. 4. Do not use “bug zappers.” These lights have high ultraviolet (UV) and blue light output, kill many useful insects, and attract insects from afar to the vicinity of your residence. 5. Porch, deck, and front door lights with low UV and blue light emissions minimize insect attraction and thereby lead to a more comfortable outdoor experience for people. Further reading American Medical Association. 2016. CSAPH Report 2-A-16. Human and Environmental Effects of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Community Lighting. American Medical Association. http://darksky.org/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/AMA_Report_2016_60.pdf Christensen et al. 2016. Direct Measurements of Smartphone Screen-Time: Relationships with Demographics and Sleep. PLoS One. 2016; 11(11): e016533 l. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0165331 Holzman D.C. 2010. What's in a color? The unique human health effect of blue light. Environ Health Perspect [Internet]. 118(1):A22-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2831986/