HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-15 Planning and Economic Development Committee Meeting AgendaPEDC Meeting
Planning and Economic Development Committee
Ithaca Common Council
DATE: February 11, 2015
TIME: 6pm
LOCATION: 3rd floor
City Hall Council Chambers
AGENDA ITEMS
Item Voting
Item?
Presenter(s) Time
Start
1) Call to Order/Agenda Review
2) Public Comment and Response from Committee
Members
3) Special Order of Business
a) Special Presentation – Exterior Property
Maintenance Ordinance
4) Announcements, Updates, and Reports
a) Comprehensive Plan
5) Action Items – Voting to Send on to Council
a) Commons Legislation
b) City Watershed Conservation Easements
6) Action Items – Approval to Circulate
a) Repeal of Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone
b) Proposal to Amend Industrial Zone
c) Proposed Ithaca Gun Site Rezoning
7) Discussion
a) Work plan 2015
8) Review and Approval of Minutes
a) November 2014
b) January 2015 (sent under separate cover)
9) Adjournment
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Seph Murtagh, Chair
Various
Megan Wilson, Planning Staff
Julie Holcomb, City Clerk
Ari Lavine, City Attorney
Megan Wilson, Planning Staff
Jennifer Kusznir, Planning Staff
Jennifer Kusznir, Planning Staff
6:00
6:05
6:20
6:50
7:00
7:30
8:00
8:15
8:30
8:45
9:00
9:05
If you have a disability and require accommodation in order to full participate, please contact the City
Clerk at 274‐6570 by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 10th, 2015.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850‐6590
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Telephone: 607-274-6570
Department of Public Information & Technology
Julie Conley Holcomb, City Clerk Fax: 607-274-6432
CONCEPT MEMO
To: Svante Myrick, Mayor
Common Council
Commons Advisory Board
Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
Planning & Development Board
Aaron Lavine, City Attorney
Phyllis Radke, Director of Zoning Administration
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
Mike Niechwiadowicz, Director of Code Enforcement
JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning & Development
Michael Thorne, Superintendent of Public Works
Edward Marx, Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning
From: Julie Conley Holcomb, City Clerk
Date: February 5, 2015
Subj: Revisions to Chapter 157 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled “Commons”.
History:
The original Commons legislation was adopted as an appendix to the City Code in 1975 as the
“Commons Operations Manual and Vending Cart Regulations”. In 2005, Chapter 157 entitled
“Commons” was enacted for the purpose of providing legislation that could be enforced as needed.
In 2015, the newly renovated Commons will once again be fully available to its many users and the
Commons Advisory Board wanted to use this opportunity to update the legislation to reflect the changes
in use and infrastructure..
Intent:
This memo is intended to highlight any significant changes proposed in the legislation.
§ 157-4. Creation of Board; responsibilities:
The Commons Advisory Board acknowledges that a board membership of 14 is too difficult to maintain.
They are proposing that the total membership be reduced to 9 members: 6 members appointed by the
Mayor with approval of Common Council with a balance of people from within and outside of the business
district, and 3 voting ex-officio members – the Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the City Clerk,
and the Superintendent of Public Works or their designees.
§ 157-7. General Commons rules; signs, displays and temporary planters.
(2) Noise Permits:
The Commons Advisory Board would like to legislate what the current practice is. Weekday use of
amplified sound is restricted to the lunch hour (11 am – 2 pm) and after 5:00 pm so that business can be
conducted comfortably within the buildings in close proximity to the performance stage. For every hour of
music, performers must schedule 20 minutes of quiet time to give businesses and residents a brief
reprieve from the sound. Special events that have been permitted by the city’s Special Event Team are
exempt from this provision.
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(3) Requests for multiple events in a calendar year.
This provision is intended to prevent people from monopolizing the performance stage.
§ 157-9. Vehicles on the Commons
The Commons Advisory Board and the Department of Public Works drafted a new permitting system so
people who need to drive on the Commons for commercial or residential purposes can be identified when
needed.
§ 157-12. Dogs and Other Animals
The Commons Advisory Board is in favor of allowing dogs that are licensed pursuant to NYS law,
adequately restrained, and under the control of its owner, on the Commons. Currently, the only dogs
allowed on the Commons are dogs that belong to people who work or live on the Commons and who
have a permit.
§ 157-13. Posting of bills and notices
This section acknowledges the new information kiosks that will be installed near the main entrances to
the Commons. These kiosks will be maintained by the DIA.
§ 157-14. Newsracks
This section acknowledges the new newsracks that will be installed on the Commons. The Commons
Advisory Board will approve a policy for the use of the newsracks (ie. how choices will be made if there is
greater demand than supply) and the DIA will maintain the newsracks.
§ 157-15. Refuse
This language reflects the current practice put into place during the Commons construction. The system
works very well and the Commons Advisory Board would like to see it continue.
§ 157-20. Street Performers
This section regulates street performers on the Commons. The Commons Advisory Board considers the
opportunity to perform on the Commons a privilege, and would like to set expectations and requirements
for people to follow.
Article III. Outdoor Dining
§ 157-21. Applications; rules of operation; permits; appeals.
This new language addresses the persistent issue of boundary creep by creating a fine structure for
violations. In addition, the Commons Advisory Board would like to require restaurants to post a permit
certificate in their window that includes a sketch of the number and placement of tables agreed to. This
will make the agreement between the city and the restaurant completely transparent.
Article IV. Mobile Vending:
§157-22 Mobile Vending Cart Regulations:
The Commons Advisory Board and city staff support new mobile cart regulations that would require
vendors to have battery-operated, self-contained, wheeled carts. With the $15 million investment made in
downtown, we feel that it is important that vendors on the Commons have a professional business
appearance and that the new surfaces of the Commons are protected to the greatest extent possible.
These requirements originated in Burlington, Vermont and were customized for the Ithaca Commons.
If you have questions or would like further information regarding the Commons, please feel free to contact
me at jholcomb@cityofithaca.org, (607) 274-6570; or Commons Advisory Board Chair Kris Lewis at
kris@downtownithaca.com , (607) 277-8679.
ORDINANCE NO. 2015-
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca that Chapter
157 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled “Commons” be amended as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 157 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code shall hereby be repealed and
replaced with the following:
Article I. General Provisions; Commons Advisory Board
§ 157-1. Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Ithaca Commons Rules."
§ 157-2. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the use and maintenance of the Ithaca Commons so
as to promote the general welfare and public use of said area.
§ 157-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD
That board, duly appointed by the Mayor, with approval of the Common Council, charged with
various activities and/or powers relating to the Ithaca Commons by the Common Council.
ITHACA COMMONS
A. The following described two areas:
(1) PRIMARY COMMONS — That area of public property between the south building lines on
the north side and the north building lines on the south side of the former bed and associated
sidewalks of East State/East Martin Luther King, Jr. Street between the east line of Cayuga
Street and the west line of Aurora Street and that area of public property between the west
building lines on the east side and the east building lines on the west side of the former bed and
associated sidewalks of North Tioga Street between the north line of East State Street/East
Martin Luther King, Jr. and the south line of Seneca Street.
(2) SECONDARY COMMONS — That area of public property between the south building lines
on the north side and the north building lines on the south side of the 100 and 200 blocks of
East Green Street, the 300 block of East State/East Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, the 100
block of West State/West Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and the 100 and 200 blocks of East
Seneca Street and the public property between the east building lines on the west side and the
west building lines on the east side of the 100 and 200 blocks of North Aurora Street, the 100
block of South Aurora Street, the 200 block of North Tioga Street, the 100 block of South
Cayuga Street and the 100 block of North Cayuga Street.
B. Unless otherwise stated, "Ithaca Commons" or "Commons" shall mean both the Primary
Commons and the Secondary Commons as described above.
[ITHACA DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP] ITHACA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT
A not-for-profit business improvement league which engages in the following program areas for
downtown Ithaca: business retention and development; promotions and marketing; government
relations; image marketing. The Ithaca Downtown Business Improvement District is also
known as the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA).
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NEWSRACKS
Any self-service or coin-operated box, container, storage unit or other dispenser installed, used,
or maintained for the display, distribution or sale of newspapers, magazines, news periodicals,
or other news publications.
SHOPPING CARTS
Any cart, basket, container or other device made of wire, metal, plastic or other material,
mounted on wheels, manually operated that is generally provided by merchants/stores
for the conveyance of merchandise, foodstuffs and other property to automobiles and
other places.
STANDARD AWNING
A nonstructural addition to the facade of any building, which is covered in fabric or other flexible
membrane. The fabric or membrane is supported by a rigid frame of tubing or other
noncombustible material. A standard awning must be capable of being rolled up or retracted to
within one foot of the face of the structure to which it is attached. Such standard awning must
not be capable of projecting from the face of the structure upon which it is mounted more than
four feet from the face of the structure and must be no taller than four feet. The standard awning
must be mounted on the face of the structure to provide for an unobstructed clearance below
the rigid frame of the standard awning of seven feet above the sidewalk below. A nonrigid
valance may hang no greater than one foot below the rigid frame.
STANDARD CANOPY
A nonstructural addition to the facade of any building, which is covered in fabric or other flexible
membrane. The fabric or membrane is supported by a rigid frame of tubing or other
noncombustible material. A standard canopy is one that is constructed so that it cannot be
retracted. Such standard canopy may only project from the face of the structure upon which it is
mounted four feet from the face of the structure and may be no taller than four feet. The
standard canopy must be mounted on the face of the structure to provide for an unobstructed
clearance below the rigid frame of the standard canopy of eight feet above the sidewalk below.
A nonrigid valance may hang no greater than one foot below the rigid frame.
§ 157-4. Creation of Board; responsibilities.
A. There shall be a Commons Advisory Board as follows:
(1) Membership. The membership of the Commons Advisory Board shall consist of 14
members: one representative from the Common Council, one representative from the Board of
Public Works, four representatives from the Ithaca Downtown Business Improvement District
and five representatives from outside the Ithaca Downtown Business Improvement District (at
large). nine total members. Six members will be appointed by the Mayor with the approval
of Common Council and membership shall be balanced between members inside and
outside of the Downtown Ithaca Business Improvement District. The Executive Director of
the [Ithaca Downtown Partnership] Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the City Clerk, and the
Superintendent of Public Works or their designees shall serve as voting members. Board
members will be appointed by the Mayor with Common Council approval for serve staggered
two-year terms.
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(2) Officers. The Commons Advisory Board will have two officers a Chair and Vice Chair, to be
elected at the first regular meeting of each calendar year at which there is a quorum present.
Nominations for these offices will be made from the floor with election by a majority of those
members present at the meeting.
(3) Officers' duties. The Chair will preside at meetings and have such other appropriate duties
as may be assigned by the Board. The Vice Chair shall assist the Chair and preside at meetings
in the Chair's absence. If both the Chair and Vice Chair are absent, an acting Chair will be
selected by the Board.
(4) Quorum. A quorum will consist of eight five members.
(5) Action. Action may be taken by vote with a quorum of eight five members present at a
regular or special meeting. The Chair will be a voting member on all actions. Actions shall pass
by vote of a majority of members present.
(6) Meetings. Regular public meetings will be held with the place and time to be determined by
the Board. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Chair or a majority of Board
members. Members will be notified of scheduled meetings by e-mail at least three days in
advance.
(7) Review of Ithaca Commons rules. The provisions of this chapter will be reviewed periodically
and a report thereof, including recommendations for modification, submitted to the Mayor and
Council.
B. The Commons Advisory Board shall have the following responsibilities:
(1) Direct. The Commons Advisory Board shall have direct responsibility and the ability to
delegate and revoke activities relating to the matters listed below:
(a) Use of the Commons; issuance of permits.
[1] Use of the Commons for, and scheduling of, any of the following purposes:
[a] Entertainment.
[b] Cultural, social, civic, religious, and educational events.
[c] Commercial sale of goods or products, solicitation, outdoor dining and use of mobile vending
carts.
[2] In circumstances when there is not adequate time to convene the Advisory Board to review a
permit request, the Chair may, with the concurrence of five additional Board members through
e-mail correspondence, authorize the issuance of a permit. The Board may authorize the
Chair alone, or the City Clerk, to approve certain types of permits as specified.
(b) Type, size and placement of private advertising and identification signs on the Commons in
accordance with Chapter 272, Signs, provided that such review and approval or disapproval
shall not be required when the private advertising and/or identification sign is in connection with
a marquee, canopy or sunscreen when the permission for the marquee, canopy or sunscreen
has been granted by the Planning and Development Board or the Ithaca Landmarks
Preservation Commission pursuant to
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Chapter 170, Encroachments.
(c) Design and placement of public identification, informational and directional signs and
graphics on the Commons.
(d) Design and placement of, and materials used in, street furniture, such as benches, outside
dining facilities, trash containers, flags, kiosks, [phone booths], playground equipment,
commemorative plaques, and similar items used on public property on the Commons.
(e) Design, placement and use of decorations on the Commons.
(f) Installation or use of public or private sound amplification and transmission systems or
equipment on the Commons.
(g) Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Mayor or Common Council and
to make such other recommendations to the Mayor and Council and other public boards,
officials, groups, or individuals as may be appropriate relative to the operation and
administration of the Commons.
(2) Indirect. The Commons Advisory Board will review and advise on those matters listed below:
(a) Type, placement and amount of landscaping on the Commons.
(b) Public lighting on the Commons.
(c) Public and private construction, renovation and rehabilitation of building facades and open
spaces (parking areas, entries, etc.) except for the installation of a standard awning or a
standard canopy and demolition on the Commons. Review shall be in terms of aesthetic
character, visual effect and operational impact, provided that such review and advice shall not
be required when the construction, renovation and rehabilitation applies to a marquee, canopy
or sunscreen where the approval for such marquee, canopy or sunscreen has been granted by
the Planning and Development Board or the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
pursuant to Chapter 170, Encroachments.
(d) Public maintenance and repair on the Commons.
(e) Traffic movement, parking and delivery methods around the Primary and Secondary
Commons.
(f) General maintenance of order on the Commons.
(g) Placement, size, and type of public artwork, in any form, on and around the Primary and
Secondary Commons.
Article II. Use of the Commons
§ 157-5. Commons permits.
A. Permit classes. Commons use permits will be required for all events, activities, displays,
exhibits, commercial sales and other uses of the Commons. Such use permits will be issued in
accordance with the provisions of this section. General classes of permits that will be referred to
the City Clerk or the Commons Advisory Board include:
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(1) Commons use permits, including pavilion reservations, special event permits, information
table permits, merchant requests to display goods, and driving on the Commons. For
information on Commons loading zones, see § 157-9H.
(2) Use of amplified sound on the Commons including public address systems, bullhorns, sound
amplifiers, and loud-natured acoustical musical instruments, such as horns, drums, and other
percussion instruments.
(3) Animals Licensed dogs are allowed on the Commons by permit[s,] only [including
permits] for residents and businesses on the Commons, with written permission from the
property owner. The permit allows the dog to be brought onto the Commons by the
shortest and most direct path to and from the business or residence. It does not allow
the dog to be on the Commons in any other way. The permit is valid for one year from the
time of issuance, and must be carried with the dog’s owner at all times.
(4) External speaker permits for businesses on the Commons which utilize external sound
systems that project onto the Commons.
(5) Outdoor dining permits, including storefront dining permits for restaurants, and Commons
space permits for use by the [Ithaca Downtown Partnership] Downtown Ithaca Alliance..
(6) Mobile vending agreements. including monthly, seasonal, and annual vending agreements.
B. Permit issuance.
(1) All requests for permits must be submitted to the City Clerk's office. The City Clerk may ask
for additional information, and/ or request a personal appearance before the Commons
Advisory Board to present the details of a permit application.
(2) Review of permit requests shall include scheduling of specific time, [and] duration, and
location of the proposed use or activity [, length of time that the permit is to be valid, and]. It
may also include any special conditions or restrictions that should be placed on the permit.
Permits will be approved by the City Clerk or his/her designee for a specific activity, specific
date, specific time period, and specific location on the Commons.
(3) The Commons Advisory Board shall serve as an appeals board for people whose permit
applications have been denied or who feel that unreasonable restrictions have been placed
upon their permit.
(4) When a request is approved or conditionally approved by the Board, the issuance of a permit
will be authorized subject to any conditions which have been imposed by the Board or which
may be required by the City. Permits will be issued by the City Clerk or his/her designee. The
applicant will be notified of the Board's decision within five business days after a decision has
been rendered.
(5) Any permit which has been reviewed and approved by either the City Clerk or the Commons
Advisory Board may be revoked or amended if it is determined that the activity for which the
permit was issued is not being carried out in a manner that meets the terms of the permit.
(6) If a request for a permit is denied by the Board, the applicant will be informed of the reasons
therefor in writing within five business days of the decision.
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(7) The City Clerk will be responsible for notifying appropriate City staff of permit issuance.
(8) A record of all Board actions will be maintained pursuant to applicable laws.
C. Report of permit activity. A report on requests for permits and approved activities scheduled
will be made at the regular meeting of the Commons Advisory Board.
§ 157-6. Responsibilities of permit holder.
A. The responsibilities of the permit holder shall be:
(1) To supervise all materials, displays, products, equipment, and volunteers. and any other
material at all times.
(2) To entirely remove or properly dispose of all material and equipment used in any activity at
the end of the use time and to leave the Commons in the same or better condition than
when the event began. See also § 157-18A. Maintenance Guidelines
(3) To remove [or] and properly dispose of all litter and trash created by the permit holder's
activity, use, or event.
(4) To hold the City of Ithaca free and clear of any responsibility for any materials, products or
equipment used in any activity or event on the Commons and for any damages, accidents or
incidents which may occur in conjunction therewith.
(5) To show proof, when required by the City Clerk, that liability insurance in an amount to be
determined based on the nature of the event has been obtained, naming the City of Ithaca as
an “Additional Insured” on the certificate.
(6) To comply with all of the applicable conditions and guidelines as set forth by the Commons
Advisory Board and the City of Ithaca. in issuing a permit
(7) To provide a security deposit, when required by the Superintendent of Public Works, the
Commons Advisory Board or the City Clerk, to cover anticipated cleaning and repair costs.
(8) To show proof, when required, of various documents including a New York State sales tax
certificate or Health Department certificate.
B. A permit holder or vendor shall not discriminate against the people attending his or her event
or patronizing his or her business because of actual or perceived: age, creed, color, disability,
ethnicity, familial status, gender, height, immigration or citizenship status, marital status,
national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or weight.
§ 157-7. General Commons rules; signs, displays and temporary planters.
[Amended 4-5-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-10]
A. The following rules apply to all uses and activities on the Commons:
(1) The f[F]ire lane[s are] is to be kept open and free of any obstructions at all times. No
exhibit or item will be permitted to locate in [a] the fire lane.
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(2) Permits for use will be valid for the assigned space between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and
10:00 p.m.[, and]. In scheduling events and activities on the Commons, consideration will be
given to the people living and doing business on and around the Commons. Amplified sound, is
allowed on the Commons by permit only. On weekdays, amplified sound is allowed from
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, amplified
sound is allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Performers will be required to schedule
20 minutes of quiet time for every hour of amplified sound.[before 10:00 a.m. and may not
extend beyond 10:00 p.m.] Requests to extend the hours of amplified sound may be made
to the Commons Advisory Board. [without special permission by the Commons Advisory
Board.]
These regulations do not pertain to Special Events that are regulated under §132-7 of the
City of Ithaca Municipal Code.
(3) No user will be permitted to reserve a location on the Commons for more than five events in
any calendar year with the exception of the [Ithaca Downtown Partnership] Downtown Ithaca
Alliance. A single event is defined as being limited to three consecutive days in duration.
Applicants requesting events of a longer duration may be temporarily placed in mobile vending
sites as available. Requests for multiple permitted events (3 or more) in a calendar year,
by a single user requires approval by the Commons Advisory Board. Requests for
weekly recurring events will be considered by the Commons Advisory Board for
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
(4) Rain dates will not be scheduled at the time the original permit is issued but, in case of rain,
every effort will be made to reschedule the event at the earliest appropriate time upon written
request from the event organizer. Reapplication for a permit will not be required.
(5) Disrupting the natural flow of pedestrian traffic or the ingress to or egress from storefronts
and businesses shall be is prohibited.
(6) No person shall litter, [or] throw, or scatter material of any kind on the Commons.
(7) Sale of merchandise on the sidewalks or public thoroughfares on the Primary/Secondary
Commons shall not be permitted without a vending agreement valid permit, except that the
sale of event-specific items and items related to, and being sold by, a not-for-profit organization,
or a business located on the Primary/Secondary Commons shall be allowed pursuant to
approval and permit by the City Clerk and/or Commons Advisory Board.
(8) Promotional, advertising, banners or other materials are not to be placed across the
Commons or affixed to any pavilion[s] or other infrastructure, except in cases where a
Commons use permit has been approved.
(9) No person shall climb upon or permit minors in his/her custody to climb upon the fountain
structure, any structure, public art piece, light poles, or trees, or into planters on the Commons.
(10) No items or animals shall be leashed, affixed or bound to any light poles, trees, planters,
pavilions or other infrastructure on the Commons, except in cases where approval by the
Department of Public Works or the City Clerk has been granted.
(11) The Commons can be reserved for "Sidewalk Sale Days," at which time Commons
merchants would be allowed to display and sell merchandise on the Ithaca Commons. [with a
Commons use permit approved by the Commons Advisory Board.]
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(12) Aggressive solicitation is prohibited pursuant to Chapter 250 of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code.
(13) Overnight sleeping on the Commons is prohibited except upon approval of a permit by the
Commons Advisory Board.
(14) Shopping Carts as defined in §157-3 above are not allowed on the Commons.
B. Signs; merchandise displays; temporary planters. A business, organization, or establishment
may have a signs and/or displays, to advertise the business in that location. Outdoor display of
goods and merchandise are limited to the items sold within the retail establishment, subject to
the following restrictions or privileges:
(1) There may be only one a total of two freestanding signs or displays (not both) per business
entrance, regardless of the number of businesses or organizations within the building. Where
the word "sign" is used alone hereinafter, it refers to a sign or display.
(2) For the Primary Commons, freestanding signs may be up to 48 inches tall. and must abut
the building, extending only 24 inches into the sidewalk area or to the fire lane, whichever is
less. Signs may not extend beyond 7 feet from the building front. into the fire lane. For the
Secondary Commons, signs may be up to 48 inches tall by 24 inches wide and must be placed
by the curb of the street in front of their building face, not blocking the opening of car doors or
access to parking meters, and must allow at least 60 inches (five feet) for a pedestrian right-of-
way between the sign and the buildings.
(3) All signs must be made of durable material and be heavy enough to remain in place in all
weather and must present a professional appearance.
(4) Signs must be maintained in good condition, with no rust, peeling paint, peeling laminate or
broken sections. , and Outdoor signs and displays must not include any objects with sharp
edges, protrusions or other features which may be hazardous to the public.
(5) Merchandise displays may be 60 inches tall. and extend 24 inches into the sidewalk area or
to the fire lane, whichever is less. Displays may not extend into the fire lane beyond 7 feet from
the building front. The display base shall be of a size no greater than 24 inches square and shall
be made of a durable material and shall be heavy enough to remain standing in all weather.
Displays must be maintained in good condition. [as are the signs]. The owner of signs or
displays must keep the area around the signs clear of snow and debris on and around the signs
at all times. See also § 157-18A. Maintenance Guidelines
(6) Temporary planters for flowers and plant display shall abut the building and extend no more
than 18 24 inches into the pedestrian walkway or the fire lane, whichever is less. A planter must
be at least 18 24 inches tall at the lip of the planter. Planters may extend the length of the
business. Planters must be maintained in good condition, filled with plants or flowers, and must
be kept free of snow and debris in and around the planters. See also § 157-18A. Maintenance
Guidelines
(7) No sign, merchandise display or planter may block or obstruct a fire suppression system
affixed to a building or impede traffic flow in or out of building entrances.
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(8) Businesses with outdoor dining permits must keep their signs, merchandise displays and
planters within their designated outdoor dining area.
(9) All signs and merchandise displays must be taken in at the close of the business day and
inclement weather conditions. See also § 157-18A. Maintenance Guidelines
(10) Downtown Ithaca Alliance [The Ithaca Downtown Partnership] shall be allowed to place
signs for community events and concerts at or near the Bernie Milton Pavilion [four Commons
pavilions and/or] and the three four entrances to the Commons (Aurora Street, Cayuga Street,
and Seneca Street and Home Dairy Alley). These signs shall not impede pedestrian traffic or
block fire lanes.
(11) Signs, Outdoor food sales and merchandise displays and planters are not permitted
during Special Events on the Commons. Outdoor dining establishments with an
agreement with the City are exempt from this provision. listed as food vendor blackout
dates, as per the Ithaca City Clerk's office.
(12) The building owner shall be liable for any violations under this Section. and §157-32. The
building owner is responsible for following the requirements of the City of Ithaca Sign
Ordinance (Chapter 272) in determining the rights of building tenants to place signs,
merchandise displays or planters on the Commons. The building owner may not charge any
fees for the use of a sign in public space.
§ 157-8. Amplified sound, lights and other electrical equipment.
A. Except by special permit issued by the Commons Advisory Board or its designee, no person
shall operate or cause to be operated on the Ithaca Commons any boom box, tape recorder,
radio or other device for electronic sound amplification in a loud, annoying or offensive manner
such that noise from the device interferes with conversation or with the comfort, repose, health
or safety of others. within any building or at a distance of 25 feet or greater. Refer to City of
Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 240 entitled “Noise” for further information.
B. Except by special permit issued by the Commons Advisory Board or its designee, no person
shall operate or cause to be operated any boom box, stereo system, tape recorder, radio or
other device from on or inside any building on the Ithaca Commons, the sound from which is
directed outside towards the pedestrian mall.
C. The provisions of Subsections A and B above shall not apply to emergency warning devices,
sirens, alarms or other devices being used solely for public safety purposes.
D. Amplified sound may be used between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and between 5:00 p.m. and
10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Saturday and
Sunday, upon approval of a noise permit by the Commons Advisory Board or its designee.
Sound levels should be kept low and subject to immediate volume reduction upon [when]
request[ed] by any City official, staff member of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca
Downtown Partnership], or member of the Commons Advisory Board.
E. The use of supplemental lighting, movie and slide projectors and any other type of electrical
equipment or display will be carefully reviewed by the City Clerk, City Electrician, and the
Commons Advisory Board so as to minimize nuisance or hazard conditions.
§ 157-9. Vehicles on the Commons.
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A. A. Only service and business delivery vehicles are allowed on the Commons pursuant to
the approval of a Commons use permit. Permits shall be issued for use between the hours of
6:300 am and 9:300 a.m. and between 9:30 p.m. and 12:00 am each day of the week
except on days when major festivals are planned. A valid pay and display ticket shall be
visible on the dash of each vehicle. All vehicles shall enter the Commons on the West
end (Cayuga Street) and exit on the East end (Aurora Street). All vehicles shall remain on
the edge of the Fire Lane. Businesses with rear access should continue to use that
space for deliveries and service work. Vehicles may not be unattended for more than 5
minutes. No parking of vehicles is allowed. Any vehicles remaining on the Commons after
9:00 a.m. shall be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
Requests to drive a vehicle on the Commons during daytime other hours, vehicles with a
gross weight over 10,000 pounds, and vehicles with trailers, require additional
consideration and permission granted a permit issued by the City Clerk. and/or the Mayor.
before a Commons Use Permit may be issued. Permits will only be issued for a two hour time
period.
B. No Vvehicles shall not operate at a speed greater than five miles per hour., and tThe use of a
flagger and/or hazard flashing lights is required for any permit granted by the City Clerk .
C. If it is necessary for vehicles to operate in reverse gear while on the Commons, a flagger is
required. This provision shall not apply to emergency vehicles when operating during an
emergency situation.
D. Any vehicle which must remain on the Commons as an integral part of a display or exhibit or
if extended service is necessary must be able to be moved immediately.
E. Except for businesses without rear access, delivery vehicles will not be permitted to drive on
the Commons for front door delivery. Permits for delivery vehicles will only be issued for after
9:00 p.m. and before 9:00 a.m.
F. Municipal and utility vehicles will be permitted on the Commons for the minimum time
necessary to complete their task. Notification of such shall be made to the City Clerk’s
office prior to beginning the work, when possible.
G. Precautionary measures must be taken to prevent dripping of oil, transmission fluid and other
fluids on the concrete when a vehicle is stopped. In the event that drippings of oil or other fluids
occur, the set guidelines for removal of stains on concrete pavers, listed in this ordinance must
be followed. See also § 157-18A. Maintenance Guidelines
H. Ithaca Commons loading zones. Use of the loading zones at the entrances to the Commons
is strictly reserved for vehicles making deliveries or loading and unloading passengers. No other
use of the loading zones shall be made without the express written permission of the Chief of
the Police Department.
§ 157-10. Bicycles and other wheeled devices.
A. Riding of bicycles, roller skates, skateboards and similar wheeled devices is prohibited on the
Primary and Secondary Commons. Standing or sitting astride a bicycle with one leg on either
side of the bicycle is also prohibited. Wheelchairs, baby strollers [carriages] and similar devices
intended for the convenience and comfort of infants or people with disabling conditions are
permitted on the Commons. Nothing herein shall prohibit a pedestrian from walking a bicycle on
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the Primary Commons or having a bicycle or skateboard in the pedestrian's possession while on
the Commons.
B. No person shall park any bicycle against windows, trees, light poles, planters or other
infrastructure [on the main traveled portion of the sidewalk] in any such manner as to constitute
a hazard to pedestrians, traffic or property. Bicycle racks are provided at different locations
on the Commons for the storage of bicycles on a short-term and/or daily basis only.
C. Bicycles may be impounded for the following reasons:
(1) There is reasonable cause to believe the bicycle has been stolen;
(2) There is reasonable cause to believe the bicycle has been used in the commission of a
crime;
(3) The bicycle has been parked in violation of Subsection B above, and the owner or person
authorized to possess the bicycle has refused to remove it or has not been identified after a
reasonable inquiry; or
(4) The bicycle has been abandoned. Before a bicycle may be considered abandoned, it must
remain unmoved for at least 24 hours after a notice has been affixed to the bicycle by the
Ithaca Police Department warning that it may be impounded unless moved within 24 hours.
D. A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $50. A second
violation within three years is punishable by a fine of not more than $150 or a conditional
discharge requiring not more than 40 hours of community service and not less than $50 or a
conditional discharge requiring not less than 15 hours of community service. A third violation
within three years is punishable by a fine of not more than $250 or a conditional discharge
requiring not more than 60 hours of community service and not less than $100 or a conditional
discharge requiring not less than 25 hours of community service.
§ 157-11. Alcoholic beverages.
No alcoholic beverages may be sold or consumed on the Ithaca Commons except by special
permit approved by the Common Council for a specific date, location and duration. Liquor
and general liability insurance may be required in an amount to be determined based
upon the nature of the event; but, in no case, shall it be less than $1,000,000.00. The
liability insurance certificate must name the City of Ithaca as an “Additional Insured” on
it for the duration of the event.
§ 157-12. Animals Dogs and Other Animals.
Licensed dogs, restrained by an adequate collar and leash and under the control of its
owner are allowed on the Commons. Dogs may not engage in unreasonable howling
and/or barking so that it disturbs or annoys any person of reasonable sensitivities other
than the person owning or harboring such dog.
Unreasonable howling or barking or other noise shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(a) Howling, barking or other noise made by a dog and continuing for more than three
cumulative minutes in any sixty-minute period; or
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(b) The existence of complaints concerning the noise from persons living or working in
the vicinity of the noise and who are affected by it.
Dogs shall not cause damage or destruction to public or private property.
The owner or other person responsible for the dog shall promptly pick up and remove
any solid waste related to the dog defecating or vomiting. See also § 157-18A.
Maintenance Guidelines
Dogs shall not chase, leap on, or otherwise harass any person or other animal in such
manner as reasonably to cause intimidation or to put such person or animal in
reasonable apprehension of bodily harm or injury.
Dogs shall not be leashed, tied or bound to any light poles, trees, planters, pavilions,
bicycle racks or other infrastructure on the Commons.
F. Animals that are included in a venue during a special event scheduled on the Commons are
allowed subject to the approval of a permit by the City Clerk and/or
Superintendent of Public Works.
A. No animals are allowed on the Primary Commons except by special permit. This provision
does not apply to [Seeing Eye] Service [Dogs, service] animals providing assistance to people
with disabling conditions special needs and police working dogs.
B. Owners or tenants of residential or commercial premises on the Primary Commons, whose
only access to their premises is from the Primary Commons, may apply to the City Clerk for a
special permit. Such permit shall be conditional [on] upon compliance with all City laws and
ordinances pertaining to animals, and as outlined above in §157-5(3).
C. A permit shall allow tenants and owners of premises on the Primary Commons, or the
customers of businesses that require the presence of animals to perform the function of the
business, to transport their animals to and from their premises in the shortest and most direct
route possible. Animals shall be leashed or transported in carriers.
D. The permit shall not be transferable and is revocable at any time should the permit holder fail
to comply fully with the terms of the permit. The permit shall be valid for the duration of the
owner's lease or ownership of premises on the Commons or for a period of one year, whichever
is shorter. The permit shall be renewable annually upon application to the City Clerk. The permit
fee shall be set by the Commons Advisory Board. No more than two permits shall be issued for
each residential or commercial unit. In the case of a business that requires the presence of
animals to perform the function of the business, one permit shall cover the business and all of
its customers.
In addition, a valid New York State dog license is required, and must be presented at the
time of application for the permit.
E. The Commons Advisory Board shall review each application for a business permit and shall
grant such permit upon the following conditions:
(1) That animals shall be limited to an area between the premises and the closest of the three
primary Commons entrances (Aurora Street, Seneca Street or Cayuga Street);
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(2) That the permit shall be for the movement of animals to and from the business and shall not
allow for the loitering of animals in the permitted area;
(3) That the dog owners or other persons responsible for the dog are responsible for promptly
removing any animal waste pursuant to § 164-9 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code which is
not preempted by this section; and
(4) That the permittee, should the dog owner fail to fulfill this responsibility, shall be responsible
for the cleaning of any animal urine or feces that is deposited in the permit area.
§ 157-13. Posting of bills and notices.
A. Posting of bills or notices or the attachment of any unauthorized devices to any public
structures of the Commons is prohibited. Exceptions to this regulation shall be the display
panels located in the [three] [towers of] the Commons. Bulletins shall be placed in such display
panels by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca Downtown Partnership] and shall be removed
by the [Ithaca Downtown Partnership] Downtown Ithaca Alliance after a reasonable period of
time, to be determined by the [Ithaca Downtown Partnership] Downtown Ithaca Alliance.
B. The directories [display panels] shall provide [three types of] display space for the
following:
(1) Official Commons activity announcements. This space is reserved for the use of the
Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca Downtown Partnership] to announce activities and dates of
events on the Commons and in the community.
(2) Public announcements. This space is available for general community public use. Material
posted should be of reasonable size and limited to the announcement of public events such as
local civic, artistic and cultural activities; it may not include personal messages, profit-motivated
events or political promotional material. Posters and notices to be displayed shall be received,
posted and removed by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca Downtown Partnership]. They
should be dated and will not be left on display for more than two weeks.
(3) Directory. This space is reserved for a directory of all business space located on the
Commons and [should] will be updated periodically by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca
Downtown Partnership].
C. If a request for posting a public announcement as defined in this section is not honored or is
denied by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca Downtown Partnership], a letter of appeal
may be forwarded to the Mayor for consideration.
§ 157-14. Newsracks.
The Commons Advisory Board The Downtown Ithaca Alliance shall administer regulate, place,
and monitor the placement of newsracks on the Commons on a routine basis in order to
preserve the atmosphere and appearance of the Commons. Requests to use the newsracks will
be considered in accordance with the policy approved by the Commons Advisory Board.in an
attractive and inviting manner. Newsracks shall be placed so that they are easily accessible to
the public, but are not located within a pedestrian walkway, or areas dedicated for public art,
events, outdoor dining or vending, or other uses.
§ 157-15. Refuse.
Commons businesses and residents will be allowed 24/7 access to a secure disposal
facility. Private trash and recycling will not be collected on the Commons.
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Only authorized users with key access will be permitted to use the disposal facility.
Users will need to place trash in authorized bags. In the event that the transport of trash
results in drippings or leaking fluids on the Commons, the guidelines for cleaning stains
established by this ordinance are to be followed. See also § 157-18A. Maintenance
Guidelines
Fines will be imposed for users who abandon unaccepted items or who dispose of trash
without using an authorized bag.
A. All refuse, rubbish and litter generated by public use of the Commons must be placed in
receptacles provided for that purpose.
B. Recessed store entrances, foyers or other areas within the building lines shall at all times
remain the responsibility of the tenants or owners, who shall keep them in a clean and sanitary
condition. The sweeping or depositing of refuse or other litter onto the Commons is not
permitted.
§ 157-16. Storage.
No storage of items, material or stock, etc., will be allowed anywhere on the Commons, except
by permit issued by the Superintendent of Public Works.
§ 157-17. Property damage.
Unauthorized cutting, mutilating, removing or taking away of any trees, shrubs or flowers or the
defacing or damaging of property is prohibited unless expressly authorized by the
Superintendent of Public Works.
§ 157-18. Cleaning and repairing.
All users involved with activities on the Commons shall be responsible for cleaning and repairing
to assure that the Commons will be returned to its prior condition previous to its use. Failure to
comply with this provision shall result in the City's taking necessary action to clean and repair
the Commons and to restore it to its prior condition. In such case, the City shall bill the user for
the cost of such repairing or cleaning, both on the [Ithaca] Commons and on the surrounding
business improvement district. It is expected that the same level of maintenance will be
extended to the entire business improvement district as prevails for the [Ithaca] Commons. This
provision shall not relieve the City from performing normal, routine cleaning and maintenance
activities.
A. Maintenance Guidelines
1. Stain Removal Guidelines
i. The City recognizes that during the regular use of the Commons,
spills, drippings, and other stains may occur on occassion. In order to
maintain the integrity of the pavers , the following are guidelines for
removal of common stains and should be observed whenever
possible:
Treatment for Common Stains
Stains Treatments
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1. Oil and grease
Soak up excess oil with rags. Then cover with
an oil absorbent material, like kitty
litter. Leave on stain for 24-48 hours, and then
sweep dry. Another option would be
to apply a 100% pure citrus degreaser, directly
to stain, and then blot up with a rag
and hose area down.
2. Chewing Gum
Apply small amount of dry ice and then scrape
off with a putty knife or apply 100% pure citrus
degreaser, apply directly to gum marks and
scrape off.
3. Paint
Use rags to remove excess paint by blotting,
do not wipe, it will spread the paint around. If
the paint is a latex, water based, soak with hot
water and scrub by using
detergent with a stiff bristled brush. Rinse
periodically, repeat as necessary. Oil, paint
and sealer remover is a specialized cleaner
that can be applied after
oil-based paint has dried. Follow manufactures
instructions.
4. Leaf and Wood Rot
Apply household bleach and scrub with a stiff
bristled brush.
5. Mortar
Try to remove immediately with a garden hose.
If that is not possible, let it harden and remove
with a scraper or putty knife.
6. Tobacco
Apply household bleach and scrub with a stiff
bristled brush.
7. Rust Stains
Directly apply Rust Stain remover to the
effected spots to lift these types of stains.
Contact Hanover® for specific material.
8. Grease drippings from
food, ketchup, mustard
Apply general concrete paver cleaner to these
types of stains.
9. Clay Soils
Scrap off the dry built-up material with putty
knife, scrub and rinse off with hot water. A
detergent may be necessary to release the
stain.
10. Tar
Apply 100% pure citrus degreaser. Apply
directly to stain, blot up with a rag and then
hose area down.
11. Tree Sap
Apply 100% pure citrus degreaser. Apply
directly to stain, blot up with a rag and then
hose area down.
12. Concrete dust from cutting Rinse immediately with water and/or use a
cleaner designed for cleaning concrete pavers
Please Note: If the stains are severe and cannot be removed, pavers can be replaced with new
materials. Unlike other paving materials, concrete pavers will not have the extreme unsightly
patch marks.
2. Snow Removal Guidelines
i. Snow Removal
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1. For removal of snow on the Commons surfaces, only rubber or
nylon tipped shovels or snow blowers may be used. Snow
blowers should not contain chains on the tires, as they could
damage the face of the pavers.
ii. De-Icing
1. Rock salt should never be used on the Commons Surfaces
2. For ice melting, Magnesium Chloride may be used, but should
be swept off of the surface once the ice is melted.
.
§ 157-19. Fees.
Permit and use fees will be established by the Commons Advisory Board in consultation with
the Board of Public Works. Fees may be waived or reduced by the Commons Advisory Board if
deemed in the best interest of the community. All fees shall be paid at the time the permit is
issued.
§ 157-20. Street Performers
Street performers and acoustical musicians may perform on the Ithaca Commons
between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 10:00 a.m. and 10:00
p.m. on Friday and Saturday. All street performers shall locate along the edge of the fire
lane and must remain mobile at all times in case emergency vehicles require access to
the area. Performance equipment and materials may not be left unattended. Street
performers must move to a different location every 45 minutes. The Commons Advisory
Board reserves the right to designate specific areas for street performers.
The use of amplified sound or fire during a performance is only allowed by permit from
the Commons Advisory Board. Loud natured acoustical instruments such as horns,
drums and other percussion instruments require a permit from the Commons Advisory
Board. Performers are responsible for monitoring and controlling the volume of sound
they make and must reduce the volume upon the request of the Ithaca Police
Department, City Clerk staff, Downtown Ithaca Alliance staff, or a member of the
Commons Advisory Board.
Performers may accept voluntary donations but shall not base their performance upon
payment or aggressively solicit contributions.
Performers must not be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled
substances while performing. Ithaca Police Officers may require performers to relocate
or leave the Commons area if they are creating a disturbance that negatively impacts the
businesses or residents in the area.
At the conclusion of a performance, the performer is responsible for removing any
debris, trash, or litter associated with the performance or audience.
Article III. Outdoor Dining
§ 157-201. Applications; rules of operation; permits; appeals.
A. The City Clerk shall review and consider outdoor dining applications for food establishments
on the Primary and Secondary Commons. No establishment shall be permitted to use City
property for outdoor dining purposes without an approved permit in place. Applications shall
include the following documentation:
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(1) Certificate of general liability insurance in an amount to be determined based upon the
nature of the event, but in no case shall it be less than $1,000,000.00; it must also name
the City of Ithaca as an “Additional Insured”.
(2) Proof of worker's compensation insurance.
(3) If alcohol is to be served, a[A]additional liquor liability insurance is required in an amount
to be determined, but in no case shall it be less than $1,000,000.00. It must name the City
of Ithaca as an “Additional Insured”.
(4) Sketch of area, with dimensions. Show storefront, curb, dining area and other important
items (e.g., trees, fire hydrants, etc.).
(5) An application and A use fee shall be submitted with the completed outdoor dining
application and required paperwork.
B. Rules of operation.
(1) The dining area shall be adjacent to the business holding the agreement. On the Primary
Commons, the area may not extend out from the building more than 7 feet. [The area may
extend out from the building, but not more than five feet.] The dining area shall not block the fire
lane[s] or impede pedestrian traffic flow, and shall not extend beyond the agreement holder's
storefront.
(2) If alcohol is served, t The dining area shall be contiguous to the establishment, and
physically defined., and a Establishments serving alcohol require approval from Common
Council is required through the City Clerk’s office.
(3) The merchant shall be completely responsible for all aspects of the area, including
cleanliness, trash, and stain removal.
(4) The outdoor dining season shall be from April [January] 1 until March [December] 31.
Outdoor dining furniture may not impede the City's efforts to remove debris, or snow and ice
accumulations from the Commons.
(5) Applications must be submitted and approved annually.
(6) Furniture and fixtures, signs, as well as any and means used to define the dining area, will
be allowed only during the approved dining hours and within the sidewalk markings provided by
the City. Permitees shall be held responsible for the actions of their staff and customers.
(7) The area used is subject to periodic review by City staff. the City Clerk and the Department
of Public Works.
(8) Any permittee who violates §157-21 B (6) regarding the placement of outdoor dining
furniture and fixtures shall receive a written warning for the first violation. The permittee shall be
liable for a civil penalty of $250 for the second violation in a twelve-month period, $500 for the
third violation in a twelve-month period, and $1,000 for the fourth and subsequent violations in a
twelve-month period. In lieu of a $1,000 fine, the permittee may agree to a temporary permit
revocation of seven consecutive days within the month the violation is served.
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(8) (9) The City reserves the right to require a security deposit if the site is not maintained free of
trash, litter, grease and stains. Merchant is responsible for removal of stains or drippings in
accordance with the guidelines for stain removal established by this ordinance. See also § 157-
18A. Maintenance Guidelines
(9) (10) The City may terminate this agreement at any time without cause, in which case the
applicant shall be reimbursed for the period of time which would be remaining on the agreement
if the agreement were not terminated before expiration.
(10) (11) The City may terminate this agreement for the following causes, including but not
limited to:
(a) Violation of the guidelines and requirements listed above.
(b) Fraud, misrepresentation or false statements in the agreement application.
(c) Violation of any ordinances, regulations or laws applicable to the holder of such agreement.
(11) (12) If the agreement is terminated for cause, the agreement period shall end immediately,
and no refunds will be issued. Notice of proposed suspension or revocation of an agreement for
outdoor dining shall be given in writing, setting forth specifically the grounds of the complaint.
The applicant shall have a right to a hearing in front of the Commons Advisory Board on the
proposed revocation or suspension.
(12) (13) The Commons Advisory Board shall have the right to terminate or re-instate the
agreement. Such decision shall become effective immediately.
(13) (14) Any applicant whose agreement is revoked under this regulation may not reapply for
another agreement until the expiration of one year from the date of revocation.
(14) (15) The applicant shall not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment,
subcontractor, supplier of materials or services, or program participant because of actual or
perceived: age, creed, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, height, immigration or
citizenship status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation,
socioeconomic status, or weight.
C. The City Clerk shall be authorized to issue permits to the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca
Downtown Partnership] for placement of tables and chairs for dining and leisure purposes on
the primary and secondary Commons during the warm weather season.
D. Appeals for denied agreements. Any person or group that has been denied an agreement for
outdoor dining on the Ithaca Commons may appeal such decision to the Commons Advisory
Board. Such appeal shall be submitted in writing to the City Clerk's office within 10 days from
the date of denial. The Commons Advisory Board may act to sustain the original decision or to
revise it, with or without conditions.
Article IV. Mobile Vending Cart Regulations:
§157-221 Mobile Vending Cart Regulations:
A. Types of vendors on the Commons:
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(1) Food/beverage (non-alcohol only)/merchandise. Vendors selling
food/beverages need to check with the Health Department regarding their
regulations.
(2) Non food/merchandise for sale/services.
(3) See §157-28. Exceptions
B. Definition of Mobile Vending: selling food/beverage/merchandise/services from a
wheeled carrier that can move easily without the use of a vehicle or power source. Carts
must be battery-operated and completely self- contained as the City does not provide
water or electric to the vendors. The use of generators is prohibited.
C. Cart Construction Requirements: Vending carts must be constructed in a
professional manner and using methods and techniques associated with good
craftsmanship.
(1) Awnings, canopies, or umbrellas. Lowest edge six and one-half feet
from the ground; flame resistant or fire retardant canvas or
simulated canvas with a peaked roof that may extend 18 inches
beyond the side of the cart. Canopies and awnings must be fastened
to all corners. Umbrellas must be “windproof” using a standard
metal umbrella holder with a locking devise permanently attached to
the cart.
(2) Box carts: box carts – carts that are shaped like a square or
rectangular box, having a permanent roof, four permanent sides and
limited see-through ability- are not permitted.
(3) Coolers (for food/beverage vendors only): Maximum of two coolers
per cart vendor. Both coolers are required to be stored on the same
dolly. Each food vendor is required to have one dolly. Coolers must
be pressed up against cart or no more than 6” away from cart. All
coolers must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition free of dirt,
grime, grease.
(4) Display Cases: Must be sturdy, in good repair, and attached to the
cart (preferred). If not attached, they must be heavy enough to
withstand considerable winds or other natural elements.
(5) Fixtures: Good quality hinges, clasps, and other hardware must be
secured firmly to the cart.
(6) Height: Maximum of eight feet (from pavement to highest point of
the cart).
(7) Lighting: Lighting can be used for preparing and serving food and
illuminating a menu. Decorative lighting is not permitted unless
approved by the Commons Advisory Board. Lighting not approved
by the Commons Advisory Board must be removed immediately.
(8) Making carts stationary: Mobile carts must be stationary in their
locations. Locking wheels are preferred. Wheel chocks may be used.
(9) Mats: Required for food/beverage vendors only. Clean solid mat,
minimum 12 square feet, in front of each food cart to capture spilled
food/beverage and waste. No exception. Staff may require
additional mats as needed (under grill area for example). Mats should
be rolled up, removed from the Commons, and cleaned before reuse. Vendor is
responsible for removal of any drippings or stains that occur at their location. Vendors
must use the guidelines for stain removal established by this ordinance. See also § 157-
18A. Maintenance Guidelines
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(10) Maximum Cart Size: No larger than 32 square feet and of reasonable
proportions.
(11) Measuring the square footage of the cart: Take a bird’s eye view of
the cart, and draw a square or rectangle around the cart. All
protuberances, such as wheels, wheel hubs, handles, bumpers, etc.
must be included inside the square or rectangle. A canvas awning,
canopy or overhang does not affect the maximum size of the cart.
(12) One structure only: Cannot use more than one structure per vendor
location.
(13) See-through ability: Must be able to see through at least two sides of the
cart at all times.
(14) Signage: Product brand names, related to products being sold, are
permitted on umbrellas. All signs are subject to rules as outlined in
City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 272 entitled “Signs”.
(15) Tables: No free-standing tables. Built in, folding-down tables
attached to the actual vendor cart are acceptable, provided they have
been approved by the Commons Advisory Board.
(16) Trash/Recycling receptacles: Each vendor must have a trash container with
a lid and trash bags must always be used. Vendor must also have a
recycling container. The vendor must follow the strict “carry in/carry out”
policy of the City of Ithaca. Vendors may not use Commons trash
receptacles. Vendor may use the secure trash facility used by Commons
businesses through the purchase of an access key and authorized trash
bags.
(17) Wheels: Minimum six inch diameter. Two large wheels and one small
wheel are acceptable. seem to provide the best maneuverability. Bicycle
type wheels are ruined with winter salt.
(18) Shopping carts are not allowed as part of the mobile vending space.
§ 157-23 2[1]. Location.
The Commons Advisory Board is authorized to determine appropriate locations where vending
shall take place. The City Clerk's office shall maintain and make available to the public a map of
approved vending locations.
§ 157-243[2]. Hours of operation.
Operating hours for mobile vending carts are between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Carts[,and
tents] must be removed from the Commons between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Vendors who wish to operate outside regular hours must obtain permission from the Commons
Advisory Board.
§ 157-254[3]. Agreements.
A. The City Clerk may issue agreements for mobile vending on the Commons
pursuant to the Mobile Vending Map, which is approved by the Commons
Advisory Board annually. The City Clerk may refuse to issue an agreement:
(1) If there are no eligible vending sites available [for that season].
(2) To any applicant who fails to satisfy the application requirements.
(3) To any applicant who violated the terms of a mobile vending agreement
the previous vending season.
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B. Application requirements.
(1) Completed applications for vending agreements with corresponding fees shall
be received and considered by the City Clerk. Fees include, but may not be limited
to application fee, security deposit, and use fee. The fees have been established in
accordance with Chapter 170 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code entitled “Use of Real
City Property”
[(2) Rates for mobile vending shall be set by the Commons Advisory Board in consultation with
the Board of Public Works.]
(2)[(3)] A description of the type of merchandise, service, food or beverage
menu to be offered for sale.
(3)[(4)] Price list of each item[s] being sold.
(4) A description and photograph of the cart or table layout to be used.
(5)[(6)] Proof that the applicant has complied with the established regulations of
the Tompkins County Health Department, Ithaca Fire Department and
other appropriate state, federal and local laws and regulations applicable
to the vending business.
(6)[(7)] A certificate of liability insurance in an amount to be determined based
upon the nature of the permit, but in no case shall it be less than
$1,000,000.00. It must also name the City of Ithaca as an “Additional
Insured”. [naming the City of Ithaca as additional insured].
(7)[(8)] Proof of New York State W[w]orker's compensation insurance; or New
York State Worker's compensation exemption certificate [waiver form]
completed.
(8)[(9)] Applicant[s] shall demonstrate that they have a New York State sales tax
certificate at all times while they are vending.
(9)[(10)] A written description of waste disposal plans for trash, water, grease,
and other materials.
(10)[(11)] Proof of 501(C)(3) designation, if applicable.
[(12) Copy of IFD propane permit for solid, liquid or gas-fired
cookng/heating appliances.]
(11)[(13)] The City Clerk may require additional information from the applicant if
deemed necessary.
(12)[(14)] Whenever a name or address provided by the vendor on his or her
agreement or application changes, he or she shall notify the City Clerk
within 10 days of the change.
22
C. Mobile vending agreements. Upon receipt of a completed application and appropriate fees,
the City Clerk will [draft] prepare a mobile vending agreement between the vendor and the
City of Ithaca. The City Clerk’s office will maintain the original agreement on file in their
office.[to be signed by the applicant. The signed agreement shall be reviewed by City staff, and
once approved will be forwarded to the applicant.]
D. Security deposit. A refundable security deposit is required for all vendors. All sites are subject
to periodic review, and the deposit will be refunded upon final site inspection by the Department
of Public Works at the end of the agreement period. Vendors must comply with guidelines for
stain removal established by this ordinance.See also § 157-18A. Maintenance Guidelines
. If grease or other stains are found at the vending site, the Department of Public Works shall
make arrangements with the vendor for clean up within a specified time period. If the site is not
cleaned up within that time period, the Department of Public Works will clean the site and will
subtract the fee from the security deposit. If additional costs are incurred, the vendor will be
billed accordingly.
E. All fees are nonrefundable. [unless the site is reassigned to another vendor. In that case, the
fees will be proportionately refunded.]
F. Requested site location. Sites are listed on the Mobile Vending Map. Site preference
consideration will first be given to [seasonal applicants, second to] returning vendors, and then
on a first-come basis. If two returning [seasonal] vendors request the same site, the site will be
awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
§ 157-265[4]. Vendor responsibility.
A. Vendors receiving agreements shall:
(1) Comply with all laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to their business.
(2) Refrain from operating carts after agreements expire and when the agreements are
suspended or revoked.
(3) Surrender their agreements promptly upon their revocation or suspension.
(4) Display a copy of their New York State sales tax certificate on their cart at all times.
(5) Defend, indemnify, save and hold harmless the City of Ithaca from any and all acts of
negligence arising from the vendor's use of the [Ithaca] Commons and shall be so duly insured.
in an amount to be determined based upon the nature of the permit, but in no case shall
it be less than $1,000,000.00. It must also name the City of Ithaca as an “Additional
Insured”. [by the City of Ithaca, but must be in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.]
B. The vendor will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment,
subcontractor, supplier of materials or services, or program participant because of actual or
perceived: age, creed, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, height, immigration or
citizenship status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation,
socioeconomic status, or weight.
§ 157-276[5]. Rules of operation.
The following are the mobile vending rules of operation:
23
A. Vending sites are 10 feet by 10 feet in size, and vendors are required to keep all of their
equipment within their assigned site. [On specially marked "expansion" sites, the site may
expand to 20 feet by 20 feet in size for an increased fee.]
B. Vendors shall not block or inhibit pedestrian traffic or allow emergency vehicular traffic to be
impeded because of vending operations.
C. All sites are open to retail and food/beverage vending except for the sites specifically marked
NF (No food vendors).
D. Vending hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. unless special permission is granted by the
Commons Advisory Board.
E. Vending carts must be attended at all times.
[F. Tents with one or two sides and canopies are allowed during the summer season only and
must be removed daily. Off-season, monthly vendors require special permission from the
Commons Advisory Board for the use of tents. ]
F[G]. All carts[,] and equipment [tents and canopies] must be removed from the vending site at
the close of business each day.
G[H]. All vendors must maintain the submitted list of items for sale and prices [Food
vendors must maintain the submitted food menu] throughout the agreement period unless
special permission is granted by the City Clerk or the Commons Advisory Board.
H[I]. Smoke and/or odors produced by the cooking of foods on a mobile vending cart must be
vented, filtered or disposed of in a comparable manner so as to reasonably prevent the release
of odor or particulate matter into the surrounding environment.
I[J]. Vendors are responsible for trash and waste disposal. Vendors shall provide a container for
trash and litter, and [attached to their carts Vendors shall] be responsible for the appropriate
removal and disposal thereof. [of litter or trash placed in their containers.] No dumping is
allowed in City trash cans, grates, storm sewers, or other areas.
J[K]. Vendors shall keep public spaces within a ten-foot radius of their cart clean and free from
paper, peelings, oil and grease spills and refuse of any kind generated from the operation of
their cart. If spills do occur, the vendor is responsible for using the guildelines for proper removal
of stains established by this ordinance. See also § 157-18A. Maintenance Guidelines
K[L]. No music, amplified sound, or repetitive noise that can be heard outside of the vending site
may be played by the vendor.
L[M]. If a vending site remains vacant for three consecutive weeks without notification to the
City Clerk's office, it will be considered abandoned and re-assigned, with no refunds issued.
M[N]. An additional permit for driving on the Commons is required for the purposes of loading
and unloading before 9:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m., and is available from the City Clerk's office
upon request.
24
N[O]. The City reserves the right to move vendors for necessary maintenance and repairs on
the Commons.
O[P]. The City does not provide water or electric service to mobile vendors.
P[Q]. All vendors shall cooperate with staff members of City of Ithaca and the Downtown
Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca Downtown Partnership employees].
§ 157-287[6]. Suspension or revocation of agreement.
A. The City may terminate a mobile vending agreement at any time without cause, in which
case the [contractor] vendor shall be reimbursed for the period of time that would be remaining
on the agreement if the agreement were not terminated before expiration.
B. If the agreement is terminated for cause, the agreement period shall end immediately, and no
refunds will be issued. Notice of proposed suspension or revocation of an agreement for mobile
vending shall be given in writing, setting forth specifically the grounds of the complaint. The
vendor shall have a right to a hearing on the proposed revocation or suspension before the
[CAB] Commons Advisory Board no sooner than ten (10) days after requesting such a
hearing, in writing. Grounds for termination include, but are not limited to:
(1) Violation of the rules of operation.
(2) Fraud, misrepresentation or false statements on the application.
(3) Fraud, misrepresentation or false statements made in connection with the selling of
merchandise.
(4) Violation of any ordinances, regulations or laws applicable to the holder of such an
agreement.
(5) Conduct of the business permitted in an unlawful manner or in such a way as to constitute a
menace to the health and safety of the public.
C. The Commons Advisory Board [CAB] shall have the right to terminate or reinstate the
agreement. Such decision shall become effective immediately.
D. Any applicant whose agreement is revoked under this regulation may not reapply for another
agreement until the expiration of one year from the date of revocation.
§ 157-298[7]. Ithaca Festival and other events.
Notwithstanding the above, permits to sell on the Commons or to operate mobile vending carts
granted pursuant to this chapter shall include [exclude] days on which it is expected that the
Ithaca Festival or other events sponsored by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca Downtown
Partnership] will take place on the [Ithaca] Commons. A listing of these events and dates shall
be maintained by the City Clerk. The vendor will be required to make application to the
event coordinator and pay any additional fees as required. Vendors may be relocated
from their assigned spot during the event, at the discretion of the event coordinator.
Vendors must follow the rules of each event. Vendors interested in vending during special
events [for an additional fee] should contact the Downtown Ithaca Alliance [Ithaca Downtown
Partnership] or Ithaca Festival offices for information regarding vending requirements for those
special events.
25
§ 157-3029[8]. Exceptions.
Persons holding a license issued by the Tompkins County Clerk to vend under the status of a
United States Armed Forces Veteran pursuant to § 32 of the General Business Law, to the
extent legally permitted, shall be required to abide by all regulations except those concerning
fees.
§ 157-310[29]. Appeals for denied agreements.
Any person or group that has been denied an agreement to vend on the [Ithaca] Commons may
appeal such decision to the Commons Advisory Board. Such appeal shall be submitted in
writing to the City Clerk's office within ten (10) days from the date of denial. The Commons
Advisory Board may act to sustain the original decision or to revise it, with or without conditions.
Article V. Exceptions; Penalties
§ 157-321[30]. Limited waivers and exceptions.
The Commons Advisory Board is authorized to grant limited waivers and exceptions to the
provisions of this chapter, as appropriate and for temporary periods not to exceed one week in
duration. Such waivers and exceptions shall be subject to any appropriate review by the City
Clerk's office, Department of Public Works, the Fire Department or the Police Department.
§ 157-332[1]. Applicability of other ordinances.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all existing ordinances of the City of Ithaca shall
apply to the Ithaca Commons.
§ 157-343[2]. Penalties for offenses.
[Amended 4-5-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-10]Except as otherwise provided, any violation of the
provisions of this law shall be punishable as a civil offense in accordance with §[ ]1-1, of the City
of Ithaca Municipal Code.
Section 2. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 3. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with
law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, a conservation easement is a set of legal restrictions that a property owner can
voluntarily place on her or his own land, limiting use and development of the land forevermore,
and;
WHEREAS, the City is currently constructing at substantial expense a new water filtration plant
which is fed by a creek, and;
WHEREAS, the quality of the water fed by said creek is substantially dependent on the quality
of water provided upstream of the plant by the creek’s watershed, predominantly outside City
limits, and;
WHEREAS, overdevelopment of the watershed in the long term would increase the risk of water
quality issues that could prove costly to remedy at the plant itself, and;
WHEREAS, the Common Council included in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget $20,000 in support
of the initiative detailed in this resolution, and;
WHEREAS, the Common Council desires to establish via this resolution more specific
procedures and guidelines for the disbursement of these funds and any future funds similarly
budgeted for the purpose of watershed conservation easements; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that as part of the annual budget proposal of the Department of Public Works for
the Water and Sewer Division, the Superintendent of Public Works, on consultation with the
Director of Planning and Development, make a recommendation as to what amount, if any, is
recommended for inclusion in their annual budget for purposes of this program; and be it further
RESOLVED, that any funds so budgeted be evaluated for expenditure on transaction costs
necessary to the creation of conservation easements according to the procedures and
requirements set out in this resolution, and such other procedures and requirements not in
conflict with this resolution established by the Director of Planning and Development and the
Superintendent of Public Works; and be it further
RESOLVED, that applications for expenditure of these funds on particular conservation
easement projects may be submitted by any member of the public, though most commonly by the
Finger Lakes Land Trust, to the Director of Planning and Development or her/his designee; and
be it further
RESOLVED, that the Director of Planning and Development or her/his designee shall evaluate
each application according to the minimum criteria specified in this resolution, among others,
and if said minimum criteria are satisfied, shall circulate the application to the Superintendent of
Public Works or his/her designee (expected generally to include either or both of the City
Watershed Coordinator and the City Environmental Engineer), who in turn shall:
• add the application to an upcoming agenda of the Board of Public Works occurring not
sooner than 30 days in the future, and
• email or mail notice of the application to all members of the City’s Common Council and
to the Clerk of the Town or Village in which the contemplated conservation easement
would be created;
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Director of Planning and Development, the Superintendent of Public
Works, and/or each of their designees make a recommendation to the Board of Public Works as
to their recommended action on the application under consideration; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works deliberate upon, and thereafter approve or deny,
each application for funding of transaction costs of a conservation easement, and if approved
specify the dollar amount, not to exceed $15,000 per application, authorized for use on the
application-specific project to be drawn from the Council-budgeted funds available to this
program at that time, abiding the following minimum criteria, all of which must be satisfied in
support of any approved application:
1. The property owner(s) of the property impacted by the pending application is/are willing
participant(s) in the project.
2. An outside funding match to City's contribution to the application-specific project is
preferred, but not required.
3. Another party will be responsible for property management and stewardship of any
conservation easement created under this program.
4. The project is located in the watershed of Six Mile Creek upstream of the current location
of sixty-foot dam, and the conservation of the project is deemed by the Board of Public
Works, on the advice of relevant City staff, to be beneficial to long-term water quality
for the City's water supply.
and be it further
RESOLVED, that applications may be submitted seeking funding support of this program for
fee-title purchases (rather than easements) in support of conservation of the City watershed, but
that such applications shall, after being considered by the Board of Public Works as specified in
this resolution, require a vote of the Common Council before any approval of the application
shall be effective.
To: Planning & Economic Development Committee
From: Megan Wilson, Senior Planner
Date: February 4, 2015
RE: Proposal to Repeal the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ)
The purpose of this memo is to provide information regarding a proposal to repeal the Collegetown
Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ). The CPOZ includes the core of Collegetown but also extends to
the south and west. The CPOZ was originally adopted in 2000 to more adequately address the
increased parking demands of residents and employees, as identified in the 2000 Collegetown
Parking Study. Since its adoption, transportation patterns and parking demand in Collegetown have
changed, and a 2012 parking study found the CPOZ’s off-street parking requirements to be too
high. The adoption of the Collegetown Area Form Districts in 2014 reduced or eliminated off-
street parking requirements for many properties within the CPOZ. However, there are
approximately 145 parcels, primarily to the west of central Collegetown and in the East Hill Historic
District, that are still subject to the more stringent off-street parking requirements. By eliminating
the CPOZ, these properties will be subject to the same off-street parking requirements as other R-3
and B zones within the city. The reduced parking requirements will also support the preservation of
green space in the East Hill Historic District by decreasing the amount of parking that must be
provided on site. In addition, it will remove conflicting language between the CPOZ and the
Collegetown Area Form Districts legislation.
Staff will attend the February 11th Planning & Economic Development Committee to answer any
questions and seek approval to circulate the proposal for comment. If you have any questions, feel
free to contact me at mwilson@cityofithaca.org or 274-6560.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607-274-6558 Fax: 607-274-6558
NY State Plane, Central GRS 80 DatumMap Source: Tompkins County Digital Planimetric Map 1991-2012Data Source: City of Ithaca GIS Planning 2013Map Prepared by: D epartment of Planning, City of Ithaca, NY, February 4, 2015
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Planning & Economic Development
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA –
607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607-274-6558 Fax: 607-274-6558
To: Planning and Economic Development Committee
From: Jennifer Kusznir, Economic Development Planner
Date: January 28, 2015
RE: Proposal to Amend the Industrial Zone
The purpose of this memo is to provide information regarding a proposal to amend the
City’s industrial zone.
The Official City of Ithaca Zoning Map currently has five locations that are designated as
industrially zoned districts (I-1): Cherry Street, Carpenter Business Park, the former
Emerson site, the former Ithaca Gun site, and a triangular piece of land wedged between
the north side of Willow Avenue and the west side of Route 13 North. These sites can be
seen on the enclosed map.
The area restrictions in the I-1 zoning district were established in order to allow for
industrial uses, which may include large one-story buildings that can accommodate
storage and machinery. This zoning district therefore has no minimum story requirement.
However, all allowable uses within the City’s zoning ordinance, with the exception of
residential uses, are permitted within the I-1 zoning district, including various
commercial development. This was intended to promote compatible mixed commercial
and industrial development. If developed industrially, one-story buildings would be
acceptable in these locations. However, given the limited amount of developable
industrial space in the City, these locations are not appropriate for one-story commercial
buildings. In order to retain areas for industrial development, but still promote density
within the City, staff is recommending an amendment to the I-1 zoning district that would
require new construction that is of any use other than industrial to have a minimum of
two stories. This change would still allow for one-story industrial buildings to locate in
these areas and would also allow for commercial structures of between 2-4 stories.
If the committee is in agreement, staff will circulate this concept and return next month
with any comments that are received. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me
at 274-6410
THE KNOLL
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COLUMBIA STREET
EAST SENECA STREET
TURNER PLACE
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S P E N C E R S T R E ET
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To: Planning and Economic Development Committee
From: Jennifer Kusznir, Economic Development Planner
Date: February 4, 2015
RE: Proposal to Amend the Former Ithaca Gun Factory Site
The purpose of this memo is to provide information regarding a proposal to amend the zoning
designation of the former Ithaca Gun Factory site.
The former Ithaca Gun Factory site, shown on the attached map, is located adjacent to Ithaca
Falls and within a residential neighborhood. The site is zoned for industrial uses, which was
established when the site was an active gun factory. The factory has long been closed and the
site has remained vacant for many years. The current zoning has become inconsistent with the
surrounding uses. Given its location, it is not likely that the site will ever again be used for
industrial purposes. In the draft City Comprehensive Plan it has been recommended that the
appropriate future land use of this site should be medium density residential, which is outlined on
the enclosed future land use map. A developer has been working for several years on plans for
residential development on this site and staff expects that a formal site plan application will be
submitted later this year.
In accordance with the draft Comprehensive Plan, staff proposes to rezone this site to R-3a. This
would allow for multi-unit residential development, which is consistent with both the
development plans and the surrounding area.
If the committee is in agreement, staff will circulate this concept memo and return next month
with any comments that are received. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 274-
6410
W I L L A R D W A YWILLARD W A YWILLARD W A YWILLARD W A YWILLARD W A YWILLARD W A YWILLARD W A YWILLARD W A Y
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Planning & Economic Development
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
TO: Planning and Development Board
Planning Committee of Common Council
FROM: JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Development
DATE: December 26, 2014
RE: Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development
2015 Priority Projects and Work Plan
A. PRIORITY PLANNING/ZONING/BUILDING INITIATIVES
1. Prepare Design Standards for Collegetown in accordance with the Collegetown Area Form
Districts.
2. Dredging – Continue working with DEC to plan for and construct sedimentation basins and begin
dredging.
3. City Comprehensive Plan – Complete draft plan. Begin public outreach and adoption of plan by
Common Council. Begin Phase 2 – Neighborhood and Thematic Plans as directed by Common
Council.
4. NYS DOT Site Acquisition – Continue working with the County on the feasibility plan (grant
funded) to relocate the NYSDOT facility on Third Street Extension to allow for waterfront
development.
5. DEC Land Acquisition on Inlet Island – Work completed for NYS DEC to make the
determination that the land is surplus. Complete transfer of land to the City and resume plans for
redevelopment.
6. Create a Strategic Plan for City Facilities Identify anticipated capital needs of existing
municipal facilities and analyze alternatives to increase efficiency, effectiveness and economic well-
being of the City, including possible consolidation, relocation and shared services.
7. Complete corrections and updates to the City Zoning Ordinance (ZORC).
8. Integration of Planning Division Files into Property Management Database.
9. Improve public accessibility to information of interest (agendas, minutes, decisions,
etc.)
10. Unsafe Buildings – Continue initiative to bring unsafe buildings into compliance with
building codes
1
Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development
2015 Priority Projects and Work Plan – con’t
B. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO BE CONSTRUCTED/COMPLETED
Downtown
1. Commons Reconstruction
2. Cayuga Place 2 Apartments
3. Marriot Hotel
4. Hilton Canopy Hotel
5. Hart Hotel and Conference Center
6. Clinton Street East 130, Apartments
7. Harold Square (Downtown Mixed-Use Project), The Commons
8. State Street East, 314-320, Carey Building, Renovations & Addition
Collegetown
9. College Ave. 307, Collegetown Crossing (Mixed-Use Housing Project)
10. Dryden Rd., 205, Student Housing Project
11. Eddy Street 327, Mixed-Use/Apartments
12. Eddy Street 202, Rebuild Fire Damaged Residential Building
13. Catherine Street 114, Apartments
Cornell
14. Gannett Health Services Facility
15. Klarman Hall
16. Upson Hall Reconstruction
17. Rand Hall Reconstruction
Other
18. INHS Stone Quarry Apartments
19. Taughannock Blvd. 323, Mixed Use Project
20. Development of Inlet Island
21. Development of the former Ithaca Gun Factory Site and the Adjacent Ithaca Falls Natural
Area
22. Emerson Site Development
23. Final Phase of Collegetown Terrace Apartments
24. 210 Hancock Street redevelopment (former Neighborhood Pride grocery store site)
C. NEW ORDINANCES
1. Create a Steep Slope Protection Ordinance
2. Consider creating a critical environmental area for the City-owned land in Six Mile Creek.
3. Create a Conservation Zone(s) and protection legislation
4. Work on policy for development in Unique Natural Areas
5. Create a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance
6. Eliminate parking as a primary use is most zones
D. ORDINANCE REVISIONS
1. Revise the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance to include climate change
considerations (greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, solid waste
management practices, etc.).
2. Revise R-U Zoning District
3. Revise the Telecommunications Ordinance
4. Analyze and revise the Sign Ordinance
E. PROJECTS OF INTEREST (as time and resources allow)
2
Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development
2015 Priority Projects and Work Plan – con’t
3
1. Coordinate with the City, Cornell University, and Delta Phi Fraternity to assess and correct damage
to both the street and sidewalk on Cornell Avenue, the limestone retaining wall on Cornell Avenue,
and the stone walls on the Baldwin Staircase.
2. Work with property owners and business owners (and potential property and business owners) to
invest in and improve properties in the West End.
3. Develop City wide Design Guidelines
4. Implement Martin Luther King Freedom Walkway.
F. PROJECTS TO BE MANAGED
1. Continue working with the Community Advisory Group (CAG) to monitor progress of environmental
investigation and remediation at various sites in the city, including the Ithaca Falls area and the
Emerson site.
2. Energy sustainability initiatives, such as the city solar farm, greenhouse gas reduction, etc.
3. HUD Entitlement grant, continue oversight of IURA to administer and implement CDBG and HOME
funds to address priority community development needs.
G. COMMITMENTS TO OTHER AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS
1. Redesign the Mobility System in Ithaca – Set a new Standard of Sustainability for
Upstate NY Towns. Traffic, public transportation and pedestrian mobility will all be variables to
consider in this complex equation, which involves many different stakeholders: the City of Ithaca,
Ithaca residents, Cornell students, and downtown businesses. Each team will define and solve the
problem in a different way. Ideally, at the end, we will have a solution (or multiple solutions)
defined well enough to become the starting point of new processes for Cornell
classes/workshops/projects and for student groups like Cornell University Sustainable Design and
Design Connect.
2. SmartCode – City of Ithaca
The development of the SmartCode for the City of Ithaca will be the outcome of many public
meetings, both charrettes and collaboration with staff and elected officials. A first full draft of the
code for the City will be completed by March 30th 2015 for review by NYSERDA. Final review and
completion of the SmartCode will be contingent on the participation and schedule of the City of
Ithaca, and the political process.
3. Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan ( Playground Redesign, Motion Picture Museum, Cascadilla
Boat House, ongoing rehabilitation projects.
4. Ithaca Children’s Garden continuation of Master Plan.
5. Completion of Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
6. Continue to work with Cornell Cooperative Extension to locate new sites for community gardens.
City of Ithaca
Planning & Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.
Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street
Minutes
Committee Members Attending: Joseph (Seph) Murtagh, Chair; Graham
Kerslick, Ellen McCollister, Cynthia Brock, and
Josephine Martell
Committee Members Absent: Mayor Svante Myrick
Other Elected Officials Attending: Alderperson George McGonigal
Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Department of
Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic
Development; Megan Wilson, Planner,
Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and
Economic Development; Jennifer Kusznir,
Senior Planner, Department of Planning,
Building, Zoning, and Economic Development
and Nels Bohn, Director, Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (IURA); Ari Lavine, City
Attorney, Tom West, City of Ithaca Engineering
Department, Addisu Gebre, City of Ithaca
Engineering Department; and Debbie Grunder,
Executive Assistant, Department of Planning,
Building, Zoning, and Economic Development
Others Attending: Noah Demarest, Rob Steuteville, and C.J.
Randall
Chair Seph Murtagh called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
1) Call to Order/Agenda Review
There were no changes made to the agenda.
2) Public Comment and Response from Committee Members
Lucinda Winstead, 1011 West Seneca Street, owner of Ithaca Grain and Pet
Supply spoke on the Brindley Street Bridge Replacement. The front entrance to
their store is from Brindley Street. She’s been concerned about the construction
of the new bridge which will eliminate the street going by their store. She stated
that it looks likely that the bridge will be removed and we will lose the road, she
asked that their front entrance be preserved. The only way the tractor trailers
can make their deliveries which are up to six a week is through our front
entrance.
Walter Hang, 218 Wait Avenue, spoke against the Cornell Heights Rezoning.
Simon Wheeler, 218 East Fall Street, spoke on the amendments of the City
Noise Ordinance. He lives 100 ft. from the back side of a music studio which he
can hear the music and the bass from inside his home with the windows closed.
The noise ordinance is no way alleviates that. He would like to see the change in
the issuing of noise permits. He is concerned that noise permits can be issued for
multiple dates. The form currently being used is the same form that has been
used from several years which allow open-ended permits. He would like to see a
limit to the dates a permit is issued for.
Fay Gougakis, 171 East State Street, spoke on the Noise Ordinance
amendments. She stated she has complained about this issue to no avail.
There are so many people in the community that are subject to bar music.
Nothing is being done. She proposed that this ordinance not be passed tonight
and go back to the drawing board.
Alderperson Martel read into the record an email from which is attached to
these minutes.
3) Special Order of Business
a) Presentation – Ithaca Form Based Code Initiative
Project organizers Rob Steuteville, Noah Demarest, and C.J. Randall presented
to the Committee their presentation of the future Ithaca Form Based Code.
Rob Steuteville, Executive Director, stated their mission is to deliver an effective
form-based code to the City and the Town with strong stake holder support. The
project is funded by NYSERDA. We are administering the grant and we are non-
profit within the Town of Ithaca. Katie Stoner is our outreach coordinator and
partners Noah Demarest and C.J. Randall. The City and Town have also added
a local match to this, which is required by NYSERDA. A number of consultants
were brought on board to help with this project.
Alderperson Brock asked for further information as to how this came about. This
is her third year on Council and doesn’t recall Council participation in terms of the
proposal for the grant or understanding what the commitment is on the behalf of
the City is. What will the City’s role be? What is the commitment of the City in
terms of adopting a form based code? Has the discussion been had on a
Council level or did this happen in another level that she wasn’t aware of?
C.J. Randall stated that last year NYSERDA released an RFP. She follows
NYSERDA rather viciously on line. When this RFP was released offering
comprehensive planning and zoning opportunity it seemed like an incredible way
to be able to leverage so much talent for the City for essentially a value price.
With the Mayor’s support and the Town Supervisor, the grant was put together
that laid out a lot of these ideas that we had. It is state of the art in planning.
Thinking about how State environmental quality review and greenhouse gas
emissions and land use come together is she believes the forefront of not just
great planning but becoming a real leader in climate change and local
governments. She examined at length all the Town, City, and County plans that
govern this area. It seemed an incredible opportunity that couldn’t be passed up.
Alderperson McCollister stated she is a huge enthusiast of form based code and
is very happy in many respects that the group is going in this direction, but
cautioned the group that Council is the legislative body. It is not the Mayor.
Often times the Mayor has a number of very good ideas, but when we talk about
whose going to do the work, those of us on Planning Committee are much more
sensitive to the work load of the Planning Department and we have a comp plan
and many other initiatives that take up an enormous amount of time and have
taken way longer than anticipated.
McCollister voiced a word of caution that there is some concern that the
initiatives you are taking are a little bit of a smokescreen to force more density in
places where people may not find it desirable. On a more positive note, we are
seeing some form based code in places that are right near the City for instance
the Belle Sherman Cottages Project.
Noah Demarest responded to Alderperson McCollister’s comments as to the
amount of staff time involved. All that the staff has done so far is considered as
“match in kind.”
Rob Steuteville stated that they are not trying to force this type of code in any
area of the city. There are many options. The City can take parts of it and not
take any of it.
Alderperson Brock stated since this is the first time this is introduced to Council,
does not mean that it is a done deal.
Alderperson Kerslick stated he is not in favor of a full form base code throughout
the City. The comprehensive plan must be considered first.
Chair Murtagh stated that he’s on board with this, but we must be mindful of the
amount of time this will take for the Planning Department.
JoAnn Cornish stated she did have a discussion with the consultant team. Rob
Steuteville reached out to her to try to have this discussion between the two of
them but it was decided that it would be best to wait after this meeting in order to
hear the input from the Common Council members. The Council members
understand how thin and overworked the staff is and how much time realistically
we can devote to this.
Alderperson Brock found it interesting while attending the presentation at the
library and listened to the presentation by the planners who had gone through
this in Buffalo. They talked about lessons learned and education, what to
incorporate and how to reach out to residential neighborhoods. They themselves
described themselves described that this was one of the hiccups they had
through their experience and Buffalo itself has only 2 to 3 percent of the City is
single family homes. Ithaca is significantly higher proportioned of its city is one-
and two family neighborhoods. This is where we are going to see the hesitation
in how it impacts those one- and two family neighborhoods throughout the City.
Chair Murtagh stated we are in a unique situation where we have already done
some zoning changes almost in anticipation of where we are headed with the
comprehensive plan. We will see that tonight with Cornell Heights. He thinks
that once the comprehensive plan in completed; we will then take a close look at
zoning throughout the City. It is possible that ideas that are presented from this
initiative will be very useful. He reiterated where we are with our expectations.
4) Announcements, Updates, and Reports
a) Comprehensive Plan
Megan Wilson provided the group with an update of the Comprehensive
Plan. The committee has been focused on the plan chapter by chapter
and has finished five of the seven chapters. Each chapter will be looked
at separately and the entire plan will be adopted as a whole.
Public information sessions will be set up. An identity (or design) of the
plan has also been looked at. A draft of the design will be received
shortly.
She further stated that the Comp Plan committee meets monthly and
welcomed any interested in attending should do so.
The Comprehensive Plan will be presented to Council for adoption.
The committee will make a recommendation to the Planning Board who
will provide their comments and approval to the Planning Committee then
to Council for adoption.
Alderperson McCollister questioned whether amendments to a
comprehensive plan should take this long.
Megan Wilson stated that things have slowed up due to problems with the
consultants, etc.
Alderperson McGonigal asked whether the public has had a big input with
the re-writing of the plan and asked whether these chapters are available
for review.
b) City of Ithaca Community Investment Incentive Tax Abatement Program
(CIITAP) Review
Chair Murtagh stated the committee was planning on discussing the
history of the CIITAP, but due to the size of the agenda, that discussion
will take place at the next meeting. Jennifer Kusznir, Senior Economic
Planner provided the Committee with a CIITAP update on the two (2)
CIITAP applications that have been received in the past few months
namely 130 Clinton Street and the Carey Building. This memo is attached
to these minutes.
5) Action Items – Voting to Send on to Council
a) PAC Mural – Dryden Road Garage
Moved by Alderperson McCollister as amended; seconded by Alderperson Brock.
Carried unanimously.
Resolution to Select Artwork for the Dryden Road Parking Garage Mural Project
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to,
among other duties, review and advise the Common Council on proposals for the
exhibition and display of public art in the City’s public spaces, and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank
walls within the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community an
opportunity to showcase their work, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved several locations for future murals and
street art by resolution on May 19, 2010, and the City’s Dryden Road Parking Garage
was added to this list of approved locations by the Board on July 14, 2014, and
WHEREAS, the City’s Parking Division has requested that the PAC seek multiple
murals for the Dryden Road Parking Garage to enliven dark areas within the garage
while also deterring graffiti and reducing ongoing maintenance costs, and
WHEREAS, the PAC issued a Call for Proposals in August 2014 and received 18
submissions for the project, and
WHEREAS, the PAC reviewed all of the submissions at its meetings on September 24,
2014 and October 22, 2014 and voted to recommend that the Common Council select
the artwork submitted by nine artists, as shown in “Dryden Road Parking Garage –
Recommended Mural Proposals,” to be installed on walls within the Dryden Road
Parking Garage, and WHEREAS, the murals will be visible primarily to those within the
parking garage, but the selected proposals have been distributed for public comment,
and
WHEREAS, the project will include nine murals and will receive one-time funding
through the Parking Division’s existing 2014 budget, in a total amount not to exceed
$5,875; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council selects the submissions of the
following artists for the Dryden Road Parking Garage Mural Project, as recommended
by the Public Art Commission: Dan Burgevin, Kellie Cox-Brady, Aindriais Dolan, the
Junior Youth Group, Steav Kim, Eric Lindstrom, Kurt Piller, Margaret Reed, and Nate
Waterman; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the selected artists may proceed with the installation of their murals at
their assigned locations within the Dryden Road Parking Garage upon the execution of
an agreement with the City (as reviewed by the City Attorney).
b) Amendment to Mural Approval Process
Resolution to Amend the Approval Process for Murals on City Property
Alderperson McCollister asked how does research show that the use of art reduces the
amount of graffiti that does.
Parking Supervisor Frank Nagy stated that in his experience that most individuals will
not deface someone else’s art work.
Alderperson Kerslick questioned why the parking division budget is funding this mural
project.
Mr. Nagy and Ms. Wilson both stated that there are additional funds in the parking
budget this year, and it’s not known whether this can continue. Nagy stated that in his
painting over the graffiti in the garage costs money just as the mural project does.
Alderperson Brock had reservations with this. Megan Wilson explained the process to
the group.
Alderperson McCollister agreed with Alderperson Brock that there really should be that
extra step. It was also mentioned that if the approval stops here, only half of Council is
voting on fiduciary budget items.
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson McCollister. Failed
unanimously. This is will not go on the Council.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to,
among other duties, review and advise the Common Council on proposals for the
exhibition and display of public art in the City’s public spaces, and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank
walls within the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community an
opportunity to showcase their work, and
WHEREAS, the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program has been very successful and has
resulted in the creation of more than 50 murals, including two phases of the 21 Boxes
project, and
WHEREAS, the PAC is an advisory commission to the Common Council and among
other responsibilities, recommends pieces of public art for final approval by the
Common Council, and
WHEREAS, prior to making a recommendation to the Common Council, the PAC
carefully evaluates each mural proposal and seeks public comment to inform its
decision, and
WHEREAS, in an effort to streamline the process, the PAC has requested that Common
Council consider amending the approval process for murals to allow final approval to
occur at the committee level; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby amends the approval
process for murals on City-owned property to allow the Planning & Economic
Development Committee to grant final approval of murals, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Public Art Commission will continue to follow its established
review process of mural proposals prior to making a recommendation to the Planning &
Economic Development Committee.
.
a) Brindley Street Bright Replacement
After an extensive discussion, Chair Murtagh asked whether we wanted to move
forward with the resolution before the Committee. If asked if the project was delayed a
month, what impact would that have?
Tom West stated they understand it is a big decision. They are trying to get the work
done of Brindley in order to be prepared if we are unable to get Brindley onto the TIP,
they would be prepared to follow through on Cecil Malone for 2018. A month in that
prolonged schedule is a plus or minus. It is a large and long design process for Cecil
Malone. It will have an effect if you wish more time in order collect more information,
but it won’t doom the project.
Chair Murtagh turned to the Committee members asking if they want to move forward
tonight with this. Alderperson McCollister speaking for herself stated she isn’t prepared
given the magnitude of information and the decision weighing pros and cons, she is not
prepared to tie the City budget shift to Alternative 2 despite what the Planning Board
and the Board of Public Works has said. She probably won’t vote for it.
Alderperson Kerslick also feels very hesitant for a number of reasons and not because
of all the work you’ve done already, but because he is not clear on some things. He
asked for clarification of access to the back of the Ithaca Grain and Pet Supply. In
neither of these alternatives, is the access to the back of that building affected? Is that
right?
The answer to that question is yes.
Kerslick continued to state that his concern in the alternatives nothing states what will
be done with the existing bridge. He is not comfortable adding another bridge. He does
not see the need to maintain another bridge. He would also like clarification of the
actual capital project total.
Chair Murtagh stated that it seems that the Committee is more inclined to choose
Alternative 1. What he is hearing is support for this bridge being rebuilt. What it comes
down to is the choice between rebuilding the bridge where it is or moving it and then
having this whole other infrastructure rebuilt that could be very costly to the City.
It was agreed more information will be gathered and presented to the Committee for
further review.
Brindley Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project Design Alternative Decision-
Resolution
WHEREAS, the existing Brindley Street Bridge (“the Bridge ”) is a single span, single
lane multiple steel girder bridge carrying Brindley Street over the Cayuga Inlet, and
WHEREAS, the Bridge has been posted for a 20 ton weight limit and has a condition
rating of 3.9 out of 7,and
WHEREAS, currently, the City of Ithaca and project consultant (Delta Engineers,
Architects, & Land Surveyors, P.C.) are working on Brindley Street Bridge Replacement
Project (“the Project”) ,and
WHEREAS, the project involves the replacement of the Brindley Street Bridge with two
lane structure with additional accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians including
necessary approach and intersection improvement, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca established Capital Project #764 in the amount of
$205,000 to cover scoping and development phases of the project, and
WHEREAS, two possible alternatives for the replacement of this bridge are being
considered: Bridge Alternative 1,which includes replacement of the bridge in its existing
alignment and Bridge Alternative 2,which would include the construction of new
roadway and bridge on a relocated horizontal alignment that would connect Taber
Street with the West State Street/Taughnnock Boulevard intersection, and
WHEREAS, the alternatives for reconstruction of the Brindley Street Bridge were
presented to the City Planning Board on September 23, 2014, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board prepared a memo in support of Bridge Alternative 2,
which would realign the bridge with Taughannock Boulevard, stating that this would
improve a problematic intersection, and
WHEREAS, the alternatives for reconstruction of the Brindley Street Bridge were
presented to the City Board of Public Works on September 22, 2014, and
WHEREAS, on October 6,2014, the Board of Public Works voted on a resolution in
support of Bridge Alternative 2, which would realign the bridge with Taughannock
Boulevard, and
WHEREAS, Taughannock Boulevard Extension Project was included in “Six Point
Traffic Plan” (City of Ithaca,2001) and recommended as an alternative which has the
greatest potential for helping to mitigate traffic impacts on neighborhoods south of the
creek, and therefore be it further
RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby accepts the recommendation of both
the Board of Public Works and Planning Board to proceed with developing a design for
Brindley Bridge Alternative 2, which includes the construction of a new roadway and a
new bridge on a relocated horizontal alignment, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Common Council here by authorizes the Superintendent of Public
Works to proceed with the design of Brindley Street Bridge replacement on relocated
horizontal and new roadway construction (Bridge Alternative 2).
b) Noise Ordinance Reform
An Ordinance to Amend the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Chapter 240, Entitled “Noise,” in Order
to Incorporate Decibel Standards
ORDINANCE __-2014
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson McCollister
WHEREAS, the City’s noise ordinance has long contained a useful, subjective standard for identifying
unreasonable noise; and
WHEREAS, that subjective standard continues to be applicable to many of the noise determinations
made by the City; and
WHEREAS, certain other noise determinations have posed difficult determinations for the City that could
be better resolved under an objective decibel-based standard for identifying unreasonable noise; and
WHEREAS, the City retained an outside consultant to assist in the drafting of a noise ordinance which, as
presented herein, retains the subjective standard and supplements it with an objective standard; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Common Council that the subjective standard herein be more commonly
applied by the City, and in particular its police officers, in the first instance, but that said officers may
select to employ the objective standard herein in the first or subsequent instance, as in their judgment
appropriate to a particular situation; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Findings of Fact. The Common Council finds that, despite the continuing utility of the City’s
subjective standard for identifying unreasonable noise, certain noise determinations, and particularly
those situations of an ongoing or repetitive nature, may be better resolved under an objective decibel-
based standard for identifying unreasonable noise.
Section 2. Amendment. Chapter 240 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca shall be amended in its
entirety so as to read as follows:
§ 240-1Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "City of Ithaca Noise Ordinance."
§ 240-2Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to preserve the public health, peace, welfare and good order by
suppressing the making, creation or maintenance of excessive, unnecessary, unnatural or unusually loud
noises which are prolonged, unusual and unnatural in their time, place and use and which are detrimental
to the environment. It is also the purpose of this chapter to allow all residents of the City to coexist
harmoniously in a manner which is mutually respectful of the interests, rights and obligations of all
persons.
§ 240-3Definitions.
[Amended 9-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-14]
Unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as
follows:
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute or its successor bodies.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighted
network. The level so read is designated "dBA". All references to "decibel" shall be presumed to
mean "dBA" unless otherwise specified.
COMMERCIAL USE PROPERTY
Any premises containing businesses where sales, offices, professional services, or other commercial
use is legally permitted.
CONTINUOUS SOUND
Any sound that is not impulse sound.
DAYTIME HOURS
The hours between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., local time, on any day.
dBA
The A-weighted sound level in decibels.
DECIBEL
A unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to the logarithm of the ratio of the sound
pressure of the sound to the sound pressure of a standard sound (0.0002 microbar); abbreviated
"dB."
EMERGENCY WORK
Work made necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity or work
necessary to protect persons or property from an imminent exposure to danger.
IMPULSIVE SOUND
A sound of short duration, usually less than one second, and of high intensity, with an abrupt
onset and rapid decay.
INDUSTRIAL USE PROPERTY
Any premises engaged in the manufacturing, processing, production, or shipping, of equipment or
materials, including storage yards, shall be considered industrial use, where legally permitted.
MOTOR VEHICLES
Includes but is not limited to automobiles, trucks, buses, mopeds, minibikes and any other
vehicles as defined by the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York, as it may be
amended from time to time.
MULTI-USE PROPERTY
Any distinct parcel of land that is used for more than one category of activity (e.g.,
commercial and residential).
NIGHTTIME HOURS
The hours between 10:00 p.m., local time, on any day and 7:30 a.m. on the following day.
PERSON
Includes the singular and plural and also any individual; any property owner and/or lessee; any
firm; a corporation; a political subdivision; a government agency, including any agency of the City
of Ithaca; an association or an organization, including but not limited to officers, directors,
employees, agents and/or independent contractors thereof; or any legal entity whatsoever.
REAL PROPERTY LINE
Means either (a) the vertical boundary that separates one parcel of property (i.e., lot and block)
from another residential or commercial property; (b) the vertical and horizontal boundaries of a
dwelling unit that is part of a multi-dwelling unit building; or (c) on a multi-use property as defined
herein, the vertical or horizontal boundaries between the two portions of the properties on which
different categories of activity are being performed.
RESIDENTIAL USE PROPERTY
Any property used for human habitation, unless habitation is a condition of employment,
including, but not limited to:
1. Private property used for human habitation;
2. Commercial living accommodations and commercial property used for human
habitation;
3. Recreational and entertainment property used for human habitation;
4. Community service property used for human habitation.
SOUND-AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT
Any machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, instrumental music or any other
sound. As used in this chapter, "sound-amplifying equipment" shall not include warning devices
on authorized emergency vehicles or horns or other warning devices on any vehicle used only for
traffic safety purposes or authorized fire horns or other authorized emergency alarms.
SOUND-LEVEL METER
An instrument that conforms to ANSI S1.4-1983 or its successors.
SOUND SOURCE
Any person or thing from which sound is created.
UNREASONABLE NOISE
A level of sound that is injurious or annoying or disturbing to be heard.
§ 240-4Unreasonable noise prohibited.
[Amended 8-4-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-12]
A.
No person shall cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm or recklessly create a risk thereof by
making unreasonable noise or by causing unreasonable noise to be made.
B.
For the purpose of implementing and enforcing the standard set forth in Subsection A of this section,
"unreasonable noise" shall mean any sound created or caused to be created by any person which either
annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of the public or which
causes injury to animal life or damages to property or business. Factors to be considered in determining
whether unreasonable noise exists in a given situation include but are not limited to any or all of the
following:
(1)
The intensity or volume of the noise.
(2)
Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual.
(3)
Whether the origin of the noise is associated with nature or human-made activity.
(4)
The intensity of the background noise, if any.
(5)
The proximity of the noise to sleeping facilities.
(6)
The nature and the zoning district of the area within which the noise emanates and of the area within 500
feet of the source of the sound.
(7)
The time of the day or night the noise occurs.
(8)
The time duration of the noise.
(9)
Whether the sound source is temporary.
(10)
The existence of complaints concerning the noise from persons living or working in different places or
premises who are affected by the noise.
C.
This section shall not be interpreted to prevent the issuance of permits pursuant to § 240-14 that will
authorize particular sound sources.
D.
"Person" defined. For the purposes of this section:
(1)
For an offense that occurs on any public property where permission was obtained to use that public
property, a "person" shall include the person or persons who obtained permission to utilize that property
for that event.
(2)
For an offense that occurs on private property, a "person" shall include any adult person or persons who
live in or on the property that is involved in the offense.
(3)
For an offense that occurs after granting of a permit pursuant to Article III of this chapter, a "person" shall
include the person or persons who are listed on the permit.
§ 240-5Purpose of article.
The provisions of this Article II complement and supplement the other provisions of this chapter and shall
be interpreted and applied in accordance with and in addition to and not in lieu of those other provisions.
The provisions of this article shall not be interpreted to prevent the issuance of permits pursuant to § 240-
14 that will authorize particular sound sources.
§ 240-6Radios, television sets and similar sound-amplifying devices. Devices for sound amplification,
production and reproduction.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person anywhere in the City to use or to operate any radio or receiving set,
musical instrument, phonograph, television set, any other machine or device for the producing or
reproducing of sound or any other sound-amplifying equipment in a loud, annoying or offensive manner
such that noise from the device interferes with the comfort, repose, health or safety or members of the
public or recklessly creates a risk thereof, within any building or, outside of a building, at a distance of 25
feet or more from the source of such sound or interferes with the conversation of members of the public
who are 25 feet or more from the source of such sound.
[Amended 9-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-13]
B.
"Person" defined. For the purposes of this section:
[Added 8-4-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-12]
(1)
For an offense that occurs on any public property where permission was obtained to use that public
property, a "person" shall include the person or persons who obtained permission to utilize that property
for that event.
(2)
For an offense that occurs on private property, a "person" shall include any adult person or persons who
live in or on the property that is involved in the offense.
(3)
For an offense that occurs after granting of a permit pursuant to Article III of this chapter, a "person" shall
include the person or persons who are listed on the permit.
§ 240-7 Parties and other social events.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person in charge of a party or other social event that occurs on any private or
public property to allow that party or event to produce noise in a loud, annoying or offensive manner such
that noise from the party interferes with the comfort, repose, health or safety of members of the public
within any building or, outside of a building, or recklessly creates the risk thereof, at a distance of 25 feet
or more from the source of such sound.
[Amended 9-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-13]
B.
For the purposes of this section, a "person in charge of a party or other social event":
[Amended 9-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-13]
(1)
That occurs on any public property shall include the person or persons who obtained permission to utilize
that property for that event.
(2)
That occurs on private property shall include the person who owns the premises involved and any adult
person who lives in or on the premises involved in such party or social event.
(3)
Shall include the person who is listed on a permit granted pursuant to Article III of this chapter with
respect to such event.
C.
For any violation of this section where beer is being served from a keg on the premises, the person to
whom the keg is registered shall be presumed to be responsible for the violation, in addition to any
person designated in Subsection A or B above.
§ 240-8 Maximum Permissible Sound Levels.
In addition to prohibitions set forth elsewhere in this chapter, the following general
prohibitions regarding sound levels shall apply in determining unreasonable noise:
A. No person shall operate or cause to be operated any source of sound from any use occupancy in such
a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set forth in the receiving use occupancy
category in Table I, when measured at or within the real property line of the receiving property.
(1) Continuous Sound
The limit in Table I may not be exceeded by any sound source during any three or more sampling
intervals the duration of which shall be no less than one half minute, within any one hour period. If the
total duration of the sound under investigation is less than one and one half minute, the requirement for a
minimum of three measurements shall be waived.
TABLE I
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE SOUND LEVEL LIMITS
BY RECEIVING LAND USE
dBA
Residential1
7:00 a.m. - 10:00
p.m.
Residential2
7:00 a.m. -
10:00 p.m.
All Residential
10:00 p.m. –7:00 a.m.
Commercial
24 hours
Industrial
24 hours
OUTDOORS
60 65 50 65 75
INDOORS3
50 55 40 55 65
1. Residential receptor not within a commercial or industrial zone, or within 200 feet of such
a zone.
2. Residential receptor within a commercial or industrial zone, or within 200 feet of such a
zone, including but not limited to those zones designated CBD, Waterfront, B, WDEZ, and
Industrial.
3. The indoor permissible sound level limits only apply if the sound source is on or within the
same property as the receiving property, as in the case of a multi-dwelling unit building or a multi-
use property (e.g., sound generated within a commercial unit of a multi-use property building and
received within a residential unit of the same building). In addition, indoor measurements shall be
taken if the property line between the receiving property and the source property is a common
wall, floor or ceiling
(2) Impulsive Sound:
No person shall make, cause, allow or permit the operation of any impulsive source of sound within any
and all property in the city which has a maximum sound pressure level in excess of eighty (80) dBA, when
measured at or within the real property line of the receiver. If an impulsive sound is the result of the
normal operation of an industrial or commercial facility and occurs more frequently than four (4) times in
any hour the levels set forth in Table I shall apply.
B. Sources of Sound on Ithaca Primary Commons or Any City Park
In addition to those specific prohibition set forth in Table I of this Section, no person shall make,
cause, allow, or permit any source of sound on the Ithaca Primary Commons or any city park
that exceeds 70 dBA during daytime hours and 60 dBA during nighttime hours when measured
at a distance of 25 feet or more from the source.
C. Commercial establishments serving alcohol or food, or presenting live or recorded musical performances
In addition to those specific prohibitions set forth in Table I of this Section, commercial establishments such
as bars, restaurants, cabarets, or performance venues shall conform to the following standards:
(1) There shall be no sound production device on the exterior of the establishment or inside the
establishment at a distance of less than ten feet to an open door or window towards which it is oriented,
without a permit.
(2) There shall be no outdoor gaming devices.
§ 240-9 Other Prohibited Acts
A. Unamplified human voice.
(1) No person shall make, continue, or cause to be made or continued, any unreasonable noise by use of the
unamplified human voice. The unamplified human voice engaged at conversational levels shall be
exempt from this provision if such sound is not plainly audible beyond 100 feet or does not infringe on the
legitimate rights of others. Raised vocal effort, such as shouting, yelling or screaming, with intent to cause
public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm or recklessly causing a risk thereof or that serves no legitimate
purpose, when audible at distances greater than 100 feet, is prima facie evidence of a violation of this
provision. This shall not apply to spontaneous utterances such as laughter, exclamations of warning, or
sporting events.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to advertise, promote or sell anything by outcry within any area of the
City zoned for residential uses, including all R and CR zones. The provisions of this section shall not be
construed to prohibit the selling by outcry of merchandise, food and beverages at licensed sporting
events, parades, fairs, circuses and other similar licensed public entertainment events.
§ 240-9 B. Machinery.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or repair any machinery, motor vehicle, construction
equipment or other equipment, pump, fan, air-conditioning apparatus or similar mechanical device or to
engage in any commercial or industrial activity in any manner so as to create unreasonable noise as
defined in § 240-4 of this chapter. In making such determination with respect to the matters governed by
this section, additional factors to be considered shall include:
A. (1)
The necessity of the work being done.
B. (2)
The ability of the creator of the noise to minimize or reduce the amount of noise created or to otherwise
minimize its adverse effects.
§ 240-10 C. Construction during nighttime hours.
A. (1)
Except for the purposes specified in Subsection B hereunder, during nighttime hours it shall be unlawful
for any person within a residential zone or within 500 feet of a residential zone to operate construction
equipment (including but not limited to any pile driver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer, derrick or steam
or electric hoist) or perform any outside construction or repair work so as to create noise. Any designated
official of the City of Ithaca shall give a verbal warning that the violation exists and of the penalties that
may result if the violation continues.
B. (2)
This section shall not be deemed to prohibit:
(1) a.
Work of an emergency nature.
(2) b.
Work of a domestic nature on buildings, structures or projects being undertaken by a person(s) residing in
such premises; provided that, if any domestic power tool, including but not limited to mechanically
powered saws, sanders, grinders and lawn and garden tools used outdoors, is operated during the
nighttime hours, no person shall operate such machinery so as to cause noise within a residential building
or across a residential real property boundary where such noise interferes with the comfort, repose,
health or safety of members of the public within any building or, outside of a building, at 25 feet or more
from the source of the sound.
§ 240-10. Motor Vehicles
A. No person shall remove or render inoperative, or cause to be removed or rendered inoperative or less
effective than originally equipped, other than for the purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement, of
any device or element of design incorporated in any motor vehicle for the purpose of noise control. No
person shall operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle which has been so modified. A vehicle not meeting
these requirements shall be deemed in violation of this provision if it is operated stationary or in motion in
any public space or public right-of-way.
B. No motorcycle shall be operated stationary or in motion unless it has a muffler that complies with and is
labeled in accordance with the Federal Noise Regulations under 40 CFR Part 205.
C No person shall operate any motor vehicle with an engine braking device engaged which does not have a
muffler in good working order.
D. Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in
such a manner that it is plainly audible at distance of 25 feet in any direction from the vehicle between the
hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.
E. Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in
such a manner that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between
the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
§ 240-11 Applicability of section.
Section 240-6, 240-7, 240-8 and 240-9 shall be applied in addition to § 240-4.
§ 240-12 Severability
If any provision of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of
competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of the ordinance shall not be invalidated.
§ 240-12Continuing noise.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make or continue or cause to be made or continued any loud,
unnecessary or unusual noise or sound which shall exceed the permitted noise levels specified in this
chapter. Any designated official of the City of Ithaca may issue a verbal warning that the violation exists
and of the penalties that may ensue.
§ 240-13Horns and alarms. Exceptions
This chapter shall not apply to fire horns or other alarms authorized by the Fire Department or Police
Department and operated in accord with that authorization.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
A. Sound and vibration emitted for the purpose of alerting people in an emergency or in the
performance of the response to an emergency.
B. Sounds connected with any authorized carnival, fair, exhibition, parade or community celebration or
from any municipally sponsored celebration, event, activity or individually sponsored event where a permit
or other relevant permission has been obtained from the City.
C. The operation or use of any bell, chimes, or other instrument from any church, synagogue, temple,
mosque or school licensed or chartered by the State of New York, provided such operation or use does
not occur during nighttime hours.
D. Sounds created by any government agency by the use of public warning devices.
E. Noise from domestic power tools, lawn mowers, leaf blowers and agricultural equipment
when operated with a muffler between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and
9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays, provided they produce less than 75
dBA at or within any real property line of a receiving residential property.
F. Noise from snow blowers, snow throwers, and snow plows when operated with a muffler for
the purpose of snow removal.
G. Noise from an exterior burglar alarm of any building or motor vehicle provided such burglar
alarm shall terminate its operation within five (5) minutes after it has been activated.
H. Sounds created by any governmental agency or railroad agency by the use of public warning devices
or created by public utilities in carrying out the normal operations of their franchises.
§ 240-14 Permit procedures for certain activities.
[Amended 9-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-14; 5-4-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-06]
Except as provided for in § 157-8 of the City Code regarding the Ithaca Commons:
A.
Where a sound source exists, is planned, installed or intended to be installed or modified by any person
in a manner that such source will create or is likely to create unreasonable noise or otherwise fail to
comply with the provisions of this chapter, such person must secure a permit pursuant to Subsection D of
this section.
B.
Where any person uses or plans to use any sound-amplifying equipment in such a way that such
equipment is or will be heard outside of any building or vehicle between 10:00 p.m. of any day and 7:30
a.m. of the next day, such person must secure a permit pursuant to Subsection D of this section.
C.
Where any person uses or plans to use a public-address system that will make sound outside of a
building, such person must secure a permit pursuant to Subsection D of this section.
D.
Applications shall be submitted at least 72 hours in advance of an event. The application for the permit
shall provide the following information:
(1)
The reasons for such usage, including a demonstration why it is desirable or necessary that the sound
source involved be authorized by a permit pursuant to this section.
(2)
Plans and specifications of the use.
(3)
Noise-abatement and -control methods to be used with respect to the sound source involved.
(4)
The period of time during which the permit shall apply.
(5)
The name of the person(s) who is responsible for ensuring that the activity complies with any permit
issued for it pursuant to this section.
(6)
If required by the party issuing the permit, proof that notification of the application for the permit has been
given to each person reasonably expected to be affected by the noise, the content of such notification
and the manner in which such notification has been given, if the event is not a community-wide or public
event. The notification shall state that any person objecting to the granting of such permit may contact the
appropriate city department to which the application is being made to express his/her opposition to the
granting of the permit.
E.
The application shall be made to the Superintendent of Public Works, or his/her designee, in connection
with construction work on public rights-of-way or in parks; to the Director of Planning and Development, or
his/her designee, for all other construction projects; and for others to the Mayor or his/her designee. The
issuance of permits shall be discretionary, and a permit shall be issued only where the responsible official
determines that such permit is reasonable and necessary and will allow an activity that is consistent with
the general purposes of this chapter, as stated in § 240-2. When determining if a permit should be issued,
factors the official shall consider shall include but are not limited to the volume of the noise, the proximity
of the noise to sleeping facilities, the time of the day or night the noise occurs, the time duration of the
noise, and the impact of the noise on persons living or working in different places or premises who are
affected by the noise. Any permit granted shall state that the permit only applies to this chapter, and that
§ 240.20, Subdivision 2, of the Penal Law of the State of New York, Disorderly Conduct, provides that “a
person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or
alarm or recklessly creating a risk thereof: . . . he makes unreasonable noise."
[Amended 6-5-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15[1]]
[1]:
Editor's Note: This ordinance provided for an effective date of 1-1-2014.
F.
In order to further the purposes of this chapter and to facilitate its implementation and enforcement, the
Superintendent of Public Works, the Director of Planning and Development and the Mayor, or their
designees, shall have authority to impose such conditions as they determine are reasonable and
necessary on permits they issue pursuant to this section. Such conditions may govern factors which
include but are not limited to the time and location the involved sound source may be utilized.
[Amended 6-5-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15[2]]
[2]:
Editor's Note: This ordinance provided for an effective date of 1-1-2014.
G.
The Superintendent of Public Works, the Director of Planning and Development and the Mayor or their
designees shall provide the Chief of Police with a copy of any permit issued pursuant to this section.
[Amended 6-5-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15[3]]
[3]:
Editor's Note: This ordinance provided for an effective date of 1-1-2014.
§ 240-15 Variances The Mayor or his/her designee may grant for a sustained duration an individual
variance from the limitations prescribed in this article whenever it is found, after a noticed public hearing
before the Mayor, or his/her designee and upon presentation of adequate proof, that compliance with any
part of this article will impose an undue economic burden upon any lawful business, occupation or
activity, and that the granting of the variance will not result in a condition injurious to health or safety.
A. Any variance, or renewal thereof, shall be granted within the requirements of division (A) of this
section and for time periods and under conditions consistent with the reasons therefore, and within
the following limitations:
1. If the variance is granted on the grounds that compliance with the particular requirement or
requirements will necessitate the taking of measures which, because of their extent or cost,
must be spread over a considerable period of time, it shall be for a period not to exceed such
reasonable time as, in the view of the Mayor or his/her designee, is requisite for taking of the
necessary measures. A variance granted on the ground specified in this division shall contain
a timetable for taking of action in an expeditious manner and shall be conditioned on
adherence to the timetable; or
2. If the variance is granted on the ground that it is justified to relieve or prevent hardship of a
kind other than that provided for in division (1) of this division (B), it shall be for not more than
one year.
B. Any person seeking a variance shall file a petition for variance and a $50 filing fee with the Mayor or
his/her designee. The Mayor or his/her designee shall thereafter conduct a noticed public hearing in
accordance with this section, accept documentary and testimonial evidence in accordance with
accepted administrative hearing procedures, and make a final decision regarding the granting of the
variance.
C. Written notice of the public hearing, the time and place of which shall be set by the Mayor or his/her
designee, shall be mailed by the petitioner at least 10 days prior to the hearing, with proof of mailing
provided to the Mayor at least 8 days prior to the hearing, to:
1. the owners as shown by the records of the County Assessor of lots comprising the site of the
variance and lots within 100 feet, excluding public right-of-way, of the site of the variance;
2. any neighborhood association if the site of the variance is within the neighborhood
association’s boundaries or within 100 feet of the neighborhood association’s boundaries,
excluding public right-of way.
3. any other person or entity that has filed with the Mayor a request to receive a notice of the
variance proceeding.
D. The notice of hearing shall set forth the name and address of the petitioner, the location of the site of
the variance, that the petitioner has requested a variance from this ordinance, the nature of the
requested variance, and that part of the ordinance that would be-waived if approved.
E. Following the hearing, the Mayor or his/her designee shall render a written final decision including
findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Mayor or his/her designee shall mail the decision to all
parties of record.
§ 240-16 Penalties for offenses; presumptions.
A.
Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed
$500 or imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or not more than 100 hours of community service or any
combination of such fine and imprisonment and not less than $100 or 25 hours of community service;
provided, however, that a person who shall violate any provision of this chapter after having been
convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter within the preceding three years shall be
punishable by a fine not to exceed $750 or by imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or not more than
125 hours of community service or, any combination of such fine and imprisonment and not less than
$200 or 40 hours of community service; and further provided that any person who shall violate any
provision of this chapter after having been convicted two or more times of a violation of any provision of
this chapter within the preceding three years shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by
imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or not more than 125 hours of community service, or any
combination of such fine and imprisonment, and not less than $300 or 50 hours of community service. For
any penalties of community service, the court may accept community service from people other than the
defendant whom the court deems appropriate, such as other residents of the premises or others who
choose to accept responsibility for the violation. In assessment of the above penalties, aggravating
factors shall include but not be limited to the presence of the following factors:
(1)
A common source of alcohol such as a keg;
(2)
A live band or disc jockey or other live entertainment;
(3)
Amplified sound emanating from speakers placed or directed outside of the building;
(4)
A charge to gain entrance into the premises or to consume alcohol;
(5)
A violation of § 250.8 (public urination) of this Code on the premises;
(6)
The offense takes place after midnight on weekdays and 1:00 a.m. on weekends and before the following
6:00 a.m.;
(7)
More than 25 guests on the premises, "guests" being defined for the purposes of this section as any
people who do not reside at the premises;
(8)
Any underage person or persons possessing or consuming alcohol on the premises, each underage
person constituting a separate aggravating circumstance;
(9)
More than one complaint made to the police about the noise, each complaint after the first being a
separate aggravating circumstance.
B.
For purposes of this chapter, for any offense that takes place on private property, if the person or persons
directly responsible for the activity that violates any provision of this chapter cannot be determined, then
all residents of the property on which the activity takes place shall be presumed to be responsible for the
violation.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance
is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect June 1, 2015, and in accordance with law
after publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
c) Disposition of City-Owned Land at 617 Five Mile Drive – Declaration
of Lead Agency
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson McCollister. Carried
unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council is considering sale of an approximately
3-acre, unimproved sub-parcel of land located at 617 Five Mile Drive in the Town of
Ithaca, NY (part of tax parcel #31.-2-6) through a competitive sealed bid process to New
Earth Living, LLC, and
WHEREAS, the proposed sale of more than 2.5 acres of contiguous land is a Type 1
Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQRO), and
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176.6 of CEQRO require that a Lead Agency be
established for conducting environmental review of proposed actions in accordance with
local and state environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review
the Lead Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and funding or carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, no other agency than the City of Ithaca Common Council has jurisdiction to
approve or undertake the proposed action; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council does hereby declare itself Lead
Agency for the environmental review of the proposed sale of an approximately 3-acre,
unimproved sub-parcel of land located at 617 Five Mile Drive in the Town of Ithaca, NY
(part of tax parcel #31.-2-6) to New Earth Living, LLC.
Disposition of City-Owned Land at 617 Five Mile Drive to New Earth Living LLC –
Environmental Determination
Moved by Alderperson McCollister; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Carried
Unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council is considering sale of an approximately
3-acre, unimproved sub-parcel of land located at 617 Five Mile Drive in the Town of
Ithaca, NY (part of tax parcel #31.-2-6) through a competitive sealed bid process to New
Earth Living, LLC, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council declared itself Lead Agency for the
environmental review of this proposed action, and
WHEREAS, such proposed action for the transfer or sale of more than 2.5 contiguous
acres of land is a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance (“CEQR”) and an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality
Review Act (“SEQR”), both of which require environmental review, and
WHEREAS, a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) and supporting information
has been provided to the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council and Natural
Areas Commission for review of the proposed action and no comments have been
received to date, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council for the city of Ithaca, acting as Lead Agency, has
reviewed the FEAF prepared by IURA and City planning staff; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council for the City of Ithaca, as Lead Agency in this
matter, adopts as its own, the findings and conclusions more fully set forth in the FEAF,
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Lead Agency hereby determines that the proposed action at issue
will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental
review is unnecessary, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that
the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any
attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as
required by law.
Disposition of City-Owned Land at 617 Five Mile Drive to New Earth Living LLC –
Authorization
Moved by Alderperson McCollister; seconded by Alderperson Martell. Carried
unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council is considering sale of an approximately
3-acre, unimproved sub-parcel of land located at 617 Five Mile Drive in the Town of
Ithaca, NY (part of tax parcel #31.-2-6) to New Earth Living LLC, and
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2013 the Common Council authorized a competitive
sealed bid process to offer for sale a 3-acre sub-parcel (City Property), subject to the
following terms:
Minimum Price: Fair Market Value to be determined by appraisal to be
conducted after receipt of bids.
Compliance with
Subdivision & Zoning
Regulations:
Purchaser must identify how conveyance of the 3-acre
sub-parcel will comply with Town of Ithaca subdivision
and zoning regulations. As the sub-parcel lacks street
frontage, it appears that consolidation with an existing
adjoining parcel will be required.
Future Use: Open space, agricultural and/or residential use.
Easement: Sale will be subject to retention of a public easement
across the sub-parcel for access by vehicles and
pedestrians to the City-owned Southwest Natural Area
located east of the railroad tracks.
Additional Purchaser
Expenses:
Appraisal and lot consolidation expenses.
Disclaimer: City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
WHEREAS, the Common Council further stipulated that the bid award is subject to
completion of environmental review, including advice of the Natural Areas Commission,
and approval by the Common Council, and
WHEREAS, on May 6, 2014 the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) issued and
publicly advertised an Invitation For Bids for the City Property, and
WHEREAS, one bid at $10,000 was received from New Earth Living LLC to purchase
the City Property, and
WHEREAS, an appraisal was conducted at the expense of the prospective purchaser
that concluded the fair market value of the City Property is $16,875, so the initial bid
was rejected, and
WHEREAS, a revised sealed bid offering that established the minimum acceptable bid
at $16,875 was issued on July 30, 2014, and
WHEREAS, one bid at $16,875 was received from New Earth Living LLC to purchase
the City Property, and
WHEREAS, New Earth Living LLC developed the Aurora Street pocket neighborhood
project at the 500 block of Aurora Street, and
WHEREAS, New Earth Living LLC proposes to consolidate the City Property with an
adjacent parcel located at 619 Five Mile Drive for development of an approximately 30-
unit clustered residential subdivision known as Amabel, and
WHEREAS, the City Property is proposed to be used as a natural area for storm water
management and a dog park for residents, though final plans for the project may evolve
as the project proceeds through the Town’s approval process, and
WHEREAS, environmental review for sale of this land has been completed, and
WHEREAS, the City Charter requires approval by 3/4s of the Common Council to
authorize sale of real property; now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, that the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby authorizes
disposition of an approximately 3-acre, unimproved, sub-parcel of land located at 617
Five Mile Drive in the Town of Ithaca NY (part of tax parcel 31.-2-6) to New Earth Living
LLC at a sales price of $16,875, subject to the following conditions:
1. Subdivision and consolidation of the sub-parcel with an adjacent parcel in
conformance with Town of Ithaca land use regulations;
2. Retention of a public easement across the sub-parcel for access by vehicles and
pedestrians to the City-owned Southwest Natural Area located east of the
railroad tracks bounding the sub-parcel; and
3. Purchaser shall be responsible for the following costs in addition to the bid
purchase price:
• Lot subdivision and consolidation
• Sellers closing cost expenses, including legal, title and boundary survey
as applicable.
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, subject to advice of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized
to execute agreements to implement this resolution, including but not limited to a
purchase and sale agreement and conveyance of deed, and be it further
RESOLVED, that expenses of the IURA directly associated with marketing and sale of
the property shall be reimbursed from sale proceeds.
6) Action Items – Approval to Circulate
a) Cornell Heights Rezoning
ORDINANCE NO. ____
Moved by Alderperson Martel; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Carried
unanimously. The Ordinance will be circulated for comment and will return to
this committee at a later date.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca that
Chapter 325, Zoning, be amended as follows:
1. WHEREAS, in 2013, the City received a development proposal for a
residential project located in the Cornell Heights historic district,
and
2. WHEREAS, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, in their review
of the project, found that the allowable development by the existing
zoning largely conflicted with what the Commission would permit in
order to protect the historic character of the district, and
3. WHEREAS, the Cornell Heights Historic District, unlike Ithaca’s other
Historic Districts, was developed as a planned “residence park,” with
significant amounts of green space and informal landscaping in the
Romantic tradition intentionally retained around its expansive homes to
create a unique neighborhood identity, and
4. WHEREAS, this neighborhood is also designated as a low-density
neighborhood in the City of Ithaca’s forthcoming Comprehensive Plan,
and
5. WHEREAS, in order to explore alternate zoning options that would better
reflect the desired development for this area, a working group
consisting of staff from the planning, zoning, and building departments
and members of the Common Council, and
6. WHEREAS, prior to developing a zoning proposal, a walking tour of the
neighborhood was held and the working group also had meetings with the
residents of the area, and
7. WHEREAS, the working group has identified amendments to the use and
area requirements in the RU zoning district that would allow for
responsibly developing this area, while preserving the original intent
for the district and protecting the important qualities of this
neighborhood, and
8. WHEREAS, in addition to the amendments that have been proposed to the
RU zoning district, residents have requested that the Common Council
also explore options for offering additional protections to the entire
historic district, therefore
BE IT NOW ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1. Section 325-8 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca,
entitled District Regulations, is hereby amended to add the following
underlined language:
Section 325-8: District Regulations Chart, R-U Use District
Permitted Primary Uses
1. One-family detached, semi-detached, or attached dwelling.
2. Any use permitted in R-1 and R-2.
Permitted Uses 3-8 are restricted to 1 every 500’, measured from the edge of
the property line
3. Multiple dwelling.
4. Rooming or boardinghouse.
5. Cooperative household.
6. Fraternity, sorority or group house.
7. Dormitory.
8. Townhouse or garden apartment housing.
By Special Permit of Board of Appeals:
9. Uses 5-7 under R-1*
10. Nursery school, child day care center.
11. Bed and Breakfast Homes and Inns.
* Cemetery and Related Building, Public Utility Structures, except
offices, All School and Related Buildings
Minimum Lot Size (Area in Square Feet)
1. One-family detached dwelling: 10,000
2. One-family semi-detached or two-family dwelling: 15,000.
3. One-family attached dwelling: 16,500 for first 1-3 units plus 1,500 for
each additional unit.
4. Multiple dwelling: 16,500 for first 1-3 units +1,500 for each additional
unit.
5. Fraternity, sorority, or group house: 30,000 (was 25,000).
6. Other uses: 30,000 (was 10,000).
Width in Feet at Street Line
1. One-family detached dwelling: 75.
2. One-family semi-detached or two-family dwelling: 100.
3. One-family attached dwelling: 125.
4. Multiple dwelling: 125.
5. Fraternity, sorority or group house: 125.
6. Other uses: 125 (was 75).
Maximum Building Height
Number of Stories: 3 (was 4).
Height in Feet – 40.
Maximum Percent Lot Coverage by Buildings
Lot Coverage: 25% (was 30%).
50% of the developable lot area, after the required setbacks have been
calculated, must be retained as green space.
Yard Dimensions
Front Required Minimum – 25’
Side Minimum – 10’
Other Side Minimum – 10’
Rear Minimum – 50’ or at least 25%, but not less than 30’
Section 2. The City Planning and Development Board, the City
Clerk and the Planning Department shall amend the district
regulations chart in accordance with the amendments made
herewith.
Section 3. Severability. Severability is intended throughout and within the
provisions of this local law. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,
phrase or portion of this local law is held to be invalid or unconstitutional
by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the
validity of the remaining portion.
Section 4. Effective date. This ordinance shall take affect immediately and
in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca
City Charter.
7) Review and Approval of Minutes
a) September 2014
b) October 2014
Alderperson McCollister moved both sets of minutes; seconded by
Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously.
8) Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.