HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoats, Docks, Wharfs 2003 ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS NLa~AGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, ""A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Islm~d State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
t~uthold Town Board of Appeals
Signature, Received By
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTI~kR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Heating at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, ""A iocal Law in relation to
Amendments to Chaoter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessc rs
Southold Town Buildin Department
~/~abeth A. Neville wn Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Date:
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, ""A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Sonthold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
ffS~ thold Town B~ding Department
Signature, Received By
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING
December 2, 2003
8:15 P.M.
HEAR1NG ON "A LOCAL LAW IN RELATION TO AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 32, 'BOATS,
DOCKS AND WHARVES' OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD".
Present:
Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton
Justice Louisa P. Evans
Councilman William C. Moore
Councilman Craig A. Richter
Councilman John M. Romanelli
Councilman Thomas H. Wickham
Town Clerk Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Attorney Gregory F. Yakaboski
COUNCILMAN WICKHAM: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that there has been presented to the
Town Board of the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York, on the 18th day of November 2003
a Local Law entitled "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chat}ret 32, 'Boats, Docks and
Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold" now, therefore, be it
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a
public hearing on the aforesaid Local Law at the Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road, Southold,
New York, on the 2nd day of December 2003 at 8:15 I~.m. at which time all interested persons will
be given an opportunity to be heard.
The proposed local law entitled, "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats,
Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Sonthold" reads as follows:
LOCAL LAW NO. 2003
A Local Law entitled "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks and
Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold"
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Southold, as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 32, BOATS, DOCKS AND WHARVES
ARTICLE II, taablic Docks
§ 32-19. Legislative Findings and Purpose.
A. The Town Board of the Town of Southold finds that rapid growth, the spread of develol~ment
and increasin~ demands upon natural resources are encroachin~ upon or eliminatin~ many of its
wetlands and patent lands, which, if l~reserved and maintained in an undisturbed and natural condition,
constitute important physical, social, aesthetic, recreational and economic assets to existin~ and future
res/dents of the Town of Southold. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the al~plications
for and the numbers of fixed and floatin~ l~iers and docks accessory to upland residential and other
uses. iMost of these structures and the uses they support are on and in publicly owned land and waters
and always have some effect on physical, biological, ecosystem functions and value& development
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
2
patterus and the aesthetic character of the area. Therefore it is essential to regulate the type and
placement of such structures.
B. Purpose: Therefore, the Town Board declares that it is the intention of this chapter to regulate
the type and placement of fixed and floating piers and docks for the protection, preservation, proper
maintenance and use of its waters and wetlands. Docks shall be regulated in order to maintain and
contribute to the following resoume area values and the attributes and functions they possess: erosion
and sedimentation control; storm damage prevention; water pollution control; fisheries: shellfish,
including spawner sanctuaries: wildlife habitat: agriculture; aesthetics; and recreation. In addition, the
following resource area values also shall be maintained and protected including: protection and
enhancement of existing vegetation cover in order to maintain water quality and wildlife habitat;
protection of wildlife, waterfowl, and plant habitat and the maintenance of existing populations and
species diversity; prevention of loss or degradation of critical wildlife and plant habitat; public access
to water and land; and the minimization of the impact of new development, reconstruction and/or
expansion on the resource area values listed above.
§ 32-20. Definitions.
For the purpose of this Article, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
BOA"[' - Every vessel propelled in any manner.
CATWALK - An elevated walkway, usually built to gain access to a commercial or residential dock,
built at a fixed height above e;rade and which is constructed landward of the hieJa water mark.
COMMERCIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed or floating dock or extension of such, designed, used
and/or intended for use other than as a residential dock, as defined in this chapter.
DECKING Horizontal structural components of a dock, deck, pier or other shoreline structure
intended to be walked upon.
DOCK - Any permanent or seasonal structure, except a building, located or proposed to be located on
lands abutting or comprised of freshwater or tidal wetlands or connected to a bulkhead or the upland
and extending over the water's surface, designed to secure vessels and provide access from the shore to
a body of water. For the purpose of this chapter, this term shall also include the associated structures
necessary to cross wetlands and adjacent natural areas. The term "dock" includes the terms "wharves,"
"piers," "fixed docks," "floating docks," "floats" or "catwalks".
DOCK LENGTH - The length of a dock, including all fixed docks, ramps, floating docks and mooring
piles, as measured from the most landward portion of the structure to the seaward-most portion of the
dock or the seaward-most mooring pile, whichever distance is re'eater.
FIXED DOCK - An elevated walkway which is constructed at a fixed height above grade and which
extends seaward from the high water mark.
FLOATiNG DOCK - Any structure, rafi or floating platform which is designed to float upon the
surface ofa waterbody and is secured in place by poles, pilings, anchors, or any other twe of moorin~
system that provides access to the water. A floating dock includes the float itself and any pilings or
moorin~ system designed to keep the dock at a fixed point.
MARINA - Any dock, vier or other facility operated for profit, or to which public patronage is invited,
providing moorings, dockage or other marine services primarily for power and sailing yachts, launches
or other ~vatercraft, other than floating homes, and which may also be capable of removing any and all
watercraft moored or docked within the marina from the water for repair and/or storaffe.
MEAN HIGH WATER (MHW) The average of all the water heights observed over a 19 year
period.
MEAN LOW WATER (MLW) The average of all the low heights observed over a 19 year period.
December 2, 2003
Public ttearing-Chapter 32
3
MONOPOLIZE -- The use for an unreasonable period of time to the exclusion of others or to
unreasonably restrict or obstruct the use of any public bulkhead, dock or landing owned or controlled
by the Town of Southold.
PATENT LANDS - All uplands and underwater lands owned in fee title by the Trustees by virtue of
the Andros Patent (October 31, 1676).
PERSON -- Includes an individual, co-partnership, society, association, joint-stock company, club,
corporation and any combination of individuals.
PIER - A fixed structure to secure vessels, unloadin~ or loadin~ persons or property or providing
access to the water, See Wharf
PIER L1NE -- The average seaward projection of one or more existing permitted docks, piers, wharves
or floats. The average seaward projection is calculated by adding the length of all docks within the
immediate area and dividin~ by the number of said docks.
PRE-EXISTING NON-PERMITTED AND/OR NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES - A structure,
use or lot that is not otherwise permitted but which is allowed to continue solely because it was
lawfully existin~ prior to the effective date of the original law or ordinance or prior to any subsequent
amendment, as the case may be. Any determination of lawful existence must at least include a review
of prior land use laws and ordinances.
RESIDENTIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed dock and/or floating dock desi~med or constructed as a
continuous unit to provide access to the surface waters from a lot that is zoned for residential use. The
term dock shall include all associated structures such as ramps and mooring piles.
TOWN WATERS - Any waters within the ~eographic boundaries in the Town of Southold including,
but not: limited to: Broadwaters Cove, Brushes Creek, Budd's Pond, Cedar Beach Creek, Corer Creek,
Dam Pond, Deep Hole Creek, Down's Creek, East Creek, East Harbor, Goose Creek, Goldsmiths Inlet,
Gull Pond, Halls Creek, Hashamomuck Creek, Havwaters Cove, James Creek, Jockey Creek, Little
Creek, Long Beach Bay, Mattituck Inlet, Mud Creek, Pipes Neck Creek, Richmond Creek, Town
Creek, West Creek, West Harbor, West Lake, Wickham Creek and Wurmewata Pond.
SHEATHING Vertical structural components of a bulkhead or retainin~ wall necessary to keep soil
and sediment from passing through the structure.
SOUND - Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS -- Pilings, deadmen, rails, whalers and other significant components
used to hold to~ether and anchor docks, piers, wharves, jetties, groins and other structures.
VEGETATED WETLANDS - Any and all wetland types supporting or capable of supportin~
emergent, submerged or floating-leaved vegetation as described in Chapter ~ 97-11. "Definitions."
WHAPd* -- See Pier.
WATER-DEPENDENT USES - An activity which can only be conducted on, in, over or adjacent to a
water body because such activity requires direct access to that water body, and which involves, as an
integral part of such activity, the use of the water. The uses include, but are not limited to commercial
and recreational fishin~ and boating facilities, finfish and shellfish processing, fish storage and retail
and wholesale fish marketin~ facilities, waterfront dock facilities, shipyards and boat buildin~
facilities, navigation aides, basins and channels, industrial uses dependent upon water-borne
transportation or reouiring large volumes of cooling or processin~ water and which cannot reasonably
be located or operated at an inland site, and uses which primarily provide ~eneral public access to
marine or tidal waters.
§ 32-21 .Monopolization of docks, bulkheads and landing places prohibited.
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
4
It shall be unlawful for any person to monopolize, to the exclusion of others, any public dock, public
bulkhead or public landing place within the boundaries of said Town of Southold (excluding therefrom
the territory within the limits of the Incorporated Village of Greenport).
§ 32-22.(Reserved) Standards for Residential and Commercial Docks
It shall be the policy of the Town of Southold that all docks shall be desim~ed, constructed and located
so as to reduce a dock's potential adverse impacts to navigation, public safety, waterway coneestion,
access to public trust lands and water, and natural resources and habitats. The following standards will
serve as a basis for ~rantine, denying, or limitine permits for the construction of docks.
A. General Rules
1. No dock shall be constructed, altered or removed without a permit issued bv the Southold
Town Trustees. In determinine whether to approve such application, the Trustees shall consider
the factors contained in paragraph { 32-22 D. below and all other provisions of this law.
Permits shall be applied for l~ursuant to procedures set forth in Chapter 97.
2. All docks shall be constructed of sturdy, durable and stable materials capable of maintaining
position and location, suv¢orting pedestrian traffic, and resistin~ lateral loads resulting from
wind, wave, and impact forces. Docks shall be constructed, where possible, to permit the free
circulation of water, reduce the effects of fluctuating water levels, and prevent adverse
modification of the shoreline. Applicants shall certify as to the structural integrity of the dock
so as not to cause a threat to the person or property of others.
3. In order to prevent the release of metals and other contaminants into the wetlands and waters of
Southold, the use of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate (also known as "CCA"),
commercial copper quat (ACO), creosote, penta products or homemade wood l~reservatives is
prohibited for use in sheathine and decking. Materials used for structural components shall be
determined at the discretion of the Trustees.
4. All docks shall provide a safe pedestrian surface at all times parallel to the water surface,
except for ~angwavs onto such docks from the shoreline or extensions thereof, which gangways
shall have a nonskid surface.
5. All docks, including any vessel tied to the dock, shall have a minimum clearance of fifteen (15)
feet of the seaward extension of any property line from adiacent parcels so as not to interfere
with the neighbor's access to waters, unless the Trustees decide otherwise for navigational or
,other reasons. Waterside boundaries can be identified using the appropriate method for the
:shape of the shoreline for Long Island waters specified in 9 NYCRR 274.5.
6. All docks and floats shall have the appropriate permit number permanently affixed to the most
seaward face for identification. Said numbers shall be at least three (3) inches high and
constructed of metal, wood, vlastic or other material such that they can withstand exposure to
the elements and are visible from the water. All fixed docks fifty (50) feet or longer in lenffth
must be equipped with a US Coast Guard approved regulatory navigation light at the seaward
end of the dock.
Except for structures used for water dependent uses, there shall be no permanent structure
]located on or above the decks of docks, ramps and floats.
,amy avplication for a dock to be constructed at the end ora right of way or commonly-held
land requires the written consent of all varties having an interest in the right of way, regardless
of how property interests in the upland parcel may be divided among the owner(s), lessee(s),
occupant(s), easement holder(s), or any other person(s) or entitv(ies) with a legal or beneficial
interest in any existing or proposed docking facility.
All avvlicants for docks, includin~ catwalks and ramps, extendin~ across the foreshore shall be
Decemher 2, 2003 5
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
10.
B.
1.
2.
required to Rive and maintain a public passin~ way, on the upland, not less than five (5) feet in
width, to enable persons to pass and repass around said dock or by steps or a ramp allowin~
pedestrian passage.
Pre-existin~ non-permitted and/or non-conformin~ structures cannot be replaced in kind
without full review and approval by the Trustees.
Dock Locations and Lengths
No dock shall be erected or extended if, in the opinion of the Trustees, such structure would
adversely affect navigation, fisheries, shell fisheries, scenic quality, habitats or wetland areas.
Within creeks and other narrow waterways, no dock length shall exceed 1/3 the total width of
the water body. Determination of the lenff~h of the dock must include the dimensions of the
vessel.
Prohibited Locations and Activities
a. Given the uniclue and sensitive natural environmental characteristics described in the
Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and the New York State Department of
State Significant Habitat descriptions, no new docks will be permitted, over vegetated wetlands
or such that it causes framnentation of vegetated wetlands, in Downs Creek, Hallocks Bay,
Hashamomuck Creek and Pond and West Creek
b. Machine excavation is prohibited in tidal or freshwater wetland areas.
c. Placement of fence, mesh or other material preventin~ passage under docks is
prohibited.
d. Floatin~ docks, other floats and dock components and duckblinds shall not be stored on
tidal or freshwater wetland or other intertidal areas.
Regulations for the Placement and Configuration of Dockin~ Facilities
Residential Docks:
a. Only one dock or moorin~ is permitted per residential lot. A residential dock must be
configured so that no more than two boat slips or berths are created.
b. If any part of a residential dock structure includes a float or floating dock, the float or
floatin~ dock portion shall be designed so that, with the exception of the pilings,
1. it is no lar~er than six (6) ~vide and twenty (20) feet lon~.;
2. it is removed durin~ the winter months and reinstalled in the sprin~; and
3. no part of the floatin~ dock will contact the bottomland durin~ a normal
low tide.
c. In determining the permitted length of a proposed residential dock the Trustees shall
seek to maintain lengths consistent with the other docks in the waterway which meet the
requirements of this law.
d. Pilings shall not project more than three (3) feet above the surface of a dock or catwalk.
e. All excess fill from installation of pilings must be removed from tidal or freshwater
wetland area on the same day as installation and disposed of in an approved upland
disposal area.
f. Tie off poles associated with residential docks will only be permitted to secure one (1)
vessel. If the dock utilizes a float the poles shall not proiect farther seaward than the
outer edge of the float. Ifa ramp and float are not used the pole(s) can be situated
seaward of the end of the dock sufficient to secure the vessel.
~. Only one hand rail is permitted on a residential dock unless the need for two is
demonstrated. Rails shall not be hi~her than three (3) feet above the surface of the dock
and posts shall not be placed closer than 6 feet on center or lar~er than 4"x4" in
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
6
dimension.
h. Residential catwalks and ramps are limited to four (4) feet in width.
i.. Residential boatlifts are prohibited.
3. Marinas and Yacht Clubs:
a. If docks for overnight vessel use to be constructed, the marina or yacht club must
provide pump-out facilities for vessel sanitary waste.
b. Marinas and yacht clubs shall be subject to site plan and special use permit review.
4. Restaurants:
a. Boat slips may be distributed between berths and mooring buoys.
b. The docking and mooring facilities shall be the minimum necessary to accommodate
the permitted number of boat slips.
c. Restaurants shall be subject to site plan and special use permit review.
D. Review and Approval of Dock Applications
1. Before issuing a permit for a dock structure, the Trustees shall consider whether the dock will
have any of the following harmful effects:
(i) Whether the dock will impair navigation or be located in areas of high vessel traffic or
vessel congestion;
Whether the dock will unduly interfere with the public use of waterways for swimming,
boating, fishing, shellfishing, waterskiing and other water dependant activities;
Whether the dock will unduly interfere with transit by the public along the public
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
beaches or foreshore;
Whether the dock will
adjacent to or near the
Whether the dock will
Whether the dock will
and wildlife habitats;
significantly impair the use or value of waterfront property
dock;
cause degradation of surface water clualiW and natural resources;
cause habitat fragmentation and loss of significant coastal fish
Whether the dock will result in the destruction of or prevent the growth of vegetated
wetlands, seagrasses including eelgrass (Zostera marina) and widgeon grass (Rupt~ia
maritima) or shellfish;
(viii) Whether the dock will unduly restrict tidal flow or water circulation;
(ix) Whether the dock will be safe when constructed;
(x) Whether the dock will adversely affect views, viewsheds and vistas important to the
community;
(xi) Whether the cumulative impacts of a residential and commercial dock will change the
waterway or the environment and whether alternate design, construction, and location
of the dock will minimize cumulative imr~acts; and
(xi) Whether adequate facilities are available to boat owners and/or operators for fueling,
discharge of waste and rubbish, electrical service and water service
2. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees may approve, approve with conditions or deny the
permit. If approved, it shall specify thereon the number of boats which shall be permitted to dock at or
be placed upon the property.
3. In the event of a violation of this chapter or if an owner or person in charge of the property with
the Town laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and codes respecting docks, the Trustees may revoke
the permit granted hereunder and seek removal of any dock constructed without a permit described
herein or built in violation of these standards and/or restrictions established by a permit issued by the
Southold Town Trustees.
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
ARTICLE V, Administration and Enforcement
§ 32-50. Enforcing officer.
It shrill be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable and his deputies and assistants
to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
§ 32-51. Notice of violation.
A. Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable has reasonable grounds to believe
that operations regulated hereby are being conducted in violation of the provisions of this chapter or
not in compliance with a permit issued pursuant to this chapter, he may notify the owner of the
property or the owner's agent or the person performing such operations to suspend all operations, and
any such person shall forthwith cease operations until such notice of violation has been rescinded.
B. Such notice shall be in writing, shall specify the violation and shall state the conditions which
must be complied with and the time within which compliance must be completed before operations
may be resumed. Such notice shall also inform the person to whom it is directed of his tight to apply
for a hearing before the Board of Trustees of the Town of Southold, as hereinafter provided.
C. Such notice shall be served upon the person to whom it is directed by delivering it to him
personally or by posting the same in a conspicuous place on the premises where operations are being
conducted and mailing a copy thereof to such person by certified mail to his last known address.
D. The Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable may extend the time of compliance specified
in the notice of violation where there is evidence of intent to comply within the time specified and
conditions exist which prevent irmnediate compliance.
E. In the event that the person upon whom a notice of violation has been served shall fail to
comply with said notice within the time specified therein or within the time specified in any extension
of time issued by the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable, any permit issued to such person
pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed revoked.
F. It shall be unlawful for any person served with a notice of violation pursuant to § 32-51C to fail
to comply with such notice. [Added 3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
§ 32-52. Hearing.
A. Any person affected by a notice of violation issued pursuant to the preceding section hereof
may request and shall be granted a heating before the Board of Trustees, provided that such person
shall file a written request therefor with the Town Clerk within ten (10) days after service of the notice
of violation. Such request shall have annexed thereto a copy of the notice of violation upon which a
hearing is requested and shall set forth the reasons why such notice of violation should be modified or
rescinded.
B. The Town Clerk shall present such request to the Board of Trustees at its next regular meeting.
The Board of Trustees shall set a time and place for such hearing and shall give the person requesting
the same at least five (5) days' notice of the time and place thereof.
C. iM such hearing, the person requesting the same or his representative shall be given an
opportunity to show cause why such notice of violation should be modified or rescinded. After such
hearing, the Board of Trustees may sustain, modify or rescind such notice of violation or revoke any
permit previously issued and shall specify the reasons therefor.
D. The notice of violation for which a heating is requested shall continue in effect pending the
hearing and detem~ination of the Board of Trustees.
§ 32-53. Compliance required; penalties for offenses.
A. I1~. shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their agents or any
person to fail to comply with any provisions of this chapter or to fail in any manner to comply with a
written notice, directive or order of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable or to conduct any
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
operation in a manner not in compliance with a permit issued pursuant to this chapter, [Added 3-22-
1988 hy L.L. No. 3-1988]
B. For every offense against any of the provisions of this chapter, except Article II, or any
regulations made pursuant thereto or failure to comply with a written notice or order of the Code
Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable within the time fixed for compliance therewith, the owner,
occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their agents or any other person who commits, takes part or
assists in the commission of any such offense or who shall fail to comply with a written order or notice
of the Code Enfomement Officer or Bay Constable shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a
violation punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.) or by imprisonment for a
period not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day's continued
offense shall constitute a separate, additional violation.
C. For every offense against any of the vrovisions of Article II of this charter, the fines and venalties
set forth in ~ 97-34 shall apply.
D. In addition to the above-provided penalties, the town may also maintain an action or proceeding in a
court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or to restrain by injunction the violation of
this chapter.
Section 2. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this Local Law shall be adjudged by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not effect the validity of this law as a whole or
any part thereof other than the part so decided to be unconstitutional or invalid.
Section 3. Effective date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State as provided by
law.
I have several letters and communications to the Town in regard to this. I also have a notice that it has
appeared on the Town Clerk's bulletin board outside and it has appeared in the Traveler-Watchman
newspaper. I have a communication from the Department of Planning in the County of Suffolk,
pursuant to section A14-14. "The above referenced application is not within the jurisdiction of the
Suffolk County Planning Commission." I should have something, I did read before something from
oar Town Planning Board and here it is. "The Planning Board has reviewed the proposed amendments
to Chapter 32. The Planning Board supports the proposed amendments and recommends that the
Board approves that local law as it stands." They had some suggestions in regard to section 97, they
don't have any specific suggestions in regard to Chapter 32. I read already a letter from Heather
Ferguson, President of the Fishers Island Civic Association, referenced to both Chapter 32 and 97, !
don't think that I need to read it ag~fin, we will just see that it will be incorporated as part of that.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: All of these letters at this point can be...
COUNCILMAN WlCKHAM: That is right. It looks to me like there is nothing here specific to
Chapter 32 that we didn't already read into the record. That is it.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Councilman Wickham, again. The floor is open for public
comment on this....indeed, sir.
ROB HERRMANN: Again, Rob Herrmann of EN Consultants, I am going to honor this gentlemen's
request, I only have two comments on this Chapter. I am hoping Mr. Costello will address things like
materials for docks so that I don't have to. One is just a technical comment, it is on page 6 under B-2,
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
indicates within creeks and other narrow waterways, no dock length shall exceed one third the total
width of the water body. The determination of the length of the dock must include the dimensions of
the vessel. You probably want to notate how the width is calculated, the width of the waterway or I
think i[t is actually listed as the width of creek as defined in 97 but it is not defined here. It is not used
in 97 but it needs to be used here. So, here again, I think the Trustees, they really have sort of a
subliminal hankering to have two different laws here but you want to include that definition in here
where it is of use. My only really major substantive comment is at the end of this section, you outline
12 different standards for the review and approval of dock applications. They are very comprehensive
and it would appear to indicate that the Trustees, in order to make a decision on a dock application,
have to analyze all of these different standards. But under, again on page 6 under B-l, there is sort of
this sweeping notation that no dock shall be erected or extended if in the opinion of the Trustees, such
structure would adversely affect navigation, fisheries, shellfisheries, scenic quality, habitats or
wetlands areas. This is sort of a synopsis of the standards at the end, it should be taken out. The
problem with it is if you get a couple, or I guess three correctly, Trustees who decide that they don't
really like docks, this one section would allow them to deny every single dock application because
they feel that it adversely affects scenic quality. Instead, let the Board rely on this series of standards
at the end as they should, and take this out, it really is out of place and is really just a synopsis of the
standards at the end. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, sir.
TOWN CLERK NEVILLE: For the record, sir, would you please state your name again?
ROBERT HERRMANN: 1 am sorry, again, it was Robert Herrmann.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Are there other comments from the floor, on Chapter 32? Yes, sir.
THOMAS O'NEILL: Thomas O'Neill. I have lived on Goose Creek for over 50 years and I have
observed it very closely. I am in general agreement with, oddly enough, with everything that has been
said tonight in terms of purpose and goals and observations. I think that the only thing that divides us
is the details and certain misunderstandings and clarifications being necessary. First I would like to
ask if Article 32 and 97 are available in their entirety. I confess that I only get into Town Hall twice a
year to pay my taxes, I don't subscribe to any local papers, I have been keeping my ear to the ground
with my neighbors throughout the Township and I was unaware that comments were being solicited,
either in writing or by appearance. Are these articles, as proposed, available perhaps in the Town
Clerk's office?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Yes, they are, sir.
MR. O'NEiLL: Okay. Since Article 32 and 97 are parallel generally with revisions possible, I would
suggest that the Town Board, if necessary, extend the moratorium to allow time for people who have
had their head in the sand, unavoidably as I have, to find out more about this, offer whatever comments
we have and I understand from what you have said, that the process is already in effect to hold another
heating, that this hearing is open or something to that effect. The only thing that I would add to what I
have heard so far, is that ever since the establishment of the coastal zone approximately 10, 15, 20
years ago, it was my understanding that the Town would eventually come into compliance with their
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
10
town roads individual citizens are. In the interests of the purity and the quality of the water and our
creeks and waterfront, I think a lot of the degradation that has occurred is occurring because of
unbridled ran-off from the town roads. I would hope that the Town Trustees are going to hold the
Town to the same standards of pollution control and filtering of mn-off that they are and should be
holding individual homeowners to. I would suggest that the decision on both of these Chapters be held
at a fi~ture date and as I said in the beginning, if necessary, extend the moratorium to continue to
protect the Town and its beauty. I started making notes only a few minutes ago, I didn't expect to
speak and my turn came before I had completed this. I would like an opportunity to review these
articles and submit in writing to the Town Trustees, these and other thoughts that I might offer for their
consideration. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, sir. And I think that you will certainly have that time. Are
there other comments from the floor? Mr. Strong.
MR. STRONG: Just a procedural question. If these are opted to be extended, if we have any
additional written communication of input, should it go to the Trustees or should it go to the Town
Board during the next month for further ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: You should send it to the Town Clerk's office and cc the Trustees. And
the Town Clerk's office, just as a matter of practice, will generally get it right to the Town Board and
the Trustees as well.
MR. STRONG: Thank you.
SUPERNISOR HORTON: Thank you, Jeff. Mr. Kramer.
JOHN KRAMER: I will be brief. John Kramer, Southold. I just want to reiterate that we heard
tonight from probably five property owners. T here is probably 2500 of them out there and they don't
know what is going on. I agree it is my fault, it is their fault. They don't know what is going on. I see
a lot of things in here that are very interesting about docks and you know, I don't want to take up
anybodies time tonight, I can write these things out but I hope that you will consider that there is a lot
of very interested tax payers out there who have no clue to what is happening and I hope that you will
keep the period open where we can get some input. Everybody agrees that the effect of this is
wonderful, nobody has any problem with that. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Mr. Kramer. Are there other comments from the floor on
Chapter 32? AgaJ~n, this hearing will be closed but the Board of Trustees will revisit the legislation, as
will the Town Board. Therefore, before any legislative action can be taken, it will have to be noticed
and sent to a public hearing again, at least one more time. Mr. Nickles.
JOHN NICKLES, JR.: Joba~ Nickles, Junior, Southold. I guess I would like some clarification. Page
6A #10. Preexisting non-permitted and or non-conforming structures cannot be replaced in kind
without full review and approval by the Trustees. I guess I would like to know what does that do to the
status of the grandfather clause in Southold and pre-existing structures. Page 6, the fourth one from
the top. Under A General roles, #10.
December 2, 2003 11
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Pre-existing, non-permitted.
MR. NICKLES, JR.: So, I have a big concern about what this rule does to grandfather clauses for pre-
existing and non-conforming structures in the Town of Southold. I guess that is a question that maybe
the Town Attorney might want to answer. I understand it is a public hearing and maybe we are not
answering questions right now, but that is a major concern that I have about that.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mr. Nickles, if I can just, I am try/ng to get my mind around that same
question. Does it pertain to say, a dock that you would no longer permit under your current standards,
a dock that was built (unidentified, inaudible comment from audience) if you are going to address it in
your remarks, you don't have to do it now.
MR. NICKLES, JR: It pertains to something maybe that was built prior to zoning, prior to code. That
is what it pertains to. I guess, I too, would like there to be a bit more time to go through this. I am
somebody that has been involved and like a lot of people, this took me by surprise a little bit, maybe I
should have been paying attention a little bit more. I think that one of the things that the Town
definitely could do if you don't want to keep hearing these same comments from bewildered people in
the crowd, is if maybe you want to send them a certified letter, if the law is going to affect them. That
is just ,one suggestion. And I think that you probably would have seen a lot more people show up here
tonight. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you. Are there other comments from the floor? Mr. Nickles.
JOHN NICKLES: I am the other John Nickles. I am a taxpayer, property owner in the Town of
Southold and I am embarrassed to say that I found out about this at 5:05 this afternoon when I called
my son to say that I had gotten safely back on the ground at JFK. So obviously [ have nottfing to say
about any specifics but I would like a question answered. Is the first hearing being held open for
comments and is this hearing being held open for comments? Because I would like a chance to review
the proposed changes and make a comment on it.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Well, actually, I will make a command decision on that. The hearing on
97 was closed but I think that we do have the ability to accept written comments for a period of time,
set by this Board.
MR. NICKLES: Would that be 30 days? That is what I would suggest.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Well, I will discuss briefly with the Board. We can accept comment for
another 2 weeks. What would be beneficial to the Trustees, but keeping in mind the public's ability to
respond to this.
COUNCILMAN WICKHAM: How much longer does the moratorium extend to?
MR. KRUPSKI: One of the reasons that we had...
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mr. Nickles, if you have more to address, you can finish and then we will
have an answer for you.
December 2, 2003 l 2
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
MR. NICKLES: I would like to express my admiration for the Trustees, I was here a few months ago
and watched them working. They are definitely a Board trying to do the right thing, so I can't say
anything positive or negative about something I know nothing about. But as a property owner, 1 am
concerned. As an old man, I hate change. So, I would like to know what it is that we are going
forward with, hopefully, it is all good. As someone mentioned tonight, the devils and their particulars.
The motivation is good, we just need to know the details. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, and we will have an answer for you about the extension of
written comment before you leave this evening or before we adjourn this evening. Mr. Krupski.
MR. KRUPSKI: We have been, just to address the comment on the moratorium ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Say it like it is, Al.
MR. KRUPSKI: I am trying not to offend you, Josh.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: It is hard to offend me.
MR. KRUPSKI: One of the big concerns of the Board of Trustees was that we have this moratorium
and a year ago, when we wrote the specifics and the particulars of our moratorium, we wanted to do it
in such a fashion that it wouldn't close down any activity in our jurisdiction, which is 100 feet from
any wetland or anything in the wetland or anything in the creek. And so, the way it was written, it only
affected waterfront, vacant waterfront lots and anything in the water. To give you an example about
how it didn't shut us down, the first three months of the moratorium this year, with the moratorium,
were busier application wise than the previous first three months of the previous year. And that just
goes to show you the amount of activity that is going on and the fact that we didn't want to shut the
whole office down. Now, one of our big concerns was trying to get this legislation written wittfin a
year, so that we don't have to extend the moratorium because it is affecting people who are waiting for
dock applications and it is affecting people with vacant land. Now, throughout the year, we have
issued letters of non-jurisdiction on people with waterfront property, with vacant land large enough to
operate outside of our jurisdiction. So they could put a house 100 feet from the wetland boundary and
they can still do that this year. So, my concern is and not that I have a problem with incorporating the
comments that we got tonight because we got a lot of comments, and I wish that we had gotten these
comments months ago because then we could have done this in a timely fashion as opposed to last
minute, 'oh, my gosh'. So my concern is that if the Town Board makes the decision to hold off on
these hearings and incorporate all of these good comments into the text of the draft of 97 and 32, that
we do so within a narrow time frame. That we say, because 1 don't want to keep extending the
moratorium on and on, I really want to wrap it up to get things back for everyone who is affected by it.
So that is our concern that, you can extend it but please give us a finite period of time and we will
work within that to incorporate these comments and any other written comments that people are going
to think: about within the next few days so that we can move it ahead. I just had a couple of other
comments, John Nickles, Junior, with the pre-existing, non-conforming, I think what happens in the
past with a lot of these structures is that we go out on field inspection and a lot of these structures were
built prior to any necessary permits, the survey was done in 1986 or 1985, creek survey, to try to
establish a baseline of structure on the creeks. You know, 99% of these structures were grandfathered
December 2, 2003
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
13
at that point in time that existed and unbelievably after, you know, how many years they still pop up
now and then that oh, this structure doesn't have a permit but it was built by my grandfather and they
have pictures of'people on the docks from 50 years ago. We generally work with those people, a lot of
times we do a tittle bit of, I don't know if you would say horse trading, but we do a, we try to minimize
the amount of structure no matter what it is to try to accommodate them for what they need. So, I
don't think that is going to change at all and it is better to review everything and try to accommodate
the applicant and at the same time, protect the resources in the area than just to say grandfather it and
we are not going to be bothered with it, so just to address that.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: If I can ask you a question and this is addressed to the entire Board of
Trustees, the comment that you heard this everfing, the input from the public, if you can give the Board
a rough idea of how much of it did you, you know, off the cuff without reading through the minutes
and seeing it in its entirety, but from what you heard, how much of it would you see incorporating
through your recommendation and what type of time would you need to actually review it and make
those changes.
MR. KRUPSKI: I think a lot of the comments were worthy of incorporating but I don't know if based
on the amount of work that we have done so far, I don't think it is that onerous ora task to incorporate.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: So a time frame with that, so we can provide you with the time that you
need.
JUSTICE EVANS: It goes beyond that because I think there is more comment people want to make.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Right.
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Is 10 days enough?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That is not my question. My question is, from what you have heard thus
far?
MR. KRUPSKI: I am just concerned with meeting the moratorium. So we can stretch it out to
whatever we could, we could start working on what we have and then if' you want to do, as Mr.
Romanelti suggested, 10 days for additional comment, that would be fine. And then just to try to work
within the constraints of the moratorium and then we could get to work on incorporating those
comments into the draft.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Yes, Mr, Picker/Il,
CHRIS PICKERILL: I think that if we were to incorporate the changes suggested tonight, we could
probably do it within 1 week to 10 days, but if we extend out the comment period, which I think we
should, it extends a week to 10 days beyond that. But I think we could possibly do it within a week but
I would rather have 10 days to do that.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: So we will leave the public comment per/od open for 10 days on both
wetlands codes. Yes, Brownell.
December 2, 2003 14
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
BROWNELL JOHNSTON: Brownell Johnston, from Peconic. The reason why I was trying to help
out was all the confusion when I tried to get my permit three years ago and when I tried to get my
house. But what I am hoping that you are going to do, Josh, is accept 98% of this, 95% of it, whatever.
And then we can fix two months from now, three months from now, so that we release...what A1 is
trying to say is we want to get back to doing business on the other parts. If there are some small parts
you want fixed, you understand where I am going with this?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Very clearly.
MR. JOHNSTON: I would like to see 97 and then we can fix those last 2%, 1% whatever.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I understand.
MR. JOHNSTON: Does that make sense?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Yes, it does. Okay, thank you.
MR. KRUPSKI: I would like to thank the Town Board for all their cooperation.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: So the public comment period, if it is agreeable with the Board, it is
agreeable to me, will be set for 10 days from this date on both Chapter 32 and 97. Yes, Mr. Strong.
MR. STRONG: These revisions and things that are going to be worked on, being as it is in such a
short time frame, which I totally support and agree with. Is there a website or something like that, that
these could be posted to that could then be put in the papers that would expedite peoples ability to
provide that input and comment that everyone wants in a tight timeframe?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Well, what we will do is when the Trustees bring their revisions back to
the Board and it is reviewed by the Board and then goes back out to separate public hearing, it will be
posted on the website for people to review.
MR. STRONG: Okay. I would just ask that that be specified because I don't know that that has been
specified that way in the past.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: We will do a better job on that.
MR. STRONG: Maybe I missed it, but I think it would help, especially people that aren't necessarily
right around, you know, summer residents and things. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you. Mr. Finora.
JOE FIN'ORA: Joe Finora, Mattituck. One brief comment. I sympathize with the Trustees for all the
time that they put into this and they want to get it put to bed, is this going to be, you know, put in stone
and be the same 100 years from now? I mean, there should be some amendment procedures in the
future, if we see that it is not working or if there are some things that haven't been addressed. I am
sure that there will be a time in the future when amendments to whatever is passed...
December 2, 2003 15
Public Hearing-Chapter 32
SUPERVISOR HORTON: These laws can always be revisited, repealed, changed, added to. Thank
you, Joe. I appreciate it. I saw one more hand go up. Yes, sir.
ERN1E SCHNEIDER: Emie Schneider, Southold. I want to thank A1 and the Trustees and the Board,
I am not a person for regulation, I like to be left on my own, but I also have great respect for the
environment, for my neighbors. I am so thankful to hear that the Trustees are resisting extending the
moratorium, as every Board in Southold, Suffolk County and DEC knows, I have been going for t~'ee
years :Lo get a silly little lot line change and now I am going for a dock permit, I don't want to wait
another ttu:ee years. I appreciate expediting and getting it done. I don't mind the regulation, ifI know
what I am dealing with, I can deal with it. But hanging on, all this time, and like John says, I am an
old man now, I don't know ifI am going to live long enough to build this house and get into it. Thank
you.
SUPERVISOR ttORTON: Are there any other comments from the floor? (No response) This hearing
is closed.
Southold Town Clerk
D~PAF~'~MENT OF PLANNING
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
ROBERT d, OAFFNEY
SUFFOLK COUNrTy EXECUTIVE
November 24, 2003
RECEIVED
P E~':; !?'73
Southohl Town Cler~
THOMAS ISLES, AICP
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
Town Clerk
Town of Southold
Re:
Proposed amendments to Chapter 32 of the Code of Ordinances of the
Town of Southold (public hearing: 12/2/03)
Pursuant to Sections A 14-14 to 23 of the Suffolk County Administrative Code, the above
referenced application(s) are/is not within the jurisdiction of the Suffolk County Planning
Commission.
Very truly yours,
Thomas Isles
Director of Planning
GGN:cc
S/s Gerald G. Newman
Chief Planner
G:ICCHORNY~.ONING~ONINGIWORKING\NON JUR~OO3\SD32 NOV
LOCA~ON MAILING ADDRESS
H LEE DENNISON 8LDG - 4~}4 FLOOR · P 0 BOX 6100 · (631) 859-5190
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
Chairman
RICI-IARD CAGGIANO
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
MARTIN H. SIDOR
P.O. Box 1179
Town Hall, 53095 State Route 25
Southold, New York 11971-0959
Telephone (631) 765-1938
Fax (631) 765-3136
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
To: Elizabeth Neville, Town Clerk
The Southold Town Board
From: Bennett Orlowski Jr., Chairman
Date: December 2, 2003
Proposed Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 97 Wetlands and
Shoreline of the Code of the Town of Southold and Proposed Local Law in
relation to Amendments to Chapter 32 Boats, Docks and Wharves of the Code of
the Town of Southold.
The Planffmg Board has reviewed the proposed amendments to Chapter 97 and Chapter
32 of the Town of Southold Town Code. The Planning Boards supports the proposed
amendments and recommends that the Town Board approve the Local Laws with
consideration to the following:
1. Section 97-23., Item B. states that "Upon receipt of the application, the Clerk
shall fonvard one (1) copy...to the Planning Board ..."
The section implies that all applications will be copied to the Planning Board.
The Planning Board requests that only applicable applications be copied to the
Plamfing Board for comment. Applicable applications would include any
previously approved or pending subdivision, set-off or lot line reviewed
pursuant to Chapter Al06 of the Town of Southold Town Code. The Planning
Board recommends that applications seeking dock permits, mooring permits
and other actions exclusive of Planning Board authority not be copied to the
Department.
Please contact Mark Terry with any further questions.
RECEIVED
DEC 2 2003
Honorable Joshua Horton
Supervisor, Town of Southold
53095 Main Road, P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York
Fax # 631-765-1823
Southold Town Cled,
Dear Supervisor Horton and members of the Southold ?own Board:
I am writing as President of the Fishers Island Civic Association (FICA) to comment on the
proposed amendments to Chapters 32 and 97 of the Town code. This letter is in support of two
previous letters sent on behalf of Fishers Island. The first is from the Chair of the Fishers Island
Harbor Committee, Leslie Goss, asking that the record be left open so that we may work with the
Town to write regulations that are specific to the conditions on Fishers Island. The second is a
letter from one of our Directors and President of the island museum who also oversees the
museum's land trust. She is a wetlands scientist who has several specific concerns about Chapter
97. We support your efforts and intents of these amendments and look forward to working with
the Trustees to complete this effort.
The board of FICA voted to authorize 'me to take this action during a special meeting held on
November 30.
Please place this letter - and the two previous ones on record for the public hearing on
December 2, 2003.
Sincerely,
Heather L. Ferguson
President, Fishers Island Civic Association
CC::
Sarah Malinowski, Vice-President
Jay Parsons, Vice-President
Barry Bryan, Director
Mike Imbriglio, Director
Peter Rugg, Director
Penni Sharp, Director
Janio Spinola, Director
Louisa Evans, Town Justice and Southold Town Board
Leslie O. Goss, Chair, Fishers Island Harbor Committee
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
Chairman
RICHARD CAGGIANO
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
iMARTIN H SIDOR
P.O. Box 1179
Town Hall, 53095 State Route 25
Southold, New York 11971-0959
Telephone (631) 765-1938
Fax (631) 765-3136
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
RECEIVED
To: Elizabeth Neville, Town Clerk
The Southold Town Board
From: Bennett Orlowski Jr., Chairman~
DEC 2 ?_003
Southold Town Clerk
Date: December 2, 2003
Re:
Proposed Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 97 Wetlands and
Shoreline of the Code of the Town of Southold and Proposed Local Law in
relation to Amendments to Chapter 32 Boats, Docks and Wharves of the Code of
the Town of Southold.
The Planning Board has reviewed the proposed amendments to Chapter 97 and Chapter
32 of the Town of Southold Town Code. The Planning Boards supports th~ proposed
amendments and recommends that the Town Board approve the Local Law's with
consideration to the following:
1. Section 97-23., Item B. states that "Upon receipt of the application, the Clerk
shall forward one (1) copy...to the Planning Board ..."
The section implies that all applications will be copied to the Planning Board.
The Planning Board requests that only applicable applications be copied to the
Planning Board for comment. Applicable applications would include any
previously approved or pending subdivision, set-offor lot line reviewed
pursuant to Chapter A106 of the Town of Southold Town Code. The Planning
Board recommends that applications seeking dock permits, mooring permits
and other actions exclusive of Planning Board authority not be copied to the
Department.
Please contact Mark Terry with any further questions.
Oec O~ 03 03:50p Gruner~Gos~
p.!
RECEDED
~'~P 2 2003
Southold Town ClefJr,
Dec O! 03 OS:50p Grune~Goss S03-~99-t032
Honorable Joshua Y. Horton
Supervisor, Town of Southold
53095 Main Road
PO Box 1179
Southold. NY 06390
Fishers Island Harbor Committee
PO Box 176
Fishers Island, NY 06390
(503) 819-7818
gosslez r~,aol.com
December 1, 2003
Dear Supervisor Horton and esteemed members of the Southold Town Board:
1 am writing on behalf of the Fishers Island Harbor Committee to comment on proposed
amendments to Chapters 32 and 97 of the Town Code going to public hearing on December 2,
2003.
Given that we have just received copies of the proposed amendments regarding docks and
wetlands, the purpose o£ this letter is to point out some immediate concerns and respectfully
request that the record be left open in order to conduct a more thorough review of the proposed
ctmnges and the impacts to Fishers Island. We have distributed the information to people on the
island with the appropriate expertise and know that their input will be valuable to the Trustees
and to your board.
We are grateful to the Trustees for their hard work and appreciate the difficulty in regulating
docks and wetlands protection under such variable conditions. However, proposed amendments
to Chapter 32 should not include or reference Fishers Island. The proposed amendments appear
to be developed for docks in fairly protected waters and are unsuitable for the more exposed
conditions at Fishers Island. Additionally, in 1997, the Code was amended creating Chapter 33,
which is specific to Fishers Island and these types of issues. Given Section 33-3, which
establishes the Harbor Committee, perhaps we could work with the Trustees to develop dock
construction and permit guidance for codification in Chapter 33 that is specific to Fishers Island
and conditions here.
After a very cursor5, glance, two thoughts come to mind regarding amendments to Chapter 97. I
believe that all or portions of the island are listed as CEA in Reach 10 of the LWRP. Perhaps this
should be noted in the Definitions clause, 97-11. Also, lbr practical application purposes, neither
of the Fishers Island Bay Constables nor the Code Enforcer possesses the wetlands delineation
skills necessary to enl'orce Chapter 97 on Fishers.
Thank you for your consideration of these matters. Please know that ~ve are supportive of the
findings and purposes outlined in the proposed amendments for Chapters 32 and 97. We look
Dec O1 0~] 03:~0F G~un¢ ~Go~s 50~-~99-10~ ~.3
for~vard to working with members of your staff or the Trustees so that these amendments make
sense l'or Fishers Island too.
~ Sincerely, /'x
Leslie O. Goss
Chair
Cc:
Albert Krupski, Southold Town Trustee
Louisa Evans, Southold Town Justice
Heather Ferguson, Fishers Island Civic Association
Members of the Fishers Island Harbor Committee
BL and Don Mosle
BL and Don Moyle
1920 Minnehaha Blvd
Southold, NY 11971
Southold Town Board cc/Trustees
Southold, NY 11971
(203} 834-37S4
Southold Town
Board o~ Trustees
We have been property owners and tax payers since 1963. We have concerns regarding
the proposed requirements outlined in Section 32 to be enacted to law.
Our docks were built around 1968 and have been maintained since then and qualify as
"pre-existing and non conforming". Our questions are:
1--Will a permit be required to replace decking etc. and must replacement of decking
conform with 32 ?
2--Will replacement of docks require a permit?
3--Will existing bulkhead repacement/repalr require permits?
4--I understand that existing dock owners that have pe~.fits will be exempt from
complying with 32. Some oftbese would be in violation. This would give tbem a
preferential position,
We have always been concerned about the same objectives that the Board has in
proposing this legislature however consideration should be given to those owners that
constructed docks prior to permit requirements. Would appreciate a response.
(772) 234-2345 or 765-30,~f/
BLandDon~aol.com
December 4, 2003
NORTH FORK £NVlRONkI£NTAL COUNCIL, INC.
Rt. 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952 TeL: 631-298-8880 Fax: 631-298-4649
nfec@optonline.net www.nfecl.org
December 2, 2003
Supcrvisor Joshua Horton
Justice Louisa Evans
Councilman William Moore
Councilman Craig Richter
Conncilman John Romanelli
Councilman Thomas Wickham
RECEIVED
S0uth01d Town
Dear Members of the Board:
North Fork Environmental Council supports the adoption of the proposed "Local Law in relation to Amendments to
Chapter 97" and the adoption of the proposed "Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 32".
Over the past several years, the development that has occurred in the rest of the Town is evident on our creeks and
waterways, contributing the degradation of our wetlands. Applications for permits for new construction have been
before the Trostees in areas that should never be considered for development. Southold's wetlands are one of our
most precious assets and these proposed local laws, if adopted, will go a long way to protect these irreplaceable
resources. The Town must be ever vigilant in its efforts to protect our marshes, creeks, beaches and waters.
Both proposed amendments do a good job of outlining the purpose and intent of the legislation, which are
supported by both the Town's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and the Peconic Estuary Comprehensive
Management Plan. Critical Environmental areas are named, and definitions expanded. All of this will lead to
better clarity and better protection of our coastal areas.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 97 will give the Trustees the ability to better define parameters for issuing
permits, will allow for follow-up to ensure that permit specifications are being followed, and will take a major step
in implementing significant ramifications for those who chose to break the laws that protect the wetlands of
Southold. In other words, the consequences would be significant and go beyond "just the cost of doing business".
The amendments to Chapter 32 will give applicants clear guidelines, will control the "overdevelopment" of our
creeks and open waters, and will ensure property owners reasonable use of their land ~vhile protecting the public
good.
The Town Board heeded the recommendations of the Board of Trustees and instituted a moratorium on new
construction in the Trustees' jurisdiction. The Trustees have utilized that time well by developing sound
legislation. We encourage the Town Board to adopt these Local Laws.
Yours truly,
Gwynn Schroeder
NFEC Southold Coordinator
a non-profit organization for the preservation of land, sea, air and quallty of life
printed on ~'~ recycled paper
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, ""A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chaoter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Sonthold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Plarming
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Signature, Received By
Date:
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTI~ OF VITAL STATISTICS
MAI~RIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003 ~
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Hea~g at~_.~m
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, '"'A Local Law in relation ~o
Amendments to Chaoter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of South~th~l"...,, Ceded
copies of this resolution is enclosed, to
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Signatur~ Received By
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTt~kR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Heating at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, '"'A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chaoter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachmenls
cc: Suflblk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Signature, Receivdd
Date:
£ECEIVED
~euthold Town Cleft
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
NOV 2 5 2003
Planning Boar~
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOV~N CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hail, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown,northfork.net
OFFICE OF TI-IE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of thc Town of Southold will hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding thc following Local Law, entitled, ""A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chaoter $2, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold'. Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Plalming
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Sig~t~f.eg, Received By
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Date:
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLEHK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, '"'A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chaoter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Plarming Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOV~rN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of thc Town of Southold will hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding thc following Local Law, entitled, ""A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Cha0ter 32, 'Beats, Dock~ and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and retum to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Signature, Received By
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that thc Town Board of thc Town of Southold ~vill hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, ""A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold'. Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Signature, RecOived By ~
Date:
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND ~TA3~_~_____._..__~
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P,O, Box 1179
Southold. New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
November 24, 2003
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a Public Hearing at 8:15 pm
on December 2, 2003, regarding the following Local Law, entitled, '"'A Local Law in relation to
Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold". Certified
copies of this resolution is enclosed.
Please sign the duplicate of this letter and return to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope at your
earliest convenience. Thank you.
Attachments
cc: Suffolk County Department of Planning
Village of Greenport
Town of Riverhead
Southold Town Planning Board
Southold Town Assessors
Southold Town Building Department
Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Clerk
Long Island State Park Commission
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Southampton
Southold Town Trustees
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Signature, Rec(~ved By
Date:
DUPLICATE TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IN RETURN ENVELOPE
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
STATE OF NEW yORK ss:
Lise Mafinace, being duly sworn, says
that she is the Legal Advertising
Coordinator, of the Traveler Watchman,
a public newspaper printed at Southold,
in Suffolk County; and that the notice of
which the annexed is a printed copy, has
been published in said Traveler
Watchman once each week
for ...... (.....week(~ ,~,_,successively,
commgncing on the.....~..~-- ........ day of
........ }oo3.
Swam t? before me this-~..~...day of
" Notary Public
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
NOTICE IS HI~REBY
GIVEN, that there has beenpre-
sented to the Town Board of the
Town of Southotd, Suffolk
County, New York, on the 18th
day of November 2003 a Local
Law entitled ~
relation to Amendments to
Chapter 32. 'Boats. Docks and
Wharves' of the Code of the
Town of Southold' now, there-
fore, be it
NOTICE IS HEREBY FUR- '
THER GIVEN that the Town
Board of the Town of Southold
will hold a public heating on the
aforesaid Local Law at the
Southold Town Hall, 53095
Main Road, Southold, New
York, on the 2nd day of
December 2003 at 8:lSp.m. at
which time all interested persons
will be given an opportunity to
be heard.
The proposed local law enti-
tled, "A Local Law in relation
to Amendments to Chapter :t2.
'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of
See Legals next page~
Emily Hamill
NOTARY PUBLIC, State of New york
No. 01HA5059984
Q~Jalified in Suffolk County
Commission expires May 06, 2006
Legals from preceding page
the Code of the Town of
South01d" reads as follows:
LOCAL LAW NO.
2003
A Local Law entitled "A Local
Law in relation to Amendments
to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks
and Wharves' of the Code of the
Town of Southold"
BE IT ENACTED by the
Town Board of the Town of
Southold, as follows:
Section I. Chapter 32,
BOATS, DOCKS AND
WHARVES
ARTICLE 11, P::~Ec, Docks
§ 32-19. Legislative Findings
and Purpose.
A. The Town Board of the
Town of Southold finds that
rapid growth, the spread of
development and increasing
demands upon natural resources
are encroaching upon or elimi-
nating many of its wetlands and
oatent lands, which, if preserved
and maintained in an undis-
turbed and natural condition.
constitute important physical.
social, aesthetic, recreational
and economic assets to existing
and future residents of the Town
of Southold. In addition, there
has been a significant increase in
the applications for and the
numbers of fixed and floating
piers and docks accessory to
upland residential and other
uses. Most of these structures
and the uses they support are on
and in publicly owned land and
waters and always have some
effect on physical, biologicak
ecosystem functions and values.
development patterns and the
aesthetic character of the area.
Therefore it is essential to regu-
late the type and placement of
such structures.
B. Purpose: Therefore.
the Town Board declares that it
is the intention of this chapter to
regulate the type and placement
of fixed and floating piers and
docks for the protection, preser-
vation, proper maintenance and
use of its waters and wetlands.
Docks shall be regulated in
order to maintain and contribute
to the following resource area
values and the attributes and
functions they possess: erosion
and sedimentation control:
storm damage prevention: water
pollution control: fisheries:
shellfish, including spawner
sanctuaries: wildlife habitat:
agriculture: aesthetics: and
recreation. In addition, the fol-
lowing resource area values also
shall be maintained and protect-
ed including: protection and
enhancement of existing vegeta-
tion cover in order to maintain
water quality and wildlife habi-
tat: protection of wildlife, water-
fowl. and plant habitat and the
maintenance of existing popula-
tions and species diversity: pre-
vention of loss or degradation of
critical wildlife and plant habi-
tat: public access to water and
land: and the minimization of
the impact of new development.
reconstruction and/or expansion
on the resource area values list-
ed above.
§ 32-20. Definitions.
For the purpose of this Article,
the terms used herein are
defined as follows:
BOAT - Every vessel pro-
pelled in any manner.
CATWALK - An elevated
walkway, usually built to gain
access to a commercial or resi-
dential dock. built at a fixed
height above grade and which is
constructed landward of the high
water mark.
COMMERCIAL DOCK - Any
catwalk, fixed or floating dock
or extension of such, designed,
used and/or intended for use
other than as a residential dock,
as defined in this chapten
DECK1NG Horizontal struc-
tural components of a dock.
deck, pier or other shoreline
structure intended to be walked
upon.
DOCK - Any permanent or
seasonal structure, except a
building, located or proposed to
be located on lands abutting or
comprised of freshwater or tidal
wetlands or connected to a bulk-
head or the upland and extend-
lng over the water's surface.
designed to secure vessels and
orovide access from the shore to
a body of watch For the purpose
of this chapten this term shall
also include the associated struc-
tures necessary to cross wet-
lands and adjacent natural areas.
The term "dock" includes the
terms "wharves." "piers," "fixed
docks." "floating docks."
"floats" or "catwalks".
DOCK LENGTH - The length
of a dock. including all fixed
docks, ramps, floating docks and
mooring piles, as measured from
the most landward portion &the
structare to the seaward-most
oortion of the dock or the sea-
ward-most mooring pile.
whichever distance is greater.
FIXED DOCK - An elevated
walkway which is constructed at
a fixed height above grade and
which extends seaward from the
high water mark.
FLOATING DOCK - Any
structure, raft or floating plat-
form which is designed to float
upon the surface of a waterbody
and is secured in place by poles.
pilings, anchors, or any other
type of mooring system that pro-
vides access to the water. A
floating dock includes the float
itself and any pilings or mooring
system designed to keep the
dock at a fixed point.
MARINA - Any dock, pier or
other facility operated for profit,
or to which public patronage is
invited, providing moorings.
dockage or other marine servic-
es primarily for power and sail-
ing yachts, launches or other
watercraft, other than floating
homes, and which may also be
capable of removing anv and all
watercraft moored or docked
within the marina from the water
for repair and/or storage.
MEAN HIGH WATER
(MHW) The average of all the
water heights observed over a 19
year period.
MEAN LOW WATER (MLW)
- The average of all the low
heights observed over a 19 year
period.
MONOPOLIZE -- The use
for an unreasonable period of
time to the exclusion of others or
to unreasonably restrict or
obstruct the use of any public
bulkhead, dock or landing
owned or controlled by the
Town of Southold.
PATENT LANDS All
uplands and underwater lands
owned in fee title by the
Trustees by virtue of the Andros
Patent (October 31. 1676).
PERSON Includes an indi-
vidual, co-partnership, society,
association, joint-stock compa-
ny, club, corporation and any
combination of individuals.
PIER - A fixed structure to
secure vessels, unloading or
loading persons or property or
providing access to the water.
See Wharf
PIER LINE -- The average
seaward projection of one or
more existing permitted docks.
piers, wharves or floats. The
average seaward projection is
calculated by adding the length
of all docks within the immedi-
ate area and dividing by the
number of said docks.
PRE-EXISTING NON-PER-
MITTED AND/OR NON-CON-
FORMING STRUCTURES - A
structure, use or lot that is not
otherwise permitted but which is
allowed to continue solely
because it was lawfully existing
prior to the effective date of the
original law or ordinance or
prior to any subsequent amend-
ment. as the case may be. Any
determination of lawful exis-
tence must at least include a
review of prior land use laws
and ordinances.
RESIDENTIAL DOCK - Any
catwalk, fixed dock and/or float-
ing dock designed or construct-
ed as a continuous unit to pro-
vide access to the surface watem
from a lot that is zoned for resi-
dential use. The term dock shall
include all associated structures
such as ramps and mooring
piles.
TOWN WATERS - Any
waters within the geographic
boundaries in the Town of
Southold including, but not lim-
ited to: Broadwaters Cove.
Brushes Creek. Budd's Pond.
Cedar Beach Creek, Corey
Creek, Dam Pond, Deep Hole
Creek, Down's Creek, East
Creek. East Harbor. Goose
Creek. Goldsmiths Inlet, Gull
Pond, Halls Creek.
Hashamomuck Creek.
Haywaters Cove. James Creek,
Jockey Creek, Little Creek.
Long Beach Bay. Matt(tuck
Inlet, Mud Creek. Pipes Neck
Creek. Richmond Creek. Town
Creek. West Creek. West
Harbor. West Lake, Wickham
Creek and Wannewata Pond.
SHEATHING - Vertical struc-
tural components of a bulkhead
or retaining wall necessary to
keep soil and sediment from
passing through the structure.
SOUND Long Island Sound.
Fishers Island Sound and Block
Island Sound
STRUCTURAL COMPO-
NENTS -- Pilings. deadmen.
rails, whalers and other signifi-
cant components used to hold
together and anchor docks.
piers, wharves, jetties, groins
and other structures.
VEGETATED WETLANDS -
Any and all wetland types sup-
norting or capable of supporting
emergent, submerged or float-
ing-leaved vegetation as
described in Chapter $ 97-11.
"Definitions."
WHARF -- See Pier.
WATER-DEPENDENT USES
- An activity which can only be
conducted on. in, over or adja-
cent to a water body because
such activity requires direct
access to that water body. and
which involves, as an integral
part of such activity, the use of
the waten The uses include, but
are not limited to commemial
and recreational fishing and
boating facilities, finfish and
shellfish processing, fish storage
and retail and wholesale fish
marketing facilities, waterfront
dock facilities, shipyards and
boat building facilities, naviga-
tion aides, basins and channels,
industrial uses dependent upon
water-borne transportation or
requiring large volumes of cool-
ing or processing water and
which cannot reasonably be
located or operated at an inland
site. and uses which primarily
provide general public access to
marine or tidal waters.
§ 32-21.Monopolization of
docks, bulkheads and landing
places prohibited.
It shall be unlawful lbr any
person to monopolize, to the
exclusion of others, any public
dock, public bulkhead or public
landing place within the bound-
aries of said Town of Southold
(excluding therefrom the territo-
ry within the limits of the
Incorporated Village of
Greenport).
§ 32-22.~ ......... j Standards
for Residential and Commercial
D0¢k$
It shall be the policy of the
Town of Southold that all docks
shall be designed, constructed
and located so as to reduce a
dock's potential adverse impacts
to navigation, public safety.
waterway congestion, access to
public trust lands and water, and
natural resources and habitats,
The following standards will
serve as a basis for granting.
denying, or limiting permits for
the construction of docks.
A_.~ General Rules
1~ No dock shall be con-
structed, altered or removed
without a permit issued by the
Southold Town Trustees. In
determining whether to approve
such application, the Trustees
shall consider the factors con-
tained in paragraph ~ 32-22 D.
below and all other provisions of
this law. Permits shall be applied
for pursuant to procedures set
forth in Chapter 97.
2-. All docks shall be con-
stmcted of sturdy, durable and
stable materials capable of
maintaining position and loca-
tion, supporting pedestrian traf-
fic. and resisting lateral loads
resulting from wind, wave. and
impact forces. Docks shall be
constructed, where possible, to
permit the free circulation of
water, reduce the effects of fluc-
tuating water levels, and prevent
adverse modification of the
shoreline. Applicants shall certi-
fy as to the structural integrity of
the dock so as not to cause a
threat to the person or property
of others.
3-. In order to prevent the
release of metals and other con-
taminants into the wetlands and
waters of Southold. the use of
lumber treated with chromated
copper arsenate (also known as
"CCA'), commercial copper
quat (AcO), creosote, penta
products or homemade wood
preservatives is prohibited for
use in sheathing and decking.
Materials used for structural
components shall be determined
at the discretion of the Trustees.
4_. All docks shall provide
a safe pedestrian surface at all
times parallel to the water sur-
face. except for gangways onto
such docks from the shoreline or
extensions thereof, which gang-
ways shall have a nonskid sur-
face.
5-. All docks, including
any vessel tied to the dock. shall
have a minimum clearance of
fifteen (t5/ feet of the seaward
extension of any property line
from adjacent parcels so as not
to interfere with the neighbor's
access to waters, unless the
Tmstees decide otherwise for
navigational or other reasons.
Waterside boundaries can be
identified using the appropriate
method for the shape of the
shoreline for Long Island waters
specified in 9 NYCRR 274.5.
All docks and floats
shall have the appropriate permit
number pem~anently affixed to
the most seaward face for identi-
fication. Said numbers shall be
at least three (3) inches high and
constructed of metal, wood.
nlastic or other material such
that they can withstand exposure
to the elements and are visible
from the water. All fixed docks
fifty (50) feet or longer in length
must be equipped with a US
Coast Guard approved regulato-
ry navigation light at the sea-
ward end &the dock.
Except for structures
used for water dependent uses.
there shall be no permanent
structure located on or above the
decks of docks, ramps and
floats.
8_. Any application for a
dock to be constructed at the end
of a fight of way or commonly-
held land requires the written
consent of all parties having an
interest in the right of way.
regardless of how property inter-
ests in the upland parcel may be
divided among the owner(s).
lessee(s), occupant(s), easement
holder(s), or any other person(s)
or entity((es) with a legal or ben-
eficial interest in any existing or
proposed docking facility.
9.~ All applicants for
docks, including catwalks and
ramps, extending across the
foreshore shall be required to
give and maintain a public pass-
ing way, on the upland, not less
than five (5) feet in width, to
enable persons to pass and
repass around said dock or by
steps or a ramp allowing pedes-
than passage.
10._~ Pre-existing non-per-
mitted and/or non-conforming
structures cannot be replaced in
kind without full review and
approval bv the Trustees.
B_~. Dock Locations and
Lengths
1, No dock shall be erect-
ed or extended if, in the opinion
of the Trustees. such structure
would adversely affect naviga-
tion. fisheries, shell fisheries.
scenic quality, habitats or wet-
land areas.
Within creeks and other
narrow waterways, no dock
length shall exceed 1/3 the total
width of the water body.
Determination of the length of
the dock must include the
dimensions of the vessel.
3. Prohibited Locations
and Activities
a. Given the nnique and
sensitive natural environmental
characteristics described in the
Town of Southold Local
Waterfront Revitalization Plan
and the New York State
Department of State Significant
Habitat descriptions, no new
docks will be permitted, over
vegetated wetlands or such that
it causes fragmentation of vege-
tated wetlands, in Downs Creek.
Hallocks Bay, Hashamomuck
Creek and Pond and West Creek
b. Machine excavation
is prohibited in tidal or freshwa-
ter wetland areas.
c. Placement of fence.
mesh or other material prevent-
ing passage under docks is pro-
hibited.
d. Floating docks, other
floats and dock conlponents and
duckblinds shall not be stored on
tidal or freshwater wetland or
other intertidal areas.
C_,. Regulations for the
Placement and Configuration of
See Legals next pagO
Legals from preceding page
Docking Facilities
Residential Docks:
a. Only one dock or
mooring is permitted per resi-
dential lot. A residential dock
must be configured so that no
more than two boat slips or
berths are created.
b. If any part of a resi-
dential dock structure includes a
float or floating dock. the float
or floating dock portion shall be
designed so that, with the excep-
tion of the pilings.
1. it is no larg-
er than six (6l wide and twenty
(20) feet long.;
2. it is
removed during, the winter
months and reinstalled in the
spring: and
3. no part of
the floating dock will contact the
bottomland during a normal low
tide.
c. In determining the
nermitied length of a proposed
residential dock the Trustees
shall seek to maintain lengths
consistent with the other docks
in the waterway which meet the
requirements of this law.
d. Pilings shall not
project more than three (3l feet
above the surface of a dock or
catwalk.
e. All excess fill from
installation of pilings must be
removed from tidal or freshwa-
ter wetland area on the same day
as installation and disposed of in
an approved upland disposal
area.
f. Tie off poles associ-
ated with residential docks will
only be permitted to secure one
fl) vessel, If the dock utilizes a
float the poles shall not project
farther seaward than the outer
edge of the float. Ifa romp and
float are not used the pole(s) can
be situated seaward of the end of
the dock sufficient to secure the
vessel.
~. Only one hand rail is
permitted on a residential dock
unless the need for two is
demonstrated. Rails shall not be
higher than three (3) feet above
the surface of the dock and posts
shall not be placed closer than 6
feet on center or larger than
4"x4" in dimension.
h. Residential catwalks
and ramps are limited to four (4)
feet in width.
i. Residential boatlifts
are prohibited.
3. Marinas and Yacht Clubs:
a. If docks for
overnight vessel use to be con-
structed, the marina or yacht
club must provide pump-out
facilities for vessel sanitary
waste.
b. Marinas and yacht
clubs shall be subject to site plan
and special use permit review.
4. Restaurants:
a. Boat slips may be
distributed between berths and
mooring buoys.
b. The docking and
mooring facilities shall be the
minimum necessary to accom-
modate the permitted number of
boat slins.
c. Restaurants shall be
subject to site plan and special
use permit review.
D_, Review and Approval
of Dock Applications
1~ Before issuing a permit
for a dock structure, the Trnstees
shall consider whether the dock
will have any of the followiv, g
harmful effects:
(il Whether the dock
will impair navigation or be
located in areas of high vessel
traffic or vessel congestion;
(ii) Whether the dock
will unduly interfere with the
public use of waterways for
swimming, boating, fishing.
shellfishing, waterskiing and
other water dependant activities;
(iii) Whether the dock
will unduly interfere with transit
by the public along the public
beaches or foreshore:
(iv) Whether the dock
will significantly impair the use
or value of waterfront property
adjacent to or near the dock:
(vi Whether the dock
will cause degradation of sur-
face water quality and natural
resources:
(vi/ Whether the dock
will cause habitat fragmentation
and loss of significant coastal
fish and wildlife habitats;
(vii) Whether the dock
will result in the destruction of
or prevent the growth of vegetat-
ed wetlands, seagrasses includ-
ing eelgrass (Zostera marina)
and widgeon gross (Ruppia mar-
itimal or shellfish;
(viii) Whether the dock
will unduly restrict tidal flow or
water circulation:
(ix/ Whether thc dock
will be safe when constructed:
(xl Wh~,~her the dock
will adversely affect views.
viewsheds and vistas important
to the community:
(xi/Whether the cumu-
lative impacts of a residential
and commercial dock will
change the waterway or the
environment and whether alter-
nate design, construction, and
location of the dock will mini-
mize cumulative impacts: and
(xi) Whether adequate
facilities are available to boat
owners and/or operators for
fueling, discharge of waste and
rubbish, electrical service and
water service
2_. Based upon the forego-
ing. the Trustees may approve,
approve with conditions or deny
the permit. If approved, it shall
specify thereon the number of
boats which shall be permitted
to dock at or be placed upon the
property.
In the event of a viola-
tion of this chapter or if an
owner or person in charge of the
property with the Town laws.
ordinances, mles. regulations
and codes respecting docks, the
Trustees may revoke the permit
granted hereunder and seek
removal of any dock constructed
without a permit described here-
in or built in violation of these
standards and/or restrictions
established by a permit issued
by the Southold Town Trustees.
ARTICLE V, Administtation
and Enfomement
§ 32-50. Enforcing officen
It shall be the duty of the Code
Enforcement Officer or Bay
Constable and his deputies and
assistants to administer and
enforce the provisions of this
chapten
§ 32-51. Notice of violation.
A. Whenever the
Enforcement Officer or Bay
Constable has reasonable
grounds to believe that opera-
tions regulated hereby are being
conducted in violation of the
provisions of this chapter or not
in compliance with a permit
issued pursuant to this chapter,
he may notify the owner of the
property or the owner's agent or
the person performing such
operations to suspend all opera-
tions, and any such person shall
forthwith cease operations until
such notice of violation has been
rescinded.
B. Such notice shall be in
writing, shall specify the viola-
tion and shall state the condi-
tions which must be complied
with and the time within which
compliance must be completed
before operations may be
resumed. Such notice shall also
inform the person to whom it is
directed of his right to apply for
a hearing before the Board of
Trustees of the Town of
Southold, as hereinafter provid-
ed.
C. Such notice shall be
served upon the person to whom
it is directed by delivering it to
him personally or by posting the
same in a conspicuous place on
the premises where operations
are being conducted and mailing
a copy thereof to such person by
certified mail to his last known
address.
D. The Code Enforcement
Officer or Bay Constable may
extend the time of compliance
specified in the notice of viola-
tion where there is evidence of
intent to comply within the time
specified and conditions exist
which prevent immediate com-
pliance.
E. In the event that the
person upon whom a notice of
violation has been served shall
fail to comply with said notice
within the time specified therein
or within the time specified in
any extension of time issued by
the Code Enforcement Officer
or Bay Constable, any permit
issued to such person pursuant
to this chapter shall be deemed
revoked.
F. It shall be unlawful for
any person served with a notice
of violation pursuant to § 32-
51C to fail to comply with such
notice. [Added 3-22-1988 by
L.L. No. 3-1988]
§ 32-52. Hearing.
A. Any person affected by
a notice of violation issued pur-
suant to the preceding section
hereof may request and shall be
granted a hearing before the
Board of Trustees, provided that
such person shall file a written
request therefor with the Town
Clerk within ten (10) days after
service of the notice of violation.
Such request shall have annexed
thereto a copy of the notice of
violation upon which a hearing
is requested and shall set forth
the reasons why such notice of
violation should be modified or
rescinded.
B. The Town Clerk shall
present such request to the
Board of Trustees at its next reg-
ular meeting. The Board of
Trustees shall set a time and
place for such hearing and shall
give the person requesting the
same at least five (5) days'
notice of the time and place
thereof.
C. At such hearing, the
person requesting the same or
his representative shall be given
an opportunity to show cause
why such notice of violation
should be modified or rescinded.
After such hearing, the Board of
Trustees may sustain, modify or
rescind such notice of violation
or revoke any permit previously
issued and shall specify the ma-
sons therefor.
D. The notice of violation
for which a hearing is requested
shall continue in effect pending
the heating and determination of
the Board of Trustees.
§ 32-53. Compliance required;
penalties for offenses.
A. It shall be unlawful for
any owner, occupant, builder,
architect, contractor or their
agents or any person to fail to
comply with any provisions of
this chapter or to fail in any
manner to comply with a written
notice, directive or order of the
Code Enforcement Officer or
Bay Constable or to conduct any
operation in a manner not in
compliance with a permit issued
pursuant to this chapter. [Added
3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
B. For every offense
against any of the provisions of
this chapter, except Article II, or
any regulations made pursuant
thereto or failure to comply with
a written notice or order of the
Code Enforcement Officer or
Bay Constable within the time
fixed for compliance therewith,
the owner, occupant, builder,
architect, contractor or their
agents or any other person who
commits, takes part or assists in
the commission of any such
offense or who shall fail to com-
ply with a written order or notice
of the Code Enforcement
Officer or Bay Constable shall,
upon conviction thereof, be
guilty of a violation punishable
by a fine not exceeding two hun-
dred fifty dollars ($250.) or by
imprisonment for a period not to
exceed six (6) months, or by
both such fine and imprison-
ment. Each day's continued
offense shall constitute a sepa-
rate, additional violation.
C. For everv offense against
any of the provisions of Article
II of this chapter, the fines and
penalties set forth in ~ 97-34
shall annlv.
D. In addition to the above-
provided penalties, the town
may also maintain an action or
proceeding in a court of compe-
tent jurisdiction to compel com-
pliance with or to restrain by
injunction the violation of this
chapten
Section 2. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, para-
graph, section, or part of this
Local Law shall be adjudged by
any court of competent jurisdic-
tion to be invalid, the judgment
shall not effect the validity of
this law as a whole or any part
thereof other than the part so
decided to be unconstitutional or
invalid.
Section 3. Effective date
This Local Law shall take
effect immediately upon filing
with the Secretary of State as
provided by law.
Strike-through represents dele-
tion.
Underline represents insertion.
BY ORDER OF THE
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF
SOUTHOLD,
November 18, 2003
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
IX 11/20/03 (062)
Clarity changes this copy.
WIIEREAS, there has been presented to the Town Board of the Town of Southold, Suffolk
County, New York, on the 18th day of November 2003 a Local Law entitled "A Local Law in
relation to Amendments to Chal~ter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the
Town of Southold" now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a public hearing on the
aforesaid Local Law at the Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York, on the
2nd day of December 2003 at 8:15 I~.m. at which time all interested persons will be given an
opportunity to be heard.
The proposed local law entitled, "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chat}ter 32,
'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold" reads as follows:
LOCAL LAW NO. 2003
A Local Law entitled "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks and
Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold"
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Southold, as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 32, BOATS, DOCKS AND WHARVES
ARTICLE II, Public Docks
§ 32-19. Legislative Findings and Purpose.
A. The Town Board of the Town of Southold finds that ral>id growth, the st>read of development and
increasm~ demands uvon natural resources are encroachin~ upon or eliminating many of its wetlands and
vatent lands, which, if 13reserved and maintained in an undisturbed and natural condition, constitute
important physical, social, aesthetic, recreational and economic assets to existine and future residents of
the Town of Southold. In addition, there has been a sienificant increase in the applications for and the
numbers of fixed and floatin~ piers and docks accessory to upland residential and other uses. Most of
these structures and the uses they sul~l~ort are on and in l>ublicly owned land and waters and always have
some effect on '0hysical, biological, ecosystem functions and values, develol3ment 13atterns and the
aesthetic character of the area. Therefore it is essential to reeulate the type and placement of such
structures.
B. Purpose: Therefore, the Town Board declares that it is the intention of this chapter to regulate the
type and placement of fixed and floatin~ piers and docks for the protection, preservation, proper
maintenance and use of its waters and wetlands. Docks shall be regulated in order to maintain and
contribute to the followine resource area values and the attributes and functions they possess: erosion and
sedimentation control; storm damaee prevention; water pollution control; fisheries; shellfish, includin~
spawner sanctuaries; wildlife habitat; agriculture: aesthetics: and recreation. In additiom the followin~
resource area values also shall be maintained and protected includine: l~rotection and enhancement of
existin~ veeetation cover in order to maintain water clualit¥ and wildlife habitat; protection of wildlife,
waterfowl, and plant habitat and the maintenance of existine populations and species diversity; prevention
of loss or dem'adation of critical wildlife and plant habitat: navi~zation: public access to water and land;
and the minimization of the impact of new development, reconstruction and/or expansion on the resource
area values listed above.
§ 32-20. Definitions.
For the purpose of this Article, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
BOAT/VESSEL Any floating object capable ofcarrvin~ people as a means of transportation in
water, includin~ and airplane capable of landing on water as well as any floating structure,
excludin~ floating docks, not otherwise considered to be part ora dock structure as defined in
Chapter 32, with or without means of propulsion that can be moored independently or can be
secured by any means to a piling, dock, bulkhead, m'oin, or other fixed device located above or
below mean high water.
CATWALK - An elevated walkway, usually built to gain access to a commercial or residential
dock, built at a fixed heie, Jnt above ~ade and which is constructed landward of the high water
mark.
COMMERCIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed or floating dock or extension of such, designed,
used and/or intended for use other than as a residential dock, as defined in this cha'oter.
DECKING - Horizontal structural components of a dock, deck, pier or other shoreline structure intended
to be walked upon.
DOCK - Any permanent or seasonal structure, except a building, located or proposed to be
located on lands abuttin~ or comprised of freshwater or tidal wetlands or connected to a
bulkhead or the upland and extending over the water's surface, designed to secure vessels and
provide access from the shore to a body of water. For the purpose of this chapter, this term shall
also include the associated structures necessary to cross wetlands and adjacent natural areas. The
term "dock" includes the terms "wharves," "piers," "fixed docks," "floating docks," "floats" or
"catwalks".
DOCK LENGTH - The length of a dock, including all fixed docks, ramps, floatin~ docks and
mooring piles, as measured from the most landward portion of the structure to the seaward-most
portion of the dock or the seaward-most moorina pile, whichever distance is re:eater.
2
FIXED DOCK - An elevated walkway which is constructed at a fixed height above ~rade and
which extends seaward from the high water mark.
FLOATING DOCK - Any structure, raft or floatin~ platform which is desi~,ned to float upon the
surface of a waterbody and is secured in place by poles, pilings, anchors, or any other type of
moorin~ system that provides access to the water. A floating dock includes the float itself and
any pilings or mooring system desimaed to keep the dock at a fixed point.
MARINA - Any dock, pier or other facility operated for profit, or to which vublic patronage is
invited, providing moorings, dockage or other marine services primarily for power and sailing
yachts, launches or other watercraft, other than floatin~ homes, and which may also be cavable
of removing any and all watercraft moored or docked within the marina from the water for repair
and/or storage.
MEAN HIGH WATER (MHW) - The average of all the water heights observed over the most previous
19 year l~eriod.
MEAN LOW WATER (MLW) - The average of all the low heights observed over the most previous 19
year period.
MONOPOLIZE -- The use for an unreasonable period of time to the exclusion of others or to
unreasonably restrict or obstruct the use of any public bulkhead, dock or landing owned or
controlled by the Town of Southold.
PATENT LANDS - All uplands and underwater lands owned in fee title by the Trustees by virtue of the
Andros Patent (October 31, 1676).
PERSON -- Includes an individual, co-partnership, society, association, joint-stock company,
club, corporation and any combination of individuals.
PIER - A fixed structure to secure vessels, unloadin~ or loadin~ persons or property or providin~ access
to the water. See Wharf
PIER LiNE -- The average seaward proiection of one or more existin~ permitted docks, piers, wharves or
floats. The average seaward proiection is calculated by addin~ the length of all docks within the
immediate area and dividin~ by the number of said docks.
PRE-EXISTING NON-PERMITTED AND/OR NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES - A
structure, use or lot that is not otherwise permitted but which is allowed to continue solely
because it was lawfully existing prior to the effective date of the original law or ordinance or
prior to any subsequent amendment, as the case may be. Any determination of lawful existence
must at least include a review of prior land use laws and ordinances.
RESIDENTIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed dock and/or floating dock designed or constructed
as a continuous unit to provide access to the surface waters from a lot that is zoned for residential
use. The term dock shall include all associated structures such as ramps and mooring ¢iles.
3
SHEATHING - Vertical components of a bulkhead or retaining wall necessary to keep soil and sediment
from passine through the structure.
SOUND - Lone Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS -- Pilings, deadmen, rails, whalers and other significant components
used to hold together and anchor docks, piers, wharves, jetties, eroins and other structures.
TOWN WATERS - Any waters within the geographic boundaries in the Town of Southold
including, but not limited to: Broadwaters Cove, Brushes Creek, Budd's Pond, Cedar Beach
Creek, Core¥ Creek, Dam Pond, Deer Hole Creek, Down's Creek, East Creek, East Harbor,
Goose Creek, Goldsmiths Inlet, Gull Pond, Hallock's Bay, Halls Creek, Hashamomuck Creek,
Havwaters Cove, James Creek, Jockey Creek, Little Creek, Lon~ Beach Bay, Mattituck Inlet,
Mud Creek, Pives Neck Creek, Richmond Creek, Town Creek, West Creek, West Harbor, West
Lake, Wickham Creek and Wunneweta Pond.
TROPICAL HARDWOOD Any of a number of species of hardwood harvested from regions at or south
of the eouator.
VEGETATED WETLANDS -Any and all wetland types supporting or capable of supportine emergent,
submerged or floating-leaved vegetation as described in Chapter ~ 97-11. "Definitions."
WHARF-- See Pier.
WATER-DEPENDENT USES - An activity which can only be conducted on, in, over or
adjacent to a water body because such activity recluires direct access to that water body, and
which involves, as an intew:al part of such activity, the use of the water. The uses include, but
are not limited to commemial and recreational fishing and boatin~ facilities, finfish and shellfish
l~rocessing, fish storage and retail and wholesale fish marketing facilities, waterfront dock
facilities, shipyards and boat building facilities, navigation aides, basins and channels, industrial
uses dependent upon water-borne transportation or requirin~ large volumes of coolin~ or
processin~ water and which cannot reasonably be located or operated at an inland site~ and uses
which primarily provide ~eneral public access to marine or tidal waters.
§ 32-21.Monopolization of docks, bulkheads and landing places prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to monopolize, to the exclusion of others, any public dock,
public bulkhead or public landing place within the boundaries of said Town of Southold
(excluding the territory within the limits of the Incorporated Village of Greenport).
§ 32-22.(Reserved) Standards for Residential and Commercial Docks
It shall be the policy of the Town of Southold that all docks shall be desired, constructed and
located so as to reduce a dock's potential adverse impacts to navigation, public safety, waterway
congestion, access to public trust lands and water, and natural resources and habitats. The
following standards will serve as a basis for ~rantinff, denying, or limitin~ permits for the
construction of docks.
4
General Rules
No dock shall be constructed, altered or removed without a permit issued by the Southold
Town Trustees. In determining whether to approve such application, the Trustees shall
consider the factors contained in paragraph ~ 32-22 D. below and all other provisions of
this law. Permits shall be applied for pursuant to procedures set forth in Chapter 97.
All docks shall be constructed of sturdy, durable and stable materials capable of
maintairfing position and location, supportine pedestrian traffic, and resisting lateral loads
resulting from wind, wave, and impact forces. Docks shall be constructed, where
possible, to permit the free circulation of water, reduce the effects of fluctuating water
levels, and prevent adverse modification of the shoreline. Applicants shall certify as to
the structural intem'ity of the dock so as not to cause a threat to the person or property of
others.
In order to prevent the release of metals and other contaminants into the wetlands and
waters of Southold, the use of lumber treated with chromated covl~er arsenate (also
known as "CCA"), commercial copper quat (ACQ), creosote, penta products or
homemade wood preservatives is prohibited for use in sheathin~ and decking. Similarly,
the use of tropical hardwoods is prohibited. Materials used for structural components
shall be determined at the discretion of the Trustees.
All docks shall provide a safe pedestrian surface at all times l~arallel to the water surface,
except for gangways onto such docks from the shoreline or extensions thereof, which
gangways shall have a nonskid surface.
All docks, including any vessel tied to the dock, shall have a minimum clearance of
fifteen (15) feet of the seaward extension of any property line from adiacent parcels so as
not to interfere with the neighbor's access to waters, unless the Trustees decide otherwise
for navigational or other reasons. Waterside boundaries can be identified usin~ the
appropriate method for the shave of the shoreline for Long Island waters specified in 9
NYCRR 274.5.
All docks and floats shall have the appropriate l~ermit number permanently affixed to the
most seaward face for identification. Said numbers shall be at least three (3) inches high
and constructed of metal, wood, plastic or other material such that they can withstand
exposure to the elements and are visible from the water. All fixed docks fifty (50) feet or
longer in length must be e0uipped with a steady white light at the seaward end of the
dock.
Except for structures used for water dependent uses, there shall be no l~ermanent
structure located on or above the decks of docks, ramps and floats.
Any application for a dock to be constructed at the end ora right of way or commonly-
5
10.
held land requires the written consent of all parties havin~ an interest in the right of way,
regardless of how property interests in the upland parcel may be divided among the
owner(s), lessee(s), occupant(s), easement holder(s), or any other person(s) or entity(ies)
with a legal or beneficial interest in any existin~ or proposed docking facility.
All applicants for docks, including catwalks and ramps, extendin~ across the foreshore
shall be required to give and maintain a public passing way, on the upland, not less than
five (5) feet in width, to enable l~ersons to pass and rel~ass arotmd said dock or by stel)s or
a ramp allowing pedestrian vassa~e.
Pre-existin~ non-permitted and/or non-conformin~ structures cannot be replaced in kind
without full review and approval by the Trustees.
Dock Locations and Lenffths
No dock shall be erected or extended if, in the opinion of the Trustees, such structure
would adversely affect navigation, fisheries, shell fisheries, scenic tlualitv, habitats or
wetland areas.
Within creeks and other narrow waterways, no dock lenffth shall exceed 1/3 the total
width of the water body. Determination of the length of the dock must include the
dimensions of the vessel.
Prohibited Locations and Activities
a. Given the unique and sensitive natural environmental characteristics described in
the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and the New York State
Department of State Significant Habitat descriptions, no new docks will be permitted,
over veeetated wetlands or such that it causes framuentation of veaetated wetlands, in
Downs Creek, Hallocks Bay, Hashamomuck Creek and Pond and West Creek
b. Machine excavation is prohibited in tidal or freshwater wetland areas.
c. Placement of fence, mesh or other material preventing passage under docks is
prohibited.
d. Floatina docks, other floats and dock components and duck blinds shall not be
stored on tidal or freshwater wetland or other intertidal areas.
Regulations for the Placement and Configuration of Docking Facilities
Residential Docks:
Only one dock or moorin~ is permitted per residential lot. A residential dock
must be confieured so that no more than two boat slips or berths are created.
If any part of a residential dock structure includes a float or floating dock, the
float or floating dock portion shall be designed so that, with the excel)tion of the
6
pilings,
1. it is no larger than six (6) wide and twenty (20) feet long.;
2. it is removed during the winter months (January through March)
and reinstalled in the spring; and
3. no Cart of the floating dock will contact the bottomland during a
normal low tide.
In determining the vermitted length of a l~roposed residential dock the Trustees
shall seek to maintain lengths consistent with the other docks in the waterway
wtfich meet the requirements of this law.
Pilings shall not vroiect more than three (3) feet above the surface of a dock or
catwalk.
All excess fill from installation of¢ilings must be removed from tidal or
freshwater wetland area on the same day as installation and disposed of in an
apvroved upland disposal area.
Tie off voles associated with residential docks will only be vermitted to secure
one (1) vessel. If the dock utilizes a float the voles shall not l>roject farther
seaward than the outer edge of the float. If a ramv and float are not used the
pole(s) can be situated seaward of the end of the dock sufficient to secure the
vessel.
Only one hand rail is permitted on a residential dock unless the need for two is
demonstrated. Rails shall not be higher than three (3) feet above the surface of
the dock and posts shall not be placed closer than 6 feet on center or larger than
4"x4" in dimension.
Residential catwalks and ramr~s are limited to four (4) feet in width.
Residential boatlifis are prohibited.
Marinas and Yacht Clubs:
If docks for overnight vessel use to be constructed, the marina or yacht club must
provide pumv-out facilities for vessel sanitary waste.
Marinas and yacht clubs shall be subject to site plan and special use permit
review.
Restaurants:
a. Boat slips may be distributed between berths and mooring buoys.
The docking and mooring facilities shall be the minimum necessary to
accommodate the permitted number of boat slivs.
c. Restaurants shall be subiect to site plan and special use vermit review.
D. Review and Approval of Dock Apvlications
7
1. Before issuing a permit for a dock structure, the Trustees shall consider whether
the dock will have any of the followine harmful effects:
(i) Whether the dock will impair navigation or be located in areas of high
vessel traffic or vessel coneestion;
(ii) Whether the dock will unduly interfere with the vublic use of waterways
for swimming, boating, fishing, shellfishin~, waterskiing and other water
dependant activities;
(iii) Whether the dock will unduly interfere with transit by the public alone the
public beaches or foreshore;
(iv') Whether the dock will sienificantl¥ impair the use or value of waterfront
oropertv adiacent to or near the dock~
(v) Whether the dock will cause degradation of surface water quality and
natural resources;
(vi) Whether the dock will cause habitat fra~nentation and loss of si~mificant
coastal fish and wildlife habitats;
(vii) Whether the dock will result in the destruction of or prevent the growth of
veeetated wetlands, seagrasses including eel~rass (Zostera marina) and
widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) or shellfish;
(viii) Whether the dock will unduly restrict tidal flow or water circulation;
(ix) Whether the dock will be safe when constructed;
(x) Whether the dock will adversely affect views, viewsheds and vistas
important to the community;
(xi) Whether the cumulative impacts of a residential and commercial dock will
change the waterway or the environment and whether alternate design,
construction, and location of the dock will minimize cumulative impacts;
and
(xi) Whether adecluate facilities are available to boat owners and/or operators
for fueling, discharge of waste and rubbish, electrical service and water
service
2. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees may approve, ap!0rove with conditions or
deny the permit. If approved, it shall specify thereon the number of boats which shall be
permitted to dock at or be placed upon the property.
3. In the event of a violation of this chapter or if an owner or person in charge of the
property with the Town laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and codes respecting docks,
the Trustees may revoke the vermit granted hereunder and seek removal of any dock
constructed without a permit described herein or built in violation of these standards
and/or restrictions established bva permit issued by the Southold Town Trustees.
ARTICLE V, Administration and Enforcement
§ 32-50. Enforcing officer.
It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable and his deputies
and assistants to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
§ 32-51. Notice of violation.
A. Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable has reasonable
grounds to believe that operations regulated hereby are being conducted in violation of
the provisions of this chapter or not in compliance with a permit issued pursuant to this
chapter, he may notify the owner of the property or the owner's agent or the person
performing such operations to suspend all operations, and any such person shall forthwith
cease operations until such notice of violation has been rescinded.
B. Such notice shall be in wtiting, shall specify the violation and shall state the
conditions which must be complied with and the time within which compliance must be
completed before operations may be resumed. Such notice shall also inform the person to
whom it is directed of his tight to apply for a heating before the Board of Trustees of the
Town of Southold, as hereinafter provided.
C. Such notice shall be served upon the person to whom it is directed by deliveting it
to him personally or by posting the same in a conspicuous place on the premises where
operations are being conducted and mailing a copy thereof to such person by certified
mail to his last known address.
D. The Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable may extend the time of
compliance specified in the notice of violation where there is evidence of intent to
comply within the time specified and conditions exist which prevent immediate
compliance.
E. In the event that the person upon whom a notice of violation has been served shall
fail to comply with said notice within the time specified therein or within the time
specified in any extension of time issued by the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay
Constable, any permit issued to such person pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed
revoked.
F. It shall be unlawful for any person served with a notice of violation pursuant to §
32-51C to fail to comply with such notice. [Added 3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
§ 32-52. Hearing.
A. Any person affected by a notice of violation issued pursuant to the preceding
section hereof may request and shall be granted a heating before the Board of Trustees,
provided that such person shall file a written request therefor with the Town Clerk within
ten (10) days after service of the notice of violation. Such request shall have annexed
thereto a copy of the notice of violation upon which a heating is requested and shall set
forth the reasons why such notice of violation should be modified or rescinded.
B. The Town Clerk shall present such request to the Board of Trustees at its next
regular meeting. The Board of Trustees shall set a time and place for such heating and
shall give the person requesting the same at least five (5) days' notice of the time and
place thereof.
C. At such heating, the person requesting the same or his representative shall be
given an opportunity to show cause why such notice of violation should be modified or
9
rescinded. After such heating, the Board of Trustees may sustain, modify or rescind such
notice of violation or revoke any permit previously issued and shall specify the reasons
therefor.
D. The notice of violation for which a hearing is requested shall continue in effect
pending the hearing and determination of the Board of Trustees.
§ 32-53. Compliance required; penalties for offenses.
A. It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their
agents or any person to fail to comply with any provisions of this chapter or to fail in any
manner to comply with a written notice, directive or order of the Code Enforcement
Officer or Bay Constable or to conduct any operation in a manner not in compliance with
a permit issued pursuant to this chapter. [Added 3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
B. For every offense against any of the provisions of this chapter, except Article II,
or any regulations made pursuant thereto or failure to comply with a written notice or
order of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable within the time fixed for
compliance therewith, the owner, occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their agents
or any other person who comnfits, takes part or assists in the commission of any such
offense or who shall fail to comply with a written order or notice of the Code
Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a
violation punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.) or by
imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine and
imprisonment. Each day's continued offense shall constitute a separate, additional
violation.
C. For every offense aRainst any of the provisions of Article II of this chapter, the fines
and penalties set forth in { 97-34 shall apply.
D. In addition to the above-provided penalties, the town may also maintain an action or
proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or to restrain
by injunction the violation of this chapter.
Section 2. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this Local Law shall be adjudged by any
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not effect the validity of this law
as a whole or any part thereof other than the part so decided to be unconstitutional or invalid.
Section 3. Effective date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State as provided
by law.
Strike-through represents deletion.
Underline represents insertion.
10
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that there has been presented to the Town Board of the
Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York, on the 18th day of November 2003 a
Local Law entitled "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats,
Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold' now, therefore, be it
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of
Southold will hold a public hearing on the aforesaid Local Law at the Southold Town
Hall, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York, on the 2nd day of December 2003 at
8:15 p.m. at which time all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.
The proposed local law entitled, "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter
32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold" reads as
follows:
LOCAL LAW NO. 2003
A Local Law entitled "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats,
Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold"
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Southold, as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 32, BOATS, DOCKS AND WHARVES
ARTICLE II, Public Docks
§ 32-19. Legislative Findings and Purpose.
A. The Town Board of the Town of Southold finds that ral~id ~rowth, the spread of
develor~ment and increasine demands ul~on natural resources are encroachinff u'0on or eliminatine
many of its wetlands and l~atent lands~ which, if l~reserved and maintained in an undisturbed and
natural condition, constitute iml~ortant physical, social, aesthetic, recreational and economic
assets to existinff and future residents of the Town of Southold. In addition, there has been a
significant increase in the alyolications for and the numbers of fixed and fioatin~ l~iers and docks
accessory to upland residential and other uses. Most of these structures and the uses they sul31~ort
1
are on and in publicly owned land and waters and always have some effect on physical,
biological, ecosystem functions and values, development l~atterns and the aesthetic character of
the area. Therefore it is essential to reeulate the type and placement of such structures.
B. Purpose: Therefore, the Town Board declares that it is the intention of this chapter to
regulate the type and Dlacement off/xed and floating l~iers and docks for the protection,
Dreservation, proper maintenance and use of its waters and wetlands. Docks shall be regulated in
order to maintain and contribute to the following resource area values and the attributes and
functions they possess: erosion and sedimentation control; storm damaee prevention; water
pollution control; fisheries; shellfish, including spawner sanctuaries; wildlife habitat; a~riculture;
aesthetics: and recreation. In addition, the followine resource area values also shall be
maintained and protected including: protection and enhancement of existing vegetation cover in
order to maintain water quality and wildlife habitat; protection of wildlife, waterfo~vl, and plant
habitat and the maintenance of existing populations and species diversity; prevention of loss or
degradation of critical wildlife and plant habitat; public access to water and land; and the
minimization of the impact of new develor~ment, reconstruction and/or expansion on the resource
area values listed above.
§ 32-20. Definitions.
For the purpose of this Article, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
BOAT - Every vessel provelled in any manner.
CATWALK - An elevated walkway, usually built to Rain access to a commercial or
residential dock, built at a fixed height above ~ade and which is constructed landward of
the high water mark.
COMMERCIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed or floatin~ dock or extension of such,
designed, used and/or intended for use other than as a residential dock, as defined in this
chapter.
DECKING - Horizontal structural com¢onents of a dock, deck, ¢ier or other shoreline structure
intended to be walked upon.
DOCK - Any permanent or seasonal structure, except a building, located or proposed to
be located on lands abuttin~ or comprised of freshwater or tidal wetlands or connected to
a bulkhead or the upland and extending over the water's surface, desi~:ned to secure
vessels and provide access from the shore to a body of water. For the purvose of this
chapter, this term shall also include the associated structures necessary to cross wetlands
and adjacent natural areas. The term "dock" includes the terms "wharves," "piers," "fixed
docks," "floating docks," "floats" or "catwalks".
DOCK LENGTH - The length of a dock, includin~ all fixed docks, ram'os, floatin~ docks
and moorin~ riles, as measured from the most landward portion of the structure to the
seaward-most portion of the dock or the seaward-most moorin~ pile, whichever distance
is greater.
FIXED DOCK - An elevated walkway which is constructed at a fixed hei~tht above grade
2
and which extends seaward from the high water mark.
FLOATING DOCK - Any structure, raft or floating platform which is designed to float
upon the surface of a waterbodv and is secured in place by poles, pilines, anchors, or any
other twe of moorin~ system that provides access to the water. A floatin~ dock includes
the float itself and any pilings or mooring system desiened to keep the dock at a fixed
point.
MARINA - Any dock, pier or other facility operated for profit, or to which public
patronage is invited~ providin~ moorings, dockage or other marine services primarily for
power and sailin~ yachts, launches or other watercraft, other than floating homes, and
which may also be capable of removing any and all watercraft moored or docked within
the marina from the water for repair and/or storage.
MEAN HIGH WATER (MHW) - The average of all the water heights observed over a 19 year
period.
MEAN LOW WATER (MLW) - The average of all the low heights observed over a 19 year
period.
MONOPOLIZE -- The use for an unreasonable period of time to the exclusion of others
or to unreasonably restrict or obstruct the use of any public bulkhead, dock or landing
owned or controlled by the Town of Southold.
PATENT LANDS - All u¢lands and underwater lands owned in fee title by the Tmstees by virtue
of the Andros Patent (October 31, 1676).
PERSON -- Includes an individual, co-partnership, society, association, .joint-stock
company, club, corporation and any combination of individuals.
PIER A fixed structure to secure vessels, unloading or loading persons or l>rol~ertv or providing
access to the water. See Wharf
PIER LINE -- The average seaward vroiection of one or more existing vermitted docks, viers,
wharves or floats. The average seaward '0roiection is calculated by adding the length of all docks
within the immediate area and dividing by the number of said docks.
PRE-EXISTING NON-PERMITTED AND/OR NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES -
A structure, use or lot that is not otherwise permitted but which is allowed to continue
solely because it was lawfully existin~ prior to the effective date of the oriRinal law or
ordinance or prior to any subsequent amendment, as the case may be. Any determination
of lawful existence must at least include a review of prior land use laws and ordinances.
RESIDENTIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed dock and/or floatinR dock desimaed or
constructed as a continuous unit to provide access to the surface waters from a lot that is
zoned for residential use. The term dock shall include all associated structures such as
ramps and mooring piles.
TOWN WATERS Any waters within the geographic boundaries in the Town of
Southold including, but not limited to: Broadwaters Cove, Brushes Creek, Budd's Pond,
Cedar Beach Creek, Corer Creek, Dam Pond, Deep Hole Creek, Down's Creek, East
Creek, East Harbor, Goose Creek, Goldsmiths Inlet, Gull Pond, Halls Creek,
Hashamomuck Creek, Havwaters Cove, James Creek, Jockey Creek, Little Creek, Long
Beach Bay, Mattituck Inlet, Mud Creek, Pipes Neck Creek, Richmond Creek, Town
Creek, West Creek, West Harbor, West Lake, Wickham Creek and Wuunewata Pond.
SHEATHiNG - Vertical structural components of a bulkhead or retaining wall necessary to keep
soil and sediment from passing through the structure.
SOUND - Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS -- Pilings, deadmen, rails, whalers and other sie:nificant
components used to hold together and anchor docks, piers, wharves, jetties, m'oins and other
structures.
VEGETATED WETLANDS Any and all wetland WI>es supporting or capable of supvorting
emergent, submerged or floating-leaved vegetation as described in Chat~ter ~ 97-11.
"Definitions."
WHARF -- See Pier.
WATER-DEPENDENT USES - An activity which can only be conducted on, in, over or
adjacent to a water body because such activity requires direct access to that water body,
and which involves, as an intem'al part of such activity, the use of the water. The uses
include, but are not limited to commercial and recreational fishing and boating facilities,
finfish and shellfish processing, fish storage and retail and wholesale fish marketing
facilities, waterfront dock facilities, shipyards and boat building facilities, navigation
aides, basins and channels, industrial uses dependent upon water-borne transvortation or
recluiring large volumes of cooling or processing water and which cannot reasonably be
located or operated at an inland site, and uses which primarily provide general public
access to marine or tidal waters.
§ 32-21 .Monopolization of docks, bulkheads and landing places prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to monopolize, to the exclusion of others, any public
dock, public bulkhead or public landing place within the boundaries of said Town of
Southold (excluding therefrom the territory within the limits of the Incorporated Village
of Greenport).
§ 32-22.(Reserved) Standards for Residential and Commercial Docks
It shall be the policy of the Town of Southold that all docks shall be designed,
constructed and located so as to reduce a dock's potential adverse impacts to navigation,
4
public safety, waterway congestion, access to public trust lands and water, and natural
resources and habitats. The following standards will serve as a basis for aranting,
denyina, or limitina permits for the construction of docks.
A. General Rules
No dock shall be constructed, altered or removed without a permit issued by the
Southold Town Trustees. In determining whether to approve such application, the
Trustees shall consider the factors contained in paragraph ~ 32-22 D. below and
all other provisions of this law. Permits shall be applied for pursuant to
procedures set forth in Chapter 97.
All docks shall be constructed of sturdy, durable and stable materials capable of
maintaining position and location, supportin~ pedestrian traffic, and resistin~
lateral loads resultin~ from wind, wave, and impact forces. Docks shall be
constructed, where possible, to permit the free circulation ofwater, reduce the
effects of fluctuatin~ water levels, and prevent adverse modification of the
shoreline. Applicants shall certify as to the structural inteelitv of the dock so as
not to cause a threat to the person or property of others.
In order to prevent the release of metals and other contaminants into the wetlands
and waters of Southold, the use of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate
(also known as "CCA"), commercial copper quat (ACO), creosote, penta products
or homemade wood preservatives is prohibited for use in sheathine and decking.
Materials used for structural components shall be determined at the discretion of
the Trustees.
All docks shall provide a safe pedestrian surface at all times parallel to the water
surface, except for ~angways onto such docks from the shoreline or extensions
thereo£ which ganff~vays shall have a nonskid surface.
All docks, includin~ any vessel tied to the dock, shall have a minimum clearance
of fifteen (15) feet of the seaward extension of any property line from adjacent
parcels so as not to interfere with the neighbor's access to waters, unless the
Trustees decide otherwise for navigational or other reasons. Waterside
boundaries can be identified usin~ the appropriate method for the shape of the
shoreline for Lon~ Island waters specified in 9 NYCRR 274.5.
All docks and floats shall have the appropriate permit number permanently
affixed to the most seaward face for identification. Said numbers shall be at least
three (3) inches hieh and constructed ofmetal~ wood, plastic or other material
such that they can withstand exposure to the elements and are visible from the
water. All fixed docks fifty (50) feet or longer in lenffth must be ecluioped with a
US Coast Guard approved regulatory navigation Ii~ht at the seaward end of the
dock.
10.
Except for structures used for water devendent uses, there shall be no permanent
structure located on or above the decks of docks, ramps and floats.
Any application for a dock to be constructed at the end of a right of way or
commonly-held land requires the written consent of all parties having an interest
in the right of way, regardless of how property interests in the upland parcel may
be divided among the owner(s), lessee(s), occupant(s), easement holder(s), or any
other person(s) or entit¥(ies) with a legal or beneficial interest in any existin~ or
proposed docking facility.
All applicants for docks, including catwalks and ramps, extendine across the
foreshore shall be required to give and maintain a public passing way, on the
upland, not less than five (5) feet in width, to enable persons to pass and repass
around said dock or by steps or a ramp allowine pedestrian passage.
Pre-existing non-permitted and/or non-conforming structures cannot be replaced
in kind without full review and approval by the Trustees.
Dock Locations and Lengths
No dock shall be erected or extended if, in the opinion of the Trustees, such
structure would adversely affect navigation, fisheries, shell fisheries, scenic
quality, habitats or wetland areas.
Within creeks and other narrow waterways, no dock length shall exceed 1/3 the
total width of the water body. Determination of the len~h of the dock must
include the dimensions of the vessel.
Prohibited Locations and Activities
a. Given the unique and sensitive natural environmental characteristics
described in the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and the
New York State Department of State Significant Habitat descriptions, no new
docks will be permitted, over vegetated wetlands or such that it causes
fragmentation of vegetated wetlands, in Downs Creek, Hallocks Bay,
Hashamomuck Creek and Pond and West Creek
b. Machine excavation is prohibited in tidal or freshwater wetland areas.
c. Placement of fence, mesh or other material preventing passage under
docks is prohibited.
d. Floatin~ docks, other floats and dock components and duckblinds shall not
be stored on tidal or freshwater wetland or other intertidal areas.
Regulations for the Placement and Configuration of Docking Facilities
Residential Docks:
Only one dock or mooring is permitted per residential lot. A residential
dock must be configured so that no more than two boat slips or berths are
created.
If any part of a residential dock structure includes a float or floating dock,
the float or floating dock portion shall be designed so that, with the
exception of the pilings,
1. it is no larger than six (6) wide and twenty (20) feet long.;
2. it is removed during the winter months and reinstalled in
the spring; and
3. no part of the floating dock will contact the bottomland
during a normal low tide.
In determining the permitted length of a proposed residential dock the
Trustees shall seek to maintain lengths consistent with the other docks in
the waterway which meet the rec~uirements of this law.
Pilings shall not l~roject more than three (3) feet above the surface of a
dock or catwalk.
All excess fill from installation of pilings must be removed from tidal or
freshwater wetland area on the same day as installation and disposed of in
an approved upland disposal area.
Tie offpoles associated with residential docks will only be permitted to
secure one (1) vessel. If the dock utilizes a float the poles shall not proiect
farther seaward than the outer edge of the float. Ifa ramp and float are not
used the pole(s) can be situated seaward of the end of the dock sufficient
to secure the vessel.
Only one hand rail is permitted on a residential dock unless the need for
two is demonstrated. Rails shall not be higher than three (3) feet above
the surface of the dock and r>osts shall not be placed closer than 6 feet on
center or larger than 4"x4" in dimension.
Residential catwalks and ramps are limited to four (4) feet in width.
Residential boatlifls are prohibited.
Marinas and Yacht Clubs:
If docks for overnight vessel use to be constructed, the marina or yacht
club must provide pump-out facilities for vessel sanitary waste.
Marinas and yacht clubs shall be subiect to site plan and special use permit
review.
Restaurants:
a. Boat slips may be distributed between berths and moorina buoys.
7
b. The docking and mooring facilities shall be the minimum necessary to
accommodate the permitted number of boat slips.
Restaurants shall be subiect to site plan and special use permit review.
D. Review and Approval of Dock Apl~lications
1. Before issuing a permit for a dock structure, the Trustees shall consider whether
the dock will have any of the following harmful effects:
(i) Whether the dock will impair navigation or be located in areas of high
vessel traffic or vessel congestion;
(ii) Whether the dock will unduly interfere with the public use of waterways
for swimming, boating, fishing, shellfishing, waterskiing and other water
dependant activities;
(iii) Whether the dock will unduly interfere with transit by the public along the
public beaches or foreshore;
(iv) Whether the dock will sienificantly impair the use or value of waterfront
property adjacent to or near the dock;
(v) Whether the dock will cause degradation of surface water cluality and
natural resources;
(vi) Whether the dock will cause habitat frammentation and loss of significant
coastal fish and wildlife habitats;
(vii) Whether the dock will result in the destruction of or prevent the ~rowth of
vegetated wetlands, seam'asses includin~ eelm'ass (Zostera marina) and
widgeon ~rass (Ruppia maritima) or shellfish;
(viii) Whether the dock will unduly restrict tidal flow or water circulation;
(ix) Whether the dock will be safe when constructed;
tx) Whether the dock will adversely affect views, viewsheds and vistas
important to the community;
(xi) Whether the cumulative impacts of a residential and commercial dock will
change the waterway or the environment and whether alternate design,
construction, and location of the dock will minimize cumulative impacts;
and
(xi) Whether adequate facilities are available to boat owners and/or o'0erators
for fueling, discharge of waste and rubbish, electrical service and water
service
2. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees may al~prove, approve with conditions or
deny the permit. If a'oproved, it shall specify thereon the number of boats which shall be
permitted to dock at or be placed upon the property.
3. In the event of a violation of this chapter or if an owner or person in charge of the
property with the Town laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and codes respecting docks,
8
the Trustees may revoke the permit ~ranted hereunder and seek removal of any dock
constructed without a l~ermit described herein or built in violation of these standards
and/or restrictions established by a permit issued by the Southold Town Trustees.
ARTICLE V, Administration and Enforcement
§ 32-50. Enforcing officer.
It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable and his deputies
and assistants to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
§ 32-51. Notice of violation.
A. Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable has reasonable
grounds to believe that operations regulated hereby are being conducted in violation of
the provisions of this chapter or not in compliance with a permit issued pursuant to this
chapter, he may notify the owner of the property or the owner's agent or the person
performing such operations to suspend all operations, and any such person shall forthwith
cease operations until such notice of violation has been rescinded.
B. Such notice shall be in writing, shall specify the violation and shall state the
conditions which must be complied with and the time within which compliance must be
completed before operations may be resumed. Such notice shall also inform the person to
whom it is directed of his right to apply for a heating before the Board of Trustees of the
Town of Southold, as hereinafter provided.
C. Such notice shall be served upon the person to whom it is directed by delivering it
to him personally or by posting the same in a conspicuous place on the premises where
operations are being conducted and mailing a copy thereof to such person by certified
mail to his last known address.
D. The Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable may extend the time of
compliance specified in the notice of violation where there is evidence of intent to
comply within the time specified and conditions exist which prevent immediate
compliance.
E. In the event that the person upon whom a notice of violation has been served shall
fail to comply with said notice within the time specified therein or within the time
specified in any extension of time issued by the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay
Constable, any permit issued to such person pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed
revoked.
F. It shall be unlawful for any person served with a notice of violation pursuant to §
32-51C to fail to comply with such notice. [Added 3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
§ 32-52. Hearing.
A. Any person affected by a notice of violation issued pursuant to the preceding
section hereof may request and shall be granted a hearing before the Board of Trustees,
provided that such person shall file a written request therefor with the Town Clerk within
ten (10) days after service of the notice of violation. Such request shall have annexed
thereto a copy of the notice of violation upon which a hearing is requested and shall set
forth the reasons why such notice of violation should be modified or rescinded.
B. The Town Clerk shall present such request to the Board of Trustees at its next
regular meeting. The Board of Trustees shall set a time and place for such heating and
shall give the person requesting the same at least five (5) days' notice of the time and
place thereof.
C. At such hearing, the person requesting the same or his representative shall be
given an opportunity to show cause why such notice of violation should be modified or
rescinded. After such hearing, the Board of Trustees may sustain, modify or rescind such
notice of violation or revoke any permit previously issued and shall specify the reasons
therefor.
D. The notice of violation for which a heating is requested shall continue in effect
pending the hearing and determination of the Board of Trustees.
§ 32-53. Compliance required; penalties for offenses.
A. It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their
agents or any person to fail to comply with any provisions of this chapter or to fail in any
manner to comply with a written notice, directive or order of the Code Enforcement
Officer or Bay Constable or to conduct any operation in a manner not in compliance with
a permit issued pursuant to this chapter. [Added 3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
B. For every offense against any of the provisions of this chapter, except Article II,
or any regulations made pursuant thereto or failure to comply with a written notice or
order of the Code Enfomement Officer or Bay Constable within the time fixed for
compliance therewith, the owner, occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their agents
or any other person who commits, takes part or assists in the commission of any such
offense or who shall fail to comply with a written order or notice of the Code
Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a
violation punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.) or by
imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine and
imprisonment. Each day's continued offense shall constitute a separate, additional
violation.
C. For every offense a~ainst any of the provisions of Article II of this chapter, the fines
and penalties set forth in ~ 97-34 shall apl~lv.
D. In addition to the above-provided penalties, the town may also maintain an action or
proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or to restrain
by injunction the violation of this chapter.
Section 2. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this Local Law shall be adjudged by any
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not effect the validity of this law
as a whole or any part thereof other than the part so decided to be unconstitutional or invalid.
Section 3. Effective date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State as provided
10
by law.
Strike-through represents deletion.
Underline represents insertion.
BY ORDER OF THE SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD,
November 18, 2003
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
PLEASE PUBLISH ON NOVEMBER 20, 2003, AND FORWARD ONE
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION TO ELIZABETH NEVILLE, TOWN CLERK,
TOWN HALL, PO BOX 1179, SOUTHOLD, NY 11971.
Copies to the following:
The Traveler Watchman
Trustees
Town Clerk's Bulletin Board
Town Board Members
Town Attorney
11
STATE OF NEW YORK )
SS:
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK)
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE, Town Clerk of the Town of Southold, Ne~v York being
dulyswom, says that on the ~ dayof I~t~u~u_b~''~ ,2003, she affixed a
notice of which the annexed printed notice is a true copy, in a proper and substantial
manner, in a most public place in the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York, to
wit: Town Clerk's Bulletin Board, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York.
Public Hearing: LL to change Chapter 32, December 2, 2003 at 8:15 pm
Southold Town Clerk
Sworn before me this
~]~lr-day of ~(~o. Jo~, 2003.
Public
LYNDA M. BOHN
NOTARY PUBLIC, State of NeW YolII;
No. 01 BO6020932
Qualified in Suffolk Counter
Term Expires March 8, -cO .~
ELIZABETH A. NEVHJ.E
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORNLATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.nort hfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION NO. 765 OF 2003
WAS ADOPTED AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2003:
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs
Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton to hire the firm of Nelson, Pope & Voorhis to conduct an
evaluation pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to address
the environmental issues pertinent to the proposed local laws amendin~ Chapter 97 and
Chapter 32 of the Code of the Town of Southold, at a cost of Twelve hundred and fifty
($1,250.00) dollars as per their proposal dated November 13, 2003.
Elizabeth A. Neville
Southold Town Clerk
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM O~' INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION NO. 763 OF 2003
WAS ADOPTED AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2003:
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs the
Town Clerk to transmit the orooosed "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chaoter
32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold" to the Southold Town
Planning Board and the Suffolk County Department of Planning for their recommendations and
reports.
Elizabeth A. Neville
Southold Town Clerk
ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE
TOWN CLERK
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (631) 765-6145
Telephone (631) 765-1800
southoldtown.northfork.net
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION NO. 762 OF 2003
WAS ADOPTED AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2003:
WHEREAS, there has been presented to the Town Board of the Town of Southold, Suffolk
County, New York, on the 18th day of November 2003 a Local Law entitled "A Local Law in
relation to Amendments to Chaoter 32, 'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the
Town of Southold" now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold will hold a public bearing on the
aforesaid Local Law at the Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road, Soutbold, New York, on the
2nd day of December 2003 at 8:15 o.m. at which time all interested persons will be given an
opportunity to be heard.
The proposed local law entitled, "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chaoter 32,
'Boats, Docks and Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold" reads as follows:
LOCAL LAW NO. 2003
A Local Law entitled "A Local Law in relation to Amendments to Chapter 32, 'Boats, Docks and
Wharves' of the Code of the Town of Southold"
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Southold, as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 32, BOATS, DOCKS AND WHARVES
ARTICLE II, Public Docks
§ 32-19. Legislative Findings and Purpose.
A. The Town Board of the Town of Southold finds that rapid ~rowth, the spread of
development and increasing demands upon natural resources are encroaching upon or
eliminating many of its wetlands and patent lands, which, if preserved and maintained in an
undisturbed and natural condition, constitute important physical, social, aesthetic, recreational
and economic assets to existing and future residents of the Town of Southold. In addition, there
has been a significant increase in the applications for and the numbers of fixed and floating piers
and docks accessory to upland residential and other uses. Most of these structures and the uses
they support are on and in publicly owned land and waters and always have some effect on
physical, biological, ecosystem functions and values, development pattems and the aesthetic
character of the area. Therefore it is essential to regulate the type and placement of such
structures.
B. Purpose: Therefore, the Town Board declares that it is the intention of this chapter to
regulate the type and placement of fixed and floating piers and docks for the protection,
preservation, proper maintenance and use of its waters and wetlands. Docks shall be regulated in
order to maintain and contribute to the following resource area values and the attributes and
functions they possess: erosion and sedimentation control; storm damaae prevention; water
pollution control; fisheries; shellfish, including spawner sanctuaries; wildlife habitat; agriculture;
aesthetics; and recreation. In addition, the following resource area values also shall be
maintained and protected including: protection and enhancement of existing vegetation cover in
order to maintain water quality and wildlife habitat; protection of wildlife, waterfowl, and plant
habitat and the maintenance of existing populations and species diversity; prevention of loss or
degradation of critical wildlife and plant habitat; public access to water and land; and the
minimization of the impact of new development, reconstruction and/or expansion on the resource
area values listed above.
§ 32-20. Definitions.
For the purpose of this Article, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
BOAT Every vessel propelled in any manner.
CATWALK - An elevated walkway, usually built to aain access to a commercial or residential
dock, built at a fixed height above grade and which is constructed landward of the hiah water
mark.
COMMERCIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed or floating dock or extension of such, desiimed,
used and/or intended for use other than as a residential dock, as defined in this chapter.
DECKiNG Horizontal structural components of a dock, deck, pier or other shoreline structure
intended to be walked upon.
2
DOCK - Any permanent or seasonal structure, except a building, located or proposed to be
located on lands abutting or comprised of freshwater or tidal wetlands or connected to a
bulkhead or the upland and extending over the water's surface, designed to secure vessels and
provide access from the shore to a body of water. For the purpose of this chapter, this term shall
also include the associated structures necessary to cross wetlands and adjacent natural areas. The
term "dock" includes the terms "wharves," "piers," "fixed docks," "floating docks," "floats" or
"catwalks".
DOCK LENGTH - The length of a dock, including all fixed docks, ramps, floatine docks and
moorin~ piles, as measured from the most landward portion of the structure to the seaward-most
portion of the dock or the seaward-most mooring pile, whichever distance is greater.
FIXED DOCK - An elevated walkway which is constructed at a fixed height above ~rade and
which extends seaward from the high water mark.
FLOATiNG DOCK - Any structure, raft or floating platform which is designed to float upon the
surface of a waterbody and is secured in place by poles, pilings, anchors, or any other twe of
mooring system that provides access to the water. A floating dock includes the float itself and
an,/' pilines or mooring system designed to keep the dock at a fixed point.
MARINA - Any dock, pier or other facility operated for profit, or to which public patronage is
invited, providing moorings, dockage or other marine services vrimaril¥ for power and sailing
yachts, launches or other watercrafl, other than floating homes, and which may also be capable
of removing any and all watercraft moored or docked within the marina from the water for repair
and/or storage.
MEAN HIGH WATER (MHW) The average of all the water heights observed over a 19 year
period.
MEAN LOW WATER (MLW) The average of all the low heights observed over a 19 year
period.
MONOPOLIZE -- The use for an unreasonable period of time to the exclusion of others or to
unreasonably restrict or obstruct the use of any public bulkhead, dock or landing owned or
controlled by the Town of Southold.
PATENT LANDS - All uplands and underwater lands owned in fee title by the Trustees by
virtue of the Andros Patent (October 31, 1676).
PERSON -- Includes an individual, co-partnership, society, association, .joint-stock company,
club, corporation and any combination of individuals.
PIER - A fixed structure to secure vessels, unloading or loading persons or property or providing
access to the water. See Wharf
3
PIER LINE -- The average seaward projection of one or more existing permitted docks, piers,
wharves or floats. The average seaward projection is calculated by adding the length of all docks
within the immediate area and dividing by the number of said docks.
PRE-EXISTING NON-PERMITTED AND/OR NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES - A
structure, use or lot that is not otherwise permitted but which is allowed to continue solely
because it was lawfully existing prior to the effective date of the original law or ordinance or
prior to any subsequent amendment, as the case may be. Any determination of lawful existence
must at least include a review of prior land use laws and ordinances.
RESDENTIAL DOCK - Any catwalk, fixed dock and/or floating dock designed or constructed
as a continuous unit to provide access to the surface waters from a lot that is zoned for residential
use. The term dock shall include all associated structures such as ramps and mooring piles.
TOWN WATERS Any waters within the Reo~raphic boundaries in the Town of Southold
including, but not limited to: Broadwaters Cove, Brushes Creek, Budd's Pond, Cedar Beach
Creek, Corer Creek, Dam Pond, Deep Hole Creek, Down's Creek, East Creek, East Harbor,
Goose Creek, Goldsmiths Inlet, Gull Pond, Halls Creek, Hashamomuck Creek, Havwaters Cove,
James Creek, Jockey Creek, Little Creek, Long Beach Bay, Mattituck Inlet, Mud Creek, Pipes
Neck Creek, Richmond Creek, Town Creek, West Creek, West Harbor, West Lake, Wickham
Creek and Wunnewata Pond.
SHEATHING - Vertical structural components of a bulkhead or retaining wall necessary to keep
soil and sediment from passing through the structure.
SOUND Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS -- Pilings, deadmen, rails, whalers and other significant
components used to hold together and anchor docks, piers, wharves, jetties, groins and other
structures.
VEGETATED WETLANDS Any and all wetland types supporting or capable of supporting
emergent, submerged or floating-leaved vegetation as described in Chapter { 97-11.
"Definitions."
WHAR_F -- See Pier.
WATER-DEPENDENT USES - An activity which can only be conducted om in, over or
adjacent to a water body because such activity requires direct access to that water body, and
which involves, as an integral part of such activity, the use of the water. The uses include, but
are not limited to commercial and recreational fishing and boating facilities, finfish and shellfish
processing, fish storage and retail and wholesale fish marketing facilities, waterfront dock
facilities, shipyards and boat building facilities, navigation aides, basins and charmels, industrial
4
uses dependent upon water-borne transportation or requiring large volumes of cooling or
processing water and which cannot reasonably be located or operated at an inland site, and uses
which primarily provide general public access to marine or tidal waters.
§ 32-21 .Monopolization of docks, bulkheads and landing places prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to monopolize, to the exclusion of others, any public dock,
public bulkhead or public landing place within the boundaries of said Town of Southold
(excluding therefrom the territory within the limits of the Incorporated Village of Greenport).
§ 32-22.(Rcscrvcd) Standards for Residential and Commercial Docks
It shall be the policy of the Town of Southold that all docks shall be desired, constructed and
located so as to reduce a dock's potential adverse impacts to navigation, public safety, waterway
congestion, access to public trust lands and water, and natural resoumes and habitats. The
following standards will serve as a basis for granting, denying, or limiting permits for the
construction of docks.
A. General Rules
No dock shall be constructed, altered or removed without a permit issued by the Southold
Town Trustees. In determining whether to approve such application, the Trustees shall
consider the factors contained in paragraph { 32-22 D. below and all other provisions of
this law. Permits shall be applied for pursuant to procedures set forth in Chapter 97.
All docks shall be constructed of sturdy, durable and stable materials capable of
maintaining position and location, supporting pedestrian traffic, and resisting lateral loads
resulting from wind, wave, and impact fomes. Docks shall be constructed, where
possible, to permit the free circulation of water, reduce the effects of fluctuating water
levels, and prevent adverse modification of the shoreline. Applicants shall certify as to
the structural integrity of the dock so as not to cause a threat to the person or property of
others.
In order to prevent the release of metals and other contaminants into the wetlands and
waters of Southold, the use of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate (also
known as "CCA"), commercial copper quat (ACO), creosote, penta products or
homemade wood preservatives is prohibited for use in sheathing and decking. Materials
used for structural components shall be determined at the discretion of the Trustees.
All docks shall provide a safe pedestrian surface at all times parallel to the water surface,
except for gan~vavs onto such docks from the shoreline or extensions thereof, which
gan~',vays shall have a nonskid surface.
All docks, including any vessel tied to the dock, shall have a minimum clearance of
fifteen (15) feet of the seaward extension of any property line from adjacent parcels so as
not to interfere with the neighbor's access to waters, unless the Trustees decide otherwise
10.
for navigational or other reasons. Waterside boundaries can be identified using the
appropriate method for the shape of the shoreline for Long Island waters specified in 9
NYCRR 274.5.
All docks and floats shall have the appropriate permit number permanently affixed to the
most seaward face for identification. Said numbers shall be at least three (3) inches high
and constructed of metal, wood, plastic or other material such that the,/can withstand
exposure to the elements and are visible from the water. All fixed docks fifty (50) feet or
longer in length must be equipped with a US Coast Guard approved regulatory navigation
light at the seaward end of the dock.
Except for structures used for water dependent uses, there shall be no permanent
structure located on or above the decks of docks, ramr~s and floats.
An,/application for a dock to be constructed at the end of a right of way or commonly-
held land requires the written consent of all parties having an interest in the ripht of way,
regardless of how property interests in the upland parcel may be divided amon~ the
owner(s), lessee(s), occupant(s), easement holder(s), or any other person(s) or entit¥(ies)
with a legal or beneficial interest in any existing or proposed docking facility.
All a'oplicants for docks, including catwalks and ramps, extendin~ across the foreshore
shall be required to give and maintain a public passin~ way, on the upland, not less than
five (5) feet in width, to enable persons to pass and repass around said dock or by steps or
a ramp allowing pedestrian passage.
Pre-existin~ non-permitted and/or non-conformin~ structures cannot be replaced in kind
without full review and approval by the Trustees.
Dock Locations and Lengths
No dock shall be erected or extended if, in the or~inion of the Trustees, such structure
would adversely affect navigation, fisheries, shell fisheries, scenic quality, habitats or
wetland areas.
Within creeks and other narrow waterways, no dock length shall exceed I/3 the total
width of the water body. Determination of the length of the dock must include the
dimensions of the vessel.
Prohibited Locations and Activities
a. Given the uniclue and sensitive natural environmental characteristics described in
the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and the New York State
Department of State Significant Habitat descriptions, no new docks will be permitted,
over vegetated wetlands or such that it causes fragmentation of vegetated wetlands, in
Downs Creek, Hallocks Bay, Hashamomuck Creek and Pond and West Creek
b. Machine excavation is prohibited in tidal or freshwater wetland areas.
c. Placement of fence, mesh or other material preventing oassa~e under docks is
prohibited.
d. Floating docks, other floats and dock components and duckblinds shall not be
stored on tidal or freshwater wetland or other intertidal areas.
Regulations for the Placement and Configuration of Dockin~ Facilities
Residential Docks:
Only one dock or moorin~ is permitted per residential lot. A residential dock
must be configured so that no more than two boat slips or berths are created.
If any part of a residential dock structure includes a float or floatin~ dock, the
float or floating dock portion shall be designed so that, with the exception of the
pilings,
1. it is no larger than six (6) wide and twenty (20) feet long.;
2. it is removed durin~ the winter months and reinstalled in the
spring; and
3. no part of the floatin~ dock will contact the bottomland during a
normal low tide.
In determining the permitted lenffth of a proposed residential dock the Trustees
shall seek to maintain lengths consistent with the other docks in the waterway
which meet the requirements of this law.
Pilings shall not project more than three (3) feet above the surface of a dock or
catwalk.
All excess fill from installation of pilings must be removed from tidal or
freshwater wetland area on the same day as installation and disposed of in an
approved upland disposal area.
Tie off poles associated with residential docks will only be permitted to secure
one (1) vessel. If the dock utilizes a float the poles shall not project farther
seaward than the outer edge of the float. Ifa ramp and float are not used the
pole(s) can be situated seaward of the end of the dock sufficient to secure the
vessel.
Only one hand rail is permitted on a residential dock unless the need for two is
7
demonstrated. Rails shall not be higher than three (3) feet above the surface of
the dock and posts shall not be placed closer than 6 feet on center or lar~er than
4"x4" in dimension.
h. Residential catwalks and ramps are limited to four (4) feet in width,
i.. Residential boatlifts are prohibited.
Marinas and Yacht Clubs:
a. If docks for overnight vessel use to be constmcted, the marina or yacht club must
provide pumr~-out facilities for vessel sanitary waste.
b. Marinas and yacht clubs shall be subject to site plan and special use permit
review.
Restaurants:
a. Boat slips may be distributed between berths and mooring buoys.
b. The dockin~ and mooring facilities shall be the minimum necessary to
accommodate the permitted number of boat slips.
c. Restaurants shall be subject to site plan and sl~ecial use permit review.
D. Review and Approval of Dock Applications
1. Before issuin~ a permit for a dock structure, the Trustees shall consider whether the dock
will have any of the followine harmful effects:
(i) Whether the dock will impair navigation or be located in areas of high vessel
traffic or vessel congestion:
(ii) Whether the dock will unduly interfere with the public use of waterways for
swimrrfin~ boating, fishing, shellfishing, waterskiin~ and other water dependant
activities;
(iii) Whether the dock will unduly interfere with transit by the public along the public
beaches or foreshore;
(iv) Whether the dock will si~rdficantly iml~air the use or value of waterfront l~ropertv
adjacent to or near the dock;
(v) Whether the dock will cause degradation of surface water quality and natural
resources;
(vi) Whether the dock will cause habitat fra~nentation and loss of significant coastal
fish and wildlife habitats:
(vii) Whether the dock will result in the destruction of or prevent the growth of
vegetated wetlands, seagrasses including eelm'ass (Zostera marina) and widgeon
8
grass (Ruppia maritima) or shellfish;
(viii) Whether the dock will unduly restrict tidal flow or water circulation;
(ix) Whether the dock will be safe when constructed;
(x) Whether the dock will adversely affect views, viewsheds and vistas iml~ortant to
the community;
(xi) Whether the cumulative impacts of a residential and commemial dock will chanee
the waterway or the environment and whether alternate design, construction, and
location of the dock will minimize cumulative impacts; and
(xi) Whether adequate facilities are available to boat owners and/or operators for
fueling, discharge of waste and rubbish, electrical service and water service
2. Based upon the foreeoing, the Trustees may approve, approve with conditions or deny
the l~ermit. If approved, it shall specify thereon the number of boats which shall be permitted to
dock at or be placed upon the property.
3. In the event of a violation of this chapter or if an owner or person in charze of the
l~ropertv with the Town laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and codes respectine docks, the
Trustees may revoke the permit ~ranted hereunder and seek removal of any dock constructed
without a permit described herein or built in violation of these standards and/or restrictions
established by a permit issued by the Southold Town Trustees.
ARTICLE V, Administration and Enforcement
§ 32-50. Enforcing officer.
It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable and his deputies and
assistants to administer and enfome the provisions of this chapter.
§ 32-51. Notice of violation.
A. Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable has reasonable grounds to
believe that operations regulated hereby are being conducted in violation of the provisions of this
chapter or not in compliance with a permit issued pursuant to this chapter, he may notify the
owner of the property or the owner's agent or the person performing such operations to suspend
all operations, and any such person shall forthwith cease operations until such notice of violation
has been rescinded.
B. Such notice shall be in writing, shall specify the violation and shall state the conditions
which must be complied with and the time within which compliance must be completed before
operations may be resumed. Such notice shall also inform the person to whom it is directed of his
right to apply for a hearing before the Board of Trustees of the Town of Southold, as hereinafter
provided.
C. Such notice shall be served upon the person to whom it is directed by delivering it to him
personally or by posting the same in a conspicuous place on the premises where operations are
being conducted and mailing a copy thereof to such person by certified mail to his last known
address.
D. The Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable may extend the time of compliance
specified in the notice of violation where there is evidence of intent to comply within the time
specified and conditions exist which prevent immediate compliance.
E. In the event that the person upon whom a notice of violation has been served shall fail to
comply with said notice within the time specified therein or within the time specified in any
extension of time issued by the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable, any permit issued
to such person pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed revoked.
F. It shall be unlawful for any person served with a notice of violation pursuant to § 32-5 lC
to fail to comply with such notice. [Added 3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
§ 32-52. Hearing.
A. Any person affected by a notice of violation issued pursuant to the preceding section
hereof may request and shall be granted a heating before the Board of Trustees, provided that
such person shall file a written request therefor with the Town Clerk within ten (10) days after
service of the notice of violation. Such request shall have annexed thereto a copy of the notice of
violation upon which a hearing is requested and shall set forth the reasons why such notice of
violation should be modified or rescinded.
B. The Town Clerk shall present such request to the Board of Trustees at its next regular
meeting. The Board of Trustees shall set a time and place for such heating and shall give the
person requesting the same at least five (5) days' notice of the time and place thereof.
C. At such heating, the person requesting the same or his representative shall be given an
opportunity to show cause why such notice of violation should be modified or rescinded. After
such heating, the Board of Trustees may sustain, modify or rescind such notice of violation or
revoke any permit previously issued and shall specify the reasons therefor.
D. The notice of violation for which a heating is requested shall continue in effect pending
the hearing and determination of the Board of Trustees.
§ 32-53. Compliance required; penalties for offenses.
A. It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their agents
or any person to fail to comply with any provisions of this chapter or to fail in any manner to
comply with a written notice, directive or order of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay
Constable or to conduct any operation in a maimer not in compliance with a permit issued
pursuant to this chapter. [Added 3-22-1988 by L.L. No. 3-1988]
B. For every offense against any of the provisions of this chapter, except Article II, or any
regulations made pursuant thereto or failure to comply with a written notice or order of the Code
Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable within the time fixed for compliance therewith, the
owner, occupant, builder, architect, contractor or their agents or any other person who commits,
takes part or assists in the commission of any such offense or who shall fail to comply with a
written order or notice of the Code Enforcement Officer or Bay Constable shall, upon conviction
thereof, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars
($250.) or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine and
imprisonment. Each day's continued offense shall constitute a separate, additional violation.
C. For every offense against any of the provisions of Article II of this chapter, the fines and
penalties set lbrth in § 97-34 shall apply.
10
D. In addition to the above-provided penalties, the town may also maintain an action or
proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or to restrain by
injunction the violation of this chapter.
Section 2. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this Local Law shall be adjudged by any
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not effect the validity of this law
as a whole or any part thereof other than the part so decided to be unconstitutional or invalid.
Section 3. Effective date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State as provided
by law.
Strike-through represents deletion,
Underline represents insertion.
Elizabeth A. Neville
Southold Town Clerk
11