HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Advisory Council 7.2025
Carol Brown, Chairperson Town Hall, 53095 Route 25
Lauren Standish, Secretary P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Telephone (631) 765-1889
Conservation Advisory Council
Town of Southold
July 14, 2025
Southold Town Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
July 9, 2025
The Conservation Advisory Council has reviewed the Draft Zoning Update carefully for
environmental and conservation impacts. We found that first and foremost, the Zoning Update
needs to spell out the intent and rationale of the zoning update work and its changes, based on the
objectives of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan in a thorough and clearly stated manner. A good
example is East Hampton Town Code Section 255-1-11.
In the Draft Zoning Update’s several iterations, the Conservation Advisory Council notes that at
present the proposed code does not include aquifer protection and coastal resilience overlays. If
these are not incorporated in the code, we are concerned that these will not be addressed in a timely
fashion. Based on the NOAA and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s projected
sea level rise over the next 5-20 years, we do not have time to delay.
In discussions with local and regional environmental groups, the issue of enforcement was
paramount. If fines are not imposed, or low enough to be nonpunitive, compliance will be
inconsistent.
In conjunction with the Zoning Update, to oversee enforcement of land and tree clearing, and
assessment of appropriate revegetation, the CAC recommends that the Town establish a Natural
Resources Department, including a top-level Environmental Analyst a position which has often
been in the Town Budget but not filled for many years, and an Environmental Engineer. These
Town positions could be tasked with addressing the Town’s pressing environmental concerns.
Lot Coverage:
Changes to lot coverage in the proposed code include a sliding scale for residential districts and the
inclusion of all paved areas in the definition of lot coverage. The CAC recognizes that by including
all paved surfaces, the proposed code recognizes that paved areas contribute to stormwater runoff
and reduction of aquifer recharge. However, the proposed lot coverage percentages require
consideration and calibration to be both fair and reasonable. The CAC strongly supports restrictions
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on lot coverage based on all impervious surfaces as well as restrictions on percentage of irrigated
and/or fertilized turf areas.
Aquifer Protection:
The CAC recommends that aquifer protection take a two-tiered approach, including an Aquifer
Protection Overlay District combined with better protection for the entire town.
o Currently, the Southold Water Advisory Council and John Sepenoski are working
on an Overlay Zone for SCWA well areas.
o Entire Town should have environmental protections in regard to clearing
restrictions, fertilizer use, and protection against hazardous chemicals.
o Include more guardrails for laundromats, dry cleaning, and funeral homes.
o With rising water tables, new depth-to-groundwater restrictions are encouraged for
new septic systems.
o Impose additional restrictions on building in woodlands/forested areas.
Coastal Resiliency Overlay District:
The CAC recommends that the Zoning Update include mapped areas that require additional
protection due to both their vulnerability and their impact on water bodies.
o Mapping to be based on NOAA sea level rise maps, Coastal Erosion Hazard maps,
Watersheds, and Town-generated flood maps.
o Increase setbacks and buffers that will accommodate predicted sea level rise.
o Replacement of septic systems required when property is transferred. (this could be
recommended Town-wide.)
o Consider if there is a point at which a parcel is considered unbuildable.
o We recommend the Town take bold action on conservation efforts.
General Environmental:
While the proposed code attempts to promote Smart Growth, the infrastructure to support it is
lacking. Public transportation, bike lanes, and sidewalks need to be expanded. Lack of public
sewer systems limits growth in walkable “downtowns”.
To encourage walkability, require sidewalks in all commercial, Hamlet Residential, and
Community Housing zones. Include a sidewalk set aside payment for interconnection of sidewalks
by the Town.
Consider revisions to the Big House Code to further reduce house size and include a maximum
house size. House size affects water usage, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Landscaping:
o Tree removal and clearing must apply to all parcels and not only when a building
permit is required for work on a property.
o Plantings should be at least 50% native species; by tidal areas, 100% native within
the Trustees’ jurisdiction. Embed planting of native, drought resistant, and near-
native requirements in the code.
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o Native plants: embed native planting requirements in code. Encourage homeowners to
transition to natives for at least half their landscaping. This will ultimately help conserve
water as these plants are better suited to surviving in our climates using less of our limited
water supply. Native plantings also support native wildlife.
Vistas:
Plan to protect, maintain, and enhance Town views around farmland, water bodies, and protected
lands. Encourage low plantings and fencing in front of vistas to maintain community character, as
noted in the Comprehensive Plan.
SEQRA of Proposed Code:
Consideration of a full build out analysis, including both infrastructure and natural
resources.
Traffic impact analysis should assess patterns of vehicles during peak traffic times. These often
increase traffic, emitting greenhouse gases which the Town is trying to reduce (Climate Smart
Communities).
Thank you for your consideration of these issues.
Sincerely,
Carol Brown
Carol Brown
Chair, Conservation Advisory Council