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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSouthold Zoning Update Public Forum New Suffolk 2025_5_31Saturday, June 28, 2025 25 attendees Topic Feedback from Attendees Code Enforcement Improve code enforcement so this new zoning is effective. Community Character Lot/property size clearly: uniquely defines N.S. community character Community Character Variances go against the codes. Codes do a good job of retaining community character Community Character Mix of demographics (family/retirees, 2nd home vs. year-round, etc.) contributes to community character – does code address this? Community Character Increase parking restrictions for non-residents Esp. near beaches Community Character Losing full-time families - we need to change that to more year-round families Community Character Architectural Review Board – is the ARB applied to residential it could help community character. Maybe too much control? But could help avoid major problem houses (Especially when setbacks are loosened by variance, or only when setbacks are eased by variance - ARC advise ZBA . Community Character Could downtown N.S. be designated as “Historic District?” Community Character Enforcement of existing code is important. Too easy to get variances. Community Character .25-acre minimum lot size for new construction? - N.S has many small lots, but house sizes seem inconsistent with that, we need a better standard for small lots to prevent very large houses. How small a lot can you build a house on? Community Character Site Plan maintenance requirements in perpetuity (landscaping) Community Character Recognition of grade/height. Use FEMA height standards for max height determination. Community Character Leaving garage space out of gross floor area Community Character Define the maximum height for hedges in the side yard so they aren't too tall and too close to houses (example given of 9' hedge 6' from a house on a small lot Economic Development Would like to promote year-round businesses throughout Southold Town that cater to year-round residents Economic Development Elimination of resorts in proposed codes is a positive Economic Development Change of M2 to MI is positive in proposition (the small MII surrounded by MI) Economic Development Townwide internet/cell service (in Municipal zones) Needs to be improved Economic Development No permit for existing businesses (use) – “grandfathered” period definition Farms Clarify whether farm workforce housing is allowed on preserved farms. Farms Definitions needed for “processing” and “local” General Feedback All accessory uses allowed in primary home extended to accessory structures (garages, etc.) General Feedback Adopt current dept of health & state standards to not rely on them for regulation (future sewers?) Set our own thresholds - in case Health Dept and State loosen rules and allow much more development than would fit here. General Feedback Hire a web designer to make website more user friendly Southold Town Zoning Update Forum - New Suffolk Hamlet Focus General Feedback A more efficient and effective website would be able to promote harmony between year-round residents, seasonal residents, visitors and businesses General Feedback Lots on Second street are residences, should it be zoned residential instead of HMU? Would there be an issue with parking if they were converted to businesses? Housing Affordability Incentivizing year-round housing of all types Housing Affordability N.S. has limited opportunities under the proposed code for big changes in affordable housing Housing Affordability ADUs are incentivized = good. Should be incentivized even more - reduce the cost for rental permit for ADU's in residential Housing Affordability Accessory % use might be adjusted (increased) for NS because of small plots Housing Affordability Coordinate with Health Dept. to permit increased accessory apartments Housing Affordability Tax break/economic Incentive for providing ACUs & affordable housing Housing Affordability Should the N. S. Hamlet Business zoning where it is currently residential (i.e. 2nd street) be rezoned residential instead of HMU? Concern over parking if the residences on 2nd street were converted to businesses. Housing Affordability Tiny home allowability/regulations Housing Affordability Farm housing modulars Housing Affordability Lot coverage should NOT include driveways or impervious surface. Housing Affordability Specific quarter acre zoning for existing small lots (eliminate variances) Housing Affordability Sanitary retaining walls exempt from new wall rules Natural Resources Some properties should be preserved as open space. Properties that have never been developed – nor are they suitable for development. Nonconforming lots receiving very large variances. Natural Resources Many proposed changes are positive Natural Resources New Suffolk is in flood zone, it is a fragile location. Please ensure flood zone status is addressed - coastal resilience Natural Resources Incentivize use of permeable surfaces Natural Resources Clearly define pervious & impermeable with regard to lot coverage