A. 
Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to regulate the operation of home occupations to ensure that the home occupation remains secondary or incidental to the residential use. The right of property owners to be free of nuisances caused by certain home occupations is recognized. Only those uses will be allowed which:
(1) 
Ensure compatibility of home occupations with other uses permitted in residential districts.
(2) 
Maintain and preserve the character of residential neighborhoods.
(3) 
Are incidental to the use of the premises as a residence.
B. 
Home occupation characteristics. Home occupations that will have no impact on the surrounding neighborhood are characterized by the following criteria:
[Amended 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
(1) 
There is minimal exterior evidence of the occupation.
(2) 
The business may have up to three employees. The business may have additional employees who do not work on premises and only occasionally visit the premises.
(3) 
The business may have customer traffic normal and consistent to the type of occupation.
(4) 
There may be occasional deliveries to or from the home occupation in addition to routine mail and incidental package delivery.
(5) 
Equipment, other than normally used in household, domestic, or general office use, may be used within the home and within accessory buildings.
C. 
Standards. Home occupations shall meet the following criteria:
[Amended 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
(1) 
Floor area. The home occupation shall not occupy more than 30% of the gross floor area of the combined total of the dwelling unit and all accessory buildings on the parcel.
(2) 
Number of occupations per dwelling. No more than one home occupation shall be permitted within any single dwelling unit, including accessory buildings.
(3) 
Limitations on nonresidents. The individual primarily responsible for the home occupation shall reside in the dwelling unit.
(4) 
Hours of operation. In no case shall a home occupation be open to the public at times earlier than 8:00 a.m. or later than 9:00 p.m.
(5) 
Storage. There shall be no storage of equipment and supplies or parking of more than one business vehicle associated with the home occupation unless stored within allowed accessory building(s) which are, individually or in total, subservient to the scale of the dwelling unit.
(6) 
Signage. A home occupation may have a sign in compliance with Article XI of this chapter.
(7) 
Prohibited uses. Automotive sales and service, automobile body shops, automotive repair, and small engine repair are all considered to be detrimental to a residential neighborhood and are not allowed as home occupations.
(8) 
Whenever the scale and scope of a home occupation exceed the requirements for a home occupation as defined in the Residential Code of New York State, the requirements of the Building Code of New York State will apply.
D. 
Procedures.
[Amended 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
(1) 
Site plan review. Every home occupation shall be required to make application for project approval in accordance with the procedures for site plan review as outlined in Article VI. Any site plan approvals granted to a home occupation shall not be transferable from person to person or from address to address.
(2) 
Preexisting home occupations. A home occupation in existence on or before the date of adoption of the Town's initial Zoning Ordinance shall be considered grandfathered and allowed to continue. Any expansion of a preexisting grandfathered home occupation shall be subject to review in accordance with the provisions of this section.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection E, Enforcement; voiding of permit, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012. This local law also provided for the redesignation of former Subsection F as Subsection E.
E. 
Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the right at any time, upon reasonable request, to enter and inspect the premises of the home occupation for safety and compliance purposes.
Public utility uses shall be subject to site plan review by the Planning Board. The Planning Board shall have the power to modify the site plan in order to protect the residential character of adjoining properties. Underground utilities, including gas and electric utilities, are encouraged. Public utility uses shall not be construed to include the installation of standard electric and telephone poles and lines, cable television lines, or connections related thereto.
[Amended 2-20-2014 by L.L. No. 3-2014]
All proposed residential uses in any district which would occur within a designated one-hundred-year floodplain or floodway, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall be reviewed by the Building Inspector. All proposed nonresidential uses in any district which would occur within a designated one-hundred-year floodplain or floodway, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall be subject to site plan review by the Planning Board in accordance with the provisions of Article VI.
[Amended 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
With the exception of agricultural uses and unless otherwise specified, there shall be only one principal building per lot in the R-R, LDR, RM, B-1, B-2 and RRD Districts. In the BP, R67 Overlay and ID Districts, there may be more than one principal building per lot, subject to site plan review.
[Amended 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
Height limitations shall not apply to chimneys, silos, elevators, water tanks, ventilators, skylights, tanks, wind generators, television or private radio antennas and church spires, except that the height of such structures may be reviewed as part of a site plan review when the use is subject to such review pursuant to Article VI.
For any lot fronting on parallel or abutting streets, both frontages shall comply with the front yard requirements of the district in which it is located. For such lots, the rear yard shall be considered the yard opposite the architectural front of the house.
A. 
On any lot or plot, junked or abandoned vehicles, equipment and materials shall not be stored in the open areas of any premises.
B. 
All spaces between buildings shall be kept sufficiently free and clear of materials of every nature for the purpose of providing adequate light, air and protection against fire.
C. 
Dumping of refuse or waste materials at places other than a designated Town refuse facility is prohibited in all districts within the Town, except for the purpose of filling to establish grades. In such case, the material must be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer prior to placement.
On a corner lot in any district, any tree, shrub, fence or wall planted or built within 50 feet of the intersecting street lines shall provide a clear site distance or be of open construction, such as wire, wood, picket, or iron, and shall not exceed four feet in height, except for such fences as may be installed as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code surrounding swimming pools.
A. 
Residential districts.
(1) 
No fence over four feet in height shall be erected or maintained in the architectural front yard. The "architectural front yard" shall be defined as the yard facing the side of the building containing the architectural main entrance to the house.
(2) 
No fence over six feet in height shall be erected or maintained in any rear yard or side yard; no fence over five feet in height shall be erected or maintained in the front yard not considered to be the architectural front yard.
(3) 
No stockade-type fence shall be allowed in any front yard.
B. 
Industrial or business districts.
(1) 
A fence eight feet high with a barbed-wire top or an electric-shock fence which would not be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of any person coming into contact with it may be permitted, provided that said fence meets one of the following requirements:
(a) 
The fence is needed to prevent entry to an area that could be hazardous to the health, safety or welfare of a person or persons;
(b) 
The fence is needed to secure an area where materials and/or equipment are stored;
(c) 
The fence is needed to keep animals other than common household pets, except in a kennel situation, from leaving the site; or
(d) 
Where the general community interest or interests of national safety justify the need for such a fence.
(2) 
Where a fence is electrified, signs at intervals of not more than 50 feet shall be erected on the fence to clearly indicate the fence is electrified.
(3) 
Fencing for commercial and industrial districts and utility facilities shall be approved by the Planning Board under site review.
C. 
Exemptions. Agricultural uses and activities shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
[Amended 4-6-2006 by L.L. No. 3-2006]
No swimming pool shall be constructed, installed, used or maintained in any district except in accordance with the following provisions:
A. 
Definitions.
(1) 
For the purposes of this section, the word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
(2) 
The following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein:
ABOVEGROUND SWIMMING POOL
Any swimming pool located in or upon the ground which at no point is more than 18 inches below grade. An aboveground swimming pool is not a structure for purposes of this chapter.
IN-GROUND SWIMMING POOL
Any swimming pool located in or upon the ground which extends more than 18 inches below grade. An in-ground swimming pool is a structure for purposes of this chapter.
PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL
Any swimming pool constructed, installed or maintained as an accessory use on the same lot with a one- or two-family dwelling, intended solely for the private use of any occupant of such dwelling and such occupant's family and guests.
PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL
Any swimming pool which is not a private swimming pool, as defined herein.
SWIMMING POOL
Any body of water in an artificial or semi-artificial receptacle or other container, whether located indoors or outdoors, used or designed, arranged or intended to be used for public, semipublic or private swimming by adults or children, or both adults and children, whether or not any charge or fee is imposed upon such adults or children, and shall include all buildings, structures, appurtenances, equipment, appliances and other facilities appurtenant to and intended for the operation and maintenance of a swimming pool.
TOWN OF STILLWATER ZONING CODE
Those provisions of law enacted by the Town of Stillwater as Local law No. 1-2002, and any subsequent amendments thereto.
B. 
Fencing or covering.
(1) 
No water shall be put or caused to be put in any swimming pool unless a wall, fence or barrier, as required by this section, shall have first been erected.
(a) 
Any ladder or other means of access to such swimming pool shall be completely enclosed by a durable wall, fence or barrier; and such wall, fence or barrier and gate therein contained shall meet all other requirements set forth herein.
(b) 
The wall, fence or barrier shall be so affixed to the swimming pool or so constructed that the only access to the swimming pool is through its gate.
(c) 
There shall be no accessory equipment, devices, structures or debris so located as to present a substantial danger or risk of unauthorized access to the swimming pool.
(2) 
Any outdoor swimming pool having a depth of 18 inches or more and an area of 100 square feet or more shall be enclosed by a durable wall, barrier or fence, unless such outdoor swimming pool is covered with a suitable, strong, protective covering fastened or locked in place when not in use or unattended. A cover shall be considered to be of sufficient strength and securely fastened or locked in place if, when fastened or locked in place, it will support a minimum dead weight of 200 pounds.
(3) 
Every outdoor swimming pool having a depth of more than 18 inches or an area of more than 100 square feet, now existing or hereafter constructed, installed, established or maintained, shall be completely and continuously surrounded by a permanent durable wall, fence or barrier which shall be located not less than four feet from the furthest outside projection of the swimming pool and which shall be no more than six feet nor less than four feet in height above grade and shall be so constructed as to have no opening, mesh, hole or gap larger than two inches in any dimension; provided, however, that if a picket fence is erected or maintained, the horizontal dimension of any gap or opening shall not exceed 2 1/2 inches.
(4) 
All, walls, fences or barriers shall be constructed in accordance with requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and in conformity with all sections of this chapter and other applicable local laws.
(5) 
No wall, fence or barrier of any kind shall be constructed or maintained which shall contain projections at any point on its outer surface which present a substantial opportunity or risk of unauthorized access to the swimming pool. Stockade-type fences may be erected with either side facing out.
(6) 
A dwelling house or accessory building may be used as part of any wall, fence or barrier.
(7) 
All gates used in conjunction with such wall, fence or barrier shall conform to the above requirements as to height and dimensions of openings, mesh, holes or gaps; and all gates and doors shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices for keeping the gate or door securely closed at all times. Gates and doors shall be locked when the pool is not in use or is unguarded or unattended; provided, however, that the door of any dwelling which forms a part of the wall, fence or barrier need not be so equipped or locked.
(8) 
In the event that the swimming pool is of the aboveground type and is so constructed that it contains a wall, fence or barrier of not less than two feet in height, measured from the top lip, ledge or deck of such swimming pool, which wall, fence or barrier completely surrounds such swimming pool and is otherwise constructed in conformity with the provisions of this subsection and the top lip, ledge or deck of such swimming pool is not less than four feet above grade, a separate wall, fence or barrier as described hereinabove shall not be required, provided that the following provisions are met.
C. 
Location. No outdoor swimming pool shall be situated in the front yard of any residence. No outdoor swimming pool shall be located less than 10 feet from any side or rear lot line. With respect to aboveground swimming pools, said distance shall be measured from the outer edge of any deck or platform attached to the wall of the pool.
D. 
Electrical protection.
(1) 
Every aboveground swimming pool which employs the use of any electrical device in connection therewith shall be equipped with a ground-fault interrupter approved by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
(2) 
All electrical devices used in connection with any swimming pool must be approved by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., prior to issuance of a certificate of compliance or subsequent use of the pool.
(3) 
No swimming pool shall be erected or located within 25 feet of those points on the ground which are directly beneath any overhead electrical transmission lines.
E. 
New York State Sanitary Code. Any private swimming pool with a water depth of more than 18 inches shall be used and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code and all other applicable rules and regulations.
F. 
Public swimming pools.
(1) 
No work shall be commenced on the construction or installation of any public swimming pool, including excavating or removing of sand, gravel, topsoil or other materials, until the plans and specifications therefor have been approved by the Director of Planning, Building and Development and the Town Engineer. The plans and specifications shall contain a certificate by a professional engineer licensed by the State of New York that the drainage of such swimming pool is adequate and will not interfere with the public or private water supply system, with existing sanitary facilities or with the public highways.
(2) 
Every public swimming pool shall be used and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code and all other applicable rules and regulations.
G. 
Construction.
(1) 
Construction may not commence on any in-ground swimming pool until a building permit has been obtained from the Building Department. An in-ground swimming pool shall not be used until a certificate of compliance has been issued by the Building Department.
(2) 
During the course of construction of an in-ground swimming pool, a temporary fence shall be erected in accordance with specifications established by the Director of Planning, Building and Development.
H. 
Abandonment. In the event that an owner shall abandon any swimming pool, the owner shall forthwith fill all voids and depressions and restore the premises to the same grade and condition as before the swimming pool was constructed. The owner shall notify the Director of Planning, Building and Development when the required restoration has been completed. Should the owner fail to make the necessary restoration, the Director may proceed pursuant to Article XVIII of this chapter.
I. 
Modifications. The Zoning Board of Appeals may make modifications in individual cases, upon a showing of good cause, with respect to the requirements herein set forth, provided that the protection as sought hereunder is not reduced by any such modification.
A. 
Excavation.
(1) 
Slopes caused by the excavation shall, upon completion, not exceed 30%.
(2) 
The depth of excavation shall approach no closer than five feet to the average high point of the groundwater table, measured annually, except upon a showing satisfactory to the Planning Board during site plan review under Article VI that the site plans contain mitigative measures adequate to assure that the proposed use of the land will not cause any undue, adverse impacts either to such groundwater table or to any surface waters into which such lands drain.
(3) 
Stockpiled material shall not exceed 35 feet in height.
B. 
Buffer zones.
(1) 
An undisturbed buffer of 50 feet shall surround the excavation within the limits of the property.
(2) 
The entry into the excavated area shall be curved so as to prevent a direct view from the public right-of-way.
Every principal building shall be built upon a lot with frontage on a public street improved to meet the standards of the Town of Stillwater. The required frontage for one principal building shall be 50 feet, and such frontage shall provide actual physical access to and from the lot to be built upon, for purposes of ingress and egress to the lot by emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks or ambulances.
[Amended 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
When a residential structure is destroyed by a catastrophic event or act of God, such as a fire, tornado or hurricane, the owner may occupy a mobile home, travel trailer or travel vehicle that contains complete living unit facilities on the property for a period of up to six months while the home is being reconstructed. A special use permit obtained in accordance with the procedures in Article VII of this chapter shall be required for such temporary occupancy. The special use permit may be extended for no more than two six-month periods. The mobile home must be removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a reconstructed structure.
The regulations of this chapter do not apply to the extraction of sand, gravel or topsoil for the purpose of private use of less than 750 cubic yards in any two-year period.
Farm worker housing shall be allowed to house workers who are directly employed on the farm on which the housing is located, and their families. Such housing shall comply with all of the requirements of the New York State Sanitary Code. The Planning Board shall refer to the New York State Health Department for review of the sanitary plans for the fifth and every subsequent unit of farm worker housing and for any multifamily structure used for farm worker housing. Such housing shall also comply with all of the requirements of the New York uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and current HUD standards with respect to mobile homes. Such housing must comply with the setback restrictions of this chapter as though they were principal uses; however, lot area requirements do not apply to this use. In issuing a special use permit for this use, the Planning Board shall set forth terms for removal of the structures in the event the use ceases.
[Added 7-27-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017[1]]
Livestock may also be kept for noncommercial purposes in certain zoning districts, provided that:
A. 
No more than six hens may be kept and no rooster may be kept on the property.
B. 
The use shall be confined to a fenced enclosure of no more than 200 square feet in area, located in a rear yard. The fenced enclosure shall be at least 25 feet from any street line, at least 15 feet from any residential dwelling and at least five feet from any property line. In the instance that more than one distance requirement shall apply, the greater distance requirements shall apply.
C. 
Any portion of the enclosure located closer than 10 feet to a property boundary or directly visible from a street line at any distance shall be screened by either a fence or a landscaped buffer of at least four feet in height.
D. 
A building shall be required for the hens. Any building used for this purpose shall be located at least 10 feet from any lot line. All such buildings shall be constructed and all food products kept so as to prevent offensive odors and the presence of pests and predators.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law also renumbered former §§ 210-110 and 210-111 as §§ 210-111 and 210-112, respectively. Former § 210-112, Special extensions, was repealed 1-19-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012.