Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions shall be used in interpretations and construction of this chapter. Words used in singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular; the word "structure" shall include the word "building"; the word "used" shall include "arranged," "designed," "constructed," "altered," "converted," "rented," "leased" or "intended to be used"; and the word "shall" is mandatory and not optional, and the word "may" is permissive. Words not herein specifically defined shall have their ordinary dictionary meaning, as in Webster's New International Dictionary.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
480A PROPERTY
A tract of forest land that consists of at least 50 contiguous acres, exclusive of any portion not devoted to the production of forest crops, and approved by New York State as a 480a property for tax purposes. 480a properties are still required to submit to the Planning and Zoning Office harvest/forest management plans, and all applicable documents as required by the Planning and Zoning Office that are needed for site plan review, including but not limited to a Warren County Soil and Water Conservation Plan, soils mapping, New York State's best management practices and any applicable NYSDEC permits.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL
The frequency-weighted sound pressure level (in decibels) measured on a sound-level meter with an A-weighted scale as specified in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications for sound-level meters (ANSI-No. 4-1971).
ACCESSORY APARTMENT
An accessory use that serves as a dwelling unit which is located above a private garage, either attached or detached from the principal use, and which has separate living quarters, including separate cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities. In addition, the entire lot area shall be double the lot area of that required for the principal use.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure subordinate and clearly incidental to the principal structure on the same lot and used for a purpose customarily incidental to those of the principal structure. An accessory structure shall include but not be limited to, detached garages, storage sheds, detached carports, wood sheds, and similar incidental structures.
ACCESSORY USE
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or principal structure, which does not change the character of the permitted principal use or principal structure and is located on the same lot and within the same zoning district with such permitted principal use or principal structure. The term does not include housekeeping cottages.
ADIRONDACK PARK AGENCY ACT
Article 27 of the Executive Law of the State of New York, including any future amendments thereto.[1]
ADIRONDACK PARK AGENCY or AGENCY
The Adirondack Park Agency created by § 803 of Article 27 of the Executive Law of the State of New York.
ADIRONDACK PARK or PARK
Land lying within the area described in § 9-0101, Subdivision 1, of the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York, including any future amendments thereto.
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
The activities of an active farm, including grazing and watering livestock, irrigating crops, harvesting crops, using land for growing agricultural products and cutting timber for sale, silviculture, but shall not include the operation of a dude ranch or similar operation, or the construction of new structures associated with agricultural activities. This definition shall also not include the ownership of domestic chickens.
[Amended 3-27-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
AGRICULTURAL SERVICE USE
Any milk processing plant, feed storage supply facility, farm machinery or equipment sales and service facility; storage and processing facility of fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products; or similar use directly and customarily related to the supply and service of an agricultural use.
AGRICULTURAL USE
The management of any land for agriculture; raising livestock; horticulture or orchards, including the sale of products grown or raised directly on such land; silviculture; and including agricultural roads, agricultural drainage systems and farm ponds. This definition shall also not include the ownership of domestic chickens.
[Amended 3-27-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
AGRICULTURAL USE STRUCTURE
Any building or structure directly and customarily associated with an agricultural use.
ALTERATION
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the exit facilities; or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height; or the moving from one location or position to another.
AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL
The all-encompassing sound associated with a given environment, being a composite of sounds from many sources, both near and far. The evaluation of ambient sound level shall be done in accordance with American National Standards.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute or its successor bodies.
APARTMENT HOUSE
A type of multiple-family dwelling arranged in single dwelling units and intended or designed to be occupied by three or more families living independently of each other, which may or may not have common utility services and entrances and of which units are rented.
AREA, GROUND FLOOR
The total of areas taken on a horizontal plane at the main grade level of the principal and accessory buildings measured from the outside of the building.
AREA, LAND
The total area within the property lines, excluding the external streets.
AUDIO DEVICE
A machine capable of playing, reproducing and/or amplifying speech, including but not limited to a radio, tape player or compact disc player.
AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP
A service business for the repair of the body or frame of an automobile, including painting, straightening, sanding and welding. This use shall also include facilities associated with automobile towing businesses.
BANK
An institution which deals in money or credit and in which money and valuables may be stored for safekeeping.
BASAL AREA
Cross-sectional area of a tree measured at breast height, used as a method of measuring the volume of timber in a given stand.
BASE FLOW
The stream discharge from groundwater runoff. The term "stream" includes any permanent or intermittent watercourse.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A residence, occupied by the host, meeting the following criteria: a maximum of six rooms for rent or use; meals shall be served to guests only; and no cooking facilities in rooms.
BERTH
The place where a vessel lies when at anchor or at a wharf.
BLIND DRAIN
A drain consisting of an excavated trench refilled with pervious materials, such as coarse sand gavel or crushed stone through which water percolates and flows toward an outlet, often referred to as a "French drain."
BOARDINGHOUSE 1
An owner-occupied dwelling, or part thereof, in which lodging is provided by the owner for up to one individual boarder and for a fee.
BOARDINGHOUSE 2
An owner-occupied dwelling, or part thereof, in which lodging is provided by the owner for between two and six individual boarders and for a fee.
BOAT REPAIR SHOP
A service business for the repair of the body or frame of a boat or similar vessel, including but not limited to painting, straightening, sanding and welding.
BOAT STORAGE, COMMERCIAL
A place, site or structure used to park, house or store, on any one lot, more than three vessels for private gain, not including canoes, rowboats, or kayaks. This use shall not include "storage, commercial" as defined in this chapter. Commercial boat storage is subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article VII, § 175-55, Commercial Boat Storage.
BOAT STORAGE, PRIVATE
A place, site or structure used to park, house or store, on any one lot, three or fewer vessels, excepting canoes, rowboats and kayaks.
BOATHOUSE, PRIVATE
A single-story covered structure which has direct access to a body of navigable water and is used only for the storage of vessels and associated equipment and does not have plumbing, kitchen, heating, sanitary drains or sanitary facilities, or sleeping quarters.
BOWLING ALLEY
A building or structure utilized primarily for the sport of bowling, and may include the incidental sale or dispensing of food and drink and the sale or rental of bowling equipment. It may also include video games/pinball machines as long as such does not comprise more than 4% of the gross floor area. The video games/pinball machines must be enclosed within the principal building.
BREWERY
A place where beer is produced commercially for tasting and/or for sale and consumption on the premises.
BUFFER ZONE
A strip of land covered with sufficient permanent planting (generally consisting of both trees and shrubs) to provide a continuous physical screen to mitigate conflicts of land use between two or more areas. No parking or storage of vehicles of any kind or objects within the buffer zone is permitted.
BUILDING FOOTPRINT
The two-dimensional plane area of a building or structure which results when the height dimension is removed and which shows an aerial view of said building or structure, including garages, sheds, porches, caves, covered breezeways, entryways and other similar attached appurtenances.
BUILDING OR STRUCTURE HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the lowest portion of the proposed natural or finished grade of the building or structure site covered by the building or structure or finished grade of cut required to accommodate the building or structure to the highest point. The measurement is exclusive of church spires, cupolas, chimneys, ventilators, cooling towers, mechanical equipment or similar features customarily carried above roof level. These features shall not exceed an aggregate coverage of 20% of the roof area on which they rest. For the purposes of determining Class A regional project jurisdiction, the exclusions noted above do not apply.
CAMPGROUND
Any area designated for transient occupancy by camping in tents, camp trailers, travel trailers, motor homes or similar facilities designated for temporary shelter.
CAR WASH
A service business where automobiles are cleaned and in which accessory products may be sold.
CATCH BASIN
An inlet structure for the collection of stormwater from impervious surfaces designed with a sump to trap sediment.
CEMETERY
A burial place or ground operated and maintained by a church, private entity or a governmental agency, which can include a crematorium and aboveground storage vaults.
CLASS A REGIONAL PROJECT
A land use or development which is classified as a Class A regional project in § 810 of the Executive Law, the Adirondack Park Agency Act, and set forth in Appendix A hereof.[2]
CLASS B REGIONAL PROJECT
A land use or development which is classified as a Class B regional project in § 810 of the Executive Law, the Adirondack Park Agency Act, and set forth in Appendix B hereof.[3]
CLEAN FILL
Noncontaminated concrete, dirt, bricks, soil and rocks.
CLEARCUTTING
The cutting of more than 50% of any trees over six inches in diameter 4.5 feet above ground level over the entire area of the cutting. In no event shall the cutting violate the shoreline criteria of this chapter and the clearcutting regulations of the APA Act and regulations.
CLUB, MEMBERSHIP
An organization catering exclusively to members and their guests or premises and buildings for recreational or athletic purposes, which are not conducted primarily for gain, provided that they are not conducting any vending stands or merchandising or commercial activities, except as required for the membership and purposes of such club.
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
A planned development or a subdivision plat or plats approved pursuant to this chapter, in which the applicable Zoning Ordinance is modified to provide an alternative permitted method for the layout, configuration, size and design of lots, buildings, and structures, roads, utility lines and other infrastructure, parks, and landscaping in order to preserve the natural and scenic qualities of open lands.
CO-LOCATION
The siting and/or mounting of multiple antennas used by the same wireless communications services provider or by two or more competing providers on the same telecommunications tower.
COMMENCEMENT OF APPROVED ACTION
For purposes of § 175-41, Article VI, Planning Board review and decision, and § 175-95, Article XI, Zoning Board of Appeals, of this chapter, "commencement of the approved action" shall be defined as the physical commencement of construction, if the approved activity entails construction of any structure(s), or the actual commencement of the new use, if the approved activity entails any new or modified use.
COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
The Town of Lake George Commercial Design Guidelines is a companion document to this chapter, which conveys desirable commercial design principles through illustrations and text.[4]
COMMERCIAL USE
Any use involving the sale or rental or distribution of goods, services or commodities, either retail or wholesale, or the provision of recreation facilities or activities for a fee. The term shall include but not be limited to the following: drive-in restaurant; filling station; restaurant; retail use; retail stand; riding academy; tavern, convenience store and marina.
COMMISSION
The Lake George Park Commission.
CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT
A project of individual single-family dwelling units which may consist of one, a part of, or more than one structure wherein the dwelling units are individually owned, each owner holding a title thereto, while retaining together with all the other owners of units in the project an undivided interest in the common facilities and areas of the buildings and grounds which are used by all the residents, through an offering prospectus.
CONDOMINIUM UNIT
An individual single-family dwelling unit within a condominium development.
CONSTRUCTION
Any activity necessary or incidental to the erection, demolition, assembling, altering, installing or equipping of buildings, public or private highways, roads, premises, parks, utility lines or other property, including but not limited to related activities such as land clearing, grading, earthmoving, excavating, blasting, filling and landscaping, but not including agriculture.
CONTINUOUS CRIB WHARF
Any wharf which is supported along its entire length by cribbing.
CONTRACTUAL ACCESS
The right of a nonresident of a parcel or lot to use such parcel or lot as a means to utilize some feature or resource where said right is granted to a nonresident through membership in an organization or club or by legal contract or deed stipulation.
CONVENIENCE STORE
A retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged food products, household items, newspapers and magazines, sandwiches and other prepared foods, generally for off-site consumption, but which may offer limited seating without wait service. A convenience store includes the terms "delicatessen" or "deli."
CONVENTION AND EXHIBIT CENTER
A structure or combination of structures designed to support one or more of the following primary users: trade or consumer shows, annual conventions, corporate conferences, educational meetings, sales and incentive meetings and a sports arena. Secondarily, such a use will support receptions/banquets, entertainment events, community events, school and youth events, or religious events. In support of the aforementioned activities, this use may also provide food services.
DAY-CARE CENTER
A site, building or place designed and/or operated to provide day care and/or instruction for three or more children and operated on a regular basis for a fee. Such centers must be licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services. This definition includes the terms "family day care" and "group family day care."
dB(A)
The abbreviation for A-weighted sound level in decibels.
DECIBEL
A unit for measuring the volume of sound equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base of 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
DETENTION
The practice and procedures associated with the delayed release of stormwater so as to reduce peak flow, maintain base flow, increase opportunity for recharge to groundwater and reduce opportunity for surface runoff and soil erosion.
DETENTION STRUCTURE
A permanent structure for the temporary storage of runoff, which is designed so as not to create a permanent pool of water.
DEVELOP LAND
To change the characteristics of a parcel of land in conjunction with residential, commercial, industrial or institutional construction or alteration.
DEVELOPMENT
Any building, construction, expansion, alteration, modification, demolition or other activity, including land-clearing, land disturbance, grading, roadway construction or expansion, mining or mineral extraction which materially changes the use or appearance of land or a structure, or the intensity of the use of land, or the creation of a subdivision which may result in such activity, but not including interior renovations to a structure, a change in use of a structure which results in no land disturbance and no increase in parking requirements, or the construction or modification of a dock, wharf or mooring. For purposes of regional project jurisdiction this definition applies, except that "land use" includes a change in use of structure and the construction or modification of docks, wharves, or moorings.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh)
The diameter of a tree trunk measured 4.5 feet from the base of the tree.
DISTILLERY
A place where liquor is produced commercially for tasting and/or for sale and consumption on the premises.
DISTURBED AREA
That part of a development site area where actual land disturbance, vegetation removal or construction of buildings, structures or utilities will occur or has occurred.
DOCK
A wharf or portion of a wharf extending from or along the lakefront.
DOCK, PRIVATE
A wharf or portion of a wharf extending from or along the lakefront that is privately owned and not used for commercial purposes.
DOCKOMINIUM FACILITY
A multiboat docking facility in which each boat slip is individually owned.
DRAINAGE AREA
All of the area of land contributing runoff flow to a single point.
DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT
A place where food or nonalcoholic beverages are served or sold for consumption outdoors or in vehicles, or where food is purchased at a counter for consumption indoors. This definition also includes the term "fast-food operation."
DUDE RANCH
A resort, primarily for the riding of horses and other equestrian activities, including tourist accommodations and uses customarily accessory to tourist accommodations.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT
An infrastructure element that supplies electric energy for the recharging of electric vehicles, otherwise known as electric vehicle charging stations. Electric vehicle supply equipment is subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article V, § 175-25, Renewable and alternative energy.
EMERGENCY
A public calamity exposing any person or property to imminent danger of significant loss or harm.
EMERGENCY WORK
Work or activity that is necessary to prevent or recover from an emergency, including but not limited to work to repair electric, gas, water, sewage, telephone, or other essential public utilities or services.
EROSION
The wearing away of the land surface by rain, flowing water, wind or other geological or mechanical agents.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICES
Services by public utilities or governmental agencies of gas, steam, sewer or water transmission or distribution systems.
FAMILY
One or more persons occupying a single housekeeping unit, as distinguished from a group occupying a boardinghouse, lodging house, club, fraternity or hotel.
FENCE
A structure that separates an area from another, typically outdoors, and is usually constructed from posts that are connected by boards, wire, rails or netting. When constructed for purposes of separating outdoor areas, fences are exempt from the setback requirements, with the exception of shoreline fences. A tarp or similar cloth is not considered a fence and shall not be utilized as such.
FILLING STATION
A lot occupied or used for the sale of oil or other motor fuel, lubricants, tires and accessories for motor vehicles, including facilities for greasing, washing, cleaning, polishing, painting, repairing or otherwise servicing vehicles. This use may also include a convenience store, which is secondary to the principal use as a filling station. The accessory convenience store would typically offer items for sale such as prepackaged food products, household items, newspapers, magazines, sandwiches and other freshly prepared foods, such as salads, for off-site consumption.
FILTER STRIP
A strip of permanent vegetation above ponds; diversion terraces and other structures graded by a uniform mild slope to retard flow of runoff, causing deposition of transported material, thereby reducing sediment flow.
FIRING RANGE
A facility out of doors or within a building, which is designed to accommodate the discharge of firearms and usually includes targets or skeet launchers.
FLOOR AREA RATIO
The floor area ratio (FAR) is the relationship between the total amount of usable floor area that a building has on any and all floors, and the total area of the lot on which the building stands.
FLOOR AREA; GROSS FLOOR AREA
A. 
Residential: the area in square feet within the exterior walls of a dwelling unit and accessory structures including the sum total of all floor areas of all dwelling units, unattached or attached garages, porches, decks, etc.
B. 
Commercial or industrial: the total area in square feet within the exterior walls of a building or structure, and when applicable, the sum total of all floor areas of the principal and accessory buildings or structures under single ownership or business, including all garages, porches, decks, etc.
FLOW ATTENUATION
Prolonging the flow time of runoff to reduce the peak discharge.
FORESTRY USE
Any management, including logging, of forest, woodland or plantation and related research and educational activities, including the construction, alteration or maintenance of wood roads, skidways, landings, fences and forest drainage systems.
FORESTRY USE STRUCTURES
Any barn, shed, garage, research, educational or administrative building or cabin directly and customarily associated with forestry use.
FRACKING
The process of obtaining petroleum resources such as oil or natural gas from the earth through mechanical processes. This includes hydraulic fracturing, also known as hydrofracking, which involves the injection of fluid under high pressure to create fissures in rock beneath the earth which release gas or oil. For purposes of this chapter, this definition shall also include gas/oil mining, gas/oil extraction or underground gas/oil storage, petroleum exploration, horizontal or vertical fracturing, high-volume fracturing, and similar processes.
FUNERAL HOME
A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation, but not including facilities for cremation.
GAME PRESERVE
A land area used for the protection of wildlife, usually because of its unique natural character, which provides habitat, food or shelter for wildlife.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
An enclosed space for the storage of motor vehicles. No business, occupations or service for profit shall be conducted therein. Space for only one vehicle may be rented therein to a nonresident of the premises.
GENERAL COMMERCIAL
Any general commercial use or places of general business or other business where activities carried out on the property are developed for commerce or trade, which is not considered as a retail use, professional office, restaurant or any other specific commercial use already defined in the use table.[5]
[Added 3-27-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
GOLF COURSE
An area or course for playing golf, consisting of at least nine holes, except miniature golf.
GROUP CAMP
Any land or facility for seasonal housing and recreational-, educational- or business-related use by private groups or semipublic groups, such as a Boy Scout or Girl Scout camp, fraternal lodge, or university or college conference center.
HEALTH-RELATED FACILITY
A building or site used for the treatment of illness, disease, injury, deformity and other abnormal physical or mental conditions, including rehabilitation activities, and which is operated by individuals in the health industry licensed by the State of New York. All hospitals and Institutions specializing in medical treatment, physical and mental therapy (including alcohol and drug treatment), nursing homes, and assisted living for all ages are considered to be health-related facilities.
HISTORIC SITE
A site, district, building, structure, or object listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places or is designated locally pursuant to Chapter 72 of the Code of the Town of Lake George.
HOME OCCUPATION, TYPE 1
A profession or trade conducted entirely within a single dwelling or a single unit of a multiple-family dwelling and carried on by the inhabitants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the residence for residential purposes, and does not change the character thereof, and does not involve the employment of anyone who does not reside in the residence. There shall be no exterior evidence, including signs, of such home occupation.
HOME OCCUPATION, TYPE 2
A profession or trade conducted entirely within a single dwelling or a single unit of a multiple-family dwelling and carried on by the inhabitants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the residence for residential purposes, and does not change the character thereof. A type 2 home occupation may employ up to two persons, in addition to those that live in the dwelling. There may be a sign advertising the presence of the home occupation in accordance with Article V, § 175-32, Signs, of this Code. The sale of stock in trade or the entertainment of clients may be allowed.
HORSE STABLE, PRIVATE
A stable for four horses or less, all owned by the owner of the stable, or being housed in the stable without charge.
HORSE STABLE, PUBLIC
A stable for five or more horses and/or which is operated for a profit.
HOUSEKEEPING COTTAGES
A single detached rental unit for transient occupancy. Housekeeping cottages are subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter including § 175-52, Tourist accommodations.
HUNTING AND FISHING CABIN
A cabin, camp or lean-to or other similar structure, of less than 500 square feet of gross floor area designed for occasional occupancy for hunting, fishing or similar purposes.
HYDROGRAPH
A graph showing variation in stage (depth) or discharge of a stream of water over a period of time. The term "stream" includes any permanent or intermittent watercourse.
IMPERVIOUS AREA
An area covered by pavement, rooftops and/or other structures or materials, which is either impervious to water or which substantially prevents the infiltration of water into the soil at that location.
INFILTRATION
The downward movement of water from the surface to the subsoil. Infiltration rate is typically expressed as inches per hour.
INFILTRATION DEVICE
A stormwater recharge area, dry well, recharge basin, retention basin or any other engineered structure designed to infiltrate stormwater.
INFILTRATION RATE
A soil characteristic determining or describing the maximum rate at which water can enter the soil under specified conditions, including the presence of an excess of water.
JUNK VEHICLE
Any unregistered, used motorized vehicle or recreational vehicle, or vessel, no longer intended or in condition for legal use. Junk vehicles are not permitted to be stored or disposed of on vacant lots or on open areas of occupied lots.
JUNKYARD
Any open lot or area for the dismantling, storage or sale of parts, scrap or salvage or two or more unlicensed or unregistered or wrecked motor vehicles, machinery, scrap metal, waste papers, rags, used or salvaged building materials or other discarded materials.
KENNEL
An establishment to house dogs, cats, and other household pets where grooming, breeding, boarding, training or selling of animals is conducted as a business. The occasional sale of puppies, kittens or other offspring from household pets shall not be considered a kennel.
LAND CLEARING
The excavation, cutting, removal, alteration, destruction or clearing of perennial or annual vegetation, or the disturbance of soil.
LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
Any construction or other activity which materially changes the use or appearance of land or a structure or the intensity of the use of land or a structure. Land use and development shall not include any landscaping or grading which is not intended to be used in connection with another land use, or ordinary repairs or maintenance or interior alterations to existing structures or uses.
LAND USE AREA
Those areas delineated on the official Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan Map, adopted under Article 27 of the Executive Law of the State of New York, and designated thereon as "hamlet," "moderate-intensity use," "low-intensity use," "rural use," "resource management" and "industrial," and such portions of those areas as are located within the Town of Lake George and delineated on the Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan Map incorporated by § 175-11, Article III, Adirondack Park Land Use and Development Plan Map, hereof.
LANDSCAPE
All the natural features, such as fields, hills, forests, water, etc., that distinguish one part of the earth's surface from another part, usually that portion of land or territory which the eye can comprehend in a single view, including all of its natural characteristics.
LANDSCAPE PLAN
A plan of sufficient detail to describe proposed changes in topography, structures, vegetation and visual characteristics.
LANDSCAPING
The act of changing or enhancing the natural features of a plot, buffer zone, public open space or other area or portion of a lot (often as a beautifying feature of a building or land use) so as to make said area more attractive, to add visual screening and/or to provide safety features and to assist in protecting life and property. This may be accomplished by adding lawns, trees, shrubs, etc., or through the sculpting of the terrain, i.e., earth berms, ponds, walkways, retaining walls, rock outcrops, etc., and/or installing lights, light poles, flagpoles, fences and traffic malls for the direction of traffic. This does not include any man-made object that exceeds the maximum height requirement for a structure in the zoning district in which it is located. Landscaping is subject to approval by the Town of Lake George Planning Board for Class B projects and site plan review is required and subject to review by the Adirondack Park Agency and the Town of Lake George, where a project is classified as a Class A regional project. Landscaping involving new structures such as retaining walls, fences and poles will be subject to the shoreline setback requirements. Landscaping involving changes to watercourses or creation of ponds may require a permit from the APA and the DEC.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE
A manufacturing or maintenance facility where any process is used to alter the nature, size or shape of articles or raw materials or where articles are assembled and where said goods or services are consumed or used at another location. This term does not include mineral extractions, private and commercial sand and gravel extractions, including screening or crushing operations, sawmills, chipping mills, pallet mills and similar wood-using facilities.
LINE, LOT
Any line dividing one lot from another.
LINE, STREET OR ROAD
The dividing line between the street right-of-way line and the lot.
LIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
Live performances which feature topless dancers, strippers, exotic dancers or similar entertainers as per Chapter 48 of the Code of the Town of Lake George.
LOADING SPACE, OFF-STREET
One loading space for merchandise or freight shall constitute an area not less than 12 feet in width and 30 feet in length, with a vertical clearance of 15 feet or more.
LOT
A parcel of land occupied or capable of being occupied by a structure or structures, including such open spaces as are required by this chapter.
LOT COVERAGE
The portion of a lot that is covered by the gross floor area or surface area of all principal and accessory buildings, paved parking lots and other nonpermeable surfaces.
LOT, CORNER
A parcel of land at the junction of and fronting on two or more intersecting streets.
LOT, THROUGH
An interior lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
MAJOR PUBLIC UTILITY USE
Any electric power transmission or distribution line and associated equipment of a rating of more than 15 kilovolts which is one mile or more in length; any telephone interchange or truck cable or feeder cable which is one mile or more in length; any telephone distribution facility containing 25 or more pairs of wire and designed to service a new residential subdivision; any television, cable television, radio, telephone or other communication transmission tower; any pipe or conduit or other appurtenance used for the transmission of gas, oil or other fuel which is one mile or more in length; any electric substation, generating facility or maintenance building; and any water or sewage pipes or conduits designed to service 50 or more principal buildings.
MARINA
Any waterfront facility which provides accommodation services for vessels by engaging in any of the following (see Article VII, § 175-54, Marinas, for additional standards):
A. 
The sale of marine products or services.
B. 
The sale, lease, rental or charter of vessels of any type.
C. 
The sale, lease, rental or any other provision of storage, wharf space or mooring for vessels not registered to the owner of said facility, or a member of the owner's immediate family.
D. 
The use of residential or association docks, wharfs or moorings by the owner of the facility, or the owner's family for boats belonging to the owner, or lessee, of the property in question.
MEAN HIGH-WATER MARK OF LAKE GEORGE
The fixed annual mean high-water elevation of 320.2 feet above the mean sea level of Lake George, commonly referred to as the shoreline.
MEAN LOW WATER
An elevation of 317.74 feet above mean sea level as identified on the Rogers Rock Gage.
MINERAL EXTRACTION
Any extraction, other than specimens or samples, of 50 or more cubic yards in any 24 consecutive months, from the land of stone, coal, petroleum products or other materials, except for commercial sand, gravel or topsoil extractions, including the construction, alteration or maintenance of mine roads, mine tailing piles or dumps and mine drainage.
MINERAL EXTRACTION STRUCTURE
Any mine hoist; ore reduction, concentrating, sintering or similar facilities and equipment; administrative buildings; garages; or other main buildings or structures.
MOBILE HOME COURT
A parcel of land planned and improved for the placement of two or more mobile or manufactured homes for continuous occupancy.
MOBILE HOME or MANUFACTURED HOME
Any vehicle or similar portable structure or any part thereof or addition thereto, with or without a foundation or wheels, jacks, skirting, wood or masonry block supports, designed or constructed to be towed on its own chassis (comprised of frame and wheels), driven or otherwise transported to its resting site and which is designed to permit occupancy for residential, business, commercial or office purposes. Such will include units that may contain parts that may be folded, collapsed or telescoped when being towed and expanded later, as well as two or more separate components designed to be joined into one integral unit, but excluding modular homes. Mobile or manufactured homes used for commercial purposes will be treated as commercial uses.
MODEL HOME AND SALES OFFICE
Buildings used to promote the sale of lots or dwelling units located in the project being constructed or marketed by the developer or agent.
MODULAR HOME
Any building comprised of two or more components, with or without their own chassis, capable of being transported to their building site and permanently joined into one integral unit which is indistinguishable in appearance from a conventionally built home, including but not limited to a sloped roof and permanent foundation.
MOORING
Any anchor, chain, buoy, pennant or other object by which a vessel is secured at one point.
MOORING, COMMERCIAL
Leasing, renting or making a mooring available to any person for a fee or any form of compensation, or a mooring used for any commercial purposes.
MOORING, PRIVATE
A privately owned mooring, which is not used for commercial purposes and/or is not rented.
MOTOR VEHICLE
All vehicles propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power, originally intended for use on public highways.
MOTORIZED VEHICLE SALES
The sale of any vehicle propelled or drawn by power, other than muscular power, that can be registered by a state department of motor vehicles.
MULCH
A natural or artificially created layer of plant residue or other materials, such as sand or paper, on the soil surface, which reduces erosion, maintains soil moisture and facilitates seed germination.
MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING
Any building used or designed as a residence for three or more families, living independently of each other and doing their own cooking therein, including but not limited to apartment houses, townhouse developments, certain condominium developments and the conversion of existing single-family dwellings.
MUNICIPALITY
The Town of Lake George.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The official list, established by the National Historic Preservation Act, of sites, districts, buildings, structures and objects significant in the nation's history of whose artistic or architectural value is unique.
NATURAL STREAM BUFFER
A strip of natural vegetation intended to protect the physical integrity of the stream ecosystem, provide distance between upland development and the stream or river, prevent flood damage and bank erosion, provide habitat, and enhance water quality.
NEIGHBORHOOD
An area of a community with characteristics that distinguish it from other community areas and which may include distinct ethnic or economic characteristics, schools or social clubs or boundaries defined by physical barriers such as major highways and railroads or natural features such as rivers.
NONCONFORMING LOT
Any legally created lot of record on the first date of adoption of this chapter which does not meet the minimum lot area and/or lot width requirements of this chapter for the zoning district in which such lot is situated, and for which the owner of May 22, 1973, did not own adjoining land.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
Any structure which is lawfully in existence within a given zoning district on the first date of adoption of this chapter, but which is not in conformance with the dimensional regulations for that zoning district, as listed in Schedule II of Article IV hereof.[6]
NONCONFORMING USE
Any use which is lawfully in existence within a given zoning district on the first date of adoption of this chapter, but which is not a permitted principal, permitted accessory or special use for that zoning district, as listed in Schedule I of Article IV hereof,[7] or a use for which a use variance had previously been granted.
NONPOINT SOURCE
Any source from which pollutants are or may be discharged which is not a point source.
OFFERING PLAN
A prospectus as required by § 352-e of the General Business Law.
OPEN CRIBBING
The placement of crib members in such a manner that there is vertical spacing between the timbers which provides for a partial exchange of water through the crib structure itself.
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water, essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated, or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment.
OPEN SPACE RECREATION USE
Any recreation use particularly oriented to and utilizing the outdoor character of an area, including a snowmobile trail, trail bike, jeep or all-terrain vehicle trail, cross-country ski trail, hiking and backpacking trail, bicycle trail, horse trail, playground, picnic area, public park, public beach or similar use. A use involving the filling of wetlands or substantial construction or land disturbance is not an open space recreation use.
OPEN SPACE RESOURCES
Any parcel of land or area of land or water essentially unimproved.
OWNER
Any person who has regular control of a device or site, including but not limited to the owner of a freehold of the premises, or any lesser estate therein, or an agent or lessee of such person.
PARKING AREA
Any place, lot, parcel or yard used in whole or in part for storing or parking six or more motor vehicles under the provisions of this chapter.
PARKING SPACE
For the purpose of this chapter, one parking space shall constitute an area 10 feet wide by 18 feet long, having an overall area of 180 square feet and having the necessary vertical clearance to accommodate an automobile.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS, PUBLIC
A tract of land with or without a variety of recreational facilities, designated and used by the public for active and passive recreation. These uses may include the construction of structures and more than minimal land disturbance.
PEAK FLOW
The maximum instantaneous flow of water from a given condition at a specific location.
PERMEABLE
Ground surface through which water can percolate in a natural manner. Said ground surface could be undisturbed natural terrain or landscaped area with unpaved surfaces.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, company, public or private corporation, association, firm, organization political subdivision, governmental agency, municipality, trust, estate, group of individuals or any other legal entity, except the State of New York.
PERSONAL SERVICES
Establishments primarily engaged in providing services involving the care of a person or his or her apparel.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC)
A vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.
PERVIOUS PAVERS
A porous paving product designed to allow water to pass through, but made to endure traffic by vehicles and pedestrians.
PIER
A portion or component of a dock or wharf.
PILE
A long slender column usually of timber, steel or reinforced concrete driven into the ground vertically to support an open-type wharf.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A building or place used for religious activities, including a church, synagogue, temple or mosque, which is used for the purpose of worship and activities customarily associated therewith.
POLLUTION
The condition caused by the presence in the environment of substances of such character and in such quantities that the quality of the environment is impaired or rendered offensive to life.
POLLUTION SOURCE CONTROLS
The structures and practices used in reducing contaminants from point and/or nonpoint sources.
POROUS PAVEMENT
Open graded paving material, which allows water to pass through it.
PREDEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS
Those site conditions which legally existed prior to the commencement of any activity regulated herein.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
Any of the following: single-family dwelling; mobile home; tourist cabin or similar structure for rent or hire involving 300 or more square feet of floor space; each dwelling unit of a multiple-family dwelling; a commercial or industrial use structure in excess of 300 square feet; and any other structure which exceeds 1,250 square feet. In addition, each motel unit, hotel unit or similar tourist accommodation unit which is attached to a similar unit by a party wall, each accommodation unit of a tourist home or similar structure and each tourist cabin or similar structure for rent or hire involving less than 300 square feet of floor space will constitute 1/10 of a principal building. An accessory structure will not be considered a principal building. In addition, all agricultural use structures and single-family dwellings or mobile homes occupied by a farmer of land in agricultural use, his employees engaged in such use and members of their respective immediate families will together constitute and count as a single principal building.
PRINCIPAL USE
The main or primary purpose for which land or a building is used or occupied or maintained. Where more than one use is on a lot, the more or most intense shall be considered the main or primary use.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
Office used to conduct a professional occupation. A professional occupation is one which is engaged in professional services, including but not limited to all members of the field of medicine, a lawyer, an architect, engineer, surveyor, real estate broker, accountant, stockbrokers, corporate headquarters, and beauty salons.
PROJECT
Any land use or development activity proposed by an applicant which requires a permit or variance from the Town of Lake George, and/or which is subject to the erosion, sedimentation and stormwater runoff control supplementary regulations contained herein.
PROJECT LIFE
The anticipated or actual time span that a project will be used, utilized or remain in functional existence.
PUBLIC OR SEMIPUBLIC BUILDING
Any college, school, hospital, animal hospital, municipal building, library, place of worship, museum, research center, rehabilitation center or similar building.
PUBLIC UTILITY USE
Any public utility use, equipment or structure which is not a major public utility use. A public utility use does not include any use which is subject to jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission pursuant to Article VII of the Public Service Law.
QUICK-LAUNCH FACILITY
A commercial facility, located within a marina, where vessels are stored, launched and stored again individually for periods of less than one week at a time.
RAINFALL INTENSITY
The rate at which rain is falling at any given instant, usually expressed in inches per hour.
RATIONAL METHOD
A widely accepted method for calculating stormwater runoff, volume and rates of flow for watershed areas up to 20 acres.
REAL PROPERTY BOUNDARY
An imaginary line along the ground surface, which separates the real property owned by one person from that owned by another person, and the vertical extension of such line.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INDOOR, COMMERCIAL
Recreational facilities open to the general public for private gain enclosed within a building, including but not limited to billiard and pool halls, bowling alleys, gymnasiums, skating rinks, swimming pools, tennis, handball, racquetball, and basketball courts.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, PRIVATE
Recreational facilities supplemental to a principal use for the utilization by proprietors and guests, and excluding any use which is open to the public for a charge.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Any vehicle which is propelled by any power other than muscular power that is designated for or capable of off-road travel, such as a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), trail bike, minibike or a snowmobile. A recreational vehicle is also classed as a motor vehicle when such recreational vehicle is operated or driven upon a public highway.
REDEVELOPMENT
Any activity which alters a previously developed site.
REFUSE, COMPACTING VEHICLE
Any vehicle which is either designed to be used or is used to compact and transfer refuse, garbage or trash.
REGULATED ACTIVITIES
All building, construction, land clearing, land disturbances, tree cutting, disturbances to steep slopes, subdivision of land, and any time there is a change in the use of a structure or the intensity of the permitted use of a structure.
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL
The use of a residential dwelling/premises as a rental property, whether long-term or short-term. Use of a residential dwelling/premises as a short-term rental (less than 30 days) requires a residential rental permit (see § 175-52).
RESIDENTIAL USE
The use or structure or parts thereof as a dwelling.
RESTAURANT
A place for the preparation, serving and consuming indoors of food and beverages, other than a tavern, for profit.
RETAIL STAND
A place where goods or products are rented or sold outdoors.
RETAIL USE
The offering, for a fee, of goods and merchandise, excluding restaurants, to the general public and where the providing of services is clearly incidental to the sale of such goods or merchandise.
RETAINING WALL
A wall to maintain differences in ground elevation by holding back a bank of material.
RETENTION
The practice of holding or directing stormwater, except that portion evaporated or bypassed in an emergency, in or to a given area so that all the stormwater will be infiltrated into the subsoil.
RETENTION POND
A recharge basin which is designed to infiltrate all of the stormwater it receives and which normally has no outflow.
REVEGETATION
The natural or planted replacement of vegetation on a project site to reduce erosion, decrease runoff, improve water quality and improve aesthetic qualities of exposed soils.
RIDING ACADEMY
Any establishment where horses are kept for riding, driving or stabling for compensation or incidental to the operation of any club, association, ranch or similar establishment.
RINGLEMAN CHART
A chart used for measuring the opacity of smoke, as published by the United States Bureau of Mines in Information Circular No. 7718.
RUNOFF
That portion of the precipitation, rain and/or snowmelt that cannot be absorbed by the soil within a drainage area that is discharged from the area in water channels, either natural, as a stream or man-made. Types of runoff include surface water, groundwater, snowmelt, stormwater and/or seepage.
RUNOFF CONTROLS
Those structures and/or devices, including but not limited to dry wells, porous pavements, ditches, wetlands, holding ponds, recharge areas and retention/detention basins, which recharge groundwater and provide for peak flow attenuation.
SAND, GRAVEL OR TOPSOIL EXTRACTION, COMMERCIAL
Any extraction from the land of more than 50 cubic yards in any two-year period of sand, gravel or topsoil for the purpose of sale or use by persons other than the owner of the land or for the purpose of use by any municipality.
SAND, GRAVEL OR TOPSOIL EXTRACTION, PRIVATE
Any extraction from the land of sand, gravel or topsoil for the purpose of use, but not sale, by the owner of the land, or any extraction for the purpose of sale of less than 50 cubic yards, extracted over 24 successive calendar months. If the location of extraction is within 50 yards from a waterbody, then private sand, gravel or topsoil extraction shall be prohibited. The term "waterbody" shall be interpreted as defined in this chapter and the regulations contained herein. Private sand, gravel and topsoil extraction shall not include transport of the extracted material off the owner's land, the processing of the extracted material, or a cement or asphalt plant.
SAWMILL, COMMERCIAL
Any building, site or place used for the cutting or milling of logs into dimensional lumber. This definition shall not include a temporary portable sawmill.
SAWMILL, TEMPORARY PORTABLE
A sawmill for use by an owner on his or her property. Use of this equipment for more than a period of four consecutive months shall be subject to site plan review.
SCREENING
Foliage, mounds, trees, shrubs or landscaped natural materials and plants which obscure the visual character and suppress the noise of any given building or use of land. Where natural plant material is not practical, fences and/or other artificial material may be partially or totally substituted, according to individual site conditions.
SEASONAL USE
Refers to a use that occurs only during the period May 1 through October 31.
SEAWALL
A wall located at or below the Lake George Mean High Water Mark intended to maintain a difference in ground elevation by holding back a bank of material/soil from Lake George and/or its shoreline. This does not include retaining walls defined elsewhere in this chapter that are not along the shoreline.
SEDIMENT
Eroded soil particles which are transported by wind or water.
SEDIMENTATION
The process by which sediment is deposited in streams or lake bottoms.
SELECTIVE TREE CUTTING
The removal of single or scattered trees of any size, resulting in the appearance of the land area as not having been substantially disturbed.
SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY
Any facility that is designed and used for storage space by various rental occupants who each have access to a secure section they lease for the purpose of storing and removing personal property. The tenant or occupant of the self-storage facility has care, custody and control of his/her stored goods and the lessor or landlord is not responsible for ordinary negligence which results in damage to the stored goods.
SENSITIVE RECEPTOR
Any occupied property or, if a condominium, apartment house, duplex or attached business, within any adjoining unit; or place of business which is affected adversely by noise.
SEQRA
The State Environmental Quality Review Act;[8] a process that introduces the consideration of environmental factors into the early planning stages of actions in order to avoid adverse impacts on the environment.
SETBACK
The established line beyond which no part of a building shall extend.
SHORELINE
That line at which land adjoins the waters of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams within the Town at the mean high-water mark.
SHORELINE LOT WIDTH
The distance, measured along the mean high-water mark, between the boundary lines of a lot as they intersect the shoreline of any lake or pond or any river or stream navigable by boat, including canoe.
SHORELINE SETBACK
The shortest distance, measured horizontally, between any point of a building or structure (except docks and boathouses) and the shoreline of any lake or pond or any river or stream navigable by boat, including canoe.
SIGN
Includes every sign, billboard, freestanding sign, portable freestanding sign, wall sign, window sign, illuminated sign and temporary sign, and shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, device, display, illustration or insignia used to advertise or promote the interest of any business or commercial enterprises when the same is placed on the premises on which the businesses are conducted so that it is clearly visible to the general public from an out-of-doors position.
SIGN AREA
That portion of the advertising surface of a sign, measured from the outside dimensions thereof, on which any name, text, device, signal, ornament or advertising matter is displayed or visible. A sign having more than one face or advertising surface or a group of connected or related signs shall be deemed only one sign and shall have the total sign area of all such surfaces; provided, however, that if a sign is lettered on both sides, back to back, only one side shall be included as the total sign area thereof.
SIGNIFICANT HABITAT
That area or region important in fulfilling the daily or seasonal habitat requirements of any species of plant or animal designated as endangered, threatened, rare or of special concern by the Department pursuant to ECL §§ 11-0535 and 9-1503 and the Department's regulations thereunder, or by any individual species or any group or natural community of nonlisted plants and animals of significant economic, recreational, aesthetic, ecological or scientific importance.
SILTATION TRAP
A structure designed to trap sand and silt-sized particulate matter from stormwater.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
A building of one or more stories of height above the main grade level, which is designed or used exclusively as the living quarters for one family, whether seasonal or year round.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS
One or more rooms designed or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters, with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities provided within each unit for the exclusive use by a person or persons of a single household unit or family. This term excludes any units associated with tourist accommodations.
SITE
The location of a structure or proposed development or potential building lot.
SKI CENTER, CROSS-COUNTRY
An area developed for cross-country skiing including groomed and ungroomed trails and which may include ski rental and sales, instruction, and eating facilities. This use shall not include overnight accommodations.
SLOPE
The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percent or degrees.
SOLAR ARRAY
An assembly or grouping of solar panels used to generate electrical energy directly from sunlight. Solar arrays are typically mounted on the roof of a structure. Solar arrays are subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article V, § 175-25, Renewable and alternative energy.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A power generating system designed to produce electrical energy by converting solar energy directly into electrical energy by means of photovoltaics, consisting of several components including solar panels, a solar inverter, frame and mounting system, cabling, and other electrical accessories. Photovoltaic systems, which include, but are not limited to, roof-mounted arrays, small-scale ground-mounted systems and large-scale ground-mounted solar farms, are subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article V, § 175-25, Renewable and alternative energy.
SOLAR FARM
A large-scale, ground-mounted solar energy system designed to supply more than 50kW of electrical power directly to a commercial or industrial user for its own operations or to a utility company for sale to its customers through the regional electrical grid. Solar farms are subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article V, § 175-25, Renewable and alternative energy.
SOLAR PANEL
A solid-state electrical device which absorbs incident sunlight and converts it directly into electrical energy; most typically a photovoltaic (PV) module.
SOLAR, GROUND MOUNTS
A smaller-scale solar energy system designed to supply up to 50kW of electrical power to on-site residential or commercial buildings and/or operations, and/or to proximate buildings. Solar, ground mounts are subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article V, § 175-25, Renewable and alternative energy.
SOLID CRIB WHARF
Any wharf constructed of or on fill materials, such that lack of spacing in the fill restricts the free exchange of water from one side of the wharf to the other.
SOUND LEVEL
The quantity in decibels measured by a sound-level meter satisfying the requirements of American National Specification for Sound-Level Meters 51.4 1971. This publication is available from the American National Standards Institute, Inc., 1430 Broadway, New York, New York, 10018. Sound level is the frequency-weighted sound-pressure level obtained with the standardized dynamic characteristic fast or slow and weighting A, B and C; unless indicated otherwise, the A-weighting with a slow response is understood.
SOUND-LEVEL METER
An instrument, including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter and frequent-weighing network for the measurement of sound levels. Sound-level meters shall conform to the requirements of ANSI specifications for sound-level meters 51.4.1971, Types 1,2, 51a or S2a.
SOUND-PRESSURE LEVEL
Twenty times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the root mean squared pressure of a sound to a reference pressure of 20 micropascals. The unit applied to this measure shall be the decibel (dB).
STABILIZATION
The proper placing, grading and/or covering of soil, rock or earth to ensure their resistance to erosion, sliding or other movement.
STORAGE SHED
An enclosed accessory structure designed to be stationary and intended for the storage of materials or equipment which supports the use of the principal structure on the property. This term does not include: (1) storage "pods" or similar storage containers, (2) shipping containers such as those used on cargo ships or similar containers, or (3) trailers used with truck-tractors regardless of whether the truck-tractor is attached; none of items (1) through (3) is allowed for the purpose of storage within the Town of Lake George.
STORAGE TRAILER
An enclosed container mounted on a frame which has wheels and is either self-propelled or is adapted for towing by a powered vehicle and which is intended and approved for use on public roads. The load floor of a storage trailer sits between the wheels and below the tops of the wheels. This definition excludes: (1) storage "pods" or similar storage containers, (2) shipping containers such as those used on cargo ships or similar containers, and (3) trailers used with truck-tractors regardless of whether the truck-tractor is attached. The primary purpose of a storage trailer is the transportation and temporary storage of goods, supplies, or equipment for a commercial use or residential use. This term is not intended to include open trailers that transport or store boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, personal watercraft or similar recreational vehicles.
STORAGE, COMMERCIAL
A business for hire in which a warehouseman, as defined in Section 7-102 of the Uniform Commercial Code of New York State, takes possession of goods and is responsible for the care and control of the stored goods. Goods stored for hire shall be completely enclosed within a building and may include boats, motorcycles, jet skis, or similar recreational vehicles. "Storage, commercial" shall be differentiated from "self-service storage facility" in that commercial storage involves the conscious creation of a bailment between the bailor and bailee, as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of New York State.
STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM
All structural works and ground alterations, as well as natural drainage patterns, which affect or regulate the flow of surface drainage, including those used to intercept, collect and transmit water or to discharge water above or below ground level.
STORMWATER
Water produced by precipitation, including snowmelt, which does not evaporate and which flows over a natural or human-made surface or into a natural or human-made channel.
STORMWATER CONCEPT PLAN or SCP
A report prepared in accordance with Chapter 148 of the Code of the Town of Lake George or on behalf of a project sponsor, which includes analysis of a site's environmental characteristics, potential impacts of the development on water resources and the effectiveness and acceptability of the proposed stormwater management system in order to determine the types of stormwater measures necessary for the proposed development.
STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURES
All those natural and man-made structures, infiltration devices, erosion controls, systems, facilities, agreements, institutional arrangements and financial provisions to manage stormwater, including but not limited to any of the following: dry wells, pits of crushed rock, infiltration trenches, retention ponds, detention ponds, blind ditches, swales, pipes, culverts, natural depressions, porous paving, recharge areas and basins.
STORMWATER CONTROL REPORT or SCR
A report prepared in accordance with Chapter 148 of the Code of the Town of Lake George or on behalf of a project sponsor which evaluates the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff resulting from the proposed project. The report shall include a set of drawings and other documents to provide all the necessary information and specifications pertaining to stormwater management and associated pollution control for a particular site. The SCR is intended to implement the SCP.
STORMWATER DESIGN PLAN
The written narrative, maps and diagrams prepared for the purpose of runoff control on a specific development site, based upon survey and analysis of the site.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
A. 
For quantitative control, a system of vegetative and structural measures that control the increased volume and rate of surface runoff caused by human-made changes to the land.
B. 
For qualitative control, a system of vegetative, structural and other measures that reduce or eliminate pollutants that might otherwise be carried by surface runoff.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
An agreement between the project sponsor and some other entity to ensure adequate maintenance and repair of the stormwater management system over the life of the project.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN or PLAN
A local stormwater management plan adopted by a municipality pursuant to this section and ECL § 43-0112.
STORMWATER RECHARGE AREA
An area of land used for the purpose of infiltrating stormwater.
STORMWATER REGULATORY PROGRAM or PROGRAM
A local stormwater regulatory control program adopted by a municipality pursuant to 6 NYCRR 646-4 and ECL § 43-0112.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
Any surface water runoff or runoff in channels which results directly either from a rainstorm or from the melting of snow.
STREAM
Includes any permanent or intermittent watercourse.
STREAM CORRIDOR
That area within 100 feet of the high-water mark of any stream or river protected and/or regulated by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, or wetlands adjacent thereto.
STREET or ROAD
A public or private way which affords the principal means of access to abutting properties, including any highway.
STREET OR ROAD GRADE
The officially established grade of the street upon which a lot fronts; or if there is no officially established grade, the existing grade of the street shall be taken as the street grade.
STRUCTURE
Any object constructed, installed or placed on land to facilitate land use and development or subdivision of land, such as buildings, sheds, single-family dwellings, mobile homes, signs, tanks, fences and poles, docks and any fixtures, additions and alterations thereto.
SUBCATCHMENT
An identifiable drainage area contained within a larger watershed or drainage area.
SUBDIVISION
A division of land into two or more lots, parcels or sites, whether adjoining or not, for the purpose of sale, lease, license or any form of separate ownership or occupancy by any person or by any other person controlled by or under common control with any such person or any group of persons acting in concert as part of a common scheme or plan. This shall not apply to conveyances of small amounts of land to correct a boundary of a lot so long as such conveyance does not create additional lots. The term includes any map, plot or other plans, whether or not previously filed. It also includes any grading, road construction, installation of utilities or other improvements or any other land use or development preparatory or incidental to such activity. It does not include the lease of land for hunting or fishing and other open space recreational uses.
SURFACE WATER RUNOFF
Water which flows over the land and does not percolate into the soil, and which may run off as a sheet, rill or stream flow.
SWIMMING POOL, COMMERCIAL
A structure, either permanent or temporarily designed, for the purpose of wading or swimming and holding more than 100 gallons of water, open to the general public for private gain. A swimming pool is a permitted accessory use at locations providing tourist accommodations.
SWIMMING POOL, PRIVATE
A structure, either permanent or temporary, for the purpose of wading or swimming and holding more than 100 gallons of water, located in the yard of a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling or multiple-family dwelling. Pools located in the front yard of a property must be properly screened by an opaque fence or continuous landscaping at least four feet in height and which completely blocks the view of the pool and users of the pool from adjacent properties and/or roadways and public places.
TAVERN
A place in which the principal income is derived from the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, with or without live entertainment.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
Any commercial equipment used in connection with the provision of wireless communication services, including cellular telephone services, personal communication services, radio and television broadcasting services, and are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission, both in accordance with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and other federal laws.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER
Any ground-mounted pole, spire, or combination thereof, including supporting lines, cables, wires, braces and masts built for the purpose of mounting a telecommunications facility which is capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals.
TIMBER HARVESTING
The cutting of trees over six inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground level.
TIMBER HARVESTING, COMMERCIAL
The cutting of 50% or more of trees of at least four inches (dbh) measured on a five-acre property or greater. Commercial timber harvest proposals are required to go for site plan review, for which the applicant(s) must submit to the Planning Board harvest/forest management plans, and all applicable documents as required by the Planning and Zoning Office such as a land use and development permit, a Warren County soil and water conservation plan, and any applicable NYSDEC permits.
TIME OF CONCENTRATION
The time required for water to flow from the most remote point of a watershed, in a hydraulic sense, to the outlet.
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION UNIT
An individual sleeping unit that is located within a tourist accommodation. Suites consist of two or more sleeping units. For zoning purposes, two single or twin beds or one large queen or king bed shall equal a single tourist accommodation unit.
TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONS
A building or group of buildings, for both indoor and outdoor activities, whether detached or in connected units, used as individual or group sleeping or temporary dwelling units, designed for or utilized by transients and providing for accessory off-street parking facilities. The term "tourist accommodations" includes buildings designated as tourist courts, motor lodges, motel, hotel, and overnight cabins. Accessory uses, including pools and tennis courts, are permitted. This use does not include condominium or multiple-family dwelling complexes. Retail uses are permitted as accessory uses, provided they meet the definitions of "accessory structure" or "use." Tourist accommodations are subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article VII, § 175-52, Tourist accommodations.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
Any man-made or natural place of interest open to the general public and for which an admittance fee is usually charged, including but not limited to animal farms, amusement parks, replicas of real or fictional places, things or people and natural geological formations, booths and structures for conducting games and entertainment, including horseback riding, swimming, tennis, miniature golf, arcades, food and mechanical rides.
TOURIST TIME-SHARE PROJECT
A building or group of buildings which contain individual sleeping units and/or temporary dwelling units the owner(s) of which sell one or more fractional ownership interests in, or the right to annually occupy, each such sleeping and/or dwelling unit for part or all of the year, and such fractional ownership or rights of annual occupancy extend over a period of years. Such building or group of buildings is typically on a property which has (or has access to) various amenities such as, but not limited to, tennis courts, a swimming pool, exercise facilities, a lake or other body of natural water, etc., so as to comprise what is commonly referred to as a "resort." Depending on how the building or buildings are managed, the sleeping/dwelling units may be available for rental to the general public when not occupied by their owners or others who hold the rights to occupy them. Tourist time-share projects shall be subject to the applicable sections of this chapter including Article VII, § 175-52, Tourist accommodations.
TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT
A multiple-family dwelling project of individual single-family units arranged in a row of at least three such units each on its own separate lot of record and wherein each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit located over another unit and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more common walls.
TOWNHOUSE UNIT
An individual single-family dwelling unit within a townhouse development.
TRAILER
A nonmotorized piece of equipment that is propelled or drawn by a vehicle propelled by power. A trailer shall include a storage trailer, travel trailer, utility trailers, and trailers used to transport or store a boat, snowmobile, motorcycle, personal watercraft or similar recreation vehicle. See definitions of "boat storage, commercial" and "boat storage, private."
TRAVEL TRAILER
A temporary dwelling unit for an individual or a family group designed for highway transportation without a special oversize permit.
TRAVEL TRAILER PARK
Any lot or parcel of land upon which two or more travel trailer sites are located, established or maintained for occupancy by travel trailers of the general public as temporary living quarters for recreation or vacation purposes.
TREE FARM
A privately owned forest managed for timber production, certified by the American Tree Farm System. Tree farms are still required to submit to the Planning and Zoning Office harvest/forest management plans, and all applicable documents as required by the Planning and Zoning Office that are needed for site plan review, including but not limited to a Warren County soil and water conservation plan, soils mapping, BMPs, and any applicable NYSDEC permits.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLING
A building, also known as a duplex, on a single lot containing two single-family dwelling units. A two-family dwelling is considered a multiple-family dwelling for purposes of regional project jurisdiction.
UNREASONABLY LOUD OR UNNECESSARY NOISE
Any excessive or unusually loud sound which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of a reasonable person of normal and ordinary sensitivities.
VARIANCE, AREA
The authorization by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the use of land in a manner which is not allowed by the dimensional or topographical requirements of this chapter.
VARIANCE, USE
The authorization by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the use of land in a manner or for a purpose which is otherwise not allowed or is prohibited by this chapter.
VESSEL
Any description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.
VETERINARY CLINIC
A facility providing health services and medical or surgical care to animals suffering from illness, disease, injury, deformity and other abnormal conditions, including related facilities such as laboratories and boarding facilities. The definition includes the term "veterinary hospital."
WASTE DISPOSAL AREA
Any area for the disposal of garbage, refuse and other wastes, including sanitary landfills and dumps, other than an on-site disposal area directly associated with an industrial use.
WATER TABLE
The upper surface or top of the saturated portion of the soil or bedrock layer, indicating the upper extent of groundwater.
WATERBODY
Any lake pond, river, stream, intermittent stream or wetland.
WATERSHED
The total drainage area contributing runoff to a single point.
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT OR FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT
Any dam, impoundment, dike, riprap or other structure or channelization or dredging activity designed to alter or regulate the natural flow or condition of rivers or streams or the natural level or condition of lakes or ponds. Any such project for which a permit or approval is required prior to commencement from the Department of Environmental Conservation is not a watershed management or flood control project or a use for the purposes of this chapter.
WETLANDS
Any land which is annually subject to periodic or continual inundation by water and commonly referred to as a "bog," "swamp" or "marsh," which are either one acre or more in size or located adjacent to a body of water, including a permanent stream with which there is a free interchange of water at the surface, in which case there is no size limitation.
WHARF
Any structure or device built or used as a berthing place for vessels, including any dock, pier, pile, lateral projection, walkway, quick-launch facility, or structure or area used for the dry storage of vessels as part of a quick-launch facility.
WHARF, COMMERCIAL
Leasing, renting or making a wharf or mooring available to any person for a fee or any form of compensation.
WHARF, PRIVATE
A privately owned wharf, which is not used for commercial purposes and is not rented.
WHOLESALE TRADE
Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers, industries, commercial institutions or professional business users or to other wholesalers; or acting as agents or brokers and buying merchandise for or selling merchandise to such individuals or companies.
WIND ENERGY PROJECT
A power generating system designed to produce electrical energy by converting wind energy directly into electrical energy by means of turbines. Wind energy projects are subject to the applicable provisions in this chapter, including Article V, § 175-25, Renewable and alternative energy.
YARD
An open unoccupied space on the same lot with a building or structure.
YARD, FRONT
An open unoccupied space on the same lot with the principal building, between the front line of the principal building and the front line (street right-of-way line) of the lot and extending the full width of the lot. Properties adjacent to the lake shall have their front yard facing the lake. Shoreline setback requirements shall apply.
YARD, REAR
A space on the same lot with the principal building, between the rear line of the principal building and the rear line of the lot and extending the full width of the lot. Properties adjacent to the lake shall consider the rear yard to be the space between the principal building and the street right-of-way line.
YARD, SIDE
An open unoccupied space on the same lot with the principal building, situated between the side line of the principal building and the adjacent side line of the lot and extending from the rear line of the front yard to the front line of the rear yard.
ZONING OFFICER
Also known as the Planning and Zoning Director, the Zoning Officer is in charge of the Planning and Zoning Office and is responsible for administration of this chapter, as well as making determinations, completing plan review, and assisting the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 800 et seq. of the Executive Law.
[2]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[3]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[4]
Editor's Note: Said document is on file in the Town offices.
[5]
Editor's Note: Schedule I, Use Controls, is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[6]
Editor's Note: Said schedule is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[7]
Editor's Note: Said schedule is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[8]
Editor's Note: See Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law.