A.
The City of Norwich is hereby divided into eight zoning
districts as follows:
[Amended 3-18-2008 by Ord. No. 1-2008]
B.
The boundaries of these districts are hereby established
as shown on a map entitled: "The Zoning Map of the City of Norwich,"
on file in the office of the City Clerk, which map, with all explanatory
matter thereon, is hereby made a part of this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is included as an attachment
to this chapter.
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the
boundaries of any of the aforesaid districts as shown on the Zoning
Map, the following rules apply:
A.
Where boundaries approximately follow streets, alleys,
highways or railroad lines, the center line of such streets, alleys,
highway or railroad lines shall be construed to be such district boundaries.
B.
Where boundaries parallel street lines, alley lines
or highway right-of-way lines, such district boundaries shall be construed
as being parallel thereto and at such distance therefrom as indicated
on the Zoning Map. If no distance is given, such dimension shall be
determined by the use of the scale on said Zoning Map.
C.
Where boundaries approximately follow lot lines, such
lot lines shall be construed to be said boundaries.
D.
Where the boundary of a district follows a stream,
lake or other body of water, said boundary line shall be construed
to be at the limit of the jurisdiction of the City of Norwich, unless
otherwise indicated.
Lots in two districts: Where a district boundary
line, as established in this chapter or as shown on the Zoning Map,
divides a lot which was in single ownership and of record at the time
of this chapter, the use thereon and the other district requirements
applying to the least restricted portion of such lot under this chapter
shall be considered as extending to the entire lot. The use so extended
shall be deemed to be conforming.
A.
Purpose. This district is designed to provide a suitable
open character for single-family residences at relatively low densities.
Other uses, which are permitted are uses typically found in residential
neighborhoods, and which will complement the essential residential
character of the area. In general, they either serve the residents
or make unobtrusive neighbors to single-family residences. Some uses
are permitted by special permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The ZBA may allow these uses where it can be demonstrated that they
will not disturb the character of the area or otherwise prove intrusive.
A.
Purpose. The uses permitted in this district are very
similar to those in the R-1 District. The only difference between
the two districts is that there is a smaller minimum lot size permitted
in this district. Almost all of the land in this district is already
developed. This district was created in 1968 by amendment to permit
the continued use and improvement of these existing lots without necessitating
cumbersome variance procedures.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district is designed to provide for a wide variety
of housing types in order to provide a broad range of choice. Higher
densities are permitted in this district than in other residential
districts, and, in general, this district continues the existing pattern
of development.[1]
(2)
Certain housing types are permitted by special permit
(to be issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals) to give the City the
opportunity to review any potential adverse effect on the district
as a whole.
(3)
Professional offices may be established in this district
by special permit.
A.
Purpose. The uses permitted in this district are very
similar to those in a R-2 District. The only difference between the
two districts is that office buildings, restaurants, and retail businesses
are allowed by special permit, provided that the character of the
residential neighborhood is not altered due to changes in traffic
patterns, and changes to the exterior of the buildings are not such
as to change the residential appearance of the buildings, or otherwise
do not prove obtrusive to the neighborhood.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district, in the center of Norwich, serves two
functions. It is the largest regional commercial center within 30
miles in any direction. The downtown business area provides for a
wide variety of the retail needs, not only for the residents of the
City, but for the county as a whole. It also serves as the county
seat for Chenango County. As a result, also located in this district
are various governmental offices of the county and office space in
the personal and professional offices usually attendant to a county
seat.
(2)
By concentrating these uses in one area, each activity
contributes to the economic viability of the surrounding uses.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district is intended to provide a location for
uses not appropriate to the core B-1 District. They may create traffic
volumes at irregular hours, or may serve through travelers.
(2)
Careful attention in this district must always be
given to prevent uncontrolled expansion and to properly landscape
and screen activities from adjoining properties and passing traffic.
[Added 3-18-2008 by Ord. No. 1-2008]
A.
Purpose.
(1)
The Industrial District is intended to provide sufficient
space, in appropriate locations, to meet the needs of the City's present
and future industrial base. It is designed to insure that sufficient
space is available for industrial and related uses by prohibiting
the use of such space for new residential development.
(2)
The creation of this district is intended to encourage
the investment and reinvestment in the industrial base of the City
by the private sector, thereby strengthening the economic base of
the City.
(3)
Certain commercial uses, which generate large traffic
volume or excessive space requirements are also permitted.
[Added 8-20-2002 by Ord. No. 5-2002]
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This district is designed to revitalize the existing
neighborhood and enhance the community's historical heritage by:
(a)
Encouraging the construction of new buildings
or renovation of existing structures to complement/coordinate with
the prevalent architecture of the immediate neighborhood.
(b)
Creating public spaces that are safe, accessible
and visually pleasing.
(c)
Minimizing the negative impact on existing neighborhoods.
(d)
Coordinating streetscapes within the Museum
District, the Historic Districts and downtown.
(e)
Coordinating activities/expansion efforts.
(2)
The Museum District Overlay Zone is not meant to restrict
any of the uses allowed in the underlying zones. It is the intent
to allow additional uses through the granting of a special permit
through the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(3)
All new construction and/or renovations shall meet
the existing open space requirements of the underlying zone.
(4)
All new buildings shall be constructed to blend with
existing structures in the vicinity in terms of height, scale, type
and material.
A.
Historic District Overlay Zone. These districts identified
as overlay zones to the City of Norwich Zoning Map will help to recognize
and preserve important and irreplaceable, historic and cultural places,
which are valued as a living part of the community heritage.
B.
Existing districts. The City of Norwich presently
has two existing Historic Districts included on the United States
National Register of Historic Places:
(1)
The North Broad Street Historic District. This district
includes properties and buildings generally commencing from Newton
Avenue south to include properties located on both sides of North
Broad Street to the intersection of Cortland and Broad Streets, then
continuing west to include properties located on the north side of
Cortland Street up to and including residence No. 18.
(2)
The Court House Historic District. This district includes
buildings generally located on West Main Street from the West Main
Street School proceeding east to include property Nos. 42 and 31 on
East Main Street, and beginning at the intersection of Fair Street
and Mechanic Street proceeding south on Broad Street up to and including
property Nos. 8 and 9.
C.
Applicability. The provisions of being listed on the
National Register of Historic Places apply to structures and properties
located within Historic Districts in the City of Norwich. The provisions
of National Historic Listing include in part:
(1)
Owners of National Register sites may apply for machine
grants-in-aid for acquisition and restoration of historic structures
(National Historic Preservation Act of 1966).
(2)
Owners of National Register sites may apply for a
twenty-five-percent investment tax credit for certified rehabilitations
of historic buildings used for commercial, industrial and residential
rental purposes (Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981).
(3)
Municipal, state and federal governments are required
to give consideration to the historical significance of structures
and properties located within historical districts before leasing
or purchasing space in these areas.
(4)
The New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980
requires state and, under certain circumstances, local agencies to
consider the impacts of their activities on historical properties
within preservation districts and to act to conserve such properties.
(5)
The New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQRA) of 1975[2] requires that the state and local governments consider
the overall environmental effects, including the impacts to objects
of historical or aesthetic significance, before final approval of
actions subject to this law.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Environmental Conservation Law § 8-0101
et seq.
D.
Map availability. A map that shows the delineation
of Historic Districts in the City Norwich will be available for public
review in the City of Norwich Clerk's office, as well as information
pertaining to the Historic Preservation Act.
