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Town of Pine Plains, NY
Dutchess County
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A. 
General. Except as defined herein, all words used in this chapter shall carry their everyday dictionary definitions.
B. 
Word usage.
(1) 
Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
(2) 
Words used in the singular include the plural, and words used in the plural include the singular.
(3) 
The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, corporation, trust and company as well as an individual.
(4) 
The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel" or "tract."
(5) 
The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
(6) 
The word "structure" shall include the word "building."
(7) 
The words "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged, or designed to be used or occupied."
When used in this chapter, unless otherwise expressly stated, the following definitions shall apply:
ACCESSORY USE, BUILDING, OR STRUCTURE
A freestanding structure or use which is clearly incidental and subordinate to a principal use located on the same lot and in the same ownership as the principal use or structure. Where an accessory structure is attached to the main building in a substantial manner, as by a wall or a roof, such accessory structure shall be considered part of the principal structure.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FEE
A fee paid to the Pine Plains Housing Trust Fund which may be paid by applicants in lieu of the construction of affordable dwellings.
AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
Land and on-farm buildings, equipment, uses, activities, and practices which contribute to the production, preparation, marketing and sale of crops, livestock and livestock products as a commercial enterprise, as those terms are defined in Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law, including a horse boarding operation as defined herein. Agritourism uses, as defined in this Zoning Law, shall be allowed accessory and incidental to a farm operation. On-farm events and accessory uses, such as catering, tasting rooms, and special events, including charitable events, shall be allowed in conjunction with an agricultural operation to the extent that the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets determines that said ancillary uses are part of the agricultural operation.
[Amended 5-21-2015 by L.L. No. 3-2015]
AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURE
A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation but used in the raising, growing or storage of agricultural products by a farmer engaged in a farming operation, including but not limited to barns, sheds, poultry houses and other buildings and equipment on the premises used directly and solely for agricultural purposes.
AGRITOURISM
Activities conducted on a farm and offered to the public, including the sale of agricultural products, education, recreation or active involvement in the farm operation. An agritourism activity is secondary to the principal agricultural operation. Agritourism activities may be conducted in an accessory building or structure. Agritourism activities include, but are not limited to, farm-stay programs, u-pick operations, and pumpkin patches.
AGRONOMIC RATE
The rate of nitrogen addition designed to provide the amount of plant nutrients needed by the crop or vegetation grown on the land, and to minimize the amount of plant nutrients that passes below the root zone of the crop or vegetation grown on the land to groundwater.
AIRSTRIP
An area owned or operated by an individual or group of individuals and licensed by the federal government or an appropriate state agency and approved for the loading, landing, and takeoff of single-engine and smaller twin-engine aircraft and that, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (PL 97-248), is defined as a BU (Basic Utility) airport. An airstrip shall not include a heliport.
ALTERATION, STRUCTURAL
To change or rearrange the walls, roof, ceiling, floors, supporting beams, columns or other structural parts; interior plan or layout; the exterior architectural features; the exit facilities of a structure; or the relocation of a building from one location to another.
APPLICANT
An owner, or his authorized representative, seeking a determination or decision from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, Planning Board, Town Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals with regard to this Zoning Law.
AQUIFER
An underground geologic formation that contains and transmits significant quantities of groundwater.
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
A commercial use involving the repair of motor vehicles, their mechanical systems and their body structure, including painting.
AUTOMOTIVE SALES
A commercial use involving the rental, lease, sale and/or resale of motor vehicles, new or used.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE STATION
A commercial use involving the sale of gasoline or any other motor vehicle fuel and oil and other lubricating substances, including any sale of motor vehicle minor accessories, and which may or may not include facilities for lubricating or otherwise servicing motor vehicles, but not including the painting thereof by any means.
BASE RESIDENTIAL YIELD
The number of residential lots or dwelling units that may be achieved in accordance with the regulations set forth in this Zoning Law prior to any increase in lots or dwelling units that may be allowed through application of a residential density bonus (e.g., affordable housing bonus), incentive zoning or other regulation that permits an increase in the residential density that exceeds the yield that can be achieved through application of the minimum bulk requirements, the provisions of § 275-16, the special use requirements or § 275-31C regulating conservation subdivisions.
BASE ZONING DISTRICT
A zoning district that establishes the regulations governing land use and bulk dimensional requirements for a specific geographic area.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
Overnight accommodations in an owner-occupied single-family detached dwelling, involving the rental of bedrooms in the dwelling, with breakfast served to guests but with no full-service restaurant facilities, and with no more than one nonresident employee.
BILLBOARD
See "sign, advertising."
BUFFER AREA
A part of a property designed and specifically intended to separate and minimize the effects of a use (e.g., noise, dust, visibility, glare, etc.) on adjacent properties.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls.
BUILDING AREA
The total area on a horizontal plane at the main grade level of the principal building and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces, and steps.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The total building area on a lot divided by the lot area, expressed as a percentage.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
That area of a lot, exclusive of required yards, within which the principal building or principal use shall be located.
BUILDING FOOTPRINT
The total building area of the principal building or buildings on a lot.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the mean elevation of the proposed finished grade at the front entrance of a building to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck line of mansard roofs and to the median height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A structure within which is conducted the principal use of the lot.
CAMP, DAY
A nonresidential facility providing daytime supervision and activities for children during the summer. Said term shall not be construed to include a rooming house, tourist home, hotel, motel, summer colony, hospital, place of detention, school of general instruction or nursery school. A day camp operated accessory to another principal use otherwise allowed in the applicable zoning district shall not require separate approval and shall be regulated in accordance with standards regulating the principal use to which it is accessory.
CAMP, SEASONAL
One or more temporary or permanent shelters, campsites, tents, recreation vehicles, buildings or structures, together with the lot or tract of land appertaining thereto, established or maintained as living quarters for temporary occupancy and not arranged or intended for such occupancy except during the period, or part of the period, from May 15 to October 15 in any year. Said camp may be organized for recreation, education, or vacation purposes.
CANNABIS RETAIL DISPENSARY
Any business which sells at retail any cannabis product to cannabis consumers 21 years and older. A retail dispensary license authorizes the acquisition, possession, sale, and delivery of cannabis from the licensed premises of the retail dispensary by such licensee to qualified cannabis consumers.
[Added 4-20-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
CAR WASH
A structure or area that provides facilities for washing and cleaning motor vehicles which may use production-line methods with a conveyor, blower or other mechanical devices or which may employ hand labor and waxing.
CEMETERY
Land and buildings, whether privately or publicly owned or operated, used for the disposal or burial of deceased human beings, by cremation or in a grave, mausoleum, vault, columbarium or other receptacle. Such term shall also include land and buildings actually used and essential to the providing of cemetery purposes, including, but not limited to, storage facilities, necessary tools and equipment.
CHANGE OF USE
The change of use or occupancy of land, or buildings, structures, or other improvements on land, from either residential or nonresidential to one of the other uses, or change in the nature, substance or intensity of the same use, including, but not limited to, changes in use which require the issuance of a certificate of occupancy pursuant to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
CHANNEL
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and banks that conducts continuously or periodically flowing water.
CHILD DAY-CARE CENTER
A program or facility caring for children for more than three hours per day per child in which child day care is provided by a child day-care provider, except those programs operating as a "group family day-care home," a "family day-care home," and a "school-age child-care program," as such terms are defined in § 390 of the New York Social Services Law. Said center shall be registered or licensed with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
CLEARING
Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The officer appointed pursuant to Article XIV of this Zoning Law.
COMMERCIAL LOGGING
The harvesting of timber for commercial gain in quantities greater than 50 standard cords of wood or 50,000 board feet of timber as measured by international 1/4-inch log rule in any one year in the Town of Pine Plains.
COMMON FACILITIES
All areas of a property owned and/or maintained in common use. Common facilities may include, but are not limited to: land on which common buildings are located; yards, gardens, recreational or community facilities, parking areas and storage spaces; all other parts of a development necessary or convenient to its existence, maintenance and safety, and in common use.
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY, MAJOR WIRELESS
Any wireless communications facility that is not a minor wireless communications facility, including but not limited to any facilities including wireless communications towers, as herein defined.
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY, MINOR WIRELESS
Any wireless communications facility situated on the same property as an existing wireless communications facility designed for collocation and previously approved by the Pine Plains Planning Board or on or in an existing building or other structure; and where the equipment consists of a combination of antennas, or other receiving devices, necessary in number to facilitate the provision of wireless communications services from such location.
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY, WIRELESS
Any site containing equipment used in connection with the commercial operation of wireless communications services, as defined herein, and as the term "personal wireless service facility" is defined in the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, or as hereafter amended, to transmit and/or receive frequencies, including but not limited to antennas, monopoles, equipment, appurtenances and structures.
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER, WIRELESS
Any freestanding structure, including lattice structures or framework and freestanding self-supported vertical poles (commonly known as a "monopole"), on which any equipment is located in connection with the provision of wireless communications services.
COMMUNITY FACILITY
A facility that may include, but not be limited to, a facility that provides day care to children; a public park; a playground; a public swimming pool; a library; or a center or facility, the primary purpose of which is to provide recreational opportunities or services to children or adolescents.
[Added 4-20-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Pine Plains, as may be amended from time to time.
CONDOMINIUM
The individual ownership in fee simple of a building or a portion of a building, either residential or nonresidential, with indivisible joint interest with other such owners in all common facilities.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
An easement, covenant, restriction or other interest in real property which limits or restricts development, management or use of such real property for the purpose of preserving or maintaining the scenic, open, historic, archaeological, architectural, or natural condition, character, significance or amenities of the real property.
CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION
A residential subdivision wherein the number and arrangement of dwellings that would result under a given conventional subdivision plan are allowed to be situated on the same parcel in a flexible manner, where lot size, street frontage, and other bulk dimensions are allowed to be varied in order to preserve in perpetuity a significant amount of the land in its natural or agricultural state. Conservation development results in a flexibility of design and development to promote the most appropriate use of land, to facilitate the adequate and economical provision of streets and utilities, and to preserve the natural, scenic and other qualities of open lands. For purposes of this Zoning Law, the following types of conservation subdivisions have been established:[1]
A. 
RURAL CLUSTERA loose collection of dwellings, located on the landscape in a manner that meets the siting design standards set forth in Appendix B of this Zoning Law.
B. 
RURAL HAMLETAn informal residential neighborhood designed in a manner set forth in Appendix B of this Zoning Law.
C. 
TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD HAMLETA formal residential pattern of development characterized by a gridded street pattern, a designated pedestrian circulation system, and other design standards set forth in Appendix B of this Zoning Law.
CONTAMINATION
The degradation of natural water quality as a result of human activities to the extent that its usefulness is impaired.
CONVENIENCE STORE
A retail business allowed no more than 4,000 square feet of gross floor area selling nondurable consumer products, including but not limited to groceries, prepared and packaged foods and gasoline, and providing no services. A convenience store shall be deemed to be a retail use, except that a convenience store operated in conjunction with an automotive service station shall require a special use permit.
CONVENTIONAL SUBDIVISION
A subdivision in which each lot conforms to the minimum lot area and lot dimension requirements set forth in the Schedule of Bulk Regulations.[2]
CRAFT WORKSHOP
A commercial establishment used by an artist or artisan for the development, display, and sale of art and instruction in a personal artistic skill such as fine arts, crafts, dance and music.
CUL-DE-SAC
A designated turn-around area for vehicles at the end of a street or road.
DEICING COMPOUNDS
Any bulk quantities of chloride compounds and/or other deicing compounds (e.g., urea or calcium magnesium acetate) intended for application to roads, including mixtures of sand and chloride compounds in any proportion where the chloride compounds constitute over 8% of the mixture. Bulk quantity of deicing compounds means any quantity, but does not include any chloride compounds in a solid form which are packaged in waterproof bags or containers which do not exceed 100 pounds each.
DISPOSAL
The abandonment, discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing by any other means of any solid waste, petroleum, radioactive material, hazardous substance, hazardous waste, or aqueous-carried waste into or onto land or a surface water body.
DRIVE-THROUGH
An establishment with physical facilities, service or by packaging procedures, that allows customers to receive services and obtain goods while remaining in their motor vehicles. Where permitted herein, drive-through facilities shall require a special use permit.
DRIVEWAY
A surface suitable for vehicular traffic connecting buildings, parking areas, and other facilities and uses to a public road.
DWELLING, ACCESSORY
A self-contained, independent dwelling unit, clearly incidental and secondary to an existing single-family detached dwelling on the same lot, having a separate entrance for the exclusive use of the occupant. For purposes of this Zoning Law, a single-family detached dwelling with an approved accessory dwelling shall not be deemed to be a "two-family dwelling." Accessory dwellings are not permitted in a NND.
DWELLING, ECHO (ELDER COTTAGE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY)
A separate, temporary, movable dwelling designed for use by a senior citizen (age 55 and over), accessory to and on the same lot as a single-family detached dwelling. An ECHO dwelling shall not be a manufactured home or a permanent dwelling.
DWELLING, GUEST OR CARETAKER COTTAGE
A detached dwelling unit, clearly incidental and secondary to a single-family detached dwelling on a conservancy lot for exclusive use and occupancy of a person, deemed the "caretaker," and his or her family, who is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the on-site principal dwelling or for a guest(s) visiting the property owners. A caretaker cottage shall not exceed the permissible size of an accessory dwelling (see § 275-56D). Any dwelling located on a lot with a principal single-family detached dwelling not inhabited by a caretaker or guest shall be deemed an accessory dwelling subject to all requirements for said use set forth in this Zoning Law.
DWELLING, MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. The term shall include any structure that meets all of the requirements of this definition except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and complies with the standards established under Title 42 of the United States Code; and except that such term shall not include any self-propelled recreational vehicle.
DWELLING, MIXED-USE
A dwelling or dwellings located in a building that contains nonresidential uses.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY
A building containing three or more dwelling units and designed or used for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY SENIOR CITIZEN
Multiple-family dwellings intended for individuals generally 55 years and older, which may be organized by various levels of care, including independent living, assistive living, and continuing-care retirement living.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
A building on a lot designed for and occupied by one family only.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED
A building with a minimum of three dwellings consisting of a single-family dwelling which is attached or connected to another single-family dwelling(s) at a common property line by means of a party wall or is otherwise an end unit which is unattached to another dwelling. Each dwelling unit must be on its own lot. Also referred to as a "townhome."
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
A single-family dwelling located on a lot which is separated from other buildings by required yards.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY SEMI-DETACHED
A single-family dwelling located on a lot and separated from any other dwelling by required yards on three sides, but which is attached to and shares a common wall with another single-family dwelling on an adjoining lot along a shared side lot line.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A building on a lot consisting of two dwelling units.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY CONVERSION
The conversion of a single-family detached dwelling into two separate dwelling units.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms providing permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation arranged for the use of one family only. Also referred to as a "dwelling."
EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING FACILITY
A building or part thereof which is designed, constructed, or used for education, training, or instruction in any branch of knowledge and includes, but is not limited to, elementary, parochial, private, secondary or vocational schools.
ENERGY CODE
The New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code.
EQUIPMENT STORAGE
The principal or accessory storage of equipment (machinery and related hardware, etc.).
FAMILY
One or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit with common use and access to all living and eating and living areas and maintaining a common household.
FARM MARKET
A building and premises for the indoor or outdoor year-round sale of agricultural products grown within the Hudson Valley region.
FARMERS' MARKET
An outdoor event held on public property at which farmers and often other vendors sell produce and agricultural products directly to consumers. Said uses are permitted subject to Town Board approval.
FARM STAND
An accessory structure or vehicle used for the seasonal display and sale of agricultural products grown on the premises and which uses its proximity to a roadway to attract potential customers as permitted by § 275-10 of this Zoning Law.
FEMA
Acronym for "Federal Emergency Management Agency."
FERTILIZER
Any commercially produced mixture generally containing phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium which is applied to the ground to provide nutrients to plants.
FLOOD, ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR
The highest level of flood that, on the average, is likely to occur once every 100 years (i.e., that has a one-percent chance of occurring each year).
FLOOD HAZARD AREA
Land within a community subject to a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Also commonly referred to as "base floodplain" or "one-hundred-year floodplain."
FLOODPLAIN
A land area adjoining a river, stream, watercourse, or lake, which is likely to be flooded.
FLOOR AREA
The total interior floor space of a structure measured in square feet.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The total area of a building multiplied by the number of floors as measured from the exterior walls.
FLOOR AREA, NET
The total usable interior floor area of a structure (excludes such elements as walls, stairwells, elevators, etc.).
FUNERAL HOME
A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and rituals connected therewith before burial or cremation. A funeral home may include a crematory.
GLARE
The effect by reflections of light with intensity sufficient as determined in a commercially reasonable manner to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility in any material respects.
[Added 10-20-2022 by L.L. No. 3-2022]
GOLF COURSE
Premises having not fewer than nine holes improved with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards for playing the game of golf, including driving ranges but excluding miniature golf. Accessory structures and buildings may include but are not limited to a clubhouse, locker room, food stand, restaurant, banquet or conference rooms, except that overnight accommodations are not permitted. A single dwelling for a groundskeeper is also permitted, subject to the regulations set forth in this Zoning Law. Golf courses, whether private or public, shall be regulated as set forth herein.
GRADING
The leveling of land for site development purposes, including construction of roads, building construction, drainage areas and parking.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system that is anchored to the ground via a pole or other mounting system, detached from any other structure, that generates electricity for on-site or off-site consumption.
[Added 10-20-2022 by L.L. No. 3-2022]
GROUNDWATER
Water below the land surface in a saturated zone of soil or rock. This includes perched water separated from the main body of groundwater by an unsaturated zone.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE
Any substance listed as a hazardous substance in 6 NYCRR Part 597, Hazardous Substance List, or a mixture thereof. In general, a hazardous substance means any substance which:
A. 
Because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics poses a significant hazard to human health or safety if improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed;
B. 
Poses a present or potential hazard to the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed;
C. 
Because of its toxicity or concentration within biological chains, presents a demonstrated threat to biological life cycles when released into the environment.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
A waste, or combination of wastes, which is identified or listed as hazardous pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 371, Identification and Listing of Hazardous Wastes. Hazardous wastes include but are not limited to petroleum products, organic chemical solvents, heavy metal sludges, acids with a pH less than or equal to 2.0, alkalies with a pH greater than or equal to 12.5, radioactive substances, pathological or infectious wastes, or any material exhibiting the characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or which fails the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP).
HELIPORT
A place for helicopters to land and take off; also includes the term "helipad." A heliport is a prohibited use in the Town of Pine Plains.
HOME OCCUPATION, MAJOR
Any nonresidential use conducted wholly or partly in a dwelling unit or accessory structure thereto by the owner of same, which is clearly incidental to the use of the dwelling for living purposes and does not change the residential character of the dwelling unit or vicinity or have any exterior evidence of such secondary use other than a sign, and where customers, clients or sales representatives enter the premises and in which not more than three nonresidents are employed.
HOME OCCUPATION, MINOR
Any nonresidential use that is incidental and clearly subordinate to an existing residential use, conducted within a dwelling unit or in an existing accessory structure by the owner of same, which does not change the residential character of the dwelling unit or vicinity and where no nonresident employees, customers or clients enter the premises and where no signage, exterior storage of products or equipment is required.
HORSE BOARDING OPERATION
A commercial horse boarding operation provides care, housing, health, related services and training to animals kept on the premises or on other properties owned or leased by the farm operator. Riding and training activities, not open to the general public, that are directly related to and incidental to the boarding and raising of horses, including riding lessons for persons who own or have a long-term lease from the farm owner for the horse that is boarded at the farm and uses for such activities, are part of the farm operation. Riding academies and horse racing operations are not deemed to be a horse boarding operation.
HOUSING TRUST FUND
A fund administered by the Pine Plains Town Board into which shall be deposited affordable housing fees, as provided herein, to be used for the purchase, rehabilitation, support and/or development of affordable housing at locations within the Town.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Man-made surfaces, improvements and structures that cannot effectively infiltrate rainfall, snowmelt and water (e.g., building rooftops, pavement, sidewalks, driveways, etc.).
INCENTIVE
Adjustments to the permissible population density, area, height, open space, use, or other provisions of this Zoning Law for a specific purpose authorized by the Town Board.
INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER PERMIT
A State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued to a commercial industry or group of industries which regulates the pollutant levels associated with industrial stormwater discharges or specifies on-site pollution control strategies.
INFILTRATION
The process of percolating stormwater into the subsoil.
INPATIENT HEALTH-CARE FACILITY
A licensed facility or institution, whether public or private, principally engaged in providing services primarily to inpatients for health maintenance and the treatment of mental or physical conditions, including a nursing home but excluding a hospital.
JUNKYARD
A building, structure or premises where junk, waste, discarded or salvaged materials are bought or sold, exchanged, stored, collected, dismantled, or otherwise processed, including automobile wrecking yards, and yards for house wrecking, structural steel materials and equipment, but not including premises used for the purchase or storage of used furniture and household equipment or used cars in operable condition or home recycling.
JUNKYARD, AUTOMOBILE WRECKING
An area of land, with or without buildings, used for or occupied by a deposit, collection or storage, outside a completely enclosed building, of used or discarded motor vehicles or parts thereof, with or without the dismantling, wrecking, salvage, sale or other use or disposition of the same. A deposit, collection or storage on a lot of two or more motor vehicles no longer in condition for legal use on the public highways, or parts thereof, for one week or more in a residential district or for three weeks or more in a nonresidential district shall constitute a motor vehicle junkyard.
KENNEL
Any place at which there are kept four or more dogs more than four months of age or any number of dogs that are kept for the primary purpose of sale or for the boarding, care or breeding for which a fee is charged or paid.
LAND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
For purposes of stormwater management, a construction activity, including clearing, grading, excavating, soil disturbance or placement of fill, that results in land disturbance of equal to or greater than one acre, or activities disturbing less than one acre of total land area that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale, even though multiple separate and distinct land development activities may take place at different times on different schedules.
LANDOWNER (ALSO "PROPERTY OWNER")
The legal or beneficial owner of land, including those holding the right to purchase or lease the land, or any other person holding proprietary rights in the land.
LIVESTOCK
Animals, including, but not limited to, domestic animals such as sheep, horses, cattle and goats.
LODGING
Commercial overnight sleeping accommodations, consisting of a building or group of buildings for no more than 25 sleeping rooms. The term includes motels, tourist courts, motor lodges, auto courts and similar appellations, but does not include boardinghouses or rooming houses.
LOT
A parcel of land whose boundaries are established by legal instrument, such as recorded deed or map, and which is recognized as a separate, legal entity for the purposes of transfer of title.
LOT AREA
The total area contained within the property lines of a lot, excluding any area within a private or paper street.
LOT AREA, NET
The area of a lot to be used for residential purposes after exclusion of the features set forth in § 275-16 of this Zoning Law.
LOT COVERAGE
The percentage of the area of a lot covered by buildings, structures, parking areas, or other impervious surfaces on the lot.
LOT DEPTH
The distance between the front lot line of a lot and the rear lot line of such lot measured perpendicular to the front lot line.
LOT FRONTAGE
The horizontal distance measured along the full length of the front lot line.
LOT LINE
A boundary line of a lot.
LOT LINE, FRONT
The line of a street on which a lot fronts or abuts. Where a lot extends into a street, the front lot line shall be the line set back a minimum distance of 25 feet from the center line of the street.
LOT LINE, REAR
Any lot line, other than a street line, which is parallel to the front lot line or within 45° of being parallel to the front lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
A lot line not a front lot line or a rear lot line, including a lot line of an offset portion of a lot.
LOT OF RECORD
A legally existing lot at the time of the adoption of this Zoning Law, duly filed and recorded in the Dutchess County Clerk's office either as an individual parcel of land or part of an approved subdivision in accordance with the Town's Land Subdivision Regulations,[3] and applicable provisions of the Town Law.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot, other than a corner lot, having frontages on two streets.
LOT WIDTH
A distance measured along a horizontal line drawn parallel to the front lot line at a distance equal to the required minimum front yard.
LOT, CONSERVANCY
A lot in a conservation subdivision which has a minimum size of five acres, of which no less than 80% of the lot is designated required protected open space. Said open space shall be protected in accordance with the provisions of § 275-32 of the Zoning Law. Any lot of 25 acres or more, where at least 80% of the land is protected by a perpetual conservation easement pursuant to Article 49 of the Environmental Conservation Law, shall also be deemed to be a conservancy lot.
[Amended 9-16-2021 by L.L. No. 1-2021]
LOT, CORNER
A lot which has an interior angle of less than 135° at the intersection of two street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved street shall be considered a corner lot if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines intersect at an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT, FLAG
A lot that does not meet the minimum lot width requirement when measured at the required front yard setback but which widens or extends to a point where the distance between the side lot lines is equal to or greater than the required lot width. Generally, a flag-lot arrangement exists where one lot and the dwelling to be located thereon would be located behind another dwelling as viewed from the street rather than side-by-side as is typical in a conventional subdivision. The flag lot has a long narrow portion of property (i.e., the "pole" of the flag lot) that extends to the street to meet the minimum lot frontage requirements of the Zoning Law.
MANUFACTURING
Any process whereby the nature, size or shape of articles or raw materials is changed, or where articles are assembled or packaged in quantity.
MANURE
Animal feces and urine.
MAXIMUM RESIDENTIAL YIELD
The number of residential lots or dwelling units that may be achieved in accordance with the regulations set forth herein, including all lots or dwelling units that may be allowed through application of a residential density bonus (e.g., affordable housing bonus), incentive zoning or approval of preexisting lots of record.
MEMBERSHIP CLUB
A facility catering exclusively to members and their guests, which may be conducted on a lot with buildings used for social or recreation purposes. Said organization is not operated for commercial gain. Typical membership clubs include the Girls Scouts of America, the Boy Scouts of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and similar organizations.
MEMBERSHIP CLUB, MULTIPLE-USE SOCIAL AND RECREATION
A type of membership club with overnight accommodations and food and beverage service that caters exclusively to members and their guests, which may be conducted on a lot with multiple social and recreational uses, including but not limited to indoor and outdoor activities such as tennis, swimming, fishing, boating, hunting, horseback riding and equine-related sports activities. Said organization is not operated for commercial gain. Membership clubs are regulated as a nonresidential use.
MINERAL
Any naturally formed, usually inorganic, solid material located on or below the surface of the earth, including but not limited to architectural stone, gemstones, limestone, granite, ore, bluestone, clay, gravel and sand. Peat and topsoil are also considered to be minerals.
MINING
The excavation or extraction of earth, sand, gravel, stone, quarry material, clay, loam, humus, topsoil or other earth material from a lot and removal thereof from that lot; or any temporary storage of such materials by stockpiling, if permitted; or any processing of excavated or stockpiled materials, if permitted; or any of the related land use activities engaged in during the above activities such as construction of buildings, barriers and other structures, clearing of property, removal or placement of trees, vegetation and earth material. The regrading or movement of earth material within the boundaries of a single lot or subdivision, provided that no earth material is removed from the lot or subdivision, and no stockpiling (beyond any permitted period) or processing of earth material takes place shall be permitted, provided that any such activity meets all applicable regulations set forth in this Zoning Law. Mining is further regulated in accordance with the following definitions:
A. 
MINE, LARGEAny excavation from which more than 1,000 tons or 750 cubic yards, whichever is less, of ore, sand, gravel, clay, stone, loam, humus or topsoil within a period of 12 successive calendar months is produced for sale or exchange or for commercial, industrial or municipal use or for use other than on the property from which the material is extracted.
B. 
MINE, SMALLAny excavation from which less than 1,000 tons or 750 cubic yards, whichever is less, of ore, sand, gravel, clay, stone, loam, humus or topsoil within a period of 12 successive calendar months is produced for sale or exchange or for commercial, industrial or municipal use or for use other than on the property from which the material is extracted. (Soil mining shall also include any activity requiring a permit from DEC pursuant to Article 23 of the Environmental Conservation Law.)
MODULAR HOME
A dwelling unit constructed and composed of components substantially assembled in a manufacturing plant and transported to a building site for final assembly on a permanent foundation.
MUNICIPAL SUPPORT
Structures or parcels of land used to house, store, or support local, county, state, or federal governments, including, but not limited to, storage sheds, garages, equipment yards, parking lots, and repair facilities.
NONCONSTRAINED LANDS
Lands located within the "Nonconstrained District" as shown on the Pine Plains Future Land Use Concept Map attached to the Town of Pine Plains Comprehensive Plan (April 2004, Volume 1). The Comprehensive Plan describes the Nonconstrained District as locations that have minimal environmental constraints.
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
Pollution from any source other than from any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyances, and shall include, but not be limited to, pollutants from agricultural, silvicultural, mining, construction, subsurface disposal and urban runoff sources.
NURSING HOME
A state-licensed facility, other than a hospital, providing therein nursing care to sick, invalid, infirm, disabled or convalescent persons in addition to lodging and board or health-related service, or any combination of the foregoing, and in addition thereto, providing nursing care and health-related service, or either of them, to persons who are not occupants of the facility.
OFFICE
A use where services are performed involving predominantly administrative or clerical operations for either business or professional purposes as follows:
A. 
Business: A place or establishment used for the organizational or administrative aspects of a trade or used in the conduct of a business and not involving the manufacture, storage, display or direct retail sale of goods. This may include, but is not limited to, offices of salesmen, sales representatives, insurance brokers, real estate brokers and persons with similar occupations.
B. 
Profession: An office devoted to a professional service occupation, in which knowledge in some department of science or learning is applied to the affairs of others, either advising or guiding them, or otherwise serving their interest or welfare through the practice of a profession founded on such knowledge. A professional office may include but not be limited to the office of an accountant, architect, consultant, engineer, or attorney.
OFFICE, MEDICAL
An establishment where medical or dental care is dispensed to persons on an outpatient basis by physicians, either singly or as a group, which may also offer laboratory and diagnostic facilities to patients on an outpatient basis and not just in conjunction with normal professional services.
OPEN SPACE
Land set aside for conservation or agricultural uses or for scenic or recreational uses, as set forth in this Zoning Law.
OVERBURDEN
All of the earth, vegetation and other materials which lie above or alongside a mineral deposit.
OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT
A zoning district that imposes an additional layer of regulation for a specific area that is laid over an underlying, i.e., a base, zoning district.
PARKING SPACE
An area reserved for the parking of a motor vehicle.
PERFORMING ARTS/CULTURAL USES
Any use or combination of uses involving the performance of live or artistic displays, including but not limited to theatrical plays, music concerts, lectures, movie screenings, art galleries, and similar artistic expressions. Said use may also include classroom and studio space for practice and educational training, offices and other uses accessory to the principal performing arts/cultural use. Special events may be held from time to time, in conjunction with the use, such as festivals and charitable events.
[Added 5-21-2015 by L.L. No. 3-2015]
PERMITTING AUTHORITY
Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) established pursuant to MRTA Section 72[4] for regulatory jurisdiction over adult-use cannabis.
[Added 4-20-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
PERSON
Any individual, group of individuals, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other legal entity.
PESTICIDE
Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any insects, rodents, fungi, weeds, or other form of plant or animal life or viruses, except viruses on or in living man or other animal; and any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. These substances include, but are not limited to: herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and rodenticides.
PETROLEUM
Any petroleum-based oil of any kind which is liquid at 20° C. under atmospheric pressure and has been refined, rerefined, or otherwise processed:
A. 
For the purpose of being burned to produce heat or energy;
B. 
As a motor fuel or lubricant; or
C. 
In the operation of hydraulic equipment.
PITI
Principal, interest, taxes and insurance.
PRIMARY CONSERVATION AREA OR FEATURE
The area delineated in a conservation subdivision to have priority resource areas to be conserved, including, but not limited to, streams, floodplains, wetlands, critical habitats, steep slopes, areas with rocky outcrops, and groundwater recharge areas.
PRIME FARMLAND SOILS
Soils that have the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and are also available for these uses (the soil's use could be cropland, pastureland, forest land, or other land, but not urban built-up or water). It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high yields of crops when treated and managed, including water management, according to acceptable farming methods. In general, prime farmland soils have adequate and dependable precipitation, a favorable temperature and growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, and few or no surface stones. They are permeable to water and air. Prime farmland soils are not excessively erodible or saturated with water for a long period of time, and they either do not flood frequently or are protected from flooding. Prime farmland soils are identified and mapped by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
PROCESS WASTE
Waste generated by industrial, commercial, or mining operation that by virtue of some use, process, or procedure no longer meets the manufacturer's original product specifications.
PUBLIC UTILITY
A closely regulated enterprise with a franchise for providing to the public a utility service deemed necessary to the public health, safety, and welfare, including all uses deemed to be a public utility by New York State. Other uses may be a public utility if they provide a service that is essential to the public health, safety and general welfare, are regulated by a government agency, are granted an exclusive or near-exclusive franchise for a specific geographic area, and are required to provide service to all who apply within their franchised area. Cellular and other communications towers shall be regulated separately as defined herein.
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Any material in any form that emits radiation spontaneously, excluding those radioactive materials or devices containing radioactive materials which are exempt from licensing and regulatory control pursuant to regulations of the New York State Department of Labor or the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
RECHARGE
The replenishment of underground water reserves.
RECREATION, COMMERCIAL
A commercial use designed and equipped principally for the conduct of sports and leisuretime activities, whether or not membership to said activity is required. Video parlors, computer gaming facilities, movie theaters, and bars, as principal uses, are not commercial recreation uses. Commercial recreation is further defined as follows:
A. 
Indoor: Recreational activities conducted entirely within a building, including team or individual sports and related health and exercise facilities operated on a commercial or fee basis. An indoor recreation use may include the following accessory uses, such as food service facilities, meeting rooms, serving of alcoholic beverages, video or computer game facilities, video theater facilities, sales of sport or exercise-related equipment or clothing, and other accessory uses clearly incidental to the recreation activity. An indoor recreational business includes a spa. Indoor recreation includes, but is not limited to: a gymnasium, fitness center, bowling alley, skating rink, tennis and other racquet courts, field house, indoor track, indoor basketball, indoor pool house.
B. 
Outdoor: Recreational activities including but not limited to ball fields, tennis and racquet courts, swimming, bike trails, hiking and similar outdoor activities conducted on a commercial or fee basis. An outdoor recreational use may also include accessory uses and buildings, such as a clubhouse, food stand, offices, and other uses accessory and incidental to the outdoor commercial use. Outdoor recreation includes playing fields, batting cages, driving ranges. Golf courses are regulated as a separate use.
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION
A building, area of land, or portion thereof used for religious public assembly, including a church, synagogue, or other place of religious worship. Schools, dormitories and other uses that may be affiliated with a religious institution shall be regulated separately and in accordance with the standards set forth in this Zoning Law for those specific uses.
RESEARCH AND LABORATORY FACILITIES
A building or group of buildings in which are located facilities for scientific research, investigation, experimentation or testing, wherein products are not manufactured for wholesale or retail sale, wherein commercial servicing or repair of commercial products is not performed and wherein there is no display of any material or products.
RESORT
Overnight accommodations, within a building or group of buildings, that incorporate indoor and/or outdoor recreational amenities into the overall design of the use. A resort may also include meeting and conference rooms, dining facilities, and other areas for social gatherings.
RESTAURANT
Any structure having as a principal use the preparation and dispensing of foods and beverages for consumption on the premises, whether food is served upon order or taken by self-service and where there are no facilities for drive-through service. Where there is no on-premises consumption, bakeries, pizzerias, delicatessens and similar food establishments shall be regulated as retail uses for purposes of this Zoning Law.
RETAIL USE
A commercial use where merchandise is sold to the general public for personal or household use or consumption, including but not limited to florists, lumber and hardware stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, stationary stores, bookstores, video rental stores, clothing stores, department stores, shoe stores, and antiques.
RIDGELINE
The long, narrow crest or horizontal line of hills, usually at the highest elevation.
RIDING STABLE OR ACADEMY
A commercial establishment that offers riding lessons to the general public and to individuals that do not own or have a long-term lease for the horse that is boarded and used at the facility for such riding.
ROAD, PRIVATE
A road that is privately owned and maintained.
ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY
An area defined by a boundary which provides for road construction, maintenance, improvement, and/or widening.
ROADWAY EDGE
The edge of the paved portion of a road.
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system located on the roof of any legally permitted building or structure that produces electricity for on-site or off-site consumption.
[Added 10-20-2022 by L.L. No. 3-2022]
RUNOFF
Surface water that flows onto, within, and/or off of the site.
SCREENING
A method of shielding or obscuring one abutting or nearby use from another use, using vegetation, fencing, or earthen materials.
SECONDARY CONSERVATION AREA OR FEATURE
The area delineated in a conservation cluster subdivision to have secondary resource areas to be conserved, including, but not limited to, healthy woodlands holding important ecological functions such as soil stabilization and protection of streams, hedgerows and other vegetation features representing the site's rural past, historic structures or sites, and visually prominent features such as knolls or hilltops.
SEDIMENT
Soils or other surficial materials transported by surface water as a product of erosion.
SEDIMENTATION (SILTATION)
The deposition of sediment and silt in drainageways, watercourses and water bodies which may result in pollution, murkiness, accumulation, and blockage.
SELF-STORAGE FACILITY
A building consisting of individual, small, self-contained units that are leased or owned for the storage of business or household goods.
SERVICE BUSINESS
An establishment primarily engaged in providing assistance to individuals, including but not limited to beauty salons, shoe repair, photographic studio, or businesses, including but not limited to advertising, photocopying, computer maintenance and repair. Such definition shall specifically exclude automotive-related services. A "service business" is further defined as follows:
A. 
SERVICE BUSINESS, NO CUSTOMERS ON SITEThis is a service business where there are no customers visiting the location to conduct business. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, plumbers and electricians.
B. 
SERVICE BUSINESS, WITH CUSTOMERS ON SITEThis is a service business where customers visit the location in order to conduct their business. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, beauty salons.
SHOOTING PRESERVE
A wholly enclosed parcel of land on which domestic game birds, legally possessed or acquired, are released and taken by shooting pursuant to a license issued to the owner or lessee of said parcel by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation pursuant to Article 11 of the Environmental Conservation Law and/or on which sporting clay activities are conducted. A shooting preserve shall not include the operation of a rod and gun club or a game or wildlife preserve unless separate special use permits are issued for those uses. For purposes of this definition, the term "wholly enclosed parcel of land" shall mean lands, the boundaries of which are indicated by wire, ditch, hedge, fence, road, highway or water or in any visible or distinctive manner, including written posting which indicates a separation from the surrounding contiguous territory.
SIGN
A name, identification, description, display, or illustration, or any other visual display which is affixed to or painted or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece of land which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business. However, a sign shall not include any display of official court or public office notices nor any official traffic control devices nor shall it include the flag, emblem or insignia of a nation, state, municipality, school, or religious group.
SIGN, ADVERTISING
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is located. Advertising signs may also be referred to as "billboards."
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign which directs attention to a business, service, profession, organization or industry located on the premises where the sign is displayed to the type of products sold, manufactured, or assembled and/or to service or entertainment offered on said premises. A "for sale" or "to let" sign relating to the property on which it is displayed shall be deemed a business sign.
SIGN, DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
Any sign designed to give forth any artificial light directly (or through any transparent or translucent material) from a source of light connected with such sign.
SIGN, FREESTANDING
A sign that is attached to, erected on or supported by some structure such as a pole, mast, frame, or other structure that is not itself an integral part of or attached to a building or other structure having a principal function other than the support of the sign.
SIGN, HEIGHT OF
The distance from the ground level, measured from the mid-point of the base of the sign, to the top of the sign.
SIGN, INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
A sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere than on a plot where such illumination occurs. If such illumination is thus visible, such sign shall be deemed to be a directly illuminated sign.
SIGN, PORTABLE
Any device on wheels or stand that is designed to be easily moved, the purpose of which is to display a sign.
SIGN, SANDWICH
A temporary self-standing sign or advertising display made of plywood or other solid material and designed or intended to be displayed only for the period of time the business is open or event is taking place.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
A sign that advertises or gives direction to a business or activity and restricted in the number of days it may be displayed in accordance with Article X of this Zoning Law.
SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL HABITAT
Any habitat identified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Natural Heritage Program as critical habitat associated with any species included on the New York State or federal listing of rare, threatened, endangered or special concern species or identified by the program as a rare ecological community.
SITE PLAN
A plan which shows the proposed development and use of land situated within the Town of Pine Plains and which shall consist of a map affirmatively demonstrating compliance with and adequate provision for all of the criteria, matters and items listed in Article XII herein.
SKETCH PLAN
A map, renderings, and supportive data describing the project proposed by the applicant for informal review by the Planning Board prior to submission of a site plan.
SLUDGE
The solid, semi-solid, or liquid waste generated from a waste processing facility, but does not include the liquid stream of effluent.
SOIL MINING
See "mining."
SOILS OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE
Soils, in addition to prime farmland soils, that are of statewide importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. Generally, soils of statewide importance include those that are nearly prime farmland soils and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Some may produce as high a yield as prime farmlands if conditions are favorable. Soils of statewide importance are identified and mapped by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
The components and subsystems required to convert solar energy into electric energy suitable for use. The term includes, but is not limited to, solar panels and solar energy equipment. The area of a solar energy system includes all the land inside the perimeter of the solar energy system, which extends to any interconnection equipment.
[Added 10-20-2022 by L.L. No. 3-2022]
SOLAR PANEL
A photovoltaic device capable of collecting and converting solar energy into electricity.
[Added 10-20-2022 by L.L. No. 3-2022]
SOLID WASTE
Material as defined in 6 NYCRR Part 360, including any garbage, refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded materials, including solid, liquid, semi-solid, or contained gaseous material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations, and from community activities, but not including solid or dissolved materials in domestic sewage, or solid or dissolved materials in irrigation return flows or industrial discharges that are point sources subject to permit. Discarded materials that are being beneficially used pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 360-1.15 are not considered solid waste.
SPECIAL USE PERMIT
An authorization of a particular land use which is permitted in this Zoning Law, subject to requirements set forth herein, to assure that the proposed use is in harmony with the Zoning Law and will not adversely affect the neighborhood if such requirements are met.
STACKING LANE
Off-street temporary parking space specifically provided for vehicles to park behind one another while waiting for drive-up customer assistance.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
The initiation of any physical alteration of the property, excluding planning and design, during any phase of a project and shall include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling, installation of roads, excavation for a basement, footings, foundations, or the erection of temporary forms. "Start of construction" also includes any work for which a valid building permit is required.
STORMWATER
Rainwater, surface runoff, snowmelt and drainage.
STORMWATER HOTSPOT
A land use or activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace metals or toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff, based on monitoring studies.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (SMPS)
Measures, either structural or nonstructural, that are determined to be the most effective, practical means of preventing flood damage and preventing or reducing point source or nonpoint source pollution inputs to stormwater runoff and water bodies.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)
A plan for controlling stormwater runoff and pollutants from a site during and after construction activities.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
Flow on the surface of the ground, resulting from precipitation.
STREAM
For purposes of regulating streams in accordance with § 275-41 of this Zoning Law, a stream is an identifiable natural channel or bed that contains and carries flowing water, whether perennial or intermittent.
STREET
A highway, road, alley, or thoroughfare used by vehicles.
STREET LINE
The dividing line between a street right-of-way and a lot. Where there is no right-of-way and the lot line extends into the street, the street line shall be deemed to be the line located no less than 25 feet from the center line of the street.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or built, any edifice or building of any kind, which requires location on the ground or is attached to something having a location on the ground, including, but without limitation, swimming pools, covered patios, towers, poles, sheds, signs, tanks, etc., except outdoor areas such as paved areas and walkways. The term "structure" shall include "building" as well as receiving and transmitting commercial, radio, television, cellular and other utility communications towers, manufactured homes, and modular homes.
SUBDIVISION, MAJOR
A subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision, including but not limited to subdivisions of more than four lots, or any size subdivision requiring any new street or extension of utilities, or the creation of any public improvements.
SUBDIVISION, MINOR
The subdivision of land into two, three or four lots fronting on an existing road, not including any new street or road, or the extension of utilities, or the creation of any public improvements, and not adversely affecting the remainder of the parcel or adjoining property, and not in conflict with any provision or portion of the Comprehensive Plan, Official Map, or Town of Pine Plains Zoning Law.
SWIMMING POOL
A water-filled enclosure, permanently constructed or portable, having a depth of more than 18 inches below the level of the surrounding land, or an above-surface pool, having a depth of more than 30 inches, designed, used, and maintained for swimming and bathing.
TOWN
The Town of Pine Plains.
TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN
Design of a residential development using traditional town planning principles. The development includes a range of housing types, a network of well-connected streets and blocks, public spaces and civic amenities or sites for amenities, including schools, libraries or other governmental, educational or cultural public gathering places within walking distance of residences.
UNIFORM CODE
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
USE, NONCONFORMING
A legal existing use which does not conform to the applicable use regulations for the zoning district in which such use is located after the adoption or subsequent amendment of this Zoning Law.
USE, PRINCIPAL
The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged or intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
VARIANCE, AREA
The authorization by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the use of land in a manner which is not allowed by the bulk or dimensional requirements of this Zoning Law.
VARIANCE, USE
The authorization by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the use of land for a purpose which is otherwise not allowed or is prohibited by this Zoning Law.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
An establishment accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association or similar national accreditation where animals are provided medical care and where the boarding of animals is short-term and clearly incidental to their medical care.
WAREHOUSE
A building or part of a building for storing of goods, wares and merchandise, whether for the owner or for others, and whether it is a public or private warehouse.
WATER BODY
Any natural or man-made body of water, such as a pond or lake, which does not necessarily flow in a definite direction or course.
WATERCOURSE
A permanent or intermittent channel or stream or other body of water, either natural or man-made, which gathers or carries surface water. "Stream" is defined elsewhere in this section of the Zoning Law.
WETLANDS
Lands and submerged lands commonly called marshes, swamps, sloughs, bogs, and flats supporting aquatic or semi-aquatic vegetation.
YARD, REQUIRED
Open and unobstructed ground area of the lot extending inward from a lot line for the distance specified in the regulations for the district in which the lot is located.
YARD, REQUIRED FRONT
A required yard extending the full length of the front lot line between the side lot lines. Where a property extends to the center line of a public or private road, the required front yard shall be measured along a line on the property measured 25 feet from the center line of the road.
YARD, REQUIRED REAR
A required yard extending along the full length of the rear lot line between the side lot lines.
YARD, REQUIRED SIDE
A required yard extending along a side lot line from the required front yard (or from the front lot line if there is no required front yard) to the required rear yard (or to the rear lot line if there is no required rear yard).
ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The administrative officer designated to administer this Zoning Law and issue zoning-related permits.
ZOO
A use accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or similar national accreditation where animals are kept in a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, and are viewed by the public.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: Table B, Schedule of Bulk Regulations, is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 230, Subdivision of Land.
[4]
Editor's Note: See Cannabis Law § 72.