BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 3
Public hearing set for subdivision law in Rochester Ann Belmont BSP Reporter Last summer the Town of Rochester's board voted for a six-month moratorium on major subdivisions, defined as more than two lots (with some exceptions). There has already been one three-month extension of the moratorium, now set to expire in mid-March, said town supervisor Mike Baden. "I'd have to check the exact date. It will be considered to extend at March 2 meeting." That second and final extension, if voted into law, would be for another three months. Of note: On Feb.14, the Town of Olive held a public hearing about whether to adopt a similar land-use moratorium. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, there will be a public hearing for one of the proposed zoning law revisions the board has been working on since the moratorium started. This one, Local Law A of 2023, lays out the regulations governing subdivisions in a general sense, for instance, requiring all subdivision applications to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board before ground can be broken and any physical construction work can begin. The town also reserves the right to grant "certain exemptions" from planning board
review, such as "natural subdivisions or lot improvements." The purpose of the law stated in the draft proposal, which can be read in full on the TOR website, is as follows: A. Promoting the orderly growth and development of the Town in accordance with the Town of Rochester Comprehensive Plan. B. Affording adequate facilities for the housing, transportation, distribution, comfort, convenience, health, and safety of Town residents. C. Minimizing foreseeable maintenance and improvement problems as well as economic burdens associated with development of land. D. Conserving the Town's natural resources and protecting its attractive environment so as to maintain property values and otherwise provide for the general welfare of residents of the Town of Rochester. There is a section dealing with waivers and modifications. If the Planning Board grants these, it must "attach conditions and require such guarantee or bond as it may deem necessary to assure compliance." The penalties for violations of the town's zoning laws are delineated. A fine for a violation can't exceed $350; however, until the violation is fixed, every day counts as a new violation, which can add up very quickly. Finally, the law contains a glossary of terms such as "access,” alley," "block," and every other term used in the TOR's zoning code.
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After 9 months subdivision moratorium due to expire, additional 3-month extension possible
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