Comprehensive Plan
This Comprehensive Plan is the official public document to be used to guide the development of our community. In New York State, the comprehensive plan provides the basis for the zoning and other land use regulations found in the Town Code ... The newly revised Comprehensive Plan is designed to shape future updates to the Town Code and policy decisions regarding the appropriate use of the Town’s resources.
2020 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan
Vision Statement
From Chapter 1: Vision Statement & Introduction
The Town of Southold is a community of extraordinary history and beauty. Residents and visitors benefit from its diverse hamlets surrounded by pastoral landscapes and expansive natural resources. Our citizens cherish Southold’s small-town quality of life and wish to preserve what we currently value while planning for a productive and viable future.Future planning shall be compatible with existing community character while supporting and addressing the challenges of continued land preservation, maintaining a vibrant local economy, creating efficient transportation, promoting a diverse housing stock, expanding recreational opportunities and protecting natural resources.
Goals
From Chapter 3: Land Use & Zoning
Most of these Town-wide goals are also applicable to individual hamlets. The first 3 goals have specific objectives that relate directly to land use and zoning. Goals 4 through 13 are broad. Each has an entire chapter in the Comprehensive Plan plan dedicated to that topic with specific goals and objectives.
Goal 1: Update the Town Code
Revise the Town Code, particularly the Zoning
Chapter and other Land-Use-related chapters, to
be easier to use.
Goal 2: Review and Update
Zoning Town-Wide
Ensure that the existing zoning is appropriately
located, uses are of the appropriate scale and
intensity for the location, and all are consistent
with the other goals of this plan.
Goal 3: Enforce the Town Code
Southold Town will continue to enhance its ability toenforce its regulations.
Goal 4: Improve Traffic Safety & Congestion
Ensure infrastructure supports Town residents
and businesses.
Goal 5: Protect the Town Character
Southold retains much of its small-town charm.
Goal 6: Protect and Enhance
the Town’s Natural Resources
and Environment
The importance of managing and preserving
Southold’s natural resources while promoting
responsible user experiences is paramount in
maintaining the quality of life within the Town.
Goal 7: Economic Prosperity
Facilitate the growth of existing businesses,
and encourage new businesses for stable and
sustainable employment.
Goal 8: Enable the Creation of
Attainable Homes
The Town must take steps to facilitate the creation
of attainable housing in Southold.
Goal 9: Retain and Advance the
Business of Agriculture
Agricultural uses occur on 30 percent of the land
area in Southold Town, are important to the
economy, and represent vital elements of the
community’s character.
Goal 10: Continue to Preserve
Farmland and Open Space
Southold’s character is created in large part by its open spaces, including farmland, natural lands, and parks.
Goal 11: Continue to Provide
Quality Human Services
To meet the needs of its citizens, the Town should
continue to fund its rich array of programs and
resources for people as well as seek to improve
their lives through additional resources.
Goal 12: Prepare the Town for
Natural Hazards
Southold Town is subject to natural hazards,
including hurricanes, flooding, and sea level rise,
which can imperil human lives, property, and
the environment.
Goal 13: Provide Quality Parks
and Recreation Opportunities in the Town
Southold offers a diversity of recreational
opportunities, from public tennis courts and
playing fields, to nature trails and beaches.