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Zoning 101 & Current Zoning

  • A zoning code, which can also be referred to as zoning regulations, is a set of laws used as a tool to govern physical development within a municipality and the processes by which new developments can be approved. Zoning sets forth the standards that must be met and processes that must be followed in order to develop a parcel of land. Zoning codes can include regulations on uses, building size, yard size, open space, density of development, and signs, among other things. A zoning map always accompanies a zoning code. The zoning map identifies the location of the various zoning districts that are in a municipality’s zoning code. A zoning district is a designated area or district in a municipality within which specific regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. For example, in the Town of Southold, “R-40” is a residential zoning district. “R-80” is also a residential district, but with different standards.

  • The Town’s website has an online Zoning Map & Tax Parcel Inquiry to view existing zoning. Visit this link. Begin typing in your address in the box on the top left of the page and, when your address shows up, click the left button on your mouse. Parcel boundaries are displayed as yellow lines. Zoning district boundaries are labeled and displayed as red lines.

  • Visit this link to view the Town’s existing zoning code.

  • The Town’s existing official zoning maps are integrated into a web-based digital map that can be accessed from this link.

  • If you have questions related to single-family home development, visit the website of the Southold Town Building Department. If you have other zoning questions, visit the website of the Southold Town Planning Department.

Zoning Update Project

  • The state laws that give towns the power to enact local zoning rules in New York require that zoning laws are adopted in accordance with a comprehensive plan. In 2020, the Town adopted a new Comprehensive Plan. The current zoning code and map must be updated in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.

    Furthermore, the Town’s zoning code needs to be updated to incorporate best practices and modern uses. Inconsistencies will be eliminated and graphic depictions of regulations will be included so the code is easier for people to navigate and understand.

    Updating the Town’s zoning will help ensure that future land uses are of the appropriate scale and intensity for the location. The goal is to achieve a balance between the built and natural environment, and between commercial and residential uses, while allowing for the strengthening of the local economy.

  • At the most fundamental level, the zoning code should be updated to reflect the community’s current visions and goals, which should be embodied in a recent comprehensive plan. Furthermore, the zoning code should reflect contemporary trends in commercial enterprises and residential types and best practices in stormwater management and other aspects of development and preservation. Another reason to update a zoning code is that, over time as a code is amended, it can become more difficult to navigate. It may need to be restructured to be simplified and to address inconsistent or conflicting code elements.

  • The first two Town-wide goals of the Comprehensive Plan, which are located in Chapter 3: Land Use & Zoning, involve updating the zoning code:

    Goal 1: Update 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.

    The objectives listed under each of these goals provide more specific details of the types of zoning updates recommended. Following the Town-Wide goals are descriptions of the goals and objectives for each hamlet, many of which can be implemented by updates to the zoning code. Land use and zoning maps are also included for each hamlet.

    To view a summary of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan as it relates to this project, click here.

  • The Town has hired the consultant team of ZoneCo and Hardesty & Hanover to lead the zoning code update process, working closely with Town Planning staff. The Town convened a Zoning Update Advisory Committee that will advise on aspects of the process. The consultant team has produced materials with details on how the zoning might be updated that are posted for public comment. This project is funded by the New York Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund and the Town of Southold.

  • Public forums will be scheduled as the Town Board proceeds with specific updates. Stay tuned to our Get Involved page for upcoming public forums.

  • If you have any questions about this project, e-mail vog.ynnwotdlohtuos%40etadpugninoz. Please allow two or three business days for a response. During May and June of 2025, response time may be longer.
    You may also attend one of the public forums or visit the Zoning Resource Center at the Town Hall Annex.

DOCUMENT LIBRARY

Prepare for the hamlet-focus forums

Materials from Past Public Forums and Workshops

Past Survey Results

Town of Southold Main Site

Existing Southold Town Zoning Code

Existing Southold Town Zoning Map*

*View existing zoning by entering an address or Tax Map Number on the map. Click the parcel for current zoning details. If zoning isn't visible, click the Layer List icon (top right) and check the boxes for Zoning Inquiry and Tax Parcels Inquiry.

ZONING UPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Erin Argo

James H. Rich III Planning Board

Megan Hood

Leslie Weisman Zoning Board of AppealsChairperson


George Kewin

Heather LanzaTown Planning Director

Patricia Kirkpatrick

Albert J. Krupski, Jr. Town SupervisorTown Board Liaison

Bruce Nelligan


Alvin Schein


TOWN BOARD MEMBERS

Albert J. Krupski Jr.Town Supervisor

Brian O. MealyTown Board Member

Alexa SuessTown Board Member

Anne SmithTown Board Member

Jill DohertyTown Board Member

John StypeDeputy Supervisor

Kate StevensTown Board Member



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LAUREL - MATTITUCK - NEW SUFFOLK - CUTCHOGUE - PECONIC - SOUTHOLDGREENPORT HAMLET - EAST MARION - ORIENT - FISHERS ISLAND

Illustration

This project is supported with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.

Illustration

This project is supported with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.