WE WANT YOUR INPUT! Give us your feedback on the proposed zoning updates

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ESPAÑOL

WE WANT YOUR INPUT! Give us your feedback on the proposed zoning updates

ADD YOUR FEEDBACK


ESPAÑOL

RESOURCES

Zoning 101 & Current Zoning

  • What is 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.

  • How can I determine which current zoning district applies to my property?

    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.

  • How can I find Southold’s Zoning current code?

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

  • How can I see the Town’s current official zoning maps?

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

  • Who can I contact with questions about the Town’s current zoning code?

    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

  • Why is the Town’s zoning code being updated?

    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.

  • Why is it important to keep a zoning code updated?

    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.

  • What types of zoning recommendations does the Town’s Comprehensive Plan include?

    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.

  • Who is undertaking the zoning code update?

    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.

  • How and when can I participate in this project?

    Public forums are scheduled for May and June of 2025. Details are posted on this website and on the Town’s main website. Paper copies of the proposed draft Zoning Code are also available in local libraries, and all the zoning update materials can be viewed in person at the Southold Town Zoning Resource Center at the Town Hall Annex.

  • Who can I contact with additional questions about this project?

    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.

New Proposed Draft Zoning

  • How can I tell what uses are allowed on a specific parcel?

    ● Identify the zoning district of the parcel on the new draft zoning map● Look at the Comprehensive Use Permissions tables in the new draft zoning code, beginning on page 48. There are two tables, one for residential districts and the other for non-residential districts.

  • How can I tell where a specific use is allowed?’

    ● Look at the Comprehensive Use Permissions table in the new draft zoning code beginning on page 48.     ● Arranged by type of use and then alphabetically.     ● Definitions are located at the end of the draft code     ● Specific conditions of certain uses, such as minimum lot size, are located in the Use Specific Standards section.

  • What are the requirements to build a new commercial building?

    ● Zoning Districts, beginning on page 15: Each zoning district has its own page with the minimum setbacks the building must be from the property lines, maximum lot coverage, and building height.● Standards for measuring lot coverage and building height are located in the first section of the code under General Rules of Measurement and Building Height Measurement (pp 10 & 11).● Types of uses allowed in each district are located in the Comprehensive Use Permissions (p.48).● Some uses have additional standards such as minimum lot size. These are reference in column 2 of the Comprehensive Use Permissions table, and begin on page 59 in alphabetical order.

  • What if my existing business is no longer allowed in the new zoning district my land is in?

    Nonconforming Business Protections: Existing businesses rendered nonconforming by zoning changes are protected under Section 280-65. They may continue indefinitely, go dormant and reopen, expand or be sold.

  • I own a home in Southold Town. How is the new zoning going to affect my property?

    ● Most homeowners in residential zoning districts will see very little change to their property or future uses on their property. This is because the majority of the zoning in the Town is residential and is not changing much.
    ● Lot coverage limits now include pavement, patios and other constructed surfaces including gravel driveways and sidewalks where it used to include only buildings.       ● This will have a more pronounced effect on smaller lots that might already be at or over the maximum lot coverage under the new proposed calculation.        ● See the applicable zoning district page for the lot coverage maximum percentage.
    ● Accessory apartments will have similar rules as the existing code in the residential zones, except that now an apartment can be created in its own small accessory building or an existing accessory building like a garage or barn without having to wait for three years.          ● Maximum size of apartment: 750 sq. ft.         ● Either the house or the apartment has to be for the use of the owner         ● Either the apartment or the house has to be leased for year-round occupancy         ● Removed the need to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Special Exception.
    ● Walls, including retaining walls, must be set back from the property line.         ● 20’ for retaining walls         ● One foot for every foot of height for decorative walls
    ● The restrictions on house size remain the same as in the existing code.
    ● The regulations for outdoor lighting were moved to the zoning code, which may improve compliance.

DOCUMENT LIBRARY

Materials from Past Public Forums and Workshops

Past Survey Results

Town Board Review Draft - Redline Version

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.

! NOW OPEN! ZONING RESOURCE CENTER

Zoning Resource Center Know someone who would prefer to review physical copies of the new zoning resources? The Zoning Resource Center is a dedicated space to explore the same zoning materials and complete the feedback survey available on our website, but in person.
Zoning Resource Center Hours:Mon.-Fri. 9am - 4pmWed. evening: 6-8pmSaturdays: 9-11amLocation: Town Hall Annex54375 Route 25Southold, NY 11971

ZONING UPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Erin Argo

James H. Rich III Planning Board

Megan Hood

Leslie Weisman Zoning Board of AppealsChairperson

Jeannette Judge

Mark TerryAsst. Town Planning Director

Patricia Kirkpatrick

Heather LanzaTown Planning Director

Bruce Nelligan

Albert J. KrupskiJr., Town Supervisor – Town Board Liaison

Alvin Schein


TOWN BOARD MEMBERS

Albert J. Krupski Jr.Town Supervisor

Brian O. MealyTown Board Member

Louisa EvansTown Board Member

Anne SmithTown Board Member

Jill DohertyTown Board Member

John StypeDeputy Supervisor

Greg DoroskiTown Board Member


The Zoning Update project is also completed in partnership with ZoneCo.

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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.