ZONING MAP + ZONING CODE PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTS
ZONING MAP PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
ZONING CODE PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
The new Zoning Code Public Review Draft is almost 200 pages, so understanding how it is organized is essential to finding the information that matters most to you. The zoning code updates have been designed to align with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, and updated for improved clarity and organization to support better planning and decision-making.
NAVIGATING THE UPDATED ZONING CODE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The information below gives you a straightforward overview of how the code is structured and highlights topics like zoning districts, uses allowed, and more. For a complete list of what’s included and where to find it, please refer to the code’s Table of Contents.
ZONING CODE PURPOSE & GOALS:
The new zoning code is designed to be clearer, simpler, and more organized. It aims to support the Town’s Comprehensive Plan by establishing clear rules for land use, resolving conflicts within the Town Code, and updating zoning boundaries to reflect current needs.
ZONING CODE SECTIONS – HOW THE CODE IS ORGANIZED:
Article I. Introduction and Using this Code: Includes standard language about the purpose and intent of the zoning, applies rules to resolve conflicting language, sets forth rules for when a parcel is located in more than one zoning district, and establishes standards for measuring regulated features such as setback distances
Article II. Zoning Districts: Contains a table with all the zoning districts. Lists requirements for lot sizes, setbacks, lot coverage and building height in each zoning district. Includes renamed districts and new additions.
Article III. Uses and Specific Use Standards:● Uses Allowed: Tables for Residential and Non-residential Districts showing allowed uses.● Standards for Uses: Lists conditions for specific uses such as hotels and accessory apartments. This section is cross-referenced in the second column of the use tables.● Agricultural Uses: Includes agricultural standards for farm uses.
Article IV. General Regulations: Contains rules and requirements that apply to all zones.● Parking: Requirements have been simplified for clarity and consistency across zones. New standards are designed to be easier to follow and apply.● Signs: Regulations address size, number, and placement of signs to maintain aesthetic consistency and minimize visual clutter.● Landscaping, Screening, and Buffering: Standards aim to protect privacy, enhance property values, and preserve scenic viewsheds.● Fences, Walls, and Berms: New rules prohibit walls directly on property lines. Guidelines clarify acceptable height, placement, and design.● Corner Lot Visibility & Clear Sight Triangle: Designed to keep intersections safe by preventing obstructions that block sight lines, such as hedges, walls, and fences.● Outdoor Lighting: Consolidated under zoning for better enforcement. Aims to reduce light pollution and improve nighttime visibility.● Outdoor Storage & Site Work: Rules govern storage, site clearing, and construction preparation to ensure orderly development.● Farmland Bill of Rights: Remains unchanged, preserving Southold Town’s status as a “right to farm” community.
Article V. Nonconformities: Provides guidelines for when a property, building or use is nonconforming. Allows existing non-conforming uses to continue under grandfathered rules. Special provisions apply to businesses affected by the new code.
Article VI. Administration & Procedures: Describes the roles of town officials, boards, and committees. Provides guidelines for permits, site plans, variances, and changes to the Special Exception review and approval process.
Article VII. Definitions: Updated and expanded to provide clarity and consistency throughout the code.OUTSTANDING ISSUES NOT CURRENTLY INCLUDED IN PROPOSED ZONING CODE UPDATE:
Wireless Communication Facilities: This section is on hold pending the completion of the CityScape study. Findings and recommendations will be incorporated once available.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Awaiting state fire code updates. Related zoning regulations will follow once the state provides guidelines.
Short-Term Rentals (including AirBnB): New regulations are being developed separately from the zoning update.
Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Resilience: Needs more work to establish appropriate standards town-wide for possible inclusion in this zoning update.
Aquifer Protection and Water Quality: Town-wide protections are in progress for water resources. The Southold Town Water Conservation Committee is working on recommendations to protect drinking water, wells, and natural water bodies.
Historic Preservation Overlay District: Originally a zoning district in existing code, changed to an overlay district in an earlier draft of this zoning update, and removed from the current draft due to lack of demonstrated need but could be reconsidered in the future.OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
This reference document outlines how the new draft code is organized in greater detail, and provides highlights of key changes from the existing code: Overview of the Proposed New Zoning Code
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK:
Review the Zoning Code & Map Public Review Drafts then share input on the proposed zoning changes.
LAUREL - MATTITUCK - NEW SUFFOLK - CUTCHOGUE - PECONIC - SOUTHOLDGREENPORT HAMLET - EAST MARION - ORIENT - FISHERS ISLAND