Beacon City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IVC
Fishkill Creek Development FCD District
[Added 11-1-2010 by L.L. No. 14-2010; amended 4-21-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014; 12-18-2017 by L.L. No. 19-2017]
§ 223-41.12 Purposes.
Purposes of the Fishkill Creek Development (FCD) District are to:
Encourage the development and/or redevelopment of undeveloped or underutilized industrial properties along the Fishkill Creek in a manner that provides a mix of residential and nonresidential uses. Properties in this category are generally more remote from the Central Main Street District, but offer larger sites for a flexible range of compatible nonresidential uses.
[Amended 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020]
Establish and preserve open space corridors along Fishkill Creek and the Hudson River, and seek open space linkages to the large areas of open space in the Hudson Highlands on the slopes of Mount Beacon.
Continue to develop greenways along the Hudson River and Fishkill Creek for public recreation, and provide linkages to trails towards the Hudson Highlands and the slopes of Mount Beacon. Improve boat access to Fishkill Creek and the Hudson River. Determine the future use of the railroad tracks along Fishkill Creek for vehicles capable of utilizing the tracks or for a bicycle and pedestrian path, and implement the decision.
§ 223-41.13 Uses; plan review; design standards.
This article establishes a comprehensive review for land uses in the Fishkill Creek Development District. Development within the Fishkill Creek Development District shall be governed by this article, except to the extent that this article specifically incorporates by reference other sections of this chapter. In the event that any other provision of this chapter is inconsistent with the provisions of this article, then the provisions of this article shall control.
Principal uses permitted. A Fishkill Creek development may be a single use, or a mixed use which incorporates various permitted land use elements as part of a comprehensive development plan. These elements may include:
[Amended 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020]
Apartment, attached or multifamily dwelling.
Artist live/work space, artist studio and workshop of artisan.
Bed-and-breakfast establishment or inn.
Spa, fitness centers/noncommercial swimming pool, exercise studio, day-care center or similar use as determined by resolution of the City Council. Such uses shall be permitted in buildings that face a street.
Restaurant, bar, brew pub or other eating and drinking establishment. Such restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments shall be permitted in buildings that face a street. No such individual use shall contain more than 5,000 square feet of gross floor area.
Professional and business office in buildings that face a street.
Gallery, exhibit space or museum.
Community facility that complements residential and commercial use, such as a public or semipublic performance and cultural center, live theater, concert hall, meeting room suitable for social, civic, cultural or education activities, bandshell, kiosk or gazebo.
Assembly, manufacturing, workshop or other light industrial use, as determined by the City Council, in fully enclosed buildings and not including any form of outdoor storage.
Day-care center.
Trade school or training program, college, private school, or nursery school.
Other nonresidential use similar to the above uses as determined by resolution of the City Council.
Permitted accessory uses. Permitted accessory uses may include:
Uses which are clearly incidental to, and customarily found in connection with, the permitted principal uses. Exterior display of goods on special event days/weeks may be permitted, subject to the issuance of a permit by the City. Exterior storage is not allowed. Outdoor seating for restaurants and pedestrian-oriented accessory uses, such as flower, food or drink stands, are permitted.
Parking and bicycle facility, including parking structure.
[Amended 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020]
Short-term rentals in any dwelling unit, or room(s) therein, located in a one-family home, two-family home, accessory apartment, or multifamily dwelling, as provided in § 223-26.5.
[Added 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 6-2020[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law provided the following: "This local law shall take effect on October 1, 2020. Any short-term rental, as defined herein, in existence prior to October 1, 2020 shall have until November 15, 2020, to file an application to obtain a short-term rental permit. Any short-term rental existing prior to October 1, 2020 that (a) does not meet the definition of short-term rental or (b) is a short-term rental, as defined, and does not file an application by November 15, 2020 shall be deemed to be in violation of this local law and subject to enforcement."
Solar collector, roof garden, or greenhouse.
[Added 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020]
Procedure for review of Fishkill Creek development proposals.
The Planning Board may commence its review of a site plan for one or more Fishkill Creek development projects as soon as an application for such Fishkill Creek development concept plan has been submitted to the City Council. However, no final approval of a site plan for any FCD project shall precede the issuance of a concept plan approval for such FCD project by the City Council.
Application fees. Applications to the City Council and Planning Board as provided herein shall be accompanied by the appropriate fees which may be set from time to time by the City Council for such applications. If such fees are not sufficient to defray the costs of review, the applicant shall also be required to pay such additional fees as may be necessary for the reasonable expenses of technical assistance to the City in reviewing the technical aspects of the application.
Procedure for Fishkill Creek development concept plan review.
Application. The concept plan application for a Fishkill Creek development for one or more FCD projects shall be submitted to the City Council. The application shall consist of narrative text, drawings and/or illustrations describing the proposed Fishkill Creek development project. All application materials, including plans, shall be submitted in electronic file format acceptable to the Building Department, in addition to at least five paper copies (or such other format or amount as determined by the Building Department), at least two weeks prior to the City Council meeting at which it will be considered. Drawings shall be submitted approximately to scale, but need not be to the precision of a finished engineering drawing or a final site plan. The application shall include the following:
A written description of the Fishkill Creek development project(s) concept plan, and a description of the manner in which such proposal meets the purposes of the Fishkill Creek Development District; how it is consistent with the City of Beacon Comprehensive Plan and, if applicable, Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan; and the manner in which the public interest would be served by the proposed Fishkill Creek development, including a description of the benefits to the City.
A land use plan showing the various proposed land uses and their spatial arrangement, including the proposed general location of buildings, parking areas, public, community and/or recreation facilities, utility and maintenance facilities and open space.
An indication of the approximate square footage of buildings, the approximate number of dwelling units of each housing type and size, and the approximate amount of floor area of each type of nonresidential use.
An indication of the appropriate number of parking and loading spaces in relation to their intended use.
A general indication of any phasing of construction.
The general configuration of the interior road system, connection/access to the adjoining road system, and an analysis of the need for and the feasibility of providing emergency access.
A plan showing the relation of the proposed uses to existing and proposed uses adjacent to the site that are not part of the application.
The general configuration of the pedestrian circulation system, the connection of such pedestrian passageways to adjoining properties and a description of how the proposal is consistent with the Fishkill Creek Greenway and Heritage Trail Master Plan.
The proposed architectural treatment of views and viewing points from the site to Fishkill Creek; to the site from Fishkill Creek; and over the site from important viewsheds, including those identified in the LWRP, all subject to the City Council's review of photo-simulations as it shall request the applicant provide.
Descriptions, sketches, and sections showing the design scheme contemplated for the entire development and specifically for any public spaces or major elements of the plan.
Such additional information as the City Council may deem necessary in order to properly evaluate the application.
City Council review of Fishkill Creek development concept plan application.
The approval of a Fishkill Creek development project is an action subject to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and all proceedings to review such project shall comply with the applicable requirements of SEQRA.
Enhanced public transportation, jitneys and other alternative means of travel between the FCD, Main Street and the Hudson Riverfront, as well as the developer providing a fair share of the funding of such alternative means of travel, shall be considered as important methods of mitigating potential traffic and parking impacts resulting from the FCD.
City Council referrals.
The City Council shall refer the application for a Fishkill Creek development concept plan approval to the Planning Board for a recommendation. The Planning Board shall review all documents and materials relating to the application and may make any advisory recommendations it deems appropriate.
Other referrals. The City Council shall comply with the applicable provisions of General Municipal Law §§ 239-1 and 239-m. In addition to any referrals required by law, the City Council may refer the application to any other City board, department, official, consultant or professional it deems appropriate.
Public hearing. The City Council shall hold a public hearing on the application for a Fishkill Creek development concept plan approval. Any required SEQRA hearing shall be conducted jointly with this public hearing, if practicable.
City Council decision on Fishkill Creek development concept plan.
The City Council shall render a decision on the application for Fishkill Creek development concept plan approval after it has held the required public hearing, completed the SEQRA process and has made the requisite SEQRA determination of significance and/or findings, and, if applicable, has made the consistency determination under the City's Local Waterfront Consistency Law.[2]
Concept plan approval. The City Council may approve the concept plan upon a finding that the following conditions and standards have been met:
The proposed Fishkill Creek development project is consistent with the purposes and requirements of the Fishkill Creek Development District and is otherwise in the public interest.
The proposed Fishkill Creek development project complies with § 223-41.13I(15), Fishkill Creek vegetative buffer, of this chapter.
The proposed Fishkill Creek development project meets the Fishkill Creek development design standards set forth in § 223-41.13I, to the extent applicable at the concept plan stage.
The proposed Fishkill Creek development project is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (if applicable), and Fishkill Creek Greenway and Heritage Trail Master Plan, and will not hinder or discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent lands.
The proposed Fishkill Creek development project is planned as a cohesive unit with a comprehensive plan for ingress, egress, open space, landscaping, signage, circulation and utility service and the land uses are complementary.
The land uses in the proposed Fishkill Creek development project relate, visually and functionally, with surrounding land areas and land uses, and shall relate compatibly with other elements of the Fishkill Creek corridor.
The Fishkill Creek development project shall be sensitive to the site's relationship to the Fishkill Creek and shall be designed accordingly.
The FCD site is proposed to be developed in such a way as to maximize important views and view corridors throughout the development; and site layout and design has incorporated, protected and/or enhanced important views and view corridors, including those identified in the LWRP.
Conditions. In approving any Fishkill Creek development concept plan, the City Council may attach such conditions, safeguards and mitigation measures as it deems necessary or appropriate to assure continual conformance to all applicable standards and requirements and to fulfill the intent and purposes of this chapter. An approved concept plan shall expire if site plan review is not pursued diligently and received. If site plan approval is granted, the concept plan approval shall expire at the time the site plan approval expires.
Revisions to FCD concept plan. After approval, any proposed revisions shall be submitted to the City Council. The City Council, in its discretion, shall determine the appropriate procedures for consideration of the proposed revisions, and whether such revision is material enough to require further environmental analysis, further project review and/or a further hearing, as it may deem appropriate.
Site development plan review. After approval of the Fishkill Creek development concept plan by the City Council, the Planning Board may grant site plan approval to a Fishkill Creek development project.
Application for site plan approval. The application for site development plan approval shall contain all the material set forth in § 223-25B of this chapter. In addition, the applicant shall submit the following:
Information to establish that the proposed site plan complies with § 223-41.13 I(15), Fishkill Creek vegetative buffer, of this chapter.
Information to establish that the proposed site plan meets the Fishkill Creek development standards set forth in Subsection I below.
Information to establish that the proposed site plan is in substantial conformance with the approved Fishkill Creek development concept plan.
Elevations showing the architectural and design treatment of all buildings, public and open spaces and other site plan elements.
Information to establish the relationship of the proposed project to later elements of the development of the FCD District, including any other adjacent and nearby lands that are not part of the applicant's Fishkill Creek development project(s).
Such other information as the Planning Board may reasonably require in order to evaluate the site plan application.
Planning Board review of site plan.
The Planning Board shall conduct a detailed review of the adequacy, location, arrangement, design and appearance of each aspect of the proposed development. The Planning Board shall have the authority to assure that aspects of the overall development of the FCD District (e.g., stormwater management, domestic water and fire protection, sanitary sewer, all utilities, streets, etc.) shall be adequate to suit the purposes and needs of the entire FCD District, as it is finally developed.
In acting on any site development plan application, the Planning Board shall take into consideration the Fishkill Creek development concept plan, the proposed design and layout of the entire FCD District, including the proposed location, height and landscaping of buildings, traffic circulation within and without the site, provision of off-street parking, exterior lighting, display of signs, landscaping, buffer areas and open spaces, and architecture and design, so that any development will have a harmonious relationship with the existing or permitted development of contiguous land and of adjacent neighborhoods, and so that pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be handled adequately and safely within the site and in relation to the adjoining street system. Particularly, the Planning Board shall assure that the proposed site plan meets the Fishkill Creek development design standards set forth in Subsection I below.
The proposed site development plan shall be in substantial conformance with the Fishkill Creek development concept plan. The site plan for a particular Fishkill Creek development project will provide detailed building envelopes, elevations and site design details. The Planning Board may exercise its discretion in allowing minor variations from the Fishkill Creek development concept plan so long as the site plan is, in the Planning Board's judgment, generally in keeping with the Fishkill Creek development concept plan approved by the City Council. In no case, however, shall the Planning Board have the authority to approve a total number of dwelling units and/or an amount of nonresidential floor area in the Fishkill Creek development project which exceeds the number(s) approved as part of the Fishkill Creek development concept plan.
Time period for construction. At the time of approving the site plan, the Planning Board may set forth the time period in which construction is to begin and be completed. The Planning Board may, in its discretion, extend any time period it has previously set where it finds that changing market conditions or other circumstances have acted to prevent the timely commencement or completion of work, and that the developer has proceeded with reasonable diligence in an effort to assure completion of the work within the permitted time period. The extension of these time periods shall not require the holding of a new public hearing.
Adjustments to site plan during construction. During the construction of an approved site plan, the Building Inspector or the City Engineer may authorize minor adjustments to the approved plans which are consistent with the overall approved site plan, when such adjustments appear necessary in the light of technical or engineering considerations which develop during actual construction, or when such adjustments are required in order to comply with law, rules or regulations made applicable to the subject property by any agency or instrumentality of the United States, New York State, Dutchess County or City government. The Building Inspector or City Engineer may, in his discretion, refer any such proposed change to the Planning Board for review. The Planning Board may determine to treat the modification as a minor site plan adjustment under this section or to treat it as a site plan amendment under Subsection G(5) below. If treated as a minor site plan adjustment, the Planning Board may authorize the Engineer or Building Inspector to approve the requested change.
Site plan amendments. If the Planning Board determines that the character of the proposed changes requires a site plan amendment, the Planning Board shall process the application as an amended site plan under this Subsection G(5) and shall have the discretion to determine the extent of further environmental analysis and project review that is required. After appropriate review, the Planning Board shall approve any site plan amendment by resolution.
Subdivision within a Fishkill Creek development. The Planning Board may review any proposed subdivision application within a Fishkill Creek development at any time. Any requests for subdivision approval shall follow the procedures set forth in Chapter 195, Subdivision of Land, of the City Code. The setbacks and other dimensional requirements of the FCD District shall apply to the gross land area of the total Fishkill Creek development project, whether or not the gross land area is or will remain in one ownership, and shall not apply to individual or subdivided lots.
Fishkill Creek development design standards.
All new buildings or substantial alterations of existing buildings in the Fishkill Creek Development District, shall comply with the following design standards. These standards are intended to supplement the provisions in Chapter 86, Architectural Design, and to relate historic buildings and traditional streetscapes in the area to new redevelopment efforts, while still allowing contemporary architectural flexibility.
Key terms. Standards using the verb "shall" are required; "should" is used when the standard is to be applied unless the City Council or Planning Board, as applicable, finds a strong justification for an alternative solution in and unusual and specific circumstance; and "may" means that the standard is an optional guideline that is encouraged but not required.
General district standards. While the FCD District may contain various uses, development shall be planned as a cohesive unit, with a comprehensive plan for access, connected greenspace, landscaping, signs, circulation, and compatible architectural elements. Plans should build on the existing Beacon environmental and historic context.
Proposals shall show previous buildings on the site and document inspiration from the City's industrial past along the riverfront and creek frontage, including the type and texture of materials, roof forms, spacing and proportions of windows and doors, and exterior architectural features. Building details may be traditional or may be more modern and simple.
Construction on parcels in or directly adjoining the Historic District and Landmark Overlay Zone should reinforce historical patterns and neighboring buildings with an emphasis on continuity and historic compatibility, not contrast. The goal is to renew and extend the traditional character of the district, but new construction may still be distinguishable in up-to-date technologies and details, most evident in windows and interiors (see also Chapter 134, Historic Preservation).
The plan shall be sensitive to the site's relationship to the Fishkill Creek and developed in such a way as to maximize important public views and view corridors throughout the development.
Specific standards. See also the annotated photo examples in Figures 13-1 through 13-3, illustrating the design standards.[3]
Historic mill buildings in Beacon generally had simple forms and repetitive window openings with flat or low-pitched gable roofs. Groups of related buildings shall be designed to present a varied but compatible mix. New construction should have rooftop cornices, capstones, parapets, railings, or projecting eaves.
Architectural features, materials, and windows shall be continued on all sides of the building, avoiding any blank walls. Larger buildings should incorporate subtle breaks in the facade and window surrounds with projecting sills, lintels, or crowns to add some depth, shadow, and detail.
Buildings shall have an emphasized entrance doorway to visually connect the building to the street frontage and an interconnected sidewalk and walking/bicycle path system to allow residents access to the street and Greenway Trail along the creek frontage.
Industrial artifacts, such as stacks, towers, skylights, window frames, loading doors, and docks, should be retained or reproduced and incorporated into the design, whenever possible. Railings, balconies, entrance canopies, lighting fixtures, and other functional details should use industrial styles, metal materials, and darker colors.
Windows shall be divided into smaller panes to break up large areas of glass. Individual panes shall be greater in height than width, but the Planning Board may allow exceptions for transom lights, storefronts, and other specialty windows. Tinted or mirrored glass and large glass wall areas shall not be permitted.
Commercial buildings shall have at least 70% glass on the first-floor facades. Residential floors shall have at least a 30% glass-to-wall ratio.
For finish building materials, traditional brick is recommended with secondary elements of cement-based stucco, stone, smooth-finished fiber-cement siding, metal, or other material deemed acceptable by the Planning Board. Vinyl, aluminum or sheet metal siding or sheet trim, exposed concrete blocks or concrete walls, plywood or other similar prefabricated panels, unpainted or unstained lumber, synthetic stone or brick, synthetic stucco, exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS), or direct-applied finish system (DAFS), and chain link, plastic, or vinyl fencing shall not be permitted.
Greenhouses, solar collectors, mechanical systems, and other rooftop accessory structures may project up to 15 feet above the maximum height, if set back at least 15 feet from the edge of a flat roof.
Off-street parking, mechanical equipment, and refuse containers shall be located toward the rear or side of the site, under the ground floor of buildings, and/or screened from public views by approved landscaping or architectural elements. Window or projecting air conditioners shall not be permitted.
Every site should include at least one pedestrian-oriented gathering place, green, landscaped plaza, courtyard, terrace, or outdoor eating area, using the building forms to frame, overlook, or complement the space.
[3]
Editor's Note: Said figures are on file in the City offices.
Energy efficiency. The plan for the Fishkill Creek development project shall be designed and arranged in such a way as to promote energy efficiency to the maximum extent practicable for all buildings, such as taking advantage of passive solar and solar panel opportunities.
Landscaping, screening and buffering. A comprehensive landscaping plan, including proposed streetscape and rooftop elements, shall be submitted for the project.
Sidewalks, open spaces, parking areas and service areas shall be landscaped and/or paved in a manner which will harmonize with proposed buildings. Materials for paving, walls, fences, curbs, benches, etc., shall be attractive, durable, easily maintained and compatible with the exterior materials of adjacent buildings.
The Planning Board may require street trees, buffer landscaping, fencing or screening to separate land uses and to screen parking lots or structures, utility buildings, refuse collection areas, cooling systems and other similar installations and features.
All plants, trees and shrubs shall be installed in accordance with a planting schedule provided by the developer and approved by the Planning Board. Landscape materials selected shall emphasize native species, not include invasive species, and shall be appropriate to the growing conditions of the environment and this climatic zone.
Green roofs and rooftop terraces and gardens are encouraged for visual and environmental reasons.
Lighting. A comprehensive lighting plan with photometric measurements and fixture specifications shall be submitted for the project. Streets, drives, walks and other outdoor areas shall be properly lighted to promote safety and encourage pedestrian use.
[Amended 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020]
Signage.
All signs shall be planned and designed in accordance with an overall comprehensive signage plan, which shall be subject to Planning Board review and approval as part of site plan review process.
All signs shall be of a size and scale as determined appropriate by the Planning Board to accomplish their intended purpose.
Vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian circulation system and traffic access. The rights-of-way and pavement widths for all internal streets, drives, walks or other accessways for vehicles, bicycles and/or pedestrians shall be determined on the basis of sound current planning and engineering standards, which shall accommodate projected demand but minimize impervious surface to the maximum extent practicable and be narrow enough to slow traffic speeds. Commercial uses should be pedestrian oriented and assist in building walkable streets and a connection to downtown Beacon.
Public access for greenway trails.
While a Fishkill Creek development will require certain private elements for the security and benefit of its residents and property owners, a Fishkill Creek development shall provide public pedestrian access in a manner which enhances existing public access opportunities, and coordinates such public access with existing or anticipated opportunities for public access on adjacent lands to facilitate future linkages in a continuous pedestrian path system.
In order to foster the purposes of this article, in order to implement the policies expressed in the City's Comprehensive Plan and the Fishkill Creek Greenway and Heritage Trail Master Plan, including the creation of greenway trails, and in order to increase public pedestrian access to and the potential for enjoyment of Fishkill Creek, each FCD project shall show a dry-land right-of-way or easement for the enjoyment of the public, which easement shall be not less than 20 feet in width traversing the entire length of the site unless configured otherwise by the Planning Board during the site development plan review process. To the maximum extent practicable, said right-of-way or easement shall be integrated so as to create linkages with existing and anticipated public pedestrian and bicycle trail systems on adjacent lands.
The trail within said right-of-way or easement shall be constructed by the project developer and shall be maintained by the property owner. Said trail may be located in the Fishkill Creek buffer.
Off-street parking and loading.
General parking requirements.
Off-street parking and loading areas shall be designed with careful regard to their relation to the uses served. They shall be coordinated with the public street system serving the project in order to avoid conflicts with through traffic or obstruction to pedestrian walks.
Parking and loading facilities not enclosed in structures shall be suitably landscaped and/or screened as determined appropriate by the Planning Board. Off-street parking shall be located toward the rear or side of the site, under the ground floor of buildings, and/or screened from public views by approved landscaping or architectural elements.
The construction of any proposed parking structures to accommodate the PCD project shall be integrated into the development.
Utilities and services.
Underground lines. All on-site television, power and communication lines, as well as all on-site water, sewer and storm drainage lines, shall be installed underground in the manner prescribed by the regulations of the government agency or utility company having jurisdiction. Any utility equipment to be necessarily located above ground shall be adequately screened from view in an attractive manner.
Approval of appropriate jurisdictions. All buildings within Fishkill Creek development projects shall be served by water supply, sanitary sewage and stormwater drainage systems as approved by the appropriate government agency or agencies having jurisdiction thereof. Stormwater drainage shall minimize siltation and nonpoint source discharge of salted areas and any other pollutants. Best management practices shall be required.
Television hookups. Television hookups shall either be by cable television or a central antenna system designed to minimize adverse aesthetic impact and shall not be by multiple individual satellite dishes.
Refuse collection. The Fishkill Creek development project shall provide an adequate means of storing refuse between collections, and shall comply with all applicable City requirements, including recycling requirements. Such storage systems shall be designed to minimize adverse aesthetic impact.
Cooling systems. Cooling systems shall be designed so as to minimize adverse aesthetic impact.
Placement of utilities. Where possible, all utilities shall be placed within the right-of-way.
Utility deficiencies. The FCD project shall address all known utility deficiencies which have a relationship to the project, the project's impact upon said utilities, and the project's implementation and/or financing of its fair share of the mitigation of said impact and deficiencies, including the dedication of utility easements to the City.
Floodplain. The Fishkill Creek development project shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 123, Flood Damage Prevention, of the City Code. All habitable stories shall be elevated above the one-hundred-year floodplain elevation.
Historic preservation. Every reasonable effort shall be made to preserve and/or incorporate significant historic structures and artifacts as part of the FCD project.
Fishkill Creek vegetative buffer.
A protective creekside buffer measured from the top of the creek bank shall be observed. "Top of the creek bank" shall mean the highest elevation of land which confines Fishkill Creek.
The protective creekside buffer dimension in § 223-41.14I of this chapter is a minimum and may be increased if necessary to mitigate the impact of the proposed development.
[Amended 10-23-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
With respect to development near the creekside buffer, the site plan shall address the following requirements:
Site development shall be filled to the topography and soil so as to create the least potential for vegetation loss and site disturbance.
Vegetation removal shall be limited to that amount necessary for the development of the site. Protection of tree crowns and root zones shall be required for all trees planned for retention.
Vegetation indigenous to the site or plant community shall be restored in areas affected by construction activities. Temporary vegetation, sufficient to stabilize the soil, may be required on all disturbed areas as needed to prevent soil erosion. New planting shall be given sufficient water, fertilizer and protection to ensure reestablishment.
All approved measures to mitigate the loss or impact to riparian habitat shall become conditions of approval of the project.
The creekside buffer shall be protected by a conservation easement and/or covenants and restrictions which provide for the preservation of existing and proposed vegetation within said buffer.
§ 223-41.14 Bulk regulations.
[Amended 2-20-2018 by L.L. No. 3-2018; 5-22-2018 by L.L. No. 9-2018; 9-16-2024 by L.L. No. 9-2024]
Minimum size of FCD site: two acres. Notwithstanding the above, the owner of less than two acres of land may apply for approval of a FCD project, where such land is adjacent to a proposed, approved or constructed FCD project.
Development potential. Maximum number of dwelling units per acre of lot area, after deducting on all development proposals involving a total lot area of more than three acres any lot area with existing, predevelopment very steep slopes of 25% or more as defined in § 223-63, covered by surface water, within a federal regulatory floodway, or within a state or federally regulated wetland: 11. Additionally, a minimum of 25% of the total development's floor area shall be permitted nonresidential uses other than dwelling units or artist live/work spaces, which must be built out before or concurrently with the residential development of the site. For good cause shown, the City Council may, upon imposition of such conditions as it deems appropriate, allow certificates of occupancy to be issued for dwelling units or artist live/work spaces prior to the nonresidential component being completed. Less nonresidential square footage may be granted by the City Council for the voluntary and guaranteed inclusion in the project of desirable environmental, transportation, or other substantial public benefits which would not otherwise be required of the project, as determined at the sole discretion of the City Council as part of the concept plan approval.
Maximum dwelling unit size: 2,000 square feet of gross floor area.
Maximum building coverage, including parking structures: 35%.
Minimum open space: 30%.
Maximum building height: three stories and 40 feet, as determined from the average grade level of the side of the building facing the primary street view. A corner or centrally located elevator or stair tower projecting one story above the permitted building height may be approved by the City Council to add architectural interest and to encourage access to rooftop gardens.
Minimum building setback from edge of pavement of public and private streets: 12 feet.
Minimum frontage of overall FCD site on public street right-of-way: 50 feet.
Minimum setback from and buffer width along Fishkill Creek: an average of 50 feet, but not less than 25 feet at any point, except with respect to the existing building located at 555 South Avenue located in the Historic District and Landmark Overlay Zone, in which case the minimum setback and buffer requirement shall not apply.