Beacon City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IVE
Linkage District L
[Added 2-19-2013 by L.L. No. 3-2013]
§ 223-41.19 Purpose.
[Amended 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020]
The purpose of this Article IVE is to increase the vitality, attractiveness and marketability of the part of the City of Beacon lying between Main Street and the Metro North Train Station (the "Linkage District") by providing more residential development along with flexibility of land use, while enhancing urban form as recommended in the City of Beacon Comprehensive Plan adopted on December 17, 2007, and the Comprehensive Plan update adopted on April 3, 2017. This article is intended to encourage residential development to help support Main Street businesses and to create a vibrant, economically successful, walkable, and environmentally sustainable connection between Beacon's Central Main Street District and the train station and riverfront. It is intended to implement the general intent of the plan entitled "Connecting Beacon's Main Street with the Hudson River and Railroad Station," dated March 6, 2007 (hereinafter the "Linkage Plan"), prepared by the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development and contained in the Appendix of the Comprehensive Plan (see Figure 21-21).[1] This article is also intended to provide a simplified and streamlined review process that facilitates redevelopment in accordance with its provisions and the intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 223-41.21L.
§ 223-41.20 Applicability and boundaries.
[Amended 7-21-2014 by L.L. No. 11-2014; 4-3-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
The provisions of this article apply to the area shown as the Linkage District (L) on the City of Beacon Zoning Map. All new uses of land and structures shall comply with this article. Existing nonconforming uses may continue as provided in § 223-10, Nonconforming uses and structures, except as may be otherwise provided in this article. Conforming residential uses existing on the effective date of this article shall be bound by the zoning of the subject property immediately prior to the enactment of the Linkage District. Any existing conforming building that is destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent of more than 50% may be rebuilt on the same footprint and with the same dimensions and may be extended at the same height along its frontage. Any existing building that does not satisfy the minimum building height requirements in the district may continue and may be expanded at the same height, provided that it is in conformity with all other dimensional requirements in the district. In case of any conflict between this article and other provisions of this Zoning Chapter, this article shall control. In order to encourage mixed uses, more than one permitted use shall be allowed on any lot or parcel, subject to all approval criteria contained herein.
§ 223-41.21 Regulations.
[Amended 8-19-2013 by L.L. No. 14-2013; 7-21-2014 by L.L. No. 11-2014; 7-21-2014 by L.L. No. 11-2014; 4-3-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017; 1-16-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018; 10-15-2018 by L.L. No. 17-2018; 12-9-2019 by L.L. No. 12-2019; 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020; 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 6-2020[1]; 2-16-2021 by L.L. No. 02-2021; 8-5-2024 by L.L. No. 5-2024; 5-5-2025 by L.L. No. 4-2025]
Uses by right. Uses listed below in this Subsection A are permitted by right subject to site plan review, except as otherwise noted in this § 223-41.21. Site plan review shall not be required for a change of use in an existing building where the new use is allowed by right, the building will not be expanded, and the maximum number of off-street parking spaces for the new use in § 223-41.21F(2) is not more than 25% greater than the maximum standard for the existing use in § 223-26D herein. The following uses are allowed by right subject to a requirement that for any new construction of a principal building, an apartment use or attached, semidetached, or multifamily dwelling unit shall only be located on the upper stories or at least 50 feet behind the facade in the rear portion of the ground floor, if the building faces the north side of Beekman Street between Route 9D and West Main Street, faces the north side of West Main Street, or if the parcel is within 400 feet of the Route 9D-Beekman Street intersection, as identified on the Zoning Map:
Multifamily dwelling.
Attached or semidetached dwelling units.
Apartment building.
Inn.
Bed-and-breakfast establishment.
Artist studio, art gallery or exhibit space.
Hotel.
Park, plaza, green, preserve or community garden.
Retail, personal services business, bank, or restaurant, coffee house, bar, brew pub or other establishment that serves food, with or without alcoholic beverages, provided that:
The floor area of each such establishment is not greater than 5,000 square feet;
The parcel is within 400 feet of the Route 9D-Beekman Street intersection, located along the north side of Beekman Street between Route 9D and West Main Street, or located along the north side of West Main Street, as identified on the Zoning Map.
Office, trade school, training program, microbrewery or microdistillery, provided that:
The total floor area of each such establishment is no greater than 25,000 square feet;
The parcel is within 400 feet of the Route 9D-Beekman Street intersection, located along the north side of Beekman Street between Route 9D and West Main Street, or located along the north side of West Main Street, as identified on the Zoning Map.
Government facility, including buildings, structures and uses owned or operated by the City of Beacon or any department or agency thereof.
Day-care center.
Museum, theater, concert, or conference space.
College, university, private school, or nursery school.
Workshop.
Artist live/work space, provided that, if the use faces the north side of Beekman Street between Route 9D and West Main Street, faces the north side of West Main Street, or if the parcel is within 400 feet of the Route 9D-Beekman Street intersection, the residential space shall only be located on the upper stories or at least 50 feet behind the facade in the rear portion of the ground floor, unless the first 50 feet behind the facade is used for the retail sale of the artist's wares.
Spa, fitness center, or exercise studio.
Uses by special permit.
The following uses are allowed in existing buildings as permitted uses. For newly constructed buildings, the following uses are allowed by special permit from the Planning Board, upon a finding that the proposed use is consistent with the City of Beacon Comprehensive Plan, will enhance the architectural character of the street, and will contribute to creating a more urban, pedestrian-friendly quality in the L District, and that the conditions and standards in § 223-18B(1)(a) through (f) have been met:
Manufacturing use or food preparation business that may also sell goods made on the site for consumption off the premises, provided that:
The total manufacturing or food preparation business floor area of the building is no greater than 25,000 square feet;
The parcel is within 400 feet of the Route 9D-Beekman Street intersection, located along the north side of Beekman Street between Route 9D and West Main Street, or located along the north side of West Main Street, as identified on the Zoning Map; and
The Planning Board finds that there are no substantial detrimental effects on parking, traffic or on the character of surrounding neighborhoods or the community.
Historic District and Landmark Overlay use, subject to § 23-24.7.
In considering the appropriateness of the proposed use, the Planning Board shall consider impacts on shadows, traffic, and parking and may impose traffic and parking mitigation measures, including but not limited to provision of pedestrian walkways and stairways on-site.
Accessory uses. The following are permitted accessory uses in the L District:
Any accessory building or use customarily incident to a permitted use, except outside storage.
Off-street parking areas, in accordance with § 223-41.21F.
Exterior lighting, in accordance with the provisions of § 223-41.21K(12) and § 223-14B.
Parking structure.
Roof garden or solar collector, site plan review not required.
Greenhouse.
(Reserved)
Dimensional regulations. All new construction or enlargement of existing structures in the L District shall be subject to the following minimum and maximum dimensional regulations:
Front setback: minimum zero, maximum 20 feet, except that a larger maximum may be allowed if a) surrounding buildings have a larger setback, in which case the setback line may be placed in a location that harmonizes with the prevailing setbacks, provided that there is no parking in the front yard other than on a driveway accessing a rear garage; and b) the area in front of a building has no parking spaces and is landscaped and used in a manner that enhances the street life by such means as pocket parks, gardens, fountains, outdoor tables, public art, and outdoor display of items for sale on the premises. At least 30% of any such outdoor space shall be landscaped with plant materials in a configuration approved by the Planning Board.
Corner buildings: Corner buildings shall be treated as having frontage on both streets and front setbacks shall apply to both, as appropriate to the street.
Side setbacks: minimum of zero, maximum of 30 feet. The minimum side setback may be increased by the Planning Board to allow light and air to continue to penetrate an existing building that has side windows.
Rear setbacks: minimum 25 feet, except that if the rear yard is voluntarily dedicated to the City of Beacon as all or part of a public parking lot or parking structure, the minimum setback shall be 10 feet with landscaping to screen adjacent uses.
Building height: minimum two stories, average maximum four stories and 48 feet, as determined from the average street front level. Stories built below the grade of the street front shall not be counted toward building height. The second story of a two-story building shall be built in a manner that allows actual occupancy for one or more permitted uses and does not create the mere appearance of a second story. For any building over three stories, a stepback of at least 15 feet behind the facade shall be required above the third story. Chimneys, vent pipes, mechanical systems, elevator shafts, antennas, wireless communications facilities, roof gardens and fences, greenhouses, solar collectors, wind energy systems, and other rooftop accessory structures may project up to 15 feet above the maximum height. With the exception of roof gardens and solar collectors, such projections may occupy no more than 20% of the roof area and must be set back at least 15 feet from the front edge of the roof.
Lot area and lot width: There are no minimum lot area or lot width requirements.
Lot depth: Minimum lot depth is 75 feet, except that on any lot in which the area behind a building is voluntarily dedicated to the City as public parking, there shall be no minimum depth requirement.
Floor area ratio: There is no maximum floor area ratio.
Landscaped area: A minimum of 15% of the lot shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs, or grass, in locations approved by the Planning Board that enhance the streetscape or provide a landscaped interior courtyard and are found to be consistent with the intent of the L District. This requirement shall be reduced to 5% if the landscaped area is accessible to the public. These requirements may be waived for preexisting lots of 5,000 square feet or less.
Figure 21-0: Illustrative View of Proposed Linkage Zoning Requirements |
|---|
 |
Linkage Zone standards.
Figure 21-1: Linkage Zone Standards |
|---|
 |
Frontage types.
Storefront: a frontage type where the building facade is placed at or close to the right-of-way line, with the entrance at sidewalk grade. This building frontage type is conventional for retail use. It is characterized by a high percentage of glazing on the first floor, a prominent entrance, and often an awning. Recessed doors on storefronts are acceptable.
Figure 21-2: Illustrative View of Storefront Frontage Type | Figure 21-3: Section View of Storefront Frontage Type |
|---|---|
 |  |
Figure 21-4: Plan View of Storefront Frontage Type |
|---|
 |
Forecourt. A forecourt is a semi-public exterior space whose back and sides are surrounded by a building and whose front opens to a thoroughfare—forming a court. The court is suitable for gardens, gathering space, and outdoor dining.
Figure 21-5: Illustrative View of Forecourt Frontage Type | Figure 21-6: Section View of Forecourt Frontage Type |
|---|---|
 |  |
Figure 21-7: Plan View of Forecourt Frontage Type |
|---|
 |
Stoop. In this frontage type, the building facade is aligned close to the frontage line. The first story is usually elevated sufficiently to provide some privacy for occupants. A stoop (composed of an elevated pad and stairs) lands at the edge of the sidewalk or a short front walkway. A small porch or roof may cover the stoop. This frontage type is suitable for ground-floor residential uses with short setbacks.
Figure 21-8: Illustrative View of Stoop Frontage Type | Figure 21-9: Section View of Stoop Frontage Type |
|---|---|
 |  |
Figure 21-10: Plan View of Stoop Frontage Type |
|---|
 |
Porch. A frontage type where the building facade is set back from the frontage line. The porch (a covered, but not enclosed, space) sits between the facade and the frontage line. The porch provides a transition from the public realm to the private realm. Porches are typically elevated above the surrounding grade. A porch should have a clear space that is a minimum of six feet deep and 10 feet wide.
Figure 21-11: Illustrative View of Porch Frontage Type | Figure 21-12: Section View of Porch Frontage Type |
|---|---|
 |  |
See Figure 21-17 for key to letters |
Figure 21-13: Plan View of Porch Frontage Type |
|---|
 |
Lightwell: a frontage type where the facade is set back from the frontage line. The ground floor of the building is elevated to allow light to enter the basement, which is typically occupied. Stairs lead up to the ground floor and down to a below-grade entrance and/or sunken court. The stairs typically land at the frontage line.
Figure 21-14: Illustrative View of Lightwell Frontage Type | Figure 21-15: Section View of Lightwell Frontage Type |
|---|---|
 |  |
See Figure 21-17 for key to letters |
Figure 21-16: Plan View of Lightwell Frontage Type |
|---|
 |
Parking location and quantity.
All off-street parking shall be located behind, underneath, or to the side of a building. If on the side, it shall be located at least 40 feet from any property line that fronts on a street and be screened by a low brick or stone wall, hedge, ornamental fence, and/or other landscaping that maintains the continuity of the street and that screens parked cars from view from the street.
The quantity of required on-site parking in Subsection F(2) above may be modified by the Planning Board, in its discretion, based upon information submitted by the applicant or otherwise made available to the Planning Board in the public record, demonstrating one or more of the following:
That the projected operational characteristics of the proposed use and/or its proximity within walking distance of the train station and other services justify a reduction in the required amount of parking.
That adequate shared parking, contractually obligated for the duration of the proposed use, is available within 500 feet of the site and in the L District.
That the applicant has provided sufficient bicycle parking to reduce anticipated vehicular travel demand, as supported by a professional parking study.
That there is sufficient public parking available within 800 feet of the site and in the L District to meet foreseeable parking needs of the proposed use and surrounding uses for the duration of the proposed use.
That the applicant will voluntarily dedicate land for public parking on site or will acquire land by purchase or long-term lease (for the duration of the proposed use) within 800 feet of the site and in the L District and voluntarily dedicate such land to the City for public parking.
That a professional parking study of the proposed use and the surrounding area demonstrates that a different amount of parking would be appropriate for the use in its particular location and/or that existing and/or proposed off-site parking is sufficient.
For small preexisting lots where the provision of on-site parking is infeasible, the Planning Board may waive up to 50% of the parking requirements, provided that the total floor area of the building is no greater than 3,000 square feet. The Planning Board may grant additional parking waivers, at its discretion, subject to an in-lieu payment of $10,000 per parking space.
Streetscape improvements.
On West Main Street, Beekman Street, and Wolcott Avenue, within the building transition zone, the Planning Board may require the lot owner to provide planters, trees, shrubs, or other landscaping to enhance the appearance of the streetscape. Ornamental fencing four feet or less in height may be provided to separate privately owned space from public space. Chain link, vinyl, and solid fencing shall be prohibited. For commercial uses, display areas, and outdoor dining and seating areas may be provided.
A pedestrian clearway, at least five feet wide, with unobstructed space for pedestrian activity, shall be provided along the sidewalk, unless site conditions require a narrower clearway. A pedestrian clearway of eight feet shall be provided along storefront frontages.
Within the street transition zone, if space permits, lot owners may plant trees and place benches, tables, and outdoor seating areas with the approval of the Department of Public Works. The Planning Board may require the planting of street trees on average 30 feet to 40 feet apart as a condition of site plan approval. To the extent practical, an applicant shall, in cooperation with the City of Beacon Department of Public Works, implement the recommendations in the Linkage Plan street sections for Beekman Street and Wolcott Avenue.
The Planning Board may require that an applicant constructing a building greater than 10,000 square feet in floor area pay for the provision of related street improvements to improve pedestrian and/or bicycle safety.
Figure 21-17: Parts of the Streetscape |
|---|
 |
Site plan and special permit amendments. For any proposed change to an approved site plan, the applicant shall meet with the Building Inspector who shall make a determination as to whether or not the proposed change is significant. If the Building Inspector determines that the change is significant (e.g., a change of use and/or a change in dimensions of more than 10% shall be presumed to be significant), the application shall be referred to the Planning Board for an amendment to the site plan or special permit, as appropriate. If the Building Inspector determines that the change is not significant and otherwise complies with applicable requirements, the Building Inspector is authorized to issue a building permit without further review.
Compliance with below market rate housing requirements. All applications involving residential development shall comply with Article IVB of this chapter (Affordable-Workforce Housing).
Design standards.
Because of the design standards in this section, the architectural review provisions of Chapter 86 shall not apply within the L District. In addition to the preceding sections of this article, all new buildings or substantial alterations of existing buildings shall comply with the following design requirements. These design standards are intended to promote the following purposes:
Preserve and enhance the unique character of the City of Beacon;
Promote pedestrian access and activity, as well as a general sense of area security;
Restore and maintain the role of streets as civic and social spaces, framed by active uses;
Encourage economic development and a convenient mix of uses and services; and
Support a sense of design context that appropriately relates historic buildings, general facade and window patterns, and traditional streetscapes in the area to new redevelopment efforts, while still allowing contemporary architectural flexibility.
Standards using the verb "shall" are required; "should" is used when the standard is to be applied unless the Planning Board finds a strong justification for an alternative solution in an unusual and specific circumstance; and "may" means that the "standard" is an optional guideline that is encouraged but not required.
Buildings should have a top-floor cornice feature and first-floor architectural articulation, such as a storefront with a secondary cornice or an architecturally emphasized entrance doorway, to accent the central body of the building.
Architectural features and windows should be continued on all sides of the building that are clearly visible from a street or public parking area, avoiding any blank walls, except in cases of existing walls or potential common property walls. Larger buildings shall incorporate significant breaks in the facades and rooflines at intervals of no more than 35 feet.
Building elements that provide additional architectural interest, such as bay windows, and cornices, but not including balconies or porches, may encroach up to two feet beyond the front line if the bottom of the encroaching building elements is at least 12 feet above grade.
Metal, glass or canvas-type awnings and canopies or projecting signs are encouraged and may encroach up to six feet into the front setback and over the sidewalk above seven feet. Vinyl awnings are discouraged unless the applicant can demonstrate to the Planning Board's satisfaction that the finish and design of such awning are of high quality, aesthetically pleasing and meet the intended standards of the district, as determined by said Board.
Buildings shall have a front entrance door facing the primary street and connected to the sidewalk. Front entrance doors for commercial buildings and retail storefronts shall be active and provide main access during business hours.
Primary individual window proportions shall be greater in height than in width. Mirrored, reflective, or tinted glass, all-glass walls, and exterior roll-down security gates shall not be permitted. Any shutters shall match the size of the window opening, appear functional, and be attached to the window frame.
Commercial buildings shall have at least 70% glass on the first-floor facades, located between two feet and 10 feet above the sidewalk. Residential buildings shall have at least 30% glass on the first-floor facades.
Finish building materials should be wood, brick, traditional cement-based stucco, stone or fiber-cement siding 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, or synthetic stucco, exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS), or direct-applied finish system (DAFS), and chain link fencing shall not be permitted.
Materials and colors should complement historic buildings on the block.
Lighting fixtures shall be a maximum of 15 feet in height, except pole lights in rear parking lots shall be a maximum of 20 feet high. All exterior lighting shall comply with the standards in §223-14B.
Mechanical equipment and refuse containers shall be concealed from public view by approved architectural elements and shall be located to the rear of the site. Window or projecting air conditioners shall not be permitted on the front facade.
The Planning Board may waive setback requirements for landmark civic buildings, including government buildings, schools, libraries, or places of worship, and for pedestrian-oriented places, such as public greens or plazas and outdoor eating areas.
Figure 21-18: Design Standards Examples A [Amended 6-15-2020 by L.L. No. 7-2020] |
|---|
 |
Figure 21-19: Design Standards Examples B  |
Figure 21-20: Design Standards Examples C |
|---|
 |
Linkage plan. This sketch plan provides one possible set of design solutions, which was included in the 2007 Comprehensive Plan Appendix as an illustration of planning principles for the Linkage District.
Figure 21-21: Connecting Beacon's Main Street with the Hudson River and Railroad Station |
|---|
 |
[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."