Beekman City Zoning Code
ARTICLE I
Intent and Purpose
§ 155-1 Intent.
This chapter is enacted pursuant to Article 16 of the New York State Town Law to establish comprehensive controls for the development of land in the Town of Beekman based on the goals of the Town Comprehensive Plan. It is the intent of this chapter to preserve the character and resources of the Town while safeguarding the rights of individuals. It is further the intent of this chapter, in accordance with § 155-2M hereof, to be construed consistently with the land use policies, principles and guides of "Greenway Connections: Greenway Compact Program and Guides for Dutchess County Communities."
§ 155-2 Purpose.
Such regulations are made in accordance with the Town Comprehensive Plan and are designed to:
A.
Guide future growth and development of the Town in accordance with the Town Comprehensive Plan that represents the most beneficial and convenient relationships among the residential, commercial, industrial and public areas within the Town, considering the suitability of each area for such uses, as indicated by existing conditions, trends in population and having regard for the use of land, natural resources, building development and economic activity, considering such conditions and trends both within and adjacent to the Town.
B.
Provide adequate light, air and privacy; to secure safety from fire, flood and other danger; and to prevent overcrowding of the land and undue congestion of population.
C.
Protect and conserve the historic character, the environment and the social and economic stability and value of all parts of the Town and to encourage the orderly and beneficial development of all parts of the Town.
D.
Promote the most beneficial circulation of traffic throughout the Town to avoid congestion in the streets and to provide for safe and convenient traffic movement to and among the various uses of land and buildings throughout the Town, with particular regard to traffic-calming and pedestrian safety.
E.
Ensure that development takes place in an amount commensurate with the availability and present and future capacity of natural resources, public facilities and services.
F.
Provide adequately for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, conservation and recreation areas and other public requirements.
G.
Protect streams and ponds from pollution, avoid hazardous conditions and excessive damage from stormwater runoff and flooding, safeguard the water table and encourage the wise use and sound management of the natural resources throughout the Town.
H.
Provide a variety of permanent housing types and environments in order to afford the maximum opportunity for people to find a housing and living style suitable to their needs and desires.
I.
Ensure future preservation of open space and recreation lands as an integral part of future development and to conserve the natural resources of the Town.
J.
Preserve the natural beauty, the topography and the historic resources of the Town and ensure appropriate development with regard to its natural and cultural features.
K.
Provide a guide for public policy and action on the efficient provisions of public facilities and services and for private enterprises in building development, investment and other economic activity relating to uses of land and building throughout the Town.
L.
Bring about the gradual conformity of the uses of land and buildings throughout the Town to the Town Comprehensive Plan set forth in this chapter and to minimize the conflicts among the uses of land and building.
M.
To the extent possible, be construed to fulfill the purposes of and to be consistent with the statement of land use policies, principles and guides entitled "Greenway Connections: Greenway Compact Program and Guides for Dutchess County Communities," as amended from time to time, and adopted by the Town of Beekman by Local Law No. 5 of the Year 2000. In its discretionary actions under this chapter, the reviewing agency shall be guided by said statement of policies, principles and guides.