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Brighton City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 207

Supplementary Regulations

§ 207-1 Clear vision areas.

[Amended 6-11-2003 by L.L. No. 8-2003]
A. 
On corner lots:
(1) 
No temporary or permanent fences, walls or other structures exceeding 30 inches in height measured from the curb, or street grade if no curb is present, shall be erected or maintained within the triangle formed by the street lines of such lots and a line drawn between points along such street lines 20 feet distant from their point of intersection; and
(2) 
No plantings, trees, shrubs or hedges exceeding 30 inches in height measured from the curb, or street grade if no curb is present, shall be established or maintained within the triangle formed by the street lines of such lots and a line drawn between points along such street lines at such distance from their point of intersection as required to provide an unobstructed view of the street for a reasonable distance as determined under Subsection C below. In no case shall the points along the street lines exceed 20 feet. Trees exceeding 30 inches in height may be located in these clear vision areas, provided that all branches and foliage are removed to a height of six feet above grade.
(3) 
To provide adequate visibility at street intersections, the parking of motor vehicles in the triangle formed by the street lines of such lots and a line drawn between points along such street lines 20 feet distant from their point of intersection shall be prohibited. However, where determined by the Commissioner of Public Works or designee based upon factors which include, but are not limited to, the speed of traffic on the intersecting street(s), the volume of traffic on the intersecting street(s), the volume of pedestrian traffic on the intersecting street(s), the presence/absence of sidewalks, changes in topography, or whether a traffic control device(s) is present, parking of motor vehicles may be allowed.
[Amended 11-14-2007 by L.L. No. 12-2007]
B. 
To provide adequate visibility of vehicles and pedestrians at driveway/street intersections, the Commissioner of Public Works or his designee may direct, on any lot, the trimming or modification of any plants, trees, shrubs, hedges and flowers on private or public property that are over 30 inches in height measured from the curb, or street grade if no curb is present, and that are located within triangles formed on each side of a driveway by using the street line and the edges of the driveway as legs. The length of the legs from the intersection of the street line and driveway edges shall be determined by the Commissioner of Public Works or designee based on on-site inspection and the guidelines found in Subsection C below. However, in no case shall the length of a leg exceed 20 feet. Trees exceeding 30 inches in height may be located in these clear vision areas, provided that all branches and foliage are removed to a height of six feet above grade. Any person who shall refuse or neglect to comply with the written directive of the Commissioner of Public Works or his designee within 14 days of receipt shall be in violation of this section and subject to Chapter 225, Article IV of these regulations.
C. 
The Commissioner of Public Works or his designee shall determine the reasonable distance required for adequate visibility from the viewpoint of an operator of a full-sized motor vehicle and based upon factors which include, but are not limited to, the speed of traffic on the intersecting street(s), the volume of traffic on the intersecting street(s), the volume of pedestrian traffic on the intersecting street(s), the presence/absence of sidewalks, changes in topography, or whether a traffic control device(s) is present.

§ 207-2 Fences and walls.

[Amended 9-9-1998 by L.L. No. 3-1998; 7-14-1999 by L.L. No. 4-1999; 2-14-2001 by L.L. No. 3-2001; 6-26-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002; 6-11-2003 by L.L. No. 8-2003]
Fences and walls are permitted as follows:
A. 
In any front yard, fences and walls, including all decorative features such as finials, shall not exceed three feet six inches in height above grade or the top of the curb, whichever is higher. Fences and walls shall be further restricted as required by § 207-1, Clear vision areas, of the Comprehensive Development Regulations.
B. 
In any side or rear yard, fences and walls, including all decorative features such as finials shall not exceed six feet six inches in height above grade.
C. 
On a corner lot, consistent with the clear-vision area requirements above.
D. 
No fence shall be constructed of barbed wire or be electrified unless said fence is on a farm, but in any place that a farm abuts a nonfarm residence or residences, barbed wire or electrified fences are prohibited.
E. 
If a fence has one decorative face, that decorative face shall be placed so that it faces toward the adjacent property.
F. 
The height restrictions in this section shall apply to all parts of a fence, including, but not limited to, any posts, gates and/or decorative features.
G. 
No fence or wall shall be permitted on, or about or around any single parcel of land that does not contain a principal structure. A fence may be permitted on, about or around multiple contiguous residential parcels provided that they are under one ownership, at least one parcel contains a principal structure, and said fence is continuous and includes a portion of the lot containing the principal structure. Fences may be permitted on, about or around any parcel or any multiple contiguous parcels when all of such parcels comprise a farm or part of a farm.
H. 
Fences and walls more than 18 inches above grade shall require a building permit, except that temporary fences, satisfying the provisions of Subsections C and D above, shall not require a permit.

§ 207-3 Height regulations.

A. 
Structures, such as chimneys, flues, towers, elevator and stair bulkheads, roof water tanks, cooling towers, enclosed mechanical equipment, penthouses and spires, shall be exempt from height limitations, provided that, in the aggregate, they occupy no more than 20% of the roof area.
B. 
Flagpoles located on buildings shall not extend more than 20 feet above the roof or ridge of such buildings and, whether on buildings or freestanding, shall be so located and of such limited height that if they were to fall, they would fall entirely within property lines.
C. 
With the exception of those devices included in Chapter 207, Article VIII, Wireless Communication Structures and Devices, which shall be governed by that section, radio and television antennas, masts, aerials, horns, parabolic reflectors or similar communication devices located on buildings or other structures shall extend not more than six feet above the roof or ridge of such buildings and shall not, as measured in plane view area, occupy more than 10% of the roof area.
[Amended 7-23-1997 by L.L. No. 5-1997]
D. 
With the exception of those devices included in Chapter 207, Article VIII, Wireless Communication Structures and Devices, which shall be governed by that section, radio, television, CB or satellite dish antennas or similar communication devices shall be permitted within the rear yard, provided that they are ground-mounted, less than six feet in height above grade, screened from the view of adjacent property owners and shall require a building permit.
[Amended 7-23-1997 by L.L. No. 5-1997]

§ 207-4 Harboring or possessing animals.

[Amended 1-14-2015 by L.L. No. 1-2015]
A. 
The following animals shall be allowed only on a parcel or contiguous parcels of land in common ownership, which in the aggregate contain(s) five or more acres, is residentially zoned, and is occupied by one and only one single-family detached dwelling.
(1) 
All members of the ovine (sheep), bovine (cows & cattle), camelidae (llamas, camels), caprine (goats), equine (horses and ponies), and swine (pigs and hogs) families, and any animals with hooves, either single or split;
(2) 
Emus, rheas, and ostriches; and
(3) 
Roosters and all other poultry.
B. 
A maximum of six chicken hens are allowed on any size lot occupied by a single-family detached dwelling and not meeting the requirements above, provided that any building/coop for sheltering the hens shall be located in the rear yard, shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any lot line, shall not exceed 35 square feet in total floor area, and shall not exceed seven feet in height from grade at its highest point. Any such building/coop shall also comply with the building coverage requirements of § 207-6, Accessory buildings. Roosters are not permitted by this Subsection B.
C. 
General rules and regulations.
(1) 
All animals of every description and all animal quarters shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be adequately ventilated.
(2) 
No person or persons shall maintain, harbor, keep or possess any animal of any description in such a manner as to create offensive odors or unsanitary conditions, which odors or conditions are a menace to the health, comfort or safety of the general public or of the surrounding neighborhood.
(3) 
No person shall keep, harbor, maintain or possess any animal of any description in such a manner as to cause a disturbance of the peace or to in any way interfere with the quiet use and possession by any person or persons of his or her property.
(4) 
Animals shall be kept as pets and for personal use only.
D. 
Compliance required. All persons owning, keeping, harboring or maintaining any animal in a manner not permitted by the terms of this section shall have 30 days from the effective date of this section to effect full compliance herewith.

§ 207-5 Temporary structures.

The following temporary structures shall be deemed to be permitted uses in all districts:
A. 
Temporary structures or uses incidental to construction work for the use of project contractors, engineers or architects, provided that such structure shall be removed within 30 days of completion or abandonment of the construction work.
B. 
The temporary use of a dwelling as a model home for a period of time not to exceed one year.

§ 207-6 Accessory buildings.

[Amended 5-22-1996 by L.L. No. 2-1996; 6-26-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002]
A. 
Residential districts.
[Amended 9-24-2003 by L.L. No. 16-2003]
(1) 
Such buildings shall not exceed 16 feet in height.
(2) 
Such buildings shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any lot line.
(3) 
All such buildings, in the aggregate, shall not occupy more than 30% of the area of the rear yard.
(4) 
All other Town regulations pertaining to accessory buildings shall apply.
B. 
Nonresidential districts.
(1) 
Such buildings shall be located in a rear yard or a required rear yard only.
(2) 
Such buildings 500 square feet or less in size shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any lot line and shall not exceed 16 feet in height.
(3) 
Such buildings greater than 500 square feet shall require Planning Board and Architectural Review Board review and shall be subject to all bulk regulations of the district in which they are located.
(4) 
All such buildings, in the aggregate, shall not occupy more than 30% of the area of the rear yard and shall be included in calculating maximum lot coverage.

§ 207-6.1 Outdoor furnaces.

[Added 4-25-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
Outdoor furnaces shall not be permitted in any yard.

§ 207-6.2 Clothing collection/drop boxes.

[Added 11-25-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
On lots occupied by nonresidential uses only, one clothing drop/collection structure shall be permitted per lot, provided that it is located in the rear yard and a minimum of five feet from any lot line, is no greater than 10 feet in height, and is no greater than 130 square feet in area.

§ 207-6.3 Residential handicap access ramps.

[Added 8-24-2016 by L.L. No. 5-2016]
Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in the Town Code, the following shall apply to handicap ramps on lots occupied by residential uses only:
A. 
Such temporary or permanent handicap access ramps are permitted in any yard, provided that they are a minimum of 10 feet from any front lot line and a minimum of five feet from any side or rear yard lot line;
B. 
Such temporary or permanent handicap access ramps shall require a building permit but shall not require Architectural Review Board approval.

§ 207-7 Yards.

[Amended 9-24-2003 by L.L. No. 16-2003]
A. 
Corner lots. On a corner lot, front yards are required on all street frontages, and one yard, other than the front yard, shall be deemed to be a rear yard and the other, or others, side yards. Permitted accessory uses may be located on a side yard of a corner lot, provided that the accessory use/structure does not extend any closer to the street than the front face of the principal structure on the adjacent lot and shall be subject to all other requirements of these regulations.
B. 
Yards bordering Routes 390, 490, 590 and 441 shall not be deemed front yards and will not be subject to front yard requirements.

§ 207-8 Through lots.

[Amended 9-24-2003 by L.L. No. 16-2003]
On a through lot, front yards are required on all streets. The area between the rear of the principal building and the required front setback from the corresponding street shall be considered rear yard area.

§ 207-9 Lot widths.

[Amended 5-26-2004 by L.L. No. 10-2004]
Any other requirements notwithstanding, no lot width shall be less than 30 feet, measured along the street line, except as may be otherwise provided in these regulations.

§ 207-10 Exceptions to yard requirements.

[Amended 6-25-1997 by L.L. No. 4-1997; 9-9-1998 by L.L. No. 3-1998; 6-26-2002ayb by L.L. No. 4-2002; 9-14-2005 by L.L. No. 10-2005]
A. 
Features of principal buildings.
(1) 
Cornices, eaves, cantilevered roofs, awnings, gas fireplace box/vent projections and chimneys may project not more than two feet into a required yard. Belt courses, windowsills and other ornamental features may project no more than six inches into a required yard.
[Amended 9-27-2012 by L.L. No. 9-2014]
(2) 
Window wells, including those providing emergency access to basement areas, may project not more than four feet into a required yard, provided that they are not closer than four feet to any lot line nor greater than 10 feet in length along the building.
(3) 
Entries and porticos. A roofed-over but completely unenclosed projection in the nature of any entry or portico, not more than eight feet wide and extending not more than six feet out from the front wall of the building, shall be exempt from front-yard requirements when the building otherwise complies with all other restrictions of these regulations.
(4) 
Patio decks shall be permitted. Decks less than 18 inches above grade, measured to include any railing or other, attachments, shall be a minimum of four feet from any lot line and shall not require a building, permit. Decks 18 inches or more above grade shall not extend into a required yard and shall require a building permit.
[Amended 11-14-2007 by L.L. No. 12-2007]
(5) 
Steps that provide access to a deck or building are permitted in a required yard, provided that they are less than 18 inches in height from grade as measured at the tread, that they are a minimum of four feet from any lot line, and that they are completely unenclosed and unroofed.
B. 
Existing setback. No proposed one- or two-family dwelling need have a setback greater than the average setback of the existing dwellings located within 200 feet on each side of either end of the front wall of the proposed dwelling.
C. 
Front yards on narrow streets. On streets with less than a fifty-foot right-of-way, the front yard setback shall be measured from the center line of the existing right-of-way, and 20 feet shall be added to the front-yard setback.
D. 
Structures permitted in yards.
(1) 
The placing of ornamental fountains not to exceed six feet in height above grade and gatehouses and other structures for security or traffic-control purposes of a nonhabitable type, not to exceed 10 feet in height above grade, may be permitted in any yard upon approval of the Planning Board and the Architectural Review Board. Flagpoles may be located in any yard without a permit, subject to height and sign regulations elsewhere in this chapter.
(2) 
One basketball backboard may be mounted on a principal or accessory structure, provided that it does not extend more than two feet into any front or side yard area; or one temporary or permanent freestanding basketball backboard may be erected, provided that:
(a) 
If it is to be erected within 25 feet of the nearest outside wall of the principal structure on the property, it be erected a minimum distance of three feet from any lot line.
(b) 
If it is to be erected 25 or more feet from the nearest outside wall of the principal structure on the property, it be erected a minimum distance of 50 feet from any lot line.
(3) 
Tennis courts shall be permitted in the rear yard, subject to the issuance of a building permit and subject to applicable requirements regarding paved areas and fencing.
E. 
Parking and paved area.
(1) 
Paved area shall include asphalt, cement, gravel, paving stones and other similar surfaces.
(2) 
Front yard paved area: Paved area, other than a paved area located within a Town sidewalk easement or Town trail easement, shall not exceed 30% of the front yard area.
[Amended 8-24-2016 by L.L. No. 5-2016]
(3) 
Rear yard paved area: Paved area, other than a paved area located within a Town sidewalk easement or Town trail easement, shall not exceed 35% of the rear yard area.
[Amended 8-24-2016 by L.L. No. 5-2016]
(4) 
Front yard parking. Parking in the front yard shall be limited to paved areas.
(5) 
Paved areas shall not project within 15 feet of a street line nor within four feet of any lot line, with the exception that approved driveways may be located within four feet of a lot line, provided that both the driveway and the lot line are located within an approved access easement.
(6) 
Driveways and paved areas shall conform to Chapter 166 (Streets and Sidewalks),[1] § 205-28 (Driveways), § 207-16 (Access regulations) and any other relevant sections of the Code of the Town of Brighton.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ch. 166 is included in Vol. I of the Town Code.

§ 207-11 Swimming pool and hot tub regulations.

A swimming pool or hot tub shall not be located, constructed or maintained on any lot or land area, except in conformity with the following requirements:
A. 
Such pool or hot tub shall be located in a rear yard only.
B. 
The entire portion of the premises upon which such pool or hot tub is located shall be entirely enclosed with an impassable fence of not less than four feet in height above grade. Such fence shall have a maximum vertical clearance to grade of two inches. Every gate or other opening in the fence enclosing such pool or hot tub shall be self-closing and self-latching and shall be capable of being locked. This shall apply to all swimming pools and hot tubs except those specifically exempted in this section.
[Amended 6-25-1997 by L.L. No. 4-1997]
C. 
Any swimming pool or hot tub with no part of its sidewall height less than four feet above grade and so constructed by the manufacturer and/or erected that the vertical sides are smooth, sheer and do not provide any means for intermediate foot- or handholds shall be exempt from the full provisions of the above fence requirement. However, any ladder or steps providing access to the pool or hot tub must be surrounded by an impassable fence of not less than four feet in height. Any gate or other opening in such fences shall be self-closing and self-latching and shall be capable of being locked.
[Amended 6-25-1997 by L.L. No. 4-1997]
D. 
The body of such pool or hot tub and any associated freestanding decking that is 18 inches above grade or higher shall not be less than 10 feet from the side and rear lot lines. Any associated decking less than 18 inches above grade shall not be less than four feet from lot lines.
[Amended 6-26-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002]
E. 
Such pool and/or hot tub, including any associated freestanding decking that is 18 inches above grade or higher, shall not occupy more than 25% of the rear yard area, after excluding all private garages or other accessory buildings or structures.
[Amended 6-26-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002]
F. 
Such pool or hot tub shall be chemically treated in a manner sufficient to maintain the bacterial standards established by the provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code relating to public swimming pools.
G. 
No lighting or spot lighting shall be permitted which will project light rays beyond the lot lines of the lot on which said pool is located.
H. 
No permit shall be issued for such pool or hot tub unless the applicant can show that the proposed drainage for such pool and/or hot tub is adequate and will not interfere with the public water supply system, existing sewage or stormwater drainage facilities, the property of others or public highways.
I. 
Hot tubs with an approved safety cover shall be exempt from the enclosure requirements above.
[Added 11-14-2007 by L.L. No. 12-2007]
J. 
Swimming pool mechanicals shall be a minimum of 10 feet from any lot line or enclosed in an approved accessory structure.
[Added 11-14-2007 by L.L. No. 12-2007]

§ 207-12 Dogs.

[Amended 4-13-2005 by L.L. No. 4-2005; 1-14-2015 by L.L. No. 1-2015]
Not more than three dogs shall be permitted per dwelling unit. However, the offspring of any resident female dog shall not be counted, provided that said offspring are less than four months of age.

§ 207-13 Waiver of yards.

No side yard or rear yard shall be required where such yard abuts an operating railroad right-of-way.

§ 207-13.1 Exceptions to yard requirements: features of principal buildings.

[Added 9-27-2012 by L.L. No. 9-2014]
Cornices, eaves, cantilevered roofs, awnings, gas fireplace box/vent projections and chimneys may project not more than two feet into a required yard. Belt courses, windowsills and other ornamental features may project no more than six inches into a required yard.

§ 207-14 Access.

Wherever feasible, access to lot having frontage on more than one street shall be from a nonresidential street.

§ 207-14.1 Waste container and grease/oil container standards.

[Added 2-25-1998]
A. 
Enclosures.
(1) 
Waste containers and grease/oil containers may be located in the same or separate enclosures, provided that all waste containers and grease/oil containers are completely enclosed in an approved enclosure.
(2) 
Enclosures for waste containers and grease/oil containers shall, at minimum, equal the height of the container and shall not exceed 10 feet.
[Amended 9-27-2012 by L.L. No. 9-2014]
(3) 
Solid waste and grease/oil containers shall be enclosed with durable building materials that completely screen the inside of the enclosure and are aesthetically acceptable, as determined by the Building Inspector or the Planning Board. Examples of acceptable materials include but are not limited to stockade fencing and wooden posts with lattice work. Chain link fencing with woven plastic strips is not an acceptable alternative.
(4) 
The Planning Board or the Building Inspector may modify the conditions of this § 207-14.1A based on site-specific constraints or conditions, provided that potential aesthetic and litter impacts on surrounding properties are controlled.
B. 
Solid waste containers.
(1) 
Materials and capacity.
(a) 
Waste containers shall be constructed of steel or other durable materials and shall be designed for commercial use.
(b) 
A sufficient number of containers are to be provided to hold, when covered, all of the garbage and refuse that accumulates between periods of pickup and removal.
(c) 
Waste containers shall be kept closed (tops on/down, doors shut) at all times except when accessed for the disposal of waste. Food wastes are to be bagged and sealed prior to placement in the waste container. All waste shall be contained within the waste container.
(2) 
Maintenance.
(a) 
The solid waste enclosure and all waste containers shall be maintained in a good state of repair. The waste container(s) and enclosure shall be kept clean and the waste enclosure and the surrounding area shall be cleared daily of all litter. Garbage and refuse containers stored outside the establishment and dumpsters, compactors, and compactor systems are to be easily cleanable metal or high-density plastic, provided with tight-fitting lids, doors or covers and kept covered when not in actual use. In containers designed with drains, drain plugs are to be in place at all times except during cleaning.
(b) 
Waste containers shall be kept in suitable condition to prevent leakage or the entrance of vermin and shall be replaced as necessary to maintain such suitable condition.
(c) 
The accessibility of the enclosure for trash collection purposes shall be maintained at all times. Access gates to the solid waste enclosure shall be kept closed except when in use. Solid waste enclosures shall not be used for any purpose other than for storing solid waste containers and grease oil recycling containers for collection.
(3) 
Siting. In all districts, solid waste enclosures shall be located in the rear yard and should be either adjacent to the building they serve or a minimum of 30 feet from any residential lot line. The Planning Board or Building Inspector may modify siting requirements based on site-specific constraints or conditions, provided that potential aesthetic, litter and odor impacts on surrounding properties are controlled.
(4) 
Shared containers. On lots with multiple commercial uses, individual businesses are encouraged to make arrangements to share dumpsters when such sharing is practical.
C. 
Grease/oil recycling or disposal containers.
(1) 
Applicability. The Building Inspector, the Town Engineer or the Planning Board shall determine whether grease/oil recycling or disposal containers are required, based upon the amount of used grease or oil generated by the business and information provided by the applicant.
(2) 
Materials and construction. Containers used for outside storage of grease or oil for recycling or disposal shall be constructed of steel or material of similar durability, shall be of suitable design to present leakage, spillage or access by vermin and shall have lids which completely cover the container and/or access hole. The Planning Board or Building Inspector shall determine the suitability of proposed containers.
(3) 
Maintenance. Containers used for outside storage of grease or oil for recycling or disposal shall be maintained in a good state of repair. All openings in the containers shall be kept closed except for times when the container is accessed for disposal or pickup. Any containers damaged so as to permit leakage, spillage or so that they are accessible to vermin shall be immediately replaced. The container itself and the surrounding area shall be cleaned immediately following any spillage of grease so as to maintain a safe environment and prevent the attraction of animals. For larger spills or leaks, the Monroe County Health Department shall be contacted for clean-up assistance. The exterior of the container and the surrounding area shall be cleaned at least once per week.
(4) 
Siting. In all districts, grease/oil enclosures shall be located in the rear yard, adjacent to the building they serve. The Planning Board or Building Inspector may modify this siting requirement based on site-specific constraints or conditions, provided that potential impacts on surrounding properties are controlled.
(5) 
Sharing of containers.
(a) 
On lots with multiple commercial uses, individual businesses are encouraged to make arrangements to share grease/oil containers when such sharing is practical.
(b) 
In situations where transport of grease or oil is required to make use of shared containers, all grease or oil being stored prior to transport shall remain within the establishment.

§ 207-14.2 Supplemental restaurant regulations.

[Added 2-25-1998]
A. 
Control of off-site impacts.
(1) 
No restaurant use shall be located within 50 feet of a property line adjoining a residential district.
(2) 
Refuse and grease handling.
(a) 
Restaurants and other food uses shall comply with § 207-14.1, Waste container and grease/oil container standards.
(b) 
The Planning Board, Town Engineer or Building Inspector may require that a grease trap be installed to protect sanitary sewer lines within the Town.
(c) 
All refuse with the exception of materials for recycling shall be bagged in plastic bags and tied securely to prevent odors and vermin before leaving the primary structure to be placed in the waste container.
(3) 
Exhaust.
(a) 
Hoods, grease-removal devices and other kitchen appurtenances associated with exhausting cooking gases shall be cleaned to bare metal at frequent intervals prior to surfaces becoming heavily contaminated with grease or oily sludge. All hoods, exhaust fans and exhaust system ducts used for exhausting cooking odors and grease-laden air shall be cleaned at least every six months as part of a normal maintenance program by a contractor skilled and experienced in said work. A certificate showing date of cleaning shall be maintained on the premises and shall be provided to the Town on request.
(b) 
All exhaust vents shall be located on the roof of the primary structure and shall be screened from view from the street and from the second-story view from adjacent residential properties by means of a parapet wall or other suitable screening, as determined by the Planning Board or Architectural Review Board.
(4) 
Litter. Any use providing food capable of being immediately consumed which is served in disposable packaging shall have at least one aesthetically acceptable, on-site, outdoor, covered trash receptacle for patron use located near the primary entrance and shall require employees to patrol the site each business day to ensure such packaging is properly disposed of in an enclosed container.
B. 
Regulations applicable to restaurants with drive-through facilities.
(1) 
A minimum of one aesthetically acceptable outdoor trash receptacle shall be provided on site adjacent to each driveway exit. At least one additional aesthetically acceptable, on-site, outdoor trash receptacle shall be provided for every 10 required parking spaces.
(2) 
Employees shall collect on-site and off-site litter, including food wrappers, containers and packaging from restaurant products generated by customers within a radius of 300 feet of the primary entrance at least once per business day. The consent of neighboring property owners shall be obtained prior to collection upon their property.
(3) 
All other regulations for drive-through establishments contained in § 207-14.3, Drive-through standards, shall be adhered to.
C. 
Landscaping, buffering and screening. All restaurant uses shall be appropriately landscaped, buffered and screened according to the requirements and guidelines of Chapter 207, Article V, and Appendix Part 1 of these regulations and subject to the approval of the Planning Board.

§ 207-14.3 Drive-through standards.

[Added 2-25-1998]
A. 
The regulations of this section are intended to allow for drive-through facilities by reducing the negative impacts they may create. Of special concern are noise from idling cars and voice amplification equipment, lighting, and queued traffic interfering with on-site and off-site traffic and pedestrian flow. The specific purposes of this chapter are to:
(1) 
Reduce noise, lighting and visual impacts on abutting uses, particularly residential uses;
(2) 
Promote safer and more efficient on-site vehicular and pedestrian circulation; and
(3) 
Reduce conflicts between queued vehicles and traffic on adjacent streets.
B. 
When these regulations apply.
(1) 
The regulations of this section apply to all uses that have drive-through facilities.
(2) 
Site development. The regulations of this section apply only to the portions of the site development that comprise the drive-through facility. The regulations apply to new developments, the addition of drive-through facilities to existing developments and the relocation of an existing drive-through facility.
C. 
Parts of a drive-through facility. A drive-through facility is composed of two parts: the stacking lanes and the service area. The stacking lanes are the spaces occupied by vehicles queuing for the service to be provided. The service area is where the service occurs. In uses with service windows, the service area starts at the service window. In uses where the service occurs indoors, the service area is the area within the building where the service occurs. For other development, such as gas pumps, air compressors and vacuum cleaning stations, the service area is the area where the vehicles are parked during the service.
D. 
Location, setbacks, size and landscaping. All drive-through facilities must meet the requirements stated below:
[Amended 7-26-2000 by L.L. No. 6-2000]
(1) 
Drive-through service areas shall not be located in the front yard.
(2) 
Abutting a residential zone. Service areas and stacking lanes must be set back at least 30 feet from all lot lines which abut a residential zone and shall be screened as determined necessary by the Planning Board.
(3) 
Abutting a nonresidential zone. Service areas and stacking lanes must be set back at least 10 feet from all lot lines which abut nonresidential zones and shall be screened as determined necessary by the Planning Board.
(4) 
Abutting a street. Stacking lanes must be set back 10 feet from all street lot lines and shall be screened as determined necessary by the Planning Board.
(5) 
Drive-through and stacking lanes shall be a minimum of 12 feet wide.
E. 
Vehicular access. All driveway entrances, including stacking lane entrances, must be at least 50 feet from an intersection. The distance is measured along the property line from the junction of the two street lot lines to the nearest edge of the entrance.
F. 
Stacking lane standards. These regulations ensure that there is adequate on-site maneuvering and circulation areas, ensure that stacking vehicles do not impede traffic on abutting streets and that stacking lanes will not have nuisance impacts on abutting residential lands.
(1) 
Restaurants. A minimum of 120 feet of stacking lane is required for each restaurant drive-through service area.
(2) 
Other drive-through facilities.
(a) 
Located in primary facilities. A minimum of 80 feet of stacking lane for each service area is required for all other drive-throughs located in primary facilities. Stacking lanes do not have to be linear. Stacking lane area is in addition to other required parking and circulation areas.
(b) 
Located in accessory facilities. A stacking lane is not required for drive-throughs located in accessory facilities where vehicles do not routinely stack up while waiting for the service. The determination of the need for stacking lanes for accessory facilities shall be made by the Building Inspector or the Planning Board.
(3) 
Stacking lane design and layout. Stacking lanes must be designed so that they do not interfere with parking and vehicle circulation.
(4) 
Stacking lane identification. All stacking lanes must be clearly identified, through the use of means such as striping, landscaping and signs.
G. 
Noise.
(1) 
Any drive-through speaker system shall emit no more than 50 decibels measured at four feet from the speaker and shall not be audible above daytime ambient noise levels beyond the property boundaries. The system shall be designed to compensate for ambient noise levels in the immediate area and shall not be located within 30 feet of any residential district or any property used for residential uses.
(2) 
No noise-generating compressors or other such equipment shall be placed within 10 feet of a property line adjoining any residential district or any property used for residential uses. Noise-generating equipment shall be screened as necessary, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, the Planning Board or the Architectural Review Board, to prevent noise intrusion onto or visibility from adjacent residential properties and adjacent rights-of-way. At the property boundary, noise generated by such equipment shall not be loud enough to interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjacent residential property.

§ 207-14.4 Emergency standby generators.

[Added 11-25-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008; amended 5-13-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]
A. 
Emergency standby electrical power generators meeting all of the following conditions shall require only a building permit:
(1) 
The generator shall be located in a rear yard behind the principal building, not extending past the side of the building;
(2) 
The generator shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any lot line;
(3) 
The placement of the generator shall not interfere with the safe passage of pedestrians or vehicles;
(4) 
The generator shall be used only during electrical power outages and as required by the manufacturer for maintenance purposes;
(5) 
Maintenance operation of the generator shall take place only during daylight hours;
(6) 
The generator shall only operate on LP or natural gas; and
(7) 
Documentation of the noise level of the generator per manufacturer's specifications at seven meters (23 feet) from the unit shall be presented with the application for a building permit and shall not exceed 72 decibels.
B. 
Emergency standby generators not in compliance with the requirements set forth above shall require approval by the Planning Board prior to application for a building permit.

§ 207-15 Purpose and intent.

It is the purpose of this article to:
A. 
Implement design policy recommendations in the Town Master Plan.
B. 
Promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare.
C. 
Promote efficient traffic movement by preserving the traffic-carrying function of arterial and collector highways or other roads performing these functions.
D. 
Minimize potential accidents.
E. 
Minimize highway improvement costs.
F. 
Prevent adverse impacts from highway strip development.
G. 
Control the number of entrances and exits onto and from state, county and Town highways as land is developed.
H. 
When possible, reduce the number of existing entrances and exits.

§ 207-16 Access regulations.

In reviewing applications for new development, expansion of existing structures, conditional use permits, variances or any other application requiring a Town permit, the board having jurisdiction and/or authorized official shall be guided by the following criteria when considering access to and from any parcel:
A. 
General regulations.
(1) 
The term "access," as used in this article, shall mean an access point, curb cut, driveway, entrance/exit or any means of ingress or egress of vehicles from a street to a parcel.
(2) 
All plans for structures to be erected, altered, moved or reconstructed, and for the use of premises within each district, shall contain a plan for proposed access to the premises. No such plan shall be approved unless such access is onto a dedicated public highway or a highway within a subdivision which appears upon a subdivision map approved by the Planning Board.
(3) 
For county, state and Town highways, the design of access points must meet the design criteria and safety standards of the controlling jurisdiction or a design based on an agreement reached by coordination with the county or state as part of the project review/approval process. Requirements for access design standards are established for each jurisdiction as follows and as may be amended as necessary:
(a) 
For Town highways, refer to the Town of Brighton Minimum Specifications for Dedication.
(b) 
For county highways, refer to Highway Permit Requirements for Residential and Commercial Development Within the Public Right-of-Way.
(c) 
For state highways, refer to Policy and Standards for Entrances to State Highways.
(4) 
There shall be no more than one access point from any lot to any street, except that additional entrance and exit driveways may be provided where it is determined by the controlling jurisdiction that such are necessary to safeguard against hazards or to avoid traffic congestion on the street.
(5) 
Where a lot has frontage on two or more streets, access to the lot shall be provided to the street where there is less potential for traffic congestion and for hazards to traffic or pedestrians.
(6) 
On county and state highways, the use of frontage roads, reverse frontage or cross-access easements for multiple lot developments is encouraged.
(7) 
Permanent access for individual residential lots shall only be permitted onto arterial streets when access is not available to another collector or local highway or when indirect access (shared access, frontage road or cross-access easement) is not currently feasible. Temporary access to an arterial highway will be permitted if indirect access will be required in the future as adjacent parcels are developed.
(8) 
Where feasible, access points shall be aligned with existing or proposed access points on the opposite side of the street to promote safe traffic flow and, when deemed necessary, to allow for future signalization.
(9) 
Where appropriate along highways containing large parcels of vacant land, the Planning Board, in coordination with the controlling jurisdiction, may designate the location of curb cuts to ensure limited access for future development within the parcel.
(10) 
Driveway turnaround areas shall be required for all residential development (except where parking lots exist on site) so vehicles will not have to back out onto a highway. The turnaround areas shall be located at a point along the driveway which allows space for at least two vehicles to be parked between the garage and the turnaround area.
(11) 
When internal circulation for public transit is planned for major developments, access shall be designed to accommodate turning movements by buses.
(12) 
Setback requirements along county highways are to be measured starting from a point which is 40 feet from the highway center line. Where adjacent development exists, the setback of the proposed development may be that of the existing development as long as it does not encroach on the area that is 40 feet from the highway center line. Setback requirements along all other highways are to be measured from the existing highway right-of-way line or a proposed right-of-way line, if known, to ensure that adequate right-of-way will be available for any future widening of the highway.
(13) 
If a local highway is proposed by the Town for jurisdictional transfer to the county, adjacent development will be designed to include appropriate access controls where feasible.
B. 
Cross-access easements.
(1) 
Where deemed appropriate and feasible by the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals or authorized official, a cross-access easement shall be required to connect the parking areas between two or more adjacent lots. Cross-access easements shall be considered when reviewing proposals for new development, changes of use or any site modifications.
(2) 
As contiguous parcels are developed on an individual basis, cross-access easements shall be required. In the meantime, temporary access/curb cuts shall be permitted until the cross-access easement is activated. When the cross-access easement is in use, the temporary access permit will be revoked. Temporary access shall be granted for one year and may be renewed without fee if the cross-access agreement cannot be activated.
(3) 
Where appropriate along highways containing strip development, the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals or authorized official may identify existing curb cuts that are to be removed or replaced with cross-access easements prior to approving an application for a proposed development or a change of use.

§ 207-17 Waiver of regulations.

If none of the above regulations for access control can be reasonably applied to a particular parcel, then these regulations shall be waived, and the Planning Board shall grant appropriate access to the parcel according to the requirements of the controlling jurisdiction. The reasons for any waiver from these regulations shall be recorded and filed with each application receiving such a waiver.

§ 207-18 Purpose and intent.

It is the purpose and intent of these landscaping regulations to implement the goals and policies of the Town Master Plan by complementing the residential character of Brighton, by assuring an acceptable degree of transition to reduce potential adverse incompatibility between residential and nonresidential uses, to enhance the visual and aesthetic appearance of the community and to encourage a sense of open space by preserving the natural character of the community. The benefits of these regulation may result in lesser amount of impervious surfaces on the site and, through landscape design, retaining on site a portion of the excess runoff.

§ 207-19 Standards.

A. 
Trees. All trees shall be plant species having an average crown spread of greater than 15 feet and having trunks which can be maintained in a clean condition, free of branches from grade to five feet above grade. Trees having an average mature spread of less than 15 feet may be substituted by grouping the same so as to create the equivalent of a fifteen-foot crown. Tree species shall be a minimum of seven feet of overall height immediately after planting and a minimum caliper of three inches measured at four feet above grade.
B. 
Shrubs and hedges. Shrubs shall be a minimum of two feet in height when measured immediately after planting. Hedges, when measured, shall be planted and maintained so as to form a continuous unbroken, solid visual screen within two year after time of planting.
C. 
Vines. Vines shall be a minimum of 30 inches in height immediately after planting and shall be used in conjunction with fences, screens or walls to meet or to minimize the appearance of physical barrier requirements.
D. 
Ground cover. Ground cover, in lieu of grass, in whole or in part, shall be planted or arranged in such a manner as to present a finished appearance and reasonably complete coverage and shall be with a decorative mulch, such as pine or cypress bark or other material of similar nature. (In no instance shall stone or gravel be utilized for more than 20% of the ground cover area.)
E. 
Lawn grass. Grass areas shall be planted in species normally grown in permanent lawns in this area. Grass areas may be sodded, plugged, sprigged or seeded, except that solid sod or other appropriate materials shall be used in swales or other areas subject to erosion.
F. 
Screening. The landscaping standards in these regulations will depend on the function of the type of screen needed between uses. There shall be three types of screening to meet the requirements of these regulations: an opaque screen, a semiopaque screen and a broken screen.
(1) 
Type A: opaque screen. A screen is opaque if it is opaque from the ground to a height of at least six feet, with intermittent visual openings from the opaque portion to a height of at least 20 feet. An opaque screen is intended to exclude all visible contact between uses and to create a strong impression of spatial separation. The opaque screen may be composed of a wall, fence, landscaped earth berm, planted vegetation or existing vegetation. Compliance of planted vegetation or existing vegetation shall be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of the foliage of the plant material or field observation of existing vegetation. At maturity, the portion of intermittent visual openings should not contain any completely unobstructed openings more than 10 feet wide. See the Appendix, Part 1, for illustration of typical opaque screens.
(2) 
Type B: semiopaque screen. A screen is semiopaque if it is opaque from the ground to a height of three feet, with intermittent visual openings from above the opaque portion to a height of at least 20 feet. The semiopaque screen is intended to partially block visual contact between uses and create a strong impression of separation of spaces. The semiopaque screen may be composed of a wall, fence, landscaped earth berm, planted vegetation or existing vegetation. Compliance of planted vegetative screens or existing vegetation will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the plant material or field observation of existing vegetation. At maturity, the portion of intermittent visual openings shall not contain any completely unobstructed opening more than 10 feet wide. See the Appendix, Part 1, for illustration of typical semiopaque screens.
(3) 
Type C: broken screen. A screen is broken if it is composed of intermittent visual openings from the ground to a height of at least 20 feet. The broken screen is intended to create the impression of a separation of spaces without necessarily eliminating visual contact between the uses or spaces. The broken screen may be composed of a wall, fence, landscaped earth berm, planted vegetation or existing vegetation. Compliance of planted vegetative screens or existing vegetation shall be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the plant material or by field observation of existing vegetation. See the Appendix, Part 1, for illustration of typical broken screens.
G. 
See the Appendix, Part 1, for a list of recommended trees and shrubs. All plant materials selected for use must be consistent with the climate for this area. This determination shall be based on the map prepared by the U.S Department of Agriculture as a general guideline to temperature extremes in this area. Zone Nos. 5 and 6 represent the typical range for cold temperature in the Town of Brighton. There shall be a preference for native plant species over exotic plant species.
H. 
Screening requirements shall conform to Table of Uses found in the Appendix, Part 1. The Table of Uses is intended to give guidance for the types of screening necessary for adjacent uses. The landscape plan shall include screening requirements in addition to meeting the intent and purpose of the landscaping regulations.

§ 207-20 Applicability.

A. 
These landscaping regulations shall apply to all zoning districts. The nature of the landscaping and the landscaping plan shall be subject to approval by the Planning Board. These regulations shall apply to the following:
(1) 
Any new construction.
(2) 
Any change of use.
(3) 
Any redevelopment that increases the assessed value by more than 25% or more.
(4) 
Major expansions of parking lots of more than 20 parking spaces.
B. 
In addition to the screen requirements listed in § 207-19F of this article, all site plans should include landscaping plans which provides appropriate access to common open spaces, linkages and buffers. In all subdivisions, landscaping plans should also consider appropriate treatment at the entrances of these developments and along pedestrian trails in the immediate vicinity of the subdivision.

§ 207-21 Landscaping plan.

A. 
No building permit shall be issued unless a landscaping plan has been submitted and approved and certified as being in compliance with the requirements of these regulations.
B. 
All landscaping plans shall contain the following information:
(1) 
A title block with the name of the project, the name of the person preparing the plan, a scale, North arrow and date.
(2) 
All existing significant plant materials on the site.
(3) 
All existing significant plant materials to be removed or relocated. As a guide to determining significance, all plant materials of a caliper of six inches or greater measured at four feet above grade shall be included and the function of all existing plant materials shall be considered, such as providing a screen or buffer, providing a public face (e.g. a street tree), performing a water quality function (e.g., materials along streams or drainage swales) or providing soil stabilization on sloped areas of the site.
(4) 
All existing and proposed structures on the site.
(5) 
Topographical contours at two-foot intervals.
(6) 
Details of any berms, walls or other structural screening devices.
(7) 
A plant list including all plant materials to be used keyed to the plan, using both common and botanic names, the quantity of materials used, the size of plant or plants, the ultimate size of plant materials at maturity, the root treatment and the quality of the plant materials to be used. Quality shall be consistent with American Standards for Nursery Stock published by the American Association of Nurserymen, Inc., Washington, D.C.
(8) 
Landscape design, including location and spacing of each plant to be planted, shall be shown to scale, as well as methods to be used in welling, staking, guying, mulching and wrapping; ground cover to be used; and the screening of any utility boxes where they appear at or above ground level.
C. 
Unless otherwise approved by the Planning Board or the Building Inspector, the landscaping plan shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect who affixes his seal or registration number to the plan and signs it.
D. 
Alternative landscaping plans may be submitted, provided that they meet the purpose and intent of these regulations.
E. 
A performance bond or letter of credit.
(1) 
A performance bond or letter of credit in the amount of 125% of the cost of materials and installation shall be required for all landscaping to assure that all landscaping shall conform to an approved landscaping plan and that the landscaping survives in a healthy condition through the first full year. However, the Planning Board shall determine the amount of the performance bond or letter of credit for projects and shall consider the financial impacts of the one-hundred-twenty-five-percent performance bond standard on all projects it reviews. The performance bond or letter of credit shall be limited to one full year, beginning at the date of the landscape installation.
(2) 
In addition to the performance bond, provision must be made for the Building Inspector to enter the property to inspect the landscaping and, after notifying the owner of any deficiencies, shall have the right to recommend to the appropriate board that the performance bond be used topay for the replacement of any landscaping which does not comply with the approved landscaping plan. If the owner of the landscaping fails to replace dead, dying, diseased, stunned or infested plant materials, the Building Inspector may also recommend to the appropriate board that the performance bond be used to replace approved plant materials. The owner of the landscaping shall be required to perform all normal maintenance, including mowing, pruning, trimming, watering, fertilizing, mulching, pest control, weed control required of newly installed plant materials, including restaking and reguying disturbed trees and plants and restoring drainage saucers around plant materials. The performance bond shall be limited to a period of three years after the commencement of initial planting of all landscaping materials.

§ 207-22 Approval procedures.

All applicable requirements of these landscaping regulations shall be implemented through the site plan approval process, Chapter 217, Article III, and the Subdivision Regulations, Chapter 213. All landscaping plans shall be reviewed by the Conservation Board, prior to approval by the Planning Board. In all other cases, not involving site plan approval or subdivision approval, these landscaping requirements will be enforced by the Building Inspector, prior to granting a certificate of compliance, certificate of occupancy or a building permit.

§ 207-23 Exemptions.

Any Planned Unit Development or Institutional Planned Development district which have their own landscaping regulations are exempt from the requirements of these regulations. However, in no case shall the landscaping regulations for these special planned districts be less restrictive than the landscaping requirements of these regulations.

§ 207-24 Purpose and intent.

The primary function of signs is to identify in words the use of property. The purpose and intent of these sign regulations are to permit adequate use identification while protecting the public health, safety and welfare; conserve property values; create a more attractive economic climate; enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community; reduce visual clutter and distractions to motorists which may contribute to traffic accidents; and reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way.

§ 207-25 Exceptions.

For the purposes of these regulations, the term "sign" does not include:
A. 
Signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function, including state or federal historic markers, or required by any law, ordinance or governmental regulation.
B. 
Repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of a conforming sign or a conforming sign structure, unless a structural change is made.
C. 
Memorial tablets or signs, and locally designated historic markers not exceeding two square feet in area.
D. 
Flags, emblems or insignias of the United States, the State of New York, other countries and states, the United Nations or similar organizations of which this nation is a member.
E. 
Signs for the direction or convenience of the public, including signs which identify rest rooms or locations of public telephones or traffic control devices; however, the total area shall not exceed two square feet.

§ 207-26 General regulations.

Signs are important components of the streetscape. However, signs do more than communicate information. By the quality of their design, they can either contribute to or diminish the integrity of structures as a whole. They can serve as attractive accents, or they can clutter and detract from the street's character. The purpose of these general requirements is to promote the visual cohesiveness of the streetscape by encouraging signs to be harmonious with the architecture of each building.
A. 
All signs must be approved by the Planning Board and the Architectural Review Board, hereinafter referred to as "Board," excepting as may be otherwise provided for herein.
B. 
No sign shall be erected, altered, moved or used without first obtaining a building permit therefor, and signs shall be used only for a permitted use, conditional use or for a nonconforming use which may lawfully continue in accordance with the terms of these regulations.
C. 
In order to permit adequate identification, without having an adverse impact on safe traffic movements or on the visual appearance of the Town, no sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, balloons, searchlights and other similar moving, fluttering or revolving, flashing or animated devices, nor shall any of the aforesaid devices or strings of lights be used for the purpose of advertising, illumination or attracting attention.
D. 
Pictorial designs, logos and trademarks shall be permitted, provided that they are incorporated in and made a part of a permitted sign face, and the area thereof is included in calculating the total permitted sign face area allowed under these regulations. The maximum size of a pictorial design, logo or trademark shall be no greater than 25% of the total area of the permitted sign face.
E. 
No application for approval of signs or for a sign permitted shall be processed unless the occupant for whom such sign is intended and the owner of the premises shall join therein.
F. 
No sign shall project across or over a property line or lease line, and the applicant must furnish proof of compliance therewith.
G. 
Business identification signs proposed for businesses in multitenant plazas and multitenant buildings shall require review by the Senior Planner or such other individual as shall be designated by the Commissioner of Public Works. Such signs shall not require board review, provided that a sign plan for the plaza has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate review board(s) and filed with the Building and Planning Department. The sign shall comply with all requirements of the filed sign plan and all requirements of these regulations.
[Added 7-14-1999 by L.L. No. 4-1999; amended 7-26-2000 by L.L. No. 6-2000; 4-27-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]

§ 207-27 Nonconforming signs.

All nonconforming signs existing at the time of the adoption of this article or any prior ordinance or amendment thereto shall cease and desist at the time they are replaced or when there is:
A. 
A change in ownership.
B. 
A change of activity.
C. 
Failure to maintain signs as required by § 207-30B.
D. 
Destruction or damage of said sign to the extent of 51% of its replacement cost as of the time of the destruction or damage.
E. 
Creation of a hazard or disturbance to the health, safety and welfare of the general public as determined by the Building Inspector.

§ 207-28 Criteria for Planning Board and Architectural Review Board.

When reviewing and approving sign applications before them, the Boards shall be guided by the following:
A. 
Signs shall be a subordinated part of the structure's architecture.
B. 
Signs should be of regular shape (such as squares, rectangles, circles and ellipses).
C. 
Adjacent signs on the same or adjoining buildings shall be placed within the same horizontal band and be of harmonious materials and colors and the same style of lettering.
D. 
The number of different colors should be appropriate for the surrounding land uses. For example, in residential districts the colors should be limited to two, and in office, commercial and industrial districts, the maximum number of colors should not exceed four.

§ 207-29 Procedure to be followed in reviewing sign applications.

An application for site plan approval which includes signage must include a sign plan for the total signage on the site. All signage must be consistent with the approved site plan. Prior to site plan approval by the Planning Board, the Architectural Review Board shall review the signage to determine whether the proposed signage is consistent with the architectural style of the building and any predominant architectural style of the adjacent buildings or the general character of the immediate area. The Architectural Review Board shall make a finding and recommendation to the Planning Board. The Planning Board shall review the signage for size, illumination and any adverse impacts on surrounding land uses or traffic movements or overall visual impacts.

§ 207-30 Regulations for signs in all districts.

A. 
In all districts, all signs shall be coordinated with the architecture in such a manner that the overall appearance is harmonious in color, location, lettering, form and proportion. Signs shall preferably be of the same size, shape, color and aesthetic style.
B. 
Maintenance of all signs:
(1) 
All signs and all components thereof, including supports, braces and anchors, shall be kept in a good state of repair.
(2) 
If the message portions of a sign are removed or a business or other activity is no longer operating, it shall be the property owner's responsibility to assure that the abandoned sign is promptly removed or properly covered to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector.
C. 
Any sign attached to, painted on or otherwise affixed to a building must be placed parallel to the building face and may not extend beyond the sides of the building or above the roof ridge or solid parapet wall or protrude more than two feet from the face.

§ 207-31 Regulations for signs in residential districts.

For residential districts, signs shall be permitted as follows:
A. 
For a single-family residence:
(1) 
The following signs shall be permitted:
(a) 
A sign not exceeding two square feet in area and indicating only the name and street address of the occupant and a permitted home occupation. Such sign shall be attached to a principle building and shall not be illuminated. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit is required.
(b) 
One nonilluminated sign, not exceeding six square feet in area, advertising only the prospective sale or rental of the premises on which such sign is located. Any such sign shall not be closer than 10 feet to any lot line, shall be anchored to the ground, shall not project more than six feet above grade and shall be removed within 24 hours after the time of the sale or rental. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit is required.
(c) 
A political sign which shall be a nonilluminated sign which shall not exceed six square feet in area, shall not be closer than 10 feet from any lot line, shall be anchored to the ground and shall not project more than six feet in height above grade. Political signs may be erected not more than 90 days prior to the election to which they relate and shall be removed by the owner or occupant of the property not later than seven days thereafter. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit shall be required.
(d) 
A message sign, which shall be a nonilluminated sign which shall not exceed six square feet in area, shall not be any closer than 10 feet from any lot line, shall be anchored to the ground and shall not project more than six feet in height above grade. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit shall be required.
(e) 
A nonilluminated sign, per development, not exceeding 32 square feet in area in connection with the development or subdivision of real property, provided that such subdivision shall contain at least five subdivision lots. Such sign may identify the project, owner, developer, architect, engineer, contractors and funding source. Such sign shall not be closer than 20 feet to any lot line, shall be anchored to the ground and shall not project more than 10 feet in height above grade. Such sign shall be subject to the approval of the Building Inspector and require a building permit, which shall be valid for a period of not more than one year. All extensions thereof shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board and subject to the obtaining of a building permit. For subdivision which contains less than five lots, the sign permitted is the same as found in Section C(2) of this section.
(f) 
One nonilluminated sign on the premises, not exceeding six square feet in area, advertising a garage sale shall be no closer than 10 feet to any property line, shall be anchored to the ground and shall project no more than six feet in height above grade. Such signs shall be erected not more than 24 hours prior to the garage sale and shall be removed at the conclusion of the garage sale. Neither Board approval nor a building permit is required.
(g) 
Any temporary portable sign, not to exceed six square feet in area, identifying the name and services of a contractor involved in a home-improvement project within or upon the premises. Any such sign shall not be closer than 10 feet to any property line and not within the street right-of-way. The sign shall be removed after the completion the improvement project. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit is required.
(2) 
General regulations.
(a) 
Except as expressly provided by this article, no sign permitted hereunder shall be attached to any public utility pole, fence, tree or other vegetation or upon any public right-of-way.
(b) 
The owner or occupant of each lot hereby shall have the right to maintain any of the types of signs defined in Subsection A(1)(a) through (d) above, in any combination, provided that the total number of signs on each lot shall at no time exceed three in number.
B. 
For a church or other permitted institution, club, other than a single-family dwelling:
(1) 
One identification sign per lot not exceeding 16 square feet in area. If the sign is to be freestanding, such sign shall not be nearer than 10 feet to any lot line, shall be anchored to the ground, shall not project more than six feet in height above grade and shall not be illuminated except indirectly.
(2) 
All illumination of any sign permitted under this article shall cease at 10:00 p.m.
C. 
For townhouses or apartments. In addition to the signs permitted in residential districts, the following signs shall also be permitted:
(1) 
One sign for each building not exceeding two square feet in area and indicating only the address range and/or the number of the building. Such sign shall be attached to the building face or freestanding and shall not project more than six feet in height above the grade and shall not be illuminated except indirectly. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit is required.
(2) 
One identification sign not to exceed 16 square feet in area, indicating only the name and street address of the project, shall be permitted for each project. Such sign shall not be closer than 10 feet to any lot line, shall not project more than six feet in height above grade and shall not be illuminated except indirectly.

§ 207-32 Regulations for signs in office, commercial or industrial districts.

A. 
All applications for site plan approval involving signs shall include a plan for the total signage on the site and shall be consistent with the above-mentioned principles for all districts. The following signs shall be permitted:
(1) 
One sign not exceeding two square feet in area indicating only the street address of the property. To the maximum extent possible, the address sign should be a simple sign, on the building over the main entrance or, if it to be freestanding, perpendicular to the road. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit is required.
(2) 
Two signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area, indicating only entrance and exit to the property. Such signs shall not project more than four feet in height above grade and shall be no closer than 10 feet to any lot line. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a permit is required. In the case where the street address sign is combined with entrance and exit signs, the signs shall not exceed six square feet in area.
(3) 
One nonilluminated sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in area, in connection with the development, subdivision, repair or renovation of a parcel of land in progress. Such sign shall not project more than eight feet in height above grade and shall be no closer than 10 feet to any lot line. Such sign may identify the project, owner, developer, architect, engineer, contractors and funding source, and shall be subject to approval of the Building Inspector and shall require a building permit which shall be valid for a period of not more than one year. All extensions thereof shall be subject to the approval of the Board and subject to obtaining of another building permit.
(4) 
One nonilluminated sign not exceeding six  square feet in area advertising only the prospective sale or rental of the premises on which the sign is located. Such sign shall be no closer than 10 feet to any lot line, shall not project more than six feet in height above grade and shall be removed within 24 hours after the time of sale or rental. Neither Board approval no the obtaining of a building permit is required. In the event that the principal frontage of any property under common ownership exceeds 100 linear feet, a larger sign for the same purpose may be approved by the Board, but limited to six additional square feet of sign area for each 100 linear feet of principal frontage of any property up to a maximum of 32 square feet. If approved, a building permit for such sign may be granted for a period up to but not to exceed one year with the right to apply for a renewal.
(5) 
Development/building directory signs indicating he name of the occupants of the building and the building number in order to direct persons to their proper destination once they are on site. These signs shall not be readable from the highway. Signs are to be single faced, carry no advertising and be no larger than 16 square feet in area, including the nameplates of all the tenants or uses, and shall project not more than six  feet in height above grade. The proposed sign's construction shall complement the architectural style and materials used in the construction of the building for which it will serve. The proposed sign shall be subject to Board review and shall require a building permit. In determining the design, location and hours of illumination, the Board shall be guided by other pertinent sections of these regulations.
(6) 
Places of worship shall be permitted one identification sign per lot not exceeding 16 square feet in area. If the sign is to be freestanding, such sign shall not be nearer than 10 feet to any lot line, shall be anchored to the ground, shall not project more than six feet in height above grade and shall not be illuminated except indirectly.
[Added 6-26-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002]
(7) 
A maximum of three political signs, which shall be nonilluminated, shall not exceed six square feet in area, shall not be closer than 10 feet to any lot line, shall be anchored to the ground and shall not project more than six feet in height above grade. Political signs may be erected not more than 90 days prior to the election to which they relate and shall be removed by the owner or occupant of the property not later than seven days thereafter. Neither Board approval nor the obtaining of a building permit shall be required.
[Added 11-25-2008 by L.L. No. 6-2008]
B. 
Business identification sign standards:
(1) 
No business identification sign shall be erected unless attached to the building face. A building on a corner lot with side walls approximately parallel to the street lines shall have one face which shall be the side containing the principal entrance. This face shall be the one on which the sign is to be located.
(2) 
The total area of a business identification sign affixed to the face of a building shall not exceed 10% of the first-floor area of the building face or 150 square feet, whichever is less. The vertical projection to be used in calculation of the first-floor building face area is 15 feet.
[Amended 7-14-1999 by L.L. No. 4-1999]
(3) 
Signs may not project in any part more than 20 feet above grade measured at the building face.
[Added 7-14-1999 by L.L. No. 4-1999[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance required the redesignation of former § 207-32B(3) as § 207-32B(4).
(4) 
Illumination of business identification signs:
(a) 
Lighting directed toward a building face sign shall be shielded so that it only illuminates the face of the sign.
(b) 
All illuminated signs shall be placed on automatic timing devices which will allow illumination to commence each day no sooner than 1/2 hour before the business is open to the public.  Termination of illumination will not exceed 1/2 hour after the close of business. All illuminated signs facing residential districts shall be turned off by 10:00 p.m.
C. 
Freestanding sign standards. One freestanding sign for shopping centers (with a major tenant of at least 150,000 square feet and additional uses totaling at least 300,000 square feet), office parks and industrial parks may be permitted. All freestanding signs must be approved by the Planning Board and the Architectural Review Board. The maximum size and height of a freestanding sign may be based on the standards set forth below. The following standards shall be used to determine the permitted size of freestanding signs:
[Amended 7-14-1999 by L.L. No. 4-1999; 9-24-2003 by L.L. No. 16-2003]
Area Surrounded by
Community Office or
Industrial Uses
Area Surrounded
by Residences,
Institutions
or Rural Areas
Type of
Highway
Speed
(mph)
Area
(square feet)
Height
(feet)
Area
(square feet)
Height
(feet)
2-lane
15-25
15
5
10
5
30-40
35
6
20
6
45-55
75
20
50
16
4-lane
15-25
20
6
15
6
30-40
50
18
35
11
45-55
120
22
80
18
6-lane
15-25
25
16
20
14
30-40
65
20
40
16
45-55
130
24
40
20
D. 
Temporary signs.
[Amended 7-14-1999 by L.L. No. 4-1999]
(1) 
Temporary nonilluminated window signs may be displayed inside windows, except in industrial districts. They shall be affixed flat against the window. The copy, including graphics, shall not exceed 50% of the total area of the window in which they are displayed. Neither Board approval nor obtaining a building permit shall be required.
(2) 
One temporary banner may be placed on the building face prior to the installation of the permanent business identification sign, provided that:
(a) 
The temporary banner is no larger than 10% of the building face or 45 square feet, whichever is less;
(b) 
The temporary banner display only the business name and logo (logo may be no greater than 25% of banner) and utilize no more than four colors:
(c) 
A permit, which shall be issued by the Building and Planning Department upon application for the permanent sign and in which the fee shall be set by the Town Board, is obtained; and
(d) 
The temporary banner is removed immediately upon installation of the permanent sign or within 90 days from the date of permit issuance, whichever is less.
E. 
Miscellaneous regulations:
[Amended 11-14-2007 by L.L. No. 12-2007]
(1) 
Except as otherwise permitted in these regulations, portable signs shall be prohibited because they can be hazardous to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic and can cause visual clutter and visual overload.
(2) 
Awning and canopy signs shall be subject to review and approval of the Planning Board after a review by the Architectural Review Board. The Architectural Review Board shall review all applications for awnings and canopies first to determine if the color, style and shape of the proposed awnings or canopies are consistent with the architectural style of the building. The Planning Board shall determine the amount and appropriateness of any sign or graphics. Any portion of the awning or canopy used as a sign will be debited from the ten-percent standard for determining the maximum size of business identification signs. Awnings or canopies shall be unilluminated. A building permit shall be required for all awning or canopy signs.
(3) 
Except as otherwise permitted in these regulations, no electronic-message or changeable-copy signs shall be permitted within the Town of Brighton.
(4) 
Except as expressly provided by these regulations, no sign, banner or any other attention-getting device shall be attached to any pole, fence, tree or other vegetation or upon any public walk or right-of-way.

§ 207-33 Title.

This article shall be known as the "Special Events Law" of the Town of Brighton and shall amend the Comprehensive Development Regulations of the Town.

§ 207-34 Legislative intent.

It is the purpose of this article to permit the Town Board, by resolution, to permit certain activities otherwise prohibited by the Comprehensive Development Regulations for certain periods in certain allowed zoning districts, as herein defined, in order to protect and promote the public welfare, which shall be deemed to include the facilitation of the efficient and adequate provision of services to the public and the assurance of adequate sites for commerce. Nothing herein is intended to permit activities which may violate or otherwise impinge upon the health, safety or welfare of residents of the Town of Brighton.

§ 207-35 Definitions.

[Amended 11-28-2018 by L.L. No. 9-2018]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PERIOD
During each calendar year, the term commencing on the Saturday following Thanksgiving Day through and including December 31 of the same year, or a different single term, not to exceed 14 calendar days during any year, as may be set by resolution of the Town Board.
TEMPORARY
Only permitted to exist, continue, be erected or be maintained during the period, and shall be promptly removed or discontinued at the end of the period, without further notice from the Town.

§ 207-36 Allowed zoning districts.

[Amended 6-26-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002; 11-28-2018 by L.L. No. 9-2018]
The regulations described herein shall only be suspended pursuant to this chapter within the BE-2, BE-3, BE-F, BF-1 and BF-2 Zoning Districts within the Town of Brighton created pursuant to § 201-7 of the Code of the Town of Brighton.

§ 207-37 Activities permitted.

[Amended 11-28-2018 by L.L. No. 9-2018]
Pursuant to this article, the following activities shall be deemed permitted in the allowed zoning districts without further reviews, approvals or permits:
A. 
The erection and maintenance of temporary signs containing or consisting of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or balloons; and/or larger than 10% of the first-floor area of the building face, but no more than 200 square feet and/or not coordinated with the architecture, provided that no temporary sign shall block the vision of drivers at driveways or intersections and that all other sign regulations (not referenced above) be adhered to. In particular, this language shall not be construed to permit A-frame signs.
B. 
The temporary outdoor display of goods, merchandise and food products as an accessory to an existing use, provided that the display does not impede travel on public roads or sidewalks, does not limit visibility for vehicles, is confined to the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., does not block fire lanes and does not eliminate parking spaces required by the Comprehensive Development Regulations.
C. 
The temporary provision of outdoor food service as an accessory to an existing food service establishment, provided that at least one additional, outdoor waste receptacle is provided close to the point of service, that no alcohol is served out-of-doors, that the hours of service are confined to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., that travel is not impeded on public roads or sidewalks, that visibility is not impeded for vehicles at intersections, that fire lanes are not blocked, that all applicable state and county health regulations are adhered to and that parking spaces (as required by the Comprehensive Development Regulations) are not eliminated.
D. 
The erection and maintenance of temporary, nonilluminated window signs covering up to 75% of the total area of the window in which they are displayed.

§ 207-38 (Reserved) [1]

[1]
Editor’s Note: Former § 207-38, Designation of period, was repealed 11-28-2018 by L.L. No. 9-2018.

§ 207-39 Public works report.

The Commissioner of Public Works shall, within 30 days of the conclusion of the period, report to the Town Board upon the complaints received regarding permitted activities during the period and upon the problems noted by his inspections.

§ 207-40 Severability.

It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Brighton Town Board that:
A. 
If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provisions of this article invalid, in whole or in part, the effect of such decision shall be limited to those provisions which are expressly stated in the decision to be invalid and all other provisions of this article shall continue to be separately and fully effective.
B. 
If a court of competent jurisdiction finds the application of any provision of this article to any building, other structure or tract of land to be invalid, in whole or in part, the effect of such decisions shall be limited to the person, property or situation involved in the controversy and the application of any such provision to any other person, property or situation shall not be affected.

§ 207-41 Purpose and intent.

A. 
The purpose of this article is to establish uniform standards for the siting, design, permitting, maintenance, and use of communications facilities in the Town of Brighton (referred to herein as the "Town"). While the Town recognizes the importance of communications facilities in providing high quality communications service to its residents, the Town also recognizes that it has an obligation to protect public safety and to minimize the adverse effects of such facilities through the standards set forth in the following provisions.
B. 
By enacting these provisions, the Town intends to:
(1) 
Accommodate the need for communications facilities while regulating their location and number so as to ensure the provision of necessary services;
(2) 
Provide for the managed development of communications facilities in a manner that enhances the benefits of wireless communication and accommodates the needs of both Town residents and wireless carriers in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations;
(3) 
Establish procedures for the design, siting, construction, installation, maintenance and removal of tower-based communications facilities, non-tower communications facilities, and small communications facilities in the Town, including facilities both inside and outside the public rights-of-way;
(4) 
Address new wireless technologies, including but not limited to, distributed antenna systems, data collection units, small communications facilities, cable wi-fi and other communications facilities;
(5) 
Minimize the adverse visual effects and the number of such communications facilities through proper design, siting, screening, material, color and finish and by requiring that competing providers of wireless communications services co-locate their commercial communications antennas and related facilities on existing towers;
(6) 
Promote the health, safety and welfare of the Town's residents.
C. 
This article is intended to comply fully with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.

§ 207-42 Communications facilities.

A. 
Building permits. Issuance of a building permit for communications facilities shall require compliance with all building code requirements as set forth in Chapter 73 of the Town Code. In addition, building permits issued for communications facilities shall require proof that the communications facility complies with regulations administered by the Federal Aviation Administration if the height of the communications facility exceeds the height of the underlying district.
(1) 
Notification by applicants for communications facilities.
(a) 
Prior to the grant of a building permit for a new tower-based communications facility, the communications facility applicant shall be required to provide all residents (whether they reside within the Town or a neighboring municipality), property owners and businesses, within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of the parcel, with a phone number and email address along with instructions for contacting applicant regarding concerns relating to interference with consumer electronics:
(b) 
The form of the notice shall be as approved by the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee.
(c) 
Prior to the grant of a building permit for a tower-based communications facility the communications facility applicant shall be required to provide the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee with a copy of the applicable FCC license.
B. 
Site plan approval. Site plan approval for communications facilities shall require review as set forth in Chapter 217, Article III, of the Comprehensive Development Regulations.
C. 
Approvals required for communications facilities. No communications facility shall hereafter be erected, moved, reconstructed, changed or altered without prior approval unless otherwise provided herein.
(1) 
Non-tower communications facilities.
(a) 
Non-tower communications facilities shall not require site plan approval, but shall require the issuance of a building permit. Additional approvals are required as follows:
[1] 
Non-tower communications facilities that are co-located on an existing tower-based communications facility, which require the erection of additional tower sections and the total tower height of which will exceed the height limit of the underlying zone by more than 20 feet will require a tower permit as set forth in this § 207-42.
[2] 
Non-tower communications facilities which extend more than 20 feet above the highest point of a building roof or other structure in an RHD-1, BE-1, BF-2, IG or TOP District or more than six feet in any other district will require a tower permit as set forth in this § 207-42.
[3] 
Non-tower communications facilities located on Town-designated historic structures shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 224 of the Town Code and shall require a tower permit as set forth in this § 207-42.
[4] 
Non-tower communications facilities shall be operated only at FCC-designated frequencies and power levels.
(b) 
All such non-tower communications facilities must be painted a light matte gray and shall not utilize any strobe or other warning lights, unless mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and shall be located on those building elevations which do not face public rights-of-way. Any support infrastructure shall be housed in the building on which the non-tower communications facility is located or in an approved addition. Such building addition shall be on those building elevations which do not face public rights-of-way.
(2) 
Tower-based communications facilities on Town-owned property or in a BE-1, BF-2, IG or TOP District shall require:
(a) 
Site plan review and a building permit if the tower-based communications facility is less than or equal to 20 feet above the height limit of the underlying zone and at least 500 feet distant from the closest residential zoning district line; or
(b) 
Site plan review, a building permit and a tower permit as set forth in this § 207-42, if the tower-based communications facility is higher than 20 feet above the height limit of the underlying zone or if the tower-based communications facility is less than 500 feet from the closest residential zoning district line.
(3) 
Tower-based communications facilities in a BE-L, BE-2, BE-3, BF-1 or PUD District shall require site plan review, a building permit and a tower permit as set forth in this § 207-42.
(4) 
Tower-based communications facilities in a residential district shall require site plan review, a building permit and a tower permit as set forth in this § 207-42. Additionally, applications for such new tower-based communications facilities in residential districts shall be treated as a Type I action for purposes of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
(5) 
Small communications facilities.
(a) 
Small communications facilities in the public rights-of-way that will be co-located on existing wireless support structures shall not require site plan approval, but shall require the issuance of a building permit.
(b) 
Small communications facilities in the public rights-of-way requiring the installation of a new wireless support structure, such as a utility pole, shall require site plan review and the issuance of a building permit.
(6) 
Prior to approval of an application for a small communications facility in the public rights-of-way, the communications facility applicant shall be required to enter into a right-of-way license agreement with the Town. Communications facilities that do not meet the definition of a "small communications facility" shall not be permitted in the public rights-of-way.
(7) 
Eligible facilities request. Communications facility applicants proposing a modification to an existing communications facility that does not substantially change the dimensions of the underlying structure shall be required only to obtain a building permit from the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee. In order to be considered for such permit, the communications facility applicant must submit a permit application to the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee in accordance with Chapter 73 of the Town Code.
(8) 
Non-tower communications facilities, tower-based communications facilities and small communications facilities may be repaired and maintained without restriction.
(9) 
Antennas used solely for video programming signal reception shall be subject to the requirements of § 207-43.
(10) 
Timing of approval.
(a) 
Eligible facilities requests.
[1] 
Within 60 days of the date on which an application for the modification or replacement of an existing communications facility is filed with the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee, the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall act on such application. The Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall advise the communications facility applicant in writing of its decision.
[2] 
Within 30 calendar days of the date that an application for the modification or replacement of an existing communications facility is filed with the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee, the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall notify the communications facility applicant in writing of any information that may be required to complete such application.
(b) 
Non-tower communications facilities.
[1] 
Within 90 days of the date on which an application for a non-tower communications facility is filed with the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee, the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall act on such application. The Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall advise the communications facility applicant in writing of its decision.
[2] 
Within 30 calendar days of the date that an application for a non-tower communications facility is filed with the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee, the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall notify the communications facility applicant in writing of any information that may be required to complete such application.
(c) 
Tower-based communications facilities.
[1] 
Within 150 days of receipt of an application for a new tower-based communications facility is filed with the Town Planning Board, the Town Planning Board shall act on such application. The Town Planning Board shall advise the communications facility applicant in writing of its decision.
[2] 
Within 30 calendar days of the date that an application for a tower-based communications facility is filed with the Town Planning Board, the Planning Board shall notify the communications facility applicant in writing of any information that may be required to complete such application.
(d) 
Small communications facilities.
[1] 
Within 60 days of receipt of an application for Co-location of a small communications facility on a preexisting wireless support structure, the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall make a final decision on whether to approve the application and shall notify the communications facility applicant in writing of such decision.
[2] 
Within 90 days of receipt of an application for a small communications facility requiring the installation of a new wireless support structure, the Town Planning Board shall make a final decision on whether to approve the application and shall notify the communications facility applicant in writing of such decision.
[3] 
Within 10 calendar days of the date that an application for a small communications facility is filed with the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee, the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee or Town Planning Board shall notify the communications facility applicant in writing of any information that may be required to complete such application.
D. 
Tower permit application materials.
(1) 
All communications facility applicants for a tower permit shall make written application to the Planning Board, which application shall include:
(a) 
A Town-supplied application form, to be used as a tower permit application form, and application fee. If multiple sites are to be reviewed by the Town during single-site selection by the communications facility applicant, the Town is entitled to charge an additional application fee for each site to be considered. The Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee is hereby authorized to develop and to approve this form, in compliance with these regulations.
(b) 
A environmental assessment form in the form required by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
(c) 
The required application fee.
(d) 
A site plan, in form and content acceptable to the Town, prepared to scale and in sufficient detail and accuracy, showing at a minimum:
[1] 
The exact location of the proposed tower, together with guy wires and guy anchors, if applicable.
[2] 
The maximum height of the proposed tower-based communications facility.
[3] 
A cross-section of the tower-based communications facility, showing the height above grade for a potential mounting position for the proposed and any possible co-located antennas.
[4] 
A detail of tower type (monopole, guyed, freestanding or other).
[5] 
The color or colors of the tower-based communications facility.
[6] 
The location, type and intensity of any lighting on the tower-based communications facility.
[7] 
The property's boundaries (a copy of a property survey must also be provided).
[8] 
Proof of the landowner's consent if the communications facility applicant will not own the property. (A redacted copy of a lease agreement must also be provided if the communications facility applicant will not own the property.)
[9] 
The location of all structures on the property and all structures on any adjacent property within 50 feet of property lines, together with the distance of these structures from the tower.
[10] 
The names of adjacent landowners.
[11] 
The location, nature and extent of any proposed fencing and landscaping or screening.
[12] 
The location and nature of proposed utility easements and access roads, if applicable.
[13] 
Building elevations of accessory structures or immediately adjacent buildings.
[14] 
A visual environmental assessment form (visual EAF), with particular attention given to the visibility of the facility from key viewpoints identified in the visual EAF, existing treelines and proposed elevations.
[15] 
A map of the owner's/communications facility applicant's existing communications facilities within the Town of Brighton and site areas proposed or projected for communications facilities within the next one year.
(e) 
The communications facility applicant must provide a report by a qualified professional engineer which explains to the Planning Board why it selected the proposed site, discusses the availability (or lack of availability) of a suitable structure within the search ring which would have allowed for a co-located antenna(s), discusses the extent to which the communications facility applicant explored locating the proposed tower in a more favorable use district or location as described in § 207-42E(1) and justifies the proposed tower height. Documentation may be required as follows:
[1] 
Structural capacity of alternative, existing or approved towers.
[2] 
Mechanical, frequency or electrical incompatibilities limiting the use of alternative towers.
[3] 
Cost of reinforcing or modifying alternative towers as necessary to provide for co-location.
[4] 
Offers to lease or purchase alternative sites on reasonable terms.
[5] 
Engineering reports on the suitability of alternative sites.
(f) 
Proof of the posting of the notice described in § 207-42F, if applicable.
(g) 
Town staff and/or the Planning Board, upon reviewing the application, may require reasonable additional visual and aesthetic information as it deems appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Such additional information may include, among other things, enhanced landscaping plans, line-of-sight drawings, a balloon test and/or visual simulations from viewpoints selected by the Town staff and/or advisory committees. The request for such additional information shall be made within 30 days after the receipt of an otherwise-complete application.
(h) 
A certified load-analysis report for the proposed structure, indicating its ability to support possible future, co-located facilities.
(i) 
Where the tower-based communications facility is located on a property that is not owned by the communications facility applicant, the communications facility applicant shall present documentation to Town Planning Board that the owner of the property has granted an easement or other property right, if necessary, for the proposed communications facility and that vehicular access will be provided to the facility.
(j) 
The Town Planning Board may require that a communications facility applicant reimburse the Town for the costs to conduct an independent professional review of the communications facility applicant's evidence.
(k) 
The Commissioner of Public Works may waive certain of these requirements for an application for good cause shown.
E. 
Tower permit standards. The following criteria will be considered by the Planning Board prior to the approval, approval with conditions or denial of a request for a tower permit. The criteria listed may be used as a basis to impose reasonable conditions on the communications facility applicant.
(1) 
Siting preferences.
(a) 
The Planning Board may express a preference that the proposed communications facility be located in a higher-intensity use district or on a higher-intensity use property, provided that there is a technologically feasible and commercially available location. A guideline for the Town's preference, from most favorable to least favorite districts/property, is as follows:
[1] 
Existing tower-based communications facilities suitable for co-location.
[2] 
Property with an existing wireless support structure suitable for co-location.
[3] 
Property owned by the Town of Brighton.
[4] 
Other government-owned property. On publicly owned property held by agencies other than the Town of Brighton, the Town reserves the right to be an interested or involved agency pursuant to SEQRA and such non-Town agency must notify the Town of Brighton of its intentions of locating a communications facility in the Town.
[5] 
IG, TOP, BE-1, RHD-1 or BF-2 Districts.
[6] 
BE-L, BE-2, BE-3, BE-F, BF-1 or PUD Districts.
[7] 
Churches, when camouflaged on steeples or bell towers.
[8] 
Residential districts, except RHD-1.
(b) 
Any request by the Town for information on a preferred alternate site shall not unreasonably delay the application.
(2) 
Aesthetics. Communications facilities shall be located and buffered to the maximum extent which is practical and technologically feasible to help ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses. In order to minimize any adverse aesthetic effect on neighboring residences to the extent possible, the Planning Board may impose reasonable conditions on the communications facility applicant, including the following:
(a) 
The Planning Board may require a preferred design for wireless support structures on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the tower height, location, the information obtained from the visual EAF, and the information obtained under § 207-42D(1).
(b) 
The Planning Board may require reasonable landscaping consisting of trees or shrubs to screen the base of the tower-based communications facility and/or screen the tower-based communications facility and any ground-mounted accessory equipment to the extent possible from adjacent residential property and public rights-of-way. Existing on-site trees and vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
(c) 
The Planning Board may require the communications facility applicant to show that it has made good faith efforts to minimize the height of the proposed tower-based communications facility, co-locate on existing tower-based communications facilities or other available and appropriate wireless support structures and/or to construct new tower-based communications facilities near existing tower-based communications facilities in an effort to consolidate visual disturbances. However, such request shall not unreasonably delay the application.
(d) 
Tower-based communications facilities shall be designed and sited so as to avoid, whenever possible, application of FAA lighting and painting requirements. Tower-based communications facilities shall not be artificially lighted except as required by the FAA. Wireless support structures for tower-based communications facilities shall be a galvanized finish or painted matte gray unless otherwise required by the FAA shall not consist of strobe lights, unless specifically mandated by the FAA.
(e) 
All tower-based communications facilities shall post a sign in a readily visible location identifying the name and phone number of a party to contact in the event of an Emergency. No other signs, displays, or advertising devices are permitted on any communications facilities, excepting those required by law.
(f) 
The communications facility applicant shall agree to consider co-location on the proposed tower-based communications facility with other, potential future communications facility applicants (including municipal users) under the following conditions:
[1] 
The new antennas and accessory equipment do not exceed structural loading requirements, interfere with tower space used or to be used by the communications facility applicant nor pose any technical or radio frequency interference with existing equipment;
[2] 
The party desiring to co-locate pays the communications facility applicant an appropriate and reasonable sum to co-locate and agrees to reasonable business terms; and
[3] 
The party desiring to co-locate has a similar policy of co-location for the communications facility applicant.
(g) 
The Planning Board may require the communications facility applicant to use camouflage technology on those proposed non-tower communications facility applications which require a tower permit.
(3) 
Additional requirements.
(a) 
Tower-based communications facilities shall be operated and maintained so as not to produce noise in excess of applicable noise standards under state law and Chapter 102 of the Town Code, except in emergency situations requiring the use of a backup generator, where such noise standards may be exceeded on a temporary basis only.
(b) 
The storage of unused equipment, materials or supplies is prohibited on any tower-based communications facility site.
F. 
Upon submission of an application for a tower permit and the scheduling of the public hearing upon the application, the communications facility applicant shall send via first-class mail a copy of the tower permit application and notice to:
(1) 
All owners of every property within 1,000 feet of the proposed facility, regardless of the municipality in which the property is located; and
(2) 
The communications facility applicant shall provide to the Planning Board an affidavit that this requirement has been fulfilled, and shall supply to the Planning Board a list of the names and addresses of those to whom the notice was mailed.
G. 
Small communications facility standards. The following criteria will be considered by the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee or Planning Board prior to the approval of an application for a small communications facility. The criteria listed may be used as a basis to impose reasonable conditions on the communications facility applicant.
(1) 
Small communications facilities shall be permitted to co-locate upon nonconforming tower-based communications facilities and other nonconforming wireless support structures. Co-location of communications facilities upon existing tower-based communications facilities is encouraged even if the tower-based communications facility is nonconforming as to use within a zoning district.
(2) 
Any small communications facilities shall be designed, constructed, operated, maintained, repaired, modified and removed in strict compliance with all current applicable technical, safety and safety-related codes, including but not limited to the Town noise ordinance as established by Chapter 102 of the Town Code, the Town property maintenance ordinance as established by Chapter 129 of the Town Code, the most recent editions of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Code, National Electrical Safety Code, National Electrical Code, or to the industry standard applicable to the structure. Any communications facility shall at all times be kept and maintained in good condition, order and repair by qualified maintenance and construction personnel, so that the same shall not endanger the life of any person or damage any property in the Town.
(3) 
No small communications facilities may be attached to or installed upon a decorative light pole owned by the Town, a building or structure that is listed on either the National or New York State Registers of Historic Places, or eligible to be so listed, or which has been designated as a historic structure under Chapter 224 of the Town Code, or is a property which has not been designated as a landmark but is included in the list of properties adopted by the Commission for which a cultural survey has been prepared for consideration of possible designation by the Commission.
(4) 
All small communications facilities shall be designed to withstand the effects of wind gusts and ice to the standard designed by the American National Standards Institute as prepared by the engineering departments of the Electronics Industry Association, and Telecommunications Industry Association (ANSI/TIA-222, as amended), or to the industry standard applicable to the structure.
(5) 
Small communications facilities shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations concerning aviation safety.
(6) 
Small communications facilities shall not interfere with public safety communications or the reception of broadband, television, radio or other communication services enjoyed by occupants of nearby properties and lawfully operating.
(7) 
A small communications facility shall, by itself and in conjunction with other communications facilities, comply with the standards and regulations of the FCC, including but not limited to, the FCC Office of Engineering Technology Bulletin 65 entitled "Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields," as amended.
(8) 
The Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee shall determine the time, place and manner of construction, maintenance, repair and/or removal of all small communications facilities in the ROW based on public safety, traffic management, physical burden on the ROW, and related considerations.
(9) 
All construction, maintenance, repair and/or removal of small communications facilities shall be performed in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 175 of the Town Code relating to trees.
(10) 
Small communications facilities and accessory equipment shall be located so as not to cause any physical or visual obstruction to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, create safety hazards to pedestrians and/or motorists, or to otherwise inconvenience public use of the ROW as determined by the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee.
(11) 
Any graffiti on the wireless support structure or on any accessory equipment shall be removed at the sole expense of the owner within 30 days of notification by the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee.
(12) 
All small communications facilities in the Town shall comply with the requirements of the Town Small Communications Facility Design Manual. A copy of such shall be kept on file at the Town Building and Planning Department.
(13) 
Within 90 days following written notice from the Town, or such longer period as the Town determines is reasonably necessary or such shorter period in the case of an Emergency, an owner of a small communications facility in the ROW shall, at its own expense, temporarily or permanently remove, relocate, change or alter the position of any communications facilities when the Town, consistent with its police powers and applicable Public Utility Commission regulations, shall determine that such removal, relocation, change or alteration is reasonably necessary under the following circumstances:
(a) 
The construction, repair, maintenance or installation of any Town or other public improvement in the right-of-way;
(b) 
The operations of the Town or other governmental entity in the right-of-way;
(c) 
Vacation of a street or road or the release of a utility easement; or
(d) 
An emergency as determined by the Town.
(14) 
The Town may assess appropriate and reasonable permit fees directly related to the Town's actual costs in reviewing and processing the application for approval of a small communications facility, as well as inspection, monitoring and other related costs. Such permit fees shall be established by the Town Fee Schedule and shall comply with the applicable requirements of the FCC.
(15) 
In addition to permit fees as described in this section, every small communications facility in the ROW is subject to the Town's right to fix annually a fair and reasonable fee to be paid for use and occupancy of the ROW. Such compensation for ROW use shall be directly related to the Town's actual ROW management costs including, but not limited to, the costs of the administration and performance of all reviewing, inspecting, permitting, supervising and other ROW management activities by the Town. The owner of each small communications facility shall pay such annual fee to the Town to compensate the Town for the Town's costs incurred in connection with the activities described above. Such fees shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Federal Communications Commission.
(16) 
Each person that owns or operates a small communications facility shall annually provide the Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee with a certificate of insurance evidencing general liability coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and property damage coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence covering the communications facility.
(17) 
Each person that owns or operates a small communications facility shall, at its sole cost and expense, execute an agreement to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Town, its elected and appointed officials, employees and agents, at all times against any and all claims for personal injury, including death, and property damage arising in whole or in part from, caused by or connected with any act or omission of the person, its officers, agents, employees or contractors arising out of the construction, installation, operation, maintenance or removal of the small communications facility. Each person that owns or operates a small communications facility shall defend any actions or proceedings against the Town in which it is claimed that personal injury, including death, or property damage was caused by the construction, installation, operation, maintenance or removal of the small communications facility, excepting any claims resulting from the Town's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The obligation to indemnify, hold harmless and defend shall include, but not be limited to, the obligation to pay judgments, injuries, liabilities, damages, reasonable attorneys' fees, reasonable expert fees, court costs and all other costs of indemnification.
(18) 
The Town Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee may require that a communications facility applicant reimburse the Town for the costs to conduct an independent professional review of the communications facility applicant's evidence.
H. 
Process.
(1) 
Tower permit process.
(a) 
A communications facility applicant, property owner(s) or his agent(s) may initiate the procedure of a tower permit by filing an application which includes the submissions required in § 207-42D of this article.
(b) 
A communications facility applicant, property owner(s) or his agent(s) may initiate the procedure of a site plan review concurrently with initiating the procedure for a tower permit, if required, by meeting the requirements of § 207-42B of this article.
(c) 
A communications facility applicant, property owner(s) or his agent(s) may initiate the procedure of a building permit by meeting the requirements of § 207-42A of this article. In the case where a tower permit and/or site plan review are required by this article, no building permit shall be issued until Town Board and/or Planning Board approvals are obtained.
(d) 
The communications facility applicant shall pay, in addition to the permit fee(s) to be established by resolution, all reasonable, direct cost of the Town's review. The Town will advise the communications facility applicant prior to engaging persons to assist in its review, and will work with the communications facility applicant to keep such costs to the minimum required for a complete review.
(e) 
Procedures for site plan review shall be governed by Chapter 217, Article III, of the Comprehensive Development Regulations, except as amended by § 207-42B of this article.
(f) 
Authorization to grant or deny tower permits. The Planning Board is hereby authorized to approve tower permit applications. The Planning Board may waive or vary any requirements in this § 207-42, for good cause shown. In approving a tower permit application, the Planning Board may impose those standards and requirements expressly specified by this chapter and any additional conditions which the Planning Board considers necessary and reasonable to protect the best interests of the surrounding property, the neighborhood or the Town as a whole. In the case of a use existing prior to the effective date of this article which would otherwise require a tower permit, any change in use or in lot area or an alteration of structure shall require a tower permit.
(g) 
Public hearing required. The Planning Board shall not decide upon any application for a tower permit without first holding a public hearing, notice of which hearing, including the substance of the application, shall be given by publication in the official newspaper of the Town at least five days before the date of such hearing.
(h) 
In the case where a tower permit, if required, has been approved by the Planning Board; a site plan, if required, has been approved by the Planning Board; all State Environmental Quality Review Act requirements have been met; and all requirements for a building permit, as specified in § 207-42A of this article, have been met, a building permit shall be issued by the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee.
(i) 
A tower permit shall become void after one year unless, by conditions of the permit, greater or lesser time is specified as a condition of approval or unless, prior to expiration of one year, a building permit is issued. A tower permit shall become void if the use shall cease for more than six consecutive months for any reason. The Planning Board may extend the permit or approval for good cause shown.
(j) 
From time to time, the Planning Board may review the tower permit or site plan approval to ascertain if the requirements, conditions and restrictions of this article are being substantially complied with in good faith. The Planning Board, on its own motion, may revoke a tower permit for noncompliance with conditions set forth in the granting of said permit after first holding a public hearing and giving notice of such hearing. The foregoing shall not be the exclusive remedy, and it shall be unlawful and punishable for any person to violate any condition imposed by a tower permit. In such cases, a period of 60 days shall be granted the communications facility applicant for full compliance prior to revocation of said permit. In cases where there is imminent danger to the public health, safety or welfare, the revocation of the permit shall be immediate.
(k) 
The permittee, upon issuance of a tower permit, shall cause a copy of the permit to be posted on the site, with a weather-resistant cover and in a place accessible to the public.

§ 207-43 Communications reception devices.

A. 
Applicability.
(1) 
The standards in this § 207-43 shall apply to communications reception devices within the exclusive use or control of the user of the device where the user has a direct or indirect ownership interest in the property where the device is to be located.
(2) 
Any exterior installation or use of communications reception devices by persons other than those described in § 207-43A(1) shall require a building permit, applied for by the owner of the property or his/her agent, accompanied by such evidence as is required by the Town to show that the device will not have an adverse aesthetic impact, either by itself or in combination with other such devices, existing or potential (e.g., in the case of apartment buildings), on any public right-of-way or any existing or proposed residential property, and that all local, state and federal safety, construction and other applicable regulations are met.
B. 
Standards for all residential districts.
(1) 
Video programming reception devices one meter (39 inches) or less in diameter and television broadcast service antennas:
(a) 
Building-mounted.
[1] 
If building-mounted, shall be:
[a] 
Located and painted so as to minimize their visibility from adjoining rights-of-way and adjoining residential properties;
[b] 
Installed per the manufacturer's recommendations;
[c] 
In compliance with all applicable electrical codes; and
[d] 
Not located on a fire escape.
[2] 
They shall not require a building permit unless they:
[a] 
Exceed a height of 12 feet above the roof or ridge of the principal building; or
[b] 
Are erected nearer to any lot line than the total height of the structure above its contact point with the roof.
(b) 
If ground-mounted, shall require a building permit if installed at a height so as to extend beyond 12 feet above grade.
(c) 
If ground-mounted, shall be no closer than five feet to any lot line and shall not impede access to and egress from a building. Any such device that is erected nearer to any lot line than the total height of the structure above grade shall require a building permit. With such building permit, the communications facility applicant shall submit such evidence as is required by the Town to show that the device is adequately anchored, designed and/or constructed so as to safeguard the general public and/or adjacent property from damage in the event of failure of the device or falling debris, such as ice.
(d) 
Additional regulations.
[1] 
If permitted in other than the rear yard, no more than one video programming reception device or television broadcast service antenna of whatever size shall be installed in any yard except the rear yard.
[2] 
Installation of antennas and dishes of whatever size shall not be allowed in clear vision areas as defined in § 207-1 of these regulations.
(e) 
Shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
(2) 
Video programming reception devices greater than one meter (39 inches) in diameter and all other communications reception devices not included in § 207-43B(1):
(a) 
Shall require a building permit.
(b) 
If building-mounted, shall extend not more than six feet above the roof or ridge of the buildings on which they are mounted and shall not, as measured in plane view area, occupy more than 10% of the roof area.
(c) 
If ground-mounted, shall not extend beyond six feet in height above grade.
(d) 
If ground-mounted, shall be permitted only within the rear yard, shall be no closer than 10 feet to any lot line and shall be screened with fencing, permanent landscaping or other suitable material and/or located so that not more than 10% of the dish is visible from grade level of adjacent residential properties or adjacent rights-of-way.
C. 
Standards for all nonresidential districts.
(1) 
Video programming reception devices two meters (78 inches) or less in diameter and all television broadcast service (TVBS) antennas which are ground-mounted:
(a) 
Shall not be closer than 10 feet to any residential lot line and shall not impede access to and egress from a building. Any such device which is erected closer to any lot line than the total height of the structure above grade shall require a building permit. With such building permit, the communications facility applicant shall submit such evidence as is required by the Town to show that the device is adequately anchored, designed and/or constructed so as to safeguard the general public and/or adjacent property from damage in the event of failure of the device or falling debris such as ice.
(b) 
Shall require a building permit if installed at a height so as to extend beyond 12 feet above grade.
(c) 
Shall be screened as follows:
[1] 
Ground-mounted devices which are 18 inches or less in diameter shall be painted to blend with their surroundings or located and/or screened so that no more than 10% of the antenna is visible from grade level of adjoining residential properties or adjoining rights-of-way. Screening shall be accomplished through the use of fencing, permanent evergreen landscaping or other suitable material.
[2] 
Ground-mounted devices which are greater than 18 inches in diameter shall be located and/or screened so that no more than 10% of the antenna is visible from grade level of adjoining residential properties or adjoining rights-of-way. Screening shall be accomplished through the use of fencing, permanent evergreen landscaping or other suitable material.
(2) 
Video programming reception devices two meters (78 inches) or less in diameter and all television broadcast service (TVBS) antennas which are building-mounted:
(a) 
Shall be:
[1] 
Located and/or painted and/or screened by parapets that appear to be an integral part of the building so as to minimize their visibility from adjoining rights-of-way and adjoining residential properties;
[2] 
Installed per the manufacturer's recommendations;
[3] 
In compliance with all applicable electrical codes; and
[4] 
Not located on a fire escape.
(b) 
They shall not require a building permit unless they:
[1] 
Exceed a height of 12 feet above the roof or ridge of the principal building; or
[2] 
Are erected nearer to any lot line than the total height of the structure above its contact point with the roof.
(3) 
Video programming reception devices greater than two meters (78 inches) in diameter and all other communications reception devices not included in § 207-43C(1) shall require a building permit and:
(a) 
Shall be permitted only within the rear yard or mounted on the roof of the primary structure.
(b) 
If ground-mounted, shall be no closer than 10 feet to any residential lot line, shall not exceed six feet in height above grade and shall be screened with fencing, permanent evergreen landscaping or other suitable material and/or located so that not more than 10% of the device is visible from grade level of adjacent residential properties or adjacent rights-of-way.
(c) 
If building-mounted, shall not exceed six feet in height above the roof or ridge of the building on which they are mounted and shall not, as measured in plane view area, occupy more than 10% of the roof area.
(4) 
If permitted in other than the rear yard, no more than one antenna or dish of whatever size shall be installed in any yard except the rear yard.
(5) 
Installation of antennas and dishes of whatever size shall not be allowed in clear vision areas as defined in § 207-1 of these regulations.

§ 207-44 Amateur radio antennas.

A. 
Amateur radio antennas shall be located only within the rear yard not within the required setback and shall be located so as to minimize their impact on adjacent residential properties and adjacent rights-of-way while maintaining acceptable signal quality.
B. 
Amateur radio antennas exceeding six feet in height above grade (if ground-mounted) or above the roof or ridge of the building on which they are located (if building-mounted) shall require a building permit. With such building permit, the communications facility applicant shall submit such evidence as is required by the Town to show that the device is adequately anchored, designed and/or constructed so as to safeguard the general public and/or adjacent property from damage in the event of failure of the device or falling debris such as ice.
C. 
Amateur radio antennas shall be designed, installed and maintained so as to blend into the surrounding environment, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee, through the use of color and camouflaging architectural treatment, except in instances where the color is dictated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
D. 
In accordance with the Federal Communications Commission's preemptive ruling PRB1, towers erected for the primary purpose of supporting amateur radio antennas may exceed the height limitations of the underlying district, provided that a determination is made by the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee that the proposed tower height is technically necessary to successfully engage in amateur radio communications. The communications facility applicant shall submit such information as is necessary for the Commissioner of Public Works or the Commissioner's designee to make such determination. In no case shall an amateur radio antenna exceed 70 feet in height.
E. 
Attachments to amateur radio antennas, such as guy wires, shall not cross any property line or any existing or proposed easement.
F. 
No lighting shall be permitted on any amateur radio antenna except as mandated by the FAA.
G. 
No signage or displays of any type shall be permitted on any amateur radio antenna.

§ 207-45 Purpose.

The sustainability of the built environment in the Town, in the face of rising energy costs and of the threat of climate change, is found to be of increasing and vital import to the public health, safety and welfare. Solar energy that is generated on-site can address these issues. The purpose of this article is to promote the use of solar energy, balance the benefits of solar energy systems with their aesthetic impacts, and provide for the installation and construction of these systems, subject to reasonable conditions.

§ 207-46 Use classification.

A. 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be permitted as accessory uses in all zoning districts and may be installed upon receipt of the necessary building and/or electrical permit(s). This article applies to roof-mounted solar energy systems to be installed and constructed for residential or commercial use.
B. 
Solar energy systems that are the principal use of a lot are not permitted.

§ 207-47 Applicability.

This article applies to solar energy systems to be installed and constructed after the effective date of the article.

§ 207-48 Reviews required.

A. 
The installation, replacement or expansion of a solar energy system on a Town landmark as designated by the Town of Brighton Historic Preservation Commission shall require Certificate of Appropriateness approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic Preservation Commission may use Subsection C, below, as a guide in their review in addition to the criteria in Chapter 224, Historic Preservation.
B. 
Solar energy systems not located on a property designated as historic shall require approval by the Architectural Review Board pursuant to Chapter 221 of the Comprehensive Development Regulations if:
(1) 
They are mounted on a single-family or two-family dwelling or townhouse so as to be visible from the street directly in front of the building; or
(2) 
They are mounted on any principal building other than a single-family or two-family dwelling or townhouse.
C. 
Architectural Review Board guidelines. When reviewing applications for solar energy systems, the Architectural Review Board shall be guided by the following:
(1) 
The slope and proportions of a roof-mounted solar array should match the slope and proportions of the roof. The distance from the roof surface should be minimized.
(2) 
Solar arrays should be installed in a regular shape, usually rectangular, but using other, geometric shapes where appropriate, such as to match hip or mansard roofs.
(3) 
Single arrays of panels are preferred, but multiple panel arrays may be used where deemed appropriate by the Board.
(4) 
Interruptions of the array with rooftop projections, such as vents or skylights, should be avoided if feasible.
(5) 
Frame, panel, and equipment colors should match or complement the colors of the roof or wall where mounted, while maintaining the functional integrity and viability of the system.
(6) 
Durable, nonreflective, factory-applied coatings should be used.
(7) 
Text, advertising, and/or logos should not be visible.
(8) 
The visibility of equipment (conduits, pipes, transformers, etc.) should be minimized. Where visible, the conduit should be painted to match the background color.
D. 
Solar energy systems shall comply with the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Construction Code. Solar energy systems shall require a building permit and, as applicable, an electrical permit, and may be installed as long as they meet the requirements of this article and all other applicable construction codes. Unless waived by the Building Inspector, any application for a building permit for the installation, modification and/or replacement of a solar energy system shall be accompanied by:
(1) 
A site plan showing the location of major components.
(2) 
Specification sheets and installation manuals for all manufactured components.
(3) 
A letter or drawing, stamped or signed by a licensed architect or engineer, certifying that the structure can bear the loads imposed by the proposed solar energy system.
(4) 
Any additional information required by the Building Inspector.
E. 
The design of solar energy systems shall conform to all applicable utility and industry standards. This shall include, but not be limited to, compliance with UL1741 (utility interconnection) and with the NEC standards.

§ 207-49 Location and configuration.

A. 
On a sloped roof, solar energy systems shall extend no more than three feet above the roof surface, measured perpendicular to the roof surface.
B. 
On a sloped roof, the highest point of a solar energy system shall not exceed the height of the roof peak.
C. 
On a flat roof, the highest point of a roof-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed the greater of four feet above the roof surface or the height of the parapet wall (if present).
D. 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not extend past the deck line of the roof.