Cobleskill Village City Zoning Code
§ 160-8.11 Junkyards
existing nonconforming.
Subject to the provisions of § 160-14 of this Zoning Law, junkyards lawfully in existence prior to the adoption of this Zoning Law and the predecessor Zoning Ordinance may continue only as prior nonconforming uses subject to the following regulations:
A.
Measurement of distance. Distance from the edge of the right-of-way or of the main traveled way shall be measured horizontally, along a line normal or perpendicular to the center line of the highway or street. Distance from an adjoining property shall be measured horizontally, along a line perpendicular to the property line. Distance from the industrial activity shall be measured horizontally, along a line normal or perpendicular to the nearest edge of the activity.
B.
Regulated activities. No person, firm or corporation shall establish, operate or allow to exist a junkyard, as defined in § 160-20.2 of this Code, any portion of which is within 1,000 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any interstate or primary highway or street, as defined in § 160-20.2 of this Code, except the following:
(1)
Those which are screened by natural objects, plantings, fences or other appropriate means so as not to be visible from the main traveled way of the interstate, primary highway system or street or from any adjacent property with a structure within 500 feet or otherwise removed from sight.
(2)
Those which are not visible from the main traveled way of the interstate, primary highway system or street or from any adjacent property with a structure within 500 feet.
C.
Area and setback requirements. Lot size shall be at least 50,000 square feet. Screening, with the exception of existing buildings, shall be placed a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way line of any interstate, primary highway or street, measured at right angles. Screening shall be placed a minimum of five feet from any adjoining lot line, measured at right angles.
D.
Installation of screening shall be subject to site plan review limited to the issues of compliance with the provisions of this section.
E.
Abatement of nonconforming facilities. Any junkyard established or allowed to exist in violation of this section shall be a public nuisance and shall be abated and removed in the manner provided by law.
F.
Cost recovery. In the event that the Village takes action to abate a nonconforming junkyard as a public nuisance, the Village shall recover its costs of abatement, including litigation costs and attorneys' fees, from the owner of such a junkyard and its operator.