Elmira City Zoning Code
ARTICLE I
Title, Authority and Purpose
§ 217-1 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the "Zoning Law of the Town of Elmira, New York," and may be cited as the "Town of Elmira Zoning Law."
§ 217-2 Authority.
Pursuant to the Article 16 of the Town Law of the State of New York, the Town Board of the Town of Elmira, in the County of Chemung, State of New York, hereby resolves, enacts and publishes the following.
§ 217-3 Purpose.
A.
The zoning regulations and districts herein set forth and as identified upon the Zoning Map[1] of the Town of Elmira are made to promote the public health, public safety, and general welfare of the Town of Elmira; and specifically:
(1)
To encourage the most appropriate use of land in the community in order to conserve the value of property.
(2)
To eliminate the spread of strip business development and provide for more adequate and suitably located commercial facilities and consequently eliminate many roadside hazards and add to community attractiveness.
(3)
To create a suitable system of open spaces and recreation areas, and to protect and enhance existing wooded areas, scenic areas, farmland and waterways.
(4)
To ensure the adequate and safe control and conveyance of stormwater flows generated by new development.
(5)
To regulate building densities in order to assure access of light and circulation of air, to facilitate the prevention and fighting of fires, to prevent undue concentration of population, to lessen congestion on streets and highways, to provide efficient municipal utility services, and to accommodate solar energy systems and equipment and access to sunlight necessary therefor.
(6)
To improve transportation facilities and traffic circulation, and to provide adequate off-street parking and loading facilities.
(7)
To assure privacy for residents and freedom from nuisances and things harmful to the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
(8)
To protect the community against unsightly, obtrusive, and nuisance land uses and operations.
(9)
To enhance aesthetic aspects throughout the entire Town and maintain its natural beauty.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is available in the Town offices or on the Town website.
B.
This chapter has been adopted with reasonable consideration for the character of each district and each district's suitability for particular uses, and, with a view to conserving the value of the property, to encourage the most appropriate use of the land throughout the Town. These purposes are achieved through this chapter by regulating and restricting the height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures; restricting the density of population; regulating the size of yards and other open spaces; regulating and restricting the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residential or other purposes; creating districts for such purposes and establishing boundaries; continuing a Zoning Board of Appeals to determine and vary the application of various provisions of this chapter in harmony with its general purposes and intent and in accordance with general and specific rules herein contained; and providing for the enforcement of such chapter.