The purpose of this article is to allow a diversity of land uses in close proximity within a limited area; the standards contained herein are intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by preventing or reducing distracting visual clutter associated with developments along the major thoroughfares in the Town; to establish controls which will facilitate development by setting regulations within the corridor and set other district-wide requirements while permitting flexible development scale and configuration on individual lots within the corridor; to allow a broad set of land uses within the corridor; and to encourage development of appropriate density for all classes of land use.

The standards achieve the stated intent and purpose by addressing the following characteristics of development: buffer and landscaping, access, lighting, outdoor storage, architecture and signage.

In addition to standards contained in this article, all other applicable regulations in the Code shall apply.

Unless otherwise specified in the ordinance creating the corridor, when any lot or use is located partially within the corridor, the remainder of the lot or use shall not be subject to the provisions of this article.

Miracle Mile Overlay District (MMOD).

Watkins Road NYS Route 14 (WROD).

NYS Route 13 (NYS13OD).

Miracle Mile from the northerly boundary of the Mark Twain Golf Course north to Village of Horseheads (MMOD).

NYS Route 14 Watkins Road from Village of Horseheads to Town of Horseheads northerly boundary (WROD).

NYS Route 13 from I-86 interchange to Town of Horseheads northerly boundary (NYS13OD).

Miracle Mile Overlay District (MMOD):

Watkins Road NYS Route 14 (WROD):

NYS Route 13 (NYS13OD):

Aesthetic and architectural features. The intent of the following design standards and provisions is to enhance the appearance of the built environment. By adding design detail, you can improve the character and appeal of the community. These improvements, in turn, can result in increased investment in the commercial districts, enhancement of property values, and overall enrichment of the quality of life in the area.

Off-street parking. For off-street parking regulations, see Article XVI.

Landscaping; general. Landscaping and the preservation of natural vegetation facilitates the creation of an attractive and a harmonious community. The intent of these standards and provisions is to preserve and create a healthful and pleasant setting that relieves the stark appearance of the built environment. Encouraging the aesthetic improvement of site development through the use of trees and plantings can result in the overall improvement of scenic quality and the stabilization and enhancement of property values and the business environment.

Site lighting.

It is the intent of these standards and provisions to define the lighting equipment and design criteria that minimize the causes of sky glow, light trespass and glare while providing a comfortable, visually effective, energy-efficient and safe/secure outdoor environment. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that outdoor lighting does not interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of property, and to encourage efficient and compatible lighting practices. These regulations are also intended to provide for the safe movement of traffic, for satisfactory vision for pedestrians and for the guidance of both vehicles and pedestrians.

Waivers from these provisions may be granted by the Planning Board upon documentation that meeting the specific provisions hereof would result in an unsafe condition, impede normal operations or inflict undue hardship.

Signage. The intent of the following standards and provisions is to protect and improve property values, create a more attractive economic and business environment and reduce distractions and obstructions that can disrupt the visual appeal of a commercial district. These provisions are aimed at creating a more pleasant and uniform visual setting and eliminating the chaotic and haphazard design, orientation and placement of signage that can result in scenic blight.

Access management. One of the most important objectives of access management is reducing the potential for conflicts, particularly along the most heavily traveled roads. The best methods for achieving a reduction in conflicts are by reducing the number of conflict points and separating through traffic from local traffic, where possible. Land use development and transportation can be brought into balance, and conflicts reduced, through the appropriate limitations on the number of driveways and the enforcement of driveway and corner clearance standards.

A violation of this article is hereby declared to be an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $350 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, for a conviction of a first offense; for a conviction of a second offense, both of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine of not less than $350 nor more than $700 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both; and upon conviction of a third or subsequent offense, all of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine of not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both. Each week's continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.

In case any building or structure is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, converted or maintained or any building, structure or land is used or any land is divided into lots, blocks or sites in violation of the provisions of this article, the Town Board or Code Enforcement Officer of the Town, in addition to other remedies as provided for by law, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, maintenance, use or division of land to restrain, correct or abate such violation, to prevent the occupancy of said building, structure or land or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises; and upon the failure or refusal of the Town to institute any such appropriate action or proceeding for a period of 10 days after written request by a resident taxpayer of the Town to so proceed, any three taxpayers of the Town residing in the district wherein such violation occurred may institute such appropriate action or proceeding in the manner as the Town is authorized to do.