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Lafayette City Zoning Code

ARTICLE II

District Regulations

§ 290-4 Establishment of districts; prohibited uses.

A. 
For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals and the general welfare of the community, the Town of LaFayette is hereby divided into the following districts:
AG — Agricultural District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential District
H — Hamlet District
B — Business District
I — Industrial District
RPC — Residential Planned Cluster District
RM — Residential Multifamily District
CPD — Commercial Planned Development District
B. 
Except for nonconforming uses permitted in this zoning code, any use not specifically set forth as a permitted use in any zoning district shall be expressly prohibited in that district. A use specifically set forth as a permitted use in one district shall not be a permitted use in another district unless it is specifically set forth as a permitted use in said other district.

§ 290-5 AG Agricultural District.

A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the AG District is to preserve agricultural land, accommodate agricultural operations and to permit low-density development. The intent of this district is also to preserve open space and the Town's rural character.
B. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses:
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family.
(2) 
Dwelling, two-family.
(3) 
Private garages, carports and accessory buildings.
(4) 
Farms, except commercial feedlots or stockyards.
(5) 
Private stables.
(6) 
Camps.
C. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan required:
(1) 
Manufactured home, provided for the purpose of agricultural-related assistance.
(2) 
Assisted-living facility.
(3) 
Bed-and-breakfast.
(4) 
Dog kennel.
(5) 
Public stable, provided that no manure, dust- or odor-producing substance shall be stored within 200 feet of any lot line.
(6) 
Veterinarian facility, provided that pens or open kennels shall be located at least 200 feet from any lot line.
(7) 
Place of worship.
(8) 
School.
(9) 
Library.
(10) 
Public park.
(11) 
Community center and Town building.
(12) 
Police and fire station.
(13) 
Nursery, commercial.
(14) 
Greenhouse, commercial.
(15) 
Roadside stand.
(16) 
Winery, brewery and distillery.
(17) 
Wind energy system, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-25).
D. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan and special use permit required:
(1) 
Marina.
(2) 
Commercial recreation facility.
(3) 
Taxidermy, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-26).
(4) 
Commercial animal crematorium, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-27).
(5) 
Electrical substation.
(6) 
Towers, antennas and mobile service facilities, as permitted in Chapter 249.
(7) 
Solar energy system, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-32).
(8) 
Home occupation, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (special use permit only) (see § 290-23).
E. 
General height, area, bulk and setback regulations.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 125 feet at building line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 60 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 30 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 25 feet.
(6) 
Maximum lot coverage: 20%.
(7) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.

§ 290-6 R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the R-1 District is primarily for single-family detached dwellings. Certain other structures and uses necessary to serve the area are allowed as permitted uses or through the approval of a special use permit, subject to restrictions intended to preserve and protect the single-family residential character of the district.
B. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses:
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family, with only one dwelling per lot.
(2) 
Private garages, carports and accessory buildings.
C. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan required:
(1) 
Place of worship.
(2) 
Public park.
(3) 
Police and fire station.
D. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan and special use permit required:
(1) 
Electrical substation.
(2) 
Solar energy system, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-32).
(3) 
Home occupation, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (special use permit only) (see § 290-23).
E. 
General height, area, bulk and setback regulations.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 125 feet at building line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 60 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 30 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 25 feet.
(6) 
Maximum lot coverage: 20%.
(7) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.

§ 290-7 H Hamlet District.

[Amended 10-8-2024 by L.L. No. 1-2024]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Hamlet District is to provide for the development of high-density, compact, pedestrian-oriented shopping, service, entertainment and residential districts. The district is intended to be a mixed-use district that accommodates a variety of uses. It is intended to allow flexible setbacks, smaller lot sizes and increased lot coverage to encourage dense development in the hamlet core of the community. This district is designed to protect the small community appeal, integrity, character and charm within the hamlet district by encouraging redevelopment that focuses on architecturally appropriate design standards typical of the Town's early development history. These areas may also be experiencing or be in need of rehabilitation or redevelopment.
B. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses:
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family.
(2) 
Dwelling, two-family.
(3) 
Private garages, carports and accessory buildings.
C. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan required:
(1) 
Dwelling, multiple.
(2) 
Assisted-living facility.
(3) 
Boarding or nursing home.
(4) 
Funeral home.
(5) 
Bed-and-breakfast.
(6) 
Veterinarian facility, provided that pens or open kennels shall be located at least 200 feet from any lot line.
(7) 
Place of worship.
(8) 
School.
(9) 
Library.
(10) 
Public park.
(11) 
Community center and Town building.
(12) 
Theater.
(13) 
Police and fire station.
(14) 
Roadside stand.
(15) 
Restaurant and tavern.
(16) 
Winery, brewery and distillery.
(17) 
Food truck.
(18) 
Gasoline service station and car wash establishment.
(19) 
Retail store and personal service business.
(20) 
Business and professional office.
(21) 
Bank.
(22) 
Hotel.
D. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan and special use permit required:
(1) 
Electrical substation.
(2) 
Solar energy systems, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-32).
(3) 
Home occupation, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (special use permit only) (see § 290-23).
E. 
General height, area, bulk and setback regulations.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 125 feet at building line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 60 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 30 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 25 feet.
(6) 
Maximum building coverage: 20%.
(7) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.

§ 290-8 B Business District.

A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Business District is to provide for the development of commercial enterprise that may provide essential retail and service business to the community and region, in order to provide a diversified economy. The height of buildings and uses should not adversely affect the adjacent neighborhood.
B. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses:
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family.
(2) 
Dwelling, two-family.
(3) 
Private garages, carports and accessory buildings.
C. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan required:
(1) 
Dwelling, multiple.
(2) 
Boarding or nursing home.
(3) 
Funeral home.
(4) 
Hotel.
(5) 
Bed-and-breakfast.
(6) 
Dog kennel.
(7) 
Veterinarian facility, provided that pens or open kennels shall be located at least 200 feet from any lot line.
(8) 
Place of worship.
(9) 
Library.
(10) 
Public park.
(11) 
Commercial recreation facility.
(12) 
Community center and Town building.
(13) 
Theater.
(14) 
Police and fire station.
(15) 
Nursery, commercial.
(16) 
Greenhouse, commercial.
(17) 
Roadside stand.
(18) 
Restaurant and tavern.
(19) 
Winery, brewery and distillery.
(20) 
Food truck.
(21) 
Gasoline service station and car wash establishment.
(22) 
Garage, public.
(23) 
Retail store and personal service business.
(24) 
Shopping center.
(25) 
Business and professional office.
(26) 
Bank.
(27) 
Wind energy system, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-25).
D. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan and special use permit required:
(1) 
Electrical substation.
(2) 
Towers, antennas and mobile service facilities, as permitted in Chapter 249.
(3) 
Warehouses and businesses engaged in light manufacturing.
(4) 
Storage units.
(5) 
Solar energy system, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-32).
(6) 
Home occupation, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (special use permit only) (see § 290-23).
E. 
General height, area, bulk and setback regulations.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 125 feet at building line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 60 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 30 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 25 feet.
(6) 
Maximum building coverage: 20%.
(7) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.

§ 290-9 I Industrial District.

A. 
Purpose. The Industrial District is intended primarily for uses engaged in light manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, warehousing and retail trade, and service operations which conduct all activities with little external impact or effect. No structure or use shall be permitted which emits or would have a tendency to emit noise, vibration, radioactivity, glare, odor, gas, groundwater pollution, fire or explosion at a level of intensity, duration and frequency as to unreasonably endanger the health, comfort or safety of any person or cause serious damage to neighboring property.
B. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses:
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family.
(2) 
Dwelling, two-family.
(3) 
Private garages, carports and accessory buildings.
C. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan required:
(1) 
Dwelling, multiple.
(2) 
Boarding or nursing home.
(3) 
Funeral home.
(4) 
Hotel.
(5) 
Dog kennel.
(6) 
Veterinarian facility, provided that pens or open kennels shall be located at least 200 feet from any lot line.
(7) 
Place of worship.
(8) 
Library.
(9) 
Public park.
(10) 
Commercial recreation facility.
(11) 
Community center and Town building.
(12) 
Theater.
(13) 
Police and fire station.
(14) 
Nursery, commercial.
(15) 
Greenhouse, commercial.
(16) 
Restaurant and tavern.
(17) 
Winery, brewery and distillery.
(18) 
Food truck.
(19) 
Gasoline service station and car wash establishment.
(20) 
Garage, public.
(21) 
Retail store and personal service business.
(22) 
Shopping center.
(23) 
Business and professional office.
(24) 
Bank.
(25) 
Wind energy systems, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-25).
D. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan and special use permit required:
(1) 
Electrical substation.
(2) 
Towers, antennas and mobile service facilities, as permitted/regulated by Chapter 249.
(3) 
Warehouse.
(4) 
Light manufacturing.
(5) 
Junkyard.
(6) 
Lumber yard.
(7) 
Storage unit.
(8) 
Solar energy systems, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-32).
(9) 
Adult entertainment, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-28).
E. 
General height, area, bulk and setback regulations for residential uses.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 125 feet at building setback line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 60 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 30 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 25 feet.
(6) 
Maximum building coverage: 20%.
(7) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.
F. 
General height, area, bulk and setback regulations for business uses.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet, subject to the availability of public utilities. This may be amended by the reviewing board.
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 125 feet at building setback line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 60 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 30 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 25 feet.
(6) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.

§ 290-10 RPC Residential Planned Cluster District.

A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Residential Planned Cluster District is to allow for the development of well-planned residential neighborhoods which utilize the natural beauty of the existing topography and watercourses in order to protect the community's unique and significant natural resources.
B. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses:
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family.
(2) 
Dwelling, two-family.
(3) 
Private garages, carports and accessory buildings.
(4) 
Solar energy systems, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-32).
C. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan required:
(1) 
Place of worship.
(2) 
Library.
(3) 
Public park.
(4) 
Community center and Town building.
(5) 
Police and fire station.
(6) 
Wind energy system, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-25).
D. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan and special use permit required:
(1) 
Electrical substation.
(2) 
Home occupation (special use permit only).
E. 
Height, area and setback regulations.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet (except 20,000 square feet if the development is served by public water and sewage utilities).
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 125 feet at building line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 60 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 30 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 25 feet.
(6) 
Maximum lot coverage: 20%.
(7) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.
F. 
Standards.
(1) 
Dwelling units may be distributed uniformly on separate lots throughout the development or they may be clustered in detached buildings, architecturally designed and laid out to furnish personal and separate occupancy of land and housing for indoor and outdoor privacy for each dwelling, as approved by the Planning Board.
(2) 
Traffic circulation, parking, common open space and recreational facilities, utilities, landscaping and other amenities deemed by the Planning Board to be adequate and appropriate to a durable, healthy and pleasant residential environment, compatible with neighboring land uses and zoning.
(3) 
Ownership and responsibility for maintenance of each separate lot and dwelling unit and all common areas and private improvements in the development shall be assured by recorded covenants to run with the land for the benefits of the residents in and neighboring to the development.
(4) 
The development must meet the requirements of Chapter 240, Subdivision of Land, of the Town Code, and a final subdivision plat showing all physical features of the development must be approved and filed as a prerequisite to the issuance of any building permit for dwellings in the development.

§ 290-11 RM Residential Multifamily District.

A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Residential Multifamily District is to provide for multifamily dwellings and their accessory uses. Multifamily dwellings are permitted in order to accommodate a higher density residential district. Care shall be taken to preserve and protect the residential character of this district.
B. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses:
(1) 
Dwelling, single-family.
(2) 
Dwelling, two-family.
(3) 
Private garages, carports and accessory buildings.
(4) 
Solar energy systems, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-32).
C. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan required:
(1) 
Dwelling, multiple.
(2) 
Bed-and-breakfast.
(3) 
Place of worship.
(4) 
School.
(5) 
Library.
(6) 
Public park.
(7) 
Commercial recreation facility.
(8) 
Community center and Town building.
(9) 
Police and fire station.
(10) 
Manufactured home park.
(11) 
Wind energy systems, as permitted in supplemental district regulations (see § 290-25).
D. 
Permitted principal and accessory structures and uses - site plan and special use permit required:
(1) 
Electrical substation.
(2) 
Home occupation (special use permit only).
E. 
Height, area, bulk and setback regulations.
(1) 
Minimum lot area: five acres.
(2) 
Minimum lot width: 300 feet at building line.
(3) 
Minimum road frontage: 300 feet.
(4) 
Maximum structure height: 35 feet (unless otherwise permitted).
(5) 
Minimum yard setbacks:
(a) 
Front yard: 75 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 40 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 50 feet.
(6) 
Maximum lot coverage: 30%.
(7) 
Minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures:
(a) 
Front yard: 50 feet.
(b) 
Rear yard: 15 feet.
(c) 
Side yard: 15 feet.
F. 
Distance between principal buildings or manufactured homes shall be not less than the height of the taller building or 20 feet, unless the two adjoining walls have a two-hour fire rating. No exterior building wall containing windows opening from dwelling quarters shall be closer to another facing wall than twice the height of the other wall.
G. 
Common open space. An area equal to 1,000 square feet for each dwelling unit shall be developed and maintained as common open space for active and passive recreation in addition to space required for parking and driveways.
H. 
The development shall be architecturally designed and laid out to furnish traffic circulation, parking, common open space and recreational facilities, utilities, landscaping and other amenities deemed by the Planning Board to be adequate and appropriate to a durable, healthy and pleasant multifamily or mobile home residential environment, compatible with neighboring land use and zoning.

§ 290-12 CPD Commercial Planned Development District.

A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Commercial Planned Development (CPD) District is to allow for the development of well-planned commercial development that utilizes the natural beauty of the existing topography and watercourses in order to protect the community's unique and significant natural resources. It is intended to allow flexible setbacks and variable lot sizes.
B. 
Procedure. Application to create or modify a CPD District shall be initiated by filing a written petition and preliminary development plan with the Town Board. Such application and plan shall disclose all property boundaries, existing structures and land use, adjoining and neighboring ownership, zoning and land use, proposed structures and land use, existing and proposed topography, utilities, landscaping, parking, curbing, signs and other physical features. The Town Board may deny the application or may refer it to the Planning Board for recommendation. If referred, the Planning Board shall promptly review the application for compliance with standards contained in Subsection C of this section and may designate further conditions and regulations deemed necessary to permit a finding of compliance with such standards. The Planning Board may then recommend approval of the final development plan. Upon recommendation of the Planning Board and in accordance with the procedures of § 265 of the Town Law and other applicable laws, the Town Board may amend the this chapter and the Zoning Map to create or modify a Commercial Planned Development (CPD) District, the structures, uses and regulations for which shall be in strict accordance with the approved final development plan.
C. 
Standards. The Planning Board may approve a final development plan for a Commercial Planned Development (CPD) District upon finding that the plan:
(1) 
Includes an area in excess of five acres;
(2) 
Proposes an appropriate development of the area with respect to its natural features, location and suitability for the intended structures and uses;
(3) 
Proposes a combination of structures and uses in harmonious association and proportion with each other;
(4) 
Proposes public utilities and highways adequate to service the included structures and uses;
(5) 
Proposes a development of the area harmonious with an appropriate development of neighboring areas and not unreasonably detrimental to existing structures and uses in such areas; and
(6) 
Limits building coverage of the development area to less than 30%.

§ 290-13 Interpretation of district boundaries.

A. 
Uncertainty of the exact boundaries of districts as shown on the Zoning Map shall be resolved by the following rules:
(1) 
Boundaries shown as approximately following center lines of streets, plotted lot lines of subdivision or shore lines of streams, lakes and reservoirs shall be deemed to follow such lines.
(2) 
Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of such street lines, to plotted lot lines or subdivisions or shore lines shall be deemed parallel to or extensions of such lines.
[Amended 12-8-2020 by L.L. No. 2-2020]
B. 
Distances not specifically set forth on the Zoning Map shall be determined by the scale of the Map.

§ 290-14 Lots in two districts.

Should a district boundary line divide a lot, the uses and regulations of the less restricted portion of the lot may be extended into the more restricted portion, upon special use permit and approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals, provided the less restricted portion of the lot has frontage on a public street.