Potsdam City Zoning Code
ARTICLE I
Title, Purpose and Scope
§ 180-1 Title.
This chapter, Chapter 180, Zoning, of the Potsdam Village Municipal Code, shall be known and may be cited as the "Village of Potsdam Zoning Regulations" and is hereinafter referred to as "these regulations."
§ 180-2 Purpose.
A.
The provisions of these regulations have been adopted for the purpose of promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Village of Potsdam; to secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other dangers; to lessen congestion in the streets; to provide adequate light and air; to allow for the use of solar energy so far as conditions permit; to prevent the overcrowding of land and buildings; to conserve property values; and to promote the growth and prosperity of the Village and the most appropriate use of land throughout the community.
B.
In furtherance of such general purposes, it is the function of these regulations to direct and restrict the location, construction and use of buildings, structures and land in the Village of Potsdam according to the Village General Development Plan (1984-1985), and as such plan may be subsequently amended, and for said purposes, to divide the village into zoning districts.
C.
It is further the purpose of these regulations to provide for the detailed review of site- and structure-specific consideration in order to ensure that the general purposes established for each zoning district are achieved in a manner representing the best long-term interests of the village.
§ 180-3 Scope.
A.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Home Rule Law and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Village Law, these regulations authorize and empower those duly appointed or delegated by the Village Board of Trustees of the Village of Potsdam to require, receive, review and approve or disapprove building and special use permits, site plans, area variances, use variances, certificates of compliance and certificates of registration according to the processes and standards set forth herein.
B.
Any one or combination of the following shall require a building/use permit under these regulations and shall be initiated only in accord with the requirements specified in these regulations (under Article VIII, § 180-35) and all other provisions of the Potsdam Village Municipal Code:
(1)
Any building, structure, installation, use or occupancy required to obtain a permit under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
(2)
The construction, erection or placement of any building or structure.
(3)
The expansion, addition or alteration of a building or structure that would, in any way, alter its exterior dimensions, its interior structural members or the provision for entrance or exit.
(4)
The introduction of any new, additional, changed or expanded use, except the use of a one- or two-family dwelling unit previously used for that same, respective purpose.
(5)
The alteration of any shoreline or major land form.
C.
Upon completion and prior to the use or occupancy of any building, structure or land required to obtain a building/special use permit, as herein set forth, a certificate of compliance shall be required.
E.
The provisions of these regulations shall be considered the minimum requirements in every instance of their application and, where provided for and according to such guidelines as may be established or as are reasonable under the circumstances, may be supplemented by the responsible Village body consistent with the purposes and procedures of these regulations.