An overlay district restricting the use of land for the prevention of flood hazards and changes in the landform that would alter characteristics of floodplains and flood-prone areas. The overlay area shall be that area identified in the most current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The intent of this district is to preserve conservation assets that generally consist of areas of ecological/natural value and/or key local and regional recreational assets that are identified in local, county, and state open space and/or recreational plans. Among the ecological/natural values of these areas are the extensive woodlots, plant and wildlife habitat, numerous streams, and natural character that contribute to the rural character of Eden. For dedicated conservation areas, development is limited to passive recreational and supportive pursuits such as trails, parking areas, overlooks, pavilions, picnicking facilities, etc. Accessibility and proper identification/way finding of these resources can be utilized for marketing, tourism, and economic development pursuits. Outside of dedicated areas, development adjacent to conservation assets should consist of low-impact, low-density development that includes adequate buffers to protect sensitive natural features.

The primary intent of this district is to preserve, enhance, and stabilize those portions of the Town that have a higher concentration of active farmlands, high-value agricultural soils, or are within County Agricultural Districts. Agricultural-supportive businesses and industries are encouraged as well as other agribusiness ventures that promote or provide secondary income to active, local farms (e.g., tourism, recreation, value-added products, retail, lodging, events, etc.). This district also provides a means for open space preservation and maintaining the rural character of the Town of Eden in conjunction with the vision and goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Nonagricultural development is encouraged, provided that best practices are followed, including the avoidance of active farmlands, high-value agricultural soils, and underground farm infrastructure; development on less desirable agricultural lands; discourage frontage homes with long, narrow lots; provide lots that are appropriate for private utility systems; encourage clustered subdivisions and avoid large-lot subdivisions; and provide buffers between nonagricultural and agricultural uses. This district is considered a "sending area" for transfer of development rights as a means to conserve/protect valuable farmlands.

The Rural Residential District provides for areas where the rural atmosphere and character can be maintained and where limited farming operations such as general crop farming, suburban horse ranchettes, growing of orchards, etc. can be conducted. This zone is not intended to allow intense farming operations (e.g., feed lots), yet also not intended for dense residential development as public water and sewer is likely not available. Due to this, larger parcels (two acres +/-) are still needed to provide adequate space for private septic systems and wells, with lots more than 10 acres in size being more appropriate for agricultural uses and the keeping of larger animals. Low-impact and environmentally sensitive development is preferred to protect natural features and the environmental quality of the Town.

These areas are serviced by public water and sewer or are near potential expansion areas and therefore can support a higher density of development (less than one acre). This district is intended to provide the Town with residential development capacity to support commercial activity within Eden Center. Residential uses would range from single-family residential to townhouses and developments catered to specific lifestyles (seniors, empty-nesters, first-time homeowners, etc.) and income levels. For single-family uses, rather than the typical "bowling alley" type of lots developed along major thoroughfares, subdivisions are encouraged to have dedicated roadways or clustering to better utilize lands and maintain the semi-rural character. Recreational, community service, institutional, conservation, and limited residential-commercial mixed uses are also encouraged in the Neighborhood Residential District to provide neighborhood vibrancy without detracting from the main commercial centers of Eden Center and East Eden. This district is considered a "receiving area" for transfer of development rights as a means to conserve/protect land in other areas of the Town and provide opportunities for greater density where feasible.

This floating district is intended to provide the broadest range of residential living opportunities within the Town and to support the goals and objectives contained in the Comprehensive Plan. This district may contain a mix of single- or two-family homes as well as higher-density developments, such as apartments or townhouses, on lots that may be as small as 7,000 square feet in size. Developments in this district shall employ techniques to minimize negative impacts (including circulation, parking, glare, noise, etc.) on existing residential areas.

As such, two distinct Mixed-Use Districts have been established to provide specific site and building design guidelines to promote desired key characteristics in the hamlet, including multistory buildings, a consistent building edge, inviting ground-floor facades, and a mix of uses and architectural styles handed down to the Town through history. The MU areas of the Town contain a mix of spaces and uses, meant to evolve over time, at their own pace building-by-building, in response to changing lifestyles and needs. While similar in many aspects, the Mixed-Use 2 (MU-2) District reflects the higher density and more "village-like" qualities currently found in the hamlet; the Mixed-Use 1 (MU-1) District encompasses a larger area and is slightly less dense by comparison. Another key characteristic is the area's proximity to established residential neighborhoods. Areas of the Town classified as an MU Zone consist of both existing higher-density residential areas and areas that have been identified as appropriate for residential development in the future.

The intent of the Light Industrial District is to take advantage of the proximity of lands to transportation corridors, including the NYS Thruway, railroad, and State Route 62, as well as the availability of public utilities for low-intensity, light manufacturing and related production/distribution activities. Uses and activities should be designed to fit inconspicuously with the surrounding land and incorporate design standards such as landscaping, buffering, and building design to protect nearby areas from undesirable aspects typical of light industrial uses, including, but not limited to, light, noise, odors, operating hours, and traffic.