Title. This chapter shall be known as the "Town of Rochester Zoning Law."

Interpretation. The provisions of this chapter, in their interpretation and application, shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare.

Conflict. This chapter is not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any other law, rule or regulation statute or provision of law. Where any of the provisions of these regulations impose restrictions different than any other law, rule or regulation or other provision of law, whichever provisions are more restrictive or impose higher standards shall control. This chapter, however, shall repeal and replace in its entirety the existing Town of Rochester Zoning Law.

Jurisdiction. All complete applications filed prior to the effective date of this chapter shall be reviewed pursuant to regulations in effect prior to amendment. An application shall be considered complete for these purposes when a public hearing on the same has been scheduled or completed, or, in the event no public hearing is required, when the Code Enforcement Officer determines the application is complete the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act have been met.

Directing growth by encouraging concentrations of new residential, nonresidential and mixed-use developments in areas that currently are or that can be conveniently served by roads, utilities, schools and other facilities.

Directing large-scale or intensive development to areas with adequate infrastructure.

Broadening housing opportunities in the Town of Rochester to provide housing for all populations including young families, senior citizens, working families and households, single adults and others.

Offering incentives to encourage better site design and use of energy efficient principles in new development projects.

Protecting historic resources.

Protecting the quantity and quality of the water supply by strengthening measures to prevent groundwater contamination, assuring protection of surface waters, preserving wetlands and encouraging the provision of sewage collection and treatment to hamlets.

Protecting important natural resources identified in the Town's Natural Resources Inventory.

Minimizing disturbance to wildlife and vegetation from the effects of new development.

Regulating floodplain development.

Providing for continued commercial and industrial growth.

Allowing for home-based occupations.

Preserving productive farmlands as a viable industry resource and means for maintaining open space.

Encouraging agri-tourism activities by farms and otherwise promoting and developing agriculture.

Protecting the Catskills and the Shawangunk Ridge by limiting clearing and intensity of use so as to maintain existing character.

Creating guidelines for new development and its landscaping that maintain a high-quality built environment while preserving and using natural beauty wherever possible.

Recognizing historical neighborhoods and preserving small-scale mixed-use development patterns in these areas.

Preventing intrusion of incompatible uses in residential areas so as to ensure privacy for residents and their freedom from nuisances.

Ensuring signage in Town is both attractive and functional.

Reducing traffic congestion and improve the safety of the roads in the Town.

Requiring adequate setbacks and off-street parking for both residential and nonresidential uses.

Encouraging alternatives to strip commercial development, by encouraging new development in hamlet areas and/or concentrated nodes that minimize the road frontage and curb cuts required.

Ensuring new construction provides adequate access for emergency services.

Encouraging the use of conservation subdivision, planned unit development, transfers of development rights and other flexible techniques for simultaneously preserving open spaces, protecting natural resources and accommodating new development.

Protecting the community against unsightly, obtrusive and noisy land uses and operations.

Providing public access to trails and other recreational resources.