Town board debates limit on small accessory structures in setbacks, keeps public hearing open

The Town of Clinton board on Tuesday debated how proposed revisions to the zoning code will treat small nonpermanent accessory structures — playhouses, bus shelters, garden tool houses and similar items under 50 square feet — when those items are placed in required setbacks and whether they should count toward a property’s limit of accessory structures.

The discussion focused on draft language in Chapter 250, section 23 (setbacks) and how it interacts with section 22 (accessory-structure limits). Board members and attendees disagreed on whether the draft would permit an unlimited number of small structures in a setback as currently worded, and whether the board should instead explicitly cap how many such structures may be placed in a setback.

Why it matters: the change would affect what homeowners may put close to property lines and could force choices between a small structure (for example, a bus shelter at the end of a driveway) and larger permitted accessory structures such as a detached garage or pool building.

Discussion highlights

Arlene (board member) flagged the drafting problem and said the current phrasing in 250-23 d(6) appears to exclude small nonpermanent…