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Red Hook adopts Local Law No. 1 of 2025 updating zoning code after SEQR negative declaration
Summary
After multiple public hearings and referrals to the planning board and county, the Town Board adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2025, which updates zoning definitions, addresses cannabis retail locations, marinas, wetlands language and agricultural-density provisions; the board adopted a SEQR negative declaration and made LWRP consistency findings.
The Town Board of Red Hook adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2025 on Feb. 11, finalizing a package of zoning amendments that the board said incorporates public input, planning board recommendations and county planning comments.
Supervisor Robert McKean recounted that the board had held multiple public hearings and revised the law based on comments. Changes described during the meeting include clarifications on where cannabis retail would be permitted (the proposal was simplified to align with the same districts as liquor stores), new definitions for docks and boat ramps after public input, and a restriction on marinas along certain riverfront sections consistent with the town’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP).
The board reviewed Part 2 and Part 3 of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process and adopted a negative declaration (a determination of no significant adverse environmental impacts) via resolution number 12. McKean said the board had referred the amendments to the planning board and to Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development and considered their comments. The board also completed an LWRP consistency assessment and determined the proposed zoning amendments are consistent with the town’s LWRP policies.
The board discussed agricultural zoning and farm labor housing at length. McKean noted a prior moratorium addressing wetland-related development and said the town had changed allowable density in agricultural business districts that are not under a farmland protection easement. The Ag and Open Space Committee had urged the board to consider farm labor housing provisions; the board discussed scale and whether permitting larger farm-labor housing on unprotected farms could leave nonconforming residential lots if the property later subdivides.
After reading findings and stating that the proposed changes are “necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of town residents,” the board moved and passed the local law adoption. The board recorded its SEQR negative declaration and directed the clerk to distribute copies of the determinations to involved agencies and interested parties.
Why it matters: The local law changes update definitions and use rules across zoning districts, clarify waterfront and marina policy, address cannabis retail siting, and modify agricultural density provisions — all changes that affect where and how land uses and development can occur in town.
Implementation and next steps: The town clerk will file the adopted local law and distribute the SEQR negative declaration and LWRP consistency findings to involved agencies and any persons who requested copies. Some zoning implementation items (for example, farm-labor housing scale) may be forwarded to the comprehensive-plan update or the comp plan committee for additional study, as discussed by board members.
