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Planning board urges caution and asks for further study on proposed semi-detached single-family zoning change
Summary
The board voted to submit an advisory opposing a proposed zoning text amendment that would add 'semi‑detached single‑family dwellings' to R‑1B and R‑1C districts, citing undefined terms and potential application across roughly one-third of the city; members asked for a more targeted or case-by-case approach.
The Glen's Falls Planning Board reviewed a city request for an advisory opinion on May 6 about a proposed zoning text amendment to add "semi-detached single-family dwelling" as an allowed use in R‑1B and R‑1C single‑family residential districts. Board members expressed concern that the draft amendment lacked a clear definition of "semi-detached single-family dwelling" and could unintentionally change density and neighborhood character if applied broadly.
Several members noted that the draft could apply across a large portion of the city — one board member referenced a planning estimate that the change could touch roughly 30–35% of the city's parcels — and recommended alternatives such as a planned-unit-development approach or a district-specific allowance rather than a city-wide change. The board discussed how the proposed use differs from a duplex or a conventional two-family dwelling and emphasized that dimensional standards and lot-configuration effects were not made explicit in the draft ordinance.
After discussion, the board voted to submit an advisory opinion to the Common Council advising against adoption of the amendment in its current form and urging a more targeted, transparent public process and clearer definitions if the change is to be considered.
What happens next: Planning staff will transmit the advisory to the Common Council for consideration as the council reviews the proposed text amendment.
