Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rhinebeck board introduces signage local law and schedules July 13 hearing after SEQRA review
Summary
The Rhinebeck Town Board introduced proposed signage changes intended to reduce variance needs for multi-tenant commercial buildings (e.g., Aster Square), recommended a 6-square-foot per-tenant sign cap and set a public hearing for July 13 after completing SEQRA Part 1 review.
The Rhinebeck Town Board on May 11 introduced a proposed local law to revise the town’s sign regulations and authorized environmental review and a public hearing on the measure.
Staff described the issue: the existing zoning code often forces tenants in multi-tenant commercial complexes to seek variances simply to install modest tenant signs. The proposed change—formalized in two agenda items (Resolutions 2026-155 and 2026-156)—would allow limited sign area per tenant (staff suggested six square feet as a reasonable cap) and clarify how many wall- and door-mounted signs a tenant may have.
Town planner and zoning staff discussed a targeted approach for complexes like Aster Square, where cumulative sign area could otherwise reach sizes that currently require variance relief. The town conducted a visual survey of existing tenant signage and proposed the new limits to reduce administrative burden while keeping storefronts legible.
The board authorized SEQRA review (declaring the proposal an unlisted action and directing the town planner to complete Part 1) and scheduled a public hearing for July 13 to collect public comment before any final action.
What happens next: the town planner will complete Part 1 of the SEQRA review, and the board will open the public hearing on July 13 where residents, business owners and the planning board can comment.
