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Vienna planning board continues review of proposed zoning-law updates covering cannabis, solar, tiny homes and setbacks
Summary
At a May 28 special meeting the Planning Board reviewed a 44-page draft of potential zoning-law changes addressing cannabis lighting, solar permitting, aesthetics, tiny-home definitions, an assistant zoning enforcement officer, groundwater overlay zones, setbacks, manufactured homes and campgrounds.
The Town of Vienna Planning Board spent a substantial portion of its May 28 special meeting reviewing a 44-page handout summarizing potential zoning-law changes that would affect multiple sections of the town code.
Board members discussed definitions and lighting for cannabis-related greenhouses, with Martha Link noting concerns about greenhouses that are lit 24 hours a day and saying she will investigate New York State laws or model ordinance language that could limit lighting. Members discussed changing Tier 2 solar rules—currently requiring a special-use permit—to allow a zoning permit in commercial zones. Interim Chairman Orrin MacMurray proposed updates to Sections 630A (special-use permit objectives), 720A (screening), and 740 (architectural lighting) to add general aesthetic requirements intended to align development with the surrounding area and the town’s comprehensive plan.
The board also discussed adding a definition for "tiny home," placing that definition into Schedule B, and allowing tiny homes in all zones. The board considered updating Section 2035A to permit appointment of an assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer. Dave Carpenter agreed to research whether unused groundwater overlay zones should be removed. Members suggested removing the stated maximum 35-foot setback for HR, HC and C zones.
The minutes record a recommendation to delete the last paragraph of Section 510 for manufactured homes on the ground that it is not conforming with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidance. Members discussed setbacks for campers, decks, campsites and campground trash receptacles and proposed aligning those setbacks with setbacks for principal structures; the board suggested a four-year compliance window for nonconforming campgrounds. Tammy Crawford offered to provide additional campground requirements to Interim Chairman Mac for inclusion in the draft revisions.
Interim Chairman Mac said he will review the list again and meet with the Town Board at a regular meeting to discuss the suggested changes; planning board members were encouraged to attend that Town Board meeting. The Planning Board set its next regular meeting for June 19, 2025, and requested new agenda items be submitted to the secretary by June 12, 2025.
