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Commission reviews two referrals: Washingtonville zoning change and pet‑care law; advisory drafts assigned
Summary
Commissioners reviewed two proposed local laws referred by the board of trustees — a zoning change in Washingtonville (4‑family to 2‑family) aimed at reducing impervious coverage and a proposal to allow pet‑care facilities (doggy daycares) in the C‑2 district — and assigned drafting responsibilities for advisory opinions.
The commission reviewed two legislative referrals from the village Board of Trustees.
1) Washingtonville zoning change: Staff summarized a proposed local law that would change much of the Washingtonville area from four‑family to two‑family zoning. The stated motivations are to reduce impervious coverage in a flood‑prone neighborhood (about 80% in a flood zone) and to preserve neighborhood character. Commissioners discussed that many existing nonconforming units would be grandfathered and asked for an advisory opinion that focuses on consistency with LWRP policies; Commissioner Simon volunteered to draft the initial advisory opinion with staff circulation procedures outlined.
2) Pet‑care and animal‑hospital rules: The Board has proposed allowing pet‑care facilities (doggy daycares) in the C‑2 district and applying the same special‑permit and parking requirements to animal hospitals as pet‑care operations (parking based on staff on‑site). Commissioners asked staff to include a zoning map and noted parking and loading requirements could be managed through special‑permit review.
Staff noted deadlines for the March 10 public hearing and suggested draft advisory comments be provided to village staff by the Thursday before that hearing. Commissioners discussed deliberation rules for drafting outside meetings and agreed an initial draft would be circulated to staff and the chair for comment rather than debated in private.
