Amityville Zoning Board approves fence variances and rental renewals, reserves decision on Ocean Avenue use variance

The Village of Amityville Zoning Board of Appeals on March 19 approved several special exceptions and renewals affecting residential and commercial properties and reserved decision on a use‑variance request for an Ocean Avenue home.

Chairperson Tracey Cullen opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and the Board voted to approve the Feb. 26, 2026 minutes; Vice Chair Eric Taylor moved and William Ordon seconded the motion. Cullen did not vote on the minutes because she said she was not present at the February meeting.

Why it matters: the Board’s approvals allow several property owners to keep existing fences and continue two‑family rentals under conditions that require permits, maintenance and compliance with Village, State and local codes. One commercial approval revived use of a long‑vacant Broadway building for a tent‑rental business; neighbors raised several quality‑of‑life concerns.

Key approvals and outcomes

- 51 Sterling Place (SCTM# 101-3-1-22.3): The Board approved a special exception to maintain a 6‑foot solid white PVC fence. Stipulations require the applicant to conform to submitted plans, secure a fence permit, ensure the “good” side of the fence faces outward and comply with all Village, State and local codes.

- 15 Lombardi Place (SCTM# 101-4-4-49): The Board granted retroactive approval for a 6‑foot vinyl fence. The motion carried unanimously; stipulations mirror those for 51 Sterling Place (permit, plans, “good” side out, code compliance).

- 22 Locust Drive (SCTM# 101-1-2-21): The Board renewed a special exception for a non‑owner‑occupied two‑family dwelling for the sooner of two years or a change of ownership. The Building Inspector had noted cycle‑maintenance issues; the applicant agreed to complete required upkeep by the next rental renewal.

- 193 South Ketcham Ave (SCTM# 101-11-1-8) and 38 Lake Street (SCTM# 101-4-3-13): The Board renewed owner‑occupied two‑family special exceptions. The Danna residence received a renewal for the sooner of four years or change of ownership and was told to obtain and maintain rental permits and keep up property maintenance; the Moreira renewal carried similar stipulations.

- 566 Broadway (SCTM# 101-1-1-23): The Board approved a special exception for outdoor storage of business materials and commercial vehicles for a tent‑rental operation (Royal Tents). Approval included stipulations: vehicles must be registered and insured, the applicant must comply with the submitted plans and prior Planning Board requirements, and no fencing around outdoor‑stored items may be erected without separate approval.

- 147 Union Avenue (SCTM# 101-6-1-31): The Board approved a variance to expand a pre‑existing nonconforming side‑yard condition (existing 8.1' where 12' is required) with conditions that the structure not be used as a two‑family dwelling and that the applicant obtain building permits.

- 292 Ocean Avenue (SCTM# 101-11-12-24): The Board heard a use‑variance request to maintain a two‑family dwelling and closed the public hearing, reserving decision. The Board noted it lacks certain variance authority following prior code changes and will issue its decision at a later date.

Board process and conditions

Board members routinely attached the same set of stipulations to approvals: conform to approved plans, secure the necessary permits (fence or building), ensure adequate parking and property maintenance, and comply with Village, State and local codes. Several renewals were limited to a fixed term (two or four years) or until change of ownership.

Public input and inspector notes

The Building Inspector visited multiple properties and flagged maintenance or parking questions in a few cases (notably 22 Locust); in those instances, the Board made compliance conditions part of the approval. Public commenters voiced site‑specific concerns in two matters: the 566 Broadway commercial application prompted questions about lighting, surveillance, potential for graffiti and whether materials could blow away in a storm; shared‑driveway and parking impacts were raised for the 147 Union Ave application.

What’s next

The Board reserved decision on the 292 Ocean Ave use‑variance and will announce its determination later. The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.