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Village keeps public hearing open on buffer-zone site-plan changes
Summary
The Village Board continued a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 120 that would remove a "minor exterior alteration" exemption within a 100-foot lake buffer, meaning certain exterior work that disturbs soil would require planning-board approval.
The Greenwood Lake Village Board on Oct. 16 continued a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 120 of the village code that would change when site-plan approval is required in designated protection areas around the lake. The changes remove the prior exemption for "minor exterior alterations" within a 100-foot buffer and make exterior work that disturbs soil eligible for planning-board review.
Brian, a village staff consultant, told the board the amendment does not create new code provisions but narrows the exemption: "Exterior alterations that involve disturbance of the soil…would be subject to planning-board approval," he said. Trustees questioned whether routine repairs—such as replacing deck planks—would require review; Brian replied that repairs that do not disturb soil would not, but additions or work that requires soil disturbance would. The board said permit fees are unchanged but residents may see more planning-board filings for projects that involve excavation or additions.
The village clerk read the amendment's legislative intent at the meeting, saying it aims to "ensure consistency…with respect to reviewing and enforcing development constraints" and to promote residential stability. The board voted to keep the public hearing open and to defer a vote until the November meeting to allow more public input and to clarify implementation details for property owners.
