Hillsdale board adopts Local Law No. 1 to require zoning applications start with zoning officer

The Hillsdale Town Board unanimously adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026 on July 21, requiring that initial submissions of zoning applications go first to the town zoning officer rather than directly to the planning board. The board characterized the change as closing a loophole that could otherwise leave applicants without administrative recourse.

Speaker 1, opening the public hearing, explained the policy intent: "Local laws require initial submission of all zoning applications to the zoning officer." Supporters at the public hearing — including a representative of the local advisory committee — said they generally favor the structure but urged the board to monitor whether it increases the zoning officer’s workload. Board members noted they had already increased the zoning officer’s hours and that formal written determinations preserve an applicant’s right to appeal to planning and zoning boards.

The resolution to adopt the local law (identified in the meeting as Resolution No. 73) passed without dissent. Town officials said the law is meant to make the administrative process clearer for applicants and to protect applicants’ ability to seek review; they also emphasized coordination with the county planning and existing site-plan procedures for items that proceed to the planning board.

The board plans to circulate guidance to staff and local applicants on how the new sequence will operate and to monitor whether the zoning officer requires additional resources as the law takes effect.