Code officer outlines full rewrite of Sodus Point’s Chapter 190 zoning code

Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Druschel told the Village of Sodus Point Zoning Board on July 28 that the village is pursuing a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 190 of the zoning code. He said a master binder compares proposed changes to existing law, that definitions have been consolidated into Article 1, and that major substantive edits appear in Articles 2–5 and 12–14, including new environmental overlays, adjusted density and setback rules, and clarified site‑plan and special‑use procedures.

Kevin told the board there are notable changes a ZBA member should expect: revised density charts, higher variance thresholds (for example, area variances identified around 40%), adjusted setbacks for specific zones (LCR to 12.5 feet; waterfront commercial to 5 feet), lowered height limits in some areas (to 30 feet), and consolidated rules for structures such as sheds and recreation courts. On Article 14 he said the draft “puts the burden of proof on the applicant” for special use permits and variance proceedings. Kevin said he will meet with Sharon and work with the Planning Board; his target is to have the revised document ready in about a month for County review and then Village Board consideration, with public comment following Planning Board and Village Board steps.

The Zoning Board members reviewed the draft during the meeting and were asked to forward comments to the Planning Board. The code officer noted the Master Plan is on the village website and that the rewrite is intended to align zoning language with real‑world uses and enforcement practice.