Administrative
The current version of the Land Use Code was adopted in 2011. It was designed primarily to reflect the principles of Smart Growth Development, encourage affordable housing, increase environmental protections and streamline the permit process.
The current Land Use Code has been amended a number of times since its adoption in 2011. The most recent amendment added a provision regarding short term rentals. The adoption process for that amendment included a number of public hearings and a great deal of community discussion. Those discussions generated a desire to review the 2011 Code to ensure the existing provisions are consistent with the new approach to short term rentals.
In March of 2020 the Town Board of North Elba and the Village Board of Lake Placid both directed the Community Development Commission to spearhead an initiative to review and revise the 2011 Land Use Code. That Development Commission was established when the communities adopted a common Comprehensive Plan in 2014. It was basically created to promote the implementation of the goals and objectives of that then new Comprehensive Plan.
The Development Commission, in turn, has created a Land Use Code Revision Committee. This smaller group consists of individuals with first hand knowledge the existing Land Use Code. It also includes representatives of the Town and Village Code Enforcement Office as well as the Town and Village Boards. This group will serve as the steering committee for the initiative.
The Development Commission and Land Use Code Committee facilitated two public information sessions regarding administrative edits to the LUC. The Committee used feedback from those sessions to create a final list of recommendations. Presentations to the Town and Village Board in January of 2022 led to further revisions. The suggestions were condensed into language for adoption by the Review Board Attorney.
While the Land Use Code Committee was finalizing their recommendations the State of New York clarified issues regarding local jurisdiction over solar energy units. Language which would allow for the controlling glare from residential panels has been added to this round of Administrative Edits.
Documents:
- Steering Committee Members
- Project Plan
- 6.24.21 LUC Public Information Session Presentation Feedback
- Final Recommendations - Administrative
- Solar Panel suggestions explained
Short Term Rentals
The Land Use Code Committee hosted a public information session, two public feedback workshops, and a community survey related to Short Term Rental Regulations.
Based on this information, the Committee presented its recommendations for STR regulations to the Boards in June of 2022.
Documents:
Public Information Session Recording
STR Public Information Session Slide Deck
Final Report
Survey Data