Zoning Board

The Town of Bethel Zoning Board of Appeals ("Board") is comprised of seven volunteer members of our community. The Board meets once a month on the third Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bethel Justice Court, 3586 Rt. 55, Kauneonga Lake. The Board has oversight of applications for Land and Use Variances.

All applications are received by the Building Department at the Town Hall from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday

Application Fee is $150

Applications should be filed at least ten days prior to the next meeting in order to be placed on the agenda.

Once your application is filed you will be notified when to appear.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, please notify the Building Department immediately so you can be rescheduled.

What to Expect When You Appear Before the Board

When you appear before the Board be prepared and be on time.

Special Use Permits require a detailed site plan showing structure placement, parking, signage, driveways, landscaping and any other details the Board feels are pertinent to your project.

At your first appearance before the Board you will be informed if a public hearing is necessary.

Some use permits require approval or licenses from other government agencies, such as Dept. of Health, Dept. of Motor Vehicle, County, State or Town Highway Depts.

State Environmental Quality Review Act

The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) is a State Law that requires certain actions in the State of New York to be subject to this review. There are two types of reviews; short form and long form. Short form is used internally by the Town of Bethel. Long form is used for large projects usually when other agencies are involved. The long form is a more extensive process. Both forms are used to determine if there will be any detrimental or adverse effects to the area due to your project. Terminology: Positive Declaration - adverse effects. Negative Declaration – no adverse effects. You or your representative will be guided through this process if it is needed.

Public Hearing

A public hearing is an opportunity for the Board and yourself to receive comments and take questions from the community and any other appropriate agencies.

Special Use permits require a public hearing.

Should the Board set a public hearing it is usually scheduled for the next Board meeting or the next available meeting date when you are ready with all the required information.

If a public hearing is set, you may be required to send the adjoining property owners a certified letter indicating the date, time, place and reason for the public hearing.

The Building Department will help you gather the names and addresses. A sample letter is available from the Building Department.

At the public hearing you will be required to provide evidence of the certified mailings.

During the public hearing written or oral comments will be heard regarding your project. Comments may be from adjoining property owners or any other interested party wishing to be heard.

Decision and Permits

At the close of the public hearing the Board may approve your project or you may need to return with more information. In some instances your project may be approved with conditions. Special Use Variances may need to be referred to the Planning Board for their approval.

At any time, the Building Department will assist you with questions you may have. Please call (845) 583-4649 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Have You Remembered To:

q File your application timely?

q Pay your fee?

q Confirm your meeting date, time and location?

q Send your certified letters?

q Keep the receipts for your certified letters and bring them with you?

q Inform your surveyor, engineer, etc. of meeting date?

q Have you gathered all necessary information for the Board?

q Have you contacted other Agencies for permits or licenses?

 

 

Prepared by:
Rita Sheehan, Bethel Town Clerk

May 2003