RYE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
As part of tonight’s city council meeting there will be a public hearing regarding proposed zoning changes. While the main focus has been new construction, if this change is approved, it could have an impact on a number of existing homes. My understanding is if passed, the new code would include some attic spaces in FAR calculations. It would not matter if the attic is unfinished, or pull down Bessler stairs. The impact would be if a homeowner is planning an addition and part of the attic is now counted as FAR, then that addition may be no longer be possible and/or could require a variance. For homeowners not planning an addition it could impact the value of the property since expansion possibilities add value to most homes from a resale perspective.
FAR = Floor area ratio. This is the formula which determines the amount of square footage on a given lot depending on lot size and zoning.
Time: 8:00pm
Place: City Hall
Relevant Agenda Sections:
8) Continuation of Public Hearing for October 9, 2013 to amend local law Chapter
197, Zoning, of the Rye City Code, Section §197-1, “Definitions and Usage”, to amend the definition of “STORY, HALF”, and Section §197-43.2,
Subsection B, “Attics” to amend the Calculation of Attics in Gross Floor Area.
9) Continuation of Public Hearing for October 9, 2013 to: 1) adopt a local law amending Chapter 53, Architectural Review, of the
Rye City Code, Section §53-1, “Definitions” to amend the definition of “Small Project”, and 2) adopt a local law to amend Chapter 197 Article IV
“Use Regulations” and Article VI “Appeals” to establish regulations regarding outdoor fire pits and outdoor kitchens.
Another possible topic (not currently on the agenda) will be the sports complex and fields proposed as part of Sustainable Playland and how it will affect the surrounding neighborhoods.
To view the entire agenda for tonight’s meeting click here… http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/rye/published_documents/City%20Council/Agenda/2013/Agenda%2010-23-13.pdf
The O'Meara Perspective 