For Immediate Release: October 8, 2008
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – Adirondack Park Agency announces formal Public Hearings for a proposed 2008 rulemaking.
The Adirondack Park Agency is continuing a public process initiated in 1996 that has lead to additional amendments of its existing regulations for the purpose of: (1) clarifying the Agency’s existing regulatory language; (2) expediting the Agency’s delivery of services to the public; (3) introducing more consistency, uniformity and predictability into the Agency administration and decision making consistent with governing statures, and (4) otherwise improving the Agency’s regulatory, advisory, and educational functions.
The following summarizes the five subject areas and the content of the regulatory changes proposed in the current regulation revisions.
Involving Wetlands – Revise regulatory definitions to make Adirondack Park Agency Act and Freshwater Wetlands Act jurisdiction identical; tailor wetland subdivision jurisdiction to potential for impacts (9 NYCRR 578.3, 570.3, 573.3).
Expansion of non-conforming shoreline structures - Modify existing regulation which allows unlimited lateral and rear expansion of non-conforming shoreline structures without a variance (9 NYCRR 575.5). Companion change: require improvements to non-conforming on-site wastewaste treatment systems where possible, and ensure that an expansion is subject to shoreline setback variance requirements (9 NYCRR 575.7).
Land division along roads or rights-of-way owned in fee – Remove existing regulation which allows divisions along roads without permit even though the overall intensity guidelines cannot be met (9 NYCRR 570.3).
Floor Space – Add a regulatory definition which defines the “square feet of floor space” of a building and the “square footage” of any other structure (9 NYCRR 570.3).
Hunting and Fishing Cabin – Amend current definition to provide additional detail as to what constitutes a “hunting and fishing cabin” (9 NYCRR 570.3).
The Agency will hold public hearings starting on October 14, 2008. Each hearing will take place at the following time and location:
October 14, 2008 – 6:00PM: Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters, Ray Brook, NY
October 15, 2008 – 3:00PM: Gore Mountain Ski Center, Baselodge, North Creek, NY
October 20, 2008 – 2:00PM: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 1st Floor Conference Room, 625 Broadway, Albany NY
For more information on the proposed regulatory changes please visit the Adirondack Park Agency’s website at www.apa.state.ny.us