Revised Subdivision Regulations
Project Status
On February 2, 2009, the Town Board passed a resolution to adopt revised Subdivision Regulations. These will become effective 60 days from the date of the Town Board resolution, on April 3, 2009.
Please note that the “Town of Amherst Details and Specifications” referenced in the regulations will be made available online. They are also available from the Town of Amherst Engineering Department.
Please contact the Planning Department with any questions at 631-7051.
Revised Subdivision Regulations
Details and Specifications (forthcoming)
Introduction
Following completion of the Bicentennial Comprehensive Plan, the Town initiated a review of its development regulations, including the Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations. The goals of this review were to:
1) bring the codes up to contemporary standards;
2) incorporate provisions to help implement the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan;
3) increase the user-friendliness of the documents; and
4) revise ineffective or inefficient provisions.
A revised Zoning Code was adopted in May 2006. Draft Subdivision Regulations have been prepared, reviewed, and are now undergoing public review. The following summarizes the major changes incorporated in the Draft Subdivision Regulations:
- A series of document improvements were made, similar to those in the recently revised Zoning Ordinance, including: addition of graphics and tables, reorganization, and improved page layout design
- Revised and updated definitions
- Updated general street design guidelines to encourage connectivity, traffic calming, and access management measures
- Updated geometric and pavement standards and graphics to reflect NYS Department of Transportation standards, as well as provide for additional roadway features, such as medians, parking lanes, and bike lanes
- Three new street types – minor arterials, narrow residential streets, and alleys – were added to reflect the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan
- Added street connectivity requirements for subdivisions of 30 lots or more
- Revised standards for cul-de-sac streets, including new standards for cul-de-sac islands
- Added standards for rural residential subdivisions, riparian buffers, and the dedication of open space in cluster subdivisions
- Deleted Appendices A through D of the Residential Subdivision Street Specifications, to be included in a separate design manual
- Clarified subdivision application requirements and procedures, review and approval authority, and enforcement procedures and penalties
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