Defers, at local option, the approval of subdivision plats and site plans in high growth towns, cities and villages

Title of bill

An act to amend the town law, the general city law and the village law, in relation to the deferral of approval of subdivision plats and site plans in high growth areas

Purpose

It is the purpose of this act to defer, at local option, the approval of subdivision plats and site plans in high growth towns, cities and villages.

Summary of provisions

Amends town law by adding a new section 286; amends general city law by adding a new section 27-c; amends village law by adding a new section 7-733.

Justification

Eastern Long Island has unfortunately experienced adverse impacts due to uncontrollable growth. In order to better manage the pace and impact of such growth in local communities, this legislation would permit a local town, village or city board, within a high growth area, to authorize their planning boards to defer action on a site plan or subdivision plat where the board has made a finding that existing facilities are inadequate to support the proposed development when it is fully built out. A high growth area is a town, village or city that has had a growth rate in population or housing units of 6% or greater for the period from 1990 to 2000 as determined by the Federal Census. However, a local government would first be required to prepare a Capital Facilities Plan for entities such as schools, roads, police, fire, water, energy and sewage. Nearly every Long Island community has a capital facilities chapter as part of its Comprehensive Plan.

This legislation would not mandate. It does require local governments in high growth areas to implement a growth management law, but it does provide them with the option.

Legislative history

2007-08, S.657; 2005-06, S.1634; 2003-04, S.3265.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.