Following a series of cases in which Woodstock homeowners violated restrictions designed to protect the city’s mountain views, former planning committee member Conor Wenk and other members of the city’s zoning review committee have proposed changes to tighten the law and increase penalties increase. The Overlay Scenic Zone district includes properties located at or above 1200 feet above sea level.
“It would be wonderful to move the process forward so quickly that we don’t lose all of next summer’s season of losing all the trees in the scenic overlay,” said Councilor Laura Ricci, who chairs the committee.
Proposed changes for the Overlay Scenic District include minimizing cut-and-fill activity and restoring effective vegetation in disturbed areas. It also requires the use of building materials, colors and textures designed to blend with the natural environment.
Unnecessary tree felling or the felling and limbing of trees within the district without a special use permit is punishable by a fine of up to US$5,000 per day. “Insignificant” includes cuts that do not have a significant impact on safety and buildability.
The planning authority may require an applicant to submit drone footage of the entire affected area provided by a licensed operator prior to approval and again after completion of the project.
Councilor Bennet Ratcliff commended those who worked on the law. “I think protecting the canopy throughout the Northeast is extremely important,” Ratcliff said. “What we can do here in the community of Woodstock on 69 square miles contributes in some way to that canopy. Thank you for doing that.”
The city council unanimously authorized City Manager Bill McKenna to forward the proposed changes to the city and county planning authorities for consideration.
hudsonvalleyone.com
https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2023/03/29/after-a-spike-in-violations-woodstock-proposes-crackdown-on-non-essential-tree-removal/
