New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01935

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  

Caption

Permits alternate members of certain planning boards and zoning boards of appeals for any reason the town board deems necessary pursuant to local law, rule, regulation or ordinance.

Summary

Bill S01935 amends the town law in New York to allow town boards to establish alternate member positions for planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. These alternate members can be appointed to substitute for regular members who are unable to participate due to conflicts of interest or other reasons deemed necessary by the town board. The bill specifies that the chairpersons of the respective boards can designate alternate members to act in place of regular members, and these alternates will have the same powers and responsibilities as the regular members during their service.

Impact

The passage of this bill will enhance the flexibility of local governance by allowing town boards to manage their planning and zoning processes more effectively. By enabling the appointment of alternate members, towns can ensure that their boards remain functional and capable of making decisions even when regular members are unavailable. This change may lead to more efficient handling of zoning and planning matters, potentially reducing delays in local government operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S01935 appears to be generally supportive, as it aims to improve local governance and ensure that planning and zoning boards can operate smoothly. However, there may be concerns regarding the criteria for appointing alternate members and the potential for conflicts of interest, which could be points of discussion among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the discretion given to town boards in determining the necessity for alternate members and the criteria for their appointment. Some stakeholders may argue that this could lead to arbitrary decisions or favoritism in appointments. Others may advocate for clearer guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in the process.

Companion Bills

NY A05294

Same As Permits alternate members of certain planning boards and zoning boards of appeals for any reason the town board deems necessary pursuant to local law, rule, regulation or ordinance.

Previously Filed As

NY A05294

Permits alternate members of certain planning boards and zoning boards of appeals for any reason the town board deems necessary pursuant to local law, rule, regulation or ordinance.

NY S08662

Limits the authority of cities, villages and towns to impose certain zoning regulations, ordinances, or local laws which would have the effect of reducing the number or density of allowable housing units in the area subject to the regulations, ordinances, or local laws.

NY A08834

Limits the authority of cities, villages and towns to impose certain zoning regulations, ordinances, or local laws which would have the effect of reducing the number or density of allowable housing units in the area subject to the regulations, ordinances, or local laws.

NY A00476

Requires certain municipal planning boards and zoning boards of appeals to receive at least one hour of environmentally conscious planning training annually.

NH HB229

Repealing the alternative procedure for adoption of zoning ordinances.

NH HB92

Requiring recusal of members of zoning boards of adjustment and planning boards in certain circumstances.

MA H2300

Relative to local option for associate members of planning boards

RI H5794

Provides technical amendments to the chapters on subdivision of land and zoning ordinances for towns and cities.

RI S1086

Provides technical amendments to the chapters on subdivision of land and zoning ordinances for towns and cities.

WA HB1835

Aligning cannabis licensing decisions by the liquor and cannabis board with local zoning ordinances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.