Potential changes coming to North Elba, Lake Placid Land Use Code

LAKE PLACID | Last week, the joint Land Use Code Committee held a public information session to inform residents about the proposed amendments to the Town of North Elba and Village of Lake Placid Land Use Code (also referred to as "the Code"). The current Code has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2011. "As the Town and Village undertake a revision of the Comprehensive Plan, it has become necessary to review the Code to determine how well it aligns with the updated goals and priorities set forth in that plan," said Village of Lake Placid Deputy Mayor Jackie Kelly in an email. "Ensuring consistency between these two guiding documents is essential for supporting long-term community vision, addressing present-day needs, and providing clear, predictable guidance for future development." The committee selected four specific topics for review and proposed amendment: Temporary Workforce Housing (TWH), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Political Signage, and Special Event Venue (SEV) Permit. The TWH amendment includes establishing clear standards for location, density, use duration, and management to ensure that workforce housing meets community needs. It specifies the zoning districts where TWH may be allowed. Current operators of known TWH sites will be required to submit permit applications to ensure their use meets the new standards, and the Village Residential District will be limited to a maximum of 5 TWH permits to manage density and preserve neighborhood character. Regarding ADUs, the amendment increases the number of permitted ADUs per parcel from one to two to address housing needs while supporting sustainable growth. "With rising housing costs and limited long-term rentals, allowing up to two ADUs offers an efficient, lower-impact way to add homes without significantly changing neighborhood character," Kelly says. "This change encourages smaller, attainable housing options; it also lets property owners make better use of existing land and infrastructure while reducing development sprawl." Other amendments include removing the restriction of displaying political signs for no more than 30 days and providing clearer criteria for permitting to ensure that events can operate safely, minimize neighborhood disruption, and comply with zoning and safety standards. "By addressing these four areas first," Kelly said in an email, "the Land Use Code Committee aimed to resolve pressing issues affecting residents, applicants, and municipal staff." The public information session was held, and a document was compiled to help community members clearly understand the proposed amendments, as well as the public feedback received during the Nov. 17 public hearing and the following written comment period. "Residents expressed that the process felt unclear and that the changes were difficult to follow without additional context," Kelly said in an email. "Our goal is to improve transparency, support informed participation, and ensure that community voices continue to guide the next steps in the amendment process." The proposed amendments will be on the future agenda of both boards for a vote. "Outsourcing a complete review and rewrite of the Code to a qualified planning firm would require an estimated 18 to 24 months and impose a substantial financial burden — one not included in either municipal budget. Meanwhile, both the Building Department and the Review Board have been receiving inquiries and applications that expose gaps and outdated provisions in the Code," Kelly stated in an email. "For these reasons, the town and village determined that an internally led review, aligned with the ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, was both practical and necessary." For more information or updates, visit northelba.villageoflakeplacid.ny.gov.

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Potential changes coming to North Elba, Lake Placid Land Use Code

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