Fairport’s zoning update is a positive step

Updating the Village of Fairport Zoning Code is certainly a step in a positive direction and those involved in the process should be commended. Without question an exercise of this type generates considerable discussion and emotion. Comments back to the group from village residents is certainly the right thing to do. Having been a Village resident and home owner since 1959, I like many Village residents have a keen interest in what happens.

However, one of the significant issues that has generated large response is that of ADU’s, Auxiliary Dwelling Units, probably more commonly referred to as “Apartments.” Application Process for In-Law Apartments has been available for some time. My thoughts on In-Law Apartments were that we would be actually be approving “Apartments.” A couple of issues surface regarding ADU’s. One being the conversion of an existing single-family home to include an apartment, and secondly would be conversion of available space on the property to build an apartment. This could be a garage conversion or simply using open space on the property to construct a proper code approved dwelling unit.

ADUs or apartment conversions certainly need to follow specific Zoning Code requirements, when they are established. Some of the specific considerations should be as follows:

• ADU or Apartment Applications to the Planning or Zoning Boards should be permitted in ‘ALL’ Zoning Areas. Anything else would probably lead to a discrimination issue, without question. What we don’t want to see or hear in the Media is, “FAIRPORT DISCRIMINATES AGAINST RENTERS AND RENTALS.”
• There may be those who are significantly opposed to ADU’s, but the reality is we never know when we might be faced with a situation in which an ADU conversion might just be the right solution.
• ADU’s should have a maximum occupancy number established.
• In-Law Apartment terminology should be eliminated. ADU’s could well be for: parents, adult children, special needs relationships, provide income for senior adults who would like to stay in their home, etc.
• ADU’s must have all separate utilities; kitchens, bathrooms, entries, laundry facility negotiable.
• Parking must be provided on site for ALL vehicles, present and future, and ideally rear yard. A single bedroom ADU would require TWO parking spots on site. This could result in approving wider driveways. On street parking significantly destroys the character of the Village, and often creates a significant safety hazard.
• Properties with ADU’s, or apartment conversions, MUST be owner occupied. There shall be no Absentee Landlords.

I was most fortunate to be appointed to the Volunteer Boards of Zoning, Planning and Conservation in the Village of Fairport and the Town of Perinton, and was able to serve for more than twenty years. Serving on the Volunteer Boards takes a considerable amount of time, but the interaction with the community residents makes it all worthwhile. Many if not most applications to the Boards required a site visit to the properties which provided first hand information regarding what was being requested. Occasionally a neighbor would walk on over during the site visit, and ask a few questions. This also provided an opportunity to clarify some possible misinformation, as in many applications the neighbors would be at the meetings. Working through most applications with thorough discussions, generally produced decisions fully understood by the parties involved.

For many Applicants appearance before the Boards might be a first-time experience, whereas Developers, Builders and Contractors are more experienced in the process, I always thought it was the Boards position to thoughtfully and carefully guide the Applicants in relation to the code and to what a requested variance would require.

I did send my comments to the committee as I’m sure many Village residents have done. Updating the Zoning Code has and will take considerable time, and with legal guidance should produce the best possible revision. Will it be perfect … is anything ever perfect?

Robert E. (Bob) Salmon
Fairport

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