Zoning Updates Discussed in Delhi

DELHI - The Delhi Town Board is working to update zoning regulations, focusing on the first 42 pages. The board discussed potential revisions on Aug. 10th.

Councilmember Josh Morgan, who serves as a code enforcement officer for several neighboring municipalities, said the intent was to simplify development and modernize the language.

Supervisor Maya Boukai hopes to include more specific definitions for items including cottage court, ADU, and tiny homes. She will further change language for rural districts one, three, and five to explicitly state that ADUs are by right.

A standard definition of an ADU is an accessory dwelling unit, or a small, secondary independent housing space located on the same property as a primary single-family home.

Morgan explained that current code permits an ADU, attached or detached, as long as the property owner occupies the main dwelling unit.

Many councilmembers agreed with lowering the minimum lot size requirements outside the village. However, Morgan explained that the minimum 30,000-square-foot lot size requirement for one of the rural districts might be as low as possible, given regulations for wells, septic systems, and town roadside right-of-way. He noted the same concern for Planned Unit Developments (PUD), which have a minimum requirement of 30 acres. PUDs include development with multiple units.

The council also discussed adjusting or adding definitions for commercial farming in rural district one. Current regulations permit hobby farming, but commercial farming requires a special permit. Councilmember Daniel Gashler noted a desire to support all forms of agriculture.

Other Business

Planning Board Member Dominic Morales resigned after roughly 14 years of service, leaving a vacancy on the board.

A bid for a new boiler and water heater was accepted at a total of $38,504 from C.E. Kiff.

Britney Dolph was hired as court clerk effective Aug. 11th. Hope Gonzalez was hired as deputy court clerk effective Sept. 8th. Salaries will be as outlined in the 2026 budget.

A water leak near the county jail damaged Prospect Road, owned by the village. The town agreed to provide shared services to repair the roadway not to exceed $7,000.

The board is expected to pass a resolution or present a local law defining commercial use of town property. Commercial use will be focused on the concession stand and pool.

Boukai will explore quotes for a recirculating system splash pad to replace the kiddie pool. Previous quotes around $400,000 to $500,000 were for a non-recirculating system. However, after discussing with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Boukai said this is not required, which should lower the costs.

The town continues to review joint facility options with the village. Current exploration is reviewing a 170-acre village park. More information on past discussions and current updates is available on the town website, townofdelhiny.gov.

Feedback on the Comprehensive Plan draft vision and goals closed on Aug. 17th. Updates on the plan are available at the town website.

Budget workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, and Thursday, Oct. 8, at 5:30 p.m.

The next town board meeting is scheduled Monday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m.