By Carol P. Bartold

Jul. 22, 2015: The Bronxville Board of Trustees, at its July 13 meeting, amended the village zoning law to streamline the approval process and limit regulatory barriers for businesses operating and wanting to operate in Bronxville.  

Local laws adopted by the board exempt certain use changes from the requirement of site plan approval and establish site plan standards to expand allowable outdoor dining.  

"This is a start," said Mayor Mary Marvin. "We are working at a spectrum of possible changes to the zoning code. This is our first foray into change."  

Village attorney James Staudt stated that the zoning code, as amended, will strengthen the balance of businesses, maintain zoning requirements, and make Bronxville an attractive place for businesses.  

The amended zoning code will exempt businesses that want to make interior modifications to establishments from having to seek site plan approval. The new law applies to existing businesses as well as to new businesses.  

Significant changes to the façade of a building will still require design review and site plan approval. 

The law will also allow businesses to make use changes within the same business use category without having to obtain site plan approval. Under previous zoning law, any change in use required a new site plan approval. Staudt cited retail and professional services as examples of business use categories and explained, for example, that a change from one type of retail establishment to another is now exempt from site plan approval.  

The trustees adopted a change in the village zoning code that expands allowable adjacent outdoor dining to include bakeries and coffee shops in addition to the already-included restaurants. Eating establishments will need site plan approval rather than special permit approval to establish outdoor dining. Public notice will be required to be provided only to properties within a 150-foot radius of the proposed outdoor eating area.  

After the first approved application for outdoor dining, the amended zoning code calls for renewal of the approval at the end of each calendar year. Any substantial changes to the initial site plan approved will require planning board approval.  

Mayor Marvin noted that the yearly renewal will establish a level of quality control by ensuring that establishments that offer outdoor dining comply with the zoning code.  

"What we're discussing here has been two years in the making," said Susan Miele, executive director of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce. "It is helping Bronxville adapt to changing needs. Our members are going to be thrilled with these developments."  

Jon Gordon, president and CEO of Admiralty Real Estate Services Corporation in Bronxville, agreed with Miele and called the board's action a step in the right direction. "I hope we can continue the momentum to make a vibrant shopping community for everyone in our community," he said.

Pictured here:  Outdoor dining in the Bronxville business district. 

Photo by A. Warner