Kingston Forward: Citywide Rezoning

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Kingston Forward is an ongoing planning initiative to engage the community in describing the desired form and character for future improvements and preservation throughout the City. Input gathered will shape updates to the City’s zoning code. An updated zoning code can support community goals such as historic preservation, economic development, increased housing options, resilient neighborhoods, the design of streets and public spaces, and so much more.

There will be many opportunities to be involved in the rezoning process. Register at EngageKingston to receive news, updates, and alerts about the Kingston Forward process.




Kingston Forward 3.0 Draft

Version 3.0 of the Kingston Forward draft has been released here (PDF) (Publish Date December 2, 2022). An electronic version of the 3.0 draft is available via Gridics here.

To view the official Laws & Rules Committee Public hearing on the form-based code from February 13, 2023, click here. To read all public comments received during the Common Council's public comment period that closed on February 18, see here, here, and here.

To view public comment and staff responses on the 2.0 draft, click here.

To view public comments and staff responses on the 1.0 draft, click here.

Kingston Forward Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement

Via Resolution 50 of 2023, On March 7, 2023 the Common Council voted to accept a draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement ("DGEIS") as complete in scope and content. The Common Council also voted to schedule a public hearing on March 23 and a public comment period that runs from March 7 until April 10.

Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement Public Hearing

March 23, 2023, 6:30pm

Conference Room 1, City Hall


Written comments are strongly encouraged and may be emailed to Bartek Starodaj, Director of Housing Initiatives, via bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov or dropped off at the City Clerk’s Office.

Link to Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement

Link to Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement Appendices

The DGEIS considers all potential environmental impacts and reasonable project alternatives to the adoption of the Citywide Form-Based Code. If applicable, it also recommends mitigation measures where impacts might occur. The DGEIS includes a discussion on issues such as plants & animal resources, open space & recreation, historic resources, and community services & infrastructure.

Kingston Forward 3.0 Draft - What's Changed?

The zoning team received hundreds of comments on the second draft of the Kingston Forward zoning code. In response to the feedback, major changes made for the 3.0 draft include:

  • Changes to short-term rental rules. The new rules would set a cap on the number of whole-unit rentals in the City of Kingston and impose other restrictions, including limiting the number of short-term rentals to one per lot. The new rules also clarify that after proper registration with the Building Safety Department, room short term rentals and whole-unit short-term rentals for less than thirty days per year would be allowed in most areas of the City. These rules would permit a limited amount of short-term rental activity and ensure this activity does not impact the supply of long-term rental housing. To read more, see Section 405.21 D (2) Short -Term Rentals.
  • New incentives and requirements for affordable and workforce housing. Projects between 20 to 49 units will have to provide 5% workforce housing units in addition to the 10% affordable housing units. Projects with 50 or more units will have to provide 10% workforce housing units in addition to the 10% affordable housing units. Finally, new incentives have been added to encourage developers to meet or exceed the affordable housing standards, including site plan fee schedule discounts and an expedited review process. Bonus height provisions introduced in the first draft would also still apply. To read more, see Section 405.19 Affordable Housing Standards.
  • A new administrative process for street design standards. This new process clarifies how the street design guidelines would be enforced and outlines a review and approval process that involves the Complete Streets Advisory Council. To read more, see Article 5 Figure 405.23.C.
  • A new height overlay that would allow greater building heights in certain areas along Broadway and Cornell. This new height overlay would allow new projects to have up to six stories in certain locations along Broadway and Cornell Street by right. These are areas of the City that already have many five and six story buildings. The location of this new height overlay has been marked in the Special Requirements Map (Figure 305.3.B).
  • A new Waterfront Special District. To be able to be even more specific in designating standards that are in keeping with the community vision for the waterfront, previous City plans for the area, and comments we have received from this area, a new designation has been created: Special District Waterfront (SD-W). This new special district incentivizes mixed-use development and public open space along E Strand and other areas along the Rondout and respects the cultural, historic, and natural resources of the area. The special district also recognizes that any development must be designed and built to withstand environmental conditions such as flooding. To read more, see Article 3 Section 405.11 A.

Many other small changes were made throughout the code in response to public feedback. These changes are highlighted in orange.

Why Reform The Zoning Code?

  • Create a larger supply of affordable housing. The updated zoning code mandates that 10% of units in any development with 7 or more units be affordable, and incentivizes additional levels of affordability via site plan discounts, height bonuses, and expedited review. It also allows for more diversity in housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes, and other multi-family residences, to meet a wide range of needs and price points.

  • Legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are small housing units built on the land of pre-existing homes. Allowing the construction of ADUs could increase housing supply, generate extra income for homeowners, and provide nearby yet separate residences for families with an aging parent or young adult.

  • Regulate short term- rentals. The updated zoning code places a strict cap on short-term rentals equal to 1% of the city's long term housing units (approximately 100 units). Any short-term rental currently registered for operation would count toward the citywide cap, and a single property would not be able to have more than one short-term rental. These changes will prevent short-term rental activity from affecting long-term housing supply.

  • End parking requirements. Arbitrary citywide parking requirements often render new housing development unviable and hinder the launch of small businesses. Developers will be able to determine what amount of parking an area requires, making effective use of space and increasing the walkability of the City.

  • Legalize corner stores. Corner stores and other mixed-use developments increase city walkability and ensure easy access to goods and services.

  • Ensuring the right new development. The updated code ensures that new developments will fit in with their surroundings, preserving Kingston's historic urban form.

Kingston Forward - Helpful Resources


New to the Kingston Forward process? Start here:

  • This is a recording of the citywide presentation that took place on June 8 on Draft 1.0 For the Spanish version of the presentation, click here. The presentation gives a basic overview of what’s happening and what a form-based code is.
  • This is a recording of the citywide presentation that took place on September 15 on Draft 2.0 The presentation provides an overview of what changed between Draft 1.0 and Draft 2.0 based on public input.
  • For frequently asked questions, see here.


Kingston Forward Project Timeline

Version 3.0 of the Kingston Forward Draft has been submitted to the City of Kingston Common Council for review. On January 10, 2023, the Common Council voted to refer the 3.0 draft to the City of Kingston Planning Board, the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Ulster County Planning Board.

A public comment period for Version 3.0 closed on February 18, 2023.

Version 3.0 of the Kingston Forward Draft will now undergo review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. This includes the adoption of a final environmental impact statement.

Following an environmental review, administrative referrals, and the public comment period, we expect the City of Kingston Common Council will consider adoption of the final draft in spring 2023.


Kingston Forward is an ongoing planning initiative to engage the community in describing the desired form and character for future improvements and preservation throughout the City. Input gathered will shape updates to the City’s zoning code. An updated zoning code can support community goals such as historic preservation, economic development, increased housing options, resilient neighborhoods, the design of streets and public spaces, and so much more.

There will be many opportunities to be involved in the rezoning process. Register at EngageKingston to receive news, updates, and alerts about the Kingston Forward process.




Kingston Forward 3.0 Draft

Version 3.0 of the Kingston Forward draft has been released here (PDF) (Publish Date December 2, 2022). An electronic version of the 3.0 draft is available via Gridics here.

To view the official Laws & Rules Committee Public hearing on the form-based code from February 13, 2023, click here. To read all public comments received during the Common Council's public comment period that closed on February 18, see here, here, and here.

To view public comment and staff responses on the 2.0 draft, click here.

To view public comments and staff responses on the 1.0 draft, click here.

Kingston Forward Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement

Via Resolution 50 of 2023, On March 7, 2023 the Common Council voted to accept a draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement ("DGEIS") as complete in scope and content. The Common Council also voted to schedule a public hearing on March 23 and a public comment period that runs from March 7 until April 10.

Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement Public Hearing

March 23, 2023, 6:30pm

Conference Room 1, City Hall


Written comments are strongly encouraged and may be emailed to Bartek Starodaj, Director of Housing Initiatives, via bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov or dropped off at the City Clerk’s Office.

Link to Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement

Link to Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement Appendices

The DGEIS considers all potential environmental impacts and reasonable project alternatives to the adoption of the Citywide Form-Based Code. If applicable, it also recommends mitigation measures where impacts might occur. The DGEIS includes a discussion on issues such as plants & animal resources, open space & recreation, historic resources, and community services & infrastructure.

Kingston Forward 3.0 Draft - What's Changed?

The zoning team received hundreds of comments on the second draft of the Kingston Forward zoning code. In response to the feedback, major changes made for the 3.0 draft include:

  • Changes to short-term rental rules. The new rules would set a cap on the number of whole-unit rentals in the City of Kingston and impose other restrictions, including limiting the number of short-term rentals to one per lot. The new rules also clarify that after proper registration with the Building Safety Department, room short term rentals and whole-unit short-term rentals for less than thirty days per year would be allowed in most areas of the City. These rules would permit a limited amount of short-term rental activity and ensure this activity does not impact the supply of long-term rental housing. To read more, see Section 405.21 D (2) Short -Term Rentals.
  • New incentives and requirements for affordable and workforce housing. Projects between 20 to 49 units will have to provide 5% workforce housing units in addition to the 10% affordable housing units. Projects with 50 or more units will have to provide 10% workforce housing units in addition to the 10% affordable housing units. Finally, new incentives have been added to encourage developers to meet or exceed the affordable housing standards, including site plan fee schedule discounts and an expedited review process. Bonus height provisions introduced in the first draft would also still apply. To read more, see Section 405.19 Affordable Housing Standards.
  • A new administrative process for street design standards. This new process clarifies how the street design guidelines would be enforced and outlines a review and approval process that involves the Complete Streets Advisory Council. To read more, see Article 5 Figure 405.23.C.
  • A new height overlay that would allow greater building heights in certain areas along Broadway and Cornell. This new height overlay would allow new projects to have up to six stories in certain locations along Broadway and Cornell Street by right. These are areas of the City that already have many five and six story buildings. The location of this new height overlay has been marked in the Special Requirements Map (Figure 305.3.B).
  • A new Waterfront Special District. To be able to be even more specific in designating standards that are in keeping with the community vision for the waterfront, previous City plans for the area, and comments we have received from this area, a new designation has been created: Special District Waterfront (SD-W). This new special district incentivizes mixed-use development and public open space along E Strand and other areas along the Rondout and respects the cultural, historic, and natural resources of the area. The special district also recognizes that any development must be designed and built to withstand environmental conditions such as flooding. To read more, see Article 3 Section 405.11 A.

Many other small changes were made throughout the code in response to public feedback. These changes are highlighted in orange.

Why Reform The Zoning Code?

  • Create a larger supply of affordable housing. The updated zoning code mandates that 10% of units in any development with 7 or more units be affordable, and incentivizes additional levels of affordability via site plan discounts, height bonuses, and expedited review. It also allows for more diversity in housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes, and other multi-family residences, to meet a wide range of needs and price points.

  • Legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are small housing units built on the land of pre-existing homes. Allowing the construction of ADUs could increase housing supply, generate extra income for homeowners, and provide nearby yet separate residences for families with an aging parent or young adult.

  • Regulate short term- rentals. The updated zoning code places a strict cap on short-term rentals equal to 1% of the city's long term housing units (approximately 100 units). Any short-term rental currently registered for operation would count toward the citywide cap, and a single property would not be able to have more than one short-term rental. These changes will prevent short-term rental activity from affecting long-term housing supply.

  • End parking requirements. Arbitrary citywide parking requirements often render new housing development unviable and hinder the launch of small businesses. Developers will be able to determine what amount of parking an area requires, making effective use of space and increasing the walkability of the City.

  • Legalize corner stores. Corner stores and other mixed-use developments increase city walkability and ensure easy access to goods and services.

  • Ensuring the right new development. The updated code ensures that new developments will fit in with their surroundings, preserving Kingston's historic urban form.

Kingston Forward - Helpful Resources


New to the Kingston Forward process? Start here:

  • This is a recording of the citywide presentation that took place on June 8 on Draft 1.0 For the Spanish version of the presentation, click here. The presentation gives a basic overview of what’s happening and what a form-based code is.
  • This is a recording of the citywide presentation that took place on September 15 on Draft 2.0 The presentation provides an overview of what changed between Draft 1.0 and Draft 2.0 based on public input.
  • For frequently asked questions, see here.


Kingston Forward Project Timeline

Version 3.0 of the Kingston Forward Draft has been submitted to the City of Kingston Common Council for review. On January 10, 2023, the Common Council voted to refer the 3.0 draft to the City of Kingston Planning Board, the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Ulster County Planning Board.

A public comment period for Version 3.0 closed on February 18, 2023.

Version 3.0 of the Kingston Forward Draft will now undergo review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. This includes the adoption of a final environmental impact statement.

Following an environmental review, administrative referrals, and the public comment period, we expect the City of Kingston Common Council will consider adoption of the final draft in spring 2023.


Ask a question about the Kingston Forward 3.0 Draft

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  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Are there new zoning and design guidelines for ADUs?

    lyn asked about 1 month ago

    Yes, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are addressed in Section 405.18. As ADU is defined as a dwelling unit of limited size that is on the same lot as a primary dwelling unit and can be attached or detached. Under the form-based code, ADUs would be legal citywide. 

    Depending on where you are located in the City and what transect area you are in, different setback or height restrictions may apply. 

    -Bartek

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    Some properties in proposed T3 and T4 zones don't meet zoning criteria either for setback or building height (particularly "Ground Finished Floor" requirement of 18" for residential properties). How do these properties fit into the new code?

    MK asked 2 months ago

    Hi MK,

    The transect zones identify the existing and desired future character of an area, and generally include both sides of the street in the same zone, so that similar scale/form of development will face each other across the street. In some cases, this does result in existing buildings that do not conform to the standards. In those scenarios, the provisions for Nonconforming Buildings and Uses will apply (sec 405.26.I), which reads "Any building, the use of which is in conformity with the regulations set forth in this chapter but which building does not conform to one or more of the requirements hereof, other than the requirements which apply to buildings located in designated Historic Districts, may be altered, enlarged or rebuilt but not in a manner that increases the degree of nonconformity. This provision shall be liberally interpreted to allow adaptive reuse of existing buildings." Thus, an existing property that doesn't meet certain standards would be able to be rebuilt or improved in the future.

    Thanks,

    Bartek

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    1. When will the application process open for STR-F permits? 2. What is the number of housing units currently in Kingston? The census website does not have data as of 2022. 3. Does the allotted 1% of STRs include the number of grandfathered units which are currently operating?

    Nina asked 3 months ago

    Hi Nina,

    1. The opening of an application process would coincide with the passage of the zoning code.

    2. The latest census data indicates a total of approximately 10,600 housing units. See: https://data.census.gov/table?q=Kingston+city,+New+York+housing+units

    3. Yes, the allotted 1% for STR-F includes the number of grandfathered units that are currently operating under the current STR standards. 

    -Bartek

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    Per the Open Storage guidelines, are the City-issued refuse and recycling containers included in this? They have become any eyesore throughout the City, with many residents storing them full-time in front of residences, and it never seems to be addressed. In most cases, there are other our-of-sight storage areas available on the properties.

    KingstonNatureLover asked 3 months ago

    The draft includes standards for screening of service areas in 405.14.I.5, but those were intended for dumpster areas, and not for individual trash or recycle containers for homes. Standards for City-issued refuse and recycling containers would have to happen as part of a separate ordinance - there are already some related requirements in Sec 350 Solid Waste. Please see: https://ecode360.com/6725358

    -Bartek

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    Considering that the new Waterfront Special District recognizes that any development must be designed and built to withstand environmental conditions such as flooding, has there been consideration of incorporating a requirement to meet WEDG guidelines into the draft? (https://www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/wedg-waterfront-edge-design-guidelines.html)

    Jennifer Costley asked 3 months ago

    Hi Jennifer,

    Thank you for sharing this resource. Given the existing development requirements, we have not considered the WEDG guidelines specifically for inclusion into the zoning code. However, these could be adopted as part of a separate legislative process. 

    -Bartek

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    With regard to urban agriculture, are there any provisions for gardens, green spaces or even bee keeping, chicken keeping etc for rooftops specifically? Or will the new zoning only address backyards? Thanks!

    Nina asked 8 months ago

    Hi Nina,  the code does address agriculture for only for backyards. Under the 1.0 draft, a distinction is made between urban agriculture for local markets (less than 2 acres) and agriculture (more than 2 acres). Urban agriculture is allowed most transects while agriculture is more restricted.  Neither definition currently addresses rooftops - if you'd like to discuss this further please send me a note: bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov. Thanks!

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    Hi, Will there be a public review of the community submitted feedback for Draft 1? Is the next draft the final draft and if so when is the release of it expected?

    Nina asked 8 months ago

    Hi Nina,

    Yes, the public feedback received for Draft 1.0 will be released alongside responses from the planning team when the second draft of the zoning code is published in August. There will be two more drafts.

    Thanks,

    Bartek

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    How do I submit written comments on the draft ordinance?

    Bob D asked 10 months ago

    Hello Bob, you can submit comments by July 1 via this survey. 

    If you'd prefer, you can also email your comment to Bartek Starodaj, bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov.  As long as you label it as a comment on the 1.0 draft, it will be received. 

    Thanks,

    Bartek

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    Will this zoning project address storing boat and utility trailers, unlicensed vehicles, RVs, etc. on residential property in the City of Kingston?

    Hello asked 10 months ago

    Hello, yes - that will be addressed as part of the existing § 405-29 (see https://ecode360.com/6728172). This section will be pulled into the next draft of this zoning code with some potential minor edits. Please feel free to to submit a public comment on this section specifically. Thanks, Bartek

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    Hi, Will you be making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units? I understand that currently they have to apply for a variance. When will the rezoning effort be complete? Kingston is in dire straits when it comes to available and affordable housing as you know. Sincerely, Margot Jepson Holy Cross/Santa Cruz parishioner and Kingston Interfaith Council secretary

    MJepson asked about 1 year ago

    Hi Margot - yes, the new zoning code will directly address accessory dwelling units and likely make their creation easier for homeowners. Accessory apartments are known for expanding housing choice, introducing affordability, and supporting aging in place and flexible cohousing arrangements. 

    The draft of the zoning code will be released in a few weeks. After a community engagement process, it is expected that the Common Council will vote on adopting the code sometime during the fall of 2022. 

    Thank you,

    Bartek

    (Editor's note: Please note that this response was published in April 2022. For the latest project timeline, reference the project page)

Page last updated: 09 Mar 2023, 09:27 AM