Town of Fayette Lakeshore/Canal Land Use Regulations Revisions

MRB Group assisted the Town of Fayette with targeted revisions to its Lakeshore/Canal Land Use District regulations, creating a more balanced framework for lakefront development while strengthening protections for community character and water quality.

Working in coordination with Hancock Estabrook, LLP, the Town Board, Town Planning and Zoning Boards, and Seneca County Planning Department, MRB Group evaluated existing development patterns and identified a significant mismatch between existing lot conditions and dimensional requirements. GIS analysis showed that certain regulatory approaches could have resulted in approximately 80 percent of existing lots within the district becoming nonconforming, potentially creating unnecessary challenges for property owners seeking reasonable improvements.

Drawing on this analysis, the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, and applicable watershed management plans, MRB Group developed updated setback and lot-dimensional standards, along with new impervious-surface coverage requirements. Illustrative drawings were also prepared to demonstrate how the proposed regulations could affect typical properties. MRB Group worked with the Town and its partners throughout the review, SEQR, and adoption process, completing the effort on an expedited timeline between April and July 2026.

Big Idea

Create a balanced regulatory framework that supports reasonable lakefront development while protecting community character and water quality.