Zoning Code Update Steering Committee 2024-2025
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The 2024 Comprehensive Land Use Plan has direct implications for the zoning code update. The Plan advocates for the protection of Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs) by incorporating the amendments of the Low Impact Report which recommended improvements in the site plan review. The Report also recommended that metrics be developed for the CEAs such as limits on impervious surfaces. 
The Zoning Update Committee met five times from August 2024 to May 2025. An internal zoning survey conducted in early 2025 highlighted concerns about the high frequency of  variances granted especially in CEAs.
 In their March meeting 2025 the members discussed how the LID recommendations could be incorporated into the zoning code to improve stormwater management and protect water quality. Specific recommendations included promoting green infrastructure, minimizing impervious surfaces and encouraging natural resource protection.
In August 2025 the Town of Queensbury invited residents and interested stakeholders to a public workshop to discuss the zoning code update. The intent of the workshop was to collect feedback on the zoning updates.
The LID recommendations have been on the table since 2021. The Town Supervisor thought it best to promote the LID recommendations after the Comprehensive Plan was adopted. From Town Staff comments it is obvious that they want to minimize any changes in the Zoning code. 
The following weaknesses remain in the revised zoning code: 
Waterfront residential property owners can have the dimensional requirements (setbacks, floor area ration building height) waived by getting a variance; Waterfront residential development: permeable surfaces not required if “not practicable”; Town staff can approve changes in the site plan approved by the Planning Board without going back to the Planning Board;  Tree cutting and vegetation removal do not reflect the LID recommendations; rules on extensive clearing of vegetation and grading apply only to an area greater than one acre and property owner can subvert them by submitting his own cutting plan.