Canandaigua officials spent two meetings this month confronting the practical consequences of growth — from a large mixed-use development along Route 332 to shoreline protections, residential setbacks and a disputed driveway near Cheshire.
The Planning Board used its July 14 meeting to review a revised Diamond Acres concept, approve changes to a Middle Cheshire Road home project and begin shaping new shoreline and ridgeline guidelines. One week later, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved several residential variance requests, denied an oversized commercial sign and continued a contentious hearing involving a former agricultural barn and driveway on State Route 21.
Diamond Acres plan remains a work in progress
The Planning Board said a revised concept for the proposed Diamond Acres development near Canandaigua-Townline and Purdy roads showed some improvement but still lacked several elements members have requested.
The project remains in the sketch-plan stage and would ultimately require a planned unit development zoning change. Revised plans included changes to the internal street layout, a new cross street in the townhouse area and an access road serving proposed commercial properties.
Board members said those revisions did not resolve broader concerns involving traffic, pedestrian access, stormwater, buffers and the design of the project’s southern end.
Members called for sidewalks along Route 332 and Townline Road, complete-streets design throughout the development, more landscaping, stronger screening between commercial and residential uses, parking near recreational areas and better protection for neighboring Stablegate properties.
The board also raised concerns about access from Purdy Road, where traffic entering Route 332 can face high-speed vehicles traveling downhill. Members said a traffic study will be needed and again emphasized that Mobile Road should be improved and dedicated to the town.
The board stood by its earlier recommendation that the town consider a PUD application but said its previous concerns remain. Members also said they did not want the project to become more dense than currently proposed.
Lake and ridgeline rules could become clearer
The Planning Board also began work on a more detailed system of shoreline, scenic viewshed and ridgeline guidelines.
Members discussed whether the town should create three separate documents or combine them into one policy covering development from the lakefront to higher elevations. Much of the debate centered on whether the guidelines should primarily protect scenic character, improve water quality or accomplish both.
Several members said stormwater management, erosion control, vegetation preservation and limits on clearing should be central to the effort because runoff from upland development ultimately reaches Canandaigua Lake.
The board generally supported keeping the policies as guidelines rather than converting them into rigid regulations. Members said a checklist could give applicants clearer expectations before they reach the Planning Board while preserving flexibility for site-specific decisions.
Potential checklist items include landscaping, tree preservation, shoreline buffers, building visibility, lighting, roof materials, stormwater controls and documentation of existing site conditions.
The board did not reach a final agreement on ridgeline standards. Members said the town must first define the purpose of the policy and determine which public viewing areas should be protected. A new draft is expected to be developed for further review.
The board also approved an amended site plan for a single-family home at 3501 Middle Cheshire Road. The change allows about 250 cubic yards of fill to raise the front grade after groundwater conditions prevented construction of the originally planned basement.
Zoning board grants residential relief
The Zoning Board approved a variance allowing a roughly 1-acre parcel to be created from a larger property at 5625 Bunnell Road, where three acres would normally be required.
The applicant said the smaller lot would separate an existing home while preserving the surrounding land for agricultural use. Ten nearby property owners submitted support.
Some board members worried the decision could encourage future requests for additional 1-acre lots. The variance passed by a 3-2 vote and will expire unless the required subdivision approval is obtained within one year.
The board unanimously approved two variances for a 140-square-foot shed at 5497 Rochester Point Drive. The shed may be placed in the front yard, as defined by town code, and will exceed the normal 100-square-foot limit.
Members found that the lot’s configuration limited alternative locations and that similar accessory structures exist nearby.
A separate three-foot setback variance was approved for a shed at 2033 Stablegate Drive. The applicant said the proposed location is the most level area of the yard and avoids interfering with an existing gate.
The board also approved a rear setback variance for a pool deck at 3315 Dandelion Trail. Members noted the deck would back up to town-owned open space and would minimize impacts on adjoining homes.
A variance allowing a septic connection for a half bathroom in a woodshop at 4690 County Road 16 was approved by a 4-1 vote. The bathroom must remain a half bath.
Board members said the request highlighted a broader gap in town code. Current rules allow electric, gas and water service in accessory buildings but generally prohibit septic connections, even as the town permits some accessory dwelling units.
The matter is expected to be referred to the Ordinance Committee for further review.
Oversized sign denied, driveway case continued
The Zoning Board unanimously denied a variance for a 46-square-foot commercial sign at a smoke shop on Routes 5 and 20, where the maximum permitted area is 28 square feet.
The applicant said the sign company had represented that the sign complied with town rules. Town staff said no permit was obtained before the sign was installed.
Board members determined the business could use a smaller sign to achieve the same purpose. The Ontario County Planning Board had also recommended denial.
The board continued a public hearing involving a proposed residential driveway and conversion of an agricultural barn at 4243 State Route 21 South.
The applicant said the driveway has been moved entirely onto his property and that survey markers, grass seed and other changes were added following previous concerns.
A neighboring property owner continued to oppose the request, arguing the driveway remains too close to the boundary and could create drainage, snow-removal and future subdivision problems.
The town is also waiting for information from the state Department of Environmental Conservation about possible wetlands on the site. The hearing was continued to Aug. 18.
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