Stanford Town Board Revises Local Law on ADUs, Sets Public Hearing

The Stanford Town Board introduced a third iteration of its proposed law on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during its regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, responding to community feedback that had shaped the revisions. 

The introduction of the revised Local Law No. 3 prompted the cancellation of a public hearing originally scheduled for the same evening. A public hearing on the revised law is now scheduled for Jan. 9, with the latest draft available for review on the town’s website.

The revised law reduces the maximum allowable size for ADUs from 1,800 square feet to 1,500 square feet, preserves the requirement that only one ADU may be built per property alongside the principal dwelling and clarifies that ADUs are not permitted in duplexes or two-family homes. It also standardizes zoning requirements by eliminating the special use permit for ADUs in the Upton Lake District while maintaining Dutchess County’s stringent septic and well standards. Additional provisions address parking and adherence to building codes, and include a prohibition on short-term rentals to prioritize long-term housing solutions.

In other business, the board approved the purchase of a new water treatment unit to replace the existing system serving Stanford’s Town Hall. The board reviewed two bids: $6,000 from Homestead Improvements and Water Systems and $14,689 from Taylor Oil. Pending approval from the Dutchess County Board of Health, the board unanimously agreed to proceed with the lower bid.

The meeting also included approvals for the 2025 holiday calendar, a kennel contract with the Pine Plains Animal Shelter and the appointment of Andrew Riccio to the Climate Smart Task Force. Sarah Beam, formerly the assistant recreation director, was appointed director of an eight-week camp program set to launch next summer. 

Public hearings on two planning board matters are scheduled for Dec. 18, and the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on Jan. 8 for variances related to properties on Indian Trail, Earnest Road and Hunns Lake Road.

The board dedicated the meeting to Helen Knickerbocker, who was Stanford’s oldest resident. She died on Nov. 22 at the age of 106.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 9.