Town Board prepares SEQRA negative declaration for ADU code changes to move proposal to planning referral

The East Hampton Planning Department presented an environmental assessment and recommendation that the Town Board assume lead agency and issue a SEQRA negative declaration for proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) code amendments.

Planner Eric Schantz told the board that the proposed changes include edits to minimum lot area requirements, removal of some owner‑occupancy restrictions for second‑home owners, adjustments to parking requirements, and other minor language changes. The board previously held two public hearings (including a rescheduled hearing after revisions) and discussed the latest public comments on March 17.

Schantz said the planning department prepared an Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) parts 1–3 and recommended a negative declaration, which would allow the town to submit the EAF to the South County Planning Commission for required referral. Board members present said they supported declaring the Town Board lead agency and issuing a negative declaration.

If the South County Planning Commission has no substantive comments, the board could proceed to adopt the local law as written. A resolution authorizing the SEQRA negative declaration was on the evening’s resolutions calendar.