Planning Board Meetings

Colleen Lutz, Chair (2016)
Jamie Purinton (2011)
James Stickle (2012)
John Ingram (2013)
Dennis Sigler (2014)
Terry Boyles (2015)
Joe Crocco (2017)
Alternate: Erin Robertson (2015)

Clerk: Naomi Davies /
Office Hours: Wednesdays 10am to 12noon
Phone: (518) 329-6512, ext. 5

The Ancram Planning Board reviews and approves subdivision and site plan proposals and administers the Town Zoning and Subdivision Laws in order to maintain and encourage the orderly and efficient development of the Town. The Board ensures that all subdivided land can be used safely for building purposes and that new development is consistent with the purposes of Ancram’s local laws. In considering each subdivision or site plan the Board also protects soil, water, air, natural resources and the Town’s rural and agricultural character. The Board assures all proposals brought before it relate to the Town’s Comprehensive Master Plan and are thus in harmony with the objectives and intended development pattern of the Town as a whole. The Board meets the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall. These meetings are open to the public.

Zoning Board

Zoning Board Members

Leah Wilcox, Chair 2014
Sheldon Waldorf 2010
Susan Bassin 2011
Alyson Kozlowski 2012
Fred Schneeburger 2013
William Lutz

Clerk: Naomi Davies /
Office Hours: Wednesdays 10am to 12noon
Phone: (518) 329-6512, ext. 5

The Ancram Zoning Board of Appeals meets on an “as needed” basis. The purpose of the Board is two-fold. First, under the appellate jurisdiction, the Board has the power to hear and decide appeals from decisions of administrative officials charged with the enforcement of the zoning ordinance of the Town, that is, to interpret the zoning ordinance and to grant variances. Secondly, the Board has the power to hear and decide applications for Special Use Permits, based on requirements set forth in the zoning ordinance. Before the ZBA considers an application, the application is referred to the Columbia County Planning Board and the Ancram Planning Board. If a variance or special use permit is granted, it will be up to the town’s code enforcement officer to insure that the stipulations established by the ZBA are adhered to by the applicant.

The zoning board is comprised of 5 full-time members and a 6th member that serves as an alternate. The term for each of the members and the alternate member is for 5 years, with the town board appointing (or re-appointing) one ZBA member at the annual organizational meeting of the town board. For more information contact the clerk of the board at 329-6512, ext. 5. For information on building permits and code enforcement, contact the building inspector or zoning code enforcement officer at 329-6512, ext. 3.