The Adirondack Park Agency (APA), which was established to protect the Adirondack Park from inappropriate development, has revised its application processes for large scale projects and variances.

The Large-scale Subdivision Application applies to all subdivisions involving five or more proposed lots, parcels or sites on Resource Management lands, ten or more proposed lots, parcels or sites on Rural Use lands, or twenty-five or more proposed lots, parcels or sites on Low Intensity Use lands.

The Adirondack Park Agency Act and Agency regulations implementing the NYS Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers System Act establish shoreline restrictions on lands associated with lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. A variance must be obtained from the APA before undertaking any development activity that does not comply with these restrictions.

APA staff revised the variance application with regards to the variance site, history, and ownership of the property. “APA staff will also work with project sponsors to identify possible alternatives to avoid the need for the variance as the first step in the process,” a statement sent by the Agency to the press said.

“If it is not possible to avoid the need for a variance staff will issue concise and targeted information requests and require that project sponsors obtain professional assistance only where necessary,” the press statement said.