Application Process

STEP 1 – INITIAL CONTACT

Applications to go before the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission (PCZBA) must begin by contacting the Code Enforcement Department at (315) 363-8460. This first step ensures communication between departments and helps applicants identify the correct forms and approvals before beginning or continuing any project. All projects require a specific action to be reviewed by the PCZBA.

STEP 2 – CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DETERMINATION

After the Code Enforcement Officer determines that PCZBA review is required, you will complete a Code Enforcement Application provided by the department. This application officially notifies the city that you are seeking to undertake a project. The application will be administratively denied — this denial serves as the official trigger advancing your request to Step 3.

Note: This denial is procedural and allows your project to continue through the review process.

STEP 3 – REFERRAL TO PLANNING

You will be referred to the Department of Planning to review PCZBA application requirements. Each type of action may have different requirements, but all applications must include a cover sheet signed by the property owner of record (as listed with the Assessor or County Clerk).

If the owner cannot sign:
Provide a notarized authorization or proof of signing authority. Missing or invalid authorization may render your action null and void, restarting the process.

During this step, Planning will determine:

Whether a pre-application meeting is required (Engineering, Water, Fire, Codes, Planning)
The SEQRA Action Type (Type I, Type II, or Unlisted)
Whether a 239 Review with County Planning Board is required
Whether a public notice or neighbor statements are needed

STEP 4 – APPLICATION SUBMISSION

All materials must be submitted at least two weeks before the PCZBA meeting.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., provided a quorum is present.
Meetings are held in Common Council Chambers, Oneida City Hall, 109 N. Main St., Oneida (unless otherwise advised).

Each submission must include:

Cover Page and all required forms
Location Map (from the City Assessor or Planning Director)
All applicable fees
14 printed copies + 1 digital copy submitted to the Director of Planning

Submit early to ensure time for review and avoid delays.

STEP 5 – PCZBA MEETING

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting. The Board may postpone an application if the applicant or a knowledgeable representative is not present. Bring any supporting documents that may help explain your project. For variance requests, be prepared to address each variance criterion.

Common reasons for delay:

A SEQRA coordinated review is required (agencies have 30 days to respond).
A 239 Review is required (County Planning has 30 days to respond).
The applicant is not in attendance.
The PCZBA requests legal consultation before acting.

PCZBA DETERMINATION

After review, the PCZBA will issue one of the following determinations:

Approval
Approval with Conditions or Modifications
Denial

Applicants will receive written notice of the decision. To appeal, file an Article 78 proceeding with the State Supreme Court within 30 days of the determination.

STEP 6 – FOLLOW-UP WITH CODES

Once a determination has been made it is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up with Codes. This may require an inspection from the Code Enforcement Officer or Fire Marshall. Certain Permits may expire depending on the project. It is important to comply with any conditions set during the determination phase (Step 5) as soon as possible. When in doubt ask the Code Enforcement Officer, or the Director of Planning and Development.

FEE SCHEDULE

Area Variance		$100
Conditional Use Permit		$150
Site Plan Review	1,000 sq. ft. or less	$100
Site Plan Review	1,001 sq. ft. 5,000 sq. ft.	$150
Site Plan Review	5,001 sq. ft. to 10,000 sq. ft.	$350
Site Plan Review	10,001 sq. ft. or larger	$1,100
Site Plan Modification		$100
Use Variance		$200
Zoning Amendment		$200

Document Center

The Document Center provides easy access to public documents. Click on one of the categories below to see related documents or use the search function.

PCZBA Applications11 documents

Area Variance Application
document Header Area Variance Application
Area Variance for Signage
document Header Area Variance for Signage
Business and Building Development Intake Form
document Header Business and Building Development Intake Form
Conditional Use Permit
document Header Conditional Use Permit
Cover Sheet
document Header Cover Sheet
Interpretation or appeal application
document Header Interpretation or appeal application
Site Plan Modification Application
document Header Site Plan Modification Application
Site Plan Review Application
document Header Site Plan Review Application
Subdivision Application
document Header Subdivision Application
Use Variance Application
document Header Use Variance Application
Zoning Amendment Application
document Header Zoning Amendment Application

PCZBA Checklists4 documents

Area Variance Checklist
document Header Area Variance Checklist
Conditional Use Permit Checklist
document Header Conditional Use Permit Checklist
Site Plan Modification Checklist
document Header Site Plan Modification Checklist
Site Plan Modification Checklist-SEQR
document Header Site Plan Modification Checklist-SEQR

Variance Criteria2 documents

Use Variance Criteria
document Header Use Variance Criteria
Variance Criteria
document Header Variance Criteria

SEQR Resources5 documents

CHRIS Site
document Header CHRIS Site
EAF Mapper
document Header EAF Mapper
FEAF Guide
document Header FEAF Guide
FEMA Mapper
document Header FEMA Mapper
SEAF Workbook
document Header SEAF Workbook