Bill > S03475

This bill authorizes municipal legislative bodies, including cities, towns, and villages, to enact local laws that allow voluntary and non-binding mediation for land use decisions. Specifically, the bill enables city councils, town boards, and village boards of trustees to implement mediation procedures following guidelines established by the unified court system or through their own determined process. Under this legislation, when mediation is used, the applicant and the legislative body can mutually agree in writing to pause or extend the standard statutory review periods for land use applications, with the agreement specifying an end date for the stay or extension. These written agreements must be made publicly available by filing a copy with the respective city, town, or village clerk. The bill also allows zoning boards of appeals and planning boards to be authorized to provide mediation services as a tool for facilitating land use decisions. The legislation will take effect on the first day of July in the calendar year following its enactment and will not impact existing local mediation laws enacted prior to its effective date.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3475