Shoreline Restrictions Variance

What Is It?

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 Agency before undertaking any development activity that does not comply with these restrictions.

Please note that a variance may not be required if the site is located in a Town that administers an Agency-approved local land use program (ALLUP). The communities with an ALLUP are: Arietta, Bolton, Caroga, Chester, Chesterfield, Colton, Day, Edinburg, Hague, Horicon, Indian Lake, Johnsburg, Lake George, Newcomb, Queensbury, Village of Lake George, Westport and Willsboro.

Required Forms

• Application for Variance from Shoreline Restrictions

As part of the application, please also complete the appendix (or appendices) specific to the type of variance being requested. Please contact the Agency for projects not listed below.

• Appendix A - Expansion of an existing single family dwelling within the shoreline setback
• Appendix B - Expansion of an existing structure other than a single family dwelling within the shoreline setback
• Appendix C - Construction of a new structure within the shoreline setback (other than a retaining wall or other structure for shoreline stabilization)
• Appendix D - Construction of a retaining wall or other structure for shoreline stabilization
• Appendix E - Construction of a single family dwelling without the minimum required shoreline lot width
• Appendix F - Construction of a wastewater absorption field within 100 feet of a water body
• Appendix G - Removal of shoreline vegetation in excess of Agency standards

Application Help and Information

• Pre-Application Request
• Agency Laws
• Variance Process Summary for Applicants
• Jurisdiction Explanation: Shoreline Restrictions
• Jurisdiction Explanation: Shoreline Stabilization

Form Submission

The Agency accepts submissions via email and mail. Emails can be sent to APASubmissions@apa.ny.gov or via the form below. Before submitting, please ensure that:

• All submissions are in PDF format and legible;
• Electronic copies of plans are fully scalable;
• Applications contain scans of signatures affixed by hand or electronic signatures consistent with the Electronic Signatures and Records Act.

If you cannot submit a form via email, please send a hard copy to:

New York State Adirondack Park Agency
P.O. Box 99
1133 NYS Route
86 Ray Brook, NY 12977

Submit by Email: