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A clearer front door for planning and zoning.

This guide helps property owners, applicants, and residents find the right starting point before filing. It is designed to feel more like a helpful front porch conversation and less like a scavenger hunt through forms.

Start Here View Visual Placeholders

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Most projects fall into one of these lanes

Cambridge’s zoning process is easier to navigate when you know your likely starting point. Staff may direct your matter to a different lane after review.

Lane 1

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Basic Zoning Permit

For many straightforward property changes, the first stop is the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Additions or exterior changes
Accessory structures
Routine zoning permit matters

Lane 2

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Planning Board Review

Some projects need Planning Board review before a permit can be issued.

New business uses
Changes of use
Mixed-use projects
Larger site changes

Lane 3

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Special Use Permit

If the Village use table shows SP, the project may need a Special Use Permit through the Planning Board.

Reviewed together with site plan review
May require a public hearing
May include conditions

Lane 4

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Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

The ZBA handles appeals, interpretations, and variance requests.

Area variance
Use variance
Appeal of a zoning determination
Request for interpretation

Common starting questions

The quick version most residents need first.

I am planning a simple project on my property.

Start with the Basic Zoning Permit path unless staff tells you your project belongs on a board track.

I am opening or changing a business or mixed-use project.

You may need Planning Board Site Plan Review.

I think my use needs a special permit.

You may need a Special Use Permit, reviewed by the Planning Board.

I need relief from the rules.

You may need a variance through the ZBA.

I want to challenge a zoning decision.

You may need a ZBA appeal. These matters can be time-sensitive, so contact the Village promptly.

Before you file

Bring what you have. The goal is to help staff understand what you are trying to do.

Property address
Tax parcel / SBL number
A short plain-English description of the project
Photos
A sketch, concept drawing, or survey if available
Any prior permits or approvals

If you are not sure which board or form applies, ask for a pre-application meeting before spending money on the wrong paperwork.

Helpful checkpoints

These are the two questions that usually sort the file early.

Checkpoint

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What district is the property in?

The official zoning map is on file with the Village Clerk.

Checkpoint

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Is the use allowed?

The Village use table shows:

P = permitted
SP = special permit required
X = prohibited

Checkpoint

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Not sure?

Ask for a pre-application meeting. Early guidance is informational only and is not a permit, approval, denial, or final determination.

Contact the Village

Start with the Village if you are unsure which form or board applies.

Address 56 N Park St
Cambridge, NY 12816

Phone 518-677-2622

Email Clerk@CambridgeNY.gov

Built-in visual placeholders

This version is set up so you can drop in Village-specific visuals later without redesigning the page structure.

Official seal placeholder in the page header
Hero photograph placeholder for a Cambridge streetscape, civic landmark, or village detail
Icon placeholders for the four main zoning lanes
Map / table / meeting placeholders for the helpful checkpoints section

Important note: This page is provided for general public information only. It does not approve a project, deny a project, waive any requirement, or replace the Village of Cambridge Zoning Law, Design Guidelines, or any required board decision.

A clearer front door for planning and zoning.

Most projects fall into one of these lanes

Basic Zoning Permit

Planning Board Review

Special Use Permit

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

Common starting questions

Before you file

Helpful checkpoints

What district is the property in?

Is the use allowed?

Not sure?

Contact the Village

Built-in visual placeholders

ABOUT US

REACH US

EMAIL

PHONE

LOCATION

FIND US

A clearer front door for planning and zoning.

Most projects fall into one of these lanes

Basic Zoning Permit

Planning Board Review

Special Use Permit

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

Common starting questions

Before you file

Helpful checkpoints

What district is the property in?

Is the use allowed?

Not sure?

Contact the Village

Built-in visual placeholders

ABOUT US

REACH US

EMAIL

PHONE

LOCATION

FIND US

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