NY S00448

Authorizes cities, towns, and villages to establish voluntary and nonbinding mediation procedures for land use decisions through local law, following unified court system guidelines or alternative procedures determined by the legislative body.

Allows zoning boards of appeals in cities, towns, and villages to use voluntary and nonbinding mediation as an aid in fostering land use decisions when authorized by the respective legislative body.

Permits planning boards in cities, towns, and villages to use voluntary and nonbinding mediation to assist in land use decisions when authorized by the respective legislative body.

Enables applicants and municipal boards to mutually agree in writing to stay or extend statutory review time periods during mediation, with the agreement specifying the end date and requiring public filing in the clerk's office.

Takes effect July 1 of the calendar year following enactment and does not affect local mediation ordinances enacted before the effective date.