After years of revisions by local planners, a proposal to amend Saugerties’ zoning law on events and lodging is now up for public review.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Town Board scheduled two public hearings—June 18 and July 16—to gather input on the proposed changes. The amendment updates a 1989 law and outlines specific requirements for venues such as campgrounds, inns, hotels, motels, rural resorts, recreational vehicles, and event spaces.

The draft includes new standards on guest capacity, visitor tracking, quiet hours for outdoor events, and restroom requirements for campsites.

Deputy Supervisor Leanne Thornton said the update has been a long time coming, especially as Saugerties and other Hudson Valley towns continue to attract more tourists. The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, held annually at Cantine Memorial Complex, draws about 45,000 people each October.

“We’ve had many revisions, the planning board has been asking for this for years, and now things have evolved,” Thornton said. She noted a growing number of glamping sites and farms that double as wedding venues. “I think this new final form covers almost every possibility that may come up before the planning board. We really have cleaned up the definitions.”

The proposal would give the planning board authority to limit the number of events a venue can hold. Thornton said it is also designed to give business owners clearer guidance.

“I hope it will make everyone’s job easier,” she said.

Amy Wu is a reporter covering Woodstock and Saugerties. Send correspondence to amy@theoverlooknews.com.