Shoreline Management of Lakes

Cayuga Lake is an important recreational, natural, and economic resource for Tompkins County. In order to make sure that the activities along its shore are not negatively impacting water quality in the lake, or scenic views of and from the lake, municipalities can enact a shoreline area ordinance or a shoreland overlay zone. Such regulations would contain standards for new building to ensure that development practices are not disturbing the lake, diminishing water quality, or negatively impacting views.