Croton's Planning Board spent its February 24 meeting weighing in on two significant proposed zoning changes that could affect everything from backyard chicken coops to who gets priority for affordable housing in the village. The board reviewed draft Local Law Introductory No. 3 of 2026, a 27-page cleanup of the village zoning code. Among other fixes, the law would amend the number of fowl permitted on residential properties, transition certain special permit authority from the Village Board to the Planning Board, and update regulations around solar energy systems. Board members pressed for specifics on the practical impact, asking how many existing special permits will need renewal and how many new applications the board can expect to handle annually. They also sought clarification on whether Metro North would be subject to the new special permit requirements. Notably, the board pushed back on parking restrictions, requesting that the final law grant the Planning Board flexibility to increase or decrease parking requirements across all zoning districts. Village Attorney Joshua Subin cautioned that broader parking changes might need to be handled separately, noting that waiving more than 20 percent of a parking requirement could trigger the need for a variance. The second referral, Local Law Introductory No. 5 of 2026, would amend the village's affordable housing provisions to allow certain occupational preferences. The board engaged in a detailed discussion about implementation, questioning whether residents would need to stay in their qualifying jobs while living in the units and whether independently employed home health aides would qualify. The board came out in favor of including part-time workers and recommended expanding the U.S. Veteran preference category to include Reservists. In other business, the board opened a public hearing for an amended site plan application from Temple Israel of Northern Westchester to add a portico entry at 31 Glengary Road. Board member Steve Krisky recused himself, as he is a temple member involved in the design process. The hearing was immediately adjourned to the next meeting at the applicant's request. Village Engineer Vincent Salanitro offered a brief update, noting the state Department of Transportation had been in touch regarding the design center on Albany Post Road, with a more substantial update expected in about a month. Rob Luntz was absent from the meeting. Residents interested in following either proposed local law can find the full drafts through the Village Clerk's office. The next Planning Board meeting will continue the public hearing on the Temple Israel portico project.