The purpose of the site development plan approval process is to aid the Commission in its review of future development within the Town and to ensure that any such development is in conformance with these Zoning Regulations and the Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Newtown.
The intent of the site development plan approval process is:
(a) 
To encourage the appropriate development in the use of land and buildings;
(b) 
To enhance the appearance and arrangement of development upon land so that it will protect the unique character of the Town and the particular neighborhood characteristics in which a development is located; and
(c) 
To protect the safety, health and welfare of residents and preserve property values within the community.
Site development plan approval is required for any development involving the erection of any new structure greater than 1,500 square feet in area and/or the reconstruction, enlargement, extension or structural alterations of existing structures which would result in an increase in the gross floor area of greater than 1,500 square feet. Excepted from this requirement are the lawful construction, alteration and occupancy of single-family dwellings and their accessory uses and temporary structures for propagation, growing and protection of trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants.
The Commission shall require an application on a form which it prescribes.
10.01.310 
The site development plan application shall contain a written statement of the proposed use, appropriate information concerning the applicant and his interests in the property for which the site development plan approval is being sought. The form shall be signed by the applicant and by the owner of the property for which an application is being made, if different from the applicant. The application shall include the documentation outlined below inclusive of a site plan for the subject property which shall provide sufficient detail to determine compliance with these regulations:
(a) 
The address and Assessor's Map, Block, Lot location of the subject property;
(b) 
The name and address of property owner(s) and of developer, if different;
(c) 
The nature and extent of the proposed use or occupancy;
(d) 
The section of the regulations that permits the proposed use;
(e) 
The number of persons to occupy and/or visit the premises on a daily basis;
(f) 
The type of utilities that will service the development (public or private);
(g) 
The parking and loading requirements for the proposed use; and
(h) 
Access management provisions.
10.01.320 
(Reserved)
10.01.330 
Upon the filing of an application, the applicant agrees to permit access upon the lot by the Commission and Staff and technical consultants for purposes of review.
The signature and seal of the professional engineer, and/or surveyor, and/or architect, and/or landscape architect licensed to practice in the State of Connecticut shall be included upon all applicable plans.
Eleven copies of all maps, plans, reports, application forms and documents shall be submitted as follows:
10.01.410 
An A-2 survey of the subject property with the following information:
10.01.411 
Lot area, the existing perimeter of the property with metes and bounds and any improvements thereon;
10.01.412 
Scale, North arrow, date and zone classification;
10.01.413 
All existing topographical features on and within 50 feet of the property, structures, paved areas, foliage limits, wetlands, vernal pool habitat, watercourses, underground utilities, septic systems, wells, isolated trees, stone walls, driveways, paths, ledge outcroppings or boulders, easements, historic factors and building setback lines;
10.01.414 
All existing structures;
10.01.415 
Name and address of the owner of the property, names of all abutting property owners;
10.01.416 
Site address, all zone and/or municipal boundaries within 50 feet of the property.
10.01.420 
A site development plan, with supplemental drawings as necessary to include all information as required herein drawn to a scale of not less than one inch equals 40 feet (except where otherwise specified or as specifically permitted by the Commission). The proposed development shall be shown on a site plan and other drawings which shall not exceed 24 inches by 36 inches in size.
10.01.421 
Vicinity Map at a scale of one inch equals 1,200 feet.
10.01.422 
The layout of the proposed area of construction at a scale of not less than one inch equals 20 feet.
10.01.423 
A zoning compliance table that outlines the allowed and proposed elements of the development.
10.01.424 
All improvements to the property, including required and proposed building setback distances.
10.01.425 
Structures with dimensions, the total gross floor area of the buildings and structures and the percentage of lot building coverage.
10.01.426 
Pavement and curbed areas (with all radii shown), including driveways, traffic islands, parking spaces, loading and walkways.
10.01.427 
Materials, details of construction and where necessary, sample products.
10.01.428 
The width of the driveways, dimensions of the parking and loading spaces and a calculation of the number of required parking spaces shall be shown.
10.01.429 
Field measurements of sight distances in both directions from each access to Town and State roads.
10.01.430 
Utilities, including electric, gas, septic or sewers, wells or water supply location.
10.01.431 
Landscaping plan that shows the location of all proposed and existing plantings. A table or key that identifies the type (common and Latin) of plantings, number, their size at planting, and their mature size. The seal of a landscape architect shall appear on the plans.
10.01.432 
(Reserved)
10.01.433 
Signs, including their height, location, size, illumination, style and materials.
10.01.434 
Exterior lighting plan (location, illumination and style).
10.01.435 
Soil erosion and sediment control plan in compliance with 2002 Connecticut State Guidelines, as amended.
10.01.436 
Outdoor storage areas, refuse collection, exterior machinery and equipment shall be indicated.
Dimensions in cubic feet of any outdoor storage areas shall be indicated.
Dumpsters are to be screened from view.
[Added 7-26-2010]
10.01.437 
Fences, walls, and retaining walls, including height and materials of construction.
10.01.438 
Street furniture, including benches, planters, trash receptacles, tree grates, and the like.
10.01.439 
Existing and proposed contours at intervals not to exceed five feet. Smaller intervals may be necessary to show characteristics of that terrain.
10.01.440 
Proposed spot elevations at strategic locations, including several ground level points around the building. A calculation of cuts and fills shall be provided.
10.01.450 
Identification of natural diversity database species, as listed.
10.01.460 
Environmental impact report for site development plans and special exceptions.
[Added effective 12-28-2009]
All site development plans and special exception applications shall include an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), That addresses conduct which has, or which is reasonably likely to have, the effect of unreasonably polluting, impairing or destroying the public trust in the air, water or other natural resources of the town.
The EIR shall be utilized by the applicant during the design phase of the project to mitigate any potential negative environmental impacts.
The EIR shall include an assessment of environmental issues and mitigation, in addition to those covered by the Town of Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission and regulations. These issues, as applicable to a specific project, may include, but are not limited to, impacts on:
(a) 
Ecosystem fragmentation, including plant and animal;
(b) 
Habitats and wildlife corridors;
(c) 
Inter-watershed basin transfer of surface waters;
(d) 
Forest ecosystems;
(e) 
Natural resources inventory;
(f) 
Species diversity;
(g) 
Flora and fauna, but not limited to, threatened or endangered species (i.e., food chain);
(h) 
Disruptions; diminished species populations; changes in predator-prey relationships); and
(i) 
The environment, public health and safety.
[Added effective 12-28-2009]
10.01.500 
A detailed stormwater management design for the proposed development that:
(a)
Incorporates low impact features;
(b)
Encourages stormwater infiltration and aquifer recharge;
(c)
Includes elevations, invert elevations of basins, and pipe sizes;
(d)
Incorporates nonpoint source pollution controls; and
(e)
Complies with 2004 State of Connecticut stormwater quality standards, as amended.
10.01.510 
A watershed map shall accompany the stormwater management design plans.
10.01.520 
A complete watershed analysis is required for lots of two acres or more.
10.01.600 
Detailed design computations for the proposed septic system or sewer connection, including type of sewage, equipment data sources and layout of system (including 100% reserve area), the location and results of each deep test hole and percolation test or the invert elevations of basins and pipe sizes, as applicable.
10.01.700 
Proposed vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns and access management features.
10.01.710 
Traffic impact analysis if so required pursuant to these regulations.
10.01.720 
An estimate of the amount and type of vehicular traffic to be generated on a daily basis and at peak hours.
10.01.730 
Location and dimensions of private and public streets, common drives, access easements, etc.
10.01.800 
Water storage tanks for fire suppression if so required pursuant to these regulations or fire hydrants if public water is available.
10.01.900 
The following calculations shall be included as part of the site development plan:
10.01.910 
The percentage of structural coverage, including building, storage, loading and parking areas in relation to total area of lot.
10.01.920 
The bulk of the proposed building and outdoor storage, if applicable.
10.01.930 
The volume of earth to be removed from the site or to be filled onto the site.
10.01.940 
The area of the permitted signs.
10.01.1000 
Preliminary building plans and exterior elevations shall be included as part of the site development plan application. At a minimum, the following information shall be included:
10.01.1010 
Location and square foot coverage of all structures.
10.01.1020 
Identification of any buildings proposed for demolition.
10.01.1030 
Identification of accessory buildings and structures.
10.01.1040 
The use of all buildings and square footage of each use.
10.01.1050 
Total number of dwelling units, including square footage of each unit.
10.01.1060 
Floor plans showing existing and proposed rooms, partitions, and uses.
10.01.1070 
Where an exterior elevation of the building is to be altered, or in the case of new construction, the plans are to show:
(a) 
The building elevations, including front, side, and rear;
(b) 
All building details, including door and window location and type, building and roof materials;
(c) 
Location of all roof- or ground-mounted heating or air-conditioning units, and the screening thereof;
(d) 
Any building-mounted signs or lighting; and
(e) 
The height of the proposed structures calculated pursuant to these regulations.
In addition, the applicant shall submit the following statements with his or her application:
10.01.1110 
A statement from the Fire Marshal on firefighting feasibility of the proposed development.
10.01.1120 
A statement from the Town Sanitarian of the adequacy of waste disposal or from the Water Sewer Authority (WSA) for a sewer connection as applicable.
10.01.1130 
A statement from the public water company that water service will be provided as applicable for proposed public water service.
10.01.1140 
A report from the Inland Wetlands Commission with its final decision or a statement from its designated agent that a license is not required.
10.01.1150 
A statement from the Commission's designated agent that the soil erosion and sediment control plan is consistent with the State of Connecticut 2002 guidelines as amended and is eligible for certification recommended for approval.
The Commission may at its discretion hold a public hearing on any site development plan application.
10.01.1210 
A public hearing shall be warned pursuant to Section 8-7d of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended. In addition to such notice, the applicant shall provide written notice of the time and place of such public hearing to persons who are owners of land which is within 500 feet from the land which is the subject of the application. For purposes of such additional notice, 1) proof of mailing shall be evidenced by a certificate of mailing, and 2) the person who owns land shall be the owner indicated on the property tax map or on the last-completed grand list as of the date such notice is mailed. Such written notice shall be delivered at least 10 days before the hearing. An affidavit from the applicant shall be submitted as proof of the mailing.
The Commission shall decide each case within the time period allowed by Section 8-7d of the Connecticut General Statutes. Notice of the decision of the Commission shall be published in accordance with State Statutes. The Commission may approve, modify and approve, or disapprove any site development plan within the time limits.
10.01.1410 
Minor changes in an approved site development plan are acceptable with the written approval of the Town Engineer or the Zoning Enforcement Officer provided such changes shall in no way affect the overall layout, design, density, impact or nature of the site development plan. Such minor changes may include, but are not limited to:
(a) 
The locations of catch basins, manholes and other technical aspects of drainage;
(b) 
Slight alterations of the locations of roads, structures or buildings due to unforeseen topographical or geological features; slight alterations of finished contours;
(c) 
Minor rearranging of exterior lighting.
If the Town Engineer or the Zoning Enforcement Officer have any question as to whether such a proposed change is minor, such change shall require the review and written approval of the Commission.
10.01.1420 
Any site plan approval granted by the Commission shall cease to be effective five years after the date of issuance (or after the date on which it is finally determined to be valid by appeal) unless the use for which the site plan approval was sought is being conducted on the lot or unless work has been commenced and is being diligently pursued.
10.01.1430 
The Commission, at the time of approving the site plan, may condition the approval contingent on a schedule of construction being followed, if so requested by the applicant.
10.01.1440 
For good cause shown, the Commission may grant one or more extensions of time to complete all or part of the work in connection with the site plan provided the total extension or extensions shall not exceed 10 years from the approval date.