[Amended 5-25-1999; 8-26-2008; 3-23-2010; 1-24-2012]
A.
A site development plan shall be drawn to an appropriate scale, not
less than one inch equals 50 feet, and shall show the following information:
(1)
A small-scale location map delineating the project site and its relation
to the surrounding area at an appropriate scale.
[Amended 5-24-2016]
(2)
Name or identifying title of the proposed project as well as planning
file number, once assigned.
(3)
Date and approximate true North.
(4)
Exact locations and dimensions or property lines and names of current
abutters.
(5)
Location of all existing and proposed buildings and structures on
the site. Any details on detail sheets shall be numbered or lettered.
[Amended 5-24-2016]
(6)
Delineate existing zoning and special district boundaries.
(7)
Specify proposed finished floor elevations of buildings so to assure
positive surface drainage and proper elevation relationship to adjacent
property.
(8)
Existing and proposed grade contours (two-foot intervals) so to certify
the adequate disposal of on-site water. Upon request, contours delineating
existing surface shall be extended 100 feet beyond the limits of the
project site and shall be related to the United States Geographical
Survey.
(9)
Location, dimension and material of all existing and proposed utilities
and identify all on-site waste disposal systems and wells.
(10)
Location of test borings, groundwater elevation and soil profiles
shall be provided upon request.
(11)
Parking layout that delineates the number of parking spaces
and parking arrangement.
(12)
A landscape plan that delineates the arrangement, species and
dimensions of all existing and proposed landscaping materials. The
landscape plan, in sufficient detail to indicate compliance with these
regulations, shall be prepared by a professional landscape architect
who is licensed by the State of New Hampshire. The licensed landscape
architect shall sign the plan. The landscape plan shall be certified
by the licensed landscape architect and include his/her State of New
Hampshire license number.
(13)
Where multifamily development is proposed, those areas supporting
slopes in excess of 20%, the federal floodway and floodplain, and
the surface areas of water bodies and wetlands shall be clearly depicted
on the site plan and quantified.
(15)
A colored architectural plan showing all sides of new buildings, as prepared by a registered engineer or architect, who shall sign the plan and place his/her seal upon it. The plan shall conform to the guidelines contained in § 153-14L.
(16)
A neighborhood plan on an aerial photograph, showing all property
lines within a distance determined by the Director of Planning and
Community Development during initial consultations, and how the project
relates to abutting uses. This sheet should show the proposed impervious
surfaces and zoning boundaries.
[Amended 5-24-2016]
(17)
A colored rendering of the streetscape that will be created
along the existing public right-of-way. This sheet shall include a
perspective of both sides of any existing roadway, any street or sidewalk
improvements, proposed plantings and structures, as prepared by a
registered engineer or architect, who shall sign the plan and place
his/her seal upon it, as required.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 149-13A(18) of the 2013
Code, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 6-12-2018.
(18)
A stormwater management and erosion control plan shall be developed in accordance with the requirements of § 153-14A if it is determined to be necessary by the Technical Review Committee during its review process, as outlined in § 153-6A. Site plans shall provide for the proper management of stormwater and erosion and sedimentation control.
(20)
A detailed landscape operations and maintenance plan, developed in accordance with the requirements of § 153-14G. Site plans shall provide for the proper management of landscaping, ensuring that landscaping is not unintentionally damaged as a result of snow removal or general traffic flow, pedestrian or otherwise.
[Added 6-12-2018]
B.
The information required by Subsection A(1) through (20) of this section must be supplied. The site development plan may be modified to eliminate items outlined under Article II that are not subject to change or are impertinent to the proposed use; however, the Planning Board or its staff may require that the information be supplied. In addition, the Planning Board may require the area and uses outside the building to be upgraded to meet existing standards.
[Amended 5-25-1999; 1-14-2003; 8-26-2008; 3-23-2010; 1-24-2012; 12-18-2012; 11-17-2015; 5-24-2016]
A.
Stormwater management, erosion control and flood hazards.
(1)
Purpose and objective. These regulations establish standards to manage
the discharge of runoff to the City of Dover's municipal storm sewer
system and water bodies, in a manner compliant with the requirements
of state and federal law, including provisions of the federal stormwater
management legislation for municipal separate storm sewer systems
(MS4), as amended. These provisions and standards are implemented
for the purpose of:
(a)
Managing stormwater runoff to protect water quality and quantity.
(b)
Minimizing the contribution of a pollutant for which a water
body is impaired to the maximum extent practicable (MEP).
(c)
Causing no discharge of runoff to an adjacent property in excess
of runoff discharge in the existing developed or undeveloped condition.
(d)
Encouraging the use of low-impact development (LID) strategies.
(2)
Applicability of the stormwater standards.
(a)
All projects requiring site plan or major subdivision approval
shall be subject to the following set of stormwater standards according
to the amount and type of disturbance. Applicability is as follows:
[1]
The minimum protections and management standards shall apply
to all projects.
[2]
The stormwater management for new development standards shall
apply to any project that results in a contiguous land disturbance
of more than 20,000 square feet or creates more than 4,000 square
feet of new impervious area.
[3]
The stormwater management for redevelopment standards shall
apply to any project that results in a contiguous land disturbance
of more than 20,000 square feet or creates more than 4,000 square
feet of new impervious area where the existing land use has been previously
developed as commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental,
recreational, or multifamily.
(b)
All projects of such magnitude as to require a permit from the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program or
the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Alteration
of Terrain (AoT) Program shall also comply with the standards of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or NHDES permits and this
section, whereas the stricter standards shall apply.
(3)
Design standards.
(a)
Minimum protections and management standards.
[1]
Where applicable, all development must comply with the EPA Phase
II Stormwater Rules and the City's MS4 permit, as amended.
[2]
Existing surface waters, including ponds, rivers, perennial and intermittent streams (natural or channelized), and wetlands (including vernal pools), shall be protected by the minimum buffer setback as specified in Chapter 170, Zoning, § 170-27.1. Stormwater and erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) shall be located outside the specified buffer zone unless otherwise approved by the Planning Board.
[3]
Low-impact development (LID) site planning and design strategies
shall be used to the MEP in order to reduce the generation of the
stormwater runoff volume for both new and redevelopment projects.
An owner/applicant must document why LID strategies are not appropriate
if not used to manage stormwater.
[4]
All proposed stormwater practices and measures shall be installed
and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and
performance specifications outlined in the New Hampshire Stormwater
Management Manual Volume 2 (December 2008 or current revision) a copy
of which can be found on the NHDES website.
[5]
All storage facilities for fuel, chemicals, chemical or industrial
wastes, and biodegradable raw materials shall meet the regulations
of the NHDES, including but not limited to those involving underground
storage tanks, aboveground storage tanks, hazardous waste and best
management practices for groundwater protection (Part Env-Wq 401).
[6]
Salt and other deicing materials shall be stored under cover
or located such that no direct discharges to receiving waters are
possible. Snow storage areas shall be located such that no direct
discharges to receiving waters are possible. See the NHDES guidance
fact sheet on road salt and snow disposal.
[7]
The use of sodium-chloride-based materials for winter maintenance
shall be the minimum necessary for safety. The use of sodium-chloride-based
materials is discouraged within the groundwater protection districts.
[8]
Impervious surfaces for parking areas and roads shall be minimized
to the extent possible.
[9]
Stormwater runoff from new impervious surfaces shall be directed
to a best management practice for flow mitigation, treatment and/or
infiltration.
(b)
Stormwater management for new development.
[1]
Runoff of impervious surfaces shall be treated to provide 80%
removal of total suspended solids (TSS) and 50% removal of both total
nitrogen and phosphorus. Removal rates shall be determined using approved
manufacturer's pollutant removal efficiency analysis or the pollutant
removal efficiencies outlined in the New Hampshire Stormwater Management
Manual Volume 1, Appendix E (December 2008 or current revision), a
copy of which is available from the NHDES website.
[2]
Rainfall amount shall be based on current extreme precipitation
estimates obtained from the Northeast Regional Climate Center.
[3]
Measures shall be taken to control the post-development peak
rate runoff so that it does not exceed predevelopment runoff for the
two-, ten-, twenty-five- and fifty-year, twenty-four-hour storm events.
[4]
Measures shall be taken to control the post-development surface
water runoff volume so that it does not exceed predevelopment runoff
for the two-, ten-, twenty-five- and fifty-year, twenty-four-hour
storm events. For sites where infiltration/recharge is limited or
not practicable, the owner/applicant must demonstrate that the project
will not cause or contribute to flooding or functional impairments
to streets, adjacent properties, and downstream properties.
[5]
Infiltration rates for designing groundwater recharge practices
shall be determined in accordance with Section Env-Wq 1504.14.
[6]
Stormwater conveyance practices shall be sized appropriately
to convey the ten-year, twenty-four-hour storm event without overtopping
or causing flooding on the property.
[7]
For large projects adding greater than or equal to 10 acres
of impervious cover, or projects located in known areas of flooding
concern, or specifically within areas with a 1% chance of being inundated
by water in any given year, the owner/applicant shall submit a supplementary
report that describes how the project will not increase the future
flooding potential and complies with the AoT requirements pertaining
to floodplain impacts as described in Section Env-Wq 1503.09, regardless
of whether an AoT permit is required.
[8]
The design of the stormwater management systems shall take into
account upstream and upgradient runoff that flows onto, over, or through
the site to be developed or redeveloped and provide for this contribution
of runoff.
[9]
Seasonal high-water table elevations must be accounted for in
all BMP design criteria.
[10]
Access for maintenance of stormwater facilities
must be included as part of the design, where necessary. Access easements
may be required.
[11]
Plantings in treatment areas shall be native grasses,
shrubs and/or other native plants in sufficient numbers and density
to prevent soil erosion and to achieve water-quality treatment.
(c)
Stormwater management for redevelopment. In order to determine
the stormwater requirements for redevelopment projects, the percentage
of the site covered by existing impervious areas must be calculated.
Stormwater requirements for redevelopment will vary based upon the
amount of site surface area that is covered by existing impervious
surfaces.
[1]
For sites meeting the definition of a redevelopment project
and having less than 40% existing impervious surface coverage, the
stormwater management requirements will be the same as new development
projects, with the important distinction that the applicant can meet
those requirements either on site or at an approved off-site location
(i.e., off-site mitigation). The applicant must satisfactorily demonstrate
that impervious area reduction, LID strategies and BMPs have been
implemented on site to the MEP.
[2]
For sites meeting the definition of a redevelopment project
and having more than 40% existing impervious surface coverage, stormwater
shall be managed in accordance with one or more of the following techniques,
listed in order of preference:
[a]
Implement measures on site that result in mitigation
and treatment of at least 30% of the existing impervious cover as
well as 50% of the additional proposed impervious surfaces and pavement
areas through the application of LID; or
[b]
Implement other LID techniques on site to the MEP
to provide mitigation and treatment for at least 50% of the entire
site area.
[3]
The owner/applicant may utilize off-site mitigation to meet
the redevelopment requirements when the following standards have been
met:
[a]
The owner/applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction
of the Planning Board, that on-site treatment has been implemented
to the MEP.
[b]
The owner/applicant shall find an approved, off-site
location within the same watershed as the project site or within the
drainage area of the same receiving water body.
[c]
Off-site mitigation shall be equivalent to no less
than the total area of impervious cover not treated on site.
[d]
The owner/applicant shall submit a full design
of the proposed off-site measures for review and approval.
[e]
The owner/applicant must also demonstrate that
there is no downstream drainage or flooding impact as a result of
not providing on-site management.
(d)
Erosion control standards during construction. The following
standards shall be applied in project planning and shall be implemented
prior to and during construction activity:
[1]
All proposed measures shall meet, at a minimum, the design standards
for best management practices set forth in the New Hampshire Stormwater
Management Manual Volume 3 (December 2008 or current revision), a
copy of which is available from the NHDES website.
[2]
When a project requires a stormwater permit from the EPA Construction
General Permit (CGP) Program, copies of the stormwater pollution prevention
plan (SWPPP) inspections shall be provided to the Community Services
Department.
[3]
Stripping of vegetation shall be done in a manner that minimizes
soil erosion. Whenever practical, natural vegetation shall be retained,
protected, or supplemented.
[4]
The area of land disturbance shall be kept to a minimum and
be limited to an area only large enough to accommodate construction
activities for a particular construction phase.
[5]
Off-site surface water and runoff from undisturbed areas shall
be diverted away from disturbed areas where feasible, or measures
to convey stormwater through the project area without causing erosion
of sediment must be included. Integrity of downstream drainage systems
shall be maintained.
[6]
Appropriate erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed
prior to any soil land disturbance and must be reviewed and approved
by the Community Services Department.
[7]
Perimeter site controls shall not be placed within wetland areas,
stream channels or wetland buffers.
[8]
Disturbed soil areas shall be either temporarily or permanently
stabilized. In areas where final grading has not occurred, temporary
stabilization measures should be in place within seven calendar days
for exposed soil areas that are within 100 feet of a surface water
body or a wetland and no more than 14 calendar days for all other
areas. Permanent stabilization should be in place within three calendar
days following completion of final grading of exposed soil areas.
[9]
All temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be
maintained in functioning condition until final site stabilization
is accomplished. A proposed BMP inspection schedule shall be included
in the submittal.
[10]
Additional temporary stabilization for the winter
season consistent with NHDES guidelines shall be in place for disturbed
areas that are not permanently stabilized by October 1, or at the
discretion of the Community Services Department.
[11]
Special stabilization details shall be provided
with the submission for any land disturbance on slopes equal to or
steeper than 3:1.
[12]
All temporary erosion and sediment control measures
shall be removed after final site stabilization. Trapped sediment
and other disturbed soil areas resulting from the removal of temporary
measures shall be permanently stabilized within 30 calendar days unless
conditions dictate otherwise.
[13]
For projects proposing to disturb and expose soils
in areas of 10 acres or more at one time, a temporary (or permanent)
sediment basin must be provided with storage for a calculated volume
of runoff from a drainage area from a two-year, twenty-four-hour storm,
or equivalent control measures, where attainable, until final stabilization
of the site. Alternatively, the sediment basin can be sized to provide
3,600 cubic feet of storage per acre of drainage area until final
stabilization of the site. In determining appropriate locations and
number of sediment basins needed, the operators may consider such
factors as erodibility of site soils, slope lengths, available area
on site, construction period and other unique site considerations.
[14]
Use of temporary sediment basins should avoid
any additional vegetation clearing or site land disturbance not otherwise
needed for post-construction. Sediment basin locations must be reviewed
by the Community Services Department prior to construction and must
consider the potential for off-site impacts, including public safety,
especially as it relates to sediment movement and/or sediment basin
failure, and alternative sediment controls must be used where site
limitations preclude a safe design.
(e)
Installation and construction inspections. The owner/applicant
shall be responsible for inspection requirements as follow:
[1]
The Community Services Department or its designated agent shall
have access to the site to complete routine inspections.
[2]
The Community Services Department shall be notified 24 hours
prior to installation of a stormwater BMP in order to schedule an
inspection. These inspections shall be completed during normal working
hours.
[3]
The Planning Board or Community Services Department may require
the design engineer and/or an independent third party to provide inspection
and oversight of the construction of the stormwater management facilities
and erosion and sediment control measures at its discretion. Such
oversight may be especially important for implementing techniques
such as porous pavement or subsurface stormwater infiltration systems.
The owner/applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with
third-party inspections.
[Amended 2-26-2019]
[4]
All SWPPP inspections must be conducted by a qualified professional
such as a professional engineer (PE), a certified professional in
erosion and sediment control (CPESC), a certified erosion sediment
and stormwater inspector (CESSWI), or a certified professional in
stormwater quality (CPSWQ). Inspection reports shall be submitted
to the Community Services Department.
[5]
The owner is ultimately responsible for the installation, construction,
inspection, and disposition of all stormwater management and erosion
control measures required by the provisions of these regulations.
(f)
Stormwater management plan (SWMP) submittal requirements. At
the discretion of the Planning Board or Community Services Department,
a technical review by an independent third party may be required of
any SWMP prepared under these regulations. Such a review shall be
performed by a qualified professional consultant and the expense of
which shall be the full responsibility of the owner/applicant.
[1]
For projects requiring minimum protection standards, a plan
including the following information shall be submitted:
[2]
For projects requiring new development or redevelopment standards,
a drainage report that contains the following items shall be submitted:
[a]
Description of construction period and earth movement
schedule, including anticipated project start and completion dates,
sequence and duration of grading and construction activities, sequence
and timing of installation and/or application of soil erosion and
sediment control measures as well as sequence for final stabilization
of the project site.
[b]
Description of the on-site and adjacent wetlands,
streams and other water resources, including methods used to identify
these resources, and a description of any buffer setbacks that may
apply, steep slopes, critical habitat, existing vegetation, areas
with a 1% chance of being inundated by water in any given year, and
whether any downstream water bodies are listed as impaired according
to NHDES's most recent 303(d) list.
[c]
Soils information for proposed disturbed areas
shall be delineated by a certified soil scientist. For all other areas
that contribute runoff to the project site, soil types may be identified
in accordance with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) countywide
soil survey.
[d]
Description of existing drainage patterns, receiving
water bodies or drainage infrastructure and soil types for recharge
potential.
[e]
Watershed area limits, including any off-site and
upstream areas contributing flow to shared drainage channels and/or
infrastructure.
[f]
Description of proposed changes in impervious cover
areas and any changes in pre- and post-development drainage patterns.
[g]
Methods and assumptions used to calculate pre-
and post-development runoff volume, peak discharge, and discharge
velocity for the specified design storm events.
[h]
Methods and assumptions used to calculate the pollutant
load removal.
[i]
Description of LID measures that are proposed to
limit the development footprint, preserve existing vegetation and
mimic existing hydrology to the extent feasible.
[j]
If not used, provide rationale why LID measures
are not practical for the site.
[k]
Describe measures and calculations for proposed
practices used to achieve no net increase in runoff volumes leaving
the site.
[l]
Provide calculations for the infiltration or exfiltration
system.
[m]
If an increase in post-development runoff volume
is anticipated due to limited applicability for LID measures and site
constraints, provide an assessment and supporting calculations to
demonstrate no adverse impacts to downstream infrastructure, adjacent
properties or aquatic habitat.
[n]
Descriptions, details, and design criteria and
calculations for all structural, nonstructural, permanent, and temporary
erosion and sedimentation control measures and BMPs. This information
should include seeding mixtures and rates, types of sod, methods of
seedbed preparation, expected seeding dates (or limitations on seeding
time frames), type and rate of lime and fertilizer application, and
type and quantity of mulching for temporary and permanent control
facilities.
[o]
Where proposed changes are anticipated within mapped
limits of the areas with a 1% chance of being inundated by water in
any given year, provide hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to show
no net increase in flood elevations.
[p]
Proposed schedule for the inspection and maintenance
of all erosion control measures on site prior to achieving final site
stabilization.
[q]
Describe procedures for removing temporary erosion
control measures and removal of accumulated sediment captured by such
measures.
[r]
Any other specific study, calculation, or investigation
as requested by the City.
[s]
Describe procedures to limit and/or optimize the
use of deicing materials and minimize off-site increases in chloride
levels in adjacent surface water and groundwater.
[t]
Provide a maintenance and inspection plan for post-construction
monitoring of stormwater BMPs to ensure long-term performance and
functionality, including details of who will be responsible for inspections
and maintenance, proposed schedule, documentation, submittal procedures
and contingency plans if future maintenance is required.
[u]
Provide copies of pertinent state and federal permits.
(g)
Long-term operation and maintenance. The owner shall be responsible
for continued inspection and maintenance requirements.
[1]
An operation and maintenance manual shall be created with the following
information:
[a]
The names of the responsible qualified professionals
who will implement the required reporting, inspections, and maintenance
activities.
[b]
An inspection checklist, identifying item or BMP,
inspection frequency, and components to be inspected. The list shall
clearly outline performance thresholds and triggers for maintenance.
[c]
Snow and ice removal shall be performed by a contractor
certified by the "Green SnoPro" Program, or approved equivalent, following
best management practices for the application of deicing materials.
[d]
Deicing log to track amount and type of deicing
material applied.
[e]
A site plan clearly identifying the locations of
all stormwater practices to be inspected and maintained.
[f]
Inspection and maintenance log to be submitted
to the City of Dover Community Services Department on an annual basis.
Documents shall be submitted no later than December 15 of each year.
[2]
The owner of record shall record at the Registry of Deeds documentation
sufficient to provide notice to all persons that may acquire any property
subject to the requirements and responsibilities described in the
approved stormwater management plan. The notice shall comply with
the applicable requirements for recording contained in RSA 477 and
478. The notice need not set forth the requirements at length, so
long as it is sufficient to provide notice to prospective purchasers
of the requirements for maintenance and reporting.
B.
Utilities.
(1)
Water.
(a)
Extensions to public water mains shall be at least 12 inches
in diameter. When projected development or the City's Master Plan
or Capital Improvements Plan indicates that a larger water main is
needed, the Planning Board may require a larger pipe.
(b)
Extensions of public water mains shall cross the full frontage
of the parcel for which development is proposed.
(c)
Extensions of waterlines shall be designed to avoid dead-end
lines, where possible.
(2)
Sewer.
(a)
Extensions of and connections to the public sewer system or private wastewater systems shall be in accordance with Chapter 121, Sewers and Water, of the Code of the City of Dover.
(b)
Where sanitary discharge into the municipal sewer system is
anticipated, projected additional peak hour sewer load volume must
be specified.
(3)
Electric, cable television and telephone. The installation of electric
power, cable television and telephone lines shall be underground throughout
the site for which development is proposed. Site plans shall show
any easements for these services.
C.
Driveways, accessways and internal roads.
(1)
All driveways, accessways, internal roads, and loading and service
areas shall be graded, paved and improved with curbs, gutters, sidewalks
and stormwater drainage facilities. The curbing along or at intersections
with public street rights-of-way shall be granite. Internal walkways
shall be constructed of a pervious material, such as pervious asphalt
or concrete, open or pervious paving blocks, or similar technologies.
(2)
Private driveways and internal roads shall be designed and constructed
pursuant to the following criteria:
|
0-4 Residential Units
|
5-24 Residential Units
|
Over 25 Residential Units
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Right-of-way
|
30 feet
|
30 feet
|
50 feet
|
|
Road width
|
16 feet
|
24 feet
|
24 to 32 feet*
|
|
Base course
|
12" bank run gravel
|
18" bank run gravel
|
18" bank run gravel
|
|
4" crushed gravel
|
4" crushed gravel
|
6" crushed gravel
| |
|
2" asphalt tight binder
|
2" asphalt tight binder
|
2 1/2" asphalt tight binder
| |
|
3' gravel shoulder
|
3' gravel shoulder
|
3' gravel shoulder
|
|
*
|
The width of the roadway shall be determined by the site's physical
characteristics and the layout and density of the proposed development.
|
(3)
A road plan and profile shall be submitted with the site review application.
Said plans shall be prepared by a professional engineer licensed to
practice in the State of New Hampshire. If a roundabout is proposed
for inclusion, a professional engineer with traffic engineering certifications
must design the roundabout in conformance with "Roundabouts: An Informational
Guide" as adopted and amended by the Federal Highway Administration.
[Amended 6-12-2018]
(4)
When a nonresidential zoned parcel straddles or abuts a residential
zone, nonresidential traffic shall be prohibited from exiting or entering
through the residential zone, unless there is no other viable option.
Infill and redevelopment projects shall include sidewalk improvements
via installation of sidewalks back to the closest improved sidewalk.
(5)
For access to a proposed nonresidential or to a multifamily dwelling
containing more than four dwelling units, driveway entrances and exits
shall be as follows:
[Added 6-12-2018]
D.
Parking.
[Amended 2-26-2019; 1-14-2020]
(1)
Paved on-site parking shall be provided in accordance with the Parking
Regulation Table.
(a)
A parking plan shall be submitted that delineates the number
of striped parking spaces and the parking arrangement. Where appropriate,
utilization of and construction of on-street parking is encouraged.
Whenever a use existing on the effective date of this chapter is changed
to a new use, parking facilities and access shall be provided as required
herein for such new uses. The following parking standards represent
maximum requirements and may be increased as part of the approval
of a site development plan. During plan review, the Director of Planning
and Community Development shall note a minimum number of spaces required.
(b)
In Dover, parking is based less on the direct land use and more
on the intensity and turnover rate of the use. Efforts are made to
understand that not all businesses are alike and that one commercial
use may differ widely from a neighboring one, even if considered the
same use. Turnover rate and intensity of use are more important to
the provision of parking spaces. High turnover and high-intensity
use, such as retail, require fewer spaces than a use which has a low
turnover and a low intensity, such as an assembly hall or gathering
place. This concept and the table below will guide the Director of
Planning and Community Development in determining the minimum and
maximum number of spaces required for a project. Applicants shall
meet with staff and review plans prior to submission to determine
parking needs.
(c)
Uses located in the Central Business District–General
have access to more publicly available parking, whether on street
or in a dedicated facility, as well as mass transit. The intent of
off-street parking downtown is to provide parking for employees of
a business and not for customers. With this in mind, parking calculations
for nonresidential uses in the Central Business District–General
may be solely for employees, upon the discretion of the Director of
Planning and Community Development.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
|
Parking Regulation Table
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Columns are cumulative, not exclusive.1
| |||||
|
Maximum Number of Vehicle Parking Spaces
| |||||
|
Use*
|
Per Unit
|
Per Seats
|
Per Employee on Maximum Shift
|
Per Square Footage (GLA)2
|
Notes
|
|
Residential3 (non-CBD-G)
|
1.4
|
+ 0.5 visitor space/unit
| |||
|
Residential3 (CBD-G)
|
1.25
|
+ 0.4 visitor space/unit
| |||
|
Educational4
|
0.3
|
1
| |||
|
Gathering place5
|
0.5
|
1
| |||
|
Industrial/manufacturing6
|
800
| ||||
|
Lodging7
|
1
|
1
|
+ 1/500 of common area
| ||
|
Medical8
|
0.5
|
1
|
Unit = bed or exam room
| ||
|
Office9
|
300
| ||||
|
Retail/service10, 11
|
275
| ||||
|
* = The Director of Planning and Community Development shall
determine the category of a use, if unclear.
| |
|
Where commercial and residential uses are co-located, only the
residential parking shall be provided.
| |
|
1
|
Round numbers up, if over a whole number.
|
|
2
|
GLA = gross leasable area.
|
|
3
|
Dwelling units designed for extended occupancy.
|
|
4
|
Facility that provides opportunity for learning and education;
may include day care.
|
|
5
|
Facility that has a large grouping of customers for a longer
duration activity.
|
|
6
|
Facility that has employees but not a high volume of customers,
located in 10,000 square feet or more.
|
|
7
|
Facility with overnight units designed for short-term occupancy.
|
|
8
|
Facility that provides medical services with overnight accommodations.
|
|
9
|
Facility that has employees but not a high volume of customers
or clients.
|
|
10
|
Facility that has employees and a high volume of customers or
clients.
|
|
11
|
For Vehicle Refueling and Recharging Stations, "gas" pumps count
as a parking space.
|
(2)
In addition to parking spaces for automobiles, any proposed use that is required to obtain site review approval per § 153-4 shall be required to provide parking for bicycles on bicycle racks. The number of spaces for bicycles shall be equal to 5% of the number of parking spaces calculated by the Parking Regulation Table in Subsection D(1).
(3)
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and dedicated charging spaces.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
(a)
Projects must provide Electric Vehicle Charging Readiness based
upon the following standards:
[1]
Multi-family residential projects: 5% of the total number of new
parking spaces.
[2]
Non-residential projects: 2% of the total number of new parking spaces.
[3]
The number would be rounded up in all cases with a minimum of one
space of electric vehicle charging readiness per project requiring
Site Plan Review.
(b)
If the percentage of parking spaces providing EVSE is greater than
that of section (a), the applicant shall be eligible for a fifty-percent
reduction in the paved area application fee.
(c)
For parking spaces containing an EVSE, the following minimum
criteria shall apply:
[1]
EVSE shall be maintained by the property owner. A phone number
or other contact information shall be provided on the charging station
equipment for reporting when the equipment is not functioning or other
problems are encountered.
[2]
The placement of EVSE shall not interfere with adjacent pedestrian
circulation areas, such as sidewalks or accessible routes to the building
entrance.
[3]
Directional signs shall be installed at the parking lot entrance
and at other appropriate points to effectively guide motorists to
the electric vehicle charging stations.
[4]
Each electric vehicle charging station is required to include
the following:
[a]
Electric vehicle supply equipment that meets the
most current infrastructure codes and standards, referenced by the
U.S. Department of Energy, used for electric vehicle and infrastructure
projects.
[b]
Signage that includes, but is not limited to the
following information:
|
Indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes.
|
|
Days and hours of operations if time limits or tow-away provisions
are to be enforced.
|
|
Voltage and amperage levels and any time of use, fees, and important
safety instructions.
|
[c]
Adequate site lighting, unless charging is for
daytime purposes only.
[5]
Shelters for outdoor charging stations are encouraged to provide
added convenience for users.
(4)
Notwithstanding the calculations established in Subsection D(1) above, parking spaces in residential districts shall be upon or adjacent to the lot which they are designed to serve. In all nonresidential districts, such parking spaces shall be provided within a 500-foot radius of the primary structure. Parking spaces for the Central Business (CBD) - General and Cochecho Waterfront (CWD) Zoning Districts are as follows:
(a)
Construction of new floor spaces shall be accompanied by a number of parking spaces as calculated in Subsection D(1) above.
(b)
Conversions or changes of use that result in an increase in residential units shall provide a number of parking spaces in accordance with Subsection D(1) above.
(c)
Parking spaces in CBD-G and CWD Zoning Districts may be located
off site anywhere within the CBD-G District in a municipal parking
facility and leased from the City, or leased from a private landowner.
(5)
Conditional use permit for increase in number of parking spaces.
(a)
A conditional use permit may be granted by the Planning Board (RSA 674:21, II) after proper public notice and public hearing for the purpose of altering any provisions of § 153-14D, Parking Regulation Table, provided that the proposed project complies with the following standards:
[1]
The applicant shall submit an analysis justifying a request
for increased parking requirements.
[2]
The conditional use permit application shall describe why increased
parking is essential to each use.
[3]
The applicant must show that the use(s) cannot be adequately
served by a combination of on- and off-street parking.
[4]
The applicant shall design and construct the additional vehicle
storage areas, for additional parking requested, using pervious materials.
The design of the area shall meet or exceed standards developed and
outlined in the New Hampshire Stormwater Manual. The applicant shall
also be required to retain the design engineer as an inspector for
the duration of construction of the parking area.
[5]
The applicant shall contribute to improving electric vehicle
infrastructure by using one of the following methods:
[Added 7-27-2021]
[a]
For uses that typically result in at least two (2) hours or longer of parking which may include but is not limited to gathering places (restaurants and bars), retail/service, lodging, office, educational, medical, and outdoor recreation, the applicant shall provide one Level II commercial electric vehicle charging station for every 10 parking spaces requested over the parking maximum. Electric vehicle charging station spaces shall comply with § 153-14D(3) unless determined otherwise by the Planning Board.
[b]
For uses that do not typically result in at least two (2) hours
or longer of activity, the applicant shall provide two (2) additional
parking spaces that meet electric vehicle readiness requirements for
every 10 parking spaces requested over the parking maximum.
[6]
Additional Level I commercial electric vehicle charging stations
designated for employees, and not for public use, are encouraged.
[Added 7-27-2021[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection D(5)(a)[6] was redesignated as Subsection D(5)(a)[7] to accommodate the addition of the new Subsection D(5)(a)[6].
[7]
There shall be no detrimental effects on surrounding properties
by any proposal.
(b)
A conditional use permit may also be granted by the Planning Board to allow an increase in the off-street parking requirements for a building or buildings serving more than one use. To obtain such an approval, the applicant must conclusively demonstrate that one or more such uses will generate a demand for parking spaces primarily during periods when the other use or uses are in operation. Calculations for parking increase shall be consistent with nationally accepted parking publications such as Shared Parking (Urban Land Institute, Washington, DC, 1990). The location of all parking spaces shall conform to the provisions outlined in § 153-14D(4) unless determined otherwise by the Planning Board.
(c)
Any conditional use permit approval shall apply only to the
application specified at the time of approval and shall not be transferable
to a different application, building expansion, or change of use regardless
of size. Any subsequent change(s) to a project or plan that has a
shared parking agreement shall be subject to review by the Director
of Planning and Community Development. If the proposed parking demand
is determined to increase, the project shall be referred to the Planning
Board for further review.
(6)
Parking lot design standards.
(a)
Parking spaces shall comply with the following dimensions:
|
Angle
|
Stall Width
(feet)
|
Curb Length
(feet)
|
Length of Space
(feet)
|
Aisle Width*
(feet)
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
90°
|
9
|
9
|
18
|
22
|
|
75°
|
9
|
9.5
|
19.5
|
20
|
|
60°
|
10
|
10
|
21
|
16
|
|
*
|
When garages are erected for meeting a developer's parking requirements,
aisle widths shall be increased to 24 feet.
|
(b)
One-way accessways (internal aisle) shall be a minimum of 12
feet wide, and two-way accessways shall be a minimum of 24 feet in
width.
(c)
Entrance islands shall support a curve radii illustrated in
Sketch A.
 |
(d)
Parking lots shall be designed so as to avoid vehicles backing
into the street.
(e)
Parking lots and driveway entrances for nonresidential uses
shall be designed to prevent vehicles on the City street from queuing
up while waiting to access the site. The Planning Board may require
that the applicant hire a traffic consultant to prepare a traffic
impact study to determine if the development proposal will generate
traffic volumes that require traffic control measures such as deceleration
or acceleration lanes, adequate turning radii for driveways, or driveways
designed with adequate entrance depth.
E.
Outdoor lighting.
(1)
General requirements.
(a)
When the installation or replacement of outdoor lighting is
part of a development proposal for which site review approval is required
under these regulations, the Planning Board shall review and approve
the lighting installation as part of its site review approval.
(b)
The applicant shall submit sufficient information, in the form
of an overall outdoor lighting plan, to enable the Planning Board
to determine that the applicable provisions will be satisfied. The
lighting plan shall include the following:
[1]
A site plan, drawn to scale, showing buildings, landscaping,
parking areas, and all proposed outdoor lighting fixtures.
[2]
A photometric report that includes a numerical grid of lighting
levels the fixtures will produce on the ground, measured in footcandles.
[3]
Specifications for all proposed light fixtures, including the
type of lamp and the wattage of each lamp.
[4]
Proposed mounting height of all outdoor lighting fixtures.
[5]
Analyses showing that the proposed installation conforms to
the lighting level standards in this section.
(c)
Principal buildings in commercial or industrial uses shall be
lighted on all sides for security.
(d)
Wiring for outdoor lighting shall be placed underground.
(e)
All outdoor light fixtures shall be designed, oriented or shielded
to prevent light or glare onto adjacent property or streets. In the
Central Business District–General and Transit-Oriented Development
(TOD) Subdistricts, light may overflow onto streets, but not adjacent
property.
(f)
Holiday lighting during the months of November, December, and
January shall be exempt from the provisions of this regulation, provided
that such lighting does not create dangerous glare on adjacent streets
or properties.
(g)
All light fixtures lawfully in place prior to the date of this
amendment shall be grandfathered. However, any light fixture that
replaces a grandfathered light fixture, or any grandfathered light
fixture that is moved, must meet the standards of this regulation.
(2)
Parking lot lighting. Parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide
the minimum lighting necessary to ensure adequate vision and safety
in parking areas, and to not cause glare or direct illumination onto
adjacent properties or streets.
[Amended 5-24-2016]
(a)
All lighting fixtures serving parking lots shall be cutoff fixtures
as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
(IESNA) and illustrated below.
|
Cutoff fixture as defined by IESNA
 |
(b)
Parking area lighting standards are as shown in the table below.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
|
Zoning Districts C, CM, and IT
|
Zoning Districts O, G, CBD, H, CWD and RCM
|
Zoning Districts RM-SU, RM-U, LBW and HR
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mounting height (maximum)*
|
25 feet
|
20 feet
|
20 feet
|
|
Minimum illumination level (at darkest spot of the parking lot)
|
No less than 0.3 footcandle; no more than 0.5 footcandle
|
No less than 0.2 footcandle; no more than 0.4 footcandle
|
No less than 0.2 footcandle; no more than 0.3 footcandle
|
|
Uniformity ratio**
|
6:1
|
5:1
|
4:1
|
|
*
|
Mounting height is the vertical distance between the surface
being illuminated and the bottom of the lighting fixture.
|
|
**
|
Uniformity ratio is the ratio of average illumination to minimum
illumination.
|
(c)
The Planning Board may permit an alternative to the cutoff fixtures
required above if a lighting fixture of a particular period or architectural
style would be more compatible with the design of the area. Such alternative
fixtures shall have a mounting height of not more than 15 feet.
(3)
Lighting of gasoline station/convenience store aprons and canopies.
Lighting levels on gasoline station/convenience store aprons and under
canopies shall be adequate to facilitate the activities taking place
in such locations. Lighting of such areas shall not be used to attract
attention to the businesses.
(a)
Areas directly under the canopy and within five feet of the
canopy footprint shall be illuminated so that the minimum illuminance
at grade level is between 1.0 and 5.5 footcandles. The uniformity
ratio (ratio of average to minimum illuminance) shall be no greater
than 4:1, which yields an average illumination level of no more than
22.0 footcandles.
(b)
Light fixtures mounted on canopies shall be recessed so that
the lens cover is recessed or flush with the bottom surface (ceiling)
of the canopy and/or shielded by the fixture or the edge of the canopy
so that light is restrained to no more than 85° from vertical.
(c)
Lights shall not be mounted on the top or sides of the canopy,
and the sides of the canopy shall not be illuminated.
F.
Fire hazards. The designation of fire lanes and the storage of explosives, flammable liquids, liquefied petroleum gas or similar materials shall be in accordance with Chapter 81, Fire Prevention and Life Safety, of the Code of the City of Dover.
G.
Landscaping. In order to separate parking areas from abutting streets,
to provide areas for snow disposal, to break up expanses of vehicles
and pavement, to provide summer shade on pavement areas, to provide
general beautification of parking facilities, and to reduce stormwater
impacts, the following landscaping standards are required for nonresidential
development:
[Amended 6-12-2018]
(1)
General requirements.
(a)
Existing vegetation shall be preserved wherever possible. Existing
natural features of special interest, such as those having historic
relevance, shall be delineated and located on the landscaping plan.
A note should be added to the site plan indicating that the identified
feature(s) shall be protected during site clearing and construction
through the use of construction fencing or other adequate protective
barriers. Maximum effort should be made to preserve small stands of
trees, rather than individual trees, to minimize the potential for
serious damage due to wind, grade changes and soil compaction. No
construction materials, equipment, vehicles, or temporary soil deposits
shall be located within the dripline of existing trees. Before commencement
of work, protective barriers shall be installed and maintained around
each plant and/or groups of plants that are to remain on site until
completion. Snow fence installed around the dripline of the tree canopy
is an example of an acceptable barrier.
(b)
All invasive plant species identified in Chapter Agr 3800, pursuant
to RSA 430:55, and all nonnative plant species identified in the New
Hampshire Restricted Invasive Plants Species/Watch List are prohibited.
(c)
Shrubs and hedges shall be a minimum of 24 inches in height
when measured immediately after planting. Ground covers and perennials
may be less.
(d)
Effective use and preservation of natural berms, existing topography
and existing vegetation is encouraged.
(e)
Plants, or a combination of plants and a solid visual barrier
such as wooden fencing, or berms shall be used to screen loading,
waste disposal, material storage and other areas that are likely to
generate noise, dust, or other potentially disruptive conditions.
(f)
Landscaping shall be used to establish and/or maintain an attractive
streetscape adjacent to roadways. A minimum of one tree per 35 linear
feet, not more than six feet apart for individual shrubs, and not
more than three feet between individual perennials and ground covers
or portion thereof shall be provided.
[Amended 2-26-2019]
(g)
The type and location of vegetation shall not interfere with
utilities or the safe and efficient flow of street traffic. All trees
located under utility wires shall be low-growing species.
(h)
A maintenance plan shall be provided with the site plan application.
All landscaped areas shall receive regular maintenance and upkeep.
Severely injured, diseased, or dead plant material shall be replaced
in kind in perpetuity (avoid replacing landscape materials in the
period from November to March). Best practices to minimize environmental
impacts, such as the use of low-phosphorus fertilizer and slow-release
nitrogen, shall be included in the management plan. If ownership of
a site is conveyed to a new property owner, the new owner shall be
responsible for maintaining all landscaping in accordance with the
approved final landscaping plan.
(i)
Snow storage may be permitted on any grassed or nonliving landscape
area.
(2)
Interior landscaping.
(a)
In addition to the perimeter landscaping required in § 153-17C, landscaping requirements for the interior of parking lots is as follows:
|
Minimum Interior Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements
| |
|---|---|
|
Number of Parking Spaces in Lot
|
Minimum Percent of Interior Landscaping
|
|
0 to 20 spaces
|
Not required
|
|
21 to 50 spaces
|
5%
|
|
51 to 200 spaces
|
8%
|
|
Greater than 200 spaces
|
10%
|
(b)
Parking lots which have more than two aisles which are approximately
parallel shall be required to have continuous landscaped planting
strips separating every four rows of parking. The landscaped planting
strips shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width and shall be separated
from the parking area by adequate curbing. Within the landscaped planting
strips, deciduous and/or evergreen shade trees shall be planted at
40 feet on center. Trees shall be species tolerant to the climatic
conditions of Dover and shall be a minimum caliper of 3 inches (measured
at four feet above grade level). Within the landscaped planting strips,
shrubs shall be planted between the deciduous trees at five feet on
center. The shrubs shall be a mix of deciduous and evergreen species,
tolerant to the climatic conditions of Dover and shall be a minimum
height of two feet at the time of planting. All trees, shrubs and
landscaping materials shall be maintained in good condition so as
to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance.
[Amended 10-12-2021]
 |
(c)
Islands at the end of a row of parking spaces are encouraged
to protect parked vehicles, increase safety in parking lots, and provide
space for landscaping. The minimum size for landscaped islands shall
be 250 square feet in total area and should include trees with shrubs,
perennials, and ground covers planted en masse among the trees.
(d)
Bare soil is not acceptable. The introduction of ground covers
and/or perennials planted en masse and the use of mulch as a soil
covering is acceptable. However, no more than 20% of the minimum landscaped
area may be covered with nonliving landscaping material, such as bark
mulch, wood chips, or leaf litter.
(3)
Perimeter landscaping.
(a)
Along the perimeter of parking lots with 10 or more spaces, deciduous and/or evergreen shade trees shall be planted at 35 feet on center within the buffer area required by § 153-17C. Trees shall be species tolerant to the climatic conditions of Dover and shall be a minimum caliper of 3 inches (measured at four feet above grade level). Within the perimeter buffer, shrubs shall be planted between the trees at five feet on center. The shrubs shall be a mix of deciduous and evergreen species, tolerant to the climatic conditions of Dover and shall be a minimum height of two feet at the time of planting. All trees, shrubs and landscaping materials shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance.
[Amended 10-12-2021]
|
(b)
Trees shall be salt- and drought-tolerant, native or noninvasive
species, and have a structure and growth form which prevents them
from obstructing sidewalks and walkways. Flood-tolerant plants shall
be used in drainage swales.
(c)
To foster biological diversity, trees planted along a given
street shall use the 10-20-30 rule (no more than 10% of the trees
shall be of the same species, no more than 20% in the same genus,
and no more than 30% in the same family).
(d)
To ensure that landscape materials do not constitute a driving
hazard, a clear sight triangle shall be observed at all street and
access drive intersections. Ground cover and trees with at least eight
feet of limbless trunk shall be permitted within the sight distance
triangle. In the case of a city street intersection, the sight triangle
shall consist of the area between points 20 feet along both intersecting
streets from their respective edges of pavement.
(e)
A wall or fence of uniform appearance, six feet high, of brick,
stone or finished concrete (cannot be concrete block) may be used
in conjunction with plant materials with a minimum ten-foot buffer
between the fence and the street. A minimum of one tree per 35 linear
feet or portion thereof shall be provided with a combination of shrubs,
perennials, vines, and ground covers planted en masse per 35 linear
feet, excluding curb cuts. A combination of both deciduous plants
and evergreens is encouraged.
[Amended 2-26-2019]
|
(4)
Stormwater management. The following provisions are intended to support the site design criteria set forth in § 153-14A. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency, the more stringent provision shall prevail.
(a)
Where possible, interior landscaping islands and perimeter landscaping
areas shall provide for stormwater treatment and bioretention as well
as act as a visual buffer.
(b)
To promote on-site water retention and filtration, landscaped areas
shall be designed in a manner that guides stormwater from on-site
impervious streets, parking areas, sidewalks and walkways to vegetated
areas or approved retention areas.
(c)
When irrigation systems are proposed, a temporary watering plan/schedule
or low-volume (drip) irrigation system shall be required. Permanent
irrigation systems are prohibited, except as noted below. Temporary
irrigation systems shall be designed and installed for efficient and
effective water use to the landscaped area for a limited period of
time determined by the plant material and site conditions. For those
exceptions when permanent irrigation is considered necessary, such
as an athletic field, permanent irrigation shall utilize water-saving
technologies, including rain sensors, flow meters, and management
systems that monitor current weather conditions and/or soil moisture.
(d)
All newly planted trees, shrubs and other vegetation shall have a
watering plan during the establishment period (for trees, one year
per inch in caliper at planting; shrubs and other vegetation generally
establish within one growing season). Mulching trees, shrubs, and
plants helps retain soil moisture, moderates temperature fluctuations,
provides protection from mechanical damage by mowers and trimmers,
and serves as temporary covering of exposed soil until understory
plants and ground covers fill in. However, thick applications of mulch
(such as "volcano mulching") will kill trees and other vegetation.
Mulch shall be no greater than three inches in depth and shall not
be in contact with the bark or stems of plants.
(5)
Other landscaping.
(a)
Each existing healthy and native or noninvasive tree, with a
caliper of three inches or greater, preserved using proper protection
methods within the interior parking lot area may be substituted for
one tree required for every 10 parking spaces.
(b)
Where an applicant proposes leaving a significant portion of
healthy, noninvasive trees and other vegetation within the proposed
construction area, the Planning Board will consider alternative landscaping
designs.
(c)
At the discretion of the Planning Board, alternative methods
of perimeter screening may be permitted if the applicant can demonstrate
that an adequate screening of the parking lot is achieved. Additional
screening methods that are encouraged include earthen berms planted
with grass and shrubs, fencing, and low walls.
(d)
If the area abutting the street is existing woodland, a twenty-five-foot
woodland buffer may be left in lieu of landscaping if approved by
the Planning Board.
H.
Driveway location and spacing standards for nonresidential uses in
the C, CM, and IT Districts.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
(1)
To reduce the number of conflict points for vehicles, reduce traffic
congestion, and improve traffic safety along nonresidential corridors,
the following minimum standards are set forth for driveway location
and spacing in the C, CM, and IT Districts:
|
Variables
|
Arterial Roads
|
Collector Roads
|
Local Roads
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Number of driveways per lot
|
—
|
1 driveway per 400 feet of road frontage or fraction thereof
|
1 driveway per 200 feet of road frontage or fraction thereof
|
1 driveway per 125 feet of road frontage or fraction thereof
|
|
Posted Speed Limit
(mph)
| ||||
|
Minimum driveway spacing from public street intersections
|
35
40
45
50
|
310 feet
380 feet
470 feet
560 feet
|
230 feet
280 feet
350 feet
420 feet
|
155 feet
190 feet
230 feet
275 feet
|
|
Posted Speed Limit
(mph)
| ||||
|
Minimum spacing between driveways
|
35
40
45
50
|
230 feet
280 feet
350 feet
420 feet
|
185 feet
220 feet
260 feet
300 feet
|
155 feet
190 feet
230 feet
275 feet
|
(2)
Spacing between public street intersections and driveways is measured
from the point of tangency of the intersecting street right-of-way
to the nearest edge of the driveway where it intersects with the right-of-way
line. Spacing between driveways is measured from the nearest edge
of each driveway where intersecting with the street right-of-way.
Existing driveways that do not meet the above standards may be retained,
but the elimination of unnecessary access points is strongly encouraged.
Notwithstanding the above standards, any lot of record shall be entitled
to a minimum of one driveway.
(3)
In recognition of the unique circumstances of some parcels of land, the Planning Board shall be permitted to vary the standards set forth in Subsection H(1) above. The Planning Board may approve projects that do not conform strictly to the access standards above, provided that a finding is made by the Planning Board that safe and adequate access can be achieved. Any deviation from the standards in Subsection H(1) above can only be considered after first receiving a written recommendation from the City Engineer.
(4)
When a nonresidential zoned parcel straddles a residential zone,
nonresidential traffic shall be prohibited from exiting into or entering
from the residential zone, unless there is no other viable option.
I.
Incentives for reducing the number of driveways in the C, CM, and
IT Districts.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
(1)
In addition to limiting the number and location of driveways, the City of Dover encourages shared driveways for adjacent parcels, the elimination of existing driveways, and the construction of fewer driveways than permitted in § 153-14H. By limiting access points, the number of points where turning vehicles and through vehicles conflict is reduced. To provide incentives for shared driveways in the C, CM and IT Districts, an incentive system has been developed.
(2)
An applicant may increase the maximum lot coverage permitted in the Table of Dimensional Regulations referenced in Chapter 170, Zoning, for the C, CM and IT Districts by electing to use one or more of the provisions listed below. The Planning Board shall decide if the applicant complies with the provisions of the incentive system. An applicant may utilize one or more of the following voluntary provisions:
(a)
Provide a shared driveway to be the sole access to the subject
parcel and one or more adjacent parcels. To qualify for this incentive,
the applicant shall provide appropriate easements to ensure that the
shared driveway will remain in existence and will be adequately maintained.
(b)
For parcels with existing driveways, reduce either the number
of separate driveways or the total width of the existing driveways
(as measured at the right-of-way line) by at least 50%, or reduce
the number of driveways to one driveway of not more than 32 feet in
width.
(c)
Reduce the total number of driveways permitted, or increase the spacing between driveways by 25% over the standards set in § 153-14H(1) herein, or increase the spacing between driveways and public street intersections by 25% over the standards set in § 153-14H(1) herein.
(3)
If the Planning Board finds that an applicant has complied with one or more of the voluntary provisions, the following incentives shall be granted. For each of the provisions achieved, the Planning Board shall permit an additional 5% of lot coverage (building footprint) above the maximum permitted in the Table of Dimensional Regulations referenced in Chapter 170, Zoning [e.g., the maximum lot coverage (building footprint) in the IT District could be increased from 33% to 38% if one provision was achieved].
J.
Interconnections between parcels.
(1)
In order to reduce the number of vehicles entering and exiting arterial
and collector roads, the provision of interconnecting driveways is
required whenever feasible. These interconnecting driveways or service
roads are provided to allow customers and employees to move from site
to site without repeatedly using City streets.
(2)
In the C, CM and IT Districts, an applicant shall integrate an interconnecting
driveway into the overall traffic and pedestrian circulation of the
subject site. Interconnecting driveways shall be provided to access
abutting parcels. If an adjacent parcel(s) is vacant, the applicant
shall grant an easement for future access. The easements shall be
written to ensure that the interconnection(s) will remain open and
will be adequately maintained. The cross-connections shall be located
to encourage internal traffic between abutting properties and shall
be adequately marked with directional signs.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
(3)
In recognition of the unique circumstances of some parcels of land, the Planning Board shall be permitted to vary the standards set forth in Subsection J(2) above. The Planning Board may approve projects that do not conform strictly to the interconnection standards above, provided that a finding is made by the Planning Board that the unique circumstances of the parcel make compliance unreasonable. Any deviation from the standards in Subsection J(2) above can only be considered after first receiving a written recommendation from the City Engineer.
K.
Location of parking lots.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
(1)
Buildings should be sited closer to the street and parking areas
should be located on the side or rear of lots in an effort to reduce
the visual dominance of parking areas, improve pedestrian safety in
parking lots, and increase the visibility of businesses to drivers.
The following standards are required:
(a)
For parcels in the C and CM Districts with frontage and driveway
access on an arterial or collector road, a minimum percentage of the
parking spaces required by these regulations or of the number of parking
spaces proposed (whichever is greater) shall be located to the side
or rear of the building (i.e., no closer to the front lot line than
the building) according to the following:
|
Number of Spaces
|
Percent of Spaces to Side or Rear
|
|---|---|
|
25 to 50
|
50%
|
|
51 to 75
|
60%
|
|
More than 75
|
70%
|
(b)
In recognition of the unique circumstances of some parcels of land, the Planning Board shall be permitted to vary the standards set forth in Subsection K(1)(a) above. The Planning Board may approve projects that do not conform strictly to the parking lot location standards above, provided that a finding is made by the Planning Board that the unique circumstances of the parcel make compliance unreasonable.
L.
Architectural design standards.
(1)
Findings. The City of Dover Planning Board finds that:
(a)
Our City contains an historic downtown area, three major thoroughfare
business districts, beautiful rural landscape replete with unique
natural and cultural resources, an excellent architectural tradition,
a colorful history, and much visual appeal.
(b)
Preserving and enhancing these features is integral to maintaining
the character and identity of our community.
(c)
Building designs which are indifferent to the traditions of
our City and region, aggressively seek the attention of passing motorists,
do not consider the quality of the pedestrian environment, or are
erected at the lowest possible cost without due concern for aesthetics
harm the character of our community, depress property values, and
impair our quality of life.
(d)
While subjectivity and judgment is invariably part of reviewing
architectural designs, there are universal principles of good design.
(e)
Well-crafted design standards can promote building design that
is functional, economical, attractive, and harmonious. Quality development
and sustainable economic development are not mutually exclusive; rather,
they are interdependent.
(2)
Purpose.
(a)
The purpose of the architectural design standards is to:
[1]
Provide for high-quality architecture that respects universal
design principles, enhances the appearance of Dover, reinforces pedestrian
character where appropriate, and is sensitive to neighboring buildings,
the broader setting, and natural and cultural resources.
[2]
Protect and enhance the positive visual qualities of Dover's
downtown, residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, industrial
parks, and scenic and rural landscapes.
[3]
Encourage design which is compatible with the traditional character
of Dover and New England.
[4]
Enhance property values and foster civic pride.
[5]
Minimize potential aesthetic conflicts between residential and
nonresidential uses and between single-family and multifamily uses.
(b)
Adherence to these standards should not be burdensome, and they
are not intended to stifle creativity or variety. On the contrary,
the standards will likely encourage more thoughtful approaches to
building design. There is much flexibility embodied in the guidelines
and many ways of meeting the objectives. It is hoped that they will
serve as useful guidelines for design professionals and applicants
seeking to produce quality designs respectful of place and context.
(3)
Adoption. This section is adopted pursuant to the City of Dover Master
Plan and RSA 674:21 (Innovative Land Use Controls) and 674:44 (Site
Plan Review Regulations).
(4)
Applicability.
(a)
Architectural design review is required as part of the site
plan review process for all nonresidential structures and for all
residential structures where the total number of dwelling units in
one development, whether in one or more structures, exceeds four (however,
in no event would any single-family structures or properties be subject
to review). This includes all new construction, building additions,
and alterations to buildings if those alterations would significantly
affect the exterior appearance of the building. Design review is required
only for building elevations and portions of structures that would
be visible from a public street or path or from neighboring residential
properties. All applicable development must conform to these guidelines
as reasonably interpreted and applied by the Planning Board.
(b)
Architectural design review is not conducted for routine repair or maintenance of structures, any work on the interior of a building, any existing structures for which no exterior alterations are proposed, and modifications solely for the purpose of providing safe means of egress or access in order to meet requirements of the Building Code or Life Safety Code. Architectural design review is only conducted in instances found within § 153-4, Applicability.
(5)
Various sections of the City.
Various sections of the City differ from one another in character
and in appropriate treatment. The following sections are listed in
order, generally, from the most sensitive to the least sensitive sections.
[Amended 1-14-2020; 7-27-2021]
(a)
CBD Central Business District. This zone encompasses the downtown
areas and is highly sensitive because of the importance and challenge
of maintaining a pleasing pedestrian environment. This is the Central
Business District, which includes the areas along Washington Street
from Chestnut Street to Main Street, all of Main Street, and a section
of Central Avenue from Sixth Street to Silver Street. As one travels
closer to the core areas, traditionally the buildings are taller,
closer to the sidewalk, built of more substantial materials, and more
elaborate in design and detailing. Proposed buildings must adhere
to the "Architectural and Urban Design Guidelines" adopted by the
City.
(b)
CWD Cochecho Waterfront District. These areas are not as sensitive
as existing neighborhoods in which existing residents could be vulnerable
to new development over which they have little control. New commercial
structures are not being built in traditional neighborhoods; however,
this zone is adjacent to the existing downtown core, and should feel
as if it is an extension of the CBD District. The architecture of
the waterfront areas should encourage the development of marine-,
history- or tourism-related land uses and activities, which take advantage
of the peculiar characteristics of the waterfront as well as its central
location in Dover and it proximity to the historic area. Proposed
buildings must adhere to the "Cochecho Waterfront Development Design
Guidelines" adopted by the City.
(c)
G Gateway District and O Office District. These areas are sensitive
because some older neighborhoods that are zoned for mixed use have
been harmed by incompatible multifamily and nonresidential development.
These are transitional zones, and as such, the new nonresidential
components should respect the character and nature of the existing
residential uses. New development should blend in with the traditional
character of these neighborhoods in order not to diminish property
values and the small-scale, pedestrian nature of these areas.
(d)
C Commercial District, CM Commercial Manufacturing District.
It is important to enhance the quality of commercial development along
these corridors (such as Routes 9, 108, 4, and 155). All serve as
gateways to the City, carry high levels of traffic, and are the most
prominent areas of the City. On the other hand, an intensive automobile-oriented
and big box/small box character is already established in many areas.
Thus, while we seek to enhance the visual experience along these corridors,
there are generally fewer sensitive resources vulnerable to this type
of development.
(e)
IT Innovative Technology District. We seek to enhance the quality of our business and industrial parks (such as Venture Drive). While, these are located on dead-end streets with almost no incidental traffic and with few vulnerable existing visual resources they are less sensitive, a sense of pride and professionalism should be present. Adherence to the § 153-15 is required.
(6)
General standards. An application is considered to meet the design
requirements of the architectural design standards if the Planning
Board, in its judgment, determines that the application overall demonstrates
reasonable conformity with the purpose above, the general standards
that follow, and elements of design in the next subsection.
(a)
Recognizing that every property, every proposal, and every situation
is unique, the Planning Board may waive or modify any of the standards
herein as it reasonably deems appropriate, based upon the individual
circumstances of any application. No particular architectural style
is stipulated, and innovative, contemporary, and distinctive designs
are encouraged, provided they are respectful of general design principles
and context.
(b)
Buildings should be compatible with traditional New England
architecture. They should be articulated to express an architectural
identity and ideally will be handsome and dignified.
(c)
While the use of a traditional architectural vocabulary (gables,
porticos, belt courses, etc.) is desirable, designers are encouraged
to use this vocabulary in an original manner that reads as contemporary.
(d)
It is recognized that many national and regional chain businesses
seek to build a standard design across the country or region without
regard to local conditions. However, the Planning Board will evaluate
all proposed designs for their compatibility with our own local community
character and for conformance with the goals of these guidelines.
It shall be the obligation of the applicants to develop designs that
are compatible with our community character; the City need not make
adjustments to accommodate these template designs.
(e)
Use of false or partial mansard roofs, unconventionally shaped
roofs, overly bright colors, disproportionately sized building elements,
crudeness of features, or a general plastic feel of the building is
not appropriate.
(f)
Buildings should possess an overall integrity. Architectural
details should not give the impression of being tacked on but rather
should be integral to the overall design. (For example, use of undersized
shutters on a picture window or installation of an elaborate classical
portico or cupola on an otherwise clearly utilitarian big box would
be discouraged.)
(g)
Generally, the less visible or prominent a structure or facade
is, the lower the level of standards will be. For example, less strict
review is in order for a building located a good distance from the
road or for one that is partly obscured by another structure.
(h)
While it cannot be required under these guidelines, the reuse
of existing structures that have special architectural, historical,
cultural, or contextual value is strongly encouraged.
[Amended 1-14-2020]
(i)
Modifications and additions to existing buildings should be
harmonious with the character of the existing building when the existing
building would reasonably be considered to be in general conformance
with the goals of these guidelines.
(j)
Building design should blend with other features of the site,
signage, landscaping, lighting, fencing, outbuildings, etc., to the
extent practical.
(7)
Elements of design. Proposed designs should be harmonious with neighboring
structures that have a visual relationship with the subject building
in terms of mass, width, height, proportion, spacing, setback, and
all of the other elements of design discussed below when those neighboring
structures would reasonably be considered to be in general conformance
with the goals of these guidelines. This is particularly applicable
to older buildings located in downtown areas and residential neighborhoods.
(a)
Siting of building.
[1]
To the extent practical, structures should be located and configured
in a visually harmonious manner in keeping with the terrain and vegetation
and should not impede scenic views.
[2]
Most buildings are oriented parallel or perpendicular to the
street. This pattern reinforces the streetscape. Buildings should
not be oriented at odd angles to the street unless this is already
the prevailing pattern in the area or if it is dictated by strong
topographic or site considerations.
(b)
Scale.
[1]
Every effort should be made to provide an appropriate scale
to new buildings both in their overall size and in their details.
[2]
If practical, it is preferred that buildings contain at least
two stories. Alternatively, a single-story building should have a
relatively steep roof or a high parapet. It is required in the CBD
Zone for buildings to be multistory in order to reinforce the sense
of enclosure of the street.
(c)
Proportion. Buildings and their details should be well-proportioned
in accordance with commonly accepted design principles so as to create
a sense of order and balance.
(d)
Massing. Large structures should be broken into smaller masses
to provide human scale, variation, and depth. These smaller masses
should have a strong relationship to one another and, ideally, each
smaller mass will have integrity of form. Construction of unadulterated,
warehouse-style big boxes should generally be avoided (though their
use is of less concern in industrial parks). Blocky multifamily structures
within predominantly single- and two-family neighborhoods are highly
inappropriate.
(e)
Roof.
[1]
As a design element, the roof has a significant effect on the
building's character. The lack of a roof often promotes a feeling
of boxiness. The taller the building, the less necessary is a pitched
roof. Multistory buildings in downtown and mill buildings rarely included
a pitched roof.
[2]
Incorporation of a moderate slope is preferred. Where flat roofs
are used, however, there should be a distinct cornice and/or parapet
to emphasize the top of the building. Extensive areas of visible roof
should be broken up with dormers, cross gables, cupolas, chimneys,
parapets, balustrades, and towers.
(f)
Building facade.
[1]
Much attention should be given to create an attractive building
facade. Broad expanses of blank walls are inappropriate. Traditionally,
the parts of a facade that might be embellished, or at least articulated
in some fashion, include:
[a]
The horizontal base where the building meets the
ground (such as a different treatment for the foundation).
[b]
The horizontal top where the building meets the
sky (such as a projecting cornice with brackets).
[c]
A horizontal section in between (such as a belt
course between stories).
[d]
The vertical corners on the left and right sides
(such as corner boards or quoins).
[e]
Vertical articulation in the middle (such as pilasters).
[f]
The area around the door/entry (such as a portico).
[g]
The areas around the windows (such as window surrounds).
[2]
In addition, depth may be created for the facade through use
of porches, projecting or recessed sections, bay windows, or arcades.
(g)
Fenestration.
[1]
Windows are an integral part of a building and should be incorporated
on front facades, and preferably side facades, to humanize the building.
It is desirable that the windows along with the door establish a coherent,
orderly pattern and rhythm.
[2]
It is preferable that windows be vertical or at least "no more
squat than square" (except as described in CBD area, below). Horizontally
shaped windows are discouraged. Where horizontal windows are sought,
a series of contiguous vertical windows with mullions in between should
be used, arranged in a horizontal band.
[3]
In pedestrian-oriented downtown or waterfront commercial centers,
use of large picture-type windows for retail uses on the first floor
is strongly encouraged. In residential areas and on upper floors of
downtown buildings, use of multiple panes of glass (or the appearance
of multiple panes) rather than picture-type windows is preferred.
[4]
Shutters, where appropriate, should be sized properly for the
window opening (approximately 1/2 the width of the opening.)
(h)
Entrance.
[1]
The entrance is an important element in defining a building.
Articulation of the entrance is encouraged through use of a portico,
canopy, awning, sidelights, surround, or other device.
[2]
Generally, there should be an entrance, if not the primary entrance,
located on the front facade. Use of a usable front porch on residential
buildings is strongly encouraged.
(i)
Materials.
[1]
The use of natural materials or materials that appear natural
is preferred. Materials should be high quality and durable. Wood (clapboard
and shakes), brick, stone, fiber-reinforced stucco, textured block,
and terra-cotta are the preferred materials, although fabricated materials
which effectively imitate the character of these materials is acceptable.
Conventional vinyl and aluminum siding arranged in a horizontal clapboard
pattern is acceptable but not preferred. Its use is inappropriate
in downtown areas.
[2]
Sheet plastic, sheet fiberglass, T-111 plywood, pecky shingles,
simulated brick, and similar materials should not be used. Use of
highly reflective plastic or metal surfaces is inappropriate. Use
of salvage-style brick with multiple colors is discouraged. Prefabricated
metal wall panels and undressed concrete/cinder block should not be
used except in industrial park areas. When these materials are used
in industrial park areas, it is preferable to minimize the area over
which they are used, minimize their use on front facades, and to combine
their use with other materials, such as installing metal walls over
a foundation of textured block.
(j)
Color.
[1]
Color of buildings is reviewed for nonresidential property only.
Generally, it is preferable to use two or three colors. The main color(s)
on a building should generally be nature-blending, earth-tone, neutral,
or pastel in character. Bright colors should be limited to accent
areas. High-intensity colors, metallic colors, or fluorescent colors
should not be used.
[2]
Subtle colors are appropriate on larger, plain buildings, whereas
smaller buildings with more detailing can more effectively incorporate
brighter colors.
(k)
Lighting. Use of low-key, low-intensity wall pack or spot-type
lighting, or lighting of signage on buildings, is appropriate. Use
of lighting to highlight the building in a prominent manner, such
as brightly illuminated roof fins or neon tube lighting, is discouraged.
(8)
Particular building types and components.
(a)
Vehicle recharging and refueling station. Canopies should incorporate
features to avoid the sense of a large, hovering mass. A pitched roof
or other traditional roof form should be used (attractive examples
include the Irving Stations in Northwood and Meredith). The fascia
of the canopy should be short in height, generally not to exceed two
feet. It is preferable that columns be articulated in some manner.
All vertical surfaces should be nonreflective, and colors should be
muted.
(b)
Mini-warehouses/self-storage facilities. When these facilities
are located on major roads, their design must be very carefully considered.
Deep setbacks should be established. The structures should be located
perpendicular to the road with no doors facing the road. Use of corrugated
metal on the front facades is unacceptable. Use of textured block,
brick, wood, or stucco is preferred, though flat metal may be acceptable.
Colors should be muted. (The facility located on Route 155 is well-designed,
including the fine selection of colors.)
(c)
Garages. Garage doors should be relatively unobtrusive. To the
extent practical, doors should be placed on side facades not facing
the street, doors should be screened from view by landscaping or other
structures, or garages should be set back a greater distance from
the street. Where the garage is attached to the main building, it
is preferable for the garage section to be subordinate to the main
section by reducing the size and recessing it beyond the main section.
(d)
Utility elements. To the extent practical, all utility elements,
such as dumpsters, utility meters, and ground-mounted air-conditioning
units, should be screened and located such that they are not visible
from a public way or neighboring residential properties. Aboveground
storage tanks, with the exception of businesses that sell fuel, should
be screened or hidden from view.
(e)
Fences. Use of chain-link fences in front or side yards is discouraged.
When they are used in these areas, the chains should be covered in
a colored vinyl (such as dark green) or equivalent.
(9)
Process.
(a)
Applicants should submit elevation drawings drawn to scale of
each pertinent facade. A color board containing actual color samples
of exterior finishes, keyed to the elevations and indicating the manufacturer's
name and color designation, should also be submitted. Applicants should
also submit a material sample, if appropriate, such as the type of
brick proposed.
(b)
Any proposed building illumination must be submitted and approved.
No such lighting may be installed without approval.
(c)
Elevation drawings must be prepared by a registered engineer,
architect, or landscape architect (use of a registered architect is
strongly encouraged). The Planning Board may waive this requirement
in the case of smaller structures, less prominent structures, or as
it deems appropriate.
(d)
While applicants are required to meet the standards herein,
it is not necessary to submit waiver requests from any specific design
standards herein. It shall be up to the Planning Board to determine
if the overall proposal meets the intent of this subsection.
(e)
At its option, the Planning Board may secure the services of
a consulting architect or other professional to assist in the review
of an application. The Board may impose reasonable fees upon an applicant
to cover this expense.
(f)
As part of the overall site review process, the Technical Review
Committee will review plans for compliance with these standards and
report to the Planning Board as to adherence.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
A.
Purpose. These design standards are adopted to regulate development
within the Innovative Technology (IT) District, which provides an
area for large-scale high technology, research, professional office
and clean manufacturing uses needing large sites and high aesthetic
standards. The design standards are intended to:
(1)
Establish and maintain high aesthetic standards in the IT District.
(2)
Preserve the district's natural resources and visual character by
assuring that improvements are properly related to their sites and
to neighboring developments.
(3)
Encourage good design and innovation in site planning and development,
including architecture, landscaping, and graphic design.
(4)
Encourage the compatible and complementary development of each site
in the district.
(5)
Minimize conflicts between residential and nonresidential uses.
B.
Building siting and design. The general character of the IT District
is intended to be a campus or parklike setting, with emphasis on the
natural characteristics of the site. The site design should create
a sense of entry into the site and into the businesses within the
site through landscaping, facade treatment, and signage. The architectural
character of each building shall be of contemporary design and style.
The design should integrate the building's form, textures and colors
with the particular landscape and topographical character of each
site. Specific requirements are as follows:
(1)
All exterior building walls and structures shall be constructed with
attractive, durable materials such as textured concrete, masonry,
stone, brick, clapboard, finishing wood, stucco or glass.
(2)
Buildings with exterior walls made of metal or corrugated steel shall
not be permitted.
(3)
Building roofs shall be uncluttered, and when flat roofs are visible
from public roads, pitched roofs or parapets are required.
(4)
Rooftop and ground-mounted mechanical units and ventilating fans
are to be either integrated into the design of the building or screened
from view.
(5)
All exterior service, loading, storage and utility areas shall be
located at the side or rear of the building and screened or sheltered
so as not to be visible from the public road or adjacent parcels.
C.
Parking areas and pedestrian circulation.
(1)
Parking areas shall be screened from public streets and existing
residential uses so as to minimize the visibility of such areas.
(2)
A majority of the parking spaces shall be located to the side or
rear of the buildings.
(3)
All sites shall be designed so as to promote safe pedestrian access,
not only within the development but to adjacent properties and public
streets.
D.
Landscaping.
(1)
A landscaping plan shall be submitted as part of the development
application. The landscaping plan shall depict a scheme that creates
a parklike setting. Maintenance of existing vegetation should be incorporated
in the landscaping plan when appropriate.
(2)
Existing trees of significant size or special character should be
preserved wherever possible.
(3)
All trees should be planted in a permeable area of no less than a
three-foot-wide radius from the base of the tree.
(4)
Planting islands should be used to define vehicular and pedestrian
circulation patterns and to break up large expanses of pavement. A
combination of end cap islands and linear islands running parallel
to parking rows is preferred. Islands should be planted with either
grass or evergreen shrubs and include trees.
(5)
Landscaping should be maintained to present a healthy appearance,
and dead materials should be replaced.
E.
Exterior lighting. Exterior lighting shall be low profile. High-intensity
directional lighting shall be prohibited. Lighting shall be designed
and oriented so as to avoid glare onto adjacent property or streets.
[Amended 4-11-2006]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to promote flexibility
in large-scale, mixed-use developments by considering project proposals
based upon a comprehensive, integrated and detailed plan rather than
the specific constraints applicable to piecemeal, lot-by-lot development
under conventional zoning requirements. A mixed-use development should
improve the quality of new development by encouraging attractive features
and promoting quality site design.
B.
Nonresidential site planning. Planning for mixed-use development
on a site encompasses items such as its relationship to surrounding
uses, building orientation on the site, pedestrian and vehicular circulation
and efficiency of parking areas, screening of loading and utility
areas, and the design of landscaping, signage and lighting.
(1)
Contextual relationship.
(a)
The commercial portion of the development should be of an appropriate
scale, setback and building height. Multistory commercial buildings
should incorporate lower scale, single-story elements and/or greater
setbacks adjacent to existing and future single-family development.
(b)
Orient support uses, such as trash enclosures, compactors, truck
loading areas and outdoor storage, away from residential uses to the
extent practical.
(2)
Building orientation.
(a)
Locate pad buildings closer to arterial intersections to provide
a strong visual and pedestrian relationship to the project. When practical,
locate some parking and service functions behind the building.
(b)
In multibuilding projects, organize the site layout to provide
functional pedestrian spaces and landscaping amenities.
(3)
Pedestrian amenities.
(a)
Wherever practical, design attractive and convenient pedestrian
and bicycle access to streets.
(b)
Design sites to minimize pedestrian and vehicular conflicts.
Where pedestrian circulation paths cross vehicular routes, provide
a change in paving materials, textures or colors to emphasize the
conflict point.
(c)
Enhance and encourage connection between the residential and
commercial components.
(d)
Accessible parking spaces should be convenient to building entries.
(e)
Provide convenient bicycle parking in locations that do not
interfere with pedestrian circulation.
(f)
Allow for outdoor dining and/or other amenities to enliven plazas
and open-space areas.
(4)
Vehicular circulation and parking.
(a)
To promote safe pedestrian access, provide sidewalks and not
head-in parking spaces directly in front of large individual retail
tenants over 30,000 square feet (with the possible exception of handicap-accessible
spaces).
(b)
Strive to minimize driveway cuts on arterial streets by providing
vehicular cross-access easements and shared access driveways between
adjacent commercial projects.
(c)
Traffic calming devices are encouraged in the interior of a
site to enhance safety.
(5)
Outdoor display areas. On final site plans, identify the location
of all proposed outdoor display and sales areas, including what type
of items would be sold. Their location should not displace required
parking and pedestrian or landscaping areas.
(6)
Signage.
(a)
Locate freestanding signs on low planter walls or design monument
signs to incorporate distinctive elements of the architectural style
or theme of the development.
(b)
Design and locate signage to be visible from both pedestrian
and vehicular areas.
(c)
Provide building signage that is proportional to the scale of
the tenant facade. All building and freestanding signs should be designed
to further the design theme of the building and be consistent with
any sign package.
(d)
Paint sign backgrounds and sign cabinets to complement building
colors.
(7)
Landscaping and grading.
(a)
Design the project landscape theme to complement and enhance
project architecture.
(b)
Provide a raised landscaped median at major entrances from arterial
streets to separate ingress lanes from egress lanes.
(c)
For the overall site, use a mixture of deciduous and evergreen
trees.
(d)
If retaining walls in retention basins are necessary, they should
be landscaped to reduce their visual scale.
(e)
Design retention basins that are visible from public streets
and common open spaces to avoid a "bathtub" or linear channel appearance
through landscaping.
(f)
No more than 25% of the total ground area of a landscape area
shall be comprised on nonliving ornamental materials.
(g)
A minimum of two trees and four shrubs for each 1,000 square
feet of landscaped area shall be provided. (One additional tree may
be substituted in lieu of each four shrubs required.)
(h)
Deciduous trees shall be at least two-inch caliper measured
four feet above the ground, except ornamental and flowering trees
shall be at least one-and-one-half-inch caliper measured four feet
above the ground; multi-trunk trees shall have at least three canes
and shall be six inches measured four feet above the ground, with
a minimum height of five feet.
[Amended 5-24-2016]
(i)
Coniferous trees shall be at least six feet tall.
(8)
Lighting.
(a)
Provide pedestrian-scale lighting fixtures in areas designed
for pedestrian activity, such as plazas, courtyards, pathways and
seating areas, but excluding parking-only areas. Select lighting fixtures
that complement the general architectural style of the development.
(b)
Highlighting of unique or special features of the site, such
as architectural features, specimen trees and artwork, with accent
lighting should be considered.
(c)
Use decorative, wall-mounted sconces or light fixtures when
building lighting are proposed on elevations away from residential
uses.
(d)
Lighting on parking areas shall avoid glare on adjoining properties.
(9)
Building design.
(a)
Where practical, building mass should be broken into smaller
elements consistent with the proportions of the architectural style
selected and surrounding uses.
(b)
Reduction of building mass may be achieved by using a combination
of the following techniques:
[1]
Variation in the rooflines and form.
[2]
Use of ground level arcades and covered areas.
[3]
Use of protected and recessed entries.
[4]
Use of vertical elements on or in front of expansive blank walls.
[5]
Use of pronounced wall plane offsets and projections.
[6]
Use of focal points and vertical accents.
[7]
Inclusion of windows on elevations facing streets and pedestrian
areas.
[8]
Retaining a clear distinction between roof, body and base of
a building.
(10)
Design.
(a)
All facades, including back and side elevations of a building
generally visible from public view or adjacent to residential areas,
should be architecturally treated.
(b)
Design multibuilding projects to include architecturally sensitive
design elements throughout the project.
(c)
Building elevations should incorporate architectural features
and patterns that consider a pedestrian scale.
(d)
Building roofs shall be uncluttered, and when flat roofs are
visible from public roads, pitched roofs or parapets are required.
(e)
Rooftop and ground-mounted mechanical units and ventilating
fans are to be either integrated into the design of the building or
screened from view.
(f)
At least two of these elements should repeat horizontally. Buildings
with facades greater than 150 feet in length should include several
of the elements listed below, repeated at appropriate intervals, either
horizontally or vertically:
(g)
Service and exit doors should be integrated into the architecture
of publicly visible elevations.
(h)
Where practical, variations in rooflines or parapets should
be used to reduce the scale of nonresidential buildings. Roof size,
shape, material, color and slope should be coordinated with the scale
and theme of the building.
(i)
All exterior building walls and structures shall be constructed
with attractive, durable materials such as textured concrete, masonry,
stone, brick, clapboard, finishing wood, stucco or glass.
(k)
Buildings should have clearly defined customer entrance(s) incorporating
appropriate architectural elements.
C.
Freestanding accessory structures. Enclosed service/refuse areas
and covered parking should be designed to be an integral part of the
building architecture. Wherever practical, the forms, colors, textures
and materials used on the main building should be applied to all sides
of these structures generally visible to the public.
D.
Residential site planning.
(1)
Building orientation. Residential structures should be located to
encourage interaction among residents and sited in such a way as to
allow for a private yard as well as a public yard.
(2)
Pedestrian amenities. Design pedestrian amenities that allow for
use and enjoyment of outdoor areas as a development focal point or
centralized amenity.
(3)
Vehicular circulation and parking. Adequate off-street parking shall
be provided for residents and guests. If possible, guest parking shall
be available near the common facilities (i.e., clubhouse).
(5)
Landscaping.
[Amended 5-24-2016]
(a)
For single-family home developments:
[1]
At least one tree in the front yard setback.
[2]
Deciduous trees shall be at least two-inch caliper measured
four feet above the ground, except ornamental and flowering trees
shall be at least one-and-one-half-inch caliper measured four feet
above the ground.
[3]
Coniferous trees shall be at least six feet tall.
[4]
Multi-trunk trees shall have three or more canes and be six
inches measured four feet above the ground, with a minimum height
of five feet.
(b)
For all other residential structures:
[1]
Two trees and four shrubs for each 1,000 square feet of landscape
area. One additional tree may be substituted in lieu of four shrubs.
[2]
Deciduous trees shall be at least two-inch caliper measured
four feet above the ground, except ornamental and flowering trees
shall be at least one-and-one-half-inch caliper measured four feet
above the ground; multitrunk trees shall have three or more canes
starting from the ground, six inches measured four feet above the
ground, with a minimum height of five feet.
[3]
Coniferous trees shall be at least six feet tall.
(6)
Lighting. Provide pedestrian-scale lighting fixtures in areas designed
for pedestrian activity, such as walking, biking or use of Segway®/golf
carts. Select lighting fixtures that complement the general architectural
style of the development.
(7)
Building design. All manufactured housing shall be constructed to
include a peaked roof, and architectural shingles, and shall have
full basements and garages.
E.
Consideration of the within design criteria shall not delay the acceptance
of a complete site plan application.
F.
Approval of a conditional use design permit must be completed within
the time limitations of RSA 676:4, I(c)(1).
[Amended 1-14-2003; 8-26-2008]
A.
All service, storage and utility areas shall be designed to the side
or rear yard of a proposed building(s), and such areas shall be appropriately
screened/buffered by walls, fences, earth berm and/or vegetation.
B.
Utility elements situated on the roof of a proposed building(s) shall
be adequately screened and baffled upon request.
C.
All paving and/or storage shall not be permitted within five feet
of any side or rear property line, except for a shared driveway or
parking lot that straddles a common property line, and no parking
or paving, except for entrances/exits, shall be permitted within 10
feet of any front property line. These spaces shall be maintained
as landscaped area. This subsection shall not apply within the Central
Business District–General and TOD Subdistricts.
[Amended 5-24-2016; 6-12-2018]
D.
Pedestrian walkways, entrances and exits designed for use by the
handicapped shall be required upon request.
E.
Nonresidential uses that regularly receive or send out shipments
of goods shall provide off-street loading spaces or loading docks
on the same lot as the use they are intended to serve. Loading facilities
shall be designed to the rear or side of all proposed buildings. No
loading space or dock shall be located within 100 feet of a residential
district boundary, unless sufficient screening is provided to the
satisfaction of the Planning Board.
[Amended 5-24-2016]
F.
All parking, loading and protective buffers shall be situated on
the same parcel (same ownership) as the primary use structure(s).
G.
Drive-in facilities shall be designed to impose the least amount
of intrusion upon existing residential abutters. Such design features
shall include, but not be limited to: nonaudible ordering systems
(touchpad or human contact) shall be utilized, placement shall be
as far from residential uses as possible, and hours of operation for
the drive-in portion of the business shall be limited to 6:00 a.m.
to 9:00 p.m.
H.
A plan shall not consist solely of accessory uses (parking, landscaping
or open space, etc.) in Dover for a project that is primarily located
within an adjacent municipality.
