A.
Developments must be located on land deemed suitable for development
by the permitting authority on the basis of soils, sanitation, water
supply or other environmental impact.
B.
Land subject to the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management, in the case of freshwater wetlands, or the
Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, in the case of
coastal areas and features, must be approved for development from
those agencies.
C.
The general layout of the development or subdivision, and the layout
of streets, lots and open spaces shall be designed to complement the
natural form, features and vegetation of the land.
The permitting authority will require the dedication of easements
required for the present or future installation and maintenance of
utilities, sanitary sewers, surface drainage structures, streams and
public accessways. Such easements shall have a width of 20 feet, or
greater as required by the permitting authority.
A.
The pattern of streets in a development or subdivision shall consider
the existing street system and shall conform to any applicable provisions
of the Comprehensive Plan.
B.
The pattern of streets in a development or subdivision shall provide
for the continuation or projection of principal streets into abutting
land subject to future development, and from abutting developed land
into said development or subdivision.
C.
Private streets shall not be permitted. There shall be no reserve
strips or physical barriers controlling access to a street.
D.
Where practicable, streets shall be designed to conform to the topography
of the land, and substantial alterations to the natural topography
and drainage pattern shall be avoided.
E.
Any extension of an existing street shall have the same name as the
existing street, and the names of other proposed streets shall be
substantially different from existing street names in the Town of
Barrington.
F.
Streets in major developments or subdivisions shall have a right-of-way
width between property lines of no less than 40 feet, and a paved
surface of no less than 26 feet, while streets in minor developments
and subdivisions shall have a right-of-way width between property
lines of no less than 40 feet, and a paved surface of no less than
22 feet. The paved surface shall be centered within the right-of-way
and shall be of a uniform width throughout the development or subdivision.
The permitting authority may require additional right-of-way and paved
width where the permitting authority determines that the estimated
traffic volume or the presence of on-street parking deem additional
width necessary.
G.
Street center lines at intersections shall either precisely coincide
or be offset by a minimum of 200 feet, and said center lines shall
intersect as nearly at right angles as practicable, but in no instance
at an angle of less than 60°.
H.
A center-line curve having a minimum radius of 125 feet shall be
required where a deflection angle of 10° or more occurs in the
center line of a street.
I.
Nonthrough streets shall be designed to provide access to adjacent
property. At their closed end a turnaround shall be provided until
such time as the street is extended into adjacent property. Where
a nonthrough street is to have a permanent dead end, said street shall
have a turnaround or cul-de-sac with a radius of 50 feet between property
lines, and a paved surface with a radius of 40 feet. There shall be
a transitional curve from the street into the turnaround or cul-de-sac
with a radius of 15 feet at the property line and 25 feet at the edge
of the paved surface.
J.
Temporary turnarounds or those at the end of short streets or alleys
serving minor developments or subdivisions may be in the form of a
"T" or a "Y" (also referred to as a "hammerhead"). A "T" or a "Y"
shaped turnaround shall have a minimum length of 60 feet and minimum
width of 20 feet, with a right-of-way extending 10 feet beyond the
paved area.
K.
Intersecting street lines shall be rounded by an arc having a radius
of not less than 15 feet at the property line, and 25 feet at the
edge of the paved surface.
L.
Grades of residential streets shall not be less than 0.7% nor more
than 7%, and grades of arterial or collector streets shall not be
less than 0.7% nor more than 6%.
M.
For streets in a proposed major development or subdivision, the permitting
authority may require changes in standards governing right-of-way
width, paved width, grade and alignment if the proposed usage of the
street, in the opinion of the permitting authority, requires such
changes.
Sidewalks are necessary to provide adequate and safe routes
for school children to and from their dwellings and to and from educational
facilities; to encourage and adequately accommodate pedestrian traffic;
to make connections between existing and proposed development; and
to provide for the public convenience. Therefore, sidewalks shall
be constructed on at least one side of all proposed streets in all
subdivisions requiring the opening or extension of a street and in
all land development projects.
A.
Sidewalks shall be at least 4 1/2 feet in width and shall meet
the requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990. Sidewalks within commercial areas shall be a minimum of five
feet in width.
B.
Light poles, street trees, street signs and other obstructions shall
be located such that a minimum clearance of 42 inches is maintained
for pedestrians.
C.
Changes in level up to 1/4 inch (six mm) may be vertical and without
edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch (six
mm and 13 mm) shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes
in level greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm) shall be accomplished by means
of a ramp that complies with these regulations.
D.
If gratings are located in walking surfaces, then they shall have
spaces no greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide in one direction. If
gratings have elongated openings, then they shall be placed so that
the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
E.
There shall be included, either within the corner or within the curb
area immediately adjacent to a sidewalk, ramps allowing access to
the sidewalk and street by variously abled persons.
All new commercial, mixed-use commercial, mixed-use residential
and multifamily development or redevelopment projects or such projects
requiring approval under these regulations shall provide lockable
bike rack spaces equaling at least 20% of the total number of off-street
parking spaces being provided. Additional bicycle parking may be required
on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the following:
A.
Bike rack type.
(1)
Bike parking shall consist of stationary racks to which a bicycle
can be secured with the user supplying both lock and cable or chain.
Racks must be easily usable with both U-locks and cable locks. Acceptable
rack types are depicted below, with each of these types providing
two bike parking spaces. (Note: Illustrations from Bicycle Parking
Standards published by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals,
Spring 2002.)
 |
 |
 |
|
Racks that are not acceptable include the following types.
| ||
 |
 |
 |
(2)
Racks shall provide bicycle frame support at two points such
that bikes can be secured in a stable position without damage to wheels,
frame or other components, and so that a bicycle, if bumped, will
not fall or roll down. An example is an inverted "U" rack. Racks that
support a bicycle primarily by a wheel only and not the frame, such
as typical "disk racks," are damaging to wheels and are not acceptable.
(3)
Parking facilities shall be securely anchored to the lot surface
so they cannot easily be removed and shall be of sufficient strength
to resist vandalism and theft.
B.
Bike parking requirements. The minimum number of bike racks required
is one, or as follows:
|
Land Use
|
Number of Bike Spaces
|
|---|---|
|
Industrial and office
|
20% of total required auto spaces
|
|
Commercial/retail
|
20% of total required auto spaces
|
|
Multifamily residential
|
1 space per unit, plus 20% of auto spaces required for dwelling
units
|
|
Recreation
|
20% of auto spaces provided
|
|
School/day care
|
1 space per 12 students
|
|
Park and ride lot
|
20% of auto spaces
|
C.
Location of bicycle parking areas.
(1)
Parking shall be located in close proximity to the building's
entrance.
(2)
Parking facilities shall be located in highly visible well-lighted
areas to minimize theft and vandalism.
(3)
Bicycle parking facilities shall not impede pedestrian or vehicular
circulation, and shall be harmonious with their environment both in
color and design. Parking facilities shall be incorporated, whenever
possible, into building design or street furniture.
(4)
Each bicycle parking space shall accommodate a bicycle at least
six feet long by two feet wide. Racks must not be placed close enough
to a wall or other obstruction so as to make use difficult. There
must be at least 24 inches beside each parked bicycle that allows
access. Adjacent bicycles may share this access. An aisle or other
space shall be provided for bicycles to enter and leave the facility.
This aisle shall have a width of at least six feet to the front or
rear of a bicycle parked in the facility.
(5)
A concrete surface is strongly preferred, not required. Well
draining gravel is the minimum surface treatment in order to avoid
mud and dust.
(6)
Bicycle parking facilities within auto parking areas shall be
separated by a physical barrier such as curbs, wheel stops, poles
or other similar features to protect bicycles from damage by cars.
A.
An application subject to these regulations shall pay a fee in lieu
of providing the required sidewalks and/or bicycle parking facilities
if the permitting authority determines that the proposed subdivision
or development:
(1)
Is not located within reasonable proximity to major public or
private facilities such as schools, bike paths, parks, playgrounds
and other recreational areas, churches and shopping areas, where there
is a reasonable likelihood of resulting pedestrian or bicycle traffic;
or
(2)
Is not located within an area with high vehicular traffic volumes
where there would be a likelihood of potential danger to pedestrians
or cyclists.
B.
The in-lieu fee shall be a fixed amount per bike space or linear
foot of sidewalk that otherwise would be required. This amount shall
be established by the Town Council by resolution upon the recommendation
of the Public Works Director and reviewed periodically.
C.
All in-lieu fees are to be deposited into a special account for sidewalk
and bicycle facilities. Such funds may be expended or utilized only
for the provision of off-site improvements designed to promote pedestrian
connectivity and enhance bicycle access consistent with the sidewalks
and bicycle facility priorities of the Comprehensive Plan.
D.
Required in-lieu fees shall be paid prior to the issuance of building
permits for the subdivision/development or in a manner directed by
the Planning Board. For large projects developed in phases, a portion
of the in-lieu fee may be deferred, at the Planning Board's discretion,
until after the initial phase is complete, but before building permits
are issued for a subsequent phase.
A.
In residential developments or subdivisions, blocks shall not be
greater than 1,320 feet in length between intersecting streets. When
a block exceeds 750 feet in length, the Planning Board shall require
a public right-of-way in or near the middle of such block to provide
for emergency access and for the convenience of pedestrians. Such
right-of-way shall be at least 20 feet in width and free of obstruction
to emergency vehicles and pedestrians.
B.
In commercial or industrial developments, blocks shall be designed
to allow traffic to move with ease and to provide maximum safety to
vehicular traffic and pedestrians.
A.
All proposed lots within a development or subdivision shall front
on an existing or proposed public street with the minimum frontage
prescribed in the Barrington Zoning Ordinance for the applicable zoning
district(s).
B.
In general, lots shall not extend through a block to another existing
or proposed street.
C.
The grade of each lot at the house or structure foundation shall
be at least 18 inches above the grade of the center line of the street.
D.
Side lot lines shall be as near right angles to street right-of-way
lines as practicable, or radial to a curved street right-of-way line.
E.
Lots in residential developments or subdivisions shall have the minimum
area and dimensions as prescribed in the Barrington Zoning Ordinance
for the applicable zoning district(s). In general, lots shall be rectangular
in shape with a ratio of lot depth to lot width of no greater than
2 1/2:1, and no interior angle of a lot shall be less than 45°
or greater than 200°. In no case shall side lot lines intersect.
G.
Where the report of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management or the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council
indicates that larger lot sizes are required for the provision of
adequate sewage disposal, adequate drainage or the protection of a
valuable natural resource, the Planning Board may require the provision
of lots in excess of the area prescribed in the Zoning Ordinance,
or may condition its approval on the elimination of development on
certain lots in the development or subdivision.
H.
For any proposed lot, at least 80% of the minimum lot area required
for the zoning district in which the lot is located shall not contain
wetland or marshland as defined by the Department of Environmental
Management or the Coastal Resources Management Council (i.e., for
a proposed lot in an R-40, R-25 or R-10 District, there shall be at
least 32,000, 20,000 or 8,000 square feet, respectively, of contiguous
upland).
Where land within a proposed development or subdivision is deemed
to be of unique natural character or is included in the Comprehensive
Plan or Open Space Plan as a part of the Town open space system, or
where the proposed development or subdivision is of sufficient size
so as to warrant consideration of the provision of a recreation site
to serve future residents of the development or subdivision, the Planning
Board may accept a dedication of a portion of the land area of said
development or subdivision for such purposes.
A.
A storm drainage system, comprised of natural and human-made elements
including grassed swales, curbs, catch basins, culverts and stormwater
pipes, shall be installed as necessary to provide adequate disposal
of surface water from all streets and impervious surfaces within the
development or subdivision and adjacent land as shown on the plan.
The use of best management practices (BMPs) and standards contained
in the State of Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards
Manual are required in the design of storm drainage systems.
B.
Where a drainage plan and drainage calculations are required by the
permitting authority, the plan and calculations shall be prepared
by a registered professional engineer. The stormwater drainage calculations,
runoff rates and system design shall be based on the rational method
for pavement drainage and other small systems of three acres or less
where no wetlands, ponds or other storage depressions are present
and where drainage is toward the point of analysis, and the TR-55
method for development on sites larger than three acres, or when detention
basins are to be used.
C.
Drainage systems shall be designed to accommodate stormwater such
that post-development conditions do not result in peak run-off increases
in rate from predevelopment conditions. Present and estimated run-off
rates from the proposed development site shall be calculated on the
basis of two-year, ten-year, twenty-five-year and 100-year frequency
rainfall events, and proposals to handle the surface run-off as calculated
for each event will be presented. Culverts and storm sewers shall
be sized for the twenty-five-year frequency rainfall.
D.
The drainage system shall be installed and connected to a natural
or human-made watercourse, or to an existing piped storm drainage
system. The preferred destination of continuous drainage shall be
a permanent natural body of water or wetland. Where such destination
is impractical, the permitting authority shall require the construction
of a retention or detention area capable of accommodating proposed
stormwater volumes based on the two-year, ten-year, twenty-five-year
and 100-year frequency rainfall events. All such retention or detention
areas, and all drainage swales, shall be screened with landscaping
materials as required by the permitting authority. The landscaping
may include trees, shrubs or grasses, or any combination thereof,
but shall adequately screen the basin or swale from the adjoining
residences and streets.
E.
Any catch basin which is part of an on-site drainage system, involving
a seepage system or a detention or retention basin, shall be provided
with a properly designed oil separator.
F.
If practicable, where property adjacent to the development or subdivision
is not developed or subdivided, provision shall be made for the proper
projection of the drainage system by continuing appropriate drains
to the exterior boundaries of said development or subdivision, at
such size and grade as will allow for such projection.
When required by the permitting authority, a plan to control
erosion and sedimentation during construction, consistent with the
guidelines and measures contained in the Rhode Island Soil Erosion
and Sediment Control Handbook, shall be prepared. The plan shall be
prepared by a registered professional engineer, a registered landscape
architect, a certified erosion and sediment control specialist or
a certified professional soil scientist, and at a minimum shall include
the following:
A.
A narrative describing the proposed land-disturbing activities and
the soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management
measures to be installed to control erosion that could result from
the proposed activities;
B.
Supporting documentation such as watershed maps, soil maps, drainage
area and existing site conditions;
C.
Construction drawings illustrating in detail all land-disturbing
activities including existing and proposed contours, cuts and fills,
limits of clearing and grading, drainage features, and location of
soil erosion and sediment control measures; and
D.
Construction sequencing and staging of land-disturbing activities.
The standards below shall apply to the development or subdivision
of land within an area of special flood hazard, Zone A and A1-30 as
identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Hazard Boundary
Map prepared by the Federal Insurance Administration of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency currently in effect, including the most
recent amendments and revisions thereto. Said maps are hereby made
part of this section.
A.
For all development or subdivision proposals, all master plan sketches
and all preliminary and final plats shall show the location of any
portion of the development or subdivision which lies within a special
flood hazard area, and shall show the base flood elevation as prescribed
for this area at the specific location. Where the development or subdivision
location is entirely within a special flood hazard area, it shall
be so noted on the plan drawings.
B.
All development or subdivision proposals will be reviewed by the
permitting authority to assure that:
(1)
The design of the development or subdivision is consistent with the
need to minimize flood damage.
(2)
Public improvements, facilities and utilities are constructed or
installed in a manner that will minimize flood damage.
(3)
Adequate drainage will be provided to minimize the accumulation of
water.
C.
The Rhode Island State Building Code for criteria and specifications
regarding construction in special flood hazard areas is incorporated
herein by reference. Where a development or subdivision is located
in a special flood hazard area, the finished ground grades in the
area of the proposed building locations shall not be below the base
flood elevation specified for such area.
A.
Building standards. The application of the building design standards
shall not be done so as to conflict with the requirements of the State
Building Code as enforced by the Building Official.
(1)
Orientation. Buildings shall be oriented predominantly parallel
to the front setback line to preserve a consistent facade line with
the street. Slight rotations from parallel may be accepted, where,
at the permitting authority's discretion, the plans submitted
are found to be consistent with the architectural design and character
of the district. Primary building entrances shall be easily identified
and oriented to the street. The primary entry shall be clearly visible
from the public street that provides the building's main orientation.
(2)
Articulation. New and redeveloped buildings shall reinforce
the character of the existing streetscape by creating visual interest
and reinforcing pedestrian scale. The apparent bulk and large wall
expanses of multistory buildings as well as single-story buildings
of 15 feet height or more shall be minimized by incorporating one
or preferably a combination of the following:
(a)
Windows.
(b)
Architectural details.
(c)
Canopies.
(d)
Overhangs.
(e)
Indented or projected bays, where not in conflict with pedestrian
paths.
(f)
Change of building materials.
The top of such buildings should display a distinct profile
or outline incorporating such elements as a projecting parapet, cornice,
upper level setback or pitched roofline. When immediately adjacent
a building with such articulation, new and redeveloped buildings shall
provide a treatment that is respectful, such as providing a consistent
cornice line or complementary roof configuration where possible.
(3)
Large expanses of blank walls are prohibited for commercial and mixed-use buildings. The ground floor facade along the primary street shall have continuous storefront windows, with the exception of necessary piers, columns, pilasters, etc. Indented or projecting bays may be used to add variety to the facade for display purposes or to fulfill the transparency requirements noted in the below Subsection A(6), provided they do not conflict with any pedestrian walks or circulation. Window openings at the ground floor facade along the primary street may extend from floor to ceiling, but shall not be more than 30 inches above the finished floor, nor lower than adjacent door heads. Wall areas remaining below windows not extending to the floor shall be articulated by the use of architectural features, such as panels, siding, etc.
(4)
The appearance of smaller-scaled buildings is preferred over
a single large structure, particularly in the Neighborhood Business
Zone, as the varied massing provides visual interest and human scale.
(5)
The scale of the building, and the relationship of building
masses with spaces, shall be compatible with the style and character
of the surrounding buildings and development pattern. The building
height, and the relationship of the width to the front facade height,
shall be compatible with that of the surrounding buildings where the
project site is adjacent to smaller-scale principal structures.
(6)
Transparency. For commercial and mixed-use buildings, a minimum
of 60% of the ground floor building facade oriented to the street
must be comprised of clear windows that provide views to indoor retail
space, dining space or product areas when applicable. Where parking
occupies the ground floor, the same solid-to-void ratio must be achieved
utilizing techniques such as half-walls, grillwork, or landscaped
trelliswork or their equal.
(7)
Materials. Buildings shall have the same materials, or those
which are architecturally harmonious, used for all walls and other
exterior building components.
(8)
Additions or alterations to existing buildings shall be complementary
in scale to the original structure, and architectural details, including
materials, colors and textures, shall be treated so as to be compatible
with the original architectural style of the building, provided that
such details preserve and enhance the character of the surrounding
area.
(9)
Mechanical equipment and utility hardware on the roof or ground
adjacent to the building shall be screened from public view with materials
harmonious to the building or with landscaping.
(10)
Doors and entrances.
(a)
Buildings must have a primary entrance facing a public street
or way and shall be visually prominent. Retail entrances shall not
be located solely at the rear.
(b)
In buildings with multiple ground floor tenants, entries shall
provide a coordinated design theme, i.e., a common canopy, architectural
projection or awning design.
B.
(Reserved)
C.
Commercial and industrial site standards.
(1)
Site standards.
(a)
Buildings and site improvements shall be done so as to minimize
changes to existing topography and the loss of existing mature vegetation.
(b)
To minimize runoff and provide adequate green space, impervious
surfaces such as roofs and pavements shall not cover more than 65%
of the site area.
(c)
Provisions for the attenuation of runoff pollutants and for
groundwater recharge must be included for developments occurring within
the Barrington Aquifer or recharge area.
(d)
Wetlands shall be maintained in an undisturbed form, the potential
for flooding shall not be increased, and stormwater entry and discharge
points shall be designed so as to minimize erosion.
(2)
Landscaping. Landscaping shall be incorporated into new and
redeveloped properties in such a way as to create visual relief and
interest, provide shade for pedestrian areas and to screen parking
and loading areas. Landscape plans shall be prepared by a registered
landscape architect or may be accepted, where at the permitting authority's
discretion the plans submitted are found to be consistent with the
intent of this regulation and meet the specific guidelines as set
forth herein. Landscape plans shall show the location, type, and size
of all proposed plantings as well as enough of the surrounding context
such that the permitting authority may determine the plan's appropriateness.
(a)
Landscape treatment shall be provided to enhance architectural
features and improve aesthetics, and the site shall be planned to
achieve a desirable transition between the building and the street,
with the use of pedestrian walkways, special lighting, benches and
other amenities encouraged.
(b)
Side yard treatment.
[1]
Where the distance between structures on adjacent
lots is 10 feet or less, the side yard shall be screened by a solid
fence, wall or landscape treatment of evergreen plantings at a height
not to exceed three feet.
[2]
Where the distance between structures on adjacent
lots is greater than 10 feet, landscaping shall consist of a combination
of materials sufficient to break up the view into the side yard but,
for safety reasons, in no case should this planting be impermeable.
[3]
Side yards may, in the alternative, be established
as pedestrian walkways to access parking areas to the rear of the
building. Such walkways shall be landscaped and lighted for safety.
[4]
Buffering in the form of a year-round visual screen
shall be required to shield neighboring properties, particularly residential
areas, from adverse external effects. The buffer strip shall include
both trees, particularly evergreens, and shrubs.
(c)
Parking areas.
[1]
Large parking areas (20 or more spaces) shall be
relieved by landscaped islands of a minimum of eight feet in width,
equal in depth to the depth of a typical parking space and located
such that there is one island per 10 spaces. The planted islands shall
be placed so as to prevent long rows of uninterrupted parking spaces.
All islands shall be surrounded by continuous raised curbing.
[2]
Alternatively, at least 5% of the interior area
of the lot shall be devoted to landscaping. Areas described in the
above shall have at a minimum one shade tree with a minimum caliper
of two inches' diameter breast height (DBH). Trees planted in
such locations shall be planted in protected pervious areas which
have a minimum dimension of five feet.
[3]
Where lots abut public rights-of-way, shade trees
with a minimum caliper of 2.5 inches shall be provided within a planting
strip no less than four feet in width and at a rate of one tree per
every six continuous spaces.
(d)
Trash and service areas.
[1]
All service, loading and trash storage areas viewable
from a public right-of-way or from an adjacent residential area shall
be screened by one or a combination of masonry, wood (or other approved
material compatible with the character of the development), or evergreen
plantings to reduce their visual impact.
[2]
Loading and service areas shall not face any residential
area unless no other location is possible. Loading areas shall be
subject to screening requirements stated herein.
[3]
Loading bay doors and loading spaces are prohibited
on the front facade of any building unless no other location is feasible.
(e)
Provision for safe and convenient pedestrian access shall be
incorporated into plans for new construction of buildings and parking
areas and shall be designed in concert with landscaping plans noted
above. Site plans shall provide for continuity from sidewalks in public
streets to all pedestrian entrances on the site, and walkability shall
be given primary importance over road speed and other access criteria.
New construction shall improve pedestrian access to buildings, sidewalks
and parking areas and shall be completed with consideration of pedestrian
safety, handicapped access and visual quality. Where appropriate,
applicants are encouraged to provide pedestrian and/or bicycle paths
(or connection to the proposed bicycle rail trail) connecting the
site with abutting areas in order to promote pedestrian and bicycle
circulation and safety in the Business and Neighborhood Business Districts.
When parking is located in the rear, pedestrian access via a pedestrian-oriented
alley or walkway through to the primary street is shall be provided.
(f)
Utilities. Underground utilities for new and redeveloped buildings
are required unless physically restricted or blocked by existing underground
obstructions.
(g)
Lighting. Site lighting, security lighting and architectural/landscape
lighting shall provide the user with illumination levels appropriate
for the designed activity (i.e., parking, walking, outdoor dining)
while meeting minimum requirements. Illumination levels shall also
be reasonably uniform throughout the site and strive to minimize glare.
Lighting fixtures shall be of a style appropriate to the character
of the adjacent areas, and be consistent throughout the development.
Provide adequate lighting levels in all pedestrian areas, including
building entries, along walkways, parking areas, and other public
areas. Provide the following in lighting plans:
[1]
An overlapping pattern of light at a height of
about 10 feet to 15 feet in lighted pedestrian areas and 20 feet to
24 feet in parking areas.
[2]
Lighting at consistent lumens with a gradual transition
to unlighted areas. Highly contrasting pools of light and dark can
be temporarily blinding and shall be avoided.
[3]
In each lighted area, design lighting levels that
will allow pedestrians to identify a face 15 yards away (generally,
a minimum of four footcandles). Adequate lighting reduces anonymity
and gives pedestrians an opportunity to choose another route.
[4]
Adequate lighting at all building entrances, exits
and corridors between buildings, at least four footcandles during
active use, especially where doors are recessed.
[5]
Confine site lighting to the project site; use
shields or other methods to eliminate glare on adjacent properties.
[6]
Place light posts and standards so that they do
not create hazards for pedestrians or vehicles.
[7]
Indicate specific lighting levels in each lighted
area.
(h)
Quality of site furnishings. Provide for the following site
plan elements:
[1]
High-quality fixtures and materials in site furnishings
and features, such as durable and easily maintained walls and paving.
[2]
Site features and furnishings that discourage vandalism.
Furnishings that are easily removed or do not convey an image of care
invite misuse.
[3]
Safety materials, such as nonslip walkway surfaces.
[4]
Site furnishings shall be of a style appropriate
to the character of the Town, and be consistent throughout the development.
(i)
Pedestrian spaces and comfort. For the purpose of providing
a pedestrian friendly environment in commercial and mixed-use areas,
new and redeveloped buildings shall provide for outdoor seating areas,
scaled to the size and demands of the proposed use, where feasible.
For example, a large, multistory project should provide a patio or
small plaza area located near the front entry with multiple benches
and landscaping. A mixed-use project with ground floor retail such
as a restaurant may provide an area for outdoor dining which extends
the indoor dining space for seasonal use. A ground floor use may provide
a sidewalk bench where there is sufficient width. Projects with multiple
buildings on the same lot shall utilize the space between structures
to provide pedestrian plazas, courtyards and other outdoor gathering
areas. Such pedestrian areas are best located when they take advantage
of southern exposure and provide space that affords visual connectivity
but is set back from major pedestrian flow and vehicular ways and
is appropriate to the location. Outdoor sales and display areas shall
be well organized and located such as not to impede pedestrian circulation
if located on a public walk or way. The following guidelines shall
be considered in the design and location of pedestrian spaces:
[1]
Flexible design to allow for flexible use.
[2]
Buffering from major vehicular areas such as parking
lots or main traffic ways.
[3]
Lighting for nighttime comfort and safety.
[4]
Appropriate street furnishing, i.e., benches, trash
receptacles.
[5]
A focal element, where appropriate, such as a water
feature, special landscape feature or public art installation.
[6]
Decorative paving and seasonal planting.
[7]
South-facing locations.
[8]
Visual connectivity, especially to important views
such as a historic structure.
[9]
Appropriately scaled to the development.
[10]
Provide for continuity of pedestrian sidewalks.
(j)
The amount of frontage along a street occupied by parking shall
be minimized for sites undergoing redevelopment, while all parking
shall be placed behind the building(s), if practicable, for sites
undergoing new development. If possible, all parking areas shall be
designed in small groups or courts to lessen visual impacts.
(k)
Parking lots which front on public streets shall be screened
by landscaping or with walls or fencing a minimum of three feet in
height. Walls and fences shall be of a scale and material appropriate
to the site and surrounding area.
(l)
The interior of all parking areas shall be enhanced with planted
islands, with a minimum of one island on average for each 10 parking
spaces. The planted islands shall be placed so as to prevent long
rows of uninterrupted parking spaces. All islands shall be surrounded
by continuous raised curbing.
(m)
Plantings along the perimeter of parking areas and new streets
shall include either evergreen species or street trees of at least
two-inch caliper planted at intervals of 35 feet. Planted islands
shall include shrubs, plants and other live vegetation, and shall
include one tree of at least two-inch caliper.
(n)
Only nursery-grown native plant materials shall be accepted,
and all trees, shrubs and ground covers shall be planted according
to accepted horticultural standards. The owner shall be responsible
for maintaining the landscaping and for replacing all dead or diseased
plant materials on at least an annual basis. Failure to adequately
maintain required plantings may result in such work being performed
by the Town at the owner's expense.
A.
Buildings and site improvements shall be undertaken so as to minimize
changes to existing topography and the loss of existing mature vegetation.
B.
Landscape treatment shall be provided to enhance architectural features
and improve aesthetics, and the site shall be planned to achieve a
desirable transition between the houses and the street.
C.
Provisions for the attenuation of runoff pollutants and for groundwater
recharge must be included for developments occurring within the Barrington
Aquifer or recharge area.
D.
Wetlands shall be maintained in an undisturbed form, the potential
for flooding shall not be increased, and stormwater entry and discharge
points shall be designed so as to minimize erosion.
A.
The layout and design of all means of vehicular and pedestrian circulation,
including interior drives, parking areas and walkways, shall provide
for safe interior circulation and separation of pedestrian, vehicular
and service traffic.
B.
The level of service (LOS) of all impacted intersections and streets
shall not be reduced following the project development, with a LOS
no less than "B" for residential streets and "D" for all other streets
and intersections preferred.
C.
The number of site entrances shall be the minimum necessary for effective
traffic control, and sharing of access driveways and parking areas
by adjoining properties shall be utilized where possible.
D.
Provisions for pedestrian movement, in the form of sidewalks or walkways,
shall be made for all developments within a commercial area, to allow
for safe access between parking areas and retail establishments.
E.
Bicycle parking facilities shall be provided at all commercial parking
areas designed for 50 or more cars, with a ratio of at least one bicycle
space for each 10 car spaces.
A.
No drive-through facility shall be located in any required front
yard.
B.
For any parcel which has frontage on County Road, a drive-through facility shall be placed behind the building. Driveways, whether associated with a drive-through service or not, are prohibited in that portion of the front yard which lies between the building and County Road; see § 185-20A of the Zoning Ordinance. Traffic exiting from a drive-through facility shall not exit the parcel onto County Road.
C.
Entrances to a drive-through facility shall be offset at least 50
feet from an intersection. No drive-through lane shall exit directly
onto a street.
D.
Stacking spaces.
(1)
A sufficient number of stacking spaces for vehicles waiting
to complete a transaction shall be provided so as to prevent circulation
congestion, both on-site and on adjacent public streets. In general,
the number of stacking spaces shall be based on the following guidelines:
(2)
In addition, there shall be at least one stacking space after
the service window, before entrance to a travel lane. Each stacking
space shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width and 20 feet in length.
E.
Drive-through lanes shall be delineated from traffic lanes and parking
areas with striping, curbing, landscaping and/or the use of alternative
paving material. Where pedestrians will intersect with a drive-through
lane, crosswalks shall be provided, making use of striping and/or
alternative paving material.
F.
Adequate directional and warning signs shall be provided to assure
smooth traffic circulation and pedestrian safety, including marking
entrances, exits and one-way lanes of drive-through areas. The placement
of all directional signage shall be subject to review and approval
under the provisions of this article.
G.
Menu boards or other informational boards shall face away from public
rights-of-way. All lighting associated with menu boards, window service
areas or travel lanes shall be directed and shielded so as to prevent
any glare or reflection on adjoining streets or property. The placement
of all informational signage shall also be subject to review and approval
under the provisions of this article.
