A.
All physical design requirements for subdivisions
and land development projects to be reviewed and approved pursuant
to these regulations are contained in this section of these regulations
and in the Town of Westerly Manual of Public Improvement Standards
(maintained by the Town Engineer; copies available in the Town Clerk's
office). The Westerly Manual of Public Improvement Standards shall
be considered part of these regulations by reference.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
B.
These regulations specify all necessary findings,
formulas for calculations and procedures for meeting said requirements
and policies. These requirements and policies shall apply to all developments
and land development projects reviewed and/or administered under these
regulations.
C.
The slope
of land shall not be excluded from the calculation of the buildable
lot area or the minimum lot size, or in the calculation of the number
of buildable lots or units.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions,
Art. I)[1]]
D.
Wetland
buffers, as defined in RIGL 2-1-20, shall be included in the calculation
of a minimum lot area and in the total number of square feet or acres
of a tract or parcel of land before calculating the maximum potential
number of units or lots for development; provided, however, that this
shall not apply to lots directly abutting surface reservoirs with
direct withdrawals used for public drinking water. Nothing herein
changes the definition and applicability of a "buildable lot" as set
forth under RIGL 45-23-60(a)(4); and nothing herein permits the disturbance
of wetlands or wetland buffers or otherwise alters the provisions
of the Freshwater Wetlands Act, RIGL 2-1-18 et seq.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions,
Art. I)]
E.
The requirements and policies include, but are not
limited to, those concerning rights-of-way, open space, landscaping,
connections of proposed streets and drainage systems with those of
the surrounding neighborhood, and the relationship of proposed developments
to natural and man-made features of the surrounding neighborhood.
F.
Public improvement standards are, in some cases, specific
for certain areas or districts of the Town. Standards include, but
are not limited to, specifications for rights-of-way, streets, sidewalks,
lighting, landscaping, public access, utilities, drainage systems,
fire protection, and soil erosion control.
G.
All public improvements of a land development project
or development shall reflect the physical character and design for
that district which is specified by the Westerly Comprehensive Plan.
H.
Lists of all application requirements for administrative subdivision, preapplication and concept review, minor land development and minor subdivision and major land development and major subdivision, are contained in Article XI.
I.
The land development or subdivision developer, at
his own expense, shall construct all improvements required by the
Planning Board as shown on the approved final plans of the development
[Amended 9-20-2011]
A.
This section contains the specific design standards which shall apply
to all land development and subdivisions to be constructed in the
Town of Westerly.
B.
Street design standards. The following design standards shall be
followed where applicable in the design and construction of any land
development or subdivision:
(1)
Frontage on improved streets.
(a)
The area to be developed shall have frontage on an existing street; if the street does not meet the standards and specifications as required in these regulations, the Board may require the applicant to make certain improvements along the part of the street abutting the property or leading to the property being developed where necessary for drainage, safety, traffic or other reasons as deemed proper by the Board. See Subsection H of this § A261-30.
(b)
For purposes of these regulations, streets platted but not improved
and accepted for maintenance by the Town shall not be considered existing
improved public streets. Where these streets are incorporated within
the development, they shall be improved by the developer to meet the
Land Development and Subdivision Regulation standards.
(2)
Street classification. Street design within a proposed development
shall conform to a street hierarchy system as established herein.
Requirements for right-of-way and pavement width, on-street parking,
drainage and other utilities, sidewalks, bicycle path and other design
standards shall be tailored to street function.
(a)
Street classification shall be determined by the Planning Board.
The following references are used in making the determinations:
[1]
Technical Paper Number 130, Highway Functional Classification
System, for the State of Rhode Island, latest edition. Division of
Planning, Rhode Island Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill,
Providence, RI 02903.
[2]
A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, latest
edition. American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials.
[3]
Recommended Guidelines for Subdivision Streets. Institute of
Transportation Engineers, Washington, DC: ITE, latest edition.
[4]
Trip Generation. Latest edition. Washington, DC: Institute of
Transportation Engineers.
[5]
Local Low Volume Roads and Streets (LLVRS), latest edition,
USDOT, FHWA.
(b)
The following major categories of street classification are
established:
[1]
Arterial: a major public street that serves as an avenue for
the circulation of traffic into, out of, or around the Town and carries
high volumes of traffic and provides for high levels of mobility.
[2]
Collector: a public street whose principal function is to carry
traffic between local streets and arterial streets but that may also
provide direct access to abutting properties. These streets provide
a balance between land access and mobility.
[3]
Local public: public streets whose primary function is to carry
traffic between local streets and arterial streets but that may also
provide direct access to abutting properties. These streets provide
a balance between land access and mobility.
[4]
Local private: private streets whose primary function is to
provide access to abutting properties. Streets within residential
cluster or planned unit developments serving up to 20 residential
dwellings and streets in minor residential subdivisions serving up
to five residential dwellings on a private street also fall within
this classification.
(3)
Street rights-of-way. Street rights-of-way shall conform to the widths
shown on Table 1 below as illustrated in the reference column. Drawings
1, 2 and 3[1] (See Article XI.) illustrate typical cross sections of local streets. Specific design criteria will be determined by the Board on a case-by-case basis. Drawing 1 is a typical cross section of a local street proposed for acceptance and maintenance by the Town. Where the developer proposes the use of grass swales in lieu of a continuous piped stormwater drainage system, any of the alternative cross sections shown in Figure 2 may be used, subject to the approval of the Planning Board. Refer to Subsection D, Drainage, of this § A261-30 for more specific design criteria.
Table 1
| ||
---|---|---|
Street Type
|
Right-of-Way
(feet)
|
Cross Section Design Reference
|
Arterial (Town accepted)
|
75
|
See AASHTO Green Book
|
Collector (Town accepted)
|
60
|
See AASHTO Green Book
|
Local (Town accepted)
|
50
50
|
Drawing 1
Drawing 2 (Board approval required)
|
50
|
As per Board requirements
|
[1]
Editor's Note: The drawings are on file in the Clerk's
office.
(4)
Geometric data. Table 2 below shall be used as a guide in designing
streets within a proposed development.
Table 2
Minimum Standards for Town Roads Geometric Construction
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Feature
|
Local Streets
(Public)
|
Cluster Development or PUD
| |
Right-of-way width
|
50 feet
|
50 feet
| |
Pavement width, including berms
|
30 feet
|
18 feet to 22 feet (minimum)
| |
Maximum grades:
| |||
At center line (CL)
|
6%
|
6%
| |
Within 150 feet of intersecting CL
|
2.5%
|
2.5%
| |
Minimum grades at CL
|
1%
|
0.5%
| |
Minimum length for vertical curves
|
100 feet1
|
As per DPW
| |
Minimum radius of curves at CL and a minimum of 100 feet tangent
between curves
|
150 feet
|
100 feet
| |
Minimum sight distance
|
200 feet
|
100 feet
| |
Cul-de-sac (turnaround):
| |||
Diameter of right-of-way
|
120 feet
|
100 feet
| |
Diameter of pavement2
|
98 feet
|
80 feet
| |
Maximum grade
|
4.5%
|
4.5%
| |
Minimum grade
|
2%
|
2%
| |
Intersection fillet curve:
| |||
Minimum radius right-of-way
|
15 feet
|
15 feet
| |
Minimum radius pavement
|
25 feet
|
25 feet
| |
Pavement crown
|
5 inches
|
3 inches
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
1
|
Less than 30 feet for each one-percent algebraic in grade.
|
2
|
Where approved by the Planning Board, culs-de-sac may be designed
with a circle with a forty-foot unpaved center. The Planning Board
will determine landscape requirements for the unpaved center.
|
(5)
Street layout and arrangement.
(a)
The arrangement of each street shall be considered in relation to the existing street system and to existing topographic and natural conditions. The road system shall be designed to permit the safe, efficient and orderly movement of traffic; to meet but not exceed the needs of the present and future population served; to have a simple and logical circulation pattern; to respect natural features and topography; and to create an attractive streetscape. See also § A261-30G(6)(a).
(b)
Wherever possible in residential subdivisions, the road system
shall be designed to serve the needs of the neighborhood and to discourage
use by through traffic. However, in major subdivisions, access shall
be designed to avoid street systems which have only one principal
means of egress. In order to provide for alternative access, at least
two vehicular access streets may be required by the Planning Board,
in major subdivisions when determined by the Board to be feasible.
Proposed streets within subdivisions shall provide for the continuation
or projection to intersect with principal streets on the perimeter
of the subdivision or with adjacent vacant property in order that
the streets may be extended at a future time.
(6)
Private streets. Private streets may be permitted by the Planning Board in appropriate circumstances such as residential cluster and planned unit developments authorized by Chapter 260, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Westerly. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to provide street name(s) to the Engineering Department for emergency purposes. Written confirmation of approval shall be provided to the Planning office prior to final approval. Said streets or private ways shall not bisect lots.
(7)
Street intersections. Street intersections shall either coincide
precisely with or be offset by at least 200 feet from other intersections.
Intersections shall be at ninety-degree angles. Lesser angles between
75° and 90° may be approved by the Town Engineer.
(8)
Dead-end streets (cul-de-sac). All dead-end streets shall end in
a cul-de-sac turnaround constructed according to the table of geometric
data above and shall be clearly marked at their entrances. The Planning
Board may limit the length of the dead-end street (cul-de-sac) where
necessary, to ensure the adequate and safe circulation of vehicular
traffic.
(9)
Street names. Street names shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 94 of the Town Code.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(10)
Access to adjoining property.
(a)
When considered desirable by the Planning Board to provide access
to adjoining property, proposed streets shall be continued and improved
to the property line. The reservation of strips of land preventing
such access shall not be permitted. The Planning Board may require
provision of a temporary turnaround until such time as the adjacent
tract is developed. A bond may be required to insure completion of
the street or construction of a permanent cul-de-sac within a reasonable
period of time.
(b)
Access to adjoining property for pedestrian and/or bicycle circulation
shall be required wherever the Planning Board determines that such
connection will increase accessibility between adjoining subdivisions,
to existing or proposed sidewalks or bicycle paths, from subdivisions
to major public or private schools, recreation areas or other facilities
or where the public safety will be significantly enhanced by such
pedestrian and/or bicycle connections.
(c)
In all commercial applications internal vehicular connectivity
shall be created and maintained between contiguous commercial parcels.
(11)
Street signs. Street name and traffic signs will be as per the
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways
(USDOT-FHA) and approved by the Town Engineer. Installation and provision
of street signs and 911 designation on public streets shall be the
responsibility of the Westerly Engineering Department; for private
streets these duties shall be the responsibility of the developer.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(12)
Street trees. Where natural tree growth is determined by the
Planning Board to be insufficient, the Planning Board shall require
the developer to plant street trees appropriate for the terrain, soil
and climatic conditions encountered in the development, and in accordance
with the following standards. Other trees may be selected and used
on a per-site basis with the approval of the Town Planner.
(a)
Location. Street trees shall be located on the portion of building
lots within 20 feet of the street right-of-way line, if assurance
can be given by the developer that the trees will not be disturbed
by building activities. In either case, no street trees shall be located
so as to interfere with overhead or underground utility lines. Trees
shall be spaced approximately 30 feet to 50 feet on center, depending
on anticipated ultimate size.
(b)
Type. The species selected are to be suitable for Zone 6 hardiness
and may include, but not be limited to, the following types (use of
invasive species shall be prohibited):
[1]
Deciduous medium to large trees suitable for use where there
are underground utilities such as:
Acer rubrum
|
Red maple
|
Betula nigra
|
River birch
|
Carpinus betulus
|
European hornbeam
|
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
|
Katsura tree
|
Cladrastis kentukea
|
Kentucky coffee tree
|
Fraxinus pensylvanica
|
Green ash
|
Ginkgo biloba
|
Ginkgo
|
Gleditsia triacanthos 'Inermis'
|
Thornless honey locust
|
Gymnocladus dioicus
|
Kentucky coffeetree
|
Liquidambar styraciflua
|
American sweetgum
|
Platanus x acerifolia
|
London planetree
|
Platanus occidentalis
|
American planetree
|
Prunus sargentii
|
Sargent cherry
|
Quercus bicolor
|
Swamp white oak
|
Quercus palustris
|
Pin oak
|
Quercus rubra
|
Northern red oak
|
Sophora japonica
|
Japanese pagoda tree
|
Tilia cordata
|
Little leaf linden
|
Ulmus parvifolia cultivars
|
Lacebark elm
|
[2]
Small deciduous trees suitable for use under power lines with
fifteen-foot ultimate height such as:
Acer palmatum species
|
Japanese maple
|
Amelanchier Canadensis
|
Shadblow serviceberry
|
Carpinus caroliniana
|
American hornbeam
|
Hydrangea paniculata
|
Panicle hydrangea
|
Koelreuteria paniculata
|
Goldenraintree
|
Prunus sargentii
|
Sargent Cherry
|
Syringa reticulata
|
Japanese tree lilac
|
[3]
Conifers such as cedar, Cryptomeria, Chamacyparis, pine, hemlock,
spruce may be used only within the ten-foot area allowed on the lots
or as a vegetative buffer to adjacent land uses not part of the subdivision.
(c)
Size. Minimum sizes for species listed above are 1 1/2
inches to two inches caliper, measured one foot from ground level
in place, and six feet to eight feet of height in place.
(d)
Quality. Street trees shall be balled and burlapped with good
root development and branching characteristics. Street trees proposed
adjacent to a sidewalk shall have lower branches at six feet above
sidewalk grade. Bare root handling for dormant trees up to 2 1/2
inches caliper may only be allowed during the spring season. All trees
shall be licensed nursery stock; however, native trees may be used
if inspected and approved by the Town Tree Warden before planting.
Trees shall be from a local source so as not to spread insect or pathogen
infestations from other geographic regions.
(e)
Planting. Street trees shall be planted so the top of the root
ball is level with the existing grade and the bottom of the pit being
undisturbed subgrade to prevent settling of the tree and 1 1/2
times as wide as the root ball. Larger excavation may be required
in gravel or sand areas. Trees shall be planted at their previous
depth in good-quality topsoil or soil conditioned to the quality with
sufficient organic matter such as peat moss and a balanced fertilizer.
Trees shall be securely double-staked with sturdy stakes of a minimum
size of two inches by two inches by six feet. Staking and or guying
shall be removed after one year.
(f)
Screening. Where a proposed residential development abuts an
existing or proposed commercial or industrial area, a dense evergreen
buffer at least 10 feet in depth and eight feet tall shall be planted
along the common boundary between the residential development and
such commercial or industrial development. Fences shall not be a substitute
for this requirement.
(g)
Inspection. The Town Tree Warden shall determine the suitability
of the street trees being proposed and certify proper planting techniques
and maintenance have been followed.
(13)
Landscaping standards.
(a)
Landscaping shall be provided as part of site plan design. It
shall be conceived in a total pattern throughout the site, integrating
the various elements of site design, preserving and enhancing the
particular identity of the site and creating a pleasing site character.
(b)
Landscaping shall include plant materials such as trees, shrubs,
ground covers, grass, flowers, etc., and shall also include, but is
not necessarily limited to, the following features:
[1]
Drainage facilities, such as retention/detention basins, drainage swales, rain gardens and bioretention areas (§ A261-30.1).
[2]
Entrance features.
[3]
Open space areas.
[4]
Proposed recreation facilities.
[5]
Buffer areas.
[6]
Lot areas which are disturbed during the construction process
or where extensive grading removes a significant amount of natural
vegetation.
[7]
Areas subject to regrading or stabilization for soil erosion
and sediment control purposes.
(c)
Landscape plan. A landscape plan prepared by a registered landscape
architect or equivalent shall be submitted to the Planning Board as
part of a major land development or subdivision when:
[1]
Existing landscaping is insufficient.
[2]
The site of the proposed development has been disturbed so as
to require significant new vegetation.
[3]
Additional landscaping is necessary to protect, preserve, or enhance significant visual characteristics of the site. When a requirement for additional landscaping is required by the Board, the applicant shall be advised of this requirement at the preliminary review stage of an administrative or minor land development or subdivision and at the master plan stage of a major land development or subdivision. The plan shall identify existing and proposed trees, shrubs and ground covers; natural features such as stone walls and rock outcroppings; man-made elements such as retaining walls (see § 260-87.3), fences (see § 260-68), signs (see 260-86), planters, etc.; proposed grading at two-foot contour intervals; lighting (following dark sky lighting principles found at www.nature.nps.gov); specifications for loaming (six inches standard), fertilizing and seeding; and other proposed landscaping, and shall include construction details as necessary. Industrial and commercial development projects shall have frontage planting and shall incorporate parking lot landscaping standards where necessary § 260-77. A planting schedule shall be included to indicate proposed planting by genus species and cultivar, size at time of planting and maintenance requirements. Where existing plantings are to be retained, the plan shall indicate proposed methods of protecting them during construction.
(14)
Monuments. Monuments (concrete or granite boundary markers)
shall be of the type approved by the Town and paid for by the developer
and placed by a registered land surveyor on the street line at the
beginning and end of all right-of-way horizontal curves PC's
and PT's on both sides of each development (public) street and
shall not be more than 500 feet apart. Monuments shall be set four
inches above the finished grade of the center of the street.
(15)
Sidewalks.
(a)
Sidewalks shall be required to be installed on one side of all
proposed new public streets in developments located in Residential
HDR-6 and HDR-15 and Business HC, GC, NB, P-15, GI, SCG, SCWH Zoning
Districts and in all residential cluster developments or multifamily
developments except for short cul-de-sac streets serving five or fewer
lots or dwellings. Sidewalks may be required to be installed along
new streets in other areas if the Planning Board finds any of the
following:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
[1]
The development is located within an area within one mile of
a public or private school; or
[2]
The development is located in reasonable proximity to major
public or private facilities such as churches, shopping areas, playgrounds,
etc., where there is a reasonable likelihood that pedestrian traffic
to/from/within the proposed development would result; or
[3]
The development is located within an area with high vehicular
traffic volumes and where there would be a likelihood of significant
danger to pedestrians.
(16)
Bicycle paths. Bicycle paths shall be incorporated into the
proposed development where necessary to extend an existing bicycle
path; to intersect with proposed state bicycle facilities; to connect
adjacent development where vehicular connections would be impractical;
or where adjacent or nearby public or private school recreation areas
or other similar facilities would be likely to generate significant
bicycle traffic.
(17)
Curbing at intersection fillet curves. Slope-faced precast concrete
curbing meeting RIDOT Standard 7.21 shall be installed at all intersection
fillet curves in lieu of extruded Cape Cod curbing. Precast concrete
wheelchair ramp curbs meeting RIDOT Standard 7.19 shall be installed
where required by the Town Engineer.
(18)
Engineering and land survey. Wherever it is mandated by these
regulations that certain tasks associated with development plans and
improvements be performed by registered professional engineers and/or
registered land surveyors, all such tasks shall be performed according
to existing and amended standards of the State of Rhode Island Board
of Registration for Professional Engineers and Board of Registration
for Land Surveyors.
(19)
Traffic study. Traffic studies, where required by the Planning
Board, shall be prepared and presented by a registered professional
engineer with traffic expertise.
C.
Lot design standards.
(1)
Side lot lines. Side lot lines shall be at right angles to street
line or radial to curved street lines unless the Planning Board determines
that a variation from this rule will provide a better street or lot
plan.
(2)
Developable land area. All lots shall be designed so as to contain the minimum land area required by Chapter 260, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Westerly. The lot design shall be such that there will be no foreseeable difficulties, due to site conditions, in securing building permits on all lots and in providing necessary access and frontage to such lots from an existing or proposed street. See § A261-15, Land unsuitable for development.
(3)
Easements. Easements may be required by the Planning Board where
necessary for the proper location and placement of improvements on
private land as described below. The Board may, in its own discretion,
require the dedication of land to the Town in lieu of easements if
such dedication would provide greater control over and access to the
intended use.
(a)
Watercourses. Where a development is traversed by a watercourse,
drainageway, channel or stream, there shall be provided a stormwater
easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the
lines of such watercourse and of such width as will be adequate for
the purpose.
(b)
Sanitary sewers. Easements across lots or centered on rear or
side lot lines shall be provided for sanitary sewers where they are
required. The Planning Board may require permanent easements of such
width as recommended by the DPW, plus temporary construction easements
if necessary. The minimum nominal width for a sewer easement shall
be 30 feet.
(c)
Drainage easements. Easements to install and maintain underground
drainage facilities on private land shall be dedicated to the Town
where required. The nominal width for such a drainage easement shall
be 20 feet. Where aboveground drainage flows are directed over private
property which does not contain natural watercourses or wetlands,
or where publicly owned and maintained drainage systems outfall on
private land, a drainage easement shall be dedicated to the Town over
the area and at a location adequate for the intended purpose. Easements
into and upon aboveground drainage facilities such as stormwater detention
or retention basins shall be granted to the Town wherever stormwater
from Town-owned streets or other improvements is intended to be directed
to such basins.
(d)
Grading easements. The Planning Board may require the dedication
of an easement to the Town in order to grade or to maintain grading
on private property where such grading is necessary to establish or
maintain adequate drainage, sight distances, or topographic features
required as a condition of development approval.
(e)
Sight distance easements. Where deemed necessary by the Planning
Board to establish or maintain adequate sight distances for vehicular
traffic, the dedication of an easement to the Town may be required
which would prohibit the erection or maintenance of any visual obstruction
such as a structure, tree, shrub, wall, earthen embankment, hill or
any other obstruction.
(f)
Bicycle or pedestrian access easements. Bicycle and pedestrian
access shall be provided where required on a separate strip of land
dedicated to the Town or on an easement having a minimum width of
15 feet.
(g)
Other easements. All other required easements shall be of sufficient
width and area for the intended purpose. All utility easements shall
be a minimum width of 20 feet and contain at least one concrete bound.
(4)
Lot configurations. The Planning Board shall have the right to prohibit
or require modification to lots that are shaped or configured in such
a manner as to conflict with the use of the land for the intended
purpose. The Board may, in reviewing a proposed development, require
modification to the proposed lot layout as it deems necessary to achieve
the purposes of these regulations. The following guidelines shall
be considered for lot layout and design:
(a)
Long narrow strips of land and unusual or irregular shapes,
angles and dimensions for a lot are discouraged.
(b)
Other than at corners, lots shall abut only one existing or
proposed street.
(c)
Corner lot street lines shall have sufficient width to accommodate
required front building setback lines on both abutting streets.
D.
Drainage. This section shall comply with the RIDEM Rhode Island Stormwater
Design and Installation Standards Manual promulgated December 2010
and any subsequent revisions thereto.
(1)
The drainage system may be comprised of natural and man-made elements. These include grass swales, bioretention areas, rain gardens (§ A261-30.1), retention and detention basins, curbs, catch basins (shall have four-foot sumps), culverts, and stormwater pipes. The developer is encouraged to incorporate natural elements into the drainage design whenever possible. These elements (i.e., grass swales, wet basins) not only collect and transport stormwater but also mitigate pollution, reduce sedimentation, provide visual amenities and provide potential wildlife habitat. Wet basins shall be mechanically animated from dawn to dusk to prevent the hatching of mosquitoes.
(2)
Where a drainage plan and drainage calculations are required by the appropriate application requirements in Article XI, 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 application of the appropriate method as follows:
(a)
The Rational Method. This method is the preferred method for
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. All maps and data used for the design of the
proposed drainage system shall be submitted to the Town Engineer.
(b)
TR-55. This is the preferred method for calculating runoff volumes,
peak discharge rate, and flood storage requirements for site development
between one acre and 200 acres. All maps and data used for the design
of the proposed drainage system shall be submitted to the Town Engineer.
(c)
TR-20. This is for large complex watersheds and systems beyond
the scope of the TR-55 or where other watershed tributaries may be
affected by the proposed development. All maps and data used for the
design of the proposed drainage system shall be submitted to the Town
Engineer.
(d)
The drainage plan and drainage calculations shall contain the
following information:
[1]
An estimate of the quantity of stormwater surface runoff presently
flowing from the land proposed to be developed, and that which would
be generated by the proposed development, calculated on the basis
of a fifty-year-frequency rainfall.
[2]
An estimate of the quantity of stormwater surface runoff entering
the development naturally from upstream areas within the watershed
under present conditions, calculated on the basis of a fifty-year-frequency
rainfall.
(3)
An analysis of the capability of existing watercourses, storm sewers, culverts and other drainage facilities within the land proposed to be developed to handle the runoff as calculated under Subsection D(2)(d)[1] and [2] above, and proposals to handle such surface runoff. Design criteria for drainage improvements shall conform to the state specifications cited above or as modified by the Town of Westerly. Culvert and storm pipes shall be reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), designed for a fifty-year (Type III) frequency rainfall, with a minimum pipe size of 15 inches, and a minimum flow velocity of four feet per second (fps). Private roads shall be built to Town standards and approved by the Town Engineer. The maximum flow velocity shall not exceed 15 fps, and under no circumstances shall the velocity head at the pipe outlet exceed the vertical elevation difference between the crown on the pipe outlet and the bottom of catch basin frame.
(4)
Proposals for disposal of surface runoff, downstream from the development,
without damage to land and improvements and to the receiving water
body are prohibited.
(5)
The drainage plan shall further indicate how the following specific
requirements be met:
(a)
That each lot will be adequately drained; with roof drains connected to dry wells or rain gardens; surface water from driveways greater than 4% in slope shall have trench drains to divert runoff into grass swales, dry wells, water-quality trenches or rain gardens (§ A261-30.1);
(b)
That natural drainage patterns will be maintained;
(c)
That all existing watercourses will be left open;
(d)
That all new open watercourses will be seeded, sodded or paved
depending on grades and soil types;
(e)
That a closed drainage system will be installed and maintained
on site. The ultimate destination of any drainage shall not be a permanent
natural body of water or wetland. The Board shall require the construction
of multiple retention basins, wet ponds, or bioretention areas capable
of accommodating proposed stormwater volumes based on a one-hundred-year-frequency
rainfall;
(f)
Where any part of the drainage system is proposed for location
outside the public street right-or-way, provisions for future maintenance
approved by the Planning Board shall be provided;
(g)
That all necessary easements to off-street watercourses shall
be obtained by the developer; and
(h)
Where volume or velocity of the surface is high, the flow thereof
shall be controlled by riprap, sediment basins, flow spreaders, or
other applicable devices and/or techniques recommended in the Rhode
Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook.
(6)
The proposed drainage system shall be designed to accommodate stormwater
such that post-construction conditions result in zero net runoff in
rate or volume from pre-construction conditions.
E.
Utilities.
(2)
Municipal water. Municipal water shall be required in all developments and land development projects where such water service is required in accordance with the procedures and standards set forth in Chapter 251, Water, of the Town of Westerly Code. Water curb stops shall be provided for each lot in accordance with the rules and regulations of the appropriate water utility company. Waterlines shall be generally located on the southerly or westerly side of the street wherever possible or as required by the Planning Board.
(3)
Gaslines. Natural gaslines may be installed in any development or
land development project at the discretion of the developer. The developer
must present to the Planning Board correspondence from the gas company
to the effect that the utility company does not intend to provide
gas to the site within the next five years. If proposed, gaslines
shall be located on the northerly or easterly side of the street wherever
possible or as required by the Planning Board.
(4)
Communication lines (electric, telephone, and cable TV).
(a)
All electric, communications (telephone, fire alarm and cable
TV) and streetlighting lines shall be installed underground. In cases
where underground installation is not feasible due to physical conditions
of the site or other limitation, an alternative location for these
utility lines shall be approved by the Planning Board, if prior approval
thereof has been obtained by the utility company involved. The use
of conventional streetlighting shall be kept to a minimum in residential
subdivisions; however, renewable source lighting, i.e., solar, shall
be preferred and dark sky lighting principles incorporated in the
fixtures.
(b)
Communications lines are not required to be placed underground
for minor subdivisions where no street creation is required, or for
minor subdivisions where a private street is required, and the Town
will not be requested to accept the street for ownership and maintenance,
but shall be built to Town standards.
(5)
Fire hydrants. Fire hydrants shall be installed in all developments
where public water supply systems are installed. Hydrant type, location,
and spacing shall meet the minimum requirements of the National Fire
Protection Association, or as directed by the appropriate fire district.
F.
Erosion and sediment control. (See § 260-89.) All major land developments and major subdivisions shall submit a soil erosion and sediment control plan as required herein.
(1)
Minor land developments, minor subdivisions and administrative subdivisions
shall not be required to submit such plans if the land-disturbing
activity involved in construction of subdivision improvements meets
all of the following criteria:
(a)
Construction activity will not take place within 200 feet of
any wetland or coastal feature;
(b)
Slopes at the site of land disturbance do not exceed 7%;
(c)
The total area of such activity does not exceed 10,000 square
feet;
(d)
Proposed grading does not exceed two feet of cut or fill at
any point;
(e)
The grading does not involve a quantity of fill greater than
60 cubic yards, except where fill is excavated from another portion
of the development parcel and the quantity of fill does not exceed
185 cubic yards;
(f)
All disturbed surface areas are promptly and effectively protected
to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.
(2)
Plan preparation. The erosion and sediment control plan shall be
prepared by a registered engineer, a registered landscape architect,
a soil and water conservation society certified erosion and sediment
control specialist, or a certified professional soil scientist.
(3)
Plan contents. The erosion and sediment control plan shall include
sufficient information about the proposed activities and land parcel(s)
to form a clear basis for discussion and review and to assure compliance
with all applicable requirements of these regulations. The plan shall
be consistent with the data collection, data analysis, and plan preparation
guidelines in the current Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
Handbook, prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management, Rhode Island Conservation Committee, and,
at a minimum, shall contain:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(a)
A narrative describing the proposed land-disturbing activity
and the soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater
management measures to be installed to control erosion that could
result from the proposed activity. Supporting documentation, such
as a drainage area, existing site conditions, and soil maps, shall
be provided as required by the Planning Board.
(b)
Construction drawings illustrating in detail all land-disturbing
activity, including existing and proposed contours, cuts and fills,
drainage features, and vegetation; limits of clearing and grading;
the location of soil erosion and sediment control and stormwater management
measures; detail drawings of control measures; stockpiles and borrow
area; sequence and staging of land-disturbing activities; and other
information needed for construction.
(c)
Other information or construction plans and details as deemed
necessary by the Planning Board for thorough review of the plan prior
to action being taken as prescribed in these regulations.
(4)
Performance principles. The contents of the erosion and sediment
control plan shall clearly demonstrate how the principles, outlined
below, have been met in the design and are to be accomplished by the
proposed development project.
(a)
The site selected shall show due regard for natural drainage
characteristics and topography.
(b)
To the extent possible, steep slopes shall be avoided.
(c)
The grade of slopes created shall be minimized.
(d)
Post-development runoff rates shall be zero net runoff. Any
increase in storm runoff shall be retained and recharged as close
as feasible to its place of origin by means of retention ponds, wet
ponds or basins, seepage areas, subsurface drains, porous paving,
or similar bioretention techniques.
(e)
Original boundaries, alignment, and slope of watercourses within
the project locus shall be preserved.
(f)
In general, drainage shall be directed away from structure intended
for human occupancy, municipal or utility use, or similar structures.
(g)
All drainage provisions shall be of such a design and capacity
so as to adequately handle stormwater runoff, including runoff from
tributary upstream areas which may be outside the locus of the project.
(h)
Drainage facilities shall be installed as early as feasible
prior to any additional site clearance or disturbance.
(i)
Fill located adjacent to watercourses shall be suitably protected
from erosion by means of riprap, gabions, retaining walls, vegetative
stabilization, or similar measures.
(j)
Temporary vegetation and/or mulch shall be used to protect bare
areas and stockpiles from erosion during construction; the smallest
areas feasible shall be exposed at any one time; disturbed areas shall
be protected during the nongrowing months, November through March.
(k)
Permanent vegetation shall be placed immediately following fine
grading.
(l)
Trees and other existing vegetation shall be fenced or roped
off to protect trees from construction equipment.
(5)
Maintenance of measures. Maintenance of all erosion-sediment control devices under this chapter shall be the responsibility of the developer. The erosion-sediment control devices shall be maintained in good condition and working order on a continuing basis. Watercourses originating and located completely on private property shall be the responsibility of the developer to their point of open discharge at the property line or at a communal watercourse within the property. If proper maintenance procedures are not followed, the Planning Board may authorize the Town Engineer to take the steps necessary to ensure proper maintenance by using improvement guarantee funds as provided in § A261-19B.
(6)
Periodic inspections. The Town Engineer may require inspections at
such intervals as deemed necessary to assure proper compliance with
the approved erosion and sediment control plan. Copies of all inspection
reports shall be submitted to the Administrative Officer and will
be made available to the developer upon request.
G.
Site design.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of good site design is to create a functional
and attractive development, to minimize adverse impacts, and to ensure
that a project will be an asset to the community. To promote this
purpose, land development projects and subdivisions shall conform
to the following standards which are designed to result in a well-planned
community.
(2)
Site analysis.
(a)
An analysis of the development site and nearby areas shall be
required by the Planning Board for all major land developments and
subdivisions. The scope and content of the site analysis shall be
discussed during the pre-application meeting and shall be presented
by the developer during the master plan stage of review. Such an analysis
may be required by the Planning Board for minor subdivisions if the
Board finds that the proposed development may have a negative impact
on the existing natural and built environment or would be inappropriate
for the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
(b)
Such a site analysis shall include written and/or graphic analysis
of the following characteristics of the development site: site context;
geology and soil; agricultural lands; watercourses, wetlands; coastal
features; topography; climate; ecology; existing vegetation, structures,
and road networks; visual features; and past and present use of the
site.
(3)
Subdivision and site design.
(a)
Design of the development shall take into consideration all
existing Town and regional plans for the surrounding community.
(b)
Development of the site shall be based on the characteristics
of the site and upon the site analysis. Development shall be located
to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental
sensitivity, and to minimize negative impacts and alteration of natural
features, historic and cultural resources, and areas of scenic value
which contribute to the character of the Town.
(c)
The following specific areas shall be preserved as undeveloped
open space or lot area, to the extent consistent with the reasonable
utilization of land, and in accordance with applicable state or Town
regulations:
[1]
Unique and/or fragile areas, including freshwater wetlands including
associated buffers and coastal features including associated buffers
and floodplains;
[2]
Significant trees, or stands of trees, or other vegetative species
that are rare to the area or are of particular horticultural or landscape
value;
[3]
Lands in a floodplain;
[4]
Steep slopes in excess of 15% as specified in § A261-15, Land unsuitable for development, as measured over a ten-foot interval unless appropriate engineering measures concerning slope stability, erosion, and resident safety are taken;
[5]
Habitats of endangered wildlife, as identified on applicable
federal or state lists;
[6]
Historically significant structures and sites, including cemeteries (§ 260-71) as listed on federal or state lists of historic places; and
[7]
Agricultural lands.
(d)
The development shall be laid out to avoid adversely affecting
recharge; to reduce cut and fill; to avoid necessary impervious cover;
to prevent flooding; to provide adequate access to lots and sites;
and to mitigate adverse effects of shadow, traffic, drainage, and
utilities on neighboring properties.
(4)
Residential development design.
(a)
The Planning Board may vary street locations, lot shapes (see § A261-30C(4) et seq.) and dimensions, and setbacks for the purpose of encouraging and promoting flexibility, economy, and environmental soundness in layout and design, provided that the lot areas and dimensions and setbacks within the development conform to the minimum requirements of Chapter 260, Zoning, and provided that such standards shall be appropriate to the type of development permitted.
(b)
Residential lots shall front on local streets.
(c)
Every lot shall have sufficient access to it for emergency vehicles
as well as for those needing access to the property in its intended
use.
(d)
The placement of dwelling units in residential developments
shall take into consideration topography, privacy, building height,
orientation, drainage, and scenic values.
(e)
Lots shall be designed so that proposed buildings have adequate
privacy from adjacent streets.
(f)
Vegetated evergreen buffer areas eight feet in height shall
be required where necessary to avoid adverse impacts from adjacent
uses. Fences shall not be a substitute for this requirement.
(5)
Commercial and industrial development design. Commercial and industrial
developments shall be designed according to the same principles governing
the design of residential developments, namely, buildings shall be
located according to topography, with environmentally sensitive areas
avoided; factors such as drainage, noise, odor, and surrounding land
uses considered in the proposed location of buildings; sufficient
access shall be provided; and adverse impacts buffered.
(6)
Circulation system design.
(a)
The road system shall be designed to permit the safe, efficient,
and orderly movement of traffic; to meet, but not exceed, the needs
of the present and future population served; to have a simple and
logical pattern; to respect natural features and topography; and to
present an attractive streetscape.
(b)
In residential subdivision, the road system shall be designed
to serve the needs of the neighborhood and to discourage use by through
traffic.
(c)
The pedestrian system shall be located as required for safety. In conventional developments, walks shall be placed parallel to the street, as shown in the typical street cross sections in § A261-30,[2] with exceptions permitted to preserve natural features
or to provide visual interest. In residential cluster developments
and land development projects, walks may be placed away from the road
system with permission of the Planning Board. Where commercial uses
are contiguous, internal interconnected circulation for vehicles and
pedestrians shall be incorporated into the design to reduce the number
of curb cuts onto a major roadway.
[2]
Editor's Note: Drawings of typical street cross sections
are on file in the Clerk's office.
(7)
Landscape design.
(a)
Reasonable landscaping should be provided at site entrances,
in public areas, and adjacent to buildings. The type and amount of
landscaping required shall be allowed to vary with type of development.
Use of invasive plants is prohibited.
(b)
The plant or other landscaping material that best serves the
intended function shall be selected. Landscaping materials shall be
appropriate for the local environment, soil conditions, and availability
of water. The use of grasses that require minimal watering and fertilization
is encouraged, particularly in areas that are ecologically sensitive.
H.
Off-site improvements.
(1)
Purpose. This section is intended to ensure that developers provide
off-site infrastructure improvements in order to mitigate the impacts
which are directly or indirectly attributable to new development.
Such improvements may be required by the Planning Board if the Board
finds that there is a reasonable relationship between the requested
improvement and the proposed new development. Off-site improvements
may include but are not limited to improvements to the following:
sanitary sewers, water supply systems, roadways, sidewalks, bicycle
paths, and drainage systems.
(2)
Definition and principles. As a condition of final approval, the
Planning Board may require a developer to construct reasonable and
necessary improvements located off of the proposed land being developed.
"Necessary improvements" are those clearly and substantially related
to the subdivision or land development being proposed. The Planning
Board shall provide in its resolution of final approval the basis
for requiring such off-site improvements. In its resolution, the Board
must find that a significant negative impact on existing conditions
will result if the off-site improvements are not made, and are clearly
documented in the public record. The mitigation required as a condition
of approval must be related to the significance of the identified
impact. All required off-site improvements must reflect the character
defined for that neighborhood or district by the Westerly Comprehensive
Plan.
I.
General construction procedures. The following procedures shall be
followed by the developer and by contractors under the direction of
the developer in the construction of any land development or subdivision
or related improvement.
(1)
Pre-construction meeting. A pre-construction meeting shall be held
with the Town Engineer at least seven days prior to the start of any
subdivision improvements. The developer (or his duly authorized representative)
and the on-site project manager shall attend this meeting.
(2)
Notification. No step in the construction of required improvements shall commence until the Town Engineer has been notified at least 48 hours in advance of the phases of construction listed in Subsection I(3) below.
(3)
Inspection of improvements.
(a)
Inspection and approval by the Town Engineer shall be required
for the following phases of construction improvements:
[1]
During and following installation of all underground drainage
structures, systems and utilities prior to backfilling. No underground
components shall be backfilled until approval from the DPW and/or
Town Engineer is secured;
[2]
During and following the preparations of the road subgrade and
shoulders;
[3]
During and following the spreading and compaction of the subbase
course;
[4]
During and following the spreading and compaction of the base
course prior to the application of the asphalt binder course;
[5]
Immediately prior to and during the application and compaction
of the asphalt surface course on the roadway and, if required, sidewalks;
[6]
Following completion of all improvements and installation of
bounds; and
[7]
At periodic intervals as required to ensure compliance with
the approved erosion and sediment control plan.
(b)
The Town Engineer may require inspection at such other intervals
as may be deemed necessary to assure proper construction of improvements.
Approval for each or all of the above stages does not constitute acceptance
by the Town.
(4)
Request for inspection. Whenever an inspection is required, the developer
shall request the Town Engineer to make such inspection. The Town
Engineer or his representative shall, within 48 hours, exclusive of
Saturday, Sunday and holidays, make such inspection and give to the
developer written approval or disapproval of the improvements inspected
by him. No subsequent step or phase shall commence until an inspection
has been made and approval granted.
(5)
As-built drawings. Upon completion of construction of all required
improvements, and before the performance bond is released and the
maintenance bond is accepted, the developer shall furnish two sets
of transparent Mylar as-built drawings of required improvements to
the Administrative Officer.
A.
BIORETENTION
CISTERN
RAIN OR RECHARGE GARDENS
GRASS SWALE
Definitions. When used in § A261-30.1, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
A method of treating stormwater by pooling water in a depression
on the surface of the ground and allowing filtering and settling of
suspended solids and sediment at the mulch layer, prior to entering
the plant/soil/microbe complex media for infiltration and pollutant
removal.
A tank for catching and storing rainwater. This water can
be recycled and used for landscape and lawn irrigation.
Utilize bioretention techniques to accomplish water quality
improvement and water quantity reduction.
A grass depression that collects stormwater and settles sediment
before it enters a larger drainage area.
B.
Purpose. The purpose of bioretention practices is to improve stormwater
problems and to enhance the principle of zero net runoff from all
properties. These practices reduce the use of curb and gutter construction
and encourage sheet flow to retention areas and grass swales, which
reduce runoff volume that creates downstream flooding during major
storm events. The practice also reduces runoff velocity by increasing
the time of concentration that water remains in filter soil and planted
areas, which can filter pollutants and recharge groundwater. The planted
portions of these bioretention areas shall enhance aesthetics and
provide habitat for native flora and fauna.
C.
Application. Upon application for minor or major subdivision or land
development project, the best practices of bioretention shall be applied.
All new residential infill lots, all residential subdivisions on a
per-site basis, all mixed residential and commercial areas on a per-structure
basis, commercial parking lots, all industrial and hazardous uses,
retrofit applications for existing lots, new highways and roads, and
the retrofit of existing local roads shall be designed to meet all
State of Rhode Island standards and must be approved by the Town Engineer
prior to preliminary plan submission. Sizing of the bioretention areas
shall be determined by the amount of impervious cover proposed for
the individual sites. The Planning Board shall make a determination
on a site-by-site basis as to the feasibility of bioretention practices.
The Planning Board shall have the authority to modify the requirements
herein to address site specific constraints and possible water contaminants.
A.
Specifications.
(1)
Construction
of streets shall be in accordance with the Typical Cross Section of
a street contained herein and the Standard Specifications for Road
and Bridge Construction (1971 edition) published by the State of Rhode
Island, Department of Public Works, Division of Roads and Bridges
unless otherwise noted. Drinking water systems shall be constructed
in accordance with the Town of Westerly, Department of Public Works,
Water Main and Services Construction Specifications Manual. Wastewater
sewer systems shall be constructed in accordance with the Town of
Westerly, Department of Public Works, Manual of Standards and Specifications
for the Construction of Sewer Collection Systems. Drainage systems
shall be constructed in accordance with the Town of Westerly, Manual
for Standard Specification for Miscellaneous Drainage Systems.
(2)
The
above technical manuals are adopted by reference to these regulations.
B.
Soil
erosion and sediment control. All soil erosion and sediment control
measures required by these regulations shall be constructed in accordance
with the standards and procedure set forth in the Rhode Island Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, prepared by the United States
Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, the Rhode Island
Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island State
Conservation Committee, 1989, and any amendments thereto. Said handbook
is adopted by reference to these regulations.