The following factors shall be considered in
the review and development of all site plans:
A.
Circulation. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic movement
within and adjacent to the site with particular emphasis on the provision
and layout of parking areas, off-street loading and unloading areas,
and the movement of people, goods and vehicles from access roads,
and within the site and adjacent to it. The Planning/Zoning Board
shall ensure that all parking spaces are usable and are safely and
conveniently arranged. Access to the site from adjacent roads shall
be designed so as to interfere as little as possible with traffic
flow on these roads and to permit vehicles a rapid and safe entrance
and exit to and from the site.
B.
Site design. The design and layout of buildings and
parking areas shall be reviewed so as to provide an aesthetically
pleasing design and efficient arrangement. In the orientation and
siting of buildings, the unique characteristics of the site shall
be taken into account with consideration given to relating buildings
to the natural terrain; creating desirable focal points; preserving
natural views; and respecting the established character of the neighborhood.
The site plan shall provide for a unified design with features that
tie principal, and accessory structures together and relate site features
successfully and harmoniously to similar elements in surrounding buildings.
C.
Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided to ensure
safe movement of persons and vehicles and for security purposes. Lighting
standards shall be a type approved by the Planning/Zoning Board. Directional
lights shall be arranged so as to minimize glare and reflection on
adjacent properties.
D.
Buffering. Buffering shall be located around the perimeter
of the site to minimize headlights of vehicles, noise, light from
structures, the movement of people and vehicles, and to shield activities
from adjacent properties when necessary. Buffering may consist of
fencing, evergreens, shrubs, bushes, deciduous trees or combinations
thereof to achieve the design objectives.
E.
Landscaping. Every effort shall be made to preserve
the landscape in its natural state or to improve existing site conditions
in keeping with adjacent areas. Landscaping shall be provided as part
of the overall site plan design and integrated into building arrangements,
topography, parking and buffering requirements. Landscaping shall
include trees, bushes, shrubs, ground cover, perennials, annuals,
and plants.
F.
Signs. Signs shall be designed so as to be aesthetically
pleasing, harmonious with other signs on the site, and located so
as to achieve their purpose without constituting hazards to vehicles
and pedestrians.
G.
Utilities. Storm drainage, sanitary waste disposal,
water supply and solid waste disposal shall be reviewed and considered.
Particular emphasis shall be given to the adequacy of existing systems,
and the need for improvements both on-site and off-site. Adequate
fire protection shall be ensured in the review of all major developments.
Solid waste disposal shall be adequate to ensure freedom from vermin
and rodent infestation.
H.
Environmental considerations. Environmental elements relating to soil erosion, preservation of trees, protection of watercourses, topography, soil, and wildlife shall be reviewed and the design of the plan shall minimize any adverse impact on these elements. Whenever possible, the natural features of a site are to be preserved, floodplains respected, and excessive cut or fill avoided. In reviewing a site plan, the reviewing authority shall take into consideration the effect of the development upon all aspects of the environment as outlined in the environmental impact statement requirements, as well as the sufficiency of applicant's proposal in his/her environmental impact statement dealing with any immediate or projected adverse environmental effects. The reviewing authority may require, as a condition of approval of the application, that steps be taken to minimize the adverse environmental impact during and after construction, and no final approval shall be issued until all such requirements shall have been complied with or compliance is guaranteed by a performance guaranty meeting the standards, requirements and procedures set forth in § 70-101 of this chapter.
[Amended 4-6-1989 by Ord. No. 89-2]
I.
Energy conservation. Streets and buildings shall be
oriented as to permit, within the limit of practicability and feasibility,
the buildings to maximize solar gain.
[Added 6-7-1984 by Ord. No. 84-3]
