Traffic shall be maintained in a safe fashion by the applicant adjacent to projects approved under this Ordinance as directed by the Public Works Director and the Chief of Police. Pedestrian access between public and private facilities shall be protected and provided in a safe fashion.
A. 
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Required. A soil erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted as part of an application for Development Plan Review when any activity has a disturbed area proposed of more than one-half acre. Such plan shall contain proper provisions to prevent accelerated erosion and sedimentation and eliminate any increased stormwater runoff created on the proposed site. Plans for soil erosion and sediment control and stormwater management shall be developed according to this Section using the principles as outlined in the 1989 Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, and the 1993 State of Rhode Island Stormwater Manual, as such may be amended from time to time. A soil erosion plan will be required for a single family residence when slopes exceed 15%. This soil erosion plan will be approved by the Building Official only prior to the issuance of a building permit.
B. 
Site Design Requirements. Site design requirements shall be as follows:
(1) 
All development proposals shall strive for maximum retention of the natural physical features of the site. Any outstanding physical features such as, but not limited to, the highest crest of a hill, natural low areas collecting stormwater, significant bedrock outcrops and significant glacial deposits shall be preserved.
(2) 
The proposed activity shall be oriented to the site so that grading and other site preparation are kept an absolute minimum. Development shall follow natural topography wherever feasible to minimize cutting, filling, and grading.
(3) 
Tracts shall be developed in workable phases on which all grading and stabilization can be completed within one construction season so that large areas are not left exposed during heavy rainfall duration.
C. 
Submission Requirements. A site development plan and a narrative description of the development shall be submitted with the application for Development Plan Review. Included in such application shall be all the requirements of ARTICLE XII, Development Plan Review and Land Development Review, and the following:
(1) 
Start and completion dates
(2) 
Sequence of grading and construction activities
(3) 
Sequence for installation of and/or application of soil erosion and Sediment control measures.
(4) 
Sequence for final stabilization of the site
(5) 
The design criterion for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management devices.
(6) 
The construction details for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management devices.
(7) 
The installation and/or application procedures for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater control devices.
(8) 
The operations and maintenance program for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and the stormwater control devices.
(9) 
Any other information requested by the Planning Commission, the Town Planner or Building Inspector deemed necessary to complete review of the application.
(10) 
The estimated cost of all measures to be installed.
D. 
Completion Bonds Required. The estimated costs of all measures of an approved plan, shall be required to be covered by a cash completion bond to ensure the completion or restoration of any disturbed property. Said cash shall be released on the finding by and at the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the entire approved plan of the application has been entirely completed.
E. 
Placement and Maintenance of Control Measures. Site alterations shall not begin unless a development review plan has been approved by the Planning Commission or Town Planner for soil erosion and sediment control and storm water runoff. Site development shall not begin unless the soil erosion and sediment control measures and storm water control devices outlined in an approved plan are installed and are functional. All control measures and devices shall be maintained in effective condition to ensure the compliance of the approved plan.
F. 
Inspections. Inspections shall be made by the Building Inspector or his designee to ensure compliance with the approved plan. The permittee shall verify through progress reports that soil erosion and sediment control measures and devices have been installed according to the approved plan and are being operated and maintained. Additional measures may be required if proposed measures fail to control erosion and sedimentation and stormwater. The applicant shall be billed for the cost of all review and inspection fees, necessary administrative work and legal fees related to enforcing compliance with this Section. The Town Solicitor shall take such actions necessary to enforce compliance with this Section.
[Amended 12-9-2013 by Ord. No. 359]
A. 
General Landscaping Standards
(1) 
In residential developments, applicants shall provide plantings or landscaping elements throughout the development to promote the purposes of this ordinance in addition to the screening and street trees required.
(2) 
In non-residential developments, all areas of the site not occupied by buildings and required improvements shall have been retained in their natural state as part of the site design process to the extent practicable. If the property was cleared in the past and the current state of the property does not serve as an adequate buffer or natural area, a planting plan shall be submitted for this area of the site.
(3) 
Where sites are disturbed as part of construction, but improvements such as paved areas, buildings, above-ground utilities, or other built features are not installed, these areas shall be landscaped in accordance with the standards provided in this section of the Zoning Ordinance.
B. 
Plant Selection
(1) 
Plant varieties shall be selected for long term resistance to drought, moisture, salt, urban conditions, or insects and other pests depending on the location of landscaping and the specific stressors anticipated for different areas of the site. Plants should be selected so that landscaping can be maintained with minimal care and the need for watering, pesticides, or fertilizers is minimized or eliminated.
(2) 
Landscape professionals are encouraged to reference Sustainable Trees and Shrubs, 3rd ed., 1999, URI Cooperative Extension- Landscape Horticulture as well as other current standards for nursery stock/species.
(3) 
Under no circumstances shall any plant be selected that appears on the most recent listing of invasive species as published by the Rhode Island Invasive Species Council.
(4) 
Caliper measurements and root ball specifications for all trees and shrubs shall conform to the American Standard for Nursery Stock ANSI Z60.1-2004 as may be amended.
(5) 
Shade or canopy trees shall not be less than twelve (12) feet in planted height above grade.
(6) 
Ornamental or flowering fruit trees shall not be less than ten (10) feet in planted height above grade.
(7) 
Evergreen trees used for screening shall not be less than six (6) feet in planted height above grade.
(8) 
Lawn seed mixes shall be drought resistant. To achieve a high level of drought tolerance, lawn mixes may include, but shall not be limited to, a predominance of fine fescues.
C. 
Planting and Cultivation
(1) 
Soil
(a) 
In all areas where landscaping is to be provided and topsoil is to be removed for the purposes of site development and/or grading, topsoil shall be restored to a minimum depth of six (6) inches.
(b) 
Where pre-existing topsoil will be used for landscaping, such soil shall be cultivated to a depth of six (6) inches.
(c) 
Cultivated areas shall be covered with not less than a two (2) inch deep layer of mulch after planting where weed control is required. Mulch made of natural unstained material is preferred; any mulch made of recycled material or that is stained must be certified non-toxic.
(2) 
Lawns
(a) 
Lawn area for ornamental purposes in commercial or industrial development shall be limited to yards with frontage and ornamental turf shall be limited to areas within the front yard setback. The use of turf in yards without frontage shall be limited to areas reserved for utilities, grass swales, or alternative parking surfaces.
(b) 
Lawn or turf areas shall not be less than six (6) feet in width.
(3) 
Trees and Plantings
(a) 
Where there is no existing forested area, trees along streets are required as part of all development activity in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.
(b) 
Trees shall be spaced approximately 30 to 40 feet on center along streets, but shall not be located within 30 feet of intersecting right of way lines.
(c) 
Pit cultivation for all trees shall be 2.5 times the diameter of the root ball and a depth equal to the same. Holes for trees shall be prepared in a manner that facilitates grow-in of new trees through the use of best practices.
(d) 
All trees and plant materials shall be disease and pest free at the time of planting.
(e) 
Trees and other landscaping shall be staked as necessary and provisions shall be made by the developer for adequate watering and maintenance until the plantings are established.
(f) 
No street trees shall be located in a manner that interferes with overhead or underground utility lines.
(g) 
When planted closer than seven (7) feet from the edge of any pavement, vertical barriers shall be installed to discourage the growth of tree roots into and immediately under the pavement area. Alternative tree planting methods such as the use of "CU-structural soilTM" to prevent damage to pavements and enhance tree growth are encouraged.
D. 
Site Protection. Protection of the site shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) 
Topsoil suitable for landscaping shall be retained on site in an amount as determined as part of the required landscape plan. To the maximum extent practicable, the developer shall minimize the areas of the site to be regraded or disturbed. Topsoil exposed during construction shall be protected through stabilization measures consistent with the Rhode Island Sediment Control Handbook;
(2) 
All organic material, rubbish, potentially harmful materials or debris shall be removed from the site in a timely fashion. Disposal of cleared, grubbed and stripped materials shall be the responsibility of the developer. All roots, stumps, brush, foliage and other vegetation that have been cleared or excavated shall be removed and disposed of by the developer off the project site;
(3) 
No filling, excavation, or material storage shall occur within four (4) feet of any shrub or the dripline of any tree that will be retained. Protective barriers shall be installed to protect this area surrounding retained vegetation and shall be a minimum of three (3) feet high and constructed of durable material. Snow fences and silt fences are examples of acceptable barriers;
(4) 
Parking of construction vehicles, offices/trailers, stockpiling of equipment/materials, etc. shall take place in areas designated for permanent structures or other impervious surfaces;
(5) 
Existing stone walls shall be retained and incorporated into the site design to the maximum extent practicable. Where possible, they shall be used as property lines for proposed new interior lots, perimeter property lines or to delineate open space areas from development areas; and
(6) 
Disturbed areas intended for natural re-growth should be, at a minimum, graded, loamed, and seeded with wildflowers, perennial rye grass, a meadow or "conservation" native grass mix or similar non-invasive groundcovers.
E. 
Buffer Areas.
(1) 
Purpose. This Section requires buffers between certain land uses. The buffers are designed to ameliorate nuisances between adjacent land uses or between a land use and a public road. Such nuisances may include, but are not limited to, dirt, litter, noise, lights, signs, unsightly buildings, or parking areas. Buffers provide spacing to reduce potentially adverse impacts of noise, odor, or danger from fires or explosions.
(2) 
Location and design. Where required, buffers shall be located on the outer perimeter of the lot and extend to the lot boundary line. Buffers shall not be located on any portion of an existing, dedicated, or reserved public or private street or right-of-way. The offset distance of a buffer shall be calculated as parallel to the property line. Where a necessary drainage, utility, or other easement is partially or wholly within a required buffer, such item shall not count as buffer area unless specifically allowed elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance.
(3) 
Use. A buffer may be used for passive recreation. In no event, however, shall play fields, stables, swimming pools, tennis courts or similar active recreation uses be allowed in buffers. A buffer may contain pedestrian, bike, or equestrian trails, provided that:
(a) 
The establishment of a trail does not require the removal of any living trees and no re-grading is required as part of the trail development;
(b) 
The total width of the buffer is maintained; and
(c) 
All other zoning requirements are met.
(4) 
Required buffers. Unless otherwise specified in another section of the Zoning Ordinance, the following buffers shall be provided.
(a) 
Public/Institutional uses. Where a public or institutional use abuts an exclusively residential use or district, a twenty (20) foot landscaped perimeter buffer area shall be established on the site and maintained between the site and the abutting residential use or district.
(b) 
Public Utility/Service uses. Where a public utility or service use abuts an exclusively residential use or district, a twenty (20) foot landscaped perimeter buffer area shall be established on the site and maintained between the site and the abutting residential use or district.
(c) 
Industrial uses. Where an industrial use abuts an exclusively residential use or district, a fifty (50) foot landscaped perimeter buffer area shall be established on the site and an opaque screen and/or fence consisting of an evergreen hedge not less than six (6) feet in height shall be planted and maintained between the site and the abutting residential use or district. Existing vegetation, if non-invasive, may be used as part of the screening for this requirement and supplemented in a manner that achieves the same opaque effect.
(d) 
Commercial/Business uses. Where a business use abuts an exclusively residential use or district, a twenty (20) foot buffer for C-1 and the TVD district, a twenty-five (25) foot buffer for districts C-2 & C-3, landscaped perimeter buffer area shall be established on the commercial site and an opaque screen consisting of an evergreen hedge or a fence not less than six (6) feet in height with evergreen plantings on the residential side shall be erected and maintained between the site and the abutting residential use or district.
F. 
Maintenance.
(1) 
Responsibility. The responsibility for maintenance of a required buffer shall remain with the owner of the property. Maintenance is required to ensure the proper functioning of a buffer.
(2) 
Maintenance. Maintenance shall consist of, but is not limited to, mowing, removal of litter and dead plant materials, and necessary pruning. Where necessary, watering shall be supplied in accordance with the needs of individual plant species. Failure to maintain any required landscaped area shall constitute a zoning violation.
G. 
Plan Required. A separate landscape plan shall be submitted when required as part of the development plan review or subdivision process.
H. 
Installation Required. All required landscaping shall be required to be planted and complete before the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official.
These regulations pertain to new development under this Ordinance only insofar as such development is permitted under the provisions of this ordinance.
A. 
Electromagnetic Interference. In all zoning districts, no use, activity, or process shall be conducted which causes electromagnetic interference off the premises where the activity is conducted.
B. 
Humidity and Heat. In all zoning districts, no use, activity, or process producing humidity in the form of steam or moist air, or producing heat, shall be carried on in such a manner that the steam, humidity or heat is perceptible to normal senses at any lot line.
C. 
Vibration. In all zoning districts, no use, activity, or process shall be so operated that the ground vibration generated is perceptible without instruments, past any boundary line of the lot on which the use or activity is located.
D. 
Lighting. In addition to these regulations, exterior lighting shall also be regulated by the provisions of § 155-15 et seq. Exterior lighting shall be installed in such a manner that the light source will be sufficiently obscured to prevent glare on public streets or into any residential areas. Outside lights must be made up of a light source and reflector so that, acting together, the light beam is controlled, and directed downward, not aimed upward or across a property line and is compatible with lighting in the neighborhood. No sodium vapor lighting shall be used.
[Amended 6-11-2012 by Ord. No. 347]
E. 
Combustible/Explosive Materials. In all zoning districts, all uses involving explosive and/or combustible material shall comply with the rules and regulations of the State Fire Marshall. Such uses, if permitted, shall not be located within one thousand feet of a residential district or use.
F. 
Gas. In all zoning districts, no use, activity, or process shall emit noxious, toxic, or corrosive fumes or gases in concentrations or amounts causing discomfort or injury to humans, domestic/farm animals or harmful to vegetation.
G. 
Hazardous Materials. In all zoning districts, if any permitted use requires the use, storage, or disposal of hazardous materials on-site, the use shall comply with all local, state and federal laws for hazardous materials use. Adequate precautions shall be planned to be taken against negative off-site impacts of a hazardous material release, using the best available state and federally approved technology.
H. 
Radiation. In all zoning districts, the airborne emission of radioactive materials shall comply with the The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the State of Rhode Island Rules and Regulations pertaining to radiation control.
I. 
Smoke/Particulate Matter. In all zoning districts, no use, activity, or process shall cause any emission of smoke or particulate matter that can cause any damage to human health, domestic/farm animals, vegetation, or other forms of property, or which can cause excessive soiling. No emission at any point from any chimney or otherwise visible gray smoke of a shade darker than No. One of the Ringelman Smoke Chart as published by the United States Bureau of Mines is permitted. Dust and other types of air pollution, borne by the wind from such sources such as storage areas, yards, roads, and driveways within lot boundaries, shall be kept to a minimum.
J. 
Toxic/Odiferous Matter. In all zoning districts, no use, activity, or process shall discharge across the boundaries of the lot toxic or odoriferous matter that causes an obnoxious odor in concentrations as to be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, or welfare, or cause injury or damage to property.
Liquid waste in all zoning districts, shall comply with the following standards.
A. 
Standards. Liquid effluent from any treatment process that is discharged into the ground shall always comply with the State of Rhode Island Rules and Regulations relating to such.
B. 
Toxic Substances. No effluent shall contain any other acids, oils, dust, toxic metals, corrosive or other toxic substance in solution or suspension that would create odors, discolor, poison or otherwise pollute any river, pond, stream, wetland or any drinking water supply.
C. 
Temperature. No discharge shall raise the temperature of any water body above the temperatures that are normal for such bodies and can support aquatic life in such water body.
D. 
Process/Cooling Waters. Process or cooling waters shall be recirculated and reused except as otherwise permitted by state or federal law or otherwise by special use permit.
Storage of solid waste shall be in a bulk waste container for all uses other than single family residential uses. Such bulk waste container shall be situated within a permanently screened and landscaped enclosure. Such waste storage shall be located so as to be screened from view outside the property and to be accessible to pick-up. These containers shall be maintained in a sanitary and healthful manner.
A. 
Generally. No facility designed to leach liquid wastes into the soil shall be located in areas outlined below, except by the granting of a special use permit. Exception: The repair or alteration of an existing waste disposal system.
(1) 
Within one hundred feet of a boundary of a fresh water or coastal wetland as defined by Rhode Island General Laws §§ 2-1-14 and 2-1-20.
(2) 
That area of land within two hundred feet of the edge of any flowing body of water having a width of ten feet or more and that area of land within one hundred feet of the edge of any flowing body of water having a width of ten feet or less; and
(3) 
That area of land within one hundred feet of the edge of any intermittent stream; and
(4) 
The area of land defined as a one hundred year flood hazard boundary indicated by Zone A or Zone V on the official Flood Insurance Rate Maps of the Town of Charlestown prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and dated September 30, 1995 and any and all revisions thereto.
B. 
Wetlands. No wetland, as defined by state law, and in any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, shall be excavated, drained or filled nor any other alteration be made to the natural conditions of any wetlands without the prior approval of the R1 DEM, the Charlestown Town Council and/or the RI CRMC.
C. 
Submittal Requirements. The following information shall be submitted by the applicant as part of the special use permit application relating to water bodies:
(1) 
Proximity to the one hundred year flood hazard boundary;
(2) 
Location of coastal features and relationship to jurisdiction of the RI CRMC and special area management plans that may be in effect;
(3) 
The location and delineation of, and distance from the nearest groundwater aquifer and all wells used for drinking water supply within four hundred feet;
(4) 
Proximity to Class SA and/or Class A water body or areas where the water quality is suitable for harvesting shellfish for direct consumption, where applicable;
(5) 
Soil types present on the site as defined in the Soil Survey of R.I. of the United States Department of Agriculture.
(6) 
Depth of soil to water table.
(7) 
Perk rates of all soils on the site between the site and any water body.
(8) 
The presence or absence of fragipan between the soil surface and groundwater.
(9) 
Detailed soil morphological characteristics to a minimum depth of four feet as analyzed by a professional soil scientist, to determine seasonal high-water table.
(10) 
Direction of groundwater flow.
(11) 
The dimensions of the proposed structure, and the square footage apportioned to living space.
(12) 
Precise reference points to locate the property and the proposed ISDS site.
(13) 
The surveyed edge of all coastal and/or freshwater wetlands within one hundred feet of the leach field as verified by the RI DEM or RI CRMC.
A. 
Findings of Fact. Coastal barrier beaches serve as a buffer zones for the salt ponds and the mainland located behind the ponds. The coastal barriers are low in profile and highly vulnerable to wind and wave erosion particularly during hurricanes. Hurricanes cause severe storm-surge flooding, and beach erosion. Debris from buildings on the barriers contributes to further damage to structures on the barriers, and can cause damage to properties on the mainland. All beaches within Charlestown have been classified by the RI CRMC. Portions of some beaches have been designated as undeveloped barrier beaches. The intent of this Section is to regulate development in these areas as they are subject to periodic flooding which can be damaging to abutting property owners and a danger to the health, safety and general welfare of the Town.
B. 
Policies. The Town of Charlestown supports the RI CRMC policies and programs to protect coastal barriers for benefits to the public's health, safety and welfare. This Section shall not be construed as an intent on the part of the Town to foster development on coastal barriers, but rather to allow the CRMC to promote its policies under its statutory authorization from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
C. 
Site Development Criteria. Except where prohibited in § 218-36, Land Use Table, all structures shall be permitted only by a special use permit obtained from the Zoning Board of Review provided all driveways and parking areas are landward of the building and do not cut into the dune feature and any construction activity that disrupts the dune feature restores the dune and revegetates it. The following uses shall not require a special use permit from the Board provided they meet all other local, state and federal requirements:
(1) 
Boardwalks and steps by roll-out walkways to permit access across the dunes or berms to the ocean beach without damage to the dunes themselves.
(2) 
Sand fences for the purpose of encouraging the accumulation of sand only.
(3) 
Individual life guard stations.
No building permit shall be issued by the Building Inspector for construction requiring an accessway into a town highway until the Building Inspector receives the approval, in writing from the Director of Public Works.
A. 
Drainage of Surface Water. Wherever any culvert, drain, or water course have been placed or maintained or have existed under, adjacent to, or within a Town Highway for surface water drainage, no person shall in any way alter such without first obtaining the written approval of the Director of Public Works.
B. 
Connection into Town Drainage System. No person shall make any connection into a Town road drainage system, or to drain or dump water onto a Town right-of-way without first obtaining the written approval of the Director of Public Works.