A.Â
The purpose of this district shall be to provide for
and encourage a variety of retail businesses, business and professional
offices, service businesses, entertainment and cultural establishments
and limited light industry and related activities, such as parking
and pedestrian spaces, all designed to serve the City and the region
and to encourage the concentration of retail and service uses to achieve
continuity of frontage devoted to such purposes which will strengthen
and complement one another; further, it is a purpose of this district
to protect the major public investment made and to be made toward
revitalization of the central business area, a vital part of the City's
tax base, by conserving the value of land and buildings.
B.Â
Permitted uses. No building or premises may be used,
in whole or in part, for any use other than those listed below.
(1)Â
Permitted uses by right:
(a)Â
Retail stores.
(b)Â
Banks, including drive-in windows.
(c)Â
Service businesses, such as barbershops, beauty
parlors, furniture repair, tailors and dry-cleaning stores, launderette,
custom dressmaker, jewelry repair, shoe repair, travel agent, appliance
repair, photographer and duplicating business.
(d)Â
Business, professional, service or governmental
offices.
(e)Â
Newspaper printing and job printing.
(f)Â
Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering,
finishing, cleaning or any other processing of products where goods
so produced or processed are to be sold at retail, exclusively on
the premises, provided that only an area fully concealed from any
street and equal to not more than 20% of the area devoted to retail
sales may be used for this purpose.
(g)Â
Brewpub, brewpub-restaurant, restaurant and/or
catering establishments.
[Amended 11-26-2019]
(h)Â
Libraries, art galleries and museums.
(i)Â
Art and craft studios and studios for teaching
performing arts.
(j)Â
Private transportation and auto rental services.
(k)Â
Multiple-family dwellings.
(l)Â
Hotels, motels and conference facilities.
(m)Â
Theaters.
(n)Â
Public and private utility substations.
(o)Â
Living quarters in commercial buildings, provided
that there are separate entrances for the residential part of the
building.
(p)Â
Mortuaries.
(q)Â
Public parking lots.
[Amended 3-5-1990]
(r)Â
Hospitals.
(s)Â
Bus and taxi stands.
(t)Â
Veterinarians.
(u)Â
News and magazine stands.
(v)Â
Transportation terminals.
(w)Â
Automotive sales and service.
(x)Â
Bowling alleys.
(y)Â
Real estate office.
[Added 3-3-1986]
(z)Â
Child-care provider — Class I.
[Added 7-5-1988; amended 2-3-1992]
(aa)Â
Child-care provider — Class II, subject to the requirements of § 213-16B(1)(d).
[Added 2-3-1992]
(bb)Â
Notwithstanding the general restriction on temporary sales as stated in § 213-15 of this chapter, temporary sales are permitted by nonprofit clubs, nonprofit organizations, as defined and licensed by the State of Connecticut, and which were not created for the purpose of selling goods, property or wares. No such temporary sales shall be carried on for longer than a thirty-day period in any given six months. All such temporary sales must be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer as to safety issues and compliance with this chapter.
[Amended 4-7-2008]
(cc)Â
Religious assemblies and institutions, including places of worship,
parochial schools, meeting rooms, and recreation facilities customarily
accessory to such uses.
[Added 4-5-2021]
(2)Â
Uses permitted subject to issuance of a special exception permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the requirements of § 213-73:
(a)Â
Automotive service stations, convenience stores/gas
facilities and specialized automobile service centers subject to the
following requirements.
(b)Â
Drive-through facility in accordance with supplementary regulations in § 213-59.
[Amended 6-2-2008]
(c)Â
Clinics.
(d)Â
Cocktail lounges, nightclubs and package stores.
(e)Â
Schools, playgrounds and public buildings.
[Amended 4-5-2021]
(f)Â
Public and private academic and trade schools,
subject to the following requirements:
(g)Â
Dance halls, billiard parlors, skating rinks
and recreation centers.
(h)Â
Fast-food restaurants, provided that eating
on the premises shall be permitted only inside the structure or in
areas specifically designated and properly maintained outside of the
structures.
(i)Â
Conversion of a portion of an existing building
which is used for commercial or service purposes into light manufacturing
(light assembly and/or research and development activity) space, provided
that:
[1]Â
The building exists prior to the adoption of
this chapter.
[2]Â
The portion of the building to be utilized for
light manufacturing is limited to 45% of ground-floor (square feet)
space. Said use is not limited to a ground-floor location.
[3]Â
The Commission is assured by the City Engineer,
Health Department, Building Official and Fire Marshal that said use
could be accommodated in a manner consistent with building and fire
codes.
[4]Â
The facade of said building shall not be altered
to detract from the commercial/service appearance.
[5]Â
All other requirements of this chapter are satisfied.
(j)Â
Commercial amusement arcade, subject to the
following conditions:
[1]Â
It shall be located at least 1,500 feet from
any other commercial amusement arcade, school buildings, school playgrounds
and church buildings and at least 500 feet from a residence.
[2]Â
An applicant must provide assurance that there
will be proper supervision and maintenance both inside and outside
of the arcade (as defined herein) at all times when the use is open.
[3]Â
The hours of operation shall be stated in the
application and approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Said hours
of operation must give consideration to discouraging use of the arcade
by schoolchildren during school hours.
[4]Â
Fire Underwriters' Code requirements shall also
be complied with.
[5]Â
Sanitary facilities consistent with applicable
codes of the City of Meriden shall be located on the premises and
accessible to users of the amusement arcade.
[6]Â
Adequate off-street parking in addition to that
otherwise required for the uses on the premises shall be provided,
and bicycle racks shall be provided where appropriate.
[7]Â
The Zoning Board of Appeals may set any restrictions
it deems necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the
general public, including screening, security, personnel and hours
of operation. Said special exception may be revoked by the Zoning
Board of Appeals, after a public hearing on the matter, if it is found
that the permitted use is generating excessive noise, loitering, littering,
traffic hazards or public nuisance.
(l)Â
Mobile homes and mobile home parks, subject to the provisions of § 213-19B(2)(c).
(m)Â
Heliports, subject to the following conditions
as well as any other determined to be appropriate by the Zoning Board
of Appeals as being necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter:
[1]Â
In any residential zone, the hours of operation
shall be limited to prevent disturbance to nearby residences.
[2]Â
No area shall be used as a heliport unless it
is a minimum of 200 feet from any residential lot line.
[3]Â
Access to areas used as heliports shall be securely
fenced as required by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(n)Â
Membership and commercial clubs.
(o)Â
High-rise multiple-family dwellings over 12
stories, subject to the following conditions:
[1]Â
The City Engineer and Fire Marshal shall be
satisfied that adequate fire protection and water pressure can be
provided to serve the building.
[2]Â
The area regulations for multiple-family dwellings
in the zone shall apply, except that an additional setback of one
foot for each five additional feet of building height shall be required.
[3]Â
There shall be provided, on the site, 200 square
feet of developed recreation space for each dwelling unit in the building.
(p)Â
Homes for sheltered care, subject to the following
requirements:
[Added 7-7-1986]
(q)Â
Child-care provider — Class III, subject to the requirements of § 213-19B(2)(j).
[Added 7-5-1988; amended 2-3-1992]
(r)Â
Hospitals, rest homes, clinics, convalescent
homes, or homes for the aged.
[Added 1-6-1997]
(s)Â
Secondary building, subject to the following
conditions:
[Added 6-7-1999]
[1]Â
The building must be located a minimum of 25
feet from any property line.
[2]Â
A maximum of one secondary building is allowed
per site.
[3]Â
Parking requirements shall be a minimum of three
parking spaces for the secondary building. Said parking spaces shall
be immediately adjacent to the secondary building, distinguished from
the overall parking lot by curbing and landscaping.
[4]Â
No separate freestanding sign is allowed for
the secondary building.
[5]Â
Certificate of approval from the Planning Commission
is required. The building shall be compatible to the architectural
and landscaping design of the site, primary building, and the overall
character of the area.
[6]Â
No secondary building shall remain vacant for
more than six consecutive months. Secondary buildings must be occupied
for a minimum of three months during any six-month period. The owner
of the shopping center is responsible for removing the building and
restoration of the area in a manner approved and bonded for by the
Planning Commission during the certificate of approval process.
(t)Â
Health care services.
[Amended 4-21-2008]
C.Â
Accessory uses.
(1)Â
Uses customarily accessory to permitted uses if constructed
concurrently with or subsequent to the main building.
(4)Â
An outdoor dining area is allowed for restaurants
and other food service establishments with the permission of the property
owner. The area shall conform to the following:
[Added 6-7-2004; amended 6-1-2020]
(a)Â
The outdoor dining area must be adjacent to the indoor dining
area.
(b)Â
The outdoor dining area shall be physically separated from the
surrounding outdoor area. Such separators must be approved by the
Planning Department and can be a fence, elevated deck, planters, movable
gating or theater-type posts with ropes, etc.
(c)Â
When adjacent to a residential zoning district the outdoor dining
area shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from the property line
for visual and noise attenuation. This distance may be reduced upon
provision of additional buffering elements, such as a fence and trees,
to provide visual and noise attenuation.
(d)Â
It shall not exceed the square footage of the restaurant/food
service establishment.
(e)Â
If more than 20 seats are added for outdoor dining, a certificate
of approval (site plan) is required. Otherwise, prior to establishing
the accessory use, an adequate plot plan needs to be provided to the
Planning Department that indicates dimensional information for the
outdoor service area. The location and volume of seating, as well
as the location and dimensions of the restaurant/food service building,
property boundaries, existing and proposed surfaced areas, and access
and separation shall be indicated.
(f)Â
Additional parking is not required for the outdoor dining area.
(g)Â
Depictions of nonpermanently sited tables, chairs, umbrellas,
awnings, trash receptacle(s) and the physical separator(s) should
be provided as well as corresponding information regarding materials,
flooring, and the proposed schedule of operation and maintenance of
the area. Indicate if outdoor consumption of alcohol will be involved.
(h)Â
Any live or recorded music shall require a special exception.
D.Â
Lot and bulk requirements. Lot and bulk requirements
are found in § 213-12B.
[Adopted 3-5-2001]
A.Â
Purpose. The purpose of this district shall be to
provide for and encourage a variety of retail businesses, business
and professional offices, service businesses, entertainment and cultural
establishments and limited light industry and related activities,
such as parking and pedestrian spaces, all designed to serve the City
and the region. It is a purpose of this district to protect the major
pubic investment made and to be made toward revitalization of the
area, a vital part of the City's tax base, by restoring and conserving
the value of land and buildings. Further, this district is to be recognized
as the transition zone between all zones and the Central Commercial
District.
B.Â
Permitted uses. No building or premises may be used,
in whole or in part, for any use other than those listed below.
(1)Â
Permitted uses by right:
(a)Â
Retail stores.
(b)Â
Banks, including drive-in windows.
(c)Â
Service businesses, such as barbershops, beauty
parlors, furniture repair, tailors and dry-cleaning stores, launderette,
custom dressmaker, jewelry repair, shoe repair, travel agent, appliance
repair, photographer and duplicating business.
(d)Â
Business, professional, service or governmental
offices.
(e)Â
Job printing.
(f)Â
Brewpub, brewpub-restaurant, restaurant and/or
catering establishments.
[Amended 11-26-2019]
(g)Â
Libraries, art galleries and museums.
(h)Â
Art and craft studios and studios for teaching
performing arts.
(i)Â
Private transportation and auto rental services.
(j)Â
Hotels, motels and conference facilities.
(k)Â
Theaters.
(l)Â
Public and private utility substations.
(m)Â
Living quarters in commercial buildings for
the exclusive housing of the merchant and family, provided that there
are separate entrances for the residential part of the building.
(n)Â
Mortuaries.
(o)Â
Public parking lots.
(p)Â
Bus and taxi stands.
(q)Â
Veterinarians.
(r)Â
Hospitals.
(s)Â
News and magazine stands.
(t)Â
Transportation terminals.
(u)Â
Automotive sales and service.
(v)Â
Bowling alleys.
(w)Â
Real estate office.
(x)Â
Child-care provider — Class I.
(y)Â
Child-care provider — Class II.
(z)Â
Religious assemblies and institutions, including places of worship,
parochial schools, meeting rooms, and recreation facilities customarily
accessory to such uses.
[Added 4-5-2021]
(2)Â
Uses permitted subject to issuance of a special exception permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the requirements of § 213-73:
(a)Â
Automotive service stations, convenience stores/gas
facilities and specialized automobile service centers.
(b)Â
Drive-through facility in accordance with supplementary regulations in § 213-59.
[Amended 6-2-2008]
(c)Â
Clinics.
(d)Â
Cocktail lounges, nightclubs and package stores.
(e)Â
Schools, playgrounds and public buildings.
[Amended 4-5-2021]
(f)Â
Public and private academic and trade schools, subject to the requirements of § 213-23B(2)(f).[1]
(g)Â
Dance halls, billiard parlors, skating rinks
and recreation centers.
(h)Â
Fast-food restaurants, provided that eating
on the premises shall be permitted only inside the structure or in
areas specifically designated and properly maintained outside of the
structures.
(i)Â
Light manufacturing (light assembly and/or research
and development activity).
(j)Â
Commercial amusement arcades, subject to the requirements of § 213-23B(2)(j).[2]
(l)Â
Heliports, subject to the following conditions
as well as any others determined to be appropriate by the Zoning Board
of Appeals as being necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
[1]Â
In any residential zone, the hours of operation
shall be limited to prevent disturbance to nearby residences.
[2]Â
No area shall be used as a heliport unless it
is a minimum of 200 feet from any residential lot line.
[3]Â
Access to areas used as heliports shall be securely
fenced as required by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(m)Â
Membership and commercial clubs.
(n)Â
Child-care provider — Class III, subject to the requirements of § 213-19B(2)(j).
(o)Â
Elderly living and/or care units.
[Adopted 10-1-2001]
[1]Â
These uses are restricted to the elderly and
can be one or a combination of independent housing units, assisted
housing units, intermediate care, convalescent or nursing units. Also
allowed are day-care centers for the elderly. "Elderly" is defined
as any person 62 years of age or over or a person who has been certified
by the Social Security Board as being totally disabled under the Federal
Social Security Act. At the time of admission to an elderly independent
or assisted housing unit, at least one person per unit must meet the
foregoing definition.
[2]Â
The minimum lot and bulk design criteria for
elderly living units or elderly care units or elderly day-care units
include:
[a]Â
Minimum lot area: 25,000 square
feet.
[b]Â
Minimum lot width: 80 feet.
[c]Â
Setbacks, front and rear yard:
25 feet.
[d]Â
Side yards: 15 feet.
[e]Â
Lot coverage: 75% for principal
buildings, accessory buildings and paved areas.
[f]Â
Pedestrian walks: A pedestrian
circulation system shall be so designed as to provide wherever possible
for separation between pedestrian and vehicular traffic. All such
walks shall be designed and built to provide for wheelchair access.
All existing walks shall be upgraded to accommodate wheelchairs.
[g]Â
All buildings on an individual
lot shall be interpreted in terms of architecture, color, texture
and scale.
C.Â
Accessory uses.
D.Â
Lot and bulk requirements. Lot and bulk requirements
are found in § 213-12B for C-1 Zone.
A.Â
The purpose of these districts shall be to provide
for a wide range of commercial uses in areas with good access, particularly
along major arterials, and to accommodate uses that benefit from large
numbers of motorists, that need larger parcels of land developed less
intensively than would be appropriate in central or neighborhood businesses,
and that may involve characteristics, such as trucking and noise,
that are objectionable to residential areas and certain nonresidential
areas. New residential development is excluded from these districts
except by special exception. The C-3 District is intended to accommodate
these same activities at a lower intensity in a more open environment.
B.Â
Permitted uses. No building or premises may be used,
in whole or in part, for any use other than those listed below.
(1)Â
Permitted uses by right:
(a)Â
Retail stores.
(b)Â
Banks, including drive-in windows.
(c)Â
Service businesses, such as barbershops, beauty
parlors, furniture repair, tailors and dry-cleaning stores, launderette,
custom dressmaker, jewelry repair, shoe repair, travel agent, appliance
repair, photographer and duplicating business.
(d)Â
Business, professional or governmental offices.
(e)Â
Newspaper printing and job printing.
(f)Â
Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering,
finishing, cleaning or any other processing of products where goods
so produced or processed are to be sold at retail on the premises.
(g)Â
Brewpub, brewpub-restaurant, restaurant and/or
catering establishments.
[Amended 11-26-2019]
(h)Â
Libraries, art galleries and museums.
(i)Â
Art and craft studios and studios for teaching
performing arts.
(j)Â
Private transportation and auto rental services.
(k)Â
Hotels, motels and conference facilities.
(l)Â
Theaters, open or enclosed.
(m)Â
Public and private utility substations.
(n)Â
Mortuaries.
(o)Â
Public parking lots.
[Amended 3-5-1990]
(q)Â
Hospitals.
(r)Â
Bus stations.
(s)Â
Veterinarians.
(t)Â
Automotive sales and service.
(u)Â
Bowling alleys.
(v)Â
Real estate office.
[Added 3-3-1986]
(w)Â
Child-care provider — Class I.
[Added 7-5-1988; amended 2-3-1992]
(x)Â
Child-care provider — Class II, subject to the requirements of § 213-16B(1)(d).
[Added 2-3-1992]
(y)Â
Regional shopping mall.
[Added 2-4-1991; amended 2-3-1992]
(z)Â
Notwithstanding the general restriction on temporary sales as stated in § 213-15 of this chapter, temporary sales are permitted by nonprofit clubs, nonprofit organizations, as defined and licensed by the State of Connecticut, and which were not created for the purpose of selling goods, property or wares. No such temporary sales shall be carried on for longer than a thirty-day period in any given six months. All such temporary sales must be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer as to safety issues and compliance with this chapter.
[Amended 4-7-2008]
(aa)Â
Religious assemblies and institutions, including places of worship,
parochial schools, meeting rooms, and recreation facilities customarily
accessory to such uses.
[Added 4-5-2021]
(2)Â
Uses permitted subject to issuance of a special exception permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the requirements of § 213-73:
(a)Â
Warehouse and distribution businesses, except
petroleum or other highly flammable substances.
(c)Â
Drive-through facility in accordance with supplementary regulations in § 213-59.
[Amended 6-2-2008]
(d)Â
Cocktail lounges, nightclubs and package stores.
(e)Â
Schools, playgrounds and public buildings.
[Amended 4-5-2021]
(f)Â
Dance halls, billiard parlors, skating rinks
and recreation centers.
(g)Â
Fast-food restaurants, provided that eating
on the premises shall be permitted only inside the structure or in
areas specifically designated and properly maintained outside of the
structure.
(h)Â
Buildings with mixed commercial uses, subject to the requirements of § 213-23B(2)(k).
(i)Â
Mobile homes and mobile home parks, subject to the provisions of § 213-19B(2)(c).
(j)Â
Commercial amusement arcades subject to the requirements of § 213-23B(2)(j).
(k)Â
Heliports, subject to the conditions of § 213-23B(2)(m).
(l)Â
Multiple-family dwellings in the C-2 Zone, and
provided that all the following requirements are satisfied:
[Amended 9-8-1987; 12-5-1988].
[1]Â
Building coverage shall not exceed 50% of the
lot area.
[2]Â
A minimum of 200 square feet of open space (excluding
parking area) shall be provided for each dwelling unit.
[3]Â
A five-foot landscaped buffer strip shall be
established around the perimeter of the site.
[4]Â
In a building exceeding 35 feet in height, the
following shall also apply:
(m)Â
Membership and commercial clubs.
(n)Â
State of Connecticut-operated betting parlor,
subject to the following conditions:
[Added 4-7-1986]
[1]Â
It shall be located at least 1,500 feet from
any church, church building, school building or school playground
and at least 500 feet from any residence in a residential zone.
[2]Â
The applicant must provide assurance that there
will be proper supervision and maintenance both inside and outside
of the parlor at all times when it is open.
[3]Â
The hours of operation shall be stated in the
application and approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
[4]Â
Applicable Fire Code requirements shall be complied
with.
[5]Â
Sanitary facilities complying with applicable
codes of the City of Meriden shall be located on the premises and
accessible to users of the parlor.
[6]Â
Adequate off-street parking in accordance with the provisions of § 213-55, subject to the approval of the Planning Commission.
[7]Â
The Zoning Board of Appeals may set any restrictions
it deems necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the
general public, including screening, security and hours of operation.
Said special exception may be revoked by the Zoning Board of Appeals
following a public hearing to be held upon the receipt of a petition
signed by a City Council member or members, a member of the Zoning
Board of Appeals or the Zoning Enforcement Officer, stating that the
permitted use is generating excessive noise, loitering, littering,
traffic hazards or public nuisance.
[8]Â
If granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, said
permit shall become effective 15 days following the granting of said
permit. If, however, a protest against a proposed betting parlor is
filed with the City Council within 15 days following approval by the
Zoning Board of Appeals, signed by the owners of 20% or more of the
areas of lots within 500 feet in all directions of the perimeter of
the property proposed for said parlor, the request for approval for
said parlor shall then be referred to the City Council for final approval.
[9]Â
Action by City Council.
[a]Â
The City Council, upon receipt
of this protest, shall consider the protest in light of the purpose
and intent of this chapter, the effects on the surrounding neighborhood
and the entire City. The City Council shall act on this protest within
30 days of the meeting at which it receives the protest, and its decisions
shall be final.
(o)Â
Child-care provider — Class III, subject to the requirements of § 213-19B(2)(j).
[Added 7-5-1988; amended 2-3-1992]
(p)Â
Adult entertainment, adult bookstores, video
booths, and sexually oriented businesses. No such establishment featuring
nude or topless dancing, stripping, other adult entertainment or adult-
or sexually oriented businesses shall be located within 1,000 feet
of a residence, school, church, park or within 1,000 feet of any other
establishment featuring any of the above. Video booths shall be open
to the general retail area of the store and shall not have doors or
other material which may obscure the view to the interior of said
booths.
[Added 11-21-1995]
(q)Â
Secondary building, subject to the requirements of § 213-23B(2)(s).
[Added 6-7-1999]
(r)Â
Health care services.
[Amended 4-21-2008]
(3)Â
Uses permitted subject to the issuance of a provisional special exception by the Planning Commission in accordance with the requirements of § 213-73.1:
[Added 9-7-2021]
(a)Â
Cannabis retail and hybrid retail establishments, as defined
in The Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis
Act ("RERACA") Public Act 21-1/Senate Bill 1201 as amended, subject
to the following additional requirements:
[1]Â
Visibility. Retail and hybrid retail establishments may not
display products for consumption in store windows or otherwise be
visible from the public right of way. Window advertising signage is
prohibited.
[2]Â
Consumption. Cannabis products may not be smoked, eaten, or
otherwise consumed or ingested on the premises of any retail or hybrid
retail establishment.
[3]Â
Distance requirements. All retail and hybrid retail establishments
shall be located so that the establishment's front door is at
least 500 feet from the front door of any K-12 school or playground.
Retail and hybrid establishments shall not be located in such a manner
that they are concentrated with each other to best serve the residents
of Meriden and shall not be located within a distance of 2,500 feet
measured in a straight line, from the front door to the front door
of the nearest cannabis retail or hybrid retail establishment.
C.Â
Accessory uses.
[Amended 6-7-2004; 8-19-2013]
(1)Â
Notwithstanding the terms set forth in § 213-12, convenience stores/gas facilities may operate a check cashing service pursuant and subject to the provisions of Section 36a-580 et seq. of the Connecticut General Statutes within the building approved for such primary use, provided such building is at least 1,500 square feet in area; total signage identifying this use may not exceed two square feet.
(2)Â
Uses customarily accessory to permitted uses if constructed concurrently
with or subsequent to the main building.
(5)Â
Outdoor dining area per standards and procedures of § 213-23C(4).
D.Â
Lot and bulk requirements. Lot and bulk requirements
are found in § 213-12B.
A.Â
The purpose of this district shall be to provide for
areas within or adjoining residential neighborhoods for local convenience-scale
commerce with a range of retail stores and services which cater to
daily or recurring needs of nearby residents.
B.Â
Permitted uses. No building or premises may be used,
in whole or in part, for any purpose except those listed below.
(1)Â
Uses permitted by right:
(a)Â
Bakeries.
(b)Â
Barbershops and beauty shops.
(c)Â
Banks, including drive-in windows.
(d)Â
Grocery stores.
(e)Â
Pharmacies and sundry stores.
(f)Â
Dry cleaning and laundry pickup.
(g)Â
Launderettes.
(h)Â
News and magazine stands.
(i)Â
Shoe repair.
(j)Â
Smoke shops.
(k)Â
Soda and ice cream shops.
(l)Â
Professional and business offices.
(m)Â
Single-, two- and three-family dwellings according
to the lot and density requirements of the R-2 District.
[Amended 11-21-2005[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This amendment also provided
for the deletion of former Subsection B(1)(n), which immediately followed
this subsection and which provided for multifamily dwellings in accordance
with the requirements of the R-3 District.
(n)Â
Public or private postal facility.
[Added 1-22-2008]
(o)Â
Child-care provider — Class I.
[Added 7-5-1988; amended 2-3-1992]
(p)Â
Child-care provider — Class II, subject to the requirements of § 213-16B(1)(d).
[Added 2-3-1992]
(q)Â
Notwithstanding the general restriction on temporary sales as stated in § 213-15 of the Code of the City of Meriden, temporary sales are permitted by nonprofit clubs, nonprofit organizations, as defined and licensed by the State of Connecticut, and which were not created for the purpose of selling goods, property or wares. No such temporary sales shall be carried on for longer than a thirty-day period in any given six months. All such temporary sales must be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer as to safety issues and compliance with this chapter.
[Added 4-7-2008]
(2)Â
Uses permitted subject to issuance of a special exception permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the requirements of § 213-73:
(a)Â
Religious assemblies and institutions, including
places of worship, parochial schools, meeting rooms, and recreation
facilities customarily accessory to such uses.
[Amended 4-5-2021]
(b)Â
Buildings with mixed uses, subject to the provisions of § 213-23B(2)(k).
(c)Â
Brewpubs, brewpub-restaurants, restaurants (not
fast-food restaurants).
[Added 2-2-1987; amended 11-26-2019]
(d)Â
Child-care provider — Class III, subject to the requirements of § 213-19B(2)(j).
[Added 7-5-1988; amended 2-3-1992]
C.Â
Accessory uses.
(1)Â
Uses customarily accessory to permitted uses if constructed
concurrently with or subsequent to the main building.
(4)Â
Outdoor dining area per standards and procedures of § 213-23C(4).
[Amended 6-7-2004]
D.Â
Lot and bulk requirements. Lot and bulk requirements
are found in § 213-12B.
[Added 6-17-2013, effective 8-5-2013[1]]
GENERAL
|
A.Â
Background and authority. Consistent with the goals stated in the
2009 Plan of Conservation and Development and recommendations made
in the 2012 Meriden Transit Oriented Development ("TOD") Master Plan,
the City finds that the implementation of a TOD District benefits
the general health and welfare of the inhabitants by encouraging the
growth of a diverse economic base and diverse residential opportunities
in a sustainable manner.
B.Â
Purpose. The purpose of the TOD District is to support a viable mixture
of uses and implement the Smart Growth principles set forth in the
2012 Meriden TOD Master Plan, including:
(1)Â
Accommodate future growth to enhance the tax base through the optimal
use of appropriate parcels for economic development purposes;
(2)Â
Encourage moderate- to high-density development within walking distance
of the Intermodal Transportation Center, as hereinafter defined;
(3)Â
Capitalize on opportunities to provide and/or encourage a continued
and enhanced variety of retail and service businesses, professional,
offices, entertainment and cultural establishments that serve Meriden
residents and transit users, and provide for limited light industry.
(4)Â
Create a pedestrian-friendly environment to encourage walking, bicycling
and transit use and reduce dependency on the automobile;
(5)Â
Emphasize mixed-use with a focus on developing financially viable
and socially stable mixed-income housing with supporting commercial
and retail uses;
(6)Â
Encourage infill and building reuse to create higher densities, preserve
existing fabric and complete the definition of streetscapes;
(7)Â
Protect existing neighborhoods by ensuring high-quality development
that is well-integrated and compatible in aesthetics;
(8)Â
Protect the integrity of historically significant and environmentally
sensitive areas; and
(9)Â
Eliminate or minimize existing segregated housing patterns within
the TOD District and replace the same with truly integrated and balanced
living patterns.
C.Â
Authority. The Director of Development and Enforcement is hereby designated to administer and enforce this chapter. Projects that require special permit approval will be subject to Planning Commission review and approval as outlined in § 213-27R(2).
D.Â
Applicability. The TOD District, consisting of five sub-districts,
includes those areas shown on the City of Meriden Zoning Map on file
with the City Clerk and dated 1966 – Last Map Revision effective:
August 5, 2013.
E.Â
Precedence over inconsistent provisions in Zoning Ordinance. Other than terms used but not defined herein, § 213-27 contains all necessary standards and criteria required for development in the TOD District; applicants need not reference other articles in this chapter other than § 213-7 with respect to terms used but not specifically defined herein. Section 213-27 shall supersede all sections of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Meriden where they may conflict.
F.Â
Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase
of this chapter is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this chapter. The City Council hereby declares
that it would have passed this chapter and each section, subsection,
sentence, clause and phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that one
or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared
invalid.
G.Â
Definitions.
(1)Â
ELDERLY LIVING OR CARE FACILITIES
TOD MIXED-INCOME DWELLING
Residential uses.
Residential uses that are restricted to the elderly and can
be one or a combination of independent housing units, assisted housing
units, intermediate care, convalescent or nursing units. Also allowed
are day-care centers for the elderly. "Elderly" is defined as any
person 62 years of age or over or a person who has been certified
by the Social Security Board as being totally disabled under the Federal
Social Security Act. At the time of admission to an elderly independent
or assisted housing unit, at least one person per unit must meet the
foregoing definition.
A building or portion thereof used and designed as a residence
for three or more families living independently of each other and
doing their own cooking in said building, including apartment houses,
flats and townhouses, but not including hotels, motels or boardinghouses.
As a primary purpose of the TOD District is to provide for financially
viable and socially stable mixed-income housing and to eliminate or
minimize existing segregated housing patterns, not less than 66% of
the dwellings in a TOD mixed-income dwelling building must be market-rate
units, meaning that they are not restricted as to their sales or rental
pricing. Ten percent of the units in such a building must be affordable
housing units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the TOD mixed-income
dwelling building contains so-called replacement units under an approved
HUD demolition and disposition plan, then not less than 30% of the
units in such building shall be replacement units and not less than
20% of the building shall be market-rate units. If the building is
located in the Historic-Commercial Sub-District, not less than 10%
of the building shall be market-rate units. The income restrictions
on and mix of units for the remaining 80% of the units in such a building
that are not-market rate units - 90%, if in the Historic-Commercial
Sub-District - shall be ones that will provide for the highest amount
of low-income housing tax credits possible for such building and,
in any case, shall provide that not more than 25% of these units will
be restricted to those at 25% of the area median income (AMI), not
more than 40% of these units will be restricted to those between 26%
and 50% of AMI, and not more than 35% of these will be restricted
to those between 51% and 60% of AMI. This mix may include units that
are income-restricted up to 120% of AMI.
(2)Â
HEALTH CARE SERVICES/MEDICAL OFFICES
INDOOR ARTS, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE
(a)Â
(b)Â
(c)Â
(d)Â
Commercial uses.
A combination of diagnostic, therapeutic and other health
care professional service uses. Such uses include medical, dental,
physical therapy, radiology, urgent-care, surgical center, occupational
therapy and similar disciplines.
Commercial establishments providing indoor sports, recreation,
and/or entertainment services by and for participants, typically in
exchange for the payment of a fee or admission charge. This includes
such uses as: art galleries; artist studios; amusement centers and
arcades; billiard parlors; bowling alleys; ice rinks; recreation centers
featuring fitness facilities, swimming pools, tennis and similar activities;
children's indoor play centers; and performing arts, theaters or multiscreen
theaters, but not including drive-in movie theaters, community services
and sexually oriented business uses.
Businesses involved in the sale, lease or rent of new or
used products to the general public, which are primarily conducted
indoors. They may also provide personal services, product repair or
services for consumer and business goods. Retail sales and service
uses include four subgroups listed below.
Auto sales and service: businesses involved in the sale, leasing,
and servicing of automobiles, including automobile dealerships, automotive
repair, car washes and tire stores.
Personal service-oriented: businesses including such uses as
branch banks; laundromats; photographic studios; photocopy and blueprint
services; hair, tanning, and personal care services; business, martial
arts, and other trade schools; photo or laundry/dry-cleaning dropoff;
quick printing; recycling dropoff; and dance or music classes.
Repair-oriented: businesses that do repairs, including such
uses as repair of televisions, computers, bicycles, clocks, watches,
shoes, guns, appliances and office equipment; tailor; locksmith; and
upholsterer. This does not include motor vehicle repair or servicing.
Sales-oriented: stores selling, leasing, or renting consumer,
home, and business goods, including such uses as art, art supplies,
bicycles, clothing, dry goods, electronic equipment, fabric, furniture,
garden supplies, gifts, groceries, hardware, home improvements, household
products, jewelry, pets, pet food, pharmaceuticals, plants, printed
material, stationery, videos, and food. Automobile rental and car-sharing
companies are included [Note: see definition above for auto sales
and service].
(3)Â
ARTISAN INDUSTRIAL
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING
Industrial uses.
A use where works of art are created, displayed and/or sold
in such areas as painting, sculpture, ceramics, craft work, and photography.
Establishments primarily engaged in the fabrication or assembly
of products from processed, rather than raw, materials. This may include
storage, processing, fabrication, assembly and loading/unloading of
materials. Activities do not utilize or produce toxic, hazardous,
or explosive materials, and they are conducted primarily indoors.
These activities are also characterized as creating little or no noise,
glare, vibration, or air/water pollution.
(4)Â
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
COMMUNITY SERVICES
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
Institutional uses.
Institutions of higher learning which offer courses of general
or specialized study leading to a degree or provide post-secondary-school
vocational/technical training. They are often but not always certified
by the state or by a recognized accrediting agency. Colleges often
are in campus-like settings or on multiple blocks. Examples include
universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, nursing and
medical schools not accessory to a hospital, and seminaries.
Uses of a public, nonprofit, or charitable nature generally
providing a local service to people of the community. They typically
provide the service on the site or have employees at the site on a
regular basis. The service is ongoing, not just for special events.
Community centers or facilities, which have membership provisions,
are open to the general public to join at any time. Community services
include such uses as libraries, museums, government offices, senior
centers, and community centers.
Institutions that are intended to primarily accommodate meeting
for religious activities, including such examples as churches, temples,
synagogues, and mosques.
(5)Â
ACCESSORY USES
INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER
LABORATORIES AND RESEARCH FACILITIES
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
PARKING STRUCTURE
SURFACE PARKING
Other uses.
Uses that are incidental and subordinate to the primary use
of a property and located on the same lot as the primary use.
The facility that accommodates passenger interface between
at least two forms of transportation, one of which is rail service,
to be located on the east side of Colony Road in proximity to the
rail line.
A use devoted to the creation, testing and analysis of any
product, such as computer hardware/software, scientific research,
medical research and diagnostic services. No manufacturing is conducted
on the site except for experimental or testing purposes.
The development of a site or building with two or more different
principal or primary uses, including, but not limited to, residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional and other uses permitted in
this chapter. The uses may be located in one or multiple buildings.
A covered structure or portion of a covered structure that
provides parking areas for motor vehicles. Parking may be the primary
use of the structure or it may be accessory to residential, commercial,
employment, industrial, institutional, or other uses. A structure
that is accessory to a single-family detached, two-family, and duplex
dwelling is a garage and is not considered structured parking.
A parking area for motor vehicles where there is no building
floor area below or above the parking area. The area may be occupied
by small, permanent buildings, such as booths used by parking attendants.
(6)Â
BUILDING STREET FRONTAGE
DENSITY
FACADE TRANSPARENCY
INTERIOR LOT LINE
LOT COVERAGE
SIGNS
(a)Â
(b)Â
(c)Â
Additional definitions.
The width of a building, or part of a building, that fronts
on a dedicated pubic thoroughfare, and whose footprint is within the
required minimum to maximum setback range. Any portion of a building
footprint that is in excess of building street frontage requirements
on a given street can be sited behind the maximum setback range.
The number of residential dwelling units per gross acre of
land area.
Areas on a building facade, such as windows, storefronts
and other glazing, through which interior space can be seen from the
exterior.
A lot line not abutting a street.
That portion of a lot that is covered by a building or buildings.
AWNINGA sign located on a structure, made of fabric, metal, or other material, affixed to a building in such a manner that the structure may be raised or retracted from a building to a flat position against the building, but not a canopy.
BANNERA sign made of fabric or rigid material, which is attached to a building.
CANOPYA sign located on a permanent structure, other than an awning, made of fabric, metal or other material attached or unattached to a building for the purpose of providing shelter to patrons or automobiles, or as a decorative feature on a building wall. A canopy is not a completely enclosed structure.
REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL TOD SUB-DISTRICTS
|
H.Â
Establishment of TOD sub-districts.
(1)Â
TOD sub-district summaries. There are five TOD sub-districts:
(a)Â
Historic – Commercial Sub-District [TOD-HC].
[1]Â
Home to the Meriden Historic District, this area focuses on
two key commercial corridors along Colony and West Main Streets and
is characterized by a range of architectural styles from the late
19th and early 20th centuries. The purpose of this sub-district is
to enhance the cohesive character of the center of Meriden through
the restoration and reuse of existing buildings of merit and encourage
high-quality infill on vacant or underdeveloped properties.
[2]Â
The placement of buildings should reinforce a pedestrian-friendly
environment by contributing to defining the edges of streets in ways
that are consistent with buildings that remain a part of the traditional
urban character. New development should reinforce the existing scale
of the district and be respectful of adjacent residential districts
and architecture.
[3]Â
Mixed-use, commercial development is the focus of this sub-district.
Ground-floor retail uses should be designed with highly transparent
storefronts. Residential uses fronting on primary streets south of
Foster Street must be contained in mixed-use buildings.
(b)Â
Park Sub-District [TOD-P].
[1]Â
This sub-district is characterized by the significant amount
of usable open space - with the focal point being the major public
park in the center of Meriden. The Park Sub-District is bounded to
the west by the railroad tracks and Intermodal Transportation Center
and to the east by a reconceived Pratt Street boulevard, both of which
will provide important first impressions for visitors to Meriden.
[2]Â
The quality of the public realm will be defined by thoughtfully
designed pedestrian environments, where the ground floors of buildings
contribute to lively and interactive streetscapes. Infill development
along Pratt Street will help define the eastern edge of the major
public park.
[3]Â
High-quality, high-density, mixed-income housing, complemented
by a mix of appropriately scaled commercial uses and publicly accessible
institutional uses, will make this a vibrant 24/7 neighborhood.
(c)Â
Hanover Sub-District [TOD-H].
[1]Â
The Hanover Sub-District holds a very important position in
the center of Meriden. Just south of West Main Street and the Historic-Commercial
Sub-District, and adjacent to the greenway running along Harbor Brook,
this sub-district is suitable for high-density, mixed-income residential
development.
[2]Â
The conversion of Hanover Street to two-way traffic will help
stimulate commercial development along this important corridor. Mixed-use
infill in the blocks north of Hanover Street will support Meriden's
commercial core, while areas to the south have tremendous potential
for a variety of residential typologies that will help knit together
surrounding residential districts.
[3]Â
The development standards in this sub-district encourage high-density,
mixed-income residential by allowing more height, as well as flexibility
with building siting and parking requirements.
(d)Â
Civic Sub-District [TOD-C].
[1]Â
This sub-district is characterized by a wide range of civic
and cultural buildings, including Meriden City Hall and the public
library. In addition to these large-scale public buildings, there
exist a number of more-intimate residential streets that provide a
complementary fabric for the neighborhood.
[2]Â
The Civic Sub-District is established in order to both showcase
these important institutions, many of which front on East Main Street,
and also preserve the character of the smaller-scale residential streets.
[3]Â
While a mix of uses is encouraged in this sub-district, new
buildings should be carefully located so that their use and scale
are respectful of their immediate context. This means appropriately
siting buildings relative to the street and designing to an appropriate
level of architectural articulation.
(e)Â
Gateway Sub-District [TOD-G].
[1]Â
This sub-district is established to help define the character
of a key gateway into the City northeast of the major public park.
Envisioned as a primary vehicular link from the interstate highway
system to the center of Meriden, the Gateway Sub-District will be
defined largely by the quality of the streetscapes and the development
that evolves along the Pratt Street corridor.
[2]Â
Adaptive reuse and infill on highly visible, vacant properties
along this new boulevard is desired. Larger setbacks that allow for
more flexibility in the siting of buildings in conjunction with a
more-diverse range of permitted uses, which may include industrial
activity, make this a truly unique area.
[3]Â
Though located farther from the Intermodal Transportation Center
than other sub-districts, residential uses are encouraged through
incentives for greater height and flexibility in certain development
criteria, including parking ratios. High-quality development remains
a strong emphasis.
(3)Â
TOD District street hierarchy. The TOD District Street Hierarchy
Map is shown in Figure 213-7. A street hierarchy framework is being
established within the TOD District to ensure that development is
sited and designed to promote an active pedestrian-friendly environment
in descending priority by street type from primary streets to secondary
streets to tertiary streets. Applicable development standards contained
in this chapter are determined in part by the street type of a property's
frontage or frontages. The TOD District street hierarchy applies to
the following streets within the TOD District, which are listed below
and identified in Figure 213-7, TOD District Street Hierarchy Maps.
I.Â
Use regulations. A mix of uses is encouraged in the TOD District.
The specific mix allowed varies among the five sub-districts to reflect
their different character.
(1)Â
Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the TOD sub-districts are listed
in Table 213-1 with a "P." These uses are allowed by right if they
comply with the development standards and other requirements of this
chapter.
(2)Â
Limited uses. Limited uses in the TOD sub-districts are listed in Table 213-1 with an "L." These uses are allowed if they comply with the supplemental standards in § 213-27I(6). The limitations are noted (e.g., L-a) in the table with a corresponding lettered description of the supplemental limited use requirements in § 213-27I(6). The development standards and other regulations of this chapter shall apply to limited uses.
(3)Â
Special permit uses. Special permit uses are allowed in the TOD sub-districts as listed in Table 213-1 with an "SP." These uses are allowed if they comply with § 213-27R(2) and the supplemental standards in § 213-27I(7). The requirements are noted (e.g., SP-a) in the table with a corresponding lettered description of the special permit use requirements in § 213-27I(7). The development standards and other regulations of this chapter shall apply to special permit uses.
(4)Â
Prohibited uses. When a use is not listed in Table 213-1, it is prohibited.
(5)Â
Multiple uses. The development of a site or building with two or
more different principal or primary uses shall be permitted subject
to the requirements for the individual uses as provided in this section.
[Amended 9-19-2016; 11-26-2019; 9-7-2021]
Table 213-1
TOD District Uses
| |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOD Sub-Districts
| |||||
 |
Historic-Comm.
|
Park
|
Hanover
|
Civic
|
Gateway
|
Residential Uses1
| Â | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Elderly living and/or care facilities
|
SP-a
|
SP-a
|
SP-a
|
SP-a
|
SP-a
|
Home occupations/ professional office in dwelling
|
L-e
|
L-e
|
L-a
|
L-a
|
L-a
|
Multiple-family dwellings with 3 to 100 units per site
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Multiple-family dwellings with more than 100 units per site
|
SP-b
|
SP-b
|
SP-b
|
SP-b
|
SP-b
|
Single-family detached dwellings
|
L-b
|
L-b
|
L-b
| ||
TOD mixed-income dwellings with 3 to 100 units per site
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
TOD mixed-income dwellings with more than 100 units per site
|
SP-c
|
SP-c
|
SP-c
|
SP-c
|
SP-c
|
2-family and duplex dwellings
|
L-c
|
L-c
|
L-c
| ||
Commercial Uses
| |||||
Bars/nightclubs
|
SP-d
|
SP-d
|
SP-d
|
SP-d
| |
Brewery, brewpub and brewpub restaurant
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Cannabis retail and hybrid retail establishments
|
SP-l
|
SP-l
|
SP-l
| ||
Day care, Classes I, II and III
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Drive-through facility for permitted uses other than fast-food
restaurant
|
SP-e
|
SP-e
|
SP-e
|
SP-e
|
SP-e
|
Farmer's market
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Fast-food restaurant
|
SP-f
|
SP-f
|
SP-f
|
SP-f
|
SP-f
|
Health care services/medical offices
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Hookah lounge
|
SP-k
|
SP-k
|
SP-k
| ||
Hotel/conference hotel/conference center hotel
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Indoor arts, recreation and entertainment, less than 40,000
square feet of gross leasable floor area
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Indoor arts, recreation and entertainment, equal to or greater
than 40,000 square feet of gross leasable floor area
|
SP-g
|
SP-g
|
SP-g
|
SP-g
|
SP-g
|
Outdoor dining
|
P
|
P
|
L-d
|
L-d
|
L-d
|
Package stores
|
SP-h
|
SP-h
|
SP-h
|
SP-h
| |
Professional offices
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Restaurant
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Retail sales and service, except auto sales and service
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Retail sales and service - auto sales and service
|
SP-i
|
SP-i
| |||
Industrial Uses
| |||||
Artisan industrial
|
SP-j
|
SP-j
|
P
|
SP-j
|
P
|
Light industrial/manufacturing
|
P
|
SP-j
|
P
| ||
Institutional Uses
| |||||
College/ university
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Community services
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Hospitals
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
| |
Religious institutions
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Schools
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Other Uses
| |||||
Accessory uses
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Intermodal Transportation Center
|
P
|
P
| |||
Laboratories and research facilities
|
SP-j
|
P
|
SP-j
|
P
| |
Mortuary
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Parking structures
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
1
|
Residential uses are not permitted on the ground floor of any
building fronting on a primary street in the Historic-Commercial Sub-District,
except north of Foster Street.
|
(6)Â
Limited use requirements. The limited uses listed in Table 213-1
shall be subject to the additional requirements consistent with the
lettered notations in the table and the corresponding standards below.
(a)Â
Home occupations/professional offices in dwellings in the Hanover,
Civic and Gateway Sub-Districts shall be subject to the following
conditions.
[1]Â
Said home occupations shall be conducted by members of the family
owning and residing on the premises. No more than two nonresidents
shall be employed therein.
[2]Â
Said home occupations shall not occupy more than 25% of the
total floor area of the principal building. No home occupation shall
be conducted in an accessory building.
[3]Â
In no manner shall the appearance of the building be altered
nor shall the occupation within the residence be conducted in a manner
that would cause the premises to lose its residential character, either
by the use of colors, materials, construction or lighting. No display
of products shall be visible from the street.
[4]Â
No home occupation shall create noise, dust, vibration, odor,
smoke, electrical interference, fire hazard or any other nuisance
that is perceptible beyond the lot lines.
[5]Â
Home occupations shall in no event be deemed to include animal
hospitals, kennels, barbershops, beauty parlors, clinics or hospitals,
dancing schools, mortuaries, auto repair shops, restaurants, tourist
homes, rooming houses or boardinghouses, and uses similar to those
listed above.
(b)Â
Single-family detached dwellings in the Civic, Gateway, and
Historic-Commercial Sub-Districts shall not be permitted on properties
with frontage on primary or secondary streets.
(c)Â
Two-family and duplex dwellings in the Civic, Gateway and Historic-Commercial
Sub-Districts shall not be permitted on properties with frontage on
primary or secondary streets.
(d)Â
Outdoor dining area is allowed for restaurants and other food
service establishments with the permission of the property owner.
The area shall conform to the following:
[Amended 6-1-2020]
[1]Â
The outdoor dining area must be adjacent to the indoor dining
area.
[2]Â
The outdoor dining area shall be physically separated from the
surrounding outdoor area. Such separators must be approved by the
Director of Development and Enforcement and can be a fence, elevated
deck, planters, movable gating or theater-type posts with ropes or
similar.
[3]Â
It shall not exceed the square footage of the restaurant/food
service establishment.
[4]Â
If more than 20 seats are added for outdoor dining, a site plan
approval is required. Otherwise, prior to establishing the accessory
use, an adequate plot plan needs to be provided to the Department
of Development and Enforcement that indicates dimensional information
for the outdoor service area. The location and volume of seating,
as well as the location and dimensions of the restaurant/food service
building, property boundaries, existing and proposed surfaced areas,
and access and separation shall be indicated.
[5]Â
Depictions of non-permanently-sited tables, chairs, umbrellas,
awnings, trash receptacle(s), the physical separator(s), and other
amenities shall be provided as well as corresponding information regarding
materials, flooring, and the proposed schedule of operation and maintenance
of the area. Indicate if outdoor consumption of alcohol is proposed.
[7]Â
A minimum clear walkway width of six feet shall be retained
for the public sidewalk along the property frontage.
[8]Â
Outdoor dining locations located in the Right of Way shall require
approval from the City of Meriden Engineering Department.
[9]Â
Additional parking is not required for the outdoor dining area.
(e)Â
Home occupations/professional offices in dwellings in the Historic-Commercial
and Park Sub-Districts shall be subject to the following conditions.
[1]Â
Said home occupations shall be conducted solely by members of
the family owning and residing on the premises.
[2]Â
Said home occupations shall not occupy more than 25% of the
total floor area of an individual unit or the principal building.
No home occupation shall be conducted in an accessory building.
[3]Â
In no manner shall the appearance of the building be altered
nor shall the occupation within the residence be conducted in a manner
that would cause the premises to lose its residential character, either
by the use of colors, materials, construction or lighting. No display
of products shall be visible from outside the housing unit.
[4]Â
No home occupation shall create noise, dust, vibration, odor,
smoke, electrical interference, fire hazard or any other nuisance
that is perceptible beyond the lot lines or by other unit owners within
the same building.
[5]Â
Home occupations shall in no event be deemed to include animal
hospitals, kennels, barbershops, beauty parlors, clinics or hospitals,
dancing schools, mortuaries, auto repair shops, restaurants, tourist
homes, rooming houses or boardinghouses, and uses similar to those
listed above.
[6]Â
Said home occupation shall be conducted in such a manner that
does not include regular visits by clientele.
(7)Â
Special permit use requirements. The special permit uses listed in
Table 213-1 shall be subject to the additional requirements consistent
with the lettered notations in the table and the corresponding standards
below.
(a)Â
Elderly living and/or care facilities.
[1]Â
These uses are restricted to the elderly and can be one or a
combination of independent housing units, assisted housing units,
intermediate care, convalescent or nursing units. Also allowed are
day-care centers for the elderly. "Elderly" is defined as any person
62 years of age or over or a person who has been certified by the
Social Security Board as being totally disabled under the Federal
Social Security Act. At the time of admission to an elderly independent
or assisted housing unit, at least one person per unit must meet the
foregoing definition.
[3]Â
Pedestrian walks: A pedestrian circulation system shall be so
designed as to provide wherever possible for separation between pedestrian
and vehicular traffic. All such walks shall be designed and built
to provide for wheelchair access. All existing walks shall be upgraded
to accommodate wheelchairs.
[4]Â
All plans may be further restricted by the Planning Commission
to provide for public safety, adequate light and air, and to maintain
the neighborhood character.
(b)Â
Multiple-family dwellings with more than 100 units per site.
[1]Â
A five-foot minimum landscaped buffer strip shall be established
along all interior lot lines.
[2]Â
For a building exceeding 35 feet in height, the following shall
also apply:
[a]Â
The facades of the upper floors of buildings shall
step back from their lower levels one additional foot for each five
feet of building height in excess of 35 feet for all primary street
frontages.
[b]Â
The Fire Marshal shall certify that sufficient
water pressure can be provided to serve the building.
(c)Â
TOD mixed-income dwellings with more than 100 units per site.
[1]Â
A five-foot minimum landscaped buffer strip shall be established
along all interior lot lines.
[2]Â
For a building exceeding 35 feet in height, the following shall
also apply:
[a]Â
The facades of the upper floors of buildings shall
step back from their lower levels one additional foot for each five
feet of building height in excess of 35 feet for all primary street
frontages.
[b]Â
The Fire Marshal shall certify that sufficient
water pressure can be provided to serve the building.
(d)Â
Bars/nightclubs.
[1]Â
The applicant shall demonstrate how the proposed bar/nightclub
will not have a detrimental impact on surrounding properties considering
general appearance, noise, traffic generation, lighting and glare.
(e)Â
Drive-through facilities.
[1]Â
Consistent with the purpose of the TOD District to create more
walkable, pedestrian-friendly environments, drive-through facilities
shall be located behind or beside buildings and screened with landscaping
or walls or fences (compatible in architectural style) as necessary,
so as to not be visible from primary streets.
[2]Â
Drive-through facilities require a lot of at least 120 feet
in width from front of property with said width maintained for the
length of the building and the facility; the facility, including required
stacking lanes, shall be located in the rear or side in reference
to the building.
[3]Â
Ingress and egress for drive-through facilities shall be from
secondary or tertiary Streets, unless the only reasonable access is
from a primary street (see Figure 213-8).
[4]Â
Curb cut width and impact on sidewalks should be minimized.
[5]Â
Drive-through ingress and egress points shall not be within
50 feet of an intersection, unless approved by the Director of Public
Works.
[6]Â
A minimum of five vehicle stacking spaces shall be provided
on site for each drive-through station, including the vehicle being
serviced. Each service aisle shall not have more than two service
windows.
[7]Â
Stacking lanes shall be separate from internal traffic aisles
and customer parking to allow traffic to circulate through the site
without entering the drive-through facilities or being impeded.
[8]Â
Stacking lanes shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide, and each
vehicle stacking space shall be 20 feet in length.
[9]Â
Outdoor speakers shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from
the boundary of any residentially zoned property and shall not be
audible from other property.
[10]Â
Drive-through facilities should be designed as
a compatible architectural element of the primary building.
(f)Â
Fast-food restaurants.
[1]Â
The applicant shall demonstrate how the proposed fast-food restaurant
will not have a detrimental impact on surrounding properties considering
noise, traffic generation, odors, lighting and glare.
(g)Â
Indoor arts, recreation and entertainment uses equal to or greater
than 40,000 square feet of gross leasable area.
[1]Â
The applicant shall demonstrate how the proposed facility will
not have a detrimental impact on surrounding properties considering
traffic generation, hours of operation, noise, lighting and glare.
[2]Â
If necessary, the applicant must submit a plan detailing how
off-site parking, access, and egress will be accommodated for large
events.
(h)Â
Package stores.
[1]Â
No building or premises shall be used for the sale of alcoholic
liquor at retail for consumption off the premises under any class
of permit, as defined in § 30-15, as amended, of the Connecticut
General Statutes, which may be issued by the Liquor Control Commission
of the State of Connecticut, if the main front entrance to the permit
premises shall be located within a one-thousand-five-hundred-foot
radius, measured in a straight line, from the main front entrance
of any other permit premises used for the sale of alcoholic liquor
at retail for consumption off the premises under any class of permit
issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the State of Connecticut.
[2]Â
Notwithstanding the distance restrictions set forth above in
this section, any permittee using a permit premises for the sale of
alcoholic liquor at retail for consumption off the premises under
any class of permit issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the
State of Connecticut shall be allowed to move such permit premises
within a radius of 750 feet of the old permit premises, provided that
said new location is within a district in which the sale of alcoholic
liquor at retail is permitted under this chapter, and provided, further,
that said removal shall be in accordance with the Liquor Control Act
and the rules and regulations of the Liquor Control Commission and,
more particularly, the need for said removal is a result of hardship
or caused by reason of the commencement of an eviction action against
such permittee from the particular permit premises for which the original
permit was issued. All other provisions of this chapter shall be applicable
except the distance restrictions set forth within this section.
(i)Â
Retail sales and service – auto sales and service.
(j)Â
Artisan industrial, light industrial, manufacturing, research
facilities and laboratory uses.
[1]Â
All activities shall be conducted indoors with the exception
of on-site parking and loading as allowed in this chapter.
[2]Â
The applicant shall demonstrate how the proposed artisan industrial
and/or light industrial uses will be compatible with surrounding properties
considering noise, traffic generation, odors, lighting and glare.
(k)Â
Hookah lounges.
[Added 9-19-2016]
[1]Â
Clean and sanitize the hookah and all attachments after every
use and provide mouthpieces to every user.
[2]Â
No food will be served inside the establishment based on Connecticut
no-smoking laws (Connecticut General Statutes §§ 19a-324
and 31-40g).
[3]Â
Cigarettes and e-cigarettes will be banned inside the establishment,
and every user will be required to show identification. No persons
under 18 will be allowed to enter or buy any hookah accessories.
[4]Â
The establishment shall conform to all state and local building
and Health Department regulations.
(l)Â
Cannabis retail and hybrid retail establishments as defined in The
Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act ("RERACA")
Public Act 21-1/Senate Bill 1201 as amended.
[Added 9-7-2021]
[2]Â
Visibility. Retail and hybrid retail establishments may not
display products for consumption in store windows or otherwise be
visible from the public right-of-way. Window advertising signage is
prohibited.
[3]Â
Consumption. Cannabis products may not be smoked, eaten, or
otherwise consumed or ingested on the premises of any retail or hybrid
retail establishment.
[4]Â
Distance requirements. All retail and hybrid retail establishments
shall be located so that the establishment's front door is at
least 500 feet from the front door of any K-12 school or playground.
Retail and hybrid establishments shall not be located in such a manner
that they are concentrated with each other to best serve the residents
of Meriden and shall not be located within a distance of 2,500 feet
measured in a straight line, from the front door to the front door
of the nearest cannabis retail or hybrid retail establishment.
J.Â
Development standards and guidelines applicable to all TOD sub-districts.
All development standards and guidelines listed herein as applicable
to all TOD sub-districts shall supersede all other sections of the
Zoning Ordinance of the City of Meriden.
(1)Â
Site development standards.
(a)Â
On-site parking: surface parking lots and garages - design and
location. Consistent with the purpose of the TOD District to create
more walkable, pedestrian-friendly environments, parking facilities
may not be visually dominant.
[1]Â
While it is preferred that surface parking lots are placed behind
buildings, they may be located on secondary and tertiary street frontages.
Surface parking lots may be located on primary street frontages if
that is the only street frontage for the parcel and the lot is configured
in such a way that parking behind the building is not possible.
[2]Â
Ingress and egress to surface parking lots shall be from tertiary
streets or, if not available, secondary streets. Access from primary
streets is permitted if that is the only street frontage for the parcel
(see Figure 213-9).
[3]Â
Ingress and egress points for surface parking lots shall not
be within 50 feet of a street intersection, unless approved by the
Director of Public Works.
[5]Â
Surface parking lots fronting secondary or tertiary streets
shall have a landscaped buffer between the sidewalk and parking lot
of not less than six feet in width or three-foot-high walls or fencing
compatible with the surrounding buildings. When a surface parking
lot fronts on a primary street, there must be an eight-foot-wide landscaped
buffer or three-foot-high walls or fencing compatible with the surrounding
buildings.
[6]Â
Surface parking lots abutting an interior lot line shall have
a landscaped buffer between the property line and parking lot of not
less than six feet in width or three-foot-high walls or fencing compatible
with the surrounding buildings, unless the lot is contiguous with
another parking lot and the owners have an agreement in writing to
allow vehicular connections between the lots.
[7]Â
Landscaped buffers shall have appropriate plantings at least
three feet high planted three feet on center. A planting plan shall
be approved by the Director of Development and Enforcement. Said plan
shall specify appropriate plantings suitable to the circumstances
and shall make provisions for necessary clear zones beneath vehicle
bumper overhangs.
[8]Â
Surface parking lots contiguous with a residential zone shall
provide a minimum landscape buffer of 10 feet in width, or walls or
fencing six feet in height to provide visual screening (Figure 213-10).
(b)Â
On-site parking: dimensional criteria (see Figure 213-11).
[1]Â
Drive aisles for two-way circulation must be 24 feet wide minimum;
drive aisles for one-way circulation must be 16 feet wide minimum.
[2]Â
Parking spaces: A standard space in the TOD District is 8.5
feet wide by 18 feet long. The length of a standard space can be reduced
to 17.5 feet if overhanging a curbed landscaped area. Length requirements
for parking other than at a ninety-degree angle are set forth in Figure
213-11 below.
(c)Â
On-site parking: structured facilities.
[2]Â
No sloped floors shall be visible from primary streets.
[3]Â
Retail, office, civic or institutional uses are required on
the ground floor of parking structures on secondary streets for 50%
of the building frontage.
[4]Â
Ingress and egress to parking structures shall be from secondary
or tertiary streets, unless the only reasonable access to the garage
is from a primary street.
[5]Â
Ingress and egress points for parking structures shall not be
within 50 feet of an intersection, unless approved by the Director
of Public Works.
[6]Â
Structured parking facilities shall have architectural facade
treatments, such as decorative panels, ornamental metalwork, pilasters
and cornices, designed to make them compatible with adjacent buildings
(see Figure 213-13).
(d)Â
On-site parking standards.
[1]Â
For minimum and maximum allowable parking ratios for vehicles,
see Table 213-2 below:
Table 213-2
TOD District On-Site Parking Standards
| ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LAND USE
|
NUMBER OF ON-SITE PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
[Ratios based on spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross
leasable area unless otherwise stated]
| |||||
Hist.-Commercial Sub-District
|
Park/Civic Sub-Districts
|
Hanover/Gateway Sub-Districts
| ||||
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
| |
Residential Uses
| ||||||
Elderly living and/or care facilities (per dwelling unit)
|
0
|
1.0
|
0
|
1.0
|
0.33
|
1.5
|
Home occupations/ professional office in dwelling (per office)
|
0
|
0
|
1.0
|
5.0
|
5.0
|
10.0
|
Single, 2- or multiple-family dwelling (per dwelling unit).
Also see Note 2.
|
1.0
|
2.0
|
1.0
|
2.0
|
1.5
|
2.5
|
TOD mixed-income dwelling (per dwelling unit). Also see Note
2.
|
0.75
|
2.0
|
0.75
|
2.0
|
1.0
|
2.5
|
Commercial Uses
| ||||||
Day care (per student)
|
0
|
0.5
|
0
|
0.5
|
0.15
|
1.0
|
Fast-food restaurant
|
3.0
|
10.0
|
3.0
|
10.0
|
5.0
|
12.0
|
Health care services/medical offices
|
0
|
6.0
|
2.5
|
6.66
|
4.0
|
6.66
|
Hotel/conference hotel/conference center hotel (per key)
|
0
|
1.1
|
0.75
|
1.5
|
1.0
|
2.0
|
Indoor arts, recreation and entertainment (per seat)
|
0
|
0.25
|
0.15
|
0.5
|
0.25
|
1.0
|
Professional office in an office building
|
0
|
3.33
|
1.5
|
3.33
|
2.5
|
3.33
|
Restaurant
|
0
|
7.0
|
2.0
|
10.0
|
4.0
|
10.0
|
Retail sales and service, except auto sales and service
|
0
|
3.33
|
1.5
|
4.0
|
3.33
|
5.0
|
All other permitted commercial uses
|
0.25
|
3.33
|
1.5
|
4.0
|
2.0
|
5.0
|
Industrial Uses
| ||||||
All permitted industrial uses
|
0
|
2.0
|
1.0
|
3.0
|
2.0
|
4.0
|
Institutional Uses
| ||||||
College/ university (per student)
|
0
|
1.0
|
0
|
1.5
|
0.5
|
1.5
|
Community services
|
0
|
5.0
|
1.5
|
5.0
|
2.0
|
6.0
|
Hospital (per 3 beds plus every 2 employees of largest shift)
|
0.75
|
1.5
|
0.75
|
1.5
|
0.75
|
1.5
|
Religious institutions (per seat for assembly)
|
0.25
|
0.33
|
0.25
|
0.33
|
0.25
|
0.33
|
Schools (per classroom)
|
1.5
|
4.0
|
1.5
|
4.0
|
1.5
|
4.0
|
Other Uses
| ||||||
Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC)
|
Note 1
|
Note 1
|
Note 1
|
Note 1
|
N.A.
|
N.A.
|
Laboratories and research facilities (per employee)
|
N.A.
|
N.A.
|
0.25
|
1.0
|
0.5
|
1.5
|
Mortuary (per assembly room area)
|
13.33
|
13.33
|
13.33
|
13.33
|
13.33
|
13.33
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
Note 1
|
Parking requirements for a public ITC will be determined by
the Planning Commission at the time of development.
|
Note 2
|
Does not include high-occupancy multiple-family dwelling and
TOD mixed-income dwelling units that contain three or more bedrooms;
said units require a minimum of two parking spaces per unit.
|
Note 3
|
Parking for home occupations/professional office in dwelling
(per office) in the Park Sub-District shall have a minimum and maximum
requirement of "0."
|
[2]Â
Unlimited additional parking is permitted on site if provided
in structured garages above or below grade.
[3]Â
In meeting required on-site parking minimums, deductions for
on-street parking may be taken equal to the number of public parking
spaces provided along a lot's street frontage, but in no instance
may this deduction exceed 10% of the required minimum parking.
[4]Â
Mixed-use buildings that include a multifamily residential component,
plus a second use that constitutes at least 10% of the gross leasable
area, may calculate the total required parking by taking the sum of
the minimum required parking for each use and subtracting 10%. For
example, a building in the Park Sub-District containing a twenty-unit
multiple-family dwelling use and a ten-thousand-square-foot retail
sales and service use could provide a minimum of 32 spaces total,
as calculated: [1.0 space x 20] + [1.5 spaces x 10] = 35 spaces -
3.5 spaces (a 10% discount) = 32 spaces.
[5]Â
Minimum on-site parking requirements can be met off site, provided
that a signed agreement is presented with the site plan application
and approved by the Director of Development and Enforcement.
(e)Â
On-site bicycle parking standards.
[1]Â
A minimum of one bicycle parking space must be provided for
every nonresidential use. One additional bicycle parking space shall
be provided for every 20 vehicular spaces required. Bicycle parking
spaces must be located where easily accessible and visible by pedestrians.
[2]Â
Bicycle access. Safe and well-designed pedestrian access to
parking and bicycle facilities located behind buildings must be provided
from a public sidewalk. Pedestrian connections must be hard-surfaced
and a minimum of six feet wide.
(f)Â
On-site loading standards - location and screening.
[1]Â
Consistent with the purpose of the TOD District to create more
walkable, pedestrian-friendly environments, loading facilities shall
be located behind buildings and screened with landscaping or walls
or fences (compatible in architectural style) as necessary, so as
to not have a visual or acoustic impact on primary streets, secondary
streets and abutting residential zones.
[2]Â
Ingress and egress for loading areas shall be from tertiary
streets or, if not available, secondary streets. Access from primary
streets is permitted if that is the only street frontage for the parcel.
(g)Â
Residential driveways and unit garages.
[1]Â
Residential driveways and unit garages are accessory and should
be incidental and subordinate features; garage location to the rear
of residential structures, or to the side for wide lots, should be
considered, and excess protruding garages avoided.
[2]Â
Driveways on all residential lots, including shared driveways,
shall not exceed 24 feet in width for access to the street, except
if multiple exit lanes are deemed necessary by the Director of Development
and Enforcement.
[3]Â
There shall not be more than one driveway in front of the residential
structure for a lot of 60 feet in width or less.
[4]Â
Total surfaced area for vehicles between the front of the residential
structure(s) and the street being accessed shall not exceed 24 feet
in width except in a case where the Director of Development and Enforcement
or, in the case of a special permit, the Planning Commission finds
the layout for such vehicle accessory use is otherwise necessary,
and a yard landscaping and parking plan is approved by the Director
of Development and Enforcement or, in the case of a special permit,
the Planning Commission.
[5]Â
For multiple-family dwellings and TOD mixed-income dwellings,
said total surfaced area for vehicles leading to unit garages shall
not exceed 50% of the width of the residential building along any
street, except the Director of Development and Enforcement or, in
the case of a special permit, the Planning Commission may consider
approval of such design if compatible as an alternative part of an
overall site plan that includes significant offsetting beneficial
design features.
[6]Â
Residential unit garages shall be located either 20 feet or
more, or four feet or less, from the sidewalk/property line, except
in a case where the Director of Development and Enforcement or, in
the case of a special permit, the Planning Commission approves such
plan.
(h)Â
Landscaping and open space.
[1]Â
All portions of improved properties, which are not used for
buildings, structures, off-street parking and loading, permitted outdoor
storage, driveways, walkways or similar purposes, shall be landscaped
with grass, shrubs, trees and other ground covers, in such a manner
as to minimize erosion and stormwater runoff and to maintain or improve
the aesthetics of such properties.
[2]Â
The design of publicly accessible open space should include
features such as lighting, landscaping, furnishings, pavement and
art that create an aesthetically pleasing pedestrian environment,
promote safety and adhere to the standards set forth in the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the time of initial construction. Should
such space, contiguous with sidewalks or public open space, have street
furniture, trash receptacles or other amenities, those elements should
be compatible in design to those provided by the City.
(i)Â
Modifying or intensifying a site.
[1]Â
Development can intensify usage of sites and street infrastructure
in locations where the connected street infrastructure or the site's
drainage capability may be in need of repair or be inadequate. Development
standards shall be applied to any development project that will significantly
modify or intensify a site. Development shall meet the requirements
of the City of Meriden's Official Development Regulations, Title IV
Requirements including Maintenance and Repair at Time of Development
and Construction, and Title V Development Stormwater Management Standards.
These requirements and standards approved by the Planning Commission
in June 2011, as amended, including applicable flexible techniques,
are incorporated into these regulations by reference.
(2)Â
Building form and architectural standards. The Director of Development
and Enforcement or, in the case of a special permit, the Planning
Commission may, at its discretion, solicit input from the Design Review
Board for issues related to the design of the exterior of buildings.
(a)Â
Building orientation.
[1]Â
The main entrance must be located on the hierarchically most-important
street frontage based on the TOD District Street Hierarchy Map (see
Figure 213-7).
(b)Â
Ground-floor design.
[1]Â
Building entrances should have a high level of visual interest,
be appropriately integrated into the building's architectural framework
and be located to relate to the surrounding context, including fronting
on important streets and key view corridors.
[2]Â
Cornice heights and other features at the base of facades should
be designed to be compatible with adjacent buildings.
[3]Â
Minimum ground-floor transparency required for all permitted
residential uses, except single-family detached dwellings and two-family
and duplex dwellings: 30% transparency for the facade area between
two feet and eight feet above the average grade for all frontages
facing streets and public parks.
[4]Â
Minimum ground-floor transparency required for all permitted
nonresidential uses, including mixed-use with residential: In the
Civic, Gateway and Hanover Sub-Districts, the facade area between
two feet and eight feet above the average grade (the "facade area")
shall have a minimum of 50% transparent glass for frontages facing
primary streets, so as to activate the streetscape with visual interest
(see Figure 213-14 and Table 213-3). For secondary and tertiary street
frontages, 30% of the facade area must be transparent. In the Historic-Commercial
and Park Sub-Districts, the facade area shall have a minimum of 60%
transparent glass for frontages facing primary and secondary streets,
so as to activate the streetscape with visual interest. For frontages
on tertiary streets and public parks, 30% of the facade area must
be transparent.
(c)Â
Architectural form and style.
[1]Â
Base, middle and top of buildings (see Figure 213-14 and Figure
213-15). Building facades on primary and secondary streets should
be designed to the traditional architectural construct that includes
a discernible base, middle and top. The base of buildings is governed
by ground-floor transparency requirements and should have a high level
of articulation and utilize appropriately scaled features designed
to enliven the pedestrian environment. The upper floors of buildings
(middle and top) shall have a minimum of 20% transparency (see Table
213-3). The top section of buildings should consist of elements that
cap the facade composition, including decorative cornices, a change
in materials and/or unique fenestration.
[2]Â
Fenestration. Windows above the ground-floor level, whether
individual or grouped, should articulate an architectural scale and
composition compatible with surrounding buildings. Note: Ribbon windows
and continuous floor-to-ceiling glazing (i.e., curtain wall systems)
are not permitted in the Historic-Commercial Sub-District (see Figure
213-16).
[3]Â
Building facades. Building facades, especially those more than
100 feet in length, shall be "broken-down" in scale through visual
articulation including multiple entries, the careful disposition of
windows and variations in massing and architectural detail. This may
include stepping of volumes, the addition of pilasters and cornices,
and the thoughtful juxtaposition of materials. Entrances must be spaced
no further than 75 feet apart (see Figure 213-17).
[4]Â
Roof forms and parapets. Roof forms should be compatible with
surrounding buildings. Skylights, roof vents and rooftop mechanical
equipment should be screened from public view from the street and,
where feasible, from adjacent buildings.
[5]Â
Overhangs. Canopies, awnings, cornices and similar architectural
elements are encouraged on the exterior of buildings, provided that
they are made of high-quality materials that are compatible with surrounding
buildings. Overhangs should not extend more than eight feet beyond
the face of the building, may not be closer than two feet to the back
of the curb and should not interfere with street trees/plantings.
Awnings and canopies must be located a minimum of eight feet clear
above grade (see Figure 213-18).
[6]Â
Building materials. Materials shall be selected to be generally
consistent with buildings in their sub-district (see Figure 213-19).
In buildings where there are transitions from high-quality materials
to lesser-quality materials, the higher-quality materials should be
utilized for facades visible from streets and public parks. The use
of certain materials as the primary material on building facades may,
at the discretion of the Director of Development and Enforcement or,
in the case of a special permit, the Planning Commission, be subject
to review and approval by the Design Review Board, including exterior
insulation finishing system (E.I.F.S.), metal panels, aluminum composite
panels, concrete masonry units and precast concrete panels.
(3)Â
Signage standards.
(a)Â
Allowable total sign area for all permitted nonresidential developments,
including mixed-use developments with residential.
[1]Â
Front facades. One and five-tenths square feet of total sign
area is permitted for every linear foot of front facade frontage.
The total square footage is based on the sum of the areas of all signs
on the facade, such as wall signs, awning and canopy graphics, banner
signs and hanging signs. Temporary and portable signs shall not be
included in calculating the total square footage.
(b)Â
Allowable total sign area for all permitted residential uses,
except single-family detached dwellings and two-family and duplex
dwellings.
[1]Â
Primary facades. One sign not exceeding 10 square feet in size
is permitted.
(c)Â
Sign design standards for all permitted nonresidential developments,
including mixed-use developments with residential.
[1]Â
Wall signs. Flush-mounted wall signs must be compatible with
building architecture, located below second-floor windowsills and,
to the extent possible, be at the same height above the ground as
adjacent signs (see Figure 213-20 and Figure 213-21).
[2]Â
Hanging signs. Signs perpendicular to the building facade are
limited to a maximum area of 10 square feet (measured on one side),
shall be located below second-floor windowsills and have a maximum
projection of eight feet, and must be mounted to provide a minimum
eight-foot clearance above grade (see Figure 213-21).
[3]Â
Banner signs. Fabric or rigid material banner signs are limited
to a maximum of 50 square feet of sign area (measured on one side).
Banner signs shall be located 14 feet minimum above grade, have a
maximum projection of three feet, be spaced at least 20 feet apart,
and be centered in architectural elements (see Figure 213-21).
[4]Â
Awning/canopy signage. The sloped surface of awnings and canopies
may contain graphics, text and logos not exceeding 20% of the awning/canopy
area. The street-facing vertical edge of awnings/canopies may contain
text only.
(d)Â
Sign design standards for all buildings.
[1]Â
Materials. All signs must be complementary in their use of color,
shape and materials with adjacent buildings and signage.
[2]Â
Illumination. All signs must be externally illuminated. No illumination
of any sign shall cause glare observable from a residential district.
[3]Â
Flashing and animated signs are prohibited.
[4]Â
Structure. All building-mounted signs shall be constructed and
fastened to structures in a manner adequate to withstand wind pressure
applied to the projected exposed area from any direction of 30 pounds
per square foot. All structural armatures and connections shall be
aesthetically compatible with the building's materials as well as
the surrounding context.
[5]Â
All building-mounted signs and awnings/canopies that overhang
a public right-of-way must be held back a minimum of two feet from
the edge of street curb.
[6]Â
Adverse impacts. No sign shall be erected that would adversely
impact visibility and safety.
[7]Â
Portable/movable signs. One well-designed A-frame sidewalk sign,
not exceeding 30 inches wide and 48 inches high, may be placed outside
of a tenant space. Signs may not hinder pedestrian movement or interfere
with vehicular sight lines.
[8]Â
Temporary signs. Signs that are not permanently installed or
affixed to any structure or building are not allowed unless approved
by the Director of Development and Enforcement. In any case, temporary
signs - including signs for construction and real estate signs - are
not permitted for more than 60 days, unless renewed.
(e)Â
Ground/freestanding signs.
[1]Â
Permanent ground/freestanding signs shall not exceed five feet
in height and 20 square feet in total sign area, except in the Gateway
Sub-District, where they shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40
square feet in total sign area. Freestanding signs are permitted on
primary, secondary and tertiary streets and must be located in the
building setback zone so as to not interfere with vehicular sight
lines. No freestanding pylon signs are permitted.
K.Â
Adaptive reuse. The purpose of this section is to foster the renovation and reuse of structures that have significant historical, architectural or cultural value to the City. This section recognizes that many existing structures within the TOD District will not conform to all of the standards and guidelines in § 213-27. The redevelopment and reuse of buildings that pre-date 1963 and have qualities of significance and integrity consistent with criteria used to evaluate inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places ("National Register"), or those that are individually listed on the National Register or are a contributing property within an historic district listed on the National Register, shall be incentivized by the guidelines outlined in this section. Among the buildings that the National Register criteria for evaluation recognizes are those which have made a significant contribution to history, are associated with significant persons or embody distinctive characteristics. Applicants who feel that a building that does not meet these criteria merits consideration under the adaptive reuse guidelines may submit a special permit application for review by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall refer all adaptive reuse special permit applications to the Design Review Board for its recommendation.
(1)Â
Development standards. Building setbacks, coverage, frontage and
height requirements shall not apply to existing buildings but shall
apply to building additions.
(2)Â
Parking for adaptive reuse buildings in the TOD District.
(a)Â
If a change in use results in more spaces being required than
already exist, no additional parking spaces are required.
(b)Â
If a change in use results in fewer spaces being required than
already exist, then only the number of spaces necessary to fulfill
the requirements need to be maintained.
(c)Â
Existing parking in excess of the limits set forth in Table
213-2, TOD District On-Site Parking Standards, may remain and be used
for on-site or off-site parking purposes for other property owners,
subject to an agreement between the property owners.
(d)Â
On-site parking shall be provided, according to Table 213-2,
TOD District On-Site Parking Standards, for all building additions
and calculated based on newly constructed gross leasable area.
(3)Â
On-site loading.
(a)Â
Residential uses are not required to have on-site loading spaces.
(b)Â
Nonresidential uses shall retain existing on-site loading spaces unless the number of on-site loading spaces exceeds the requirements in § 213-27J(1)(f), On-site loading standards.
(4)Â
Residential density. Residential density shall adhere to the maximum
dwelling units per acre requirements for each sub-district, as listed
in Table 213-3, TOD District Development Standards Summary, with the
exception that, for lots less than 1/2 acre, the density requirements
shall be equal to those for half-acre lots. This is provided that
dwelling units adhere to the following minimum square footages:
(5)Â
Mezzanines. New construction to add a mezzanine-level space in an
existing story is permitted, provided that the mezzanine area does
not exceed 33% of the floor area of the space below and the space
meets all applicable building codes.
(6)Â
Building facades. Facades that maintain the architectural integrity
of an existing building are exempt from minimum transparency requirements
set forth in Table 213-3. If a building facade is replaced or significantly
modified, it must satisfy the requirements set forth in Table 213-3.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TOD SUB-DISTRICTS
|
L.Â
Development standards summary: TOD sub-districts.
(1)Â
Development standards summary. Table 213-3 provides a summary of the development standards and guidelines that apply to the individual TOD sub-districts as provided in Subsections M through Q.
Table 213-3
TOD District Development Standards Summary
| |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOD Sub-Districts
| |||||||
Historic-Comm.
|
Park
|
Hanover
|
Civic
|
Gateway
| |||
Lot Dimensions
| |||||||
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots (square feet)
|
4,000a
|
15,000
|
10,000
|
10,000
|
15,000
| ||
Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots (linear feet)
|
40a
|
80
|
80
|
80
|
100
| ||
Site Development
| |||||||
Building setback – interior lot line:
| |||||||
Minimum when abutting an existing residence (feet)
|
0
|
0
|
10
|
10
|
0
| ||
Minimum when contiguous to residential zone (feet)
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
10
| ||
Minimum, all other conditions (feet)
|
0
|
0
|
10
|
10
|
10
| ||
Building setback – street frontage - minimum/maximum for:
| |||||||
Primary street (feet)
|
0/5b
|
0/10
|
0/10
|
15/25
|
5/25
| ||
Secondary street (feet)
|
0/5b
|
0/15
|
0/10
|
15/25
|
10/15
| ||
Tertiary street (feet)
|
0/10
|
10/15
|
10/25
|
15/25
|
10/25
| ||
Street wall – minimum building frontage as percentage
of lot width:
| |||||||
Primary street
|
75%c
|
50%
|
75%
|
50%
|
50%
| ||
Secondary street
|
50%c
|
50%
|
50%
|
50%
|
50%
| ||
Tertiary street
|
0%d
|
0%d
|
0%d
|
0%d
|
0%d
| ||
Lot coverage – minimum:
| |||||||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
40%
|
35%
|
35%
|
0%
|
0%
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
40%
|
35%
|
35%
|
35%
|
0%
| ||
Lot coverage – maximum:
| |||||||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
100%
|
75%
|
75%
|
70%
|
75%
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
100%
|
90%
|
90%
|
80%
|
90%
| ||
Residential density – maximum dwelling units per acre:
| |||||||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
50
|
50
|
50
|
35
|
50
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
15
|
25
| ||
Building Form and Scale
| |||||||
Building floors – minimum/maximum:
| |||||||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
2/5
|
2/8
|
2/10
|
2/6
|
2/10
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
2/4
|
2/5
|
2/4
|
2/3
|
2/4
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
2/5
|
2/5
|
2/5
|
2/4
|
2/5
| ||
Residential uses:
| |||||||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
N.A.
|
12
|
12
|
12
|
12
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum
|
N.A.
|
30%
|
30%
|
30%
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
| ||
All other permitted uses:
| |||||||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
14
|
14
|
14
|
14
|
14
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimumf:
| |||||||
Primary street
|
60%
|
60%
|
50%
|
50%
|
50%
| ||
Secondary street
|
60%
|
60%
|
30%
|
30%
|
30%
| ||
Tertiary street
|
30%
|
30%
|
30%
|
30%
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
(2)Â
Notes. The following requirements apply to the specific circumstances
indicated in Table 213-3:
(a)Â
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots north of Foster Street
is 10,000 square feet. Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots
north of Foster Street is 80 linear feet.
(b)Â
The maximum building setback north of Foster Street is 10 feet.
(c)Â
Buildings in the Historic-Commercial Sub-District must be sited
at the "corners" of lots that are located at street intersections
that include a primary or secondary street.
(d)Â
For lots that have frontage only on tertiary streets, the minimum
building frontage required is 50% of the lot width.
(e)Â
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
(f)Â
Buildings in the Park Sub-District with facades facing the public
park located in the block bounded by State Street, East Main Street,
Pratt Street and Mill Street shall have a minimum ground-floor transparency
of 30% for all facades. Facades on primary and secondary streets shall
have a minimum ground-floor transparency of 60%.
M.Â
Development standards: Historic-Commercial Sub-District.
(1)Â
Lot dimensions. The lot dimension standards in the Historic-Commercial
Sub-District shall be:
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots (square feet)
|
4,000a
|
Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots (linear feet)
|
40a
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
a)
|
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots north of Foster Street
is 10,000 square feet. Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots
north of Foster Street is 80 linear feet.
|
(2)Â
Site development. The site development standards for the Historic-Commercial
Sub-District shall be (see Figure 213-24, Figure 213-25, and Figure
213-26):
Building setback – interior lot line:
| ||
Minimum when abutting existing residence (feet)
|
0
| |
Minimum when contiguous to residential zone (feet)
|
10
| |
Minimum, all other conditions (feet)
|
0
| |
Building setback – street frontage - minimum/maximum for:
| ||
Primary street (feet)
|
0/5b
| |
Secondary street (feet)
|
0/5b
| |
Tertiary street (feet)
|
0/10
| |
Street wall – minimum building frontage as percentage
of lot width:
| ||
Primary street
|
75%c
| |
Secondary street
|
50%c
| |
Tertiary street
|
0%d
| |
Lot coverage – minimum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
40%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
40%
| |
Lot coverage – maximum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
100%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
100%
| |
Residential density – maximum dwelling units per acre:
| ||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
50
| |
Multiple-family dwellings
|
25
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
b)
|
The maximum building setback north of Foster Street is 10 feet.
|
c)
|
Buildings must be sited at the "corners" of lots that are located
at street intersections that include a primary or secondary street.
|
d)
|
For lots that have frontage only on tertiary streets, the minimum
building frontage required is 50% of the lot width.
|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
(3)Â
Building form and scale. The site development standards for the Historic-Commercial
Sub-District shall be:
Building floors – minimum/maximum:
| |||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
2/5
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
2/4
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
2/5
| ||
Residential uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum
|
N.A.
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum
|
N.A.
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
| ||
All other permitted uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
14
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum:
| |||
Primary street
|
60%
| ||
Secondary street
|
60%
| ||
Tertiary street
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
N.Â
Development standards: Park Sub-District.
(1)Â
Lot dimensions. The lot dimension standards in the Park Sub-District
shall be:
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots (square feet)
|
15,000
|
Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots (linear feet)
|
80
|
(2)Â
Site development. The site development standards for the Park Sub-District
shall be (see Figure 213-28, Figure 213-29, Figure 213-30, and Figure
213-31):
Building setback – interior lot line:
| ||
Minimum when abutting existing residence (feet)
|
0
| |
Minimum when contiguous to residential zone (feet)
|
10
| |
Minimum, all other conditions (feet)
|
0
| |
Building setback – street frontage - minimum/maximum for:
| ||
Primary street (feet)
|
0/10
| |
Secondary street (feet)
|
0/15
| |
Tertiary street (feet)
|
10/15
| |
Street wall – minimum building frontage as percentage
of lot width:
| ||
Primary street
|
50%
| |
Secondary street
|
50%
| |
Tertiary street
|
0%d
| |
Lot coverage – minimum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
35%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
35%
| |
Lot coverage – maximum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
75%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
90%
| |
Residential density – maximum dwelling units per acre:
| ||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
50
| |
Multiple-family dwellings
|
25
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
d)
|
For lots that have frontage only on tertiary streets, the minimum
building frontage required is 50% of the lot width.
|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
(3)Â
Building form and scale. The site development standards for the Park
Sub-District shall be:
Building floors – minimum/maximum:
| |||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
2/8
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
2/5
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
2/5
| ||
Residential uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
12
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
| ||
All other permitted uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
14
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum:f
| |||
Primary street
|
60%
| ||
Secondary street
|
60%
| ||
Tertiary street
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
f)
|
Buildings in the Park Sub-District with facades facing the public
park located in the block bounded by State Street, East Main Street,
Pratt Street and Mill Street shall have a minimum ground-floor transparency
of 30% for all facades. Facades on primary and secondary streets shall
have a minimum ground-floor transparency of 60%.
|
O.Â
Development standards: Hanover Sub-District.
(1)Â
Lot dimensions. The lot dimension standards in the Hanover Sub-District
shall be:
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots (square feet)
|
10,000
|
Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots (linear feet)
|
80
|
(2)Â
Site development. The site development standards for the Hanover
Sub-District shall be (see Figure 213-34, Figure 213-35, Figure 213-36,
and Figure 213-37):
Building setback – interior lot line:
| ||
Minimum when abutting existing residence (feet)
|
10
| |
Minimum when contiguous to residential zone (feet)
|
10
| |
Minimum, all other conditions (feet)
|
10
| |
Building setback – street frontage - minimum/maximum for:
| ||
Primary street (feet)
|
0/10
| |
Secondary street (feet)
|
0/10
| |
Tertiary street (feet)
|
10/25
| |
Street wall – minimum building frontage as percentage
of lot width:
| ||
Primary street
|
75%
| |
Secondary street
|
50%
| |
Tertiary street
|
0%d
| |
Lot coverage – minimum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
35%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
35%
| |
Lot coverage – maximum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
75%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
90%
| |
Residential density – maximum dwelling units per acre:
| ||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
50
| |
Multiple-family dwellings
|
25
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
d)
|
For lots that have frontage only on tertiary streets, the minimum
building frontage required is 50% of the lot width.
|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
(3)Â
Building form and scale. The site development standards for the Hanover
Sub-District shall be:
Building floors – minimum/maximum:
| |||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
2/10
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
2/4
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
2/5
| ||
Residential uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
12
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
| ||
All other permitted uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
14
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum:
| |||
Primary street
|
50%
| ||
Secondary street
|
30%
| ||
Tertiary street
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
P.Â
Development standards: Civic Sub-District.
(1)Â
Lot dimensions. The lot dimension standards in the Civic Sub-District
shall be:
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots (square feet)
|
10,000
|
Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots (linear feet)
|
80
|
(2)Â
Site development. The site development standards for the Civic Sub-District
shall be (see Figure 213-39, Figure 213-40, Figure 213-41, and Figure
213-42):
Building setback – interior lot line:
| ||
Minimum when abutting existing residence (feet)
|
10
| |
Minimum when contiguous to residential zone (feet)
|
10
| |
Minimum, all other conditions (feet)
|
10
| |
Building setback – street frontage - minimum/maximum for:
| ||
Primary street (feet)
|
15/25
| |
Secondary street (feet)
|
15/25
| |
Tertiary street (feet)
|
15/25
| |
Street wall – minimum building frontage as percentage
of lot width:
| ||
Primary street
|
50%
| |
Secondary street
|
50%
| |
Tertiary street
|
0%d
| |
Lot coverage – minimum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
0%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
35%
| |
Lot coverage – maximum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
70%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
80%
| |
Residential density – maximum dwelling units per acre:
| ||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
35
| |
Multiple-family dwellings
|
15
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
d)
|
For lots that have frontage only on tertiary streets, the minimum
building frontage required is 50% of the lot width.
|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
[Note: "Preferred" site layout reflects the fact that the building's
primary orientation addresses the Primary Street frontage]
Figure 213-39. Frontage Diagrams
|
(3)Â
Building form and scale. The site development standards for the Civic
Sub-District shall be:
Building floors – minimum/maximum:
| |||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
2/6
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
2/3
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
2/4
| ||
Residential uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
12
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
| ||
All other permitted uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
14
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum:
| |||
Primary street
|
50%
| ||
Secondary street
|
30%
| ||
Tertiary street
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
Q.Â
Development standards: Gateway Sub-District.
(1)Â
Lot dimensions. The lot dimension standards in the Gateway Sub-District
shall be:
Minimum lot size for new/reconfigured lots (square feet)
|
15,000
|
Minimum lot width for new/reconfigured lots (linear feet)
|
100
|
(2)Â
Site development. The site development standards for the Gateway
Sub-District shall be (see Figure 213-44, Figure 213-45, Figure 213-46,
and Figure 213-47):
Building setback – interior lot line:
| ||
Minimum when abutting existing residence (feet)
|
0
| |
Minimum when contiguous to residential zone (feet)
|
10
| |
Minimum, all other conditions (feet)
|
10
| |
Building setback – street frontage - minimum/maximum for:
| ||
Primary street (feet)
|
5/25
| |
Secondary street (feet)
|
10/15
| |
Tertiary street (feet)
|
10/25
| |
Street wall – minimum building frontage as percentage
of lot width:
| ||
Primary street
|
50%
| |
Secondary street
|
50%
| |
Tertiary street
|
0%d
| |
Lot coverage – minimum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
0%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
0%
| |
Lot coverage – maximum:
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
75%
| |
All other permitted uses
|
90%
| |
Residential density – maximum dwelling units per acre:
| ||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
50
| |
Multiple-family dwellings
|
25
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
d)
|
For lots that have frontage only on tertiary streets, the minimum
building frontage required is 50% of the lot width.
|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
(3)Â
Building form and scale. The site development standards for the Gateway
Sub-District shall be:
Building floors – minimum/maximum:
| |||
TOD mixed-income dwellingse
|
2/10
| ||
Multiple-family dwellings
|
2/4
| ||
All other permitted uses
|
2/5
| ||
Residential uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
12
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
| ||
All other permitted uses:
| |||
Ground-floor height – minimum (feet)
|
14
| ||
Ground-floor transparency – minimum:
| |||
Primary street
|
50%
| ||
Secondary street
|
30%
| ||
Tertiary street
|
30%
| ||
Upper-floor transparency – minimum
|
20%
|
NOTES:
| |
---|---|
e)
|
Includes mixed-use developments that incorporate TOD mixed-income
dwellings.
|
PROCEDURE
|
R.Â
Site plan approval.
Application Summary Chart
| |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Use Type
|
Review Body
|
Submittal Requirements
|
Applicable Criteria
| ||
Permitted
|
Director of Development and Enforcement
|
•
|
•
| ||
Limited
|
Director of Development and Enforcement
|
•
|
•
| ||
•
|
Additional requirements as listed in § 213-27I(6)
|
•
|
Additional criteria as listed in § 213-27I(6)
| ||
Special permit
|
Planning Commission
|
•
|
•
| ||
•
|
Additional requirements as listed in § 213-27I(7)
|
•
|
Additional criteria as listed in § 213-27I(7)
|
(1)Â
TOD District site plan approval required. The Meriden City Council
in its capacity as the City's Zoning Authority/Commission, through
the adoption of this regulation, has, pursuant to the Connecticut
General Statutes, delegated to the Director of Planning and Enforcement
the authority to review and approve site plan applications for the
TOD District. All applications for site plan approval shall be submitted
to, reviewed and approved, modified and approved or denied by the
Director of Development and Enforcement.
(a)Â
Applicability. For all uses of land or buildings in the TOD
District, including any change of use, and for all expansions of existing
uses which add 25% or more to the floor area, traffic generated, parking
spaces or occupants of the site, a site plan approval issued by the
Director of Development and Enforcement shall be required before any
building permit may be issued.
(b)Â
Site plan objectives. In reviewing a site plan application,
the Director of Development and Enforcement shall take into consideration
the health, safety and welfare of the public in general and the immediate
neighborhood in particular and may prescribe reasonable conditions
and safeguards to ensure the accomplishment of the following general
objectives:
[1]Â
That the proposed site plan shall be in general conformance
with the intent of the Plan of Conservation and Development; however,
the Plan of Conservation and Development shall not take precedence
over specific provisions of the Zoning Regulations.
[2]Â
That all buildings, structures, uses, equipment or material
are readily accessible for fire and police protection.
[3]Â
That adequate on-site parking and loading spaces are provided
to prevent on-street traffic congestion; that all parking spaces and
maneuvering areas are suitably identified; that entrances and exits
are suitably identified and designed to specific use radii; that the
interior circulation system is adequately designed to provide safe
and convenient access to all structures, uses and/or parking spaces;
that parking areas are provided with suitable bumper guards, guardrails,
islands, crosswalks, speed bumps and similar safety devices when deemed
necessary by the Director of Development and Enforcement to adequately
protect life and property; and that provision is made for safe pedestrian
movement within and adjacent to the property by the installation of
sidewalks.
[4]Â
That all proposed traffic and pedestrian accessways do not create
traffic hazards and are adequate but not excessive in number; adequate
in width, grade, alignment and visibility; adequate in distance from
street corners, places of public assembly and other accessways; and
adequate in design for other similar safety considerations.
[5]Â
That the general landscaping of the site complies with the purpose
and intent of this chapter; that existing trees are preserved to the
maximum extent possible; and that parking, storage, refuse and service
areas are suitably screened during all seasons from the view of adjacent
residential areas and public rights-of-way.
[6]Â
That lighting of the site shall be adequate at ground level
for the protection and safety of the public in regard to pedestrian
and vehicular circulation and that glare from the installation of
outdoor lights and illuminated signs is properly shielded from the
view of adjacent property and public rights-of-way.
[7]Â
That all utility systems are suitably located, adequately designed
and properly installed to serve the proposed uses and to protect the
property and adjacent properties from adverse air, water or land pollution.
[8]Â
That the development of the site will preserve sensitive environmental
land features, such as steep slopes, wetlands and large rock outcroppings,
and will attempt to preserve public scenic views or historically significant
features.
[9]Â
That soil erosion and sediment controls are designed, installed
and maintained to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation resulting
from development.
[10]Â
That the location and size of any proposed use,
building or structure, as well as the nature and intensity of operations
involved or conducted in connection therewith, will be in general
harmony with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and will
not be hazardous or otherwise detrimental to the appropriate and orderly
development or use of any adjacent land, building or structure.
(c)Â
Procedure.
[1]Â
Application for a TOD District site plan approval shall be made
to the Director of Development and Enforcement in writing on a form
prescribed by the Director of Development and Enforcement and shall
be accompanied by plans, elevations and any other data necessary to
show the detail of the proposed use of land or buildings. Each application
shall require a fee, in accordance with the Schedule of Fees of the
City of Meriden[3] to cover the cost of administration. Said fee shall be
paid at the time of filing the application.
[3]
Editor's Note: Said fee schedule is on file in the Clerk's
office.
[2]Â
The Director of Development and Enforcement shall review the
plans and other documents which may be required. The Director of Development
and Enforcement shall consider the traffic impact created by the proposed
use as well as parking facilities provided for the proposed use, the
appropriateness of the proposed location of structures, the installation
of sidewalks, curbing, signs, water and sewer lines or connections,
stormwater drainage, the location of light standards or other methods
of illuminating the parking area and building, the location of traffic
islands and any planting materials within said islands, the location,
height and type of screening materials which will be located along
the property lines, general landscaping and, in general, any conditions
which might impair the welfare or safety of the general public using
said facilities. The Director of Development and Enforcement may require
modifications or special conditions to assure the safety and welfare
of the community and conformance with the general character of the
neighborhood.
[3]Â
The Director of Development and Enforcement may request advice
and recommendations from the Design Review Board – an existing
advisory board – for issues related to the exterior of structures
only.
[4]Â
Before a site plan approval is issued by the Director of Development
and Enforcement under this section, the applicant may be required
to post a bond with the Director of Development and Enforcement in
an amount approved by the Director of Development and Enforcement
as sufficient to guarantee conformity with the provisions of the permit
issued hereunder. Said bond shall be submitted at a time to be determined
by the Director. The estimated cost of measures required to control
soil erosion and sedimentation, as specified in the approved plan,
that are a condition of certification of any modified site plan may
be required to be covered in a performance bond or other assurance
acceptable to the Director in accordance with this provision.
[5]Â
The applicant shall submit three hard copies of the plot plan
or development plan of the project, along with one copy of elevations
or preliminary drawings showing the general type of building to be
constructed, to the Director of Development and Enforcement for review.
In addition, a digital copy of all drawings shall be submitted. The
Director of Development and Enforcement, upon approval of said development,
shall issue a site plan approval to the applicant along with one copy
of the approved plot plan. The Director of Development and Enforcement
shall retain two copies of the approved development plan in his files
and shall transmit one approved copy of the plot plan along with one
copy of the site plan approval to the Building Department and one
copy to the Engineering Division for their records.
[6]Â
The Director of Development and Enforcement shall reject, approve
or approve with modifications the site plan application within 65
days of the date of receipt of the application, as defined in the
Connecticut General Statutes. Failure of the Director of Development
and Enforcement to act within said period shall be deemed approval
by the Director of Development and Enforcement of the proposal as
submitted, and the Director of Development and Enforcement shall issue
said site plan approval.
(d)Â
Soil erosion and sediment control certification. Approval of
the plans by the Director of Development and Enforcement shall constitute
certification that the soil erosion and sediment control plan, as
filed, complies with the requirements and objectives of this chapter.
(e)Â
Inspection. Inspection shall be made by the Director of Development
and Enforcement or his designated agent during development to ensure
compliance with the certified plan and that control measures and facilities
are performed or installed and maintained. The Director may require
the permittee to verify through progress reports that soil erosion
and sediment control measures have been performed or installed according
to the certified plan and are being operated and maintained.
(f)Â
Expiration. Any approved TOD District site plan for which a
building permit has not been secured within one year from the date
of issuance of the site plan approval shall be considered not valid,
unless an extension of time is applied for by the applicant prior
to the actual expiration date and granted by the Director. All work
in connection with an approved site plan shall be completed within
five years after the date of approval of the plan, and failure to
complete all work within such five-year period shall result in automatic
expiration of the approval of such site plan unless the Director shall
have granted an extension of the time to complete work in connection
with such site plan. The Director may grant one or more extensions
of the time to complete all or part of the work in connection with
the site plan, provided the total extension or extensions shall not
exceed 10 years from the date of approval of such site plan. The Director
may condition the approval of such extension on a determination of
the adequacy of any bond or other surety.
(g)Â
Amendments or modification. Application for amendments to an
approved site plan shall be made in the same manner as the original
application. Minor modification may be approved by the Director of
Development and Enforcement.
(h)Â
Continuance. All conditions and improvements shown on an approved
site plan shall remain with the property as long as the use indicated
on the approved site plan is still in operation. The conditions and
improvements shall continue in force regardless of any change in ownership
of the property.
(i)Â
Any person aggrieved by the action of the Director of Development
and Enforcement may appeal said action in accordance with the provisions
of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(j)Â
The Director of Development and Enforcement shall report all
approved site plans to the Planning Commission at its next meeting.
(k)Â
Site plan application requirements. For all uses requiring site
plan approval, a site plan shall include seven sets of the following
information, maps and plans. Except as may be provided otherwise elsewhere
in this section, all applications shall include an accurate Class
A-2 survey of the property and improvements prepared by a land surveyor
registered in the State of Connecticut. All plans shall be prepared,
signed and sealed by a Connecticut-registered engineer, architect
or landscape architect, whichever is appropriate. All plans shall
be prepared at a scale of one inch equals not more than 20 feet or
not less than 50 feet.
[1]Â
General information.
[a]Â
Name and address of the applicant and owner of
record as listed on the City's tax rolls. If the applicant is not
the owner of record, the latter shall also sign the application.
[b]Â
Date, North arrow and numerical and graphical scale
on each map.
[c]Â
A written description of the proposed use or uses.
[d]Â
A table or chart indicating the proposed number
or amount and types of uses, lot area, lot width, frontage, building
height, coverage, floor area, parking spaces, landscaping and open
spaces as they relate to the requirements of this chapter.
[2]Â
Location map. An accurate scale map at a scale of one inch equals
1,000 feet shall be submitted showing the subject property and all
property and streets within 1,000 feet of any part of the subject
property.
[3]Â
Easement(s). Location, width and purpose of all existing and
proposed easements and rights-of-way on the property.
[4]Â
Buildings and uses.
[5]Â
Parking, loading and circulation.
[7]Â
Utilities. Location and design of all existing and proposed
sanitary sewer, storm drainage, water supply facilities and refuse
collection areas, as well as other underground and aboveground utilities.
All public utilities shall be placed underground. The Director of
Development and Enforcement may waive this requirement if engineering
data substantiates that such underground placement of utilities is
impractical.
[8]Â
Topographic map. The topographic map shall illustrate the existing
and proposed conditions of the property, including existing and proposed
contours with intervals of five feet, referred to the City of Meriden
datum, and location of all existing wooded areas, watercourses, wetlands,
rock outcrops and other significant physical features and, where appropriate,
the wetlands boundary and the flood hazard area.
[9]Â
A soil erosion and sediment control map and narrative shall be submitted for all development activities in which the cumulative disturbed area will be more than 1/2 acre. The plan shall conform with § 213-57 of this chapter.
[10]Â
Open space and landscaping plan. The open space
and landscaping plan shall illustrate the existing and proposed landscape
development of the property, including location, general layout, type
and size of buffer or landscape areas, plant material, fencing, screening
devices, decorative paving or other materials proposed.
[11]Â
Staging plan map. In cases where the applicant
wishes to develop in stages, an overall site and staging plan indicating
ultimate development for the entire property shall be submitted at
the same scale as the site plan.
[12]Â
Other information. The applicant shall submit
any other information deemed by the Director of Development and Enforcement
to be necessary to determine conformity with the intent of this chapter.
(2)Â
Special permits.
(a)Â
Applicability. In all cases where this chapter requires approval
by special permit, no building permit shall be issued by the Building
Official except after approval of the special permit application and
after public notice in accordance with the General Statutes of the
State of Connecticut.
(b)Â
Special permit objectives. In evaluating a special permit application,
the Planning Commission shall take into consideration the health,
safety and welfare of the public, in general, and the immediate neighborhood,
in particular, and may prescribe reasonable conditions and safeguards
to ensure the accomplishment of the following objectives:
[1]Â
Harmony with development. That the proposed use is of such location,
size and character that, in general, it will be in harmony with the
appropriate and orderly development of the district in which it is
proposed to be situated, will not tend to depreciate the value of
property in the neighborhood, and will not be detrimental to the orderly
development of adjacent properties in accordance with the zoning classification
of such properties.
[2]Â
Site plan objectives. That the site plan submitted as part of the special permit application will accomplish the site plan objectives described in § 213-27R(1)(b), particularly in that it will not create traffic or fire hazards and will not block or hamper the City circulation pattern.
[3]Â
Conformance to requirements. Unless otherwise specified, a special
permit use shall conform to all requirements of the TOD District.
Where two or more special permit uses apply to the same premises,
the minimum requirements shall be the minimum requirements for each
use as specified in this chapter or, in cases of two or more special
permit uses in the same building, whichever requirements are more
restrictive.
(3)Â
Procedure. Application for a special permit shall be made to the
Planning Commission in writing at least 15 days prior to a regular
meeting and shall be accompanied by the following required items.
(a)Â
A statement describing the existing and proposed use or uses.
(b)Â
A site plan in accordance with § 213-27R(1)(b), if applicable.
(c)Â
A list of all property owners required to be notified, together
with addresses.
(d)Â
Such other information as the Planning Commission may require
in order to determine compliance with the intent and purpose of this
chapter.
(f)Â
Public hearing and notice.
[1]Â
The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on all applications
for a special permit and shall publish a notice of said hearing in
a newspaper of general circulation.
[2]Â
In addition to published notice, the Planning Commission shall
give notice of any such hearing at least 10 days prior to the date
of the hearing to the applicant filing the application and to the
property owners whose property is located within, abutting and directly
across the street from all boundaries of the property which is the
subject of such hearing.
[3]Â
Further, the petitioner shall erect or cause to have erected
a sign on the premises affected by the proposed special permit at
least 10 days prior to the public hearing on such special permit.
Said sign shall be a minimum of four feet by five feet with black
lettering no smaller than three inches by 1/2 inch on a white background.
Said sign shall be weather-resistant, securely fastened or staked,
be clearly visible from the street closest to the affected property
and be maintained as such until the day following the public hearing.
The sign shall contain the following information:
Public Notice
A petition for a special permit has been filed with the Planning
Commission. A public hearing will be held on said petition on (date
of hearing) in City Hall.
|
(g)Â
A report from the Director of Development and Enforcement attesting
to whether the above-described sign was erected and maintained as
required shall be made part of the record at the public hearing. Failure
of a petitioner to comply with this requirement may be grounds for
automatic denial of the proposed special permit with consideration
being given to cases where weather conditions or acts of vandalism
have destroyed a properly posted sign.
(h)Â
The Commission may request advice and recommendations from the
Design Review Board – an existing advisory board – for
issues related to the exterior of structures only.
(i)Â
The Planning Commission shall reject or issue a special permit
within 65 days of the conclusion of the public hearing on the application.
Failure of the Planning Commission to act within the time period shall
be deemed approval of the proposal as submitted.
(4)Â
Conditions and safeguards. Any condition or safeguards attached to
the granting of a special permit shall remain with the property as
long as the special permit use is still in operation. These conditions
and safeguards shall continue in force regardless of any change in
ownership of the property.
(5)Â
Revocation. Any authorized special permit shall be subject to revocation
by the Planning Commission if any condition or safeguard imposed by
the Planning Commission upon buildings, structures, land or uses for
said permit is not strictly adhered to by the applicant, user and/or
owner.
(6)Â
Amendments or modifications. Applications for special permit amendments
which are necessitated by site conditions or which are deemed to be
in the public interest shall be made in the same manner as the original
application, except that amendments which are found to be of a minor
nature or which do not materially alter the special permit, as determined
by the Planning Commission, may be authorized with Planning Commission
approval only without another public hearing.
(7)Â
Time period and expiration. In approving a special permit, the Planning
Commission may set time limits on the permit and/or require periodic
renewal of the permit without a public hearing. In the event that
an appeal is taken from the Planning Commission's approval of a special
permit, then the time period shall commence on the date of final disposition
of such litigation. An expired special permit shall be considered
not valid. All work in connection with a site plan shall be completed
within five years after the date of approval of the plan, and failure
to complete all work within such five-year period shall result in
automatic expiration of the approval of such site plan unless the
Planning Commission shall have granted an extension of the time to
complete work in connection with such site plan. The Planning Commission
may grant 1 or more extensions of the time to complete all or part
of the work in connection with the site plan, provided the total extension
or extensions shall not exceed 10 years from the date of approval
of such site plan. The Planning Commission may condition the approval
of such extension on a determination of the adequacy of any bond or
other surety.
(8)Â
Continuance. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
when an amendment is adopted to this chapter or boundaries of zoning
districts, a special permit application that has been submitted to
the Planning Commission and all previously approved special permits
shall not be required to conform to such amendment.
S.Â
Administration and enforcement.
(1)Â
Enforcement. This chapter shall be enforced by the Director of Development
and Enforcement. The Director of Development and Enforcement is authorized
to cause any building, structure, place, premises or use to be inspected
or examined and to order in writing the remedying of any condition
found to exist therein or thereon in violation of any provision of
this chapter.
(2)Â
Zoning permit required. No building or structure shall be erected,
added to or structurally altered, no use shall be established and
no existing building or land, whether vacant or occupied, shall be
converted to a different use until a zoning permit has been issued
by the Director of Development and Enforcement or other authorized
official. All applications for such permits shall be in accordance
with the requirements of this chapter. Where a site plan approval
or special permit is required, the zoning permit shall be issued automatically
with such approval.
(a)Â
Application. Every application for a zoning permit shall be
accompanied by such information and exhibits, i.e., certified plot
plan, soils data, drainage computations, etc., as are required herein
or as may be reasonably required by the Director of Development and
Enforcement in order that the proposal of the applicant may be adequately
interpreted and judged as to its conformity with the provisions set
forth in this chapter.
(b)Â
Plot plan. The application shall be accompanied by three copies
of a plot plan based on an "A-2" survey prepared by a land surveyor
and/or engineer registered in the State of Connecticut, drawn to scale,
showing the actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon, the size
of the building to be erected, the location of the building upon the
lot, the dimensions of all open spaces, the setback lines observed
by buildings, the location of driveways and curb cuts and such other
information as may be necessary. The Director of Development and Enforcement
may waive any of the plot plan requirements in cases where they are
not needed to determine conformity with this chapter.
(3)Â
Certificate of compliance required.
(a)Â
No land shall be occupied or used, and no building hereafter
erected or altered shall be occupied or used in whole or in part for
any purpose, until a certificate of compliance shall have been issued
by the Director of Development and Enforcement or other authorized
official, stating that the premises or building complies with all
the provisions of this chapter. Such a certificate is also required
for any change, extension or alteration in a use.
(b)Â
Applications for a certificate of compliance shall be accompanied
by a certified plot plan of the lot and buildings involved, showing
the exact placement of the as-built structures on the lot. The as-built
plot plan may be the same document as is submitted for a certificate
of occupancy, if all zoning data (i.e., setbacks, etc.) are included.
The Director of Development and Enforcement may waive the requirement
for a certified plot plan in cases where it is not needed to determine
conformity with this chapter. No such certificate of compliance shall
be issued by the Director of Development and Enforcement until all
zoning requirements and conditions, including site plan approval and/or
special permits, have been met.
(4)Â
Fees. All applications for zoning permits and certificates of compliance
shall be accompanied by a fee, in accordance with the Schedule of
Fees of the City of Meriden,[5] to cover the cost of administration. Said fee shall be
paid at the time of filling the application.
[5]
Editor's Note: Said fee schedule is on file in the Clerk's
office.
(5)Â
Conditions for approval and issuance of permits.
(a)Â
Any maps, plans, documents, statements and stipulations submitted
to and approved by the Director of Development and Enforcement or
the Planning Commission in connection with site plan or special permit
or other action of said Director or Commission, as required by this
chapter, and any conditions of such approval(s) attached by said Director
or Commission shall be conditions for the approval of applications
for and the issuance of a zoning permit and a certificate of compliance
by the Director of Development and Enforcement. Prior to issuance
of a zoning permit or a certificate of compliance, the applicant shall
obtain and submit all approvals required by any other municipal, state
or federal department, bureau or agency.
(b)Â
No building permit or certificate of occupancy may be issued
until all zoning permits have been secured.
(6)Â
Certificate of occupancy required.
(a)Â
The occupancy and use of a building erected, reconstructed,
restored, altered or moved, or any change in use of an existing building,
shall be unlawful until a certificate of occupancy shall have been
applied for and issued by the Building Official.
(b)Â
A certificate of occupancy is required for and shall be deemed
to authorize both initial occupancy and the continued occupancy and
use of the building or land to which it applies.
(c)Â
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any use requiring
the granting of a special permit, variance or site plan unless and
until such permit approval has been duly granted and the Director
of Development and Enforcement and Building Official have inspected
the site to ascertain that all provisions of said approval are complied
with.
(d)Â
A nonrenewable temporary certificate of occupancy for a part
of a building may be issued by the Director of Development and Enforcement
for a period of not more than six months.
(7)Â
Records. A record of all zoning permits, certificates of compliance
and certificates of occupancy shall be kept in the office of the Director
of Development and Enforcement.
(8)Â
Penalties for offenses. Any person or corporation, whether as owner,
lessee, architect, contractor or builder, or the agent or employee
of any of them, who violates or is accessory to the violation of any
provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation made under the
authority conferred by this chapter or who shall erect, construct,
alter, enlarge, convert or move any building or structure or any part
thereof without a building permit or in violation of any statement
or plans submitted and approved under the provisions of this chapter
or who shall use any building, structure or land in violation of this
chapter or any rule or regulation made under the authority conferred
by this chapter or in violation of the provisions of any zoning permit,
building permit or certificate of occupancy or without a zoning permit,
building permit, change of use permit or certificate of occupancy
where one is required by this chapter and who fails to abate said
violation within 30 days after written notice has been served upon
him, either by mail or personal service, shall be liable to a penalty
in accordance with the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut.
Each day that a violation remains shall constitute a separate offense.
[1]
Editor's Note: This superseded former § 213-27,
Central Commercial Design District (CCDD), as amended.
[Added 12-5-1988]
A.Â
Creation of district. Within any zoning district,
the City Council may create a neighborhood commercial design district
(NCDD) in accordance with the standards, criteria and procedures contained
in this chapter. In concert with this chapter, the Council may also
adopt streetscape, signage and capital improvements programs for each
NCDD.
B.Â
Purpose. The purpose of a neighborhood commercial
design district (NCDD) is to provide for a range of low-density commercial
and residential uses to serve the daily needs of the community surrounding
the district. The purpose of the NCDD is to establish criteria by
which plans can be developed and reviewed with an emphasis on density,
scale, architectural conformity, and streetscape.
C.Â
Applicability. A commercial area may be designated
by the City Council as an NCDD if it:
(1)Â
Contains three or more contiguous pieces of property
which are currently used for commercial purposes;
(2)Â
Is recognized by the City Council and Planning Commission
to be a commercial area with an orientation towards the immediate
surrounding neighborhoods;
(3)Â
Is comprised of small-scale commercial entities, of
which the majority conform with the permitted NCDD uses; or
(4)Â
Is contiguous or will be contiguous to any existing
NCDD.
D.Â
Designation of a neighborhood commercial design district. The creation of an NCDD shall be in accordance with § 213-77 of this chapter; provided, however, that five copies of the following materials shall be submitted as part of the petition for its creation:
(1)Â
A description of the uses of the building and land
contained in the proposed district.
(2)Â
A description of the types and locations of streets,
sidewalks, utilities, landscaping, parking, and other site improvements
in the proposed district.
(3)Â
A map showing existing and proposed zoning of the
project area as well as all properties within 500 feet of the project
area.
E.Â
Planning Commission authority. Per § 213-72 of this chapter, any change in use or any new construction within the NCDD will require a certificate of approval from the Planning Commission. No structure or public facility may be erected, demolished or moved, enlarged, reconstructed, restored or structurally altered which is not first approved by the Planning Commission through the certificate of approval process. The Director of Planning and Chairman of the Planning Commission may waive the requirement for a certificate of approval for a change of use if they determine that the change will not affect the required parking and will have no effect on the building facade or streetscape. The Planning Commission may also require a certificate of appropriateness if it determines that the proposed change in use will affect the exterior of a building within the NCDD. In anticipation of this determination, an applicant may apply for a certificate of appropriateness in conjunction with the certificate of approval application.
F.Â
Permitted uses. No building or premises in a NCDD
shall be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose except those listed
below.
(1)Â
Uses permitted by right:
(a)Â
Retail stores.
(b)Â
Bakeries.
(c)Â
Service businesses such as barbershops, beauty
parlors, furniture repair, tailors and dry cleaning stores, launderettes,
dressmakers, jewelry repair, shoe repair, travel agent, appliance
repair, photographer's studio, duplicating business, and real estate
offices.
(d)Â
Banks, including drive in windows.
(e)Â
Brewpubs, brewpub-restaurants and restaurants.
[Amended 11-26-2019]
(f)Â
Single-, two- and three-family dwellings.
(g)Â
Libraries, art galleries and museums.
(h)Â
Child-care provider — Class I.
(i)Â
Public facilities.
(j)Â
Professional and business offices (minimum size
of office 300 square feet per office).
(k)Â
Arts and crafts studios and studios for teaching
performing arts.
(l)Â
Theaters.
(m)Â
Bus and taxi stands.
(n)Â
News and magazine stands.
(o)Â
Veterinarians.
(p)Â
Mortuary.
(q)Â
Child-care provider — Class II, subject to the requirements of § 213-16B(1)(d).
[Added 2-3-1992]
(r)Â
Notwithstanding the general restriction on temporary sales as stated in § 213-15 of this chapter, temporary sales are permitted by nonprofit clubs, nonprofit organizations, as defined and licensed by the State of Connecticut, and which were not created for the purpose of selling goods, property or wares. No such temporary sales shall be carried on for longer than a thirty-day period in any given six months. All such temporary sales must be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer as to safety issues and compliance with this chapter.
[Added 4-7-2008]
(s)Â
Religious assemblies and institutions including places of worship,
parochial schools, meeting rooms, and recreation facilities customarily
accessory to such uses.
[Added 4-5-2021]
(2)Â
Uses permitted subject to a special exception permit by the ZBA in accordance with the requirements of § 213-72:
(b)Â
Buildings with mixed uses subject to the provisions of § 213-23B(2)(k) and subject to the requirement that the first floor be used exclusively for commercial and/or office uses.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection F(2)(c),
which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 2-3-1992.
(c)Â
Child-care provider — Class III, subject to the requirements of § 213-19B(2)(j).
[Amended 2-3-1992]
(d)Â
Multiple-family dwellings in accordance with the requirements of § 213-25B(2)(l).
(e)Â
Clinics.
(f)Â
Membership and commercial clubs.
(g)Â
Cocktail lounges, nightclubs and liquor stores.
(h)Â
Recreation center.
(i)Â
Hotel and motel.
(3)Â
Accessory uses:
(a)Â
Uses customarily accessory to permitted uses
if constructed concurrently with or subsequent to the main building.
(d)Â
Outdoor dining area per standards and procedures of § 213-23C(4).
[Amended 6-7-2004; 6-17-2013]
G.Â
Application for a certificate of appropriateness.
(1)Â
The Planning Commission may make such written regulations
regarding procedure and form of application as it may determine, provided
they are not inconsistent with this chapter.
(2)Â
The application for a certificate of appropriateness
shall be executed by or on behalf of the owner and filed in duplicate
with the Planning Commission. A fee, in accordance with the City of
Meriden Fee Schedule, shall be submitted to the Planning Commission.
(3)Â
The application for a certificate of appropriateness
shall include such items as the Planning Commission, by its regulations,
may specify in order to disclose identification and location of the
project, including an A-2, grading plan, utility/easement plan, and
any other criteria required for site plan approval, as well as architectural
renderings of the site.
H.Â
Nonapplicability. Nothing in these neighborhood commercial
design district regulations shall be construed to prevent:
(1)Â
The ordinary maintenance or repair of any building
exterior in the district which does involve a change in design or
the outward appearance of the building, except where the total dollar
value for all labor and materials exceeds $5,000;
(2)Â
The reconstruction or alteration of any feature which
the Building Inspector shall certify is required because of an unsafe
or dangerous condition;
(3)Â
The construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition
of any feature under the permit issued by any City inspector prior
to the effective date of establishment of the particular district.
I.Â
General provisions.
(1)Â
Within 65 days after official filing of the final
application or within such further time as the applicant may in writing
allow for the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness, the Planning
Commission shall either grant or deny the certificate of appropriateness.
(2)Â
The Commission may from time to time adopt regulations
which detail the procedures for the issuance or denial of certificates
of appropriateness. In considering whether to grant a certificate
of appropriateness, the Commission must request advice and recommendations
from the Design Review Board. The Commission shall provide the Board
with a copy of the application and all accompanying plans, specifications
and supporting materials. The decisions of the Design Review Board
shall be made in writing and submitted to the Planning Commission
within the time prescribed by the Commission in its request.
(3)Â
If the Commission determines that the proposed development
is appropriate, or if the Commission fails to make a determination
with the time limit prescribed in this section, it shall issue to
the applicant a certificate of appropriateness. If the Commission
determines that a certificate of appropriateness should not be issued,
it shall place on its records the reasons for its determination, delivering
to the applicant an attested copy of its reasons for the determination.
(4)Â
Predesign conference. The developer is encouraged
to meet with the Planning Commission staff before presenting any formal
application in order to provide an opportunity for the developer to
receive from the Planning Commission staff a full explanation of the
City's requirements.
J.Â
Lot and bulk requirements for NCDD. The following
zoning requirements shall be applied to development/redevelopment
of property within the NCDD, per § 213-12B:
Lot Area
(square feet)
|
Area per DU
(square feet)
|
Width
(feet)
|
Coverage
|
Front
(feet)
|
Side
(feet)
|
Rear
(feet)
|
Height
(feet)
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10,000
|
3,000
|
75
|
60%*
|
20
|
10
|
25
|
35
|
NOTE:
| |
---|---|
*
|
Total lot coverage for principal and accessory
buildings.
|
(1)Â
Landscaping and buffer requirements:
(a)Â
All portions of improved multifamily and nonresidential
properties which are not used for buildings, structures, off-street
parking and loading, permitted outdoor storage, driveways, walkways
or similar purposes shall be landscaped with grass, shrubs, trees
and other ground covers in such a manner as to minimize erosion and
stormwater runoff and to maintain or improve the aesthetics of such
development.
(b)Â
All landscaping and walk areas within the front
yard shall be in accordance with the NCDD streetscape plan when adopted.
(c)Â
A landscaped area of at least 10 feet shall
be provided and maintained between any residential district and an
NCDD for the purposes of visual and noise buffering.
K.Â
Design criteria of NCDD. The following criteria shall
be considered in connection with any application for a certificate
of appropriateness in each design control district.
(1)Â
Relation of building to environment. The proposed
development shall be related harmoniously to the terrain as well as
to the use, scale and architecture of the existing buildings in the
vicinity.
(2)Â
Preservation of the landscape. The landscape shall
be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing
tree and soil removal, and any grade changes shall be in keeping with
the general appearance of neighboring development areas.
(3)Â
Open space. All open space, landscaped and usable,
shall be so designated as to add to the visual amenities of the vicinity
by maximizing its visibility for persons passing the site or overlooking
it from neighboring properties. Further, landscaping within the front
yard area should be in harmony with the streetscape plan for that
district.
(4)Â
Vehicular and pedestrian circulation. With respect
to vehicular and pedestrian circulation, including entrances, ramps,
walkways, drives and parking, special attention shall be given to
location and number of access points to public street, to width of
interior drives and access points, general interior circulation, separation
of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, access to community facilities,
and arrangement of parking areas in a safe and convenient way so that
insofar as practicable they do not detract from the use and enjoyment
of proposed building structures and neighboring properties.
(5)Â
Surface water drainage. Special attention shall be
given to proper site surface drainage so that removal of surface waters
will not adversely affect neighboring properties or the public storm
drainage system.
(6)Â
Advertising features. The size, location, design,
color, texture, lighting and materials of all permanent signs and
outdoor advertising structures or feeders shall not detract from the
use and enjoyment of proposed buildings and of the surrounding properties.
(7)Â
Special features. All trash disposal areas shall be
screened with a permanent opaque structure. All accessory structures
shall be limited to such setbacks and screening requirements as are
appropriate to prevent visual conflict with abutting properties.
(8)Â
Heritage. With respect to Meriden's heritage, the
removal or disruption of historic, traditional or significant uses,
structures or architectural elements shall be minimized insofar as
practicable, whether these exist on the site or on adjacent properties.
(9)Â
Local climate. Any developer who proposes new structures,
paved areas or the installation of machinery which emits heat, vapor
or fumes shall endeavor to minimize, insofar as practicable, any adverse
impact on light, air and water resources or on noise and temperature
levels of the immediate environment.
(10)Â
Architectural treatment. Where a new building
or building addition is planned, the exterior treatment of the building
shall be in keeping with building materials already prevalent in the
commercial area. Whenever possible, all buildings should be oriented
to the street, with the main facade parallel to the streetline.
(11)Â
Vehicular and pedestrian circulation. Whenever
practicable, parking should be located to the rear of a building.
Ramps, walkways, drives and parking areas should be designed to promote
safe pedestrian areas and convenient vehicular circulation.