Except as provided in Article IV hereof, no building or structure shall be constructed and no building, structure or land or part thereof shall be used for any purpose or in any manner other than for one or more of the uses hereinafter set forth as permitted in the district in which such building, structure or land is located or set forth as permissible by special permit in said district and so authorized. Special permits shall be issued subject to the provisions of Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended.
A special permit granted under this chapter shall lapse within a specified period of time, not more than two years, and including such time required to pursue or await the determination of an appeal referred to in MGL C. 40A, § 17, from the grant thereof, if a substantial use thereof has not sooner commenced except for good cause or, in the case of permit for construction, if construction as not begun by such date except for good cause.
[Added STM 11-21-1991 by Art. 14]
A. 
Where a special permit may be authorized by a special permit granting authority under this chapter, said authority may grant, upon written application, such special permit if it finds, among other things, that:
(1) 
The proposed use would be suitably located in the neighborhood in which it is proposed and/or the total Town.
(2) 
The use will be reasonably compatible with the character and scale of other uses permitted as of right in the same district.
(3) 
The use will not constitute a nuisance by reason of an unacceptable level of air or water pollution, excessive noise or visually flagrant structures and accessories.
(4) 
The proposed use will not constitute a substantial inconvenience or hazard to abutters, vehicular traffic or pedestrians.
(5) 
Adequate and appropriate facilities will be provided for the proper operation of the proposed use, including special attention to safe vehicular circulation.
(6) 
The proposed use shall comply with the sign regulations specified in this chapter.
(7) 
The proposed use shall comply with any and all additional special permit criteria or special use regulations imposed on individual uses in this chapter.
(8) 
The proposal will not create traffic congestion or impair pedestrian safety. Provision shall be made for convenient and safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation within the site and in relation to adjacent streets, property or improvements.
(9) 
The proposed project shall not create a significant adverse impact to the quality of surface water or groundwater during and after construction, and provision shall be made for maximizing groundwater recharge.
(10) 
The design of the project shall provide for adequate methods of disposal of sewage, refuse or other wastes generated by the proposed use.
(11) 
The design of the project shall minimize the visibility of visually degrading elements and protect the neighboring properties from potentially detrimental or offensive uses through the use of screening or vegetated buffer zones.
(12) 
In reviewing site plans submitted with a special permit application, the special permit granting authority shall consider the site plan submittal and approval requirements of this chapter.
(13) 
The proposal makes provision for the reduction of noise levels by plantings, screening, walls, fences or other devices.
(14) 
The proposed use complies with the requirements of any overlay district in effect pursuant to this chapter.
(15) 
The proposed use is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this chapter.
(16) 
The public good will be served by the proposed use.
(17) 
The proposal reasonably protects the adjoining premises against possible detrimental or offensive effects from the uses on the site, including, but not limited to, unsightly or obnoxious appearances, air pollution, water pollution, drainage flooding, noise, vibration and lighting.
B. 
In granting a special permit, the special permit granting authority may, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A, impose conditions, safeguards and limitations to be enforced in accordance with this chapter. Such conditions, safeguards and limitations shall be in writing and may include but are not limited to the following:
(1) 
Setback and side and rear yards greater than the minimum required in this chapter.
(2) 
Screening of parking areas or other parts of the premises from adjoining properties or from streets by the use of walls, fences, plantings or other such devices.
(3) 
Limitations of size, number of occupants, method or time of operation or extent of facilities.
(4) 
Modification of the exterior design or appearance of buildings, structures, signs or landscape materials.
(5) 
Additional parking, loading or traffic requirements beyond the minimum required in this chapter.
(6) 
Measures to protect against environmental pollution.
(7) 
Performance bond or other security to insure that the project meets the conditions specified in the special permits.
(8) 
Regulation of the number, design and location of access driveways and other traffic features of the proposed use.
(9) 
Independent or Town monitoring at the expense of the applicant.
(10) 
Requirements necessary to control dust, dirt and erosion during construction activity.
(11) 
Limitations regarding the period of time the special permit may be in effect.
(12) 
Such other limitations as may be reasonably related to reducing any adverse impact or which increase the compatibility of the proposed use, structure or activity with the adjoining area and neighborhood.
[Added ATM 5-17-2022 by Art. 19]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the major development review is to identify, early in the process, those land use proposals for which a special permit is sought, excluding flexible residential development proposals submitted under § 185-23 of the Town of Southwick Bylaws and subdivision proposals submitted under Chapter 315 of the Town of Southwick Bylaws, that may have a significant impact on the Town of Southwick. Such a review will enable the Planning Board and the community to make an early assessment of said proposals, including any impacts to Town resources and services, traffic, the environment, abutting properties, the rural and historic character of the Town and surrounding properties, and the public health and safety that may be caused directly or indirectly by the proposal.
B. 
Definitions. The following definitions apply when said terms are used in this section.
FACADE
The shape, the color, and the type of material of the facing of any exterior wall of a building or structure.
FLOOR AREA
The sum of all area on each floor of a building, excluding any cellar space but including any exterior space used for year-round sale or storage of merchandise or equipment.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Any surface which prevents or impedes the infiltration of stormwater into the underlying soil, including but not limited to buildings or structures, compacted gravel or soil surfaces which impede infiltration of stormwater, rooftops, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and storage areas.
C. 
Applicable proposals. The provisions of this bylaw shall apply to any application for a special permit, excluding flexible residential development proposals submitted under § 185-23 of the Town of Southwick Bylaws and subdivision proposals submitted under Chapter 315 of the Town of Southwick Bylaws, which seeks to utilize the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of the following thresholds:
(1) 
A proposed building or buildings on the subject property or properties for a new use which meets the following conditions:
(a) 
Said new building(s) total 60,000 square feet or more of gross floor area; or
(b) 
Said new building(s) total 40,000 square feet or more of gross floor area, and:
[1] 
The proposal includes the construction of 100 or more net additional parking spaces; or
[2] 
The proposal generates an increase in the existing total daily vehicle trips on the road serving the property or properties by 25% or more, utilizing the most recent edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual to determine the number of vehicle trips or, if the ITE trip generation rates are not applicable or the use is not included in the manual, the estimated vehicle trips per day shall be verified by the Southwick Town Engineer or a traffic engineer peer reviewer; or
[3] 
The proposal generates 20 or more net additional daily vehicle trips to or from the subject property or properties by vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Administration classification as Class 7 or above.
(c) 
Any building(s) erected on the subject property or properties within the prior two years will be included in the gross floor area totals of Subsection C(1)(a) and (b), above.
(2) 
A proposed new use on the subject property or properties which meets the following conditions:
(a) 
The proposal includes 100,000 square feet or more of new gross impervious surface; or
(b) 
The proposal includes 60,000 square feet or more of new gross impervious surface, and:
[1] 
The proposal includes the construction of 100 or more net additional parking spaces; or
[2] 
The proposal generates an increase in the existing total daily vehicle trips on the road serving the property or properties by 25% or more, utilizing the most recent edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual to determine the number of vehicle trips or, if the ITE trip generation rates are not applicable or the use is not included in the manual, the estimated vehicle trips per day shall be verified by the Southwick Town Engineer or a traffic engineer peer reviewer; or
[3] 
The proposal generates 20 or more net additional daily vehicle trips to or from the subject property or properties by vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Administration classification as Class 7 or above.
(c) 
Any impervious surface constructed or installed on the subject property or properties within the prior two years will be included in the gross impervious surface totals of Subsection C(2)(a) and (b), above.
(3) 
A proposed new building or buildings on the subject property or properties to be utilized for an existing use which meets the following conditions:
(a) 
Said new building(s) total 80,000 square feet or more of new gross floor area; or
(b) 
Said new building(s) total 60,000 square feet or more of new gross floor area, and:
[1] 
The proposal includes the construction of 100 or more net additional parking spaces; or
[2] 
The proposal generates an increase in the existing total daily vehicle trips on the road serving the property or properties by 25% or more, utilizing the most recent edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual to determine the number of vehicle trips or, if the ITE trip generation rates are not applicable or the use is not included in the manual, the estimated vehicle trips per day shall be verified by the Southwick Town Engineer or a traffic engineer peer reviewer; or
[3] 
The proposal generates 20 or more net additional daily vehicle trips to or from the subject property or properties by vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Administration classification as Class 7 or above.
(c) 
Any building(s) erected on the subject property or properties within the prior two years will be included in the gross floor area totals of Subsection C(3)(a) and (b), above.
(4) 
A proposed addition to a subject property or properties without a change to the existing use on the subject property or properties which meets the following conditions:
(a) 
The proposal includes 120,000 square feet or more of new gross impervious surface; or
(b) 
The proposal includes 80,000 square feet or more of new gross impervious surface, and:
[1] 
The proposal includes the construction of 100 or more net additional parking spaces; or
[2] 
The proposal generates an increase in the total daily vehicle trips on the road serving the property or properties by 25% or more, utilizing the most recent edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual to determine the number of vehicle trips or, if the ITE trip generation rates are not applicable or the use is not included in the manual, the estimated vehicle trips per day shall be verified by the Southwick Town Engineer or a traffic engineer peer reviewer; or
[3] 
The proposal generates 20 or more net additional daily vehicle trips to or from the subject property or properties by vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Administration classification as Class 7 or above.
(c) 
Any impervious surface constructed or installed on the subject property or properties within the prior two years will be included in the gross impervious surface totals of Subsection C(4)(a) and (b), above.
D. 
Additional application information and filing requirements.
(1) 
An application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above must be submitted to the Planning Board office prior to filing in the Town Clerk's office. Said application must contain the following information in addition to the submittal requirements of any other section of Chapter 185:
(a) 
The name and address of the anticipated occupant(s)/tenant(s) (if known by the applicant at the time of the application), if different than the applicant;
(b) 
Facade elevation renderings and perspective drawings of all sides of any new building or structure or alterations to any existing building or structure;
(c) 
Versions of all applicable plans showing the subject property or properties superimposed on an aerial image of the subject property or properties, which includes abutting properties;
(d) 
Any plans for phased construction; and
(e) 
The applicant's opinion on the need for a comprehensive impact statement (see Subsection E, below).
(2) 
An application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above must also include, when filed in the Town Clerk's office, a copy of any comprehensive impact statement required by Subsection E, below, and a certification by the applicant that the community meeting required by Subsection F, below, has been conducted. Said application will not be deemed to be complete and appropriate for filing with the Town Clerk's office, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 9, until such time as any comprehensive impact statement required by Subsection E, below, is submitted to the Planning Board, and the community meeting required by Subsection F, below, has been conducted. If a public hearing is required to be opened due to statutory time limits due to the premature filing of the application with the Town Clerk, a public hearing may be opened and the application shall be denied by the Planning Board, unless said time limits are extended by written agreement of the applicant and the Planning Board or its designee.
E. 
Comprehensive impact statement.
(1) 
Upon submission of an application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above to the Planning Board office, the Town Planner will assess the following topics, with input from any other Town boards, commissions, or departments deemed relevant, and within 35 days of the submission of the application, circulate to the Planning Board members a written recommendation, including the factual basis and support for said recommendation, as to whether a comprehensive impact statement regarding one or more of the following topics is needed from the applicant:
(a) 
Traffic impacts;
(b) 
Impacts to municipal utilities and services;
(c) 
Environmental impacts;
(d) 
Community impacts; and
(e) 
Fiscal impacts.
(2) 
An application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above shall contain the applicant's opinion on whether a comprehensive impact statement regarding the topics listed in Subsection E(1) above is needed, and the factual basis and support for said position.
(3) 
The Planning Board shall vote at its next meeting following the circulation of the recommendation of the Town Planner on whether or not a comprehensive impact statement regarding one or more of the above topics is required, taking into account the information contained in the latest version of the Planning Board's Comprehensive Impact Statement Handbook. The recommendation of the Town Planner will be adopted unless a majority of the Board vote to change the recommendation of the Town Planner, with a majority vote required for each proposed change to the recommendation. The Board must state the factual basis and support for any change in the recommendation of the Town Planner. Notice of the Board's decision regarding the comprehensive impact statement shall be provided to the applicant promptly.
(4) 
Any required comprehensive impact statement must be submitted by the applicant within 30 days of the applicant being provided notice of the Planning Board's vote that a comprehensive impact statement is required, unless this time limit is extended by written agreement of the applicant and the Planning Board or its designee.
(5) 
Any required comprehensive impact statement must comply with the requirements of the latest version of the Planning Board's Comprehensive Impact Statement Handbook.
(6) 
Any required comprehensive impact statement must be submitted at least seven days prior to conducting a community meeting on an application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above.
(7) 
Any required comprehensive impact statement must be certified by the applicant as being complete and accurate. Failure to comply with the requirements of the latest version of the Planning Board's Comprehensive Impact Statement Handbook, or submission of any substantial misrepresentation or misleading or omitted data, shall be grounds for denial of the application.
F. 
Community meeting.
(1) 
The applicant shall provide reasonable dates and times for a community meeting to be held at a suitable location in the Town of Southwick. Within seven days thereafter, the Town Planner will determine if the location is suitable, select one of the proposed dates and times and notify the applicant of the selection.
(2) 
The applicant will timely give notice of the community meeting by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Southwick once in each of two successive weeks, the first publication to be not less than 14 days before the day of the community meeting, and will provide notice of the meeting by U.S. First Class Mail, postage prepaid, to all parties in interest, as defined by M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 11. Publications and notices required by this section shall contain the name and address of the applicant; the name and address of the anticipated occupant(s)/tenant(s) (if known at the time of the application); a description of the area or premises, street address, if any, or other adequate identification of the location, of the subject property or properties; the date, time and place of the community meeting; a description of the proposed use for the subject property or properties; and a statement that the applicant's submission is available for public review in the Planning Board office. Prior to conducting a public hearing, the applicant shall provide the Planning Board with a copy of any and all publications and notices described above, a list of all parties in interest to whom notice was provided, and a certification that the requirements of this section were completed.
(3) 
The meeting will be attended, at a minimum, by a representative of the applicant, a representative of the anticipated occupant(s)/tenant(s) (if known by the applicant at the time of the meeting), and a representative of the landscape architect/engineering firm associated with the project. If the applicant is the anticipated occupant(s)/tenant(s) and/or the landscape architect/engineering firm, a single attendee from those identical parties can satisfy the above requirement.
(4) 
The meeting will be attended, at a minimum, by the Town Planner and/or a member of the Planning Board. A representative of the Department of Public Works, the Conservation Coordinator and/or a member of the Conservation Commission, and other relevant Town boards and departments will be notified by the Town Planner of the meeting and encouraged to attend.
(5) 
The meeting will allow for a minimum of one hour of public questions and comments.
(6) 
At the option of either the applicant or the Town Planner/Planning Board, the meeting may be conducted in hybrid format (in person and via a video conferencing platform) and may be recorded.
(7) 
All costs associated with conducting the meeting will be borne by the applicant.
(8) 
The information to be presented by the applicant at the meeting must include:
(a) 
A detailed description and explanation of the proposed use for the subject property or properties;
(b) 
Information that describes the location and site plan;
(c) 
How the development will positively impact the community;
(d) 
Any required comprehensive impact statement;
(e) 
How any potential negative impacts from the construction process and use will be minimized; and
(f) 
How the development will meet the standards in the Southwick Design Guidelines Handbook, if applicable.
(9) 
A community meeting must be conducted prior to a public hearing on an application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above.
G. 
Major development standards.
(1) 
An application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above must include a minimum lot size of five acres.
(2) 
An application for a special permit which seeks to use the property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above must not include new impervious surfaces which exceed 40% of the total lot area of the property or properties.
(3) 
Total impervious surfaces of a grouped retail business use or mall proposal shall not exceed 45% of total lot area of the property or properties.
H. 
Surety. The Planning Board may, at its discretion when granting a special permit which seeks to use a property or properties in a manner that meets or exceeds any of thresholds of Subsection C above, choose to require that the applicant submit to the Town a form of abandoned building surety, either through escrow account, or bond, in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of removal of all, or some portion of, the structures and impervious surfaces to be added to the property or properties by the applicant, and to return the property or properties to their original condition or a condition appropriate for redevelopment. Such determination should consider the reusability of the structures and/or improvements. The escrow account or bond shall be kept in place until such time as the Planning Board grants, for good cause and by majority vote, to release the surety.
[Added STM 11-21-1991 by Art. 14]
A. 
In all instances in which site plan approval is required under this chapter, all site plans shall be submitted to the Planning Board on such size sheets and with a sufficient scale to show:
(1) 
The location and boundaries of the lot, adjacent streets or ways, and the location and owners' names of all adjacent properties.
(2) 
Existing and proposed topography, including contours, the location of wetlands, streams, water bodies, drainage swales, areas subject to flooding and unique natural land features.
(3) 
Existing and proposed structures, including dimensions and elevations.
(4) 
The location of parking and loading areas, driveways, walkways and access and egress points.
(5) 
The locations and a description of all proposed septic systems, water supply, storm drainage systems, utilities and refuse and other waste disposal methods.
(6) 
Proposed landscape features, including the location and a description of screening, fencing and plantings.
(7) 
The location, dimensions, height and characteristics of proposed signs.
(8) 
The location and a description of proposed open space or recreation areas.
(9) 
Any additional information required elsewhere in this chapter.
B. 
In addition to the above, the applicant for site plan approval shall also submit the following information to the Planning Board as directed by the Board:
(1) 
Measures to prevent pollution of surface and ground water, increased runoff, changes in groundwater levels and flooding.
(2) 
Design features which will integrate the proposed development into the existing landscape, maintain neighborhood character, enhance aesthetic assets and screen objectionable features from neighbors and roadways.
(3) 
Control measures to prevent erosion and sedimentation and the sequence of grading and construction activities, installation of control measures and final stabilization of the site.
(4) 
Estimated average daily and peak-hour vehicle trips to be generated by the site and traffic flow patterns for both vehicles and pedestrians showing adequate access to and from the site and adequate circulation within the site.
C. 
In reviewing and evaluating a site plan as part of special permit criteria or otherwise under this chapter, the Planning Board shall consider the following standards, consistent with a reasonable use of the site for the purposes permitted or permissible by the regulations of the district in which it is located, in addition to other criteria set forth in this chapter:
(1) 
The proposal must conform to the special permit requirements as listed elsewhere in this chapter.
(2) 
The development shall be integrated into the existing terrain and surrounding landscape and shall be designed to protect abutting properties and community amenities. Building sites shall, to the extent feasible:
(a) 
Minimize use of wetlands, steep slopes and hilltops;
(b) 
Minimize obstruction of scenic views from publicly accessible locations;
(c) 
Preserve unique natural or historical features;
(d) 
Minimize tree, vegetation and soil removal and grade changes; and
(e) 
Maximize open space retention.
(3) 
Architectural style shall be compatible with the rural/historic character and scale of buildings in the neighborhood and the Town through the use of building materials, screening, breaks in roof- and wall lines and other architectural techniques. Variation in detail, form and siting shall be used to provide visual interest and avoid monotony. Proposed buildings shall relate harmoniously to each other with adequate light, air, circulation and separation between buildings.
(4) 
The development shall be served with adequate water supply and waste disposal systems.
(5) 
The plan shall maximize the convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement within the site and in relation to adjacent ways.
(6) 
The site plan shall show adequate measures to prevent pollution of surface or ground water, to minimize erosion and sedimentation and to prevent increased potential for flooding. Drainage shall be designed so that runoff shall not be increased, groundwater recharge is maximized and neighboring properties will not be adversely affected.
(7) 
The development will not place excessive demands on Town services and infrastructures.
(8) 
Electric, telephone, cable television and other such utilities shall be underground where physically and environmentally feasible.
(9) 
Exposed storage areas, machinery, service areas, truckloading areas, utility buildings and structures and other unsightly uses shall be set back or screened to protect the neighbors from objectionable features.
(10) 
The site plan shall comply with any and all zoning requirements for parking, loading, dimensions, environmental performance standards and all other provisions of this chapter.
D. 
Before approval of a site plan, the Planning Board may request the applicant to make modifications in the proposed design of the project to ensure that the above criteria are met.
A. 
Purpose. It is the purpose of this district to protect natural drainage, flood retention areas and the natural water table, to prevent water pollution and slope erosion, to continue and promote agricultural use of the land and the health, safety and the general welfare.
B. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Farms, lumbering, stables, commercial greenhouses and kennels for purpose of agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry, under the following conditions:
(a) 
All structures except dwellings shall be, hereafter, located not less than 100 feet from any street line and not less than 100 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot, except that these requirements shall not restrict fencing for pastures for horses and cows.
(b) 
Commercial dog kennels shall be located not nearer than 500 feet to any dwelling on an adjacent lot and not less than 300 feet from any street line, and shall require the authorization of the Board of Appeals.
(c) 
Commercial slaughtering, except animals raised on the premises, is prohibited.
(d) 
Piggeries are prohibited except as provided for in Article VI, § 185-35.
(2) 
Municipal parks, playgrounds and recreational and community buildings, grounds for games and sports and country clubs, the chief activity of which is not conducted for profit.
(3) 
Buildings used for governmental uses, either Town, county, state or federal.
(4) 
Signs in conjunction with the above uses subject to the requirements of Article VI, § 185-29A, herein.
(5) 
Accessory uses customarily incidental to any use permitted herein.
(6) 
Single-family residences may be granted special permits by the Planning Board as an exception subject to the following conditions:
(a) 
All requirements of Chapter 315, the Subdivision Regulations of the Town of Southwick, must be complied with if it is a subdivision.
(b) 
The Board of Health shall certify to the Board that proposed private sewerage and water systems have been designed to operate satisfactorily in relation to the particular characteristics of the soils and slopes in this district.
(c) 
Minimum lot, height and area requirements are not less than those required in the R-40 Zone.
(d) 
The Board shall be guided by the public welfare and shall find that such proposed use fully safeguards the appropriate use of the land in the immediate neighborhood.
(e) 
Height, area and yard requirements shall conform to Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
[1] 
No building or structure shall exceed two and one-half (21/2) stories or 35 feet in height, except farm buildings which may be built to a height of 60 feet.
(7) 
For small scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
C. 
Large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems are not an allowed use in this zoning district. See § 185-23.2 Table I.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Any use permitted in Article IV, § 185-11, Agriculture and Conservation District AC, including farms, commercial greenhouses, lumbering and stables, which, when operated for profit, shall be permitted subject to the provisions of Article IV, § 185-11B, only on a minimum tract of five acres. Commercial dog kennels are prohibited.
(2) 
Single-family permanent dwellings, provided that only one dwelling shall occupy one lot as specified in Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
(3) 
Two-family permanent dwellings, provided that there shall be a fifty-percent increase in the minimum lot area. Approved separate water and sewerage systems are required. There shall be a minimum frontage of 250 feet and a minimum distance of at least 1,500 feet in any direction from any other two-family dwelling.
[Amended STM 9-26-1978 by Art. 10]
(4) 
Churches and other places of worship, parish houses and Sunday school buildings and social centers.
(5) 
Public schools, public libraries and museums and private schools, including nursery schools. Tractor-trailer and heavy equipment schools are prohibited.
(6) 
Public or semipublic institutions of a philanthropic or charitable character, hospitals, sanatoriums and other medical institutions, provided that proper sewerage be required for any establishment containing more than six beds or full-time patients or occupants. Principal structures shall be located not less than 100 feet from any street line or property line.
(7) 
On a minimum parcel of 40,000 square feet, the keeping of a small flock of poultry, not to exceed 25, and the keeping of saddle or riding horses and other farm animals, for the personal use of the occupant or occupants, may be permitted, provided that any required enclosure or building for such animals shall hereafter be located not less than 100 feet from any street line and 100 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot (subject to Board of Health criteria).
(8) 
The office of a physician, surgeon or dentist, or any similar professional office, provided that it is situated in the same dwelling used by the person as his private residence and not more than two persons shall be regularly engaged in the activity.
(9) 
Customary home occupations, as defined in Article II, Definitions, § 185-4, herein.
(10) 
Signs in conjunction with the above uses, subject to the provisions of Article VI, § 185-29A, herein.
(11) 
Accessory uses customarily incidental to any use permitted herein.
(12) 
Any use permitted in Article VI, § 185-34, Commercial recreation, upon the issuance of a special permit by the Planning Board and subject to all the provisions thereof.
[Added ATM 4-20-1993 by Art. 22]
(13) 
For small scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2. Large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems are not allowed in this zoning district. See § 185-23.2 Table 1.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
B. 
Height, area and yard requirements shall conform to Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Any use permitted in Article IV, § 185-12, Residence Zone R-40, subject to all provisions thereof.
(2) 
Signs in conjunction with the above uses, subject to the provisions of Article VI, § 185-29A herein.
(3) 
Accessory uses customarily incident to any use permitted herein.
(4) 
In appropriate cases and subject to appropriate safeguards, the Planning Board may grant special permits for the following uses of land or buildings after compliance with all the requirements of this chapter:
(a) 
Public boathouse for rental of boats and canoes.
(b) 
Public bathhouses.
(c) 
Commercial uses of buildings, structures and land for recreation.
(d) 
Signs as permitted in Article VI, § 185-29, herein.
(5) 
For small scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2. Large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems are not allowed in this zoning district. See § 185-23.2 Table 1.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
B. 
Height, area and yard requirements shall conform to Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
[Added STM 9-26-1978 by Art. 10]
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Any use permitted in Article IV, § 185-13, Residence Zone R-20, subject to all the provisions thereof.
(2) 
Residential apartment houses. The Planning Board may grant a special permit for residential apartment houses in the R-20-A District subject to the following conditions and any other requirements of this district:
(a) 
The principal permitted use shall be multifamily residence. Residential garden apartments.
(b) 
The only other uses to be permitted are parking, recreation and homemaking or service uses intended and designed only for the use, maintenance or operation of the property and residence.
(c) 
General requirements:
[1] 
Area requirements. The minimum size parcel or land which may be used for this use is two acres. The number of dwelling units to be permitted shall be computed on the basis of land area, and not more than six dwelling units for each acre of land will be permitted.
[2] 
Yard and frontage requirements:
[a] 
Yard and courts: minimum front yard, 50 feet in depth; minimum rear yard, 50 feet in depth. Courts shall be completely open on one side and with a width of not less than 75 feet and depth of not more than 100 feet. Apartments shall not be closer than 100 feet to any arterial or collector street.
[b] 
Space between structures. The distance between any two structures shall be not less than 100 feet.
[c] 
Building coverage. Structures may not occupy more than 25% of the total land area. Parking facilities may not occupy more than 20% of the total land area.
[d] 
Frontage: at least 300 feet of frontage on an arterial or collector road. Such roads are defined in the Plan of Development, the Master Plan.
[3] 
Building height. Buildings shall not exceed two stories or 35 feet in height. Basements are not required but when provided shall not be used for living areas, except that service facilities are permitted.
[4] 
Building and dwelling size. Each building shall not contain fewer than four units nor exceed 12 dwelling units. Each dwelling unit shall contain at least 500 square feet of living space and at least two rooms exclusive of bathroom. For each additional room, 125 square feet of living area shall be provided. In no case shall more than three bedrooms be provided, and when provided this type of dwelling unit shall not comprise more than 5% of the dwelling units proposed.
[5] 
Parking and access. At least two parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit. The parking areas shall be hard-surfaced and located on the site not more than 200 feet from the dwelling units to be serviced. Each parking space shall not be less than 10 feet by 20 feet in size. Accessways shall be constructed to the street specifications contained in Chapter 315, the Southwick Subdivision Regulations. The location and arrangement of access and parking shall be consistent with public safety and shall provide no undue hindrance to the safety of existing or proposed ways. Parking will not be permitted on accessways or within any front yard requirements.
[6] 
Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be provided on the site from parking areas to dwelling units and wherever else pedestrian traffic warrants.
[7] 
Recreation. At least 1,000 square feet of developed recreation area for each dwelling unit shall be provided. Such space can be centrally located on the site to provide convenient access to its residents. At least 1,000 square feet of undeveloped natural area for each dwelling unit shall be provided.
[8] 
Buffer areas. A buffer area shall be provided along all lot lines except the frontage. Such buffer shall not be less than 25 feet in width and planted with evergreens in no fewer than two rows no further than 15 feet apart along each row, staggered to provide maximum screening, and using trees not less than five feet in height at time of planting. Additional buffer width or area or more mature plantings if unusual conditions demand more extensive screening may be required. Such buffer areas are not required for the frontage on a road.
[9] 
The provision of public water is mandatory for apartment uses. The disposal of sanitary wastes shall be provided for in a common system for all dwelling units proposed and shall be approved by the Board of Health.
[10] 
Apartment-type residences shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and codes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(d) 
A site development plan signed by a registered engineer, a land surveyor and a landscape architect shall be submitted on four copies to the Planning Board and shall include the following information:
[Amended ATM 4-15-1980 by Arts. 37 and 38; ATM 5-19-2015 by Art. 24]
[1] 
Existing and proposed topography of the site. All elevations shall be based on United States Geological Survey (USGS) datum, and shall be shown in two-foot contour intervals. All zone limits shall be shown. Soil types may be taken from existing soil classification maps and revised according to site investigations.
[2] 
The location of drainage and other utility installation.
[3] 
The location and extent of proposed structures.
[4] 
The location and extent of parking and access areas.
[5] 
The location and extent of pedestrian areas.
[6] 
The location and extent and facilities of recreation areas.
[7] 
The amount of open space and recreation area provided.
[8] 
A tabulation of proposed buildings by type, size (number of bedrooms, floor area and ground coverage) and a summary of the percentage of the tract to be occupied by buildings, parking areas and other paved vehicular traffic.
[9] 
A general location map showing the surrounding property within 500 feet and including the structures, roads, watercourses and other physical features which relate to the proposed site development plan. The Planning Board shall transmit one copy of the site development plan to the Board of Health for an advisory report. The Board of Health shall have 30 days in which to make its report.
[10] 
No site development plan will be approved which is inconsistent with the public welfare or which impairs the integrity of this chapter or which does not fully safeguard the appropriate use of the land in the immediate neighborhood. The Board shall require a public hearing on a site development plan.
[11] 
The Board shall require a performance bond for any and all of the proposed site improvements to include recreation areas as well as accessways, park, landscaping, etc.
[12] 
No building or use permit may be issued except in accordance with the site development plan as approved or subsequently amended by the procedures outlined in this section.
[13] 
Unless substantial construction has begun within two years of the approval of the plan, said plan shall become null and void.
[14] 
Entrance signs shall not exceed 32 square feet; other signs shall conform to this chapter.
[15] 
These rules and regulations shall not apply to the Southwick Housing Authority for housing for the elderly. Said Housing Authority shall comply with the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[16] 
Housing projects for elderly persons as authorized under MGL C. 121B, §§ 38 through 41, inclusive, as well as any other applicable sections of the General Laws and the requirements of the DCA Division of Housing, all as most recently amended, provided that:
[a] 
The project be on a Town sewer, if available.
[b] 
There shall be a minimum of 4,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit.
[c] 
In no case shall there be a total area of less than four acres, and the number of dwelling units to be permitted shall be computed on the basis of land area, and not more than nine dwelling units for each acre of land will be permitted.
[d] 
The lot shall have a frontage of no less than 200 feet on a public way.
[e] 
No building shall be less than 50 feet from any public way or 30 feet from any property line.
[f] 
There shall be a distance of at least 30 feet between buildings.
[g] 
Maximum height shall not exceed 35 feet and the minimum gross floor area per dwelling unit shall be 450 square feet, further provided that said housing is permissible in any district in the Town of Southwick, only under the jurisdiction of the Southwick Housing Authority.
(3) 
For small scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2. Large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems are not allowed in this zoning district. See § 185-23.2 Table 1.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
B. 
Height, area, yard and minimum floor area requirements shall conform to Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Any use permitted in Article IV, § 185-13, Residence Zone R-20, subject to all the provisions thereof.
(2) 
Housing for elderly persons and/or handicapped persons.
(a) 
The Planning Board may grant a special permit for housing for the elderly and/or handicapped persons as hereinafter defined, subject to the following conditions and other requirements of this district:
[1] 
The principal permitted use shall be multifamily residences for elderly and/or handicapped persons. Such housing may include ancillary facilities such as retail services, libraries and laundry rooms serving the residents of the project, provided that no exterior signs or direct outside entrances shall be permitted to such service uses. Offices, meeting and conference rooms and administrative uses related to the operation or program of service needs of the project shall be allowed.
[Amended STM 9-13-1994 by Art. 3]
[2] 
The general requirements and conditions set forth in Article IV, § 185-14, shall be applicable to housing for the elderly and/or handicapped persons permitted in this R-20-B Zone.
(b) 
For the purpose of this § 185-15, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
ELDERLY PERSON
[1] 
A person 55 years of age or older
[2] 
A family in which either the husband or wife is 55 years of age or older.
HANDICAPPED PERSON
Any person having physical impairments which:
[1] 
Are expected to be of long indefinite duration;
[2] 
Substantially impede the ability to live independently: and
[3] 
Are of such a nature that the ability to live independently could be improved by more suitable housing conditions.
HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY OR HANDICAPPED
A building or buildings containing dwellings and related facilities, such as dining, recreational services or therapy areas, where the occupancy of the dwellings is designed to meet the needs of elderly or handicapped persons as defined herein. Such use may include facilities for independent or semi-independent living, day care personal care nursing facilities or services to the elderly of the community when it is an ancillary part of one of the above operations.
(3) 
For small scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2. Large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems are not allowed in this zoning district. See § 185-23.2 Table 1.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Any use of buildings, structures and land permitted in a Residence R-20 Zone, except apartment-type dwellings and single-family residences.
(2) 
Personal service store.
(3) 
Hotel, motel or inn.
(4) 
Retail store.
(5) 
Business or professional office or bank.
(6) 
Indoor theater, hall or club.
(7) 
Funeral home.
(8) 
Restaurants, taverns or other eating places.
(9) 
Filling stations or garages, if authorized by a special permit from the Planning Board, subject to the requirements of Article VI, § 185-31, and Article VII, § 185-40.
[Amended STM 11-16-2010 by Art. 3]
(10) 
Wholesale business and storage warehouse, not including a junkyard, junk storage or scrapping of automobiles, or parts, or salvage thereof.
(11) 
Newspaper and job printing.
(12) 
Salesroom or lot for sales for motor vehicles, provided that no new use shall be sited closer than 1,000 feet from any existing such salesroom or lot.
[Amended ATM 5-16-2000 by Art. 17]
(13) 
Scientific research and related production.
(14) 
Storage and distribution of lumber and building materials.
(15) 
Signs in conjunction with the above uses, subject to the requirements of Article VI, § 185-29B, herein.
(16) 
Accessory uses customarily incident to any use permitted herein.
(17) 
Miniature golf course, batting cage and related activities if authorized by the issuance of a special permit from the Planning Board.
[Added STM 3-1-1995 by Art. 3]
(18) 
For small scale and large scale ground mounted photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2 which requires site plan approval for small scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems and special permit or large scale ground mounted photovoltaic systems and site plan approval for large scale ground mounted photovoltaic systems.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
B. 
Height, area, yard and minimum floor area requirements shall conform to Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
[Amended ATM 4-15-1980 by Art. 40; STM 11-30-1999 by Art. 10; ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20; ATM 5-19-2015 by Art. 24; STM 12-6-2016 by Art. 4]
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Bank.
(2) 
Signs in conjunction with the above use, subject to the provisions of Article VI, § 185-29, herein.
(3) 
Off-street parking and loading, subject to the requirements of Article VI, § 185-30, herein.
(4) 
Accessory uses customarily incident to any use permitted herein.
(5) 
Any accessory use for an existing residence including barns, breezeways, garages, swimming pools and tool sheds shall be permitted without special procedure.
(6) 
Existing businesses may enlarge up to 1,000 square feet or 10%, whichever is greater, without special permit procedure.
B. 
Special permit uses:
(1) 
All uses permitted in Article IV, § 185-16, Business Zone B, subject to a special permit from the Planning Board.
(2) 
Photovoltaic systems: Large scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems shall require both a special permit and site plan approval, as set forth in § 185-23.2. For small scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems, a Site Plan approval is required, as set forth in § 185-23.2.
(3) 
Any new structure(s) or alteration of existing structure that proposes a mixture of uses permitted in Article IV, § 185-16, Business Zone B, and residential use, subject to a special permit from the Planning Board.
C. 
Height, area, yard and minimum floor area requirements shall conform to Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
D. 
Design standards. The following standards will be required for any project requiring a special permit or modification of an existing special permit and shall be shown in plans required in Subsection E.
(1) 
In designing and building all structures and alterations thereto, a good faith attempt shall be made by the Planning Board and the applicant to meet the design requirements of the Town of Southwick Design Guideline Handbook, if commercially reasonable.
(2) 
The Planning Board and the applicant shall attempt to have reasonably consistent architectural elements in the structures, and any alterations thereto, to provide continuity in accordance with the Town of Southwick Design Guidelines Handbook. Building designs with large expanses of undifferentiated facades and long plain wall sections shall be discouraged. All exterior building elevations on the front and street facing side shall be designed so as to avoid or minimize large expanses of blank walls on the front and street facing side. In order to assure conformance with this requirement, exterior elevations must be reviewed and approved as a part of the overall final plan process by the Planning Board.
(3) 
The total footprint of all structures and impervious surfaces shall not exceed 75% of the total tract of land being developed or altered, unless the existing structures and impervious surfaces currently exceed this limit, in which case the total footprint may not be increased.
(4) 
Landscape planting, including trees, shrubs, grass or ground cover, shall be provided and permanently maintained by the owner in the area required for setback from property and street lines, to the satisfaction of the Planning Board. All existing natural growth shall be preserved where practicable. Where a property in the Business Restricted Zone abuts a property in the Residence Zone on the side or rear, a dense planting at least 30 feet in width shall be provided. The Planning Board may require more extensive plantings or opaque fencing if unusual conditions demand more screening or noise abatement.
(5) 
Amenities, such as benches, sidewalks, covered refuse cans/bins, planters, bike racks, etc., may be required by the Planning Board.
(6) 
Proposed mixed uses shall minimize visual and functional conflicts between business and residential uses, keeping the integrity of the underlying Business Restricted Zone BR.
(7) 
To maintain the intent of the Business Restricted Zone BR, any residential uses allowed as a part of a mixed use development shall be located above the floor/street level of the building or in the first floor portions of the building that do not front the street or have access on the street frontage.
E. 
Site plan approval.
(1) 
Before any building permits may be issued or before any construction of any building or land improvement, a site plan shall be submitted to the Planning Board. The site plan shall be signed by a registered engineer, land surveyor or a landscape architect.
(2) 
The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing to review the site plan and may impose reasonable conditions that the Planning Board determines are necessary to conform with the intent of this bylaw.
(3) 
The site plan may be submitted to the Board of Health for its review and recommendations to the Planning Board. Such comments and recommendations by the Board of Health shall be transmitted to the Planning Board and be made a part of the record of such public hearing.
(4) 
The application to the Planning Board shall be accompanied by six copies of a site plan.
(5) 
The site plan shall include (a) existing boundaries of the lot or parcel, (b) exterior elevations of all existing and proposed structure(s), (c) existing topography and proposed grading, (d) proposed drainage, lighting, facilities with data for sewage, refuse and waste disposal, landscaping, parking, driveways, access ways and sidewalks, and amenities, such as benches, sidewalks, covered refuse cans/bins, planters, bike racks, etc., and (e) other uses and open spaces.
(6) 
No building permit shall be issued in the Business Restricted Zone BR except in accordance with the approved site plan.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Processing, distribution and storage of milk, ice cream and other dairy products.
(2) 
Manufacture and processing of food products, including candy.
(3) 
Storage and distribution of lumber and building materials.
(4) 
Manufacture or processing of mill work and other wood products.
(5) 
Manufacture or processing of metal products in a machine shop or blacksmith shop.
(6) 
Laundering and dry cleaning.
(7) 
Printing, engraving and bookbinding.
(8) 
Processing or warehousing of tobacco.
[Amended STM 11-16-2010 by Art. 4]
(9) 
Manufacture or processing of stone, concrete or clay products for structural or monumental purposes.
(10) 
Public storage of goods in fireproof warehouses.
(11) 
Public utilities.
(12) 
Any use permitted in Business B Zone, except residential uses.
[Amended ATM 5-19-2009 by Art. 22]
(13) 
Signs in conjunction with the above uses, subject to the provisions of Article VI, § 185-29B, herein.
(14) 
Accessory uses customarily incident to any use permitted herein.
(15) 
All uses shall be subject to the performance standards of Article IV, § 185-19, Industrial Restricted Zone.
(16) 
For small scale and large scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2 which requires both large scale and small scale ground mounted photovoltaic systems to obtain site plan approval and a special permit for large scale ground mounted photovoltaic systems.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
B. 
Prohibited uses. The following uses shall be prohibited in Industrial Zones or in any zone of the Town of Southwick:
(1) 
No racetracks where parimutuel betting is allowed shall be permitted. The schools or nonprofit organizations located in the Town of Southwick running competitive sporting events shall comply with all safety and health standards. Location of events shall be restricted to the present R-20-A Zone and on a minimum of 20 acres, to be approved by the Board of Selectmen. Fees, if required, shall be set by the Board of Selectmen which will issue the necessary licenses and permits.
[Amended STM 9-26-1978 by Art. 10; STM 3-20-1984 by Art. 3]
(2) 
Tourist cabins.
(3) 
Crematories.
(4) 
Asphalt manufacture or refining of tar products.
(5) 
Drop forge or foundry.
(6) 
Incineration reduction or dumping of offal or disposal of garbage on a commercial basis.
(7) 
Junkyards, including the storage of any unregistered vehicles outside of a building or structure, provided that one unregistered vehicle may be temporarily stored on the premises for a period of time not to exceed three months; penalty for a breach thereof shall be recovered by complaint before a proper court. This section shall not apply to motor vehicles which are designed and used for farming purposes, contractors' equipment and present and future holders of Class 1 and Class 2 motor vehicle licenses in accordance with MGL c. 140, § 58.
[Amended ATM 4-15-1980 by Art. 42]
(8) 
Slaughterhouses.
(9) 
Piggeries, except as permitted by Article VI, § 185-35.
(10) 
Any storage of soil, stone, gravel, sand or road material within 100 feet of a public way.
C. 
Height, area and yard requirements shall conform to Article V, Height and Area Requirements.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Printing, engraving and bookbinding.
[Amended STM 11-30-1999 by Art. 11]
(2) 
Signs in conjunction with the above uses, subject to the provisions of Article VI, § 185-29B, herein.
(3) 
Off-street parking and loading, subject to the requirements of Article VI, § 185-30, herein.
(4) 
Accessory uses customarily incident to any use permitted herein.
(5) 
Any accessory use for an existing residence including barns, breezeways, garages, swimming pools and toolsheds shall be permitted without special permit procedure.
(6) 
Existing businesses or industries may enlarge up to 1,000 square feet or 10%, whichever is greater, without special permit procedure.
(7) 
Adult entertainment uses subject to a special permit by the Planning Board and subject to the provisions of Article VI, § 185-35.1 herein.
[Added STM 4-10-2001 by Art. 15]
(8) 
For small scale and large scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems see § 185-23.2 which requires the issuance of site plan approval pursuant to § 185-23.2.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
B. 
Special permit uses: All uses permitted in Article IV, § 185-18, Industrial Zone I, subject to a special permit from the Planning Board. Large scale, ground mounted photovoltaic systems special permit and site plan approval is required under § 185-23.2 in accordance with the terms of § 185-23.2.
[Added STM 11-30-1999 by Art. 11[1]; amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
[1]
Editor's Note: This article also redesignated former Subsections B and C as Subsections C and D, respectively.
C. 
Height, area, yard and minimum floor area requirements shall conform to Article V, Height And Area Requirements.
D. 
Site plan approval.
(1) 
Before any building permits may be issued or before any construction of any building or land improvement, a site plan shall be submitted to the Planning Board. The site plan shall be signed by a registered engineer, land surveyor or a landscape architect.
[Amended 5-19-2015 ATM by Art. 24]
(2) 
The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing as provided by Chapter 40A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(3) 
The site plan may be submitted to the Board of Health for its review and recommendations to the Planning Board. Such comments and recommendations by the Board of Health shall be transmitted to the Planning Board and be made a part of the record of such public hearing.
(4) 
Application to the Planning Board shall be accompanied by two or more copies of a site plan showing existing boundaries of the lot or parcel, existing topography and proposed grading, proposed drainage, proposed lighting, proposed facilities with data for sewage, refuse and waste disposal, and the extent and location of proposed structures, parking, accessways, other uses and open spaces.
(5) 
Any parking space or area shall not be closer than 20 feet to the nearest property line abutting a street or to any residential zone; nor shall any exterior parking space or area be closer to any building on the property than 10 feet. All driveways shall be hard-surfaced and at least 26 feet in width.
(6) 
Landscape planting, including trees, shrubs, grass or ground cover, shall be provided and permanently maintained by the owner in the area required for setback from property and street lines to the satisfaction of the Board. All existing natural growth shall be preserved where practicable. Where an Industrial Restricted Zone abuts a Residence Zone on the side or rear, a dense planting at least 30 feet in width shall be provided. The Board may require more extensive plantings or opaque fencing if unusual conditions demand more screening or noise abatement.
(7) 
The following performance standards shall be met:
(a) 
No dust, dirt, fly ash or offensive smoke shall be emitted into the air.
(b) 
No offensive odors or noxious, toxic, corrosive fumes or gases shall be emitted into the air.
(c) 
No noise which is objectionable due to volume, intermittence, beat, frequency or shrillness shall be transmitted outside the property where it originates.
(d) 
No offensive or harmful wastes shall be discharged into any stream or watercourse or onto any adjoining property.
(e) 
No activity shall be conducted which is hazardous to persons or property outside of the lot on which the activity is conducted.
(8) 
No building permit shall be issued in an Industrial Restricted Zone except in accordance with the approved site plan.
(9) 
No site plan shall be approved which is inconsistent with the public welfare or which impairs the integrity of this chapter, or which does not fully safeguard the appropriate use of the land in the immediate neighborhood.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this district is to:
(1) 
Promote the health, welfare and safety of the occupants of land against the hazards of flooding.
(2) 
Preserve and protect the streams and other watercourses in Southwick and the lands which adjoin these waterways.
(3) 
Preserve and maintain the groundwater table and water recharge areas for water supply and surface water exchange purposes.
(4) 
Protect the community against detrimental uses and development and to minimize losses by provisions designated to:
(a) 
Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety or property due to water or erosion hazards, or which cause damaging increases in erosions, flood height or flood velocities.
(b) 
Consider floodplain management programs in neighboring areas.
B. 
District boundaries.
[Amended 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22]
(1) 
The boundaries of said Flood Hazard and Wetlands District FH in Subsection A(10) above is herein established as an overlay district. The District includes all special flood hazard areas within the Hampden County designated as Zone A and AE on the Hampden County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program. The map panels of the Hampden County FIRM that are wholly or partially within the Town of Southwick are panel numbers 25013C0352E, 25013C0354E, 25013C0358E, 25013C0359E, 25013C0360E, 25013C0361E, 25013C0362E, 25013C0364E, 25013C0366E, 25013C0367E, 25013C0368E, 25013C0369E, 25013C0378E, 25013C0379E, 25013C0386E, 25013C0387E, 25013C0502E, and 25013C0506E dated September 17, 2014. The exact boundaries of the District may be defined by the 100-year base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and further defined by the Hampden County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report dated September 17, 2014. The FIRM and FIS report are incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Town Clerk, Planning Board, Building Official, and Conservation Commission.
(2) 
The boundaries of the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District shall be determined by scaling distances on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. When interpretation is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the district, the Conservation Commission shall make the necessary interpretation.
C. 
Use regulation.
(1) 
The Flood Hazard and Wetlands District shall be considered as overlying other districts. The following uses, which have low flood damage potential and which do not represent a hazard to other lands during times of flood, shall be permitted within the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District subject only to such controls which exist as to these regulations:
(a) 
Conservation of soil, water, plants and wildlife.
(b) 
Outdoor recreation when otherwise permitted, but excluding buildings and structures.
(c) 
Foot-, bicycle and horse paths, provided that such uses do not affect the natural flow patterns of any watercourse.
(d) 
Agriculture and forestry of all types, except for greenhouses and structures for the sale of agricultural products.
(e) 
Temporary nonresidential structure uses in connection with fishing or growing, harvesting, storage or sale of crops raised on the premises.
(f) 
Buildings lawfully existing prior to the adoption of these provisions, not including substantial improvements.
(2) 
All other uses are prohibited unless authorized as an exception by special permit from the Planning Board according to the provisions set down in Subsection E.
D. 
Area and yard requirements. Portions of a lot which are contained within the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District may be used to meet the area and yard requirements of the district in which the remainder of the lot is contained, provided that the portion of the lot contained within the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District does not exceed 10% of the minimum lot required by said district.
E. 
Planning Board. Any use permitted in the district overlaid by the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District may be permitted by special permit from the Planning Board subject to the following provisions:
(1) 
The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed use will not in fact increase the flood hazard potential of any area.
(2) 
The Planning Board shall find that the proposed use will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare, and will not detract from the purposes of this chapter. The proposed use must comply in all respects to the provisions of the underlying district or districts within which the land is located.
(3) 
The proposed use will not overload any public water, drainage or sewage systems or any other municipal system so that any area of the Town will be unduly subjected to hazards affecting health, safety or the general health.
(4) 
In Zones A and AE, along watercourses that have not had a regulatory floodway designated, the best available federal, state, local, or other floodway data shall be used to prohibit encroachments in floodways which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
[Added 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22]
(5) 
Base flood elevation data is required for subdivision proposals or other developments greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, within unnumbered A zones.
[Added 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22]
(6) 
In a riverine situation, the Conservation Commission Coordinator shall notify the following of any alteration or relocation of a watercourse:
[Added 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22]
Adjacent communities
Bordering states
NFIP State Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600-700
Boston, MA 02114-2104
NFIP Program Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region I
99 High Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
(7) 
In Zone AE, along watercourses within the Town of Southwick that have a regulatory floodway designated on the Hampden County FIRM encroachments are prohibited in the regulatory floodway which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
[Added 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22]
(8) 
All subdivision proposals must be designed to assure that:
[Added 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22]
(a) 
Such proposals minimize flood damage;
(b) 
All public utilities and facilities are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and
(c) 
Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
F. 
Site plan approval.
(1) 
In order that the Planning Board may determine that the above-mentioned conditions are met, a site plan of one inch equals 100 feet, prepared by a by a registered engineer, land surveyor or a landscape architect, shall be submitted in quintuplicate to the Planning Board by the applicant. The site plan, which shall include the area within 500 feet of the proposed use, shall show at least the following:
[Amended 5-19-2015 ATM by Art. 24]
(a) 
The location, boundaries and dimensions of each lot.
(b) 
Two-foot contours of the existing and proposed land structure.
(c) 
The location of existing and proposed structures, watercourses and drainage and refuse disposal facilities.
(d) 
The area and location of existing and proposed septic tanks and leach fields.
(e) 
That the proposed materials and techniques to be used in the construction will minimize damage.
(f) 
That new construction of substantial improvements to residential and nonresidential structures in areas of special flood hazard have the lowest floor including basement elevated to or above the level of the one-hundred-year-flood standard.
(2) 
Within 10 days after receipt of said site plan the Planning Board shall submit a copy of said site plan to the Board of Health, Conservation Commission and Building Inspector for review. The Planning Board shall schedule no hearing nor take final action on such plans until it has received a written report from said Boards, Commissions and Inspectors or until 35 days have elapsed. Said reports shall be made a part of the public hearing. In considering a site plan, the Planning Board shall find all the following requirements to have been fulfilled:
(a) 
The utilities are constructed and located so as to eliminate or minimize flood damage.
(b) 
The convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement within the site and adjacent properties are not impaired.
(c) 
The methods for disposal of sewage, refuse and other wastes resulting from the uses permitted on the site and the methods of disposing of storm runoff are adequate to minimize flood damage.
(d) 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection F(2)(d), requiring that the materials and methods of construction used are adequate to minimize flood damage, was repealed 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22.
(e) 
Landfilling is prohibited unless a permit is granted by the Conservation Commission. Under no conditions will the filling raise the one-hundred-year-flood level more than one foot at any point.
G. 
Definitions.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Means any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either before the improvement is started or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. Exterior enlargement shall not exceed 10% of the original ground level size of the structure, or 150 square feet, whichever is greater. Such enlargement may occur only once.
[Amended 5-20-2014 ATM by Art. 22]
H. 
Application. The provisions of this section are not intended to repeal, amend, negate, annul or interfere with any lawfully adopted bylaws, regulations or rules. However, where this section imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this section shall govern.
I. 
Severalty. The invalidity, unconstitutionality or illegality of any provision of this section shall not have any effect upon the validity, constitutionality or legality of any other provisions of this section.
[Added STM 11-21-1991 by Art. 15]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to allow for the creation of lots for single-family dwelling units only, with less than the required frontage, in exchange for increased lot area, for the purposes of preserving open space and decreasing developmental density in given areas.
B. 
Permitted use. The Planning Board may issue a special permit with site plan approval for the creation of an estate lot for single-family dwelling units only, with reduced frontage within any zoning district which authorizes single-family dwelling units, provided that the following requirements are complied with:
(1) 
Estate lots shall be created from one lot which conforms to all the provisions of this chapter, except the frontage requirements for a standard lot. No more than two estate lots may be created from an existing lot or parcel of property.
(2) 
No lot eligible for estate lot development shall be subsequently subdivided except as provided in Chapter 315, the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board of the Town of Southwick.
(3) 
An estate lot shall be used for single-family purposes only.
(4) 
An estate lot shall have a minimum area of five acres, excluding the access strip.
(5) 
An estate lot shall have a minimum frontage of not less than 50 feet and an access width of not less than 50 feet from the front lot line to the principal structure. The front lot shall meet all of the zoning dimensional requirements required in the zoning district in which the lot is located.
(6) 
No subdivision of land will be allowed for the creation of estate lots which will create or constitute only estate lots in the subdivision.
(7) 
No estate lot shall be created, and no special permit shall be granted hereunder for such an estate lot, which is within 200 feet of another estate lot in a Residence Zone R-40 (Article IV, § 185-12) or within 150 feet of another estate lot in a Residence Zone R-20 (Article IV, § 185-13), except as may otherwise be specifically permitted elsewhere in this chapter. Such distances shall be measured along the frontage of the property, on the same side of the street upon which the property is located.
(8) 
The width of the estate lot where the single-family dwelling is to be constructed and erected shall equal or exceed the distance normally required for frontage in that zoning district.
(9) 
All building front, back and side setback lines shall be at least 75 feet from any lot line.
(10) 
If more than one estate lot is to be created within any given parcel of land, such parcel must have a minimum area of 12 acres, excluding the access strips.
(11) 
At no time will an estate lot be allowed to be created, nor will a special permit be issued hereunder, which creates an adjacent substandard lot which does not meet all the zoning dimensional requirements of the zoning district in which such lot is located.
(12) 
The grade, length and location of access driveways shall be constructed and maintained to provide:
(a) 
Adequate access and turnaround for police, fire and emergency vehicles, year round.
(b) 
A width of at least 15 feet with provision for adequate drainage and drainage culverts where necessary.
(c) 
A maximum grade of 9%.
(d) 
A distance of no closer than 15 feet to any abutting property line.
(e) 
No parking areas or structures shall be allowed in the access strip.
(f) 
Approval of the access driveways by the Highway and Fire Departments shall be required to be obtained.
(g) 
A hardened stabilized access drive.
(h) 
Common driveways must be constructed in the approved access strip.
[Added ATM 5-19-2015 by Art. 23]
(13) 
There shall be maintained or kept a naturally occurring or a planted vegetated buffer zone between any estate lot and any front lot sufficient to provide privacy between the two lots.
(14) 
The plan for any such estate lot shall include a statement thereon that "Lot is an estate lot; building thereon is permitted only in accordance with the special permit estate lot provisions of the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Southwick."
(15) 
The Planning Board shall not endorse any plan under the Subdivision Control Law[1] for the purpose of creating an estate lot unless the plan depicts the entire parcel from which the estate lot is to be created.
[1]
Editor's Note: See MGL C. 41, § 81K et seq.
(16) 
A copy of the plan for an estate lot shall be included as part of any application for a building permit. A building permit for an estate lot shall be issued only after a survey plan has been endorsed by the Planning Board and other boards as deemed appropriate by the Planning Board.
[Added STM 11-21-1991 by Art. 13; amended ATM 5-18-1999 by Art. 20; STM 10-15-2002 by Art. 7; ATM 5-15-2007 by Art. 26]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Wellhead Protection District shall be to promote the health, safety and welfare of Southwick and neighboring communities by protecting and preserving the surface and ground water resources located in Southwick for any use of land and/or buildings which may reduce the quality or quantity of the public drinking water supply.
B. 
Definitions.
AQUIFER
A geological formation composed of rock or sand and gravel that contains significant amounts of potentially recoverable potable water.
GROUNDWATER
All water found beneath the surface of the ground.
HAZARDOUS WASTE or HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
Any material or waste which is potentially hazardous to human health or to the environment, including, but not limited to, such hazardous wastes and materials which have been designated as such by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under 40 CFR 250, as amended, or which have been designated as such under regulations promulgated pursuant to the Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management Act, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 21C and 310 CMR 30.00, as amended.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES
Materials or structures on or above the ground that do not allow precipitation to infiltrate the underlying soil.
LEACHABLE WASTES
Waste materials, including solid wastes, sludge and pesticide and fertilizer wastes, capable of releasing waterborne contaminant to the environment.
PRIMARY AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
Areas which are underlain by surficial geologic deposits, including glaciofluvial or lacustrine stratified drift deposits or alluvium or swamp deposits, and in which the prevailing direction of groundwater flow is toward the area of influence of public water supply wells. These areas are also designated as Zone I and Zone II areas under regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as shown on the Wellhead Protection District Map referred to in Article III, § 185-5E, of this chapter.
TRUCK TERMINAL
A business which services or repairs commercial trucks which are not owned by the business.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS SUBJECT TO 314 CMR 5.00
Any wastewater treatment plant or works, including community septic systems, which require a permit from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
WATERSHED
Lands lying adjacent to watercourses and surface water bodies which create the catchment or drainage areas of such water courses and bodies.
WELLHEAD PROTECTION DISTRICT
An overlay district that is superimposed on the other districts established by this chapter. It includes all lands within the Town of Southwick lying within the primary aquifer recharge area of groundwater aquifers which now or may in future provide public water supply.
ZONE I
That circle of a four-hundred-foot radius extending around the wellhead of a drinking water well, with the wellhead at its center and including all land within the boundaries of said circle.
ZONE II
That area of an aquifer which contributes water to a well under the most severe pumping and recharge conditions that can realistically be anticipated (180 days of pumping at a safe yield with no recharge from precipitation). It is bounded by groundwater divides which result from pumping the well and by the contact of the aquifer with less permeable materials such as till or bedrock. In some cases, streams or lakes may act as recharge boundaries. In all cases, Zone II shall extend up gradient to its point of intersection with prevailing hydrogeologic boundaries (a groundwater flow divide, a contact with till or bedrock, or a recharge boundary).
C. 
Scope of authority. The Wellhead Protection District is an overlay district and shall be superimposed on the other districts established by this chapter. All regulations of the Town of Southwick Zoning Bylaw applicable to such underlying districts shall remain in effect, except that where the Wellhead Protection District imposes additional regulations, such regulations shall prevail.
D. 
District delineation.
(1) 
The Wellhead Protection District is herein established to include all lands within the Town of Southwick lying within the primary aquifer recharge area of groundwater aquifers which now or may in future provide public water supply. The map entitled "Town of Southwick, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Wellhead Protection District," dated March 26, 2007, referenced in Article III, § 185-5E, of this chapter which is on file with the Town Clerk, delineates the boundaries of the district.
(2) 
Where the bounds delineated are in doubt or in dispute, the burden of proof shall be upon the owner(s) of the land in question to show where they should properly be located. At the request of the owner(s), the Town may engage a professional hydrogeologist to determine more accurately the location and extent of an aquifer or primary aquifer recharge area, and may charge the owner(s) for all or part of the cost of the investigation.
E. 
Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted within the Wellhead Protection District, provided that they comply with all the applicable restrictions in this bylaw, including but not limited to Subsections F through J, and provided that all necessary permits or approvals required by local, state or federal law are also obtained. Underground storage tanks related to these activities are not categorically permitted:
(1) 
Single-family residences;
(2) 
Residential accessory uses, including garages, driveways, private roads, utility rights-of-way and on-site wastewater disposal systems;
(3) 
Foot, bicycle and/or horse paths and bridges;
(4) 
Normal operation and maintenance of existing water bodies and dams, splash boards, and other water control, supply and conservation devices;
(5) 
Maintenance, repair, and enlargement of any existing structure;
(6) 
Conservation of soil, water, plants and wildlife;
(7) 
Farming, gardening, nursery, conservation, forestry, harvesting and grazing;
(8) 
Outdoor recreation, nature study, boating, fishing and hunting where otherwise legally permitted;
(9) 
Construction, maintenance, repair, and enlargement of drinking water supply related facilities such as, but not limited to, wells, pipelines, aqueducts and tunnels;
(10) 
Day-care centers, family day-care homes and school age child care programs;
(11) 
Structures for educational and religious purposes.
F. 
Prohibited uses.
(1) 
Business or industrial uses, or facilities which generate, treat, store or dispose of hazardous materials or wastes including, but not limited to, metal plating, chemical manufacturing, wood preserving, furniture stripping, dry cleaning, metal fabrication or manufacturing, foundries, petroleum refining, photographic processing, leather tanning, electrical circuit manufacturing, degreasing operations, plastics processing, fuel oil sales and auto body repair, or which involve on-site disposal of process waste waters, except for the following:
(a) 
Very small quantity generators as defined under 310 CMR 30.000 as amended, which generate less than 20 kilograms or six gallons of hazardous waste per month may be allowed by special permit in accordance with Subsection J;
(b) 
Household hazardous waste centers and events under 310 CMR 30.390;
(c) 
Waste oil retention facilities required by MGL c. 21, § 52A;
(d) 
Treatment works for remediation of contaminated water supplies, which are approved by the Department of Environmental Protection and designed in accordance with 314 CMR 5.00, as amended.
(2) 
Trucking terminals, motor vehicle gasoline sales, motor vehicle and boat service and repair shops, tractor-trailer cab and trailer storage, car washes, automotive body and repair shops.
(3) 
Solid waste landfills, dumps, auto recycling, junk and salvage yards, landfilling or storage of sludge and septage. Transfer waste stations operated by the Town of Southwick are specifically exempted herefrom.
(4) 
Petroleum, fuel oil, and heating oil bulk stations and terminals including, but not limited to, those listed under Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes 5171 and 5983. SIC Codes are established by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and may be determined by referring to the publication, Standard Industrial Classification Manual, and any subsequent amendments thereto.
(5) 
Storage of liquid petroleum products and/or liquid hazardous materials, as defined in MGL c. 21 E, except for the following:
(a) 
Storage which is incidental to:
[1] 
Normal household use, outdoor maintenance, or heating of a structure;
[2] 
Emergency generators required by statute, rule or regulation;
[3] 
Waste oil retention facilities required by statute, rule or regulation;
[4] 
Treatment works approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection designed in accordance with 314 CMR 5.00 for treatment of contaminated ground or surface waters, provided that such storage shall be in a freestanding container, located on an impervious surface within a structure, or within the basement of a structure, with secondary containment adequate to contain a spill 110% of the container(s) total storage capacity. The storage tank and piping must comply with all applicable provisions of 527 CMR 9.00, the Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention regulations;
(b) 
Replacement of storage tanks or systems for gasoline, which existed at the time of the adoption of this bylaw, provided that:
[1] 
All such replacement gasoline storage tanks or systems shall be located underground as required by Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention regulation 527 CMR 9;
[2] 
All such storage systems shall be protected by one of the secondary containment systems specified in Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention regulations 527 CMR 9;
[3] 
The head of the Fire Department may deny an application for tank replacement, or approve it subject to conditions if he or she determines that it constitutes a danger to public or private water supplies.
(c) 
Replacement of all other storage tanks for liquid petroleum products other than gasoline must be above ground.
(6) 
Outdoor storage of pesticides or herbicides;
(7) 
Storage of de-icing chemicals unless such storage, including loading areas, is within a structure designed to prevent the generation and escape of contaminated runoff or leachate;
(8) 
Storage of animal manure, unless such storage is within a structure designed to prevent the generation and escape of contaminated runoff and leachate;
(9) 
Dumping or disposal of any hazardous material or hazardous waste on the ground, in water bodies, in septic systems, or in other drainage systems. This shall include septic system cleaners which contain toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride and 1-1-1 trichlorethane;
(10) 
Wastewater treatment works subject to a groundwater discharge permit under 314 CMR 5.00, except the following:
(a) 
The replacement or repair of all existing treatment works that will not result in a design capacity greater than the design capacity of the existing treatment works;
(b) 
Treatment works approved by the Department of Environmental Protection designed for the treatment of contaminated ground or surface water and operating in compliance with 314 CMR 5.05(3) or 5.05(13);
(c) 
Publicly owned treatment works.
(11) 
Stockpiling and disposal of snow and ice containing de-icing chemicals brought in from outside the district;
(12) 
Storage of commercial fertilizers, as defined in MGL c. 128, § 64, unless such storage is within a structure designed to prevent the generation and escape of contaminated runoff or leachate;
(13) 
Residential, commercial and industrial uses within Zone I of any municipal water supply well. Only water supply activities are allowed within Zone I.
(14) 
Multifamily residential uses which are not served by the municipal sewer system.
G. 
Performance standards. All uses, whether allowed by special permit or by right, must meet the performance standards herein:
(1) 
Sodium chloride for ice control shall be used at the minimum salt to sand ratio which is consistent with the public highway safety requirements, and its use shall be eliminated on roads closed to the public in winter.
(2) 
Storage areas for road de-icing chemicals shall be covered and be located on a paved surface, with berms to prevent runoff from leaving the site.
(3) 
Above ground storage tanks for oil, gasoline or other petroleum products shall be placed in a building on a diked, impermeable surface sufficient to contain 1 1/2 the volume of the tank to prevent spills or leaks from reaching groundwater.
(4) 
In accordance with the State Plumbing Code, all vehicle maintenance facilities must have floor drains, unless they receive a variance from the State Plumbing Board, which must be connected to a municipal sewer system or to a state holding tank in unsewered areas. All other facilities which use, store, maintain hazardous materials or wastes must, with state approval, seal floor drains or connect them to a sewer system or holding tank.
(5) 
For commercial, residential and industrial uses, to the extent feasible, all runoff from impervious surfaces shall be recharged on the site by stormwater infiltration basins, infiltration trenches or similar systems covered with vegetation. Such runoff shall not be discharged directly to rivers, streams, or other surface water bodies. Dry wells shall be used only when other methods are unfeasible, and for commercial and industrial uses a permit is required from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. All such basins and wells shall be preceded by oil, grease and sediment traps to facilitate removal of contamination. All recharge areas shall be permanently maintained in full working order by the owner. Infiltration systems greater than three feet deep shall be located at least 100 feet from drinking water wells, and shall be situated at least 10 feet down gradient and 100 feet up gradient from buildings to avoid seepage problems. Infiltration basins and trenches shall be constructed with a three-foot minimum separation between the bottom of the structure and the maximum groundwater elevation.
H. 
Area regulations. Within the Wellhead Protection District the minimum allowable lot size shall be 60,000 square feet in areas not served by municipal or quasi-public sewage treatment plants, except for Flexible Residential Developments, where the minimum lot size shall be 40,000 square feet in compliance with the standards in Table 1 of this chapter.[1] A Flexible Residential Development may occur within the primary recharge area, provided that no development occurs within the Zone I area designated for any public well. All aspects of any such Flexible Residential Development Overlay Zone (FRD) Bylaw, § 185-23, relative to health and environmental impact which may be hereinafter enacted by the Town of Southwick must be met before any FRD development is to be allowed in the Wellhead Protection District.
I. 
Special permit uses.
(1) 
The following uses are permitted only upon the issuance of a special permit by the Planning Board under such conditions as they may require:
(a) 
Commercial and industrial uses not prohibited in § 185-22F which are allowed in the underlying district;
(b) 
Enlargement, intensification or alteration of existing uses that do not conform to the Wellhead Protection District;
(c) 
Those activities that involve the handling of toxic or hazardous materials in quantities greater than those associated with normal household use, permitted in the underlying district (except as prohibited under Subsection F). Such activities shall require a special permit to prevent contaminating groundwater;
(d) 
Any use that will render impervious more than 15% or 2,500 square feet of any lot, whichever is greater. A system for artificial groundwater recharge of precipitation must be provided which shall be by storm water infiltration basins or similar systems covered with natural vegetation, and dry wells shall be used only where other methods are unfeasible. For all nonresidential uses, all such basins and wells shall be preceded by oil, grease, and sediment traps to facilitate removal of contamination. Any and all recharge areas shall be permanently maintained in full working order by the owner.
(e) 
Excavation for removal of earth, sand, gravel and other soils, which shall not extend closer than 10 feet above the annual high groundwater table. A monitoring well shall be installed by the property owner to verify groundwater elevations. This section shall not apply to excavations incidental to permitted uses, including but not limited to providing for the installation or maintenance of structural foundations, utility conduits or on-site sewage disposal. This section shall apply to all commercial earth removal operations, including extensions of existing operations.
[1] 
Access road(s) to extractive operation sites shall include a gate or other secure mechanism to restrict public access to the site.
[2] 
Within 45 days after earth removal is completed, the land shall be restored and stabilized with topsoil and plantings of trees and natural vegetation. All fine materials such as clays and silts shall be disposed of off-site to prevent damage to aquifer recharge characteristics.
(2) 
Requirements for a special permit in the Wellhead Protection District. The applicant shall file six copies of a site plan prepared by a qualified professional with the Planning Board. The site plan shall at a minimum include the information required under Article VI, § 185-37, of this chapter as well as the following information where pertinent.
(a) 
A complete list of chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, potentially hazardous materials to be used or stored on the premises in quantities greater than those associated with normal household use.
(b) 
Those businesses using or storing such hazardous materials shall file a hazardous materials management plan with the Planning Board, Fire Department, Police Department and Board of Health which shall include:
[1] 
Provisions to protect against the discharge of petroleum products, hazardous materials or wastes to the environment due to spillage, accidental damage, corrosion, leakage or vandalism, including spill containment and clean-up procedures.
[2] 
Provisions for indoor, secured storage of hazardous materials and wastes with impervious floor surfaces.
[3] 
Evidence of compliance with the regulations of the Hazardous Waste Management Act, 310 CMR 30, including obtaining an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identification number from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
(c) 
Drainage recharge features and provisions to prevent loss of recharge.
(d) 
Provisions to control soil erosion and sedimentation and soil compaction, and to prevent seepage from sewer pipes.
(e) 
Proposed down gradient locations for groundwater monitoring well(s), should the Planning Board deem the activity a potential groundwater threat.
(3) 
Additional procedures for a special permit in the Wellhead Protection District.
(a) 
The Planning Board shall follow all special permit procedures specified in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A, and in this chapter.
(b) 
The Planning Board may grant the requested special permit only upon finding that the proposed use meets the following standards.
[1] 
The proposed use must in no way, during construction or thereafter, adversely affect the existing or potential quality or quantity of water that is available in the Wellhead Protection District; and
[2] 
The proposed use must be designed to avoid substantial disturbance of the soils, topography, characteristics of the site to be developed.
(c) 
The Planning Board shall not grant a special permit under this section unless the petitioner's application materials include, in the Board's opinion, sufficiently detailed, definite and credible information to support position findings in relation to the standards given in Subsection I(3)(b) of this section.
(4) 
Nonconforming use. Nonconforming uses which were lawfully existing, begun or in receipt of a building or special permit prior to the first publication of notice of public hearing for this chapter may be continued. Such nonconforming uses may be extended or altered only as permitted in these Zoning Bylaws and only if there is a finding by the Planning Board pursuant hereto that such change does not increase the danger of surface or ground water pollution from such use.
Flexible residential development (FRD) shall be permitted in Residence Zone R-40, Residence Zone R-20, Residence Zone R-20-A and Residence Zone R-20-B only upon issuance of a special permit and site plan approval from the Planning Board as specified in this chapter, and only in accordance with the additional requirements set forth herein.
A. 
General description. "Flexible residential development (FRD)" shall mean a residential development of an area as a single entity in which the houses or dwelling units are clustered together into one or more groups on the lot or lots and separated from each other and adjacent properties by permanently protected open space.
B. 
Purposes. The purposes of flexible residential development are to:
(1) 
Allow for greater flexibility and creativity in the design of residential subdivisions, provided that the overall density of the development is no greater than what is normally allowed in the district in which the flexible residential lot is to be located.
(2) 
Encourage the permanent preservation of open space, agricultural lands and other natural resources.
(3) 
Maintain the traditional New England rural character and land use pattern in which small villages contrast with open space and farmlands.
(4) 
Facilitate the construction and maintenance of streets, utilities and public services in a more economical and efficient manner.
(5) 
Encourage a less sprawling form of development that consumes less open land.
(6) 
Ensure that residential developments respect the natural features of the land, including wetlands and watercourses, forests, prime agricultural land, steep slopes, significant plants and wildlife, historic sites, scenic areas and rural character, to the maximum extent possible.
C. 
Applicability.
(1) 
Zoning district applicability. In the interest of promoting the foregoing objectives, flexible residential development (FRD) shall be permitted in Residence Zone R-40, Residence Zone R-20, Residence Zone R-20-A and Residence Zone R-20-B only upon issuance of a special permit and site plan approval from the Planning Board as specified in this chapter, and only in accordance with the additional requirements set forth herein. Such residential developments shall be permitted in such zoning districts on lots of lesser dimension than would otherwise be required within the zone if the conditions and requirements of this section are met. The flexible residential development (FRD) acts as a floating zone which can be applied anywhere within said zoning districts unless otherwise restricted by the prohibitions set forth in any overlay zoning district contained in this chapter.
(2) 
Subdivision size. FRD special permits apply to proposals for major residential developments only. "Major residential developments" are developments of at least five dwelling units to be built within five years on one parcel or on contiguous parcels under the same ownership, or developments which seek to subdivide a parcel or parcels of property containing five acres or more of land. Major residential developments as herein defined shall be FRD developments and shall comply with all of the conditions and requirements of the bylaws unless the applicant can satisfy the Planning Board that a conventional residential development better fulfills the objections and purposes of this chapter. Minor residential developments which contain fewer than five acres of land or which provide for fewer than five dwelling units may be either conventional or FRD. In any event, all FRD developments shall require a special permit and site plan approval from the Planning Board.
D. 
Definitions.
BUILDABLE LAND
All land other than land with slopes greater than 25%; land other than land identified as wetlands in accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL C. 131, § 40) and the General Wetlands Protection Bylaw of the Town of Southwick (Chapter 182 of the Code of the Town of Southwick), as amended; and land within the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District of this chapter (Article IV, § 185-20).
DESIGN REVIEW
The authority given the Planning Board under this chapter that deals specifically with the aesthetic values of site design, road layout, landscaping, lighting, building design, architecture and signs.
ESTATE LOT
A parcel of land, used for residential purposes, which has a minimum area of five acres and a minimum frontage of at least 50 feet. "Estate lots" must meet all the requirements set forth in Article IV, § 185-21, of this chapter.
FLAG LOT
A parcel of land, used for residential purposes, which has a minimum area of two acres and a minimum frontage of at least 40 feet. "Flag lots" must meet all the requirements set forth in Article IV, § 185-21, of this chapter, except that the location of access driveways shall be constructed and maintained to provide that they are at a distance no closer than 10 feet to any abutting lot or property line.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES
Materials or structures on or above the ground that do not allow precipitation to infiltrate the underlying soil.
OPEN SPACE
An area or areas which are not covered by impervious surfaces. Required "open space" is based on the net site area; that is, the total area of the parcel or parcels to be developed less the land area used or to be used for rights-of-way, lots, easements and land which is not buildable land. The minimum percentage of "open space" required under this chapter is the percentage of net site area which must be retained in open space provided for hereunder.
[Amended STM 9-13-1994 by Art. 2]
E. 
Additional general requirements. The following standards shall be used as additional requirements in the special permit and site plan approval process for all flexible residential developments:
(1) 
The development shall include only those residential uses authorized in this chapter for the underlying zoning district in which the land to be developed is located.
(2) 
The minimum land required for a flexible residential development shall be five acres and the parcel shall be held in single ownership or control at the time of the application.
(3) 
Each lot shall have adequate access on a public way or a way which has been approved under the Subdivision Control Law, MGL C. 41, § 81K et seq.
(4) 
Each lot shall be of such size and shape to provide a building site which shall be in harmony with the natural terrain and other features of the land.
(5) 
There shall be an adequate, safe and convenient arrangement of pedestrian circulation, facilities, roadways, driveways and parking.
(6) 
Each lot shall conform to the dimensional and density requirements hereinafter set forth.
(7) 
The site plan shall identify the location and extent of all wetlands on the site as determined by the Conservation Commission under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL C. 131, § 40.
F. 
Design requirements.
(1) 
Lots shall be laid out and designed, to the greatest extent feasible, to protect natural and historic resources. To accomplish the foregoing, site design shall comply with the following regulations:
(a) 
Open space. Whether or not the proposed development contains any of the natural resources described in Subsection F(1)(b) through (f) below, open space shall be retained in contiguous areas if possible. The amount of open space required under this chapter is as set forth in Table I, Dimensional and Density Requirements.[1] The natural resources described in Subsection F(1)(b) through (e) below may not be included in the required open space calculation.
[Amended STM 9-13-1994 by Art. 1]
(b) 
Watercourses, lakes and ponds. All impervious surfaces and all buildings shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from year-round watercourses, lakes and ponds.
(c) 
Wetlands. All impervious surfaces and all buildings shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from any wetlands.
(d) 
Floodplains. No buildings, impervious surfaces, filling or grading shall be located in the fifty-year floodplain.
(e) 
Steep slopes. No buildings or impervious surfaces shall be constructed or maintained on slopes having a grade of 25% or greater. An erosion control plan must be submitted for approval to the Planning Board for construction on slopes having a grade of between 8% and 24%.
(f) 
Endangered species. No development shall occur in the habitat areas of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program.
(2) 
The following additional environmental protection objectives shall be observed in site design to the greatest extent feasible:
(a) 
Prime farmland. Preserve land defined and mapped as Class I or II prime farmland by the United States Soil Conservation Service in Soil Survey of Hampden County, Massachusetts (September 1986) available for future agricultural use. Efforts shall be made to continue farming on existing agricultural land of 10 contiguous acres or more which is retained as open space within the development, via lease or sale to farmers with agricultural deed restrictions.
(b) 
Historic sites. Preserve historic and prehistoric sites and their environs insofar as needed to protect the character of the historic/prehistoric site.
(c) 
Forests and trees. Preserve as much forest as possible, especially along stream corridors where it serves as prime wildlife habitat, and where it serves to screen the subdivision from the road or adjacent developments; preserve existing large trees wherever possible within the development.
(d) 
Views and road frontage protection. Leave unblocked or uninterrupted scenic views, roadways, rural corridors and vistas, particularly as seen from public roads; maintain the visual integrity of hilltops and ridgelines by siting development so that building silhouettes will be below the ridgeline or hilltop, or, if the area is heavily wooded, the building silhouettes will be at least 10 feet lower than the average canopy height of trees on the ridge or hilltop.
G. 
Additional utility and other requirements.
(1) 
All structures built in a Residence Zone R-20-A and in a Residence Zone R-20-B which require plumbing shall be connected to a public sanitary sewer, if available, or to a communal septic system at no expense to the municipality. All structures built in a Residence Zone R-20 and in a Residence Zone R-40 which require plumbing shall be connected to a public sanitary sewer, if available, or shall be required to meet the requirements of Title V, 310 CMR 15.00 to 310 CMR 15.99, as amended, at no expense to the municipality.
(2) 
For dwelling units to be served by an on-site communal waste disposal system, the applicant shall submit a communal septic system design prepared by a certified engineer and approved by the Board of Health and a plan illustrating the location of water supply wells with the special permit application. No communal septic system serving the development shall exceed sewage flow of 2,000 gallons per day. Communal septic systems shall be placed in the development to maximize the distance between systems and shall be placed within common areas rather than on individual lots. Maintenance of communal septic systems shall be the responsibility of the community association specified in this chapter. No FRD development shall be approved unless the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Planning Board that the potential for groundwater pollution is no greater from the proposed development than would be expected from a conventional subdivision with single-family houses on lots meeting the normal lot size requirements located on the same parcel. Where necessary, the Planning Board may hire a professional engineer to analyze and certify groundwater quality impacts and may charge the applicant for the cost of such analysis.
(3) 
Unless otherwise specified herein, a flexible residential development shall comply with all provisions of this chapter, with Chapter 315, the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board of the Town of Southwick, and with all the provisions of any overlay district provided under this chapter, as amended.
H. 
Dimensional and density requirements.
(1) 
A detached dwelling, or lawful accessory building, may be constructed on a lot with an FRD development although such lot has less area and frontage than normally required, as herein specified.
(2) 
The maximum number of dwelling units permitted in an FRD development shall be calculated based on the density and open space requirements set forth in Table I.[2]
(3) 
Under the supervision of the Conservation Commission and in accordance with the provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act, MGL C. 131, § 40, all wetlands shall be identified and their area subtracted from the net developable acreage of the total parcel.
(4) 
Prior to the issuance of a building permit on a lot within the development, a percolation test or tests shall be conducted under the supervision of the Board of Health, and a disposal works construction permit shall be issued, all in conformity with Title V, 310 CMR 15.00 to 310 CMR 15.99, as amended. Septic systems shall be placed in the development to maximize the distance between systems.
(5) 
Lot sizes shall be those specified in Table I.
(6) 
In no instance shall a designated lot have frontage of less than that specified in Table I.
(7) 
All residential structures and accessory uses within the development shall be set back from the boundaries of the development by a buffer strip of at least 50 feet in width which shall include trees and shall be kept in a natural or landscaped condition.
I. 
Common open space requirements.
(1) 
All land not devoted to buildings, impervious surfaces, roads or other development shall be set aside as common land for recreation, conservation or agricultural uses which preserve the land in essentially its natural condition.
(2) 
The total area of common open space shall equal or exceed the minimums required in Table I.[3]
(3) 
The following lands shall not be used to meet the open space requirements:
(a) 
Land with slopes which have a grade exceeding 25%.
(b) 
Land identified as wetlands in accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL C. 131, § 40) and the General Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 182 of the Code of the Town of Southwick), as amended.
(c) 
Land within the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District of this chapter (Article IV, § 185-20).
(4) 
Further subdivision of common open land or its use for other than recreation, conservation or agriculture, except for easements for underground utilities and septic systems, shall be prohibited. Structures or buildings accessory to recreation, conservation or agricultural uses may be erected but shall not exceed five-percent coverage of such common open land.
J. 
Common open space ownership.
(1) 
All common open land shall be either:
(a) 
Conveyed to a community association owned or to be owned by the owners of lots within the development. If such a community association is utilized, ownership thereof shall pass with conveyances of the lots in perpetuity;
(b) 
Conveyed to the Town, at no cost, and be accepted by it for a park or open space use. Such conveyance shall be at the option of the Town and shall require the approval of the voters at a Town Meeting.
(c) 
Conveyed to a farmer for conservation or agricultural purposes as hereinafter defined, with agricultural preservation restrictions approved by Town Counsel and the Planning Board. Agricultural purposes may include agricultural operations devoted to the cultivation and harvesting of crops, hay, flowers and trees and shrubs, livestock grazing and the construction of fences necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, provided that such activities are in accordance with good woodland and agricultural management practices. Turf farming may only be permitted if the farmer can satisfy the Planning Board (with a study performed by a licensed engineer) that the extensive use of fertilizers used in such farming will not contaminate the development's wells with nitrate or any hazardous materials. It shall be the responsibility of the community association or the nonprofit organization, as the case may be, to examine possible nuisance impacts of such agricultural operations on residences prior to the conveyance of title to any property hereunder to a farmer. Whether or not a farmer owns or leases the land, the farmer may be allowed to fence and post the land to prohibit trespassing and other nuisances by the surrounding residents.
(2) 
In the event that a community association shall be established, it shall be a nonprofit, incorporated association requiring membership of each lot owner within the FRD development. The community association shall be responsible for the permanent maintenance of all communal water and septic systems, common open space, recreational and thoroughfare facilities. A community association agreement of covenant shall be submitted with the special permit/site plan approval application guaranteeing continuing maintenance of such common utilities, land and facilities, and assessing each lot a share of maintenance expenses. Such agreement shall be subject to the review and approval of Town Counsel and the Planning Board, and shall be recorded in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds as a condition of any special permit issued hereunder. Such agreements or covenants shall provide that in the event that the association fails to maintain the common open land in reasonable order and condition in accordance with the agreement, the Town may, after notice to the association and public hearing, enter upon such land and maintain it in order to preserve the taxable values of the properties within the development and to prevent the common land from becoming a public nuisance. The covenants shall also provide that the cost of such maintenance by the Town shall be assessed ratably against the properties within the development.
(3) 
In any case where such land is not conveyed to the Town, a restriction enforceable by the Town shall be recorded to ensure that such land shall be kept in an open or natural state and not be built upon for residential use or developed for accessory uses such as parking or roadways. Such restrictions shall further provide for maintenance of the common land in a manner which will ensure its suitability for its function, appearance, cleanliness and proper maintenance of drainage, utilities and the like.
K. 
Special permit application procedures.
(1) 
Applicants for flexible residential developments shall follow the special permit procedures and site approval plan procedures and requirements set forth elsewhere in this chapter.
(2) 
Applicants are required to submit four copies of a preliminary plan and a definitive plan for the entire tract to be considered for an FRD development, setting forth the information required for preliminary and definitive plans under Chapter 315, the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board of the Town of Southwick, as amended, whether or not all of the proposed development constitutes a subdivision as defined under the Subdivision Control Law.[4] An application for a special permit and site plan approval shall be submitted with the preliminary plan, which shall meet all of the requirements for an FRD development under this chapter. At the option of the applicant, a definitive plan may be filed without seeking prior approval of a preliminary plan, all in accordance with said Subdivision Rules and Regulations. However, it is suggested that preliminary plans be filed. The special permit application shall include a description of all proposed dwelling units, amenities and other information required hereunder, and a description of the proposed ownership and use of open space.
[4]
Editor's Note: See MGL. C. 41, § 81K et seq.
(3) 
Applicants are required to submit four copies of an environmental impact statement (EIS) to the Planning Board at the time that the special permit application is filed. The EIS shall include the following:
(a) 
All information required by said Subdivision Rules and Regulations for a subdivision-approval-required subdivision.
(b) 
A detailed explanation of the applicant's proposals for environmental protection.
(c) 
An erosion control plan for development on slopes with grades of between 8% and 24%.
(d) 
A specific comparison of the impacts of a flexible residential development plan to those that would result from conventional development of the property, or if the application is for a conventional development plan, the EIS should discuss the specific site characteristics which make the conventional plan the best development option, given the purpose and design guidelines for flexible residential development.
(4) 
Applicants are required to file with the Planning Board and the Board of Health development plans for proposed water supply and sewage disposal at the site. Such submissions shall include the supporting engineering reports for on-site water supply and sewage disposal systems; and an analysis for impacts and costs if public water and sewer systems are available for use at the site.
L. 
Special permit review and decision.
(1) 
Review.
(a) 
Reviewing agencies. The Planning Board shall submit copies of the special permit application and related documents to the Board of Health, the Conservation Commission and, when applicable, the Town Engineer, for an advisory opinion in accordance with MGL C. 40A, § 11, to the extent applicable.
(b) 
Criteria for review. In reviewing an application for a special permit hereunder, the Planning Board shall consider the following:
[1] 
The degree to which the purposes of flexible development are met: natural (and historic) resource protection as delineated by the requirements of this chapter.
[2] 
The degree of the development's impact on immediate abutters and the surrounding neighborhood in comparison to the impacts of a conventional subdivision plan.
[3] 
Proposed use and management of the common open space.
[4] 
Incorporation of the encouraged design elements, landscaping and buffering. The Planning Board is the Design Review Board for this section.
(c) 
Purpose of review. A special permit of an FRD is primarily an authorization of the use of lots which have less than the normal minimum area and dimensions; and a review to ensure that natural resources are adequately protected and adverse impacts of development are minimized. Subsequent approval by the Planning Board of such portions of the development as constitute a subdivision will be required as set forth in Chapter 315, the Subdivision Rules and Regulations, including approval of the street and utility systems. Issuance of a special permit for an FRD shall not, therefore, be deemed to either constitute subdivision approval under the Subdivision Rules and Regulations or to imply that such approval will be given.
(2) 
Decision. The Planning Board shall approve the special permit for flexible residential development or approve it with conditions if it finds that the development plan on balance will better serve the Town of Southwick and the neighborhood surrounding the development than a development likely to occur without such approval.
(a) 
Conditions. The Planning Board may set forth conditions in its decision, including, but not limited to, the following:
[1] 
Granting of a covenant or easement to ensure that existing fields or pastures will be plowed or mowed periodically with attention given to the requirements of existing animal and plant species.
[2] 
Granting of an easement providing and defining rights of public access.
[3] 
Designation of no-cut or limited clearing areas on lots.
[4] 
Measures to ensure the maintenance of scenic views and vistas.
[5] 
If the number of lots or dwelling units approved is less than the basic development density calculated in accordance with the Zoning Bylaws, the decision shall state whether there is potential for a future increase in density, and if so, the conditions under which such an increase would be approved.
[6] 
Specific approval of the uses allowed in designated open space and recreational areas, including the requirement that, before construction of any recreational structures such as tennis courts, swimming pools or accessory clubhouses, plans be submitted to the Planning Board for site plan approval.
[7] 
An alternative rate of development schedule.
[8] 
Building setback or lot line dimension requirements different from Table I[5] may be allowed to accommodate flag and estate lots as authorized under this chapter.
[9] 
Changes to site design to better protect natural resources.
[10] 
Density decreases below those allowed for an FRD if the development as proposed would have a significant adverse environmental impact.
[11] 
Conditions for special permits set forth elsewhere in this chapter.
(b) 
Relation to subdivision approval. Planning Board approval of a special permit for a flexible residential development shall not be deemed an approval under the Subdivision Control Law.[6] Insofar as the development constitutes a subdivision, plans must be submitted, reviewed and approved in accordance with Chapter 315, the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board of the Town of Southwick. Whenever practical, the Planning Board shall hold a joint public hearing on the special permit and subdivision applications. At the discretion of the Planning Board up to 10% of the lots in a FRD may be flag lots. The access driveways to flag lots shall be separated from one another by a distance of at least 150 feet in Residence Zones R-20, R-20-A and R-20-B, and by at least 200 feet in a Residence Zone R-40.
[6]
Editor's Note: See MGL c. 41, § 81K et seq.
[Added STM 11-18-1998 by Art. 12; amended STM 4-10-2001 by Art. 13; ATM 5-15-2001 by Art. 19; STM 10-15-2002 by Arts. 4 and 10; ATM 5-17-2022 by Art. 20]
A. 
Purpose. To promote the availability of wireless communications services (WCS) in the Town while minimizing adverse impacts of each wireless communications facility (WCF), individually and collectively, on the environment, nearby properties, residential areas, viewsheds, and on quality of experience, and to promote best practices to minimize the proliferation of unsightly facilities.
B. 
Definitions.
ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT
All equipment necessary to the secure and successful operation of a WCF, including, but not limited to, support structures, antennas, transmitting, receiving, and combining equipment; equipment shelter or cabinets containing radios and electronic equipment; transmission cables, telephone lines and utility lines; and backup power source.
ANTENNA
A device that contains electrical elements for the transmission and/or reception of radio frequency communications.
BASE STATION
A structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables FCC-licensed or authorized wireless communications between user equipment and a communications network. The term does not encompass a tower as defined herein or any equipment associated with a tower.
(1) 
The term includes, but is not limited to, equipment associated with wireless communications services such as private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.
(2) 
The term includes, but is not limited to, radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration (including distributed antenna systems and small-cell networks).
(3) 
The term includes any structure other than a tower that, at the time the relevant application is filed, supports or houses equipment described in paragraphs (1) through (2) above that has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or other regulatory process, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing such support.
(4) 
The term does not include any structure that, at the time the application is filed, does not support or house equipment described in paragraphs (1) through (2) above.
(Based on 47 CFR 1.6100)
ELIGIBLE FACILITIES REQUEST
Any request for modification of an existing tower or base station that does not result in substantial change of the physical dimensions of such tower or base station, involving:
(1) 
Collocation of new transmission equipment on an eligible support structure;
(2) 
Removal of transmission equipment; or
(3) 
Replacement of transmission equipment.
(Based on 47 CFR 1.6100)
ELIGIBLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Any tower or base station, provided that it is lawfully existing at the time the application is filed with the Town of Southwick.
(Based on 47 CFR 1.6100)
INTERIOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (INTERIOR WCF)
A minor WCF located entirely within a building or structure that is occupied or used primarily for other purposes, but which may include ancillary equipment not located within the building or structure, provided that such facility and ancillary equipment are not visible from any public way or abutting property.
MAJOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (MAJOR WCF)
Any WCF that is not a minor WCF, including, without limitation, a WCF requiring a new tower.
MINOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (MINOR WCF)
(1) 
Any WCF that is:
(a) 
Installed on or in or attached on or to a building or lawfully existing structure, including but not limited to, wireless communications tower or pole or transmission tower, overhead cable, smokestack, steeple, water tank or billboard, and ancillary equipment adjacent thereto; and
(b) 
Composed solely of antennas and ancillary equipment which do not extend higher than 10 feet above the highest point of the building or structure on which the WCF is installed.
(2) 
To the extent that any tower or pole that was previously authorized is replaced with a tower or pole that is substantially similar in design and is not greater than the approved height, a WCF added to or modified on that structure shall be deemed to be a minor WCF, provided it does not defeat any required camouflage or concealment.
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY (PWSF)
A WCF for the provision of personal wireless services.
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICES (PWS)
Commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services [47 USC § 332(c)].
SATELLITE DISH
Any antenna with a large surface area with similar dimensions in height and width, such as parabolic and panel antennas, that is used for satellite communications.
SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY (SWF)
A facility that meets each of the following conditions:
(1) 
The facility:
(a) 
Is mounted on structures 50 feet or less in height including their antennas [as defined by the FCC: an apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radiofrequency (RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location]; or
(b) 
Is mounted on structures no more than 10% taller than other adjacent structures; or
(c) 
Does not extend existing structures on which they are located to a height of more than 50 feet or by more than 10%, whichever is greater;
(2) 
Each antenna associated with the deployment, excluding associated antenna equipment (equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters or cabinets associated with an antenna, located at the same fixed location as the antenna), is no more than three cubic feet in volume;
(3) 
All other wireless equipment associated with the structure, including the wireless equipment associated with the antenna and any pre-existing associated equipment on the structure, is no more than 28 cubic feet in volume;
(4) 
The facility does not require antenna structure registration under FCC regulations; and
(5) 
The facility does not result in human exposure to radiofrequency radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards.
(Based on 47 CFR 1.6002)
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE
A modification substantially changes the physical dimensions of an eligible support structure if it meets any of the following criteria:
(1) 
For towers other than towers in the public rights-of-way, it increases the height of the tower by more than 10% or by the height of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed 20 feet, whichever is greater; for other eligible support structures, it increases the height of the structure by more than 10% or more than 10 feet, whichever is greater;
Changes in height should be measured from the original support structure in cases where deployments are or will be separated horizontally, such as on buildings' rooftops; in other circumstances, changes in height should be measured from the dimensions of the tower or base station, inclusive of originally approved appurtenances and any modifications that were approved prior to the passage of the Spectrum Act (Section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act and Job Creation Act of 2012, codified at 47 U.S.C. § 1455).
(2) 
For towers other than towers in the public rights-of-way, it involves adding an appurtenance to the body of the tower that would protrude from the edge of the tower more than 20 feet, or more than the width of the tower structure at the level of the appurtenance, whichever is greater; for other eligible support structures, it involves adding an appurtenance to the body of the structure that would protrude from the edge of the structure by more than six feet;
(3) 
For any eligible support structure, it involves installation of more than the standard number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed four cabinets; or, for towers in the public rights-of-way and base stations, it involves installation of any new equipment cabinets on the ground if there are no pre-existing ground cabinets associated with the structure, or else involves installation of ground cabinets that are more than 10% larger in height or overall volume than any other ground cabinets associated with the structure;
(4) 
It entails any excavation or deployment outside the current site;
(5) 
It would defeat the concealment elements of the eligible support structure; or
(6) 
It does not comply with conditions associated with the siting approval of the construction or modification of the eligible support structure or base station equipment, provided however that this limitation does not apply to any modification that is noncompliant only in a manner that would not exceed the thresholds identified in (1) through (4) above.
(Based on 47 CFR § 1.6100)
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (WCF)
An installation of equipment belonging to one party that includes antennas, transmitters and/or receivers, other ancillary equipment, structural supports, enclosures, and utilities, that uses the radio frequency spectrum to communicate on one or more frequency bands. When multiple wireless communications service providers occupy a common location, each is operating a WCF. For convenience, the combined use of one site for multiple WCFs may be referred to as a WCF, as the context requires.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE (WCS)
The provision of wireless communications capability to a group of users by an entity that operates WCFs.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS TOWER (WCT) or TOWER
Any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting any FCC-licensed or FCC-authorized antennas and their associated facilities, including structures that are constructed for wireless communications services including, but not limited to, private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul, and the associated site.
C. 
District delineation. WCFs are permissible in all zoning districts, subject to the requirements of this bylaw.
D. 
General requirements.
(1) 
WCFs and WCTs shall be erected or installed in compliance with the provisions of this section. In all cases, except interior WCFs, a special permit is required from the Planning Board and a proposed new or modified WCF or WCT may also be subject to site plan review according to § 185-37 of this chapter. Any proposed modification of, or construction of, a new or replacement facility will be subject to a new application for a special permit, subject to certain exceptions for eligible facilities requests addressed herein.
(2) 
A major WCF should be located to:
(a) 
Have minimal visual and other impacts on the public and on its neighbors.
(b) 
Avoid being near active residential uses on nearby properties to minimize the potential for adverse visual and other impacts to neighbors, such as a looming effect, causing shadowing or reflections, detracting from scenic or natural views, causing noise disturbances, etc.
(c) 
Be on business or industrial zoned land, when practicable, or on other parcels not in residential use, or on large parcels in residential use where the placement is remote from the view of the public and residential neighbors.
It shall be the burden of the applicant to make a substantial showing that the proposed location of a major WCF is the location that is most consistent with respect to the performance criteria in this bylaw. Alternative locations considered by the applicant shall be presented in the application for special permit, including alternative site details; feasibility of each alternative site to address all or part of the applicant's service objective; availability and/or feasibility of using the alternative site; and the potential for the alternative to have the least impact on the public and the site's neighbors. The Planning Board may pursue additional alternatives at its sole discretion and request the applicant evaluate any such alternatives.
(3) 
If a WCF or WCT is not substantially in commercial operation for a period of one year, it shall be removed, and the site shall be returned to its preexisting condition by the owner of the facility and/or by the owner of the property within 180 days of written notice by the Town. Site restoration under this clause shall be subject to site plan review.
(4) 
A major WCF shall not be approved unless the Planning Board finds that one or more new or existing minor WCFs cannot address the service needs of the WCS provider in Southwick.
(5) 
All major and minor WCFs, including any towers, shall be suitably screened/camouflaged/concealed to a sufficient degree to protect public views and residential neighbors from objectionable views and prevent degradation of the quality of visual experience of the area, including, but not limited to: scenic views, historic architectural features, neighborhood characteristics, and other ways the community experiences the WCF. The Planning Board may require minor WCFs to be configured with such materials or painted so as to blend in appearance to the extent practicable with the building or structure upon which it is installed.
(6) 
Exemptions.
(a) 
Amateur radio towers and antennas used in accordance with any amateur radio service license that is issued by the Federal Communications Commission are exempt from this section, subject to the following requirements. Installations must be consistent with building codes and zoning dimensional regulations, except, any radio tower, antenna or other antenna support structure used for amateur radio communications may be erected to a height not to exceed 80 feet without Planning Board review, provided it shall not be used for any commercial purpose and shall have a sufficient fall zone within the subject property, as determined by the Building Inspector. For an amateur radio tower or antenna greater than 80 feet height, an application shall be submitted to the Planning Board for a height waiver. Upon a showing that a height greater than 80 feet is required to achieve the purposes of the amateur radio communications intended for the site and a sufficient fall zone exists within the subject property, the Planning Board may waive the eighty-foot limit and impose a greater limit. Any conditions imposed by the Planning Board on an amateur radio tower or antenna shall be consistent with the federal and state standards for minimum practicable regulation of amateur radio facilities.
(b) 
The Planning Board may waive special permit requirements, including dimensional requirements, for towers and other WCFs to be used exclusively for public safety and municipal communications.
(c) 
Satellite dishes six feet or less across their broadest surface dimension are subject only to site plan review and shall be situated in such a manner that they are screened, preferably not being visible from abutting streets. Freestanding dishes or antennas will be located on the landscape in such a manner so as to minimize visibility from abutting streets and residences and to limit the need to remove existing vegetation. All equipment will be designed and/or installed to reduce conspicuity and blend into its surroundings. Any satellite dish that is protected by right under federal guidelines is exempt from this section. Larger satellite dishes shall be treated as a major WCF under the scope of this bylaw.
(d) 
Interior WCFs are not subject to this bylaw unless they involve other work that requires zoning approval.
E. 
Application process. All special permit and site plan applications for WCFs will be made and filed in compliance with the Southwick Planning Board regulations. Such application will include six copies and a searchable electronic copy (original with no scans) with the following information submitted:
(1) 
A set of engineered drawings with the customary sheets, typically including:
(a) 
A locus plan at a scale of one inch equals 40 feet that will show all property lines, the exact location of the proposed structure(s), streets, landscapes features, access, residential dwellings and neighborhoods and all buildings within 500 feet of the facility or 300 feet of the parcel, whichever is greater. Show radial distances as needed to demonstrate compliance with applicable setbacks.
(b) 
A detail plan of the proposed outdoor site development.
(c) 
Elevation drawings and detail views of key elements.
(d) 
Any other drawings the applicant determines to be helpful in informing the Planning Board.
(2) 
Photographs/drawings/renderings depicting views of the proposed WCF from the site and nearby locations off the parcel, including views from abutting streets and ways.
(3) 
The following information prepared by one or more qualified persons:
(a) 
An application narrative describing the proposal and explaining how it complies with applicable requirements in this bylaw, and if a WCT is proposed, the technical, economic, environmental, zoning and other reasons for the proposed location, height, and design.
(b) 
If the applicant intends to assert that non-approval of the requested special permit and/or site plan would constitute an effective prohibition of personal wireless services under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the applicant shall include substantial evidence demonstrating:
[1] 
How the proposed WCF is eligible for such consideration;
[2] 
How there is a significant gap in service (coverage, for example);
[3] 
How there are no better alternatives available;
[4] 
How a non-approval would effectively prohibit and, if applicable, materially inhibit, the applicant's ability to provide personal wireless services.
(c) 
A technical confirmation that a proposed WCF complies with all applicable federal and state regulations and standards.
(d) 
A description of the capacity of a proposed WCF, including the number and type of antennas that it can accommodate and the basis for these calculations, including potential future co-locators.
(e) 
A description of any noise the WCF will generate and demonstration that it will not constitute a nuisance to neighboring uses.
(f) 
Evidence that the proposed WCF complies with, or is exempt from:
[1] 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission obstruction hazard regulations (aeronautical lights); and
[2] 
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health radio frequency energy emissions safety regulations including all existing and planned emitters at the site.
(g) 
Detailed description and results of the search for alternatives, including a narrative responsive to Subsection D(2) above.
(4) 
The applicable filing fee, review fee, and advertising and mailing fees.
(5) 
If the applicant is not the owner of the property and/or mounting structure, the owner(s) shall sign the application or provide a letter of permission. The applicant shall also submit evidence of a signed contract between the applicant and the property owner. If the owner is the Town of Southwick, a lease agreement between the Town and the applicant shall establish authorization from the Town.
If the applicant is not the holder of the FCC license(s) pertaining to the WCF permit application, the applicant shall provide documentation from licensee(s) that they have committed to utilizing the WCF if it is approved.
(6) 
A performance bond must be posted to the Town equivalent to the cost of removing such towers and other WCFs at present day costs. No building permit will be issued until the Town Treasurer receives this bond.
(7) 
If a tower or other WCF is on Town property, a certificate of insurance for liability coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 must be provided naming the Town of Southwick as additionally insured.
(8) 
If a tower or other WCF is on Town property, an agreement shall be made whereby the user indemnifies and holds the Town harmless against any claims for injury or damage resulting from or arising out of the use or occupancy of the Town owned property by the user.
(9) 
Any application involving the re-use of an existing tower and any change to equipment mounted thereupon shall be accompanied by a stamped report by a structural engineer certifying to the suitability of said re-use and change.
F. 
Balloon/crane tests. For WCT applications, after submitting the application, the applicant shall conduct a minimum of two balloon/crane tests at the location of a proposed tower or antenna to show its height and visibility. Such tests and subsequent submissions shall comply with the following:
(1) 
The tests shall be conducted no later than the Sunday before the first day of the public hearing on the application.
(2) 
Each test shall be advertised at the applicant's expense in a newspaper of general circulation in Southwick at least one week prior to each test.
(3) 
At least one test shall be conducted on a weekday and one test shall be conducted on a weekend day.
(4) 
Written notice of the test shall be given to the owners of property within 300 feet of the proposed property at least one week prior to the test.
(5) 
A photosimulation report from each balloon/crane test shall be submitted by the applicant, with a description of report methodology, existing and simulated view photos, and map of photo locations included therein.
(6) 
Photosimulation photographs shall be made with a focal length equivalent to a reference 35 mm film "full-frame" camera equipped with 50-55 mm focal length lens.
(7) 
To improve efficiency, the Planning Board may delegate the coordination of a balloon test to staff. The Planning Board and/or staff may impose reasonable requirements, including on the height, size, shape, and color of the balloon(s), as well as locations of special interest and concern for photographing, even if there is low probability of the WCT being visible there.
G. 
Design guidelines. The following guidelines will be used when siting, preparing plans for and constructing WCFs:
(1) 
All towers will be designed to be constructed at the minimum height necessary to accommodate the proposed use. The sharing of existing structures, especially towers, by additional WCF operators is encouraged when doing so does not substantially increase undesirable visual impacts, such as by increasing the approved tower height to accommodate site-sharing. Depending on the visual impacts of a proposed new tower, the Planning Board may consider waiving the minimum-height-necessary requirement and approving a height that provides additional space with minimal increase in visual impact.
(2) 
The setback of a tower from the property line of the lot on which it is located to the center of the tower shall be greater than or equal to 1 1/2 times the height of the tower, unless the Planning Board determines in a written finding that a location closer to the property line is advantageous because the proposed location minimizes visual impacts without materially impacting the neighboring uses. The Planning Board has the discretion to require a setback greater than 1 1/2 times the height of the tower if it finds that the increase is appropriate to reduce a material impact on neighboring uses. In no case shall the setback be reduced to less than one times the height to a residential property line with a neighboring residence within 250 feet of the same point on the property line or be reduced to less than 1/2 the height of the tower for all other situations.
(3) 
No tower, or attachment to a tower, shall exceed 150 feet in height as measured from ground level at the base of the tower, unless as excepted herein.
(4) 
All WCFs shall be sited in such a manner that the view of the facility from the adjacent abutters, residential neighbors, and other areas of Town shall be as limited as possible. All towers and satellite dishes and/or antennas shall be painted or otherwise colored so they will blend in with the landscape or have an appearance that is visually compatible with the structure on which they are located.
(5) 
WCTs will be designed to accommodate the maximum number of users technologically practical, balanced against minimizing the visual impacts of each tower. The intent of this requirement is to obtain the best outcome for a given area within the community by limiting the height of a new tower to that which is acceptable, potentially requiring more than one, less objectionable, tower to serve the area.
(6) 
WCF installations will be fenced to control access and will be compatible with the scenic character of the Town and will not include razor wire.
(7) 
A sign providing twenty-four-hour contact information is required at the entrance to a WCF compound. Safety signs, no trespassing signs and other communications necessary for the safe operation of the WCFs may be posted. No other signs or advertising may be posted. All signs will conform to the Town of Southwick's Bylaws.
(8) 
Night lighting of towers will be prohibited unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration. Lighting will be limited to that needed for emergencies and/or as required by the FAA. FAA lighting, if required, shall employ red illumination at night (no white flashing lights) with narrow vertical beam spreads as specified in FAA standards. It is preferred that towers be at such heights and locations that FAA lighting is not required.
(9) 
There will be a minimum of one parking space at a WCF site, to be used in connection with the maintenance of the site. Sites with existing parking for multiple vehicles may be excused from having a dedicated space. There shall be no storage of vehicles or other equipment on the WCF site. There will be adequate access to the site for emergency vehicles. The amount of impervious surface on the site will be minimized and all stormwater run-off will be contained on site.
(10) 
When possible, municipal agencies will be allowed to attach communications antennas to a WCT at the Town's expense, and to use the WCT at no cost to the Town, provided the Town's use does not interfere with or preclude the use of the WCT by the number of WCFs anticipated in the approval of the WCT. Municipal communications antennas will not be included in the calculation of tower height.
(11) 
The applicant shall allow other carriers to lease space on a WCT, provided such use does not interfere with the current use of the WCT.
H. 
Special permit and site plan review.
(1) 
An application for a special permit for a WCF under this section shall be approved or approved with conditions if the Planning Board finds that the applicant has met the requirements set forth in this bylaw.
(2) 
An application for a special permit for a WCF under this bylaw shall be denied if the Planning Board finds that the applicant has failed to meet the requirements set forth in this section. A denial shall be in writing and supported by reference to substantial evidence in the documented record.
(3) 
To approve an application for a special permit under this section, the Planning Board shall judge in favor of the following findings, noting any conditions necessary to satisfy the findings:
(a) 
The proposed WCF does not materially detract from the purpose and intent of this bylaw;
(b) 
The proposed WCF has an acceptable degree of visual impact in the context of the site and views of it, or has a degree of negative visual impact that must be tolerated due to the demonstrated necessity of the facility and a lack of less impactful alternatives, or alternatively, that the benefits of the proposal outweigh the detriments;
(c) 
The proposed WCF has been shown to be necessary to the effective operation of the applicant's WCS in the Town of Southwick; and
(d) 
The proposed WCF is consistent with the design guidelines in Subsection G, above.
I. 
Monitoring and inspections.
(1) 
If a wireless communications facility is determined to be in violation of any of the provisions of the special permit and/or site plan approval or any other applicable law or regulation, the Planning Board shall cause written notice to be served by the Town on the operator of the facility, the holder of the special permit and site plan approval, and the owner of the land on which it is located.
(2) 
The Building Inspector and/or the Planning Board may, upon reasonable concern regarding compliance with specific performance requirements, require the permittee(s) to respond with proof of compliance and may engage the services of independent expert consultants at applicant's expense to assess compliance or review the permittee's response. Permittees must respond in a timely way (within 24 hours for an indicated life-threatening emergency, otherwise 14 days for routine requests for response). Failure to respond in good faith or to pay reasonable fees for independent consultants may result in revocation of the special permit by the Planning Board or the occupancy/use permit by the Building Inspector, as applicable.
J. 
Compliance and violations. Every WCF for which a special permit is granted hereunder shall continue at all times to comply with the provisions thereof and of the Town of Southwick Bylaws; and the holder of such special permit shall comply with requirements of the Planning Board in fulfillment of the provisions for monitoring herein.
K. 
Small wireless facilities outside rights-of-way.
(1) 
The purpose and intent of this bylaw section is to regulate the installation of small wireless facilities (SWF) outside of rights-of-way so as to respect the neighborhood characteristics in which they are proposed, consistent with the purposes set forth in this bylaw and with federal and state law.
(2) 
All installations of SWFs outside of rights-of-way require a special permit from the Planning Board. Federal requirements limit the time in which SWF applications must be determined to be complete and subsequently to be decided. This requires special treatment for SWF applications.
(3) 
The Planning Board shall adopt, and from time to time amend, policies, rules, and regulations relative to the issuance of special permits for SWFs under this section. A copy of the SWF policies, rules, and regulations shall be on file with the Town Clerk. Such rules shall prescribe the form, contents, style, and number for application forms, the fees collectible with the applications, the process by which the application will be reviewed, the design and location criteria for approval, the time within which the Planning Board will issue a decision, and requirements for recertification.
L. 
Modifications and eligible facilities requests.
(1) 
Any modifications to an already approved WCF not defined as an eligible facilities request in 47 USC § 1455 shall be made through the special permit/site plan review and approval process described above. Such modifications involving new permittees at existing permitted sites shall require an application for a new special permit. Such modifications of existing permitted facilities may be reviewed as an application for a special permit modification, if applicable. The foregoing applies also to eligible facilities requests, to the extent as outlined in Subsection L(2)(b) below and to the extent allowed by law.
(2) 
Request for modification of eligible facilities.
(a) 
Submission requirements.
[1] 
Applications for an eligible facilities request shall be filed with the Building Inspector. Applications shall contain information in sufficient detail, including without limitation site plans and drawings of existing and proposed conditions, to demonstrate the proposed modifications satisfy the following requirements:
[a] 
The currently operating WCF is constructed and maintained in compliance with its existing permit(s), including but not limited to its dimensions and appearance as permitted;
[b] 
Such information as is necessary to demonstrate that the modifications are within the limits established for eligible facilities requests under federal law and such information as is necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable safety regulations including without limitation, the existing permit to the extent it is not superseded by federal law, building codes, noise and radio frequency energy exposure;
[2] 
To render a determination on whether an application is an eligible facilities request, the Building Inspector may require the applicant to provide documentation or information only to the extent reasonably related to determining whether the request meets the requirements of an eligible facilities request. The Building Inspector may not require an applicant asserting in writing that the application is an eligible facilities request to submit any other documentation, including but not limited to documentation intended to illustrate the need for such WCF or to justify the business decision to modify such WCF.
(b) 
Review process.
[1] 
The Building Inspector shall conduct an initial review of the application to determine whether the application is a bona fide eligible facilities request, and whether the application is complete. The Building Inspector shall notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application if the application is deemed incomplete and/or whether the application is not an eligible facilities request or requires the determination of the Planning Board as to its eligibility. Such notice shall delineate all missing documents or information.
[2] 
If the Building Inspector determines that the facts of the application require the judgment of the Planning Board to determine whether an application is an eligible facilities request (such as for interpreting whether a proposal qualitatively defeats the intent of a previously approved camouflage design), the Building Inspector shall timely refer the application to the Planning Board for an opinion on whether the application qualifies as an eligible facilities request. The Planning Board, or staff, if so delegated by the Planning Board, shall respond in a timely manner, being cognizant of the sixty-day federal shot clock for eligible facilities requests.
[3] 
If the application is determined to be an eligible facilities request, and otherwise complies with applicable safety regulations, the Building Inspector may not deny and shall approve the application, with such conditions as may be necessary to maintain safety code compliance.
[4] 
If the application is determined not to be an eligible facilities request, the Building Inspector shall provide the applicant with an explanation in writing.
(c) 
Approval. Within 60 days of the filing of a bona fide eligible facilities request, plus any time that may be excluded pursuant to a tolling for incompleteness or by agreement between the applicant and the Building Inspector, the Building Inspector shall complete the statutory review under building, electrical and other relevant safety codes. If the bona fide eligible facilities request application is deemed compliant under statutory review, the Building Inspector must approve the application.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 20]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this subsection of the Zoning Bylaw is to establish appropriate criteria and standards for the placement, design, construction, operation, monitoring, modification, removal and/or repair of small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems. These standards will address public safety, minimize impact on the scenic, natural, and historic resources and provide adequate financial assurance for the eventual decommissioning of such systems.
B. 
Applicability. This section applies to small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems proposed to be constructed after the effective date of this section. This section also pertains to physical modifications that materially alter the type, configuration, or size of existing systems or related equipment. Building mounted, photovoltaic systems are exempt from the provisions under this bylaw but shall comply with the building code and obtain a building permit from the Building Inspector.
C. 
Location. Small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems shall be allowed in the districts identified in the table below:
[Amended ATM 5-18-2021 by Art. 28]
Table 1
Solar Energy
Town of Southwick Table of Principal Uses
Land Use Clarification
Standards & Conditions
ZONE
AC
R40
R20
R-20A
R-20B
B
BR
I
IR
Small Scale Ground Mounted Photovoltaic Systems
Consolidated less than 1,000 sq. ft.
Site Plan Review
Site Plan Review
Site Plan Review
Site Plan Review
Large Scale Ground Mounted Photovoltaic Systems
Consolidated 1,000 sq. ft. or greater
Not Allowed
Special Permit & Site Plan Approval**
Special Permit & Site Plan Approval
Special Permit & Site Plan Approval
NOTES:
** On a minimum of 20 acres
D. 
Definitions for this section:
APPURTENANT STRUCTURES
Adjacent or accessory structures.
AS-OF-RIGHT SITING
As-of-right siting shall mean that development may proceed without the need for review by the Planning Board.
BUILDING-MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
A photovoltaic installation that is structurally mounted on a building's footprint.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Any and all information necessary to make contact under both normal and emergency conditions. This information shall include but not be limited to: names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, as well as email addresses. This information shall be kept up to date.
LARGE SCALE, GROUND MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
A photovoltaic installation that is structurally mounted on the ground and is 1,000 square feet or greater in consolidated size of panels.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) INSTALLATION
A series of components which use one or more panels to convert sunlight into electricity including all appurtenant structures, wiring and accessory use.
SMALL SCALE, GROUND MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
A photovoltaic installation that is structurally mounted on the ground and is less than 1,000 square feet.
TRANSMISSION LINES
Those conductors and their necessary supporting or containing structures which are located entirely outside of buildings and are used for transmitting electrical energy which is not connected solely to individual users/property owners who generate such electricity.
E. 
General requirements.
(1) 
Building mounted, photovoltaic systems are exempt from the provisions under this bylaw and shall be consider as-of-right development. They shall comply with the building code and obtain a building permit from the Building Inspector.
(2) 
No building permit, for construction, installation or modification shall be issued for a small scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic system without first submitting a plan of the proposed work to the Planning Board for site plan review in accordance with §§ 185-37 and 185-10 of this chapter and receiving site plan approval.
(3) 
No building permit, for construction, installation or modification shall be issued for a large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic system without first submitting a plan of the proposed work to the Planning Board for special permit and site plan approval in accordance with §§ 185-37, 185-9 and 185-10 of this chapter and receiving and obtaining site plan approval.
(4) 
The construction and operation of all small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems and all appurtenant structures shall be consistent with all applicable local, state and federal requirements including but not limited to all safety, construction, electrical and communications requirements. All buildings and fixtures forming part of a small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems and all appurtenant structures shall be constructed in accordance with the Building Code.
(5) 
Building permits issued for the construction, alteration, enlargement or demolition of small and large scale ground mounted, photovoltaic system shall be subject to permit fees, as established by the Town of Southwick. No building permit shall be deemed valid until such fee is paid.
F. 
Application process.
(1) 
All applications for small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems will be made and filed in compliance with the Southwick Planning Board rules and zoning bylaw regulations and accompanied by fees as set by the Town.
(2) 
All applications for large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems will include six copies of a plan which include all requirements of § 185-10. In addition, the following documents are required specifically for large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems.
(a) 
Documentation of the major system components to be used, including the photovoltaic panels, mounting system and inverter.
(b) 
Contact information for the proposed system installer.
(c) 
Contact information and signature of the project proponents as well as all listing of photovoltaic systems components, if any, and all property owners.
(d) 
Contact information and signature of agents representing the project proponents, if any.
(e) 
Contact information and person(s) responsible for public inquiries throughout the life of the system.
(f) 
Blueprints of the photovoltaic systems showing the proposed layout of the system and proposed shading for nearby structures, natural features and landscaping.
(g) 
Three lined electrical diagrams detailing the photovoltaic systems, any associated components, and electrical interconnection methods, with all National Electrical Code compliant disconnects and overcurrent devices.
(h) 
All plans and maps associated with large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems shall be prepared, stamped and signed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(i) 
Documentation of actual or perspective access and control of the project site sufficient to allow for construction and operation of the proposed photovoltaic system.
(j) 
An operations and maintenance plan which shall include measures for maintaining safe access to system, storm water controls, and general procedures for operational maintenance of the system and keeping system on operation and in compliance with all governmental regulations.
(k) 
Proof of liability insurance that meets the state requirements.
(l) 
Description of financial security that satisfies Subsection L.
(m) 
Utility notification. No large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic system shall be constructed until evidence has been given to the Planning Board that the utility company that operates the electrical grid where the system is to be located has been informed of the owners or operator's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
G. 
Design standards.
(1) 
Dimensional and density requirements. All construction of small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems and the appurtenant structures shall comply with the yard space and height requirements of the zoning districts in which the system is located as per 185 Attachment 3 - Height, Area and Yard Requirements Chart, Town of Southwick,[1] unless a more restrictive requirement is contained in this Bylaw. In cases where the parcel is in a residential zone, or abuts agricultural zones, residential zones, park land, or conservation land, the setback shall be a minimum of 150 feet unless waived by the Planning Board.
[Amended ATM 5-18-2021 by Art. 28]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Height, Area and Yard Requirements Chart is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(2) 
Lighting. Lighting of the large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems and any appurtenant structure be directed downward and inwards and shall incorporate full cut off fixtures to reduce light pollution. Lighting shall be limited to that which is required for safety and operational purposes and shall be shielded from abutting properties.
(3) 
Signage. For large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems an Identification sign shall be no larger than two feet by two feet, shall identify the owner and provide a 24 hour emergency contact phone number. The sign shall be made visible from a right of way where the property has frontage. Large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems shall not be used for displaying any advertising except for identification of the manufacturer or operator of the system. All signs require a building permit and will comply with the signage provisions in Southwick's Zoning bylaw.
(4) 
Utility connections. For large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems, reasonable efforts, as determined by the Planning Board shall be made to place all utilities connections from the large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems installation underground, depending on appropriate soil conditions, shape and topography of the site, and any requirements of the utility provider. Electrical transformers for utility interconnections may be above ground if required by the utility provider.
(5) 
Visibility. In any residential zone, a large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic system shall be designed and sited on the property in such a way as to prevent its visibility from all other properties, sidewalks and roadways at any time of year, including dense vegetation and trees in any setbacks (with the sole exception of an access road to the system).
[Added ATM 5-18-2021 by Art. 28]
H. 
Safety and environmental standards.
[Amended ATM 5-18-2021 by Art. 28]
(1) 
Emergency services. The large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems' owner or operator shall provide a copy of the project summary, electrical schematic, and site plan to local Fire Chief or the Chief's designee. Upon request the owner or operator shall cooperate with local emergency services in developing an emergency response plan. All means of shutting down the large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems' shall be clearly marked.
(2) 
Land clearing, soil erosion and habitat impact. Clearing of natural vegetation shall be limited to what is necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of the small scale and/or large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems. Existing root structures and topsoil shall be maintained to the maximum extent possible. Where removal of naturally occurring vegetation such as trees and shrubs is planned, the owner of the small scale and/or large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems must demonstrate that the removal of this vegetation is necessary, and its presence adversely affects the performance and operation of the solar installation.
(3) 
Landscaping and landscape buffer strip. Except when Section 185-23.2(G)(5) shall apply, the small scale and/or large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems shall be designed and sited to minimize its visibility, including preserving natural vegetation to the maximum extent possible, blending in equipment with the surroundings, adding vegetative buffers to provide an effective visual barrier from adjacent roads and driveways, and from abutting dwellings. A landscaped buffer strip is intended to provide, within five years of installation, a visual barrier between the large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems and neighboring properties. Except for vehicular and pedestrian passways and permitted signs, these areas shall be used only for an interplanting of deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs and other vegetative ground cover that can be appropriately create a visual barrier.
The buffer must provide landscaping coverage as required by the Planning Board. Where considered appropriate in the judgment of the Planning Board walls and fences may be used in addition to or in lieu of planting.
All structures (including appurtenant structures) shall have a landscape plan. Vegetation screening shall reach a mature form to effectively screen the installation within five years of installation.
A planting plan showing the types, sizes and locations of material to be used shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board.
The Planning Board may waive the requirements of the visual barrier [but not Section 185-23.3(G)(5)] when it is deemed advisable.
I. 
Waivers.
(1) 
Except when prohibited herein, the Planning Board may waive strict compliance with any requirement of this bylaw, or rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, where:
[Amended ATM 5-18-2021 by Art. 28]
(a) 
Such action is allowed by federal, state and local statues and/or regulations;
(b) 
Is in the public interest; and
(c) 
Is not inconsistent with the purpose and intent of this bylaw.
(2) 
Any applicant may submit a written request to be granted such a waiver. Such a request shall be accompanied by an explanation or documentation supporting the waiver request and demonstrating that strict application of the bylaws does not further the purposes or objectives of this bylaw and why it is believed that the waiver meets the criteria in Subsection I(1).
(3) 
All waiver requests shall be discussed at the public hearing for the project.
(4) 
If in the Planning Board's opinion, additional time or information is required for review of a waiver request, the Board may continue the hearing to a date announced at the meeting. In the event the applicant objects to a continuance, or fails to provide requested information, the waiver request shall be denied.
J. 
Monitoring and maintenance.
(1) 
Installation conditions. The small scale and large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems' owner or operator shall maintain the facility in good condition and in compliance with all governmental regulations. Maintenance shall include, but not limited to: planting, structural reports and integrity of security measures. Site access shall maintain to a level acceptable to the Planning Board, and Emergency Management Services and the Department of Public Works.
The owner or operator shall be responsible for the cost of maintaining the large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic system and any access roads unless accepted as a public way.
(2) 
Modification conditions. Any material modifications to a small scale or large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems made after issuance of the building permit shall require approval by the Planning Board and repairs will require Planning Board approval.
K. 
Abandonment or decommissioning.
(1) 
Abandonment. Absent notices of decommissioning or written notice of extenuating services, a large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems shall be considered abandoned when it fails to operate for a year or more without written consent of the Planning Board. If the owner or operator of the large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems fails to remove the installation in accordance with the requirements of this section within 150 feet days of abandonment or the proposed date of decommissioning, the Town may enter the property and physically remove the installation utilizing the surety provided in Subsection L. If such funds are insufficient, any additional costs will be the responsibility of the systems owner and owner of property which system is on. Such extra cost shall constitute a lien where the system is located.
(2) 
Removal requirements. Any large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems which has reached the end of its useful life or has been abandoned consistent with Subsection K(1) of this bylaw shall be removed. The owner or operator shall physically remove the installation no more than 150 days after the date of discontinued operations. The owner or operator shall notify the Planning Board by certified mail of the proposed date of discontinued operations and plan for removal.
Decommissioning shall consist of:
(a) 
Physically removal of all large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems and all related structures, equipment, security barriers and transmission lines from the site.
(b) 
Disposal of all solid and hazardous waste in accordance with local and state regulations.
(c) 
Stabilization or re-vegetation of the site as necessary to minimize erosion.
(d) 
Return of land area to conditions prior to installation of photovoltaic systems.
L. 
Financial surety. The owner or operator of a proposed large scale, ground mounted, photovoltaic systems project shall provide a form of surety through an escrow account or bond, as determined by the Town Treasurer, to cover the cost of removal in the event the Town must remove the installation and remediate the landscape. The surety account or bond will be managed by the Town Treasurers office.
The amount of financial surety will be determined to be released to be reasonable by the Planning Board, but in no event to exceed 125% of the cost of removal and compliance with the additional requirements set forth herein. The project owner or operator shall submit a fully detailed and inclusive estimate for all costs associated with the removal to the Planning Board. This estimate must be prepared by a qualified engineer.
The amount shall include a mechanism for calculating increased removal costs due to inflation and other causes of the life of the system. Such surety will not be required for municipally or state owned facilities.[2]
[2]
Editor’s Note: Former § 185-23.3, Temporary moratorium on the sale and distribution of recreational marijuana, added ATM 5-16-2017 by Art. 27, was repealed ATM 5-21-2019 by Art. 21. Former § 185-23.4, Temporary moratorium on registered marijuana dispensaries, added ATM 5-16-2017 by Art. 26, was repealed ATM 5-21-2019 by Art. 22. Said repealed sections immediately followed this § 185-23.2.