This article includes provisions that are applicable
to all or substantial portions of the City.
A.ย
Commercial vehicles in excess of three-fourths-ton
capacity, excluding station wagons, compact-type bus vehicles and
pickup trucks used for private transportation, shall not be parked
or stored in any residential district.
B.ย
Overnight parking of any commercial vehicle, as defined
above, on any public street of the City of Meriden is prohibited.
The outdoor storage or parking and use of a
trailer or recreation vehicle by any person or persons is hereby prohibited
in all districts, except that:
A.ย
Not more than one camping trailer or recreation vehicle
per dwelling unit may be stored, but not used for any purpose, on
a lot in any residence district, provided that such lot is occupied
by a dwelling, and provided further that such trailer or recreation
vehicle is not stored in the front yard. If stored in a side or rear
yard, said trailer or recreation vehicle shall be screened from adjoining
properties by a fence or landscape screen of at least six feet in
height.
B.ย
Not more than one boat per dwelling unit may be stored
on a lot in any residence district, provided that such lot is occupied
by a dwelling, and provided further that such boat is not stored in
the front yard. If stored in a rear or side yard, said boat shall
be screened from view from adjoining properties by a fence or landscape
screen of at least six feet in height.
C.ย
Where a building permit has been issued for the construction
or alteration of a building, the Building Official may issue a temporary
permit for one or more trailers, for a period not to exceed one year,
to be used as a site office or sales office. The number of trailers
shall be limited to that which the Building Official shall deem to
be necessary in each case. Said temporary permit may be extended for
additional successive periods of six months each if the Building Official
finds that construction has been diligently pursued and that justifiable
circumstances require such an extension.
D.ย
During the period immediately following an emergency
or disaster, the Building Official may issue a temporary permit for
one or more trailers for a period not to exceed one year. The number
of such trailers shall be limited to one per affected household or
business, unless additional temporary trailers are authorized by the
Planning Commission as a special permit. Said temporary permit may
be extended for additional successive periods of six months each if
the Building Official finds that construction has been diligently
pursued and that justifiable circumstances require such an extension.
[Added 6-21-2010]
A.ย
Purpose. The stated purpose of this section is to encourage the growth
and diversity of the City's economic base in an efficient, planned,
environmentally and aesthetically sensitive manner along the I-691
and I-91 corridor. Further, this section is meant to allow the City
to compete in the region's growth and take advantage of the City's
central location and the site's locale on the interstate highway system.
This section of the Meriden Zoning Regulations is prescribed by the
City's 2009 Plan of Conservation and Development.
B.ย
Statement of objectives.
(1)ย
Development within the IDD may receive favorable consideration
where the following conditions are present and the following objectives
are achieved:
(a)ย
To accommodate future growth which will enhance the tax base
through the optimum use of appropriate parcels for economic development
purposes;
(b)ย
To encourage maximization of building coverage by discouraging
excess parking spaces and providing common parking areas;
(c)ย
To provide for the appropriate use of undeveloped land;
(d)ย
To maintain proper mixture of uses to insure overall sustainability;
(e)ย
To protect the existing adjoining residentially zoned neighborhoods
by appropriate buffers and by additional landscaping along the perimeter
of the zone;
(f)ย
To control strip development and "big box" development through
design controls and restrictive regulations so as to insure a positive
image and to prevent blighting influence; and to encourage application
of creative design techniques to foster attractive, well planned developments
which will be aesthetically integrated with adjacent areas;
(g)ย
To provide appropriate landscaping for green areas and development
schemes and enhance natural settings;
(h)ย
To protect the integrity of environmentally sensitive areas;
(i)ย
To facilitate traffic and pedestrian circulation and safety
by providing the necessary roadway infrastructure;
(j)ย
To provide for the development of a capital plan for general
improvements which insure that the private sector will participate
in the financing improvements, thereby relieving the public burden;
(k)ย
To provide adequate facilities for sanitary sewerage, water
supply, stormwater drainage and other utilities for the life of the
development.
(2)ย
If any of the conditions noted above are not present when a
developer submits an application for development within the IDD, the
Planning Commission may decide not to give further consideration to
the application unless the developer presents adequate evidence of
his ability and willingness to correct any condition not meeting these
objectives or the official action of the municipal or state agency
which will satisfy the condition within a time period acceptable to
the Planning Commission.
(3)ย
This statement of objectives shall not be subject to variation
or exception by any City agency.
C.ย
Planning Commission authority. The Planning Commission is hereby
designated as the agency to administer and enforce this section.
D.ย
Applicability. The Interstate District shall apply only to a tract
of property of 55 acres or more contiguous to I-691 and/or I-91, which
tract is under single ownership and shall remain under single ownership.
This district is intended to encourage smaller sites to combine with
other sites to provide larger-scale developments; therefore, special
provisions are included to allow consolidation of smaller contiguous
lots. Contiguous lots, zoned differently than IDD, will continue to
be conforming until included in the IDD overall development plan and
zoned IDD.
E.ย
Permitted uses.
(1)ย
Primarily, a commercial district which will allow a fully integrated
mixed-use land use pattern of commercial, residential, institutional,
and cultural uses to further the purpose of this regulation. These
uses are to be developed in a compatible and attractive manner per
standards set forward in this regulation and best practices of urban
design principles. Further, the initial structures within the IDD
must be commercial (retail and office), of a minimum size of 50,000
square feet. A certificate of occupancy must be issued for these initial
commercial buildings prior to the issuance of a building permit for
any other use. Permitted uses include:
(a)ย
Permitted uses by right:
[1]ย
Retail.
[2]ย
Office/corporate high tech.
[3]ย
Financial institutions, including drive-through.
[4]ย
Restaurant (not fast food).
[5]ย
Conference center hotel.
[6]ย
College/university.
[7]ย
Health and wellness center.
[8]ย
Attached residential (maximum of 50% of total developed
floor area per density requirement); detached single-family structures
are prohibited.
(b)ย
Uses permitted subject to issuance of a special exception permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the requirements of ยงย 213-73. Fast-food restaurants, without drive-throughs, coliseums, arenas, or stadiums shall be permitted only where there is direct access to I-691 or I-91.
(c)ย
Accessory uses. Accessory uses need to be reviewed and approved
by the Planning Commission.
(2)ย
Understanding that site appearance and performance determine
the appropriateness of a use, and that there will be appropriate uses
that have not yet been developed, future permitted, special exception
or accessory uses will be those that are able to meet all the standards
of these regulations.
F.ย
Lot and bulk requirements.
(1)ย
Minimum lot area: 55 acres.
(2)ย
Minimum lot frontage on City street: 1,000 feet.
(3)ย
Minimum lot width on I-691 and/or I-91: 1,000 feet.
(4)ย
Setback requirements:
(a)ย
Perimeter buffer: A forty-foot landscaped buffer is required
around the entire perimeter of the Interstate Mixed-Use Development
district. Said buffer is not required for such portions of the perimeter
along I-691 and/or I-91. Only crossing access drives, landscaping
and utilities shall be permitted in this buffer area. The Commission
may grant a waiver to allow for art/sculpture or other decorative
items within the buffer.
(b)ย
Building setback line: The building setbacks of 25 feet front
and 10 feet side and rear shall begin at the edge of the interior
forty-foot buffer line or that portion which abuts I-691 and/or I-91
and shall apply to all buildings within the interior. No parking or
structures shall be allowed within the building setback.
(5)ย
Lot coverage: Maximum impervious coverage is 60%.
(6)ย
Building height:
(a)ย
Maximum building height of buildings shall be four stories,
not to exceed 45 feet, except that antennas, elevator stacks and other
similar uses may be erected to a reasonable and necessary height but
not greater than 10 feet above the roofline.
(b)ย
The Commission, upon the applicant's request, may grant a height
waiver to increase the building height to 75 feet (seven stories)
for a nonresidential building or portion thereof located at least
500 feet from any City streets and from any residential zone boundary,
if the Commission determines that the site is suitable for a taller
building and that the Interstate Mixed-Use District is enhanced rather
than diminished by a taller building. To qualify for a height waiver,
the applicant must demonstrate that the taller building conforms with
the following criteria:
[1]ย
Site location and topography are such that the
taller building blends in with its surroundings rather than standing
out. This criteria will generally be met when the site elevation is
substantially lower than the adjacent public street(s).
[2]ย
The taller building does not unduly disrupt the
character of a residentially zoned neighborhood.
(7)ย
Residential density:
(a)ย
One unit per 8,700 square feet of lot area (five units per acre).
See "Residential Design Standards" for details. Sequence requirement:
[1]ย
The floor area of the aggregate of all residential
units in the development shall be limited to a maximum ratio of 1:1
to the nonresidential floor area in the development.
[2]ย
Construction of residential units must be preceded
by construction of nonresidential space at a ratio of 3:1 nonresidential
to residential floor area. Therefore, for every square foot of residential
floor area constructed, there must exist three square feet of nonresidential
floor area. This required sequence ceases upon the construction of
fifty-percent nonresidential floor area per the adopted Overall Development
Plan.
G.ย
Design and appearance standards.
(1)ย
General concepts:
(a)ย
The development shall be human scale, pedestrian friendly and
oriented. It is the expressed intention not to resemble a typical
strip commercial center.
(b)ย
These standards require a basic level of architectural variety
and compatible scale. The standards are intended to be a useful tool
for design professionals engaged in site- specific designs.
(c)ย
Applicants should avoid stereotypical franchise-type buildings
unless the building demonstrates architectural and compatibility excellence.
(d)ย
Street trees/landscaping shall be incorporated into landscaping
plans. All buildings elevations that are visible from a public street
must be designed with windows and/or other architectural elements
and features such that no visible elevation looks like the back of
a building.
(e)ย
Historic structures shall be preserved and incorporated into
site design to the maximum extent possible.
(f)ย
Existing healthy trees of six-inch caliper and greater (to be
survey-located either singly or as groups) shall be incorporated into
the site plan to the maximum extent possible. Similarly, significant
stands (10 or more trees) of related species, or consistent scrub-shrub
groupings occurring in front, side or rear yards, shall be preserved
whenever feasible. Welling or mounding are recommended techniques
when grade changes are required.
(g)ย
Driveway lighting shall incorporate standard fixtures and poles
in order to obtain a uniform lighting appearance.
(h)ย
All business, servicing, or processing shall be conducted within
completely enclosed buildings, with the following exceptions:
[1]ย
Off-street parking/loading;
[2]ย
Seasonal outdoor dining;
[3]ย
Outdoor amenities normally conducted as accessory
uses to a hotel, such as a swimming pool and patio;
[4]ย
Outside display of merchandise for sale on the
interior part of a pedestrian environment such as in a village-style
shopping center, or a courtyard area with kiosks or market carts,
where outside merchandise display is an integral part of the theme
and thus enhances the appearance of the site. This section is not
intended to allow outside display of merchandise typically sold inside
retail stores in conventional shopping areas; rather, it is intended
to encourage true pedestrian-oriented areas in a village atmosphere.
(i)ย
Outside dining and display areas shall not occupy sidewalks
intended for pedestrian passage and access. Outside dining and display
areas must be shown on the site plan and approved by the Commission.
(j)ย
For the purpose of this section, garden shops that are contained
within walls shall be permitted even though the enclosure does not
have a partial or complete roof. The applicant may propose, and the
Commission may accept, a ventilated wall similar in appearance to
the rest of the building.
(k)ย
Areas reserved for open space and set aside to meet impervious
coverage requirements shall be distributed throughout the site in
such a manner that the land is visible (from public streets) and/or
useable (e.g., for pedestrian circulation, outdoor entertainment and
cultural events, band shell, or arts/crafts shows).
(l)ย
Outdoor storage is prohibited.
(m)ย
Loading docks/receiving areas shall not be visible from public
streets or from residential zones. All loading docks shall be designed
as an integral part of the building, shall be suitably screened, and
shall not detract from the appearance of the building and site.
(n)ย
Satellite dishes shall be screened so they are not visible from
public streets.
(o)ย
Detention basins should work with natural water flow systems
and when not working with the flow should be an enclosed system or
located to the rear and visually obstructed from the street. Agreements
for maintenance of detention basins must be filed on the land records.
(p)ย
Rear road connection between properties is encouraged.
(q)ย
Dedication of land along the street may be required for future
roads.
(r)ย
Sharing of driveways to eliminate excessive curb cuts is encouraged.
(s)ย
Lampposts, trees, retaining walls and other streetscape features
should be compatible with each other and the environment.
(t)ย
Additional parking spaces over the required number of parking
spaces should be paved where possible with geopavers or similar permeable
material and not asphalt.
(u)ย
Shared parking to reduce the area of land used for parking is
encouraged. A pedestrian circulation system must be designed to provide
a separation between vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(v)ย
All utilities, including electricity and telephone, on site
shall be underground.
(w)ย
All outdoor lighting should be appropriately shielded from and
should not cast glare on adjoining properties and City rights-of-way.
Outdoor lighting should not exceed a height of 20 feet.
(x)ย
Accommodate existing natural features, including topography,
where possible.
(y)ย
If included in the Meriden Transit route, a bus shelter must
be provided after the initial building is occupied. An agreement for
maintenance of the bus shelter must be filed in the land records.
(2)ย
Nonresidential site standards. The following additional objectives
and standards apply to all nonresidential establishments. Items designated
as "objectives" are not mandatory, but are stated in order to provide
insight regarding the design objectives. Items designated as "standards"
are mandatory. All design details are subject to Commission approval.
(a)ย
Facades and exterior walls.
[1]ย
Objective: Facades should be articulated to reduce
the massive scale and the uniform, impersonal appearances of nonresidential
buildings and provide visual interest. The intent is to encourage
a more human scale.
[2]ย
Standards:
[a]ย
Facades greater than 100 feet in length, measured
horizontally, shall incorporate wall plan projections or recesses
having a depth of at least 3% of the length of the facade and extending
at least 20% of the length of the facade. No uninterrupted length
of any facade shall exceed 100 horizontal feet.
[b]ย
Ground-floor facades that face public streets shall
have arcades, display windows, entry areas, awnings, or other architectural
features along no less than 60% of their horizontal length. Alternatively,
other pedestrian-attractive features such as benches, niches, plantings,
and pavers may be used to create pedestrian interest, subject to Commission
approval.
(b)ย
Detail features.
[1]ย
Objective: Buildings should have architectural
features and patterns that provide visual interest at the scale of
the pedestrian and reduce massiveness effects. The elements in the
following standard should be integral parts of the building fabric
and not superficially applied trim or graphics, or paint.
[2]ย
Standards: Building facades must include a repeating
pattern of at least two of the elements listed below or of other architectural
features. At least one of the elements shall repeat horizontally.
All elements shall repeat at intervals of no more than 30 feet.
(c)ย
Roofs.
[1]ย
Objective: Variations in rooflines should be used
to add interest to and reduce the massive scale of large buildings.
[2]ย
Standards:
(3)ย
Residential site standards. The site shall be designed to integrate
the multifamily residential use with other approved nonresidential
uses (including, but not limited to, retail, office, and recreation
uses) to achieve a village-style mixed-use environment with the residential
use fully integrated into the site in residential buildings and in
buildings that also contain nonresidential uses. Such integration
shall also include shared roadways/parking, utilities, appropriate
open space area, landscaping/buffers, strong pedestrian interconnections
within the commercial/residential development and to other adjacent
nonresidential uses, and related improvements.
(a)ย
Residential uses shall be permitted in separate residential
buildings and/or in buildings which include nonresidential uses.
(b)ย
Residential units shall be either studio/efficiency units, one-bedroom
units, or two-bedroom units. Not more than 50% of the total number
of residential units within the first phase of the development shall
be two-bedroom units.
(c)ย
The floor area of the aggregate of all residential units in
the proposed development shall be limited to a maximum ratio of 1:1
to the nonresidential floor area within the entire development. Facilities
for the sole purpose of support of a residential use, such as club
houses, meeting rooms, shall not be counted as either residential
or nonresidential floor area in determining compliance with the ratio.
Offices and garages within residential buildings shall be counted
as residential floor area.
(d)ย
The construction of a development plan may be approved by the
Commission to be done in phases, but construction of residential units
must be preceded by construction of nonresidential floor area at a
ratio of 3:1 nonresidential to residential floor area. Therefore,
for every square foot of residential floor area constructed, there
must exist three square feet of nonresidential floor area. This required
sequence ceases upon the construction of 50% nonresidential floor
area per the adopted overall development plan.
(e)ย
Each residential unit shall require a minimum of 725 square
feet of open space within the site. Such open space may be for recreation
purposes (active or passive) or for preservation of natural features
(wetlands, wooded areas, open lawns, etc.), or both.
(f)ย
Parking shall be provided at a minimum of 1.75 spaces per residential
unit and may be designated in open lot parking, carports, or garages.
Parking spaces shall be a minimum of nine feet wide by 18 feet deep.
Parking spaces in multistory parking garages may be smaller subject
to approval by the Planning Commission.
(g)ย
Infrastructure improvements as utilities, roadways, and related
improvements shall conform to City design standards. Twenty-four-foot
pavement width for driveways is acceptable. Standards may be reduced
or waived as deemed appropriate and approved by the Planning Commission.
All utilities shall be underground. Concrete sidewalks shall be required
to appropriately interconnect the proposed development with other
uses on the site or adjacent sites and also wherever deemed necessary
by the Commission.
(h)ย
Roadways and utilities: Unless specifically noted by the applicant
at the time of site plan application and specifically approved by
the Commission, all roads and utilities within the site shall be owned
and maintained by the owner of the site, an association or other entity
formed to carry out maintenance, and/or the utility company.
(i)ย
Residential building design requirements.
[1]ย
Objective: Buildings shall have architectural features
and patterns that provide visual interest, are at human scale, reduce
building massing to residential scale. The elements in the following
standards shall be integral parts of the building design.
[2]ย
Standards:
[a]ย
Roofs: Roofs shall be identifiable with roof patterns
normally seen in residential structures in the local and New England
area and considered to be part of an architectural period design.
[b]ย
Rooftop-mounted and at-grade installed mechanical
equipment must be installed, screened, and/or located so the equipment
is not visible from streets as defined in these regulations.
[c]ย
Housing unit types: The site shall include buildings
which contain a mixture of housing unit types. Housing types may include
units that allow the occupant to also conduct a small business within
the unit (live/work for professional and home occupation).
[d]ย
Exterior building materials and colors are a significant
part of the visual impact of a building. They must be aesthetically
pleasing, use materials normally found in residential construction
in the local area and New England, and, where appropriate, be compatible
with other residential construction in the local area.
[e]ย
Back and side facades of a building shall contribute
to the pleasing scale features of the building and shall be integrated
with the front facade by featuring materials and characteristics similar
to the front facade.
[f]ย
Any portion of a building fronting on a City street
must have the appearance of the front of building as not to "turn
its back to the street."
H.ย
Landscaping. A detailed landscaping plan shall be required as part
of the final certificate approval application. The landscaping plan
shall include a detailed planting layout, planting schedule, and shall
note the type and size of all plantings.
(1)ย
General requirements.
(a)ย
Landscaping, trees and plants required by these regulations
shall be planted in a growing condition according to accepted horticultural
practices, and they shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition.
Any landscaping, trees, and plants which are in a condition that does
not fulfill the intent of these regulations shall be replaced by the
property owner during the next planting season for the particular
plant material.
(b)ย
To the extent possible, existing trees, vegetation, and unique
site features shall be retained and protected. Existing healthy, mature
trees, if properly located, shall be fully credited against the requirements
of these regulations.
(2)ย
Standards. The following minimum landscaping standards shall
be met:
(a)ย
Perimeter buffer.
[1]ย
There shall be a landscaped strip equal to at least
30% of the required perimeter buffer along the property. The required
landscaped area shall be covered with grass or other ground cover
and shall include appropriate trees and shrubs.
[2]ย
One shade tree having a caliper of not less than
two inches (12 feet) shall be planted within the front landscaped
area for each 20 feet or fraction thereof of lot frontage.
(b)ย
Side and rear yards.
[1]ย
All unpaved areas not utilized for parking and
storage shall be landscaped utilizing lawn ground cover and/or shrub
and tree material.
[2]ย
Undeveloped areas proposed for future expansion
shall be maintained in a weed-free condition but need not be landscaped.
[3]ย
Areas used for parking shall be screened from view
or have the view interrupted by landscaping and/or fencing from access
streets, highways and adjacent properties. Plant materials used for
screening purposes shall consist of lineal or grouped masses of shrubs
and/or trees of a sufficient size and height to meet this requirement
when initially installed.
(c)ย
Sloped banks. All sloped banks greater than five to one and
adjacent to public rights-of-way shall be stabilized, planted and
irrigated with full coverage in accordance with plans submitted to
and approved by the Planning Commission.
(d)ย
Pedestrian access. The site plan shall detail consideration
for pedestrian access to the subject property and to adjacent properties.
The plan shall show all interior walkways and all walkways in the
public right-of-way if such walkways are proposed or necessary.
(e)ย
Loading docks, truck parking, utility meters, HVAC equipment,
trash collection, trash compaction and other service functions shall
be incorporated into the overall design of the building and the landscaping
so that the visual and acoustic impacts of these functions are fully
contained and out of view from adjacent properties, public streets,
pedestrian ways and public sidewalks, and no attention is attracted
to the functions by the use of screening materials that are different
from or inferior to the principal materials of the building landscape.
I.ย
Signs. The following signs are allowed in the Interstate Development
District. The following signs may be illuminated indirectly and are
allowed by the Planning Commission, except if otherwise noted:
(1)ย
Freestanding signs.
(a)ย
One freestanding sign at the primary entrance to the site from
the major local street, which may be a business identification, area
identification, directory sign or a combination, not exceeding the
following dimensions: 100 square feet in area per side, up to 25 feet
in height, and set back 10 feet from the street line.
(b)ย
One freestanding sign along the frontage of I-691/I-91 which
may be a business identification, area identification directory sign
or a combination, not exceeding the following dimensions: 300 square
feet in area per side, up to 35 feet in height, and set back 10 feet
from the property line.
(2)ย
Wall signs.
(a)ย
One wall sign per building occupant, which may be either a business,
area identification or directory sign. Total wall signs shall not
exceed 5% of the wall to which it is attached.
[1]ย
For those lots bordering I-691 or I-91, one additional
wall sign is allowed for walls facing the highway. Such signs shall
not exceed 5% of the building wall to which it is attached.
[2]ย
For multitenanted buildings, a sixteen-square-foot
directory sign may be affixed to the entrance wall of buildings with
a common entry.
(b)ย
One sign per building occupant which may be either a business,
area identification or directory sign, not exceeding six square feet
in area per face.
(c)ย
One door identity/logo per occupant entrance to be affixed at
height of pull hardware, not to exceed 12 inches in height.
(d)ย
One window decal per glass panel, to be affixed to the inside
face of a tenant's storefront glass, not to exceed four inches in
height.
(e)ย
Mailing address: occupant address number discretely affixed
to storefront.
(f)ย
Site banners: up to two banners per light pole, not to exceed
16 square feet per face.
(g)ย
Awnings. Signage integral to storefront awnings shall be permitted.
(3)ย
Multiple freestanding directory/directional signs are allowed
on properties with businesses located in two or more buildings. Such
signs shall be located in areas designed to facilitate proper vehicular
and/or pedestrian circulation. The sign shall contain only the names
of occupants and an indication of where they are located. The sign
area shall not exceed 60 square feet per face.
(4)ย
One freestanding temporary identification sign listing the name
of future tenants, responsible agent or realtor and the identification
of the complex. The sign may remain until such time as a final inspection
of the building(s) designates said structure(s) fit for occupancy
or the tenant(s) are occupying said building(s), whichever occurs
first. The sign may not exceed a maximum of 40 square feet, and may
not be illuminated.
J.ย
Application procedure.
(1)ย
Overall Development Plan: The initial step in the planning and
zoning application/review process is the Planning Commission's approval,
following a public hearing, of an Overall Development Plan. The Overall
Development Plan is a plan of the entire Interstate Development District
showing, in schematic form, the areas of the proposed development
with the following elements:
(a)ย
Proposed use areas, density, acreage and the general floor area
assigned to each.
(b)ย
Proposed vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns, prepared
by a certified traffic engineer. Said plan shall include location,
size and adequate number of parking stalls, access management strategies,
parking barriers, walk, recreational and bicycle ways, curb cut and
crossing locations on existing and proposed streets.
(c)ย
Proposed open space areas, such as parks, lawn areas, recreational
and natural spaces.
(d)ย
Proposed general landscaping, including modifications to present
treed, sloped, and watercourse areas, areas of formal plantings, and
related treatment of open space, present screening and proposed topography.
(e)ย
Schematic layouts of utility systems, including water, sewerage,
and drainage, including capacity and additional flow into watercourses
and ponds and the location of connections of the proposed utility
system to present utilities.
(f)ย
Proposed location and height of buildings and other structures,
indicating feasibility in relation to the above elements.
(g)ย
Proposed architectural and design features.
(h)ย
Proposed boundaries for stages of development within the district,
if applicable.
(2)ย
Certificate of approval.
(a)ย
For any development within an Interstate Development District, a site plan must be reviewed and a certificate of approval must be issued by the Planning Commission in accordance with the requirements and procedures of Article XI, ยงย 213-72, of the Zoning Regulations prior to the issuance of a building permit.
(b)ย
In order to aid the Planning Commission's review of an Interstate
Development District proposal, the Commission shall require that the
developer submit for review the following information and studies
in addition to the information required for a certificate of approval
application:
[1]ย
A traffic study, prepared by a certified traffic
engineer, which identifies the probable impacts of a proposed development
on the road network in the surrounding area and the measures necessary
to mitigate the negative traffic impacts, if any;
[2]ย
Parking, traffic and pedestrian circulation plan;
[3]ย
Architectural elevations and renderings of buildings
and structures;
[4]ย
Landscaping plan;
[5]ย
Lighting plan;
[6]ย
Soil erosion control plan;
[7]ย
An economic feasibility report which provides sufficient
evidence that the developer has the financial means and experience
necessary to successfully carry out the project and identifies the
fiscal impact of the project on the City. Fiscal impact should include
but not be limited to: the anticipated change in Grand List, the effect
on City services to be provided and associated cost. The Commission
may require the applicant to pay for an independent consultant used
by the City to advise the Commission regarding the economic feasibility
report;
[8]ย
The site plan shall include all buildings, utilities,
grading and structures, both for principal and accessory uses;
[9]ย
An environmental impact report;
[10]ย
Inland wetlands plan;
[11]ย
A written statement must be provided by the applicant
addressing the following:
[a]ย
The reasons the particular proposal is consistent
with the statement of objectives;
[b]ย
A detailed description of all uses and how each
use is related to the primary use. This statement shall include area
calculations, employment projections, time of operation, storage and
equipment area and special needs.
[12]ย
In the case of plans that call for development
over a period of years, a schedule showing the time within which the
phase will be completed;
[13]ย
Plans for each development shall be accompanied
by an updated Overall Development Plan showing all existing developments
and the proposed development at a scale of one inch equals 200 feet;
[14]ย
Proposed and approved certificate of approval
and Overall Development Plans shall be provided in PDF form. Three
hard copies of all plans must be submitted to the Planning office.
K.ย
Consolidated properties.
(1)ย
Purpose. In the interest of promoting development continuity,
the consolidation of contiguous parcels to the Interstate Development
District is encouraged. "Consolidation" is defined here as the integration
of two or more individually owned parcels into a single consolidated
parcel for the purposes of creating a shared-use arrangement of selected
site components, e.g., common points of access/egress, drive passage,
parking, loading/unloading, and yards. Said consolidated parcel then
is added to the overall Interstate Development District parcel and
could be used in all aspects to enhance the zone once it is shown
on the Overall Development Plan and approved as a formal zone change.
(2)ย
Procedure.
(a)ย
A consolidated parcel shall be developed with an amendment to
the Overall Development Plan of buildings, parking, loading and unloading,
and open space.
(b)ย
A zone change to IDD must be approved by the Commission and
City Council for each consolidated parcel.
(c)ย
The consolidated parcel must be legally combined with the initial
IDD zoned parcel.
(d)ย
Certificate of approval is required prior to the development
of any consolidated parcel of access/egress. Such restriction would
be in accordance with current access management policies and plans.
L.ย
FLOOR AREA
HUMAN SCALED
PEDESTRIAN AMENITIES
PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY/PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED
STRIP COMMERCIAL CENTER
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
Does not include stand-alone parking structures or parking
lots.
Site and building design elements that are dimensionally
related to pedestrians, such as: small building spaces with individual
entrances (e.g., as is typical of downtowns and main street developments);
larger buildings which have articulation and detailing to break up
large masses; narrower streets with tree canopies; smaller parking
areas or parking areas broken up into small components with landscaping;
and pedestrian amenities, such as sidewalks, plazas, outdoor seating,
shorter light poles (usually 10 feet to 14 feet), weather protection
(e.g., awnings or canopies), and similar features. These features
are all generally smaller in scale than those which are primarily
intended to accommodate automobile traffic.
Pedestrian amenities serve as informal gathering places for
socializing, resting, and enjoyment of a particular area and contribute
to a walkable center. Typical amenities include extra wide sidewalks,
street trees, sitting spaces, weather protection (awnings or canopies),
pedestrian-scale lighting, bus stop seating, sidewalk dining, etc.
Development which is designed with an emphasis primarily
on the sidewalk and pedestrian access to and within the site and building,
rather than on auto access and parking areas. The building is generally
placed close to the street and the main entrance is oriented to the
street sidewalk. There are generally windows or display cases along
building facades which face the street.
Strip commercial centers are typically developed, owned and
maintained as a unit and have large parking lots in front, with many/most
of the stores arranged in a straight row and an automobile-centric
design. Proliferation results in a pattern of development wherein
commercial development is strung along an arterial thoroughfare.
M.ย
Off-site improvements.
(1)ย
Approval prerequisites. Prior to the receiving of a building
permit for any Interstate Development District, the developer and
City shall agree on the developer's share of specific improvements
related to the project to be maintained by the City within the City
right-of-way or easement. The developer shall pay a pro rata share
of the cost of providing any reasonable and necessary street improvements
and water, sewerage and drainage facilities, and easements therefor,
located outside the property limits of the development. All payments
shall be in the manner provided herein, it being the intent of this
section that the developer bear that portion of the cost which is
related to improvements.
(2)ย
Mitigation fee. A mitigation fee will be charged to all new
development, including expansions of current uses. The mitigation
fee will be primarily for applicable off-site traffic improvements
required in the study area that are not part of site plan approval.
The mitigation fee will be proportionate to the development's impact
on the area. This amount will be determined by the Commission. The
mitigation fees will be based on the parking spaces provided. The
fee structure will be determined by the Commission.
N.ย
Precedence over inconsistent provisions of Zoning Ordinance. This
section shall supersede all sections of the Zoning Ordinance of the
City of Meriden where they may conflict.
O.ย
Modification โ special permit. The Planning Commission by special
permit is authorized to allow a limited modification in excess of
the Interstate Development District standards as herewith provided.
The limited modification could allow an applicant to modify the certain
standards (setbacks, coverage, building height, landscaping requirements,
parking and signs) not to exceed 5% of the required standard. Density,
use ratios (commercial to residential), permitted uses, facade and
wall standards cannot be modified by either the Planning Commission
or Zoning Board of Appeals.
Except as provided hereinafter, no swimming
pool shall be located, constructed or maintained on any lot except
in conformity with the following requirements:
A.ย
Said pool may be installed or maintained in any residential
district or in any nonresidential district where specifically permitted.
B.ย
Said pool shall be used as an accessory use to a dwelling
or group of dwellings or as part of the recreational facilities of
a camp, club or similar use.
C.ย
When accessory to a single-family residence, such
pool may be located in a side or rear yard.
D.ย
The portion of the premises upon which such pool is
located shall be entirely enclosed with a good quality security fence,
which, any other provision of this chapter notwithstanding, shall
have a height of not less than four feet. All gates or doors opening
through the fence shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching
devices designed and capable of keeping such gates or doors securely
closed at all times when not in actual use. Said fence shall be of
a type approved by the Building Official.
E.ย
Every gate or other opening in the fence enclosing
such pool shall be kept securely locked at all times when said pool
is not in use.
F.ย
Such pool shall be located not less than five feet
from any lot lines and not less than 10 feet from the main building.
G.ย
Such a pool shall be chemically treated in a manner
sufficient to maintain the bacterial standards established by the
provisions of the Connecticut State Sanitary Code relating to public
swimming pools.
H.ย
Where the proposed pool is so located or is of such height or design that protective fencing is not required or impractical, the Building Official may, at his discretion, issue a permit for the erection of said pool without such fencing. The Building Official shall, however, first make a finding to the effect that, in his opinion, the said pool has protection from entry equivalent to that afforded by the erection of a fence as provided for in Subsection D above.
I.ย
Such pool shall be equipped with an integral filtration
system and filter pumps or other mechanical devices, which shall be
so located and constructed as not to interfere with the peace, comfort
and repose of the occupants of any adjoining property.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Diagram 8, Location of
Swimming Pool or Tennis Court or Accessory Use, at the end of this
chapter.
A.ย
When accessory to a single-family residence, any tennis
court, paddle tennis court or similar accessory recreation facility
may be located in a rear yard or side yard, but not within the required
minimum yard. No such facility may be located closer to the property
lines than is permitted for accessory structures in the district in
which the property is located.
B.ย
A fence or suitable planting strip shall be provided
to screen the recreation use from view from adjacent properties.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Diagram 8, Location of
Swimming Pool or Tennis Court or Accessory Use, at the end of this
chapter.
A.ย
Required landscaping.
(1)ย
All portions of improved multifamily and nonresidential
properties which are not used for buildings, structures, off-street
parking and loading, permitted outdoor storage, driveways, walkways
or similar purposes shall be appropriately landscaped with grass,
shrubs, trees and other ground cover in such manner as to minimize
erosion and stormwater runoff and to maintain or improve the aesthetics
of such development.
(2)ย
Landscape strips at least three feet wide shall be
provided along all property lines of multifamily developments in any
zone and nonresidential uses within residential zones. Such landscape
strips shall comply with the following minimum standards as well as
all applicable requirements set forth elsewhere in this chapter:
(a)ย
Said landscape strips shall include evergreen
planting and other landscaping of such type, height, spacing and arrangement
as, in the judgment of the Planning Commission, will effectively screen
the activity on the lot from neighboring uses. New trees shall have
a caliper of not less than three inches, three feet from the base,
and shall be at least six feet high when planted.
(b)ย
Unless specifically required elsewhere in this
chapter, an opaque wall or fence of location, height, design and materials
approved by the Planning Commission may be substituted for part or
all of the required landscape strips.
(c)ย
Where the existing topography and/or existing
landscaping provides adequate screening, the Planning Commission may
waive or modify the planting and/or landscape requirements of this
chapter.
(3)ย
A landscaped area of at least 25 feet shall be provided
between any residential district and a C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, M-3
or M-4 District for purposes of visual and noise buffering.
B.ย
Maintenance. All fences, trees, plantings, shrubbery
or other screening required by direction of the City Council, the
Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Commission or by this chapter
shall be maintained at all times at least to the same quality required
of said items at the time they were initially installed.
A.ย
Junkyards, building material yards and industrial
and commercial equipment storage as a principal use.
(1)ย
The storage of scrap, salvage, vehicle parts, lumber,
fuel, equipment and similar operations shall be conducted within a
building or within a solid board or masonry fence at least eight feet
in height.
(2)ย
The required fencing shall not be allowed to deteriorate,
and the required setbacks shall be maintained and kept free of rubbish,
scrap, weeds and other unsightly materials.
(3)ย
No storage of scrap, wrecked vehicles or equipment
shall be allowed to extend above the required fencing.
B.ย
Outdoor storage of vehicles, materials and equipment,
as an accessory use in any nonresidential district, shall be subject
to the following conditions:
(1)ย
The outdoor storage of vehicles, materials and equipment
shall be located on the same premises as the principal use or building.
(2)ย
All outdoor storage areas shall be located in the
side or rear yards but not within the required yard, except as provided
herein.
(3)ย
All outdoor storage areas shall be screened from view
by suitable landscaping and/or an eight-foot fence, except as provided
herein.
(4)ย
The outdoor display of motor vehicles, when accessory to a permitted use or any use allowed as a special exception in the C-2, C-3, M-2 or M-3 District, shall be exempt from the provisions of Subsection B(2) or (3) above. Outdoor display of motor vehicles for indoor automotive sales shall be limited to same-day staging of test drive vehicles.
[Amended 3-5-1990; 7-16-2018]
(5)ย
In no case shall stored materials exceed the height
of the screening or fencing.
(6)ย
No outdoor storage area shall be located within 10
feet of any lot line.
(7)ย
All equipment and vehicles in a storage area shall
be in operable condition.
(8)ย
No tractor-trailer or truck loaded with merchandise
shall be parked or stored on a lot for a period exceeding seven consecutive
days in one calendar month.
(9)ย
All areas utilized for the outdoor storage or display
of motor vehicles shall be paved with a dust-free all-weather surface.
[Added 3-5-1990]
The following general regulations relating to
lots, yards, visibility at intersections, height limits and dwellings
are applicable to all zoning districts, unless otherwise specified,
and are to be applied in addition to the specific requirements of
the applicable zoning district.
A.ย
Building on unaccepted streets.
[Amended 11-2-2020]
(1)ย
No building permit shall be issued and no building shall be erected
on any lot within the City unless the street giving access to the
lot upon which said building is proposed to be placed shall have been
accepted by the City or unless such street corresponds in its location
and lines with a street shown on a non-expired site plan approved
by the Planning Commission.
(2)ย
Building on unaccepted streets shall be allowed only when subdivision
and site plans, as well as the buildings and structures, are in compliance
with ยงย 8-27 of CGS.
B.ย
Rear lots.
[Amended 4-3-2006]
(1)ย
Rear lots shall be permitted only in R-R, S-R and
R-1 Districts.
(2)ย
Access to rear lot shall be provided by an accessway, as defined in ยงย 213-7 of this chapter. Said accessway shall be in the same ownership as the rear lot and be owned in fee simple. The area of such accessway shall not be included in the minimum required lot area as set forth in Subsection B(3) hereof. Each accessway shall provide access to a City-accepted street for one lot only, and the maximum number of adjoining accessways should be two.
(3)ย
Any rear lot shall meet the zoning requirements of
the district within which it is located, excluding the area of the
accessway, except that the lot area, minimum width and front and side
yard setbacks shall be:
Zone
|
Minimum Lot Size
(square feet)
|
Minimum Width
(feet)
|
Front Yard Setback
(feet)
|
Side Yard Setback
(feet)
|
---|---|---|---|---|
R-R
|
80,000
|
250
|
60
|
40
|
S-R
|
45,000
|
175
|
40
|
25
|
R-1
|
34,000
|
125
|
40
|
20
|
(4)ย
Accessways to rear lots shall be a minimum of 25 feet
wide, with a minimum twelve-foot-wide paved driveway. Said driveway
shall be a maximum of 425 feet in length and have less than a twelve-percent
grade. Two rear lots with contiguous accessways may share one driveway.
Contiguous driveways must be separated by a landscaped strip at least
five feet in width.
[Amended 12-21-2009]
(5)ย
Identification sign. Each driveway shall be identified
by a sign indicating the street number of the house which the driveway
serves and shall be of sufficient size to meet the house numbering
requirements of the Fire Department. Such signs shall be visible to
emergency personnel at all times.
(6)ย
Consideration shall be given to buffering the rear
lot from adjacent properties. Every effort must be made to retain
existing natural buffers in setback areas.
C.ย
Through lots. On a through lot, front yards are required
on all streets in accordance with the applicable district.
D.ย
Yards.
(1)ย
All yards shall be suitably landscaped and shall not be used for
any building or structure.
[Amended 12-21-2009]
(a)ย
Suitably landscaped residential yards shall include a large
front, rear or side yard area of lawn.
[Amended 1-3-2012]
[1]ย
No single-family residential lot shall be created without an
approved (suitable) landscape plan showing grading and ground-cover
for which development will need to conform with. Said large lawn area
should be at least equivalent to the size of the single-family home
structure's footprint, generally rectangular, with the smallest dimension
at least 25 feet in length. Said large lawn area shall be generally
level (not exceeding 10% grade in any direction). Said large lawn
area may include garden or mulch, or host an uncovered patio or pool
as allowed under regulation.
[2]ย
No building permit for a new or expanded-footprint residence
shall be granted on any single-family lot of nonconforming size or
lot with area and/or density variance without an approved (suitable)
landscape plan. For lots created prior to approval of this section,
and not modified thereafter, the Planning Department may approve two
smaller lawn areas, greater in overall size than the home footprint,
to meet the intent of the large yard requirement. Other lawn areas
may be approved for single-family lots in multiple-family districts.
(b)ย
(Reserved)
(c)ย
Any land shown to include yards with wetland/watercourse or
steep slope soils (greater than 15%) in the Plan of Conservation and
Development's Map of Environmentally Sensitive Soils must have a detailed
development, landscape, drainage and slope maintenance plan approved
by the City Planner and the City Engineer or their agents. Said plan
must show substantial areas for building devoid of easements or other
nonbuildable areas (wetland/watercourse areas, very steep slopes,
etc.) that could prevent building. Said plan must also show areas
for suitable yards; otherwise maps to be filed with the City Clerk
creating new yards shall be marked "Not Approved as a Building Lot."
(d)ย
Approval of a detailed development, landscaping, drainage and
slope maintenance plan showing viable use and improvements of all
residential lots, yards and the ROW as necessary shall be required
for permitting and development, and all improvements shall be completed
and stabilized prior to occupancy.
(2)ย
Front yards. Each lot shall be required to have a
minimum front yard as specified in the applicable district. The required
front yard on any major or collector street shall be measured from
the center line of the street as follows:
District
|
Major Street
(feet)
|
Collector Street
(feet)
| |
---|---|---|---|
R-R
|
80
|
70
| |
S-R
|
65
|
55
| |
R-1
|
65
|
55
| |
R-2
|
65
|
55
| |
R-3
|
65
|
55
| |
R-4
|
75
|
65
| |
C-1
|
40
|
30
| |
C-2
|
55
|
45
| |
C-3
|
55
|
45
| |
C-4
|
(As specified for the adjacent R District)
| ||
M-1
|
80
|
70
| |
M-2
|
65
|
55
| |
M-3
|
65
|
55
| |
M-4
|
90
|
80
|
(3)ย
Where four or more lots in a block have been improved
with buildings, the minimum required front yard for main buildings
shall be the average of the front yards of the improved lots if less
than the front yard requirements herein, but in no case less than
15 feet. Further, no residential garage shall be closer than 20 feet
from the street line.
[Amended 1-3-2012]
(4)ย
Projection into yard. Nothing in this chapter shall
prohibit the projection of not more than four feet into a required
yard of pilasters, belt courses, columns, sills, cornices, open uncovered
porches or similar architectural features. Fire towers and stairwells
may project not more than six feet into any required yard. However,
in no case may such feature project closer than four feet to an interior
lot line.
(5)ย
The minimum front yard requirement for cul-de-sac
turnaround areas shall be 35 feet from the property line.
[Amended 12-21-2009]
E.ย
Lots with private utility systems. Any lot in any
district which has a private water and sewer disposal system shall
contain a minimum of 40,000 square feet and have a minimum lot frontage
of 100 feet.
F.ย
Visibility.[1]
(1)ย
No structure, wall, fence, shrubbery or trees shall
be erected, maintained or planted on any lot which unreasonably or
dangerously obstructs or interferes with the visibility of drivers
of vehicles on a curve or at any street intersection. The minimum
vision clearance shall require a clear space between the elevations
of 2ย 1/2 feet and seven feet above the street grade (top of curb)
within 25 feet of the intersecting street lines bordering corner lots.
(2)ย
No fence, hedge, screen or planting shall exceed four
feet in height within any front yard.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Diagram 7, Visibility at Street Intersections, included as an attachment to this chapter.
G.ย
Accessory buildings.
(1)ย
Detached accessory buildings in R-R, S-R, R-1, R-2,
R-3 and R-4 Districts, not more than 15 feet in height and not used
for human habitation nor for the housing of animals or fowl, may be
located in the rear yard not less than five feet from any property
lot line. Any accessory building located in a side yard must be set
back a minimum of 20 feet, except that, in an R-4 District, it must
be set back 10 feet.
(2)ย
Accessory buildings in C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 Districts,
not more than 15 feet in height, may be located not closer than 15
feet to a side or rear property line. Accessory buildings in an M-1
District, not more than 35 feet high, may be located not closer than
25 feet to a side or rear lot line. Accessory buildings in M-2 and
M-3 Districts, up to 35 feet high, may be located not closer than
20 feet to a side or rear lot line.
(3)ย
In case any accessory building is attached to and
made structurally a part of the main building, it shall comply in
all respects with the requirements of this chapter applicable to the
main building. A garage attached to the main building, having its
entrance from a side street or cul-de-sac turnaround, shall be located
at least 25 feet from the property line.
A.ย
Height limits.
(1)ย
Spires, chimneys, elevator housings, machinery, towers,
radio and television towers, penthouses, scenery lofts, cupolas, water
tanks and similar architectural structures may be built and used to
a height of not more than 15 feet above the height limit established
for the district in which the structure is located, provided that
no such architectural structure in excess of the allowable height
shall be used for sleeping or eating quarters or for any commercial
advertising.
(2)ย
Public utilities, gas and electric transmission lines
and towers and poles adjacent thereto may be allowed in all districts
to greater heights than established for the district in which the
structures are located without the securing of a special exception
therefor, provided that all routes of transmission lines shall be
submitted to the Planning Commission prior to installation of such
routes.
(3)ย
On sixty-foot or wider lots in the S-R, R-1 and R-2 Zones, the maximum
height of buildings within the height restricted band shall be 30
feet.
[Added 1-3-2012]
(4)ย
On lots narrower than 60 feet in the S-R, R-1, R-2 Zones, the maximum
height of buildings shall be two stories (not to exceed 30 feet).
[Added 1-3-2012]
B.ย
Lots in industrial zones. In any industrial zone,
the rear or side yard adjacent to a railroad siding may be eliminated,
provided that the three other required yards are maintained.
A.ย
General provisions.
[Amended 2-3-1986; 12-21-1998]
(1)ย
Extraction and excavation of earth, sand, gravel,
clay, stone or other material shall be allowed in all zones as surplus
material resulting from a bona fide construction, landscape or agricultural
operation being executed on the premises for which a building permit,
site plan or subdivision approval has been granted, and provided that
no more material is removed from the site than that material necessary
to develop the site in a manner that reasonably maintains the current
topography of the property. Any damage to the landscape must be repaired.
(2)ย
Excavation and extraction of more than 100 cubic yards
shall be permitted only in all commercial and industrial zoning districts
by the Planning Commission after a public hearing, provided that,
in its judgement, such operation will not impair the water supply,
flood protection or natural condition of any public park or wildlife
reservation, and subject to the following conditions:
(a)ย
The applicant shall submit a plan showing existing
grades in the area from which material is to be removed, together
with finished grades at the conclusion of the operation.
(b)ย
The plan shall provide for proper drainage of
the area of the operation during and after completion, and no bank
shall exceed a slope considered excessive for the material encountered.
(c)ย
No removal shall take place within 30 feet of
a property line, except that, where grade from the property line rises
towards the lot where removal is to take place, material lying above
the grade at the property line may be removed.
(d)ย
The applicant shall submit a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan where the disturbed area is cumulatively more than 1/2 acre in conformance with ยงย 213-57 of this chapter. The plan shall contain provisions to adequately control accelerated erosion and sedimentation and reduce the danger from stormwater runoff. Plans for soil erosion and sediment control shall be developed using the principles as outlined in Chapters 3 and 4 of the Connecticut Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control (1985), as amended. The plan shall result in an operation that minimizes erosion and sedimentation during construction, is stabilized and protected from erosion when complete and does not cause off-site erosion and/or sedimentation.
(e)ย
Before a permit is granted by the Planning Commission under this section, the applicant shall post a bond with the Planning Commission in an amount approved by the Commission as sufficient to guarantee conformity with the provisions of the permit issued hereunder, including an amount sufficient to cover the cost of fill, if necessary, under the provisions of ยงย 213-50C.
(f)ย
The earth excavation permit shall be valid for
two years. After the expiration of this period, the applicant shall
be required to reapply to the Planning Commission for a new permit.
The Commission may, in its sole discretion, grant a new permit upon
evaluation of the operation.
(g)ย
Proposed routes of truck traffic shall be indicated
as a part of the application. Use of streets in residential districts
shall be discouraged.
(h)ย
A phasing plan shall be submitted with the application.
(i)ย
Landscaping and reclamation plan. An inventory
of all existing trees over twelve-inch caliper and other significant
flora and fauna shall be submitted. Removal of trees over twelve-inch
caliper shall be discouraged. The removal of all other significant
flora as identified by the inventory shall be discouraged. A landscaping/reclamation
plan, including work schedule for completion, shall be prepared by
a design professional or firm experienced in reclamation of property,
which shall show the type, location and extent of all proposed vegetation
to be retained or restored to the land, preferably in accordance with
site-specific application of the United States Soil Conservation Service
Guidelines.
(j)ย
Ground cover. At the conclusion of the operation
or of any substantial portion thereof, the whole area where removal
takes place shall be covered with not less than four inches of topsoil
and seeded with a suitable cover crop, except where ledge rock is
exposed.
(k)ย
Location of buildings, roads, septic tanks and
wells within 500 feet of the affected area should be shown on the
site plans.
(l)ย
A hydrogeologist's report, including test boring
to ascertain water table, effect on water table, effect on wells in
the neighborhood, effect on watercourses, wetlands, etc., shall be
provided and proved to be not detrimental.
(m)ย
Information on soil type and depth, rock ledge,
certified by a soil scientist, shall be provided with the application.
(n)ย
An estimate of the number of cubic yards to
be filled, excavated, graded or removed and an estimate of the time
necessary to complete the operation.
(o)ย
An estimate of the number, types and hours of
operation of trucks and other machinery to be used on site and the
locations and types of any buildings, including temporary buildings,
to be erected.
(p)ย
Details of blasting and storing of explosives.
(q)ย
The application shall include a street cleaning
schedule and dust control measures. Streets shall be cleaned on a
daily basis at a minimum and more often if required by staff.
(r)ย
Site plan shall comply with objectives and requirements of site plan approval as set forth in ยงย 213-72.
(t)ย
As an additional condition of approval, the
Commission may require the applicant to submit periodic reports of
progress including contours and cross sections, prepared and certified
by a licensed engineer or a land surveyor. If at any time the Commission
finds that the excavation, extraction, regrading, removal or filling
is not being conducted in accordance with the plans as approved, the
Commission may order the applicant to cease operation and may revoke
the permit.
(3)ย
Topsoil removal shall be permitted in residential
zones, with the following conditions:
(a)ย
Approval from Planning Commission after a public
hearing.
(b)ย
Six inches of topsoil should be maintained undisturbed
on the site and certified by a soil scientist.
(c)ย
Subject to conditions set forth in ยงย 213-50A(2) of this chapter.
B.ย
Fill. Where the area to be filled or disturbed is cumulatively more than 1/2 acre, the applicant shall submit a soil erosion and sediment control plan in conformance with ยงย 213-57 of this chapter. The plan shall contain provisions to adequately control accelerated erosion and sedimentation and to reduce the danger from stormwater runoff. Plans for soil erosion and sediment control shall be developed using the principles as outlined in Chapters 3 and 4 of the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (1985), as amended. The plans shall result in an operation that minimizes erosion and sedimentation during construction, is stabilized and protected from erosion when complete, and does not cause off-site erosion and/or sedimentation. Where fill is required to carry out an approved plan for site development, including approved drainage plans, or to restore an area excavated in accordance with ยงย 213-50A herein, the following shall apply:
[Amended 2-3-1986]
(1)ย
Slopes created by fill shall not be steeper than one foot of vertical
rise in two feet horizontal distance for a maximum rise of 10 feet
unless stabilized by a retaining wall or cribbing, except where approved
by the City Engineer. For greater vertical rise, for certain soils
more prone to erosion, and where maintainable lawns are intended,
the slope should be reduced and/or terraced. Any retaining wall over
36 inches in height, or any wall supporting a surcharge, is considered
a structure and is not allowed within 10 feet of any property line
unless shown on a plan approved by the Planning Commission. Generally,
such walls should be utilized in connection with steep slope cuts,
not fills.
[Amended 12-21-2009]
(2)ย
Adequate provisions shall be made to prevent surface
water from damaging the sloping surfaces of fills.
(3)ย
Fills shall not endanger adjoining property.
(4)ย
All fills shall be compacted to provide stability
of material and to prevent undesirable settlement. The fill shall
be spread in a series of layers, each not exceeding 12 inches in thickness,
and shall be compacted after each layer is spread. The City Engineer
may require tests or other information if, in his opinion, the conditions
or materials are such that additional information is necessary.
(5)ย
Fills shall not encroach on natural watercourses,
constructed channels or floodplain areas.
(6)ย
Fills placed adjacent to natural watercourses, constructed
channels or floodplains shall have suitable protection against erosion
during periods of flooding.
(7)ย
Grading shall not be done in such a way as to divert
water onto the property of another landowner without the express consent
of the Planning Commission.
(8)ย
During fill and grading operations, necessary measures
for dust control shall be exercised.
C.ย
In the event that a building operation is arrested
prior to completion and the building permit therefor is allowed to
lapse, within six months after the date of expiration of such permit
the premises shall be cleared of all rubbish or other unsightly accumulations,
and topsoil shall be replaced over all areas from which such soil
may have been removed. Any excavation for a basement or foundation
with a depth greater than three feet below grade shall be either filled
or surrounded by a substantial fence adequate to deny children access
to the area and shall be adequately maintained by the holder of the
permit. If such action is not taken within said six months, the bond
or other surety filed as part of the approved plan shall be utilized
by the City for such purpose.
D.ย
Standards for fill materials. Fill materials consisting
of organic materials or nonsoil materials, such as tree stumps, sawdust,
wood chips and bark, bricks, asphalt, concrete, metal, wallboard,
etc., even with a soil mixture, shall not be used. The in-place fill
shall not contain more than 25% by volume of cobbles (six-inch diameter)
and boulders (larger than 12 inches in diameter). The in-place fill
should not have more than 27% by weight of clay-size (0.002 mm and
smaller) particles. The fill should be essentially homogeneous. If
bedding planes and other discontinuities are present, detailed analysis
is necessary.
[Added 8-2-1988]
[Amended 11-19-1984; 3-2-1987; 11-21-1994; 6-7-2004; 5-21-2012; 3-13-2014; 3-4-2019; 11-26-2019]
A.ย
The sale of alcoholic liquor at retail under any valid class of permit, as defined in ยงย 30-15, as amended, of the Connecticut General Statutes, issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the State of Connecticut for consumption either on the premises or off the premises, shall be permitted under the applicable governing provisions of the zoning regulations in the following districts, as established by ยงย 213-8 of this chapter:
(1)ย
C-1 Central Commercial District.
(2)ย
C-2 General Commercial District.
(3)ย
C-3 Highway Commercial District.
(4)ย
C-4 Convenience or Neighborhood Commercial District
(5)ย
R-4 Multiple-Family/Professional Office District.
(6)ย
M-1 Research, Development and Manufacturing District, under a hotel
or restaurant permit issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the
State of Connecticut.
(7)ย
M-2 Industrial District.
(8)ย
M-3 Industrial District.
(9)ย
M-4 Planned Industrial District.
(10)ย
NCDD Neighborhood Commercial Design District.
(11)ย
RDD Regional Development District.
(12)ย
TOD-HC TOD Historic Commercial.
(13)ย
TOD-P TOD Park.
(14)ย
TOD-H TOD Hanover (on primary and secondary streets).
(15)ย
TOD-C TOD Civic (on primary and secondary streets).
(16)ย
TOD-G TOD Gateway (on primary and secondary streets).
B.ย
No building or premises shall be used for the sale of alcoholic liquor at retail for consumption off the premises under any class of permit, as defined in ยงย 30-15, as amended, of the Connecticut General Statutes, which may be issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the State of Connecticut, if the main front entrance to the permit premises shall be located within a 1,500-foot radius, measured in a straight line, from the main front entrance of any other permit premises used for the sale of alcoholic liquor at retail for consumption off the premises under any class of permit issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the State of Connecticut. The above distance requirement is not applicable to any building or premises located in a shopping center development (ยงย 213-7B) of at least 50,000 square feet of gross floor area located on a lot of a minimum area of four acres.
C.ย
No building or premises shall be used for the sale of alcoholic liquor at retail for consumption on the premises under any class of permit, as defined in ยงย 30-15, as amended, of the Connecticut General Statues, which may be issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the State of Connecticut, if the main front entrance to the permit premises shall be located within a 1,500-foot radius, measured in a straight line, from the main front entrance of any other permit premises used for the sale of alcoholic liquor at retail for consumption on the premises under any class of permit issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the State of Connecticut. The above distance requirement is not applicable to any building or premises located in a shopping center development (ยงย 213-7B) of at least 50,000 square feet of gross floor area located on a lot of a minimum area of four acres.
D.ย
The distance set forth in Subsection C above will be reduced to zero for, breweries, brewpubs, brewpub-restaurants, restaurants and hotels.
E.ย
Within the TOD area that liquor is permitted, the distance set forth in Subsection C above will be reduced to zero for bars or nightclubs that obtain a special permit from the Planning Commission.
F.ย
Notwithstanding the distance restrictions set forth above in this
section, any permittee using a permit premises for the sale of alcoholic
liquor under any class of permit issued by the Liquor Control Commission
of the State of Connecticut shall be allowed to move such permit premises
within a radius of 750 feet of the old permit premises, provided that
said new location is within a district in which the sale of alcoholic
liquor at retail is permitted under this chapter, and provided, further,
that said removal shall be in accordance with the Liquor Control Act
and the rules and regulations of the Liquor Control Commission and,
more particularly, the need for said removal is a result of hardship
or caused by reason of the commencement of an eviction action against
such permittee from the particular permit premises for which the original
permit was issued. All other provisions of this chapter shall be applicable
except the distance restrictions set forth within this section.
G.ย
The provisions of this section shall not be deemed to be retroactive,
except that any permit premises being used for the sale of alcoholic
liquor under any class of permit issued by the Liquor Control Commission
of the State of Connecticut prior to the effective date of this chapter,
which use is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter
and which shall be voluntarily discontinued for a period of more than
60 days, may not be resumed unless such use shall thereafter conform
to this chapter.
H.ย
The words "alcoholic liquor" are meant to conform to the definition
of "alcoholic liquor" as set forth in the Connecticut State Liquor
Control Act, as set forth in Chapter 545 of the Connecticut General
Statutes (ยงย 30-1).
I.ย
The distance restrictions contained in this section shall not apply to the sale of alcoholic liquor at retail under a club permit as defined in ยงย 30-15, as amended, of the Connecticut General Statutes, issued by the Liquor Control Commission of the State of Connecticut for consumption on the premises, and such clubs may be permitted as a special exception only in the following districts, as established by ยงย 213-8: C-1 Central Commercial District; C-2 General Commercial District; C-3 Highway Commercial District; M-4 Planned Industrial District; R-4 Multiple-Family/Professional Office District; and may be permitted by a special permit from the Planning Commission in the following districts: TOD Sub-Districts that permit liquor.
Vending machines shall not be located in any
required front yard or in any street right-of-way.
A.ย
Wind energy conservation systems, such as windmills,
are permitted accessory uses in any district, subject to site plan
approval and the following conditions:
(1)ย
No windmill or similar structure shall exceed 80 feet
in height.
(2)ย
No windmill or similar structure shall be located
in any required yard.
(3)ย
The windmill or similar structure shall be set back
from all lot lines a distance at least equal to the height of the
windmill or similar structure.
B.ย
Solar system.
(1)ย
When screening is required on a roof to enclose mechanical
equipment, said screening may be modified to allow access to solar
heating devices.
(2)ย
Where solar heating devices are placed within a front,
side or rear yard, they shall be exempt from coverage and setback
requirements, provided that they do not occupy more than 10% of the
yard area.
(3)ย
In any new construction requiring a building permit
and/or site plan, access to solar devices on adjoining property shall
be considered and maximum effort to retain solar access shall be made.
A.ย
Purpose. It is the intent of this section to ensure
that research, manufacturing and related activities in the M-1, M-2,
M-3 and M-4 Districts are established and maintained in a manner not
detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare and in a manner
beneficial to the use, enjoyment and value of neighboring properties.
The use of performance standards is necessary to measure potential
nuisances and hazards objectively, thereby protecting industries from
arbitrary control and at the same time affording the neighboring properties
and the general public necessary protection against hazards and nuisance.
B.ย
Performance standards. The following conditions are
imposed as standards to be met in order that a manufacturing or related
activity be in compliance with this chapter.
(1)ย
Noise. The sound level (a frequency-weighted sound
measure level as measured with a sound-level meter using the A-weighting
network = dBA) of any operation or activity, other than: a) noise
created as a result of or relating to an emergency, including but
not limited to sirens, alarms, etc.; b) construction or demolition
activity during the daytime, as herein defined; c) noise created by
blasting, other than that conducted with construction activity, which
shall be exempt, provided that the blasting is conducted between 8:00
a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; d) noise created by on-site recreational activities
sanctioned by the state or local government, including but not limited
to parades, sporting events, concerts, fireworks, etc.; e) noise generated
by maintenance equipment for landscaping and snow removal, i.e., plows,
mowers, etc.; f) farming activity; g) noise generated by transmission
or distribution facilities and substations of public utilities; and
h) noise that is directly caused by flight operations specifically
preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration, shall not exceed
the noise zone standards of the state statutes (C.G.S. ยงย 22a-69),
as herewith stated. Measurements shall be taken at a point that is
located about one foot beyond the boundary of the emitter's property
within the receptor's property.
Emitter's Zone
|
Receptor's Zone
| ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Industrial
|
Commercial
|
Residential/ Day1
|
Residential/ Night2
| ||
Industrial: M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4
|
M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4
|
C-1, C-2 C-3 and C-4
|
R-R, S-R, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4
| ||
70 dBA
|
66 dBA
|
61 dBA
|
51 dBA
|
NOTES:
| ||
---|---|---|
1
|
Day is from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; on Sunday,
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
| |
2
|
Night is from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; on Saturday,
10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sunday
|
(2)ย
Vibration. No vibration shall be transmitted and therefore
felt outside the lot from which it originates.
(3)ย
Air pollution.
(a)ย
Provisions shall be made to control emissions of air pollutants (dust, fumes, smoke, vapor, gas, odorous substances, etc.) into the outdoor atmosphere. Such provisions shall be in compliance with the following standards and all applicable federal (i.e., Clean Air Act), state (i.e., Air Pollution Control, C.G.S. ยงย 22a-174) and City (Code of the City of Meriden, Chapter 58, Air Pollution) regulations.
(b)ย
Odor from any use, except agricultural activities
conducted in a manner as to minimize odors and except mobile sources,
shall not be discernible to any objectionable degree at the property
line.
(c)ย
An odor will be deemed objectionable when either:
[1]ย
The Zoning Enforcement Officer determines, following
personal observation, that the odor is objectionable, taking into
account its nature, concentration, location and duration; or
[2]ย
The Department of Environmental Protection Air
Compliance Unit determines such according to guidelines and standards
provided by the General Statutes of Connecticut.
(4)ย
Glare and heat. All uses shall be conducted so that
direct or indirect illumination from the source of light shall not
cause illumination in excess of 0.5 footcandle in any residential
zone. Any form of heat shall not be perceptible outside the lot where
it originates.
(5)ย
Electromagnetic radiation. No use on any lot shall
cause interference with radio and television reception on any other
lot, and any use shall conform to the regulations of the Federal Communications
Commission with regard to electromagnetic radiations and to any other
applicable regulation.
(6)ย
Dangerous materials and hazardous wastes.
(a)ย
Materials which are dangerous due to the possibility
of explosion, fire, radioactivity, corrosion, toxicity or contamination
must be secured and maintained in a manner approved by federal, state
and City agencies against such dangers as:
(b)ย
Any activity, whether the generation, treatment,
storage, transportation of hazardous waste (as defined and controlled
by ยงย 3001 of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act and amendments or subsequent federal, state or City regulations),
is restricted to approved and confirmed Environmental Protection Agency
and Department of Environmental Protection registrants and security
methods and, prior to commencement, such activity is to be reported
to and must be approved by appropriate City officials.
(c)ย
Any discharge of wastewater into the waters of Meriden (surface or ground) or into public disposal system must comply (either by its nature or pretreatment) with all federal (i.e., National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System), state (i.e., water quality standards and criteria) and City (i.e., City Code, Chapter 170, Sewers) standards.
(7)ย
Standards. In addition to these standards, all relevant
provisions of any other federal, state and City laws and regulations
shall also apply. Where such standards, controls or regulations are
not in agreement, the more restrictive shall apply.
C.ย
Administration.
(1)ย
The occupant of a parcel within an industrial district
will be solely responsible for the maintenance of the performance
standards. Where the occupant requests an analysis or investigation
by a competent technical expert after having been informed of an alleged
violation, the officer charged with enforcement may engage competent
technical experts to study the alleged violation. The report of the
officer charged with enforcement, charging that a violation has occurred,
shall have sufficient ground for invoking the provisions of law to
enforce compliance hereunder.
(2)ย
Where technical experts have been engaged at the request
of the occupant, the occupant shall bear the cost of such technical
investigation if he is thereafter found to be in violation of the
foregoing standards. Where technical investigation reveals that no
violation has occurred, the cost of the technical investigation shall
be borne by the City.
Off-street parking for the storage or parking
of passenger vehicles shall be provided pursuant to the provisions
of this section; provided, however, that no provision of this section
shall prevent the repairing, reconstruction or rebuilding, without
enlargement, and the continued use of any building or structure lawfully
existing at the effective date of this section.
A.ย
On-street parking for employees of any establishment
is prohibited.
[Amended 5-1-1989]
B.ย
Landscaping and screening. On any parcel where a certificate
of approval or special exception permit is required and the parking
area faces a street or property line, a planting area of a minimum
width of three feet with appropriate plantings at least three feet
high planted three feet on center shall be provided between the parking
area and the street line or property line, except for a front street
line in industrial districts, where the landscaped area shall be 20
feet. The planting plan for this strip, as well as all additional
interior linear and end islands, shall be approved by the Planning
Commission. Said plan shall specify appropriate plantings suitable
to the circumstances and shall make provisions for necessary clear
zones beneath the bumper overhang areas. Where a parking area abuts
a residential property, it shall be screened from view by landscaping
or an opaque fence or wall or other means approved by the Planning
Commission.
[Amended 2-2-1987; 5-1-1989]
C.ย
Two or more uses on same lot. Except as specified in ยงย 213-55D, where two or more different uses occur on a single lot, the total amount of parking facilities to be provided shall be the sum of the requirements, if any, for each individual use on the lot.
[Amended 5-1-1989]
D.ย
Joint use of parking areas. In the case of two or
more establishments on the same lot or on contiguous lots, the Planning
Commission may approve the joint use of parking areas with a total
capacity of not less than 60% of the sum of the spaces required and
using the same driveway giving access thereto, provided that the Commission
finds that the proposed capacity will substantially meet the intent
of the requirements by reason of variation in the probable time of
maximum use by patrons or employees among such establishments. Joint
use of parking areas shall be subject to the following requirements:
[Amended 5-1-1989]
(1)ย
If a use is enlarged or changed, the Planning Commission
shall have the discretion to require full compliance for each separate
use upon finding that conditions justifying joint use no longer exist.
(2)ย
Such area shall be sufficient to provide the total
number of parking and loading units required collectively of the participating
owners.
(3)ย
An agreement for the construction, use and maintenance
of such joint parking and loading area, and the cost thereof, shall
be entered into by all participating owners on a basis deemed equitable
by the Planning Commission, and the continuance of such agreement
and such proper maintenance shall be guaranteed by a covenant filed
with the plan filed for a certificate of approval and attached to
the deed of each participating property, binding each participating
owner and his successors in interest for the life of the joint use
of the facility.
(4)ย
Upon finding that the foregoing conditions have been
met, and where the joint parking facility adjoins or straddles a joint
lot line, the Planning Commission may, for the period covered by such
agreement and bond, waive temporarily the requirements applicable
to side yards.
E.ย
Layout of off-street parking facilities.
[Amended 5-1-1989]
(1)ย
The plans for a new building or enlargement of the
floor area in an existing building or conversion to additional dwelling
units shall show specifically the location and size of the off-street
parking facilities required to comply with any applicable requirements
hereof and the means of access to such space from public streets or
highways. Proper channelization of traffic flow shall be provided
in all off-street parking areas. A "parking bay" consists of two parallel
rows of parking spaces separated by an aisle for maneuvering into
said spaces. In all developments any four parking bays shall be separated
from any other bay by means of a curbed, raised and landscaped linear
island. The width of a majority of the linear islands shall be 10
feet, face to face of curbing, with the remainder being not less than
seven feet wide, face to face of curbing. A linear, landscaped island
having parking on only one side shall separate a parking bay from
an adjacent access aisle or interior driveway, which linear island
shall be no less than six feet wide. In addition, every parking bay
shall be separated from any interior driveway by a landscaped end
island not less than six feet wide. The Planning Commission may waive
the requirements for such landscaped linear and end islands in parking
garages if the Commission deems that adequate landscaping around the
structure will be aesthetically pleasing. Access for two-way movement
shall have a minimum width of 24 feet. Access for one-way movement
shall have a minimum width of 16 feet. Greater access width may be
required when recommended by the City of Meriden Engineering Division
based upon the proposed use and the width, travel speed, and location
of the road giving access to the site. An entrance or exit to any
off-street parking area shall be located a safe distance (minimum
50 feet) from any street intersection and shall not exceed a grade
of 6% within 25 feet of any street line or 10% at any other point.
All points of ingress or egress shall be appropriately signed unless
such signing is considered unnecessary by the Planning Commission.
Where the topography of a site is such that a potential safety hazard
for parked vehicles exists, the Planning Commission may require barriers
or other safety devices to be incorporated into the design of the
parking area.
[Amended 2-4-1991]
(2)ย
Each required standard space, exclusive of drives
and aisles, shall have an overall length of not less than 19 feet
and a width of not less than nine feet and shall be served by an aisle
as designated in the attached parking dimension schedule. When the
standard space is adjacent to and capable of overhanging a curbed
landscaped area or island, which area or island is not less than 10
feet wide, the length of the space may be reduced to 17 feet six inches
by allowing the landscaped, curbed island to function as a wheel stop.
Up to 30% of the parking spaces in any off-street parking area may
be designated for compact cars with spaces not less than 16 feet long
nor less than eight feet wide. However, no reduction in the overall
length of a compact car space shall be permitted, whether or not such
space overhangs a curbed island. In lieu of the standard and compact
spaces and in parking lots of 50 or more spaces, uniform spaces having
a length of not less than 18 feet and a width of not less than eight
feet nine inches may be constructed. In such event, compact spaces
and length reduction for overhang shall not be allowed; provided,
however, that, in order to maintain uniformity of bays and aisles,
the Planning Commission may, where appropriate, allow a reduction
in the length and width of spaces which are opposite and abut handicapped
parking spaces. To accommodate the reduced width of a compact car
space and maintain a uniform pattern of landscaped end islands, the
Commission may permit any group of 16 standard spaces to be replaced
by a group of 18 compact spaces. Each required handicapped space shall
have an overall length of 20 feet and a width of not less than 15
feet. All spaces shall be clearly marked. In commercial and industrial
developments, all curbing must be constructed of portland cement concrete
or similar material (extruded concrete, pre-cast concrete, granite,
etc.) except in commercial and industrial developments with parking
lots of 30 spaces or less. Such smaller developments shall be allowed
to use bituminous concrete lip curbing, subject to the following restrictions:
(a)ย
That all end and separator islands shall be
constructed of portland cement concrete, or similar;
(b)ย
That stalls with lengths of 17 feet six inches,
as provided for elsewhere in the chapter, shall be of portland cement
concrete or similar curbs functioning as wheel stops;
(c)ย
That all radii of 10 feet or less shall be of
portland cement concrete or similar;
(d)ย
That all curbing on City rights-of-way shall
be cast-in-place portland cement concrete; and
(e)ย
That the Planning Commission may, at its discretion,
require more stringent standards based on unique circumstances such
as slope, pedestrian and traffic safety, or aesthetics.
(3)ย
In residential developments, all curbing on radii
must be constructed of portland cement concrete and straight sections
may be constructed of bituminous concrete, except that, wherever curbing
is intended to function as a wheel stop, it shall be constructed of
portland cement concrete. Except as may be otherwise provided, required
off-street parking facilities may be enclosed in a structure or may
be located in the open, provided that such required parking facilities
be graded, surface drained and maintained to the extent necessary
to avoid nuisances of dust, erosion or excessive water from across
public ways, or paved with asphalt, oil and chip or other material
that is equivalent in durability. Upon a determination by the Planning
Commission that the required number of parking spaces would be greatly
in excess of the need of a particular use on a given lot, the said
Commission may waive the requirement that all such spaces be resurfaced
to the extent that it may deem the number required to exceed the actual
need. All parking lots must include handicapped parking spaces per
the following ratio:
Total Parking in Lot
|
Required Number of Accessible Spaces
| |
---|---|---|
Up to 25
|
1
| |
26 to 50
|
2
| |
51 to 75
|
3
| |
76 to 100
|
4
| |
101 to 150
|
5
| |
151 to 200
|
6
| |
201 to 300
|
7
| |
301 to 400
|
8
| |
401 to 500
|
9
| |
501 to 1,000
|
2% of total, plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000
|
(4)ย
Off-street parking areas shall be adequately illuminated
for convenience and safety, but no lighting for parking areas shall
cause glare on adjoining property.
(5)ย
All parking areas shall be paved with a dust-free
all-weather surface.
(6)ย
All off-street parking shall be located at least 15
feet from the street line.
F.ย
Location and ownership of required accessory parking
facilities. Required accessory parking spaces, open or enclosed, shall
be provided upon the same lot as the use to which they are accessory
or anywhere within 400 feet walking distance of such lot. In all cases,
such parking spaces shall conform to all the regulations of the district
in which they are located. Such spaces shall be in the same ownership
as the use to which they are accessory or, if in separate ownership,
there shall be a written agreement between the owners that the spaces
shall be available to the use to which they are assigned and shall
be subject to deed restriction, binding the owner and his heirs and
assigns to maintain the required number of spaces available either
throughout the existence of the use to which they are accessory or
until such spaces are provided elsewhere. Required off-street parking
facilities which, after development, are dedicated to and accepted
by the City shall be deemed to continue to serve the uses for which
they were originally provided.
G.ย
Connections between abutting parking areas. Where
appropriate, the Planning Commission may require paved connections
between abutting parking areas in different ownerships, so as to facilitate
the flow of traffic.
H.ย
Operation and maintenance of off-street parking facilities.
Required off-street parking facilities shall be maintained throughout
the life of any use or structure which the said facilities are designed
to serve. Required parking areas developed for specific structures
and uses shall be reserved at all times for the use of those persons
who are employed at or making use of such structures and uses, except
when dedicated to and accepted by the City as public parking areas.
I.ย
Waiver of parking requirements. All or portions of
the off-street parking requirements may be waived by the Planning
Commission, provided that:
(1)ย
The proposed use is within 400 feet of a municipally
operated off-street parking facility or privately owned and operated
parking area.
(2)ย
The Planning Commission shall, at the time of its
granting a certificate of approval, certify on such plan that the
municipally operated off-street parking facility or, in the case where
a nearby private parking area is to be utilized, the private parking
facility has adequate capacity for storage of passenger vehicles generated
by activities proposed to be conducted on the subject lot in addition
to those generated by any other lots already serviced by such off-street
parking facility. In determining the existence of such adequate capacity,
the Planning Commission shall consider the need for preventing frequent
parking on the street by persons visiting or connected with each use
which is proposed to be served by such off-street municipal or private
parking facility.
(3)ย
Where a private parking facility is to be utilized,
the applicant shall provide assurance that such facility will be available
for the life of the proposed use.
(4)ย
The proposed site is owned or leased by the City of
Meriden, and the use is for the public purposes of providing park
and recreation services.
[Added 10-2-1989]
(5)ย
For commercial uses within the CCDD area or commercial
uses within 500 feet of the CCDD area, required accessory parking
may be waived by the Planning Commission if uses are within 600 feet
of a municipally operated parking facility.
[Added 11-21-1994]
J.ย
Effect of parking requirements on existing uses.
(1)ย
Structures and land use in existence, or for which
building permits shall have been approved as of the effective date
of this chapter, shall not be subject to the requirements for off-street
parking spaces set forth in this chapter, provided that any parking
facilities now existing and serving such structures or uses shall
not in the future be reduced, except to the extent that they exceed
such requirements.
(2)ย
In the event that it is proposed to expand any use
not now meeting the parking requirements, the applicant shall be required
to provide additional facilities so that the use, as expanded, shall
meet fully all parking requirements.
K.ย
Minimum parking spaces required.
[Amended 6-17-1985; 12-1-1986; 2-4-1991; 11-4-1996]
(1)ย
Parking spaces shall be provided in all zones for
each new or expanded use in accordance with the following schedule:
[Amended 4-21-2008; 10-4-2021]
Building Type
|
Minimum Parking Spaces Required
|
For Each
| |
---|---|---|---|
Auditorium, theater, stadium, convention hall
or similar place of public gathering
|
1
|
4 seats (Note: Bench capacity is computed at
1 seat for each 20 inches.)
| |
Automotive service station
|
1
|
5,000 square feet of lot area (minimum 3 spaces
required)
| |
Bank
|
1
|
300 square feet of gross floor area or 3 per
teller window, whichever is greater
| |
Boardinghouse
|
3
|
4 rooms
| |
Bowling alley
|
3
|
Lane
| |
Business or trade school, junior college, college
or university
|
1
|
Faculty member, plus 0.75 per student
| |
Church
|
1
|
7 seats (Note: Bench capacity is computed at
1 seat for each 20 inches.)
| |
Day care
|
1
|
For each 6 students plus 1/2 space for every
faculty
| |
Drive-in or fast-food restaurant
|
1
|
75 square feet of gross floor area or 3 seats,
whichever is greater
| |
Elementary or middle school
|
2
|
Classroom (in addition to parking spaces required
for auditorium)
| |
Funeral home
|
1
|
75 square feet of assembly room space
| |
Health care services
|
1
|
Space per 200 square feet of gross floor area
| |
Hospital or convalescent home
|
1
|
3 beds, and 1 for each 2 total employees
| |
Hotel, motel
|
1
|
Guest bedroom and 1 for each 3 employees (in
addition to required parking for other uses)
| |
Indoor tennis
|
3
|
Court (for racquetball and similar court games,
1/2 this amount)
| |
Industrial
|
1
|
3 total employees or 500 square feet of gross
building area, whichever is greater
| |
Medical office
|
1
|
150 square feet of gross floor area or 4 spaces
per doctor, whichever is greater
| |
Membership club
|
1
|
100 square feet of assembly room space
| |
Multiple-family dwelling, 0 bedrooms, 1 bedroom
|
1
|
Dwelling unit
| |
Multiple-family dwelling, 2 plus bedrooms
|
2
|
Dwelling unit
| |
Multiple-family housing for elderly
|
1
|
3 dwelling units
| |
Multi-theater
|
1
|
5 seats
| |
Office; office building
|
1
|
300 square feet of gross floor area
| |
Professional office in a residential dwelling
|
1
|
100 square feet of net floor space used by such
office
| |
Public library, gallery or museum
|
1
|
200 square feet of area accessible to public
| |
Regional shopping mall
|
5.0
|
1,000 square feet of gross leasable area; provided,
however, that it may be decreased to 4.5 if the Planning Commission
finds that items such as off-site employee parking, public transportation
or car pooling and provisions for the policing of parking in unauthorized
areas will adequately prevent traffic congestion in the parking area.
| |
Research institute or laboratory
|
1
|
2 employees
| |
Restaurant, cocktail lounge
|
1
|
3 seats or 100 square feet of gross floor area,
whichever is greater
| |
Retail store or shop
|
1
|
300 square feet of gross floor space
| |
Senior high school
|
4
|
Classroom (in addition to parking spaces required
for auditorium)
| |
Service establishment
|
1
|
200 square feet of gross floor space
| |
Single-family dwelling
|
2
|
dwelling unit
| |
Wholesale, distribution
|
1
|
3 employees or 1,000 square feet of gross floor
area, whichever is greater
|
(2)ย
Where a use is not mentioned above, or the use is
a variation of that mentioned above, the minimum number of parking
spaces required shall be as determined by the Planning Commission
in order to prevent frequent parking on the street. Where the Planning
Commission determines the number of parking spaces, the decision of
said Commission shall be based upon: a) standards set forth herein
for uses with similar characteristics; and b) previous experience
with similar uses.
(3)ย
Where parking spaces are provided at a boardinghouse;
the spaces shall be standard-sized spaces, as defined in this chapter.
Compact spaces shall not be allowed.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Diagram 9, Typical Arrangement
for Ninety-Degree Parking, as well as Diagram 10, Minimum Parking
Dimensions, at the end of this chapter.
A.ย
Purpose; protection of physical appearance. The purpose
of this section is to promote and protect the public health, welfare
and safety by regulating existing and proposed outdoor signs of all
types.
B.ย
Applicability. The provisions of this section shall
govern the construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of all
outdoor sign structures.
C.ย
Standards and guidelines. In implementing this section,
the following standards and guidelines shall be followed:
(1)ย
Signs shall be a subordinate part of the streetscape,
rather than the dominant features, so as to add interest in building
facades without overpowering them.
(2)ย
Projecting signs, except as outlined herein, shall
be prohibited.
(3)ย
Roof signs above the lowest point of the roofline,
with the exception of a mansard roof, are prohibited.
(4)ย
Standard, approved methods of constant illumination
shall be permitted on ground signs and wall signs; provided, however,
that they shall concentrate the illumination upon the area of the
sign so as to prevent direct glare upon the street or adjacent property.
(5)ย
Flashing and animated signs are prohibited, except
for clocks and customary time-and-temperature devices.
(6)ย
Except for holiday seasons or grand openings (for
a period not to exceed 30 days), as approved by the Zoning Enforcement
Officer (ZEO), no sign or part thereof shall consist of pennants,
ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar moving, fluttering or
revolving devices.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
(7)ย
A sign shall not be suspended from an awning.
(8)ย
All ground and freestanding signs shall be constructed
to withstand wind pressure applied to the projected exposed area,
allowing for wind from any direction of 30 pounds per square foot.
(9)ย
To the extent possible, adjacent signs on the same
or adjoining buildings shall be placed within the same horizontal
band.
(10)ย
Adjacent signs shall be of the same height from
the ground.
(11)ย
All ground signs shall comply with the building line requirements of the zone in which located, except as noted in ยงย 213-56I.
[Amended 6-2-1986]
(12)ย
All ground signs shall be located within the property line, and the location of illumination of such shall not block the view of or otherwise interfere with official traffic signs and signals or of other permitted signs, except as noted in ยงย 213-56I.
[Amended 6-2-1986]
(13)ย
Wall signs shall not cover, wholly or partially,
any wall opening, including doors, fire escapes and windows, nor project
beyond the ends of the wall to which they are attached. All such signs
must be safely and adequately attached to such building wall by means
satisfactory to the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
D.ย
Permits.
(1)ย
Required permit. It shall be unlawful for any person
to erect, alter, redesign, relocate, reconstruct, repair or cause
to be erected, altered, redesigned, relocated or reconstructed within
the corporate limits of the City any sign or signs, except as herein
exempted, without first having obtained and having in force a permit
therefor from the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
(2)ย
Maintenance; construction. All signs shall be properly
secured, supported and braced, shall be kept in sound structural condition
and shall be well maintained at all times.
(3)ย
Application; fee. Application for a sign permit shall
be made on a form provided by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, which
application shall include necessary sketches and supporting information
indicating the location of the sign and the size, colors, type of
lettering or other graphic representation and materials to be used,
electrical or gas equipment and details of its attachment and hanging.
In addition, such sign application shall be accompanied by a fee in
accordance with the City of Meriden Fee Schedule[2] and the written consent of the owner or lessee of the
property upon which such sign or signs is/are to be erected and maintained.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
[2]
Editor's Note: Said fee schedule is on file
in the Clerk's office.
(4)ย
Appeal from permit denial. Any person feeling himself
or herself aggrieved by the decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officer
may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 15 days of such denial.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
(5)ย
Issuance of sign construction permit. Upon approval
of the application by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and after any
conditions for approval established by the Zoning Enforcement Officer
are satisfied, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall issue a permit
for construction of such sign.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
E.ย
Nonaccessory signs and billboards.
[Amended 8-20-1984; 7-7-1986; 9-16-2013]
(1)ย
Nonaccessory signs and billboards are prohibited in all residential
districts.
(2)ย
Billboards.
(a)ย
Statement of purpose: Billboards are elements of the urban landscape
identifying businesses, relaying messages and advertising. In order
to promote, preserve, enhance and protect the public health, safety
and welfare of the City, these standards/regulations intend to diminish
the distraction hazards to traffic, minimize visual blight and ensure
urban design fundamentals to preserve Meriden's landscape. The following
standards/regulations control billboard location, size, height, spacing,
luminance and frequency of image change.
(b)ย
BILLBOARD
CONVENTIONAL BILLBOARD
DIGITAL BILLBOARD
BILLBOARD OVERLAY DISTRICT
Definitions:
A sign, including any support structures, displaying a message
not related to the use of the property on which it is located.
A billboard displaying a static message or copy which cannot
be changed mechanically (for example, a tri-vision billboard) or electronically.
A billboard utilizing digital message technology capable
of changing the static message or copy electronically, but not displaying
any movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement, or
any flashing, scintillating or varying of light intensity during the
static display periods.
Billboards must be oriented to limited access highways and
are further restricted to the Billboard Overlay District as shown
on the City's Zoning Map.
(c)ย
Development standards:
[1]ย
Maximum height: 35 feet.* The vertical distance from the grade
of the closest lane of the limited access highway to the top of the
highest component of the billboard.
*In no case shall the top be higher than 45 feet above grade
at the base of the billboard.
[2]ย
Maximum sign area: 672 square feet.
[3]ย
Clearance: nine feet. Billboards shall have a minimum clearance
of nine feet between the lowest component of the billboard and the
land grade.
(d)ย
Location and orientation:
[1]ย
Billboard Overlay District: Conventional and digital billboards
are restricted to the Billboard Overlay District.
[2]ย
Lot (size, frontage and use): Billboards are considered principal uses and therefore per ยงย 213-13, Number of principal uses per lot, it is the only use allowed on the lot. A building lot for a nonaccessory sign or billboard must have the lot area required for the underlying zone and have 75 feet of frontage on the limited access highway to which the billboard is oriented.
[3]ย
Orientation: All billboards consisting of back-to-back or parallel
design shall be no greater than eight feet apart. All billboards shall
be oriented with faces at an angle no greater than 35ยฐ perpendicular
to the limited access highway. All such signs must be oriented to
a limited access highway and not to face a residential zoning district.
(e)ย
Spacing:
[1]ย
Conventional billboards shall be spaced at a horizontal distance
of not less than 750 feet from other conventional or digital billboards
on the same side of the limited access highway.
[2]ย
Digital billboards shall be spaced at a horizontal distance
of not less than 1,500 feet from any other digital billboard on the
same side of the limited access highway.
(f)ย
Digital billboards:
[1]ย
Display time: Messages and/or imagery must be displayed in a
static manner for a minimum of seven seconds.
[2]ย
Transition time: Transition time from one message or copy to
another must be direct and immediate without special effects and not
exceed one second.
[3]ย
Brightness:
[a]ย
No digital billboard may operate at brightness
levels of more than 0.3 footcandle above ambient light for the following
distances from the sign face based on the size of the sign:
Distance
(feet)
|
Sign Size
(square feet)
|
---|---|
100
|
242
|
150
|
378
|
200
|
672
|
[b]ย
The brightness measurement shall be made with the
light meter or similar device positioned at a ninety-degree angle
to the orientation of the digital billboard.
[4]ย
Malfunction: Digital billboards must be designed and equipped
to freeze the sign face in position if malfunction occurs. Such billboard
must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue operation
in case of malfunction. The billboard owner must immediately turn
off the display when ordered by the City.
(g)ย
Miscellaneous:
[1]ย
Content: Billboards shall not use the word "stop," "danger"
or any other word, phrase or symbol or character in a manner that
might be misconstrued to be a public safety warning or traffic sign.
[2]ย
Landscaping: Every billboard shall be suitably landscaped covering
the area between the billboard and property lines. This landscaped
area shall be properly maintained.
[3]ย
Maintenance:
[a]ย
All billboards shall be maintained in good repair
and in safe condition. The owner of the premises on which the billboard
is located shall be directly responsible for keeping such billboard
and premises in a safe and neat condition.
[b]ย
All parts, including the backs, of billboards shall
be painted a dark or neutral color and shall be well-maintained.
(h)ย
Process:
[1]ย
All billboards must obtain a certificate of approval (per ยงย 213-72 of the Zoning Regulations) from the Planning Commission prior to receiving a building permit.
[2]ย
A certificate of approval is also required for a conversion
of an existing billboard into a digital billboard. The converted digital
billboard must comply with all standards/requirements of this chapter.
(i)ย
Nonconforming:
[1]ย
Billboards lawfully existing at the time of adoption of this
chapter which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter may
continue to exist but are prohibited from being enlarged, relocated,
or converted to digital billboards, except in compliance with this
chapter.
[2]ย
Maintenance and repair, including restoration, improvement,
and changing of billboard messages is allowed. Following damage or
destruction, a nonconforming billboard, if reinstated with a nonconformity
as allowed under the terms of this chapter, shall be restored to its
condition that preceded damage or destruction.
[3]ย
A nonconforming billboard which is damaged or destroyed by any
cause or means to the extent that the cost of restoration exceeds
1/2 of its replacement cost, and for which no building permit for
reconstruction or replacement of the nonconforming billboard is applied
for within 180 days of the date the billboard is damaged or destroyed,
shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the requirements
of this chapter.
F.ย
Unsafe and unlawful signs. If the Zoning Enforcement
Officer shall find that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure
or has been erected in violation of the provisions of this section,
he or she shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If the
permittee fails to move, alter or repair the sign so as to comply
with the standards herein set forth within 14 days after such notice,
such sign may be removed or altered to comply by the Zoning Enforcement
Officer or his or her authorized agent at the expense of the permittee
or owner of the property on which it is located. The Zoning Enforcement
Officer shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee or owner who
refuses to pay costs so assessed. The Zoning Enforcement Officer,
upon direction and authorization of the Chief of Police or the Director
of Public Works, may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to
persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
G.ย
Abandoned signs. No sign which has been abandoned
for a period of six months shall thereafter be permitted to be used
without being processed as a new sign. The term "abandoned" as used
herein shall mean the voluntary discontinuance and maintenance of
the sign when accompanied by an intent not to reestablish the use
of the sign. Any one of the following shall constitute prima facie
evidence of intent to abandon:
(1)ย
Any positive act indicating such intent.
(2)ย
Failure to take all necessary steps to resume the
business for which the sign is used with reasonable dispatch, including
advertising of the business and/or property for sale or for lease;
in the case of billboards, advertising the availability of the billboard
for lease.
(3)ย
Discontinuance of the business for which the sign
is used for nine consecutive months or for a total of 18 months during
any three-year period.
(4)ย
In the case of billboards only, discontinuance of
the use for 90 consecutive days or for a total of six months during
any one-year period.
H.ย
Illuminated signs. A sign illuminated by electricity
or equipped in any way with electric devices or appliances shall conform
with respect to wiring and appliances to the regulations of the National
Electrical Code.
I.ย
Ground or freestanding signs.
(1)ย
Only one freestanding sign of any type may be erected
on any premises, except that:
(a)ย
Premises which have more than 450 feet of frontage
along the public way, other than an alley, may have not more than
one additional detached sign for each additional 450 feet of frontage.
(b)ย
Premises with frontage along two thoroughfares may have two freestanding signs. In the event that a second freestanding sign is permitted by the application of ยงย 213-56I(2), this section shall not be construed to permit any additional freestanding signs.
(c)ย
Signs of less than two square feet in effective
area which direct on-premises vehicular or pedestrian movement and
bear no other identification or advertising matter are not subject
to the limitations of this section.
(2)ย
Freestanding signs may have a sign area not to exceed
an aggregate of 40 square feet.
(3)ย
In a unified shopping center in single ownership or
control, a freestanding sign may be erected and can be no larger than
100 square feet. The smallest dimension of the sign shall be not less
than five feet.
(4)ย
Freestanding signs to be located on poles, kiosks,
stanchions or similar supports shall not be more than the height of
the building or not higher than 25 feet.
(5)ย
Freestanding signs shall be kept entirely within the
property line of the lot and shall be screened from the view of adjoining
residential zones on the street frontage.
(6)ย
Freestanding detached on-premises signs may be floodlighted,
provided that no glare is perceived in any adjoining property.
(7)ย
Directory signs; professional offices and medical
clinics. A freestanding directory sign to identify the occupants of
a medical clinic or professional office building shall be permitted
where such uses are permitted. It may be erected with two poles as
long as all other requirements of this section are satisfied.
(8)ย
The Planning Commission may grant permission for identification/directory
signs in the case of an industrial or office park having an excess
of 20 acres and capable of supporting three principal buildings and
three tenants. The following signs may be installed within the public
right-of-way, provided that they are located a minimum of 15 feet
from the curbline and do not unreasonably or dangerously obstruct
or interfere with the visibility of drivers of vehicles:
[Added 6-2-1986]
(a)ย
Signs for the purpose of identifying the park,
located at the park entrance(s) and not exceeding 40 square feet in
area. Signs may display the name of the park, the name, address and
telephone number of the developer and an applicable logo, but shall
contain no other form of advertising.
(b)ย
Signs for the purpose of directing traffic to
businesses, streets or other locations within the park, not exceeding
three square feet each or 40 square feet altogether when attached
to a common background.
(c)ย
Said signs shall be the maintenance responsibility
of the applicant and can be removed at any time by the City.
(9)ย
Identification/directory signs for the purpose of
directing traffic for lodging and tourist attractions. These signs
may be installed within the public right-of-way, provided that they
are located a minimum of five feet from the curbline and do not unreasonably
or dangerously obstruct or interfere with the visibility of drivers
of vehicles:
[Added 4-4-1988]
(a)ย
Signs for the purpose of identifying these facilities
may display just the name or logo of the facility and shall contain
no other form of advertising.
(b)ย
Such signs shall not exceed three square feet
each or 40 square feet altogether when attached to a common background.
Only one freestanding directional sign is allowed on a one-thousand-foot
stretch of street or ramp. Therefore, the second and any sign thereafter
must be a combination sign (maximum 40 square feet).
(c)ย
Said signs shall be the maintenance responsibility
of the applicant and can be removed at any time by the City.
(d)ย
The Planning Commission has complete authority
over the architectural features, color features and height of the
sign.
J.ย
Marquee signs. Signs shall not be permitted on any
marquee, other than signs built into and forming a part of the structure
of the marquee. Such signs shall not exceed a height of three feet,
a total area of 21 square feet on any one side of the marquee and
shall not extend beyond the edge of the marquee. In addition to the
foregoing, only that portion of the marquee containing such sign shall
be illuminated.
K.ย
Wall signs. Wall signs shall be attached to the face
of the building in a place parallel to such face but shall not extend
or project more than 12 inches over the sidewalk, street or highway
and shall not extend higher than the parapet in the case of a one-story
building, and in the case of other buildings, they shall not extend
above the sill of the windows of the second story nor extend more
than 15 feet above the outside grade.
(1)ย
No wall sign or combination of signs in any single
frontage in a commercial district and manufacturing district shall
exceed an area equal to two times the linear length of the structure
on such frontage.
(2)ย
Where there are two or more occupants occupying a
portion of the first-floor frontage of a given structure, each such
occupant shall be entitled to a sign equivalent in size to that portion
of the frontage so occupied. Where multiple occupants share a common
sign, the maximum sign area shall be limited as if there was a single
occupant.
(3)ย
Where an establishment for which a sign is permitted
has a rear entrance on a public way or frontage on two or more streets,
such as a corner, a sign shall be permitted on each frontage, up to
the maximum area permitted for that frontage. (Examples of permitted
sign size: a store with a twenty-foot frontage will be permitted up
to a total of 40 square feet in signs. If the structure has 70 feet
of frontage and is occupied by four stores, a total of 140 square
feet of sign area would be permitted. Where an establishment is in
a corner structure, with two twenty-foot frontages, up to 40 square
feet of signage would be permitted on each frontage.) All such signs
must be safely and adequately attached to such building wall by means
satisfactory to the Building Official. If illuminated at night, all
light sources shall be shielded from the view of adjacent lots and
streets in residential zones.
(4)ย
One identification sign at each entrance to the lot,
with an area of not more than three square feet, and internal directional
signs, each with an area of not more than two square feet, shall also
be permitted.
L.ย
Hanging signs. Each commercial or industrial establishment
shall be permitted one hanging sign, which shall project not more
than 60 inches over a public walkway and shall not exceed 25 square
feet in area. The construction and method of securing such signs to
the structure shall be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
All such overhanging signs shall be approved by the Director of Public
Works. The bottom of such sign shall be at least eight feet above
the sidewalk and shall not extend into any area which is designated
for service or emergency vehicle use.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
M.ย
Temporary signs. The erection, installation or maintenance
of temporary signs is hereby prohibited, except as follows:
(1)ย
No permit shall be required for the maintenance of
a temporary sign or signs by a municipal, charitable, political or
nonprofit organization for a period not to exceed 30 days.
(2)ย
A temporary sign announcing anticipated occupancy
of a site or building shall be permitted for a period not to exceed
six months. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet if it is freestanding
and shall not exceed the maximum permitted for a permanent sign if
it is affixed to a building.
(3)ย
Temporary signs announcing special sales or events
shall be permitted in commercial and industrial districts for a period
not to exceed 15 days. Any such temporary signs must conform to the
size and location requirements applicable to permanent signs.
N.ย
Exemptions. The provisions and regulations of this section shall not apply to the signs enumerated in Subsection N(1) through (5); provided, however, that such signs shall be subject to the requirements on unsafe and unlawful signs and abandoned signs.
(1)ย
Bulletin boards. Bulletin boards or signs not over
16 square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions
where the same are located on the premises of said institutions.
(2)ย
Construction signs. A sign not exceeding 16 square
feet in area, denoting the architect, engineer and contractor, when
placed upon public property where work is under construction.
(3)ย
Directional signs, etc. Directional signs, name or
number plates and professional signs, not more than two square feet
in area.
(4)ย
Memorial signs and tablets. Memorial signs or tablets,
names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry
surface or when constructed of bronze or similar material and affixed
directly to the front face of the building and parallel to such front
face.
(5)ย
Signs not over four square feet in residential zones,
indicating the name of a building or apartment, a valid nonresidential
use or a "for sale" or "for lease" sign.
O.ย
Nonconforming signs.
(1)ย
Signs existing at the time of the enactment of this
chapter and not conforming to its provisions but which were constructed
in compliance with previous regulations shall be regarded as nonconforming
signs.
(2)ย
No nonconforming sign shall be altered by increasing
its overall dimensions. Nothing contained herein shall prevent customary
maintenance, repainting or posting of such signs or structures, or
copy changes. Any nonconforming sign may be repaired or replaced pursuant
to CGS Chapter 124 ยงย 8-2, as amended.
[Amended 9-30-2019]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Diagram 11, Signs, at the
end of this chapter.
[Added 2-3-1986]
A.ย
Purpose: to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation
that occur as a result of the construction of residential, industrial
and commercial development.
B.ย
Activities requiring a certified sediment and erosion
control plan. A soil erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted
with any application for development when the disturbed area of such
development is cumulatively more than 1/2 acre. (The Commission or
its agent may require temporary and permanent soil erosion and sediment
control measures for development plans disturbing less than 1/2 acre.)
No development, grading of the land or stripping of vegetation shall
be permitted on slopes of 20% or steeper (shown on the Meriden City
Slope Map, prepared August 2009, on file at the Planning office) unless
part of an approved development, excavation or filling plan with an
erosion and sediment control plan, including any land that may be
further divided or density increased.
[Amended 12-21-2009]
C.ย
Exemptions.
(1)ย
A single-family dwelling that is not part of a subdivision
of land shall be exempt from this chapter.
(2)ย
Any application for development for which the disturbed
area is 1/2 acre or less may be exempt from this chapter. (The Commission
or its agent may require temporary and permanent soil erosion and
sediment control measures for development plans disturbing less than
1/2 acre.)
(3)ย
Agricultural uses such as crop and tree farming and
greenhouses or nursery operations.
D.ย
Erosion and sediment control plan.
(1)ย
To be eligible for certification, a soil erosion and
sediment control plan shall contain proper provisions to adequately
control accelerated erosion and sedimentation and to reduce the danger
from stormwater runoff on the proposed site based on the best available
technology. Such principles, methods and practices necessary for certification
are found in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control (1985), as amended. Alternative principles, methods and practices
may be used with the prior approval of the Commission.
(2)ย
Said plan shall contain but not be limited to:
(a)ย
A narrative describing the project, the schedule
of activities on the land, the application and installation of control
measures, design criteria, construction details and the maintenance
program for any erosion and sediment control facilities that are installed.
(b)ย
A site plan at a scale of one inch equals not
more than 20 feet or not less than 50 feet, showing:
[1]ย
The location of the proposed development and
adjacent properties.
[2]ย
The existing and proposed topography, including
soil types, wetlands, watercourses and water bodies.
[3]ย
The existing structures on the project site,
if any.
[4]ย
The proposed area alterations, including cleared,
excavated, filled or graded areas and proposed structures, utilities,
roads and existing, new or altered property lines.
[5]ย
The location of and design details for all proposed
soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management
facilities.
[6]ย
The sequence of grading and construction activities.
[7]ย
The sequence for installation and/or application
of soil erosion and sediment control measures.
[8]ย
The sequence for final stabilization of the
development site.
(c)ย
Any other information deemed necessary and appropriate
by the applicant or requested by the Commission or its designated
agent.
E.ย
Minimum standards.
(1)ย
Plans for soil erosion and sediment control shall be developed in accordance with this chapter using the principles as outlined in Chapters 3 and 4 of the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (1985), as amended. Soil erosion and sediment control plans shall result in a development that minimizes erosion and sedimentation during construction, is stabilized and protected from erosion when completed, and does not cause off-site erosion and/or sedimentation.
(2)ย
The minimum standards for individual measures are
those in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control (1985), as amended. The Commission (or County Soil and Water
Conservation District) may grant exceptions when requested by the
applicant if technically sound reasons are presented.
(3)ย
The appropriate method from Chapter 9 of the Connecticut
Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (1985), as amended,
shall be used in determining peak flow rates and volumes of runoff
unless an alternative method is approved by the Commission.
F.ย
Issuance or denial of certification.
(1)ย
The Meriden Planning Commission or its designated
agent shall either certify that the soil erosion and sediment control
plan, as filed, complies with the requirements and objectives of this
chapter or deny certification when the development proposal does not
comply with this chapter. Approval of overall site development plans
for a certificate of approval, planned residential development, planned
executive office development or earth excavation or filling operations
by the Planning Commission shall constitute certification of the soil
erosion and sediment control plan.
(2)ย
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as extending
the time limits for the approval of any application under Chapter
124, 124a or 126 of the Connecticut General Statutes.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See ยงยงย 8-1 through
8-13a, 8-13b through 8-13k and 8-18 through 8-30a of the Connecticut
General Statutes, respectively.
(3)ย
Prior to certification, any plan submitted to the
municipality may be reviewed by the County Soil and Water Conservation
District, which may make recommendations concerning such plan, provided
that such review shall be completed within 30 days of the receipt
of such plan.
G.ย
Conditions relating to soil erosion and sediment control.
(1)ย
The estimated cost of measures required to control
soil erosion and sedimentation, as specified in the approved or certified
plan, may be covered in a performance bond or other assurance acceptable
to the Commission.
(2)ย
Site development shall not begin, nor shall a building
permit be issued, until the soil erosion and sediment control plan
is approved, the control measures and facilities in the plan are bonded,
and those measures scheduled for installation prior to site development
are installed and functional.
(3)ย
Planned soil erosion and sediment control measures
and facilities shall be installed as scheduled according to the approved
plan. All control measures and facilities shall be maintained in effective
condition to ensure compliance with the intent of the approved plan.
H.ย
Inspection.
(1)ย
Inspection shall be made by the Commission or its
designated agent during development to ensure compliance with the
approved plan and that control measures and facilities are properly
performed or installed and maintained. The Commission may require
the permittee to verify through progress reports that soil erosion
and sediment control measures and facilities have been performed or
installed according to the plan and are being operated and maintained
according to the intent of the approved plan. These reports, when
required, shall be submitted on a schedule to be determined by the
Commission.
(2)ย
The Commission or its agent may require more stringent
materials and methods for soil erosion and sediment control than shown
on the approved plan when determined to be necessary. All inspection
reports shall specify actions taken pursuant to this section.
(3)ย
If the Commission or its agent determines that the requirements of the approved soil erosion and sediment control plan are not being adhered to, a cease and desist order shall be issued according to Article X of this chapter or as provided herein. The cease and desist order shall be transmitted in writing to the owner/applicant via the responsible agent at the development site. Such cease and desist order shall describe the violation of the approved plan and shall become effective immediately. The cease and desist order shall remain in effect until the violation is corrected. As long as the cease and desist order remains in effect, no certificate of occupancy shall be issued.
[Added 2-3-1986]
A hospital restricted landing area, as defined
in Chapter 242 of the Connecticut General Statutes[1] may be located on the premises of an existing licensed
general hospital, as defined by the health services, provided that
the restricted landing area is approved by the appropriate state and
federal agencies and by the City Planning Commission. Said restricted
landing area must be located at least 100 feet from any residential
structure plus any other conditions the Planning Commission deems
appropriate to ensure the health, safety and welfare of neighboring
properties.
[1]
Editor's Note: See ยงยงย 13b-1
through 13b-57c of the Connecticut General Statutes.
[Amended 6-2-2008]
A.ย
Drive-through facilities require a lot of at least
120 feet in width from front of property with said width maintained
for area of building and facility; facility, including required stacking
lanes, shall be located in the rear or side yards in reference to
the building;
B.ย
The drive-through facility's circulation must connect
to the ingress/egress curb cut(s) of the primary facility, and curb
cuts should be minimized;
C.ย
A minimum of five vehicle-stacking spaces shall be
provided on site for each drive-through station, including the vehicle
being serviced. Where a restaurant order board and service window
are proposed, each service aisle shall provide a minimum of 10 stacking
spaces with a minimum of five stacking spaces before the order board.
Each service aisle shall not have more than two service windows;
D.ย
Stacking lanes shall be separate from internal traffic
aisles and customer parking to allow traffic to circulate through
the site without entering the drive-through facilities or being impeded;
E.ย
Stacking lanes shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide,
and each vehicle stacking space shall be 20 feet in length;
F.ย
Stacking lanes shall be designed to minimize traffic
congestion and to promote pedestrian safety; also, vehicles should
be allowed to escape from the stacking lane;
G.ย
Drive-through facility vehicular lane(s) are to be
screened from adjacent properties/streetscape as much or more as required
for parking;
H.ย
Outdoor speakers shall be located a minimum of 100
feet from the boundary of any residentially zoned property and shall
not be audible from other property;
I.ย
Drive-through facilities should be designed as a compatible
architectural element of the primary building;
J.ย
Certificate of approval (site plan) and special exception
permit applications are to be made concurrently for all bakery/fast-food
restaurants with drive-through, with complete site plan information.