An application for an open space conservation subdivision requires the prior granting by the Commission of a conceptual open space conservation subdivision (OSCS) special exception, as authorized by Chapter
595, Zoning.
The following additional standards and considerations are intended
to govern the design of an OSCS in order to reduce site disturbance,
preserve or enhance scenic vistas, farmlands, passive or active recreational
facilities, increase the provision of open space areas and to provide
adequate provisions for stormwater management, potable water supply
and wastewater treatment.
A. The amount of disturbance such as site grading, vegetative and rock
wall removal shall be minimized insofar as practicable to preserve
worthy land characteristics and lessen the likely impact on environmental
systems such as areas of steep topography, significant wetland areas,
groundwater, watercourses, and vegetative and wildlife communities;
B. Changes in site grades shall be in keeping with the general appearance
of the neighboring developed areas;
C. The orientation of individual buildings shall be such so as to maintain
maximum natural topography and cover, and shall encourage energy-efficient
patterns of development, energy conservation, and the use of solar
and other renewable forms of energy;
D. Street locations and design shall be such as to maintain and preserve,
to the greatest extent possible, the natural topography, natural drainageways,
significant landmarks and trees (greater than twenty-four-inch circumference),
minimize cut and fill, preserve and enhance views and vistas on or
off the subject parcel and shall not create a health or safety hazard
within the site or on any existing public streets;
E. The overall development shall be such as to preserve historic or
archaeological features existing on the site or to enhance such features
in the immediate vicinity of the site;
F. All development shall, to the greatest extent possible, be designed
to minimize the construction of impervious surfaces;
G. The development shall, to the greatest extent possible, use natural
drainage systems and low-impact, nonstructural stormwater management
techniques. The stormwater system design shall be supported by an
engineered stormwater management plan, shall address the quality of
the stormwater runoff and shall utilize best engineering practices
and best management practices;
H. The streetscape design shall consider the public's view from the
public right-of-way as well as the conservation and preservation of
the site's natural landscape characteristics;
I. The provisions for potable water, wastewater, stormwater and surface
drainage systems, and other utilities shall not create a health or
safety hazard to persons or property on or off the lot(s) proposed
for development and shall be consistent with applicable local and
state regulations;
J. A description of the design parameters used in laying out the subdivision
shall be submitted with the application; and
K. Where applicable to maintain the general character of the OSCS, setback
requirements may be recorded as deed restrictions for each approved
lot to ensure future continuity of design.
A detailed landscaping plan at a scale of not less than one
inch equals 40 feet, prepared by a landscape architect licensed to
practice in the State of Connecticut, shall be submitted with the
application and shall address the following requirements:
A. The manner in which stone walls, rock outcroppings, watercourses
and wetlands, large trees (greater than 24 inches' caliper), wooded
areas by foliage lines, significant views and other special site attributes
shall be incorporated into the landscape design of the proposed subdivision.
B. The landscaping plan shall indicate the manner in which the areas
preserved for permanent open space shall relate to the developed portions
of the proposed subdivision and to existing or proposed open space
areas, trails and greenways.
C. The landscaping plan shall indicate the location of all significant
trees (greater than 24 inches' caliper) and significant vegetation
in the areas of the proposed subdivision affected by development and
the manner in which this vegetation shall be protected.
D. The landscaping plan shall include a streetscape plan for the developed
portions of the proposed subdivision.
E. The landscaping plan shall indicate the type, size, location and
amount of all proposed plantings. Nonnative invasive and potentially
invasive plant species listed and updated annually by the Center for
Conservation and Biodiversity at the University of Connecticut shall
not be allowed.
F. The landscaping plan shall include a landscape maintenance plan for
the common areas within the proposed subdivision.