City of Beverly, MA Article IX Special Density and Dimensional Regulations

§ 300-53 Planned Residential Development (PRD).

A. Purposes. The purpose of planned residential development is to provide for innovative design and flexibility in residential development, to provide for a mixture of housing types at certain locations, to provide for the economical installation and maintenance of streets and utilities, and to conserve open space and natural amenities.

B. Use regulations. In any R-90, R-45, R-22, R-15, RMD, and RSD Districts, the Board of Appeals may permit by special permit a planned residential development comprising a combination of the following uses:

[Amended 6-11-1996 by Ord. No. 115; 6-24-2004 by Ord. No. 161]

(1) One-family dwellings;

(2) Two-family dwellings;

(3) Semidetached dwellings;

(4) Multifamily dwellings (rental or otherwise);

(5) Public or private schools;

(6) Public recreation and open space;

(7) Fire stations, and other public facilities;

(8) Membership clubs for the exclusive use of residents of the PRD; and

(9) Commercial mobile radio service transmission facilities, structures, and/or towers.

C. Procedure. Application for a special permit for a PRD shall be filed and processed in accordance with Article XIII, unless otherwise provided herein. Site plan review by the Planning Board is also required for PRDs; see § 300-98 for procedures and filing requirements. The Board of Appeals shall not take final action on an application for PRD until it has received a report thereon from the Planning Board within 35 days or until said Planning Board has allowed 35 days to elapse without submission of a report. An approved site plan shall thereafter be subject to the requirements of the City of Beverly (Planning Board rules and regulations).

D. Development requirements. A PRD shall be subject to the requirements for the district in which the project is located, except in the case of existing structures, and except where modified and supplemented as follows:

(1) Minimum lot area.

(a) Minimum lot area of a PRD shall be:

[1] R-15 District: five acres.

[2] R-22 District: seven acres.

[3] R-45 District: 10 acres.

[4] R-90 District: 12 acres.

(b) There shall be no PRDs in the R-6 or R-10 District.

(2) At least 30% of the gross area of the PRD shall be dedicated as permanent open space for the protection of natural drainage areas, the conservation of woodlands and other natural amenities, parks and recreation and other such public natural uses described or shown on the Comprehensive Plan and Official Map of the City of Beverly.

(a) Upon recommendation of the Planning Board, such open space shall be either deeded to the City of Beverly for public use or conservation, subject to approval thereof by the City Council; covenanted by the owner or developer with an association of residents of the PRD as permanent open space. If such space is retained in private ownership, as a condition in the granting of a special permit to permit the PRD, the owner or developer of the PRD shall establish a procedure for maintaining the open space in an orderly state.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III).

(b) This dedicated open space shall not include parking areas or drives and shall not be within the minimum yard requirements for building in the particular zoning district.

(3) Lot requirements for one-family dwellings in a PRD may be reduced to not less than those dimensional requirements set forth in the next least restrictive R District in which the PRD is proposed.

(4) The maximum density in dwelling units per gross area of a proposed PRD shall be the same as allowed in that district for a single-family dwelling as set forth in the requirements for the zoning district in which the project is located. This density calculation shall exclude wetlands as defined by MGL Chapter 131 as amended, and shall exclude any standing bodies of water. The applicant will file a request for determination with the Beverly Conservation Commission at the same time as filing with the special permit granting authority to determine the wetland area of the lot.

(5) A PRD site at the time of application shall be served by both public water and sewer systems, such systems to be of sufficient capacity to accommodate increased density of development of the PRD as determined and approved by the Director of Engineering, Commissioner of Public Services, Public Works. The provisions of this subsection may be waived by the Director of Engineering, Commissioner of Public Services, Public Works.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III).

(6) The provisions of this section are optional. The Planning Board or the Board of Appeals is not required to approve a PRD plan where it finds that, by increasing the density of the tract, the general area would be affected adversely by such action.

§ 300-54 Open space residential design (OSRD) site plans. [1]

[Amended 12-29-2005 by Ord. No. 105]

This section encourages land-sensitive construction, siting and design of significant new residential projects through a cooperative exploration of alternatives which allows relaxation of current zoning and subdivision dimensional standards and which permits increased density in return for achievement of open space preservation targets.

A. Purpose and intent.

(1) The primary purposes for this section are the following:

(a) To allow for greater flexibility and creativity in the design of residential developments.

(b) To encourage the protection and permanent preservation of open space, forestry land, wildlife habitat, other natural resources, including public water supplies, aquifers, water bodies and wetlands, and historical resources in a manner that is consistent with Beverly's Master Plan and Open Space and Recreation Action Plan (together, the "master plans").

(c) To encourage a less sprawling and more efficient form of development that consumes less open land and conforms to existing topography and natural features better than a conventional or grid subdivision.

(d) To minimize the total amount of disturbance on the site.

(e) To further the goals and policies of the master plans.

(f) To facilitate the construction and maintenance of housing, streets, utilities, and public service in a more economical and efficient manner.

(g) To protect the regional water supply from contamination and to ensure it will be adequate to serve population requirements in the future.

(2) The secondary purposes for this section are the following:

(a) To protect the value of real property.

(b) To provide for a diversified housing stock.

(c) To provide affordable housing to persons of low and moderate income.

B. Applicability.

(1) Covered projects shall be subject to this section. A covered project shall include any development or construction of new housing (including a condominium) on a tract of land that:

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

(a) Will create four or more buildable lots by reason of a subdivision in the R-10, R-15 and R-22 Zones; or

(b) Will create four or more new dwelling units (excluding new units in an existing building) in the R-10, R-15 and R-22 Zones; or

(c) Consists of an area of two acres or more in the R-10, R-15 and R-22 Zones; or

(d) Consists of an area of 180,000 square feet (i.e., just over four acres) or more in the R-45 Zone and will create three or more buildable lots by reason of a subdivision or four or more dwelling units (excluding new units in an existing building); or

(e) Consists of an area of 300,000 square feet (just under seven acres) or more in the R-90 Zone and will create three or more buildable lots by reason of a subdivision or four or more dwelling units (excluding new units in an existing building).

(2) Zoning classification. This section shall apply only to those tracts (or to the portions thereof) located in one or more of the City's R-10, R-15, R-22, R-45, and R-90 Residential Zoning Districts, but shall not apply to any tract or portion of a tract in an R-6, RSD, RHD or RMD Zoning District. Any other residential project in a zoning district other than R-6, RSD, RHD, or RMD may elect to be subject to this section, but such election shall not eliminate the requirement to obtain a use variance or special permit where otherwise required in such nonresidential zoning district.

(3) Tract.

(a) A "tract" for the purposes of this section shall consist of one or more contiguous lots under single legal or beneficial ownership or proposed to be developed as a single project, including in phases. Lots separated only by a private way shall be considered contiguous for the purposes of this section.

(b) The calculation of the area of a tract shall be the same as the calculation of the area of a lot as set forth in the definition of "lot" in § 300-5.

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

(c) This section shall not prevent endorsement of any qualified approval not required (ANR) plan but shall apply to all covered projects after ANR endorsement has been received or obtained.

(d) The Planning Board may waive the requirements of this section for any approval not required (ANR) plan, provided that it finds that:

[1] No new building lots are being created; or

[2] No more than two new building lots are created and:

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

[a] The owner and his/her successors in title, through deed restriction, relinquish all rights of future division that will create additional building lots together or in conjunction with land outside the tract; and

[b] The applicant provides a plan identifying and delineating primary and secondary conservation areas, potentially buildable areas, and, where possible, proposed house location(s); and

[c] The applicant satisfies the Planning Board that siting of the new house(s) and associated site improvements, including stormwater management, conforms to the purposes and intent of this section.

(4) OSRD site plan approval. No building permit shall be issued for, nor any construction or foundation work be commenced on, any portion of a covered project without first obtaining OSRD site plan approval pursuant to this section for the entire project.

C. Initial review.

(1) Initial review. Prior to submitting its application for an OSRD site plan approval, the applicant shall participate in initial review at one or more meetings of the Planning Board.

(a) The Planning Board shall send prior written notice of such review to the Beverly City Council, the Beverly Conservation Commission, the Beverly Board of Health, the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee, and such other municipal or regional entities as it shall judge appropriate. Such council, commission, board, committee, or other entity may send a representative to speak in an official or unofficial capacity during such review. In addition, the Planning Board shall, at the applicant's expense, send written notice, at least seven days prior to the initial meeting at which such review shall take place, to each abutter and abutter of an abutter of the tract. The Planning Board shall also, at the applicant's expense, send legal notice of the initial meeting for publication in a newspaper of general circulation at least seven days prior to said meeting. The purpose of initial review is to commence discussions with the Planning Board at the earliest possible stage in the development.

(b) At or during the initial review; the applicant shall submit two or more conceptual plans showing materially different alternative development configurations, shall describe the development and how it furthers the goals of this section, shall incorporate the four-step general design process described in Subsection E below, seek feedback from the Planning Board and/or its technical experts, and indicate a possible timetable for submittal of a formal application. Conceptual plans shall not be detailed, but shall show the general features of the site and the possible location of structures and ways. Imaginative and creative land use planning should be applied with the aim of furthering the purposes of this section.

(c) At the expense of the applicant, the Planning Board may engage technical experts to perform preliminary review of the plans submitted by the applicant in order to facilitate selection of a preferred plan [as described in Subsection C(2) below] and submittal of a formal application for OSRD site plan approval. Prior to the initial review meeting, the Planning Board shall request comments from the Conservation Commission on all ecologically sensitive areas within its jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, wetlands, water bodies, and their buffer zones.

(d) The initial review may extend over more than one meeting or session and shall not constitute or require a public hearing. However, members of the public shall be welcome to speak during a required public comment period to be held prior to the selection of a preferred plan. The public is also encouraged to submit comments in writing to the Planning Board with respect to any proposed concept plan or preferred plan.

(e) The applicant is encouraged to meet with abutters and neighbors prior to submitting a preferred plan to discuss the applicant's intentions and possible alternative configurations. The applicant shall inform the Planning Board of the substance of its meetings with abutters and neighbors.

(2) Preferred plan. At least one concept plan submitted during the initial review shall be amended, refined and conditioned so as to constitute a "preferred plan" as described below. Submission during the initial review stage of at least three concept plans showing alternative development configurations is strongly encouraged.

(a) The applicant shall not submit a preferred plan until the Planning Board and the applicant have discussed the initial concept plans and alternative development and conservation configurations so that the input of the Planning Board and Conservation Commission can be taken into account in the creation of a preferred plan depicting the configuration which best addresses the objectives of this section.

(b) The preferred plan shall address the general features and topography of the land, identify major types and the size of vegetation, and give configurations of the lots. The preferred plan shall also show roadways, open space, wetlands, water bodies, and their buffer zones and shall include such other information as may be required in the OSRD Site Plan Rules and Regulations.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: See Ch. 350, Open Space Residential Design Guidelines.

(c) The applicant must demonstrate that the preferred plan incorporates the four-step general design process set forth in Subsection E below, and the design standards according to Subsection F(3) below, when determining a proposed design for the development.

(3) Yield plan. Before approval of the preferred plan by the Planning Board in the initial review, the applicant shall submit a yield plan (as defined in Subsection D below). Approval of a yield plan shall be subject to a public hearing, which shall occur as early in the initial review process as reasonably possible but no later than 45 days after submission of the initial review application. The Planning Board shall, at the applicant's expense, send written notice, at least seven days prior to the public hearing, to each abutter and abutter of an abutter of the tract. The Planning Board shall also, at the applicant's expense, send legal notice of the public hearing for publication in a newspaper of general circulation at least seven days prior to said meeting.

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

(4) Rules and regulations. The Planning Board shall adopt rules and regulations relative to the size, form, number and contents of the conceptual plans, preferred plan, yield plan and OSRD site plan.

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

(5) Approval of preferred plan. A preferred plan which does not exceed the basic maximum number of dwelling units possible under the yield plan shall be approved by the Planning Board subject to such conditions as it deems appropriate to achieve the goals of this section. When the Planning Board approves the preferred plan, the applicant may then file an application for OSRD site plan approval. Approval of a preferred plan shall not foreclose further review or amendment of the yield plan or preferred plan during public hearings on an OSRD site plan application under Subsection F below.

D. Basic maximum number (of lots/units). In order for a preferred plan to be approved, the number of lots or dwelling units on the tract shall not exceed the basic maximum number, as defined below.

(1) The basic maximum number shall be the maximum number of lots (or, where no subdivision or lot division is involved, number of dwelling units) that could be placed upon the tract under a conventional subdivision or development plan pursuant to then-applicable zoning and subdivision requirements (other than this section), without variances or waivers of any kind, including from other bodies having regulatory authority over the development or any portion thereof (such as the Conservation Commission and Board of Health) unless such variances or waivers have already been obtained from such other authority, and accurately depicted on a yield plan. Waivers from Chapter 375, Subdivision of Land, are permitted in determining the basic maximum number. Such waivers must be sought and obtained during the OSRD process, but prior to acceptance of a yield plan. The yield plan shall display the general features and topography of the land shown on the preferred plan, the dimensions, areas, and locations of the lots, open space, roadways, wetlands, water bodies, and their buffer zones and such other information as is required from time to time by the OSRD rules and regulations.

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

(2) The applicant shall have the burden of proof in establishing the basic maximum number of lots (or dwelling units) resulting from the design and engineering specifications shown on the yield plan. The Planning Board shall consider at least the following factors in determining if such burden of proof has been met:

(a) The applicant has demonstrated through title insurance or other acceptable evidence that it is the owner of, or in control of, the entire tract depicted within the OSRD site plan;

(b) The existence of wetlands pursuant to an approved abbreviated notice of resource area delineation (ANRAD) as described in Subsection E(1) below and other environmental and regulatory constraints upon development have been adequately shown and dealt with; and

(c) The applicant demonstrates that under then-current market conditions the number of dwelling units, and their related improvements and infrastructure, as shown on the yield plan could be reasonably and economically constructed.

E. General design process. During the OSRD site plan initial review and approval process, but no later than the time of submittal of the preferred plan described above, applicants shall demonstrate to the Planning Board that the following steps, in the order indicated, (i) were performed by a licensed landscape architect and registered professional engineer and (ii) were followed in determining the layout of proposed streets, buildings, house lots, and open space as shown on the required plans.

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

(1) Step One: Identifying Conservation Areas. Identify preservation land by two steps:

(a) First, primary conservation areas (such as wetland resource areas, riverfront areas, and floodplains regulated by local, state or federal law) and additional conservation areas (including elements of the natural landscape such as steep slopes, mature woodlands, prime farmland, meadows, wildlife habitats and cultural features such as historic sites, historic structures, and scenic views) shall be identified and delineated. Wetlands resource areas shall be determined by the Conservation Commission pursuant to the ANRAD process under Chapter 287, Wetlands Protection, of the City Code, and the regulations in Chapter 565, Wetlands Protection Regulations.

(b) Second, the potentially developable area will be identified and delineated. To the maximum extent feasible, the potentially developable area shall consist of land outside identified primary and additional conservation areas. The potentially developable area shall not be construed as the final buildable area as defined by Subsection H(1)(b).

(2) Step Two: Locating Housing Sites. Locate the approximate sites of all residential buildings within the potentially developable area.

(3) Step Three: Aligning Streets and Ways. Align streets in order to access the house lots and residential buildings. In addition, new access ways should be laid out to create internal and external connections to existing and/or potential future streets, sidewalks, trails and bicycle paths.

(4) Step Four: Lot Lines. Draw in new lot lines (where applicable) and include the delineation of private yards, exclusive easement areas, and shared amenities, with a design that seeks to encourage an integrated community within the proposed development and further the goals of the Master Plan and the Open Space and Recreation Action Plan. Shared amenities should be located so as to encourage use by persons inside and outside of the covered project.

F. Site plan approval process.

(1) OSRD site plan. A proposed OSRD site plan shall be a fully engineered plan, conforming to the provisions of this section all the provisions of the OSRD site plan rules and regulations,[3] and site plan review in accordance with § 300-98B, to the extent that § 300-98B does not conflict with this section. The proposed OSRD site plan shall incorporate the features and comply with the conditions of the approved preferred plan and, in addition, shall also include stormwater management, including best management practices, wastewater management, utilities, and all other information as required by subdivision ordinances, rules and regulations.[4]

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

[3] Editor's Note: See Ch. 350, Open Space Residential Design Guidelines.

[4] Editor's Note: See Ch. 375, Subdivision of Land.

(2) General procedures.

(a) When an application for approval of an OSRD site plan is filed with the Planning Board, the applicant shall also file, within five working days of the filing of the completed application, a copy of the full application, including proposed site plan and other documentation, with each of the Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Building Inspector, Design Review Board, Parking and Traffic Commission, Department of Public Works, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and City Engineer for their consideration, review, and report. The applicant shall furnish the copies necessary to fulfill this requirement. Reports from other boards and officials shall be submitted to the Planning Board within 45 days of receipt by the reviewing party of all of the required materials. In the event that the public hearing by the Planning Board is commenced prior to the expiration of the forty-five-day period, the Planning Board shall continue the public hearing to permit the formal submission of reports and recommendations within that forty-five-day period.

(b) The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing within 90 days of receipt of a complete application. The decision of the Planning Board shall be upon a majority of its members. After consideration of the public's concerns, the Planning Board shall make and file its decision with the City Clerk within 65 days from the close of the public hearing, and shall notify the applicant of its decision. A copy of the decision, certified by the City Clerk as appropriate, shall be recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds or the Essex South Registry District of the Land Court, as appropriate, by the applicant prior to the commencement of work. The decision shall be binding on the land depicted on the approved site plan.

(c) OSRD site plan approval shall lapse after one year from the grant thereof if a substantial use thereof has not sooner commenced, except for good cause. Such approval may, for good cause, be extended from time to time in writing by the Planning Board, without public hearing, upon the written request of the applicant.

(3) Design standards. In approving an OSRD site plan, the Planning Board may impose conditions to ensure that the site plan furthers the objectives of the master plans and complies with the following design standards:

(a) Generic design standards.

[1] The site plan shall promote more effectively permanent preservation of open space, agricultural land, forestry land, natural resources and historical and archeological resources than would a conventional subdivision [for purposes of this section, a "conventional subdivision" shall mean a subdivision designed in full accordance with applicable subdivision rules and regulations (other than pursuant to this section) without waivers of any kind].

[2] The site plan shall consume less undeveloped land and shall conform to existing topography and natural features more than a conventional subdivision.

[3] The site plan shall have less total amount of disturbance on the site than a conventional subdivision.

[4] The site plan shall facilitate the construction and maintenance of streets, utilities, and public service in a more economical, safe and efficient manner than a conventional subdivision, and all utilities shall be underground within the proposed development.

[5] The landscape within the site plan shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal. The orientation of building sites shall be such as to maintain maximum natural topography and cover. Topography, tree cover, and natural drainageways shall be treated as primary determinants of road and lot configuration.

[6] Streets and other ways within the site plan shall be designed, dimensioned and located, consistent with the needs of public safety, in such a manner as to maintain and preserve natural topography, significant landmarks, and trees; to minimize cut and fill; and, insofar as practicable, to preserve and enhance views and vistas on or off the subject parcel.

[7] All open space (landscaped and usable) shall be designed to add to the visual amenities of the area by maximizing its visibility for persons passing the site or overlooking it from nearby properties.

[8] The removal or disruption of historic, traditional or significant uses, structures, or architectural elements shall be minimized, whether these exist on the site or on adjacent properties.

[9] Parking areas shall be screened to the extent required by Article X of this chapter.

(b) Site-specific design standards.

[1] Parking. Each dwelling unit shall be served by two off-street parking spaces. Parking spaces in front of garages may count in this computation.

[2] Buffer areas. A buffer area of at least 25 feet shall be provided at the following locations: perimeter of the property; and a buffer area of at least 100 feet around primary conservation areas [as defined in Subsection E(1) above]. Such buffer areas shall be free of aboveground structures and improvements, except that driveways necessary for access to and egress from the tract and other accessways may cross such buffer areas. No vegetation in this buffer area will be disturbed, destroyed or removed, except for installation and normal maintenance of structures and landscapes approved as part of the project. The Planning Board may waive, reduce or increase the buffer requirement in those locations where it determines that a smaller or larger buffer (or no buffer) is necessary, or will suffice, to accomplish the objectives set forth herein; provided always that no buffer requirement herein shall be applied so as to render any tract unusable, and any variation from the required buffer area shall be rationally related to accomplishing the objectives of this section.

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

[3] Drainage. The Planning Board shall encourage the use of nonstructural stormwater management techniques (such as rain gardens and open grass and bioretention swales) and other drainage techniques that do not create impervious surface and that enable infiltration. Stormwater should be treated at the source to limit non-point source pollution. Water conservation measures, including but not limited to the use of rainwater retention systems, such as rain barrels and cisterns for water irrigation purposes, are also strongly encouraged.

[4] Common/Shared driveways. A common or shared driveway may serve a maximum number of six lots.

[5] Stormwater management facilities. All structural surface stormwater management facilities shall be accompanied by a conceptual landscape and screening plan.

[6] On-site pedestrian and bicycle circulation. Walkways and bicycle paths shall be provided to link residences with parking areas, adjacent public transportation, recreation facilities (including parkland and open space) and adjacent land uses, such as trails and open space identified in the open space and recreation action plan, where appropriate. The feasibility of a perimeter path shall be considered.

[7] Undisturbed areas. At least 50% of the total tract shall be undisturbed, whether by initial or subsequent construction or structures and, except as otherwise provided in Subsection H(1)(d), shall be shown on the OSRD site plan as "Not To Be Disturbed." An undisturbed area is any land left in its natural vegetated state.

[8] Disturbed areas. Within areas to be disturbed, the applicant shall show all trees of ten-inch caliper or greater and present justification for their disturbance or removal.

(4) Site visit. The Planning Board shall conduct a site visit during the site plan approval process. At the site visit, the Planning Board and its agents shall be accompanied by the applicant and its agents. Members of the general public may be included at the discretion of the applicant and with the acquiescence of the Planning Board.

(5) Other information. The submittals and permits of this Subsection F shall be in addition to any other requirements of the Subdivision Control Law, Chapter 375, Subdivision of Land, or any other provisions of this chapter.

G. Permitted reduction of dimensional requirements. The Planning Board, which shall have the power, in its discretion, to waive or reduce frontage or other dimensional or subdivision requirements for such purpose, shall encourage applicants to modify lot size, shape, and other dimensional requirements for lots and ways within an OSRD site plan, in order to further the goals of this section, subject to the following limitations:

[Amended 7-2-2008 by Ord. No. 24]

(1) Lots having reduced area or frontage shall not have their legal frontage on a street other than a street created by the OSRD, provided that this limitation shall not apply in the case of lots created by an ANR plan, nor shall it apply to lots created by a subdivision plan if its application would conflict with the purposes or with other provisions of this OSRD.

(2) Reduction of otherwise applicable setback requirements shall not be permitted with respect to those setbacks measured from any exterior boundary of the tract.

(3) Nothing in this Subsection G shall permit, or be deemed to permit, the construction or use of more dwelling units per lot than are otherwise permitted in the applicable zoning district.

(4) The dimensional requirements imposed upon any lot created by the OSRD shall not be less than a lot area of 6,000 square feet, a front yard setback of 20 feet, a side yard setback of 10 feet on one side (one side yard may have a zero-foot side yard setback, provided that only a lot line created by the proposed OSRD may have such a zero-foot side yard setback), and a rear yard setback of 25 feet; nor shall a building height greater than 35 feet be permitted. However, a dimensional limitation imposed by this Subsection G(4) shall not apply to a lot if a majority of members of the Planning Board entitled to vote determines that such an application unnecessarily frustrates the purposes of this section.

(5) The subdivision requirements imposed upon any roadway created within the OSRD development shall not be less than a right-of-way width of 40 feet, a roadway width of 24 feet, and a maximum roadway grade of 8%. However, a dimensional limitation imposed by this Subsection G(5) shall not apply to an OSRD development if a majority of members of the Planning Board entitled to vote determines that such an application unnecessarily frustrates the purposes of this section.

(6) The sidewalk requirements for any way created within the OSRD development shall be the following: A sidewalk shall extend the full length of one side of the way and shall be a minimum width of five feet. The Planning Board may allow pedestrian access that is not parallel to the street in lieu of one or more sidewalks as described above. The sidewalk requirement may be eliminated by the Planning Board if it makes a finding that the connecting, existing roadways do not have existing sidewalks, or if alternative pedestrian access is provided within the OSRD development. When it determines that it is appropriate to do so, the Planning Board may waive the sidewalk requirement if it makes a finding that other provisions are made within the tract to safely and adequately lead pedestrians to connecting sidewalks outside of the tract.

H. Open space requirements.

(1) Open space. A minimum of 50% of the buildable area [as defined below in Subsection H(1)(b)] shown on the OSRD site plan shall be open space meeting the following criteria:

(a) All proposed open space shall be conveyed to at least one conservation entity [as defined below in Subsection H(2)] for conservation purposes. The open space shall be perpetually preserved in an open or natural state as described below, exclusively for the purposes set forth herein, and shall be maintained in a manner which will ensure its suitability for such intended purposes.

(b) The buildable area shall consist of that portion of the tract that does not consist of either (i) wetlands, (ii) that portion of the wetland buffer zone within 25 feet of a wetland, or (iii) areas having a slope of more than 20%; however, the Planning Board may reduce such open space requirement in any instance where the strict application thereof would render a tract effectively unbuildable. Input from the Conservation Commission concerning the wetland resources shall be requested.

(c) The open space sufficient to meet the minimum requirements shall be contiguous. Open space shall be considered contiguous if a roadway or an accessory amenity separates it.

(d) The primary purpose of the open space shall be for wildlife habitat and conservation. The open space can also be used for the following secondary purposes: historic preservation, education, outdoor education, passive recreation, or a combination of these uses, and shall be served by suitable access. The Planning Board may permit up to 5% of the open space to be paved for the dedicated use of such open space (e.g., pedestrian walks and bike paths). Limited portions of the open space may be reserved for active outdoor recreation when consistent with the goals of the Beverly open space and recreation plan, provided that such reservation is not materially inconsistent with the wildlife habitat and conservation purposes of this section.

(e) The open space shall be subject to a management plan to be approved by the Planning Board as part of the OSRD site plan approval. The purpose of the management plan is to provide guidance for the maintenance and stewardship of the open space and any facilities accessory thereto. Input from the Conservation Commission and Open Space and Recreation Committee concerning the management plan is encouraged.

(f) Wastewater and stormwater management systems serving the OSRD may be located within the open space; however, surface systems, such as retention and detention ponds, shall not qualify toward the minimum open space required.

(g) Open space shall be disturbed to the minimum extent possible during construction upon the tract. The applicant shall show all areas proposed to be disturbed within the tract and shall present justification for the use or disturbance of those areas. A higher level of scrutiny will be applied to areas within the proposed open space that are proposed to be disturbed.

(h) No provision in this section shall be deemed to preclude an applicant from providing an endowment to a conservation entity for the purpose of securing the maintenance, stewardship, and enforcement of the open space, and applicants are encouraged to provide such an endowment. In the case of a conservation entity under Subsection H(2)(c)[1] below, however, any such endowment shall be in addition to, and not in replacement of, the cash bond referred to in Subsection H(2)(c)[2].

(i) Each deed conveying open space to a conservation entity under Subsection H(2)(a) or (b) below shall include a provision expressly stating that the preservation of such open space constitutes a public purpose within the meaning and subject to the protections of Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, as it may be amended from time to time. Each deed conveying open space to a conservation entity under Subsection H(2)(c) below also shall be deemed for the benefit of the owners of the lots within the OSRD site plan. Such deed provisions shall be submitted to the Planning Board for approval, and shall thereafter be recorded.

(j) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit building within a wetlands resource area (as defined in Chapter 287, Wetlands Protection, of the City Code, and the regulations in Chapter 565, Wetlands Protection Regulations) with the permission of the Conservation Commission to the extent such permission is required by law, ordinance, or regulation.

(k) Other than perimeter buffer zones required by this section, required open space shall be provided to the maximum extent possible within wetlands buffer zones.

(2) Ownership of the open space. The open space and any facilities accessory thereto shall, at the applicant's election, be conveyed to, and shall be held as open space in perpetuity by, one or more of the following (each a "conservation entity"):

(a) The City, acting by and through its Conservation Commission or its Parks and Recreation Department or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as part of a state forest, park, or wildlife management area; provided, further, that in the case of the City, any endowment provided under Subsection H(1)(h) above shall be administered by the Planning Board in the same manner as a cash bond under Subsection H(2)(c) below, except that all such endowments held by the City may be pooled and administered and applied collectively.

(b) A nonprofit organization, the principal purpose of which is the conservation of open space and any of the purposes for such open space set forth above.

(c) Association.

[1] A corporation or trust owned jointly or in common by the owners of lots within the OSRD site plan (either an "association"). If an association is used, an ownership interest in the association shall pass with conveyance of each of the lots in perpetuity. Physical maintenance and stewardship of the open space and any facilities accessory thereto, and legal enforcement of the provisions of the site plan approval applicable to the open space and accessory facilities, including the management plan (hereinafter the "association obligations"), shall be permanently guaranteed by, and at the sole expense of, such association, which shall provide for mandatory assessments for such purposes to each lot.

[2] In addition, the applicant shall post a cash bond to secure the association obligations. Such cash bond shall be in the initial amount of up to $25,000 per project, to be held by the City in a segregated fund for such project solely for such purposes, any use thereof to be subject to the prior approval of the Planning Board in each instance. Each association shall be deemed to have assented to allow the City to perform maintenance of such open space and accessory facilities, if the association fails to perform the association obligations, and shall grant the City an easement for this purpose. In such event, the City shall first provide 14 days' written notice to the association as to the inadequate performance of the association obligations, and, if the association fails to correct in a timely manner its inadequate performance, the City may perform the association obligations on its behalf, and the cost thereof may be paid from the cash bond and any interest accrued thereon. The City shall assess the association for (i) amounts so used by the City from the cash bond, and (ii) any excess above the cash bond paid or incurred by the City, in exercise of the provisions of this Subsection H(2)(c), including expenses of enforcing the association obligations. Any amounts not paid in a timely manner by the association shall constitute a lien on each of the lots within the OSRD site plan, which may be collected and enforced by the City in the same manner as real estate taxes. Each individual deed, and the deed of trust or articles of incorporation of the association, shall include provisions designed to effect these provisions. Documents creating such association shall be submitted to the Planning Board for approval, and shall thereafter be recorded.

[3] Any open space conveyed to an association shall not be deemed or required to be dedicated or conveyed for use for a public purpose, and shall be preserved as open space for the benefit of the owners of the lots within the OSRD site plan. Nevertheless, an applicant or an association may elect to dedicate or convey some or all of the open space for use by the public, provided that such a dedication or conveyance shall be subject to site plan review and approval by the Planning Board. A second site plan review and approval shall be necessary if the association changes the applicant's initial decision after it acquires the lots.

I. Amendment or modification of approved OSRD site plans. No amendment or modifications of an approved OSRD site plan shall be valid unless first approved by the Planning Board, and no approval, special permit or variance with respect to same shall be required from the Zoning Board of Appeals. In its sole discretion, the Planning Board may approve without public hearing those amendments or modifications that are determined by a two-thirds majority of the Planning Board members to be minor in nature.

J. Relationship between the OSRD site plan and definitive subdivision plan.

(1) For projects subject to this section for which approval under the Subdivision Control Law is necessary, the filing of either a preliminary or a definitive subdivision plan with the Planning Board shall be deemed the start of the initial review required by Subsection C, unless such review has already started. Any site plan approval issued by the Planning Board shall specifically state that the definitive subdivision plan shall substantially comply with the approved OSRD site plan.

(2) Upon written request of the applicant, the Planning Board, in its sole discretion, may conduct the public hearings on the applications concurrently, provided that:

(a) By so requesting, the applicant shall be irrevocably deemed to have requested extensions from the Planning Board of the time frames for hearing and final action under the Subdivision Control Law in order to allow site plan approval to proceed as stated in this section, including the provisions of Subsection J(3) below;

(b) The Planning Board's decision on site plan approval shall be rendered separately from and prior to taking final action on the definitive subdivision plan; and

(c) The Planning Board shall take final action with respect to the definitive subdivision plan not later than 135 days after the close of the public hearing on the site plan approval.

(3) If such hearings are conducted concurrently, they may at any time be severed by the Planning Board and thereafter conducted separately, provided that in no event shall the public hearing on the definitive subdivision plan be closed before the public hearing on the OSRD site plan.

(4) A definitive subdivision plan will be considered not to substantially comply with the approved site plan if the Planning Board determines that the definitive subdivision plan displays, in comparison to such approved site plan:

(a) An increase in the number of building lots or dwelling units;

(b) A significant decrease in the open space acreage;

(c) A significant change in the lot layout;

(d) A significant change in the general development pattern which adversely affects natural landscape features and open space preservation;

(e) Significant changes to the stormwater management facilities; and/or

(f) Significant changes in the wastewater management systems.

(5) If the Planning Board determines that the definitive subdivision plan does not substantially comply with the approved site plan, the Board may disapprove the definitive subdivision plan for failure to comply with the conditions of the site plan requiring that the definitive plan substantially comply with the site plan.

(6) The Planning Board may conditionally approve a definitive subdivision plan that does not substantially comply with the approved site plan. However, such conditional approval must identify where the plan does not substantially comply with the approved site plan and shall require that the approved site plan be amended to be in compliance with the significant changes identified by the Planning Board. The Planning Board shall also require that the applicant file an application to amend the site plan within a specified time period.

(7) The public hearing on the application to amend the site plan shall be limited to the significant changes identified by the Planning Board in its conditional approval of the definitive subdivision plan. These changes are the only considerations that the Planning Board may take into account in deciding whether to amend the site plan.

[Amended 12-29-2005 by Ord. No. 105]

[1] Editor's Note: See also Ch. 350, Open Space Residential Design Guidelines.

§ 300-55 Accessory apartments.

A. Intent and objectives. The accessory apartment requirements and procedures outlined in this section are not intended to encourage the public to acquire variances to allow for the construction of larger dwellings for the use of accessory apartments. Instead, they are intended to:

(1) Enable homeowners of single-family dwellings larger than required for their present needs to share space and burdens of home ownership with a relative(s).

(2) Create feasible housing alternatives for elderly people or other relatives looking to stay in their homes, yet receive the help they need for or from other relatives.

(3) Encourage a diverse population with a particular focus on senior citizens and young adults through the creation of an accessory apartment in the familial home.

B. Conditions and requirements. Notwithstanding provisions in this chapter to the contrary, the Zoning Board of Appeals may consider the granting of a special permit for the alteration of an existing single-family residence to include an accessory apartment in any residential zone, subject to the following provisions:

[Amended 7-5-2012 by Ord. No. 72]

(1) An accessory apartment may be permitted to accommodate a maximum of two people to live in proximity to, but with independence from, a relative.

(2) The application shall designate the individual(s) who is to occupy the accessory apartment.

(3) The alterations/additions necessary to create the accessory apartment shall be limited to the principal dwelling.

(4) There shall be no more than two dwelling units on said property, including an accessory apartment.

(5) The owner of record shall reside in one of the two dwelling units, which shall be said owner's principal residence.

(6) The size of the accessory apartment is not to exceed the lesser of 900 gross square feet or 30% of the gross floor area of the principal unit. The square footage of the accessory apartment must meet the minimum requirements of the state's sanitary code.

(7) The accessory apartment shall be a self-contained dwelling unit that shares a common vertical and/or horizontal wall with the primary dwelling unit. Within the common vertical and/or horizontal wall shall be a doorway so that the accessory unit may be accessed from the primary unit.

(8) The principal dwelling unit shall have only one front entrance; any new entrance shall be located on the side or in the rear of the building. Where two or more entrances already exist on the front facade of a dwelling, modifications made to any of the entrances shall result in one entrance appearing to be the principal entrance and other entrances appearing to be secondary. All stairways leading to second or third stories shall be enclosed within the exterior walls of the dwelling.

(9) The accessory apartment will have no more than two bedrooms.

(10) Special permit for accessory apartment.

(a) The special permit for an accessory apartment shall terminate:

[1] Upon the death of the designated occupant; or

[2] Upon the change of residence of the designated occupant; or

[3] Upon the transfer of ownership of the premises.

(b) Following termination of said special permit, the owner shall remove the kitchen built as a result of the special permit within 90 days.

(c) The house will then revert to a single-family residence. The accessory apartment shall not be held in or transferred into separate ownership from the principal dwelling under a condominium form of ownership, or otherwise.

(11) An affidavit by the record owner, sworn under penalties of perjury, with proper documentation is required with the application to certify that the accessory apartment living area is for a relative(s). The special permit shall be issued to the owner of the property. The Building Inspector shall have the right, at a reasonable time, to inspect the premises to determine compliance with the requirements of this section and the special permit. Refusal of this inspection may result in the revocation of the special permit.

(12) In granting a special permit, the Board may impose such conditions, including requirements for off-street parking and limitations on other accessory uses of the premises, as it may deem appropriate to avoid detriment to the neighborhood or to nearby persons or property. The Board shall evaluate each special permit application that involves exterior changes in the appearance and character of the neighborhood and may require that there be no change or minimal change to any building facade oriented toward a public way or visible from a public way.

§ 300-56 Commercial mobile radio service transmission facilities.

[Amended 6-11-1996 by Ord. No. 115]

Commercial mobile radio service transmission facilities, structures, and/or towers are allowed by special permit.

§ 300-57 Congregate housing for elderly and/or permanently disabled residents.

[Amended 7-20-1987; 6-30-1988; 3-6-1989; 7-1-1992]

A. A special permit may be granted by the Planning Board in any residential district for congregate housing for elderly and/or permanently disabled to permit the following:

(1) All residential developments associated with Congregate housing for elderly and/or permanently disabled.

(2) Commercial uses associated with the functioning of congregate housing, subject to specific, special requirements listed in Subsection E below.

B. Building and area requirements.

(1) Minimum lot area: 20 acres.

(2) Minimum lot frontage: 250 feet.

(3) Minimum setbacks (front, rear, and side): 125 feet.

(4) Maximum building height: 35 feet.

C. Parking requirements. One and a quarter (1.25) parking spaces will be provided for each individual unit; loading requirements shall be the same as in Article X.

D. Sign requirements. All signs showing the location of the project itself shall conform to Article XI. No exterior signs advertising on-site commercial uses and no illuminated interior signs displayed in windows shall be permitted.

E. Special requirements.

(1) Commercial uses, as described above, shall not occupy more than 5% of the gross floor area of the entire complex and must be housed within the main building on the site.

(2) The Design Review Board shall review all special permit requests.

(3) Plans submitted for special permit requests must include a detailed site and landscaping plan showing architectural renderings, parking and egress plans.

(4) A plan shall be prepared by the petitioner which shall, to the extent allowable by law, give a preference for housing within the development first to Beverly residents, then to immediate family members of Beverly residents, and then to residents of cities or towns which have a reciprocal agreement with the City of Beverly.

(5) A plan shall be prepared by the petitioner which shall, to the extent allowable by law, designate at least 10% of the units, or more at the discretion of the permit granting authority, for the purpose of providing affordable housing. For the purpose of this Subsection E(5), the definition of affordable housing shall be based on at least the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's (MHFA) or its successor's definition of low or moderate income for a family and/or individuals.

(6) The maximum density allowed shall be four dwelling units per acre.

(7) Any remaining area of the proposed site not dedicated for buildings, streets, and other public rights-of-way shall be dedicated as open space in perpetuity.

(8) The provisions of this section are optional. Nothing herein shall require the Planning Board to approve a special permit where it finds the granting of this permit shall adversely affect the general area.

§ 300-58 Residential reuse of public buildings.

[Amended 5-9-1988; 4-6-2007 by Ord. No. 1; 4-22-2010 by Ord. No. 3A]

A. Purpose. This purpose of this section is to provide for the productive reuse of existing or former public buildings and the lots on which they are located primarily for residential purposes, and to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-/moderate-income households.

B. Use regulations.

(1) In any zoning district, the City Council may allow by special permit the reuse of an existing or former public building and the lot on which it is located, as hereinafter defined, for residential purposes and for other supporting uses the Council may determine are appropriate, provided that 12% of such allowed housing units are set aside for low- or moderate-income tenants or owners as hereinafter defined. The special permit may allow a greater number of residential units than would otherwise be permitted under the building and area requirements applicable to the zoning district in which such building and lot are located.

(2) In the case of units to be owned or occupied by low- or moderate-income households, such units shall be subject to an affordable housing restriction that contains limitations on use, occupancy, sale, resale and rents, and provides for periodic monitoring to verify compliance with and to enforce said restriction. The affordable housing restriction shall run with the land and be in force in perpetuity or for the maximum period allowed by law, and be enforceable under the provisions of MGL c. 184, § 26 or §§ 31 and 32.

(3) Each affordable unit created under this section shall be sold or rented to a household with income at or below 80% of the area median income that applies to subsidized housing in the City of Beverly, as reported annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), adjusted for household size.

(4) For any special permit issued under this section, the provisions of § 300-54, Open space residential design (OSRD) site plans, shall be optional.

C. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

LOW- OR MODERATE-INCOME HOUSEHOLD

Those whose annual income falls within the income guidelines for low or moderate income as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy MA – NH – MSA.

PUBLIC BUILDING

Any building, together with the lot on which it is located, that is currently or formerly owned by the City of Beverly or any of its departments, authorities, or agencies.

D. Parking. Parking shall be provided as required by Article X of this chapter.

E. Procedure.

(1) A special permit application and 12 copies of a site plan meeting the requirements of § 300-98 shall be filed with the Beverly City Council and processed by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of MGL c. 40A, § 9, and, to the extent practical, the rules and regulations of the Planning Board with respect to special permits.

(2) In reviewing a special permit application under this section, the City Council shall consider the conditions outlined in § 300-91B of this chapter, along with any other considerations it deems advisable and reasonable within the parameters of MGL c. 40A, § 9.

(3) The City Council shall open a public hearing on the special permit application and provide the applicant with initial feedback regarding the basic elements of the proposed project, including density. Six copies of the site plan (which may be amended to reflect Council feedback) shall then be transmitted by the City Council to the Planning Board, which shall review the proposed site plan and provide recommendations to the City Council for its consideration. The City Council shall not close the public hearing on a special permit application until it has received a recommendation from the Planning Board on the site plan, or until 65 days have elapsed since the plans were submitted to the Planning Board without the submission of a recommendation. The Planning Board's review of a site plan submitted to it by the City Council for a project under this section shall be deemed compliance with § 300-98, and no subsequent site plan review by the Planning Board under § 300-98 shall be necessary.

(4) The City Council may elect to refer a special permit application or site plan to any other board, commission, or City department for review and comment during the course of the public hearing.

F. The provisions of this section are optional, and nothing herein shall require the City Council to grant a special permit where it finds that the general area would be adversely affected by the proposed project's overall impact.