A.
Conformance to applicable rules and regulations.
(1)
In
addition to the requirements established herein, all subdivision and
development plans shall comply with the following laws, rules and
regulations:
(b)
The Town Comprehensive Community Plan, and the Recreation, Conservation,
and Open Space Plan, and other accepted planning studies and reports.
(c)
The special requirements of these regulations and any rules
of the Department of Environmental Management and/or appropriate state
agencies.
(d)
The rules of the State Department of Transportation if the development,
subdivision, or any lot contained therein abuts a state highway or
connecting street.
(e)
The applicable standards of care and consistency with professional
standards, recognized by a professional organization, including, but
not limited to, surveying and engineering.
B.
Self-imposed restrictions. If the owner places restrictions on any of the land contained in the subdivision or development greater than those required by Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code or these regulations, such restrictions or reference thereto may be required to be indicated on the recorded plan, or the Planning Board may require that restrictive covenants be recorded with the Town Clerk.
C.
Suitability of land.
(1)
Land deemed unsuitable for development purposes by the Planning Board
following consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management, and following a determination by the Planning Board that
the proposed subdivision or use of the land would result in a violation
of federal, state or local environmental, land use or other applicable
laws, will not be approved for subdivision or development.
(2)
No freshwater wetlands as defined in Chapter 213 of the Public Laws
of 1971 (R.I.G.L. § 2-1-18 et seq.), relating to freshwater
wetlands, shall be excavated, drained or filled, nor shall any extraneous
materials be placed into these wetlands. Water flow shall not be diverted
nor shall any change be made to the natural condition of the wetland
without the prior approval of the Director of the State Department
of Environmental Management and the West Greenwich Town Council in
accordance with the provisions of said chapter, specifically R.I.G.L.
§§ 2-1-21(a) and 2-1-22.
(3)
No subdivision or development plan shall be approved by the Planning
Board if the stormwater management plan (sedimentation and erosion
control and stormwater mitigation) submitted by the applicant does
not contain information sufficient in detail and extent to meet the
requirements of these regulations, nor shall any stormwater management
plan be approved which does not adhere to the design standards specified
in these regulations. Land which cannot be developed without substantial
adverse effects to the water quality and natural functions of the
proposed development site and surrounding area shall not be approved
for development or subdivision.
The following design standards shall be followed where applicable
in the design and construction of any subdivision or development:
A.
Frontage on improved streets.
(1)
With the exception of residential compound projects, the area to be subdivided shall have a minimum of 50 feet of frontage on and access from an existing improved public street. If such an existing street has not been improved to the standards and specifications as required in these regulations, the Board may require the subdivider to make certain improvements along the street abutting the property or leading to the property being subdivided where necessary for drainage, safety, traffic or other reasons as deemed proper by the Board. See § 450-54, Off-site improvements, of this article.
(2)
For purposes of these regulations, streets platted but not improved
or accepted for maintenance by the Town shall not be considered to
be existing improved public streets. Where these streets are incorporated
within the subdivision, they shall be improved by the developer to
meet the subdivision regulations standards.
B.
Street classification.
(1)
Street design within a proposed subdivision or development shall
conform to a street hierarchy system as established herein. Requirements
for right-of-way and pavement width, on-street parking, drainage and
other utilities, sidewalks, bicycle paths and other design standards
shall be tailored to street function.
(2)
The following major categories of street classification are established:
(a)
Arterial: a major public street that serves as an avenue for
the circulation of traffic into, out of, or around the Town and carries
high volumes of traffic and provides for high levels of mobility.
(b)
Collector: a public street whose principal function is to carry
traffic between local streets and arterial streets but that may also
provide direct access to abutting properties. These streets provide
a balance between land access and mobility.
(c)
Local public: public streets whose primary function is to provide
access to abutting properties.
(d)
Minimum-maintenance road: a Town road that does not provide
physical access to dwellings and is deemed unsuitable for development
by the Planning Board, but may provide access for emergency vehicles.
A minimum-maintenance road shall be reclassified to an accepted Town
road upon the initiation of improvements to service said dwellings.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of codification.
(e)
Town road (accepted): public roads that meet minimum Town or
subdivision standards and are maintained by the Town.
(f)
Private road: those privately owned and maintained roads that do not meet current Town or subdivision standards. Approved subdivision roads with work in progress shall be considered private roads until acceptance by the Town. The creation of new private roads or private rights-of-way in the Town shall not be permitted, except as allowed in residential compounds, as regulated in Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code; or as allowed in commercial or multifamily land development projects. As a condition of final approval, the subdivider shall be required to record a covenant, binding on his successors and assigns, that the Town of West Greenwich shall not be asked or required to accept or maintain the private streets and minimum maintenance roads within the parcel that do not meet the engineering and design requirements for Town-accepted streets. (See Subsection K of this section.)
(g)
Paper street: those roads shown on proposed subdivision plans
or Tax Assessor Plat Maps that do not physically exist.
(h)
Access or service road/private common driveway: a common private
driveway used to access residential lots where access from the frontage
on a collector or arterial road has been restricted or limited by
the Planning Board in order to reduce curb cuts on collector and arterial
streets.
C.
Access to subdivision/development. Wherever the area to be subdivided or developed is to obtain access or have frontage on Town-maintained roads which are inadequate in improvement and width to handle the volume of traffic which will be generated by the subdivision or development, the applicant, at his or her own expense, shall be required to improve such access roads to the extent that they are capable of providing safe access to the subdivision or development as determined by the Planning Board. The Planning Board may require that a performance bond be secured, or require that approval of the final plan be conditional upon completion of improvements to access roads. (See Article VII of these regulations.)
D.
Topography and arrangement.
(1)
Street layout shall be considered in relation to the existing street
system and shall conform to the West Greenwich Comprehensive Community
Plan. Limited access to major highways may be required for safety
purposes.
(2)
Streets shall be related appropriately to the topography. Local roads
shall be curved wherever possible to avoid uniformity of lot appearance.
Street alignment shall follow natural terrain, and no unnecessary
cuts or fills shall be allowed in order to create additional lots
or building sites. Combinations of steep grades and curves shall be
avoided.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of codification.
(3)
The use of gridiron street patterns or similar designs will not be
permitted. The use of curvilinear streets, culs-de-sac, or P- or U-shaped
streets (loop roads) shall be encouraged where such use will result
in a more desirable layout. P- or U-shaped roads facilitate the design
for through circulation patterns that eliminate the need for excess
cul-de-sac or dead-end street layouts.
(4)
All thoroughfares shall be properly related to special traffic generators
such as industries, business districts, schools, churches, and shopping
centers, to population densities, and to the pattern of existing and
proposed land uses.
(5)
New subdivision roads shall be laid out to encourage connectivity;
to discourage culs-de-sac, isolated neighborhoods, and use by through
traffic; to permit efficient drainage and utility systems; and to
require the minimum number of streets necessary to provide convenient
circulation and safe access to property.
(6)
If connection to adjacent undeveloped property is desired, the Planning
Board may require the applicant to show a future connection to the
property line as part of the right-of-way dedicated to the Town. The
Board's intent in residential districts is to provide street access
for any abutting "landlocked" parcels.
(7)
Major subdivisions or land development projects may be required to
provide an emergency access as determined by the Planning Board with
input from the local Fire Chief.
(8)
Neighborhood streets may take the form of a two-way street, or a
one-way loop street around a small neighborhood green.
E.
Dead-end streets (culs-de-sac) and blocks.
(1)
In residential subdivisions, blocks and cul-de-sac streets (or dead
ends) shall not be longer than 1,200 feet.
(2)
Dead-end streets which cannot be extended, or connected to form a
looped road, in the judgment of the Planning Board shall have at their
closed end a turnaround with a minimum outside curb radius of 60 feet,
and an intersection approach radii of 30 feet. Modifications to the
design shall be subject to the review and recommendation of the Highway
Supervisor on a case-by-case basis.
(3)
Where a dead-end street is to provide access to adjacent property,
the Planning Board may require provision for a temporary turnaround
or "tee" until such time as the adjacent tract is developed and the
street extended. Temporary "tees" or culs-de-sac shall be conveyed
with a defeasible easement for the portion of the right-of-way and
pavement to be removed when the street is extended.
(4)
For greater convenience to traffic and more effective police and
fire protection, permanent and temporary dead-end streets shall be
limited in length as determined by the Planning Board, not to exceed
1,200 feet.
F.
Access to arterial streets.
(1)
The Planning Board may require additional right-of-way and pavement
width for arterial streets subject to heavy traffic.
(2)
Where a subdivision or development borders on or contains an existing
or proposed arterial road, no access shall be provided to individual
lots or units from the arterial road and screening shall be provided
in a strip of land along the rear property line of such lots. The
width of such buffers shall be determined by the Planning Board.
G.
Street names. An extension of an existing street or road shall have
the same name as the existing street or road. Names of other proposed
streets shall be substantially different from any existing street
name in the Town of West Greenwich, and approved by the Planning Board.
Preference shall be given to street names incorporating references
to West Greenwich's history and persons within that history.[3]
H.
Street regulatory signs. The developer or Highway Supervisor shall
install all required and approved road signs, at the expense of the
developer and approved by the Director of Public Works or Highway
Supervisor. Street name signs with sufficient supports and of a type
acceptable to the Director of Public Works or Highway Supervisor are
to be placed at all intersections within or abutting the subdivision.
Dead-end streets shall be clearly indicated as such at their entrance.
The developer shall deposit with the Town of West Greenwich at the
time of final application a sum as set from time to time by the Town
Council for each road sign as part of the subdivision approval.[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of codification.
I.
Shade trees. Shade trees shall be required along both sides of the street; consideration to proximity to utilities shall be given. Where feasible, existing trees shall be conserved. The developer is to present the Planning Board with a landscape plan, as required in § 450-49 of this article, including, but not limited to, drawings which indicate the method to be used to safeguard existing trees, within the fifty-foot right-of-way, during construction of the street. The intent of this plan is to prevent premature death to existing trees caused by scarring, backfilling, root cutting, changing of grades and any other damaging act. Additional trees shall be planted out at intervals no closer than 30 feet nor farther than 50 feet, measured between trunks, except that trees shall not be located within 30 feet of intersecting right-of-way lines. The species and size of such trees must be approved by the Planning Board as part of the approval for a preliminary plan. The developer shall plant street trees appropriate for the terrain, soil, and climactic conditions encountered in the subdivision or development. Native species are preferred.
J.
Design standards.
(1)
General. In order to provide for roads of suitable location, width,
and improvement to accommodate prospective traffic and afford satisfactory
access to police, fire-fighting, snow removal, and road maintenance
equipment, and to coordinate roads so as to compose a convenient system
and avoid undue hardships to adjoining properties, the following design
standards for roads are hereby required.
(3)
Intersections.
(a)
Street center lines shall coincide precisely at intersections
or shall be offset at least 150 feet.
(b)
Street center lines shall intersect as nearly at right angles
as practicable. No intersections shall contain an angle of less than
60°.
(c)
Corners at intersections shall be rounded to provide curb radii
of not less than 25 feet.
(d)
Intersections shall be designed on a flat grade wherever possible.
(e)
All street intersections shall be designed to provide proper
sight distance as set forth by the AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design
of Highways and Streets, latest revisions.
(4)
Street surfacing and improvements.
(a)
Streets and rights-of-way, both existing and proposed, shall
be continued with at least the same width through the subdivision.
(b)
Street rights-of-way may not be less than 50 feet in width. Street pavements may not be less than (24 feet to 26 feet) in width, measured between curbs and centered between street lines. The Planning Board may permit a local street to have a street pavement of not less than 20 feet in width, measured between curbs and centered between street lines. (Residential compound road standards are contained in Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code.)
(c)
The Planning Board shall take into account drainage requirements
to determine the location and extent of Cape Cod berm placement and/or
curbing to be utilized in a proposed subdivision.
(d)
Grades of local streets shall not be less than 0.5% nor more
than 8%. Collector streets shall not exceed 7% in grade nor be less
than 0.5% in grade.
(e)
Where a deflection angle of 10° or more occurs along a center
line of a street, a horizontal curve with a radius of not less than
150 feet shall be introduced.
(f)
Where changes in grade are encountered in the street center
line profile, vertical curves shall be introduced which provide proper
sight distance, as determined by the AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design
of Highways and Streets, latest revision.
K.
Existing minimum-maintenance roads. Existing minimum-maintenance
roads shall be permitted according to the following:
(1)
Existing minimum-maintenance roads, as defined herein, shall have
a minimum right-of-way of 40 feet in width, and a minimum twenty-foot
travel way.
(2)
Any subdivision of property occurring along existing minimum-maintenance
roads or unpaved Town-owned roads shall require improvements that
meet the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works or Highway Supervisor
and the Planning Board while adhering to the following minimum design
standards:
L.
Access to adjoining property. When considered desirable by the Planning
Board to provide access to adjoining property, proposed streets shall
be continued and improved to the property line (and street) only if
an adjoining street already exists. The reservation of strips of land
preventing such access shall not be permitted. The Planning Board
may require provision of a temporary turnaround or the dedication
of the right-of-way to the abutting property line as a stub, until
such time as the adjacent tract is developed. An improvement guarantee
may be required to ensure completion of the street or construction
of a permanent cul-de-sac within a reasonable period of time. Access
to adjoining property for pedestrian and/or bicycle circulation shall
be required wherever the Planning Board determines that such connection
will increase accessibility between adjoining subdivisions, to existing
or proposed sidewalks or bicycle paths, from subdivisions to major
public or private schools, recreation areas or other facilities or
where the public safety will be significantly enhanced by such pedestrian
and/or bicycle connections.
M.
Streetlighting. In all new subdivisions where utilities are being
installed, provisions shall be made for streetlighting connections
only where required by the Director of Public Works, Highway Supervisor,
or the Planning Board, and must be shown on final "as-built" plans.
N.
Monuments. Monuments (granite-only bounds, four inches by four inches
by 30 inches long) shall be paid for by the developer and placed by
a professional land surveyor, or his/her charge, on the street line
at the beginning and end of all horizontal curves on both sides of
each subdivision (public) street and shall not be more than 500 feet
apart. Monuments shall be set four inches above finished grade of
the center of the street.
O.
Sidewalks. Sidewalks may be required by the Board to be installed as off-site improvements in accordance with the provisions of § 450-54, Off-site improvements, of this article.
(1)
Sidewalks may be required to be installed along new streets at intersections
or other areas of new subdivisions and land development projects,
including multifamily development proposals, at the discretion of
the Planning Board.
(2)
Sidewalks may also be required to be installed as off-site improvements in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV. Trails or footpaths may be required in any proposed development in addition to required sidewalks to provide pedestrian access on-site as well as off-site to ensure access to adjoining or nearby neighborhoods, open spaces, or major recreational facilities.
(3)
Sidewalks may be required to be installed along new streets and as
an off-site improvement if the Planning Board finds any of the following:
(a)
The subdivision or land development project is located within
an area that is within one mile of a public or private school; or
(b)
The subdivision or land development project is located in reasonable
proximity to major public or private facilities such as churches,
shopping areas, playgrounds, state parks, and the like, where there
is a reasonable likelihood that pedestrian traffic to/from/within
the proposed development would result; or
(c)
The subdivision or land development project is located within
an area with high vehicular traffic volumes and where there would
be a likelihood of significant danger to pedestrians; or
(d)
A sidewalk is necessary to provide pedestrian access between
groupings of dwellings or commercial establishments within the subdivision
or land development project, or to provide access between dwellings,
commercial establishments, and recreational facilities; or
(e)
An existing sidewalk abuts the proposed subdivision or land
development project; or
(f)
A sidewalk will encourage pedestrian circulation and promote
public safety and health.
P.
Bicycle paths. Bicycle paths may be incorporated into the proposed
subdivision or development where necessary to extend an existing bicycle
path; to intersect with proposed state bicycle facilities; to connect
adjacent developments where vehicular connections would be impractical;
or where adjacent or nearby public or private school, recreation areas
or other similar facilities would be likely to generate significant
bicycle traffic.
Q.
Curbing at intersection fillet curves. Curbing may be required to be installed along new streets at intersections or other areas of new subdivisions at the discretion of the Planning Board, in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV.
R.
Mailboxes. The use of common mailbox locations may be required on
public culs-de-sac, at the discretion of the Highway Superintendent.
Mailboxes for private roads and ways shall be located at the entrance
to the private road for access from a public street.
A.
Lot dimensions.
(1)
All lots shall conform to the dimensional requirements of Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code established for the district within which the subdivision is located.
(2)
The minimum lot dimensions established by Chapter 400, Zoning, may be increased by the Planning Board if the report of the Chief, Rhode Island Division of Groundwater and ISDS, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management indicates that larger lot dimensions are needed for the safe and effective operation of individual sewage disposal systems, or to comply with the local two-hundred-foot ISDS setback from a water body. Lots in areas where public water is not available shall be of such area, shape, and dimensions as will allow the operation of individual sewage disposal systems in such a manner that the water supplies of said lots and all surrounding lots are adequately safeguarded.
B.
Lot configurations and setbacks.
(1)
Shape/Configuration. Lots shall be generally rectangular in their
configuration. Long or narrow strips of land shall be avoided. Irregularly
or odd shaped lots such as "flag lots," "hockey sticks" or any lot
whose building envelope is isolated from its frontage shall not be
permitted.
(2)
Side lot lines shall be within 15° of perpendicular with street
lines or radial to curved street lines unless the Planning Board determines
that a variation from this rule will provide a better street or lot
plan.
(3)
Minimum lot width. Lots shall maintain a minimum width of 150 feet
for a distance of 200 feet from the front property line, and a minimum
width of 100 feet to the rear property line. The minimum width shall
be measured parallel to the frontage line if tangent, or the chord,
if on a curve.
(4)
Except on those sides bordering a street, lots shall have no interior
angles of more than 200°, unless otherwise allowed by the Planning
Board.
C.
Lot frontage and access.
(1)
All lots shall abut an existing or a proposed public street.
(2)
Each proposed lot shall have frontage on a public street that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code for the zone in which it is located.
(3)
Frontage shall be usable for physical access to the lot from the
street. Frontage that cannot function as an access point to the buildable
envelope of the lot shall not be permitted.
(4)
The lot must be accessible by the Fire Department, Police Department
and other agencies charged with protection of the public peace, safety
and welfare.
(5)
Other than at corners, lots shall abut only one existing or proposed
street.
(6)
Corner lot street lines shall be of sufficient length to accommodate
required front building setback lines.
(7)
Lots shall not, in general, derive access exclusively from an arterial
or collector street, as defined herein.
(8)
The Planning Board may modify or relocate the location of the proposed
access driveway along the road frontage, and may modify or limit the
proposed number of access driveways onto any street from any lot or
group of lots.
(9)
Provisions may be made for ensuring adequate sight distances from
the proposed access driveway along adjacent public streets in order
to alleviate any potentially hazardous situation.
(10)
Internal access streets. For lots proposed along existing collector
or arterial roads, the Planning Board may require the applicant to
submit appropriate alternative plans to demonstrate the feasibility
of creating an internal access street, or a conventional subdivision.
If the Planning Board determines that such an alternative development
is feasible, practical and preferable, the creation of frontage lots
shall be prohibited, and the applicant shall be required to develop
the property in an approved alternative fashion.
(11)
Easements may be required to be granted to the Town to prohibit
individual driveway access from lots onto frontage streets if adequate
provision is made for access from individual lots to service roads
or internal access streets.
(12)
Provisions may be made for incorporating proposed frontage lots
into future subdivision of contiguous land, if such future subdivision
is determined to be feasible by the Planning Board. Temporary driveways
and easements may be required to provide for access to future streets
in subdivisions of contiguous land. The Planning Board may require
a concept plan to indicate future access to and development of residual
land contiguous to frontage lots.
D.
Minimum buildable area.
(2)
The lot arrangement shall be such that there will be no foreseeable difficulties, for reasons of topography or other conditions, in securing building permits on all lots in compliance with Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code and regulations of the Department of Environmental Management, and in providing the necessary frontage and access to such lots from an existing or proposed street.
E.
Potential for further subdivision/development. The Planning Board shall consider whether the parcel being subdivided or developed has the potential for further subdivision or development under current applicable zoning regulations. If it has such potential, the Planning Board shall consider the impacts from such future development in its review of the proposed subdivision or development and may impose any or all of the site design standards provided in § 450-53 below, as necessary to mitigate such impacts.
A.
Landscaping shall be provided as part of all development and subdivision designs. See § 450-53, Site design, Subsections E(2)(j) and G, below, for additional landscape design requirements. It shall be conceived in a total pattern throughout the site, integrating the various elements of site design, preserving and enhancing the particular identity of the site and creating a pleasing site character. The type and amount of landscaping required shall be allowed to vary with the type of development, as reasonably determined by the Planning Board, or as otherwise required by these land development and subdivision regulations or Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code. Water-efficient landscaping and drought-resistant native species are strongly encouraged.
B.
Landscaping may include plant materials such as trees, shrubs, ground
covers, grass, flowers, etc., but may also include other materials
such as rocks, wetlands, stone walls, paving materials, planters,
signage, and street furniture. Areas which may be required to provide
landscaping shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, the
following:
(1)
Drainage facilities, such as retention/detention basins, or drainage
swales.
(2)
Entrance features, considering visibility and sight lines.
(3)
Open space areas.
(4)
Proposed recreation facilities.
(7)
Lot areas which are disturbed during the construction process or
where extensive grading removes a significant amount of natural vegetation.
(8)
Areas subject to regrading or stabilization for soil erosion and
sediment control purposes.
C.
Landscape plan.
(1)
A landscape plan prepared by a registered landscape architect shall
be submitted to the Planning Board unless the Board determines that
existing landscaping is sufficient or a landscape plan is not necessary.
The plan shall identify existing and proposed trees, shrubs and ground
covers; natural features such as stone walls and rock outcroppings;
man-made elements such as retaining walls, fences, signs, planters,
etc.; proposed grading at two-foot contour intervals; lighting; specifications
for loaming, fertilizing and seeding; and other proposed landscaping
elements. The plan shall indicate the location of all proposed landscaping
and shall include construction details as necessary.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of codification.
(2)
A planting schedule shall be included to indicate proposed planting
by species, size at time of planting, and maintenance requirements.
Where existing plantings are to be retained, the plan shall indicate
proposed methods of protecting them during construction.
D.
Specifications. The following specifications shall apply for minimum
plant measurements, variety, installation techniques and maintenance:
(1)
Minimum branching height for all shade trees shall be six feet.
(2)
Minimum size for shade trees shall be between 2 1/2 inches and
three inches in caliper measured one foot from ground level in place
[or two inches in caliper measured at breast height (dbh)], and 12
feet to 14 feet in height.
(3)
Minimum size for evergreen trees shall be between six feet and eight
feet in height.
(4)
Bare-root stock shall not be permitted.
(5)
A professional horticulturist/nurseryman shall be consulted to determine
the proper time to move and install plant material so that stress
to the plant is minimized. Planting of deciduous material may be continued
during winter months, provided there is no frost in the ground and
frost-free topsoil planting mixtures are used.
(6)
A landscape contractor shall be employed to perform all landscaping,
and shall excavate all plant pits, vine pits, hedge trenches, and
shrub beds in accordance with the details in the approved landscaping
plan.
(7)
Each tree, shrub, or vine shall be pruned in an appropriate manner,
in accordance with accepted standard practice.
(8)
Landscape plans shall provide for a mix of evergreen, ornamental,
shade trees, and shrubs to provide adequate visual and noise buffers.
(9)
Shrubs used for buffers shall form a continuous visual screen of
at least three feet in height at time of planting.
(10)
Every 35 linear feet of landscaping shall contain one shade
tree and five shrubs. Two ornamental or two evergreen trees may substitute
for one shade tree.
(11)
Required landscaped buffers and parking lot landscaping shall
use drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant vegetation varieties. The use
of native species is encouraged.
(12)
No more than 10% of the coverage of the landscaped areas shall
be mulch or non-living material (or, a minimum of 70% of each landscaped
area, at time of planting, shall be planted with grass, ground cover,
shrubs, or other living vegetation, with the balance in mulch or other
approved media).
(13)
Mulches shall be limited to bark mulch. After cultivation, all
plant materials shall be mulched with a layer between two inches and
three inches deep of bark mulch over the entire area of the bed.
(14)
Trees and shrubs shall be properly mulched (i.e., leaving the
trunk flare exposed with a donut-shaped dressing; "volcano" dressing
or other smothering of the base of the plant is not permitted).
(15)
New plant materials shall be guaranteed for a period of two
years. If any required tree or shrub dies within this period of time,
it shall be replaced.
(17)
Low-impact development techniques (See Appendix A for resources.[2]) for stormwater management are encouraged to be integrated
into the landscaping.
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
A.
Water lines. Water lines shall be installed in the street area where
connection to a public system is feasible. Installation shall precede
road construction.
B.
Sanitary sewers. Sanitary sewers shall be installed where connection
to a public system is feasible. The sanitary sewer system shall be
separate and independent of any stormwater drainage system.
C.
Gas lines. Natural gas lines may be installed in any subdivision
or land development project at the discretion of the developer, if
available. If proposed, gas lines shall be located on the northerly
or easterly side of the street wherever possible or as required by
the Planning Board.
D.
Communication and electric lines (electric, telephone, and cable
TV). Except in residential compounds or minor subdivisions where no
street creation is required, all electric, communication (telephone,
fire alarm and cable TV) and streetlighting lines shall be installed
underground. In cases where underground installation may not be practical
due to physical conditions of the site or other limitations particular
to the surrounding area, the Planning Board may approve an alternative
location for these utility lines.
E.
Fire hydrants and other fire suppression techniques. Fire hydrants shall be installed in all subdivisions or developments where public water supply systems are installed. Where a public water supply system is not available, Article III of this code shall apply to all subdivisions or developments. Hydrant type, location, and spacing shall meet the minimum requirements of the National Fire Protection Association or as directed by the appropriate Fire District or water utility.
F.
Easements. The Planning Board may require the provision of easements
for installation and maintenance of utilities or for streams, or other
drainageways and structures, or for site distance purposes on private
land. Easements shall be identified on the plat by metes and bounds
description, tied in to the road monumentation, and shall be duly
recorded as such in the office of the Town Clerk as part of the recording
process. The Board may, at its discretion, require dedication of land
to the Town of West Greenwich in lieu of easements if such dedication
would provide greater control over and access to the intended use,
and meets a stated public purpose. Any such easement shall have a
width in accordance with the following standards:
|
Type of Easement
|
Minimum Easement Width
(feet)
| |
|---|---|---|
|
Sewers, storm drains and subdrainage
|
20
| |
|
Water and gas mains
|
20
| |
|
Underground conduits and cables
|
20
| |
|
For all other purposes
|
As necessary
|
A.
Buffer strips. The Planning Board may require a vegetated buffer between new development and existing streets, neighborhoods, active farmland, adjacent park or conservation land, or other surrounding uses or areas. Buffer areas shall be planted in accordance with the landscaping standards in § 450-49 of this article, above. In cases where quality woodland exists, it shall be preserved to provide the minimum buffers in Subsection A(3) below, and additional shrubs shall be provided, if needed.
(1)
Where a proposed residential subdivision or land development project,
or any nonresidential development directly impacts abutting residential
lots that are developed, or when existing structures are located within
100 feet of the perimeter of the proposed development area, the Planning
Board may require a permanent buffer strip providing for the preservation
of existing trees or other vegetation, or for the planting of new
vegetation having adequate density, height and type of vegetation,
in order to provide an all-season visual and audio screen, or to block
light or other nuisances, between the proposed development and adjacent
land uses. Structures and off-street parking and loading and storage
areas shall not be permitted in any buffer area.
(2)
This buffer may be provided in the form of a no-cut easement on the
proposed property, and the Planning Board may require additional plantings
and/or berms or fencing. Where such easements are located on privately
owned lots, they shall not be counted toward the minimum required
open space area.
(3)
The width of the required buffer shall be as follows:
(a)
At least 50 feet between residential land uses;
(b)
At least 100 feet between industrial or commercial land development
projects and residential zone boundaries;
(c)
At least 50 feet between industrial or commercial developments
and existing residential uses;
(d)
At least 50 feet between industrial and commercial zone boundaries.
B.
Setback buffers from water bodies.
(1)
Sewage disposal facilities that are designed to leach wastes into
the soil shall be located not less than 200 feet from the edge of
any pond or stream within the Town.
(2)
The Planning Board may require a one-hundred-foot conservation easement
buffer for streams and vernal pools in order to protect the Town's
natural resources and to enhance greenway corridors.
C.
Wetland
buffers, as defined in R.I.G.L. § 2-1-20, shall be included
in the calculation of a minimum lot area and in the total number of
square feet or acres of a tract or parcel of land before calculating
the maximum potential number of units or lots for development; provided,
however, that this subsection shall not apply to lots directly abutting
surface reservoirs with direct withdrawals used for public drinking
water. Nothing herein changes the definition and applicability of
a "buildable lot" as set forth under R.I.G.L. § 45-23-60(a)(4);
and nothing herein permits the disturbance of wetlands or wetland
buffers or otherwise alters the provisions of the Freshwater Wetlands
Act (R.I.G.L. § 2-1-18 et seq.).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of codification.
A.
General. "Stormwater management" shall be defined as the identification,
analysis and management of potential short- and long-term impacts
(adverse or otherwise) to stormwater patterns resulting from any proposed
land development activity. Stormwater management shall consist of
the following two subsections:
(1)
Sedimentation and erosion control. This subsection shall generally
deal with short-term stormwater issues prevalent during the active
construction phase of a land development project.
(2)
Stormwater mitigation. This subsection shall generally deal with
long-term stormwater issues resulting from and occurring after the
completion of a land development project.
B.
Planning Board authority. The Planning Board shall have the authority
to require the preparation of a stormwater management plan (SMP) for
any and all proposed land development activity, and shall review and
assess any stormwater management plans submitted for compliance with
these regulations. Furthermore, the Planning Board may require modifications
to stormwater management plans not meeting the requirements of these
regulations.
C.
SMP plan preparers. All plans and reports related to stormwater management
shall be prepared by a Rhode Island licensed professional engineer.
SEC items on plans need not be prepared or certified by a licensed
professional engineer.
D.
Sedimentation and erosion control (SEC).
(1)
Sedimentation and erosion control (SEC) shall focus on the short-term
impacts of a land development project on stormwater runoff during
construction. Elements of SEC shall be incorporated into the overall
land development plans; preparation of a separate SEC plan or report
shall not be required for land development projects, provided that
the required SEC elements are present in the overall land development
plans. Developers may submit a separate SEC plan and report if they
so choose.
(2)
Land development plans shall address the following SEC items, at
a minimum:
(a)
Existing conditions plans shall clearly identify any and all
of the following items within the land development project area:
[1]
Natural waterways and water bodies, particularly those which
could be susceptible to sedimentation or erosion (e.g., lakes, ponds,
rivers, streams, wetlands, etc.);
[2]
Man-made waterways and water bodies, including detention basins,
retention basins, catch basins and other drainage system inlets, etc.);
[3]
Areas particularly susceptible to erosion due to soil type,
ground cover, topography, or any combination of the three.
(b)
Proposed conditions plans shall address the following SEC items,
at a minimum:
[1]
Proposed limits of disturbance (LOD) in all areas of the land
development project;
[2]
Location and type of all proposed SEC measures to be installed
prior to the start of construction and maintained throughout the duration
of the project;
[3]
Standard material and installation details for all proposed
SEC measures to be installed during the course of the project;
[4]
A detailed construction sequence, including the installation,
maintenance, and removal of SEC measures as individually identified
steps in the construction sequence;
[5]
A detailed maintenance plan for all SEC measures, including
frequency of inspections, maintenance and repair requirements, and
information on final removal and disposal.
(3)
SEC design standards.
(a)
Structural SEC measures shall consist of physical barriers,
obstructions or diversions designed to prevent or minimize the occurrence
of erosion and/or sedimentation during construction.
[1]
Structural SEC measures shall generally be in accordance with
the standards and specifications of the most current edition of the
Rhode Island Sedimentation and Erosion Control Handbook (RISECH),
prepared by the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service in
cooperation with the Southern Rhode Island Conservation District.
The RISECH is on file and available for viewing in the West Greenwich
Town Clerk's office during normal office hours.
[3]
The land development design consultant shall be responsible
for specifying the most appropriate structural measure or measures
to be used in a particular area, depending on the specific and unique
nature of the area to be protected.
[4]
The land development contractor shall be responsible for properly
installing and maintaining the specified structural SEC measure or
measures throughout the course of the project.
(b)
Nonstructural SEC measures shall include design and/or construction
methods and methodologies which shall prevent or minimize the occurrence
of erosion and/or sedimentation during construction.
[1]
Nonstructural SEC measures shall generally be in accordance
with the standards and specifications of the most current edition
of the Rhode Island Sedimentation and Erosion Control Handbook (RISECH),
prepared by the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service in
cooperation with the Southern Rhode Island Conservation District.
The RISECH is on file and available for viewing in the West Greenwich
Town Clerk's office during normal office hours.
[2]
Proposed nonstructural SEC measures may include, but not be
limited to, any combination of the following:
[a]
Minimization of land-clearing activities and preservation
of existing vegetative ground cover;
[b]
Avoidance of excessive earthwork (cutting, filling,
or both) which would result in the presence of large volumes of loose
soil on the site;
[c]
Appropriate scheduling and sequencing of construction
so as to minimize the size of the disturbed area at any given time;
[d]
Use of temporary seeding and/or mulching of disturbed
areas;
[e]
Prompt establishment of vegetative cover upon completion
of the work in a given area.
[3]
The land development design consultant shall be responsible
for designating the most appropriate nonstructural SEC measure or
measures to be used on a land development project, depending on the
unique nature of the area to be protected.
[4]
The land development contractor shall be responsible for employing
the designated nonstructural SEC measure or measures throughout the
course of the project.
(4)
Responsibility for SEC measures.
(a)
The owner/developer of a land development project shall be ultimately
and solely responsible for the implementation and appropriate maintenance
of all SEC measures throughout the duration of a land development
project.
(b)
In the event of a failure for any reason of any SEC measures
which results in the erosion of land and/or sedimentation of an area,
the owner/developer shall be responsible for promptly undertaking
any and all measures necessary to correct, repair, or otherwise remedy
the results of the failure, at his sole expense.
(c)
The Town of West Greenwich, and specifically the Planning Board
and its agents, shall not assume any liability or responsibility for
damages resulting from the failure of an SEC measure, regardless of
its role as the authorizing entity for the SEC components of a land
development project.
(5)
Final site stabilization and SEC measure removal.
(a)
Upon substantial completion of all proposed site construction
work, the Town and/or its agent shall perform a final SEC inspection
in order to verify that the site has been sufficiently stabilized
to allow for the removal of SEC measures.
(b)
The following shall be the minimum criteria to have been met
in order for a project to be considered sufficiently stabilized for
SEC removal:
(c)
Upon verification by the Planning Board and/or its duly authorized
agents that the following items have been completed, the Town shall
notify the developer that the site has been sufficiently stabilized,
and the structural SEC measures may be removed and properly disposed
of by the developer or his contractor. Care shall be taken during
the removal of SEC measures not to disturb or damage any of the site
work previously completed.
(d)
The issuance of said notification and the subsequent removal
of SEC measures shall not release the developer of his warranty obligations;
the developer shall be solely responsible for repairing and/or correcting
any and all erosion or sedimentation problems on the site arising
during the remainder of the warranty period.
E.
Stormwater
mitigation plan (SMP).
(1)
The stormwater mitigation plan (SMP) shall focus on the long-term
impacts of a land development project on stormwater runoff after the
construction of a land development project is complete. Elements of
the SMP shall be incorporated into the overall land development plans;
in addition, a separate SMP report shall be required for land development
projects which includes all items listed in the SWMB checklist.
(2)
Land development plans and the SMP shall address the following items,
at a minimum:
(c)
Stormwater mitigation measure design(s).
[1]
Mitigation of increases in peak runoff flow rates (required).
[2]
Mitigation of increases in peak runoff volumes (recommended).
[3]
Provision of water quality treatment (required for projects
which include roadway creation).
[4]
Detailed operation and maintenance (O&M) plans for all proposed
components of the stormwater mitigation system.
[5]
Language for any and all easements to be granted to the Town
for future maintenance of stormwater mitigation features (as needed
for Town-maintained stormwater features located on or accessed through
private property).
[6]
Language for maintenance agreements between the Town and the
developer, his heirs and assigns (e.g., homeowners' associations)
establishing maintenance responsibility for stormwater mitigation
features (required only for stormwater features which will not be
maintained by the Town).
(3)
SMP analysis standards. The following analysis standards shall be
met for all SMPs:
(a)
Watershed maps. All land development project SMPs shall include
detailed pre- and post-development watershed maps of the entire project
area of a land development project, which shall depict the following:
[1]
Pre-development maps.
[a]
Existing topography (minimum two-foot contour intervals);
[b]
Existing physical features, including ground cover,
structures, roads, driveways, natural or man-made waterways and water
bodies, utilities, and other natural features;
[c]
Clearly delineated watershed perimeters for all
pre-development analysis watersheds;
[d]
Assumed time to concentration (Tc) flow paths;
[e]
Watershed annotations providing relevant information
on each pre-development analysis watershed, including (at a minimum)
watershed area, impervious area, soil type and hydrologic group (TR-55
only), CN or C coefficient, Tc, peak one-hundred-year runoff flow
rate and runoff volume.
[2]
Post-development maps.
[a]
Proposed topography (minimum two-foot contour intervals);
[b]
Proposed physical features, including ground cover,
structures, roads, driveways, natural or man-made waterways and water
bodies, utilities, and other natural features;
[c]
Clearly delineated watershed perimeters for all
post-development analysis watersheds;
[d]
Assumed time to concentration (Tc) flow paths;
[e]
Watershed annotations providing relevant information
on each post-development analysis watershed, including (at a minimum)
watershed area, impervious area, soil type and hydrologic group (TR-55
only), CN or C coefficient, Tc, peak one-hundred-year runoff flow
rate and runoff volume.
[3]
Pre- and post-development watershed maps may be included as
individual sheets in the overall land development plans, or may be
provided separately within the SMP. Watershed maps shall be depicted
at a scale no smaller than one inch equals 100 feet.
(b)
Pre- and post-development analysis methods. U.S.D.A. NRCS TR-55
Methodology (preferred) or the Rational Method.
(c)
Design storms. The SMP shall analyze the two-, ten-, twenty-five-
and one-hundred-year storm events.
(4)
SMP design standards.
(a)
Structural SMP measures shall consist of a combination of physical
structures designed to collect, convey and mitigate the increases
in peak flow rates and volumes of stormwater runoff generated by a
land development project.
[1]
Structural SMP measures shall generally be in accordance with
the standards and specifications of the most current edition of the
Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual (RISDIS)
and the Town of West Greenwich Stormwater Management Plan (WGSMP).
[2]
Proposed structural SMP measures may include, but not be limited
to, any combination of the following:
[a]
Collection and conveyance systems. Proposed SMP
collection and conveyance components shall be adequately sized to
collect and convey the full magnitude of post-development stormwater
runoff generated by the one-hundred-year storm event. In addition,
all collection system piping (regardless of pipe diameter) shall be
designed to maintain a minimum flow velocity of two feet per second.
[b]
Stormwater mitigation structures. Proposed SMP
mitigation structures shall be designed to completely mitigate any
increases in the peak flow rates resulting from the proposed land
development, such that the post-development runoff peak flow rate
generated by the land development is less than or equal to the pre-development
peak flow rate, for all analyzed storms up to and including the one-hundred-year
event.
[i]
Detention, retention and/or infiltration basins.
The Town strongly encourages the use of multiple smaller ponds, as
site conditions permit, to distribute the drainage more closely to
the natural drainage pattern, rather than one large basin.
[ii]
Infiltration trenches.
[iii]
Subsurface infiltration chambers.
[3]
Developers are strongly encouraged to use structural SMP measures
which promote volumetric mitigation in addition to peak flow rate
mitigation, specifically by means of stormwater infiltration, where
practicable (based on soil types and depth to groundwater table).
[4]
In areas where stormwater mitigation structures are proposed,
and specifically for infiltration structures, designers shall provide
sufficient empirical data (e.g., soil evaluation logs) in the SMP
on subsurface conditions in the vicinity of the proposed mitigation
structures, demonstrating that there is adequate vertical clearance
to the groundwater table for said structures to work properly at all
times, and demonstrating that the soil types surrounding the structure
are suitable for the use of infiltration. The Planning Board may,
at its sole discretion, require additional subsurface investigations
from the designer.
[5]
Stormwater mitigation features for projects involving roadway
creation shall also be required to provide water quality treatment.
The standard for water quality treatment shall be the removal of 80%
of the total suspended solids contained in the stormwater runoff,
and the required water quality treatment volume shall be equal to
one inch of runoff over all impervious areas.
(b)
Nonstructural SMP measures shall consist of general design approaches
and methodologies which shall help to maintain, as closely as possible,
the pre-development stormwater runoff patterns while minimizing the
need for structural SMP measures.
[1]
Nonstructural SMP measures shall generally be in accordance
with the standards and specifications of the most current edition
of the Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual
(RISDIS) and the Town of West Greenwich Stormwater Management Plan
(WGSMP).
[2]
Proposed nonstructural SMP measures may include, but not be
limited to, any combination of the following:
[a]
Reduction of impervious areas to the maximum extent
practicable;
[b]
Reduction of land-disturbing activities and the
preservation of existing natural ground cover to the maximum extent
practicable;
[c]
Minimization of proposed slopes throughout the
land development, so as to increase the time to concentration and
reduce the peak flow rate;
[d]
Use of "natural" or vegetative conveyance structures
such as grassed swales in lieu of "artificial" conveyance structures
such as pipes and catch basins;
[e]
Use of infiltration to the maximum extent allowable
as determined by water table depths and soil characteristics.
[3]
The Planning Board, at its sole discretion, may require developers
to fully investigate the feasibility of employing some or all of these
nonstructural measures prior to granting approval of a land development
project. (See Appendix A for resources.[2])
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
The purpose of site design is to create a functional and attractive
development, to minimize adverse impacts, and to ensure that a project
will be an asset to the community. To promote this purpose, land development
projects, development plans, and subdivisions shall conform to the
following standards, which are designed to result in a well-planned
community without adding unnecessarily to development costs.
(2)
In reviewing any plan, the Planning Board shall take into consideration the West Greenwich Comprehensive Community Plan, the public health, safety and general welfare, the comfort and convenience of the public in general and of the residents of the immediate neighborhood in particular, and shall set any appropriate conditions and safeguards in harmony with the general purpose and intent of Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code and these regulations, and according to the general criteria and standards set forth herein.
(3)
The Planning Board shall consider whether the parcel being subdivided
or developed has the potential for further subdivision or development
under current applicable zoning regulations. If it has such potential,
the Planning Board shall consider the impacts from such future development
in its review of the proposed subdivision or development and may impose
any or all of the site design standards provided in this section as
necessary to mitigate such impacts.
(4)
If the Planning Board finds a project to be unusually large, or if
it is likely to become a Town landmark, or if it is in a visually
prominent area, or if it is located so as to become part of the Town
gateway, the design must acknowledge the special impact the project
would have on the entire community by addressing the design solution
in an exemplary manner.
B.
Site analysis. An analysis of the site and nearby areas shall be
required by the Planning Board for all major subdivisions, minor subdivisions
with road creation, and all land development projects and development
plans. The scope and content of the site analysis shall be discussed
during the pre-application meeting and shall be presented by the applicant
during the master plan stage of review for major projects, and at
the preliminary stage of review for all other projects. Such an analysis
may be required by the Planning Board for minor frontage lot subdivisions
if the Board finds that the proposed development may have a negative
impact on the existing natural and built environment or would be inappropriate
for the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Such a site analysis
shall include written (master or preliminary) plan narrative and a
graphic analysis of the following characteristics of the development
site: site context; geology and soil; agricultural lands; wetlands;
topography; climate; ecology; existing vegetation, structures, and
road networks; visual features; historic features; rare or endangered
plant or animal species; vernal pools; and past and present use of
the site.
C.
Subdivision and site development design.
(1)
Design of the development shall take into consideration all existing
Town and regional plans for the surrounding community.
(2)
Development of the site shall be based on the characteristics of
the site and upon the site analysis. To the maximum extent practicable,
development shall be located to preserve the natural features of the
site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, and to minimize
negative impacts and alteration of natural features, historic and
cultural resources, and areas of scenic value which contribute to
the character of the Town.
(3)
The following specific areas shall be preserved as undeveloped open
space or lot area, to the extent consistent with the reasonable utilization
of land, and in accordance with applicable state or Town regulations:
(a)
Unique and/or fragile areas, including freshwater wetlands;
(b)
Significant trees or stands of trees, or other vegetative species
that are rare, threatened, or endangered to the area or are of particular
horticultural or landscape value;
(d)
Steep slopes in excess of 15%, unless appropriate engineering
measures concerning slope stability, erosion, and resident safety
are taken;
(e)
Habitats of rare, threatened, or endangered wildlife flora and
fauna, as identified on applicable federal or state lists;
(f)
Historically significant structures and sites, as listed on
federal or state lists of historic places;
(g)
Agricultural lands, as defined herein; and
(h)
Scenic vistas and features.
(4)
The development should be laid out to: avoid adversely affecting
groundwater and aquifer recharge; to reduce cut and fill; to avoid
unnecessary impervious cover; to prevent flooding; to provide adequate
access to lots and sites; and to mitigate adverse effects of shadow,
traffic, drainage, and utilities on neighboring properties. Consideration
shall be made of existing geological and topographical features so
that the most appropriate use of land is encouraged.
(5)
Development should take advantage of natural solar irradiation through
southern exposure and design features in order to reduce energy usage
and increase connections to the surrounding environment. Vegetation,
berms, and shade structures should be used to provide warmer areas
during winter and cooler areas during summer. Consider utilizing the
space between buildings as viable "outdoor rooms" which can function
as pedestrian transition areas, provide building connections and overall
project cohesiveness. Building envelopes should be located so that
character-defining site features such as stone walls, open fields,
stands of mature trees, rolling topography (especially slopes in excess
of 15%), ridgelines and outcrops, wetlands, streams, rivers, ponds
and lakes, and listed historic and natural resources are preserved
whenever possible. Avoid placement of structures on ridgelines or
hillcrests. These areas are potentially erosive, exposed to the wind,
and highly visible, making the potential for negative impacts greater.
(6)
Preservation of natural features and amenities. Existing features
which would add value to residential development or to the Town as
a whole, such as woodlands, wetlands, wildflower sites and other sites
of unique botanical interest, areas of historic and cultural value,
sites listed on the Rhode Island Heritage Program, rare and endangered
species, and historic cemeteries, stone walls, and similar irreplaceable
assets, shall be preserved in the design of the subdivision or development.
Scenic, historical, archaeological landmark sites, and features that
are located on or adjacent to the proposed development shall be preserved
and protected. In proposed developments where such sites have been
identified, advisory opinions shall be sought from appropriate state
and local agencies.
(7)
The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as
environmentally desirable, by minimizing tree and soil removal. If
development of the site necessitates the removal of established trees,
special attention shall be given to the planting of replacements or
to other landscape treatment. Any grade changes shall be in keeping
with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas.
(8)
A proposed development shall be designed so as to provide for proper
surface water management through a system of controlled drainage that
preserves existing natural drainage patterns and wetlands; enhances
groundwater recharge areas; and protects other properties and existing
natural and artificial drainage features from the adverse effects
of flooding, erosion and the depositing of silt, gravel or stone.
(9)
Pedestrian and bicycle circulation shall be separated from motor
vehicle circulation. Safe and convenient pedestrian circulation, including
sidewalks, where appropriate, shall be provided on the site and its
approaches. The pedestrian circulation plan shall be designed to minimize
potential conflicts between vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. When
adjacent residential and nonresidential uses can mutually benefit
from connection rather than separation, applicable connective elements
such as walkways, common landscape areas, building orientation, and
unfenced property lines shall be employed.
(10)
Electric, telephone, other wire-served utility lines and service
connections shall be underground insofar as feasible and subject to
state public utilities regulations. Any utility installations remaining
above ground shall be located so as to have a harmonious relationship
to neighboring properties and to the site.
(11)
Architectural style shall be in harmony with the prevailing
character and scale of buildings in the neighborhood and the Town
through the use of appropriate building materials, screening, breaks
in roof and wall lines and other architectural techniques. Variation
in detail, form and siting shall be used to provide visual interest
and to avoid monotony. Proposed buildings shall relate harmoniously
to each other with adequate light, air, circulation, and separation
between buildings.
(12)
The development shall be served with adequate water supply and
waste disposal systems.
(13)
The development shall not place excessive demands on Town services
and infrastructure.
(14)
The development shall comply with all zoning requirements.
D.
Residential development design.
(1)
The Planning Board may vary street locations, lot shapes and dimensions, yards, and setbacks for the purpose of encouraging and promoting flexibility, economy, and environmental soundness in layout and design, provided they conform to the minimum dimensional requirements of Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code and the lot design standards of the land development and subdivision regulations.
(2)
Residential lots shall front on local streets wherever possible.
(3)
Every lot shall have sufficient access to it for emergency vehicles
as well as for those needing access to the property in its intended
use.
(4)
The placement of dwelling units in residential developments shall
take into consideration topography, privacy, building height, orientation,
drainage, and scenic values.
(5)
Lots shall be designed so that proposed buildings have adequate privacy
from adjacent streets.
(6)
Vegetated buffer areas may be required by the Planning Board, where
necessary, to avoid adverse impacts from adjacent uses.
(7)
The Planning Board may require construction of a private service
road or common driveways to eliminate curb cuts on main arterial and
collector streets, where practicable. Provisions may be made for construction
of a common driveway to provide vehicular access to multiple frontage
lots from a common access point (or points) onto the public street
on which the lots front, or from a local side road. Minimum standards
for the design and construction of such service roads may be imposed
by the Planning Board in order to provide safe vehicular access.
(8)
Easements or other assurances may be required to be granted to the Town to prohibit individual driveway access from lots onto frontage streets if adequate provision is made for access from individual lots to service roads required in Subsection D(7) above.
(9)
Provisions shall be made for ensuring adequate site distances from
proposed driveways or common driveways onto adjacent public streets
in order to alleviate any potentially hazardous situations.
(10)
Improvements to the street on which the proposed lot(s) fronts
may be required in order to provide safe vehicular access.
(11)
Screening/Buffering/Landscaping of the lot and/or driveway from
adjacent public streets may be required;
(12)
Preservation of any existing unique natural and/or historic
features such as trees or stone walls may be required.
(13)
The Planning Board requires site plans for individual lots in
order to obtain a building permit. House location, driveway location
and slope, lot grading, roof runoff infiltration, site drainage design,
septic location, sedimentation and erosion controls, including protected
limits of disturbance (at a minimum, the SEC requirements of the approved
project), may be required to be reviewed by the Town, at the applicant's
expense.
E.
Multifamily, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing development
design.
(1)
General.
(a)
A multifamily or nonresidential subdivision or development shall also be subject to all the requirements set forth in Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code, the requirements of these regulations, as well as such additional standards required by the Planning Board, and shall conform to the proposed land use and standards established in the Comprehensive Community Plan and other accepted planning studies and reports.
(b)
If a proposed subdivision or development includes land that
is zoned for commercial or industrial purposes, the layout of the
subdivision and/or site with respect to such land shall make such
provisions as the Planning Board may require.
(2)
Standards. In addition to the principles and standards in these regulations,
which are appropriate to the planning of all subdivisions and developments,
the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Planning
Board that the land itself and design and layout of the proposed subdivision
and/or site are specifically adapted to the uses anticipated and take
into account other uses in the vicinity. The following principles
and standards shall be observed:
(a)
Proposed industrial parcels shall be suitable in area and dimensions
to the types of industrial development anticipated.
(b)
Street rights-of-way and pavement shall be adequate to accommodate
the type and volume of traffic anticipated to be generated thereupon.
(c)
Special requirements may be imposed by the Planning Board with
respect to the installation of public utilities, including water,
sewer, and storm drainage.
(d)
Stormwater management systems shall be designed for maintenance
to be conducted on-site by the owners at regular intervals. A schedule
for maintenance shall be submitted with the final plans.
(e)
Special requirements may be imposed by the Planning Board with
respect to street, curb, gutter, and sidewalk design and construction.
(f)
Every effort shall be made to protect adjacent residential areas
from potential nuisance from a proposed multifamily, commercial or
industrial subdivision or development, including the provision of
extra depth in parcels backing up on existing or potential residential
development and provisions for a permanently landscaped buffer strip
when necessary.
(g)
Streets carrying nonresidential traffic, especially truck traffic,
shall not normally be extended to the boundaries of adjacent existing
or potential residential areas.
(h)
Relationship of proposed structures to environment.
[1]
Proposed structures shall be related harmoniously to each other,
the terrain, existing buildings, and roads in the vicinity that have
a visual relationship to the proposed structures.
[2]
Proposed structures shall be so sited as to minimize adverse
impact upon the surrounding area, and particularly upon any nearby
residences, or visual impact to the streetscape, by reason of:
[a]
Building location, height, bulk and shadows;
[b]
Building architecture, landscaping, and/or vegetative
screening;
[c]
Location, intensity, direction and times of use
of outdoor lighting;
[d]
Traffic generation, noise generation and pollution;
[e]
Alteration of natural drainage patterns;
[f]
Likelihood of nuisances; and
[g]
Other similar considerations.
[3]
Appropriate natural or artificial screening may be required
to minimize any such adverse impact.
(i)
On-site parking and circulation.
[1]
The location, width and layout of interior drives shall be appropriate
for the proposed interior circulation. Location and layout of accessory
off-street parking and loading spaces shall provide for efficient
circulation and the safety of pedestrians and vehicles.
[2]
The location of parking areas shall not detract from the design
of proposed buildings and structures or from the appearance of the
existing neighboring buildings, structures and landscape. Provision
shall be made for access by police, fire and emergency vehicles.
[3]
Internal connectivity between abutting sites is encouraged and
may be required by the Planning Board.
[4]
A landscaped buffer strip at least 10 feet wide, continuous
except for approved curb cuts, and not including any sidewalk, shall
be established adjacent to any public road, between the parking lot
and the property line. The buffer strip shall be landscaped with grass,
shrubs, and ornamental or shade trees (minimum 2 1/2 inch caliper
diameter at breast height, that will have, when fully mature, a trunk
of at least 12 inches in diameter, planted at least every 30 feet
along the road frontage), and may include fences, berms, or other
landscape features at the discretion of the Board. In cases where
quality woodland exists, preserve existing trees between the parking
lot and the right-of-way; provide additional evergreen trees and shrubs,
if needed, to achieve an effective visual buffer. Required perimeter
landscaped buffers shall not be applied to the required parking lot
landscaping area.
[5]
Landscaped areas within parking lots shall occupy a minimum
of 10% of the total parking area, with 50% of the landscaping distributed
throughout the parking area itself. Trees, shrubbery and other landscaping
features shall be of a species and size necessary to provide for shade
and for screening of unsightly or highly trafficked areas from public
rights-of-way or adjacent uses. The interior of the parking area shall
incorporate landscaped areas in appropriate locations in order to
prevent long, uninterrupted rows of parking spaces. Additional perimeter
screening and other buffer areas may be required. A minimum of 10
square feet of landscaping for each parking space shall be provided
within any off-street parking area. Each row of parking spaces shall
be terminated by landscaped islands which measure not less than five
feet in width and not less than 18 feet in length.
[6]
The following alternatives may be considered:
[a]
Provide a continuous landscape strip between every
four rows of parking. This strip shall be a minimum of eight feet
in width.
[b]
Create large planting islands (over 600 square
feet) to be located throughout the lot and planted with shade trees
and low shrubs and/or ground cover.
[c]
Provide planting islands (a minimum of nine feet
wide) between every 10 spaces to 15 spaces to avoid long rows of parked
cars. Each island should provide at least one shade tree.
[d]
Divide large parking lots into a series of smaller
connected lots using raised landscape strips at least five feet wide
(preferably more), with one shade tree for every five spaces.
[7]
Perimeter parking lot landscaping between similar uses shall
also be provided. A landscape strip a minimum width of four feet around
the perimeter of the paved area of the lot abutting other lots shall
be provided, except for any curb cuts to abutting properties. This
perimeter strip shall be planted with shade trees and low shrubs,
and shall contain a minimum of one shade tree per every 40 feet of
lot perimeter. Additional shade trees may be necessary to effectively
shade/screen the parking lot. In cases where quality woodland exists,
preserve it to provide the minimum buffer, and provide additional
shrubs, if needed.
[8]
Parking areas should be separated from buildings by a raised
walkway or planting strip at least five feet (preferably more) wide.
Where the proposed building is surrounded on all four sides by public
parking serving the building, all four sides shall require a landscaped
planting area. Parking areas directly abutting the building shall
not be considered acceptable.
[9]
Loading areas shall not be in front of buildings. Locate loading
areas at the rear or sides of buildings and screen as appropriate.
Areas adjacent to residential properties should be free of service
circulation.
(j)
Landscaping, general requirements. Landscaping shall be provided as part of the development design, and shall constitute a minimum of 15% of the entire site. All areas of the site not occupied by buildings and required improvements shall be either left in their natural wooded state, or shall be landscaped by the planting of grass or other vegetative ground cover, shrubs, and trees as part of the approved landscape plan. See § 450-49 of this article for requirements of a landscaping plan. A minimum of 70% of each landscaped area, at time of planting, shall be planted with grass, ground cover, shrubs, or other living vegetation, with the balance in mulch or other approved media.
(l)
Performance bond. The Planning Board may require an improvement
guarantee to be provided by the applicant to ensure that the project
will be completed in accordance with the approved plans and conditions
imposed by the Board. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued
until all site improvements have been completed or otherwise guaranteed.
There shall be a two-year guarantee on all new plant material, and
the Board may require a maintenance bond to ensure the implementation
and long-term maintenance of landscaping requirements. If any required
tree or shrub dies within the two-year period, it shall be replaced.
F.
Circulation system design.
(1)
Any road system shall be designed to permit the safe, efficient,
and orderly movement of traffic; to meet, but not exceed, the needs
of the present and future population served; to have a simple and
logical pattern; to respect natural features and topography; and to
present an attractive streetscape.
(2)
In a residential subdivision, the road system shall be designed to
serve the needs of the neighborhood in which it is located, including
the connection to vacant and/or developed adjacent properties.
(3)
The development proposal generally shall minimize adverse traffic
effects on the road networks serving the area in question. A traffic
study may be required to document the existing conditions and the
potential impacts of the proposed development.
(4)
Driveway connection to public streets. All entrance and exit driveways
to, or proposed intersections with, public streets shall be located
with due consideration for traffic flow and so as to afford maximum
safety to traffic on the public streets. Roadway design shall conform
to Town and State of Rhode Island Department of Transportation standards
(Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction), as appropriate.
All such entrances and exits and intersections shall be located and
designed to:
(a)
Conform with municipal sight distance requirements at corner
lots while in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Transportation
standards;
(b)
Achieve maximum practicable distance from street intersections,
from existing and proposed access connections and from adjacent properties;
(c)
Minimize left-hand turns and other turning movements;
(d)
Discourage the routing of vehicular traffic to and through local
residential streets; and
(e)
Driveways on state and local Town roads shall conform with control
dimensions for commercial and residential driveways in accordance
with RIDOT standards. (Refer to the RIDOT Rules and Regulations Concerning
Permission for Use of State Highway Rights-of-Way.)
G.
Landscape design.
(1)
Reasonable landscaping shall be provided at site entrances and in public areas. Refer to Chapter 400, Zoning, of the Town Code for nonresidential landscaping requirements. The landscaping regulations in Chapter 400 are the minimum requirements, and the Planning Board may require additional landscaping.
(2)
The plant or other landscaping material that best serves the intended
function shall be selected. Landscaping materials shall be appropriate
for the local environment, soil conditions, and availability of water.
The use of grasses that require minimal watering and fertilization
is encouraged, particularly in areas that are ecologically sensitive.
Native species are preferred, and invasive species are prohibited.
"Water-efficient" and "low-impact landscaping" shall be incorporated
in the design. Disturbance shall be minimized for individual home
sites. Lawn areas that are limited to areas needed for practical uses
are encouraged. A list of prohibited species is available from the
Town Planner's office (list of species to avoid generated from Rhode
Island Wild Plant Society).
H.
Architecture and building context.
(1)
General.
(a)
Exterior elevation drawings, prepared by a registered architect,
are required for all commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and multifamily
residential buildings. Exterior elevations shall identify proposed
wall materials and depict proposed colors for the project. Building
elevations shall indicate window locations, door locations, screening
of mechanical equipment and loading dock areas. Building elevations
shall be dimensioned to indicate building length and building height
in addition to notating the building roof pitch. A minimum of four
building elevations, one indicating each side of the building, shall
be provided.
(b)
The height and scale of a new building or structure and any
addition to an existing building shall be compatible and harmonious
within its site and with existing surrounding buildings. Architecture
and building materials shall be compatible with the character and
scale of buildings in the specific neighborhood in which the proposal
is sought, through the use of appropriate buildings, screenings, breaks
in the roof and wall lines and other architectural techniques as demonstrated
by existing rural architecture in the area. The Town of West Greenwich
has few examples to model because of the rural history of the Town
and the existing low-density development pattern. The immediate surrounding
area may not have any examples to study; however, the larger region
offers examples of other small New England towns. The Town of West
Greenwich has an expectation that new development will be of high
quality in design and will lend a pleasing visual element to our built
environment.
(2)
Commercial/Retail/Office/Restaurants.
(a)
These types of businesses are the most visible to the community
and tend to have the greatest visual impact to the public streetscape,
and also the greatest public use and interaction; therefore, their
design should be inviting, well-designed, and add to the established
personality of the community. Building elevations shall be designed
to fit into the surrounding neighborhood. Building forms shall be
designed to create and define visually attractive exterior and functional
spaces. Architectural gimmicks, such as roof lights, distinctive roof
shapes, large false cornices and parapets that sacrifice the integrity
of a streetscape to promote a single structure, should be avoided.
Buildings which demand visual attention through the use of bold colors
and materials which are not found to be consistent with maintaining
the rural character shall be avoided. The look of "big box" design
with excessive bulk and lack of detail shall be avoided.
(b)
Facades shall be articulated to reduce massive scale and uniform,
impersonal appearances of large buildings, and provide visual interest
that will be consistent with the community's identity, character,
and scale. Facades greater than 100 feet in length, measured horizontally,
shall incorporate wall plane 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. Ground-floor facades that face public
streets shall have arcades, display windows, entry areas, awnings,
or other such features along no less than 60% of their horizontal
length.
(c)
Roofs shall be an integral part of the building design and overall
form of the structure and should respond to the general design and
nature of other roofs along the street. Roofs shall have no less than
two of the following features:
[1]
Parapets concealing flat roofs and rooftop equipment such as
HVAC units from public view. The average height of such parapets shall
not exceed 15% of the height of the supporting wall, and such parapets
shall not at any point exceed 1/3 of the height of the supporting
wall. Such parapets shall feature three-dimensional cornice treatments;
[2]
Overhanging eaves, extending no less than three feet past the
supporting walls;
[3]
Sloping roofs that do not exceed the average height of the supporting
walls, with an average slope greater than or equal to one foot of
vertical rise for every three feet of horizontal run and less than
or equal to one foot of vertical rise for every one foot of horizontal
run;
[4]
Three or more roof slope planes.
(d)
Exterior building materials shall be aesthetically pleasing
and compatible with materials and colors used in traditional New England
architecture. Predominant exterior building materials shall be high-quality
materials, such as brick, wood, sandstone, other native stone, tinted,
textured, concrete masonry units. Stucco or other materials not typical
to traditional New England architecture shall not be allowed.
(e)
Auxiliary structures should be architecturally consistent with
primary structures on site.
(3)
Industrial/Manufacturing. This type of development tends to be recessed
off main roads without high visibility. It is recognized that due
to the use and functionality of the buildings needed for industrial
uses, they tend to not be designed for visual interest. However, should
an industrial use/building need to locate at a highly visible area,
attention to the visual impact is critical to the community. Commercial
or industrial structures consisting of large metal or cement block
buildings which lack design details shall be adequately screened from
the main road. For buildings with visibility from the main road, concrete
block, steel, or metal shall not be used as the principal exterior
surface and shall not be used on the front building surface except
for architectural treatments. "Principal exterior surface" shall mean
50% or more of the exterior wall surface. The Planning Board may require
the building design to comply with the commercial standards above,
or may require additional landscaping around the building, throughout
the parking lot, and along the street from which the building is visible
to frame and/or screen the building and to soften the appearance from
the main road.
(4)
Multifamily residential. Multifamily dwellings shall conform to the
predominant character of the surrounding neighborhood. Buildings shall
be designed with traditional roof forms and building scales that are
compatible with the character of the Town and other small New England
towns. Architectural elements such as dormers should be in proportion
with the overall building and should also be in keeping with the surrounding
building context. The Planning Board shall require traditional New
England style architectural drawings of the exteriors of proposed
units to be submitted as part of development review.
(5)
All buildings should be handicapped accessible in accordance with
state and federal laws. Hand railings shall be provided in accordance
with applicable regulations. Stairs should combine visual attractiveness
with safety considerations and provide landings every 10 stairs for
visual variation and pedestrian rest. Sloping paths are preferable
to ramps or lifts.
I.
Lighting. Lighting shall be designed so as not to disturb adjacent
properties or traffic. Lights should be directed down, and the height
of light standards shall be appropriate to the site.
J.
Site furnishings and amenities. The applicant may wish to include
site furnishings and amenities, such as gazebos, benches, trash containers,
fencing, etc., which should be shown on the plans. Site furnishings
shall be placed so as to leave adequate space for the stockpiling
and removal of snow. Exterior vending machines such as soft drink
and cigarette dispensers are discouraged, unless they are screened
such that they do not constitute another outdoor sign or advertising.
K.
On-site storage and use of materials.
(1)
Open storage areas, exposed machinery, refuse and waste removal areas,
service yards and exterior work areas, and parking lots shall be screened
from roads and adjacent residential areas through fencing and landscaping
and shall be made part of the landscape view.
(2)
Commercial vehicles shall be screened from public view to the greatest
extent possible.
A.
Purpose. This section is intended to ensure that the developer provides
off-site infrastructure improvements in order to mitigate the impacts
which are directly or indirectly attributable to new development.
Such improvements may be required by the Planning Board if the Board
finds that there is a reasonable relationship between the requested
improvement and the proposed new development. Off-site improvements
may include, but are not limited to, improvements to the following:
B.
Definition and principles. As a condition of final approval, the
Planning Board may require a developer to construct reasonable and
necessary improvements located off of the proposed land being subdivided
or developed. "Necessary improvements" are those clearly and substantially
related to the subdivision or development being proposed. The Planning
Board shall provide in its resolution of final approval the basis
for requiring such off-site improvements. In its resolution, the Board
must find that a significant negative impact on existing conditions
will result if the off-site improvements are not made, and are clearly
documented in the public record. The mitigation required as a condition
of approval must be related to the significance of the identified
impact. All required off-site improvements must be reflected in the
implementation sections of the various elements of the Comprehensive
Community Plan.
The Planning Board shall examine each proposed project to ensure
that:
A.
If any part of the proposed subdivision or development is located within an area of special flood hazard as identified in Article II, it is consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.
B.
It provides for adequate protection against flood damage with respect
to materials, design, and methods of construction.
C.
All public utilities and facilities such as sewers, gas, electrical
and water systems are elevated and constructed to minimize or eliminate
damage from flooding.
D.
Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
Wherever it is mandated by these regulations that certain tasks
associated with subdivision or development plans and improvements
be performed by registered professional engineers, registered professional
land surveyors, registered architects, and/or landscape architects,
all such tasks shall be performed according to existing and amended
standards of the State of Rhode Island Board of Registration for Professional
Engineers, Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors,
Board of Examination and Registration of Architects, and Board of
Examiners of Landscape Architects. Plans submitted for review must
be current, or recertified within the past year by the original surveyor
and/or engineer if previously recorded.
A.
All photogrammetric mapping shall meet ASPRS (American Society of
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) Class 1 mapping standards for the
specified contour interval (vertical) and shall meet, at a minimum,
ASPRS Class 2 standards for the specified mapping scale (horizontal).
B.
For minor subdivisions with a maximum two-lot total buildout and
no road creation. Topographical data can be prepared by a professional
land surveyor utilizing an actual field topographical survey of the
site.
C.
All topographic data shall be collected in Rhode Island State Plane
Coordinate System, NAD83 datum, in feet, to be compatible with the
RIGIS data formats and standards. All maps produced by photogrammetric
methods shall be stamped and signed by a certified photogrammetrist
(asprs), and shall clearly state what class and standard it meets.
USGS topo quad sheets are not acceptable base map data. Contours beyond
the parcel boundary, or for pre-application plans only, may be interpolated
from USGS published maps. Slopes greater than 15%, measured over overlapping
ten-foot spans, shall be clearly shaded on the plan.
The physical design requirements and public improvement standards for conservation design developments shall meet all of the requirements of §§ 450-46 through 450-57 of this article, and shall also meet the following additional requirements of this section as follows:
A.
Residential development design standards.
(1)
Views of house lots from exterior roads and abutting properties shall
be minimized by the use of changes in topography, existing vegetation,
or additional landscaping buffers.
(2)
House lots shall be accessed from interior streets rather than from
roads bordering the tract.
(3)
Placement of homes along one side of the local road ("single-loaded"
streets) may be required by the Planning Board to enhance design.
(4)
Lot lines shall follow natural boundaries such as stone walls, tree
lines, etc. as practicably possible.
(5)
Where possible, incorporate existing special features such as unique
trees, stone walls, glacial erratics, attractive views, etc. into
the design of the home sites.
(6)
Consideration shall be made for solar orientation, wind protection,
and other energy-efficient house siting techniques.
B.
Utilities.
(1)
Water shall be provided by private individual on-site wells.
(2)
On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS/ISDS) shall be located
on individual lots (off-lot or shared systems shall not be permitted).
(3)
Community wells are not permitted.
(4)
Community wastewater treatment facilities are not permitted.
(5)
Stormwater best management practices. Stormwater facilities and structures
for which Town maintenance will be required shall not be located on
individual house lots, nor encumbered by a conservation restriction,
and shall be encompassed by a drainage and right of access easement.
Drainage easement areas located within the open space lands may count
toward minimum open space requirements, provided they are naturally
landscaped and provide wildlife habitat. Conveyance systems shall
be within the public right-of-way. Stormwater management shall be
incorporated into the subdivision improvements, landscaping, and lot
design using low-impact development techniques.
C.
Street design standards. Streets within a conservation development shall be publicly owned and maintained and shall conform to the standards of § 450-47 of this article.
D.
Trail design standards. Trails shall be designed according to principles
of quality trail design, and incorporate accessibility features as
practicable. Guiding resources are provided in Appendix C.[1] The general location of recreational trails should be
sketched out on the master and preliminary plans. The owners of the
open space shall be responsible to develop the trails, and to ensure
the trails are built properly and do not readily erode. Trails shall
be constructed prior to the sale of any house lot, and shall be financially
guaranteed as part of the subdivision improvements.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix C is included as an attachment to this chapter.
E.
Open space and conservation land design standards. Land proposed
for the conservation component shall meet the following design criteria:
(1)
Include all of the land determined as unsuitable for development,
also known as "constraints to development" and/or "sensitive features"
(primary conservation areas).
(2)
Include a minimum of 50% of the suitable land from the total development,
incorporating the character-defining features of the site (such as
hedgerows, scenic views, etc.), the culturally significant features,
and the other environmentally sensitive features not considered land
unsuitable for development; and as prioritized for inclusion within
the open space by the Planning Board on a case-by-case basis (secondary
conservation areas). Road rights-of-way shall not be counted towards
the required minimum open space.
(3)
The open space shall be established as a lot or lots separate and
distinct from the lots intended for residential uses (except as permitted
for homestead lots), and from land dedicated as street rights-of-way.
(4)
It shall be free of all structures except cultural artifacts, stone
walls, and structures related to open space uses.
(5)
Environmentally sensitive conservation land shall be designed in
as large contiguous conservation areas as practicable to minimize
fragmentation.
(6)
Where feasible, open space borders shall utilize natural boundaries.
(7)
It shall be directly accessible to as many lots or dwellings within
the development as practicable. Lots or units which cannot be physically
adjacent to the open space may be provided with visual and/or safe
and convenient pedestrian access to the open space, where possible.
(8)
It shall directly abut existing and/or potential future conservation
land, as identified in the Town's Map of Potential Conservation Land,
to serve as part of a larger interconnected greenway network, where
applicable.
(9)
It shall provide for pedestrian and maintenance access to those areas
for public or common use, in accordance with the following requirements:
(10)
All conservation land that is not wooded, farmed, or managed as meadows shall be landscaped in accordance with the landscaping requirements of § 450-49, Landscaping standards, of this article.
(11)
The conservation area shall be staked and marked by a surveyor
in the field and on the plan.
