[Added 5-12-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-11]
A.
Intent. The intent of the site plan review process is to provide
a framework for the coordinated review of design elements contained
in an applicant's construction or development project that may have
impacts on the environment, the local economy and/or the character
of surrounding neighborhoods. The site plan review process improves
communication with the applicant, enhances project design and compliance
with applicable laws and regulations and reduces potentially negative
impacts on the City of Fall River and its residents.
B.
Implementation. A review committee shall be formed to implement this
section. The review committee shall consist of five members: the Inspector
of Buildings, the City Planner, the Administrator of Public Utilities,
the City Engineer and the Director of Administrative Services - Water,
each of whom may name a respective delegate. The review committee
shall review applicable projects in accordance with this section.
C.
Applicability.
(1)
Minor project: any project that is not included within the definition
of a "major project" and requires a building permit.
(2)
Major project: any project that includes one or more of the following
criteria and requires a building permit:
(a)
Residential developments (subdivisions) that are subject to
approval under the Subdivision Control Law (MGL c. 41, §§ 81K
through 81GG).
(b)
Development, redevelopment or expansion of any primary or accessory
structure that is utilized for commercial and/or industrial purposes
that is located on a lot with an area of 10,000 square feet or more.
(c)
Development (residential, commercial, industrial) that will
result in the creation of 30 or more off-street parking spaces.
D.
Exemptions. The following activities shall be exempt from the provisions
of this section:
(1)
Normal maintenance of stormwater management systems.
(2)
Emergency projects necessary for the protection of public health
or safety, provided that the work is to be performed and/or has been
ordered by any federal agency, agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
or by the Mayor of the City of Fall River.
E.
Administration.
(1)
Minor projects.
(a)
The applicant for a minor project shall include a drainage plan
and a locus/plot plan with his building permit application. The locus/plot
plan shall contain the following elements: parcel number, location
and dimensions of lot boundaries, identification of zoning district(s)
and setback requirements, location and dimensions of adjacent streets,
location and dimensions of existing driveways or other means of access
to and from the site, location of all utilities (including on site
location/size and connection to existing utility within the public
way identifying size/type) and location and dimensions of any deeds
of easement, rights-of-way, covenants and any other agreements connected
with the site.
(b)
The applicant shall submit an as-built plan containing the elements
required on the locus/plot plan prior to the issuance of a certificate
of occupancy.
(2)
Major projects. The applicant for a major project shall submit plans in accordance with Subsection F for review by the review committee established herein. All plans submitted shall be signed and stamped by a professional engineer or professional land surveyor licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All plans shall contain a North arrow and a scale.
F.
Procedure for major project review.
(2)
Within 14 calendar days of the applicant submitting all of the required
documentation, the review committee members shall each review the
major site plan review application and the accompanying plans and
materials. Within five business days of completing the review, each
review committee member shall provide comments in writing to the applicant
and a copy shall be filed with the Inspector of Buildings.
(3)
If the applicant does not agree to comply with one or more of the
comments provided by the review committee member(s), the applicant
shall request a subsequent meeting with the relevant review committee
member(s) in question to resolve such concerns prior to the issuance
of a building permit.
G.
Stormwater management standards.
(1)
All applicants of minor and major projects must submit a written
plan delineating compliance with applicable local, state and/or federal
stormwater requirements. The stormwater management plan must not cause
or contribute to flooding in the immediate or downstream areas. Sites
must maintain a minimum of 25% pervious surface or consistent with
applicable zoning regulations. Erosion controls must be installed
during construction or disturbance of the site.
(2)
All applicants must review existing sites as to past flooding issues,
capacity and size of existing drains and/or combined sewers. Those
areas with past flooding issues or potential future flooding issues
must be addressed by the applicant by mitigation, which can include
replacement and/or expansion of the downstream drains or combined
sewers.
(3)
Stormwater management plans must be approved by the Administrator
of Public Utilities and the City Engineer.
