As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ABANDONMENT
To cease or discontinue a use or activity without intent
to resume, but excluding temporary or short-term interruptions to
a use or activity during periods of remodeling, maintaining, or otherwise
improving a facility, or during normal periods of vacation or seasonal
closure. See § 255-830.
ABUTTER
One whose property abuts, that is, adjoins at a border, boundary,
or point with no intervening land.
ACCESSORY DWELLING STRUCTURE
An accessory residential structure that constitutes a dwelling
unit under these definitions and which is located on the same lot
as the principal residence.
[Amended 5-14-2018 by Ord. No. 04-18-322]
ACCESSORY FAMILY DWELLING UNIT (AFDU)/IN-LAW APARTMENT
An area, room or combination of rooms located in or attached
to an existing principal residence that constitute a separate and
distinct accessory dwelling unit for use by one or more family members
of the owner of the principal residence. The principal means of ingress
and egress to an accessory family dwelling unit shall be through the
living area within the principal residence and shall not rely on a
separate exterior entrance.
[Amended 5-14-2018 by Ord. No. 04-18-322]
ACCESSORY USE
A use of land or of a structure, or portion thereof, customarily
incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or structure.
An accessory use shall be restricted to the same lot as the principal
use. An accessory use shall not be permitted without the principal
use to which it is related.
ADAPTIVE REUSE
The conversion of an existing structure from the use for
which it was constructed to a new use by maintaining the elements
of the structure and adapting such elements to a new use.
[Added 11-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-4]
ADMINISTRATIVE VARIANCE
Permission granted and administered by the Building Inspector
or the Zoning Enforcement Officer of Coventry, and pursuant to the
provisions of this chapter contained herein, to grant a dimensional
variance other than lot area requirements from this chapter, but not
to exceed 25% of each of the applicable dimensional requirements.
AGGRIEVED PARTY
An aggrieved party, for purposes of this chapter, shall be:
A.
Any person who can demonstrate that their property will be injured
by a decision of any official, board or agency responsible for administering
this chapter; or
B.
Anyone requiring notice pursuant to this chapter or R.I.G.L.
Title 45, Chapter 24.
AGRICULTURAL LAND
"Agricultural land" as defined in R.I.G.L. § 45-22.2-4.
Land suitable for agriculture by reason of suitability of soil or
other natural characteristics or past use for agricultural purposes.
Agricultural land includes that defined as prime farm land or additional
farm land of statewide importance for Rhode Island by the Soil Conservation
Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
ALTERATION
Any change, addition, or modification in construction or
occupancy of an existing structure.
APPLICANT
An owner or authorized agent of the owner submitting an application
or appealing an action of any official, board or agency.
APPLICATION
The completed form or forms and all accompanying documents,
exhibits and plans, if any, required of an applicant by an approving
authority for development review, approval, or permitting purposes.
In the case of any application relating to a business park district
or a land development project in a business park district, infrastructure
inspection fees may be waived at the discretion of the Town Council.
ARTERIAL ROAD
A high-capacity urban road. The primary function of an arterial
road is to deliver traffic from collector roads to freeways, and between
collector roads and urban centers. Arterial roads are depicted in
the Circulation element of the Comprehensive Community Plan adopted
on August 14, 1992, as amended June 19, 2000.
AUTO SALES
The sale of more than three used or new vehicles on any property
or parcel per year.
BASEMENT
That portion of a building that is partly or completely below
grade.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST INN
An owner-occupied dwelling where short-term lodging rooms
and meals are provided for a fee.
BERM
An earthen mound designed to provide visual interest, screen
undesirable views, and/or decrease noise.
BOARD
The Zoning Board of Review.
BUFFER
Land which is maintained in either a natural or landscaped
state, and is used to screen and/or mitigate the impacts of development
on surrounding areas, properties or rights-of-way.
BUFFER, PERIMETER LANDSCAPE
A continuous area of land set aside along the perimeter of
a lot in which landscaping is used to provide a transition between
and to reduce the environmental, aesthetic, and other impacts of one
type of land use upon another.
BUILDING
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering
any use or occupancy.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
The three-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted
to be built on a lot and which is defined by regulations governing
building setbacks, maximum height, and bulk; by other regulations;
and/or any combination thereof.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance from grade, as determined by the Town,
to the top of the highest point of the roof or structure. The distance
shall exclude spires, chimneys, flag poles, and the like.
BUILDING HEIGHT IN A BUSINESS PARK
The vertical distance from grade, as determined by the location
of the main entrance to the structure, to the top of the highest point
of the roof or structure. The distance shall exclude spires, chimneys,
flag poles and the like.
BUSINESS PARK or PLANNED BUSINESS PARK
The purpose of this district is to denote major commercial and employment centers for the town. Land uses in this district include all commercial uses other than heavy industrial and certain other uses specifically prohibited. Business parks and development plans therefor, and land development projects in Business Park Districts, shall be approved, upon review and recommendation by the Planning Commission, administered and developed by the Town Council under the provisions of Article
XIV of this chapter, to the extent such provisions are deemed necessary and appropriate by the Council.
CAMPGROUNDS
One or more lots used for seasonal overnight residential
occupancy in permanent or semipermanent structures, such as cabins,
tents with tent platforms, or similar shelters. Such campgrounds may
include any necessary permanent structures accessory to the principal
use.
CAPACITY or LAND CAPACITY
The suitability of the land, as defined by geology, soil
conditions, topography, and water resources, to support its development
for uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, open space,
or recreation. Land capacity may be modified by provision of facilities
and services.
CLUSTER
A site planning technique that concentrates buildings in
specific areas on the site to allow the remaining land to be used
for recreation, common open space, and/or preservation of environmentally,
historically, culturally, or other sensitive features and/or structures.
COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
The raising and breeding of more than two animal units for
commercial enterprise, commercial greenhouses, and plant nurseries
or other farm products for the sale of commodities on or off the premises.
Assessory uses shall include sale of craft and perishable items produced
from materials cultivated on the property.
COMMERCIAL COMPOSTING
An operation in which solid waste, excluding animal renderings
and fish wastes, undergoes a process of accelerated biodegradation
and stabilization of organic material under controlled conditions
yielding a product which can safely be used. Such a product is then
sold either wholesale or retail to the general public. Note that consultation
with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is required
for such an operation.
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission for the Town of Coventry.
COMMON OWNERSHIP
Either:
A.
Ownership by one or more persons in any form of ownership of
two or more contiguous lots; or
B.
Ownership by any association (such ownership may also include
a municipality) of one or more lots under specific development techniques.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE
A home or residential facility where children and/or adults
reside in a family setting and may or may not receive supervised care.
This shall not include halfway houses or substance abuse treatment
facilities. This shall include, but not be limited to the following:
A.
Whenever six or fewer mentally handicapped children or adults
reside in any type of residence in the community, as licensed by the
state pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 40.1-24. All requirements pertaining
to local zoning are waived for these community residences;
B.
A group home providing care or supervision, or both, to not
more than eight mentally disabled or mentally handicapped or physically
handicapped persons, and licensed by the state pursuant to R.I.G.L.
40.1-24;
C.
A residence for children providing care or supervision, or both,
to not more than eight children including those of the care giver
and licensed by the state pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-72.1;
D.
A community transitional residence providing care or assistance,
or both, to no more than six unrelated persons or no more than three
families, not to exceed a total of eight persons, requiring temporary
financial assistance, and/or to persons who are victims of crimes,
abuse, or neglect, and who are expected to reside in that residence
not less than 60 days nor more than two years. Residents will have
access to and use of all common areas, including eating areas and
living rooms, and will receive appropriate social services for the
purpose of fostering independence, self-sufficiency, and eventual
transition to a permanent living situation.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The comprehensive community plan adopted by the Town of Coventry
and approved pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 45-22.2.
CONVENIENCE STORE
Any retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged food
products, household items, and any other goods commonly associated
with the same and having a gross floor area of less than 5,000 square
feet.
CUSTOMARY HOME OCCUPATION
Any occupation, profession, activity, or use that is clearly
a customary, incidental, and accessory use of a residential dwelling
unit carried out for gain by a resident, and which does not alter
the exterior of the property or affect the residential character of
the neighborhood.
DAY CARE: FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
Any home other than the individual's home in which day care
in lieu of parental care or supervision is offered at the same time
to six or fewer individuals who are not relatives of the care giver,
but may not contain more than a total of eight individuals receiving
day care.
DAYTIME
The hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
DEVELOPMENT
The construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural
alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining,
excavation, landfill or land disturbance; any change in use, or alteration
or extension of the use of land.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW
The process whereby authorized local officials review the
site plans, maps, and other documentation of a development to determine
compliance with the stated purposes and standards of this chapter.
DORMITORY
A structure used for housing by persons generally unrelated
to each other by blood or marriage, but associated by reason or participation
in the activities of a medical, religious, or educational organization.
Such institutional dormitories are characterized by the provision
of sleeping accommodations and common kitchen, dining or recreation
facilities.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
A system for the removal of water from land by drains, grading,
or other appropriate means. These techniques may include runoff controls
to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction
or development, the means for preserving surface and ground waters,
and the prevention and/or alleviation of flooding.
DRIVE-IN FACILITY
An establishment that encourages or permits customers to
receive a service or obtain a product, including food and drink, while
in an automobile on the premises, or after briefly parking the automobile.
See also "fast-food restaurant."
DUPLEX
Two single dwelling units each with separate entrances divided
by a common party wall.
DWELLING
A building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential
occupancy, but not including hotels, motels, lodging houses, trailers,
or structures solely for transient or overnight occupancy.
DWELLING UNIT
A structure or portion thereof providing complete, independent
living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions
for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and containing
a separate means of ingress and egress.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
A dwelling containing more than two dwelling units for occupancy
of families living independently of each other including apartment
houses, apartment hotels, and flats.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A building used exclusively for occupancy by two families
living independently of each other.
EARTH REMOVAL
The extraction of minerals and mining of materials from the
ground to include quarrying, milling, crushing, screening, washing,
and flotation of earthen materials, and other preparation customarily
done at the extraction site or as a part of the extractive activity.
FAMILY
A person or persons related by blood, marriage, or other
legal means. See also "household."
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT
An establishment that serves food and beverages inside or
outside the structure, generally in disposable containers, and where
such food and beverages may be removed from the premises for consumption.
FEDERALLY INSURED OR ASSISTED HOUSING
A.
Low-income housing units insured or assisted under Sections
221(d)(3) and 236 of the National Housing Act [12 U.S.C. § 1701
et seq.].
B.
Low-income housing units produced with assistance under Section
8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq.];
and
C.
Rural low-income housing financed under Section 515 of the Housing
Act of 1949 [12 U.S.C. § 1715Z].
FLOATING ZONE
An unmapped zoning district adopted within this chapter which
is established on the Zoning Map only when an application for development
meeting the zone requirements is approved.
FLOODPLAINS or FLOOD HAZARD AREA
As defined in R.I.G.L. § 45-22.2-4. An area that
has a one-percent or greater chance of inundation in any given year,
as delineated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant
to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended (P.L. 90-448)
[42 U.S.C. § 4011 et seq.].
FRONTAGE
The length of any one property line of a premises, which
property line abuts a legally accessible right-of-way, not burdened
by access easement, across which access is legally and physically
available for pedestrians and vehicles; or, in the case of a corner
lot, all sides of a lot adjacent to street rights-of-way shall be
considered frontage.
GARAGE
A building or structure, or part thereof, used or intended
to be used for the storage of vehicles.
GRADE
The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of
the ground, paving, or sidewalk within the area between the structure
and the property line.
GROCERY STORE
A commercial establishment that sells food, food kindred
products, and household goods, and that has a gross floor area of
10,000 square feet or less.
GROSS FLOOR AREA
The sum of the total horizontal areas of the several floors
of all buildings on a lot, measured from the interior faces of the
exterior walls, but shall not include floor space that provides less
than six feet of structural headroom, interior parking spaces, or
loading areas for motor vehicles.
GROUNDWATER
"Groundwater" and associated terms, as defined in R.I.G.L.
§ 46-13.1-3.
HALFWAY HOUSES
A residential facility for adults or children who have been
institutionalized for criminal conduct and who require a group setting
to facilitate the transition to a functional member of society.
HARDSHIP
A set of unique characteristics of land or structures that
result in an inability to conform with the standards and requirements
of this chapter. Hardship shall not include consideration of the characteristics
of surrounding land, or physical or economic disability of an applicant.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
A waste or combination of wastes of a solid, liquid, contained
gaseous, or semisolid form which because of its quantity, concentration
or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may:
A.
Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality
or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible
illness; or
B.
Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health
or the environment; or such wastes which include, but are not limited
to, those which are toxic, corrosive, flammable, irritants, strong
sensitizers, substances which are assimilated or concentrated in and
are detrimental to tissue, or which generate pressure through decomposition
or chemical reaction.
HISTORIC DISTRICT or HISTORIC SITE
As defined in R.I.G.L. § 45-22.2-4. "Historic district"
means one or more historic sites and intervening or surrounding property
significantly affecting or affected by the quality and character of
the historic site or sites, and has been registered, or is deemed
eligible to be included, on the state register of historical places
pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-45-5. "Historic site" means any
real property, man-made structure, natural object, or configuration
or any portion or group of the foregoing which has been registered,
or is deemed eligible to be included, on the state register of historic
places pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-45-5.
HOUSEHOLD
One or more persons living together in a single dwelling
unit, with common access to, and common use of, all living and eating
areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and storage
of food within the dwelling unit. The term "household unit" shall
be synonymous with the term "dwelling unit" for determining the number
of such units allowed within any structure on any lot in a zoning
district. An individual household shall consist of any one of the
following:
A.
A family, which may also include servants and employees living
with the family; or
B.
A person or group of no more than five unrelated persons living
together.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer
of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water,
including surfaces such as compacted sand, gravel, or clay, as well
as most conventionally surfaced streets, sidewalks, parking lots,
and other similar structures.
IMPULSIVE NOISE
Sound of short duration, usually less than one second, with
an abrupt onset and a rapid decay. Examples of impulsive noise include
explosions and the discharge of firearms.
INCOMPATIBILITY OF LAND USES
An issue arising from the proximity or direct association
of contradictory, incongruous, or discordant land uses or activities,
including the impacts of noise, vibration, smoke, odors, toxic matter,
and similar environmental conditions.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
Craft products created through the use of tools or machinery
for retail sale.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Facilities and services needed to sustain residential, commercial,
industrial, institutional, and other activities.
JUNKYARD
A lot, land or structure, or part thereof, used primarily
for the collecting, storage and sale of waste paper, rags, scrap metal
or discarded material; or for the collecting, dismantling, storage
and salvaging of three or more unregistered, inoperable motor vehicles
or other materials. (This shall also refer to auto salvage yards).
KENNEL
An establishment licensed to operate a facility housing dogs,
cats, or other household pets and where grooming, breeding, boarding,
training, or selling of animals is conducted as a business.
LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
A project in which one or more lots, tracts, or parcels of
land are to be developed or redeveloped as a coordinated site for
a complex of uses, units, or structures, including, but not limited
to, planned development and/or cluster development for residential,
commercial, institutional, recreational, open space, and/or mixed
uses as provided for in this chapter.
LANDSCAPING
Any combination of living plants (such as grass, ground cover,
shrubs, vines, hedges, or trees) and nonliving landscape material
(such as rocks, pebbles, sand, mulch, walls, fences, or decorative
paving materials).
LODGING HOUSE
A building with more than two but not more than 10 guest
rooms where lodging, with or without meals, is provided for compensation.
LOT
Either:
A.
The basic development unit for determination of lot area, depth,
and other dimensional regulations; or
B.
A parcel of land whose boundaries have been established by some
legal instrument such as a recorded deed or recorded map and which
is recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of transfer
of title.
LOT AREA
The total area within the boundaries of a lot, excluding
any street right-of-way, usually reported in acres or square feet.
LOT COVERAGE
That portion of the lot that is or may be covered by buildings,
accessory buildings and impervious surfaces.
LOT DEPTH
The distance measured from the front lot line to the rear
lot line. For lots where the front and rear lot lines are not parallel,
the lot depth is an average of the depth.
LOT LINE
A line of record, bounding a lot, which divides one lot from
another lot or from a public or private street or any other public
or private space and shall include:
A.
FRONTThe lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way.
B.
REARThe lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line, or in the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, an assumed line at least 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
C.
SIDEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line. On a corner lot, a side lot line may be a street lot line.
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot measured
at right angles to its depth along a straight line parallel to the
front lot line at the minimum front setback line.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot which fronts upon two parallel streets, or which fronts
upon two streets which do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
MARIJUANA EXTRACTION
The use of butane, propane or other solvents for the purpose
of extracting marijuana.
MARIJUANA STORE
Any retail or commercial establishment, or club, whether
for-profit, nonprofit, or otherwise, at which the sale or use of marijuana
in any form (other than for medical purposes) takes place. This shall
include without limitation any so-called "vape lounge," "vapor lounge,"
or any other establishment at which medical marijuana is consumed
in vaporized form.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA EMPORIUM
Any retail or commercial establishment, or club, whether
for-profit, nonprofit, or otherwise, at which the sale or use of medical
marijuana in any form takes place. This shall include without limitation
any so-called "vape lounge," "vapor lounge," or any other establishment
at which medical marijuana is consumed in vaporized form.
MIXED USE
A combination of residential, business, commercial, or industrial
land uses within a single development, building, or tract.
MOBILE HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling unit suitable for
year-round occupancy and having a water supply and waste disposal
system similar to immobile housing. A mobile home is designed to be
transported on the streets and highways on its own wheels and arrive
at the site where it is to be occupied as a dwelling unit complete
and ready for occupancy. Removal of wheels and/or axles shall not
change its status as a mobile home.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A lot located in a mobile home park used for the placement
of a single mobile home and the exclusive use of its occupants.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A site with required improvements and utilities for the long-term
parking of mobile homes which may include services and facilities
for residents.
NIGHTTIME
The hours between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
NONCONFORMANCE
A building, structure, or parcel of land, or use thereof,
lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this
chapter and not in conformity with the provisions of such chapter
or amendment. Nonconformance shall be of only two types:
A.
Nonconforming by use: a lawfully established use of land, building,
or structure which is not a permitted use in that zoning district.
A building or structure containing more dwelling units than are permitted
by the use regulations of this chapter shall be nonconforming by use;
or
B.
Nonconforming by dimension: a building, structure, or parcel
of land not in compliance with the dimensional regulations of this
chapter. Dimensional regulations include all regulations of this chapter,
other than those pertaining to the permitted uses. A building or structure
containing more dwelling units than are permitted by the use regulations
of this chapter shall be nonconforming by use; a building or structure
containing a permitted number of dwelling units by the use regulations
of this chapter, but not meeting the lot area per dwelling unit regulations,
shall be nonconforming by dimension.
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water set aside, dedicated,
designated, or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or
for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining
or neighboring such open space; provided that the area may be improved
with only those buildings, structures, streets, and off-street parks
and other improvements that are designated to be incidental to the
natural openness of the land.
ORNAMENTAL TREE
A deciduous tree planted primarily for its ornamental value
or for screening purposes; tends to be smaller at maturity than a
shade tree.
OVERLAY DISTRICT
A district established that is superimposed on one or more
districts or parts of districts and that imposes specified requirements
in addition to, but not less than, those otherwise applicable for
the underlying zone.
OWNER
Any person who alone, jointly, or severally with others shall
have legal or record title to any property; or shall have charge,
care, or control of any property as agent, executor, trustee, or guardian.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
A set of criteria or limits relating to elements which a
particular use or process either must meet or may not exceed.
PERIODIC NOISE
Sound which is not continuous, is of intermittent character,
and may be cyclical in nature.
PERMITTED USE
A use by right which is specifically authorized in a particular
zoning district.
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)
A "land development project," as defined herein, and developed
according to plan as a single entity and containing one or more structures
and/or uses with appurtenant common areas.
PREAPPLICATION CONFERENCE
A review meeting of a proposed development held between applicants
and reviewing agencies as permitted by law and this chapter, before
formal submission of an application for a permit or for development
approval.
REPAIR GARAGE
A building designed and used for the storage, care, repair,
or refinishing of motor vehicles including both minor and major mechanical
overhauling, paint and body work.
RESTORATION
The reasonable rehabilitation of the affected land for useful
purposes and the protection of the natural resources of the surrounding
area including surface and groundwaters.
SCREEN
A method of reducing the impact of noise and unsightly visual
intrusions with less offensive or more harmonious elements such as
plants, berms, fences, walls, or any appropriate combination thereof.
SERVICE STATION
Any premises where gasoline and other petroleum products
are sold and/or light maintenance activities such as engine tuneups,
lubrication, minor repairs, and carburetor cleaning are conducted.
Service stations shall not include premises where heavy automobile
maintenance activities such as engine overhauls, automobile painting,
and body fender work are conducted.
SETBACK LINE OR LINES
A line or lines parallel to a lot line at the minimum distance
of the required setback for the zoning district in which the lot is
located that establishes the area within which the principal structure
must be erected or placed.
SHADE TREE
Usually a deciduous tree planted primarily for its high crown
of foliage or overhead canopy.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of three or more contiguous commercial establishments,
planned, developed, owned, and managed as a single unit with off-street
parking provided on the same lot.
SHRUB
A woody plant, smaller than a tree, consisting of several
small stems from the ground or small branches near the ground which
can be either deciduous or evergreen.
SIGN
A structure or device designed or intended to convey information
to the public in written or pictorial form.
SITE PLAN
The development plan for one or more lots on which is shown
the existing and/or the proposed conditions of the lot.
SPECIAL USE
A regulated use which is permitted pursuant to the special
use permit issued by the Coventry Zoning Board of Review. Formerly
referred to as a special exception.
STORY
That portion of a building between the surface of any floor
and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor
above it, then the space between the highest floor and the top of
the roof beams. A basement shall be counted as a story.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials to form a construction for use,
occupancy, or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below
the surface of land or water.
SUBSTANDARD LOT OF RECORD
Any lot lawfully existing at the time of adoption or amendment
of this chapter and not in conformance with the dimensional and/or
area provisions of the Ordinance.
SUPERMARKET
A commercial establishment that sells food, food kindred
products, and household goods, and that has a gross floor area in
excess of 10,000 square feet. Such an establishment shall also be
considered a supermarket if it sells items not customarily associated
with grocery stores, regardless of size.
TOP SOIL
A presumed fertile soil or soil material that responds to
fertilization, ordinarily rich in organic matter.
TRAILER
Any vehicle or any portable structure designed and constructed
so as to permit the occupancy thereof as a dwelling by one or more
persons and so designed and constructed that it is or may be mounted
on wheels and used as a conveyance on a street or highway, propelled
or drawn by its own or other motive power.
UNSTABLE SOILS
Any soil, as defined by the United States Geological Survey,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or the Soil Conservation Service,
that is prone to cause erosion or sedimentation, or that is incapable
of supporting structures due to engineering concerns.
UPLAND
Land which is not a wetland as defined in R.I.G.L. § 2-1-20.
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or structures are
designed, arranged, or intended, or for which land or structures are
occupied or maintained.
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this
chapter. An authorization for the construction or maintenance of a
building or structure, or for the establishment or maintenance of
a use of land, which is prohibited by this chapter.
A.
There shall be only two categories of variance, a use variance
or a dimensional variance.
(1)
USE VARIANCEPermission to depart from the use requirements of this chapter where the applicant for the requested variance has shown, by evidence upon the record, that the subject land or structure cannot yield any beneficial use if it is to conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(2)
DIMENSIONAL VARIANCEPermission to depart from the dimensional requirements of this chapter, where the applicant for the requested relief has shown, by evidence upon the record, that there is no other reasonable alternative way to enjoy a legally permitted beneficial use of the subject property unless granted the requested relief from the dimensional regulations.
B.
However, the fact that a use may be more profitable or that
a structure may be more valuable after the relief is granted shall
not be grounds for relief.
WATERS
As defined in R.I.G.L. § 46-12-1(b).
WETLAND, FRESHWATER
As defined in R.I.G.L. § 2-1-20. A marsh, swamp,
bog, pond, river, river or stream floodplain or bank, area subject
to flooding or storm flowage; emergent or submergent plant community
in any body of fresh water; or area within 50 feet of the edge of
a bog, marsh, swamp, or pond, as defined in R.I.G.L. § 2-1-20.
WOODLANDS
Existing trees and shrubs of a number, size, and species
that accomplish the same general function as new plantings.
YARD
A space on the same lot with a main building, open, unoccupied
and unobstructed by buildings or structures from the ground up, except
as otherwise provided in this chapter.
YARD, FRONT
The area between a street line and a line parallel thereto,
drawn through the nearest point of a main structure, extending between
side lot lines. On a corner lot, there shall be only one front yard;
the other potential front yard shall be considered a corner side yard.
YARD, REAR
An area extending across the full width of the lot between
the rearmost main building and the rear lot line, the depth of which
shall be the least distance between the rear lot line and the rear
of such main building.
YARD, SIDE
The area between the main building and the side lot line,
extended from the front yard or front lot line where no front yard
is required, to the rear yard. The width of the required side yard
shall be measured horizontally from the nearest point of the side
lot line toward the nearest point of the main building.
ZONING CERTIFICATE
A document signed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, as required
by this chapter, which acknowledges that a use, structure, building
or lot either complies with or is legally nonconforming to the provisions
of this chapter or is an authorized variance, special use permit or
administrative variance therefrom.
ZONING MAP
The map or maps which are a part of this chapter and which
delineate the boundaries of all mapped zoning districts within the
physical boundary of the Town of Coventry.
ZONING USE DISTRICTS
The basic unit in zoning to which a uniform set of regulations
applies, or a uniform set of regulations for a specified use.