[Added 9-11-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-13]
The following requirements shall be applied to the review of
applications for development in the RBF District. Where a special
use permit application is being reviewed, the Zoning Board shall consider
these criteria as part of their approval and may condition their approval
on the applicant adequately addressing them.
A.
Convertible spaces are subject to the following development standards:
(1)
First-floor convertible spaces shall have a minimum floor-to-floor
height of 13 feet.
(2)
Any convertible space must demonstrate through the special use
permit process how the following issues will be addressed:
(a)
Building codes for fire separation between uses on the first
floor and elsewhere in the building shall be met.
(b)
Structures allow first-floor spans appropriate for commercial
uses.
(c)
Mechanical and plumbing systems shall have enough room to allow
changes, as needed, for commercial or residential uses without disrupting
the occupied spaces in the building.
(d)
A transition space shall be designed from the street to the
building to provide privacy for people living on the first floor while
still being usable for commercial purposes in the future.
(e)
First-floor convertible space shall be accessible to individuals
who may be mobility impaired, including those using wheelchairs and
walkers.
(f)
Front windows may be of a residential scale, and do not have
to comply with § 200-86, Performance standards, of the Town's
land development and subdivision regulations (related to window placement
and transparency).
(g)
For existing buildings that would like to be considered as convertible
spaces and that front on interior driveways or parking areas, up to
100% of first-floor area may be used strictly for residential purposes.
(h)
For existing buildings that would like to be considered as convertible
spaces and that front on a public street, at least 50% of the first-floor
area must be redeveloped as convertible space.
(i)
All electrical systems must meet the standards for commercial
development.
(j)
All HVAC systems should be capable of serving commercial development
with minimal alteration.
B.
Live-work spaces located on the first floor are subject to the development
standards for first-floor business establishments as follows, and
to any additional standards for first-floor business establishments
provided in this zoning chapter:
(1)
First-floor live-work spaces shall have a minimum floor-to-floor
height of 13 feet for new construction. This shall not apply to those
buildings existing as of the date this section is adopted, including
residential homes converting to live-work space.
(2)
Individual live-work units shall not exceed 1,500 square feet
gross floor area for the combined commercial and accessory residential
space.
C.
Open Space. Areas not covered by buildings, driveways, parking, utilities,
and other essential development features shall be landscaped and designed
to accommodate pedestrians and/or bicyclists. Pedestrian connections
between properties, bicycle amenities, sitting areas, gathering spaces,
art installations, shade trees, and other features that will increase
streetside activity are highly encouraged.
