[Amended 4-7-2007]
Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter relating to space and bulk, the Planning Board, in reviewing and approving proposed residential developments and other projects located in the Town, may modify said provisions related to space and bulk to permit innovative approaches to housing and environmental design in accordance with the following standards. This shall not be construed as granting variances to relieve hardship. Effective November 7, 2006, all subdivisions containing five or more dwelling units or lots, created on the west side of Route 1, shall be designed as clustered or planned unit developments, according to the standards of this chapter. Subdivisions created on the east side of Route 1 may be designed either utilizing the clustered or planned unit development approach or by the traditional subdivision method without common open space.
A. There shall be compliance with all other applicable provisions of state and local law.
B. Each building shall be an element of an overall plan for site development. Only developments having a total site plan for structures shall be considered.
C. Calculations and density bonus. For the purposes of conserving open space, minimizing land disturbance, and to protect wildlife habitat, a density bonus shall be provided for clustered or planned unit residential development. The maximum number of dwelling units in a clustered or planned unit residential development shall be calculated as follows:
(1) Divide the minimum net residential area per dwelling unit proposed, according to Table 703.1, into the net residential area of the entire parcel or tract. The term "net residential area" shall be as defined by this chapter in Article 2.
(2) Multiply the result by 1.2, and round to the nearest whole number.
D. Within a cluster development or planned unit residential development, if multiple lots are proposed, an individual lot may contain less than the minimum net residential area per dwelling unit, or less than the minimum lot area, as long as the overall density, as calculated in Subsection
C above, is met for the entire parcel or tract.
E. At least 50% of the area of the entire parcel or tract shall be included as common open space. Common open space shall not include road rights-of-way, streets, drives, or parking. No more than 50% of the common open space shall contain wetlands of any size. Common open space shall be usable for recreational or other outdoor living purposes and for preserving large trees, tree groves, woods, ponds, streams, glens, rock outcrops, native plant life, wildlife cover and the like. The use of any open space shall be further limited or controlled at the time of final approval where necessary to protect adjacent properties or uses. Common open space shall be dedicated to the recreational amenity and environmental enhancement of the development and shall be recorded as such. There shall be no further subdivision of this land or buildings constructed upon it which would cause the net residential density to exceed the density permitted in that district. Such dedications shall include private covenants or arrangements to preserve the integrity of open spaces or their use for agricultural or conservation purposes.
F. The developer shall take into consideration the following points, and shall illustrate the treatment of spaces, paths, roads, service and parking areas and other features required in his proposal:
(1) Orientation. Buildings and other improvements shall respect scenic vistas and natural features.
(2) Drainage. Adequate provision shall be made for stormwaters, with particular concern for the effects of any effluent draining from the site. Erosion resulting from any improvements on the site shall be prevented by landscaping or other means.
(3) Water supply. The primary source of water shall be the public water system.
(4) Utilities. Utilities shall be installed underground whenever possible. Transformer boxes, pumping stations and meters shall be located so as not to be unsightly or hazardous to the public.
(5) Recreation. Facilities shall be provided consistent with the development proposal.
(6) Buffering. Planting, landscaping, disposition and form of building and other improvements, fencing and screening shall be utilized to integrate the proposed development with the landscape and the character of any surrounding development.
(7) Buildings. Disposition of buildings shall recognize the need for natural light and ventilation.
G. For purposes of this section, the tract or parcel of land involved must be either in single ownership or the subject of an application filed jointly by the owners of all the property included.
H. There shall be no further subdivision of this land or buildings constructed upon it which would cause the overall density to exceed the maximum permitted in that district, as calculated in Subsection
C above.
I. Within 30 days of recording the approved plan, title to the common open space shall be transferred either to:
(2) A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the conservation of land; or
(3) The neighborhood association established in accordance with Subsection
K below.
J. If the common open space is transferred to either the Town or to a nonprofit organization as set forth in Subsection
I(1) or
(2) above, a conservation easement, prepared in accordance with 33 M.R.S.A. § 476, naming the Town or the nonprofit organization as the holder, shall be recorded limiting development of the open space in accordance with the provisions of this section and the terms of the approved plan. The common space(s) shall be shown on the development plan with appropriate notation to indicate that:
(1) It shall not be used for future building lots;
(2) It shall be subject to a conservation easement; and
(3) The applicant may choose to dedicate a part or all of the common open space for acceptance by the Town for operation as a municipal recreation facility.
K. If any or all of the common open space is to be reserved in common ownership by the residents as set forth in Subsection
I(3) above, the formation and incorporation by the developer of a neighborhood association shall be required. Bylaws of the proposed neighborhood association shall specify maintenance responsibilities and shall be submitted to the Planning Board prior to approval. The association shall be incorporated within 30 days of Planning Board approval.
L. Covenants for mandatory membership in the association setting forth the owners' rights and interest and privileges in the association and the common land shall be reviewed by the Planning Board and must be included in the deed for each lot or unit.
M. This neighborhood association shall have the responsibility of maintaining the common open space(s) and other common facilities until accepted by the Town.
N. The association shall levy annual charges against all property owners to defray the expenses connected with the maintenance of common open space, neighborhood recreational facilities and Town assessments.
O. The developer or subdivider shall be responsible for the maintenance of the common open space and the other common facilities, until development sufficient to support the neighborhood association has taken place. The transfer of responsibility shall occur only after review and approval by the Planning Board, upon request by the neighborhood association or the developer or subdivider.