Definitions.
ADULT USE
An adult bookstore, an adult motion picture theater, an adult
dance club, an adult paraphernalia store, an adult video store and
such other uses as defined and provided for by M.G.L. Chapter 40A,
S. 9A.
APPURTENANT STRUCTURES
Appurtenances to buildings which are in no way used for living
purposes, such as chimneys, towers, spires, stairwell penthouses,
and ornamental features, turrets, cupolas or other special features
may extend up to 10 linear feet above the maximum permitted height
provided the plan area of such features does not exceed 10% of the
overall square footage of the roof. Appurtenances shall be a component
of the roof design, and not appear to be a leftover or add-on element.
DORMER
A structure as part of the roof built with the front wall
flush with the wall below, or projected beyond a maximum of two feet,
or held back no more than half the length of the main sloped or Mansard
Roof, with side walls perpendicular to the pitch of the sloped roof.
"Eyebrow" and hip dormers without side walls also shall be defined
as dormers. Height of dormer shall be no higher than main roof. Linear
footage of dormer shall be measured at the base of the dormer wall,
unless the roof intersects the main roof without side walls, in which
case the width shall be measured at the mean of the dormer roof.
FLAT ROOF
A roof whose pitch is a maximum of 1:12. Height measurements
shall be to the perimeter of the roof, or to any level parapet or
to the mean of any pitched or radius parapet.
FREEBOARD
The elevation of the building above the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) minimum. Freeboard reduces storm and flood damage as
well as helping to protect against sea level rise.
GREEN BUILDING
Structures and site that incorporate the following performance
elements:
(1)
Minimum impact on ecosystems and water resources and water use
both inside and out. Highest possible energy-efficiency and use of
alternative energy sources including passive solar and/or onsite alternative
energy production.
(2)
Use of sustainable building materials and reduction of solid
waste.
(3)
Have indoor environmental quality elements which promote better
indoor air quality including natural ventilation and access to daylight
and views.
(4)
Compact site layouts that enable and promote walking and provide
physical connections to a range of transportation modes, open space
and other amenities. Incorporation of features for on-site retention,
detention and low impact design treatment of stormwater runoff and
on-site and off-site stormwater drainage sized to accommodate affects
of sea level rise, flooding and increased frequency and intensity
of storm events.
GROSS FLOOR AREA
The sum of the floor areas of all the spaces within the building
with no deductions for floor penetrations other than atria is the
Gross Floor Area (GFA) It is measured from the exterior faces of exterior
walls or from the centerline of walls separating buildings but it
excludes covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and similar
spaces, pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps, roof overhangs,
parking garages, surface parking, and similar features.
HABITABLE SPACE
An area of any structure that is legally accessible and intended
for human occupancy for permanent residential or commercial uses.
Mechanical rooms, parking areas, storage areas, other passive accommodations
or temporary uses shall not constitute habitable space.
HEIGHT OF BUILDING
The vertical distance above the curb grade, to the highest
point of the roof beams of a flat roof or the mean of roof rafters
of a sloping roof or to the top of a mansard roof. However, if the
natural grade of the ground contiguous to the building is not at the
curb grade, the height shall be measured from the mean finished grade
at the foundation of the building.
HOTEL
Is defined as any establishment used for the feeding and
lodging of guests which is licensed or required to be licensed under
the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 140, § 6. The definition
of a hotel shall not include a motel, lodging house or rooming house.
MANSARD ROOF
A roof which forms the walls of the top floor of a building
with a Flat Roof above. The pitch of the roof shall be a minimum of
10:12 and maximum of 18:12. Height of Roof shall be measured to the
intersection of the Mansard Roof and the Flat Roof above it.
MARKET HALL
The lowest floor of a multi-story structure that is not designed as a habitable space but can be occupied on a seasonal basis, is without permanent walls and is for uses including but not limited to temporary commercial or retail uses, cultural uses, parking (limited to 50% of the area) and shall be open with minimum headroom of eight feet and compliant with lowest floor uses as defined in §
410-4.2 and Subsection
K of the NBOD.
MIXED USE BUILDING
A combination of office, retail and/or residential uses arranged
vertically in multiple stories of buildings which are mutually supporting,
exhibit physical and functional integration and are developed in conformance
with a coherent design. A combination of commercial parking facilities
and residential uses shall constitute a mixed use.
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
A development containing a mix of some or all of multi-family
residential, single-family residential, commercial, institutional
and other uses, all conceived, planned and integrated to create vibrant,
workable, livable and attractive neighborhoods is a mixed use development.
OPEN SPACE
Open Space (OS) is defined as; land that is open to the sky,
including natural features of the site and not covered by permanent
structures or impervious surfaces; parts of a lot landscaped with
trees, shrubs, ground covers and grass, walks, bike trails, terraces,
plazas and related pedestrian uses and amenities which may be open
to the public or for occupants of lots. Such space may not include
lot area used for parking, access drives or other impervious areas
intended for vehicular use. OS may include required twenty-foot setbacks
where an NBOD project abuts a residence or residential district. OS
may include public and private walkways linking OS to public ways
and parking and transportation facilities. Impervious surfaces intended
for access for those with disabilities are included in the OS calculation.
OS under the NBOD shall protect and enhance important natural and
cultural resources including but not limited to: natural systems;
cultural resources including passive and active recreation; vistas
and view corridors, and locations for cultural events and celebrations.
Public OS is encouraged in the NBOD.
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
All residential zoning districts defined in the Zoning Bylaw
including, Single Family A, B and C and Multi-Family A and B.
SEGMENTATION
Developments may not be intentionally divided into parts
to avoid compliance with the requirements of the NBOD.
SMART GROWTH
Well-planned development that protects OS, revitalizes communities,
keeps housing affordable and provides more transportation choices.
There are 12 principles that define Smart Growth:
(2)
Take advantage of compact building design.
(3)
Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
(4)
Provide a variety of transportation choices including walkable
neighborhoods and transit oriented developments which reduce vehicle
miles travelled.
(5)
Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense
of place.
(6)
Preserve OS, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas.
(7)
Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities
with respect for historical architectural context and preservation
of significant historical fabric.
(8)
Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.
(9)
Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development
decisions.
(10)
Reduce carbon footprint by conserving energy, and by using alternative
energy sources.
(11)
Building and site design which utilizes passive solar energy
and natural ventilation.
(12)
Conserving water resources through low impact site design and
conservation.