A.
Purpose: The purpose of the site plan review process is to protect the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of Town residents by providing for a review of plans for uses, buildings and structures which may have significant impacts on traffic, municipal and public services and utilities, environmental quality, community economics and community values in the Town.
B.
Applicability: The site plan review and approval provisions of this section shall apply to the following types of structures and uses:
(1)
Land subdivisions resulting in three or more lots.
(2)
New buildings and/or structures, which involve non-residential uses or multi-family uses for three or more residential units, and expansions or changes in use of existing buildings which are now, or will result in 5,000 square feet of gross floor area. (Amended, Annual Town Meeting, May 5, 2003)
(3)
The calculation of increase in floor area shall be based on the aggregate of all new structures, improvements, alterations or enlargements, calculated from the date of enactment of this section.
(4)
Wireless Communication Facility.
C.
Application and Review Procedure:
(1)
Basic Requirements: An application for Site Plan Review shall be submitted to the Building Commissioner who shall calculate the fee based upon the estimated cost and evaluate the plan for conformity with zoning. Within 15 working days from receipt of the documents, the Building Commissioner shall return the plans to the applicant along with a memo stating conformity or non-conformity with the zoning bylaw citing the non-conformities, if any, with a copy to the Planning Board. Upon receipt of the Building Commissioner's evaluation, the applicant may file the application and the fee with the Planning Board, which shall begin the review process as outlined in the zoning by law. The Town requires that no building permit be issued for those projects for which site plan review is necessary unless the Planning Board has approved an application. In addition, no occupancy permit may be granted by the Building Commissioner until the Planning Board has given its approval that the project (and any associated off-site improvements) conform to the approved application and any conditions imposed by the Planning Board. A temporary occupancy permit may be granted with the approval of the Planning Board subject to conditions for completion of work (which shall include a requirement for surety, in an amount and form to be determined by the Planning Board). (Amended, Annual Town Meeting, May 13, 2002)
(2)
Materials Required: An application for site plan review shall be accompanied by:
(a)
One or more drawings prepared by qualified professionals such as a registered engineer, architect, or landscape architect and containing:
[1]
Location and dimensions of all buildings, easements and structures, and other construction, parking and loading areas, walkways and driveways, internal roadways and accessways to adjacent public roadways; location and type of all external lighting, utilities, gas, telephone, electrical, communications, water drainage, flood zones, sewer and other waste disposal.
[2]
Location, type, dimensions, and quantities of landscaping and screening.
[3]
Location of all other existing natural features; including ponds, brooks, streams, and wetlands.
[4]
Topography of the site, with two-foot contours.
(b)
A brief written narrative description of the project, highlighting any special features of the items listed above, shown on the site plan. At a minimum the narrative description should provide enough information for the Planning Board to understand what site planning, architectural, landscaping and engineering solutions are being proposed to handle the problems of traffic, parking, internal pedestrian circulation, provision of utilities, drainage, flooding, including the potential impacts of future sea level rise, wastewater and solid waste disposal, lighting and signage, environmental protection and aesthetic considerations such as views and design compatibility with surrounding development.
(c)
A minimum of five copies of the drawing(s) and narrative shall be submitted to the Planning Board. The Planning Board may request additional copies as it finds necessary.
(3)
Additional Materials Required: After initially reviewing the proposed site plan the Planning Board may require that the applicant submit any of the following materials:
(a)
Conceptual drawings of buildings and structures to be erected, including elevations.
(b)
A landscape plan at the same scale as the site plan, showing the limits of work, existing trees, and all proposed landscape features and improvements including planting areas with size and type of stock for each shrub or tree.
(c)
A locus plan showing the entire project and its relation to existing areas, buildings, structures and roads for a distance of 1,000 feet from the project boundaries, or such other distance as may be approved or required by the Planning Board.
(d)
An isometric line drawing (projection) at the same scale as the site plan, showing the entire project and its relation to existing areas, buildings, structures and roads for a distance of 100 feet from the project boundaries.
(e)
In addition, the Planning Board may require a developmental impact study to be prepared by a consultant at the expense of the applicant if the site plan and narrative description do not answer key questions relating to the environment, soils, water, traffic and surrounding community.
(f)
A model at the same scale as the site plan, showing the entire project and its relation to existing areas, buildings, structures and roads for a distance of 100 feet from the project boundaries.
(g)
Should the Planning Board find it necessary to seek advice or assistance, it has the authority to employ professional consultants or experts, including, technicians, attorneys, engineers and/or architects for the purposes of reviewing and evaluating, on its behalf, the information shown on the Site Plan and any additional material. The costs of such professional assistance incurred by the Planning Board shall be borne by the applicant. However, the cost to be paid by the applicant (1) shall not exceed the reasonable and usual charges by the consultants; and (2) shall be estimated in writing by the consultants and made known to the applicant before the Board incurs any costs. No Occupancy Permit may be issued by the Building Commissioner until the applicant has paid, or reimbursed the Town for, all such costs.
(h)
Light pollution prevention. The Planning Board may require full or partial compliance with the following:
[Added 5-1-2023 ATM by Art. 12]
[1]
Purpose and intent. The purpose of this Bylaw is to create standards for outdoor lighting so that its use does not unreasonably interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of property within the town of Hull. It is the intent of this section to encourage, through the regulation of the types, construction, installation and uses of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices, lighting practices and systems which will reduce light pollution, light trespass and glare in order to preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, and aesthetic qualities of Hull, conserve energy and decrease lighting cost without decreasing nighttime safety, security, and productivity, and preserve the night sky as a natural resource to enhance nighttime enjoyment of property within Hull.
[2] CUTOFF ANGLE CORRELATED COLOR TEMPERATURE (CCT) DIRECT LIGHT FOOT-CANDLE FILTERED GLARE HEIGHT OF LIGHT FIXTURE ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY (IES) LAMP LIGHT FIXTURE LIGHT TRESPASS PHOTOMETRIC PLAN SHIELDED LIGHT FIXTURE UPLIGHT
Definitions. Except as noted hereinafter, all definitions are provided in the Zoning Bylaw. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, certain words and phrases used in this section shall mean the following:
The angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of the direct light rays at the light source with respect to the vertical, beyond which no direct light is emitted.
The Specification of the color appearance of the light emitted by a light source measured in degrees Kelvin (K).
Light emitted directly by a lamp, off a reflector, or through a refractor of an outdoor light fixture.
Standard measurement of illumination in the United States, defined as one lumen per square foot.
When referring to an outdoor light fixture, means that the fixture is to be fitted with a glass, acrylic, or other translucent enclosure of the light source.
Light emitted from a light fixture with intensity great enough to produce annoyance, discomfort, or a reduction in a viewer's ability to see.
The vertical distance from the finished grade of the ground directly below to the lowest direct light emitting part of the light fixture.
An industry-backed non-profit organization that is the recognized technical and educational authority on illumination science. They publish and maintain technical standards through an accredited process and provide best practice recommendations for lighting installations.
The component of an outdoor light fixture that produces light.
A complete lighting system, including the assembly that houses a lamp or lamps, and which may include a housing, a mounting bracket or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or mirror, and/or a refractor, lens, or diffuser lens.
Direct light emitted by an outdoor lamp fixture that shines beyond the boundaries of the property on which the outdoor light fixture is installed.
Site plan showing the light levels (measured in foot candles) from each light fixture across and beyond the boundaries of the site.
A lamp and fixture assembly designed to eliminate light being emitted in an unwanted direction. Fixtures may include an array of shielding options such as back, front or side to prevent light trespass or uplight shielding to prevent light emitting light above a horizontal plane.
Direct light emitted by an outdoor light fixture above a horizontal plane through the fixture's lowest light-emitting part. Uptight is quantified using the IES U rating system, U1-U5.
[3]
Lighting Plan. The applicant shall provide a Lighting Plan consisting of:
[a]
A photometric plan showing the intensity of illumination at ground level, expressed in foot candles
[b]
Specifications for all proposed lighting fixtures and control systems for all characteristics outlined in section E. Control of Glare, Light Trespass, and Operation.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Subsection C(3)(h)[5] below.
[c]
Proposed mounting height of outdoor lighting fixtures.
[d]
A written narrative explaining how the proposed lighting and installation methods will limit impacts on surrounding properties
[4]
Lighting specifications. To prevent light pollution, all products shall meet the following specifications:
[a]
Product must have a maximum IES Uplight rating of U1
[b]
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) must not exceed 3000K
[d]
Products that include an arm or tenon mount must have a maximum allowable tilt of +/- 10 degrees
[e]
Products must have at least one shielding option or accessory available (e.g., house side shield, etc.)
[5]
Control of glare, light trespass, and operation.
[a]
All Light Fixtures shall be equipped with whatever shielding, filters, lenses, or cutoff devices required to eliminate Light Trespass onto any street or abutting lot or parcel, to eliminate unreasonable glare to persons on any street or abutting lot or parcel and to minimize uplighting.
[b]
Outdoor Lighting Fixtures intended solely to illuminate any freestanding surface (signs, walls, landscaping elements, etc.) shall be 1) mounted above the surface and face downward to prevent uplight and 2) shielded so that Direct Light is confined to the surface only.
[6]
Exemptions.
[a]
All light fixtures lawfully in place prior to the date of this amendment shall be grandfathered. However, any light fixture that replaces a grandfathered light fixture, or any grandfathered light fixture that is moved, must meet the standards of this regulation.
[7]
Special Permit. Alternative outdoor light fixtures may be allowed by Special Permit if it is found that the fixture's design and appearance are superior, significant light pollution will not be created, and light trespass and glare are minimal.
(4)
The Review Process: The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing on any properly completed application within 65 days after filing, with proper notice per Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40A, Section 11, and shall render its decision within 105 days of the filing. If the Planning Board fails to act within said time period, the application shall be deemed to be approved. However, upon the written request of the applicant, the time period during which the Planning Board must render its decision may be extended or continued to any mutually agreed upon date and time specific. All costs of the notice requirements shall be at the expense of the applicant.
(a)
Upon reviewing a completed application, the Planning Board may seek the comments of any of the Town Boards or Staff which the Planning Board finds appropriate, including: the Building Commissioner, the Highway Department, the Town Planner, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Design Review Board, the Board of Health, the Conservation Commission, The Park and Recreation Commission, the Electric Light Department, the Sewer and Water Commission, the Historical Commission, the Board of Appeals, and the Select Board.
[Amended 5-8-2021 ATM by Art. 6C]
(b)
Within 35 days of receiving a copy, these agencies shall report to the Planning Board on (1) the adequacy of the data and the methodology used to determine the impacts of the proposed development and (2) the effects of the projected impacts of the proposed development. An agency may recommend conditions or remedial measures to accommodate or mitigate the expected impacts of the proposed development. Failure by any agency to report within the allotted time shall constitute approval by that agency of the adequacy of the submittal and also that, in the opinion of the agency, the proposed project will cause no adverse impact.
(c)
The Planning Board shall not render a decision on an application until it has received and considered all reports requested from Town departments and boards, or until the 35 day period has expired, whichever is earlier. Where circumstances are such that the 35 day period is insufficient to conduct an adequate review, the Planning Board may, at the written request of the applicant; extend such period to 60 days.
(d)
In reviewing the impacts of a proposed development, the Planning Board shall consider the information presented in the application for site plan approval, all reports of Town departments submitted to the Planning Board, and any additional information available to the Planning Board, submitted to the Planning Board by any person, official or agency, or acquired by the Planning Board on its own initiative or research.
(5)
Board Actions:
(a)
The Planning Board may grant approval, may deny approval or may grant approval with special conditions, based on its review of the projected development impacts and the proposed methods of mitigating such impacts, and whether the proposed development is in conformance with Subsection D, Design Guidelines. The Planning Board may also waive the requirements for site plan review if, in the opinion of a two-third majority of the Planning Board, the adverse impacts of the proposed development are not significantly greater than the impacts of uses which are or can be made of the site under existing laws and regulations.
(b)
Conditions which may be imposed with an approval may include
[1]
Controls on the location and type of access to the site;
[2]
Requirements for off-site improvements to improve the capacity and safety of roads, intersections, pedestrian ways, water, sewer, drainage, and other public facilities which are likely to be affected by the proposed development;
[3]
Requirements for donation and/or dedication of land for right-of-way to provide for future roadway and/or intersection widenings or improvements;
[4]
Requirements for securing the performance of all proposed work, including proposed off-site improvements, by either or both of the following methods:
[a]
A performance bond, a deposit of money, negotiable securities, letter of credit, or bank passbook in an amount determined by the Planning Board to be sufficient to cover the cost of all or any part of the improvements required as conditions of approval,
[b]
A covenant running with the land, executed and duly recorded by the owner of record, whereby the required improvements shall be completed before the property may be conveyed by other than a mortgage deed.
[5]
Conditions to minimize off-site impacts on traffic and environmental quality during construction.
(6)
The Appeal Process: Any person aggrieved by a decision or non-decision of the Planning Board with regard to Site Plan Review may appeal to the Board of Appeals in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40A, Section 8.
(7)
Application Fee: The fee for filing a Site Plan Review Application is as indicated in the Planning Board Rules and Regulations Fee Schedule. The fee shall be paid at the time of application.
[Amended 5-3-2017 ATM by Art. 17]
(8)
Administration: The Planning Board shall be responsible for deciding the meaning or intent of any provision of this section which may be unclear or in dispute.
(9)
Lapse of Approval: Site plans approved under § 410-4.1 of this Zoning Bylaw shall automatically lapse two years from the date of approval unless substantial use or construction has commenced except for good cause. Not included in the two-year time period is the time required to pursue or await the determination of an appeal referred to in Section 17 of M.G.L. Chapter 40A. (Amendment added, Annual Town Meeting, May 13, 2002)
D.
Design Guidelines:
(1)
The following specific items may be considered by the Planning Board in making its decision:
(a)
Protection and enhancement of important existing site features.
(b)
Protection of adjoining premises against detrimental uses by provision of surface water drainage, sound, sight and wind barriers and preservation of views, light and air quality.
(c)
Convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement within the site, the location of driveway openings in relation to traffic or to adjacent streets.
(d)
Adequacy of the arrangement of parking and loading spaces.
(e)
Adequacy of the methods of disposal of refuse and other wastes.
(f)
Relationship of buildings, structures and open space to the natural landscape and existing buildings and structures.
(g)
Prevention of pollution of surface and groundwater, soil erosion, increased runoff and flooding.
(h)
Protection against flood damage on site and protection against flood impacts to adjoining properties, taking into consideration current conditions and the potential for future sea level rise.
(2)
In considering these items the Planning Board should use the following principles:
(a)
Preservation of Landscape: The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal, and any grade changes shall be in keeping with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas;
(b)
Community Impacts: Design elements shall be compatible with the character and scale of neighboring properties, buildings and structures. The design of the development shall be consistent with existing local standards and plans, including those adopted by the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Parks Commission, Design Review Board and other Town bodies having such jurisdiction.
(c)
Relation of Proposed Buildings and Structures to Environment: Proposed buildings and structures shall be related harmoniously to the terrain and to existing buildings and structures in the vicinity that have a visual relationship to the proposed buildings and structures. The achievement of such relationship may include the enclosure of space in conjunction with other existing buildings and structures or other proposed buildings and structures and the creation or focal points with respect to avenues of approach, terrain features or other buildings and structures. Projects are strongly encouraged to create or extend public spaces such as open plazas that extend walkways into a project, courtyards that are publicly accessible, or small areas of greenery that extend an adjoining green area into a project.
(d)
Drives, Parking and Circulation: With respect to vehicular and pedestrian circulation, including walkways, interior drives and parking, special attention shall be given to location and number of access points, general interior circulation, separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and arrangement of parking areas that are safe and convenient and insofar as practicable, do not detract from the design of proposed buildings and structures and the neighboring properties. Landscaping and/or fencing shall be used to buffer parking areas from adjacent areas. Pedestrian access to nearby public areas such as parks, beaches, public buildings and structures and commercial establishments shall not be impeded but rather encouraged wherever possible and barriers to pedestrian patterns shall be avoided.
(e)
Surface Water Drainage: Special attention shall be given to proper site surface drainage so that removal of surface waters shall not adversely affect neighboring properties or the public storm drainage system.
(f)
Utility Service: Whenever feasible, electric, telephone and other utility lines shall be underground. Any utility installations remaining above ground shall be located so as to have a harmonious relation to neighboring properties and the site.
(g)
Advertising Features: The size, location, design, color, texture, lighting and materials of all exterior signs and outdoor advertising structures or features shall not detract from the design of proposed buildings and structures and the surrounding properties.
(h)
Special Features: Exposed storage areas, exposed machinery installations, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and structures and similar accessory areas and structures shall be subject to such setbacks, screen plantings, or other screening methods as may reasonably be required to prevent their being incongruous with the existing or contemplated environment and surrounding properties.
(i)
Other Environmental Impacts: The proposed project shall not create any significant emission of noise, dust, fumes, noxious gases, radiation, or water pollutants, or any other similar significant adverse environmental impact. The location and configuration of proposed buildings and structures, parking areas and open space shall be designed so as to minimize shadow effects and any adverse impact on temperature levels or wind velocities on the site or adjoining properties.
(j)
Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting, including lighting on the exterior of a building and/or structure, or lighting in parking areas, shall be arranged to minimize glare and light spillover to neighboring properties.
(k)
Vistas and View Corridors: Hull is a community with many important visual resources which should be maintained or enhanced. Among the important visual features are water bodies, parks, beaches, and other open spaces; landmarks, monuments, and historically and architecturally important buildings and structures. It is the policy of the Hull Planning Board to open up, create, and maintain important view corridors, especially of such landmark features as Boston Light, World's End, the Weir River, all ocean, bay and harbor views; Fort Revere, the Boston skyline, and Hull Village Common.
(l)
Flooding; Special attention shall be given to maintaining the natural capacity of the land to prevent or reduce flooding. Structures, including fill, shall be designed with special attention to minimizing the potential for property damage from flooding and the re-direction of flood waters to other locations.
E.
Separability: The invalidity of one or more provisions or clauses of this section shall not invalidate or impair the section as a whole or any other part hereof.