A.
Only those uses listed in the Table of Principal and Accessory Uses
are allowed in the Town of Swansea.
B.
Table of Principal and Accessory Uses — The Table of Principal
and Accessory Uses designates which principal and accessory land uses
are allowed in each zoning district.
C.
Each use category listed on the left-hand column of the table corresponds to one of the use definitions found in § 265-4.1.
D.
No land, structure or building shall be used except for the purposes
permitted in the district as set forth in this section unless otherwise
permitted in this bylaw.
E.
Except where otherwise specifically and expressly provided in the
Zoning Bylaw, in all districts only one principal use is authorized
per lot. An accessory use is a use which is subordinate to and customarily
associated with the principal use and is located on the same lot as
the principal building or use.
[Amended 11-18-2019 STM by Art. 1]
F.
A use is permitted by right in any district under which it is denoted
by the letter Y. A use is prohibited in any district under which it
is denoted by the letter N.
G.
A use denoted by SP/ZBA may be permitted by a special permit by the
Zoning Board of Appeals. A use denoted by SP/PB may be permitted by
a special permit by the Planning Board. A use denoted by SP/PB/ZBA
may be permitted by a special permit by either the Planning Board
or the Zoning Board of Appeals, depending upon specific circumstances
as detailed in the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw relative to that
use.
[Amended 6-14-2021 ATM by Art. 43]
H.
If a use might be classified under more than one definition, the
more specific definition shall determine whether the use is permitted.
If the use might be classified under equally specific definitions,
it shall not be permitted unless both principal uses are permitted
in the zone.
I.
Even if otherwise permitted, all uses that, in the opinion of the
Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer, pose a present
or potential hazard to human health, safety, welfare or the environment
through the emission of smoke, particulate matter, noise or vibration,
or through fire or explosive hazard, are expressly prohibited in all
zoning districts.
TABLE OF PRINCIPAL AND ACCESSORY USES
| ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RR
|
BA
|
BB
|
M
| |||
Principal Use
| ||||||
A.
|
Residential Uses
| |||||
1.
|
Single-family dwelling
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
N
| |
2.
|
Accessory apartment
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
|
N
| |
3.
|
Assisted living facility
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
4.
|
Lodging house
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
5.
|
Nursing or convalescent home
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
B.
|
Exempt and Institutional Uses
| |||||
1.
|
Use of land or structures for religious purposes
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
2.
|
Use of land or structures for educational purposes on land owned
or leased by the commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions
or bodies politic, or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a
nonprofit educational corporation
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
3.
|
Family day care home
|
Y
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
|
N
| |
4.
|
Adult day care facility
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
N
| |
5.
|
Child care facility
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
6.
|
Use of land for the primary purpose of agriculture, horticulture,
floriculture or viticulture
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
7.
|
Municipal facilities
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
8.
|
Hospital
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
|
Y
|
N
| |
9.
|
Cemetery
|
N
|
N
|
Y
|
N
| |
10.
|
Library
|
N
|
N
|
Y
|
N
| |
C.
|
Commercial Uses
| |||||
1.
|
Animal clinic or hospital
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
2.
|
Kennel on parcel of less than 3 acres
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
| |
3.
|
Kennel on parcel of 3 acres or more
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
4.
|
Private club, non-profit
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
N
| |
5.
|
Funeral home
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
N
| |
6.
|
Motel or hotel
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
N
| |
7.
|
Retail stores and sales
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
| |
8.
|
Neighborhood store
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
| |
9.
|
Motor vehicle sales and rental
|
N
|
N
|
Y
|
N
| |
10.
|
Motor vehicle repair or body shop
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
Y
| |
11.
|
Motor vehicle light service
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
Y
| |
12.
|
Restaurant
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
13.
|
Office (Business, professional or medical)
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
14.
|
Bank, financial services company
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
| |
15.
|
Indoor commercial recreation
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
SP/ZBA
| |
16.
|
Outdoor commercial recreation
|
N
|
N
|
Y
|
N
| |
17.
|
Golf course or country club
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
|
N
|
N
| |
18.
|
Mixed-Use Building
|
N
|
Y
|
N
|
N
| |
19.
|
General service establishment
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
| |
20.
|
Theme park
|
N
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
21.
|
Campground
|
N
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
22.
|
Radio/TV studio
|
N
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
23.
|
Riding Stable
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
|
N
|
N
| |
24.
|
Tattoo Parlor
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
| |
25.
|
Theater/cinema
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
26.
|
Museum
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
N
| |
27.
|
Shopping Center
|
N
|
N
|
Y
|
N
| |
28.
|
Marijuana Establishments
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
| |
D.
|
Industrial Uses
| |||||
1.
|
Earth removal
|
SP/PB
|
SP/PB
|
SP/PB
|
SP/PB
| |
2.
|
Light manufacturing
|
N
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
| |
3.
|
General Manufacturing
|
N
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
| |
4.
|
Warehouse, self-storage mini-warehouse or distribution facility
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
5.
|
Contractor's yard
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
| |
E.
|
Other Uses
| |||||
1.
|
Commercial indoor parking
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
| |
2.
|
Commercial outdoor parking
|
N
|
Y
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
| |
3.
|
Drive-in or drive-through facilities
|
N
|
SP/PB
|
SP/PB
|
SP/PB
| |
4.
|
Adult entertainment, including live entertainment, book store,
video store, paraphernalia or cinema
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
SP/ZBA
| |
Accessory Use
| ||||||
A.
|
Accessory Uses
| |||||
1.
|
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce raised
on the premises or on other land controlled by the occupant
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
| |
2.
|
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce of off-premise
origin from land not controlled by the occupant
|
SP/ZBA
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
3.
|
Home Occupation
|
Y
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
|
SP/ZBA
| |
4.
|
Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicles
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
5.
|
Contractor's or Landscaping Yard
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
6.
|
Office uses and food services where such use or service is primarily
for the employees at the principal use
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
7.
|
Common driveway
|
SP/PB/ZBA
|
SP/PB/ZBA
|
SP/PB/ZBA
|
SP/PB/ZBA
|
A.
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
ACCESSORY APARTMENT
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
LODGING HOUSE
MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
NURSING OR CONVALESCENT HOME
Residential Uses
A building containing one dwelling unit and surrounded by
open space on all sides. A dwelling unit is a room or group of rooms
forming a habitable unit for one family, with facilities which are
used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.
A separate, self-contained dwelling unit, incorporated within
a single-family dwelling, and not within an accessory structure, complete
with its own cooking and sanitary facilities, having not more than
one bedroom. Additions, renovations and all construction involved
with the creation of an accessory apartment shall meet the requirements
of the current edition of the Massachusetts Building Code as it pertains
to two-family structures.
Assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance
with activities of daily living; coordination of services by outside
health care providers; and monitoring of residents to help to ensure
their health, safety, and well-being. Assistance may include the administration
or supervision of medication or personal care services provided by
a trained staff person.
Any building containing four or more guest rooms intended
to be used, rented or hired out by for sleeping purposes by guests,
other than temporary, personal guests of a family in a dwelling unit.
A development consisting of one or more multi-dwelling unit
residential buildings. Dwelling units in such buildings shall be accessed
by interior common hallways. Such buildings may include management
offices and integrated podium parking. Recreational facilities may
not be included in any such development, whether as part of a residential
building or as a separate facility appurtenant thereto.
[Added 11-18-2019 STM by Art. 1]
An extended or intermediate care facility licensed or approved
to provide full-time convalescent or chronic care.
B.
RELIGIOUS PURPOSES
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
KINDERGARTEN, CHILD CARE FACILITY
FAMILY DAY CARE HOME
ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY
CHILD CARE FACILITY
AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, FLORICULTURE, OR VITICULTURE
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES
HOSPITAL
CEMETERY
LIBRARY
Exempt and Institutional Uses
Use of land, buildings or structures for religious purposes
by a religious sect or denomination, such as a church, synagogue,
mosque or other place of worship.
Use of land, buildings and structures for providing learning
in a general range of subjects on land owned or leased by the Commonwealth
or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic; or by a religious
sect or denomination; or by a nonprofit educational entity or a nonprofit
day care center.
A facility defined as such in MGL c. 28A, § 9.[1]
A facility defined as such in MGL c. 28A, § 9.[2]
Adult day care programs provide residential placement, health
and social supports to elderly and disabled clients who are at risk
of becoming institutionalized.
A facility defined as such in MGL c. 28A, § 9.[3]
Use of land for the primary purpose of commercial agriculture,
aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, floriculture or viticulture
as defined in MGL c. 40A, § 3.
Use of land, buildings and structures by the Town of Swansea.
An institution rendering medical, surgical or convalescent
care.
Public or private facility set aside for graves or tombs,
including associated structures.
Public or private facility containing materials intended
for reading, study or reference.
C.
ANIMAL CLINIC OR HOSPITAL
KENNEL
PRIVATE CLUB, NON-PROFIT
FUNERAL HOME
MOTEL OR HOTEL
RETAIL STORE AND SALES
NEIGHBORHOOD STORE
MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES AND RENTAL
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR OR BODY SHOP
MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHT SERVICE
RESTAURANT
BANK OR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY
INDOOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION
OUTDOOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION
GENERAL SERVICES ESTABLISHMENT
THEME PARK
RADIO/TV STUDIO
RIDING STABLE
TATTOO PARLOR
SHOPPING CENTER
BARBER OR BEAUTY SHOP, LAUNDRY OR DRY CLEANING SHOP, SHOE REPAIR
SHOP, SELF-SERVICE DRY-CLEANING OR LAUNDRY
REFRESHMENT STAND, DRIVE-IN
AMUSEMENT FACILITY
BUILDING TRADE SHOP
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
MEDICAL OR DENTAL LABORATORY
MEDICAL OR DENTAL CENTER
AUCTION GALLERY
SHOP OF A POTTER, CERAMIST, SCULPTOR, SILVERSMITH, OR OTHER
ARTISAN
BUSINESS SERVICES
MALL
MULTIPLE BUSINESS USE
MULTIPLE OFFICE BUILDING
Commercial Uses
A facility where animals are given medical or surgical treatment
and where boarding of animals is limited to short term care incidental
to the medical or surgical treatment.
A facility where dogs are housed temporarily for a fee or
a facility where dogs are bred for commercial sale.
A facility used by a non-commercial organization which is
characterized by formal written membership requirements.
Undertaking or funeral establishment.
A facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the
general public, which may provide additional services such as restaurants,
meeting rooms and recreation facilities.
An establishment engaged in displaying and selling goods
or merchandise within a building to the general public or to business
establishments, which goods or merchandise are not intended for resale;
except that a garden center, florist or commercial greenhouse may
have open air display of horticultural products.
Marijuana establishments shall include licensed marijuana
establishments as defined in MGL c. 94G, § 1, and other
applicable law, which include a marijuana cultivator, craft marijuana
cooperative, marijuana testing laboratory, marijuana product manufacturer,
marijuana retailer, (store-front or delivery only), marijuana social
consumption establishment (primary or mixed use), marijuana transporter
(third party or existing licensee), marijuana micro-business or any
other type of licensed marijuana-related business, as well as registered
medical marijuana dispensaries and medical marijuana treatment centers
as those terms are defined herein and in 105 CMR 725.004.[4]
Salesroom and related facilities, including, but not limited
to open air display, for the sale or rental of automobiles, motorcycles,
recreational vehicles and similar vehicles, boats or light industrial
or farm equipment.
Establishment where the principal service is the repair of
automobiles, similar light motor vehicles or farm implements, provided
that all major maintenance and servicing of vehicles shall be conducted
entirely within a building.
Facility for outdoor sale of motor vehicle fuels, related
products, and services provided that all major maintenance, servicing
and/or washing of vehicles shall be conducted entirely within a building.
Establishment where food and beverages are sold within a
building to customers for consumption:
Bank, loan agency or similar facility.
Indoor facilities, operated as a business and open to the
public for a fee, such as a gymnasium or facilities for ice skating,
roller skating, racquet sports, bowling, horseback riding, swimming,
baseball batting cages or golf driving range.
Country Club, Golf Course, Camp Grounds, Outdoor Recreation
Areas A parcel of land used primarily for the purpose of paid outdoor
recreational activities.
Establishments providing services to the general public,
such as equipment rental and leasing, building cleaning, photocopying,
telephone answering, word processing or secretarial services, computer
service bureaus, facilities for dancing, martial arts or music instruction,
facilities for repair of appliances, office equipment, bicycles, lawnmowers,
or similar equipment, and food catering facilities.
A permanent family entertainment park designed to be a tourist
attraction.
Any building or facility utilized primarily for the installation
and operation of equipment for the generating and/or detection of
radio or television signals and which is accessory to a communications
structure.
A multi-store complex, either in one enclosed mall or independent
structures, but identified as a single site, used for retail stores
and sales which may also include restaurants or food courts, business
or professional offices, financial services, personal service facilities,
parking lots, decks and garages, kiosks and other structures, uses
and facilities now or hereafter associated with shopping centers.
A licensed food service establishment where food & beverages
are served from a walk-up take-out window, or are delivered by restaurant
employees to customers in their vehicles. This category does not include
restaurants with a drive-through window.
Indoor facilities open to the public for a fee or admission
charge, such as a theater, cinema, bowling alley, or video arcade.
An establishment for use by the practitioner of a building
trade, such as a carpenter, welder, plumber, electrician, builder,
mason or similar occupation.
An office primarily devoted to professional activities. Professional
offices may be allowed as accessory uses by residents of the principal
dwelling in Rural and Residential zones as a matter of right.
Such offices shall include, but are not limited to, those used
by the following professions:
Other professions may be allowed by the Building Inspector and
Zoning Enforcement Officer, if, in his or her opinion, the practitioner
has the appropriate professional education, is bound by a code of
ethics and principles in practice by a professional organization to
which he or she is a member and is professionally licensed.
Where the professional office is allowed, such use shall include
the use of all equipment, facilities and assisting personnel reasonably
necessary for the practice of the profession involved. Retail sales
and in-house storage of materials are prohibited.
Additional parking spaces must be provided for each non-resident
employee and the largest number of clients who would regularly visit
the offices. The Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer
may, at his or her discretion, require that appropriate screening
of additional parking spaces be provided.
A facility for medical or dental testing, processing or research.
A facility for three or more medical or dental professionals.
Facility offering goods for sale at auction to the general
public.
An establishment that provides services relating to the conduct
of business, including secretarial, bookkeeping, technical, or similar
services.
A development which upon completion will be more than 20,000
square feet gross interior floor area and which includes more than
one of the following: retail sales, financial services, restaurants,
professional services, general services, commercial recreation, and/or
amusement facilities.
A structure or lot containing two or more principal uses.
Consists of a building which includes offices for one or
more of the following:
[4]
Editor's Note: See now 935 CMR 500.002.
D.
EARTH REMOVAL
LIGHT MANUFACTURING
GENERAL MANUFACTURING
WAREHOUSE, SELF-STORAGE MINI-WAREHOUSE OR DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
JUNKYARD OR AUTOMOBILE GRAVEYARD/AUTOMOTIVE SALVAGE YARD
CONTRACTOR'S YARD
Industrial Uses
The removal of soil, loam, sand, gravel, or any other earth
material (including mining activities) to within four feet of historical
high groundwater as determined from monitoring wells and historical
high groundwater as determined from monitoring wells and historical
water table fluctuation data compiled by the United States Geological
Survey, except for excavations for building foundations, roads or
utility works.
The process of converting raw unfinished materials or products
into articles or substances of a different character or for a different
purpose.
Asphalt, block, concrete or fertilizer plants; monument works,
paper or pulp mill, refinery, rendering or smelting plants, slaughterhouses.
Facilities for the enclosed storage and/or distribution of
goods and materials where the wholesale of goods and materials is
permitted, provided it is an incidental use or an enclosed facility
containing separate storage spaces, no larger than 400 square feet
each, leased or rented on an individual basis.
Any lot upon which there are stored inoperable vehicles for
principal use as salvage, parts, etc.
Facility or area for storage, open or enclosed, of construction
equipment or materials.
E.
COMMERCIAL PARKING FACILITY (INDOOR OR OUTDOOR)
DRIVE-IN OR DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITIES
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT, INCLUDING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, BOOK STORE,
VIDEO STORE, PARAPHERNALIA OR CINEMA
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Other Uses
Commercial parking open to the public for automobiles and
similar light motor vehicles.
Defined as follows:
LIVE ENTERTAINMENTAny establishment which displays live entertainment which is distinguished or characterized by its emphasis depicting, describing or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31.
ADULT BOOKSTOREAny establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock in trade, books, magazines and other matter which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis depicting, describing or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31.
ADULT VIDEO STOREAny establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock in trade, videos, movies or other film material which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis depicting, describing or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31.
ADULT PARAPHERNALIA STOREAny establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock devices, objects, tools, or toys which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis depicting, describing or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31.
ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATERAny enclosed building used for presenting material distinguished by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31.
F.
ROADSIDE STANDS
HOME OCCUPATIONS
MINOR HOME OCCUPATION
MAJOR HOME OCCUPATION
(1)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2)
(3)
(4)
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY
COMMON DRIVEWAYS
(1)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(2)
Accessory uses — Accessory uses are those subordinate to and
customarily associated with a principal use and are located on the
same lot as the principal use unless otherwise noted.
A Home Occupation is defined as any use customarily conducted
in a dwelling and includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Any use customarily conducted for profit by the inhabitants
of a dwelling may be undertaken in Rural & Residential districts
as a matter of right, provided such use is clearly incidental and
secondary to the use of the building as a residence and provided that
the use does not change the residential character of the building.
Such a use shall be deemed incidental and secondary if it does not
meet the definition of Major Home Occupation.
Any use customarily conducted for profit by the inhabitants
of a dwelling may be undertaken in Rural & Residential districts
only with a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals if it
exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:
More than one non-resident employee works on the premises at
any given time
Outdoor storage of materials or equipment
Outdoor parking of more than one commercial vehicle or any commercial
vehicle exceeding a gross weight 10,000 pounds.
Occupies more than 25% of the floor area of the dwelling
Occupies more than 500 square feet of floor space in accessory
buildings
Regularly serves more than three customers or clients on the
premises at any one time.
Additional parking spaces must be provided for each non-resident
employee and the largest number of clients who would regularly visit
the premises. The Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer
may, at his or her discretion, require that appropriate screening
of additional parking spaces and outdoor storage be provided.
The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the authority to limit
the hours of operation of a Major Home Occupation.
Retail sales and in-house storage of materials are prohibited.
"Personal Wireless Service Facility" shall mean transmitters,
structures, (including but not limited to freestanding towers) and
other types of installations, including but not limited to antennae
and accessory structures used for the provision of wireless services,
as defined in the 1996 Telecommunications Act, 47 USC 332(c)(7),[5] but excluding equipment and antenna structures owned and
used exclusively by a federally licensed amateur radio operator.
[Amended 6-14-2021 ATM by Art. 43]
Common driveways are allowed only by special permit. The Planning Board shall be the Special Permit Granting Authority whenever the common driveway would be part of a development for which a special permit is also being sought for hammerhead lot creation pursuant to § 265-5.2B, whenever the common driveway would be part of a development for which site plan review is required pursuant to § 265-9.1, and whenever the common driveway would be part of a development for which the approval of a definitive plan is required under the Subdivision Control Law. In all other instances, the Special Permit Granting Authority shall be the Zoning Board of Appeals. In its discretion, the Special Permit Granting Authority may only allow a common driveway when it determines that the following conditions have been met:
No more than two lots may be accessed by a common driveway.
Common driveways shall not be considered public ways and shall
not provide lot frontage.
Common driveways must provide access only over the approved
legal frontage of at least one of the lots.
Common driveways may not be longer than 500 feet.
In areas served by fire hydrants, houses served by common driveways
shall not be more than 1,000 feet from the nearest hydrant.
Street addresses for all dwelling units served by a common driveway
shall be posted at the intersection of the common driveway and the
roadway and at the intersection of the common driveway and each individual
driveway.
Whenever a common driveway travels at least 150 feet from a
public or private way to a dwelling, then the common driveway must
be at least 20 feet wide along its entire length and provide.
Common driveways shall be constructed so as to provide an adequate
turnaround and hold and withstand the imposed load of the largest
fire apparatus in service (or purchased and intended for service)
with the Town at the time of the special permit application, as determined
by the Fire Chief.
It has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Special
Permit Granting Authority that each lot that will be accessed by the
common driveway is otherwise capable of being served by an individual
driveway that could be built in compliance with all local and state
requirements and standards for the same, including, without limitation,
with respect to zoning, wetlands and stormwater.
The Special Permit Granting Authority may also place conditions
on its approval of common driveways regarding their width, slope,
construction materials, drainage and sight lines from the intersection
of the driveway with the roadway.
[5]
Editor's Note: See 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(C).
G.
LUMBER YARD
HEATING FUEL SALES AND SERVICE
HEAVY VEHICULAR SALES OR REPAIR GARAGE
RESEARCH OR TESTING FACILITY
PUBLISHING, DATA PROCESSING AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND MANUFACTURING
INCLUDING ASSOCIATED OFFICES AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
PRINTING, PACKAGING, ASSEMBLING AND ALLIED USES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
STORAGE
AMUSEMENT
Commercial and industrial uses.
A facility for the open or enclosed storage and sales of
building materials.
A facility for the storage and retail sale of heating fuels
and the sales and service of heating equipment where the storage of
heating fuel in containers is permitted provided such storage is incidental
to the retail sale of heating fuel.
Salesroom and related facilities, including, but not limited
to open air display of trucks, buses, construction and industrial
equipment; establishments for the repair of trucks, buses, construction
and industrial equipment, provided that all major repairs shall be
conducted within a building.
A facility for the testing of materials, research and development.
Any waste disposal as defined by MGL c. 21D, § 2.
Non-municipal dump, salvage materials yard, including non-operable
motor vehicles, tank farm, open or outdoor storage..
Amusement park, outdoor cinema, stadium or coliseum.
H.
Prohibited
Uses. In addition to the uses listed below, all uses that pose a present
or potential hazard to human health, safety, welfare, or the environment
through the emission of smoke, particulate matter, noise or vibration,
or through fire or explosive hazard or glare are expressly prohibited
in all zoning districts.
(1)
The
construction of more than one dwelling or principal use structure
on a single lot is expressly prohibited.
(2)
Trailer
camps, mobile home sales, truck stops, billboards and all open air
storage of junk, including inoperable automobiles and all uses which
are excessively obnoxious or injurious to their neighborhood or to
all property in the vicinity are expressly prohibited in all zoning
districts in the Town.
(3)
There
will be no overnight parking of trailer trucks, trailer boxes, cabs,
tractors or parts thereof.
A.
Rural Residential District.
(1)
The
following uses are authorized in a Rural Residential District as a
matter of right:
(a)
Single-family dwelling, not to exceed 2 1/2 stories with
attached or detached private garage.
(b)
Use of land or structures for religious purposes.
(c)
Use of land or structures for educational purposes on land owned
or leased by the commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions
or bodies politic, or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a
nonprofit educational corporation.
(d)
Family day care home.
(e)
Child care facility.
(f)
Use of land for the primary purpose of agriculture, horticulture,
floriculture or viticulture.
(g)
Municipal facilities.
(h)
Kennel on parcel of three acres or more.
(i)
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce raised
on the premises or on other land controlled by the occupant.
(j)
Customary home occupations.
(2)
The following uses are authorized in a Rural Residential District
only under a special permit issued by the Swansea Zoning Board of
Appeals or the Swansea Planning Board after a public hearing, of which
due notice has been given, subject to revocation if carried on in
a manner detrimental to the health or well-being of the neighborhood:
(b)
Assisted living facility
(c)
Nursing or convalescent home
(d)
Adult day care facility
(e)
Hospital
(f)
Kennel on parcel of less than three acres
(g)
Private club, non-profit
(h)
Neighborhood store
(i)
Golf course; country club
(j)
Riding Stable
(k)
Earth removal
(l)
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce of off-premise
origin from land not controlled by the occupant
(m)
Common driveways
B.
Business
A District.
(1)
The following uses are authorized as a matter of right in a
Business A District:
(a)
Use of land or structures for religious purposes
(b)
Use of land or structures for educational purposes on land owned
or leased by the commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions
or bodies politic, or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a
nonprofit educational corporation
(c)
Child care facility
(d)
Use of land for the primary purpose of agriculture, horticulture,
floriculture or viticulture
(e)
Municipal facilities
(f)
Kennel on parcel of three acres or more
(g)
Retail stores and services
(h)
Neighborhood store
(i)
Restaurant
(j)
Wholesale manufacturing
(k)
Commercial outdoor parking
(l)
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce raised
on the premises or on other land controlled by the occupant
(m)
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce of off-premise
origin from land not controlled by the occupant
(n)
Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicles
(o)
Contractor's or Landscaping Yard
(p)
Office uses and food services where such use or service is primarily
for the employees at the principal use
(2)
The following uses are authorized in a Business A District only
under a special permit issued by the Swansea Zoning Board of Appeals
or the Swansea Planning Board after a public hearing, of which due
notice has been given, provided adequate off-street parking is supplied
and subject to revocation if carried on in a manner detrimental to
the health or well-being of the neighborhood:
(a)
Assisted living facility
(b)
Lodging house
(c)
Kennel on parcel of less than three acres
(d)
Private club, non-profit
(e)
Motel or hotel
(f)
Motor vehicle general and body repair
(g)
Motor vehicle light service
(h)
Business or professional office, including medical
(i)
Indoor commercial recreation
(j)
Tattoo Parlor
(k)
Earth removal
(l)
Contractor's yard
(m)
Commercial indoor parking
(n)
Drive-in or Drive-through facilities
(o)
Common driveways
C.
Business
B District.
(1)
The following uses are authorized as a matter of right in a
Business B District:
(a)
Use of land or structures for religious purposes
(b)
Use of land or structures for educational purposes on land owned
or leased by the commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions
or bodies politic, or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a
nonprofit educational corporation
(c)
Adult Day Care facility
(d)
Child care facility
(e)
Use of land for the primary purpose of agriculture, horticulture,
floriculture or viticulture
(f)
Municipal facilities
(g)
Hospital
(h)
Cemetery
(i)
Place of public assembly
(j)
Animal clinic or hospital
(k)
Kennel on parcel of three acres or more
(l)
Private club, non-profit
(m)
Funeral home
(n)
Motel or hotel
(o)
Retail stores and services, including malls and shopping centers
(p)
Neighborhood store
(q)
Motor vehicle sales and/or rental
(r)
Motor vehicle general services and body repair
(s)
Motor vehicle light service/car wash
(t)
Restaurant
(u)
Business or professional office, including medical
(v)
Bank, financial services company
(w)
Indoor commercial recreation
(x)
Outdoor commercial recreation
(y)
Personal service establishment
(z)
General service establishment
(aa)
Wholesale sales
(bb)
Gasoline station
(cc)
Multiple business use facility
(dd)
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce raised
on the premises or on other land controlled by the occupant
(ee)
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce of off-premise
origin from land not controlled by the occupant
(ff)
Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicles
(gg)
Landscaping Yard
(hh)
Office uses and food services where such use or service is primarily
for the employees at the principal use
(2)
The following uses are authorized in a Business B District only
under a special permit issued by the Swansea Zoning Board of Appeals
or the Swansea Planning Board after a public hearing, of which due
notice has been given, provided adequate off-street parking is supplied
and subject to revocation if carried on in a manner detrimental to
the health or well-being of the neighborhood:
(a)
Assisted living facility
(b)
Lodging house
(c)
Nursing or convalescent home
(d)
Kennel on parcel of less than three acres
(e)
Tattoo Parlor
(f)
Earth removal
(g)
Manufacturing
(h)
Contractor's yard
(i)
Commercial indoor parking
(j)
Commercial outdoor parking
(k)
Drive-in or Drive-through facilities
(l)
Common driveways
D.
Manufacturing
District.
(1)
The following uses are authorized as a matter of right in a
Manufacturing District:
(a)
Use of land or structures for religious purposes
(b)
Use of land or structures for educational purposes on land owned
or leased by the commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions
or bodies politic, or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a
nonprofit educational corporation
(c)
Child care facility
(d)
Use of land for the primary purpose of agriculture, horticulture,
floriculture or viticulture
(e)
Municipal facilities
(f)
Animal clinic or hospital
(g)
Kennel on parcel of three acres or more
(h)
Motor vehicle repair or body shop
(i)
Motor vehicle light service
(j)
Restaurant
(k)
Business or professional office, including medical
(l)
Light manufacturing
(m)
General Manufacturing
(n)
Warehouse, self-storage mini-warehouse or distribution facility
(o)
Wholesale manufacturing
(p)
Commercial outdoor parking
(q)
Roadside stands for the sale of farm or garden produce of off-premise
origin from land not controlled by the occupant
(r)
Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicles
(s)
Contractor's or Landscaping Yard
(t)
Office uses and food services where such use or service is primarily
for the employees at the principal use
(u)
Industrial park
(2)
The following uses are authorized in a Manufacturing District
only under a special permit issued by the Swansea Zoning Board of
Appeals or the Swansea Planning Board after a public hearing, of which
due notice has been given, provided adequate off-street parking is
supplied and subject to revocation if carried on in a manner detrimental
to the health or well-being of the neighborhood:
(a)
Kennel on parcel of less than three acres
(b)
Indoor commercial recreation
(c)
Tattoo Parlor
(d)
Earth removal
(e)
Contractor's yard
(f)
Commercial indoor parking
(g)
Drive-in or Drive-through facilities
(h)
Adult entertainment, including live entertainment, book store,
video store, paraphernalia or cinema
(i)
Home Occupation
(j)
Common driveways
(k)
Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers
A.
Purpose. The Swansea Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a special
permit for accessory apartments in accordance with the following requirements
for the purposes of providing small, additional dwelling units to
rent without adding to the number of buildings in the Town of Swansea
or substantially altering the appearance of the Town, providing alternative
housing options for the community and enabling owners of single-family
dwellings larger than required for their present needs to share space
and the burdens of home ownership.
B.
Definition. An ACCESSORY APARTMENT is a separate, self-contained
dwelling unit, incorporated within a single-family dwelling, and not
within an accessory structure, complete with its own cooking and sanitary
facilities, having not more than one bedroom. Additions, renovations
and all construction involved with the creation of an accessory apartment
shall meet the requirements of the current edition of the Massachusetts
Building Code as it pertains to two-family structures.
C.
Procedures. Accessory apartments may be allowed with a special permit from the Swansea Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the process for issuing special permits as set forth in Article XIII of the Swansea Zoning Bylaw, provided that each of the following, additional criteria are met.
D.
Criteria.
(1)
A plot plan of the existing dwelling unit and the proposed accessory
apartment shall be submitted to the SPGA, showing the location of
the building on the lot, the proposed accessory apartment, location
of any septic system and required parking. A mortgage inspection survey
shall be sufficient to meet this requirement.
(2)
An affidavit shall be provided by the applicant stating that
one of the two dwelling units shall be occupied by the owner of the
property, except for bona fide temporary absences.
(3)
No more than one accessory apartment may be established on a
lot. The accessory apartment shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in
floor space and shall be located in the principal residential structure.
(4)
The external appearance of the structure in which the accessory
apartment is to be located shall not be significantly altered from
the appearance of a single-family structure.
(5)
Sufficient and appropriate space for at least one additional
parking space shall be constructed by the owner to serve the accessory
apartment. The parking space shall be constructed of materials consistent
with the existing driveway and shall have vehicular access to the
driveway.
(6)
No special permit shall be granted without a condition that
the accessory apartment shall conform to the provisions of Title V
of the Massachusetts Sanitary Code, 310 CMR 15.00.
E.
Decision. Special permits for accessory apartments may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals upon a finding that the construction and occupancy of the apartment will not be detrimental to the neighborhood in which the subject property is located and after consideration of the factors set forth in Article XIII of the Swansea Zoning Bylaw.
F.
Administration and Enforcement.
(1)
It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector to administer
and enforce the provisions of this Bylaw.
(2)
No building shall be constructed or changed in use or configuration
until the Building Inspector has issued a permit. No permit shall
be issued until a sewage disposal works permit, when applicable, has
first been obtained from the Board of Health and the proposed building
and location thereof conform with the Town's bylaws. Any new building
or structure shall conform to all adopted state and Town laws, bylaws,
codes and regulations.
(3)
No building shall be occupied until a certificate of occupancy
has been issued by the Building Inspector where required.
(4)
The Building Inspector shall refuse to issue any permit which
would result in a violation of any provision of this chapter or in
violation of the conditions or terms of any special permit granted
by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(5)
The Building Inspector shall issue a cease and desist order
on any work in progress or on the use of any premises, either of which
are in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(6)
Construction or use according to a building permit or special
permit shall conform to any subsequent amendment of this section unless
the construction or use is begun within a period of not more than
six months after the issuance of a permit granted before the effective
date of the amendment. To qualify for this exemption, construction
must be completed in a continuous and expeditious manner.
A.
Purpose and Intent:
(1)
To allow for greater flexibility and creativity in the design
of residential developments.
(2)
To encourage the permanent preservation of open space, agricultural
and forestry land, plant and wildlife habitat, other natural resources
including aquifers, waterbodies, wetlands, historical and archeological
resources.
(3)
To protect existing and potential municipal water supplies.
(4)
To preserve and enhance the community character.
(5)
To protect the scenic vistas as viewed from the Town's roadways
and other public places.
(6)
To facilitate the construction and maintenance of streets, utilities
and public services in a more economical and efficient manner.
(7)
To encourage a less sprawling and more efficient form of development
that consumes less open land and conforms to existing topography and
natural features better than a conventional or grid subdivision.
(8)
To protect the value of real property.
(9)
To minimize the total amount of disturbance on the site.
(10)
To preserve open space areas for active and passive recreational
use, including the provision of neighborhood parks and trails.
(11)
To encourage the provision of diverse housing opportunities
and the integration of a variety of housing types.
(12)
To further the goals and policies of the local comprehensive
plans and open space and recreation plans.
B.
Definitions:
In this Bylaw, the following words have the meanings indicated:
(1)
Open
Space Residential Development (OSRD): A residential development in
which the buildings are clustered together with reduced lot sizes
and frontage. The land not included in the building lots is permanently
preserved as open space. Open Space Residential Development is the
preferred form of residential development and/or redevelopment in
the Town of Swansea for residential developments.
(3)
Sketch Plan: A plan conforming to the requirements of the OSRD special permit plan, as specified in Subsection G(2)(a) of this bylaw.
(4)
Open
Space Residential Development Special Permit: Approval granted by
the Special Permit Granting Authority after review and public hearing
of an OSRD plan. An OSRD plan must be granted a special permit prior
to receiving definitive subdivision plan approval from the Planning
Board.
(5)
Primary
Conservation Areas: Tracts of land containing natural features such
as wetlands, riverfront areas, perennial streams, water bodies, floodplains
and habitats for rare or endangered plant or animal species regulated
by state or federal law.
(6)
Secondary
Conservation Areas: Tracts of land including, but not limited to unprotected
elements of the natural landscape such as steep slopes, mature woodlands,
prime farmland, meadows, intermittent streams, wildlife habitats and
cultural features such as historic and archeological sites and scenic
views.
(7)
Potentially
Developable Area: The area of a tract or tracts of land proposed for
an Open Space Residential Subdivision that lie outside the identified
Primary and Secondary Conservation Areas of such tract or tracts,
and defines the location appropriate for siting of houses and accessory
structures.
C.
Eligibility:
(1)
Minimum size of tract. To be eligible for consideration as an
OSRD, the tract shall contain a minimum of 10 acres.
(2)
Minimum number of lots. To be eligible for consideration as
an OSRD, the tract shall contain not less than five lots.
(3)
Contiguous parcels. To be eligible for consideration as an OSRD,
the tract shall consist of a parcel, abutting parcels, or set of parcels
that demonstrate a significant functional relationship between the
natural resources located on each of the parcels to be considered.
D.
Special permit granting authority:
(1)
A special permit granting authority (SPGA) is hereby established
to review and approve special permits applications for Open Space
Residential Developments subject to the regulations and conditions
herein. The special permit granting authority is composed of the Planning
Board members.
(2)
Rules and Regulations: The special permit granting authority
shall adopt, and from time to time amend, rules relative to the issuance
of such permits, and shall file a copy of said rules in the office
of the town clerk. Such rules shall prescribe the size, form, contents,
style and number of copies of plans and documentation to be submitted,
and the procedure for submission and approval of such permits.
E.
Design Process. At the time of application for a special permit for OSRD in conformance with Subsection F, applicants are required to demonstrate to the SPGA that the Design Process was performed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including registered professional engineer and landscape architect and considered in determining the layout of proposed open space, house lots, and streets.
(1)
Step One: Identifying Conservation Areas. Identify preservation
land by two steps. First, Primary Conservation Areas and Secondary
Conservation Areas shall be identified and delineated. Second, the
Potentially Developable Area will be identified and delineated. To
the maximum extent feasible, the Potentially Developable Area shall
consist of land outside identified Primary and Secondary Conservation
Areas.
(2)
Step Two: Locating House Sites.
(a)
Locate the approximate sites of individual houses within the
Potentially Developable Area and include the delineation of private
yards and shared amenities, so as to reflect an integrated community,
with emphasis on consistency with the Town's historical development
patterns.
(b)
The number of homes enjoying the amenities of the OSRD should
be maximized. Houses should be sited to minimize impacts on the Primary
and Secondary Conservation Areas, while maximizing the views of and
access to the open space. House location should maximize the privacy
of each home with minimum disturbance to the surrounding topography
and landscape.
(3)
Step Three: Aligning Streets and Trails. Align streets to access
the house lots. Additionally, a network of trails should be laid out
to create internal and external connections to existing and/or potential
future streets, sidewalks, and trails.
(4)
Step Four: Lot Lines. Draw in lot lines that meet the minimum
area and space requirements. Lot areas should encompass only those
areas identified as Potential Developable Areas, and all areas outside
of the lot lines shall be dedicated as open space area.
F.
Pre-Application. A pre-application meeting between the SPGA and the
applicant is required. The purpose of the pre-application review is
to minimize the applicant's costs of engineering and other technical
experts, and to identify important design considerations at the earliest
possible stage in the development.
(1)
Conference. The pre-application meeting shall be scheduled at
a regular meeting of the SPGA. The SPGA shall forward copies of any
pre-application submittals to and invite members of the Conservation
Commission, Highway Department, the Board of Health, the Zoning Enforcement
Officer, the Fire Department, the Swansea Water District and any other
affected boards or departments as determined by the SPGA to the pre-application
review. The invited review authorities shall have 30 days to return
written comments to the SPGA. At the pre-application review, the applicant
may outline the proposed OSRD, seek preliminary feedback from the
SPGA and/or its invitees and technical experts, and set a timetable
for submittal of a formal application. The SPGA may engage technical
experts, at the expense of the applicant, to review the informal plans
of the applicant and to facilitate submittal of a formal application
for an OSRD special permit.
(2)
Submittals: To facilitate review of the OSRD plan at the pre-application
stage, applicants are required to submit the following information:
(a)
Site Context Map. This map illustrates the parcel in connection
to its surrounding neighborhood. Based on existing data sources and
field inspections, it should show various kinds of major natural resources
areas or features that cross parcel lines or that are located on adjoining
lands. This map enables the conference committee to understand the
site in relation to what is occurring on adjacent properties.
(b)
Existing Conditions/Site Analysis Map. This map familiarizes
officials with existing conditions on the property. Based on existing
data sources and field inspections, this base map locates and describes
noteworthy resources that should be left protected through sensitive
subdivision layouts. These resources include wetlands, riverfront
areas, floodplains and steep slopes, but may also include mature woodlands,
hedgerows, farmland, unique or special wildlife habitats, historic
or cultural features (such as old structures or stone walls), unusual
geologic formations and scenic views into and out from the property.
By overlaying this plan onto a development plan the parties involved
can clearly see where conservation priorities and desired development
overlap/conflict.
(3)
Site Visit. Applicants are required to conduct a site visit
with the SPGA and other affected Town bodies, and/or their agents
to facilitate pre-application review of the OSRD.
G.
Procedural Requirements: The Open Space Residential Subdivision Special Permit Plan shall include a Sketch Plan and Yield Plan. The applicant shall submit both the Site context map and Existing Conditions/Site Analysis map prepared according to Subsection F(2)(a) and (b). Additional information reasonably necessary to make the determinations and assessments cited herein shall be provided, including existing site contour maps and existing current soil maps.
(1)
Submission. The applicant shall file applications for OSRD special
permits with the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk will certify the date
and time of filing. The Clerk shall forward the application, with
said certification, to the office of the SPGA. The SPGA shall commence
a public hearing, for which notice has been given, within 65 days
from the date of filing of the application.
(a)
Escrow for employment of outside consultants. The SPGA may engage
technical experts as necessary to assist with the review of the application
and associated plans. The applicant shall deposit funds with the Town
to cover the costs of such technical reviews. The amount of said deposit,
and any subsequent replenishment, shall be established by the SPGA.
Expenditures from said account shall be made at the direction of the
SPGA without further appropriation. Expenditures from said account
shall be made only in connection with the review of a project for
which a review fee has been collected from an applicant. The funds
shall be deposited with, and released by, the Town Treasurer in accordance
with MGL c. 44, § 53G. Administrative appeal from the selection
of an outside consultant shall be taken in accordance with the provisions
of MGL c. 44, § 53G.
(2)
Sketch Plan. Two plans are required to be submitted: 1) OSRD sketch plan incorporating the Four-Step Design Process outlined in Subsection E, and the design standards included herein; and 2) Conventional subdivision yield plan, prepared based upon Zoning Bylaw requirements for a standard subdivision. The Sketch Plans shall be prepared by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, including registered professional engineer and landscape architect, and shall address the general features of the land, and give approximate configurations of the lots, open space, and roadways. The SPGA shall determine which method of development furthers the purpose and intent of this bylaw.
(a)
Required Content of the Sketch Plan. The sketch plan shall include
the following information:
[1]
The subdivision name, boundaries, north point, date, legend,
locus map, title "Concept Plan," and scale.
[2]
The names of the record owner and the applicant, and the name
of the landscape architect who prepared the plan.
[3]
The names, approximate location, and widths of adjacent streets.
[4]
The proposed topography of the land shown at a contour interval
no greater than 10 feet. Elevations shall be referred to mean sea
level.
[5]
The location of existing landscape features including forests,
farm fields, meadows, wetlands, riverfront areas, waterbodies, archeological
and historic structures or points of interest, rock outcrops, boulder
fields, stone walls, cliffs, high points, major long views, forest
glades, major tree groupings, noteworthy tree specimens, and habitats
of endangered or threatened wildlife or plant species, as identified
as primary and secondary resources. Proposals for all site features
to be preserved, demolished or moved shall be noted on the Sketch
Plan.
[6]
All on-site local, state, and federal regulatory resource boundaries
and buffer zones shall be clearly identified and all wetland flag
locations shall be numbered and placed on the Sketch Plan.
[7]
Lines showing proposed private residential lots, as located
as part of the four-step design process with areas and frontage dimensions.
[8]
All existing and proposed features and amenities including,
but not limited to trails, recreations areas and facilities, pedestrian
and bicycle paths, community buildings, and off-street parking areas
shall be shown on the plan and described in a brief narrative explanation
where appropriate.
[9]
The existing and proposed streets, ways, common driveways, easements
and any parcel of land intended to be dedicated for public use or
to be reserved by deed covenant for use of all property owners in
the subdivision, or parcels of land or lots to be used for any purpose
other than private residential shall be so designated with the subdivision
in a general manner.
[a]
Proposed roadway grades.
[b]
As sewer is not available, percolation and water table tests
may be required as directed by the SPGA. A narrative explanation shall
be prepared by a registered professional engineer detailing the proposed
wastewater systems that will be utilized by the development and its
likely impacts on site and to any abutting parcels of land. For example,
the narrative will specify whether individual on-site or off-site
systems, shared systems, alternative to Title V systems, or any combination
of these or other methods will be utilized. The applicant shall identify
the proposed location of all wastewater disposal systems, and if so
located in any proposed open space area, then identify how the system(s)
will be constructed and maintained so as to not interfere with the
function of the proposed open space.
[c]
A narrative explanation prepared by a registered professional
engineer proposing systems for stormwater drainage and its likely
impacts on-site and to any abutting parcels of land. For example,
the narrative will specify which engineering methods will be used
and the number of any detention basins or infiltrating catch basins,
it is not intended to include specific pipe sizes. Any information
needed to justify this proposal should be included in the narrative.
The approximate location of any stormwater management detention basins
shall be shown on the plan and accompanied by a conceptual landscaping
plan.
[d]
A narrative explanation prepared by a registered professional
engineer detailing the proposed drinking water supply system.
[e]
A narrative explanation of the proposed quality, quantity, use
and ownership the open space. Open space parcels shall be clearly
shown on the plan.
[f]
All proposed landscaped and buffer areas should be noted on
the plan and generally explained in a narrative.
[g]
A list of all legal documents necessary for implementation of
the proposed development, including any conservation restrictions,
land transfers, and master deeds, with an accompanying narrative explaining
their general purpose.
[h]
A narrative indicating all requested waivers, reduction, and/or
modifications as permitted within the requirements of this bylaw.
(3)
Yield Plan. The applicant shall submit a narrative explanation detailing the results of the determination of any proposed allocation of yield determined according to Subsection H, Basic Maximum Number of Dwelling Units.
(4)
Relationship between OSRD special permit plan and definitive
subdivision plan. The OSRD special permit plan shall be reconsidered
if there is substantial variation between it and the definitive subdivision
plan. If the SPGA finds that a substantial variation exists, it shall
hold a public hearing on the modification to the OSRD special permit
plan. A substantial variation shall be defined as any of the following
circumstances:
(a)
An increase in the number of building lots;
(b)
A significant decrease in the open space acreage;
(c)
A significant change in lot layout;
(d)
A significant change in the general development pattern that
adversely affects natural landscape features and open space preservation;
(e)
Significant changes to the stormwater management facilities;
and/or significant changes in the wastewater management systems.
H.
The Basic Maximum Number of Dwelling Units/Density shall be derived
from a Yield Plan:
(1)
The number of dwelling units permitted shall not exceed that
which would be permitted under a conventional subdivision that complies
with the Town zoning bylaw and the Rules and Regulations Governing
the Subdivision of Land of the SPGA and any other applicable laws
and regulations of the Town or the state.
(2)
A yield plan shall be submitted to demonstrate the allowable
number of units. If the tract lies in more than one zoning district,
the lots for each district shall conform to their respective zoning
district requirements.
(3)
The applicant shall have the burden of proof with regard to
the Basic Maximum Number of dwelling units. The applicant may be required
to submit additional site information as requested by the SPGA to
satisfy the prescribed burden of proof.
I.
Standards and Dimensional Requirements: Where the requirements of
this section differ from or conflict with the requirements found elsewhere
in the Zoning Bylaw, the requirements of this section shall prevail.
(1)
Minimum Lot Size: The minimum lot size shall be 10,000 square
feet of upland area.
(2)
Minimum Frontage: The minimum frontage may be reduced from the
frontage otherwise required in the Zoning District, provided, however,
that no lot shall have less than 50 feet of frontage and provided
further that such frontage reduction shall apply only to lots fronting
on proposed internal roadways. The sharing of driveways to reduce
curb cuts is encouraged.
(3)
Lot Shape: All building lots must be able to contain a circle
of a minimum diameter of 50 feet from the front lot line to the rear
building line.
(4)
Setbacks: Every dwelling fronting on the proposed roadways shall
be set back a minimum of 15 feet from any property line.
(5)
Required Open Space: All land area not utilized for lots, roads,
and drainage shall be set aside as open space, lands being permanently
deed restricted to their identified usage only. A minimum of 50% of
the upland area of the parcel must be provided as open space. Wetlands
and water bodies must be preserved; however, they do not count toward
the open space requirement. Roadway rights of way shall not count
toward the area to be provided as open space.
J.
Open Space Requirements
(1)
Permissible Uses of Open Space:
(a)
Purposes: Open space shall be used solely for conservation,
wildlife and plant habitat, aquifer recharge, agriculture, forestry
or recreation purposes by residents and/or the public. Where appropriate,
multiple use of open space is encouraged. At least half of the required
open space may be required by the SPGA to be left in a natural state.
The proposed use of the open space shall be specified in the application.
If several uses are proposed, the plans shall specify what uses will
occur in what areas. The SPGA shall have the authority to approve
or disapprove particular uses proposed for the open space.
(b)
Recreation Lands: Where appropriate to the topography and natural
features of the site, the SPGA may require that at least 10% of the
open space or two acres (whichever is less) shall be of a shape, slope,
location and condition to provide an informal field for group recreation
or community gardens for the residents of the subdivision.
(c)
Leaching Facilities: Subject to the approval of the Board of
Health, as otherwise required by law, the SPGA may permit a portion
of the open space to be used for components of sewage disposal systems
serving the subdivision, where the SPGA finds that such use will not
be detrimental to the character, quality, or use of the open space,
wetlands or waterbodies, and enhances the site plan. The SPGA shall
require adequate legal and fiscal safeguards and covenants that such
facilities shall be adequately maintained by the lot owners within
the development.
(d)
Community Structures: Up to 5% of the open space may be set
aside and designated to allow for the construction of structures and
facilities accessory to the proposed use of the open space including
parking. Location of structures and facilities are subject to the
approval of the SPGA.
(2)
Ownership of Open Space:
(a)
Ownership Options: At the developer's option and subject to
approval by the SPGA, all areas to be protected as open space shall
be:
[1]
Conveyed to the Town to be placed under the care, custody and
control of the Conservation Commission, and be accepted by it for
a park or open space use. Land conveyed to the Town should be open
for public use; and/or
[2]
Conveyed to a non-profit organization, the principal purpose
of which is the conservation or preservation of open space, with a
conservation restriction as specified in Subsection J(2)(n)[10][b][ii]
below. Such organization shall be acceptable to the Town as a bona
fide conservation organization; and/or
[3]
Conveyed to a corporation or trust owned, or to be owned, by the owners of lots or residential units within the development (i.e. "homeowners association") and placed under conservation restriction as specified in Subsection J(2)(b) below. If such a corporation or trust is utilized, as indicated herein, ownership thereof shall pass with conveyance of the lots or residential units in perpetuity. Documents creating such trust or corporation shall be submitted to the SPGA for approval, and shall thereafter be recorded.
(b)
Permanent Restriction: In any case where open space is not conveyed
to the Town, a permanent conservation or agricultural preservation
restriction in accordance with MGL c. 184, § 31, approved
by the SPGA and Board of Selectmen and enforceable by the Town, conforming
to the standards of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental
Affairs, Division of Conservation Services, shall be recorded to ensure
that such land shall be kept in an open or natural state and not be
built for residential use or developed for accessory uses such as
parking or roadways, except as permitted by this bylaw and approved
by the SPGA and not inconsistent with MGL c. 184, § 31.
Restrictions shall provide for periodic inspection of the open space
by the Town. Such restriction shall be submitted to the SPGA prior
to approval of the project and recorded at the Registry of Deeds/Land
Court simultaneously with recording of the definitive subdivision
plan. A management plan may be required by the SPGA that describes
how existing woods, fields, meadows or other natural areas shall be
maintained in accordance with good conservation practices.
(c)
Encumbrances: All areas to be set aside as open space shall
be conveyed free of any mortgage interest, security interest, liens
or other encumbrances.
(d)
Maintenance of Open Space: In any case where open space is not
conveyed to the Town, the Town shall be granted an easement over such
land sufficient to ensure its perpetual maintenance as conservation
or recreation land. Such easement shall provide that in the event
the trust or other owner fails to maintain the open space in reasonable
condition, the Town may, after notice to the lot owners and public
hearing, enter upon such land to maintain it in order to prevent or
abate a nuisance. The cost of such maintenance, administrative and
other associated fees shall be assessed by the Town against the properties
within the development and/or to the owner of the open space. The
Town may file a lien against the lot or lots to ensure payment of
such maintenance expenses.
(e)
Monumentation: Where the boundaries of the open space are not
readily observable in the field, the SPGA may require placement of
surveyed bounds sufficient to identify the location of the open space.
(3)
Open Space Design Requirements: The location of open space provided
through this bylaw shall be consistent with the policies contained
in the Swansea Master Plan and the Open Space and Recreation element
of the plan. The following design requirements shall apply to open
space and lots provided through this bylaw:
(a)
Open space shall be planned as large, contiguous areas whenever
possible. Long thin strips or narrow areas of open space (less than
100 feet wide) shall occur only when necessary for access, as vegetated
buffers along wetlands or the perimeter of the site, or as connections
between open space areas. Open space may be considered connected if
it is separated by roadway or community facility.
(b)
Open space shall be arranged to protect valuable natural and
cultural environments such as stream valleys, wetland buffers, unfragmented
forestland and significant trees, wildlife habitat, open fields, scenic
views, trails, and archeological sites and to avoid development in
hazardous areas such as floodplains and steep slopes. The development
plan shall take advantage of the natural topography of the parcel
and cuts and fills shall be minimized.
(c)
Open space may be in more than one parcel provided that the
size, shape and location of such parcels are suitable for the designated
uses. Where feasible, these parcels shall be linked by trails.
(d)
Where the proposed development abuts or includes a body of water
or a wetland, these areas and the 100-foot buffer to such areas shall
be incorporated into the open space. Where appropriate, reasonable
access shall be provided to shorelines.
(e)
The maximum number of house lots compatible with good design
shall abut the open space and all house lots shall have reasonable
physical and visual access to the open space through internal roads,
sidewalks or paths. An exception may be made for resource areas vulnerable
to trampling or other disturbance.
(f)
Open space shall be provided with adequate access, by a strip
of land at least 20 feet wide, suitable for a footpath, from one or
more streets in the development.
(g)
Development along existing scenic roads and creation of new
driveway openings on existing regional roadways shall be minimized.
(h)
Where a proposed development abuts land held for conservation
purposes, the development shall be configured to minimize adverse
impacts to abutting conservation land, and provide for the most contiguous
arrangement of open space with abutting conservation land. New trail
connections should be provided to existing recreation and trail facilities
where appropriate.
K.
Design Standards: The following generic and site-specific design
standards shall apply to all OSRD subdivisions and shall govern the
development and design process:
(1)
Generic Design Standards
(a)
The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar
as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal. Any grade changes
shall be in keeping with the general appearance of the neighboring
developed areas. The orientation of individual building sites shall
be such as to maintain maximum natural topography and cover. Topography,
tree cover, and natural drainage ways shall be treated as fixed determinants
of road and lot configuration rather than as variable elements that
can be changed to follow a preferred development scheme.
(b)
Streets shall be designed and located in such a manner as to
maintain and preserve natural topography, significant landmarks, and
trees; to minimize cut and fill; and to preserve and enhance views
and vistas on or off the subject tract. Road and road right-of-way
standards may be designed and constructed in accordance with the conventional
standards or the reduced roadway standards as adopted by the Planning
Board in its Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land.[1]
(c)
Proposed building lots shall be designed and located to relate
to their surroundings in such a manner as to maintain and preserve
natural topography, significant landmarks, and trees; to minimize
cut and fill; and to preserve and enhance views and vistas on or off
the subject tract.
(d)
The removal or disruption of historic, traditional or significant
uses, structures or architectural elements shall be minimized insofar
as practicable where these exist on the site or adjacent properties.
(2)
Site Specific Design Standards
(a)
Parking. Each dwelling unit shall be served by two off-street
parking spaces when lot access is provided by standard subdivision
roads, or four off-street parking spaces when served by reduced standard
roads. Parking spaces in and in front of garages may count in this
computation. All parking areas with greater than six spaces shall
be screened from view.
(b)
Buffer Areas. A buffer area of 100 feet shall be provided at
the perimeter of the tract. Driveways necessary for access to and
from the property may cross such buffer areas. No vegetation in this
buffer area will be disturbed, destroyed or removed, except for normal
maintenance of structures and landscapes approved as part of the project.
The SPGA may waive the buffer requirement in these locations when
it determines that a smaller buffer, or no buffer, will suffice to
accomplish the objectives set forth herein.
(c)
Drainage. The use of non-structural stormwater management techniques
are encouraged, such as shallow grass-lined swales and overland flow
that reduce impervious surfaces and promote infiltration where appropriate.
Stormwater management designs shall conform to the Department of Environmental
Protection stormwater management regulations.
(e)
Screening and Landscaping. All structural surface stormwater
management facilities shall be accompanied by a conceptual landscape
plan.
(f)
On-site Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation. Walkways and bicycle
paths shall be provided to link residences with parking areas, recreation
facilities, including parkland and open space areas, and adjacent
land uses where appropriate.
L.
Decision of the Special Permit Granting Authority
(1)
Review and Decision: Upon receipt of the application and the
required plans, the SPGA shall transmit one copy each to the Conservation
Commission, Highway Department, Fire Department, Board of Health,
Zoning Enforcement Officer and Swansea Water District. Within 30 days
of their receipt of the application/plans, said Town bodies shall
submit any recommendations to the SPGA. The SPGA shall act on applications
according to the procedure specified in MGL c. 40A, § 9.
Notice shall be provided of hearings in accordance with MGL c. 40A,
§ 11.
(2)
Criteria for Special Permit Decision:
(a)
Findings:
[1]
The SPGA may approve the development upon finding that it complies
with the purposes and standards of the Open Space Residential Development
bylaw and is superior in design to a conventional subdivision with
regard to protection of natural features and scenic resources of the
site. The SPGA shall consider the following criteria in making its
decision:
[a]
Whether the OSRD achieves greater flexibility and creativity
in the design of residential developments than a conventional plan;
[b]
Whether the OSRD maximizes the permanent preservation of open
space, agricultural land, forestry land, other natural resources including
water bodies and wetlands, and historical and archeological resources;
[c]
Whether the OSRD promotes a less sprawling and more efficient
form of development that consumes a less open land and conforms to
existing topography and natural features better than a conventional
subdivision;
[d]
Whether the OSRD reduces the total amount of disturbance on
the site;
[e]
Whether the OSRD special permit plan and its supporting narrative
documentation complies with all sections of this zoning bylaw;
[f]
Upland open space as required by this bylaw has been provided and generally conforms to the Open Space Design Requirements in Subsection J(3) of this Bylaw;
[g]
Approximate building sites have been identified and are not
located closer than 100 feet to wetlands and waterbodies;
[h]
Proposed streets have been aligned to provide vehicular access
to each house in a reasonable and economical manner. Lots and streets
have been located to promote interconnection of the street network
on site and to off-site locations, to avoid or minimize adverse impacts
on open space areas, to provide views of and access to the open space
for the lots and to protect the public safety;
[2]
All lots meet the applicable dimensional requirements of Subsection I of the Open Space Residential Development Bylaw.
[3]
The SPGA's findings, including the basis of such findings, shall
be stated in the written decision of approval, conditional approval
or denial of the application for special permit.
(3)
Conditions: The SPGA shall impose conditions in its decision
as necessary to ensure compliance with the purposes of this Bylaw.
Approval of an Open Space Residential Development shall be conditioned
upon Definitive Subdivision approval and shall be conditioned to provide
that no further division of land which increases the number of lots
or results in an alteration to the area to be set aside as open space
may occur without a modification of the special permit. Any alteration
of lot lines or layout of ways shall require approval of the SPGA
and shall be in compliance with the requirements of the Open Space
Residential Development bylaw and the Planning Board Rules and Regulations
Governing the Subdivision of Land.[2]
(4)
Time Limit: A special permit is granted for a period of two
years and shall lapse if substantial use or construction has not commenced
by such date, except for good cause shown.
(5)
Relationship to Subdivision Control Law: Nothing contained herein
shall exempt a proposed subdivision from compliance with other applicable
provisions of these bylaws or the Rules and Regulations Governing
the Subdivision of Land of the Planning Board,[3] nor shall it affect the right of the Board of Health and
of the Planning Board to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove
a Definitive subdivision plan in accordance with the provision of
such Rules and Regulations of the Subdivision Control Law.
M.
Severability: If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision
of this bylaw invalid, the remainder of the bylaw shall not be affected
thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any
section or sections of this bylaw shall not affect the validity of
the remainder of the Swansea zoning Bylaw.