The following factors shall be considered in the review and
development of all site plans:
A. Circulation: pedestrian and vehicular traffic movement within and
adjacent to the site, with particular emphasis on the provision and
layout of parking areas, off-street loading and unloading areas and
the movement of people, goods and vehicles from access roads and within
the site and adjacent to it. The Planning Board shall ensure that
all parking spaces are usable and are safely and conveniently arranged.
Access to the site from adjacent roads shall be designed so as to
interfere as little as possible with traffic flow on these roads and
to permit vehicles a rapid and safe entrance and exit to and from
the site.
B. Site design. The design and layout of buildings and parking areas
shall be reviewed so as to provide an aesthetically pleasing design
and efficient arrangement. In the orientation and siting of buildings,
the unique characteristics of the site shall be taken into account,
with consideration given to relating buildings to the natural terrain,
creating desirable focal points, preserving natural views and respecting
the established character of the neighborhood. The site plan shall
provide for a unified design with features that tie principal and
accessory structures together and relate site features successfully
and harmoniously to similar elements in surrounding buildings.
C. Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided to ensure safe movement
of persons and vehicles and for security purposes. Lighting standards
shall be a type approved by the approving authority. Directional lights
shall be arranged so as to minimize glare and reflection on adjacent
properties.
D. Buffering. Buffering shall be located around the perimeter of the
site to minimize headlights of vehicles, noise, light from structures
and the movement of people and vehicles and to shield activities from
adjacent properties when necessary. Buffering may consist of fencing,
evergreens, shrubs, bushes, deciduous trees or combinations thereof
to achieve the design objectives.
E. Landscaping. Every effort shall be made to preserve the landscape
in its natural state or to improve existing site conditions in keeping
with adjacent areas. Landscaping shall be provided as part of the
overall site plan design and integrated into building arrangements,
topography, parking and buffering requirements. Landscaping shall
include trees, bushes, shrubs, ground cover, perennials, annuals and
plants.
F. Signs. Signs shall be designed so as to be aesthetically pleasing,
harmonious with other signs on the site and located so as to achieve
their purpose without constituting hazards to vehicles and pedestrians.
G. Utilities. Storm drainage, sanitary waste disposal, water supply
and solid waste disposal shall be reviewed and considered. Particular
emphasis shall be given to the adequacy of existing systems and the
need for improvements both on site and off site. Adequate fire protection
shall be ensured in the review of all major developments. Solid waste
disposal shall be adequate to ensure freedom from vermin and rodent
infestation.
H. Environmental considerations. Environmental elements relating to
soil erosion, preservation of trees, protection of watercourses, topography,
soil and wildlife shall be reviewed, and the design of the plan shall
minimize any adverse impact on these elements. Whenever possible,
the natural features of a site are to be preserved, floodplains respected
and excessive cut or fill avoided.