The purpose and intent of this site plan approval article of
the Zoning Ordinance is to:
A. Protect the health, safety and welfare of the public;
B. Ensure attractive and well-designed developments;
C. Protect the interests of adjoining property owners;
D. Create a better living environment in Methuen; and
E. Preserve the natural resources of the City.
Application for a site plan approval shall be required for:
A. The construction of, addition to and/or alteration of any building
in excess of 5,000 gross square feet, but shall not apply to single-
and two-family residential structures.
B. The construction of two or more nonresidential buildings, regardless
of the size of the buildings, on the same lot.
C. The reduction of front yard setbacks to zero in the Central Business
District.
D. The development of existing lots under 4,000 square feet in the Central
Business District which have been recorded and established prior to
the adoption of this Zoning Ordinance.
E. The construction or addition of any drive-through facility on any
existing building or as a standalone structure or as part of any new
building and the construction of any standalone kiosk.
F. The construction of a multifamily dwelling.
G. The construction of a day-care center.
Site plan approval shall lapse after two years from the grant
thereof if a substantial use thereof has not sooner commenced except
for good cause. Such approval may, for good cause, be extended in
writing by the Community Development Board upon the written request
of the applicant.
The Community Development Board may adopt reasonable regulations
for the administration of site plan review.
The Community Development Board may adopt reasonable administrative
fees and technical review fees for site plan review.
Any decision of the Community Development Board pursuant to
this section shall be appealed in accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 17
to a court of competent jurisdiction.