There are three (3) tiers of site plan and design review depending
on the type of use or activity and the scope of the project. The applicant
shall meet all conditions imposed by the site plan and design review
process prior to the issuance of a building or sign permit except
for those conditions that are intended to be satisfied during construction
or later.
A. Tier 1: Administrative Site Plan and Design Review. Conducted by
the Planning Board's designee(s); a public meeting or hearing is not
required. The designee may refer the project to the Planning Board
if it is the determination of the designee that the potential impacts
of the project require review by the Planning Board. The applicant
may also request a Planning Board review. The thresholds for this
review are:
(1) Additions totaling less than or equal to two thousand five hundred
(2,500) square feet to an existing nonresidential structure, which
affect the exterior appearance of a structure or site.
(2) Additional parking and parking lot design.
(3) Modifications to the exterior of a nonresidential building, mixed-use
structure or multifamily dwelling, including:
(b)
Removal of trees greater than two (2) inches in caliper.
(c)
Removal of hedges and living shrubs.
(d)
Alterations, demolitions, removal or construction affecting
the architectural appearance of the structure(s), signs or the site.
(e)
Changes to existing sign types and faces.
B. Tier 2: Planning Board Site Plan and Design Review. Conducted by
the Planning Board at a regularly scheduled or special meeting. The
thresholds for this review are:
(1) All new nonresidential structures less than or equal to seven thousand
five hundred (7,500) square feet.
(2) Additions from two thousand five hundred one (2,501) square feet
to seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet to all structures
which affect the exterior appearance of a structure or site.
C. Tier 3: Public Hearing with Site Plan and Design Review.
(1) Categories of projects for which the site plan and design review
will be conducted by the Planning Board as a Tier 3 review at a noticed
and advertised public hearing:
(a)
Any uses that require the granting of a special permit by the
Planning Board, noted as "SPPB" in the Table of Allowable Activity. In such a case, site plan and design review, if required,
will be conducted by the Planning Board.
(b)
Projects that meet the following thresholds:
[1]
New structures over seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square
feet. Site plan and design review will be conducted by the Planning
Board following input received from Town departments, boards and commissions.
[2]
Additions to existing structures where the addition is greater
than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet. Site plan and
design review will be conducted by the Planning Board following input
received from Town departments, boards and commissions.
(2) Categories of projects for which the site plan and design review
will be conducted by the Town Council as a Tier 3 review at a noticed
and advertised public hearing:
(a)
Any uses that require the granting of a special permit by the
Town Council, noted as "SPTC" in the Table of Allowable Activity. In such a case, site plan and design review, if required,
will be conducted by the Town Council.
(b)
Projects that require a building permit and that meet the following
thresholds:
[1]
Projects that will result in a residential or mixed-use development
that will contain 25 or more newly-created dwelling units on a single
parcel of land or on two (2) or more contiguous parcels in joint ownership.
[2]
Projects that will include any newly created residential dwelling
unit(s) in any structure where the structure is greater than two and
one-half (2 1/2) stories in height, except this provision shall
not apply to single-family dwelling units, two-family dwelling units
or dwelling units used as "in-law" accessory dwelling units.
The applicable acting body under this §
200-91 may retain a peer review engineering expert or other type of expert, as it sees fit, to assist in its review of the application and all associated matters. Any such costs shall be charged to the applicant. When the Town Council serves at the applicable acting body under this section, the Town Council may, in its discretion, request a technical review of the project plans by the Planning Board prior to acting on the site plan and design review application.
If a project qualifies for site plan and design review under multiple tiers, the highest tier of review shall apply. If a project qualifies for Tier 3 site plan and design review by both the Planning Board and the Town Council, the Town Council shall conduct the Tier 3 review. The provisions of this §
200-91 shall apply notwithstanding the applicability of the Table of Allowable Uses to any given project or use.
For the purposes of this §
200-91, a structure shall not be limited to a "building" but shall include buildings, canopies, outbuildings and the like, and the total of these shall be used in the calculation of square footage.
The Planning Board, Town Council or their respective designee(s)
shall review all site plans and design review applications and projects
as described in this zoning ordinance in order to assess the degree
to which a proposed project, use or activity is consistent with the
site for the permitted use and whether it is permissible by the regulations
of the zoning district in which it is located. The project is expected
to conform to all provisions of this chapter, including meeting the
criteria for granting any permit or special permit and all applicable
Planning Board or Town Council policies and procedures.
A. Site development standards:
(1) Preserves significant natural features.
(2) Ensures adequate methods for sewerage, refuse and other wastes resulting
from the uses on the site.
(3) Provides stormwater management consistent with the requirements of
the Stormwater Authority.
(4) Ensures that utility connections are adequate and are connected from
underground.
(5) Parking meets the requirements of this chapter.
B. Design standards.
(1) To promote the thoughtful design or redesign of buildings within
the Town of Randolph, the design or redesign of buildings in Randolph
shall acknowledge and respect the surrounding existing patterns of
development and the Town's desired development patterns, open space
and natural resources according to design principles including:
(a)
Enhancing the open space between existing and proposed buildings.
(b)
Promoting the visual and functional quality of the surrounding
neighborhood.
(c)
Promoting pedestrian-friendly scales that link the development
to the surrounding buildings, neighborhood and natural environment.
(d)
Providing buildings in scale and in proportion to the adjacent
existing structures, open space and natural and man-made environment.
(e)
Visually relating proposed buildings to their surroundings with
respect to:
[3]
Materials, texture and color.
[5]
Quality and quantity of open space.
[7]
Spacing of buildings and signs.
[9]
Quality of open space and land.
[10] Handicapped pedestrian access.
(2) Projects must meet the following building and site design criteria:
(a)
Facades.
[1]
No uninterrupted and/or unadorned length of any portion of a
facade shall exceed thirty (30) linear feet (This measurement shall
not apply to portions that are not visible to the public.). Interruptions
of such continuous lengths of the facade shall include wall plane
projections and/or recesses of not less than six inches in offset,
and one (1) or more of the following architectural features:
[d] Arcades/Colonnades; and/or
[2]
All facades shall include repeating patterns at intervals of
no more than thirty (30) linear feet, horizontally or vertically.
Such repeating patterns shall include:
[b] Color, texture, material module changes; and/or
[c] Surface modeling changes such as offsets, reveals,
or ribs no less than twelve (12) inches in width and one (1) inch
in depth.
(b)
Materials and colors.
[1]
Industrial and/or utility grade metal wall panels, used as a
finished material, shall be prohibited on facades. Metal doors, including
overhead doors, are allowed where appropriate. Architectural metal
panels and metal roofs are acceptable, subject to the determination
of the applicable acting body or their respective designee(s) that
the treatment meets the intent of this section.
[2]
Smooth-faced concrete or smooth-faced masonry units on facades
shall have a decorative finish. Tilt-up concrete panels, prefabricated
steel panels, or other similar non-glass smooth surfaced panels shall
not be exposed.
[3]
The color palette is to be consistent with buildings in the
surrounding area.
[4]
Colors chosen for signage are to be restricted to three (3)
colors.
[5]
Colors for buildings, signage or other site features to be approved
by the applicable acting body or their respective designee(s).
(c)
Entryways. Entrances shall be clearly defined and include at
least two (2) of the following features: canopies/porticos, overhangs,
recesses/projections, arcades, raised above-the-door cornice parapets,
peak roof form, arches, outdoor patios, display windows, integrated
architectural details such as tile work, moldings, planters or wind
walls and/or landscaped sitting areas; and must be consistent with
adjacent buildings and community features.
(d)
Roof treatments.
[1]
Buildings are required to have variations in the roofline and
the roof features that are consistent with the building's mass and
scale and with the surrounding buildings.
[2]
Rooftop equipment and heating, ventilation, air-conditioning
(HVAC) units shall be concealed from public view.
(e)
Pedestrian circulation. All projects shall be pedestrian-oriented
through design features that enhance pedestrian safety, efficiency,
and connectivity, with a clear definition between vehicular areas
and pedestrian walkways.
[1]
Sidewalks. Pedestrian connectivity between the project building
entrances and parking areas, public sidewalks, outparcel buildings,
and transit stops shall be clearly indicated through the use of landscaped
areas and sidewalks which are made of materials such as scored concrete,
pavers or bricks. All customer entrances shall include sidewalks along
the full length of the facade.
[2]
Pedestrian amenity areas. All projects shall include design
features such as pedestrian amenity areas, which should include well-landscaped
sitting areas with design components such as seating elements and/or
other amenities in shaded areas.
(f)
Parking areas. Parking lots and access aisleways shall be designed
utilizing the following standards:
[1]
Parking lot design. Vast, unbroken parking lots are prohibited.
Parking areas shall be designed to be broken up with landscape islands,
pedestrian walkways, significant landscaping or geographic features
and/or by the design components of the proposed building. Parking
lot landscape islands shall include pedestrian amenities where appropriate
to facilitate pedestrian connectivity.
[2]
Alternative parking lot designs incorporating natural resources
are encouraged, subject to review by the applicable acting body or
their respective designee(s).
[3]
Parking spaces. The number of parking spaces shall be determined in accordance with §
200-22 of this chapter and the Table of Dimensional Requirements. Each parking space in excess of the minimum shall require
additional landscaped areas of at least ten (10) square feet to be
placed within the internal parking area and/or right-of-way buffer.
[4]
Parking spaces should be broken into groups of ten (10) or less
with a requirement of two hundred (200) square feet of planted area
for every one thousand (1,000) square feet of parking area. The planting
area is to be located internal to the parking area. Landscape islands
and medians may be used to meet this requirement. In situations where
the acting body determines that it is impractical to provide internal
landscaped area meeting the above requirements, the parking area may
instead be provided with additional landscaped area that more effectively
screens it from public view by providing greater depth and/or density
to perimeter landscaping.
[5]
Parking lots, loading areas, storage areas, dumpsters, refuse
collection and storage areas, and service areas shall be screened
from view, from all public rights-of-way and all adjacent properties,
by the use of landscaping buffers, berms, natural contours, fences
or a combination of the above.
(g)
General landscaping requirements. The following landscaping
standards shall be incorporated into the design of all projects:
[1]
Sod alone does not qualify as landscaping. All required landscaping
must contain plants other than sod grasses, which may include shrubs,
ornamental grasses, flowers, evergreens and trees.
[2]
Preservation and protection of existing native species of plant
material is strongly encouraged. Existing native species and natural
cover should be retained wherever possible. Where planting requirements
for landscaped areas result in the need to add additional trees or
shrubs in an existing natural area, there shall be minimum disturbance
to native species.
[3]
Landscaping should be provided along and against all buildings
to anchor it to the surrounding environment and to soften the structure.
In-ground landscaping should comprise the majority of the landscaping
requirements. Raised planters are acceptable when designed to accentuate
the architecture and/or enhance pedestrian areas.
[4]
Dense landscaping and/or architectural treatments should be
provided to screen unattractive views and features.
[5]
Screening could be accomplished by employing fences made of
good-quality materials such as wood, steel, cast iron, with brick
or stone masonry elements. The use of chain-link fence visible from
public areas is strongly discouraged and requires approval of the
applicable acting body or their respective designee(s).
[6]
As listed in the Table of Dimensional Requirements, a landscaping buffer is required along any property line that is adjacent to a public right-of-way. The buffer shall be planted with shrubs, grass, and trees. Trees are to be planted based on standards delineated in Subsection
B(2)(h) of this §
200-94.
[7]
A landscaping buffer no less than forty (40) feet wide, or as defined in §
200-33, should be provided to screen commercial and industrial uses from residential properties. The buffer should offer a minimum of sixty percent (60%) opacity. This may require larger quantities of plantings or the use of more mature plants.
[8]
Landscaping should minimize potential erosion through the use
of plant materials which aid in soil stabilization.
[9]
Installation of all plant material shall conform to standard
acceptable horticultural practices.
[10] Where berms are used within a landscaped area,
slopes shall not exceed thirty degrees (30°) and shall be completely
covered with vegetation.
[11] Maintenance of all landscaped areas shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner. Failure to maintain plantings and other features of the required landscaping areas in an attractive and healthy state shall be considered a violation of this chapter and subject to §
200-42.
[12] All landscaping material shall meet the requirements of the clear sight area §
200-32 of this chapter.
[13] For projects that are existing nonconforming uses
or where existing development prevents strict compliance with this
section, alternative design may be allowed at the discretion of the
applicable acting body or their respective designee(s).
(h)
Landscape planting requirements.
[1]
Along roadways. A landscaped buffer area according to the Table
of Dimensional Requirements shall be established adjacent to any public road. The
buffer area shall be a continuous area (except for approved accessways)
planted with grass, shrubs and shade trees.
[a] Plants shall be sound, vigorous, free from mutilation,
plant disease, insect pests or their eggs, and fungus and shall have
healthy, normal root systems. Plants shall be nursery-grown stock
in containers or freshly dug, balled and burlapped.
[b] In all districts where a planting strip or buffer
strip is required, landscaping shall be required in the said strip
at a minimum of one (1) tree per 30 lineal foot and must also include
lower-level elements such as shrubs, perennials, hedges, fences, walls
and/or planted berms.
[c] Deciduous trees shall be at least two (2) inches
in caliper as measured six (6) inches above the root ball at the time
of planting.
[d] Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of eight (8)
feet in height at the time of planting.
[e] Shrubs and hedges shall be at least thirty (30)
inches in height at the time of planting.
[f] Any plantings that do not meet the established
standards must be reviewed by the applicable acting body or their
respective designee(s).
[2]
Property lines. On all property lines, a landscaped buffer shall be provided and maintained as specified in §
200-33 and the Table of Dimensional Requirements.
[a] The landscaped buffer shall be maintained by the
owner of the property.
[b] The buffer shall consist of shrubs and trees of
a species common to the area and appropriate for screening.
[c] Plants shall be sound, vigorous, free from mutilation,
plant disease, insect pests or their eggs, and fungus and shall have
healthy, normal root systems. Plants shall be nurserygrown stock in
containers or freshly dug, balled and burlapped.
[f] In all districts where a planting strip (or buffer
strip) is required, landscaping shall be required in the said strip
at a minimum of one (1) tree per 30 lineal foot and must also include
lower-level elements such as shrubs, perennials, hedges, fences, walls
and/or planted berms.
[g] Deciduous trees shall be at least two (2) inches
in caliper as measured six (6) inches above the root ball at the time
of planting.
[h] Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of eight (8)
feet in height at the time of planting.
[i] Shrubs and hedges shall be at least thirty (30)
inches in height at the time of planting.
[j] Any plantings that do not meet the established
standards must be reviewed by the applicable acting body or its designee(s).
[k] Plantings shall be sized and spaced to minimize
visual intrusion.
[3]
Within the lot:
[a] Large maturing trees shall be placed no closer
than thirty-five (35) feet on center.
[b] Smaller maturing trees shall be placed no closer
than twenty (20) feet on center.
[c] When spacing is limited or to achieve a certain
effect, closer spacing may be considered. This applies to locations
where large maturing evergreens are being used as a screen.
(i)
Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting is desirable where it will
provide a sense of security, identify a street name or number or the
edge of a walkway, cast an attractive shadow, and encourage use in
a public area. However, illumination beyond the property boundaries
shall not normally be allowed. Excessive lighting can create a harsh
nighttime environment and interfere with a neighbor's privacy. The
following standards shall apply.
[1]
Design lighting so that only the necessary brightness and distribution
is used. Avoid wide zones of intense light. All lighting should be
shielded, hooded and directed internal to the property.
[2]
Any malfunctioning lighting shall be promptly repaired or replaced.
[3]
Light fixtures in areas with vehicular traffic should be appropriate
for the area and traffic flow. However, the height of the light fixtures
should not exceed twenty five feet (25') above grade nor should they
exceed the height of the adjacent buildings.
[4]
Wall packs may be used to accomplish lighting goals and shall
be indicated on plans.
[5]
All locations of lighting fixtures and specification for lighting
fixtures are to be approved by the applicable acting body or their
respective designee(s).
[6]
Sign illumination is permitted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., except that signs of retail establishments may be illuminated during any hours they are open to the public as defined in §
200-54F(1).
On all Tier 2 and Tier 3 site plan and design review applications
that include the construction of any structure as part of the approved
plans, as-built plans shall be required. As-built plans may also be
required in other circumstances as a condition established by the
applicable acting body or their respective designee(s). No permanent
occupancy permits shall be issued for any building or structure, or
portion(s) thereof, until the following requirements have been met.
A temporary occupancy permit may be granted if an applicant can demonstrate
just cause.
A. The as-built plan shall be prepared by a Massachusetts registered
professional land surveyor. The plan shall verify all above- and belowground
improvements that were a part of the site plan approval. Any improvements
that were specifically designed by a registered professional civil,
structural, traffic, acoustic or other engineer shall include an affidavit
attesting that the improvements were constructed and are functioning
as approved.
B. The applicable acting body or their respective designee(s) shall verify that the work performed conforms to the approved site plan, including all conditions included as part of the approval. The services of an outside consultant may be engaged, pursuant to MGL c. 44, § 53G (see §
200-94 above), to certify that site plan approval conditions have been met.
C. The applicable acting body or their respective designee(s) may require
security to be posted for any unfinished work. The security shall
be posted with the Town Treasurer in the form of a certified check
or bank check. The amount of security will be set by the applicable
acting body. A date by which the work is to be completed will be established
by the applicable acting body and will be noted on the temporary occupancy
permit.
For the purposes of this section, an "approved site plan" shall
mean any previously approved Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 approval. A
copy of each request for modification to an approved site plan shall
be forwarded to the Town Council upon receipt. This section shall
also apply to modifications to any site plan approved under a prior
version of this ordinance.
A. Tier 1.
(1) Proposed modifications to a Tier 1 review shall be submitted to the
Planning Board's designee in writing.
(2) Modified site plans will, in most instances, be subject to the same
review and approval procedures unless said modification triggers an
additional level of approval.
(3) If the requested modification triggers a Tier 1 review, the normal
Tier 1 review deadlines and procedures shall apply. If the requested
modification triggers a higher tier of review, the applicable deadlines
and procedures for that higher tier of review shall apply.
(4) The Planning Board or its designee shall determine which level of
review a requested modification warrants. Such determination shall
be made within fourteen (14) days after receipt of a written request
for modification of an approved Tier 1 plan.
(5) Failure by the Planning Board or its designee to make such a determination
within the required time shall result in the modification request
being treated and reviewed as a Tier 1 modification request, with
deadlines calculated from the date the written modification request
was filed.
B. Tier 2.
(1) Proposed modifications to a Tier 2 approval shall be submitted to
and reviewed by the Planning Board's designee in writing.
(2) Modified site plans will, in most instances, be subject to the same
review and approval procedures, unless said modification triggers
an additional level of approval.
(3) For minor modifications, the designee of the Planning Board, in consultation
with the Planning Board chairperson, may determine that a particular
modification does not warrant a meeting of the Board. In such a case,
the Board's designee may approve minor modifications after determination
that the proposed modification is not significant and is consistent
with the previously approved site plan.
(4) For major modifications, the Planning Board shall act at the Board's
next regularly scheduled meeting following receipt of the written
request for modification or within 14 days of receipt of the request,
whichever is later. Failure by the Planning Board or its designee(s)
to act on the request for determination of a Tier 2 modification within
this time period shall be deemed as approved.
C. Tier 3.
(1) Proposed modifications to a Tier 3 approval shall be submitted to
the applicable acting body or their respective designee(s) in writing.
(2) Modifications to approved site plans will, in most instances, be
subject to the same review and approval procedures applicable during
the initial Tier 3 review.
(3) The applicable acting body may determine that a particular modification
does not warrant an additional public hearing. Such determination
shall be made by the applicable acting body at the next regularly
scheduled meeting of the body following receipt of the written request
for modification or within 14 days of receipt of the request, whichever
is later. Such determination shall state that the proposed modification
is not significant and is consistent with the approved site plan.
(4) Failure of the applicable acting body to make such a determination
within the applicable time period shall be deemed a determination
that the request is minor and does not warrant additional public hearing.
(5) Modifications that require a public hearing shall be reviewed at
a public hearing scheduled in accordance with the normal Tier 3 review
timeline, calculated from receipt of the written request for modification.
Modifications that do not require a public hearing shall be acted
on within 21 days of receipt of the written request for modification.
The Planning Board and Town Council respectively shall adopt,
after public notice and hearing, policies and procedures to implement
the provisions of this article. The procedures shall allow for delegating
administrative site plan review and design review for certain types
of projects, consistent with this chapter.
The Planning Board and Town Council respectively may establish
fees to be paid to the Town of Randolph for site plan review and design
review; this fee is separate from any fee paid for project review
fee under MGL c. 44, § 53G. No application is deemed complete
unless such fees have been paid.