Town of Thompson, CT Design and Development Regulations

To comply with the requirements of Chapter 160, Floodplain Management, Article I, Minimization of Flood Damage, adopted April 28, 1975, and Article II, Flood Damage Prevention, adopted September 29, 1988. The latter hereafter is referred to as the "Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance."

To maintain the eligibility of property in the Town for coverage by flood insurance sold under the National Flood Insurance Program.

To prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers in known flood-prone areas that would divert floodwaters or that may increase flood hazards to other lands.

To require that uses and facilities vulnerable to floods be protected against flood damage in known flood-prone areas at the time of construction or modifications.

To protect the residents of Thompson against dangers of flooding to the greatest extent allowed by statutes.

Flood damage prevention requirements.

For the purposes of this special provision, in the event of any discrepancy between the definition of terms and phrases used elsewhere in these regulations and those provided in the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, the definition of the terms or phrases in said ordinance shall take precedence.

The Commission shall review regulated uses and development proposals to determine whether such uses and proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding and avoid creating unsafe conditions to existing and potential future uses and facilities.

If a regulated use, or any portion of a development proposal, is located within areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its report titled "The Flood Insurance Study for Windham County, Connecticut," dated September 7, 2023, with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

[Amended 8-28-2023]

If any regulated use or any portion of a development proposal is located within an area of special flood hazard as identified in Subsection B(3) above, then:

The site plan for the zoning application shall include the information required by § 160-8B(1) of Chapter 160, Floodplain Management, Article II, Flood Damage Prevention, as applicable to the proposed use or development.

The zoning application shall be accompanied by a signed and sealed statement by a professional engineer licensed to practice in Connecticut that the proposed use or development complies with the provisions of § 160-9 of Chapter 160, Floodplain Management, Article II, Flood Damage Prevention, as applicable.

Prohibited are all encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements or other developments into any floodway designated in the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Windham, Connecticut, as depicted on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps or as may have been determined pursuant to § 160-8C(11) of Chapter 160, Floodplain Management, Article II, Flood Damage Prevention, unless certification with supporting technical data signed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in Connecticut is provided, demonstrating that all encroachments shall result in no increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.

[Amended 8-28-2023]

Variance from requirements.

No variance shall be issued by the Inland Wetlands Commission for any encroachment in the floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.

In considering any request for a variance from the requirements of this special provision, the Inland Wetlands Commission shall consider all technical evaluations and standards specified in Chapter 160, Floodplain Management, Article II, Flood Damage Prevention; and the factors for consideration and conditions for variance found in § 160-11E(1) and (3)(a) and (b) of said article, respectively.

§ 275-15.3 Erosion and sediment control.

Intent.

To prevent or minimize erosion and sedimentation by requiring the submission and certification of an erosion and sediment control plan (E&S plan) for any application for a zoning permit that involves a land disturbance of one-half acre or greater.

To be eligible for certification pursuant to Section 22a-329 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the E&S Plan shall contain proper provisions to adequately control accelerated erosion and sedimentation and to reduce the danger from stormwater runoff on the proposed site based on the best available technology. Such principles, methods and practices necessary for certification are found in the 2002 Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, as amended. Alternative principles, methods and practices may be used, with the approval of the Commission, provided the justification for such alternative methods is thoroughly demonstrated in the application.

Erosion and sediment control plan requirements.

The applicant shall provide, in mapped and narrative form, the measures to be taken to control erosion and sediment both during and after construction. The plan and its specific measures shall be based upon the best available technology and shall be in accordance with the principles and the minimum standards provided in the 2002 Connecticut Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control, as amended. The E&S plan shall consist of the following:

A narrative that describes:

The proposed project.

The sequence and schedule for grading and construction activities, including start and completion dates, installation and/or application of erosion and sediment control measures and final stabilization of the project site.

The design criteria, construction details, installation and/or application procedures and operation and maintenance program for proposed erosion and sediment control measures.

A map at the same scale as the site development plan that shows:

The location of the proposed project and adjacent properties.

The existing and proposed topography, including soil types, wetlands, watercourses and water bodies.

The location and design details for all proposed erosion and sediment control measures.

The proposed land alterations, including areas to be cleared, excavated, filled and graded.

The E&S plan shall comply with the following criteria:

Any proposed development shall be fitted as closely as possible to the existing topography and soils, so as to minimize the potential for erosion.

To the greatest extent possible, existing vegetation should be retained and protected.

During the sequence and schedule of activity, the smallest practical area of land should be exposed at any one time and that exposure should be kept to the shortest practical time.

Site-appropriate measures shall be used to protect areas exposed during development. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, temporary vegetation, mulching and/or erosion control blankets or netting.

Provisions shall be made to effectively accommodate any increased runoff caused by changed soil and surface conditions, during and after development. Computations for runoff shall be in accordance with Technical Release No. 55, Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Engineering Division, United States Department of Agriculture, as amended.

(f)

The permanent final vegetation and structures shall be installed as soon as is practical, as determined by the ZEO and/or the Thompson Wetlands Agent, as applicable.

Procedure.

Upon receipt of the complete E&S plan, the ZEO will review it for compliance with these regulations. At the discretion of the ZEO, any plan submitted may also be reviewed by the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) and/or the Wetlands Agent for the Town. ECCD and/or the Wetlands Agent may propose additional control measures to be incorporated into the plan, which the Commission may take into consideration. Any such review shall be completed within 30 days of the submission of the plan.

When the ZEO and/or Wetlands Agent is satisfied that the E&S plan complies with these regulations, the ZEO will so certify that plan.

After installation, the ZEO will inspect the site to verify that all necessary erosion and sediment controls have been properly installed. When satisfied that they have been properly installed, the ZEO will so indicate on the application.

Compliance. All erosion and sediment control measures indicated on the certified E&S plan shall be installed and maintained as scheduled. A cash bond or surety bond to guarantee completion of the control measures may be required, in an amount to be determined by the Commission in consultation with the ZEO and/or Wetlands Agent, as appropriate. If, in the opinion of the ZEO, the control measures have not been installed or maintained in conformance with the certified plan, the property owner will be so notified by certified US mail. If the problem, as described in that notification, is not addressed within 24 hours of delivery, the ZEO may take steps to correct the problem using funds from any posted bond.

Inspection. Signature of the application or owner on an application conveys consent for inspection by the Town.

§ 275-15.4 Stormwater management and low-impact development.

Intent. This section is intended to:

Minimize pollution from nonpoint source runoff.

Mitigate impacts to the hydrologic system from development.

Reduce or prevent flooding, stream channel erosion and/or other negative impacts created by stormwater runoff.

Promote the application of low-impact development (LID) strategies.

Stormwater management requirements.

Any application for development that requires stormwater management pursuant to these regulations shall include provisions for the same in the site plan and/or permit application by using the best available technology to treat stormwater quality and control stormwater quantity prior to its discharge to any wetland, watercourse or existing stormwater drainage system. Acceptable principles, methods and practices are found in the 2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CSQM), published by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), as amended.

Provisions for stormwater management shall be designed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the state of Connecticut and shall include:

Pollution reduction (see CSQM Section 7.4).

Groundwater recharge and runoff volume reduction (see CSQM Section 7.5).

Peak flow control (see CSQM Section 7.6) of the ten-, twenty-five- and 100-year frequency storm events.

A description of any site design strategy that maintains, mimics or replicates predevelopment hydrology through the use of various site design principles and small-scale treatment practices distributed throughout the site to manage runoff volume and water quality at the source.

Details on the operation and maintenance of structural components, such as detention basins and infiltration basins, proposed for stormwater management.

(f)

The retention of half the water quality volume for the site, as defined in the CSQM, for redevelopment of sites that are currently developed with a directly connected impervious area (DCIA) of 40% or more.

(g)

The retention of the water quality volume for the site, as defined in the CSQM, for new development and redevelopment of sites that are currently developed with a DCIA of less than 40%.

(h)

A report signed by the professional engineer containing the design calculations produced to support the function of the stormwater management design features.

The Commission may modify the requirements of stormwater management based on a report by a professional engineer, identifying the limiting factors that warrant such a modification.

Stormwater system design and calculations.

General. All stormwater systems must be designed by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Connecticut with plans and accompanying engineering report signed and sealed by said professional engineer. Computations and design storm criteria shall be in accordance with the latest edition of the ConnDOT Drainage Manual. Stormwater systems shall be designed using LID principles to the greatest extent possible. Applications for projects requiring site plan review shall submit the LID checklist, found in Appendix B,[1] with their application. The Commission encourages the use of on-site natural filtration functions as part of currently accepted best management practices in the reduction of sediment and pollutants.

Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Objectives. Stormwater systems shall be designed for the following objectives:

Prevent flooding of on-site or off-site property.

Recharge inland wetlands, surface and subsurface waters.

Minimize pollutant load in stormwater runoff into inland wetlands, surface and subsurface waters.

Maintain the hydrology of existing subwatersheds, including wetlands and watercourses.

Design storm criteria. All stormwater drainage facilities shall be designed based on the following storm return frequency criteria, as per the ConnDOT Drainage Manual:

Curb inlet/storm drainage system and channels/ditches: 10 years.

Watercourse channels: 50 years.

Culverts:

Watershed area less than one square mile: 50 years.

Watershed area greater than one square mile: 100 years.

Submission of stormwater drainage information. In addition to the details shown on the site plan, the following data shall be submitted in a report signed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Connecticut for review by the Commission:

Topography contour map(s) with sufficient detail to adequately show the existing and proposed drainage characteristics of the watershed and drainage area(s) shall be delineated on the map(s).

Narrative and calculations addressing at least the following:

Method used to calculate stormwater runoff.

Stormwater runoff characteristics of the property before and after development.

Maximum velocity and peak flow at point(s) of discharge from the system.

Design calculations for all drainage piping, structures and appurtenances.

[5]

Calculations addressing the adequacy of off-site drainage features, as applicable.

Pipe. All pipe for storm drains shall conform to ConnDOT standards and shall be approved for use by the Commission. The minimum pipe size shall be 12 inches. In the event that groundwater or wet conditions are encountered during construction, slotted pipe may be required by the Commission.

Minimum pipe slope. All stormwater piping shall be designed to provide a self-cleansing velocity of at least 2.5 feet per second when flowing full. Generally, stormwater piping shall have a minimum pitch of 0.5%. Lesser pitch may be approved by the Commission, provided the self-cleansing velocity is maintained.

(7)

Pipe cover. The minimum clear cover over all pipes shall be 2.5 feet.

(8)

Outlet structures. All storm drain systems shall be terminated with a flared end section or other approved structure. Special energy dissipaters may be required to prevent erosion.

(9)

Underdrains. The Commission may require underdrains to be installed where localized seeps, springs, or high groundwater less than three feet below the proposed grade of an access drive or other traveled way are observed. Underdrains shall not be less than six inches in diameter and shall be perforated PVC.

(10)

Stormwater treatment. The stormwater system shall include primary or secondary treatment practices, as described in the most recent edition of the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual.

Primary practices include, but are not limited to, the following:

Stormwater ponds.

Stormwater wetlands.

Infiltration practices.

Bioretention.

[5]

Water quality swales.

Secondary practices include, but are not limited to, the following:

Dry detention basins.

Hydrodynamic separators.

Underground detention facilities.

Grass drainage channels.

Drainage to off-site properties.

No increase in stormwater peak flows or volume of run-off from two-, twenty-five-, and 100-year storms shall be allowed unless downstream increases are compatible with the overall downstream drainage system. The following items shall be investigated in determining whether increased peak flows or runoff volumes are compatible with the overall downstream drainage system:

The timing of peak flows from subwatersheds.

The increased duration of high flow rates.

The adequacy of downstream drainage features.

The distance downstream that the peak discharges are increased.

When it is determined that stormwater detention structures are required, they shall be designed so that the peak flow(s) or volume of runoff after development shall not exceed nor be substantially less than the peak flow(s) or volume of runoff prior to development for each of the design storm events.

Stormwater detention structures.

Stormwater detention structures, surface or subsurface, shall be designed as an integral part of the stormwater treatment system, as well as limiting peak discharge from the storm drainage system of the developed area where such discharge would adversely affect receiving streams and/or storm systems. The developer shall be responsible for establishing short- and long-term maintenance of detention structure(s) and appurtenances. In the event that the owner of the property fails to maintain such areas in reasonable order and safe condition, the Commission may serve written notice to such individual or association, setting forth the nature of the maintenance deficiency and requiring its correction within 30 days, after which time, if the deficiency remains, the Town may assume maintenance to avoid the creation or promulgation of a public nuisance and shall assess the owner of such property for Town expenses incurred in the form of a lien on the property.

The following information, as a minimum, shall be submitted for detention structures:

Inflow and outflow hydrographs for detention area.

Maximum storage volume.

Design of emergency spillway or other measures for the release of excess flows beyond that of the design capacity of the structure.

Flood routing of all runoff greater than the design capacity of the detention structure.

Time which is required for the structure to drain completely.

Storm return frequency. Stormwater detention structures shall be designed and stormwaters regulated for storm return frequencies of two years, 25 years, and 100 years.

Design procedure. The procedure for computing the outflow from the detention areas shall consist of the development of an inflow hydrograph and the routing of the inflow through the detention basin to develop an outflow hydrograph.

Maintenance roads. Maintenance roads and easements shall be provided for all detention facilities. The road shall be a minimum of 12 feet wide, capable of providing access for maintenance and emergency vehicles. Grades shall not exceed 10%.

Fire protection. Where proposed detention basins involve permanently ponded water and where deemed practical by the Commission, access to storm detention basins should be provided for firefighting equipment. The addition of dry hydrants and related fire-fighting appurtenances with the detention basins shall be coordinated with the Fire Marshal.

Easements and rights-to-drain.

General. All applications proposing easements as a part of the development shall submit properly executed written easements and deed describing the land involved and privileges of the Town and/or property owner(s) in a form eliminating any Town liability for installation and maintenance, satisfactory to the Town. Said easements shall be submitted to the Town for review by the Commission and by counsel before any approval shall be granted.

Easements dedicated to the Town. Drainage easements for drainage systems located outside of the street right-of-way lines shall be a minimum of 20 feet wide centered on the pipe and shall be adequate to provide access and maintenance to all drainage features. Easements shall be provided for channels and shall be of minimum width to include a ten-foot access strip in addition to the width of the channel from top of bank to top of bank.

Easements not dedicated to the Town. The location and size of these easements shall be established in the same manner as easements for establishing short- and long-term maintenance for the drainage system within said easements. The Town shall be granted the right to enter such easements to maintain, repair and/or modify the installments.

Right to drain. Where downstream drainage features are not adequate to handle the increase in flows, the applicant shall secure drainage rights in writing from the affected property owners. Such rights shall be noted on the final plans and shall be secured prior to final approval. Rights to drain shall include the right for the Town to enter and maintain existing and proposed facilities, if the drainage system is to be owned by the Town and shall be in a form satisfactory to the Town.

State Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) permit. Where a proposed storm drainage system connects with a state highway for its appurtenances, the developer shall obtain a permit for the connection from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and shall present a copy of said permit to the Town prior to final approval.

Low-impact development.

Intent.

As a permittee under the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) general permit, the Town is required to include low-impact development (LID) in its land use regulations.

Low-impact development (LID) is defined in Article 2, § 275-2.3.

These regulations are intended to identify LID practices for proposed new developments within the Town and to articulate a strong preference for utilizing LID design strategies.

Except for zoning permit applications, LID shall be incorporated to the extent practicable in site plans and special permits.

Recommended LID practices.

Parking runoff.

Developers are encouraged to use best management practices (BMPs) to minimize, treat, prevent and/or reduce degradation of water quality and flooding potential due to stormwater runoff from parking.

The stormwater management system shall be designed, constructed and maintained with BMPs to minimize runoff volumes, prevent flooding, reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, maintain or improve wildlife habitats and contribute to the aesthetic values of the project.

Stormwater management systems in parking lots shall be designed in accordance with BMPs as described in the most recent version of the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CT DEEP).

Infiltration of stormwater shall be accommodated to the extent possible though limitation of land disturbance and grade changes, retention of existing natural drainage area and wetlands and use or creation of vegetated islands, vegetated medians and vegetated perimeter buffer strips.

[5]

Wherever possible, parking lot drainage shall be designed such that all surface runoff (both piped and overland flow) is conveyed through vegetated swales, vegetated filter strips, created wetlands, rain gardens, or detention basins with biofiltration prior to discharge into existing wetlands, streams, ponds or other water bodies.

Roof runoff.

Where practical and feasible, drainage of rooftop runoff shall be directed into rain gardens or a suitable designed and landscaped area on the property or infiltrated.

On-lot stormwater treatment practices such as bioretention areas and rain gardens, vegetated swales, infiltration practices and rain barrels or cisterns are encouraged.

Developers and engineers are referred to the 2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual for design specifications.

Management responsibility and management schedules for these on-lot stormwater practices shall be included with the approved plans.

Clearing and grading.

Clearing and grading of forests and native vegetation at a site shall be limited to the minimum amount needed to build lots, allow access and provide fire protection.

Clearing, grading and tree preservation areas shall be delineated both on project plans and in the field.

LID checklist. Applicants for projects requiring site plan review shall submit the LID checklist found in Appendix B[2] with their application.

Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.

§ 275-15.5 Parking standards.

Intent. The intent of these parking standards is to assure adequate off-street parking, reduce on-street parking, increase traffic safety and reduce the visual impact of parking lots. These standards are also intended to achieve a safe and effective balance between accommodations for vehicular and nonvehicular modes of transport.

Dimensions and number of parking spaces.

Dimensions. Any automobile parking spaces provided shall be no less than nine feet by 18 feet in dimension.

Number of spaces.

There is no minimum number of spaces required for any use, except as provided for handicapped spaces in nonresidential uses [§ 275-15.5B(3) below]. The maximum number of spaces permitted will be one that can be accommodated by the impervious surface of the property while adhering to all dimensional requirements for parking spaces.

All applications for a zoning permit, site plan review or special permit shall contain a parking plan. Such plan shall be completed to the satisfaction of these regulations and may also include the following at the discretion of the Commission or the ZEO:

Anticipated parking demand, including peak hours and the method of calculation used.

The total allocation of available parking spaces on-site. In instances where a parking area is shared, any allocation specific to the application shall be indicated.

Locations for alternate parking should they be necessary.

Whenever possible, parking areas shall be located behind the principal building.

Handicapped parking spaces. Parking spaces shall be provided for the physically handicapped according to the table below. Parking spaces for the physically handicapped shall be designed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L No. 101-336, 104 Stat. 328 (1990)[1] and Laws of the State of Connecticut, as amended. Handicapped spaces shall be clearly identified by a sign stating that such spaces are reserved for physically handicapped persons. The handicapped spaces shall be located in the portion of the parking area nearest the entrance to the use or the structure which the parking area serves. Adequate access for the handicapped from the parking area to the structure shall be provided.

Number of Standard Parking Spaces	Number of Handicapped Spaces
0 to 20	1
21 to 30	2
31 to 50	3
51 to 100	4

Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

Bicycle parking spaces. For all uses that are required to provide, or do provide, public parking spaces, the installation of public bicycle racks shall be required. The minimum number of bicycles spaces shall be one, or 10% of the total number of automobile spaces, whichever is greater. The bicycle racks shall be designed to provide for the locking of the bicycles to the racks. The design, location and number of bicycle racks shall be shown on the site plan for any application that incorporates a public parking area.

Electric vehicle charging stations.

Electric vehicle charging stations with a one or two charging level shall be permitted for installation in any district for any use, residential or nonresidential.

Electric vehicle charging station(s) with a three or greater charging level may be installed only in a parking lot at a commercial or municipal destination, or located in a vehicle service station. These stations are expected to have intensive use and will be permitted to have multiple "rapid charging stations" to serve expected demand.

Electric vehicle charging stations are subject to the following design criteria:

Charging stations in public parking areas should be able to be readily identified by electric cars users, but they should be designed for compatibility with the character and use of the site.

Where provided, spaces shall conform to all dimensional requirements for standard parking spaces.

Points of entrance and exits.

Points of entrance and exits for driveways onto the street shall be located so as to minimize hazards to pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic.

Off-street loading spaces and truck loading bays, ramps and docks shall be designed in such a way as to minimize or eliminate the use of the public street or right-of-way for maneuvering, loading or unloading.

No portion of the driveway at the edge of the street pavement shall be closer than 75 feet to an intersection.

Street addresses shall relate to the street or other right-of-way on which the point of entry is located.

Entrance and exit driveways for nonresidential parking areas containing fewer than five spaces shall have a minimum width of entrance and exit drives of 10 feet for one-way use and 18 feet for two-way use. The minimum curb radius shall be 15 feet. The maximum width of such driveways at the property line shall be 24 feet. The Commission may modify these width and radius requirements to facilitate traffic flow and safety.

Entrance and exit driveways for nonresidential parking areas with five or more spaces shall have a minimum width of 12 feet for one-way use and 24 feet for two-way use. The minimum curb radius shall be 15 feet.

(7)

Entrance and exit driveways to nonresidential parking areas from state roads shall conform to any additional dimensional requirements set forth by ConnDOT where they may conflict with these regulations.

(8)

Entrances and exits for residential driveways are governed by Chapter 223, Roads, Driveways and Sidewalks, Article IV, Driveways.

Shared parking. The Commission encourages parking for different structures or uses, or for mixed uses, to be shared, whenever possible, in every district. At the applicant's request, shared parking may be provided, subject to the following provisions:

A reciprocal written agreement has been executed by all the parties concerned and submitted with the application to the Commission, assuring the joint use of such common parking. The Commission may forward such agreements to legal counsel for review.

The applicant(s), and any other parties to the shared parking, shall each include a statement of anticipated parking need as per the parking plan required with the application. The Commission shall review these statements of anticipated parking need to ensure their compatibility before approving the shared parking.

Landscaping requirements and LID. Any landscaping shall, to the full extent practicable, maximize the natural areas retained in any parking area in order to optimize natural infiltration of rainwater, intercept and manage stormwater runoff and provide an aesthetic setting for development. In order to accomplish these goals, the following standards shall apply:

Developments with proposed parking areas of 30 parking spaces or more shall provide a minimum of 10% of the total parking area as landscaped open space. Such landscaped open space may be provided in the form of islands, aesthetic landscape treatments and pedestrian refuge/oasis areas. Such open space may not include the perimeter buffer between the parking area and adjacent streets, residential/commercial developments or open space areas. Any plantings so required should be of varieties native to Connecticut. Species from the most current Connecticut Invasive Plant List, as compiled by the Connecticut Invasive Plant Council, are prohibited (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CAES/Invasive-Aquatic-Plant-Program/Plant-Information/Invasive-Plant-List-2013.pdf?la=en).

Developments with proposed parking areas of 30 parking spaces or more shall provide landscaped islands and perimeter landscaping throughout the parking area planted with a mix of shrubs and trees. Such islands and perimeter plantings should be located:

At each parking lot entrance.

At the ends of each parking aisle.

As intermediate islands in long rows of spaces, located every 15 spaces.

As separation between long rows of parking spaces that abut other rows.

As separation between pedestrian walkways and parking spaces and/or driving aisles.

Trees and shrubs shall be situated such that they do not obstruct vehicle sight lines when at full growth.

The use of native grasses and small-diameter wood-stemmed shrubs is required as plantings for all vegetated swales, vegetated filter strips, created wetlands, rain gardens or detention basins with biofiltration.

Additional considerations.

Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be so arranged as to direct light down towards the parking area and away from any adjoining lots and any public street right-of-way.

Whenever possible, adjacent commercial uses shall facilitate pedestrian access between parcels to promote walkability.

Interior vehicular access between parcels may be considered, provided such agreement has been reviewed by the Commission or its agent.

Wherever possible, loading docks and/or areas shall be located to the side or rear of buildings, or screened so as not to be visible from a public street or way.

§ 275-15.6 Signs.

All new signs, with the exception of those delineated in § 275-15.6F (below), shall require the issuance of a permit by the ZEO before erection or replacement. No additional permit shall be required for a change of content or for a replacement of a sign of the same dimension.

Lighting fixtures illuminating signs shall be downcast, aimed and shielded so that light is directed onto the sign facade and shall not be aimed toward adjacent streets, roads or properties.

Permits for signs shall be valid as issued for a period of five years, subject to inspection for renewal by the ZEO. If the ZEO finds a sign to be in violation of any of the requirements for the permit, a renewal shall not be authorized until the owner will have brought the sign into compliance.

The ZEO may order the removal of any sign(s) not maintained or erected in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Signs existing at the time of the adoption of these regulations must be maintained in their existing size, shape and illumination; and cannot be altered, enlarged, expanded or moved; nor may lights be added thereto, except as such changes may keep or bring the sign(s) into conformance with these regulations.

The following types of signs are exempt from obtaining a permit:

Address numerals.

Legal notices.

Off-premises directional signs, which shall not be larger than eight square feet, except as required by § 275-7.4B(2)(a).

Seasonal agricultural signs, as described in Article 7, § 275-7.4B, of these regulations.

Flags (dimensional requirements for flags are described below).

No Trespassing signs or Posted signs, which shall not be larger than two square feet.

(7)

Municipal or other governmental signs.

(8)

Political signs.

Dimensional requirements for flags. Flags are exempt from obtaining a zoning permit as described above, but are subject to the following dimensional and placement limitation:

No more than three flagpoles, towers or similar structures shall be allowed per parcel or lot.

No more than five flags shall be displayed per parcel or lot, inclusive of flags flown on poles, towers or stanchions and flags affixed to a building or structure.

Open feather/sail flags or banners may be placed on private or commercial property but not on Town property. Maximum height if placed on ground level shall be eight feet. A maximum of three such flags per property site shall be inserted or secured at grade.

Prohibited signs.

The following signs shall not be permitted:

Any sign or sign support that, for any reason, constitutes a hazard by obstructing the vision of a driver; detracting from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or device; or obstructing free ingress or egress from a fire escape, door, window, or other required exit way, or makes use of words such as "stop" or "one way" or otherwise interferes with, misleads or confuses traffic.

Signs placed, inscribed, or supported upon the roof or upon any structure that extends above the eaves of any building.

No new sign shall be erected that is larger in dimension than 32 square feet in size. Municipal or other governmental informational signs are exempt from these restrictions.

Rotating, pulsing, flashing or oscillating light sources, lasers, beacons, searchlights or strobe lighting shall not be permitted in any district. Municipal or other governmental informational signs are exempt from these restrictions.