For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Definitions contained in the existing town zoning and subdivision ordinances, as appropriate, shall apply herein.
Abutter.
Any person whose property is located in the town and adjoins or is directly across any street or any other way or stream from the land to be considered or under consideration by the planning commission for site plan review approval. For purposes of receiving testimony, and not for purposes of specific notification, the term “abutter” shall include any person who is able to demonstrate that his land will be directly affected by the proposal to be considered or under consideration.
Accessory building.
A detached building on the same lot with the primary building, the use of which is clearly incidental to that of the primary building or use of the land.
Building.
Shall include the word “structure.”
Development.
The construction of improvements on a tract or tracts of land, which shall include the enlargement of the structure or physical changes to the site to accommodate the intended use.
Engineer.
Whenever used without a prefix, shall refer to a registered professional engineer retained by a subdivider or developer.
Enlargement.
The increase in size or the expansion of any structure or appurtenance, whether said appurtenance exists alone or in service of a structure or other appurtenance.
Improvement.
All structures, appurtenances or additions to the site whether above or below the surface of the land, and including but not limited to buildings, construction of any kind, site grading, landscaping, street construction, and utilities (including water, sewer, electric, gas, and storm drainage), whether proposed by the developer or required by the commission under these regulations.
Lot.
Land occupied or to be occupied by a building or accessory building and including such open spaces as are required by ordinances of the town and having its principal frontage on a public street or officially approved place.
Nonpublic or individual water supply system.
Any private system providing potable water.
Nonresidential use.
Any use other than that of a single-family residence (includes conversion permitted use) and which is specifically permitted under article 14.02, the zoning code.
Planning and zoning commission.
The body of members charged with the responsibility of reviewing for approval all subdivisions, preliminary plats and final plats in the town.
Site plan.
A development plan, drawn to scale, showing uses and structures proposed for a parcel of land as required by this article.
Street.
A way for vehicular traffic, whether designated a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, or however otherwise designated.
Subdivision.
Any division of any lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more parts for the purpose of sale or of building development, whether immediate or future. It also includes resubdivision or replatting of land, lots, or tracts. Divisions of land for agricultural purposes in parcels of ten acres or more shall not be included within this definition, unless any such division of five acres or more includes the planning or development of a new street or extension of public utilities.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.001)
The purpose of the site plan review is to provide an orderly process to evaluate proposed nonresidential development, thereby promoting the public health, safety, convenience and welfare of the residents of the town.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.002)
This article shall be known as the site plan review regulations for nonresidential development.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.003)
(a) 
These regulations govern all nonresidential development in the GB (general business) zone and PC (planned center) zone. Permitted uses in the GB and PC zones are listed in article 14.02 (zoning regulations), and development in these zones shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(b) 
Approval of site plans and the design and construction requirements for developments within the commercial planned development district shall be governed by the provisions of article 14.02, division 14, and not this article; provided, however, that the provisions of sections 14.03.031 through 14.03.140 shall not be applicable to such developments.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.004; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
With the intent of providing for the orderly present and future development of the town, these provisions and regulations shall govern nonresidential development within the area of jurisdiction of the town, whether or not such development includes a subdivision of the site.
(b) 
The site plan review procedure in no way relieves the applicant from compliance with the zoning code, subdivision regulations or other regulations which pertain to the proposed development. No site plan will be approved unless it complies in all respects with any and all pertinent ordinances and regulations.
(c) 
Consistent with enabling legislation, these regulations are intended to ensure that nonresidential developments:
(1) 
Are harmonious with the town and its environs;
(2) 
Are provided with adequate services and utilities;
(3) 
Are provided with safe and convenient traffic flows both on and off the site;
(4) 
Do not necessitate an excessive expenditure of public funds for the supply of such services;
(5) 
Promote the public’s health, safety and convenience;
(6) 
Are consistent with the balanced growth objectives of the town; and
(7) 
Are compatible with and do not have adverse or other disharmonious effects on contiguous sites and uses.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.005)
(a) 
The planning commission requires site plans to be submitted to it for review by any applicant seeking any of the following:
(1) 
The construction of any new nonresidential use in the GB zone and PC zone.
(2) 
Any modification or intensification of any nonresidential permitted use or grandfathered use.
(3) 
The construction or conversion of any nonresidential use in which development of the site is contemplated or required by virtue of any other town or state ordinance, statute, regulation or decision of the town’s zoning board of adjustment.
(4) 
The change within a structure from one permitted use to another permitted nonresidential use which will require development of the site, including, but not limited to, improvement or alteration to the site required by virtue of any other town or state ordinance, statute or regulation.
(b) 
Site plan review shall not be required when:
(1) 
There is no alteration in septic or water supply requirements; and
(2) 
The addition to any building does not exceed 300 square feet in size; or
(3) 
Parking areas, driveways, or other areas covered with impermeable material for the first time do not exceed 1,000 square feet.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.006)
(a) 
In reviewing site plans, the planning commission must take into consideration the public health, safety, and general welfare, the comfort and convenience of the general public, and comprehensive plan objectives, and, as a condition of approval, may require such modifications of the proposed site plan as it deems necessary to comply with the spirit as well as the letter of these regulations.
(b) 
The planning commission shall take into account the following objectives:
(1) 
Safe, adequate and convenient vehicular and pedestrian traffic circulation both within and without the site. At least the following aspects of the site plan shall be evaluated to determine the conformity of the site plan to this standard:
(A) 
The effect of the proposed development on traffic conditions on abutting streets.
(B) 
The number, location and dimensions of vehicular and pedestrian entrances, exits, drives and walkways.
(C) 
The visibility in both directions of all exit points of the site and the visibility of vehicles entering or exiting the site to drivers of vehicles traveling on abutting streets.
(D) 
The location, arrangement and adequacy of off-street parking facilities.
(E) 
Interconnection of parking areas via access drives within the site and between the site and adjacent lots, in order to provide maximum efficiency, minimize curb cuts, and encourage safe and convenient traffic circulation.
(F) 
The location, arrangement and adequacy of truck loading and unloading facilities.
(G) 
Patterns of vehicular and pedestrian circulation both within the boundaries of the site and in relation to the adjoining street and sidewalk system.
(H) 
The location and adequacy of landscaping within the site and bordering parking and loading facilities.
(2) 
The protection of environmental quality and the preservation and enhancement of property values. At least the following aspects of the site plan shall be evaluated to determine the conformity of the site plan to this standard:
(A) 
The location, height and materials of walls, fences, hedges and plantings so as to ensure harmony with adjacent development, screen parking and loading areas, and conceal storage areas, utility installations and other such features.
(B) 
The prevention of dust and erosion through the planting of ground cover or installation of other surfaces.
(C) 
The landscaping of the site, which shall consist of natural undisturbed vegetation or features, or ground cover, shrubs, or trees, as appropriate.
(D) 
The preparation of the site with minimal disturbance to existing vegetation.
(E) 
The grading and filling of the site to minimize the alteration of surface and subsurface drainage to, toward or across abutting properties.
(F) 
The protection of residential abutters against undue noise, glare, unsightliness or other nuisances detrimental to property values.
(3) 
In acting upon any site plan, the planning commission may take into consideration the recommendations of the town building inspector, the public works department, the fire department, and any other town agencies or outside specialists with which the planning commission consults.
(4) 
(A) 
These regulations shall be interpreted as minimum requirements, and compliance with these minimum requirements in no way obligates the planning commission to approve any particular application solely on that basis.
(B) 
The planning commission will fully consider all aspects of an application before rendering its decision. This will include a study of all site design and technical aspects of the proposal as well as consideration of the impact of the development on the open space, wildlife habitat and other natural resources, on local traffic patterns and on available public utilities, services and municipal resources. Only after the planning commission has fully satisfied itself that the proposed project is in the best public interest and that it will not prove detrimental to the public health, safety, welfare or prosperity will the application be recommended for approval.
(5) 
If any other provision of town or any provision of state or federal law relates to any matter covered herein, the provision which imposes the greater restriction or higher standard shall govern.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.007)
(a) 
Land unsuitable for development due to the presence of poorly drained soils, flood hazard areas, steep slopes or subsurface factors or other conditions constituting a danger to health, safety or the environment shall not be approved for development unless the applicant presents satisfactory evidence or data to the planning commission establishing that the methods proposed to overcome any such conditions are adequate.
(b) 
The planning commission, in its discretion, shall not recommend for approval such scattered or premature developments that would endanger or be injurious to health, safety or prosperity by reason of the lack of public services, or necessitate an excessive expenditure of public funds for the supply of such services.
(c) 
In no case shall a dwelling, septic system, or other structure be sited in any floodplain area as defined in the town’s flood damage prevention regulations contained in article 3.12, division 2, of this code.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.008)
No building permit shall be issued by the building inspector for the construction of any building or other structure on a development subject to these regulations until approval is granted by the town council, and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the terms and conditions of the planning commission’s recommendations and the town council’s approval have been fulfilled.
(1998 Code, sec. 155.009)