The Planning Commission's review of site plan applications shall
include, but not limited to, the following criteria:
A. The proposed use's compatibility and consistency with the goals and
recommendations of the City of Watertown Comprehensive Plan, Complete
Streets Policy, and other approved City plans and programs.
B. Adequacy and arrangement of vehicular traffic access and circulation,
including intersections, road widths, pavement surfaces, dividers
and traffic controls.
C. Adequacy and arrangement of pedestrian traffic access and circulation,
walkway structures, control of intersections with vehicular traffic
and overall pedestrian convenience.
D. Location, arrangements, appearance and sufficiency of off-street
parking and loading as required by this chapter.
E. Location, arrangement, size, design and general site compatibility
of buildings as required by this chapter.
F. Adequacy of stormwater and drainage facilities as required by this chapter and by Chapter
260 of the City Code, Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control.
G. Adequacy of water supply and sewage disposal facilities.
H. Adequacy of fire lanes and other emergency zones and the provisions
of fire hydrants.
I. Compliance with the outdoor lighting standards of this chapter.
J. Adequacy, type and arrangement of trees, shrubs and other landscaping
constituting a visual and/or noise buffer between the applicant's
and adjoining lands, including the maximum retention of existing vegetation
as required in this chapter.
K. Adequacy of structures, roadways and landscaping in areas with susceptibility
to ponding, flooding and/or erosion.
L. Adequacy of protection of the City's natural resources, including
waterways and open spaces, steep slopes and scenic viewsheds.
M. Protection of adjacent or neighboring properties against noise, glare,
odor, unsightliness or other objectionable features.
The site plan approval granted shall expire 18 months from the
date of approval unless a building permit is secured and work has
commenced on the approved activity. All work must be completed within
two years of issuance of a building permit unless:
A. A different, specified time limit is established during project review
by the Planning Commission and included in the approval; or
B. The applicant requests an extension of time needed to secure a building
permit. Such request shall be granted at the discretion of the Planning
and Community Development Department.
C. The extension of a building permit shall be at the discretion of
the Bureau of Code Enforcement.