Purposes. The purposes of this Section 7.1 are to ensure the availability of safe and convenient vehicular parking areas; to encourage economic development; to promote safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle occupants, and property and business owners; to reduce impervious surfaces; and to protect adjoining lots and the general public from nuisances created by the noise, fumes and glare of headlights and hazards associated with off-street parking areas.

Applicability.

No building or structure shall be used or changed to a category of greater parking demand, determined in accordance with Table 3 below, except in accordance with this Section 7.1.2.

This section shall not apply to any change in use of an existing structure as long as the change does not require an increase of more than 25 percent of the number of parking spaces required herein.

Single-family and two-family dwellings shall be exempt from this Section 7.1.

Administration. This Section 7.1 shall be administered by the Planning Board as part of site plan approval pursuant to Section 2.6 or the special permit process pursuant to Section 2.5, or for a use or activity not subject to site plan review or special permit, by the Building Commissioner.

7.1.3

Schedule of Off-Street Parking Requirements. The minimum number of off-street parking and loading spaces shall be as set forth in Table 3. Off-street parking requirements for a use not specifically listed in Table 3 shall be determined by the Building Commissioner based on a listed use of similar characteristics of parking demand generation.

Table 3. Schedule of Off-Street Parking Requirements
Use	Minimum or Maximum Number of Parking Spaces
Single-family or two-family dwelling	Minimum two spaces per unit
Dwelling units, excluding senior housing or other age-restricted residential uses	Minimum 1.5 spaces for units with up to 2 bedrooms; 2 spaces per unit for more than 2 bedrooms
Senior housing, independent living units	Minimum 1 space per dwelling unit plus 1 space per 4 units for visitor parking
Assisted living residence or nursing home	Minimum 0.5 space per room plus 1 space per 4 units for visitor parking
Dwelling units above the ground floor of a commercial building	Minimum 1.5 spaces per unit
Bed and breakfast, renting of rooms as transient guest quarters, or boarding house	Minimum 1 space per guest room
Place of assembly with fixed seating, such as a church, stadium, assembly hall	Minimum 1 space for every 3 seats or, when benches are used, 1 space per 8 lineal feet of bench
Business, professional, or governmental office, bank	Minimum 1 space per 300 sq. ft. on the first floor; 1 space per 400 sq. ft. on the second floor
Retail store	Minimum 1 space per 300 sq. ft.
Shopping center	Maximum 1 space per 200 sq. ft.
Medical office or clinic	Minimum 1 space per 150 sq. ft.
Veterinary hospital	Minimum 1 space per 300 sq. ft.
Business or personal service establishment	Minimum 1 space per 300 sq. ft.
Hotel or motel	Minimum 1 space per guest room and 1 space per 2 employees on the largest shift (where restaurant is included, see below for restaurant parking)
Warehouse/distribution facility, wholesale showroom	Minimum 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. plus 1 space per 300 sq. ft. for a showroom
Manufacturing	Minimum 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft.
Restaurant	Minimum 1 space for every 3 seats
Automobile service station	Minimum 1 space per fueling position plus 2 spaces per service bay plus 1 space per 300 sq. ft. including retail/convenience store areas. Temporary parking at fueling positions shall not count toward the sq. ft. parking requirement.
Vehicle repair shops	Minimum 1 space per 300 sq. ft. plus 2 spaces per service bay
Other uses not specified herein	Where a use is not specifically referenced in this table, the minimum parking requirement for the most nearly comparable use or industry standards shall apply as determined by the Building Commissioner
*In all instances in Table 3, sq. ft. shall mean net floor area.

7.1.4

General Parking Requirements. Except as may be provided elsewhere in this Section 7.1, the following parking requirements shall be met:

Computation of Required Parking Spaces.

The minimum number of parking spaces shall be the largest whole number obtained after calculating the parking requirements in accordance with Table 3. Any fractional parking space shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

For a parcel with two or more uses, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be the sum of the minimum number of spaces required for each use, determined in accordance with Table 3, except as may be authorized pursuant to Section 7.1.5.

On-Premises Parking Required. All required off-street parking spaces shall be located on the same premises as the uses they serve except as provided in Section 7.1.6.

Dimensional Standards. An off-street parking space shall be an all-weather, surfaced area having a width of not less than nine feet and a length of not less than 18 feet for angle parking or 22 feet for parallel parking. The minimum dimensions for handicapped parking shall be in accordance with the State Building Code.

Each required loading space shall be at least 10 feet wide, 40 feet long, and 14 feet high.

Parking Area Design.

Surface. Parking areas shall have durable, all-weather paved surfaces and shall provide for the satisfactory management of surface water. Pavement materials shall be approved by the Department of Public Works. Parking areas composed of pervious or semi-pervious surfaces are encouraged in low traffic areas such as reserve parking and may be used to meet all or any part of the required parking, subject to environmental limitations.

Parking areas shall be designed that no vehicle will be required to back onto a public way in order to enter or exit from a parking space.

Location of Parking Spaces.

For retail, office, and other commercial uses, no off-street parking shall be located between the front building line and the street without a special permit from the Planning Board and only if no other practical alternative exists.

For residential uses, off-street parking between the front building line and the street is prohibited except for parking in a designated, paved driveway located on one side of the building or in a garage accessory to the residential use. When the off-street parking is located in a driveway and the closest abutter on the driveway side of the lot is a single-family or two-family dwelling, there shall be a minimum landscaped buffer at least five feet in width the full length of the driveway within ten feet of the lot line.

In no event shall vehicular parking spaces be located within the minimum required setback in any district.

Off-street parking areas shall be designed and constructed so as to maximize safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle occupants, and property and business owners and their customers. Impacts on scenic roads, historic districts, natural resources, and community character shall be minimized. Parking and loading spaces shall be so arranged so as not to permit or require the backing of motor vehicles into a public way or street.

Illumination of Off-Street Parking Areas. Any fixture used to illuminate any parking area shall be so arranged as to direct the light away from the street and away from adjoining residential uses.

7.1.5

Reduced Parking. The number of parking spaces required pursuant to Table 3 may be reduced by special permit from the Planning Board, subject to the following or as otherwise provided for in Section 7.2.7(H).

The applicant shall demonstrate to the Board’s satisfaction that a reduction is warranted due to circumstances such as but not limited to:

Peak parking needs generated by the proposed uses occur at different times. It shall be the applicant’s burden to demonstrate to the Board’s satisfaction that the proposed uses are noncompeting. In mixed-use developments, applicants may propose a reduction in parking requirements based on an analysis of peak demand for noncompeting uses. In these cases, the Planning Board may determine that the parking requirement for the largest of the uses (in terms of required parking spaces) is sufficient.

Demographic or other characteristics of site users.

Safe, convenient forms of pedestrian access between the proposed development and nearby residential uses.

The presence of a public or private parking facility within 400 feet of the proposed use.

The Board may grant a special permit for reduced parking only upon finding that:

The reduced number of parking spaces is consistent with the general purposes of this Section 7.1.

ii.

The proposed number of parking spaces will be sufficient for the proposed uses.

iii.

The decrease in required off-street parking is supported by a parking analysis prepared by a registered professional engineer. Such analysis shall consider existing and proposed uses on the site; rate of parking turnover for various uses; expected peak traffic and parking loads for various uses based on customary hours of operation; availability of public transportation; industry parking standards for various uses; and other factors.

In granting a special permit for reduced parking, the Board may impose reasonable conditions including but not limited to requiring additional parking should uses change over time, or requirements to designate an area on the site plan for reserve parking. Further, the Board may require the applicant to construct the reserve parking if, within one year of full occupancy of the development, the Building Commissioner determines that the parking constructed on the site is not adequate to meet the project’s actual parking demand.

7.1.6

Shared Parking. By special permit from the Planning Board, the off-street parking required for two or more buildings or uses may be provided in combined facilities on adjacent lots, provided there is a legally enforceable shared parking agreement executed by all parties concerned and approved by the Planning Board as part of the special permit process and recorded with the Registry of Deeds.

7.2 Review Considerations for Major Development.

7.2.1

Purposes. The purpose of these project review considerations is to control the impact of development in the nonresidential districts on nearby single-family and two-family neighborhoods and the overall quality of life in Southbridge.

7.2.2

Applicability.

This Section 7.2 applies in any nonresidential use requiring a special permit or site plan review and to any multifamily use, as applicable. As applicable, the Planning Board or other approval authority shall consider and apply the following factors during its review of special permits and site plan applications for projects covered by this Section 7.2.

Exemptions.

Emergency responses performed by a private entity or a public agency and fire or burglar alarms.

Parades, fairs, or outdoor entertainment between the hours of 7:00 am. and 11:00 p.m. only; provided, that a permit for such activity has been granted by the Town Council and the permit is for not more than 10 days.

7.2.3

Outdoor Lighting.

The proposed development shall not produce lighting so as to unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of property within the Town. Lighting practices and systems shall:

Reduce light pollution, light trespass and glare in order to preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, and aesthetic qualities of the Town;

Conserve energy and decrease lighting cost without decreasing nighttime safety, security, and productivity; and

Preserve the night sky as a natural resource to enhance nighttime enjoyment of property within the Town.

All outdoor light fixtures shall be shielded so as to be consistent with the purposes of this Section 7.2.

Direct light from the light source shall be confined within the property boundaries when the abutting property is used for residential purposes.

Outdoor lighting shall be designed to provide the minimum intensity needed at any particular time.

Preferred surfacing for lighted areas shall be of materials such as blacktop which reflect a relatively small fraction of incident light. Parking area lighting shall be reduced or eliminated outside business hours. The Planning Board may require an electrical configuration for parking lots which supports shut-off for specific unused areas to reduce the glare from lighting.

The operation of laser shows or searchlights for advertising purposes is prohibited; provided, however, that same may be authorized for a period of not more than 14 days by special permit issued by the Planning Board.

Indoor light sources will not be projected outside in a manner to defeat the intent of this section.

Outdoor light fixtures using sodium vapor or metal halide lamp or lamps shall be prohibited unless specifically authorized by special permit from the Planning Board.

Outdoor light fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on top of the sign structure or otherwise restricted to prevent up-light and light trespass.

No flickering or flashing lights shall be permitted. Processes, such as arc welding, which create light flashes shall be confined within buildings or shielded to prevent either direct glare or flashing.

Height of Fixtures.

Luminaires attached to a building for area lighting shall be mounted on the wall no higher than 10 feet above grade unless waived by the Planning Board.

Pole-mounted exterior lighting fixture types shall be mounted no higher than 15 feet above grade unless waived by the Planning Board.

Except when necessary for site safety or security, all external lighting shall be extinguished one half hour after the facility is closed for the business day. Such lighting may be timed to resume one-half hour prior to the arrival of the first employee on the premises.

Signs may be illuminated subject to conditions of the special permit or site plan approval.

7.2.4

Landscaping and Screening.

The proposed development shall:

Maximize and retain open space;

Be integrated into the natural landscape;

Minimize adverse environmental impacts to such features as wetlands, floodplains, and water resource protection recharge areas; and

Minimize tree, vegetation, and soil removal, and grade change.

The proposed landscaping shall require native and drought-tolerant species and prohibit invasive or nonnative plants.

Except for a required sidewalk, there shall be a landscaped buffer strip that is the lesser of 20 feet or the full front setback in the district, continuous except for approved driveways, adjacent to any public road to visually separate parking and other uses from the road. The buffer strip shall be planted with grass, medium height shrubs, evergreens and shade trees having a minimum 2½ – 3 inches in caliper measured four feet from ground level planted at least every 30 feet along the road frontage. Evergreens and shade trees shall be at least six feet in height at time of planting. Trees or shrubs shall be set back a sufficient distance from all street or driveway intersections so that they do not present an obstruction to sight lines.

There shall be a continuous landscaped buffer strip at least 10 feet wide, maintained in perpetuity, between a Business District or an Industrial District and any Residential District or property line. Along the zoning district or property line, the landscaped buffer strip shall be of a density to substantially screen the proposed development from view. Plantings of various approved evergreen species are encouraged and shall be planted at a minimum height of six feet.

Parking areas containing over 20 spaces shall have at least one shade tree per 10 parking spaces. Each shade tree shall be a minimum of 2½ inches in diameter and located either in the parking area or within 10 feet of it. At least 5 percent of the interior of the parking area shall be maintained with landscaping, including trees, in landscape islands or plots with no more than 20 parking spaces between each island or plot. Trees shall be located to provide visual relief from sun and wind interruption within the parking area and assure safe patterns of internal pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Other traffic calming measures such as crosswalks, bike lanes, rumble-strips and landscape islands may be required as necessary.

Fencing may be allowed in lieu of or in conjunction with plantings. The design and height of fencing, with accompanying landscaping, shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board.

Retaining walls shall be constructed to a maximum height of six feet unless waived by the Planning Board. If site conditions require elevation changes of greater than six feet, retaining walls shall be terraced and landscaped. Retaining walls facing residential districts shall be solid fieldstone or fieldstone veneer or other similar material. Unless used within the Manufacturing Districts, vertical cast-in-place concrete or concrete blocks shall not be permitted.

Exposed storage areas, refuse disposal facilities, machinery, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings, and structures and other unsightly uses shall be screened from view from neighboring properties and streets using dense, hardy evergreen plantings or earthen berms, or wall or tight fence complemented by evergreen plantings.

All landscaping features, structures, and areas shall be properly maintained. Dead shrubs or trees shall be replaced within two growing seasons as a condition of approval.

7.2.5

Stormwater Management.

The proposed development shall include adequate provisions or measures to prevent pollution of surface or groundwater, minimize erosion and sedimentation, prevent changes in groundwater levels, increased run-off, and potential for flooding, and minimize adverse impacts to neighboring properties by flooding from excessive runoff.

All development shall comply with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Stormwater Management Policy (including Phase III Stormwater requirements) to ensure that the rate of surface water runoff from the site shall not be increased after construction.

Dry wells shall be used only where other methods are unfeasible and shall require oil, grease, and sediment traps to facilitate removal of contaminants.

The Planning Board shall refer any special permit application to the Department of Public Works for its determination that the storm drainage system is consistent with DEP Stormwater Management Policy and that there is sufficient storm drainage capacity to meet the flow demands of the proposed development on site, and, where applicable, without causing surge in those storm drainage lines which serve the project and are consistent with the standards of the Town.

During the construction phase, temporary diversions, berms, grassed waterways, special culverts, shoulder dikes or such other mechanical measures as may be necessary may be required by the Board to intercept and divert surface water runoff. Runoff flow shall not be routed through areas of protected vegetation or revegetated slopes and other areas. Temporary run-off from erosion and sedimentation controls shall be directed according to BMPs, such as vegetated swales. Retaining walls may be required where side slopes are steeper than a ratio of 3:1.

Erosion and sedimentation controls shall be constructed in accordance with the DEP Storm Water Guidance manual and the EPA’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan guidelines and requirements. Topsoil and loam storage areas shall be subject to these standards.

7.2.6

Site Development Standards.

To the extent practical, the proposed development shall be located to preserve and enhance the natural features of the site, to avoid disturbances of environmentally sensitive areas, to minimize adverse impacts of development on adjoining properties, to minimize the alteration of the natural features of the site and to preserve and enhance scenic points, historic buildings and places and similar community assets which add value and attractiveness to the project and the Town.

Site/building design shall preserve natural topography outside of the development footprint to reduce unnecessary land disturbance and to preserve natural drainage on the site.

Clearing for utility trenching shall be limited to the minimum area necessary to maneuver a backhoe or other construction equipment. Tunneling for utilities installation other than water should be utilized wherever feasible to protect root systems of trees.

Site Design.

Placement of buildings, structures, or parking facilities shall not detract from the site's scenic qualities and shall blend with the natural landscape.

Building sites shall be directed away from the crest of hills so as not to break the ridgeline, and foundations shall be constructed to reflect the natural terrain.

Sites shall be designed in such a way as to avoid impacts to rare and endangered species and wildlife habitat on a site, and to maintain contiguous forested areas.

The Planning Board may require applicants to submit the proposed development plan to the Historical Commission and/or the Massachusetts Historical Commission for review and comment regarding possible archaeological or historical resources on the site.

Priority shall be given to the preservation of existing stands of trees, trees at site perimeter, contiguous vegetation with adjacent sites (particularly existing sites protected through conservation restrictions), and specimen trees.

Understory vegetation beneath the drip line of preserved trees shall be retained in an undisturbed state.

During clearing and/or construction activities, all vegetation to be retained shall be surrounded by temporary protective fencing or other measures before any clearing or grading occurs and maintained until all construction work is completed and the site is cleaned up. Barriers shall be large enough to encompass the essential root zone of all vegetation to be protected. All vegetation within the protective fencing shall be retained in an undisturbed state.

Limit of Clearing. Development envelopes for structures, driveways, wastewater disposal, lawn areas and utility work shall be designated to limit clearing and grading.

In order to minimize the clearing and grading on a site associated with construction activities such as parking of construction vehicles, offices/trailers, stockpiling of equipment/materials, such activities may be limited to areas already planned for permanent structures.

Topsoil shall not be stockpiled in areas of protected trees or wetlands or their vegetated buffers.

Finished grades no greater than a 3:1 slope are preferred, while preserving, matching, or blending with the natural contours and undulations of the land to the greatest extent possible. Finished grades of 1:1 slope or 2:1 slope are allowed with stabilization if approved by the Planning Board. Finished grade shall be no higher than the trunk flare(s) of trees to be retained. The design of grade changes at the base of existing large trees shall be subject to the approval of the Tree Warden or its agent.

The Planning Board may limit the extent of a site exposed at any one time through phasing of construction operations. Effective sequencing shall occur within the boundaries of natural drainage areas.

Proper revegetation techniques shall be employed during construction using native plant species, proper seed bed preparation, fertilizer and mulching to protect germinating plants. Revegetation shall occur on cleared sites within 7 (seven) calendar days of final grading and shall occur during the planting season appropriate to the selected plant species.

A minimum of 6" of topsoil shall be placed on all disturbed surfaces which are proposed to be planted.

The Planning Board may require that water for the purpose of irrigation shall be provided by an on-site well, after consultation with the Water Department.

7.2.7

Pedestrian and Vehicular Access – Traffic Management.

The proposed development shall be designed with a forecast for the next five years from the time of application to:

Minimize hazards to public health and safety as a result of traffic;

Provide safe access and circulation on the site for expected vehicles, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles;

Provide off-site traffic mitigation, where required, to offset the impact of the development;

Reduce the traffic impacts of the proposed development on the area and the Town by incorporating traffic management devices; and

Minimize the impact on scenic roads, historic districts, natural resources, and community character. The development shall not degrade safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle occupants, or property.

To the extent feasible, access to nonresidential uses and structures shall be provided via one of the following:

Access via a common driveway serving adjacent lots or premises, which are hereby authorized for nonresidential uses, provided there is a legally enforceable shared parking agreement executed by all parties concerned and approved by the Planning Board as part of the special permit process and recorded with the Registry of Deeds;

Access via an existing side street;

Access via a cul-de-sac or loop road shared by adjacent lots or premises.

Access via roadways abutting residential districts shall be avoided where possible.

Access and egress to a development with frontage on more than one street shall be in a manner that causes the least impact to the surrounding neighborhoods as determined by the Planning Board.

Driveways. Each development shall be served by an adequate driveway.

The Planning Board may, in certain circumstances, allow additional driveways as a condition of approval where the access is shared or the project has frontage on two separate streets.

All driveways shall be designed to afford adequate sight distance to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists exiting to public ways. Improvements may be required on the public way for vehicular turning movements in or out of the site and safe pedestrian access to adjoining sidewalks, paths, walking trails or bikeways.

Curb Cuts. Curb cuts shall be limited to the minimum width for safe entering and exiting, and shall in no case exceed 30 feet in width unless waived by the Planning Board for industrial truck traffic. The location of driveway openings in relation to traffic and to adjacent streets shall provide for the convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement within the site. The number of curb cuts on state and local roads shall be minimized.

Interior Circulation. The proposed development shall assure safe interior circulation on the site by separating pedestrian, bikeways, and vehicular traffic.

Transportation Plan Approval. The proposed development shall be subject to transportation plan approval by the Planning Board. The transportation plan shall consist of the following information:

A plan showing the proposed parking, loading, and traffic circulation within the site; access and egress points; and other features related to traffic generated by the proposed use.

A traffic study, prepared by a qualified traffic engineer, detailing the expected traffic impacts. For proposed development of 25,000 gross square feet or more, the traffic study shall substantially conform to the latest edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development: A Recommended Practice. The Planning Board shall approve the geographic scope and content of the study.

Proposed mitigation measures, if any, such as left-turn lanes, roadway widening, signage, signalization of intersections.

For proposed development of 25,000 gross square feet or more, the applicant shall submit a transportation demand management (TDM) plan. The TDM plan shall provide information on the number of expected person trips to and from the site, broken down by various travel modes (e.g., single occupancy vehicle, carpool, walk, bicycle, commuter rail, shuttle bus, etc.). The TDM plan shall also incorporate one or more of the following techniques to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips by employees coming to and departing from the proposed use:

Establishment of or contribution to a traffic management association (TMA) within the region, which shall provide shuttle services for employees and other services as may be appropriate;

Employee carpools or vanpools sponsored by the employer or the TDM;

Monetary incentives to employees who do not use a parking space;

On-site shower facilities and/or bicycle racks for employees who do not drive to work;

Other techniques as may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Board or its traffic consultant.

Reduction in Parking. In consideration of the applicant providing one or more of the above measures to reduce vehicular traffic to and from the site, the Planning Board may reduce the number of required parking spaces below what would ordinarily be required under Section 7.1. To be considered for a reduction, the applicant’s traffic engineer shall determine and justify the parking demand for the project, as well as reduction in needed parking spaces attributable to each traffic management measure.

Level of Service Maintenance or Improvement.

If the proposed project will result in an intersection level of service below a rating of LOS D, or result in a roadway volume to capacity rating greater than 1.0, the applicant may be required to provide detailed plans (including reconstruction concepts), that when implemented would result in an intersection level of service rating of D or better.

If the proposed project will result in a reduction in level-of-service of one letter grade or an increase of 10 seconds of delay to a signalized or unsignalized intersection, the applicant may be required to provide detailed plans that when implemented would result in a return to existing conditions.

Dangerous Intersections. The Planning Board may require mitigation for any net increase in traffic volumes of 10 percent or more at an intersection that has an accident history of more than five accidents in the last three years for which data is available.

Sight Distance. Acceptable sight distance shall be provided and maintained at all access locations, egress locations, and all intersections affected by the development. At a minimum, these sight distances shall meet the stricter of the Massachusetts Highway Department and American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials standards for safe-stopping sight distances.

Maximum Parking. The maximum parking allowed for a development shall be no more than the minimum number of spaces required under zoning, unless waived.

Mitigation. The Planning Board may require as a condition of any special permit off-site improvements to mitigate the impact of the proposed development. Such improvements include intersection widening and traffic signals or the components of the TDM plan. All road and intersection improvements proposed as part of development and redevelopment shall be consistent with local plans.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety. Pedestrian and bicycle circulation, and the amenities required thereof, on and off site, shall be in accordance with the following requirements:

All development and redevelopment shall provide for pedestrian and bicyclist connections on the property, and allow for possible future connections for pedestrians and bicycles with adjoining properties, where deemed appropriate by the Planning Board.

Pedestrian access shall connect to all building entrances with further connections to local pedestrian arteries.

All road and intersection widening and new traffic signals or modification of existing traffic signals required as part of a development or redevelopment shall include appropriate bicycle and pedestrian accommodation.

Sidewalks, crosswalks, walkways, bike racks or other pedestrian access shall be provided to allow access to adjacent properties and between individual businesses within a development.

Traffic calming measures such as crosswalks, bike lanes, rumble strips and landscaped islands may be required.

7.2.8

Aesthetics.

The location, size and design, building materials, and operating characteristics of the proposed development shall be compatible with abutting properties, the natural and built environments in the area, and the character of the surrounding area. Consideration will be given to the following:

Harmony in scale, bulk, massing, and density;

Historical, cultural, and architectural features of nearby buildings or a master plan or other planning document, or any plan that has been adopted by the Town.

7.2.9

Utilities – Security – Emergency Systems.

The proposed development shall be adequately served by public or private utilities, security systems, and emergency systems.

The Planning Board may require a report from the Board of Health confirming that the proposed site development provides for wastewater treatment and or disposal in a manner that is consistent with regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Board of Health.

There shall be sufficient water capacity to meet the domestic and fire flow demands of the proposed use without causing municipal water flow characteristics off site to fall below the standards adopted by the Town.

All electrical, cable and telecommunications services shall be installed underground.

7.3 Buffer and Screening Requirements.

Where a lot in the Retail Business, General Business, or any Industrial District abuts the side or rear boundary line of any Residence District (including any Residence District in an adjacent municipality), there shall be provided a landscaped buffer planted with evergreen trees or shrubs within 20 feet of the district boundary.

In all Industrial Districts, the outdoor storage and display of goods, products, materials, or equipment shall, if visible at normal eye level from any point beyond the boundaries of the premises, be screened from such view.