A sketch plan conference shall be held between the Planning Board and applicant to review the basic site design concept and generally determine the information to be required on the site plan. At the sketch plan conference, the applicant should provide the data discussed below, in addition to a statement or rough sketch describing what is proposed:
A. An area map showing the parcel under consideration for site plan review, and all properties, subdivisions, streets and easements within 200 feet of the boundaries thereof.
B. A map of site topography from available USGS sources shall be included. If portions of the site have susceptibility to erosion, flooding or ponding, a soils overlay and a topographic map showing contour intervals of not more than two feet of elevation should also be provided.
An application for site plan approval shall be made, in writing, to the Zoning Officer and shall be accompanied by information drawn from the following checklist, as determined necessary by the Planning Board at the sketch plan conference:
A. Title of drawing, including name and address of applicant and person responsible for preparation of such drawing.
B. North arrow, scale and date.
C. Boundaries of property plotted to scale.
E. Grading and drainage plan, showing existing and proposed contours.
F. Location, proposed use and height of all buildings.
G. Location, design and construction materials of all parking and truck loading areas, showing access and egress.
H. Provision for pedestrian access.
I. Location of outdoor storage, if any.
J. Location, design and construction materials of all existing or proposed site improvements, including drains, culverts, retaining walls and fences.
K. Description of the method of sewage disposal and location, design and construction materials of such facilities.
L. Description of the method of securing public water and location, design and construction materials of such facilities.
M. Location of fire and other emergency zones, including the location of fire hydrants.
N. Location, design and construction materials of all energy distribution facilities, including electrical, gas and solar energy.
O. Location, size and design and construction materials of all proposed signs.
P. Location and proposed development of all buffer areas, including existing vegetative cover.
Q. Location and design of outdoor lighting facilities.
R. Designation of the amount of building area proposed for retail sales or similar commercial activity.
S. General landscaping plan and planting schedule.
T. Other elements integral to the proposed development as considered necessary by the Planning Board, including identification of any state or county permits required for the project's execution.
The Planning Board's review of the site plan shall include, as appropriate, but is not limited to, the following:
A. General considerations.
(1) Adequacy and arrangement of vehicular traffic access and circulation, including intersections, road widths, pavement surfaces, dividers and traffic controls.
(2) Adequacy and arrangement of pedestrian traffic access and circulation, walkway structures, control of intersections with vehicular traffic and overall pedestrian convenience.
(3) Location, arrangement, appearance and sufficiency of off-street parking and loading.
(4) Location, arrangement, size, design and general site compatibility of buildings, lighting and signs.
(5) Adequacy of stormwater and drainage facilities.
(6) Adequacy of water supply and sewage disposal facilities.
(7) 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.
(8) In the case of an apartment complex or other multiple dwelling, the adequacy of usable open space for play areas and informal recreation.
(9) Protection of adjacent or neighboring properties against noise, glare, unsightliness or other objectionable features.
(10) Adequacy of fire lanes and other emergency zones and the provision of fire hydrants.
(11) Special attention to adequacy of structures, roadways and landscaping in areas with susceptibility to ponding, flooding and/or erosion.
B. Consultant review. The Planning Board may consult with the Town Zoning Officer, Town Engineer, Fire Commissioners, Conservation Council, other local and county officials, and its designated private consultants, in addition to representatives of federal and state agencies, including but not limited to the Soil Conservation Service, the State Department of Transportation and the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
C. Public hearing. The Planning Board may conduct a public hearing on the site plan. If a public hearing is considered desirable by a majority of the authorized members of the Planning Board, such public hearing shall be conducted within 45 days of the acceptance of the application for site plan approval and shall be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town at least five days before the public hearing.