Table A establishes certain lot dimensions, minimum lot sizes, setbacks and maximum building heights. By establishing minimum lot sizes in the three districts, the dimensional requirements provide for open space and prevent the small-lot, suburban-type subdivision which is out of character with the Town. The relatively smaller lot sizes (one to two acres) are generally consistent with current development in the Town and promote the creation of more affordable lots.

The sliding scale density concept created in Table B applies to the RR District and allows for the subdivision of existing lots into smaller lots and requires the density in subdivisions of larger lots to be lower, thus preserving open space. The density requirements in Table B apply solely to the RR District and are mandatory on all persons seeking to subdivide four or more acres in the RR District.

Table C adds the option to the subdivider in the RR District of lots more than 30 acres to obtain a greater density if the subdivider agrees to maintain 50% or more of the parcel as open space. This option would also create much smaller lots on the developed portion, thus promoting the opportunity for more affordable lots.

Parcels of land subdivided after the effective date of this chapter may not be further subdivided in a manner to create a greater number of subdivided lots than would be permitted with the original subdivision of the parent parcel under this chapter. In the event a subdivider creates less than the maximum number of lots permitted under Table B or C, the subdivider shall, at the time of subdivision, assign the rights to further subdivide properties to the various originally subdivided parcels. Nothing herein shall preclude the owners of the subdivided rights from transferring the future subdivision rights to another parcel from the original subdivision, provided that the parcel meets the minimum size requirements of this chapter.

General requirements.

Use of open space parcel.

Except as otherwise provided by this section, accessory structures shall be allowed in all districts, provided that they meet all of the provisions and requirements of this chapter.

Sheds shall be exempt from the rear and side yard setbacks listed in the dimension table above,[1] but shall not be closer to any property line than 10 feet.

New accessory structures for uses which require site plan approval or a special use permit shall require site plan approval only. Any conditions previously imposed upon the principle specially permitted use shall also apply to the accessory structure unless specifically modified by the Planning Board.

Where two properties are separated by a district boundary, the larger of the two required yard setbacks (regardless of which type of yard, front, rear or side yard) applies to the adjoining yards of both properties.

The following structures and building features may encroach up to 10 feet into front yard setbacks in all districts: eaves, cornices, canopies, bay windows, steps, balconies and any other architectural features.

Ridgelines are found throughout the Town and considered an important visual resource from public roads, parks, state forests and other publicly accessible areas. The purpose of ridgeline protection is to minimize the visual and environmental impacts of development along the ridgelines and maintain vistas along those lines that are unbroken by the placement of houses and other large structures that alter those vistas. The intent of this section is to protect the dominant ridgelines which provide the primary backdrop when viewed from public areas. It is not the intent to regulate or limit development on small hills and rises on a particular parcel.

All structures shall be sited so that their roofs are located below the ridgeline or hilltop. For all uses requiring site plan approval or a special use permit, the Planning Board shall review the application for compliance with this requirement. For all construction that only requires a building permit, the Code Enforcement Officer shall not approve any plans until the applicant has demonstrated compliance with this requirement. If a person is aggrieved by a decision from the Planning Board or Code Enforcement Officer that his or her property constitutes a ridgeline, that person may appeal that determination to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Shrubs, trees, and other indigenous vegetation shall be retained on hillside terrain to help maintain natural drainage swales, reduce erosion and preserve the character of the hillside. Existing vegetation shall be protected from damage during construction, and land clearing shall be kept to a minimum in the area of the ridgeline. Notching out of trees and clear-cutting on a ridgeline is prohibited.

The development of one- and two-family homes on large lots with long driveways has the potential to cause a significant impact to the character and environment of the Town. Due to the topography of the Town, long driveways frequently result in significant road cuts that materially alter the character of the community and can cause environmental damage, including erosion. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, any application to the Code Enforcement Officer for a permit for a one- or two-family home on a lot with a driveway in excess of 500 feet in length shall be referred to the Planning Board for site plan approval.

The Planning Board's review under this section shall seek to minimize clearing, road cuts and steep grades and shall assure proper measures are in place for erosion and sediment control during construction and stormwater control after completion of construction.