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Central Falls City Zoning Code

ARTICLE III

- USE AND DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS

Sec. 300. - Compliance with regulations.

The regulations set by this ordinance within each district shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly to each class or kind of structure or land. In addition, article IV contains dimensional regulations and article V contains supplementary regulations which apply to specific conditions, areas or uses.

Sec. 301. - Use code.

The following use regulations in table 1 and table 2 are designed to regulate land uses in the various zoning districts in the city. Each use group is identified by a use code number and is a separate use. The use code is a classification system designed to limit and aid in the interpretation of the use regulations. The code number in the use regulations corresponds to a more detailed listing of uses in appendix A [of this ordinance which is on file in the city clerk's office]. Where a use is not specifically listed, such use is not permitted unless the building official shall (pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 45-24-54) upon written request, provide written information to the requesting party as to the determination that the use is included within the appropriate use code number in appendix A [of this ordinance which is on file in the city clerk's office] within 15 days of the written request. In the event that no response is provided within such time, the requesting party shall have the right to appeal to the zoning board of review for such determination.

(Ord. of 10-16-2019(2), § 3)

Sec. 302. - Public utilities and public services.

The provisions of this ordinance shall not be construed so as to limit or interfere with the construction, installation, operation and maintenance for public utility purposes of water and gas pipes, mains and conduits, electric light and electric power transmission and distribution lines, telephone lines, cable television lines, oil pipelines, sewer mains, and incidental appurtenances and installations.

Sec. 303. - Home occupations.

Home occupations are permitted, provided that:

A)

It is conducted entirely within a dwelling;

B)

Such use is situated in the same dwelling as the primary residence of the occupant;

C)

The residential character of such dwelling is not changed;

D)

There shall be not more than one worker in addition to the dwelling unit occupant;

E)

No more than 50 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit or 800 square feet, whichever is less, shall be used for the home occupation;

F)

There shall be no storage or sale of goods or merchandise on the premises;

G)

The use is in conformance with the use table (section 303); and

H)

The use is in conformance with parking requirements (article VIII).

Sec. 304. - Use regulations.

Permitted uses are denoted with a "Y" for yes. Uses which are not permitted are denoted with an "N" for no. Uses permitted only upon approval of the board are denoted with an "S" for special use permit. A special use permit shall only be approved in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance. Uses that are permitted as an accessory building or use are denoted with an "A". Where a use is located in an overlay zone, additional uses are permitted, and other restrictions shall apply in addition to the underlying uses listed in this table. Any number of uses may be located on a lot provided each use is permitted and all other requirements of this ordinance are met.

TABLE 1 - USE REGULATIONS

Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-D M-1 M-2 P CM
1.0 RESIDENTIAL
11 One Household Detached Dwelling Y Y Y Y N N N N N N
12 Two Household Dwelling Y Y Y Y S S N N N N
14 Multi-Household Dwelling, Three or more units N N Y Y Y Y N N N N
14.1 Artist Loft N N N Y Y Y S S N N
15 Group Quarters and Lodging N N N N N N N N N N
15.1 Nursing Home and Congregate Care Facility N S Y Y Y N N N N N
15.2 Community Residence Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
16 Temporary Lodging, 10 Rooms or Less N N S S S S N N N N
16.1 Temporary Lodging, 11 to 29 Rooms N N N S S S N N N N
16.2 Temporary Lodging, 30 Rooms or more N N N N S S N N N N
16.3 Temporary Lodging, with Supervision, 15 Residents or less N N S S S S N N N N
16.4 Temporary Lodging, with Supervision, more than 16 Residents N N N S Y Y N N N N
17 Mobile Home Park N N N N N N N N N N
2.0 INSTITUTIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES
21 Educational Institutions (Post Secondary) N S S S S S 1 N N N N
21.1 Educational Institutions N S S S S S 1 N N N N
22 Special Schools N S S S S S 1 N N N N
22.1 Vocational Training Facility N N N N N N P P P N
23 Religious Services N S S S S S S S N N
24 Medical and Health Services N N N S Y Y N N N N
25 Local & State Government S S S Y Y Y Y Y N N
25.1 Prison or Correctional Institution N N N N N N S S N N
26 Family Day Care Home with 5 or less persons Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
26.1 Day Care Facility with more than 5 persons N N N Y Y Y S 2 S 2 N N
26.2 Pre-School N N N S 2 Y 2 Y 1 S 2 S 2 N N
27 Service Organization N S S S S S S S N N
28 Cemetery S 3 S 3 S 3 S 3 S 3 N N N N Y
1 No residential uses permitted on first floor.
2 Special use permit may be granted only if the use is in conjunction with a permitted use.
3 Any cemetery shall also comply with RI General laws Chapter 23-18 entitled "Cemeteries" as amended [G.L. 1956, § 23-18-1 et seq.]. Any cemetery shall have a minimum lot size of 250,000 square feet.
3.0 CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT RECREATION SERVICES
31 Non-Profit Library, Museum, or Art Gallery S S Y Y Y Y S S N N
32 Spectator Assembly N S S S S S S S N N
33 Outdoor Recreation Facility S S S S S N S S N N
34 Indoor Sports Facility N N N S S N Y S N N
35 Non-Profit Community Park, Playground and Community Center Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N
36 Open Space Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
4.0 GENERAL SERVICES
41 Financial, Insurance & Real Estate N N N S Y Y Y N N N
42 Personal Service S S S S Y 1 Y 1 N N N N
43 Limited Business Service N N N Y Y Y Y N N N
44 General Business Service N N N N Y Y Y N N N
45 Repair Service N N N N S N S S N N
46 Professional Service N N N S Y Y Y N N N
46.1 Veterinarian & Animal Hospital N N N N Y Y Y Y N N
47 Contract Construction Service N N N N S N Y S N N
48.1 Warehousing & Storage not including Open Lot Storage N N N N S S Y S N N
48.2 Warehousing & Storage including Open Lot Storage N N N N S N S S N N
48.3 Mini-Storage & Self-Storage N N N N N N N 2 N 2 N N
49 Warehousing & Storage including Open Lot Storage N N N N S N S S N N
1 A special use permit (S) is required for a barber shop.
1 A special use permit (S) is required for a massage parlor.
2 Mini-storage and self-storage facilities are permitted by right solely within existing buildings located on properties in the OMUSOD as of the date the OMUSOD was established hereunder, up to a total limit of 230,000 square feet of mini-storage and self-storage within the OMUSOD.
5.0 TRADE
51 Wholesale Trade within Enclosed Structure N N N N S S Y Y N N
52 Wholesale Trade & Outdoor Storage N N N N S S Y S N N
53 Bulk Storage, Petroleum/LNG Storage, Junkyard (not including landfill) Scrap & Waste Materials N N N N N N N N N N
54 Retail Trade Building & Related material N N N N Y Y Y Y N N
55 Retail Trade Neighborhood Establishments 2,500 GLA or less N N N Y Y Y Y N N N
55.1 Convenience Store N N N Y Y Y Y N N N
56 Retail Trade Community Wide Establishments more than 2,500 GFA N N N N Y Y Y N N N
57 Retail Trade Automotive, marine Craft, Aircraft & Accessories N N N N Y S Y Y N N
58 Fast Food Restaurant N N N Y Y Y Y Y N N
59 Formula Businesses 1 N N N S S S N N N N
1 For any Formula Business see Section 908.5. Special Use Permit for a Formula Business.
6.0 TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION & UTILITIES
61 Transportation Center N N N N N N Y Y N N
62 Freight Terminal N N N N N N Y Y N N
63 Aircraft Transportation including Maintenance N N N N N N N S N N
64 Parking principal use N N S S Y Y S S N N
65 Communications & Utilities S S S S S S Y Y N N
65.1 Wireless Transmitting & Receiving Antennae including Satellite Dish type Y 1 Y 1 Y 1 S S S Y Y N N
66 Power Plant N N N N N N S S N N
66.1 Incinerator & Waste Facility N 2 N 2 N 2 N 2 N 2 N 2 N 2 N 2 N 2 N 2
66.2 Cogeneration N N N N N N S S N N
67 Billboards free standing or on building N N N N N N N N N N
1 Subject to screening requirement for on ground antennae in Section 502.2 and height restrictions of roof mounted antenna in Section 506.1 (B)
2 Banned by State legislation.
7.0—8.0 MANUFACTURING
70 Food & Kindred Products Mfg. including Canning & or Packing N N N N N N S Y N N
70.1 Processing of Bakery Products N N N S S S Y Y N N
70.2 Processing of Vinegar or Yeast N N N N N N N N N N
70.3 Rendering or Refining of Fats and Oils N N N N N N N N N N
70.4 Stock Yard or Feeding Pen N N N N N N N N N N
70.5 Slaughter of animals not including fowl N N N N N N N N N N
71 Textile Mill Products & Apparel Mfg. N N N N N N S Y N N
72 Lumber & Wood Products Mfg. N N N N N N S Y N N
73 Paper and Allied Products (printing publishing, refinishing etc.) N N N N N N S Y N N
73.1 Pulp Mills and Paper Mills N N N N N N N N N N
74 Chemicals & Allied Products Mfg. N N N N N N N S N N
74.1 Agricultural Chemicals including fertilizer N N N N N N N N N N
74.2 Leather & Fur (tanning, refinishing) N N N N N N N S N N
74.3 Acid Mfg. N N N N N N N N N N
74.4 Chlorine or Other Similar Noxious or Toxic Gases N N N N N N N N N N
74.5 Glue Mfg. N N N N N N N N N N
75 Petroleum Products & Related Industries N N N N N N S S N N
75.1 Petroleum Refining N N N N N N N N N N
76 Rubber & Plastic Products Mfg. N N N N N N S S N N
77 Stone, Clay & Glass Products Mfg. N N N N N N S S N N
77.1 Pottery Products Mfg. N N N N N 1 N 1 S 1 Y N N
77.2 Abrasive, Asbestos & Misc. Non-Metallic Mineral Products Mfg. N N N N N N N S N N
77.3 Cement, Lime, Gypsum of Plaster of Paris Mfg. N N N N N N N N N N
77.4 Asbestos Mfg. N N N N N N N N N N
77.5 Junk Yard N N N N N N N N N N
78 Primary Metal Industries N N N N N N N N N N
79 Fabricated Metal Products Mfg. N N N N N N N S N N
79.1 Drop Forge Industries N N N N N N N N N N
80 Machinery & Machine Parts Mfg. N N N N N N S S N N
81 Transportation Equipment Mfg. N N N N N N S S N N
82 Ship & Boat (building, repair) N N N N N N S S N N
83 Precision Instruments & Scientific Equipment Mfg. N N N N N N Y Y N N
84 Jewelry, Silverware, Plated Ware, Costume Jewelry & Notions Mfg. N N N N N N S Y N N
84.1 Job Shops (jewelry) N N N N S N Y Y N N
84.2 Plating of jewelry & Other Metal Parts N N N N N N N S N N
85 Arts & Crafts Mfg. N N N Y Y Y Y Y N N
86 Nuclear Industries and Explosives N N N N N N N N N N
87 Tobacco Processing N N N N N N N N N N
88 Biological Technologies N N N N N N S S N N
1 Pottery products manufacturing is allowed provided that such activity takes place within a totally enclosed structure and that no more than 2,500 GFA is devoted to that use.

 

TABLE 2 - CONANT THREAD USE REGULATIONS

Zoning District CT
1.Residential uses.
A. One-family dwelling. N
B. Two-family dwelling. N
C. Three-or four-family dwelling. S
D. Multifamily (five dwelling units and over). Y
E. State-licensed community residence.* N
F. Convent or rectory. N
G. Family day-care home, up to eight children. N
H. Manufactured home park.* N
I. Taking of boarders or leasing rooms by a person residing on the premises for not more than two boarders. N
J. Rooming house up to six rooming units. N
K. Rooming house over six rooming units (limit 12 persons). N
L. Mixed residential/commercial uses. Y
M. Independent-living facility.* Y
N. Nursing care and assisted living facilities (623110). N
O. Artist studio, display and sales. Y
2.Accessory uses.
A. Garage, no dwelling units N
B. Storage shed up to 150 square feet in area. Y
C. Storage shed over 150 square feet in area. N
D. Swimming pool (residential use). Y
E. Fence. Y
F. Ground-mounted antenna for amateur radio and television. N
G. Home occupations. Y
H. Satellite dish antenna two feet to eight feet in diameter. A
I. Satellite dish antenna over eight feet in diameter. A
J. Private greenhouse. A
K. Flagpole. A
L. Sale of handicraft or homecraft products incidental to their manufacture on the premises, provided that the display of such merchandise shall not be visible from the street. Y
M. Accessory manufacturing. A
3.Transient residential.
A. Bed-and-breakfast home (one dwelling unit).* N
B. Hotel and motel.* Y
4.Gardening and raising of animals.
A. Gardening/Farming, not to include the raising of animals.* Y
B. Greenhouse/Nursery not used for a private gainful business. A
C. Commercial greenhouse or nursery. Y
D. Keeping of animals as household pets. A
E. Raising of animals. N
F. Public zoo. N
G. Pigeon loft. N
5.Public, education and recreation uses.
A. Place of worship (813110). Y
B. Cemetery. N
C. Public museum or library. Y
D. Hospital (622). N
E. Municipal incinerator (562213). N
F. Municipal fire station (922160). Y
G. Municipal refuse transfer station (562111). N
H. Municipal structure or use not otherwise specified herein. Y
I. Individual instruction as defined by § 410-46C(2). Y
J. Day-care center.* Y
K. Elementary or secondary school (611110). S
L. Trade or vocational school (61151). Y
M. Schools not otherwise defined (611410, 6116). Y
N. Historical museum or art gallery, including incidental retail sales (712110). Y
O. Community center. Y
P. Municipal park. Y
Q. Civic, social, fraternal organization (8134). N
R. Nonprofit recreational facility. Y
S. Marina (713930). N
T. Municipal police station/ substation (922120). Y
U. Municipal correctional institute (922140). N
6.Neighborhood commercial uses.
A. Retail store of less than 2,500 square feet per establishment. Y
B. Eating places of less than 2,500 square feet of gross floor area. Y
C. Service business of less than 2,500 square feet of gross floor area per establishment, primarily serving local needs. Y
7.General commercial uses.
A. Grocery store over 20,000 square feet. S
B. Retail store over 2,500 square feet serving the general needs of the City. Y
C. Restaurant exceeding 2,500 square feet of gross floor area. S
D. Tavern with liquor license. Y
E. Any commercial use with a drive-in window. N
F. Multitenant commercial structure. Y
G. Nightclub. S
H. Flea market.* N
I. Auction house.* N
J. Incubator. Y
K. Studio (photography, film, recording, design). Y
L. Gallery. Y
8.Personal services.
A. Coin-operated dry cleaner and laundering (812310). Y
B. Dry-cleaning plant, except rugs (812320). N
C. Carpet and upholstery cleaning (561740). N
D. Funeral services (812210). N
E. Bank, credit union (5221). Y
F. Beauty salon, barbershop (81211). Y
G. Travel agency (561510). Y
H. Physical fitness facility (713940). Y
I. Tattoo parlor (81219). Y
J. Massage therapy (81219). Y
K. Tanning salon (81219). Y
L. Electrolysis (81219). Y
M. Photographic studio (541921). Y
N. Cobbler (811430). Y
O. Tax return preparation (54121). Y
P. Tailoring/Dressmaking. Y
Q. Check cashing (522390). N
R. Pawn shop.* N
S. Pet care services (812910). S
T. Pet overnight boarding. S
U. Community food services (624210). Y
9.Business services.
A. Services to dwellings and buildings (5617, except 561710). Y
B. Equipment rental and leasing and automotive rental and leasing (5322, 5321). S
C. Industrial equipment rental and leasing (5323, 5324). N
D. Business support services (5614, except 56143). Y
E. Pest control (561710). N
F. Photocopying and duplicating service (56143). Y
G. Employment agency (561311). Y
H. Security systems services and locksmiths (56162). Y
10.Office uses.
A. Ambulatory health care services (621). Y
B. Veterinarian (541940). Y
C. Other office use (541, except 541940, 541921; and 813, except 8134). Y
11.Automotive and auto body repair, services and garages.
A. General automotive repair shops (81111). N
B. Other automotive repair shops (811198). N
C. Automotive services, except repair (811191). N
D. Auto body repair shops (81112). N
E. Car washing facility (811192). N
F. Gasoline service station, including repair facilities (447). N
G. Automobile, truck and motorcycle sales, rental and service (441, except 441222). N
H. Boat dealer (441222). N
I. Motor vehicle towing (488410). N
12.Miscellaneous repair services.
A. Miscellaneous repair Services (811211, 811213, 8114). Y
B. Commercial and industrial machinery repair services (811212, 811219, 811310). S
13.Amusement/recreation services.
A. Motion-picture theater, except drive-in (512131). S
B. Performing arts venues and related businesses (711, except 711190). Y
C. Bowling alley, billiards and pool. Y
D. Other amusement and recreation (713990). S
E. Non-gambling coin-operated amusement devices (game rooms). S
14.Parking Vehicle storage.
A. Parking garage or parking area. N
B. Parking garage or parking area for noncommercial vehicles. Y
C. Parking garage or parking area within 100 feet of any commercial, riverfront, or industrial zone. Y
D. Storage of one truck of not more than three-fourths-ton capacity, owned and operated by a person residing on the premises, specifically excluding vehicles used for the transportation of liquids, gases, rubbish, trash, garbage or other noxious matter. A
E. Parking of commercial vehicles over three-fourths-ton capacity. N
F. Storage for noncommercial registered automobiles owned and operated by a person residing on the premises. A
G. Off-street parking garage or parking area as required by Article IX. A
15.Wholesale commercial uses.
A. Wholesale commercial use, including the sale and storage of goods, supplies or equipment. N
16.Public utility uses.
A. Communications office (517), excluding antennas. Y
B. Electric, gas, water, and irrigation stations (22112, 22121, 221310). S
C. Public utility pole. Y
D. Public utility tower not otherwise specified herein Y
E. Radio or television transmission tower. Y
F. Water tower. Y
G. Any other structure which is part of a public utility system, other than a freight or trucking terminal. S
H. Personal communications system antenna.* S
I. Wireless communications antenna.* S
17.Transportation uses.
A. Heliport. Y
B. Railroad. Y
C. Passenger transportation terminal. Y
D. Freight or trucking terminal. N
18.Storage uses.
A. Storage uses. Coal, lumber or wood yard heating oil storage or distribution. N
B. Storage of equipment, products, supplies or material. N
C. Storage of junk, automotive junk, junkyard, commercial junkyard. N
D. Storage of flammable or volatile materials. N
E. Storage of building materials and equipment incidental to adjacent construction. A
F. Hazardous substances: any substance or mixture, or substance which is toxic, corrosive, an irritant, a strong sensitizer flammable or combustible, or generates pressure through decomposition, heat or other means if such substance may cause substantial personal injury or substantial illness. N
G. Permanently sited trailers for storage use. N
H. Rental storage space (53113). N
19.Industrial uses.
A. Manufacture, processing or treatment of products, provided that they are principally sold at retail on the premises, and provided that not more than five persons are engaged therein. Y
B. Processing of food and kindred products (311, 312). Y
C. Textile mill products (314, 313). Y
D. Apparel and other textile products (315). Y
E. Lumber and wood products (321). S
F. Furniture and fixtures (337). Y
G. Paper and allied products (3222). S
H. Printing and publishing (323) and sign manufacturing (339950). Y
I. Plastic materials and synthetics (3261). S
J. Drugs, pharmaceutical (32541). Y
K. Soaps, cleaners (3256). S
L. Miscellaneous chemical products (325, except 3256, 3259). S
M. Petroleum products (324). N
N. Rubber and miscellaneous plastic products (3262). N
O. Leather and leather products (316). N
P. Stone, clay and glass products (3271, 3272). Y
Q. Primary metal industries (331, except 33141). N
R. Fabricated metal products and services (332, except 332992—332995). S
S. Jewelry, silverware and plated ware (33991). S
T. Bulk storage of propane with the primary purpose being distribution and transportation to commercial and industrial users. N
U. Quarrying or mining of sand, gravel or rocks. N
V. Rock or stone crushing. N
W. Manufacturing of firearms. N
X. Manufacturing use not listed. N
Y. Multitenant industrial structure. Y
Z. Boat and ship building (3366). Y
AA. Machinery manufacturing (3334, 3335, 334, 335). Y
BB. Medical equipment, medical supplies and office supplies manufacturing (3391, 33994). Y
CC. Miscellaneous manufacturing (3399). S
DD. Artist studio, display and sales. Y
20.Signs.
A. Signs. See § 410-88A to E. Y
B. Billboard, bulletin type. N
C. Billboard, 30-sheet poster type. N
D. Billboard, eight-sheet poster type. N

 

(Ord. of 4-11-2012; Ord. of 3-10-2014(1); Ord. of 3-10-2014(2); Ord. of 10-16-2019(1), § 1; Ord. of 10-16-2019(2), § 3; Ord. of 10-14-2020(1), §§ 3, 4; Ord. of 10-26-2022(1), § 1, 10-26-2022; Ord. of 11-13-2023(1), § 1; Ord. of 6-5-2024(1), § 1)