Overlay zoning districts are hereby established to regulate areas and structures of historical significance, educational and health care institutions, and mixed uses. These regulations are necessary to meet the purposes set forth in section 100 of this ordinance. The boundaries of the overlay zoning districts are as defined in section 102 of this ordinance. These boundaries may be amended in accordance with article XI [sic] of this ordinance. Overlay zoning districts are designed to impose supplementary requirements and do not in any manner reduce any requirements of the underlying zone, except where specifically provided for by this ordinance.

Historic districts are overlay zoning districts which cover designated districts or structures, which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, within the City of Central Falls. The purpose of historic districts is to safeguard the heritage of the city by preserving designated districts and structures of historic or architectural value which reflect elements of Central Falls' cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history; to stabilize and improve property values in such districts or designated structures; to maintain and foster civic beauty; to strengthen the economy; and to promote the use of designated districts and structures for the education, pleasure and welfare of the citizens. An historic district may include properties which are associated with broad patterns, events, and/or people significant in local, state or national history; which embody the distinctive characteristics of a broad range of building types and architectural styles; which possess high artistic value and/or represent the work of a master builder, architect, landscape architect or other designer; or which lack individual distinction but which add to the historic district zone's status as a significant and distinguishable socio-cultural entity.

A mill building reuse development (MBRD) creates a zoning overlay district within an M zone containing obsolete or under utilized manufacturing and or industrial building. The (MBRD) designation allows the development of such sites according to a plan for mixed use. All such re-use developments shall be done in accordance with this section.

602.1 - Mill building reuse development. In accordance with section 101.4 of this ordinance, a MBRD district may contain one or more manufacturing and/or commercial structures with appurtenant accessory buildings, common areas, open space and roadways. The purpose of a MBRD is to allow for the redevelopment of the site for mixed use development through careful site planning. MBRD zoning overlays may be applied in any M zone.

602.2 - Re-use development establishment and regulations.

A)

Establishment: A reuse development may be established upon approval by the planning commission pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 45-24-47 in any M zone in which the proposed principal use of each building is permitted in accordance with Article III and 602.2

B)

Permitted uses: Uses as permitted in article III and the following uses listed by use category are permitted in a mill building reuse development:

1.0

Residential, 11,14 and 14.1

2.0

Institutional and Governmental Services, 21, 22, 24, 24.1 and 24.2

3.0

Cultural, Entertainment And Recreation Services, 31, 32 (limited to auditorium, exhibition hall and theater) and 34

4.0

General Services, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46 and 47

5.0

Trade, 55, 56

C)

Additional criteria for approval: To approve a re-use development, the zoning board shall find that:

1.

That the re-use development is not displacing an active manufacturing and or industrial use. Further that there is no reasonable expectation that manufacturing will continue at the site.

2.

The re-use development will not create a serious conflict with adjacent manufacturing and or industrial businesses in the M zone.

3.

The developer has a plan to notify all tenants and owners of the buildings and units in the re-use development that they are in a M zone and that allowed M zone uses that may be perceived as a nuisance or otherwise obnoxious shall give them no cause for action against such industrial and or manufacturing activity.

4.

The plans for the re-use development are consistent with the comprehensive plan.

The Osram mixed use special overlay district (OMUSOD) creates a zoning overlay district within an M zone, which may include properties located within an MBRD, containing obsolete or underutilized manufacturing and or industrial buildings which have been identified for specific development purposes. The OMUSOD designation allows the development of such sites according to a plan for mixed use, and further expressly permits the use of existing buildings located within the OMUSOD for certain uses set forth in Section 304 above. All such re-use development shall be done in accordance with this section.

603.1 - OMUSOD development. In accordance with section 101.4 of this ordinance, an OMUSOD district may contain one or more manufacturing and/or commercial structures with appurtenant accessory buildings, common areas, open space and roadways, including the ability to utilize existing structures within the OMUSOD for mini-storage and self-storage by right contingent on the mini-storage and self-storage occurring inside existing buildings located on properties in the OMUSOD, as of the date the OMUSOD was established hereunder, and up to a total limit of 230,000 square feet of mini-storage and self-storage within the OMUSOD. The purpose of the OMUSOD is to allow for the further redevelopment of the properties within the overlay district for mixed use development through careful site planning. OMUSOD zoning overlays may be applied in any M zone, including within an MBRD.

603.2 - Re-use development establishment and regulations.

A)

Establishment: A reuse development may be established upon approval by the planning commission pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 45-24-47 in any M zone in which the proposed principal use of each building is permitted in accordance with Article III and 602.2

B)

Permitted uses: Uses as permitted in article III and the following uses listed by use category are permitted in a OMUSOD development:

1.0

Residential, 11,14 and 14.1

2.0

Institutional and Governmental Services, 21, 22, 24, 24.1 and 24.2

3.0

Cultural, Entertainment And Recreation Services, 31, 32 (limited to auditorium, exhibition hall and theater) and 34

4.0

General Services, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47 and 48.3

5.0

Trade, 55, 56

D)

Additional criteria for approval: To approve an OMUSOD re-use development, the zoning board, or the planning board if reviewed as part of a unified development review, shall find that:

1.

That the re-use development is not displacing an active manufacturing and or industrial use, and, further, that there is no reasonable expectation that manufacturing will continue at the site.

2.

The re-use development will not create a serious conflict with adjacent manufacturing and or industrial businesses in the M zone.

3.

The developer has a plan to notify all tenants and owners of the buildings and units in the re-use development that they are in a M zone and that allowed M zone uses that may be perceived as a nuisance or otherwise obnoxious shall give them no cause for action against such industrial and or manufacturing activity.

4.

The plans for the re-use development are consistent with the comprehensive plan.

(Ord. of 6-5-2024(1), § 1)

604.1 - Definitions. The following definitions are provided specifically for the CT District. Where these terms may have different definitions in other sections of the Zoning Ordinance, the definitions herein shall apply to proposals in the CT District.

Adaptive Reuse - The process of repurposing an existing building for a different purpose than what was originally contained therein.

Adult Use - An establishment that sells or disseminates explicit sexual material, and at which access to the public display of explicit sexual material is restricted to persons 18 years of age or older. These may include, but shall not be limited to adult bookstores, adult cabaret, or adult motion picture theaters.

Amusement Park - An area that may include both outdoor and indoor areas designed for assembling crowds of people for the purposes of enjoying multiple attractions, which could include fairground rides, shows, refreshments, games of chance or skill, and other entertainments.

Auto Body Shop or Repair Service - An establishment primarily engaged in the repair, painting, detailing or refinishing of automobiles, noncommercial vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles or boats, including the sale, installation, and servicing of equipment and parts. Such activities as well as any overnight storage will take place indoors. Typical uses include muffler shops, auto repair garages, tire sales and installation, wheel and brake shops, lubrication shops, and similar repair and service activities. These uses shall not include vehicle dismantling or salvage of parts, or the sale/dispensing of motor fuels.

Awning Sign - A sign placed directly on the surface of an awning.

Building Contractor Operation - An establishment designed to store and periodically deploy heavy equipment and bulk materials associated with construction.

Commercial Surface Parking - A surface parking area that leases spaces on a temporary basis as a primary use.

Coordinated Development - Proposed or existing site conditions where buildings, structures, infrastructure, site features, and/or lot configuration are designed in a manner where these elements are organized into an integrated concept.

Edge of Pavement - The linear edge where curbing, sidewalks, and driveways meet the street surface.

Elevated Freestanding Sign - A sign that is not attached to any building and is elevated clear of the ground by means of poles, posts, or similar structures.

Frontage Area - The area between the façade of a frontage building and the edge of pavement. Contains the Frontage Zone, the Pedestrian Zone, and the Furnishing Zone.

Frontage Building - Any building that is located along a public right-of-way or private way designed to move automobiles, with its façade oriented to that public or private way.

Frontage Zone - The part of the frontage area immediately adjacent to the building façade.

Fuel Station - Any lot or portion thereof used partly or entirely for dispensing flammable liquids, combustible liquids, liquefied flammable gas, or flammable gas into the fuel tanks of vehicles. This does not include bulk storage and wholesale of liquid fuels.

Furnishing Zone - The part of the frontage area immediately adjacent to the edge of pavement.

Golf Course - The grounds where the game of golf is played. The area dedicated to play comprises a series of holes, each usually consisting of a teeing ground, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick ("pin") and hole ("cup").

Heavy Equipment Operations - Establishments that provide service, storage, or sales of heavy duty construction machinery, vehicles, or related accessories.

Infill Development - New buildings or structures developed where such development is contiguous with the pre-existing pattern of buildings either on that lot or on adjacent lots.

Manufactured On-Site Home Sales - Establishments that provide for the assembly, display, storage, and sale of manufactured homes on the premises.

Mini-storage and Self-storage Facilities - A building or group of buildings comprised of individual units which may be rented or leased by the public for the storage of personal belongings.

Monument Sign - A freestanding sign attached to a base that is at least as wide as the sign. The base shall stand no taller than two feet measured from grade.

Motor Vehicle and Equipment Lease and Sales - Premises for the sale and/or lease of new and/or used motor vehicles (including boats) and heavy equipment. This use may include the servicing and auto body repair of said vehicles.

Motor Vehicle and Equipment Towing and Storage - Any lot or land area used for the storage or layover of passenger buses, motor coaches, taxis, limousines, and other such fleets.

New Development - Newly constructed buildings or structures. Includes infill development.

On-site Dry Cleaning - An establishment that provides dry cleaning services where the cleaning operation is performed on-site.

Pedestrian Zone - The part of the frontage area dedicated primarily to pedestrian travel across the front of a property. Generally located between the frontage zone and the furnishing zone.

Projecting Sign, Horizontal - A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building and which is displayed perpendicular to the face of the building.

Projecting Sign, Vertical - A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building and which is displayed parallel in vertical alignment with the face of the building.

Recess Line - Architectural feature on multi-story buildings created when one building story is set back from the vertical plane of the building story beneath it.

Rehabilitation - Repair, renovation, and/or restoration activities designed to place unused or under-utilized buildings back in to active use. See Adaptive Reuse.

Roof Sign - A sign that projects above the roof, parapet or ridge line of the building; or mounted upon any roof, parapet or ridge line of a building.

Salvage Yard - Establishment that collects, stores, and sells materials or items recovered from site demolition or other salvage operations. These establishments may or may not include outdoor storage.

Significant Renovation - Any improvements to an existing building that would include:

• Demolition of up to 20 percent of an existing structure designated as architecturally/historically significant by the Conant Thread Historic Inventory. The area of demolition shall be measured by the building footprint.

• Replacing or changing the appearance of more than 50 percent of any exterior wall on any existing principal building (not accessory structures).

• Replacement of windows cumulatively covering more than 300 square feet on any building designated as architecturally/historically significant by the Conant Thread Historic Inventory.

• Replacing or changing any wall sign, monument sign, roof sign, or elevated projecting sign.

• Changing the location of the primary entrance to the building.

Single Building Large Retail - Buildings with retail or service use where the footprint of the building is 10,000 square feet or more and the building does not include multi-family residential use in stories above the ground floor. This definition may apply regardless of the number of retail or service operations within the building.

Strip Commercial Development - A style of site development that generally includes a series of connected or closely gathered single story commercial establishments, often situated along the side and rear yards of a lot, with parking areas between the street edge and building entrances.

Structured Parking Facility - A multi-story structure used to park vehicles as its primary use.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) - A style of land use development designed to concentrate residential use and complementary non-residential uses in close proximity to high volume transit infrastructure.

Turf - Landscaped grass areas designed to be regularly mowed.

Wall Sign - A sign made of any material, including vinyl and cloth, attached directly to a wall of a building or as to extend not more than 15 inches from the face of the wall.

Warehousing and Distribution Facilities - Establishments where goods are stored in bulk temporarily before being shipped to other businesses or directly to consumers.

604.2 - Establishment. The Conant Thread (CT) District is established pursuant to § 101.6 of the Zoning Ordinance. The boundaries of the district can be viewed on the city's official zoning map, pursuant to § 102 of the Zoning Ordinance.

604.3 - Purpose. The Purposes of the CT District include:

A.

Create a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning district that connects housing, commerce, and transit opportunities.

B.

Provide standards for high quality infill development, adaptive re-use, and rehabilitation.

C.

Provide standards for high quality urban design that will result in the development of safe, attractive, and comfortable spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists.

D.

Expand access to streamlined permitting processes.

604.4 - Joint planning commission. The Joint Planning Commission (JPC) is established in accordance with Chapter 2, Article V, Division 3 of the Central Falls Code of Ordinances and includes the five Planning Commission members in Pawtucket and the five Planning Board members in Central Falls. Membership, therefore, includes ten individuals. The JPC is herein given authority to review applications for development in accordance with the procedures and standards set forth in this Article VI, Section 604.

604.5 - Permit review summary. Applications for development in the CT District are reviewed as follows:

* Unless the Zoning Board of Review is specified.

Where more than one of the applications listed above is required, the applications shall be reviewed simultaneously to the extent practicable unless sequential review is otherwise required or is more advantageous to both the applicant and the JPC. In the event that one application review is completed before another, any approval shall be conditioned on the approval of subsequent applications.

604.6 - Permit review criteria.

A.

General Criteria. In reviewing applications for development permits in the CT District, the approving authorities for any application shall consider the following overarching criteria:

(1)

Compliance with all applicable sections of the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

(2)

Consistency with the goals of the City Comprehensive Plan and the Purposes of the CT District.

(3)

The quality and accuracy of information presented by the applicant for the proposal.

(4)

Compliance with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines. These guidelines are available in the Central Falls Department of Planning and Economic Development, and may be updated by the JPC.

(5)

Quality of site design and building design for the proposal.

(6)

Preservation and considerate reuse of structures identified as being architecturally/historically significant by the Conant Thread Historic Inventory. This inventory is available in the Central Falls Department of Planning and Economic Development, and may be updated by the JPC.

B.

Special Use Permits. All uses of land and structures within the CT District that require a Special Use Permit shall be consistent with the following standards for approval:

(1)

The proposed use of land and structures shall not deter the use of the remainder of the building and/or abutting buildings for residential or commercial uses by introducing noise, large truck traffic, or odors.

(2)

The proposed use of land and structures shall not include storage or use of any materials that are harmful, flammable, noxious, or may otherwise be determined to be an undue nuisance to abutting property owners or residents.

(3)

The scale of the proposed use of land and structures shall not directly result in increased traffic flow, particularly large industrial vehicles, that exceeds the capacity of existing CT District roadways and infrastructure.

(4)

The proposed use of land and structures shall be consistent with the stated goals of the CT District, most specifically the creation of new light manufacturing job opportunities, a complementary mix of residential, office, and commercial activity, the preservation of historic mill structures, and the overall improvement of environmental conditions through brownfield remediation and stormwater management best practices.

604.7 - Subdivision and land development review.

A.

Applications for a subdivision within the CT District shall follow the applicable JPC Development Regulations.

B.

Any proposal that includes the demolishing of more than 20 percent of a structure identified as being architecturally/historically significant by the Conant Thread Historic Inventory (see Section 604.6) shall be reviewed as a Major Land Development project.

604.8 - Unified development review. Applications for any variance and applications for special use permits shall be heard by the JPC as enabled by the Unified Development Review provisions of the Cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls, and in accordance with the Rules and Procedures for the JPC as amended. Where an application does not require a subdivision, but does require a variance or special use permit, the application shall be classified as a Major Land Development project for the purposes of establishing review procedures under Unified Development Review.

604.9 - Development plan review (DPR).

A.

Purpose. It is the purpose of this article to establish procedures pursuant to the permitting process which will enable the City or the JPC, as applicable, to perform a comprehensive review of certain proposed developments. The development plan review (DPR) procedure shall not be used to deny an applicant a permitted use of the property as established by the Zoning Ordinance. The particular uses requiring DPR are outlined below.

B.

Administration.

(1)

No permit to build, alter, or expand any of the uses requiring DPR as outlined below shall be issued by the Building Official until a written statement of final approval in accordance with this article has been received. The applicant is responsible for obtaining a building permit through the Code Enforcement Office as required by City ordinances. The applicant must submit all plans and documents normally required for a building permit. The approved final development plan shall be part of this submission. The DPR process will not preclude the need to meet other City requirements as they may apply to a particular development. No alteration to any City ordinance requirements or any necessity to gain approval by another legal jurisdiction shall be deemed to be authorized or granted by virtue of the DPR under this article.

(2)

Projects subject to DPR shall not require review as a Major Land Development project unless specifically required elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance. A project submitted for DPR may also be referred to the JPC as a Minor or Major Land Development project.

C.

DPR Process. The DPR shall be conducted by either the JPC or the staff of the Department of Planning and Economic Development (Staff) in accordance with those procedures and requirements listed in this article and in the Land Development and Subdivision Review Regulations. The JPC or Staff may enlist the assistance of other municipal staff or boards in the review of applications. Mechanisms to enlist this assistance can include, but are not limited to, the establishment of a Technical Review Committee.

D.

DPR Thresholds. Applications for development shall be reviewed in accordance with the following thresholds.

(1)

DPR shall be under the jurisdiction of the JPC where any of the following conditions apply:

(a)

Where 20 percent or more of an existing structure is proposed to be demolished as measured by the footprint of the structure. Any site improvements or development occurring as a result of the demolition shall be reviewed along with the plans for demolition. This threshold only applies to structures that are not identified as being architecturally/historically significant by the Conant Thread Historic Inventory (see Section 604.6).

(b)

Where proposed development would include 80,000 square feet or more of newly developed or renovated floor area in a new building, an existing building, accessory structures, or additions. Where multiple buildings or additions are included in the proposal, the floor area shall be measured in the aggregate.

(c)

Where proposed development would include 25,000 square feet or more of floor area utilized for industrial or manufacturing purposes and/or include accessory storage of equipment or materials.

(d)

Where proposed development would include more than 50 units of new housing.

(e)

Any site disturbance of 40,000 square feet or more.

(f)

Any development where a structured parking facility is proposed.

(g)

Any application that is referred to the JPC by Staff.

(2)

DPR shall be administrative (performed by Staff):

(a)

Where significant renovation, as defined in this ordinance, of an existing building is proposed.

(b)

Where proposed development would include between 1,000 and 80,000 square feet of newly developed floor area in a new building, an existing building, accessory structures, or additions. Where multiple buildings or additions are included in the proposal, the floor area shall be measured in the aggregate.

(c)

Where proposed development would include more than five and up to 50 units of new housing.

(d)

Any site disturbance between 2,000 and 40,000 square feet.

(e)

Any permitted use that is specifically referred in writing to Staff by the Building Official or the Director of Code Enforcement.

E.

Appeals.

(1)

Appeals to the Zoning Board of Review may be taken by a person aggrieved by any final action of Staff or the JPC pursuant to the provisions of this section. Where the application was reviewed by Staff, appeals will be confined to the City of Central Falls Zoning Board of Review. Where the application was reviewed by the JPC, appeals shall be filed with Providence County Superior Court.

(2)

For appeals made to the Zoning Board of Review, any appeal shall be taken within 20 days of such final action by filing with the Zoning Board of Review a written notice of appeal specifying the grounds for appeal and the specific finding or findings of staff in its final actions which are challenged, if any. The lack of particularity of specific grounds for appeal shall constitute cause for dismissal of any appeal. Only the grounds for appeal so specified will be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Review on appeal. Such appeal shall be accompanied by copies of the original development plan submission and the written findings of staff or the JPC with respect to the final action appealed from. Copies of the development plan and the findings shall be made available by the Department of Planning and Economic Development for review by any party.

(3)

On such review, the Zoning Board of Review shall not substitute its judgment for that of staff but must consider the findings and record of staff. The Zoning Board of Review shall not reverse a staff decision except on a finding of prejudicial procedural error, clear error, or lack of support by the weight of the evidence in the record.

604.10 - Allowable and prohibited uses.

A.

Allowable Uses. Uses that are allowable by right or through the issuance of a Special Use Permit are identified in Table 2 - Conant Thread Use Regulations in Section 304 of the Zoning Ordinance.

B.

Uses Not Listed in the Use Table. Uses not listed in the Conant Thread Use Regulation table may be considered prohibited. However, an applicant may propose a use that is not specifically listed and potentially allowed in the Conant Thread Use Regulations table pursuant to the procedures in Section 301, unless such use is specifically prohibited in Subsection C below.

C.

Specifically Prohibited Uses. The following Uses, as defined in this section of the ordinance, are prohibited within the CT District.

Adult Use

Amusement Park

Auto Body Shop or Repair Service

Building Contractor Operation

Commercial Surface Parking

Compassion Centers as defined by G.L. 1956, § 21-28.6-12

Fuel Station

Golf Course

Heavy Equipment Operations

Manufactured On-Site Home Sales

Mini-storage and Self-storage Facilities

Motor Vehicle and Equipment Lease and Sales

Motor Vehicle and Equipment Towing or Storage

On-Site Dry Cleaning

Salvage Yard

Single Building Large Retail

Strip Commercial Development

Warehousing and Distribution Facilities

604.11 - Parking space requirements.

A.

There are no minimum requirements for the number of parking spaces associated with any development proposal.

B.

Any office, retail, or professional service use proposed in the CT District shall have no more than three parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of leasable floor area dedicated to that use.

C.

Any restaurant use proposed in the CT District shall have no more than one parking space per three seats, or one parking space per 50 square feet of dining/drinking area dedicated to that use.

604.12 - Design relief for rehabilitation/adaptive reuse. Consistent with the Purposes of the CT District, the Cities of Central Falls and Pawtucket encourage the adaptive re-use and/or rehabilitation of existing buildings in the district. The JPC herein acknowledges that proposed development for adaptive re-use and/or rehabilitation of existing buildings may not be able to meet all of the requirements that would otherwise be applied to new development and infill. In particular, the standards for dimensional controls (Section 604.13), site design (Section 604.14), or building design (Section 604.15), when applied, could require an applicant to seek a variance or special use permit based on pre-existing conditions. Therefore, the provisions of those sections shall apply to adaptive re-use and rehabilitation only to the maximum extent practicable as determined through the review of development plans.

604.13 - Dimensional Controls.

A.

Building Height. The maximum building height requirement for the district is 100 feet, except all properties that include frontage on Dexter Street shall have a maximum building height requirement of 45 feet.

B.

Lot Size. The minimum lot size requirement is 5,000 square feet. Any lot created as part of a subdivision must have permanent, legal, and physically viable access to established roadway frontage. Interior lots may do this through the use of extended driveways or easements with appropriate restrictions.

604.14 - Site design.

A.

Circulation. The design of individual properties or groups of properties shall reinforce the purposes of the CT district by encouraging pedestrian and bicycle circulation through the following site design techniques:

(1)

To the maximum extent practicable, parking areas behind frontage buildings shall be physically connected either as contiguous parking areas or through the use of connector travel lanes that will allow for automobiles to pass from one building/property to another without travelling onto the street.

(2)

Enhanced access management using shared access driveways is encouraged to improve safety, reduce vehicle/pedestrian conflict points, and expand continuous and consistent pedestrian-oriented frontages.

(3)

Pedestrian connections between buildings shall be provided as safe, broad, and easily identifiable ways of walking through areas that may also be occupied by automobiles. These walkways shall be designed to clearly show that the space is primarily dedicated to pedestrian traffic through the use of raised or alternative surfaces, signage or raised landscaped islands that may serve as a safe resting area for pedestrians between automobile travel lanes.

(4)

Where sidewalks or other pedestrian or bicycle ways intersect with automobile driveways or lanes, raised surfaces and/or durable, decorative alternatives to conventional pavement shall be used to connect sidewalks or bike lanes across the automobile lane. Striping across the asphalt used for an automobile lane to connect the pedestrian or bicycle way is not adequate for compliance. At these points of intersection, where vehicle speeds may reasonably go beyond 15 mph, strategically placed decorative bollards, stones, landscaped islands or other design features that promote caution are strongly encouraged.

B.

Property Frontage. The location and design of frontage buildings, and associated frontage areas, are extremely important to achieving the goals of the CT District, as they will shape the quality of experience for people in the public realm.

The following standards apply to frontage buildings and adjacent frontage areas. See Conant Thread District Design Guidelines for diagrams that clarify these standards.

(1)

Frontage buildings shall be located in a manner that facilitates pedestrian and bicycle access along and across the frontage area of that property consistent with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines.

(2)

The frontage area shall be dedicated to and designed for pedestrian or bicycle activity.

(3)

The depth of the frontage area may be as small as ten feet, or as deep as 40 feet and shall comply with the following standards:

(a)

A minimum ten-foot-wide sidewalk shall run the length of the property frontage between the building façade and the edge of pavement. The constructed sidewalk may be located within the public right-of-way, on private property, or may include both public and private property depending on pre-existing conditions and other opportunities or constraints associated with roadway geometry, location of utilities, and other elements of the built environment.

(b)

All sidewalks shall have a distinct furnishing zone along the street where street trees, lighting, and/or other furnishings are offered as both an amenity and a buffer between automobiles and pedestrians (see Conant Thread District Design Guidelines).

(c)

Any frontage area that includes more than 20 feet between the façade and the outer edge of the sidewalk shall:

[1]

Incorporate amenities that allow for passing pedestrians to gather, rest, sit, or observe public art or entertainment; and/or

[2]

Incorporate private seating areas for restaurants or similar uses; and/or

[3]

Incorporate bicycle parking facilities; and/or

[4]

Incorporate green infrastructure elements that are made feasible with larger amounts of space along the property frontage.

(4)

Street trees shall be required in the furnishing zone of the frontage area consistent with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines. Trees shall be spaced along the sidewalk at an average frequency of one tree every 40 feet.

C.

Side Yards. Where adjacent lots exist as part of a coordinated development, there shall be no minimum side yard setback for existing or proposed buildings. These conditions include, but are not limited to, adjacent lots within a larger mill building complex or adjacent lots that will have buildings sharing a sidewall.

Where development on individual lots is not directly coordinated with adjacent lots, side yard setbacks shall be the greater of ten feet or the width required to make the back of the lot accessible to emergency vehicles as demonstrated on a development plan.

D.

Rear Yards. Minimum rear yard setbacks shall be 15 feet.

E.

Landscaping. All areas of a site that are not rendered impervious through the development of structures, parking features, circulation features, or other hardscape features shall be landscaped. Landscaping may occur as installed or retained vegetation in accordance with the following standards.

(1)

Plant Selection.

(a)

No tree, shrub or plant shall be proposed that has been identified as an Invasive Species by the Rhode Island Invasive Species Council or other reputable scientific publication.

(b)

Landscaping shall be designed to remain functional and attractive during all seasons through a thoughtful selection of deciduous, evergreen, berrying, and flowering plant varieties.

(c)

Plant varieties shall be selected for resistance to drought, moisture, salt, urban conditions, or insects and other pests depending on the location of landscaping and the specific stressors anticipated for different areas of the site. Plants shall be selected so that landscaping can be maintained with minimal care and the need for watering, pesticides or fertilizers can be minimized or eliminated.

(d)

The use of turf shall be minimized, but where it is used, turf shall not be planted in strips less than six feet wide. Lawn seed mixes shall be drought resistant. To achieve a high level of drought tolerance, lawn mixes may include, but shall not be limited to, a predominance of fine fescues.

(e)

Tree selection shall comply with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines.

(2)

General Standards.

(a)

Where landscaped areas do not include planted materials, other decorative materials or features shall be used such as walkways, gathering places, or areas for public art. Unplanted areas shall not be filled with uniform gravel applications or riprap unless approved as part of stormwater management practices.

(b)

Landscape features shall provide a clearly defined edge between the vegetated areas and areas reserved for pedestrian or automobile travel through the use of hardscape elements that may include, but shall not be limited to, fencing, curbing, or decorative stone.

(c)

Any free-standing electrical structures, HVAC structures, or waste receptacles (e.g., dumpsters, ground mounted transformers, grease traps, etc.) shall be fully screened from view through the use of evergreen vegetation, fencing, or a combinations thereof.

(3)

Walls and Fencing.

(a)

Barbed wire or similar applications are categorically prohibited in the CT District.

(b)

Chain link fencing is prohibited in the CT district unless it is necessary for compliance with security purposes unique to an individual use, is vinyl coated, and completely screened from view through the use of opaque evergreen trees or through a second layer of wooden fence material.

(c)

Decorative fencing shall comply with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines.

F.

Parking Areas. Where applicants propose to re-use existing parking areas or where new surface parking areas are proposed, the following design standards shall apply.

(1)

Surface Parking Design and Location.

(a)

Each parking space shall be marked by painted lines and contain the following minimum dimensions affecting the width and length of individual parking stalls and the width of aisles in all districts, exclusive of necessary drives and other access ways.

(b)

No parking space or aisle (back-up space) shall be less than ten feet from any front or corner side yard property. No parking space or aisle shall be less than five feet from any building. Parking spaces less than ten feet from any building shall be separated from such building by raised curb, bumper or wheel guards.

(c)

Each parking space shall be designed with adequate off-street area for approach, turning, and exit without the need or ability to use any part of a street. All driveways shall be a minimum of ten feet in width for each lane of traffic using such driveway. The width of any driveway shall not exceed 30 feet.

(d)

Parking areas, where subject to wheeled traffic, shall be treated with bituminous, concrete or equivalent surfacing except where an alternative surface is approved as part of a stormwater management strategy.

(e)

For surface parking areas associated with new construction, parking areas shall be located behind frontage buildings on the property.

(f)

For adaptive re-use, rehabilitation, or expansion of existing buildings, surface parking areas shall be located behind frontage buildings to the maximum extent practicable. Where a pre-existing surface parking area is adjacent to a pedestrian space, the parking area may remain in use so long as the applicant provides a landscaped buffer as follows:

[1]

At a minimum, the landscaped buffer shall include a decorative barrier, which may be designed as brick or stone finish walls, decorative fencing, or a combination of these treatments consistent with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines.

[2]

In addition to and inclusive of a decorative barrier, to the extent practicable, the landscaped buffer should include planted areas designed to provide separation between the surface parking area and the pedestrian space while allowing pedestrians to maintain visual awareness between the two areas. The parking area shall not be fully screened from the pedestrian way.

[3]

Elements of the landscape buffer can include trees that maintain a canopy height of at least eight feet, and/or low lying shrubs that will not exceed three feet in height. The buffer may be interrupted by breaks designed to provide pedestrian connections from the parking area to the sidewalk.

(g)

Developments with proposed surface parking areas of six spaces or more shall include a minimum of ten percent of landscaped area, inclusive of any landscaped borders surrounding the parking lot.

(h)

The ends of parking aisles in surface lots that are more than 15 spaces in length shall incorporate landscape islands at either end of the row. Each island shall include at least one tree. Where the length of a parking aisle exceeds 25 spaces, additional landscaped islands shall be installed at regular intervals. This interval shall not be more than every 13 spaces. Where arced semi-circle islands, triangles or similar shapes are proposed, the largest width of landscaped islands shall be no less than eight feet at their widest point. Where oval shaped islands are proposed, the largest width of the island shall be no less than six feet.

(i)

Trees shall be selected and placed in landscaped areas so that all parking areas can reasonably be expected to receive 30 percent canopy coverage. The expected canopy radius of each selected tree shall be noted in the required development plan materials.

(j)

Parking areas for six or more cars or any travel lane shall be separated from adjacent properties by a minimum six-foot-wide landscaped buffer. The width of this buffer may be reduced, or the buffer may be eliminated entirely, where the applicant, through the use of development plans, can demonstrate that the reduction or elimination of such buffer will not cause nuisance or undue harm to abutting properties and is specifically designed to:

[1]

Improve pedestrian, bicycle and/or vehicular circulation and/or reduce curb cuts.

[2]

Allow for the placement of driveways and/or buildings in a manner that better meets the Purposes of this section of the Zoning Ordinance and the guidance in the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines.

[3]

Anticipate improvements to abutting properties that will be complementary to the alternative buffer design.

(k)

Compliance with the standards in this Subsection F shall be demonstrated through the development plans submitted by the applicant. The applicant may propose, and the reviewing authority may grant, deviations to these standards where:

[1]

Deviation from the standards allows for a more effective low-impact stormwater management design for the site consistent with the State of Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installations Manual as amended.

[2]

Subsurface conditions such as the existence of utilities or contaminated soils make strict compliance impracticable.

G.

Lighting.

(1)

Lighting for streets, parking areas, and civic/gathering spaces shall be decorative in shape, scale, and finish, with detailed, articulated treatments for the base, post, fixture, and crown.

(2)

Light poles and fixtures shall not exceed 16 feet in height measured from the base of the standard. Structural features used to anchor light standards (e.g., concrete pilings) shall not be counted toward the maximum height, but shall not protrude more than six inches from the ground.

(3)

All exterior lights on private property and sign illumination shall be designed, located, installed, and directed in such a manner as to minimize light trespass onto adjacent properties unless such trespass is intentional and meets the purposes of this ordinance.

(4)

Lighting fixtures for building security, aesthetic enhancement, or display purposes shall be top downward (not upward or sideways), and full cut off or fully shielded/recessed.

604.15 - Building design. Building design for new buildings shall comply with the standards herein. For re-occupation, renovation, or adaptive re-use of existing buildings, the applicant shall adhere to these standards to the maximum extent practicable and shall maintain consistency with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines:

A.

General Standards for Building Form.

(1)

Multi-story buildings shall clearly articulate the base, middle, and top of the building through the use of cornices, borders of distinct material, or other articulating features on every visible surface of the building.

(2)

In new construction, ground floors shall be a minimum of 12 feet from floor to ceiling to enhance the pedestrian streetscape, regardless of the overall building height. However, the first-floor height of additions may align with the first-floor height of the existing building.

(3)

Buildings over six stories shall have at least one recess line of at least ten feet somewhere above the third story and below the seventh story. The recess line should relate to the form of any buildings adjacent to or across the street from the building.

(4)

Larger buildings with long façades shall articulate the façade with varied rooflines, distinct signage for multiple tenants, awnings, arcades, pilasters, columns, recessed spaces and/or entrances and any other features that serve to add texture to these longer façades. Unbroken façades in excess of 50 feet shall not be allowed.

(5)

Large, flat, unadorned, blank walls shall not be allowed for any side or rear walls of buildings except where a rear wall is accessible only to service vehicles. Where windows are not feasible, raised or recessed vertical surfaces may be used in conjunction with awnings, window-shaped depressions, and decorative lighting to make these surfaces more attractive.

(6)

Awnings along continuous building lines that are separated shall be distinct from one building to another. Continuous awnings may only be allowed over a maximum of three contiguous storefronts.

B.

Building Entranceways.

(1)

All buildings shall have a principal façade and entry (with operable doors) facing a street or other area dedicated to pedestrian circulation. Buildings may have more than one principal façade and/or entry. Primary entrances not facing a street shall open onto sidewalks or other designated pedestrian areas at least ten feet in width.

(2)

Main entrances shall incorporate architectural features that draw attention to the entrance. These features may include covered porches, distinct sidewalk surfacing, porticos, recessed doorways, and awnings.

604.16 - Signage.

A.

Permanent Signs are allowed in the CT District in accordance with the following table.

Notes:

1.

Measured from grade.

2.

Only one elevated freestanding sign may be permitted per lot along the street frontage. Any elevated freestanding sign requires a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Review unless part of a larger application for Unified Development Review with the JPC.

3.

Where a building has more than one primary facade, the maximum area will be calculated for each primary facade separately.

4.

No more than 25 percent of the total transparent area of a single window pane. Signs attached to the glassed or transparent area of doorways that obscure views from the public right-of-way are not permitted.

5.

A roof sign may be as long as the length of the facade upon which it is placed. The maximum area is therefore determined by multiplying this length by the maximum height. Only one roof sign is allowed per building.

B.

Temporary signs. Allowable temporary signs include those associated with events; provided, however, that no such temporary sign may be erected for a period of more than 45 consecutive days in any year nor more than 30 days prior to the event, plus the duration of the event, with a total of 60 cumulative days throughout the year. Such signs shall not exceed a total area of 20 square feet and shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from any property line.

C.

Design of allowable signs shall comply with the standards and guidelines below. The JPC may adopt further design guidelines to assist with the regulation of signage design.

(1)

Wall mounted or horizontal projecting signs should typically be located above the ground floor storefront and just below the second floor windows unless location at a higher elevation is specifically integrated into the design of the building. Signs shall not obscure architectural features or windows. Where adaptive re-use or rehabilitation projects are proposed, location of signs may deviate from this standard in order to respect the historical features of a building.

(2)

Roof signs are only allowed when mounted on flat roofs, and in a manner that does not obscure important architectural features associated with the roof form (e.g., parapet detail). The form, design, materials, and lighting shall be informed by the historic character of the CT District and the building upon which it is mounted. Lighting from roof mounted signs shall not cause a disturbance to residents or businesses in nearby buildings.

(3)

Sign colors should be selected to enhance sign legibility for both day and nighttime viewing. Contrasting colors can be used effectively to increase clarity. Sign colors and finishes should be compatible with the color of the building or development.

(4)

Sign materials shall be durable and compatible with the design of the building and façade on which they are placed.

(5)

Externally illuminating signs shall have downward-directed, wall mounted lights with fully-shielded decorative lamps that do not obscure the graphics of the sign.

(6)

Internally illuminated plastic or fiberglass cabinet signs are prohibited. Where internal illumination or back-lighting is proposed, solid letters (reverse channel) may be used.

(7)

Signage on awnings is permitted only on the apron portion of the awning.

(8)

Free-standing single pole (lollipop) signs are prohibited. Free-standing monument signs are preferred. Free-standing signs should incorporate design details, materials, and colors of the associated buildings. The base or support elements of freestanding signs should be integrated with the surrounding environment and should incorporate ornamental landscaping where possible.

(Ord. of 10-16-2019(2), § 7)