Coventry City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIV
Land Development Projects
§ 255-1400 Definition.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A project in which one or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land or a portion thereof are to be developed or redeveloped as a coordinated site for one or more uses, units, or structures, including, but not limited to, planned development or cluster development for residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, open space, or mixed uses pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 45-23-32. The Land Development and Subdivision Regulations contain all the requirements, procedures, standards, and classification for land development projects.
§ 255-1410 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to authorize the creation of land development projects that shall be reviewed in accordance with the procedures established in the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations pursuant to R.I.G.L. Title 45, Chapter 23.
§ 255-1420 Permitted uses.
§ 255-1430 Procedure.
A.
No land development project shall be initiated until a plan of the project has been submitted and approval has been granted by the authorized permitting authority, as determined in the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
B.
If a use is not permitted in the underlying zoning district, the applicant may apply for a special use permit or a use variance, as applicable, or obtain a zone change from the Town Council, by establishing a planned development or planned business park district, in accordance with R.I.G.L. § 45-23-61(b), as amended. The approved zone change shall be designated on the Coventry Zoning Map.
C.
(Reserved)
D.
The permitting authority is empowered to apply any special conditions and stipulations to the approval that may, in the opinion of the authorized permitting authority, be required to maintain harmony with neighboring uses and promote the objectives and purposes of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
E.
Technical review committee.
(1)
There is hereby established a technical review committee (TRC) in accordance with R.I.G.L. § 45-23-56. The TRC is responsible for conducting technical reviews of all applications subject to the jurisdiction delegated under the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.
(2)
The TRC shall consist of the following members:
(a)
Planning Commission Chairperson, or designee of the Chairperson, from the Planning Commission.
(b)
Police Chief or designee.
(c)
Applicable Fire Marshal(s) or designee(s).
(d)
Department of Public Works Director or designee.
(e)
Principal Planner or designee.
(f)
Planning Director or designee (serving as administrative officer).
(g)
Zoning Official or designee.
(h)
Town Engineer or designee.
(3)
The TRC membership may also include:
(a)
Member(s) of the public with expertise and/or experience in one or more of the following: engineering, architecture, and/or land use planning. Such appointment(s) will be made by the Town Council at the recommendation of the Planning Director.
(4)
The Planning Commission shall adopt written rules and procedures for the organization and conduct of the TRC. These rules and procedures shall contain information specific to terms, quorums, meeting schedules, submission deadlines, and other administrative functions necessary to organize and facilitate the operation and duties of the TRC.
(5)
The administrative officer shall serve as Chair of the TRC.
(6)
The TRC shall review development applications and provide guidance to an applicant at a meeting of the TRC with regard to procedure, technical requirements, public safety, and overall project design.
(7)
Recommendations of the TRC to the permitting authority shall be in writing and kept as part of the permanent record of the development application. The recommendation of the TRC shall be made available to the applicant prior to a decision by the permitting authority.
(8)
Review of applications in an advisory capacity. The TRC may review the following types of applications in an advisory capacity:
(a)
Minor and major land development projects and subdivisions: advisory to the permitting authority as designated in the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.
(b)
Administrative subdivisions at the request of the administrative officer: advisory to the administrative officer.
(c)
Comprehensive permit applications: advisory to the Planning Commission.
(d)
Minor modifications or changes, as requested by the administrative officer: advisory to the administrative officer.
(e)
Administrative development plan review applications, as requested by the administrative officer: advisory to the administrative officer.
(f)
Formal development plan review applications: advisory to the permitting authority as designated in the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.
(g)
Other matters referred to the TRC by the Planning Commission, Zoning Board, or administrative officer.
§ 255-1440 Modifications and amendments.
A.
Modifications and amendments shall be in accordance with the Town of Coventry Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
B.
Amendments to increase the size of a land development project, including but not limited to land area, number of units, or building size, shall be viewed as a new application.