Groton City Zoning Code
§ 218-9.2
Major residential development.
[Amended 4-26-2025 ATM by Art. 16]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to assure a public voice and public authority in consideration of alternative approaches to residential developments which, because of their impacts, are of importance to the Town, as stated in "Groton 2020: Planning Directions," Groton's Comprehensive Plan.
B.
Definition. "Major residential development" shall mean the division or subdivision for residential purposes of any tract of land or adjacent tracts of land in common ownership as of October 1, 1997, which would result in any of the following:
(1)
An increase by six or more lots above the number there two years earlier;
(2)
More than two lots with driveway access onto a street existing at the time of lot creation, unless no such lot has a driveway location within 600 feet of the driveway location of another lot being created in the same division or subdivision of land;
(3)
More than one lot with no potential site for construction of a dwelling any part of which would be less than 200 feet from a street existing at the time of the creation of such lot.
C.
Special permit required. Except for a Town Center Overlay District development under § 218-7.3, a major residential development shall require the grant of a special permit by the Planning Board in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.
D.
Procedures. Applicants for major residential development shall submit both of the following plans:
(1)
A conventional plan in full conformance with all zoning, subdivision regulations, health regulations, wetlands regulations and other applicable federal, state and local requirements. This conventional plan shall be prepared in conformance with the requirements for a preliminary plan as set forth in the Subdivision Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board; provided, however, that in simple cases, such requirements may be waived by the Planning Board. In any event, the proponent shall have the burden of proof with regard to the design and engineering specifications shown on such conventional plan. Where the applicant intends to proceed pursuant to § 218-9.1, Flexible development, the conventional plan may be the yield plan, as defined therein.
(2)
An alternative development plan, as set forth below:
(a)
For division or subdivision of land so as to create one or two lots: a shared driveway and/or hammerhead lot special permit plan pursuant to § 218-2.3, hereunder.
E.
Review. The Planning Board may engage a landscape architect or an economic analyst, at the expense of the applicant, to review the conventional and the alternative plan, and to make a recommendation with regard to the decision of the Planning Board, as set forth in Subsection G, below.
F.
Other required submittals. The Planning Board may require an applicant for major residential development to submit the following additional materials:
(1)
Economic impact analysis, comparing the impact as to Town services and schools of the conventional and alternative plans;
(2)
Narrative and tabular materials describing the plans, including the number and size of proposed dwelling units, proposed phasing, and other special features of the development.
(3)
Other information as may be necessary to make the decision set forth below.
G.
Decision. The Planning Board shall approve or approve with conditions as a major residential development whichever plan, conventional or alternative, best promotes the objectives of:
(1)
Traffic and pedestrian safety;
(2)
Economic impact;
(3)
Preservation of recreational facilities, open spaces, agricultural resources, and unique natural features;
(4)
Housing for persons or households over the age of 55, for persons with disabilities, or for low- or moderate-income households, as defined by the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities; and
(5)
Groton 2020: Planning Directions, Groton's Comprehensive Plan.