Ensure public safety through reducing the threats to life and personal injury.

Eliminate new hazards to emergency response officials.

Prevent the occurrence of public emergencies resulting from water quality, contamination, and pollution due to flooding.

Avoid the loss of utility services which, if damaged by flooding, would disrupt or shut down the utility network and impact regions of the community beyond the site of flooding.

Eliminate costs associated with the response and clean up of flooding conditions.

Reduce damage to public and private property resulting from flooding waters.

All development in the district, including structural and nonstructural activities, whether permitted by right or by special permit, must be in compliance with MGL c. 131 § 40 and with the following:

Any variance from the provisions and requirements of the above-referenced state regulations may only be granted in accordance with the required variance procedures of these state regulations.

Structures for all other uses other than dwelling units must also conform to Subsection 9.1.3(1)(a).

The placement of mobile homes for year round or seasonal use is prohibited in the Floodplain overlay district.

In Zones A and AE, along watercourses that have not had a regulatory floodway designated, the best available Federal, State, local, or other floodway data shall be used to prohibit encroachments in floodways which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.

Base flood elevation data is required for subdivision proposals or other developments greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is the lesser, within unnumbered A zones.

In a riverine situation, the Inspector of Buildings shall notify the following of any alteration or relocation of a watercourse:

Within Zone AO on the FIRM, adequate drainage paths must be provided around structures on slopes, to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

In Zone AE, along watercourses within the Town of Norwood that have a regulatory floodway designated on the Norfolk County FIRM encroachments are prohibited in the regulatory floodway which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.

All subdivision proposals must be designed to assure that:

Existing contour intervals of site and elevations of existing structures must be included on plan proposal.

Agricultural uses such as farming, grazing, truck farming, horticulture, etc.

Forestry and nursery uses.

Outdoor recreational uses, including fishing, boating, play areas, etc.

Conservation of water, plants, wildlife.

Wildlife management areas, foot, bicycle, and/or horse paths.

Temporary non-residential structures used in connection with fishing, growing, harvesting, storage, or sale of crops raised on the premises.

Buildings lawfully existing prior to the adoption of these provisions.

To preserve and protect the water resources of the Town of Norwood;

To protect, preserve and maintain the existing and potential groundwater supplies for present and future residents of the Town;

To prevent pollution of ground and surface water and water supplies;

To assure the continued availability of the water supply of the Town and of the region; and

To promote and protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.

In the event of a discrepancy between the map and the criteria of Areas 1 and 2, the map shall control. It shall be the responsibility of the Inspector of Buildings to determine whether or not a lot or portion of a lot is within the boundaries of the district or one of its subdistricts.

Where premises are divided by WRPOD or subdistrict boundaries, each portion of the premises shall be governed by the requirements for the subdistrict in which it is located.

Safeguards. Provisions shall be made to protect against hazardous materials discharge or loss through corrosion, accidental damage, spillage, or vandalism through such measures as provision for spill control in the vicinity of chemical or fuel delivery points, secure storage areas for hazardous materials, and indoor storage provisions for corrodible or dissolvable materials.

Location. Where the premises are partially outside of the WRPOD, such potential pollution sources as on-site waste disposal systems shall, to the degree feasible, be located outside the district.

Disposal. Provisions shall be made to assure that any disposal on the site shall contain no wastes subject to 310 CMR 30.000 DEP Hazardous Waste Regulations.

Drainage. Runoff from all developed surfaces shall be captured in a closed drainage system. There shall be no increase in the rate of stormwater runoff from the site for rainfall intensity less than or equal to the twenty-five year storm. Facilities shall be provided capable of recharging to the ground 0.3 inches of precipitation per rainfall event. Where feasible, recharge shall be over natural vegetated areas. Dry wells shall be used only where other methods are infeasible. All drainage systems shall employ oil, grease, and sediment traps. Drainage from loading areas for hazardous materials shall be separately collected for safe disposal. Facilities shall be constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with standards on file with the Norwood Department of Public Works.

Sewerage. Sewers within the WRPOD shall be designed and constructed in a manner such that groundwater levels, flows, and/or recharge will not be significantly lowered, diverted, or otherwise altered by such construction, and that risk of leakage is minimized.

Fertilizers and Pesticides. Fertilizers, pesticides and other leachable materials shall not be stored outdoors nor used in amounts in excess of US EPA and Massachusetts Pesticide Board standards or USDA recommendations. Where the direct land application is being made of fertilizers, pesticides or other potential contaminants to an area of greater than two contiguous acres, groundwater quality monitoring test wells shall be installed and periodically sampled and tested by the owner and at the owner's expense. Test wells shall be located by a professional geologist, hydrologist or engineer trained and experienced in hydrogeology, with location subject to the approval of the town engineer. Sampling shall be conducted by an agent of the Board of Health. If it is determined by the board of health that the concentration of a potential contaminant(s) in the groundwater is excessive or is likely to become excessive under current application rates and conditions, said activity may be required by the board of health to be terminated or practices altered.

A complete list of all toxic or hazardous materials to be used or stored on the premises, accompanied by a description of the measures proposed to protect all storage containers or facilities from vandalism, corrosion, and leakage, and to provide for control of spills.

A description of potentially hazardous wastes to be generated, including storage and disposal methods as set forth above.

For storage of hazardous materials or wastes, evidence of qualified professional supervision of design and installation of such storage facilities or containers, and of compliance with other applicable Regulations, such as those of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations.

That groundwater quality resulting from on-site waste disposal, other operations on-site, and natural recharge will not fall below federal or state standards for drinking water, measured at the boundaries of the site, or, if existing groundwater quality is already below those standards, that on site disposal or operations will result in no further deterioration, and

That proposed control and response measures adequately and reliably mitigate risk to groundwater quality resulting from accident or system failure.

Monitoring wells to be located down gradient of potential pollution sources, with periodic sampling to be provided to the Board of Health at the owner's expense.

Pollutant source reduction, including periodic cleaning or renovation of pollution control devices, such as catchbasin sumps.

To accommodate within Norwood the necessary infrastructure for wireless communications services; and

To protect the general public from the impacts associated with wireless communication facilities.

Building Mounted Wireless Communications Link - 10 feet above the existing rooftop or structure.

Freestanding Exterior Wireless Communications Link 140 feet above ground provided the Board of Appeals finds such height necessary due to topographical reasons to accomplish the purpose it is to serve and upon presentation of evidence, when applicable, and that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the proposed construction and that existing flight patterns at Norwood Airport will not change because of said construction.

In all other zoning districts a Wireless Communications Link shall comply with the dimensional requirements applicable to structures for the district in which it is located except hat a Building Mounted Wireless Communications Link may be installed ten feet above an existing rooftop or structure and a Wireless Communication Link mounted on an existing freestanding structure may be installed at any point upon such structure, but such existing structure may not be extended or expanded in any way without compliance with the provisions of this BYLAWS.

Screening Requirements. All exterior Wireless Communications Link equipment and fixtures shall be sited such that the view of the facility from adjacent abutters, residential neighbors, and other areas of town shall be as limited as possible. All such equipment and fixtures shall be painted or otherwise screened or colored to minimize their visibility to occupants or residents of surrounding buildings, streets and properties. Wireless Communications Link equipment and fixtures visible against a building or structure shall be colored to blend with such building or structure. Wireless Communication Link equipment and fixtures visible against the sky or other background shall be colored to minimize visibility against such background.

Co-location of Wireless Communication Equipment. All owners and operators of land used in whole or in part for a Wireless Communication Link and all owners and operators of such Wireless Communications Link shall, as a continuing condition of installing, constructing, erecting and using a Wireless Communication Link, permit other public utilities or FCC-licensed commercial entities seeking to operate a Wireless Communications Link to install, erect, mount, and use compatible Wireless Communications equipment and fixtures on the equipment mounting structure on reasonable commercial terms provided that such colocation does not materially interfere with the transmission and/or reception of communication signals to or from the existing Wireless Communications Link and provided that there are no structural or other physical limitations that make it impractical to accommodate the proposed

Wireless Communication Equipment or Fixtures. Coexistence with Other Uses Wireless Communications Links may be located on the same lot with any other structures or uses lawfully in existence and/or lawfully undertaken pursuant to this BYLAWS, except that only one freestanding structure erected and used primarily to support reception and transmission equipment including, without limitation, monopoles and lattice towers, shall be permitted per lot.

Setback; Freestanding Wireless Communications Link. Any Freestanding Wireless Communications Link shall be set back at least 500 feet from Route 1 or any residential dwelling.

Amateur radio towers used in accordance with the terms of any amateur radio service license issued by the Federal Communications System provided the tower is not used or licensed for any commercial purpose.

Any wireless communication facility or use by a department of the Town of Norwood for the operational purposes of the Town.

Promote live/work development in Norwood’s downtown and neighborhood centers that encourages a mixed-use environment that is less automobile dependent and more pedestrian-friendly.

Encourage a diverse mix of commercial, residential, institutional and entertainment uses for residents, workers, and visitors at an appropriate scale for downtown, village and neighborhood centers.

Permit uses that promote expansion and conversion of existing buildings in a manner that maintains the prevailing development patterns, scale, architectural character, pedestrian orientation, and visual attributes of historic buildings and sites within the underlying base district.

Minimize functional conflicts between residential and nonresidential uses within the district and with abutting districts.

Encourage vibrant public and publicly-oriented private open spaces that enhance the district by reinforcing pedestrian activity and multi-modal transportation opportunities.

MUOD-Central Business District (MUOD-CBD)

A Special Permit shall be required and the development and design criteria within this Section shall be applicable to all residential and mixed use development in the MUOD involving any of the following: new building construction; repurposing or adaptive reuse of an existing building; or work which results in the increase of floor area through either an addition to the principal structure or accessory structure.

It is recommended that applicants for projects in the MUOD consult with Town departments and officials prior to the submission of a formal application under this bylaw.

Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a project proposed in the MUOD, the applicant shall submit a site plan and material demonstrating compliance with Section 10.5 of this Bylaw.

Site Plan and supportive materials shall be reviewed by the Director of Community Planning & Economic Development for conformance with the performance standards and purpose of this bylaw and an advisory opinion shall be prepared for consideration by the Building Inspector. Advisory opinions may include recommendations for conformance with Downtown Norwood Design Guidelines, which may require amendments or changes to the site plan prior to issuance of a building permit.

Cohousing/Housing Cooperative. A multi-family building or development site of private dwellings and shared building facilities and community spaces. Each attached or single family home has traditional amenities, including a private kitchen. Shared spaces typically feature a common house or room, which may include a large kitchen and dining area, laundry, co-work space, and community gathering spaces. Other shared spaces include community garden plots and outdoor open spaces.

Mixed Use Building. A building containing residential uses and compatible non-residential uses such as office, retail, recreational, and light industrial.

Townhouse/Rowhouse. An attached single family residential building with a small footprint and narrow massing. Townhouses may be clustered together on individual lots with common space for recreational and accessory uses. Each unit is separated horizontally by a common wall and groups of buildings may be separated by a common driveway or open space.

Commercial Frontage Zones. In the MUOD Districts, properties fronting on specified public streets as shown on the Town of Norwood Zoning Map are subject to ground floor use limitations. In Commercial Frontage Zones, the ground floor of a primary building shall be occupied by any combination of retail, restaurant, or publicly-oriented office or civic use as allowed in the underlying base district per Section 3.1 – Table of Use to a depth of 60 feet from the Street right of way line. (see Figure 1).

Transitional Buffer Zones. The MUOD Zoning Map may identify certain district boundaries where buildings and property uses must be buffered to create a compatible transition with the surrounding neighborhoods. Transitional Buffer Zones are identified on the MUOD Zoning District Map.

Building Lots. Building lot requirements designate the minimum area that a given building or development site can be built on in the MUOD. Minimum lot sizes are defined in Section 9.4.8 for each of the Building Types.

Number of Buildings. More than one principal building is allowed on a development site as long as each principal building meets the required dimensional standards for a building lot individually.

Building Placement. All principal buildings and accessory structures must be located outside of any required front, side, or rear setbacks except as otherwise permitted in this section. Building placement standards are required in each Building Type in Section 9.4.8.

Build-To-Zones (BTZ). The area between the minimum front setback and maximum front setback is the Primary Street Build-To-Zone (BTZ) in which the front façade of the primary building facing the primary street shall be placed. If the lot is on a street corner, the side façade facing the secondary street shall also be placed in the required Secondary Street Build-To-Zone. The BTZ is defined for each Building Type in Section 9.4.8.

Build-To-Zone Occupancy (BTZO). The width of the primary building façade facing the Primary Street measured as a percentage of the street frontage shall determine the percentage occupancy of the Build-To-Zone. Primary BTZ Occupancy shall be equal to at least 50% of the frontage width at the street line unless otherwise specified in the Building Type standards in Section 9.4.8.

Façade Orientation. The front façade and entrance of a principal building must be built parallel to a Street ROW Line or to the tangent of a curved Street ROW Line. On a corner lot, the building façade may be retracted at a 45-degree angle between the curb radius to allow for Outdoor Amenity Space and for clear site distance at the corner.

Minimum and Maximum Building Height. The minimum and maximum height and number of stories are defined by Building Type in Section 9.4.8. A factor in determining the minimum and maximum building height is the typical height of traditional building types, the existing height of adjacent buildings, and the pedestrian-orientation and level of walkability desired for the MUOD.

Building Stepback and Street Enclosure. In the MUOD, taller buildings shall be required to be set back or stepped back from the street right-of-way line in accordance with Figure 6 below. For properties with street frontage and orientation on Washington Street, the setback and stepback provisions also apply to building heights on secondary public street frontages. These standards supersede the maximum height allowed for individual Building Types in Section 9.4.8. The purpose of this requirement is to enhance the pedestrian environment and prevent excessive street enclosure and shadowing on narrower streets. Within the spaces created by building setbacks or stepbacks, Outdoor Amenities Space is encouraged and may be required under Section 9.4.15.

Surface Relief with Architectural Features. Street-facing building façade s shall provide surface relief through the use of bay windows, cladding, columns, corner boards, cornices, door surrounds, moldings, piers, pilasters, sills, sign bands, windows, and other equivalent architectural features that either recess or project from the average plane of the façade by at least 4 inches.

Building Transparency. The following standards apply to all buildings in the MUOD. Specific façade transparency requirements are defined in each Building Type in Section 9.4.8:

Doors and Entrances.

MUOD-NG and MUOD-VP Exemptions.

Buildings and developments in the MUOD-NG & MUOD-VP are only subject to the requirements in Section 9.4.7.1, 9.4.7.2, and 9.4.7.3 above. The requirements for building height and setbacks in the underlying Boston Providence Highway District shall apply.

Where the expansion of an existing building is unable to meet the Building and Lot Standards in Section 9.4.8 above, the existing building shall comply with the following non-conforming provisions:

Where applicable, the standards in Section 9.4.10 below shall apply.

Where the provisions of this Section conflict with Section 5.5 - Non-Conforming Uses and Structures, this section shall apply.

Historic Building Retrofit: The reuse of buildings constructed prior to 1950 which are contributing to the historic character of the underlying zoning district as determined by the Planning Board, or are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places may be retrofitted for residential or mixed-use purposes with a maximum residential density as set forth in Section 9.4.12 with the following provisions:

Historic Building Expansion: Horizontal or vertical expansions to the floor area of an eligible historic building and new construction on the lot must comply with the dimensional and design standards provided in Section 9.4.7 and 9.4.8 to the extent possible.

Special Permit Criteria: In addition to the provisions set forth in Section 10.4 of these bylaws, the Planning Board shall consider the following additional review criteria in granting a Special Permit for the retrofit, repurposing, and expansion of historic buildings:

Base Density.

Density Bonus Requirements.

Ownership Units. For all projects where the Affordable Units proposed are Homeownership Units, not less than 15% of the total housing units constructed in a Project shall be Affordable Housing.

Rental Units. For all projects where the Affordable Units proposed are Rental Units not less than 20% of total housing units in any building containing rental units shall be Affordable Housing.

Calculation of Units. For purposes of calculating the number of units of Affordable Housing required within a Project, any fractional unit of 0.5 or greater shall be deemed to constitute a whole unit.

Subsidized Housing Inventory. Affordable Units shall comply with requirements of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development requirements for counting towards the Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory.

Purpose.

Applicability. This section shall comply with parking requirements in Section 6.1 of the Norwood Zoning Bylaws unless otherwise specified in this section.

Minimum and Maximum Off-Street Parking Requirements. The minimum number of off-street parking spaces in the MUOD shall be consistent with the Schedule of Minimum Requirements in Section 6.1.3 except as identified in Table 4 below. Any parking spaces in excess of the given standards shall require a waiver from the Planning Board.

Parking Reduction Methods. The Planning Board may reduce off-street parking required in Section 6.1 and in Table 4 above under the following conditions:

Special Parking Types and Standards.

Parking Placement and Screening. The following standards apply in the MUOD:

Required Outdoor Amenity Space. The required percentage of a MUOD building lot dedicated to Outdoor Amenity Space is 10% of the land area unless otherwise specified in this section. Where multiple lots or buildings are assembled together to form a Development Site, the required amount of Outdoor Amenity Space is 15% of the total land area of the site. This requirement may be achieved through a combination of public and private Outdoor Amenity Space as set forth in Table 5.

Types of Outdoor Amenity Spaces. The types of Outdoor Amenity Spaces allowed in the MUOD and design standards are identified in Table 5 and defined below:

Payments in Lieu of Outdoor Amenity Space. As a Special Permit condition, the Planning Board may approve a contribution toward an existing or planned Civic Space within the MUOD in which the principal building or development site is located, in lieu of on-site outdoor amenity space. In reaching a decision on whether to approve such contribution, the Planning Board shall determine that such contribution will have a significant positive impact on one or more of the following: Walkability, vibrancy, multimodal access, or enhanced activation of public gathering areas within the MUOD. The application shall also be subject to the requirement for approval of Public Benefit Improvements under Section 9.4.12.2.c.

Purpose: A Special Permit for a Design Waiver allows a specifically authorized type of exception from the provisions governing development in the MUOD, within specific limitations.

Authority:

Review Criteria: The Planning Board may grant a Special Permit upon making positive findings in determining the request meets the following criteria:

Conditions: The Planning Board may attach supplemental conditions and/ or limitations that it deems necessary in order to ensure compliance to the findings and/or standards for the specific Special Permit requested.

Encourage the production of a variety of housing sizes and types to provide equal access to new housing throughout the community for people with a variety of needs and income levels;

Locate housing within walking distance of public transit to promote general public health, reduce the number of motor vehicles on the roadways, support economic development, and meet community based environmental goals such as reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality;

Increase the municipal tax base through private investment in new residential and mixed-use developments;

Support vibrant neighborhoods by encouraging the highest and best uses of land near transit stations, promoting an active public space with access to housing, jobs, gathering spaces, recreational opportunities, goods and services.

Applicability of MCMOD. An applicant may develop multi-family housing located within a MCMOD in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9.5.

Underlying Zoning. The MCMOD is an overlay district superimposed on underlying zoning districts. The regulations for use, dimension, and all other provisions of the Zoning Bylaw governing the respective underlying zoning district(s) shall remain in full force, except for uses allowed as of right or by special permit in the MCMOD. Uses that are not identified in Section 9.5 are governed by the requirements of the underlying zoning district(s).

Sub-districts. The MCMOD contains the following sub-districts, all of which are shown on the MCMOD Boundary Map and established by this Section 9.5:

Affordable unit. A multi-family housing unit that is subject to a use restriction recorded in its chain of title limiting the sale price or rent or limiting occupancy to an individual or household of a specified income, or both.

Affordable housing. Housing that includes affordable units as defined by this Section 9.5.

Applicant. A person, business, or organization that applies for a building permit, site plan review, or special permit pursuant to this Section 9.5.

Area Median Income (AMI). The median family income for the metropolitan statistical region that includes the Town of Norwood, Massachusetts, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

As of right. Development that may proceed under the zoning in place at time of application without the need for a special permit, variance, zoning amendment, waiver, or other discretionary zoning approval subject to Section 9.5.

Compliance Guidelines. Compliance Guidelines for Multi-Family Zoning Districts Under Section 3A of the Zoning Act as further revised or amended from time to time by EOHLC.

EOHLC. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, or any successor agency.

Development standards. Provisions of Section 9.5.7 (General Development Standards) made applicable to projects within the MCMOD.

Lot. A single continuous parcel of land held in identical ownership throughout, and defined by metes, bounds or boundary lines in a recorded deed or on a recorded plan.

Lot coverage. The percentage of lot area covered by structures. Lot coverage does not include surface parking.

MBTA. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Mixed-use development. Development containing a mix of residential uses and nonresidential uses, including commercial, institutional, industrial, or other uses.

Multi-family housing. A building with three or more residential dwelling units or two or more buildings on the same lot with more than one residential dwelling unit in each building.

Multi-family zoning district. A zoning district, either a base district or an overlay district, in which multi-family housing is allowed as of right.

Open space. Lot area not covered by any structure other than a swimming pool, or by paving other than that limited to recreational use.

Parking, structured. A structure in which vehicle parking is accommodated on multiple stories; a vehicle parking area that is underneath all or part of any story of a structure; or a vehicle parking area that is not underneath a structure, but is entirely covered, and has a parking surface at least eight feet below grade. Structured parking does not include surface parking or carports, including solar carports.

Parking, surface. One or more parking spaces without a built structure above the space. A solar panel designed to be installed above a surface parking space does not count as a built structure for the purposes of this definition.

Residential dwelling unit. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

Section 3A. Section 3A of the Zoning Act.

Site plan review authority. The Norwood Planning Board shall serve as site plan review authority for development under Section 9.5.

Special permit granting authority. The Norwood Planning Board shall serve as special permit granting authority for the issuance of special permits for development under Section 9.5.

Sub-district. An area within the MCMOD that is geographically smaller than the MCMOD District and differentiated from the rest of the district by use, dimensional standards, or development standards and established pursuant to Section 9.5.2.3.

Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). A list of qualified affordable housing units maintained by EOHLC used to measure a community's stock of low- or moderate-income housing for the purposes of M.G.L. Chapter 40B, the Comprehensive Permit Law.

Transit station. An MBTA subway station, commuter rail station, or ferry terminal.

Multi-family housing.

Mixed-Use Development. As of right uses in a mixed-use development are as follows:

Uses Permitted by Special Permit. The following uses and accessory uses require a special permit from the Planning Board:

Accessory Uses. The following uses are considered accessory as of right to any of the permitted uses in Section 9.5.4.1:

Table of Dimensional Standards. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Zoning, the dimensional requirements applicable in the MCMOD are as follows:

Multi-Building Lots. In the MCMOD, lots may have more than one principal building.

Exceptions. The limitation on height of buildings shall not apply to chimneys, ventilators, towers, silos, spires, renewable energy installations or other utility and/or ornamental features of buildings, which do not constitute habitable space.

Waivers. Upon the request of the applicant and subject to compliance with the compliance guidelines, the Planning Board may issue a special permit to waive requirements of this Section 9.5.5 (Dimensional Standards) in the interests of design flexibility and overall project quality, and upon a finding of consistency of such variation with the overall purpose and objectives of the MCMOD.

Number of Parking Spaces. The following minimum and maximum numbers of off-street parking spaces shall be provided by use, either in surface parking or within garages or other structures:

Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces. The following minimum numbers of covered bicycle storage spaces shall be provided by use:

Bicycle Storage. For a multi-family development of 20 units or more, or a mixed-use development of 20,000 square feet or more, bicycle parking spaces shall be integrated into the structure of the building(s) to provide secure indoor storage.

Waivers. The Planning Board may, via site plan review and in its sole discretion, consider and authorize waivers from any off-street parking requirements set forth in this Section 9.5.5 provided that the project includes one or some combination of the following:

Applicability. Unless otherwise specified in this Section 9.5, all development under the MCMOD must comply with the General Regulations of Section 6.0.

Site Design.

Building Design.

Parking Design.

Waivers. Upon the request of the applicant and subject to compliance with the compliance guidelines, the site plan review authority may waive the requirements of this Section 9.5.7 (General Development Standards) in the interests of design flexibility and overall project quality, and subject to a finding of consistency of such variation with the overall purpose and objectives of the MCMOD.

Bonuses. In exchange for certain improvements to benefit the public interest as detailed in Section 9.5.7.6, proposed developments may qualify by special permit for one additional story of building height (or an additional 11 feet of building height) above the requirements set forth in Section 9.5.5 (Dimensional Standards). Setback requirements for building height as detailed in Section 9.5.5 shall remain in effect. The Planning Board shall serve as special permit granting authority. Proposed developments are eligible for only one bonus. If density exceeds applicable maximum allowable density requirements as a result of bonus building height, the special permit shall serve to allow the increased density. Failure to grant a special permit for any bonus shall not be construed as a means to deny the multifamily residential use.

Purpose.

Applicability. This requirement is applicable to all residential and mixed-use developments with eight or more dwelling units, whether new construction, substantial rehabilitation, expansion, reconstruction, or residential conversion. No project may be divided or phased to avoid the requirements of this section.

Affordability Requirements. All affordable units available and limited to households earning 80% or less of AMI created in the MCMOD under this section must be eligible for listing on EOHLC's Subsidized Housing Inventory.

Provision of Affordable Housing. In applicable projects with eight to 15 units, not less than 10% of housing units constructed pursuant to this Section 9.5 shall be affordable units. In applicable projects with 16 or more units, not less than 20% of housing units constructed pursuant to this Section 9.5 shall be affordable units. For purposes of calculating the number of affordable units required within a development project, any fractional unit of 0.5 or greater shall be deemed to constitute a whole unit. The affordable units shall be available to households earning income up to 80% of the AMI.

Development Standards. Affordable units shall be:

Special Permit. As detailed and subject to the requirements of Section 9.5.7.6, a development that designates at least an additional 5% of total units as affordable to households making not more than 50% AMI may be eligible by special permit for an additional story (or 11 feet) of building height.

Applicability. As detailed in Section 10.5 (Site plan approval), proposed development under the MCMOD is subject to site plan review by the Planning Board. All requirements of Section 10.5 shall apply.

As of Right. Site plan review for proposed development under the MCMOD shall be construed as an as of right review and approval process as required by EOHLC Compliance Guidelines for 3A. Site plan review shall not unreasonably condition nor delay proposed development under the MCMOD.

Promote the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging diversity of housing opportunities;

Provide for a full range of housing choices for households of all incomes, ages, and sizes in order to meet the goal of preserving municipal character and diversity;

Increase the production of a range of housing units to meet existing and anticipated housing needs;

Provide a mechanism by which residential development can contribute directly to increasing the supply and diversity of housing;

Establish requirements, standards, and guidelines, and ensure predictable, fair and cost-effective development review and permitting; and

Establish development standards to allow context-sensitive design and creative site planning in the reuse of existing buildings.

Multifamily District. The as of right density shall be twenty (20) dwelling units per acre.

Underlying Zoning. The SGASGOD is an overlay district superimposed on all underlying zoning districts. The use and density regulations governing the underlying zoning district(s) shall remain in full force until such time a the first building permit is issued pursuant to the SGASGOD; thereafter, the provisions of the underlying district shall expire.

Multifamily Residential Use;

Townhouse Use;

Parking, including surface, garage-under, and structured parking (e.g., parking garages);

Open space and Recreational Uses; and

Accessory uses customarily incidental to any of the above permitted uses.

Marketing Plan. Prior to granting Plan Approval for housing within the SGASGOD, an Applicant for such approval must submit a narrative document and marketing plan that establishes that the proposed development of housing is appropriate for diverse populations, including households with children, other households, individuals, households including individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. No less than ten percent (10%) of the residential units within the District shall be three (3) bedroom units and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, this requirement shall not be reduced. These documents in combination, to be submitted with a Site Plan application pursuant to Section 9.6.12, below, shall include details about construction related to the provision, within the development, of units that are accessible to the disabled.

Number of Affordable Housing Units. Not less than twenty percent (20%) of housing units constructed in the SGASGOD shall be Affordable Housing. For purposes of calculating the number of units of Affordable Housing required within the SGASGOD, any fractional unit of one-half (1/2) or greater shall be deemed to constitute a whole unit.

Requirements. Affordable Housing shall comply with the following requirements:

Design and Construction. Units of Affordable Housing shall be finished housing units. Units of Affordable Housing shall be dispersed throughout the development of which they are part and have exteriors that are equivalent in design and materials to the exteriors of other housing units in the development.

Affordable Housing Restriction. Each unit of Affordable Housing shall be subject to an Affordable Housing Restriction which is recorded with the appropriate registry of deeds or district registry of the Land Court and which contains the following:

Administering Agency. An administering agency which may be the Local Housing Authority, a regional non-profit housing agency, an affordable housing trust or other qualified housing entity shall be designated by the PAA. In a case where the administering agency cannot adequately carry out its administrative duties, such duties shall devolve to and thereafter be administered by a qualified housing entity designated by the PAA or, in the absence of such timely designation, by an entity designated by the DHCD. In any event, such agency shall ensure the following:

Housing Marketing and Selection Plan. The housing marketing and selection plan may make provision for payment by the Project applicant or owner of reasonable costs to the administering agency to develop, advertise, and maintain the list of Eligible Households and to monitor and enforce compliance with affordability requirements. Such payment shall not exceed one-half percent (l/2 %) of the amount of rents of Affordable Rental Units (payable annually) or one percent (1%) of the sale or resale prices of Affordable Homeownership Units (payable upon each such sale or resale), as applicable.

Age Restrictions. The District shall not include the imposition of restrictions on age upon the entire District, but the development of specific Projects within the District may be exclusively for the elderly, persons with disabilities, or for assisted living, provided that any such Project shall be in compliance with all applicable fair housing laws and not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the housing units in such a restricted Project shall be restricted as Affordable units. Any Project which includes age-restricted residential units shall comply with applicable federal, state and local fair housing laws and regulations.

Twenty Percent Requirement. Not less than twenty percent (20%) of all residential units constructed within Projects within the SGASGOD shall be Affordable Housing

Computation. Prior to the granting of any Building Permit for the housing component of a Project, the applicant for such building permit must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the PAA, that the method by which such affordable rents or affordable purchase prices are computed shall be consistent with state or federal guidelines for affordability applicable to the Town.

No Waiver. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Affordability provisions in this Section shall not be waived.

Site Planning

Architectural Elements and Materials

Exterior Finish Materials.

Pedestrian Environment

Lighting.

Noise.

Landscaping and Screening.

Nonconforming Landscaping and Screening.

Storm Water Management. The design and construction of stormwater management systems for development subject to Development Plan Review will be consistent with the following:

Erosion Control.

Tree Protection. Location and design shall not cause avoidable removal or damage to any tree exceeding twelve (12) inches trunk diameter four and one-half feet (4 1/2') above grade.

The perimeter dimensions of the lot; Assessors Map, lot and block numbers.

All existing and proposed buildings, structures, building setbacks, parking spaces, driveway openings, distance between buildings, plan view exterior measurements of individual buildings, driveways, service areas and open areas.

Internal roads, sidewalks and parking areas (width dimensions of paving and indication of number of parking spaces).

All facilities for sewage, refuse and other waste disposal and for surface water drainage.

All proposed landscaping features, such as fences, walls, planting areas and walks on the lot and tract.

Existing major natural features, including streams, wetlands and all trees six inches (6") or larger in caliper (caliper is girth of the tree at approximately waist height).

Scale and North arrow (minimum scale of one inch equals 40 feet (1" = 40')).

Total site area in square footage and acres and area to be set aside as public open space, if appropriate.

Percentage of lot coverage (including the percentage of the lot covered by buildings) and percentage of open space, if appropriate.

The proposed residential density in terms of dwelling units per acre and types of proposed commercial uses in terms of the respective floor area, and recreation areas, and number of units proposed by type (number of one (1) bedroom units, two (2) bedroom units, etc., if appropriate).

Location sketch map (indicate surrounding streets and properties and any additional abutting lands owned by the applicant).

Representative elevation sketches of buildings (indicate height of building and construction material of the exterior facade).

Typical unit floor plan for residential uses. (Floor plan should be indicated for each type of unit proposed. The area in square feet of each typical unit should be indicated.

Developer's (or his representative's) name, address and phone number.

Any other information which may include required traffic, school, utilities impact study and in order to adequately evaluate the scope and potential impacts of the proposed project.

Rehabilitation Plan. If a building is to be rehabilitated and converted into a dwelling unit or units, in addition to the required site plan, nine (9) copies of the following described plan shall be furnished.

Filing. An applicant for Plan Approval shall file the application form and the other required submittals with the Town Clerk and fifteen (15) copies of the application including the date of filing certified by the Town Clerk shall be filed forthwith with the PAA.

Circulation to Other Boards. Upon receipt of the Application, the PAA shall immediately provide a copy of the application materials to the Board of Selectmen, Board of Appeals, Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Fire Department, Police Department, Inspector of Buildings, Department of Public Works, and other municipal officers, agencies or boards for comment, and any such board, agency or officer shall provide any written comments within sixty (60) days of its receipt of a copy of the plan and application for approval.

Hearing. The PAA shall hold a public hearing for which notice has been given as provided in Section 11 of G. L. Chapter 40A. The decision of the PAA shall be made, and a written notice of the decision filed with the Town Clerk, within 120 days of the receipt of the application by the Town Clerk. The required time limits for such action may be extended by written agreement between the applicant and the PAA, with a copy of such agreement being filed in the office of the Town Clerk. Failure of the PAA to take action within said 120 days or extended time, if applicable, shall be deemed to be an approval of the application and site plan.

Peer Review. The applicant shall be required to pay for reasonable consulting fees to provide peer review of the Plan Approval application. Such fees shall be held by the Town in a separate account and used only for expenses associated with the review of the application by outside consultants, including, but not limited to, attorneys, engineers, urban designers, housing consultants, planners, and others. Any surplus remaining after the completion of such review, including any interest accrued, shall be returned to the applicant.

Waivers. Upon the request of the Applicant, the Plan Approval Authority may waive all dimensional and other requirements of this Section with the exception of the affordability requirement, including the design standards of herein, in the interests of design flexibility and overall project quality, and upon a finding of consistency of such variation with the overall purpose and objectives of the SGASGOD, or if it finds that such waiver will allow the Project to achieve the density, affordability, mix of uses, and/or physical character allowable under this Section.

Plan Review. An Application for Plan Approval shall be reviewed for consistency with the purpose and intent of this Section, and such Plan Review and shall be construed as an as-of-right review and approval process as required by and in accordance with the Enabling Laws.

Plan Approval. Plan Approval shall be granted where the PAA finds that:

Plan Disapproval. A site plan may be disapproved only where the PAA finds that:

Form of Decision. The PAA shall issue to the applicant a copy of its decision containing the name and address of the owner, identifying the land affected, and the plans that were the subject of the decision, and certifying that a copy of the decision has been filed with the Town Clerk and that all plans referred to in the decision are on file with the PAA. If twenty (20) days have elapsed after the decision has been filed in the office of the Town Clerk without an appeal having been filed or if such appeal, having been filed, is dismissed or denied, the Town Clerk shall so certify on a copy of the decision. A copy of the decision or application bearing such certification shall be recorded in the registry of deeds for the county and district in which the land is located and indexed in the grantor index under the name of the owner of record or recorded and noted on the owner's certificate of title. The fee for recording or registering shall be paid by the applicant.

Minor Change. After Plan Approval, an applicant may apply to make minor changes involving minor utility or building orientation adjustments, or minor adjustments to parking or other site details that do not affect the overall buildout or building envelope of the site, or provision of open space, number of housing units, or housing need or affordability features. Such minor changes must be submitted to the PAA on redlined prints of the approved plan, reflecting the proposed change, and on application forms provided by the PAA. The PAA may authorize such changes at any regularly scheduled meeting, without need to hold a public hearing. The PAA shall set forth any decision to approve or deny such minor change by motion and written decision, and provide a copy to the applicant for filing with the Town Clerk.

Major Change. Those changes deemed by the PAA to constitute a major change because of the nature of the change in relation to the prior approved plan, or because such change cannot be appropriately characterized as a minor change as described above, shall be processed by the PAA as a new application for Plan Approval pursuant to this Section.

Promote the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging diversity of housing opportunities;

To promote mixed use and economic development that is safe, pedestrian friendly, and oriented to rail transit;

Increase the production of a range of housing units to meet existing and anticipated housing needs;

Provide a mechanism by which residential development can contribute directly to increasing the supply and diversity of housing;

Establish requirements, standards, and guidelines, and ensure predictable, fair and cost-effective development review and permitting;

Establish development standards to allow high quality design and creative site planning;

Enable the Town to receive Zoning Incentive Payments and/or Density Bonus Payments in accordance with G.L. Chapter 40R, 760 CMR 59.06, and additional Chapter 70 aid in accordance with G.L. Chapter 40S arising from the development of housing in the GSSGOD.

Underlying Zoning. The GSSGOD is an overlay district superimposed on all Underlying Zoning districts. The Zoning By-law governing the Underlying Zoning district(s) shall remain in full force and effect except for Projects undergoing development pursuant to this Section 9.7. Within the boundaries of the GSSGOD a developer may elect to develop a Project in accordance with this Section 9.8, or to develop a Project in accordance with the requirements of the regulations for use, dimension and all other provisions of the Zoning By-law governing the Underlying Zoning district(s).

Applicability of GSSGOD. In accordance with the provisions of G.L. Chapter 40R and 760 CMR 59.00, an Applicant for a Project located within the GSSGOD may seek Plan Approval in accordance with the requirements of this Section 9.7. In such case, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Zoning By-Law, such Plan Approval shall not be subject to any other provisions of this Zoning By-Law, including limitations upon the issuance of building permits for residential uses related to a rate of development or phased growth limitation or to a local moratorium on the issuance of such permits, or to building permit or dwelling unit limitations. When a building permit is issued for any Project approved in accordance with this Section 9.7 the provisions of the Underlying Zoning district(s) shall no longer be applicable to the land shown on the site plan which was submitted pursuant to Section 9.7 for such Project.

Marketing Plan. Prior to granting Plan Approval for housing within the GSSGOD, an Applicant for such approval must submit a narrative document, housing marketing plan, and resident selection plan that establish that the proposed development of housing is appropriate for diverse populations, including households with children, other households, individuals, households including individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. These documents in combination, to be submitted with an application for Plan Approval pursuant to Section 9.7.11, below, shall include details about construction related to the provision, type and specific location, within the Project, of all Affordable Housing units as well as all units that are accessible to the disabled. The marketing plan must be approved by DHCD under the 40R Program prior to the issuance of a building permit for a Project.

Number of Affordable Housing Units. Not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of housing units constructed in each Project and the GSSGOD as a whole shall be Affordable Housing. In determining the number of Affordable Housing units required within the GSSGOD, fractional numbers shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. It is the intention that any Subsided Housing Inventory (SHI) eligible housing units constructed in the GSSGOD be included in the SHI.

Requirements. Affordable Housing shall comply with the following requirements:

Design and Construction. Units of Affordable Housing shall be finished housing units. Units of Affordable Housing shall be dispersed evenly throughout the development/Project of which they are part and in accordance with a Housing Marketing and Selection Plan approved by the Monitoring Agent and DHCD. Units of Affordable Housing must be comparable in initial construction, quality and exterior design to other housing units in the development. The total number of bedrooms in the Affordable Housing shall be at least proportionate to the total number of bedrooms in all the units in the Project of which the Affordable Housing is part.

Affordable Housing Restriction. Each unit of Affordable Housing shall be subject to an Affordable Housing Restriction which is recorded with the appropriate registry of deeds or district registry of the Land Court and prior to such recording has been approved by DHCD under the 40R Program. Such Affordable Housing Restriction shall contain the following:

Monitoring Agent. A Monitoring Agent, which may be the Local Housing Authority or other qualified housing entity, shall be designated by the PAA as the Monitoring Agent for all Affordable Housing units in a Project. In a case where the Monitoring Agent cannot adequately carry out its administrative duties, upon certification of this fact by the PAA or by DHCD, such duties shall devolve to and thereafter be administered by a qualified housing entity designated by the PAA or, in the absence of such timely designation, by an entity designated by the DHCD. In any event, such Monitoring Agent shall ensure the following, both prior to issuance of a building permit for a Project within the GSSGOD, and on a continuing basis thereafter, as the case may be:

Housing Marketing and Selection Plan. The housing marketing and selection plan shall make provision for payment by the Project Applicant of reasonable costs to the Monitoring Agent to develop, advertise, and maintain the list of Eligible Households and to monitor and enforce compliance with affordability requirements, as set forth in Section 9.7.4.

Phasing. The PAA, as a condition of any Plan Approval, may require a Project to be phased in order to mitigate any extraordinary adverse Project impacts on nearby properties. For Projects that are approved and developed in phases, the PAA shall assure the required number of Affordable Housing units in the Project. Such assurance may be provided through use of the security devices referenced in G.L. c. 41, § 81U, or through the PAA’s withholding of certificates of occupancy until the proportionality required under 760 CMR 59.04(1)(h) has been achieved. No Density Bonus Payment will be received by the Town until such proportionality has been achieved by the issuance of occupancy permits for the Affordable Housing units in the Project. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for Projects that are approved and developed in phases, the proportion of Affordable Housing units shall be consistent across all phases.

Computation. Prior to the granting of any Plan Approval of a Project, the Applicant must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Monitoring Agent, that the method by which such affordable rents or affordable purchase prices are computed shall be consistent with state or federal guidelines for affordability applicable to the Town.

No Waiver. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Affordability provisions in this Section 9.7.4 shall not be waived.

The following uses are permitted as of right in the GSSGOD:

Nonresidential use of any building, structure or land within the GSSGOD is prohibited.

Residential. The permissible residential density in the GSSGOD shall be 78 units per acre of Developable Land. The GSSGOD contains 0.57 acres of Developable Land. The total number of units to be developed in the GSSGOD hereunder, therefore, shall not exceed 44, i.e. 0.57 acres x 78 units/acre.

Height. Building height shall not exceed three (3) stories and fifty (50) feet.

Coverage. Maximum building coverage shall be fifty percent (50%) measured as to the total acreage of Developable Land in the GSSGOD.

Driveways. The number of curb cuts on local public ways shall be as exists on August 1, 2013.

Interior Design. Projects shall assure safe interior circulation within its site by allowing for the separation of pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle traffic.

Noise. Any Project in the GSSGOD shall comply with 310 CMR 31.07, as may be amended.

Building Design. The Applicant should seek to retain the character of the existing building in the final design.

Off-Street Parking Requirements. For any structure that is constructed, enlarged, or extended, or has a change of use which affects the computation of parking spaces, and any use of land established, or any existing use changed, parking spaces shall meet the following requirements:

Parking Location and Design. Required parking shall in all cases be on the same lot as the use it is intended to serve.

Loading Requirements. Adequate off-street loading facilities and space must be provided to service all needs created by construction of new structures. Such facilities shall be provided in accordance with Section 6.1 of the Zoning By-Law, unless waived by the PAA. Required facilities shall be so sized and arranged that no trucks need back onto or off of a public way, or be parked on a public way while loading, unloading or waiting to do so.

The perimeter dimensions of the lot; Assessors Map, lot and block numbers.

All existing and proposed buildings, structures, building setbacks, parking spaces, driveway openings, distance between buildings, plan view exterior measurements of individual buildings, driveways, service areas and open areas.

Internal roads, sidewalks and parking areas (width dimensions of paving and indication of number of parking spaces).

All facilities for sewage, refuse and other waste disposal and for surface water drainage.

All proposed landscaping features, such as fences, walls, planting areas and walks on the lot and tract.

Existing major natural features, including streams, wetlands and all trees six inches (6") or larger in caliper (caliper is girth of the tree at approximately waist height).

Scale and North arrow (minimum scale of one inch equals 40 feet (1" = 40')).

Total site area in square footage and acres and area to be set aside as public open space, if appropriate.

Percentage of lot coverage (including the percentage of the lot covered by buildings) and percentage of open space, if appropriate.

The proposed residential density in terms of dwelling units per acre and types of proposed commercial uses in terms of the respective floor area, and recreation areas, and number of units proposed by type (number of one (1) bedroom units, two (2) bedroom units, etc., if appropriate).

Location sketch map (indicate surrounding streets and properties and any additional abutting lands owned by the Applicant).

Representative elevation sketches of buildings (indicate height of building and construction material of the exterior facade).

Typical unit floor plan for residential uses. (Floor plan should be indicated for each type of unit proposed. The area in square feet of each typical unit should be indicated.)

Developer's (or his representative's) name, address and phone number.

Any other information which may include required traffic, school, utilities impact study and in order to adequately evaluate the scope and potential impacts of the proposed project.

Rehabilitation Plan. If a building is to be rehabilitated and converted into a dwelling unit or units, in addition to the required site plan, nine (9) copies of the following described plan shall be furnished.

Filing. An Applicant for Plan Approval shall file the application form and the other required submittals with the Town Clerk and fifteen (15) copies of the application and other required materials including the date of filing certified by the Town Clerk shall be filed forthwith with the PAA. The application form and any other submittal requirements must be contained in the PAA Regulations which must be approved by DHCD.

Circulation to Other Boards. Upon receipt of the Application, the PAA shall immediately provide a copy of the application materials to the Board of Selectmen, Board of Appeals, Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Fire Department, Police Department, Building Commissioner, Department of Public Works, and other municipal officers, agencies or boards for comment, and any such board, agency or officer shall provide any written comments within sixty (60) days of its receipt of a copy of the plan and application for approval.

Hearing. The PAA shall hold a public hearing for which notice has been given as provided in Section 11 of G. L. Chapter 40A. The decision of the PAA shall be made, and a written notice of the decision filed with the Town Clerk, within 120 days of the receipt of the application by the Town Clerk. The required time limits for such action may be extended by written agreement between the Applicant and the PAA, with a copy of such agreement being filed in the office of the Town Clerk. Failure of the PAA to take action within said 120 days or extended time, if applicable, shall be deemed to be an approval of the application and site plan.

Peer Review. The Applicant shall be required to pay for reasonable consulting fees to provide peer review of the Plan Approval application. Such fees and any other fees required as part of an application to the PAA must be specified in the PAA Regulations which must be approved by DHCD. Approved Peer Review fees shall be held by the Town in a separate account and used only for expenses associated with the review of the application by outside consultants, including, but not limited to, attorneys, engineers, urban designers, housing consultants, planners, and others. Any surplus remaining after the completion of such review, including any interest accrued, shall be returned to the Applicant.

Waivers. Except where expressly prohibited herein, upon the request of the Applicant the Plan Approval Authority may waive dimensional and other requirements in the interest of design flexibility and overall project quality, and upon a finding of consistency of such variation with the overall purpose and objectives of the GSSGOD, or if it finds that such waiver will allow the Project to achieve the density, affordability, mix of uses, and/or physical character allowable under this Section; but in no event shall such a waiver reduce the as-of-right density approved by DHCD.

Plan Review. An Application for Plan Approval shall be reviewed for consistency with the purpose and intent of this Section, and such Plan Review and shall be construed as an as-of-right review and approval process as required by and in accordance with the Enabling Laws.

Plan Approval. Plan Approval shall be granted where the PAA finds that:

Plan Disapproval. A site plan may be disapproved only where the PAA finds that:

Form of Decision. The PAA shall issue to the Applicant a copy of its decision containing the name and address of the owner, identifying the land affected, and the plans that were the subject of the decision, and certifying that a copy of the decision has been filed with the Town Clerk and that all plans referred to in the decision are on file with the PAA. If twenty (20) days have elapsed after the decision has been filed in the office of the Town Clerk without an appeal having been filed or if such appeal, having been filed, is dismissed or denied, the Town Clerk shall so certify on a copy of the decision. A copy of the decision or application bearing such certification shall be recorded in the registry of deeds for the county and district in which the land is located and indexed in the grantor index under the name of the owner of record or recorded and noted on the owner's certificate of title. The fee for recording or registering shall be paid by the Applicant.

Minor Change. After Plan Approval, an Applicant may apply to make minor changes involving minor utility or building orientation adjustments, or minor adjustments to parking or other site details that do not affect the overall buildout or building envelope of the site, or provision of open space, number of housing units, or housing need or affordability features. Such minor changes must be submitted to the PAA on redlined prints of the approved plan, reflecting the proposed change, and on application forms provided by the PAA. The PAA may authorize such changes at any regularly scheduled meeting, without need to hold a public hearing. The PAA shall set forth any decision to approve or deny such minor change by motion and written decision, and provide a copy to the Applicant for filing with the Town Clerk.

Major Change. Those changes deemed by the PAA to constitute a major change because of the nature of the change in relation to the prior approved plan, or because such change cannot be appropriately characterized as a minor change as described above, shall be processed by the PAA as a new application for Plan Approval pursuant to this Section.

The encouragement of the continued renovation and repurposing of a former industrial complex having significant historical value to the Town that had fallen into disuse and disrepair, in order to meet current needs;

The encouragement and enabling of improvements to the condition of the Neponset River where the river passes through or along the NSC-MUOD;

The provision of affordable and market-rate housing in a location that is close to work and retail opportunities, both within the Norwood Space Center complex and in the nearby South Norwood business district;

The support of local businesses, both within the Norwood Space Center and in the nearby South Norwood business district; and

Expansion of the Town's tax base.

Provisions of this section are designed to insure that all development activities associated with the MSOD will be carried out so as to provide for and maintain protection of neighboring properties, convenient and safe access for vehicular and pedestrian movement, fire-fighting and emergency rescue vehicles, satisfactory methods of stormwater management, groundwater recharge and adequate off-street parking.

A medical services facility allowed by Special Permit from the Planning Board upon determination that all the conditions set forth below have been met. The following conditions are the minimum requirements which must be met for the approval of a Special Permit. These standards are not intended to exclude the imposition of any additional conditions by the Planning Board. The boundaries of all Medical Services Overlay Districts (MSOD) are shown on the Official Town of Norwood Zoning Map as filed with the Town Clerk.

To permit the development, renovation, and relocation of medical and healthcare facilities and services on a site with convenient local and regional access.

To provide for the healthcare needs of the community and region within a district designed for a hospital and the customary supporting facilities and uses that develop around such a local or regional facility.

To create an environment conducive to medical practice and operations, and to concentrate medical facilities and related uses in a “complex” or “campus” settings to better accommodate the needs of the medical profession and those served by it.

To maintain the scale and ensure compatibility between uses within the MSOD and abutting districts.

Medical and health care uses including hospitals (non-veterinarian); outpatient clinics; continuing/long term care services; hospice services; laboratories; medical research facilities; urgent or emergency medical services; and offices of doctors, physical or occupational therapists, dentists, and other health care providers.

Medical staff facilities and similar uses, including but not limited to administrative offices, educational and meeting facilities, and staff sleeping quarters.

Childcare and adult care services, including respite care.

Short term residential uses dependent upon or directly related to medical care, including convalescent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, group homes for the disabled and overnight patient accommodations.

Health care related retail (i.e. pharmacy, medical supplies and equipment).

Personal services, such as barber or beauty shops.

Banking services.

Miscellaneous retail trade including gift stores, bookstores, news stands, florists, and other retail ancillary to and located within a medical services facility.

Cafeterias and food services within healthcare buildings.

Renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, solar shades, and small wind turbines.

Nursing homes.

Medical helicopter landing pad on the following conditions:

Facilities for the treatment and/or temporary storage of biomedical, radioactive and hazardous waste generated within the MSOD provided however that no materials may be transported to the site from other facilities for storage or treatment purposes.

Stand-alone restaurants on the following conditions:

Social service providers including counseling centers and alcohol and drug treatment facilities.

Funeral Home.

Dimensional Requirements. The following dimensional regulations shall apply:

Development Tract. A development tract is any lot or group of lots owned or controlled by the same person or entity, assembled for the purpose of a single development including one or more principal buildings. In a MSOD lots can be separated by public or private streets (auxiliary parcels) as long as all lots in the Development Tract function as a cohesive facility.

Tract Area. Development tract area is the cumulative area of all contiguous or non-contiguous lots that the site is composed of. Development tract area does not include existing or proposed street right-of-way, whether dedicated or not dedicated to public use.

Hospital Building Height Exception. As an exception to the provisions set forth in the table above, the maximum height for the primary hospital building may be extended to a maximum height of six (6) stories or 80 feet including all rooftop utilities. The area of a hospital building taller than 45 feet shall be setback one (1) additional foot from any required minimum front, side, or rear yard setback line for every one (1) foot in height. All rooftop utilities shall be screened from view at ground level.

Setbacks. The SPGA may reduce to zero (0) the rear and side setbacks for buildings to accommodate shared access driveways or parking lots that service buildings located on two (2) or more adjoining lots.

Water and Sewer. All facilities within the MSOD shall be connected to municipal water and sewer systems.

Stormwater. All stormwater collection and treatment shall meet the requirements of Section 6.5 of the Zoning Bylaw.

Roads. All traveled ways within the development tract shall be privately maintained with respect to roadway up-keep and snow and ice removal.

Refuse. Collection and disposal of all solid waste shall be provided privately. All hazardous waste must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable State and Federal laws.

Utilities. All utilities on the development tract shall be installed underground pursuant to approved methods of installation and construction.

Safety. The facility shall have an integrated emergency call, security, telephone, and other communication system to provide monitoring for its residents and direct line connection to the Norwood Fire Department.

Renewable Energy. Renewable energy equipment such as solar shades, solar panels, and small wind turbines shall be allowed on rooftops and shall not be counted in the overall height of a building.

Public Street Tree Belt. In all front, side and rear yard setback areas along a public street right-of-way, a tree belt of eight (8) feet in width shall be planted with deciduous street every 30 feet on center and three (3) inches in diameter at breast height at the time of planting. The SPGA may waive this requirement if they determined that there is a sufficient existing tree belt along a public street frontage within the public right-of-way or on the development tract.

Perimeter Landscaping. In all side and rear yard setback areas not fronting on a public street, a landscape strip not less than ten (10) feet in width shall be provided, which shall be planted and maintained as grass, trees or shrubs or any combination thereof.

Internal Landscaping. Within the development tract, landscaping should enhance building architecture, provide shade and effectively screen parking areas from adjacent streets and properties, and coordinate with the streetscape plantings.

Adjacent Uses. Where the MSOD abuts any residential or commercial district not separated by a street right-of-way, a buffer shall be required along abutting property lines.

Materials. Plant materials characterized by dense growth which will form an effective year-round screen shall be planted to form the screen. Screening shall consist of natural materials. To the extent practical, existing trees and vegetation shall be retained and used to satisfy the provisions of this section. The SPGA may require fencing that provides a visual barrier to a height of eight (8) feet above the ground if determined to be necessary to effectively buffer adjacent commercial or residential properties.

Height. Natural screening shall be at least ten (10) feet in height when planted. Height shall be measured from the finished grade.

Maintenance. All required plant material shall be maintained by the owner in healthy condition and replaced with new plantings whenever necessary to ensure continued compliance with screening requirements.

External Storage. Any external storage of trash, recycled materials, inventory, parts, or machinery shall be established to the rear of the principal hospital structure and provided that such storage shall be completely enclosed by a solid fence or wall of at least six (6) feet in height composed of stone, brick, treated wood, or similar composite material acceptable to the SPGA .

Parking Ratio. Uses permitted in the MSOD shall meet the parking requirements set forth in Section 6.1.3 Schedule of Minimum Requirements. The SPGA may allow a reduction in the parking requirements under Section 9.4.13.4.

Special Parking Types and Standards. The SPGA may allow for special types of parking under the design requirements in Section 9.4.13.5 including Stacked or Valet Parking, Tandem Parking, Street Side Parking, and Structured Parking.

Loading Areas. All loading and unloading facilities shall be provided off street and screened appropriately. Loading areas and emergency room ambulance receiving areas should provide sound attenuation measures to minimize noise to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Site Access/Curb Cuts. Access onto the MSOD shall include both safe vehicular and pedestrian access from surrounding streets. Where feasible, shared access roadway and driveways shall be provided. Safe pedestrian access ways shall also be provided between on-site surface and structured parking facilities and buildings.

Pedestrian Connectivity. The MSOD campus should have accessible pedestrian connections beyond standard sidewalks along the street. Special attention should be paid to crosswalks, connections between parking lots serving adjacent uses and interior walkway connections. All sidewalks and internal walkways shall be designed to meet Massachusetts Architectural Access Board and American Disability Act standards.

Pre-Application Conference. The MSOD applicant is strongly encouraged to confer with the Director of Community Planning and Economic Development to obtain information and guidance before entering into binding commitments or incurring substantial expense in the establishment of a new MSOD or preparation of plans, surveys, engineering or other development preparations in an existing MSOD.

Submission of a Concept Plan. The MSOD applicant is required to submit a Concept Plan intended to provide critical information necessary to review the proposed location of buildings, roadways, walkways, and other uses within the MSOD. The following items are required to ensure that the Concept Plan is of sufficient detail to allow an applicant a chance to explore the feasibility of its proposal without significant expense.

Review of the Concept Plans. The Applicant shall file a concept plan accompanied by an application form and a narrative description of the proposal to the Planning Board. The Planning Board shall distribute copies of the Concept Plan to the other officials and agencies as identified in Section 10.4.4. The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing to review and comment on the merits of the concept plan including but not limited to:

MSOD Master Plan. All development within a MSOD shall be governed by a Master Development Plan constituted by a binding plan. For projects that are planned for future phases, the concept plan shall be applicable. For site plans in current phases of development, the requirements of 10.5 shall apply in addition to a Master Plan including the following:

Transportation Management Plan. Medical uses are high traffic generating uses. Reducing the number of trips to and from the MSOD campus creates a benefit to the Town through less demand on the transportation system. The MSOD applicant shall adopt a specific transportation management plan containing the following elements:

The project is consistent with the purposes and intent statement in Section 9.9.2.

Vehicular ingress and egress from the MSOD site is designed so as to avoid serious hazards to vehicles or pedestrians.

Adequate parking facilities are provided for each use and structure in the development.

Major facilities or functions are designed to be visually and architecturally compatible with the natural or historical characteristics of the surrounding area.

The project does not adversely affect the natural environment to the detriment of community character, public health, or safety.

Land uses are organized to provide safe convenient circulation between one use and another; undeveloped land is used for active and passive recreation, resource protection and pedestrian links to adjacent uses on and off site, where feasible.