Pawtucket City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VE
Riverfront Tidewater RTW
§ 410-43.23 Purpose and objective.
A.
Riverfront Tidewater (RTW). The purpose of the Riverfront Tidewater District is to encourage cohesive mixed-use development of vacant parcels in proximity to the Blackstone and Seekonk Rivers that provides high-quality amenities for both residents and visitors, contributes to positive economic development, improves multimodal connections to downtown Pawtucket, and enhances public access to, and viewsheds of, the riverfront area.
B.
Qualification. On the date any parcel of land is placed into a RTW Zone, it shall contain a minimum of 5,000 square feet of land, and be situated along, or in close proximity to the Blackstone or Seekonk Rivers.
§ 410-43.24 Dimensional regulations, permitted uses; additional criteria; review of projects.
B.
Accessory structures. Accessory structures that are directly related to the functionality of primary structures in the RTW Zone, e.g., light poles and parking structures, are permitted to exceed the maximum allowable height for accessory structures as presented in § 410-44 of the Pawtucket Zoning Ordinance, provided that they are approved through the development plan review process.
[Amended 12-20-2023 by Ch. No. 3287]
D.
Signs. All sign type and maximum sign area requirements for commercial zoning districts, as presented in § 410-88D, shall apply to the RTW Zone. Electronic messaging centers (EMC signs) shall be permitted by special use permit in the RTW Zone.
E.
Number of buildings on a lot. More than one commercial, residential, or mixed-use primary structure located on a single lot is permitted in the RTW Zone if approved through the development plan review process.
[Amended 12-20-2023 by Ch. No. 3287]
F.
Parking. There are no minimum or maximum parking space requirements in the RTW Zone. All development projects in the RTW Zone shall demonstrate adequate off street parking to support peak demand periods with limited reliance on proximate public right of ways to satisfy projected parking needs. This parking may be provided off-site, provided that it is easily accessible, safe for pedestrians, and does not adversely impact the character of abutting residential or commercial properties. Parking design standards as set forth in § 410-78 shall apply for all surface and structured parking areas.
G.
Additional criteria for approval. The review by permitting authority shall be based upon the criteria set forth in § 410-15.1I, and in addition:
[Amended 12-20-2023 by Ch. No. 3287]
(1)
Structures and parking areas shall be situated in such a way as to maintain or maximize views of the Blackstone and Seekonk Rivers.
(2)
Development activity in the RTW Zone shall include features or amenities intended to maintain and maximize pedestrian access to riverfront areas, including connection wherever possible of all walkways, sidewalks, travel lanes, bikeways, and similar facilities along the river.
(3)
Development activity in the RTW Zone shall include adequate drainage systems and erosion control measures to minimize any adverse impact on the quality and condition of the Blackstone and Seekonk Rivers.
(4)
All screening, fences, walls, landscaped areas, plantings, or other landscaping treatment shall enhance and buffer the premises in a manner that is compatible with surrounding uses. The design of these features should avoid significant obstruction of views of the river.
H.
Development plan review.
[Amended 12-20-2023 by Ch. No. 3287]
(1)
Development and design review in the RTW Zone shall follow the standard process of development plan review as set forth in § 410-15.1.
(2)
The Pawtucket Riverfront Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity when considering development plan review in the RTW Zone. The Riverfront Commission review process may occur concurrently and the procedural process of development plan review shall govern.