Stratford City Zoning Code
SECTION 5
Special Development Types
5.1.1 Purpose.
[Amended 6-24-2026]
The purpose of this regulation is to establish standards and requirements for multifamily developments with 3 or more units within the Town of Stratford.
5.1.2 Applicability.
[Amended 6-24-2026]
The standards outlined in this Section may be applied to a property that (1) lies within a district in which multifamily developments (3+) are permitted and (2) meets the following minimum location requirement:
1)
Shall be located within a one-half-mile radius of a Stratford CA, CF, LB, or LBB Zoning District. Any multifamily (3+) development consisting solely of individual single-family residential units, which units are not contained in a structure having multiple residential units, shall be exempt from this requirement. Nonconforming uses are not to be considered as equivalent to CA, CF, LB OR LBB.
5.1.3 Special permit required.
[Amended 6-24-2026]
A multifamily development (3+) shall be subject to the limitations set forth in this Section and subject to the approval of the Zoning Commission as a special permit, in accordance with Section 7.3.4 (Special Permit) of these Regulations. In addition to the general standards of Section 7.3.4 and this Section, the following shall be required:
1)
Each application shall be accompanied by preliminary plans prepared by a civil engineer or land surveyor licensed as such by the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors of the State of Connecticut. Such plans shall show:
a)
The size, floor plan and location of each proposed building or accessory building.
b)
All proposed driveways, parking spaces and easements.
c)
All public highways or streets.
d)
All boundary lines and the names of adjacent landowners.
e)
Any existing buildings on the property.
f)
A zoning compliance chart.
g)
A perspective sketch of one of the buildings showing the type of architecture to be used.
2)
Incomplete applications shall not be accepted for filing.
3)
A performance bond may be required in accordance with Chapter 124, § 8-3.
5.1.4 Dimensional standards & density.
[Amended 6-24-2026]
The following dimensional standards shall apply to all multifamily development (3+). Any supplemental dimensional standards found in Section 6 (Site Development Standards) shall also be required.
District | Minimums | Maximums | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lot Area1 | Yards | Building Coverage2 | Impervious Coverage | Building Height | |||
Front | Side | Rear | |||||
RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4 | 30,000 sf | 40 ft | 15 ft4 | 35 ft1 | 20% | 65% | 30 ft |
RM-1, CA, CF, LB, LBB | 25% | 50% | 40 ft3 | ||||
OPD | 25% | 50% | 60 ft3 | ||||
Notes: | |
|---|---|
1 | May be reduced to 30 feet if the Commission finds that the size and location of the proposed buildings are well sited and landscaped so as to minimize visibility and intrusion to adjacent property and are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. |
2 | The remainder of the lot shall be left open and shall be appropriately landscaped with the exception of the required parking areas. |
3 | If the Commission finds that the height, size, and location of the proposed buildings are well sited within existing topographical features so as to minimize visibility and intrusion to adjacent residential areas and is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Otherwise, the maximum height in any zone shall be 30 feet. |
4 | A six foot fence and landscaping shall be installed along the entire side yard to provide additional privacy to abutting properties. |
The maximum density of any multifamily development (3+) will be determined by the district in which the development is located in. When the total number of dwelling units is equal to a fraction, such fractional dwelling unit total shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of below 0.5 and rounded up to the nearest whole number if the fraction is greater than or equal to 0.5. The maximum density of a residence apartment development shall be based on the following table:
Maximum Density Allowed by Lot Area | |
|---|---|
District | Units |
RS-1 | 1 per 11,500 sf |
RS-2 | 1 per 10,000 sf |
RS-3, RS-4 | 1 per 5,250 sf |
RM-1, CA, LB, LBB, OPD | 1 per 2,500 sf |
5.1.5 Site development and general requirements.
[Amended 6-24-2026]
A.
Building and fire code compliance. All multifamily developments (3+), and each living unit within, shall comply with the current building and fire codes. No individual oil heating or oil cooking equipment shall be permitted within the confines of any unit.
B.
Unit requirements.
1)
Each unit shall contain a bathroom (equipped with a water closet, wash basin, and a bathtub or shower) and a kitchen or kitchenette (equipped with a sink and facilities and space for cooking range and refrigerator).
2)
For the purpose of computing the number of rooms in a unit, a bathroom, strip or pullman kitchen, hall or foyer, alcove, pantry, laundry, closet, or storage space shall not be considered to be a room.
C.
Affordability requirements. Multifamily (3+) developments shall consider and provide protected affordable housing and/or workforce housing units, as outlined below. The area median income (AMI), as adjusted for household size, for the Bridgeport, CT HUD Metro Area Median Income or State Area Median Income, whichever is lower, shall be used for calculating the appropriate household income range for all affordable units.
i.
Affordable housing. Multifamily (3+) developments (whether by new construction or by the alteration, expansion, reconstruction, or change of existing residential) that meet one or more of the below criteria shall provide affordable units for households making no more than 80% of the AMI or SMI (whichever is lower). These units shall be protected pursuant to Section 8-30g of the Connecticut General Statutes.
1)
Any such development within the OP District shall designate a minimum of 12% of the development's units as affordable units.
2)
Any such development resulting in a net increase of eight (8) or more dwelling units shall designate a minimum of 10% of the development's units as affordable units. In any calculation which results in a partial unit designation (ex: 4.23 units), such number shall be rounded to the next highest whole number.
ii.
Workforce housing. Multifamily (3+) developments are encouraged to have a workforce housing component as outlined below. These units shall be provided and protected in accordance with the Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's Build for CT program and provide provisions for a minimum of 20% of units to be restricted to those households between 80% - 120% of Bridgeport, CT HUD Metro Area Median Income or State Area Median Income, whichever is lower. These workforce units shall be deed restricted for forty years. Any multifamily (3+) development that falls within one or more of the following location requirements shall be subject to these requirements:
1)
Located within the TOD or a half mile of its boundaries; or
2)
Located within a Commercial District; or
3)
Located within a half mile of a major commercial local employer, as to be determined by the Zoning Commission, and exclude properties located in historic districts.
iii.
Affordability Administrator requirements.
1)
An Affordable Housing Administrator should have the following minimum experience/qualifications:
a)
Not less than 3 years previous experience in a property management and/or affordable housing agency.
b)
Not less than 1-year previous experience in the administration or operation of affordable housing (rental and/or ownership).
c)
Bilingual candidates are highly desirable for enhancing communication with diverse clients.
d)
Having a basic knowledge of Fair Housing Laws.
2)
Additional qualifications to be considered:
a)
Professional certification associated with property management/real estate sales.
b)
Professional certification associated with affordable housing property management/operations.
3)
Sample duties of an Affordable Housing Administrator: The duties of the Affordable Housing Administrator, should include the following:
a)
Determine the maximum sale/lease price for the Unit, pursuant to Affordability Plan of record.
b)
Assist, prepare, and/or review with the Unit Owner/Community copies of any required notices of unit availability that may need to be prepared relating to the sale/lease of the unit, pursuant to compliance with the Affordability Plan;
c)
Prepare/maintain a waiting list of interested parties.
d)
Determine the eligibility criteria for a purchaser/lessee.
e)
Prepare and distribute an affordable housing application for interested parties;
f)
Review applications and supporting documentation, supply a letter of certification confirming that the buyer/lessee meets the income level.
g)
Consult and/or supply the closing attorneys with information regarding the transaction and parties involved.
h)
Confirm that deeds conveying the Unit, or leases, contain the required restriction provisions, as set forth in Schedules of the Affordability Plan, respectively.
i)
Advise, supply and review the prior year activity of the sale or lease of an Affordable Housing Unit within the Town/City, by January 31st of the year following such sale or lease, of all transfers and leases of affordable units for the preceding year, as requested.
j)
Any other duties that arise from the transaction or are related to the deed restricted property.
iv.
Workforce housing compliance plan requirements. A workforce housing compliance plan is required for each workforce housing development proposed pursuant to state statute requirements, which should be approved by the Zoning Commission. The Plan must state that the first 30 days of rental applications should be made available exclusively to Town employees (teachers, cops, fire fighters, etc.); to local hospital employees; or senior citizens that currently reside in Town of Stratford.
D.
Utilities.
1)
The property to be served for a multifamily development (3+) must be served by sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems and by public utilities, which shall include public water supply.
2)
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any multifamily development (3+) unit until such unit has been connected to a supply of potable water sufficient to furnish at least 100 gallons of water per day. If said water is supplied from any system other than a public water supply, its potability shall be certified by the Health Officer of the Town of Stratford.
3)
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any multifamily development (3+) unit until such unit has been connected to the Town sanitary sewer system, or to private sanitary disposal facilities meeting the minimum requirements of both the Town and state departments of health.
E.
Parking. Off-street parking shall be subject to the requirements and standards of Section 6.8 (Parking & Loading) of these Regulations, in addition the standards and required number of parking spaces listed below:
1)
Parking spaces for a multifamily development (3+) shall be provided at the following rates:
a)
Efficiency or 1-Bedroom Units: 1 space per unit.
b)
2-Bedroom units: 1.25 spaces per unit.
c)
3+ Bedroom units: 1.5 spaces per unit.
d)
Plus, guest parking at the rate of 10% of the total spaces required.
F.
Recreational space. A minimum of 10% of the total lot area shall be established for either active or passive recreational purposes to serve the residents of said development. This land shall be in one piece and lawn or trim areas between walks and building or between walks and paving shall not be considered as recreational area. A layout of proposed recreational facilities shall be shown on the site plan submitted for approval. All open spaces shall be landscaped to conform to the surrounding area and shown on the site plan prepared by a landscape architect or landscape contractor.
5.1.6 Redevelopment/adaptation of an existing building.
[Amended 4-22-2026;[1] 6-24-2026]
A.
Applicability. The redevelopment and/or the adaptation of an existing building for a multifamily development (3+) use is permitted in the CA, CF, LB or LBB Districts only. Such redevelopment or adaptation shall meet the requirements of subsection B, below.
B.
Site development and general requirements.
i.
General requirements.
1)
Said building(s) must have been in existence for a minimum of 25 years.
a)
All applications under this section shall be reviewed on an individual basis. The Zoning Commission shall give full consideration to the character of existing land uses and zoning districts in the vicinity of this proposed use to assure the feasibility of providing a quality residential environment.
b)
In the event of the adaptive reuse of existing hotel buildings located in the CA District, the use of said building may be converted into a multifamily (3+) development, provided the number of dwelling units proposed does not exceed 2/3rds of the number of hotel rooms which exist at the time of the application for adaptive reuse.
ii.
Dimensional standards.
1)
The minimum lot area shall be 20,000 square feet.
2)
The coverage and density provisions outlined in Section 5.1.4 shall not apply.
3)
The permitted density for living units shall be not less than 1,500 square feet of lot area per living unit.
4)
Where the existing footprint of the building will not change, the foregoing provisions of Section 5.1.4 shall not apply to yard setbacks, exterior building heights, building coverages, and lot area. In this instance, these dimensional standards shall revert to provisions of the underlying zone in which the building is situated, but in no event shall these Regulations preclude pre-existing conditions as to all coverages and yard setbacks.
5)
Interior height limitations shall not apply to 1/3rd of the residential units so long as the interior heights of the units comply with the state building code in effect at the time the applications are made to the Zoning Commission.
iii.
Parking. Parking shall be consistent with the requirements and standards set forth in Section 6.8 (Parking & Loading). The required parking space requirements of Section 5.1.6.F shall also apply.
iv.
Recreational area. The recreational requirements of Section 5.1.5.G shall not apply.
[1]
Editor's Note: This amendment also renumbered former Section 5.1.16 as Section 5.1.6.
5.1.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this regulation is to establish standards and requirements for older adult housing communities within the Town of Stratford.
5.1.2 Special permit required.
Housing communities for persons 55 years of age or older may be permitted by the Zoning Commission as a special permit subject to the provisions of Section 7.3.4 (Special Permit) and the development standards outlined within this section.
5.1.3 Dimensional standards.
An Older Adult Housing Community shall utilize different dimensional standards based on its location relative to Town-owned open spaces of 200 or more acres:
1)
For a proposed Older Adult Housing Community in which the lot abuts Town-owned open space of 200 or more acres, then the following standards shall apply:
a)
Minimum lot area: 20 acres.
b)
Maximum building coverage: 15%.
c)
Maximum impervious coverage: 30%.
d)
Minimum building separation: 20 feet.
e)
Maximum community building area: 3,500 square feet.
f)
Maximum density: 2.0 units per acre.
2)
For a proposed Older Adult Housing Community in which the lot does not abut Town-owned open space of 200 or more acres, then the following standards shall apply:
a)
Minimum lot area: 11 acres.
b)
Maximum building coverage: 15%.
c)
Maximum impervious coverage: 25%.
d)
Minimum building separation: 25 feet.
e)
Maximum community building area: 3,500 square feet.
f)
Maximum density: 1.75 units per acre.
g)
Maximum size of units: 2,100 square feet.
3)
For all proposed Older Adult Housing Communities, regardless of its location relative to town-owned open space of 200 or more acres, the following shall also apply:
a)
Minimum lot depth: 125 feet.
b)
Minimum lot width: 150 feet.
c)
Minimum contiguous open space: 25% of gross parcel area.
d)
Maximum building height: 30 feet.
e)
Front yard. When the parcel adjoins or abuts a single-family district, this setback shall be 1.5 times the setback of the underlying district. Where the applicant's property line abuts an open space or recreational area, the setback shall be as required in the underlying district.
f)
Side/rear yard. When the parcel adjoins or abuts a single-family district, this setback shall be two times the setback of the underlying district. Where the applicant's property line abuts an open space or recreational area, the setback shall be as required in the underlying district.
5.1.4 Site development and general requirements.
A.
General requirements.
1)
The community shall be a residential common interest ownership community as defined in Chapter 828 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
2)
The buildings in the community shall be limited to detached single-family dwelling units, a community building, and other accessory buildings, provided any community building and accessory building is for the use of residents of the community for recreational, meeting, office and/or maintenance purposes.
3)
Each dwelling unit shall contain adequate areas for storage and may not have more than three bedrooms.
4)
Any existing single-family dwelling unit, regardless of size, may remain and be utilized as a single-family residential unit, in the manner in which it was utilized prior to special case approval required by this section; however, said unit shall be counted for density purposes as set forth above.
5)
None of the dwelling units in the community may be occupied by anyone who is less than 18 years of age, subject to state and federal housing laws.
6)
At least 80% of the dwelling units shall be restricted such that they must be occupied by at least one person who is 55 years of age or older. The 55 years of age or older requirement for each of the 80% of the units that are so restricted is subject to such exceptions as are provided under the Federal Fair Housing Act. For example, provided the following are allowed as exceptions under the Federal Fair Housing Act, if a restricted dwelling unit is occupied by a person who is necessary to provide a reasonable accommodation to a disabled resident or residents of the community, or if a restricted dwelling unit is no longer occupied by at least one person who is at least 55 years of age or older because a 55 years of age or older occupant has passed away or requires care in an assisted living or continuing care facility, the dwelling unit may continue to be occupied by the person under the age of 55.
B.
Buffers. The Commission may require along the perimeter of the development adequate buffer screening and/or plantings within the rear building setback area.
C.
Parking. Parking shall be provided at the rate of two spaces per dwelling unit and six spaces per 1,000 square feet of community building and visitor parking. For additional parking requirements and standards please see Section 6.8 (Parking and Loading).
D.
Utilities. The development shall be served by public sewer and water. All utilities shall be placed underground.
E.
Open spaces. Open space areas, as required by this section, shall meet the following standards:
1)
Shall be generally well-drained, and there shall be reasonable access to the land over non-wetlands sections of the property.
2)
Such open space shall have a minimum of 35 feet of frontage on a Town-approved road or a new road to be constructed within the development, unless the open space area can be accessed to adjoining open space or public land.
3)
No more than 60% of the open space land can be land that is designated as inland or tidal wetland or land that would be classified as having a slope of 25% or greater, unless, in the opinion of the Zoning Commission, the protection of such environmentally sensitive areas outweighs the need for other forms of usable open space for that particular development or for the surrounding neighborhood.
4)
Such open space shall be of such overall character and shape that it will meet its intended purpose.
5)
The petitioner shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Zoning Commission that the property will be held in a manner that will maintain the open space in perpetuity.
6)
The contiguous open space required by this section shall be merged with any open space owned by the town, which abuts the subject property, and said title to the contiguous open space shall vest in the Town of Stratford. The merger of said contiguous open space shall not cause the subject property to be nonconforming as to the minimum lot area requirements of this section.
5.2.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this regulation is to establish standards and requirements for a planned economic development in the Town of Stratford. This development type is intended to accomplish the following:
1)
To encourage industrial, distribution, commercial and executive business operations to be grouped together in integrated development of sufficient size to meet high standards of design.
2)
To provide design flexibility in the implementation of such developments and their control through a series of review procedures and the establishment of specific building and development standards.
3)
To promote the most desirable uses of land in accordance with an approved general development plan (GDP) designed to coordinate industrial, warehousing, office, and commercial growth in its relation to its surroundings.
4)
To encourage the establishment of important and lasting employment centers and to broaden the tax base of the Town.
5)
To recognize that a necessary incentive to attract the large-scale, advance private investment in land and infrastructure for a planned economic development which may be implemented over a period measured in decades is an early public commitment to the acceptability of the concept embodied in the proposed GDP.
5.2.2 Definitions.
For the purposes of this regulation, the following terms are defined:
PLANNED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (PED)
An integrated development under one sponsorship in accordance with a General Development Plan ("GDP") as set forth in Section 5.3.3A (General Development Plan), on a tract containing at least 30 acres with one or more buildings, each containing one or more of the uses permitted under within the Coastal and Light Industrial Districts of these Regulations.
TRACT
Any parcel of land that contains at least 30 acres and is owned by, or is subject to, contractual rights or is controlled (i.e., options, etc.) by one person, firm, corporation, association, business entity (partnership, LLC, LLP, etc.) or venture. In the case of any parcels of land within a tract that are separated by a public or private street, a railroad, or public open spaces, but which parcels are owned or controlled as aforesaid, and such parcels demonstrate sufficient adjacency and interrelationship to each other to support a comprehensive development under the PED as defined in this subsection, then such parcels of land shall be deemed and construed to constitute one tract, notwithstanding that said tract is comprised of two or more lots, plots or parcels of land as shown on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Stratford.
TRACT AREA
The gross horizontal area contained within the outermost property lines of the tract, including easements, rights-of-way and any area proposed to be offered for any public use or purpose but excluding any existing public streets abutting or crossing said tract as well as all public open spaces and all areas covered by waterbodies, watercourse tidal wetlands and/or freshwater inland wetlands as defined in Chapter 440 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
5.2.3 Special permit and general development plan required.
Planned Economic Developments may be permitted by the Zoning Commission as a special permit, subject to the provisions of Section 7.3.4 (Special Permit) and the development standards outlined within this section. In addition to these requirements, an application for a Planned Economic Development shall include a General Development Plan (GDP) as outlined below.
A.
General development plan. The application for a Planned Economic Development shall include a complete GDP with the following information:
1)
A topographic map of the entire tract showing all tidal wetlands and/or freshwater wetlands as defined in Chapter 440 of the Connecticut General Statutes and all coastal resources within the tract and within 100 feet thereof.
2)
A conceptual plan for the overall development scheme within a PED which identifies the proposed uses, improvements, infrastructure, intensity of development, parking areas, open space and the traffic and circulation system to be located in the PED.
3)
A written planned statement containing appropriate legal evidence that the entire site is owned by or under effective control of the applicant describing various aspects of the plan, including any proposed phasing of development activities.
4)
A compliance chart of appropriate data demonstrating compliance with all requirements of these Regulations.
5)
The Zoning Commission may waive any submission requirements under Section 7.3.3C1) and 2) that may be inapplicable due to the conceptual nature of the GDP.
B.
Site plan requirements. An application for approval of a site plan for a specific use on a specific parcel shall include a plan which sets out in detail the proposed use, construction, landscaping, engineering and site development proposed for such parcel as well as any other information that the Zoning Commission may request as being necessary for a proper review of the application including but not limited to the following:
1) | Existing conditions plan showing building footprints, parking and loading areas, utilities, streets, and driveways. | |
2) | Site development plan showing proposed regrading, building footprints, parking, and loading areas, streets, and driveways. | |
3) | Utility plan indicating how all utility needs (including storm drainage, sewage disposal and water supply facilities) will be met. All utilities shall be installed underground. | |
4) | Preliminary architectural plans, including floor plans, sections and exterior elevations, roof lines, facade materials and other features of the proposed buildings or structures. | |
5) | Open space and parking areas management plan. | |
6) | Landscape plan. | |
No application for approval of a site plan shall be granted until the Zoning Commission has made the following findings: | ||
1) | That the site plan is consistent with all GDP standards. | |
2) | That the site plan complies with all requirements set forth in Sections 6.2 and 6.13 and all other requirements of these Regulations. | |
3) | That, if the site plan is for a use requiring special permit approval, a special permit application has been submitted to the Zoning Commission for such approval under Section 7.3.4 of these Regulations. | |
4) | That, except as set forth below, no building exceeds a height of 40 feet or two stories. If, considered in the context of the GDP, the Zoning Commission, in administrative session, finds that the further protection and enhancement of the environment can be accomplished by permitting an increase in the height of any building, the maximum permitted height in each case may be increased to four stories, not to exceed 60 feet provided that: | |
a) | The aggregate maximum floor area ratio of 0.35 for the entire GDP is not exceeded thereby. | |
b) | The minimum required setbacks shall be increased as provided in Section 3.5.1C (footnote 5) of these Regulations; and | |
c) | Such increase in height will be in conformity with all applicable airport zoning regulations. | |
5) | Off-street parking and loading shall be as provided in Section 6.8 of these Regulations. | |
C.
Approval and validity. The effect of approval of the planned economic development shall be as follows:
1)
Approval of the GDP shall be deemed to have designated the area encompassed thereon as a planned economic development (PED). Such designation shall not be affected by the subsequent sale, leasing, or mortgaging of any portion of the PED.
2)
Approval of the GDP shall not be deemed to approve any specific individual use that may be shown thereon. All individual uses will require either site plan and/or special case approval depending on the specific use.
3)
A PED shall be exempt from the time limit requirement set forth in Section 7.3.4 of these Regulations.
4)
Any site plan for a specific parcel within the PED which complies with all GDP standards shall be exempt from the front yard, side yard, rear yard, building coverage, impervious area, and open space requirements of Section 3.5.1C.
5.2.4 Site development and general requirements.
A.
General requirements.
1)
In a planned economic development, one goal is to have open space which shall be of such condition, location(s), size, and shape as to be readily usable for conservation, park, or recreation purposes by the occupants of the PED.
2)
Where possible, efforts should be made to encourage linkage for pedestrian and bicycle access from adjacent areas and to encourage public access and interaction with any adjacent park or recreational areas.
B.
Dimensional standards.
1)
The intensity of development for the entire GDP shall not exceed a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.35. The FAR on any parcel within the GDP may be greater than 0.35 provided that the FAR for the entire GDP does not exceed 0.35; and provided further that the proposed development complies with the height, impervious coverage, parking and all other applicable requirements.
2)
The minimum distance between buildings shall be not less than 30 feet.
3)
Where applicable, the location of all buildings within the GDP shall comply with the setback requirements of 6.13 (Water Resource Protections) of these Regulations. Where the said regulations do not apply, no building shall be nearer than 50 feet to any public street or boundary line of the tract and no parking area within such setback area shall be nearer than 25 feet to any public street existing at the time of the approval of the GDP or to any new street within the GDP that is proposed to be dedicated to the Town.
4)
The aggregate development within the PED shall conform to the following standards as a percentage of the tract area of the entire PED:
a)
Maximum building coverage: 30%.
b)
Maximum impervious area: 70%.
c)
Minimum open space area: 30%.
C.
Parking. Parking within a PED shall comply with the requirements of Section 6.8 (Parking and Loading), unless reduced by the Zoning Commission as set forth hereinafter:
1)
Parking spaces shall be provided for each use at the rate of 80% of the applicable requirements in Section 6.8.4.
2)
Parking within a PED is exempt from the requirement of Section 6.8.32)
3)
The parking requirements set forth above may be reduced by the Zoning Commission where the applicant provides documentation acceptable to the Commission demonstrating that peak use of certain parking facilities by neighboring developments within the PED will not occur at the same time or that other factors will permit multiple use of parking facilities, provided that the ratio of parking spaces to aggregate floor area shall not fall below 2.50 spaces per 1,000 square feet at any stage of development of the entire tract.
D.
Signage. Except as provided in this section, signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 6.11 (Signs). The following signs are permitted within a PED:
1)
One freestanding sign limited to the name of the development, provided that it meets the following requirements:
a)
The sign does not exceed 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height.
b)
Such sign shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract.
c)
A second freestanding directory sign may be permitted provided that:
i)
The sign does not exceed 30 square feet and eight feet in height.
ii)
Such sign may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
2)
One freestanding sign identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, provided that it meets the following requirements:
a)
The sign does not exceed 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height.
b)
Such sign shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
3)
Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.
5.3.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this regulation is to establish standards and requirements for Residential Open Space Developments, as defined in Section 2.2 of these Regulations, in the Town of Stratford.
5.3.2 Special permit required.
Residential Open Space Developments may be permitted in any residence district subject to approval of the Zoning Commission as a special permit, in accordance with Section 7.3.4 (Special Permit) of these Regulations. In addition to the general standards of Section 7.3.4 and this Section, the following shall be required:
1)
A Site Plan shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions provided in Section 7.3.3 (Site Plan).
2)
To ensure conformance with all proposals (excluding buildings) shown on the approved site plan and other approved documents, a performance bond shall be posted in accordance with the requirements outlined in Chapter IX of the Subdivision Regulations of the Town of Stratford.
5.3.3 Dimensional standards.
The following dimensional standards shall apply to all residential open space developments. Any supplemental dimensional standards found in Section 6 (Site Development Standards) shall also be required:
1)
The minimum lot size shall be 75 acres of contiguous land under one ownership; except where an applicant's property is divided by a road or roads, it may be considered as one application as long as at least one of the parcels contains a minimum of 75 acres of contiguous land under one ownership and all other parcels submitted as part of the application are under the same ownership and contain at least 20 acres each.
2)
The maximum building height shall be two stories, excluding basements.
3)
No building shall be constructed within 200 feet of any adjoining property line. No parking area shall be constructed within 150 feet of any adjoining property line.
4)
Buildings shall not cover more than 10% of the total acreage.
5)
At least 2/3rds of the total acreage shall remain as open space and/or recreation areas. Accessory buildings may be constructed on this open space. All dwelling units shall be constructed on the remaining 1/3 of the total acreage.
6)
The maximum number of units permitted shall be determined by the bedroom allotment in the development:
a)
One-bedroom unit at four to an acre; or two-bedroom units at one to an acre; or three-bedroom units at one to an acre.
b)
At least 3/4ths of the units shall not contain more than four rooms or one bedroom. A maximum of four buildings are permitted to a specific acre, and a maximum of four units are permitted to a specific building.
7)
The following livable floor area shall be provided for each dwelling unit, but not necessarily on one floor:
a)
For one-bedroom units (three rooms): 750 square feet.
b)
For one-bedroom units (four rooms): 950 square feet.
c)
For two-bedroom units: 1,100 square feet.
d)
For three-bedroom units: 1,250 square feet.
5.3.4 Site development and general requirements.
A.
General requirements.
1)
Accessory uses and buildings are permitted when provided as an integral part of the overall development to serve primarily the residents thereof but not necessarily limited to the following:
a)
Golf courses.
b)
Tennis courts.
c)
Swimming pools.
d)
Recreational facilities and buildings.
e)
Meeting halls.
f)
Maintenance, storage, and utility buildings.
g)
Parking garages.
2)
All interior streets, sidewalks, utilities, recreation facilities, and open space shall be owned and maintained by the applicant, owner, or association. Legal documentation, satisfactory to the Town Attorney, shall be submitted assuring the ownership and maintenance of said roads, sidewalks, utilities, recreation facilities and open space.
a)
A minimum of 10% of the total area shall be established for recreational purposes to serve the residents of the units.
b)
All streets, sidewalks, drainage, and sewerage facilities shall be constructed to conform to applicable Town standards.
3)
Basements shall be required for each building unit and shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven feet, six inches covering at least 60% of the first-floor area.
B.
Parking. Parking shall be provided in accordance with Section 6.8 (Parking and Loading). A minimum of 2.0 parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit. At least 1/3 of the required number of parking spaces shall be provided in open areas.
C.
Utilities. The proposed development shall connect with public sewers and public water or provide its own facilities satisfactory to both the Town and state departments of health.
