Voluntown City Zoning Code
SECTION 9
SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
9.1.
Applicability and Purpose: Except as may be expressly provided elsewhere in these Regulations, a Site Plan shall accompany all Special Exception applications and may be required by the Zoning Enforcement Officer on select administrative permits. The filing of the Site Plan is intended to provide the Commission/ZEO with information that will enable it to determine that the proposed activity shall be arranged in a manner that is consistent with these Regulations and that enhances the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Voluntown, to protect property values in the neighborhood, to preserve and protect historic features, natural resources, and the appearance and beauty of the community, to avoid undue traffic congestion, and to ensure against the erosion of soil and the sedimentation of streams and waterbodies. The Commission may conduct a pre-application review of the proposed project as stipulated by the Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-159b.
9.2.
Plan Contents.
A.
The Site Plan shall cover the entire property where the use is proposed, drawn at a scale of one inch equals no more than fifty feet, and shall clearly show the property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, the location of driveways, parking areas, wetlands and watercourses, walkways, landscaping, buffer strips, fences, water supply and sewage disposal facilities, paved areas, drainage features, signs and lighting.
B.
The Site Plan shall address vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
C.
Contour lines or other indications of elevation shall clearly show the direction of slope and flow of surface waters. Where re-grading is proposed, the existing and proposed grades will be shown.
D.
Where a proposed development contains a lot or lots fronting on an existing street that does not meet the dimensional and improvement requirements of these Regulations, the applicant shall be required to deed sufficient land to the Town of Voluntown to permit widening of the street and shall be required to make such improvements within the right-of-way of the street, as deemed appropriate by the Commission to maintain public safety.
E.
The Commission may require the Site Plan to be prepared, signed, and sealed by a Connecticut registered professional engineer or architect, whichever is appropriate. The determination by the Commission shall also be made to include an accurate class A-2 survey of the property and all improvements prepared by a land surveyor registered in the State of Connecticut.
F.
The Commission may require the applicant to submit an additional evaluation report to address an area or areas of concern resulting from a proposed development. Such areas may include traffic, drainage, or other impact-related evaluations to ensure these Regulations are implemented. Such reports shall be conducted by independent professionals as approved by the Commission. Such reports shall be required at the expense of the applicant.
G.
The Site Plan shall include parking and circulation details as prescribed in Section 9.3.
H.
The Site Plan shall include site lighting details as prescribed in Section 9.4.
I.
The Site Plan shall include landscape details as prescribed in Section 9.5.
J.
The Site Plan shall include architectural details as prescribed in Section 9.6.
K.
The Site Plan shall include a soil erosion and sedimentation plan as prescribed in Section 9.7.
L.
The Commission may, upon written request by the applicant, waive one or more of the Site Plan ingredient requirements if the applicant can show, to the satisfaction of the Commission, that the information is not needed to reach a decision on the application.
9.3.
Parking and Loading Standards.
A.
Purpose.This section lessens congestion in the streets by requiring adequate off-street parking and loading spaces be provided for all uses. Additionally, off-street parking and loading spaces should be properly designed and located to accommodate the safe flow of traffic on public and private property.
B.
Location and Ownership. Required accessory parking spaces shall be provided on the same lot as their use. As of the date of this section's adoption, all parking spaces shall conform to these Regulations' requirements.
1.
Within the Village District the Commission may approve parking located within 200 feet walking distance of the lot on which the principal use is located. Such parking spaces shall be either (1) in the same ownership as the use to which they are accessory or (2) be subject to a perpetual easement, dedicating such spaces as appurtenant to the property on which the principal use is located, which easement shall contain affirmative covenants requiring the owner of the principal use to maintain the required number of parking spaces available either (a) throughout the existence of such use to which they are accessory or (b) until such spaces are provided elsewhere, and which easement and covenant shall be subject to the approval of the Commission. Such easement and covenant may be approved for joint parking facilities.
C.
Size of Spaces. Minimum parking space dimensions shall be ten (10) feet wide by twenty (20) feet long, except for handicapped spaces, which shall conform to State requirements. Minimum aisle width shall be twelve (12) feet wide. Parking spaces shall be arranged so that enough extra room for motor vehicles can stand, turn, and maneuver, and areas for snow storage and snow removal activities.
D.
Access to Parking Areas. Such access shall be twenty-four (24) feet wide for two-way traffic and fourteen (14) feet wide for one-way traffic.
E.
Multiple Use of Lot. When a lot serves more than one use, such lot must provide for the parking requirements of each contributing use. Where it can be conclusively demonstrated that such uses will not occur simultaneously, the Commission may reduce the total parking spaces required. Within the Village District a lot may accommodate the parking needs of more than one establishment whether or not such establishments are located on the same lot.
F.
Change of Use. Any change of use or the addition of a use(s) to an existing use shall require that the aggregate required off-street parking be provided and uses that are non-conforming as to required off-street parking shall also be brought into compliance at such time.
G.
Parking Requirement. These Regulations are intended to create multifunctional, flexible, and adaptive off-street parking.
1.
All applicants for new or modified uses must demonstrate that parking is adequate to the proposed use(s);
2.
The applicant must demonstrate that safe loading and access by trucks and other delivery vehicles is accommodated in the Site Plan;
3.
For Special Exception uses, a parking analysis shall be submitted, prepared by a licensed professional engineer or other suitable professional, addressing the following:
H.
Off-Street Loading Requirements. All loading facilities, which are spaces or berths used for the loading or unloading of materials or products, shall be located at the rear or side of a proposed or existing building and shall be screened so as not to be visible from adjacent property of public streets.
I.
Access and Traffic. To reduce potential traffic conflict points, the Commission shall require driveways to be located so they will provide common access to adjacent parcel(s) of land (e.g., on property line) for traffic safety.
1.
The Commission shall also require common interior drives to serve more than one parcel, where appropriate for traffic safety. Such requirements may stipulate reserved rights-of-way in lieu of actual construction depending on present use of adjacent parcels. Where common driveways are required and constructed, a written agreement for the common use and maintenance of shared access must be recorded in the Town Land Records.
2.
An access drive which only serves an individual parcel may be permitted by the Commission if the Commission is satisfied that the characteristics of the parcel and the proposed drive placement will accomplish the intent of these regulations to minimize traffic circulation congestion. All other appropriate traffic safety measures such as sightline clearance must also be satisfied.
3.
The applicant must demonstrate that the site design makes proper provision for pedestrian access and safety. All Site Plans shall provide for pedestrian walkways and circulation in parking areas and around buildings, and with surrounding properties as appropriate.
9.4.
Lighting Standards. The intent of this section is to: permit uses of outdoor lighting for nighttime safety, utility, security, and enjoyment while preserving the ambiance of the night; curtail and reverse degradation of the nighttime environment and the night sky; minimize glare and obtrusive light by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected, excessive, or unnecessary; conserve energy. A Site Plan shall be accompanied by sufficient lighting detail to demonstrate compliance with the following:
A.
Residential Lighting. Outdoor residential lighting shall be directed onto the premises on which it is located and shall not cast direct lighting or glare off premises. Illumination of adjacent premises shall be minimized.
B.
Non-Residential Lighting. Outdoor lighting for nonresidential activities shall:
1.
Not exceed what is needed to conduct a legal activity on the subject property for user safety and site security. The Commission may require that the applicant submit expert testimony to demonstrate compliance with this regulation.
2.
Utilize shielded or cut-off fixtures to direct all illumination onto the premises and prevent off-site illumination. A cut-off fixture directs light down, nor sideways nor upward, with the light source completely enclosed in the fixture. Fixtures shall be selected from the list approved by the International Dark Skies Association or shall be equivalent.
3.
Utilize motion sensitive lighting and alarm systems in lieu of all-night lighting, except that the Commission may waive this requirement if it finds that all-night lighting is needed for security AND will not cause illumination of adjacent residential and undeveloped properties.
4.
Utilize free standing fixtures placed on poles that are low enough to keep light from spreading where it is not needed, typically not to exceed 20 feet in height.
5.
Not operate when the facility or activity is not operating, except the minimum needed for security purposes.
9.5.
Landscape Requirements.
A.
Intent: The intent of this section is to protect and enhance Voluntown's beauty, natural, historic, and cultural resources; and property values. The following standards are intended to: provide protection from off-site noise; screen views of intensive or commercial activities from less intensively zoned properties; protect the quality of water, soil, and other natural resources; reduce heat, glare, and dust; and beautify developed properties to enhance economic values and quality of life.
B.
General Requirements. Site Plans shall include landscaping details that conform to the following:
1.
Vegetative Cover. Any part of a property not used for the location of buildings, structures, accessory uses, parking and loading or other permitted use shall maintain vegetative cover to minimize storm water runoff and protect water quality. This section's requirements apply to the area between the edge of the road and the front property line of the subject property.
2.
Maintenance. Trees, shrubs, and other plants required by these regulations as a part of an approved Site Plan shall be maintained in a healthy, growing condition. Any required landscaping not in healthy condition shall be replaced by the property owner during the next planting season.
3.
Protection of plants. Trees, shrubs, and other plantings required as a part of an approved Site Plan adjacent to parking areas and driveways shall be protected from damage by curbs or other barriers.
4.
Existing vegetation. If found to fulfill this section's intent and requirements, existing vegetation may be credited with compliance with these regulations.
5.
Native species should be used wherever possible. No tree, shrub, or any other plant shall be installed that has been identified as an invasive species by the State of Connecticut Invasive Plants Council.
C.
Buffer Area. The buffer area's purpose is to minimize noise, lights, and appearance associated with nonresidential and dense residential development on nearby properties. A buffer area:
1.
Is required where a lot with nonresidential or multiple family (more than two units) residential development is adjacent to, or directly across the road from, a residential zoned property; and
2.
May be required where a lot with nonresidential or multiple family (more than 2 units) residential development is adjacent to a lot with residential use at the time of application for development, if the Commission finds, by a majority vote, that the impact of the proposed development will significantly depreciate the value of the residential property.
3.
Standards. The buffer area shall comply with the following standards:
a)
Buffer width. The minimum width of the buffer area is 50 feet. Where lot size and shape or existing structures make it infeasible to comply with the minimum width required, the Commission may, by a majority vote, reduce this requirement if it finds that the modified width meets the intent of these regulations.
b)
Plantings. The buffer area shall be planted with evergreen species of such type, height, spacing, and arrangement to effectively screen the activity on the lot from the neighboring residential area within 5 years of planting, as determined by a licensed arborist or landscape architect. At a minimum, the planting shall consist of two rows of trees planted twenty feet apart in the center with staggered arrangement. Trees shall be eight feet in height at time of planting. Non-evergreen plantings may be included to supplement evergreen planting, but not to take its place.
c)
Structural Buffers. An earthen berm, wall, or fence, with location, height, design, and materials approved by the Commission, may be substituted for any portion of the required planting and/or buffer area.
d)
Existing Screening. Where the Commission finds that existing topography and/or landscaping provide adequate screening, the Commission may reduce the planting and/or buffer area requirements.
D.
Landscaped Parking Areas.
1.
Intent. The intent of this section is to reduce heat build-up on pavement, increase infiltration of stormwater into the ground, renovate stormwater before it leaves the site, and establish standards that will guide development in Voluntown.
2.
Interior Landscaping.
a)
General Requirements. A parking area with ten or more parking stalls shall have landscaped islands marking each end of rows of vehicle spaces and intermediate islands at intervals of not more than ten vehicle spaces. Such planting islands shall be no less than 8 feet by 18 feet long. Each island shall be planted with ground cover or grass and shall contain a tree of at least 3-inch diameter at breast height and 8 feet high.
b)
Requirements for Shade. A parking area with twenty or more parking stalls shall be planted to provide shade over 35% of its area within 15 years of planting.
i.
The shading requirement applies to all surfaces on which a vehicle can drive and all parking stalls but does not apply to garages or enclosed parking stalls; truck loading areas that are separate from the vehicle parking area; vehicle sales display areas; vehicle repair parking and related vehicle storage areas.
ii.
The tree shading plan shall be prepared by a licensed arborist or landscape architect and shall be based upon the expected crown dimensions 15 years from time of planting.
iii.
A parking area that predates this regulation and is expanded shall be required to conform to the requirement over the expanded area, only.
iv.
Required trees shall be maintained for the life of the facility.
v.
Modification. The Commission may approve the modification of the interior landscaping's location by a majority vote if it finds that such landscaping can be located elsewhere on the lot to better achieve this section's purpose.
E.
Perimeter Landscaping. A landscaped area shall be provided along the perimeter of any parking area. The landscaped area shall have a minimum depth of ten feet; be planted to grass, ground cover or shrubs; and include at least one tree of at least three-inch diameter at breast height, ten feet in height, for every fifty feet along the perimeter of the parking area. The Commission may permit the placement of the perimeter landscaping area elsewhere on the lot if it finds that such placement better achieves this section's intent.
9.6.
Architectural Guidelines. Architectural drawings for information and not for construction purposes shall be submitted with Site Plans, showing proposed buildings and structures in elevation and floor plans, building materials, roof design, architectural details, and building uses.
9.7.
Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Stormwater Management.
A.
Erosion and Sediment (E&S) Control Plan. Whenever plans for the proposed development show that it will result in the disturbance of more than one-half acre of land, the applicant will submit with the Site Plan an erosion and sediment control plan that presents, in mapped and narrative form, the measures to be taken to control erosion and sedimentation both during and after construction. The E&S plan shall be based on "Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control," published by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection as may be amended from time to time. The E&S Control Plan shall include the following:
1.
Locations of areas to be stripped of vegetation.
2.
Locations of areas to be re-graded and contour data indicating existing and proposed grades.
3.
A schedule of operations, including the sequence of major improvement phases such as clearing, grading, paving, installation of drainage features and the like.
4.
Seeding, sodding, or re-vegetation plans and specifications for all unprotected or un-vegetated areas.
5.
Location, design, and timing of structural control measures, such as diversions, waterways, grade stabilization structures, debris basins, and the like. The narrative shall indicate design criteria used in the design of control measures.
6.
A description of procedures to be followed to maintain sediment control measures.
7.
The plan map shall show the words: "Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Certified by Vote of the Voluntown Planning and Zoning Commission on (date)," and a space for the signature of the Chairman or Secretary of the Commission.
B.
After review of the E&S Control Plan by the Commission or its designee, the Commission shall vote to certify that the plan is in compliance with these Regulations. A vote of the Commission to approve a Special Permit and/or a Site Plan shall imply approval of the E&S plan as well.
C.
The Commission, through its members, agents, and consultants, shall periodically inspect construction projects for which Special Permits or Site Plans have been approved to verify that E&S controls are installed and maintained in a manner consistent with the certified plan.
D.
All applications that require an E&S Control Plan shall also require a Stormwater Management and Treatment Plan.
1.
Such Plans shall be designed and prepared consistent with the 2024 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual, as may be amended from time to time, or an alternative guide deemed acceptable by the Commission.
2.
Stormwater management and treatment shall be accomplished on-site unless no feasible on-site options are available and shall provide for no increase in intensity or duration of off-site stormwater flows relative to pre-development conditions.
9.8.
Waste Collection: A waste collection area shall be designated on the Site Plan. Any dumpster or roll-off container shall be screened from view off site and shall be placed to the side or rear of the building. Containers shall have sufficient capacity to be closed at all times. Waste pickup shall be sufficient to prevent unsanitary conditions. There shall be no litter at any time.