Pursuant to the purposes of this chapter, the intent of the R-4 Downtown Residential District is to preserve the predominant single-family residential character of areas containing relatively small lots and to protect such areas from encroachment by potentially incompatible commercial land uses and further intrusion by higher density residential development. The district recognizes the existence of a number of exceptionally large single-family dwellings located on double lots, many of which are threatened by economic obsolescence and significant maintenance needs, although they contribute to the overall character of the area and the town as a whole. It is the intent of the district to enable limited conversion of such dwellings to help ensure their economic viability while retaining their compatibility with the predominant single-family character of the area. The district also permits specific nonresidential uses which are necessary to provide for the recreational, educational, cultural and public service needs of a residential environment, subject to regulations and review processes to encourage compatible land use relationships.

(Ord. of 3-27-89, § 15-54)

The following uses and structures shall be permitted in the R-4 Downtown Residential District:

(1)

Single-family detached dwellings.

(2)

Funeral homes, provided that a special use permit shall be required as set forth in article XXII of this chapter. As used in this chapter, funeral home means a building primarily used for human funeral services. Such a building may contain space and facilities for embalming and the performance of other services used in the preparation of the dead for burial; the storage of funeral vehicles and facilities for cremation. A funeral chapel is also permitted.

(3)

Churches, provided that a plan of development shall be required as set forth in article IV of this chapter.

(4)

Public schools and private schools having substantially the same curriculum as public schools, provided that a special use permit shall be required as set forth in article XXII of this chapter.

(5)

Parks, recreational facilities, libraries and museums owned or operated by a governmental agency, and other uses required for the performance of governmental functions and intended primarily to provide services to adjoining neighborhoods, provided that a special use permit shall be required as set forth in article XXII of this chapter for all uses and structures permitted by this paragraph.

(6)

Propagation and cultivation of crops, flowers, trees and shrubs which are not offered for sale on the premises.

(7)

Rights-of-way, easements and appurtenances for public utilities and public transportation, but not including, railroad yards, freight or passenger depots, generating plants, transformer stations, sewage treatment plants or similar facilities.

(8)

Private wells, provided that a special use permit as set forth in article XXII of this chapter shall be required for any well which does not exclusively serve the property on which it is located.

(9)

Home occupations, as defined in article II of this chapter.

(10)

Signs as regulated by the provisions of article XXI of this chapter.

(11)

Accessory uses and structures, excluding the use of truck bodies, vans, trailers tanks and other vessels, as an accessory structures.

(12)

Homestay provided that a special use permit shall be required as set forth in article XXII of this chapter.

(13)

Child care centers licensed by the state, provided that outdoor play areas shall not be located within any yard between the main building and a street or within any required side yard, and shall be enclosed with continuous fencing not less than four feet in height, and provided further that a special use permit shall be required as set forth in article XXII of this chapter.

(Ord. of 3-27-89, § 15-55; Ord. of 12-29-97; Ord. No. 04-05, 8-29-05; Ord. No. 1-13, 3-25-13; Ord. No. 03-2019, 2-25-20; Ord. No. 05-2022, 7-25-22)

(a)

In the R-4 District, permitted uses served by public sewer and water shall be located on lots of not less than 5,750 square feet in area.

(b)

In the R-4 District, permitted uses for which on-site sewage disposal or water supply are provided shall be located on lots of not less than 15,000 square feet in area, provided that a greater minimum lot area may be required by the health official when deemed necessary for the safe and healthful provision of such on-site facilities.

(Ord. of 3-27-89, § 15-56; Ord. No. 04-05, 8-29-05)

Permitted uses in the R-4 District shall be located on lots of not less than 50 feet in width.

(Ord. of 3-27-89, § 15-57; Ord. No. 04-05, 8-29-05)

(a)

There shall be a living area of not less than 1,200 square feet provided within each dwelling unit in the R-4 District.

(b)

No dwelling unit with less than 1,200 square feet in living area shall be reconstructed within the R-4 District unless a special use permit is obtained as set forth in Article XXII of this chapter.

(Ord. of 3-27-89, § 15-58; Ord. No. 08-04, 9-27-04; Ord. No. 04-05, 8-29-05)

(a)

In the R-4 District, there shall be a front yard of not less than 15 feet.

(b)

In the R-4 District, there shall be side yards of not less than 7½ feet, provided that churches, schools and public buildings shall have side yards of not less than 25 feet abutting properties in residential districts.

(c)

In the R-4 District, there shall be a rear yard of not less than 25 feet.

(Ord. of 3-27-89, § 15-59)

No building or structure shall exceed a height of 35 feet in the R-4 District.

(Ord. of 3-27-89, § 15-60)