Woodbridge City Zoning Code
ARTICLE V
Basic Standards
§ 495-21 Purpose.
The use of land, buildings, and structures within the Town of Woodbridge shall be established and constructed so as to conform to this section and this chapter. These standards establish certain nuisance factors that, if committed or exceeded in the use of land, buildings, and/or structures, will be detrimental to the use, enjoyment, and value of other land, buildings, and structures, and will be detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare.
§ 495-22 General requirements.
A.
B.
Lot splits and lot line revisions. All maps depicting, or deeds creating, a first division of property or Lot Line Revision must be reviewed and approved for zoning compliance by the Town Zoning Enforcement Officer prior to the filing of any such map or recording of any such deed on the Land Records, and shall not result in the creation of a rear lot, or a non-conforming lot.
§ 495-23 Environmental conditions.
A.
Preservation of special features.
(1)
The applicant shall preserve special features that enhance the value of a development and/or a community. Special features to be preserved include, but are not limited to, large individual healthy trees, groves or stands of healthy trees; brooks, streams, ponds, creeks, waterfalls, lakes, wetlands, and their adjacent buffer areas; historic landmarks; scenic vistas, overlooks, and ridge lines; stone walls; and slopes equal to, or greater than, 35%.
(2)
The planning and design of the site, including related streets, drainage, and other improvements, shall provide for preservation of natural features of the site by:
(a)
Avoiding cuts or fills that result in potential soil erosion and excessive tree removal that disturb water resources;
(b)
Avoiding removal of healthy mature trees, desirable woods, and other vegetation, particularly those existing plant materials that serve as wind barriers in the winter or offer passive cooling of buildings in the summer;
(c)
Minimizing driveway, road width, and curbing to reduce necessary clearing, thus retaining the natural landscape; and
(d)
Identifying special features on the topographic maps submitted in accordance with this chapter.
B.
Stone walls. The preservation of stone walls is important in maintaining the Woodbridge country landscape. To the extent possible, existing stone walls shall be preserved and maintained and shall be used in demarcating property lines. Where the preservation of a stone wall is not possible, the wall shall be relocated on the lot. The Commission may require the creation of conservation easements or similar instruments to insure long-term protection of stone walls.
D.
Air pollution. No dust, dirt, fly ash, smoke, gas, fumes, or odors shall be emitted into the air from any lot so as to endanger public health and safety, to impair safety on or the value and reasonable use of any other lot, nor to constitute a critical source of air pollution, or to create a nuisance.
E.
Danger. No material that is dangerous due to explosive potential, extreme fire hazard, or radioactivity shall be used, stored, manufactured, processed, or assembled except in accordance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations of the Town of Woodbridge, State of Connecticut, and federal government.
§ 495-24 Refuse and pollution.
A.
Dumpster and solid waste disposal location and design. No refuse or other waste materials shall be dumped on any lot except as provided for in this chapter.
(1)
All hazardous materials and waste chemicals shall be stored inside on an impervious floor with some form of secondary containment;
(2)
Solid waste material shall be stored in an appropriately sized, covered, solid waste dumpster, or other water-tight container that is plugged to prevent the release of any liquid;
(3)
Waste material shall be disposed of by a licensed waste hauler in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
(4)
All servicing of vehicles and equipment shall be conducted indoors on an impervious surface; and
(5)
There shall be absolutely no discharges of motor vehicle fluids or detergent chemicals to the environment.
§ 495-25 Sediment and erosion control regulations.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
Sedimentation and erosion controls shall be installed whenever soil disturbance may cause sedimentation on or erosion of neighboring property and/or the deposition of sediment into public roadways, the public water supply, public storm management system, or into a wetlands or watercourse.
(2)
A soil erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted with any application for development when the disturbed area of such development is cumulatively more than 1/2 acre.
B.
Procedures.
(1)
Soil erosion and sediment control plans shall be submitted as part of a special exception or site plan application. Plans for development not requiring special exception or site plan review shall be submitted as part of a zoning permit application.
(2)
The Commission and/or its designated agent may refer any soil erosion and sediment control plan to any other town agency or its consultant for review and comment.
C.
Application. The application shall include the following:
(1)
A soil erosion and sediment control plan shall provide for the adequate control of accelerated erosion and sedimentation and reduce the danger from stormwater runoff at the proposed site based on the best available technology, found in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (2002), as may have been amended from time to time. Alternative principles, methods and practices may be used with prior approval of the Commission. The plan may be submitted as part of a special exception or site plan application as set forth in this chapter. Plans shall include:
(a)
A narrative describing the proposed project; a schedule for grading and construction activities, including start and completion dates; sequence of grading and construction activities; sequence for installation and/or application of soil erosion and sediment control measures; and the sequence for final stabilization of the project site; and
(b)
The design criteria, construction details, installation and/or application procedures, and operations and maintenance program for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management facilities.
(2)
A site plan complying with Application standards and procedures, and containing the following additional information:
(a)
The proposed alterations on the site, including cleared, excavated, filled, or graded areas;
(b)
The location of and design details for all proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management facilities;
(c)
The sequence of grading and construction activities;
(d)
The sequence for installation and/or application of soil erosion and sediment control measures; and
(e)
The sequence for final stabilization of the development site.
(3)
Any other information deemed necessary and appropriate by the applicant or requested by the Commission or its designated agent.
D.
Standards. The Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan shall meet the following minimum standards:
(1)
Plans for soil erosion and sediment control shall be developed in accordance with this chapter using the principles outlined in Chapters 3 and 4 of the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (2002), as may have been amended from time to time;
(2)
The minimum standards for individual measures are those in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (2002), as may have been amended from time to time;
(3)
The design peak flow rates and runoff volumes to be used in association with the design and specification of erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be determined in accordance with § 495-27 of this chapter, and/or as determined by a generally accepted published engineering method, as applicable;
(4)
The Commission may grant exceptions to the minimum standards when requested by the applicant, if technically sound reasons are presented by a professional engineer, licensed in the State of Connecticut;
(5)
All erosion controls shall be installed prior to the commencement of construction activities;
(6)
All stockpiles of excavated material remaining on-site for more than a month shall be temporarily seeded or covered;
(7)
Erosion controls shall be inspected regularly and immediately after each rainfall, as well as maintained and modified as necessary;
(8)
Hay bales proposed for use on paved surfaces shall be replaced with a combination of filter fabric, concrete blocks, and gravel, or by silt sack inserts; and If the property is located within a public water supply watershed:
E.
Conditions of approval. The Commission, or its designated agent, may include conditions deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:
(1)
Installation of measures necessary for sediment and erosion control prior to start of construction;
(2)
Receipt of a bond to cover costs of measures required to control soil erosion and sedimentation; and
(3)
Progress reports from the applicant assuring effective installation and proper maintenance of controls.
§ 495-27 Stormwater management.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
The purpose of this section is to provide guidance for land use and development, and the planning and design approaches that are necessary to protect the waters of the Town from the potential adverse impact(s) of stormwater runoff. The protection and preservation of these waters is in the public interest and is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Town of Woodbridge.
(2)
The intent of this chapter is to establish requirements for stormwater management plans. Such plans should include design practices and technical standards that address any proposed change to the land that may alter hydrologic conditions. Stormwater plans should also:
(a)
Preserve pre-development site hydrology to the extent possible;
(b)
Reduce the average total suspended solids (TSS) loadings by 80%;
(c)
Incorporate stormwater treatment systems and best management practices (BMP) to facilitate the removal of pollutants; and
(d)
Manage runoff velocity and volume such that the physical and biological character of the existing drainage system(s) is maintained or improved.
B.
Applicability.
(1)
No person shall develop land without having provided stormwater management measures that control or manage runoff from such development, except as provided within this chapter. The stormwater management measures must be consistent with the 2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual, as may have been amended from time to time.
(2)
A stormwater management plan shall be prepared for all site development proposals when the Commission determines that changes to the land associated with the proposal may significantly alter hydrologic conditions resulting in potential pollution and/or other adverse impacts to the ground water or other natural resources of the Town of Woodbridge.
(3)
All site development plans shall include a stormwater management plan.
C.
General requirements. Stormwater management plans shall include:
(1)
A narrative describing the project, the objectives of the stormwater management plan including the potential impacts resulting from the proposed development, and a description of the practices, techniques, structures, and facilities proposed in the stormwater management plan to mitigate such impact(s);
(2)
The existing features and proposed improvements;
(3)
The potential impacts resulting from the proposal or activity;
(4)
A description of the practices, techniques, structures, and facilities proposed to mitigate such impacts;
(5)
A construction schedule including phasing and sequencing;
(6)
Identification of the owner(s) of the property on which the development is proposed and identification of the applicant submitting an application for approval and/or a permit;
(7)
Identification of the responsible person(s) for implementation of the stormwater management plan during the construction period of the development including mailing address, twenty-four-hour contact telephone number(s), facsimile number(s), and email address;
(8)
A description of the procedures to be implemented in the case of emergency environmental or severe rain-fall events during the construction period of the development;
(9)
Identification of all known local, state, and/or federal regulatory approvals and/or permits that may be required to be obtained for the development;
(11)
A description of the surface water and ground water resources, including identification of water quality classifications and the presence of impaired water-bodies as identified by the Connecticut DEEP, on and in the vicinity of the site of the proposed development; and
(12)
A description of the development, construction Limitations, and constraints of the site of the proposed development including:
(a)
Areas of exposed bedrock;
(b)
Areas of shallow depth to bedrock surficial soils as defined by the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey;
(c)
Areas of high erosion hazard surficial soils as defined by the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey;
(d)
Areas of ground surface slopes greater than or equal to 25%; and
(e)
Areas of potential shallow depth to ground water.
D.
Stormwater peak flows.
(1)
No increase in stormwater peak flows will be allowed unless downstream increases are compatible with an overall floodplain management system. The following items should be considered in determining whether increased peak flows are compatible with an overall floodplain management system:
(a)
Timing of peak flows from sub-watersheds;
(b)
Increased duration of high flow rates;
(c)
Stability of the downstream channels;
(d)
Distance downstream that the peak; discharges are increased; and
(e)
Comparison of the peak flow rates from the pre- to post-development condition for the one-, two-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm events.
(2)
When stormwater detention structures are required, they shall be designed so that the peak flow after development shall not exceed the pre-construction peak flow.
(3)
The applicant shall furnish calculations that demonstrate there would be no increase in peak flow rates from the pre-development to the post-development condition for the one-, two-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year frequency, twenty-four-hour duration Type III Distribution Storms, as computed with Technical Release #55, Urban Hydrology, Engineering Division, Soils Conservation Service, USDA, January 1975, as amended, TR-20, HEC-1, or by use of other methods conforming to sound engineering practice as set forth in this section.
E.
Design guidance and recommendations. The following documents are incorporated in this chapter by reference. They give guidance and recommendations for the analysis and design of practices, techniques, structures, and other facilities to be incorporated in the stormwater management plan. Other standards of practice, engineering analysis and design, and computational or sizing methologies may be used upon review and approval of the Commission.
(1)
Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation and Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, Bulletin No. 34, 2002, as may have been amended from time to time.
(2)
Connecticut Department of Transportation, Connecticut Department of Transportation Drainage Manual 2000, as may have been amended from time to time.
(3)
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (Final Draft), as may have been amended from time to time.
F.
Design practices and technical standards. Stormwater management plans shall incorporate the design practices and technical standards appropriate for the site conditions and proposed development. The Commission, or its designated agent, may require additional design practices and/or technical standards to be incorporated in the stormwater management plan where a proposal will discharge stormwater runoff to an area identified as a sensitive surface water, ground water, or other natural resource, which is impaired and/or experiencing existing flooding, stream channel instability, or water quality problems.
G.
Site planning and design.
(1)
Site planning and design practices, best management practices (especially those referred to as non-structural practices), low-impact development (LID), and alternative site design techniques intended to mitigate the effects of changes to the land hydrologic conditions shall be considered in the design of a development proposal.
(2)
These planning and design practices should:
(a)
Protect and preserve a site's natural features and systems including drainage systems, resource protection, and buffer areas;
(b)
Preserve vegetation;
(c)
Avoid creating steeply sloped areas;
(d)
Avoid excessive site grading;
(e)
Minimize the area of impervious and managed surface coverage including sidewalks, streets, driveways, and walkways;
(f)
Encourage the disconnection of impervious and managed surfaces;
(g)
Minimize changes in surface water drainage patterns;
(h)
Promote temporary storage of stormwater runoff;
(i)
Promote infiltration of stormwater runoff;
(j)
Reduce increases in volume of stormwater runoff and changes in magnitude, frequency, and duration of stormwater discharges to receiving waters;
(k)
Prevent and minimize impacts to surface and ground water resources;
(l)
Reduce or eliminate the use of curbing;
(m)
Reduce use of storm sewers;
(n)
Encourage use of permeable paving materials where practicable; and
(o)
Encourage use of bio-retention basins, rain gardens, and swales.
H.
Stormwater infiltration. (see also Chapter 370 of Woodbridge Ordinances)
(1)
The guidance and recommendations given in the 2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual, as amended, shall be the minimum used in the design of stormwater infiltration practices and techniques, and structures or facilities. Protection and improvement of the water supply is essential.
(2)
Where stormwater runoff infiltration is proposed, the Commission or its designated representative will require that subsurface investigations including field testing (test pit or soil borings, and infiltration tests) be made of the hydro-geologic conditions of the site and vicinity of the infiltration practice, technique, structure, or facility. Field testing shall be performed by a licensed professional engineer that is registered in the State of Connecticut.
(3)
If a stormwater infiltration practice, technique, structure, or facility is also intended to function to control peak rates of discharge of stormwater runoff, the practice, technique, structure, or facility shall be designed in accordance with the recommendations and guidance given in the Connecticut Department of Transportation Drainage Manual 2000, as may have been amended from time to time.
(a)
Concentrated stormwater runoff.
[1]
Where concentrated stormwater runoff is proposed to be discharged to a stormwater collection and conveyance system, man-made or natural channel, culvert, bridge, or other hydraulic structure due to site and design conditions, the hydraulic adequacy of the system, channel, and/or structure shall be analyzed by the applicant's engineer for the one-, two-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm events.
[2]
Where concentrated stormwater runoff is proposed to be discharged directly to the ground surface or directly to a wetland or watercourse, the stability of the outlet at the discharge location and the requirement for outlet and slope protection measures beyond the discharge location shall be determined by the design engineer, and subject to the review and approval of the Commission or its designated representative and/or the Town of Woodbridge IWC.
[3]
Where it is determined that a system, channel, structure, or discharge outlet location is hydraulically inadequate under existing conditions and/or will be hydraulically inadequate due to the proposed design, the applicant shall:
[a]
Improve stormwater collection and conveyance systems to a condition where the systems are hydraulically adequate to convey the post development peak flow for the twenty-five-year, twenty-four-hour storm event;
[b]
Improve man-made or natural channels to a condition where the channels are hydraulically adequate to convey the post development peak flow for the twenty-five-year, twenty-four-hour storm event;
[c]
Improve culverts or bridges to a condition where the culvert or bridge will safely convey the design post-proposal, or activity peak discharges as determined by the design engineer and approved by the Commission or its designated representative;
[d]
Improve the stability of the outlet of the conveyance system, channel, or structure, and install outlet protection measures at the discharge location, and slope protection measures beyond the discharge location if applicable, to a standard or degree that is deemed to be acceptable to the Commission or its designated representative; or
[e]
Develop a site design that attenuates post construction peak rates of discharge equal to or less than levels of existing peak rates of discharge for the one-, two-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm events.
[4]
The applicant shall be responsible for the determination of the necessity of any and all additional permitting, obtaining said permitting, and/or the applicability of other standards that may exist from the Town of Woodbridge IWC, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), FEMA, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT), or any other agency which may have Jurisdictional authority.
(b)
Stream channel protection. Where a development proposal will discharge stormwater runoff to a natural channel, the following criteria for stream channel protection shall be incorporated in the design of the proposal where the Commission has determined that stream channel protection measures are required.
[1]
When stormwater runoff is discharged to a natural channel, the applicant shall either:
[a]
Improve the channel using methods and materials that will minimize the impacts on the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the natural channel system, and will preserve the natural channel characteristics to the maximum extent practicable; or
[b]
Develop a site design that meets one or both of the over-control method criteria for stream channel protection by either:
[i]
Attenuating the design post proposal or activity twenty-four-hour duration, two-year recurrence interval peak rate of discharge of stormwater runoff to the channel to one-half of its pre-development magnitude or less; or
[ii]
Attenuating the post construction, twenty-four-hour duration, two-year recurrence interval peak rate of discharge of stormwater runoff to the channel to be less than or equal to the pre-development twenty-four-hour duration, one-year recurrence interval peak rate of discharge of stormwater runoff to the channel.
[2]
Where concentrated stormwater runoff is discharged to a natural channel that is experiencing channel instability under existing conditions or has been identified by the Commission as requiring additional protection, the applicant shall either:
[a]
Improve the channel using methods and materials that will minimize the impacts on the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the natural channel system, and will preserve the natural channel characteristics to the maximum extent practicable; or
[b]
Develop a site design that provides extended detention of the design post proposal or activity twenty-four-hour duration, one-year recurrence interval peak rate of discharge of stormwater runoff to the channel for a minimum period of 24 hours.
(c)
Over-bank flooding protection.
[1]
Where stormwater runoff is proposed to be discharged from the site, the hydraulic adequacy of hydraulic structures and/or receiving channels to convey the design post proposal or activity twenty-five-year, fifty-year, and 100-year recurrence interval peak rates of discharge shall be verified.
[2]
Where it is determined by a professional engineer, licensed in the State of Connecticut, that a structure, or receiving waterway is hydraulically inadequate under existing conditions and/or will be hydraulically inadequate due to the development proposal, redevelopment proposal, or activity, the applicant shall either:
[a]
Improve the hydraulic structure or waterway to a condition where the design post proposal or activity twenty-five-year, fifty-year, and 100-year recurrence interval peak rates of discharge can be conveyed; or
[b]
Develop a site design that will attenuate the design post proposal or activity twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year recurrence interval peak rates of discharge to be less than or equal to the design existing condition twenty-five-year, fifty-year, and 100-year recurrence interval peak rates of discharge.
(d)
Specific data required.
[1]
All storm drainage calculations must be certified by a professional engineer, licensed in the State of Connecticut. The Commission may require that the preparation of the stormwater management plan include other professionals in other disciplines such as landscape architecture, environmental sciences.
[2]
The stormwater management plan shall be submitted with each application to the TPZ.
[3]
Design information shall:
[a]
Include drawings presented at a scale that will allow for clear identification of all existing conditions and post-construction conditions on and in the vicinity of the site of the development;
[b]
Include certification by a professional engineer, who is licensed in the State of Connecticut; and
[c]
Be based upon a survey prepared by a licensed land surveyor to A-2, T-2 (on-site) and T-D (off-site) standards, unless otherwise authorized by the Commission or its designated representative, and shall include, as applicable, the following general data:
[i]
Property boundaries;
[ii]
Adjoining property owners;
[iii]
Buildings and other structures;
[iv]
Zoning district(s) and/or boundaries;
[v]
Existing and proposed land uses;
[vi]
Existing ground cover conditions including vegetation types;
[vii]
Proposed ground cover conditions, including proposed clearing limits;
[viii]
Existing and proposed impervious surface and managed surface coverage areas;
[ix]
Existing and proposed easements including those for access, utilities, drainage, maintenance, and conservation or resource protection purposes; and
[x]
Existing and proposed areas subject to deed restrictions including those for conservation or resource protection purposes.
(e)
Engineering data required.
[1]
Existing ground surface elevation contours preferably referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) and proposed ground surface elevation contours. Benchmark(s) should also be shown;
[2]
Utility company facilities and services;
[3]
Drinking water supply reservoir and well locations;
[4]
Ephemeral, intermittent, and/or perennial watercourses;
[5]
Surface water bodies;
[6]
Special flood hazard areas or boundaries and base flood elevations where determined, floodways or boundaries, and/or stream channel encroachment lines;
[7]
Resource protection areas and boundaries;
[8]
Aquifer protection district areas or boundaries;
[9]
Public water supply watershed areas or boundaries;
[10]
Areas of ground surface slope greater than or equal to 20%;
[11]
Areas of exposed bedrock; and
[12]
Locations of stormwater discharges.
(f)
Hydrological and soil data required.
[1]
Inland wetland areas or boundaries, as field delineated by a certified soil scientist and field located by a land surveyor registered in the State of Connecticut;
[2]
Inland wetland regulated areas or boundaries;
[3]
Surficial soil types classified by hydrologic soil group as defined by the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service Survey ("USDA Survey");
[4]
Areas of shallow depth to bedrock surficial soils as defined by the USDA Survey;
[5]
Areas of high erosion hazard surficial soils as defined by the USDA Survey;
[6]
Areas of potential shallow depth to groundwater;
[7]
The locations of all subsurface investigations;
[8]
Surface water drainage patterns and watershed and/or catchment boundaries;
[9]
The locations of all stormwater collection, conveyance, and management systems and other hydraulic structures including, culverts, bridges, and dams;
[10]
Tributary land areas to appropriate points for purposes of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and hydrologic and hydraulic design of proposed practices and techniques, and structures or facilities;
[11]
Travel time component and time of concentration flow paths for purposes of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design of proposed practices and techniques, and structures or facilities;
[12]
Subsurface soil investigation information for the design of all practices, techniques, structures, and facilities where the determination of soil classifications and depths to groundwater, restrictive soil layers, and/or rock are required, and where the determination of particle gradation analyses and in situ soil properties including soil infiltration rates are required;
[13]
A description of design methodologies and computer models used, and hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality design computations for all practices and techniques, and structures and facilities;
[14]
Structural design and supporting information and geo-technical design and supporting information for certain stormwater management system components including storm sewers, channels, outlet protection measures, culverts, bridges, dams, spillways, outlet works, and other structures, as required by the Commission and/or a professional engineer, licensed in the State of Connecticut, acting as agent on behalf of the Commission;
[15]
Drawings including plans, profiles, sections, and typical details of all stormwater management system components at adequate scale(s) and containing sufficient detail to clearly depict the intent of the design and the details of construction and/or installation;
[16]
A hydrologic study of pre-development site conditions, including peak flow rates and volumes for the one-, two-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm events;
[17]
Post-proposal or activity stormwater management operation and maintenance plan including:
[a]
A description of the operation and maintenance tasks and an implementation schedule;
[b]
Identification of the Responsible Person(s) for implementation of the stormwater management operation and maintenance plan including mailing address, twenty-four-hour contact telephone number(s), facsimile number(s), and email address; and
[c]
Agreements, declarations of covenants, and restrictions, easements, and/or other legal instruments governing the requirements for operation and maintenance of all post-construction proposal or activity stormwater management measures, as required by the Commission and the Town of Woodbridge; and
[18]
Evidence of acquisition of all applicable federal and state approvals (e.g., copies of DEEP permit registration certificates, DEEP Dam Safety Registration Certificate for stormwater impoundments, etc.).
(g)
Required data submission. The applicant shall submit the following data for review by the Commission and/or its designated agent:
[1]
Topographic Contour Map(s) showing drainage area(s);
[2]
Narrative and computations including, but not limited to, the following:
[a]
Method used to calculate stormwater runoff;
[b]
Runoff characteristics of the property pre- and post-development;
[c]
Hydrologic calculations for the pre-and post-development conditions, for the one-, two-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm events;
[d]
Maximum velocity and quantity at point(s) of discharge from the system; and
[e]
Design calculations for all drainage piping and structures. Drainage piping and structures shall be designed to convey the post-development peak flow for the twenty-five-year, twenty-four-hour storm event.
[3]
Narrative and computations for detention structures including, but not limited to, the following:
[a]
Inflow and outflow hydro-graphs for detention area, for the post-development one-, two-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm events;
[b]
Maximum storage volume of the detention facility;
[c]
Design of spillway or other measures for the release of excess flows beyond that of the design capacity of the structure, which shall be designed to convey the post-development peak flow for the 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm event;
[d]
Flood routing of all runoff greater than the design capacity of the detention facility. An outlet or spillway shall be provided for the detention facility that is designed to convey the post-development peak flow for the 100-year, twenty-four-hour storm event;
[e]
Time required for the facility to drain completely, if applicable;
[f]
Materials used in facility construction;
[g]
Methods employed to avoid clogging the discharge mechanism, and the maintenance requirements/schedule for the proposed stormwater management measures; and
[h]
Safety measures.
(h)
Exemptions.
[1]
Upon written request, the Commission by a majority vote, may waive this chapter in whole or in part. No waiver request shall be approved that would cause an adverse impact to the surface water, ground water, and/or other natural resources of the Town of Woodbridge. The applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Commission or duly authorized agent, that approval of a waiver request will meet this standard.
[2]
Activities defined as agricultural uses shall be exempt from this section of the Regulations.
[3]
Development that does not require special exception and/or site plan approval are exempt from demonstrating that there will be no increase in runoff.
(i)
Standards and criteria for decision. No stormwater management plan may be approved without a finding that the plan is consistent with this chapter and the following general criteria:
[1]
Design and planning for site development shall provide for minimal disturbance of pre-development natural hydrologic conditions, and shall reproduce such conditions after completion of the proposed activity, to the maximum extent feasible;
[2]
Pollutants shall be controlled at their source to the maximum extent feasible to contain and minimize contamination. Methods include but are not limited to:
[3]
Stormwater management systems shall be designed and maintained to manage site runoff to eliminate surface and groundwater pollution, prevent flooding, and, where required, control peak discharges and provide pollution treatment;
[4]
Stormwater management systems shall be designed to collect, retain, and treat the first inch of rain on-site, and to trap floating material, oil, and litter. On-site storage methods include but are not limited to landscaped depressions, grass swales, infiltration trenches, and retention or detention basins;
[5]
Stormwater management systems shall use the best available technology to treat stormwater quality prior to off-site discharge. Stormwater shall be treated as recommended in the 2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual, as amended, including design of treatment practices for the Water Quality Volume or Water Quality Flow, as appropriate;
[6]
Stormwater runoff rates and volumes shall be controlled by slowing runoff velocities and encouraging infiltration. BMP methods for controlling runoff and encouraging infiltration include, but are not limited to:
[a]
The minimization of impervious surfaces;
[b]
The use of grass or vegetative filter zones, landscape depressions, slotted curb spacers, and/or perforated pipes for conveying stormwater;
[c]
Establishment of buffers from streams, wetlands, and water bodies; and
[d]
Any combination of methods, where appropriate; and
[7]
Stormwater treatment systems shall be employed where necessary to ensure that the average annual loadings of total suspended solids following the completion of the proposed activity at the site are no greater than such loadings prior to the proposed activity. Alternatively, stormwater treatment systems shall remove 80% of total suspended solids from the site on an average annual basis. BMP methods for stormwater treatment include infiltration through vegetative strips, grass swales, and detention basins.
(j)
Maintenance covenants. Upon approval of the application but prior to the issuance of a zoning permit, the applicant shall file covenants on the land records committing current and future landowners to ongoing maintenance of the approved stormwater treatment facilities. At a minimum the covenants shall include:
§ 495-28 Height limitations. (Also see Section 4.1.E, Building massing.)
A.
The building height limit shall be applied separately for each wing or other distinct portion of a building or structure.
B.
When the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior wall, the vertical distance will be calculated based upon the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line, or when the lot line is more than 10 feet from the building, between the building and a point 10 feet from the building.
C.
The height limitations of this chapter may be exceeded as follows, provided that such features are only erected to such heights as are necessary to accomplish the purpose they are intended to serve:
(2)
Flagpoles of up to 75 feet in height;
(3)
Rooftop equipment for non-residential buildings (such as HVAC equipment, ventilators, sky-lights, bulkheads, or similar features) provided that:
(a)
Adequate and appropriate screening shall screen all rooftop mechanical equipment from view from the ground and adjacent buildings of equal or lower height shall be provided; and
(b)
Such equipment which exceeds the total building height limitation shall not have a horizontal area greater than 5% of the roof area of the building on which it is located; and
(4)
Gas station, drive-in teller, and similar canopies that are accessory structures shall provide a minimum clearance of 14 feet and may not exceed 18 feet in height.
§ 495-29 Site amenities.
A.
Recreational amenities. No swimming pool, tennis court, or other recreational structure, including related improved areas, shall be permitted in any required side or front yard of any residential zone.
B.
Landscape standards.
(1)
The following standards are intended to enhance the appearance and natural beauty of the Town and to protect property values through preservation and planting of vegetation, screening, and landscaping material. Specifically, these standards are intended to reduce excessive heat, glare, and accumulation of dust; to provide privacy from noise and visual intrusion; and to prevent the erosion of the soil, excessive run-off of drainage water, the consequent depletion of the ground water table, and the pollution of water bodies.
(2)
Landscape plans in accordance with the following requirements shall be submitted with all special exception and site plan applications.
(a)
To the maximum extent possible, existing trees, vegetation, and site features such as stone walls, boulders, or rock outcroppings shall be retained and protected. Existing healthy mature plant materials, especially trees, shall be preserved.
(b)
Existing conditions site plans shall show site features including flood hazard zones, existing drainage patterns, meadows, agricultural land, tee lines, hedgerows, exposed ledge and stone walls, slopes 25% or greater, DEEP Significant Natural Communities, man-made features such as historic or archaeological sites, and opportunities for scenic vistas and views.
(c)
Subject to any required Town approvals for placement in a Town road right-of-way, any tree selected to be planted in a Town road right-of-way that is not listed in Table 5.2 must be approved by the Commission.
§ 495-30 Landscaping, screening, and buffer areas.
A.
General requirements. The following provisions shall apply to any use in Zones T1, T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, Dev 2, and P:
(1)
Landscaping materials, trees, and other plants required by this chapter shall be installed according to accepted horticultural practices, and all plants shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition. Any landscaping materials, trees, and/or plants that are in a condition that does not fulfill the intent of this chapter shall be replaced in kind by the property owner during the next planting season. This includes, but is not limited to, the survival of all plant material through at least one growing season;
(2)
The property owner shall maintain any screening fence or wall required by this chapter in good condition throughout the period of the use of the lot;
(3)
All landscaping materials, trees, and plants adjacent to parking areas, loading areas, or driveways shall be properly protected from damage by vehicles, with barriers, curbs or by other means;
(4)
To the extent possible, existing trees, vegetation, and unique site features, such as stonewalls, shall be retained, and protected. Existing healthy, mature trees, if properly located, shall be fully credited against the requirements of this chapter;
(5)
Where it is not feasible to comply with the requirements of a front landscaped area or landscaped parking area due to lot size, shape, or existing structures, the Commission may approve the substitution of planters, plant boxes, or pots containing trees, shrubs, and/or flowers to comply with the intent of this chapter; and
(6)
In cases where the edge of the pavement within a public right-of-way does not coincide with the front lot line, the property owner shall landscape the area up to the edge of the street pavement.
B.
Front landscaped area.
(1)
The purpose of landscaping is to enhance the appearance of the use on the lot, but not to screen the use from view. Where front yard landscaping is required, grass or other ground cover shall be used, and appropriate trees and shrubs shall be included. At a minimum, one shade tree having a diameter at breast height (DBH) of two inches shall be planted within the front landscaped area for each 50 feet or fraction thereof of lot frontage.
(2)
In all T3C, T3D, T3BB, BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, and Dev 2 zones, the required front yard, except for the driveway, shall be landscaped with grass or other suitable ground cover, trees, and/or shrubs.
C.
Screening of surface parking lots.
(1)
In the absence of a building facade along any part of a frontage line, a street screen shall be built in the same plane as the facade.
(2)
Street screens should be between 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 feet in height. The street screen may be replaced by a hedge or fence. Street screens shall have openings no larger than necessary to allow for pedestrian and vehicular driveway access. Vehicular access openings shall not exceed 12 feet for residential uses, nor 18 feet for commercial uses.
D.
Buffer area.
(1)
The purpose of the buffer area is to provide privacy, reduce noise where possible, and avoid headlight glare and visual intrusion into residential dwellings. A buffer area shall be required along all side and rear property boundaries of a special exception use, a BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, or Dev 2 lot abutting any lot in a residential district (A, B, or T3C, T3D, T3BB).
(2)
(3)
Where it is not feasible to comply with the minimum widths in Table 5.1, due to lot size and shape or existing structures, the Commission may modify the width requirements provided that the buffer area meets the intent of this chapter.
(4)
The buffer area shall be planted with evergreens of such type, height, spacing, and arrangement as the Commission determines will effectively screen the activity on the lot from the neighboring residential area. At a minimum, the plantings shall consist of a double row of trees six feet in height planted at intervals of 15 feet on center. Non-evergreen planting may be included to supplement evergreen planting, but shall not take its place.
(5)
An earthen berm, wall, or fence of location, height, design, and materials approved by the Commission may be substituted for any portion of the required planting and/or buffer area.
(6)
Where the existing structure, topography, and/or landscaping provide adequate screening, the Commission may modify the planting and/or buffer area requirements.
Table 5.1 Minimum Width of Buffer Areas | |
|---|---|
Special exception uses in or adjacent to any residential district | 10 feet |
Dev 1 and Dev 2 | 50 feet |
Table 5.2 List of Recommended Street Trees for Town Rights-of-Way | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Species | Mature Size (feet) | Preferred for | Other Considerations | Best Cultivars |
English Oak, Quercus robur | 40-60 | Easy to transplant, tolerant | Acorns, mildew problems | Fastigiata (upright forms for street planting) |
Oriental flowering Cherry, Prunus serrulate | 20-35 | Spring flowers, less wire interference | Spreading habit, life expectancy | Kwansan |
Paperback Maple, Acer griseum | 20-30 | Bark, fall color | Availability, winter dieback | |
Eastern Redbud, Cercis canaden-sis | 20-30 | Flowers, highly tolerant | Stem canker, seed pods | Forest Pansy, Okahoma |
Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa | 20-30 | Flowers later, more disease/insect resistant | Low branching, wide crow, fruit | C x rutgersensis hybrids (C florida x C kousa), Milky Way |
Sargent Cherry, Prunus sargenti | 20-30 | Spring flowers, bar | Columnaris | |
Sawtooth Oak, Quercus acutis-sima | 35-45 | Better transplanter, longevity | Availability, acorns | |
Shingle Oak, Quercus imbricaria | 50-60 | Highly tolerant, longevity | Acorns, size | |
Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum | 20-25 | Red foliage, fall color, less wire interference | Bloodgood | |
Dogwood, Cornus florida | 25-30 | White or pink spring flowers | Dogwood borer, anthracnose | Cherokee Chief Princess, Cloud Nine |
Flowering Pear, Pyrus calleryana | 30-35 | Spring flowers, pyramidal habit | Life expectancy, breakage | Chantideer, Aristocrat |
Honey Locust, Gleditsia triacan thosvar inermis | 30-70 | Fall color, open habit | Bean pod, fruit | Shademaster (plant seedless varieties Only) |
Ginkgo, Ginkgo Biloba | 50-80 | Fall color | Wet soil, plant only male trees | |
London Planetree, Plantanus x acerifolia | 70-100 | Highly tolerant, interesting bark | Anthracnose, disease susceptible | Bloodgood |
Linden, Tilia cordata | 40-70 | Highly tolerant, pyramidal habit | Greenspire | |
Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata | 50-80 | Resemblance to Elm, highly tolerant | Gree Vase, Village Green | |
Red Maple, Acer rubrum | 40-60 | Fall color, columnar and spreading cultivars | October Glory, Red Sunset | |
Katsira tree, Cercidiphylum Japanicum | 20-40 | Fall color | Trunk splitting in young trees | |
Trident Maple, Acer buergerianum | 25-35 | Fall color, bar, drought tolerant, less wire Interference | Availability, winter dieback | |
Hedge Maple, Acer campestre | 25-35 | Tolerant to stress, less wire interference | Availability, heavy seed crops | Queen Elizabeth |
Amar Maple, Acer ginnala | 15-20 | Fall color, fragrant flowers, wide site tolerance | Availability | |
American Elm, Ulmus Americana | 60-120 | High arching limbs | DED, plant resistant cultivars only | Valley Forge |
American Hornbeam, Carpinus Carolinian | 20-30 | Fall color, less wire interference | ||
Turkish Filbert, Corylus colurna | 40-50 | Pyramidal habit, drought tolerant | Availability, nuts | |
Green Ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 50-60 | Stress tolerant fall color | Borer, scale | Patmore, Summit, Marshall Seedless |
Pin Oak, Quercus palustris | 60-70 | Easy to transplant, pyramidal habit, fall color | Acorns, size | |
Lace-bark Elm, Ulmus parvifolia | 40-50 | Bark, resistance to Dutch Elm disease, highly tolerant | Availability | Allee |
§ 495-33 Sidewalk standards.
The following provisions shall apply to any use in all zones.
A.
Sidewalks shall be required on both sides of the street in BI, GB, GBA, and Dev 1 Zones. The minimum width of a sidewalk shall be five feet.
B.
Sidewalks shall be required on at least one side of the street in T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 2, and P Zones. The minimum width of a sidewalk shall be five feet.
C.
All sidewalks shall be constructed of concrete, and be consistent with best management practices (BMP).
D.
The Commission may, at its discretion, waive these requirements, provided that the applicant gives due consideration to pedestrian safety.
§ 495-34 Fences and walls.
The following provisions shall apply to any use in all zones.
A.
Fences shall be erected so that the outer, decorative surface faces away from the property on which the fence is erected.
B.
Fences and walls of any type located within the first 25 feet of the front property line shall not exceed four feet in height. Fences within required side and rear yards shall not exceed six feet in height, excluding deer fencing.
C.
No fence or wall of any type shall be erected or maintained that unreasonably or dangerously interferes with the visibility to or from a driveway, or roadway intersection.
§ 495-35 Outdoor lighting.
The following provisions shall apply to any use in Zones T1, T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, and Dev 2.
B.
Illumination standards. (see Figure 5.1, Luminaire Types, and Table 5.3, Footcandle standards). All exterior lights and sign illumination shall be designed, located, installed, and directed to:
(1)
Prevent direct glare or light trespass;
(2)
Be shielded to the extent possible;
(3)
Be contained in areas where needed, as determined by the Commission;
(4)
Maximize energy conservation;
(5)
Limit the illumination to the minimum amount adequate for the intended purpose of the lighting;
(6)
Shield direct light source(s) so that they shall not be visible at the property line at ground level or above when adjacent to residential property; and
D.
Prohibited lighting.
(1)
The use of laser source light or any similar high-intensity light, when projected above the horizontal, is prohibited;
(2)
The operation of searchlights is prohibited;
(3)
Flashing and blinking lights are prohibited. Traditional seasonal lighting is exempt from this prohibition; and
(4)
Floodlighting is prohibited.
F.
Footcandle standards for exterior lighting. On-site lighting is limited to between 0.5 and 1.5 footcandles, unless specifically listed in Table 5.3, Footcandle Standards or otherwise approved by the Commission.
Table 5.3 Footcandle Standards | |
|---|---|
Use | Maximum Exterior fc |
Accessory Building and Use | 0.2 |
Adult-Oriented Establishment | 2.4-0.6 |
Agriculture | |
• Commercial farm | 0.2 |
• Community garden | 0.1 |
• Truck garden/farm stand | 0 |
Animals | |
• Animal day care | 0.2 |
• Animal training facility | 0.2 |
• Grooming | 0.2 |
• Keeping of animals | 0.1 |
• Kennel | 0.2 |
• Stable | 0.2 |
• Veterinary hospital | 0.2 |
Business plus personal service | 0.8-0.2 |
Cemetery | 0.1 |
Civic club, lodge, or association | 0.8-0.2 |
Community residence | 2.4-0.6 |
Day Care | |
• Day-care adult | 2.4-0.6 |
• Day-care center, nursery school, or group day-care home | 0.8-0.2 |
• Family day-care home | 0.2 |
Food Service | |
Catering facility | 0.8-0.2 |
Outdoor cafe | 0.1 |
Restaurant | 0.8-0.2 |
Take-out food service | 2.4-0.6 |
Funeral home | 2.4-0.6 |
Golf course and country club | 2.4-0.6 |
Health Care Facility | |
Hospital | 5.0 |
Lodging | |
• Bed-and-breakfast | 0.2 |
• Motel/inn | 2.4-0.6 |
• Rooming boarding house | 0.2 |
Manufacturing | 0.8-0.2 |
Motor Vehicle Use | |
• Gas station, | 2.4-0.6 |
• Service + repair, rental | 2.4-0.6 |
• Car sales | 2.0 |
Home occupation | 0.2 |
Library + museum | 0.8-0.2 |
Natural resource removal | 2.4-0.6 |
Office building | 2.4-0.6 |
Open space development | 0.2 |
Place of public assembly | 0.8-0.2 |
Place of worship | 0.8-0.2 |
Public parking lot | 1.5-0.5 |
Public utility | 1.5-0.5 |
Public use plus public utility | 0.2 |
Residential (fewer than 4 du) | 0.2 |
Multi-family dwellings | 2.4-0.6 |
Research, development + medical library | 0.8-0.2 |
Refuse disposal | 2.4-0.6 |
Retail | |
• <20,000 square feet gross leasable space | 0.8-0.2 |
• >20,000 square feet gross leasable space | 2.4-0.6 |
• Sale of alcohol | 0.8-0.2 |
• Sale of firearms | 2.4-0.6 |
Schools | 2.4-0.6 |
Storage | |
Warehouse + wholesale w/indoor storage | 0.8-0.2 |
Outdoor storage | 3.0 |
§ 495-36 Infrastructure.
The following provisions shall apply to any use in Zones T1, T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, and Dev 2.
A.
Utilities — General Requirements. No development plan shall be approved unless:
(1)
Adequate public utilities, public sanitary sewers or Health Department-approved on-site septic systems, and storm drainage are provided by the applicant(s);
(2)
Written evidence has been furnished confirming safe and satisfactory means of supplying potable water and fire protection; and
(3)
The applicant(s) provides fire hydrants at appropriate locations when public water is available. All Town specifications for furnishing and installing water systems and hydrants must be met.
B.
Sanitary sewers. Where public sewers are available, all sites shall be properly connected to an approved and functioning sanitary sewer system prior to issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance. All sanitary sewer extensions and connections shall be made in accordance with the specifications in the Connecticut Public Health Code regulations and the rules and regulations of the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority, or its legal successor.
C.
Individual services. Electric power, telephone, and other cable systems shall be placed underground, with the exception that existing electric power and telephone/cable system facilities may be used where appropriate for industrial and commercial uses. The Commission may waive this provision only if the utility company has determined that safe underground installation is not feasible because of soil, water, or other natural or man-made conditions. Existing overhead wires on residential streets may remain; however, all extensions must be underground.
§ 495-37 Traffic, parking, and loading requirements.
The following provisions shall apply to any use in Zones T1, T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, Dev 2, and P.
A.
Off-street parking and loading regulations.
(1)
Applicability. Off-street parking and loading facilities shall be provided and used to serve all buildings erected, moved, altered, or enlarged and all premises otherwise developed. Such facilities shall be provided, in accordance with the standards specified in this chapter, to accommodate the motor vehicles, occupants, employees, customers, suppliers, and other persons normally visiting or servicing such buildings or premises at one time.
(2)
Location of parking and loading facilities. Parking and loading spaces required for all uses in any BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, or Dev 2 Zone shall be located on the same lot as the principal use.
(3)
Parking spaces required for any use in a T1, T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, BI, GB, GBA, Dev 1, and Dev 2 Zone shall consist of one or more of the following:
(a)
Those located on the same lot as the principal use;
(b)
Legal on-street parking spaces corresponding to the lot frontage;
(c)
Parking spaces by purchase or lease for 25 years from a parking lot or garage within 300 feet; and/or
(d)
Spaces available in a public parking garage located within 300 feet.
(4)
Parking and loading spaces. Required parking facilities for passenger vehicles shall contain no less than the minimum space set forth in § 495-37C(4)(a). Rooftop and indoor parking may be included in the required number of spaces. Off-street parking and loading shall be maintained as long as the building or use remains on the property. No owner of any building or use affected by this section, shall discontinue, change, dispense with, or cause the discontinuance of any required parking or loading space. No person, firm or corporation shall occupy a building without providing parking and loading spaces that meet the requirements of and are in compliance with this chapter. No sales, servicing, or dead storage of automobiles, trucks or automotive equipment shall occur in any required parking or loading space.
(5)
The Commission may modify required parking where the applicant demonstrates that parking use is complimentary at different times of the day or week.
B.
Required truck-loading spaces. Truck-loading spaces shall be adequate in number to serve the proposed use and shall be located on the site so as not to impede on-site pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
C.
Parking and loading area specifications. All off-street parking and loading areas, whether or not required by this chapter, shall comply with the following specifications.
(1)
General design. (See also § 495-29, Site amenities.)
(a)
Parking and loading areas shall be designed and constructed for safe circulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the lot and shall avoid interference with public use of adjacent streets and sidewalks;
(b)
No parking lot shall be designed or constructed that requires vehicles to back onto a street;
(c)
Buildings shall be arranged on the lot so as to permit vehicular access to the rear of the lot; and
(d)
Parking lots shall be designed to minimize large, open expanses of paving.
(2)
Surfacing and drainage.
(a)
All parking and loading areas shall be properly surfaced, graded, and drained. Stormwater drainage systems shall be designed to minimize run-off and maximize absorption of pollutants.
(b)
Required parking and loading facilities for all uses, other than one- and two-family dwellings, shall have an all-weather, dust-free surfacing, bituminous, or concrete paving, and shall be maintained in good condition and capable of allowing free and safe movement of all vehicles using the facilities. Any parking spaces in excess of the minimum required shall be pervious unless expressly stated otherwise by the Commission.
(3)
Curb cuts, ingress, and egress.
(a)
The Public Works Department or Connecticut Department of Transportation shall review ingress and egress locations and sight lines:
(b)
The Public Works Department or Connecticut Department of Transportation shall review curb-cut widths and curb-cut radii, where appropriate;
(c)
No curb-cut radii shall be designed or constructed so as to force a vehicle to cross a traffic lane or to climb a curb;
(d)
Where feasible, new curb-cuts shall be aligned with existing curb-cuts on the opposite side of the street.
(4)
Parking spaces.
(a)
All parallel parking spaces shall measure at least nine feet by 22 feet and all other parking spaces shall measure at least nine feet by 18 feet, exclusive of driveways and aisles, except as provided below and shall have access to a street or alley by way of a driveway;
(b)
Except for those one- and two- or multi-family dwellings, all parking spaces shall have bumper guards or curbs to prevent damage to trees, shrubs, landscaping, and lighting, and to prevent interference with pedestrian use of sidewalks; and
(c)
All parking spaces, except for one- and two- or multi-family dwellings, shall be marked by painted lines, curbs, or other means.
(5)
Compact spaces for small cars. Where a parking lot contains more than 30 car spaces, the applicant may provide up to 40% of the total required parking in compact parking spaces, subject to approval by the Commission. A compact parking space shall not be less than 8 1/2 feet in width and 16 feet in length. The applicant is encouraged to use the difference in area between each compact car space and standard parking space for additional landscaping on the site.
(6)
Parking aisles. Parking aisles or interior driveways shall be of adequate width to serve a particular design arrangement of parking spaces:
Table 5.4 Parking Aisle Width | ||
|---|---|---|
Design Arrangement | One-Way Aisle Width (feet) | Two-Way Aisle Width (feet) |
90° parking | 24 | 24 |
60° parking | 18 | 24 |
45° parking | 13 | 24 |
30° parking | 11 | 24 |
Parallel parking | 12 | 24 |
(7)
Ninety-degree parking shall be used unless there is positive control of the direction of all traffic. Arrows painted on the surface of each aisle or driveway shall indicate traffic flow or direction.
Figure 5.2 Typical arrangement for 90° parking  |
(8)
Parking lot sidewalks.
(a)
For parking lots with more than 30 cars, every other double bay shall provide for sidewalks on a raised curbed area consistent with sidewalk requirements, Town Public Works Standards, § 495-33C, and best management practices (BMP). The Commission may, at its discretion, waive this requirement, by a majority vote, provided that the application gives due consideration to pedestrian and vehicular safety, pedestrian and vehicular flow, and adequacy of landscaping.
(b)
Where no wheel stops are provided, the sidewalk shall be six feet wide. Where wheel stops are provided, the minimum width of the sidewalk shall be five feet. All sidewalks shall be constructed of concrete.
(9)
Handicapped parking. Parking shall be provided for the physically handicapped in accordance with the ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009 of the 2016 Building Code of the State of Connecticut as it may be amended from time to time.
(10)
Attended parking for events. Attended parking areas are permitted to accommodate overflow parking that occurs due to temporary events such as banquets, conferences, fairs, and similar occasions of public congregation. The Woodbridge Police Department may approve an attended parking area permit in any zone. Event parking may require a parking attendant on duty one hour before the scheduled beginning time of the event and up until one hour after the ending time of the event. Prior to approving a plan for an event parking permit, the applicant shall obtain the approval of the Police Chief.
D.
Drive-through window service and queue space.
(1)
General requirements.
(a)
Drive-through window services shall be designed and located to minimize conflict between pedestrian traffic and vehicular traffic;
(b)
A traffic study shall be required for all drive-through applications, unless expressly waived by a majority vote of the Commission;
(c)
Drive-through window services shall comply with the following standards:
[1]
Drive-through windows shall be located in the rear of the building. The Commission may waive this requirement when the configuration of the lot or building warrants a different location or in instances where abutting residential property would be better served by a buffer;
[2]
All drive-through lanes shall be nine feet wide;
[3]
All drive-through lanes shall be designed to allow vehicle queuing on site and shall be physically separated from entrances and exits so as not to obstruct vehicular ingress/egress;
[4]
The Commission may require that a landscaped area be placed between the drive-through lane(s), the general access lane(s), and parking area; and
[5]
The drive-through shall be clearly defined by pavement markings and directional signage.
(2)
Queue space standards.
(a)
Minimum queue space shall be provided for uses as specified in Table 5.5. Queue space shall be provided in such a manner that the head of the queue starts adjacent to the specified use and extends so as not to obstruct or encroach upon any parking space, aisle, or into the street. Queue space shall only be provided on the lot being developed and for the use to be served, and shall not extend into any street or right-of-way.
(b)
Each queue space shall have a dimension of nine feet in width by 18 feet in length.
Table 5.5 Required Queue Spaces | |
|---|---|
Use | Required Queue Spaces* |
Automated teller machine (ATM), drive-up type | 4 per machine |
Bank drive-up window | 8 for each window in a separate lane |
Pharmacy drive-up window | 4 for each window |
Take-out food service | 8 for each window |
* | Unless modified by the Office of the State Traffic Administration |
E.
Landscaped parking area. (See also § 495-30D, Buffer area.) In addition to the front-landscaped and buffer-area requirements, parking lots shall comply with the following minimum standards:
(1)
Where 30 or more parking spaces are required, there shall be at least 10 square feet of interior landscaping for each parking space within the paved portion of the parking area and at least one tree for every five parking spaces or fraction thereof;
(2)
Each separate landscaped area shall contain a minimum of 100 square feet, shall have a minimum dimension of nine feet, shall be planted with grass or shrubs, and shall include at least one tree of not less than two-inch caliper DBH. Required landscaped area may be massed;
(3)
Parking spaces within or below a structure, or otherwise covered, shall not be counted when computing required landscaped areas or number of trees pursuant to this section;
(4)
A landscaped area shall be provided along the perimeter of any parking area except along that portion of the parking area that is functionally integrated with an adjoining parking area on an abutting lot. The landscaped area shall have a minimum dimension of five feet, shall be planted with grass or shrubs, and shall include at least one tree of not less than a two-inch caliper DBH for every 30 feet along the perimeter of the parking area;
(5)
In cases where the parking area adjoins a public sidewalk, the required landscaped area shall be extended to the edge of the sidewalk; and
(6)
Trees used in parking lots shall be those deemed appropriate for street tree use, as listed in Table 5.2 in this chapter.
F.
Visibility at intersections. Visibility at intersections shall be consistent with Figure 5.5.
Figure 5.5 Visibility at Street Intersections  |