Wrentham City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Development Regulations
§ 390-6.1 Dimensional requirements.
[Added 11-29-2000 STM; amended 11-12-2002 STM; 6-9-2014 ATM; 11-4-2019 STM by Art. 11]
Minimum Lot Dimensions | Minimum Yard Dimensions | Maximum Height1 of Building | Lot2 Coverage | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
District | Area (square feet) | Continuous Frontage3 (feet) | Front4 (feet) | Side (feet) | Rear (feet) | Stories | Feet | Percent |
R-30 | 30,000 | 125 | 40 | 20 | 40 | 2.5 | 35 | 25 |
R-43 | 43,560 | 150 | 40 | 25 | 40 | 2.5 | 35 | 25 |
R-87 | 87,120 | 200 | 40 | 30 | 40 | 2.5 | 35 | 25 |
B-1 | 10,000 | 200 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 35 | 50 |
B-2 | 43,5607 | 200 | 505 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 35 | 50 |
C-1 | 80,000 | 200 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 50 |
C-2 | 80,000 | 200 | 1009 | 509 | 509 | 4.0 | 60 | 8 |
C-3 | 80,000 | 200 | 50 | 25 | 25 | 310 | 3510 | 75 |
CRSP | 43,560 | 150 | 40 | 25 | 40 | 2.5 | 35 | 25 |
Notes: | ||
|---|---|---|
1. | Building or structure height in all districts except C-2 (for C-2 see § 390-6.11E) and C-3 (see footnote 10) is limited to 35 feet above the grade plane surrounding the exterior walls. All buildings are further limited to 2 1/2 habitable stories. This limitation does not apply to chimneys, ventilators, spires, steeples, air-conditioning and solar heating equipment, and other usual and necessary appurtenances and structures above the roofline of a building, provided that these structures shall not exceed 46 feet above the grade plane, not be used for human, bird, or animal occupancy, and not occupy more than 20% in the aggregate of the roof plan area of the building. The Planning Board may grant a special permit allowing structures to exceed these limitations, if such structure is required for the use and will not be detrimental to the neighborhood. | |
This limitation may be modified by the special permit issued by the Planning Board in the case of all towers, water storage tanks, or government, public utility or health-care facilities where functional design limitations will not permit compliance with this section and where the applicant provides fire protection and other safety measures necessary to safeguard the structure and the public. | ||
2. | Lot coverage includes accessory buildings and all impervious surfaces (e.g., driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, etc.). | |
3. | a. | Frontage of all streets and ways shall be measured along a continuous line ("street frontage line") connecting points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street layout on which the lot is located, and there will not be less than the required street frontage distance between the side lot lines at all points from the street frontage line to the minimum front setback distance. The front setback shall be measured from a line parallel to the "street frontage line." |
b. | Further, frontage on culs-de-sac or along the curvature of a road shall be established by measuring along the arc of the curve established by the street layout between the points of intersection created by the side lot lines and the street. The front setback shall be measured from a line parallel to the "street frontage line." (See Figure B.[1]) | |
c. | In any case where the points of intersection are uncertain, the Planning Board shall, in its best judgment, determine these points. | |
d. | Frontage for road stubs for subdivision development shall meet the taking requirements for minor, collector, arterial, or industrial streets as set forth in the Rules and Regulations Governing Subdivision of Land in the Town of Wrentham (1987), but not less than 45 feet. | |
e. | No new lot shall be deemed to conform to frontage or area unless it conforms to the build factor requirement set forth in § 390-6.2. | |
f. | No street frontage shall be required for buildings or structures not used for human occupancy, and used to provide municipal services, such as water tanks, well houses, pump stations, or buildings used to shelter equipment relative to any of the foregoing, provided there is a deeded right of access to such buildings or structures from a public way. Any right-of-way providing access to such building or structure shall be permitted as an accessory use even if is not on the same lot as the principal building or structure, notwithstanding any other provisions of this bylaw. | |
4. | a. | A lot located at the intersection of two streets meeting at an angle of less than 135° (a corner lot) shall have two front yards, one on each street. The required frontage for the lot must be provided on only one street; however, the front yard setback applies to both streets. |
b. | A corner lot shall have no foliage or obstruction to view between a height of 3 1/2 feet and eight feet above curb grade for a radius of 20 feet back from the street intersection. | |
c. | In any subdivision of land subject to approval by the Planning Board under MGL c. 41, §§ 81K through 81GG, the Board may require further setbacks on not more than 1/3 of the building lots to avoid the adverse visual impacts of so-called parallel siting of buildings or main structures. | |
5. | In the B-1 Zoning District, the front, side and rear setback requirements shall be specified in an approved site plan pursuant to Article VII. In a B-2 Zoning District, the side and rear setback requirements shall be specified in an approved site plan pursuant to Article VII. In the B-2 Zoning District, the front setback requirement may be reduced by special permit approved by the Planning Board, but only for those lots within a Planned Business Development (PBD) pursuant to § 390-4.2 (Also see footnote 5 in § 390-4.2.) | |
6. | In the C-1 Zoning District, the front, side and rear setback requirements shall be specified in an approved site plan pursuant to Article VII. However, the front setback shall not be less than 75 feet, the side setback shall not be less than 40 feet, and the rear setback shall not be less than 40 feet | |
7. | The minimum area requirements applicable to land in the B-2 Zoning District shall not apply to any lot described in a deed or shown on a plan recorded in the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds on or before November 15, 1999 (the effective date of the amendment creating the B-2 District), provided that such lot was not held in common ownership with any adjoining land as of that date, and contains at least 30,000 square feet of land. (Adopted on February 26, 2001). | |
8. | See § 390-6.11C. | |
9. | The provisions of this footnote shall apply only to those lots that adjoin a Massachusetts Highway Department[2] numbered route. In the C-2 Zoning District, setback requirements may be reduced by means of a special permit issued by the Planning Board (special permit granting authority, "SPGA"), provided the front yard setback shall not be less than 50 feet, the side yard setback shall not be less than 25 feet, and the rear yard setback shall not be less than 10 feet. In considering the reduction in setback requirements the SPGA shall consider: | |
a. | The effect on public infrastructure and services; | |
b. | The effect on sensitive environmental lands; | |
c. | The proposed appearance of the buildings and structures as well as landscaping features on the lot from adjoining public ways; and | |
d. | Whether the site layout serves to facilitate safe and adequate traffic circulation along adjoining public ways through such means as common driveways. | |
10. | Building or structure height in the C-3 District is limited to 35 feet above the grade plane surrounding the exterior walls. All buildings are further limited to three habitable stories. This limitation does not apply to chimneys, ventilators, spires, steeples, air-conditioning and solar heating equipment, and other usual and necessary appurtenances and structures above the roofline of a building, provided that these structures shall not exceed 46 feet above the grade plane, not be used for human, bird, or animal occupancy, and not occupy more than 20% in the aggregate of the roof plan area of the building. The Planning Board may grant a special permit allowing structures to exceed these limitations, if such structure is required for the use and will not be detrimental to the neighborhood. | |
In the C-3 District, buildings or structures located more than 600 feet from any residential dwelling unit shall not exceed 60 feet above the grade plane surrounding the exterior walls. All buildings located more than 600 feet from any residential dwelling unit are further limited to four habitable stories. This limitation does not apply to chimneys, ventilators, spires, steeples, air-conditioning and solar heating equipment, and other usual and necessary appurtenances and structures above the roofline of a building, provided that these structures shall not exceed 70 feet above the grade plane, not be used for human, bird, or animal occupancy, and not occupy more than 20% in the aggregate of the roof plan area of the building. The Planning Board may grant a special permit allowing structures to exceed these limitations, if such structure is required for the use and will not be detrimental to the neighborhood. | ||
[1]
Editor's Note: See the Figures included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: Now the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
§ 390-6.2 Build factor.
A.
No new lot shall be deemed to conform with the frontage or area requirements set forth in § 390-6.1 unless it has a build factor of 25 or less. Existing lots shall be exempt from this requirement unless an existing lot is to be divided into two or more lots.
Build Factor | = | (Lot Perimeter)2 | divided by | Actual Lot Area |
Actual Lot Area | Required Lot Area |
§ 390-6.3 Open space requirements.
Land included in the required front setback shall be maintained as unoccupied natural or landscaped space. This restriction does not apply to fences, utility poles, driveways, septic systems, wells, underground utility services, and certain signs authorized in Article XVIII. Barns or stables used for the housing and feeding of domesticated animals, such as but not limited to horses, sheep, cows, cattle, etc., shall be placed only within the rear yard setback requirements, unless approval is obtained from the Board of Appeals.
§ 390-6.4 On-site parking requirements.
[Amended 4-28-2003; 6-15-2009 ATM; 6-11-2012 ATM]
The Planning Board may establish rules and regulations governing special permit application forms, fees, specifications and other items that may be necessary to administer this section.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards ensuring the availability and safe use of parking areas. It is intended that any use of land involving the arrival, departure, or temporary storage of motor vehicles, and all structures and uses requiring the delivery or shipment of goods as part of their function, be designed and operated to:
(1)
Promote traffic safety by assuring adequate places for storing of motor vehicles off the street, and for their orderly access and egress to and from the public way;
(2)
Prevent the creation of surplus amounts of parking spaces contributing to unnecessary development and additional generation of vehicle trips, resulting in traffic congestion and traffic service level deterioration on roadways;
(3)
Reduce unnecessary amounts of impervious surface areas from being created;
(4)
Reduce hazards to pedestrians and increase pedestrian connectivity between and within sites;
(5)
Promote access and convenience, in compliance with regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB), for people with disabilities;
(6)
Increase the mobility and safety for bicyclists;
(8)
Reduce other negative impacts.
B.
Any use permitted in § 390-4.2 or the expansion of any nonconforming use must provide off-street, on-site parking in accordance with following Subsection B(1) through (12):
(1)
Parking areas are to be designed to permit safe access and exit of vehicles. Parking areas are to be designed to prevent vehicles from backing onto driveways or streets. Pedestrian walkways, driveways, and parking areas shall be designed with respect to topography, integration with surrounding streets and pedestrian ways, number of access points to streets, general interior circulation, adequate width of drives, and separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic so as to reduce hazards to pedestrians and motorists.
(2)
Parking and driveway lighting should be minimal, consistent with safe use. Parking areas and driveways shall be illuminated by shielded lights arranged, designed and with a pole height to prevent glare and to prevent light from shining upon any adjoining property in residential use, onto adjacent streets or skyward. Tall lighting structures (over 20 feet) should be avoided. For uses requiring site plan approval/special permit, a lighting plan, including "cut sheets" and a photometric plan, shall be included with the site plans submitted for Planning Board review and approval.
(3)
All required parking spaces and loading bays, maneuvering aisles, and driveways shall have a durable, dustless, all-weather surface suitable for year-round use, such as asphalt or concrete, and shall dispose of surface water by grading and drainage in such a manner that no surface water shall drain onto any public way or onto any lot in other ownership. Parking areas for more than 10 vehicles and associated driveways are to be constructed to the standards for construction for collector streets as set forth in § 7.23 of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in the Town of Wrentham (1987).
(4)
For developments adjoining or facing residential districts or residential uses, or when necessary for public safety or to prevent adverse impacts on neighboring properties, a buffer strip shall contain opaque screens as described herein. An opaque screen may be comprised of walls, fences, berms or evergreen planting, or any combination thereof, provided that the Planning Board may require evergreen trees or shrubs instead of fences when deemed appropriate. Opaque screens shall be opaque in all seasons of the year. Parking facilities and required screens and landscaping shall be continuously maintained in good condition and appearance. Whenever necessary, surfacing, lighting, barriers, markings, and planting materials shall be repaired or replaced with new materials to ensure continued compliance with provisions of this section. Failure to maintain the same shall be considered a violation of this bylaw and shall be subject to the enforcement procedures contained herein.
(5)
Parking areas for more than 10 vehicles are to be designed and constructed with limited access and exit driveways and are to be set off by natural, landscaped screening. Large, unbroken parking areas are prohibited [refer to Subsection B(9)(c)]. In order to minimize the amount of impervious surfaces and aesthetic effects, the Planning Board may require structured or below-grade parking for any proposed parking lot containing greater than 1,000 parking spaces.
(6)
Parking areas are not to be constructed within minimum front yard, rear yard, or side yard setback areas.
(7)
Parking spaces/lots.
(a) CASUAL DINING CONVENIENCE STORE DISCOUNT STORE/SUPERSTORES ENTERTAINMENT/COMMERCIAL RECREATION FAST FOOD FINE DINING FREESTANDING GENERAL RETAIL GASOLINE/SERVICE STATION WITH CONVENIENCE STORE GENERAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND/OR MANUFACTURING GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA) INDUSTRIAL PARK KSF OFFICES
Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this Parking Bylaw. Additional terms which have commonly accepted denotations and connotations may also be utilized in this section.
Full-service eating establishment with typical turnover rates of approximately one hour or less; moderately priced; occasionally belongs to a restaurant chain; generally serves lunch and dinner; may serve breakfast or be open extended hours; generally does not take reservations; may or may not contain a bar.
Convenience markets that sell convenience foods, newspapers, magazines etc; may be open 24 hours.
Stores, such as home improvement, department, clothing, housegoods, toy, sporting goods and pet supply stores, that offer a variety of customer services, centralized cashiering and a wide range of products advertised at discount prices; long store hours, typically seven days a week; some may have a garden center and/or service station; superstores may have a grocery department under the same roof that shares the same entrances and exits with the discount store area.
Indoor or outdoor spaces for leisure activities, including but not limited to golf courses, bowling facilities, movie theaters, sports complexes, fitness or health clubs and recreational community centers.
Characterized by large carry-out clientele; long hours of service; high turnover rates for eat-in customers; no table service by wait staff; typically pay at cash register before they eat; may or may not have a drive-through. Generally considered to be hamburger, sub/sandwich, pizza, (in some circumstances) ethnic (i.e., Thai, Chinese, sushi, middle-eastern), coffee/donut shop, ice cream parlor, etc.
Full-service eating establishment with typical turnover rates of at least one hour or longer; generally do not serve breakfast and sometimes do not serve lunch; all serve dinner; usually requires a reservation and is generally not part of a chain; may have function space.
Freestanding, single-use retail structure. Retail uses include, but are not limited to: convenience stores, freestanding discount store/superstores, personal care services, specialty retail, pharmacy and/or drugstore, bank, dry cleaners.
The primary business is the fueling of motor vehicles; may have ancillary facilities for servicing and repairing motor vehicles and commonly sold convenience items such as newspapers, coffee or other beverages and snack items usually consumed in the car or off-location.
Freestanding facilities with an emphasis on light industrial and/or manufacturing activities, including printing, material testing, assembly of data processing equipment and/or the conversion of raw materials or parts into finished products; may also contain warehouse, office and research functions.
The area within the perimeter of the outside walls of a building as measured from the inside surface of the exterior walls, with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of walls, columns, or other interior features.
A mix of industrial, manufacturing, service and warehouse facilities with a wide variation in the proportion of each type of use from one location to another.
1,000 square feet [ratios are determined as x spaces/1,000 square feet (ksf)].
Locations where affairs of business, commercial or industrial organizations or professional persons or firms are conducted; may contain a mixture of tenants or be a single-use tenant; no larger than three stories above grade.
(b)
Minimum required spaces. The minimum required number of off-street parking spaces shall be as follows, provided that: (i) if a building lot is devoted to more than one of the uses set forth below, the parking requirements will be determined separately for portions devoted to each use; (ii) if any use in a building changes which would increase the parking requirements, such use shall not be permitted until it can be demonstrated that the parking requirements set forth below with respect to such use have been met; and (iii) any proposed use located within the VZA District and located within 2,000 feet measured from the center point of the intersection of South Street and Franklin Street (Routes 1A and 140) shall be exempt from the off-street parking requirements of this Subsection (7), provided the number of parking spaces that may exist within the lot of the proposed use as of the effective date of this provision continues to be maintained and utilized. Furthermore, in the event that a special permit or site plan approval is required for the proposed use in accordance with § 390-4.2 or § 390-3.6, the Planning Board (or Zoning Board of Appeals) may require additional off-street parking where available, but not to exceed the requirements of this subsection:
[Amended 11-21-2022 STM by Art. 9]
Use | Requirement | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Single, double and multiple attached dwellings, row house | 2 spaces per dwelling unit | ||
Business, professional and government offices and banks | 1 space per 270 SF GFA | ||
Medical office, clinic, animal hospital or veterinary hospital/clinic | 1 space per 200 SF GFA | ||
Hotels, motels | 1 space for each guest unit, plus 1 space for each 8 units or fraction thereof | ||
Restaurants | Fine dining: 20 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | ||
Casual dining: 25 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | |||
Fast-food with drive-through: 17 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | |||
Fast-food without drive-through: 20 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | |||
Places of assembly | Religious centers: 0.5 space for each person capacity based on the Massachusetts State Building Code | ||
General public assembly: 0.25 space per person in permitted capacity | |||
The number of seats in benches, pews, or other continuous seating arrangements shall be calculated at 24 inches per seat. | |||
Police/Fire station | 1 space per 300 SF GFA, excluding area set aside for the storage of police and fire vehicles within the building | ||
Entertainment/Commercial recreation | Golf course: 12 spaces per hole | ||
Bowling alley: 4 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | |||
Movie theater (multiplex): 14 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | |||
Sports complex: 50 spaces per field | |||
Health/Fitness club: 6 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | |||
Recreational community center: 3 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | |||
Warehouse/Shipping facilities | 1 space per 1,500 SF GFA | ||
General light industrial and/or manufacturing | 1 space per 750 SF GFA | ||
Hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent homes, rest homes, and extended-care facilities | 1 space per 500 SF GFA | ||
Retail stores and service establishments | 1 space per 250 SF GFA | ||
Shopping centers | 1. | For retail-only shopping centers, including specialty retail, use table entitled "Shopping Center Parking Spaces Chart" located at the end of this table. | |
2. | For retail with additional uses, that may include any combination of dining, entertainment, or offices, in which the total additional uses are up to but not greater than 10% of the total GFA of the shopping center, use table entitled "Shopping Center Parking Spaces Chart" located at the end of this table. | ||
3. | For retail with additional uses (uses as listed in #2 above), in which the total additional uses exceed 10% of the total GFA of the shopping center, the parking spaces may be calculated either: | ||
a. | Using this table as if each use were separate; or | ||
b. | Using § 390-6.4B(8)(l), Shared parking. | ||
Automobile services/service station | 1 space per pump, plus 4 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA for all other space, including service areas, convenience store areas, etc. | ||
Motor vehicle sales and service: 3 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA of interior sales area, plus 2 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA of interior storage or display area, plus 2 spaces per service bay | |||
Car washes: 3 spaces | |||
Child-care centers and day-care facilities | Day-care center: 6 spaces per 1,000 SF GFA | ||
Registered marijuana dispensary and off-site medical marijuana dispensary | 1 space per 200 SF GFA | ||
Any other allowed use not specified above (nondesignated use) | The number of spaces to be determined by the Building Inspector (or the Planning Board in cases when site plan approval or a special permit is required) based on evidence from similar uses under similar circumstances and best practices. | ||
Where the computation of required parking spaces results in a fractional number, only the fraction of 1/2 or more shall be counted as one.
(c)
Shopping center parking spaces chart.
(For use to determine minimum parking required for shopping centers, in table above)
Building GFA | Less than 30,000 GFA | 30,000 to 99,999 GFA | 100,000 to 399,999 GFA | Greater than 400,000 GFA |
Spaces/ksf GFA | 4/ksf GFA | 4.5/ksf GFA | 5/ksf GFA | 5.5/ksf GFA |
(8)
Parking lot design and layout.
(a)
For each use as specified in Subsection B(7), except shopping centers and restaurants, the parking space width shall be nine feet. For shopping centers and restaurants, the parking space width shall be 10 feet. Each required off-street parking space shall be marked with paint or other durable marking material.
(b)
For the purposes of this bylaw, minimum parking space width shall be measured perpendicular to the center line of the parking space. Minimum space and aisle size shall be as follows:
Parking Angle | Stall Width Parallel to Aisle (feet) | Stall Depth Perpendicular to Aisle (feet) | Aisle Width (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
45° (one-way) | |||
9.0 foot stall | 12.7 | 17.5 | 14.0 |
10.0 foot stall | 14.1 | 17.5 | 14.0 |
60° (one-way) | |||
9.0 foot stall | 10.4 | 19.0 | 16.0 |
10.0 foot stall | 11.6 | 19.0 | 15.0 |
75° (one-way) | |||
9.0 foot stall | 9.3 | 19.5 | 23.0 |
10.0 foot stall | 10.3 | 19.5 | 21.0 |
90° | |||
9.0 foot stall | 9.0 | 18.5 | 24.0 |
10.0 foot stall | 10.1 | 18.5 | 24.0 |
(c)
Parking spaces for vehicles larger than automobiles, such as large trucks or buses, shall be specifically identified on the site plan and shall be of such dimension as to accommodate the specified type of vehicle, subject to Planning Board review and approval. Such vehicles shall be permitted to park only in the spaces so identified and approved.
(d)
Accessible parking. Specifically designed parking spaces for the physically handicapped shall be provided according to the most recent rules and regulations of the State of Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (521 CMR) and the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
(e)
Snow storage. To ensure the availability and utilization of required parking spaces and loading bays on a year-round basis, a strip of land not less than five feet in width shall be provided on at least two sides of a parking lot or loading area and designated on the off-street parking and loading plan for the storage of snow plowed or removed from the surface area of the parking lot or loading area. Such snow storage area may not encroach on the area required for off-street parking or loading but may be located in the landscaped open area or in the area of required setback from a lot line or building.
(f)
Storage containers. Any temporary storage container, herein defined as a nonmobile standalone structural unit designed for commercial and industrial storage, accessory and in support of the principal commercial or industrial activity on site, shall require a special permit from the Planning Board unless located in a permitted outside storage area established during the site plan approval and/or special permit process. At a minimum, the Planning Board shall require that storage containers be located in areas currently providing off-street parking and that, one for one, appropriately located replacement off-street parking spaces are provided. Further, for every 50 gross square feet of lot area used by the storage container, one additional off-street parking space may be required by the Planning Board during the special permit review process. Additionally, when reviewing the special permit for a temporary storage container, the Planning Board shall consider visual/aesthetic impacts, particularly from off site.
(g)
Drainage. Parking areas shall be graded, surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or other suitable nonerosive material, and drained in a manner deemed adequate by the Planning Board to prevent nuisance of erosion or excessive water flow across public ways or abutting properties, and natural drainagecourses shall be utilized insofar as possible. Stormwater management systems for the parking lots shall be designed in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Stormwater Management Policy Regulations, and the 2008 DEP Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook, whether or not the proposed work falls within the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act. The Planning Board will consider low-impact development principles if deemed beneficial during the site plan approval process.
(h)
Display of merchandise. No parking or loading area shall be used for the sale, repair, display, storage, dismantling or servicing of any vehicle, equipment, merchandise, material or supplies, except as specifically permitted by these bylaws and approved by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals, as applicable.
(i)
Pedestrian circulation. Parking facilities and appurtenant driveways shall be designed so as to gather pedestrians out of vehicle travel lanes and to maximize the safety and convenience walking between parked cars and business entrances, as well as between external points and locations on site. Pedestrian walkways shall be integrated, to the extent possible, into the interior and/or perimeter landscaping of parking lots and shall be separated from vehicular and parking areas by grade, curbing and/or vegetation, except for necessary ramps. The Planning Board may require paved or other hard surface if deemed necessary during the site plan approval/special permit process.
(j)
Parking space size modification. A modification in parking space size requirements may be allowed by special permit granted by the Planning Board, provided a written narrative containing a detailed analysis that clearly demonstrates that proposed parking space size, number and configuration would accommodate the proposed uses. Said analysis shall be prepared in accordance with the standards of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and shall address the following:
[1]
The proposed width of spaces/aisles shall be consistent with the dimensions recommended by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, provided that for parking facilities for more than five cars, the total area shall be not less than 300 square feet times the number of parking spaces.
[2]
Unobstructed access to and from a street shall be provided and shall not require backing out into a street.
[3]
The land not utilized for parking as a result of reducing the size of required parking spaces is perpetually set aside as open space, preferably along a major street or nearby residential properties. The location of this open space shall be subject to Planning Board review and approval.
(k)
Reserve parking spaces. The Planning Board may, based upon documentation of the special nature of the use or building, authorize a phased development of required off-street parking, or reduction in number of spaces, with the following provisions:
[1]
The total number of spaces required to be shown on the site plan shall be determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Subsection B(7).
[2]
A written narrative shall be submitted detailing the reasons or circumstances as to why the required number of spaces is not necessary for the proposed land use.
[3]
Other relevant issues which should be considered when reviewing the reduction request should be detailed or noted on the plans. These may include but are not limited to environmental impacts, proximity to residential uses, impacts to historic or other resource areas and lighting.
[4]
The spaces that are not intended for construction immediately shall be labeled "Reserve Parking" on the site plan and shall be properly designed as an integral part of the overall parking layout, located on land suitable for parking development and in no case located within area counted as buffer, setback, or open space under other provisions of this bylaw. All drainage calculations and zoning analyses shall be conducted as if the parking is constructed.
[5]
If, at any time, the Building Inspector determines that additional spaces are needed, he shall notify the Planning Board concerning his findings. The Board may require that all or any portion of the spaces shown on the approved site plan as "Reserve Parking" be constructed. The Planning Board may at any time require that any or all of such parking spaces are to be constructed in said area if the parking demand on the site so warrants.
(l)
Shared and off-site parking.
[1]
The parking required by the uses located on a lot shall be provided on that lot, unless a special permit has been issued by the Planning Board. The Planning Board may issue a special permit to:
[a]
Reduce the required number of parking spaces when there will be mixed uses on a lot by activities having clearly different peak demand times;
[b]
Locate some required parking spaces on a separate lot under an agreement between property owners; and
[c]
Locate some required parking spaces in a separate shared parking lot under an agreement between property owners, when the parking lot is shared by mixed uses having clearly different peak demand times.
[2]
Before granting the special permit, the Planning Board shall determine that the provision of parking spaces proposed will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this section and adequate for all parking needs, and that all parking spaces associated with a use are within practical walking distance. The Planning Board may issue the special permit with conditions, which may include, but not be limited to, the following:
[a]
A requirement that shared and off-site parking arrangements between property owners be formalized in an instrument that runs with the land and is recorded at the Registry of Deeds;
[b]
That adequate space is set aside on the lot to construct additional parking spaces in the future should the mix of uses and peak demand times change and require additional parking.
(9)
Parking lot landscaping. The landscaping requirements in this subsection are intended to provide a baseline set of standards toward reducing the visual impacts of large areas of pavement, improving the overall environment or parking areas by providing areas for shade and heat reduction, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of parking areas. Landscaping within parking areas shall provide visual and climatic relief from broad expanses of pavement and shall be designed to channel and define logical areas for pedestrian and vehicular circulation. The following standards shall apply to all parking lots as defined in this bylaw.
(a)
Parking lot entrances and exits. At a minimum, parking lot entrances shall be landscaped with a combination of trees and shrubs. No trees or shrubs shall be planted in a way to obstruct sight lines of motorists. These areas may also be used for signage in compliance with Article XVIII of this bylaw.
(b)
Required landscaping. Developments with proposed parking areas of 10 spaces or more shall provide a minimum of 10% of the total parking area as landscaped open space.
(c)
Use of landscaped islands as buffers. Parking areas shall be broken into sections not to exceed 140 cars per section. Sections shall be separated by landscaped buffers to provide visual relief. At a minimum, the buffers shall consist of islands which shall be a combination of "divider islands" and "terminal islands."
(d)
Standards for landscaped islands.
[1]
General. Each landscaped island shall have a minimum area of 150 square feet and shall consist of pervious landscaping. Curbing, at least five inches in height, shall surround each landscaped island as protection from vehicles unless not required by the Planning Board due to low-impact development principles. No tree shall be planted less than four feet from the curbing.
[2]
Divider islands. The following additional design standards shall apply to divider islands:
[a]
At least one landscaped divider island shall be provided for every four parallel rows of parking.
[b]
Trees shall be spaced not more than 30 feet on center.
[c]
At least one shrub shall be provided for every five linear feet, or one shrub per 35 square feet of ground area, whichever results in a greater number of shrubs.
[3]
Terminal islands. The following additional design standards apply to terminal islands:
[b]
Landscaped terminal islands shall be provided at the ends of rows of parking where such rows are adjacent to driveways or vehicular travel lanes. In addition, terminal islands shall separate groups of parking spaces in a row, such that no continuous line of adjoining spaces contains more than 25 parking spaces.
[c]
Terminal islands shall contain at least two trees when abutting a double row of parking spaces.
[d]
Landscaped terminal islands shall contain evergreen shrubs planted three feet or less on center, in order to prevent damage due to pedestrian traffic.
(e)
Structural soil, a specialized soil mix that supports pavement and extensive tree root growth, shall be used under all paved parking areas. For landscape areas that do not require compaction, well-draining soil shall be used. The Planning Board shall adopt landscape guidelines and specifications to provide guidance on parking lot landscaping.
(f)
Grass or ground cover may be substituted for shrubs in divider islands and terminal islands, with the approval of the Planning Board.
(g)
A landscaped island may be up to 33% impervious surface, provided that all such area is used for pedestrian walkways and that such walkways are adequately buffered from the parking areas.
(h)
Parking barriers. A substantial bumper of granite, concrete, steel or heavy timber, or a concrete curb or berm which is backed, or a natural berm, shall be so located at the edge of surfaced areas, except driveways, so as to protect abutting structures, properties, sidewalks and landscaping.
(i)
Parking lot shading. All new parking lots containing 10 or more parking spaces shall include tree plantings designed to result in 50% shading of parking lot surface areas within 15 years. The shading requirements calculations apply to all new impervious surfacing on which a vehicle can drive, including parking stalls; all drives within the property line (regardless of length); and all maneuvering areas (regardless of depth).
[1]
Exceptions to the shading calculation include:
[a]
Single- and two-family residential parking areas.
[b]
Parking structures.
[c]
Truck loading areas in front of overhead doors.
[d]
Truck maneuvering and parking areas unconnected to and exclusive of any vehicle parking.
[e]
Surfaced areas not to be used for vehicle parking, driving or maneuvering, provided they are made inaccessible to vehicles by a barrier such as bollards, curb, or fencing.
[f]
Permitted outdoor display, sales, service, and storage areas; however, parking facilities serving these uses are subject to shading requirements.
[g]
Parking areas under covered stalls and in garages.
[2]
Shading calculations.
[a]
If a site has two or more unconnected parking areas, shade is calculated separately for each area.
[b]
If they are connected by a joining drive, they are calculated as one lot. The amount of shade provided by a given tree is determined by using the appropriate percentage and square footage of the tree crown as indicated on the approved shade tree list (Appendix A[1]). Shading credit is given in 25% increments based on the amount of the tree crown that shades the parking area (see Figure C[2]).
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: See the Figures included as an attachment to this chapter.
[c]
Overlapping shade does not count twice.
(j)
Plant selection. No tree, shrub or plant shall be proposed for use within a parking area that has been identified as an invasive species by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group in the latest version of The Evaluation of Non-Native Plant Species for Invasiveness in Massachusetts (with annotated list), has been identified as invasive or banned on the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List as periodically updated by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, or in any other reputable scientific publication that may be acceptable to the Board. Additionally, all trees, shrubs and hedges must be species that are hardy in Plant Hardiness Zone 5, as defined by the American Standards for Nursery Stock, and shall be resistant to salt spray and suitable for urban conditions where appropriate. Plants shall also be selected and designed so as not to require high water usage or maintenance. All size and location design elements shall comply with the following specifications:
[1]
Shade or canopy trees shall be three inches' diameter breast height (DBH), with a height of not less than 14 feet above grade and must be expected to reach a height of at least 20 feet within 10 years, when considering the expected normal growth patterns of the species;
[2]
Small or minor shade trees shall be 2.5 inches DBH, with a height of not less than 11 feet above the top of the root ball at the time of planting, grade;
[3]
Ornamental or flowering fruit trees shall be two inches DBH, with a height of not less than nine feet above grade;
[4]
Evergreen trees used for screening shall be not less than six feet in height (above grade) at the time of planting. The species of evergreen trees shall be subject to Planning Board approval to ensure long-term suitability as screening (Fencing may be used in conjunction with vegetated screening, but chain-link fence shall not be allowed.);
[5]
Shrubs and hedges must be at least 3 1/2 feet in height or have a spread of at least 24 inches at the time of planting;
[6]
Turf may be used but shall not be installed in strips less than six feet in width.
(10)
Parking within planned business developments.
(a)
Notwithstanding Subsection B(7), a reduction of up to 20% of the required parking spaces within a PBD may be allowed by special permit granted by the Planning Board, provided a detailed analysis clearly demonstrates that sufficient parking would remain for the uses within the PBD. Said analysis shall be prepared in accordance with the standards of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and shall address several distinct characteristics of the proposed PBD, including but not limited to:
[1]
The proposed peak parking demand of all the uses being served based on a daily, weekly and seasonal basis;
[2]
The projected parking turnover rate of all the uses during peak demand periods;
[3]
Site design features such as the proximity of the parking lots or shared parking lots to the building entrances of the two or more principal uses being served.
(b)
As a condition of any approval herein, land area that would have otherwise served as the location of the parking spaces, in question, shall be perpetually set aside. In addition, the Planning Board may at any time require that any or all of such parking spaces are to be constructed in said area if the parking demand on the site so warrants.
(11)
Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary, a special permit may be granted by the Planning Board allowing for no less than one parking space per three seats within a restaurant only as referred to under the § 390-4.2 Use Regulation Schedule, Subsection C.8, as an individual use or as part of an allowed complex of businesses, provided:
(a)
The particular restaurant use will not accommodate ancillary activities that will expectedly increase parking demand (e.g., live entertainment, dancing, etc.); and
(b)
The land not utilized for parking as a result of reducing the number of required parking spaces is perpetually set aside as open space, preferably along a major street or nearby residential properties.
[Added 5-21-2001]
(12)
Egress.
(a)
Any driveway likely to carry more than 200 trips per average business day must comply with the following unless the Planning Board grants a special permit for an alternative configuration, upon its determination that safety will be adequately protected, based on commonly employed engineering standards:
On Route 1* | Other Locations | |
|---|---|---|
Driveway sight distance** | AASHTO Minimum** | AASHTO Minimum** |
Driveway center-line separation from other driveways serving 200 plus trips | 300 feet | 100 feet |
Driveway center-line separation from intersecting street side line | 150 feet | 50 feet |
Maximum driveway width unless greater width justified by engineered design | 24 feet | 24 feet |
Curb radius* | 50 feet | 25 feet |
Acceleration/Deceleration lanes required | Yes | No |
* | Or in accordance with MassHighway Department[3] requirements. |
** | AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) minimum stopping sight distance shall be met or exceeded based on observed travel speeds. Desirable intersection sight distance standards shall also be satisfied if possible, with the intersection sight distance provided not being less than the measured stopping sight distance. |
[3]
Editor's Note: Now the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
(b)
No existing parcel shall be divided into lots with frontage which would preclude meeting the driveway separation requirements, unless access rights-of-way are deeded to enable shared egress.
§ 390-6.5 Loading areas and outside storage requirements.
Any use permitted in § 390-4.2 or the expansion of any nonconforming use must provide off-street, on-site loading areas and permitted outside storage in accordance with following Subsections A through E.
A.
Loading and storage areas must be physically separated from parking areas and driveways.
B.
Loading and storage area lighting should be minimal, consistent with safe use. Tall lighting structures should be avoided.
C.
Loading and storage areas will be constructed of durable, all-weather material and shall provide sufficient drainage.
D.
Loading and storage areas in excess of 5,000 square feet are to be set off by natural, landscaped screening.
E.
Loading and storage areas are not to be constructed within front yard, rear yard, or side yard setback areas.
§ 390-6.6 Private dumps.
Dumping, abandonment, or disposal of vehicles, equipment, appliances, demolition material, or any other waste matter is prohibited in all districts except as authorized in Article IV.
§ 390-6.7 Land clearing in anticipation of use.
Land clearing, excavation, gravel removal, or clear cutting of trees in anticipation of any use permitted or authorized by these Zoning Bylaws, bylaws and regulations of the Town of Wrentham and the Planning Board, or laws of the commonwealth, is prohibited prior to issuance of all required approvals, permits, variances, licenses, and authorizations, unless the proposed municipal use or improvement is necessary to comply with the terms of an order issued by a state or federal court or administrative agency, provided that document of a final order is submitted to the Zoning Enforcement Officer no less than 48 hours before the commencement of any related site work. Limited clearing and excavation is permitted to obtain necessary survey and engineering data.
§ 390-6.8 Building and occupancy permits.
A building or structure cannot be built or altered and cannot be occupied until the Building Inspector has issued building and occupancy permits which certify compliance with all requirements of these Zoning Bylaws. If the Building Inspector declines to issue or revokes a permit under this section, the Inspector shall issue a written statement of reasons for decision. Any person aggrieved by an action or decision of the Building Inspector under this section may appeal to the Board of Appeals.
§ 390-6.9 Accessory buildings.
[Added 6-8-2015 ATM]
A.
No accessory buildings, including air-supported, air-inflated, membrane-covered cable and membrane-covered frame structures, shall be located within the required front yard setback area. No accessory building shall be located nearer to the side or rear lot line than the greater of the height of such accessory building or 10 feet.
[Amended 6-19-2006 ATM]
B.
All accessory buildings, as defined under Article II and pursuant to § 390-4.2, in all residential districts will be further limited to a total gross floor area of 1,200 square feet. The Board of Appeals may issue a special permit if the proposed construction of an accessory building is in excess of 1,200 square feet gross floor area. Accessory buildings shall be located no less than 10 feet from another accessory building or principal building.
C.
Swimming pools shall be located no less than 40 feet from the front lot line and not less than 10 feet from the side or rear lot lines. Measurement shall be from the water's edge.
§ 390-6.10 Buffer zones.
The purpose of a "buffer zone" shall be to mitigate certain effects of permitted uses in any district upon any abutting lot(s), permitted use(s) or zoning district(s). Buffer zones may incorporate the following elements used either separately or in combination as the approving authority requires: preserved natural vegetation, professionally landscaped tree/plant or natural material, artificial screening/fencing material or other similar items. Nothing in this section shall prohibit or limit other approving authorities from requiring additional materials to be placed in any buffer zone to mitigate the effects of drainage, flooding, contamination or similar acts upon the bordering lot(s) from said lot/development.
A.
No parking area or any cleared surface, paved or not, including ingress/egress way(s), on any lots in any Retail Business (B) or Commercial Industrial (C) Zoning Districts shall be located closer than a minimum distance specified by the approving authority to any property line that separates the subject lot in said zoning districts from any lot line(s) in all Residential (R) Zoning Districts. Such minimum distance shall constitute a "buffer zone", which shall be preserved in a natural state, or landscaped with either natural or a combination of natural and artificial screening/fencing materials or other similar items, as required by the approving authority.
B.
Minimum distances.
(1)
Minimum distance - "buffer zone":
(2)
The approving authority may require a greater minimum distance to further mitigate the effects of the probable noise levels, hours of operation, exterior artificial lighting, intensity of development of the subject lot and use, and any other directly relevant factors. In no case shall the increased minimum distance be greater than a factor of 2, unless said increased minimum distance is agreed to mutually without duress by the applicant.
C.
Site plan. As part of the site plan and/or special permit approval process, the approving authority may require either suitable full or partial perimeter buffer zones between bordering lots and/or uses, located in either the same zoning district or in an abutting nonresidential district. The approving authority shall indicate the need, minimum distance and nature of any required buffer zone in its decision. In no case shall any buffer zone be greater than that distance specified in Subsection B for the appropriate district in which the lot/use is located.
§ 390-6.11 Development regulations for planned industrial/office parks.
The following regulations shall apply to all aspects of any planned industrial/office park (PI/OP) in the C-2 Zoning District:
A.
Minimum area of tract, which may comprise more than one lot, shall be 100 acres.
B.
Primary vehicle access to the PI/OP shall be provided from a state highway at a point within 3,500 feet of Route I-495.
C.
Buildings and structures shall not occupy more than 50% of the tract, and at least 25% of the tract shall be maintained as grass or other unoccupied, natural or landscaped space.
D.
The PI/OP shall have vegetated stormwater detention and/or retention areas adequate to prevent the lateral displacement of stormwater and any material increase in peak flows, onto adjoining or downstream properties in the one-hundred-year storm events.
E.
The height of structures shall not exceed 60 feet above the average ground elevation surrounding the exterior walls, provided that skylights, ventilators, penthouses containing only mechanical equipment, and other structures normally built above the roof and not devoted to human occupancy may be erected to the height of 75 feet. For every additional 10 feet of front setback from the required minimum front setback line, the vertical height may rise an additional five feet to a maximum of 90 feet. The Planning Board, during the site plan process, may grant a waiver to this regulation allowing structures to exceed these limitations, if such structure is required for the use and will not be detrimental to the neighborhood.
F.
Exterior signs which are designed to be visible from locations outside the PI/OP development or to any public way shall be of such location, size and illumination as specified by the Planning Board in the special permit so that they do not adversely affect other areas or properties or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Interior signs within a PI/OP development which are designed not to be visible from any public way or property outside the C-2 Zoning District shall be of such design, size, location and illumination as is necessary to serve the functions of directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, designating various facilities and indicating the functions thereof, separating areas accessible to the public and private areas and preserving safety and security.
G.
On-site parking, loading and outside storage areas shall be provided as set forth in Article VI of this Zoning Bylaw, except as may otherwise be specified in the special permit.
H.
The minimum setback of any structure or improvement to any residential zoning district boundary shall be 100 feet, the first 50 feet of which shall be planted with trees sufficient to screen the site from the view of streets and properties within the residential district.