Historic district zone
(a) Incorporation and cross reference. Chapter 14 of Bristol Town Code entitled historic preservation is hereby incorporated by reference. There exist in the Town of Bristol historic districts as shown on the map entitled, "Map of Historic Districts, Town of Bristol, Rhode Island", together with a list of properties within the downtown district (Attachment 1) and a list of structures of historic or architectural value not located within the boundaries of an established historic district (Attachment 2) as may be amended from time to time, and which is filed at the office of the town clerk, all of which is herein collectively referred to as the "Historic District" or the "Historic District Zone".
(b) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the location and operation of formula business establishments, within Bristol's Historic District Zone, in order to maintain the district's unique character and diverse blend of business offerings.
(c) Findings. Establishing or preserving an appropriate and balanced mix of businesses will more effectively promote the district's economic health, property values, and colonial New England ambiance. The land use element of the town's comprehensive plan provides a statement of goals and policies that is quite reflective of the town's desire to preserve the unique and historically rich environment which encompasses the historic district zone. Included are stated policies to: (1) maintain the character of Bristol and make sure that new development does not adversely impact the character of the town; (2) respect the historic resources that link Bristol's present with Bristol's past and use these resources as guidelines for managing future growth; (3) foster the local economic base. In general, the goal of the land use element is to promote the development of a well balanced and functional mix of land uses and to ensure that development in the town is consistent with the town's character and image.
The historic downtown district is unique not only because of its well preserved historic structures, but because of its small individualized shops and restaurants as well. Bristol's historic downtown district is recognizable nationwide. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, a large part of whom come to enjoy and experience the unique character of the nation's most patriotic town and its numerous quaint shops and restaurants. This unique character would be adversely affected by a proliferation of "formula businesses" which are required by contractual or other arrangements to be virtually identical to businesses in other communities as a result of standardized services, merchandise, decor, uniforms and the like. The development of such businesses, if unchecked and unregulated, would conflict with the distinct atmosphere and unique character for which Bristol's historic downtown district is famous. Therefore, the town council finds that in order to preserve the character of the historic downtown district, it is reasonable and necessary to adopt this article which would monitor and regulate the establishment of formula businesses in the historic district zone through the mechanism of special use permits, in accordance with section 28-409 of this Code.
(d) Regulation. A formula business, as defined in section 28-1 of this Code, seeking to operate within the historic district zone, as established in section 14-3 of this Code, is required to first obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the historic district commission, and is then required to obtain a special use permit from the zoning board in accordance with section 28-409, including without limitation, the standards set forth in subsection 28-150(h). Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon agreement of both the historic district commission and the zoning board, a joint public hearing of both bodies may be held, with each body then voting separately in the order set forth above.
Cross reference— Historic preservation, ch. 14.