Route 136 (Metacom Avenue) overlay
It is a goal of the town, as stated in the comprehensive plan, to promote high quality development along the corridor of Route 136 (Metacom Avenue) that will minimize the impact of increasing traffic flows, protect residential privacy and property values, and preserve scenic resources. The overlay district is established to provide an additional set of review criteria and design standards on development projects to achieve this goal.
(1) Overlay zone boundaries. The overlay zone is as mapped on the official zoning map. The overlay zone applies to the parcel lot with frontage on Metacom Avenue, as well as any new lots created by the subdivision of larger parcels. Any proposed major land development project east of Metacom Avenue (regardless of frontage) shall be subject to the Metacom Avenue overlay.
(2) Permitted uses. Any permitted use in the underlying zone is permitted in the overlay zone, subject to the design standards below. Uses permitted by special use permit are allowed if granted by the zoning board subject to the requirements of section 28-409; and, if applicable, section 28-150.
(3) Review process. The review process for any development plan proposed in the overlay zone shall be as follows:
a. Any development plan proposed in the overlay zone shall be reviewed by either the technical review committee or the planning board as set forth in article VI of this chapter. Any land development project proposed in the overlay zone shall be reviewed by the planning board. The review process shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in the town's subdivision and development review regulations.
b. The technical review committee or the planning board, as the case may be, may require a traffic impact study, prepared by a state registered professional engineer, for projects which generate new or additional parking for more than 20 cars. The purpose of the traffic study is to determine the proposed development's impact on traffic and level of service as well as specific mitigation measures for same. The scope of the traffic study shall be as required by the planning board engineer.
c. Not withstanding any provision of this subsection, all entrance and exit driveways onto Route 136 (Metacom Avenue), a state road, shall be in accordance with the requirements of the state department of transportation and shall require a physical alteration permit from the state department of transportation and may require that the study area for traffic impact analysis include the following:
1. In general, any links (streets) that would experience a directional increase of 250 ADT or 25 vehicles in a peak hour.
2. Extend beyond the immediate area up to a half-mile outside the development boundaries and may include any link or street that experiences a ten percent directional increase in traffic resulting from the development project and the effects of other development (cumulative impact) which may coincide with the immediate development.
3. Require that the traffic study completed for the RIDOT physical alteration permit for access to Metacom Avenue include, at a minimum, the study area identified by the town's planning department during the pre-application process.
4. Require that developers consider roundabouts as an alternative means to traffic signalization.
5. Require that developers provide sidewalks.
6. Require applicants to conduct transportation management strategies to reduce commuting by single occupant vehicles by improved multimodal transportation links (sidewalks to bus stops), incentives for bus use (RIPTA bus passes), ride sharing/transportation demand management strategies (car and vanpooling, staggered shift hours, telecommuting). There may be a reduction in parking spaces as provided in article VIII of this chapter.
(4) Development design standards. All development projects located within the Route 136 (Metacom Avenue) overlay zone shall be reviewed in accordance with the following standards:
a. Service road. Developments located on the west side of Route 136, between Gooding and Tupelo, shall provide either a 30-foot right-of-way or 30 foot easement for imminent or future construction of a service road. This alignment shall be coordinated within projects and located so that vehicular and pedestrian traffic may move to and from developments without having to re-enter Route 136. The area of such service road shall be counted to meet any minimum lot area requirements.
b. Commercial, mixed-use and multifamily residential developments. Development standards for commercial developments shall be as follows:
1. Driveway and roadway spacing. Spacing between driveways and proposed roadway intersections shall be determined based on a function of the posted street speed limit according to the following schedule:
Posted Speed Limit Minimum Spacing
Between Driveways35 MPH or less 150 feet 40 to 45 MPH 230 feet
Spacing will be measured from the centerline of each driveway.
2. Combined access. The sharing of driveway access points by two or more properties is recommended particularly where the driveway volumes will be low. Driveways should be located along common property lines or be established by easements over the property being served by the driveway. The technical review committee or the planning board, as the case may be, may require a shared driveway where site, traffic or development conditions warrant. In addition, an access easement to adjacent commercial sites for coordinated joint parking areas may also be required. Where combined access is provided, there may be a reduction in parking spaces as provided in article VIII of this chapter. Should one or both of the parcels with a shared driveway access point be redeveloped or change use (with an anticipated increase in volume), the technical review committee or planning board, as the case may be, may require an alternative site plan design or request the parcel owners seek a variance to maintain the existing driveway configuration.
i. Parcels with frontage along Metacom Avenue and a secondary/side street (i.e. corner lots) shall be prohibited from establishing curb cuts along Metacom Avenue. Access to these properties shall be via the side roads, improving the safety, capacity and visual aesthetics of Metacom Avenue within the immediate area. Curb cuts may be permitted for enter/exit only lanes that prohibit left turning movements on Metacom Avenue.
3. Dimensional requirements for access. All driveways shall be a minimum of 15 feet in width for every lane of traffic using such driveway. Combined entrance and exit driveways shall have a planted island with a minimum width of six feet between the lanes.
4. Parking location. All parking areas shall be located to the rear or side of the buildings. In no case shall it be located in the rear or side yard setbacks; however, this provision may be waived if shared parking is being provided. Where parking is located to the rear, buildings should be oriented so that there is at least one rear entrance.
5. Buffering. Buffering shall be as follows:
i. There shall be a minimum 25-foot planted buffer between any commercial use, including parking and loading areas, and any residential use.
ii. Mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on the roof, ground or buildings, shall be screened from public view with materials or plantings in harmony with the building, or they shall be so located as not to be visible from any public way. Refuse and waste removal areas and any exterior work areas shall also be so screened.
6. Setback. There shall be a maximum 50-foot setback from Route 136 which shall consist of a landscaped area and sidewalk.
7. Frontage. Lots created after the effective date of these provisions shall have a minimum of 200-foot frontage on Route 136 (Metacom Avenue).
c. Single-family residential developments. Reserved.