Standards of development

The following standards of development shall apply to any multifamily dwelling structure or project:

• • A. Permitted uses. Uses permitted in multifamily structures or developments shall be limited to those allowed in the applicable zoning district. Permitted accessory uses in all zoning districts include laundry facilities, refuse collection, recreation facilities, community rooms, single rental offices, or model units, etc., which are intended primarily for use of the residents thereof and are not commercial in nature. Other accessory uses may only be permitted if allowed in the zoning district under the provisions of section 82-601 and shall meet all of the applicable regulations of this chapter.

  • B. Dimensional regulations. All regulations with regard to lot size, yards, lot coverage and any other dimensional requirements shall be as set forth in section 82-1200 4.C, and as further provided in Table 6-2.

  • C. Density regulations—Multifamily dwelling projects. The maximum density of residential dwelling units that may be developed within any multifamily dwelling project shall be determined by Table 12-1. Developable land area is calculated as the gross land area on a lot minus 25 percent open space requirement for the CL and DC districts and 50 percent open space requirement for R-8 and R-20 zoning districts for multifamily dwelling projects, which does not include any land unsuitable for development as defined in section 82-104.

Table 12-1 Density Regulations - Multifamily Dwellings

 

¹  Developable land area is calculated as the gross land area on a lot minus any land unsuitable for development as defined in section 82-104.

²  "Water" and "sewer" refer to public water service or public sewer service as provided by the Town of Jamestown.

• • D. Density - Multifamily structures. Not more than four dwelling units shall be permitted in a multifamily dwelling structure in any district where permitted, pursuant to the definition of multifamily structure in section 82-104, Definitions. Each multifamily dwelling structure shall have no more than a 4,000 square-foot footprint. The zoning board or appropriate permitting authority may allow a structure to contain more than four dwelling units, provided the following conditions are met to the satisfaction of the zoning board:

• That there is an existing need for the type of housing proposed specifically documented in the town's comprehensive plan;

• The dwelling units will be available to meet that unmet need long term; and

• There are no practical means to construct an additional structure or structures on the site for the additional dwelling units.

• • E. Site design.

    • 1) Open space. In the R-8 and R-20 districts, the open space area shall not be covered by buildings, or aboveground utilities. Fifty percent of the total "open space" shall be open space designed and/or maintained for the enjoyment of residents on that site without buildings, driveways, parking areas or aboveground utilities. These areas may include, without limitation, perimeter buffer areas, walkways, paths, playgrounds, outdoor recreation areas, gardens, ornamental, landscaping, or natural areas. In the CD and CL districts, the open space area shall not be covered by buildings, or driveways but maintained for the enjoyment of residents on that site and may include, without limitation, perimeter buffer areas, walkways, paths, playgrounds, outdoor recreation areas, gardens, ornamental, landscaping, or natural areas. In the CD and CL districts, particular attention shall be paid to the public frontage; specifically encouraging compliance with the retail and mixed use and residential porches guidance as noted in the Jamestown Pattern Book and Guidelines.

    • 2) Compact development. Where multifamily development is proposed, clustering of structures is encouraged in order to increase accessibility of open space and foster a sense of community.

    • 3) Perimeter buffering. Fences, walls, or vegetative screening shall be provided along the perimeter of any lot containing a multifamily structure/development where such a buffer will:

      • a) Provide a smooth visual transition between multifamily development and residential lots.

      • b) Provide an indication of the property boundary location, thereby limiting inadvertent trespass.

      • c) Provide protection of privacy where structures may be close enough together across property lines to warrant concern.

    • 4) Screening. The following uses and areas within the premises of a multifamily structure or development shall be screened from adjacent residential properties or public streets.

      • a) Off-street parking areas containing more than ten spaces. When nearest portions of noncontiguous parking areas are separated by less than 50 feet of landscaped space, as measured from their nearest points, they shall be considered as combined for the purposes of determining whether this threshold applies.

      • b) Service areas for loading and unloading vehicles other than passengers, and for storage and collection of trash and garbage.

      • c) Utility areas such as pumping stations, electric utility substations, and the like.

      • d) In the CD zoning district, buffering and screening as defined in this section shall not be required adjacent to commercially developed land.

    • 5) Areas of secondary importance. These areas include stands of mature woodlands, significant wildlife habitats, prime farmland or open meadows and their defining tree lines, hedgerows and/or stonewalls, historic structures or community landmarks, and scenic views to, from or within the property. These features add character and value to the community and help maintain the rural character. Efforts shall be made by the developer, as evidenced in development plan submittals, to minimize adverse impacts to these areas by use of design which is sensitive to existing site conditions.

  • F. Building design. Multifamily building design shall be consistent with the guidance provided in "A Jamestown Vision: Pattern Book & Design Guidelines for Building in the Village, June 19, 2008" (as amended) and will incorporate architectural styles consistent with existing buildings in the neighborhood, in order to meet the purposes described in section 82-1200.1 C above. The permit reviewing authority shall compare the contents of the proposal with the following sections to determine whether there is consistency between the application and these sections of the guidelines:

    • 1) Building form

    • 2) Building elements

    • 3) Materials and methods

(Ord. of 2-3-2025(1), § 1(Exh. A))