Site and design standards

Sec. 17.8. Site and design standards.

The following standards pertain mainly to land outside of the public right-of-way. Any construction or improvements involving a public right-of-way or utilities in the public right-of-way shall be designed in accordance with the standards contained in the Regulations, incorporated herein by reference.

• 17.8.1. Site Planning. To the maximum extent practicable, development should be located to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, to minimize alterations of and negative impacts to natural features, historic and cultural resources, and scenic areas. A Site Analysis should be conducted prior to the conceptual site planning process (Figure 1). Natural Context The following specific areas should be preserved as undeveloped areas in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Town Regulations and Ordinances (Figure 2):

• • (1) High value recreational waters

    (2) Steep slopes above 15% as measured over a 10 foot interval

    (3) Habitats for rare, threatened or endangered flora and fauna

    (4) Historically significant structures and sites

    (5) Prime agricultural soils Figure 1. Example of Site Analysis Figure 2. Protect Natural Features and Slopes Development should take advantage of natural solar irradiation through southern exposure and design features in order to reduce energy usage and increase connections to the surrounding environment. Vegetation, berms, and shade structures should be used to provide warmer areas during winter and cooler areas during summer (Figure 3).

can function as pedestrian (Figure 4).

features such as stone walls, (especially slopes in excess of historic and natural are potentially erosive, impacts higher (Figures 7 Figure 4. Pedestrian “Outdoor Rooms”

Figure 5. Preserve Natural Features Figure 6. Character Defining Site Features Figure 7. Ridgelines and Steep Slopes Figure 8. Ridges and Steep Slopes Figure 9. Buffer Adjacent Developments When commercial/industrial buildings back up to residential areas, the rear setback area should be heavily landscaped and functionally and/or visually combined with the residential open space where possible (Figure 9). Built Context The Slatersville Area Plan prepared by Everett Associates shall be used as a guide when reviewing development proposals in the village areas and will employ the more general standards contained herein on a townwide basis. Placement of buildings shall consider the built context of the area, the location of compatible and incompatible uses, traffic corridors, vegetation, and other site characteristics. Where adjacent setbacks are inconsistent, an attempt should be made to moderate them. If this is not possible, vegetation, walls and other landscape features must be used to continue the rhythm of the built environment (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Continue Prevailing Setback Patterns In commercial and industrial areas, and particularly in the historic villages and in other densely developed zones with direct street frontage, buildings fronting on streets should generally be placed at their front setback lines in order to enliven the street. This siting, in combination with substantial landscape treatment, reinforces and strengthens the streetscape and helps to screen offstreet parking areas. Only active building elevations with public access should face public streets (Figure 11). Figure 11. Strengthen Streetscape Environment Multiple buildings in a single development should create a positive functional relationship. Whenever possible, buildings should be clustered to achieve a village feel. This creates opportunities for plazas and pedestrian areas while preventing long “barrack-like” rows of buildings. When clustering is impractical, a visual and/or landscape linkage should be established.

When adjacent residential and non-residential uses can mutually profit from connection rather than separation, applicable connective elements such as walkways, common landscape areas, building orientation, and unfenced property lines shall be employed.

• 17.8.2. Groundwater Resource Protection Wastewater Disposal Parcels connected to the sewer system will be required to follow the Sewer Commission’s regulations. Lots requiring Individual Sewage Disposal Systems (OWTS) will need to comply with the Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) regulations and Section 6.19 of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, when applicable. Clean on-site wastewater disposal is desirable for aquifer recharge and natural filtering, as long as no danger of environmental contamination exists. Stormwater Management Stormwater management systems should:

• 1. Be designed using non-structural or low-structural components where possible and as small an area as possible.

• 2. Not allow downstream or off-site flooding, soil erosion or other related runoff problems.

• 3. Improve the water quality of runoff and protect and restore the quality of ground and surface waters.

• 4. Be designed for routine maintenance to be conducted on-site by the owners at regular intervals.

• A schedule for maintenance shall be submitted with the final plans.

• 5. Maintain the natural hydrodynamic characteristics of the watershed. All commercial and industrial developments shall use Low Impact Development (LID) techniques for stormwater management design. Refer to the “Rhode Island Stormwater Design Manual” for suggested LIDs. Any increase in storm runoff should be retained and recharged as close to its place of origin as feasible, using one or more of the following options:

• 1. Retention/detention ponds

  2. Porous pavements

  3. Under-drains

  4. Surface swales with French drains

  5. Creative pavement design which can shed surface water to vegetated areas

  6. Catch basins

  7. Temporary stone pads at road access point or similar techniques Natural drainage ways should be maintained in an undisturbed state to the greatest extent possible. Retention/detention ponds should only be employed where the natural features cannot adequately control runoff. Water should be managed to decrease velocity, increase infiltration, and allow suspended solids to settle. Preferred options include grassy swales, artificial wetlands, vegetated buffer strips, extended detention basins, infiltration devices, alternative turf and wet retention/detention basins. The siting of stormwater management structures including dry and/or wet ponds and swales shall be incorporated into the natural landscape to enhance functional values of the structures and provide visual amenity to the site.

• Use porous paving whenever possible. Options include porous asphalt, brick or concrete pavers set on porous base material such as sand, soil cement and gravel. (Figure 12)

• Figure 12. Stormwater Retention Area Erosion and Sedimentation Control Erosion and Sedimentation Control shall be in accordance with Section 18 of the North Smithfield Zoning Ordinance, as amended. Site design should avoid steep slopes, minimize slopes in graded areas and work with the natural drainage and topography of the site. Original boundaries, alignment and slopes of watercourses within the project locus shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible (Figure 13).

• Figure 13. Stormwater Retention Area Doubles as Overflow Parking Development plans should preserve natural features, keep cut and fill operations to a minimum and ensure conformity with topography so as to adequately handle the volume and velocity of surface water runoff. Trees and other existing vegetation shall be retained whenever feasible; areas within the drip line should be fenced or otherwise protected against damage by construction equipment (Figures 14 & 15).

• Figure 14. Preserve Natural Drainage and Topography Figure 15. Maintain Grade Near Existing Trees 17.8.3 Access and Circulation Vehicular and pedestrian circulation should be clearly organized and functional, providing safe and efficient means of access to all non-sensitive areas of the site. Vehicular and pedestrian circulation areas should be separated to ensure safety, with appropriate linkages at designated inter-modal transportation nodes. A development’s circulatory system, including roadways, paths, and parking areas provides the pattern for human experience and should be designed considering aesthetics, social and environmental issues. Use special accents at all entries. Monuments, uniquely textured paving, plantings, walls, sculptures, and specimen trees should be used to generate visual interest. Roads and parking areas should be designed to respect natural features and topography, and to present an attractive “streetscape” environment. Vast expanses of paving without visual relief are undesirable. Materials should be harmonious with the existing, surrounding environment. Materials such as brick, granite, stone, wood, and textured/colored concrete are encouraged.

• Roads Integrate access points for automobiles and pedestrians carefully – especially within the village centers where pedestrian and vehicle traffic co-exist. Driveways should be shared by adjacent developments wherever possible to minimize curb cuts and impervious surfaces.

• Every development should have sufficient emergency access as required by the local Fire and Police Departments. Separate customer access and circulation from service truck access.

• Roads and driveways should follow existing contours to minimize site disturbance designed parallel, rather than perpendicular, to existing slopes (Figure 16).

• Parking Off street parking shall be provided in accordance with existing Ordinances, however, the Planning Board may recommend relief for good cause. In general, where parking areas can be reduced in size, or spaces shared with adjacent businesses, it is considered beneficial to reduce impervious surface areas and maintain a more natural appearance.

• A landscaped buffer strip at least 10 feet wide, continuous except for approved driveways, shall be established adjacent to any public road except in instances where the Planning Board deems this would unduly detract from the adjacent streetscape and/or architectural character of the area. Divide large parking lots into a series of smaller connected lots using raised landscape strips at least 5 feet wide (preferably more) with one shade tree for every 5 spaces (Figure 17). Figure 16. Follow Existing Contours Figure 17. Divide Large Parking Lots Lower the grade of parking lots, where practical and respectful of existing topography, to aid in screening views of automobiles while permitting views of buildings (Figure 18).

• Figure 18. Creatively Utilize Grade Changes in Parking Lots Parking areas should be separated from buildings by a raised walkway or planting strip at least 5 (preferably more) feet wide. Parking areas directly abutting the building shall not be considered acceptable (Figure 19). The buffer strip should be planted with grass, shrubs and shade trees (minimum 3 inch caliper diameter at breast height, minimum height of 15 feet, planted at least every 30 feet along the road frontage). Parking areas should be located to the rear or sides of buildings out of sight from passing traffic to the greatest extent possible. Vegetative buffering, berms, walls and fences should be used to screen parking to the greatest extent possible from all surrounding areas. In all developments, pedestrian walkways should be provided through and between parking areas and separate buildings wherever possible to adjacent streets. Figure 20 exemplifies a desired outgrowth of these standards. Parking areas should be softened with vegetative screens with at least one tree per 5 parking spaces should be provided. A continuous wall of green should be provided with breaks for visual safety (Figure 21).

• Figure 19. Planting Strip and Raised Walkway Figure 20. Parking behind buildings Figure 21. Acceptable parking island Pedestrian Pathways Natural earth-like walking paths shall be encouraged outside the village centers. Asphalt (bituminous concrete) walkways shall be avoided for aesthetic and environmental reasons in such outlying areas. Within the village centers, sidewalks and paved pathways should be a minimum of 4 feet wide. Clearly defined pedestrian access should be provided from bus stops to primary building entrances. In areas where bicycles are expected to share the sidewalk, they should be a minimum of 6 feet (Figure 22). Informal pathways/trails should be provided to connect adjacent natural areas and potential future regional pathways and bikeways.

• Figure 22. Sidewalk Widths Crosswalks, signs, or other warning cues should be used wherever pedestrians cross traffic aisles (Figure 23). Developments should provide ample pedestrian open spaces (green spaces) for enjoyment of pedestrians. Walkways and open areas shall be generously vegetated.

• Stairways and Ramps All buildings should be handicapped accessible in accordance with state and federal laws. Stairs should combine visual attractiveness with safety considerations and provide landings every 10 stairs for visual variation and pedestrian rest. Sloping paths are preferable to ramps or lifts.

• However where ramps are used, they should be handicapped accessible and integrated with the building design.

• Figure 23. Sidewalks and Crosswalks 17.8.4. Landscaping To the maximum extent possible, the natural landscape should be preserved. Landscaping should reflect the site as a whole, integrating the various elements of site design into the plan with the surrounding landscape elements and processes. Effort shall be made to use native plants with high wildlife value and aesthetic interest. Plants should also accent the cultural landscape, providing such elements as rhythm, spatial structure, color, texture, etc. to the built environment.

• Landscape plantings should generally follow a three-tiered system:

• 1. Grasses and groundcovers

  2. Shrubs and vines

  3. Trees All areas not covered by structures, service yards, driveways, paths, etc. should be landscaped. The following are planting design concepts that should be used whenever possible:

• 1. Specimen trees in informal groupings and rows at major focal points

  2. Use of flowering vines on walls and arbors

  3. Use of planting to create shadow, texture, patterns, rhythm, aroma, color, etc.

• 4. Use of trees to create canopy and shade, especially in parking areas

  5. Use of berms, planting and walls to screen outdoor areas from wind and noise.

• 6. The development of sloped properties should follow the natural contours of the land.

• 7. Terraced parking lots, stepped building pads, and larger setbacks should be used to preserve the general topography of the site and to minimize grade differences between adjacent streets and properties, especially when adjacent downhill properties are residential.

• 8. Landscaping around the entire building to soften edges and moderate scale is recommended, particularly near parking lots, entrances, and other pedestrian areas.

• Plants in containers are encouraged for areas not conducive to permanent plantings (Figure 24).

• Landscaped Setback Yards, Berms, Walls, and Screens Vegetated setback yards, berms, walls, and other screens provide barriers to undesirable land uses such as roadways, parking lots, utility areas, loading docks, trash pickup areas, and transportation corridors. These barriers will vary in materials and dimensions depending on the intensity of adjacent land uses and other design considerations. The goal should be to provide as much buffering as possible from undesirable land uses.

• Fences and walls should be architecturally appropriate. Walls shall be terraced with wall sections no more than 5 feet in height. Chain link fencing should be avoided except where necessary for security purposes.

• Figure 24. Container Plants Utilize berms, vegetation and walls to:

• 1. Reduce wind speeds in and around developments, particularly where development on ridges cannot be avoided and in open areas where winds could cause uncomfortable pedestrian conditions.

• 2. Provide insulation to reduce the need for heat and air conditioning. Reduce dust, fumes, noxious smells or other potential air borne pollutants near certain industrial land uses (Figure 25). Figure 25. Windbreaks Adjacent residential and non-residential uses should be segregated as much as possible in order to maintain a healthy residential environment through the use of berms, walls, fences, buffer yards, and other barriers unless connections are for some reason desirable. A screen along the lot line should be provided consisting of either a row of evergreens at least 6 feet in height at planting, which will grow into a thick hedge not less than 6 feet high, or an opaque and neatly maintained fence not less than six feet in height (Figure 26). Figure 26. Use Vegetative Screens Screen parking lots and undesirable facades of buildings. Consider the following screening options:

• 1. Evergreen trees (maximum 20 feet on center) 2. 3-4 foot high evergreen hedge, fence, berm, or wall; 36” maximum immediately in front of buildings 3. Masonry walls approximately 4 feet in height consisting of stone, brick, or other similar solid masonry materials (Figure 27).

• 4. Wooden walls approximately 4 feet tall and constructed of heavy wood, or heavy wood and masonry to form an opaque screen

  5. Depressing the parking lot so that its elevation is approximately 4 feet below adjacent land use. Long expanses of fence or wall surfaces should be offset and architecturally designed to prevent monotony. Landscape pockets should be provided at 50-foot minimum intervals along the wall. Vines should be used to break up flat surfaces. Berms can be used to block wind, noise, views and other undesirable land uses or to vary soil depths above unfavorable soil conditions (Figure 27). Figure 27. Berms and Screen Walls Vegetation and Plant Lists Species should be suitable for U.S.D.A. Zone 5 hardiness. Use of native vegetation and xeriscaping (low water use landscaping) is encouraged. Scale of plants should be compatible with buildings and land use. Plants should be used to moderate changes in scale. Larger plants can be used to buffer and soften buildings while smaller plants with greater sensory interest can be used in pedestrian areas. The approved plant list reference is entitled Sustainable Trees and Shrubs, third edition, and 1999, authored by the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Landscape Horticulture Program. Although the list is comprehensive, designers and developers should feel free to add species that they feel augment the objective outlined within this document. Plant Size, Quality, Spacing, and Distribution Newly planted large shade trees should have a minimum caliper size of 3 inches dbh , minimum 15 feet in height and should be staked securely for a period of two years from date of planting. The lowest branch should be at least 80 inches above finished grade to meet ADA standard. Street trees should be planted along both sides of all streets at not more than 30 feet apart, preferably closer, as long as they do not obstruct sight triangles at street intersections. Trees and large shrubs should be placed as follows:

• 1. A minimum of 7 feet between centers of trees or large shrubs and edge of driveway, water meter or gas meter and sewer laterals.

• 2. A minimum of 10 feet between centers of trees or large shrubs and point of intersection of driveways and streets or walkways.

• 3. A minimum of 10 feet between center of trees and large shrubs to utility poles.

• 4. A minimum of 8 feet between center of trees or large shrubs and fire hydrants and fire department sprinkler and standpipe connections (Figure 28). Figure 28. Tree Placement and Spacing No species of plant or large shrub should be planted under the overhead lines or over underground utilities if its growth might interfere with the installation or maintenance of any public utilities. Evergreen trees shall be planted no further apart than 20 feet on center, depending on species, to screen parking lots and large commercial buildings in order to provide a visual barrier between commercial and residential areas.

• Lighting Lighting shall be designed so as not to disturb adjacent properties or traffic. Lights shall be directed down and the height of light standards appropriate to the site. Upward lighting, such as accent lighting shall be carefully directed away from oncoming traffic. Lamp and post selection shall reflect architectural style of the building and be sensitive to adjacent architecture (Figure 29). Figure 29. Examples of Overhead Lighting and Fixtures Site Furnishings and Amenities Site furnishings such as trellises, benches, lighting, trash containers, fencing, phone booths, etc. should be integral elements of the design and should be shown on the plans. Site furnishings shall be placed leaving adequate space for the stockpiling and removal of snow. Exterior vending machines such as soft drink and cigarette dispensers are to be discouraged, unless they are screened such that they do not constitute another outdoor sign or advertisement. Seating/Benches Rest areas such as benches and wall seating should be provided where pedestrians walk long distances. At least one seat for every 100 feet of pathway is a good rule of thumb. A variety of bench heights should be provided for different uses and user groups:

• 1. For the elderly, a wall height of 18-22 inches is preferable.

• 2. Wall heights of 24-36 inches provide a surface to lean against in a half-sitting position.

• 3. Benches are typically 18-20 inches high and 12-18 inches wide.

• Shade Structures and Shelters Shade structures and shelters must be used generously for their practical and aesthetic purposes (Figure 30). Some examples include:

• 1. Kiosks

  2. Typical shelter 3. Picnic area 4. Awnings 5. Pergolas 6. Arbors Figure 30. Kiosks and Shelters 17.8.5. On-site Storage and Use of Materials No materials of a hazardous nature as defined by the Hazardous Substance Act (Rhode Island General Laws 23-24-2) shall be stored except with the explicit approval of the Town and then in strict compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing such storage. All aboveground storage tanks containing hazardous materials shall use the highest state of the art equipment to ensure safety. Facilities should include secondary containment within a vault constructed of appropriate materials, i.e., concrete. Outside storage of materials supplies, or equipment, including trucks or other motor vehicles, must comply with the appropriate applicable sections of the Zoning Ordinance. Further, equipment shall be screened on sides and top in harmony with the architecture, design, and appearance of neighboring structures and other surroundings.

• 17.8.6. Building Design Maintaining Local Architectural Character New developments and expansions shall be integrated with and complementary to existing architecture. Development projects should reuse existing buildings of character whenever possible. Vacant, historic buildings should be stabilized and preserved until rehabilitated. “… In performing their functions, Town commissions and boards should require owners to emulate typical village building forms when carrying out new construction, renovations or restorations.” - 1994 Slatersville Area Plan Facades and Exterior Walls Facades should be articulated to reduce massive scale and uniform, impersonal appearances of large buildings and provide visual interest that will be consistent with the community’s identity, character and scale. Facades greater than 100 feet in length, measured horizontally, shall incorporate wall plane projections or recesses having a depth of at least 3% of the length of the facade and extending at least 20 percent of the length of the façade. No uninterrupted length of any façade shall exceed 100 horizontal feet. Ground floor facades that face public streets shall have arcades, display windows, entry areas, awnings, or other such features along no less than 60 percent of their horizontal length. Multi-planed pitched roofs and entryways (Figure 31) Each principal building on a site shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances featuring at minimum four of the following:

• 1. Recesses/projections

  2. Arcades, overhangs or canopies 3. Raised corniced parapets over the door 4. Peaked roof forms 5. Arches 6. Outdoor patios 7. Display windows 8. Architectural details such as tile work and moldings which are integrated into the building structure and design 9. Integral planters or wing walk that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting. Detailed Features Buildings should have architectural features and patterns that provide visual interest, at the scale of the pedestrian, reduce massive aesthetic effects, and recognize local character. The elements in the following standard should be integral parts of the building fabric, and not superficially applied trim or graphics, or paint. Building facades must include a repeating pattern such as: color change, texture change or material module change. Wall materials and colors Exterior building materials should be aesthetically pleasing and compatible with materials and colors used in adjoining neighborhoods. Predominant exterior building materials shall be high quality materials, such as: brick, wood, sandstone, other native stone, tinted, textured, concrete masonry units.

• Figure 31. Required Building Elements Predominant exterior building materials shall not include the following:

• 1. smooth-faced 2. tilt-up concrete panels 3. pre-fabricated steel panels 4. Large blank walls 5. Flat roofs without a decorative cornice or parapet 6. Unpainted concrete and cinderblock walls 7. Highly reflective surfaces 8. Square “box like” buildings 9. Mixing of unrelated exterior materials 10. Exposed pipe columns Franchise architecture is strongly discouraged. Building elevations should be designed to fit into the surrounding neighborhood. Architectural gimmicks, such as roof lights, distinctive roof shapes, large false cornices and parapets that sacrifice the integrity of a streetscape to promote a single structure should be avoided. Building forms shall be designed to create and define visually attractive exterior and functional spaces. Auxiliary structures should be architecturally consistent with primary structures on site. Commercial Storefront Design Interesting and enticing storefronts are one of the most crucial ingredients in promoting a vital environment in a commercial development. Storefronts should be generous, providing ample displays and entrances and a level of design detail that establishes individuality for each shop while assuring relatedness to the complex. Provide protection from rain and snow for pedestrians through the use of covered walkways and waiting areas, vegetation, and recessed entryways (Figure 32).

• Figure 32. Storefront Sheltered Areas Architectural Elements Every new building in North Smithfield shall strive to contain some, if not all, of the following desirable architectural elements. Although design not containing such elements may be permitted, the architect should be prepared to explain his/her design and how it meets the intent of the standards: In general, base material should appear “heavier” in appearance than walls. Windows, doors, and other openings should be detailed to establish them as important parts of the total composition. Design details should be employed to accentuate all entries. Where a flat roof not meant to be visible from the street is used in the building’s design, decorative cornices and parapet walls should be used to screen the roof and to delineate the building’s profile. Mechanical equipment shall not be located on the roof if the building is located below grade of an adjacent road unless it can be hidden from view by building elements that are designed for that purpose as an integral part of the building design. Roofs should be an integral part of the building design and overall form of the structure and should respond to the general design and nature of other roofs along the street. Roofs shall have no less than two of the following features:

• 1. Parapets concealing flat roofs and rooftop equipment such as HVAC units from public view. The average height of such parapets shall not exceed 15% of the height of the supporting wall and such parapets shall not at any point exceed one-third of the height of the supporting wall. Such parapets shall feature three dimensional cornice treatment.

• 2. Overhanging eaves, extending no less than 3 feet past the supporting walls.

• 3. Sloping roofs that do not exceed the average height of the supporting walls, with an average slope greater than or equal to 1 foot of vertical rise for every 3 feet of horizontal run and less than or equal to 1 foot of vertical rise for every 1 foot of horizontal run.

• 4. Three or more roof slope planes. Signs may be printed/painted on awnings but should be restricted to the awing flap (valance) or the end panels of angles, curved, or box awnings. Awning signs are regulated by the Town’s sign code. Sign design guidelines are included below.

• Signage Design, Dimension, Scale and Location Signage should be provided for both vehicles and pedestrians. Each development should work within a pre-established “sign envelope” according to the type of sign and size of the development. Envelope size should be proportional to the size of the overall development and immediate streetscape as defined in the Zoning Ordinance. Signs should be simple, easy to read by passing motorists, adequately illuminated, and should complement the color, materials and design of the building architecture. Signs and their illumination shall not adversely impact public safety. For multi-tenant buildings, a comprehensive signage program shall be developed; only one freestanding sign is allowed (Figure 33).

• Figure 33. Signs Projected and or hanging signs shall reflect the architecture and be safely secured (Figure 34).

• Figure 34. Projecting/hanging signs Sign Materials Materials shall be similar to those used in buildings. Signs shall be simple in design, although engraving, molding and other design features can provide a craftsman-like look.

• 17.8.7 Servicing the Building Loading Areas Loading areas shall not be in front of buildings. Locate loading areas at the rear or sides of buildings and screen as appropriate (Figure 35). Areas adjacent to residential properties should be free of service circulation. Dumpsters, air conditioners, HVAC equipment, trash compaction equipment and other utilities shall be incorporated into the building architecture or screened from view with appropriate fencing or plantings. All trash and garbage bins shall be:

• 1. stored in an approved enclosure unless bins are stored in an approved service yard 2. easily accessible by each tenant 3. located away from residential areas 4. architecturally compatible with the project 5. screened using plant materials 6. provided with stress pads to avoid damage to pavement (Figure 36).

• Figure 35. Loading Areas Figure 36. Dumpster Screened from View