Supplemental dimensional regulations
A. Required minimum lot frontage shall be continuous.
B. Dimensional variances can be issued for uses permitted by special use permit.
(Ord. dated 3-31-26)
C. Lots with less than three hundred (300) feet of frontage shall have a depth to width ratio not exceeding 2.5 to 1, and side lot lines shall be within fifteen degrees (15°) of perpendicular with street lines, or radial to curved street lines. This requirement does not apply to lots in a conservation development.
D. In residential zoning districts, the frontage of a lot on a cul de sac or hammerhead shall be a minimum of 150 feet and shall be measured at the building setback line.
E. For the purpose of determining compliance with dimensional regulations, ramps constructed to provide handicapped individuals with access to buildings shall not be considered structures or additions to structures.
F. Spires, belfries, steeples, flagpoles, chimneys, water standpipes, and radio and television antennae for residential use are exempt from the maximum height regulations in all zoning districts.
G. Barns, silos, and other accessory structures located on farms are exempt from the maximum height regulations in all zoning districts. For the purposes of this subsection, a farm is a business that has a State of Rhode Island farm tax number, and that earns at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) gross income on farm products annually on property in Richmond defined as either farm, forest or open space land pursuant to title 44, chapter 27 of the general laws.
H. In residential zoning districts, no accessory structure shall be placed in a required front yard. The space in a required front yard shall be open and unobstructed with the following exceptions:
1. Windowsills, cornices and other architectural features may extend into a front yard.
2. Vegetation including trees and shrubbery, fences, and terraces may be located in a front yard.
I. Lots not created for present or future development may be created without frontage, provided that access is provided by easement, and provided that such a lot is identified on the Final Plat by the words “Not for Development.”
J. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 18.20.010, when the building setbacks of the developed lots on either side of an undeveloped lot do not satisfy the minimum front yard requirements of this title, the building setback on the undeveloped lot may be equal to the average of the building setbacks of the lots on either side.
K. Dimensional regulations applicable to nonconforming lots are in Chapter 18.48 of this Title.
L. The required side and rear setbacks for accessory structures with a ground floor area greater than six hundred (600) square feet or that are greater than one story shall be the same as for a principle structure.
M. In the Planned District Development district, the R2 dimensional regulations apply to single family residential uses, and General Business dimensional regulations apply to commercial uses, unless the planning board varies the regulations in an approved planned district development.
N. Freshwater wetlands, flood hazard areas, easements for above-ground utilities, and land with ledge or rock outcrops within four feet of the surface may be included in any lot but shall not make up any part of the minimum lot area. Land shall not be excluded from minimum lot area, nor shall it be considered “land unsuitable for development” solely on account of its natural gradient.
(Ord. dated 7-15-08; Ord. dated 9-7-10; Ord. dated 11-19-13; Ord. dated 7-20-21; Ord. dated 5-21-24)