Review Process for Comprehensive Permit Projects

12.5.1 Purpose

To encourage the development of quality LMI housing at appropriate scales, the Town has identified a range of allowed densities based on the percentage of LMI units proposed, as well as other dimensional requirements. These dimensional regulations apply regardless of LMI housing type (family, elderly or special needs). Dimensional regulations, in concert with the performance standards, ensure that LMI development is located appropriately to minimize conflict with neighboring uses. There are four geographic areas in Town that will be considered for LMI housing. These general area include the areas in and around the villages of Esmond, Georgiaville, and Greenville, and some areas along Douglas Pike south of the intersection with Interstate 295.

12.5.2 Applicability

The Planning Board shall make a determination whether a proposed Low and Moderate Income (LMI) housing project is located in the general areas as described in 12.5.1 and also meets the performance standards set herein, at a Pre-application meeting held in accordance with Section III, Article A of the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.

12.5.3 General Conditions

Properties meeting the following general conditions as determined by the Planning Board shall be eligible for consideration as an LMI project.

1. Property shall be located in or within close proximity to one of the Town's existing population centers.
2. Accessible to major transportation and transit routes
3. Proximal to community services and amenities.

12.5.4 Performance Standards

Any parcel(s) meeting the General Conditions may be considered for LMI housing density bonuses, so long as the proposed development meets the following additional performance standards:

1. Connected to a public water supply and/or public wastewater treatment system or easily connected to a system via minor extension;
2. Receives confirmation from the appropriate Utility that adequate water and/or sewer capacity exists to support the development or will exist by the time of occupancy; and
3. All required parking for the number of units proposed can be accommodated on the proposed development site.

The applicant for any development not connected to a public water supply and/or wastewater treatment system must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Planning Board that any alternatives for water supply and wastewater treatment are environmentally sound per state laws and regulations and sustainable over the expected lifespan of the building(s) in the context of the particular development.

12.5.5 Maximum Residential Density

The maximum density allowed in a qualified LMI developments is based on the percentage of LMI units provided in the proposed development as follows:

1. A maximum density of five (5) units per developable acre may be permitted for any development proposal having greater than twenty-five percent (25%), but less than fifty percent (50%) LMI housing.
2. For development proposals in which at least fifty percent (50%) but less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the total units would be LMI housing, a maximum density of seven (7) units per developable acre may be permitted.
3. For development proposals in which at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the total units would be LMI housing, a maximum density of ten (10) units per developable acre may be permitted.

12.5.6 Dimensional Regulations

The minimum lot area for an LMI project is 30,000 square feet. With the exception of density regulations, the dimensional regulations for Multi-Family Dwellings found in Sec. 5.5 of the Town's Zoning Ordinance (except Sec. 5.5.1 Minimum Lot Area and Sec. 5.5.2 Maximum Number of Dwelling Units) shall apply. However, any development abutting the R-200, R-80, or PD zoning districts to the rear shall comply with the minimum rear yard setbacks for those zones.