Introduction

• a. Rural residential developments are alternative residential subdivisions designed to protect rural character through the use of flexible zoning, different engineering and design standards and/or decreased site density as compared to conventional subdivisions. Design flexibility is allowed so that the character defining features of a site may be preserved. These features include forests, farmland, historic and archeological sites, scenic vistas and ecologically sensitive resources. Rural residential developments also result in less storm water runoff than conventional subdivisions by reducing the amount of impervious surfaces. At a maximum, overall site density is limited to that which would be allowed for a conventional subdivision on the same site. To maximize design flexibility, planning board input is encouraged during the early stages of project planning.

• b. There are three types of rural residential developments:

  • (1) Rural compounds are minor subdivisions (five or fewer lots) that may use flexible zoning and where the maximum density is half that allowed for a conventional subdivision. Common driveways and frontage on unpaved, privately maintained roads constructed to modified town design standards are allowed. No common open space is required, but may be provided.

  • (2) Rural subdivisions are subdivisions that use flexible zoning. New lots must have frontage on paved roads constructed to town design standards. A minimum of 50 percent of the total land available for development (land area remaining after the exclusion of unsuitable land as defined in article II) must be permanently protected as open space.

  • (3) Rural frontage subdivisions are minor subdivisions that are located along existing public roads and may use flexible zoning and/or common driveways to preserve scenic character by minimizing curb cuts and creating roadside buffers. No common open space is required, but may be provided.

(Ord. of 6-4-01(7))