Conservation development

Purpose. The purpose of conservation development subdivision or land development projects is to allow the flexibility to design residential development to achieve the following objectives, not listed in any order of priority, pursuant to the Tiverton Comprehensive Community Plan as it relates to resource protection, land use and community services:

• • 1. To conserve and link sensitive natural resources, including, but not limited to, forests, waterbodies, riparian areas, groundwater resources, reservoirs and habitat areas;

  • 2. To protect the quality and quantity of the town's groundwater drinking water sources and surface waters for public health and environmental quality;

  • 3. To develop a greenway system of connected areas of protected open space to be used for natural habitat and wildlife corridors;

  • 4. To protect historical and archaeological resources, and to conserve and create scenic views and preserve the rural character of the town;

  • 5. To more effectively apply low impact development site design and stormwater management practices as the required standard to avoid, reduce and manage runoff to the maximum extent practicable;

  • 6. To provide greater design flexibility and efficiency in the siting of services and infrastructure, including the opportunity to reduce length of roads, utility runs and the amount of impervious surfaces required for residential development;

  • 7. To allow for and encourage a diversity of lot sizes and housing choices to accommodate a variety of age and income groups, and residential preferences, so that the population diversity of the community may be maintained;

  • 8. To encourage more sustainable and resilient development;

  • 9. To create neighborhoods with direct visual and/or physical access to open space land; and

  • 10. To provide for the appropriate management of protected open space.

(Ord. No. 2024-0008, 6-24-24)