Scope and purpose

Conservation design development is a type of residential cluster land development project, as authorized by R.I.G.L. § 45-24-47, which preserves at least 50% of the suitable land of a property as meaningful open space, while guiding the development to the most appropriate areas within the parcel on reduced-size lots such that density remains neutral. It is an alternative to conventional residential subdivision for the following purposes:

• A. To preserve the rural character of the Town by preserving the character-defining features, scenic views, environmentally sensitive features, and the natural and cultural resources within the site, and by minimizing the views of new development from existing streets.
• B. To provide for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, and forest and timber resource production.
• C. To provide opportunities for both active and passive recreational facilities to service various neighborhoods in the Town.
• D. To provide public access to and/or to provide for the conservation and stewardship of noteworthy natural, cultural and recreational resources within the Town in furtherance of the above three goals.
• E. To provide a means for the Town to develop an interconnected network of greenway corridors, and to link together and add to already protected open space and public land.
• F. To provide for greater design flexibility in the siting of dwellings and other development features than would be permitted by the application of conventional subdivision regulations in order to minimize the disturbance of rural landscape elements, scenic quality and overall natural and cultural values of the landscape.
• G. To reduce road and utility lengths and minimize the need for stormwater infrastructure in order to reduce disturbance to the environment and to reduce construction and maintenance costs.
• H. To reduce erosion and sedimentation by retaining existing vegetation and minimizing the total area of disturbance on the site compared to a conventional residential development.
• I. To promote a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and their right to affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing.
• J. To provide for orderly growth and development which recognizes the natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography and susceptibility to surface water or groundwater pollution; and which recognizes the value of unique or valuable natural resources and features.
• K. To implement many goals and policies as recommended in the Town of West Greenwich Comprehensive Plan.