Source: https://ecode360.com/7757249
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 18:13:22+00:00

Document:
§ 260-51 Airport Area Overlay District.
§ 260-52 Aquifer Protection Overlay District.
§ 260-53 Salt Pond Overlay District.
§ 260-54 Bed-and-Breakfast Overlay District.
§ 260-55 Historic Overlay District.
§ 260-56 River Corridor Overlay District.
§ 260-57 Historic Mill Overlay District.
§ 260-58 Granite Street Overlay District.
§ 260-59 Wells Street Overlay District.
In RIGL § 1-3-3, the State of Rhode Island has declared that "airport hazards may endanger the lives and property of users of the airport and of occupants of land and other persons in its vicinity." The state has also declared that "[t]he creation or establishment of an airport hazard is a public nuisance and an injury to the community served by the airport in question," and "[i]t is necessary in the interest of public health, safety and general welfare that the creation or establishment of airport hazards be prevented." The state has also mandated that every city or town with an airport hazard area within its limits "shall adopt, administer, and enforce, under the police power and in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed, airport zoning regulations for that part of the airport hazard area which is within its territorial limits" RIGL § 1-3-5(a). These zoning regulations "may divide the airport hazard area into zones, and, within those zones, specify the land uses permitted and regulate and restrict the height to which structures and trees may be erected or allowed to grow."
The Westerly Airport Area (AA) Overlay District is hereby established to regulate airport hazards in accordance with state mandate. These regulations are reasonably necessary to effectuate the purpose of state and federal law, including Chapter 3 of Title 1 and Chapter 22.2 of Title 45 of the Rhode Island General Laws and 14 CFR 77, entitled "Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace" and the Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 401).
Statement of consistency with the Westerly Comprehensive Plan. The Town of Westerly 2010 Comprehensive Plan ("Comprehensive Plan") recognizes the Town's responsibility, under the state mandate, to protect the public health and safety, and to prevent the creation or establishment of airport hazards. This recognition is specifically identified in the Comprehensive Plan by the short-term implementation item "Action 3.6: Adopt an Airport Protection Overlay District to control potential airport hazards in the vicinity of the airport."
Ordinance administration. The Department of Development Services of the Town of Westerly is hereby designated as the Administrative Agency, and the Zoning Official or his/her designee is charged with the administration and enforcement of this section.
Definitions. Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this section pertain to airport hazards, have the same meaning as they have in common usage and give this section its most reasonable application.
The Westerly State Airport located at Post Road and Airport Road and near Tom Harvey Road.
Any electronic transmission device or structure, which, as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration, interferes with radio communication between airport and aircraft approaching or leaving the airport, or any structure or tree or use of land which obstructs the airspace required for the flight of aircraft in landing or taking off at any airport or is otherwise hazardous to the landing or taking off of aircraft.
Any area of land or water upon which an airport hazard might be established if not prevented as provided in this chapter and in accordance with Title 1, Chapter 3 of the RI General Laws and the Federal Aviation Act.
The space lying above the earth or above a certain area of land or water that is necessary to conduct aviation operations.
The previously established Zoning Board of the Town of Westerly, pursuant to RIGL 1-3-19, shall be the Airport Area Overlay District Board of Appeals to hear and decide all variances and all appeals from any order, requirement, decision, or determination made in the enforcement of this section.
Those areas identified within the Airport Area Overlay District where ground elevation plus the maximum height restriction under current zoning (i.e., 35 feet above grade) is within the FAR Part 77 approach surface and conflicts with the regulated imaginary surfaces.
An analysis performed by the FAA upon submission of an FAA 7460-1 (Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration) form. This analysis, performed pursuant to FAR Part 77, Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace, concerns the effect of proposed construction or alteration on the use of air navigation facilities or navigable airspace by aircraft. The conclusion of each study is normally a determination as to whether the specific proposal studied would be a hazard to air navigation and/or a determination for marking and/or lighting.
That surface established with relation to the airport and to each runway by the FAA. The size of each imaginary surface is based on the category of each runway according to the type of approach available for that runway. The slope and dimensions of the surface applied to each end of a runway are determined by the most precise approach procedure existing for that runway end.
Any object of natural growth, terrain, or permanent or temporary construction or alteration, including equipment or materials used therein, the height of which exceed the standards established in Subpart C of Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77, Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace.
Imaginary airspace surfaces established with relation to each runway of an airport.
An area off the end of a runway used to enhance the protection of people and property on the ground.
For the purposes of only this section, any object constructed or installed by humans, excluding trees and vegetation, including, but without limitation, buildings, towers, smokestacks, and overhead transmission lines, including the poles or other structures supporting the same.
For the purposes of this section, a variance is permission granted by the Board Of Appeals to depart from the literal requirements of this section in the establishment or maintenance of a use of land that is prohibited in the AA, including, without limitation, erecting any structures, increasing the height of any structure, permitting the growth of any tree, or otherwise using his or her property in violation of this section. The standards for a variance shall be those set forth in Subsection H herein, and are based on RIGL 1-3-15 and are different from the definition and standards used in all other sections of this chapter, which are based on RIGL 45-24-31(66) and 45-24-41.
Regulatory limitations. The following additional regulations shall apply within the Airport Hazard Area Overlay District as defined on the Airport Area Overlay District Maps.
Runway Protection Zone (RPZ): This zone is the closest area to each runway end and is intended to provide a clear area that is free of aboveground obstructions and any structures, to enhance the protection of people and property on the ground. The area defined by the RPZ is represented at grade level and corresponds to the Zone A designated on the Airport Layout Plan for the Westerly State Airport approved by the FAA July 17, 2009.
Parking uses (i.e., off-street parking surface lots).
Transportation uses (i.e., roadways, driveways).
Plant-related agricultural uses (i.e., crop farming, wholesale nurseries).
Animal-related agricultural uses (i.e., livestock operations, dairy farms, horse farms).
Height of structures and trees. Any structure as permitted under this subsection, and any trees and vegetation, shall not exceed 15 feet in height above ground level.
Confliction areas: The confliction area maps 2A, B, C and D are based on FAR Part 77 surfaces designated on the Airport Layout Plan for the Westerly State Airport of July 2009 and the results of FAR Part 77 35' Height Analysis conducted by Stantec, engineering consultant for RIAC, for the Westerly Airport in July 2016.
Height of structures. Any structure on a lot or parcel upon which a mapped confliction area exists shall not penetrate a FAR Part 77 surface, unless a variance is received from the board of appeals, as set forth herein. Following construction or installation of any structure, an applicant shall provide the Zoning Official an as-built with a vertical survey performed by a registered professional engineer and/or registered land surveyor, demonstrating that the proposed structure does not penetrate any FAR Part 77 surface.
Use according to underlying zoning. Use of a lot or parcel upon which a mapped confliction area exists shall be in accordance with the standard use regulations for the underlying zone as set forth in this chapter.
Development plan review. Any structure, development or subdivision, other than the construction of a single-family residence, the enlargement, expansion, or reconstruction of a single-family residence, or any administrative subdivision, on a lot or parcel upon which a mapped confliction area exists must submit a single application for development plan review to the Planning Board as set forth in Subsection F. This submission may be combined with any other application required by the Zoning Ordinance or Subdivision Regulations.
Development plan review procedures. On applications not requiring a variance, the Planning Board shall have the authority to approve, approve with conditions or disapprove the application. On applications requiring a variance, in accordance with Subsection H, the Planning Board review shall be advisory to the Zoning Board sitting as the Airport Area Overlay District Board of Appeals. Approval of the development plan shall become null and void unless construction has commenced or a building permit issued within 180 days from the date of approval. Development plan review will be conducted by the Planning Board as follows.
Any additional information deemed necessary by the reviewing officer or Planning Board for adequate review of the proposed project.
Relation of proposed structures to the FAR Part 77 surfaces. The design, layout and height of the proposed structures shall not result in a hazard to air navigation, or, where such hazard to air navigation is documented, it has been effectively addressed by marking and/or lighting in accordance with an FAA determination and/or RIAC opinion.
Continuance of existing use or structure. No airport zoning regulations adopted under this chapter shall require the removal, lowering, or other change or alteration of any structure not conforming to the regulations when adopted, or otherwise interfere with the continuance of any nonconforming use, except as specified herein.
Continuation of a dimensionally nonconforming structure. Any preexisting dimensionally nonconforming structure shall not be required to be removed, lowered or otherwise changed or altered to conform to the requirements of this section. Nothing herein shall prevent any government entity otherwise authorized to regulate airport hazards or exercise the powers of eminent domain from exercising such powers, including requiring that any use or structure be lighted or marked and the removing of such use or structure or trees that violate the height requirements and/or constitute a hazard to air navigation.
Replacement of a dimensionally nonconforming structure. Before a dimensionally nonconforming structure may be replaced, substantially altered or repaired, or rebuilt, development plan review approval shall be obtained from the Planning Board according to the procedures set forth in Subsection F of this section. No approval shall be granted that would allow the structure or tree in question to be made higher or become a greater hazard to air navigation than it was when the applicable regulation was adopted.
Whether application is made for a building permit under this section or not, the Zoning Official may by appropriate action compel the owner of the nonconforming structure or tree, at his or her own expense, to lower, remove, reconstruct or equip the object as may be necessary to conform to this section.
Variances by the Zoning Board. Any person desiring to erect any structure, increase the height of any structure, permit the growth of any tree, or otherwise use his property in violation of the regulations of this section may apply to the Zoning Board sitting as the Airport Area Board of Appeals for a variance from the regulations in question.
The relief granted would be in accordance with the spirit of the regulations found in Chapter 3 of Title 1 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
Application requirements. All variance applicants before the Zoning Board shall, in addition to any application materials required by the Zoning Official, submit all items contained within a completed application for development plan review in accordance with Subsection F.
Designating the exact location and nature of development.
An appeal may be taken by a person aggrieved by any order, requirement, decision, or determination made in the administration or enforcement of this section or by any development plan review decision of the Planning Board to the Board of Appeals (i.e., Zoning Board). Said appeal procedures shall be those outlined within § 260-39 (Appeals to Zoning Board of Review) as associated with administrative determinations or § A261-45 (Process of appeal) as associated with the development plan review process.
In accordance with RIGL 1-3-27, any person or persons jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Appeals, or any taxpayer, or any officer, department, board, or bureau of the Town of Westerly, may appeal to the RI Superior Court in the manner prescribed by RIGL 45-24-63, and the provisions of that section shall in all respects be applicable to the appeal.
Penalties. Any violations, penalties and associated noncompliance with this section, including failure to abide by any special conditions attached to an approval, shall be subject to those penalties listed within § 260-26 (Enforcement) of this chapter.
Conflicting regulations. In the event of conflict between the regulations set forth in this section and any other regulations applicable to the same area, whether the conflict is with respect to the height of structure, the use of land, or any other matter adopted by the Town of Westerly, the more stringent limitation or requirement shall govern.
Editor's Note: Former § 260-51, Flood Hazard Overlay District, as amended, was repealed 10-23-2017 by Ch. No. 1903. See now Ch. 127, Floodplain Management.
Purposes. The groundwater underlying the Town is the sole source of its existing and future drinking water supply; discharges of toxic and hazardous materials and sewage discharge threaten the quality of such groundwater supplies and related water resources posing potential public health and safety hazards and threatening economic losses to the community; thus, the purpose of an Aquifer Protection Overlay District (APOD) is to protect the Town’s aquifers from contamination through incompatible land uses; to protect, preserve, and maintain the quality and quantity of the groundwater supply; and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The areas which are in need of protection include the public supply wells, groundwater reservoirs and their associated recharge areas.
Designation. The district includes all land shown on the map entitled “Aquifer Protection Overlay District for the Town of Westerly, January 2000” attached and made a part hereof.
Editor’s Note: The Aquifer Protection Overlay District Map is on file in the Clerk’s office.
Characteristics. The character of soils and subsoil conditions in these areas is such that any use introducing pollutants, contaminants or wastes into the natural drainage system could adversely affect the quality of municipal drinking water sources.
Permitted aquifer protection. Aquifer Protection Overlay District (APOD) is an overlay district and in addition to the requirements of the underlying zoning district, an aquifer protection permit shall be required in accordance with the Standard Use Table for the Aquifer Protection Overlay District (APOD) attached hereto.
Editor’s Note: The Standard Use Table is included at the end of this chapter.
An application for an aquifer protection permit may be made by any person, group, agency or corporation with a legal interest in the land to which it applies by filing in the office of the zoning enforcement officer an application describing the request.
The form and such data and/or evidence which comprise such an application is set forth in Appendix H hereof. Said form and the data and/or evidence required thereby are incorporated herein and made a part of this chapter.
Editor’s Note: Appendix H is included at the end of this chapter.
Upon receipt of an application, the zoning enforcement officer shall immediately transmit it to the Zoning Board together with a copy to the Planning Board. The Zoning Board shall review said application at its next meeting. If it deems the application complete or grants a waiver of any items otherwise required, it will order the application advertised for hearing for its next regular or special meeting.
Planning Board recommendation: The Planning Board shall conduct its development plan review and give its advisory opinion to the Zoning Board.
Notice and hearing: The Zoning Board shall give public notice of the time and place of hearing at least 14 days prior to the date of hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town. Notice of hearing shall be sent by the applicant by both first-class mail, postage prepaid, and by certified mail, return receipt requested, to all those owners of real property or other entities which would require notice under RIGL 45-24-53 at least 21 days prior to the date of the hearing. Notice shall be sent to the last known mailing address as shown on the current real estate tax assessment records, and if such address is different from the property address, also to said property address by first-class mail, postage prepaid. Said notice shall include the street address of the property for which the aquifer protection permit is sought. Prior to the hearing, the applicant or its legal representative shall file with the Board a notarized affidavit that the notice provisions have been satisfied.
Findings of Zoning Board: In granting an aquifer protection permit, the Zoning Board shall be satisfied by legally competent evidence that all best practices and procedures to minimize the possibility of any adverse effects on the aquifer have been considered and will be employed, including but not limited to considerations of soil erosion, water supply protection, septic disposal and wetland protection.
Aquifer protection report. Within two years from the effective date of this section, the Planning Board shall, after conducting public hearings, report to the Town Council its findings and recommendations for protecting the groundwaters of Westerly which serve as a drinking water supply to the Town. The report shall make recommendations for the repeal, continuation or amendment of this section.
Dispute of boundary. When the boundaries of the Aquifer Protection Overlay District are in doubt or in dispute, resolution of the dispute shall be sought by means of an application, accompanied by adequate documentation, to the Planning Board. The burden of proof shall be upon the owner(s) of the land in question to show where the boundaries should be located. At the request of the owner(s), the Town may engage a professional civil engineer, hydrologist, geologist, or soil scientist to more accurately determine the boundaries of the APOD in question with respect to individual parcels of land. The Town may charge the owner(s) for all or part of the costs associated with this investigation.
Partial location within district. When a lot is partially within the Aquifer Protection Overlay District, the entire lot is considered to be located within the district.
Changes to the Aquifer Protection Overlay District boundaries. The Planning Board shall be responsible for accepting request changes to the delineation of the APOD and forwarding a recommendation on this request to the Town Council. Prior to the decision on the request, the Planning Board shall review and consider recommendations of the Town Planner, the Conservation Commission Chair, or the Town Engineer. The Planning Board shall make a recommendation to the Town Council on the request to change the delineation within 60 days of receipt of the request. The Planning Board may determine that more information is required before a decision can be rendered, in which case the review period will be extended an additional 60 days following receipt of the additional materials.
Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the Zoning Board of Review from granting variances and/or special use permits under the provisions of this chapter in addition to granting aquifer protection permits.
Purpose. Westerly hereby establishes special regulatory land use standards for properties located within the Salt Pond Overlay District to recognize and protect the sensitive nature of the coastal environment and to coordinate with the policies and regulations of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and its Salt Pond Region Special Area Management Plan for Westerly.
Designation. The district includes all land shown on the map entitled "Town of Westerly Salt Pond Overlay District, May 2010" on file in the Planning Department. The Salt Pond Overlay District boundaries are the same as those contained in the CRMC's Salt Pond Region Special Area Management Plan.
Activities within the Salt Pond Overlay District subject to Coastal Resources Management Council jurisdiction. The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program should be referred to for specific regulatory requirements on buffers, setbacks, subdivision density, recreational docks, barrier beach development, beach replenishment, among other activities which occur within the Salt Pond Overlay District.
Activities requiring Coastal Resources Management Council permit.
The following activities which occur within the Salt Pond Overlay District require a Coastal Resources Management Council assent (application approval). Refer to CRMC Salt Pond Region Special Area Management Plan, Chapter 9, Regulations, for more detailed information and required procedures.
Activities on or within 200 feet of a coastal shoreline feature.
New subdivisions of six units or more, or resubdivision for a sum total of six units or more on the property proposed after March 11, 1990, irrespective of ownership of the property or the length of time between when units are proposed.
Development requiring or creating more than 40,000 square feet of total impervious surface.
Construction or extension of municipal, private residential hook-ups to existing lines, or industrial sewage facilities, conduits, or interceptors (excluding onsite sewage disposal systems outside the 200' zone). Any activity or facility which generates or is designed, installed, or operated as a single unit to treat more than 2,000 gallons per day, or any combination of systems owned or controlled by a common owner and having a total design capacity of 2,000 gallons per day.
Development affecting freshwater wetlands in the vicinity of the coast.
In addition to the activities listed above, if the Coastal Resources Management Council determines that there is a reasonable probability that the project may impact coastal resources or conflict with the Salt Pond Region Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) or the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program (RICRMP), a Council assent will be required in accordance with all applicable sections of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program.
Subdivision density. Subdivisions of six or more lots, as defined in Subsection D(1)(b), above, shall not exceed an average density of one residential unit per 80,000 square feet in self-sustaining lands and one residential unit per 120,000 square feet for lands of critical concern as defined by the CRMC and calculated on the basis of available land suitable for development.
Written initial comments shall be solicited from the Coastal Resources Management Council for all major subdivision and land development projects. These comments shall be requirements for any submission and approval of the master plan phase of review.
Final approval from the Coastal Resources Management Council is required for major subdivision and land development projects as a submission requirement for the preliminary plan phase of review. Therefore, final approval from CRMC is required prior to the public hearing and approval of any preliminary plan.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to create, subject to the guidelines listed herein, the alternative of short-term overnight accommodations in a residential setting for travelers and visitors to Westerly. It's recognized that bed-and-breakfast accommodations provide a valuable economic service to the Town in support of the tourism industry and help to preserve larger historic homes in the community by providing an opportunity to the owner for income to support continued use of the structure and maintenance of the property. These regulations are intended to ensure that tourist and guesthouse establishments in the Town are operated and maintained with as little impact as possible, to maintain and preserve the residential character, integrity, and property values of surrounding areas within which these facilities are located and maintained.
A single-family structure including related habitable accessory structures (i.e., guesthouses) in which the principal use is permanent residential quarters and, as an accessory use, without separate kitchen facilities are made available for transient occupancy for not more than seven consecutive days for compensation, and requiring owner-occupancy for management purposes.
A residential structure used for transient occupancy for not more than seven consecutive days for compensation. Exterior appearance of such structures shall be maintained in a manner that is in keeping with the residential character of the neighborhood in which it resides. Occupancy is provided in individual bedrooms without separate kitchen facilities and is operated under the management of an owner-occupant or a single, full-time resident manager.
Route 1 in its entirety.
Route 1A from its intersection with Shore Road and Watch Hill Road to its intersection with Langworthy Road.
Grove Avenue from its intersection with Granite Street to High Street.
High Street from its intersection with Grove Avenue to Canal Street.
Main Street from its intersection with Broad Street to the intersection of Beach Street and Margin Street.
Margin Street from its intersection with Main Street to Clark Street.
Elm Street from its intersection with Broad Street to the intersection of Beach Street.
Beach Street from Main Street to its intersection with Sosoa Lane (formally Thompsons Corner Road).
Use. No bed-and-breakfast shall be permitted without a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Review as provided for in the provisions of § 260-34 hereof.
Dimensional requirements. Any bed-and-breakfast for consideration under this section must be located and operated on a lot that is determined to be dimensionally conforming to the minimum dimensional requirements for the zoning district in which the property resides. This requirement shall not apply to the dimensional conformity of existing structures themselves.
Owner occupancy/management. The property shall be the principal residence of, and be occupied and managed by, the owner during all periods of operation as a bed-and-breakfast.
Number of bedrooms. The number of bedrooms associated with a bed-and-breakfast use for rent or occupancy shall be determined by the number of building-code-compliant bedrooms existing or proposed within the subject structure, as confirmed by the Building Official and Fire Department. The Zoning Board shall ensure that the proposed occupancy of the establishment can be effectively and efficiently accommodated by the configuration of the structure and the physical layout of property. The Zoning Board may limit the number of bedrooms based on the ability of the structure and property to accommodate occupancy effectively.
Total occupancy. Unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Board as part of the special use permit, the total occupancy of a bed-and-breakfast use shall be based on double occupancy of the approved number of bedrooms to be used for transient purposes. The Zoning Board shall ensure that the proposed occupancy of the establishment can be effectively and efficiently accommodated by the configuration of the structure and the physical layout of the property.
A solid wall or opaque fence not less than five feet nor more than seven feet in height or a compact evergreen screen not less than five feet in height shall be erected and maintained between a parking area(s) and an adjacent residential property.
Any light used to illuminate the parking area shall be arranged to reflect the light away from adjoining property in a residential district and away from adjacent streets.
No kitchen or cooking facilities shall be allowed in guestrooms.
Meals (including breakfast, lunch, or dinner), provided for and associated with guest accommodations and associated events, are permitted provided said service is in conformity with state statutes and Rhode Island Department of Health regulations.
The display and/or sale of merchandise or other commodities to guests relating to locally produced gift items, souvenirs, or other items identifying the bed-and-breakfast establishment is permitted; however, these items shall not be offered for sale to the general public.
Events. Subordinate events specifically associated with bed-and-breakfast operations that are accessory to guest stays may be permitted and may include attendance by nonpatron guests.
The total number of guests allowed for these events shall be no more than twice or double the total guest capacity of the establishment.
Parking. Notwithstanding part D.1(f) referenced above, in addition to parking associated with occupancy requirements, the property must accommodate on-site parking for guests in an amount of one space for every two nonpatron guest attendees for each event.
Entertainment. Entertainment with or without amplified music within any structure or outdoors shall be subject to the noise restrictions set forth in Chapter 171 of the Town Code.
Editor's Note: See Ch. 171, Noise.
Signs. Any other section of these ordinances notwithstanding, a bed-and-breakfast establishment shall be allowed a sign no larger than four square feet, and it shall only contain the name of the proprietor or the name of the residence. The sign shall be nonilluminated and unanimated with the exception of spotlighting.
Exterior alterations prohibited. No exterior additions or alterations shall be made for the express purpose of maintaining or adding to a bed-and-breakfast, other than those required to meet health, safety, and sanitation requirements. Minimal outward modification of the structure or grounds may be made if such changes are compatible with the character of the neighborhood and approved as part of the special use permit.
Use. No bed-and-breakfast inn shall be permitted without receiving development plan review approval from the Planning Board prior to obtaining approval for a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Review, as provided for in the provisions of §§ 260-34 and 260-45 hereof. In addition, an applicant may not apply for, and be issued, a dimensional variance from the standards outlined in this section in conjunction with the required special use permit.
Any bed-and-breakfast inn for consideration under this section must be located on a parcel of land that is equal to or greater than one acre in size.
Bed-and-breakfast inns shall only be located and/or operated on dimensionally conforming lots for the zoning district in which it resides as defined in §§ 260-19 and 260-20 hereof. This requirement shall not apply to the dimensional conformity of existing structures.
Adjacent properties within a bed-and-breakfast overlay district may be considered as a single, integrated bed-and-breakfast inn, provided each shall meet the minimum dimensional requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
Owner occupancy/management. The property shall be the principal residence of, and be occupied and managed by, the owner of the property or may operate under the management of a single, full-time resident manager, during all periods of operation as a bed-and-breakfast inn.
Number of bedrooms. The number of bedrooms associated with a bed-and-breakfast inn use for rent or occupancy shall be determined by the number of building-code-compliant bedrooms existing or proposed within the subject structure, as confirmed by the Building Official and Fire Department. The Zoning Board shall ensure that the proposed occupancy can be effectively and efficiently accommodated by the configuration of the structure and the physical layout of property. The Zoning Board may limit the number of bedrooms based on its review of the ability of the structure and property to accommodate occupancy effectively.
Total occupancy. Unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Board as part of the special use permit, the total occupancy of a bed-and-breakfast inn use shall be based on double occupancy of the approved number of bedrooms to be used for transient purposes. The Zoning Board shall ensure that the proposed occupancy of the establishment can be effectively and efficiently accommodated by the configuration of the structure and the physical layout of the property.
A solid wall or opaque fence not less than five feet nor more than seven feet in height or a compact evergreen screen not less than five feet in height shall be erected and maintained between such area and an adjacent residential property.
Meals (including breakfast, lunch, or dinner), provided for and associated with guest accommodations and associated events, are permitted provided said service is in conformity with state statutes and Department of Health regulations.
The display and/or sale of merchandise or other commodities to guests relating to locally produced gift items, souvenirs, or other items identifying the bed-and-breakfast inn establishment is permitted; however, these items shall not be offered for sale to the general public.
Signs. Any other section of these ordinances notwithstanding, a bed-and-breakfast inn establishment shall be allowed a sign no larger than four square feet, and it shall only contain the name of the proprietor or the name of the residence. The sign shall be nonilluminated and unanimated with the exception of spotlighting.
Exterior alterations prohibited. No exterior additions or alterations shall be made for the express purpose of maintaining or adding to a bed-and-breakfast inn, other than those required to meet health, safety, and sanitation requirements. Minimal outward modification of the structure or grounds may be made if such changes are compatible with the character of the neighborhood and approved as part of the special use permit.
Subordinate events specifically associated with bed-and-breakfast inn operations that are accessory to guest stays may be permitted and may include attendance by nonpatron guests.
Parking. Notwithstanding Subsection D(2)(f) referenced above, in addition to parking associated with occupancy requirements, the property must accommodate on-site parking for guests in an amount of one space for every two nonpatron guest attendees for each event.
The Zoning Board must take into consideration such events when rendering a decision on the required special use permit for the bed-and-breakfast inn use and specifically make a finding(s) that such events are appropriate at the subject property and the neighborhood in which it resides.
The applicant shall delineate the configuration of the interior and/or exterior area to be used on the property for event purposes and guest congregation. This delineated area shall be used as the basis for the maximum number of guests allowed which may be determined by the Fire Department in compliance with the State Fire Code. If the State Fire Code does not apply, the Zoning Board shall determine the total number of guests allowed based on the design and layout of the site to accommodate such use, and any other information pertinent to the request. The maximum number of guests should be inclusive of the owner-occupants of the property, patrons, nonpatrons and any other person proposed to attend the event (e.g., caterers, serving staff, photographers/videographers, etc.).
Notwithstanding Subsection D(2)(f) referenced above, in addition to parking associated with occupancy requirements, the property must accommodate on-site parking for guests in an amount of one space for every two nonpatron guest attendees for each event.
Each special event shall require a one-time-event license in accordance with Chapter 221 of the Town Code.
Editor's Note: See Ch. 221, Special One-Time Events.
No bed-and-breakfast or bed-and-breakfast inn shall be permitted without a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Review as provided for in the provisions of § 260-34 hereof.
A bed-and-breakfast shall be considered a single-family dwelling and therefore not require development plan review. The Zoning Board of Review may, however, in its consideration of the application for a special use permit, request the Planning Board for an advisory opinion concerning the site plan and/or a determination of consistency with the Comprehensive Plan when necessary.
A bed-and-breakfast inn shall be subject to the development plan review requirements of § 260-45 hereof, in addition to the requirement for a special use permit.
Statement describing the type of use, management type, total occupancy, any other relevant details associated with the proposed use, and a statement as to the conformity of the proposal with all applicable requirements of this section.
A site plan showing existing and proposed exterior conditions (and all associated improvements with the proposed use), including existing and proposed signage, lighting, existing and proposed parking spaces and screening required to meet the parking requirements outlined within this section.
A floor plan identifying existing and proposed interior conditions, including the number of existing and proposed bedrooms (delineating which are to be utilized by the owner-occupants and/or manager and patron use).
Outline of any proposed or anticipated events, if any, including the location of all interior and/or exterior areas of congregation on site plan(s) or floor plan(s), estimated number/frequency and capacity/scale of such events, and confirmation from the Fire Department in regards to total occupancy associated with the same.
A statement describing all exterior alterations, including additions, that may be made for the express purpose of maintaining or adding to a bed-and-breakfast.
Evidence that the existing sewer connection or on-site wastewater system (OWTS) is adequate to accommodate proposed events.
Determine the appropriateness of the use as proposed, including any proposed events, as well as the ability of the property to accommodate and support all patron and nonpatron guests. In doing so the Zoning Board shall determine if the subject establishment can effectively and efficiently accommodate the use based on the configuration of the structure and the physical layout of property (as it exists or has been designed) as it relates to physical access, site design, traffic, proximity and potential impact on adjacent residential properties or neighborhoods.
The Zoning Board shall review the screening requirements for parking areas for each application and determine the suitability and/or applicability of this requirement in regards to existing screening to be maintained or where screening may be detrimental to traffic circulation or view corridors of adjacent residential properties. The Zoning Board may make modifications to these requirements when deemed appropriate.
For instances where events are proposed, the Zoning Board shall verify that the requirements of this section have been met, the design and location of parking areas and areas of congregation are suitable, particularly as it relates to occupancy and/or total maximum guests allowed as determined by the Fire Department, and the impact of these events on the neighborhood in which it resides.
The Town of Westerly finds that the revitalization of our existing mills will benefit the general health and welfare of our residents and the region by fulfilling existing housing, transportation and employment needs. Therefore, the Town designates four historic mill sites for the purposes of this section to encourage adaptive reuse and economic and residential potential that fits the character of the historic villages and districts that the mills are located in.
Maintain a consistently high level of design quality.
Potter Hill Mill: Tax Assessor's Plat 8/Lot 23.
Bradford Dye Mill: Tax Assessor's Plat 15/Lot 14.
Griswold Mill – Tax Assessor's Plat 16/Lot 1.
Parking facilities created for the purpose of generating income from paid parking, but not including commuter parking lots owned by the transit operator.
Development contained on a single parcel or adjoining parcels that includes different, complementary uses (both residential and non-residential) and which provides for a variety of activities throughout the day.
An overlay zone that encompasses one or more underlying zoning districts, and imposes additional or alternative requirements or provisions than required by the underlying zoning.
The design of communities, neighborhoods, streetscapes, buildings and other uses that promotes pedestrian comfort, safety, access and visual interest.
A sign used for a nonresidential or mixed-use building that is the primary notification of the tenant(s) therein and is generally located by the main entrance(s) to said building.
Parking that is utilized by two or more different uses that generate different peak period parking demand.
Authority. The Zoning Board of Review shall have authority to act on approval of any and all applications made pursuant to this section by the granting of a special use permit pursuant to § 260-34 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Westerly, provided that the matter is referred to the Westerly Planning Board who shall submit recommendations and a general statement as to the consistency of the application with the goals and purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, and the Westerly Planning Board shall be required to give a recommendation pursuant to § 260-34B and all applicants must complete the development review requirements of the Zoning Ordinances of the Town of Westerly.
Permitted uses. Any uses permitted in the underlying zoning district of any property with the Historic Mill Overlay District shall continue to be permitted. Any uses allowed by the granting of a special use permit in the underlying zoning district of any property within the Historic Mill Overlay District shall continue to be allowed by the granting of a special use permit.
Heating, plumbing, and electrical supplies.
Shoes, tailor, dressmaker, miscellaneous apparel and accessories, including yarn, fabric and serving supplies.
Drug stores, news stands, tobacco stores, antique stores, bookstores/stationery stores, sporting goods, bicycle shops, jewelry stores, florists, camera and photo supply stores, gift novelty, souvenir shops, optical goods stores and video stores.
General and professional offices, including medical, legal, accounting, engineering, architectural, insurance and real estate.
Outdoor markets subject to applicable licensing requirements.
Conservation lands/wildlife or nature preserve.
Accessory use to a permitted use.
Additional uses requiring a special use permit.
General merchandise, department store, furniture and household goods (under 10,000 square feet).
Radio, television and music stores.
Electronic and computer sales and services.
Grocery stores, deli, meat, fish, fruit, vegetable, dairy products, bakeries (under 10,000 square feet).
Repair and related services not elsewhere classified.
Indoor commercial recreation not herein specified.
Accessory use to a special use permit.
Mixed residential and nonresidential uses.
Setbacks for nonresidential and mixed-use: The setback requirements of the underlying zoning district shall apply. Buildings in existence prior to the adoption of the Historic Mill Overlay District may maintain their existing footprint regardless of setback requirements. Additionally, the Zoning Board may reduce front, side and rear yard setbacks to as low as 0 feet as part of a special use permit application if such a reduction is compatible with neighboring properties.
Setbacks for residential uses (exclusive). If the underlying zoning district of the subject property is residential, then the setback requirements of the underlying zoning district shall apply. If the underlying zoning district is not residential, then the setback requirements of the residential zone in closest proximity to the proposed development shall apply.
Height limitations for nonresidential and mixed-use: Building height for mixed-use or nonresidential use shall not exceed 50 feet and no building shall have more than four stories including any existing historical structure such as a tower or spire.
Height limitation for residential uses (exclusive). If the underlying zoning district of the subject property is residential, then the building height limits of the underlying zoning district shall apply. If the underlying zoning district is not residential, then the building height limits of the residential zone in closest proximity to the proposed development shall apply.
Frontage. As part of any special permit application, the Zoning Board may authorize frontage sufficient to meet the needs of the development; inclusive of easement or right-of-way access depending on the historic configuration of the property.
Intensity of use. Applicants may propose more than one principal building per lot by way of a special use permit application. Configuration of these buildings is subject to the dimensional requirements listed in § 260-19.
Noncompeting uses. In mixed-use developments, applicants may propose a reduction in parking requirements based on an analysis of peak demands for noncompeting uses. Up to 75% of the requirements for the predominant use may be waived by the Zoning Board if the applicant can demonstrate that the peak demands for two uses do not overlap.
Competing uses. In mixed-use developments, applicants may propose a reduction in parking requirements where peak demands do overlap. In these cases, the Zoning Board may reduce the parking requirements of the predominant use by up to 30%.
Off-site parking shall be within 500 feet of the property for which it is being requested.
Off-site parking spaces provided by a separate private property owner shall be subject to a legally binding agreement that will be presented to the Zoning Board as a condition of the special use permit. Where an agreement shall expire within a specified timeline, the applicant or current property owner shall continue to provide evidence to the Zoning Board of Review that the agreement has been extended.
The Zoning Board of Review, at its discretion, may allow spaces within a public lot to be used as a supplement to other acceptable parking arrangements. Public parking shall not account for more than 75% of the required parking spaces after all other parking reduction strategies have been applied.
Design standards. The design standards in this section shall be applied to development within the Historic Mill Overlay District where applicable. The Zoning Board, upon the recommendations of the Planning Board, may waive any of these standards if the applicant can provide compelling evidence that the waiving of design standards shall work to preserve the historic quality of existing buildings on the site, or shall otherwise further the goals of this section.
Flat roofs are prohibited on single-story buildings and may be allowed on multistory buildings as long as the roofline projects outward from the building surface as a decorative cornice or parapet.
Signs may only be incorporated into the skirt of awnings and not on the primary angled surface.
Where a site abuts the Pawcatuck River, the applicant shall ensure that existing public access to the river is preserved and maintained.
Procedure; site visit. Both the Zoning Board and Planning Board shall conduct a site visit during the public hearing. At the site visit, the Zoning Board and Planning Board and/or its agents may be accompanied by the applicant and/or its agents, as well as any abutters within the two-hundred-foot radius or their representatives.
Severability. If any provision of this section is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the section shall not be affected thereby.
Editor's Note: Former § 260-57, Post Road Overlay District (PROD), as amended, was repealed 10-30-2006 by Ch. No. 1588.
Purpose. This district is comprised of properties with frontage on Granite Street from Grove Avenue intersection to its Tower Street intersection which is currently HDR-6. Professional offices are currently interposed within this area. This overlay district is intended to permit additional professional offices and artistic studios to compliment this area between Downtown Commercial - 1 and the more intense highway commercial use which commences at the Tower Street intersection.
Those uses permitted as of right or by special permit in a HDR-6 District shall continue to be so permitted.
The following uses shall also be permitted in the Granite Street Overlay District by special use permit.
Development standards. Any property which is intended for development within this overlay district shall be submitted as part of the development review process and shall further require a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Review which may impose such additional conditions as it may deem appropriate.
Dimensional regulations. Dimensional regulations for such structures within this overlay district shall conform to the underlying HDR-6 zoning.
Purpose. The purpose of this overlay district is that the development of the hospital and professional offices along Wells Street has impacted the properties on the opposite side of the street. It is therefore intended to permit the north side of Wells Street to become professional, provided that such change of use adheres to the regulations set forth herein.
Those uses permitted as of right or by special use permit in a HDR-6 District shall also be permitted in this overlay district.
Those uses presently permitted under the underlying district of P-15 shall be allowed in the Wells Street overlay district and shall be permitted by special use permit.
Development standards. Any property which is intended for development within this overlay district with a use permitted under a P-15 and not permitted under HDR-6 shall be submitted as part of the development plan review process and shall fully require a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Review which may impose such further conditions as it may deem appropriate.
Location. This overlay district shall apply to existing lots abutting on the northerly side of Wells Street between Beach Street and East Avenue.
Minimum lot size. A structure having up to 1,200 square feet shall have a minimum lot size of 13,000 square feet.
A structure up to 1,500 square feet shall have a minimum lot size of 18,000 square feet.
A structure having up to 2,000 square feet shall have a minimum lot size of 19,000 square feet.
Maximum coverage. The total coverage by impervious surfaces shall not exceed 50% of the lot area.
Rear setbacks. Rear setbacks shall consist of a twenty-five-foot vegetative buffer, including evergreen screens at least 10 feet at planting and maintained to a height of not greater than 20 feet.
Side lines. Side lines shall consist of five-foot vegetative buffer, with a ten-foot side line setback for any structure.
Front setback. Front setback shall be 20 feet from the street line.
Developed existing lots of record. For any property located in this overlay district that is currently developed and contains a residential dwelling, those dimensional requirements specified in § 260-59E(1), (2), (3), (4) and (7) above shall not apply, provided that the proposed use does not alter in any manner the exterior of the structure currently on the property, and must maintain the residential character of the building. Also, any proposed use under this provision must be in conformance with § 260-86, and § 260-78.

References: § 260

§ 260

§ 260

§ 260

§ 260

§ 260

§ 260

§ 260
 § 1
 § 1
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260
 § 260