SECTION XIII. - DESIGN AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS

Part of the Code of Ordinances of Narragansett, RI.

Local law · 1,806 sections

The text

Footnotes:

--- (3) --- Cross reference— Streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 66; utilities, ch. 78.

A. - General.#

The subdivider, at his own expense, shall construct all improvements where required by the planning board in granting approval for any subdivision or land development project, subject to these regulations.

B. - Street design standards.#

The following design standards shall be followed where applicable in the design and construction of any subdivision: 1.

Frontage on improved streets. The area to be subdivided shall have frontage on an existing improved public street. If such an existing street has not been improved to the standards and specifications as required by these regulations, the board shall require the subdivider to make certain improvements along the part of the street abutting the property or leading to the property being subdivided where necessary for drainage, safety, traffic or other reasons as deemed proper by the board. See item H. of this section. For purposes of these regulations, streets platted, but not improved or accepted for maintenance by the town, shall not be considered existing improved public streets. Where these streets are incorporated within the subdivision, they shall be improved by the developer to meet the subdivision regulation standards.

Street classification. Street design within a proposed subdivision shall conform to a street hierarchy system as established herein. Requirements for right-of-way and pavement width, on-street parking, drainage and other utilities, sidewalks, bicycle path and other design standards shall be tailored to street function. Street classification shall be determined by the planning board. The following references are used in making the determinations:

Technical Paper Number 130 Highway Functional Classification System For the State of Rhode Island 1995-2005 (Adopted May 1988) October 1988. Division of Planning, Rhode Island Department of Administration, 265 Melrose Street, Providence, RI 02907.

A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 1990. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Recommended Guidelines for Subdivision, Streets. Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington, DC: ITE, 1984.

Trip Generation. 1987 edition, Washington, DC. Institute of Transportation Engineers.

The following major categories of street classification are established: a.

Arterial: A major public street that serves as an avenue for the circulation of traffic into, out of, or around the town and carries high volumes of traffic and provides for high levels of mobility.

Collector: A public street whose principal function is to carry traffic between local streets and arterial streets but that may also provide direct access to abutting properties. These streets provide a balance between land access and mobility.

Local public: Public streets whose primary function is to provide access to abutting properties.

Local private: Private streets whose primary function is to provide access to abutting properties. Streets within minor residential subdivisions serving up to five residential dwellings on a private street also fall within this classification.

Street rights-of-way. Street rights-of-way shall conform to the widths shown in Table 1 below and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 illustrates a typical cross section of a collector street. Specific design criteria will be determined by the board on a case-by-case basis. Figures 2 and 3 are typical cross sections of local streets proposed for acceptance and maintenance by the town. Where the subdivider proposes the use of grass swales in lieu of a continuous piped stormwater drainage system, any of the alternative cross sections shown in Figure 4 may be used, subject to the approval of the planning board. Refer to item D. of this section entitled "Drainage" for more specific design criteria. Street and road right-of-way width, pavement width, and pavement type vary depending upon the number of lots, the potential for future access and slope.

Table 1 Street Type Right-of-Way

Width (feet) Figure

No.

Arterial 75

Collector 60 1

Local town accepted streets 50 2, 3

Local private streets

Minor subdivision 2 lots 30

Minor subdivision 3-5 lots 1 30

Minor subdivision 3-5 lots 2 40

1 No further development potential (see section IV.D.2.g.).

2 Further development potential (see section IV.D.2.g.).

Geometric data. Table 2 below shall be used as a guide in designing streets within a subdivision.

Table 2 Local

Streets

(Public) Land Dev.

Project

(Private) Minor

Subdivision

(Private)

R.O.W. Width 50 feet 30—40 feet 20—40 feet

Pavement width

(includes berms) Varies, see

Table # 3 below 15—20 feet 15—20 feet

Maximum grades

-centerline 9 percent 10 percent 10 percent

-within 150 feet

of centerline

intersections 2.5 percent N/A N/A

Minimum grades

-centerline 1 percent 0.5 percent 0.5 percent

Minimum length for

vertical curves 100 feet* As determined by engineering

Minimum radius of

centerline curve 150 feet and a min.

of 100 feet tangent

between curves 100 feet 100 feet

Minimum sight distance

Cul-de-sac 200 feet 100 feet 100 feet

Turnaround

-R.O.W. diameter 120 feet 100 feet 100 feet

-Pavement diameter** 50 feet 80 feet 80 feet

-Max. grade 4.5 percent N/A N/A

-Min. grade 2.0 percent N/A N/A

Intersection

Fillet curve

-R.O.W. Min.

Radius 15 feet 15 feet 10-15 feet

-Pavement Min.

Radius 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet

Pavement crown 5 inches 3 inches 3 inches

Minimum design speed (mph) 25 mph 15 mph 15 mph

* Less than 30 feet for each 1 percent algebraic difference in grade.

** The planning board may approve alternative street end designs on a case-by-case basis. Such alternatives may include hammerhead, P-loop, squares or one-way oval designs, or variations thereof. See Figure 5.

Table 3

Pavement Width # of units served: ;gt;5 5-15 15-50 ;lt;50

Pavement width: 18 feet 20 feet 24 feet 26 feet

Street layout and arrangement. The arrangement of streets shall be considered in relation to the existing street system, and to existing topographic and natural conditions. The road system shall be designed to permit the safe, efficient and orderly movement of traffic; to meet the needs of the present and future population to be served; to have a simple and logical circulation pattern; to respect natural features and topography; and to create an attractive streetscape. Wherever possible in residential subdivisions, the road system shall be designed to serve the needs of the neighborhood and to discourage use by through traffic. However, in major subdivisions, access shall be designed to avoid street systems which have only one principal means of egress. In order to provide for alternative access, at least two vehicular access streets may be required by the planning board, in major subdivisions when determined by the board to be feasible. Proposed streets within a major subdivision shall provide for their continuation or projection to intersect with principal streets on the perimeter of the subdivision or with adjacent vacant property in order that the streets may be extended at a future time.

Private streets. Private streets shall not be permitted except for minor subdivisions as authorized in section IV of these regulations.

Street intersections. Street intersections shall either coincide precisely with, or be offset by at least 200 feet from other intersections. Intersections shall be at 90 degree angles. Lesser angles between 75 degrees and 90 degrees may be approved by the town engineer.

Dead-end streets (cul-de-sacs). All dead-end streets shall end in a cul-de-sac turnaround or similar street end approved by the planning board and constructed according to the table of geometric data above, and shall be clearly marked at their entrances. The planning board may limit the length of the dead end street (cul-de-sac) where necessary, to ensure the adequate and safe circulation of vehicular traffic.

Street names. An extension of an existing street shall have the same name as the existing street. Names of other proposed streets shall be substantially different from any existing street name in the Town of Narragansett and approved by the planning board.

10.

Access to adjoining property. When considered desirable by the planning board to provide access to adjoining property, proposed streets shall be continued and improved to the property line. The reservation of strips of land preventing such access shall not be permitted. The planning board may require provision of a temporary turnaround until such time as the adjacent tract is developed. A surety may be required to insure completion of the street or construction of a permanent cul-de-sac within a reasonable period of time. Access to adjoining property for pedestrian and/or bicycle circulation shall be required wherever the planning board determines that such connection will increase accessibility between adjoining subdivisions, to existing or proposed sidewalks or bicycle paths, from subdivisions to major public or private schools, recreation areas or other facilities or where the public safety will be significantly enhanced by such pedestrian and/or bicycle connections.

11.

Street signs. Street name and traffic signs, of the type and style approved by the planning board, town engineer and the highway and facilities maintenance division, shall be installed by the developer at the developer's expense, prior to final acceptance of said street(s).

12.

Street lighting. In all new subdivisions where utilities are being installed underground, provisions shall be made for street lighting connections only where required by the town engineer.

13.

Street trees. Where natural tree growth is determined by the planning board to be insufficient, the planning board shall require the subdivider to plant street trees appropriate for the terrain, soil and climatic conditions encountered in the subdivision, and in accordance with the following standards:

Location. Street trees shall be located as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 or on the portion of building lots within ten feet of the street right-of-way line, if assurance can be given by the subdivider that the trees will not be disturbed by building activities. In either case, no street trees shall be located so as to interfere with overhead or underground utility lines. Trees shall be spaced approximately 30 feet to 50 feet on center, depending on anticipated ultimate size.

Type. The species selected are to be suitable for zone 6 hardiness and may include, but not be limited to, the following types:

Deciduous medium to large trees such as thornless Honey Locust, Pin Oak, London Plane, Ginkgo, Zelkova, Bradford Pear and Katsura.

Small deciduous trees such as some Crab and Cherry varieties with 15-foot ultimate height.

Conifers such as Pine, Hemlock, Spruce may be used only within the ten-foot area within the R.O.W.

Size. Minimum sizes for species listed above are 1½ to two inches caliper, measured one foot from ground level in place, and six feet to eight feet of height in place.

Quality. Street trees shall be balled and burlapped with good root development and branching characteristics. Bare root handling for dormant trees up to 2½ inches caliper may only be allowed during the spring season. All trees shall be of licensed nursery stock; however, native trees may be used if inspected and approved by the town tree warden before planting.

Planting. Street trees shall be planted in holes at least six inches deeper and 1½ times as wide as the root ball. Larger excavation may be required in gravel or sand areas. Trees shall be planted at their previous depth in good quality topsoil or soil conditioned to the quality with sufficient organic matter such as peat moss and a balanced fertilizer. Trees shall be securely double-staked with sturdy stakes of a minimum size of two inches × two inches × six feet.

Screening. Where a proposed residential development abuts an existing or proposed commercial or industrial area, a dense evergreen buffer at least ten feet in depth, shall be planted along the common boundary between the residential development and such commercial or industrial development.

Inspection. The town tree warden shall determine the suitability of the street trees being proposed, and certify proper planting techniques and maintenance have been followed.

14.

Landscaping standards.

Landscaping shall be provided as part of site plan and subdivision design. It shall be conceived in a total pattern throughout the site, integrating the various elements of site design, preserving and enhancing the particular identity of the site and creating a pleasing site character.

Landscaping may include plant materials such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, grass, flowers, etc., but may also include other materials such as rocks, wetlands, stone walls, paving materials, planters, signage, and street furniture. Areas which may be required to provide landscaping shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

(1)

Drainage facilities, such as retention/detention basins, or drainage swales;

(2)

Entrance features;

(3)

Open space areas;

(4)

Proposed recreation facilities;

(5)

Buffer areas;

(6)

Lot areas which are disturbed during the construction process or where extensive grading removes a significant amount of natural vegetation;

(7)

Areas subject to regrading or stabilization for soil erosion and sediment control purposes.

Landscape plan: A landscape plan prepared by a registered landscape architect shall be submitted to the planning board when the board determines that (a) existing landscaping is insufficient; (b) the site of the proposed subdivision has been or will be disturbed so as to require significant new vegetation; or (c) additional landscaping is necessary to protect, preserve, or enhance significant visual characteristics of the site. If a landscape plan is required by the board, the applicant shall be advised of this requirement at the preliminary review stage of an administrative or minor subdivision, and at the master plan stage of a major subdivision. The plan shall identify existing and proposed trees, shrubs and ground covers; natural features such as stone walls and rock outcroppings; manmade elements such as retaining walls, fences, signs, planters, etc.; proposed grading at two-foot contour intervals; lighting; specifications for loaming, fertilizing and seeding; and other proposed landscaping elements. The plan shall indicate the location of all proposed landscaping and shall include construction details as necessary. A planting schedule shall be included to indicate proposed planting by species, size at time of planting and maintenance requirements. Where existing plantings are to be retained, the plan shall indicate proposed methods of protecting them during construction.

15.

Monuments. Monuments (concrete boundary markers) shall be of the type specified and/or furnished by the town and paid for by the developer and placed by a registered land surveyor on the street line at the beginning and end of all horizontal curves on both sides of each subdivision (public) street and shall not be more than 500 feet apart. Monuments shall be set four inches above finished grade of the center of the street.

16.

Sidewalks. Sidewalks may be required to be installed on one side of all proposed new public streets in subdivisions located in the R-10, R-10A, and R-20 zoning districts, and in all residential cluster developments or multifamily developments except for short cul-de-sac streets serving five or fewer lots or dwellings. Sidewalks may be required to be installed along new streets in other areas if the planning board finds any of the following:

The subdivision is located within an area within one mile of a public or private school; or

The subdivision is located in reasonable proximity to major public or private facilities such as churches, shopping areas, playgrounds, etc., where there is a reasonable likelihood that pedestrian traffic to/from/within the proposed subdivision would result; or

The subdivision is located within an area with high vehicular traffic volumes and where there would be a likelihood of significant danger to pedestrians. Sidewalks may be required to be installed as off-site improvements in accordance with the provisions of section H. of this section.

17.

Bicycle paths. Bicycle paths shall be incorporated into the proposed subdivision where necessary to extend an existing bicycle path; to intersect with proposed state bicycle facilities; to connect adjacent subdivision where vehicular connections would be impractical; or where adjacent or nearby public or private school, recreation areas or other similar facilities would be likely to generate significant bicycle traffic.

18.

Curbing at intersection fillet curves. Slope faced precast concrete curbing meeting RI DOT Standard 7-21 shall be installed at all intersection fillet curves in lieu of extruded Cape Cod curbing as illustrated in Figure 3. Precast concrete wheelchair ramp curbs meeting RI DOT Standard 7.19 shall be installed where required by the director of public works.

19.

Engineering and land survey. Wherever it is mandated by these regulations that certain tasks associated with subdivision plans and improvements be performed by registered professional engineers and/or registered land surveyors, all such tasks shall be performed according to existing and amended standards of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Board of Registration for Land Surveyors.

Residential Collector Roads

Residential Access Streets

Residential

Stormwater Design

Loop Road (P-Loop)

C. - Lot design standards.#

Side lot lines. Side lot lines shall be at right angles to street lines or radial to curved street lines unless the planning board determines that a variation from this rule will provide a better street or lot plan. Whenever possible lot lines shall follow stonewalls or tree lines to preserve these features.

Developable land area. All lots shall be designed so as to contain the minimum land area required by the zoning ordinance exclusive of land unsuitable for development as defined and provided for in section III.C.

Easements. Easements may be required by the planning board where necessary for the proper location and placement of improvements on private land as described below. The board may, in its own discretion, require the dedication of land to the town in lieu of easements if such dedication would provide greater control over and access to the intended use.

Watercourses. Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainageway, channel or stream, there shall be provided a stormwater easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of such watercourse and of such width as will be adequate for the purpose.

Sanitary sewers. Easements across lots or centered on rear or side lot lines shall be provided for sanitary sewers where they are required. The planning board may require permanent easements of such width as recommended by the town engineer, plus temporary construction easements if necessary. The nominal width for a permanent sewer easement shall be 20 feet.

Drainage easements. Easements to install and maintain underground drainage facilities on private land shall be dedicated to the town where required. The nominal width for such a drainage easement shall be 20 feet. Where aboveground drainage flows are directed over private property which does not contain natural watercourses or wetlands, or where publicly owned and maintained drainage systems outfall on private land, a drainage easement shall be dedicated to the town over the area and at a location adequate for the intended purpose. Easements into and upon aboveground drainage facilities such as stormwater detention or retention basins shall be granted to the town wherever stormwater from town-owned streets or other improvements is intended to be directed to such basins, and where the town will be responsible for the maintenance of said aboveground facilities.

Grading easements. The planning board may require the dedication of an easement to the town in order to grade or to maintain grading on private property where such grading is necessary to establish or maintain adequate drainage, sight distances, or topographic features required as a condition of subdivision approval.

Sight distance easements. Where deemed necessary by the planning board to establish or maintain adequate sight distances for vehicular traffic, the dedication of an easement to the town may be required which would prohibit the erection or maintenance of any visual obstruction such as a structure, tree, shrub, wall, earthen embankment, hill or any other obstruction.

Bicycle or pedestrian access easements. Bicycle and pedestrian access shall be provided where required on a separate strip of land dedicated to the town or on an easement having a minimum width of 15 feet.

Other easements. All other required easements shall be of sufficient width and area for the intended purpose. All utility easements shall be a minimum width of 20 feet and contain at least one concrete bound.

Lot configurations. The planning board shall have the right to prohibit or require modification to lots which are shaped or configured in such a manner as to conflict with the use of the land for the intended purpose. In particular, long, narrow strips of land shall be avoided in creating residential lots. Unusual shapes, angles, and dimensions shall be avoided in lot layout and design. The board may, in reviewing a proposed subdivision, require modification to the proposed lot layout as it deems necessary to achieve the purposes of these regulations.

D. - Drainage.#

The drainage system may be comprised of natural and manmade elements. These include grass swales, retention and detention basins, curbs, catchbasins, culverts, and stormwater pipes. The subdivider is encouraged to incorporate natural elements into the drainage design whenever possible. These elements (i.e. grass swales, wet basins) not only collect and transport stormwater, but also mitigate pollution, reduce sedimentation, provide visual amenities and provide potential wildlife habitat. The applicant shall follow the design guidelines and best management practices set forth within the Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual, RI Department of the Environment, 1993 (as amended); the Rhode Island Community Nonpoint Source Pollution Management: Guide (as amended), RI Department of the Environment; and the Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment: Control Handbook (as amended), RI Department of the Environment, to the extent practicable.

Where a drainage plan and drainage calculations are required by the appropriate plat checklist in section XV, the plan and calculations shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer. The stormwater drainage calculations, runoff rates and system design shall be based on the application of the appropriate method as follows: The Rational Method: This method is the preferred method for small systems of three acres or less, where no wetlands, ponds, or other storage depressions are present, and where drainage is toward the point of analysis.

TR-55: This is the preferred method for calculating runoff volumes, peak discharge rate, and flood storage requirements for site development between one acre and 2,000 acres.

TR-20: This is for large complex watersheds and systems beyond the scope of TR-55.

The drainage plan and drainage calculations shall contain the following information: 1.

An estimate of the quantity of stormwater surface runoff presently flowing from the land proposed to be subdivided, and that which would be generated by the proposed subdivision, calculated on the basis of a 25-year frequency rainfall.

An estimate of the quantity of stormwater surface runoff entering the subdivision naturally from upstream areas within the watershed under present conditions, calculated on the basis of a 25-year frequency rainfall.

An analysis of the capability of existing watercourses, storm sewers, culverts and other drainage facilities within the land proposed to be subdivided to handle the runoff as calculated under 1 and 2 above, and proposals to handle such surface runoff. Design criteria for drainage improvements shall conform to the state specifications cited above as modified by the Town of Narragansett. Culvert and storm sewers shall be designed for a 25-year frequency rainfall, with a minimum pipe size of 15 inches, and a minimum pipe gradient of one percent.

Proposals for disposal of surface runoff, downstream from the subdivision without damage to land and improvements and to the receiving waterbody.

The drainage plan shall further indicate how the following specific requirements will be met:

That each lot will be adequately drained;

That natural drainage patterns will be maintained whenever possible;

That all existing watercourses will be left open, unless approval to enclose is granted by the planning board;

That all new open watercourses will be seeded, sodded or paved, depending on grades and soil types;

That a continuous drainage system will be installed and connected to a natural or manmade watercourse or to an existing piped storm drainage system. Whenever feasible, such drainage system shall be designed as a nonstructural system consisting of swales, sheet flow and open drainage which attenuates nonpoint pollution and regulates the rate of flow. The ultimate destination of such continuous drainage shall be a permanent natural body of water or wetland. Where the planning board determines that such ultimate destination is impractical, the board shall require the construction of a retention area capable of accommodating proposed stormwater volumes based on a two-year, 25-year and 100-year frequency rainfall;

Where any part of the drainage system is proposed for location outside the public street right-of-way, provisions for future maintenance approved by the planning board and town engineering department will be provided;

That all necessary easements to off-street watercourses will be obtained by the subdivider; and

Where volume velocity of the surface runoff is high, the flow thereof shall be controlled by rip-rap, sediment basins, flow spreaders, or other applicable devices, best management practices, and/or techniques recommended in the Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual, the Rhode Island Community Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Guide and the Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook;

The siting of stormwater management structures including dry and/or wet ponds and swales shall be incorporated into the natural landscape to enhance functional values of the structures and provide visual amenity to the site;

How the existing storm drainage system will be protected during construction.

The proposed drainage system shall be designed to accommodate stormwater such that post construction conditions do not result in peak runoff increases in rate or volume from preconstruction conditions.

The plan should include an assessment of structural integrity to withstand discharge from a two-year, 25-year and 100-year storm.

The plan should include an assessment of the ability of the drainage system to comply the water quality standards set forth by the RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and RI Department of the Environment, including the established minimum 80 percent removal rate (over an annual basis) of total suspended solids contained in stormwater runoff.

E. - Utilities.#

Sanitary sewers. Sanitary sewers shall be required in all subdivisions and land development projects where such sewer service is required in accordance with the procedures and standards set forth in chapter 78 of the Narragansett Code of Ordinances entitled "Utilities," and/or is allowed under the sewer policy current at the time of application.

Water lines. When a public water system is available, water lines shall be installed and water stops shall be provided for each lot in accordance with the rules and regulations of the appropriate water utility company (United Water of Rhode Island) or with the procedures and standards set forth in chapter 78 of the Narragansett Code of Ordinances entitled "Utilities," as appropriate. Water lines shall be generally located on the southerly or westerly side of the street, wherever possible, or as required by the planning board.

Gas lines. Natural gas lines may be installed in any subdivision or land development project at the discretion of the subdivider. If proposed, gas lines shall be located on the northerly or easterly side of the street, wherever possible, or as required by the planning board.

Communication lines (electric, telephone, and cable TV). All electric, communication (telephone, fire alarm and cable TV) and street lighting lines shall be installed underground. In cases where underground installation is not feasible due to physical conditions of the site or other limitation, an alternative location for these utility lines shall be approved by the planning board, if prior approval thereof has been obtained by the utility company involved. Communication lines are not required to be placed underground for (i) residential compounds; or (2) for minor subdivisions where no street creation is required; or (3) for minor subdivisions where a private street is required and the town will not be requested accept the street for ownership and maintenance.

Fire alarm. Provision for connection to the fire alarm system of the Town of Narragansett shall be required for all land development projects and subdivisions having streets proposed for dedication to the town for ownership and maintenance. Fire alarm systems in subdivisions proposing privately owned streets may be installed at the discretion of the subdivider. Standards for fire alarm systems shall meet the minimum requirements of the International Municipal Signal Association. Fire alarm boxes shall be located within the street right-of-way at a maximum separation of 1,000 feet between boxes or as directed by the fire department of the town.

Fire hydrants. Fire hydrants shall be installed in all subdivisions where public water supply systems are installed. Hydrant type, location, and spacing shall meet the minimum requirements of the National Fire Protection Association, or as directed by the fire department and/or town engineering department.

F. - Erosion and sediment control.#

All major land developments and major subdivisions shall submit a soil erosion and sediment control plan as required herein. Minor land developments, minor subdivisions and administrative subdivisions may not be required to submit a soil and sediment control plan unless such a plan has been determined by the planning board to be necessary. In making such a determination, the planning board shall consider site characteristics such as the topography and slope, soil conditions, the proposed grading and drainage system, the degree of proposed site disturbance and proximity to waterbodies and wetlands. A soil and sediment control plan may be required if the planning board determines that the proposed development may cause soil erosion and sedimentation impacts if uncontrolled. 1.

Plan preparation. The erosion and sediment control plan shall be prepared by a registered engineer, a registered landscape architect, a soil and water conservation society certified erosion and sediment control specialist, or a certified professional soil scientist.

Plan contents. The erosion and sediment control plan shall include sufficient information about the proposed activities and land parcel(s) to form a clear basis for discussion and review and to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements of these regulations. The plan shall be consistent with the data collection, data analysis, and plan preparation guidelines in the current Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, R.I. Department of the Environment, R.I. Conservation Committee, and at a minimum, shall contain:

A narrative describing the proposed land disturbing activity and the soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management measures to be installed to control erosion that could result from the proposed activity. Supporting documentation, such as a drainage area, existing site conditions, and soil maps shall be provided as required by the planning board.

Construction drawings illustrating in detail all land disturbing activity including existing and proposed contours, cuts and fills, drainage features, and vegetation; limits of clearing and grading, the location of soil erosion and sediment control and stormwater management measures, detail drawings of control measures; stockpiles and borrow areas; sequence and staging of land disturbing activities; and other information needed for construction.

Other information or construction plans and details as deemed necessary by the planning board for thorough review of the plan prior to action being taken as prescribed in these regulations.

Performance principles. The contents of the erosion and sediment control plan shall clearly demonstrate how the principles, outlined below, have been met in the design and are to be accomplished by the proposed development project. The Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, as amended, shall be followed as a guide whenever practicable.

The site selected shall show due regard for natural drainage characteristics and topography. Land clearing and the removal of existing vegetation shall be kept to a minimum.

To the extent possible, steep slopes shall be avoided.

The grade of slopes created shall be minimized.

Postdevelopment runoff rates should not exceed predevelopment rates, consistent with other stormwater requirements which may be in effect. Any increase in stormwater runoff shall be retained and recharged as close as feasible to its place of origin by means of detention ponds or basins, seepage areas, subsurface drains, porous paving, or similar techniques.

Original boundaries, alignment, and slope of watercourses within the project locus shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible.

In general, drainage shall be directed away from structures intended for human occupancy, municipal or utility use, or similar structures.

All drainage provisions shall be of such a design and capacity so as to adequately handle stormwater runoff, including runoff from tributary upstream areas which may be outside the locus of the project.

Drainage facilities shall be installed as early as feasible prior to any additional site clearance or disturbance.

Fill located adjacent to watercourses shall be suitably protected from erosion by means of rip-rap, gabions, retaining walls, vegetative stabilization, or similar measures.

Temporary vegetation and/or mulch shall be used to protect bare areas and stockpiles from erosion during construction; the smallest areas feasible shall be exposed at any one time; disturbed areas shall be protected during the nongrowing months, November through March.

Permanent vegetation shall be placed immediately following fine grading.

Trees and other existing vegetation shall be retained whenever feasible; the area within the dripline shall be fenced or roped off to protect trees from construction equipment. Land clearing and the removal of vegetation for the construction of roads and structures, or the future sale of house lots shall not take place until preliminary approval of the land development or subdivision plan has been granted by the planning board. Only selective removal of existing vegetation for the evaluation of land development or subdivision feasibility will be permitted prior to preliminary plan approval.

All areas damaged during construction shall be resodded, reseeded, or otherwise restored. Monitoring and maintenance schedules, where required, shall be predetermined.

Maintenance of measures. Maintenance of all erosion-sediment control devices under this ordinance shall be the responsibility of the subdivider. The erosion-sediment control devices shall be maintained in good condition and working order on a continuing basis until no longer needed. Watercourses originating and located completely on private property shall be the responsibility of the subdivider to their point of open discharge at the property line or at a communal watercourse within the property. If proper maintenance procedures are not followed, the planning board may authorize the administrative officer to take the steps necessary to ensure proper maintenance by using improvement guarantee funds as provided in section VII.

Periodic inspections. The director of public works may require inspections at such intervals as he/she may deem necessary to assure proper compliance with the approved erosion and sediment control plan. Copies of all inspection reports shall be made available to the subdivider upon request.

G. - Site design.#

Purpose. The purpose of good subdivision and site design is to create a functional and attractive development, to minimize adverse impacts, and to ensure that a project will be an asset to the community. To promote this purpose, land development projects and subdivisions shall conform to the following standards which are designed to result in a well-planned community without adding unnecessarily to development costs.

Site analysis. An analysis of the subdivision site and nearby areas shall be required by the planning board for all major subdivisions. The scope and content of the site analysis shall be discussed during the preapplication meeting and shall be presented by the subdivider during the concept and/or master plan stage of review. Such an analysis may be required by the planning board for minor subdivisions if the board finds that the proposed development may have a negative impact on the existing natural and built environment or would be inappropriate for the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Such a site analysis shall include written and/or graphic analysis of the following characteristics of the development site: site context; geology and soil; agricultural lands; wetlands; coastal features; topography; climate; ecology; existing vegetation, structures, and road networks; visual features; and past and present use of the site.

Subdivision and site design.

Design of the development shall take into consideration all existing town and regional plans for the surrounding community.

Development of the site shall be based on the characteristics of the site and upon the site analysis. To the maximum extent practicable, development shall be located to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, and to minimize negative impacts and alteration of natural features, historic and cultural resources, and areas of scenic value which contribute to the character of the town.

The following specific areas shall be preserved as undeveloped open space or lot area, to the extent consistent with the reasonable utilization of land, and in accordance with applicable state or town regulations:

Unique and/or fragile areas, including freshwater wetlands and coastal features;

Significant trees or stands of trees, or other vegetative species that are rare to the area or are of particular horticultural or landscape value;

Lands in the floodplain, as defined in section II;

Steep slopes in excess of 20 percent as measured over a ten-foot interval unless appropriate engineering measures concerning slope stability, erosion, and resident safety are taken;

Habitats of endangered wildlife, as identified on applicable federal or state lists;

Historically significant structures and sites including, but not limited to, archaeological sites as listed on federal or state lists of historic places; and

Agricultural lands as defined herein.

The development shall be laid out to avoid adversely affecting groundwater and aquifer recharge; to reduce cut and fill; to avoid unnecessary impervious cover; to prevent flooding; to provide adequate access to lots and sites; and to mitigate adverse effects of shadow, traffic, drainage, and utilities on neighboring properties.

Residential development design.

The planning board may vary street locations, lot shapes and dimensions, yards, and setbacks for the purpose of encouraging and promoting flexibility, economy, and environmental soundness in layout and design, provided that the lots' areas and dimensions, yards, and setbacks within the subdivision conform to the minimum requirements of the zoning ordinance, and provided that such standards shall be appropriate to the type of development permitted.

Residential lots shall front on local streets wherever possible.

Every lot shall have sufficient access to it for emergency vehicles as well as for those needing access to the property in its intended use.

The placement of dwelling units in residential developments shall take into consideration topography, privacy, building height, orientation, drainage, and scenic values.

Lots shall be designed so that proposed buildings have adequate privacy from adjacent streets.

Vegetated buffer areas shall be required where necessary to avoid adverse impacts from adjacent uses.

Commercial and industrial development design. Commercial and industrial developments shall be designed according to the same principles governing the design of residential developments; namely, buildings shall be located according to topography, with environmentally sensitive areas avoided to the maximum extent practicable; factors such as drainage, noise, odor, and surrounding land uses considered in siting buildings; sufficient access shall be provided; and adverse impacts buffered.

Circulation system design.

The road system shall be designed to permit the safe, efficient, and orderly movement of traffic; to meet the needs of the present and future population served; to have a simple and logical pattern; to respect natural features and topography; and to present an attractive streetscape.

In residential subdivision, the road system shall be designed to serve the needs of the neighborhood and to discourage use by through traffic.

The pedestrian system shall be located as required for safety. In conventional developments, walks shall be placed parallel to the street, as shown in the typical street cross sections in section XIII, with exceptions permitted to preserve natural features or to provide visual interest. In residential cluster developments and land development projects, walks may be placed away from the road system with permission of the planning board.

Landscape design.

Reasonable landscaping should be provided at site entrances, in public areas, and adjacent to buildings. The type and amount of landscaping required shall be allowed to vary with type of development.

The plant or other landscaping material that best serves the intended function shall be selected. Landscaping materials shall be appropriate for the local environment, soil conditions, and availability of water. The use of grasses that require minimal watering and fertilization is encouraged, particularly in areas that are ecologically sensitive.

H. - Off-site improvements.#

Purpose. This section is intended to ensure that subdividers provide off-site infrastructure improvements in order to mitigate the impacts which are directly or indirectly attributable to new development. Such improvements may be required by the planning board if the board finds that there is a reasonable relationship between the requested improvement and the proposed new development. Off-site improvements may include, but are not limited to, improvements to the following:

Sanitary sewers;

Water supply systems;

Roadways;

Sidewalks;

Bicycle paths;

Drainage systems.

Definition and principles. As a condition of final approval, the planning board may require a subdivider to construct reasonable and necessary improvements located off of the proposed land being subdivided. Necessary improvements are those clearly and substantially related to the subdivision or land development being proposed. The planning board shall provide in its resolution of final approval the basis for requiring such off-site improvements. In its resolution, the board must find that a significant negative impact on existing conditions will result if the off-site improvements are not made, and are clearly documented in the public record. The mitigation required as a condition of approval must be related to the significance of the identified impact. All required off-site improvements must reflect the character defined for that neighborhood or district by the comprehensive community plan.

I. - Areas of special flood hazard.#

The planning board shall examine each proposed subdivision to ensure that: 1.

If any part of the proposed subdivision is located within an area of special flood hazard as identified in section II, it is consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.

It provides for adequate protection against flood damage with respect to materials, design, and methods of construction.

All public utilities and facilities such as sewers, gas, electrical and water systems are elevated and/or constructed to minimize or eliminate damage from flooding.

Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards.

J. - General construction procedures.#

The following procedures shall be followed by the subdivider and by contractors under the direction of the subdivider in the construction of any subdivision or related improvement: 1.

Preconstruction meeting. A preconstruction meeting shall be held with the town engineer at least seven days prior to the start of any subdivision improvements. The subdivider (or his duly authorized representative) and the on-site project manager shall attend this meeting.

Notification. No step in the construction of required improvements shall commence until the town engineer has been notified at least 24 hours in advance of the phases of construction listed in 3, below.

Inspection of improvements. Inspection and approval by the town engineer shall be required for the following phases of subdivision improvements:

During and following installation of all underground drainage structures, systems and utilities prior to backfilling;

During and following the preparations of the road subgrade and shoulders;

During and following the spreading and compaction of the subbase course;

During and following the spreading and compaction of the base course prior to the application of the asphalt binder course;

Immediately prior to and during the application and compaction of the asphalt surface course on the roadway and, if required, sidewalks; and

Following completion of all improvements and installation of bounds;

At periodic intervals as required to ensure compliance with the approved erosion and sediment control plan.

The town engineer may require inspection at such other intervals as he may deem necessary to ensure proper construction of improvements.

Request for inspection. Whenever an inspection is required the developer shall request the town engineer to make such inspection. The town engineer or his representative shall, within 48 hours exclusive of Saturday, Sunday and holidays, make such inspection and give to the developer written approval or disapproval of the improvements inspected by him. No subsequent step or phase shall commence until an inspection has been made and approval granted.

As-built drawings. Upon completion of construction of all required improvements, and before the performance surety is released and the maintenance surety is accepted, the developer shall furnish two sets of transparent mylar and one paper set of as-built drawings of required improvements to the administrative officer.

Inspection fees. Inspection fees shall be paid in the amount established in section XI, and shall be paid in full before construction begins of any improvements requiring inspection.