ARTICLE XI. - DESIGN STANDARDS BY DISTRICT

Part of the Code of Ordinances of Tiverton, RI.

Local law · Updated June 22, 2026 · 1,537 sections

The text

Sec. 23-111. - Definitions.#

Unless specifically defined within this Article, specific terms and phrases are defined within Article II, Definitions.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

Sec. 23-112. - Design standards for the Traditional Main Street District, Neighborhood Business, and Pedestrian-Friendly Destination District.#

Purpose.

The purpose of these design requirements is to establish distinctive, visually appealing commercial districts that reflect Tiverton's historic character and New England's architectural traditions. Serving as a resource for property owners, designers, and officials, these requirements guide development to foster economic vitality and draw both local customers and visitors. While providing flexibility to support traditional and contemporary designs, the standards promote cohesive improvements that enhance Tiverton's charm and identity. By emphasizing clear, manageable requirements and efficient approvals, these standards support consistent property enhancements, safe and inviting environments for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, and a unified approach that strengthens the long-term success and unique identity of the community's commercial areas.

II.

Applicability.

The permitting authority shall apply the design standards presented in this section to projects located either fully or partially within the Traditional Main Street, Pedestrian-Friendly Destination or Neighborhood Business zone. The design standards are generally applicable to properties located within their designated district, and in addition to the provisions of this section, all development shall adhere to the requirements in Section 23-53. General Development Design. However, an applicant may request to apply the design standards from an alternative district if they believe those standards are more suitable for their property's unique characteristics. Such requests will be reviewed by the Planning Board, which has the discretion to approve the use of alternative district standards on a case-by-case basis. This provision applies to all design standards listed in this section, ensuring that any variation aligns with the overall intent and goals of the district.

III.

Traditional Main Street District Design Standards and Guidelines.

Tiverton's north end Main Street, characterized by dense mixed-use development and concentrated retail frontage, is a traditional urban retail street that should be preserved and enhanced to achieve its full potential. The standards and guidelines in this section apply only to the Traditional Main Street District.

Building Scale and Character.

Design Standards.

Building height shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet, with a preference for three (3) story structures that maintain a mixed-use character and a mix of Rooflines.

Retail frontage shall be established directly along the sidewalk to enhance pedestrian engagement.

Exterior materials shall include a balanced mix of masonry, clapboard, and shingle to ensure consistency with the district's architectural character.

Upper floors shall be designed with a residential character, even if not actually residential in use.

Street frontage retail shall include substantial glazing, clearly visible signage, and lighting focused on the storefront.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

Traditional roof forms such as gable, hipped or gambrel, as opposed to mansard style, are preferred. Sloped roofs are encouraged above the second story.

Structures should have a taller first floor level topped by 2—3 stories of residential. Party walls are encouraged.

One story structures are not in keeping with the main street prototype and should be avoided.

Building and Parking Location. In the Traditional Main Street district, buildings shall engage the sidewalk and form a street wall that defines the street as a public room, contributing to the character of the area by having little or no setback from the front property line.

Design standards.

Storefronts shall have little to no setback to engage the sidewalk and form a street wall, encouraging window shopping and a casual retail experience with a strong pedestrian focus. A deep setback occupied by parking shall not be permitted, as it removes the retail from the pedestrian environment and creates unsafe conditions where parking curb cuts cross the pedestrian network.

IV.

Neighborhood Business and Pedestrian-Friendly Destination District Design Standards and Guidelines.

Tiverton's neighborhood business character is best described by homes converted for retail or professional office use, creating a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Tiverton's larger retail and commercial nodes should be improved by encouraging architecture and amenities that provide stronger support for pedestrian activity, seamlessly connecting commercial areas with surrounding neighborhoods. Architecture should be residentially-scaled and mixed-use to reflect the patterns of the surrounding residential neighborhood, while larger retail footprints are organized along major thoroughfares to maintain accessibility and preserve the neighborhood's unique charm. The standards and guidelines in this section apply only to the CHATGPT District.

Building Scale and Character.

Design Standards.

Retail and office buildings within residential areas shall maintain a residential scale, with deeper setbacks and informal parking arrangements to preserve neighborhood character.

Buildings shall incorporate a variety of architectural scales, roof forms, and materials to provide visual interest and maintain compatibility with the surrounding area.

Primary building height shall be limited to two stories, with a third story permitted only within dormers or occupied attics to maintain an appropriate scale within the district.

Ground-level retail spaces shall have a minimum ceiling height of twelve (12) feet, with a preferred height of sixteen (16) feet, to provide the larger scale and higher ceiling height appropriate for public storefronts.

Single-story, flat-roofed retail buildings set back behind large parking areas are prohibited.

All new buildings must be oriented towards the sidewalks to promote pedestrian accessibility and visual engagement, with pedestrian-scale treatments at the retail level and clearly defined landscaped access from parking areas and street frontages to encourage walking.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

New retail buildings should incorporate pitched or gambrel roof forms that reflect the architectural character of the community, provide additional leasable space, and incorporate the scale of mixed-use architecture to bring traditional New England character into the more modern retail district.

A strong cornice or string course should be incorporated between the ground-level storefront and the upper-story openings to create a visual separation between commercial and residential or office levels.

Upper stories designated for office or residential use should have shorter ceiling heights and smaller-scale window openings to distinguish these uses from retail spaces below, reflecting the appearance of a single-family home where the first floor has been converted to retail or office use and the upper floors serve as residential or office spaces.

Larger footprint structures should be designed as village-like groupings of smaller-scale buildings with more than one story, rather than large, individual, or box-like structures typically associated with chain retail stores or food establishments. These developments should incorporate varied massing and visual interest to maintain a human scale and be organized behind well-landscaped, pedestrian-friendly parking areas that enhance accessibility and integration with the surrounding environment.

Building and Parking Location. Buildings should be placed to maximize pedestrian access, attracting pedestrians from the neighborhood and encouraging cars to park and walk around the destination to its attractions. In mixed-use neighborhoods, setbacks should approximate those of the surrounding residential context, with special attention paid to creating streets and spaces that are comfortable for walking. Whether single or mixed-use, the architecture of the district should reflect the residential scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood, with buildings set behind a modest setback that supports both pedestrian engagement and integration with the surrounding context.

Design standards.

Buildings shall repeat the pattern of the surrounding residential district, with a reasonable setback from the road, behind a layer of landscaping, casual seating, or informal parking as appropriate. A new building in a currently built environment should be placed as close as feasible to the street on which it fronts, minimizing the amount of parking between the building and the street. Building placement shall be planned to achieve a consistent setback, notwithstanding pre-existing setbacks, ensuring integration with the surrounding context. Buildings shall be situated on or near the site limits, with cut-outs for amenities such as benches, terraces, and vegetation. Buildings shall not be set back behind more than a single layer of parking, as large parking fields alienate patrons and disrupt the integration of the building with the residential fabric.

The district shall be easily accessible by car, but designed to prioritize pedestrian movement. Parking areas shall be designed to provide clear and safe paths to the front entrance of retail spaces, encouraging walking and active engagement with the district. Parking shall be located in a manner where the building is accessible by both the front street-side façade and the rear parking façade.

Universal Design Standards and Guidelines.

The Traditional Main Street, Neighborhood Business, and Pedestrian-Friendly Destination Districts are unique in many ways but also share commonalities that lend themselves to design standards and guidelines that are appropriate in all districts. The design standards and guidelines in this section apply to the Traditional Main Street, Neighborhood Business, and Pedestrian-Friendly Destination Districts.

Scales of Use. Mixed-use buildings are traditionally designed with the scale and features appropriate to each use. The transition between the lower and upper floors is important to the design of the building as a whole. The different scales of multiple uses can create a balanced composition, while poorly proportioned buildings result when either of the mixed-use functions is not of the appropriate scale.

Design standards. Ground-level retail spaces shall have a minimum ceiling height of twelve (12) feet, with a preferred height of sixteen (16) feet, to provide a taller space and larger scale appropriate to retail use.

ii.

Design guidelines.

Ceiling heights and openings on upper stories designated for office or residential use should be of a shorter scale, proportionate to the function of these spaces.

A strong cornice or string course should be used to distinctly separate the scale of the ground-level storefront from the residential or office openings above.

Building and parking location.

Design Standards.

Parking areas shall be separated from outdoor seating and sidewalk areas by the use of stone walls and vegetation, with a minimum height of three (3) feet.

Where parking areas abut a street, they shall be separated from the street line by a curb at least six (6) inches in height, except for approved curb cuts.

Fixtures used to illuminate parking facilities shall be designed to minimize light spillover onto adjoining properties or streets. Dark Sky cutoff lighting fixtures are recommended.

If a parking area is located within or adjoins a residential area, a landscaped buffer shall be provided between the parking facility and the residential area. This buffer shall include either an opaque fence between four (4) feet and six (6) feet in height or a double-row compact evergreen screen at least four (4) feet in height. The buffer shall be maintained in a neat and attractive manner.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

The number of site entrances should be limited to the minimum necessary for effective traffic control. Where possible, access driveways and parking areas should be shared with adjoining properties. These areas shall have a dust-free, hard surface, be equipped with bumper barriers where necessary, and include provisions for managing stormwater runoff.

The layout and design of all vehicular and pedestrian circulation routes, including interior drives, parking areas, and walkways, should ensure safe internal circulation and adequate separation of pedestrian, vehicular, and service traffic.

All developments within a commercial area should provide provisions for pedestrian movement, including sidewalks or walkways, to ensure safe access between parking areas and retail establishments.

Large lot parking and landscaping. Where larger lots are allowable or likely, special attention should be paid to the disposition of parking, landscaping and pedestrian access through large parking fields. The following standards are intended to not only improve the pedestrian and patron experience but also help developers and owners manage the stormwater and heat island challenges often present in large lot parking areas.

Design standards. Large lot parking and landscaping shall comply with the following design standards, as well as the design standards under Section 23-69 XI:

All parking spaces shall be screened by low plantings and/or trees from the street and sidewalk and adjacent parcels.

Pedestrian and landscape breaks shall be provided in parking rows to ensure safe access to buildings. Such breaks shall be introduced whenever parking rows exceed twenty (20) consecutive stalls.

Building coverage on large lots shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) or forty thousand (40,000) square feet.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

Curb cuts for entry drives should be located away from the corners of intersections to ensure safe entry and exit from the parking lot.

Trees located at bulb-outs and parking breaks shall be provided to shade parking spaces and pedestrian walkways.

Special attention should be given to the width and depth of planting islands to ensure the long-term viability of plantings.

Plant species should be selected for their durability and resilience in areas subject to heavy traffic.

Entries. Entry to ground floor retail serves both pedestrians and off-street parking and is accessed directly from a pedestrian way against the building. In mixed-use developments, separate entries distinguish the retail and residential uses, with public entries for commercial and retail spaces defined by a large scale and extensive glazing, while private residential entries are smaller in scale, appropriate to their function.

Design Standards.

Entry to ground floor retail shall be obvious and convenient, serving both pedestrians and off-street parking, where it exists on-site.

Clear walking paths shall be provided from any parking area to the front entrance.

Secondary entrance/exit points may be located facing the rear parking area; however, retail entrances shall not be located solely at the rear of the building.

Entries to retail and commercial uses shall be prominent and of a large scale that maximizes glazing to ensure clear visibility and easy identification by the public.

Residential entries shall be separate from public entries and may be less prominent and smaller in scale than retail entries, providing a private entrance for residents and their guests.

Residential entries shall have a distinct address, separate from that of the retail spaces.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

A corner entry may be used where it serves pedestrians as a main thoroughfare entry, as well as access from rear or side yard parking areas.

Retail entrances should always front the public way, directly off the sidewalk, and open onto a pedestrian way. Primary entrances shall not be located at the rear of a building, regardless of its proximity to a rear parking area.

Use of awnings and canopies of storefront entries are encouraged.

Storefronts. Ground-level retail plays a crucial role in drawing shoppers and enlivening the sidewalk. Large displays on storefronts help to entice passers-by, inviting them into the store. Visibility is key, as it not only makes potential customers aware of a store's offerings but also creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages engagement.

Design Standards.

Storefronts shall include the following features:

Sign band;

Sign lights with full cut-off to minimize light pollution

Clear-glazed door fronting on the sidewalk;

Durable materials, such as stone, to meet the ground;

Transoms and signage on storefront glass are optional.

Storefronts shall contain approximately seventy (70%) clear glazed area for the display of goods and services. Opaque facades with blank walls and windows do not invite commercial activity and shall be avoided.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

Displays should allow a view through to the sales floor for customers to easily see whether the shop is open.

Blank walls, opaque materials, and small windows should be avoided or limited as much as possible on storefront elevations.

Retail windows. Retail storefronts were traditionally composed of small panes combined with muntins and mullions to form larger windows, with the vertical arrangement of panes providing strength and reducing structural spans. This design approach results in storefronts with vertical proportions and architectural compositions that frame services and merchandise.

Design Standards.

Each windowpane and opening shall have a square or vertical proportion.

Square or vertical window elements may be further sub-divided into vertical panes.

Window arrangements shall allow for structural elements that visually support the stories above.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

Vertical window proportions are encouraged to allow a traditional structural system with short spans and vertical piers to carry imposed loads to the ground. Horizontal window bands rely on hidden structural beams to span long openings and are discouraged.

Retail doors. Retail doors are traditionally designed with clear glazing to eliminate visual barriers to the store, creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for shoppers. This transparency allows views into the store that make shoppers feel welcome and safe, while also enhancing security and preventing collisions.

Design Standards.

Retail doors shall be entered from the street level, directly off the sidewalk. Where parking is on the side of a store, a corner entry may serve both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Doors shall be clear glazed to allow views into and out of the store.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

Solid doors and screen doors are discouraged, as they are inconsistent with the district's character and obstruct views, which could make customers hesitant to enter.

Screen doors appear residential in nature and should be avoided.

Landscaping. Retail landscaping helps enhance the public realm, define usable exterior spaces such as plazas and terraces, and screen the parking from view.

Design Standards.

Landscape treatment shall be provided to enhance architectural features and improve aesthetics, and the site shall be planned to achieve a desirable transition between the building and the street, with the use of pedestrian walkways, special lighting, benches and other amenities.

Parking lots which abut public streets shall be screened by landscaping or with walls or fencing a minimum of three (3) feet in height. Walls and fences shall be of a scale and material appropriate to the site and surrounding area.

Planting on retail streets shall be limited to tree wells, planter boxes and pots.

Front yards shall be a minimum of three (3) feet from the road and a maximum of fifteen (15) feet.

Lots shall be a minimum of ninety (90) feet wide.

Side yards shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet wide, and rear yards shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet wide.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

To define an area in front of a retail building for dining or other programming, a low wall or fence should be used.

Planting beds may be used to soften parking areas at the side and rear of retail buildings.

Any retail setback should be designed and programmed to maintain the connection between the street and the store and should provide usable space.

Foundation plantings should not be used in retail settings, as they force pedestrians away from the merchandise.

Walls and fences should be used in addition to the three (3) foot minimum pedestrian buffer.

Outdoor Seating. Landscaped terrace areas can provide space for outdoor uses adjacent to but separated from parking and street access.

Design Standards.

Outdoor seating areas shall be screened from parking and demarcated from sidewalks and/or street by a landscaping strip, which uses plants or fencing four (4) to six (6) feet in height. All such screening materials must be secured so as not to create a hazard.

Outdoor seating areas shall be distinguished from parking areas by either solid, uninterrupted concrete or granite curbs and landscaping that physically separates the seating area from parking areas.

There shall be at least one readily visible litter barrel near the outdoor seating area.

Outdoor seating or display shall not block handicapped or pedestrian access.

Signage. Retail signage is an important component to the storefront and streetscape. Appropriate signage advertises the business and informs potential customers, and ideally the style reflects the business's signature and appeals to customers. Pedestrian-scaled signs of quality materials can support business marketing and contribute to the character of the main street.

Design standards.

Sign bands and blade signs shall have attached, painted or engraved lettering. Window lettering shall be painted or applied vinyl.

Large marquis signs and signs above the first story shall not be used in pedestrian areas, as they are distracting and detract from the character of the buildings. These styles of signs are more appropriate in areas with fast moving traffic.

Blade signs or signs projecting from buildings shall:

have the bottom of the sign higher than sidewalks and pedestrian and bicycle paths by a height of at least eight and not more than ten (10) feet above ground level;

be centered over or located near the principal doorway to the building;

be attached only to buildings that have facades within ten (10) feet from the paved portion of the street or right-of-way used for travel purposes;

only include the building's street number, the name of the business, a business logo and/or product or service information;

not project more than four (4) feet from the building to which they are attached;

not be larger than four (4) feet wide or sixteen (16) square feet maximum in area;

not project above the cornice line of the building; and

not overhang into any roadway or create a hazard to pedestrians.

Window signs should be located on the window beside the primary business entrance.

Window signs and their information shall not cover more than twenty-five (25%) of the total window area located on the front of the building.

Design Guidelines.

Retail signage may include a sign band, blade sign, awning lettering, and/or window lettering.

Signage should be scaled and friendly to the pedestrian. All signage shall occur below the second floor, to be visible to pedestrians.

Sign materials should reflect the character of the main street. Wood and metal signs are encouraged. Avoid using plastic, vinyl and other synthetic materials that are not traditional in character.

Projecting signs should not be located at building corners where they do not meet perpendicular to the building facade.

Permanent window signs indicating the name and/or logo of the business, the nature of the business, the hours and days of business, the credit cards honored and/or other information related to the business establishment or activity may be painted on or affixed to the inside of one window of the business.

Awnings. Storefront awnings provide shielding from weather, such as rain or sun, at the entrance to a store. Offering shelter can not only protect shoppers, but can also attract pedestrians to window shop and eliminate unwanted glare.

Design Standards.

Awnings shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet above the sidewalk and shall extend to a minimum of five (5) feet.

Awnings shall not be made of metal or non-traditional materials.

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Design Guidelines.

Store signage should be located on the fringe of the awning.

Retractable canvas awnings are preferred, as they can be moved depending on the weather.

Sloped awnings are preferred over barrel-shaped or rounded awnings.

Lighting. Retail lighting provides safety, advertising, and wayfinding. Lighting improves safety for pedestrians after dark, extends operating hours, and invites customers towards the storefront entry. Lighting can add a dramatic effect to signage after dark, but should be designed to minimize light pollution to the night sky.

Design Standards.

Street frontage lighting shall be directed towards the merchandise, signage, and pedestrian way.

Lighting shall be integrated with the design and character of the storefront.

Directional lighting and full cut-offs shall be used to reduce light pollution escaping into the night sky.

Wall-mounted and goose-neck fixtures shall be used for lighting of sign bands.

ii.

Design Guidelines.

Gooseneck, sconce, and pendant lighting may be appropriate.

Neon and back-lit signs are discouraged because they create undesirable glare and light pollution.

Blade signs may have directional pendant lighting.

A ceiling mounted fixture may illuminate recessed entries.

Signs with electronic displays are distracting and are discouraged.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

Sec. 23-113. - Design standards for the Planned Development Park (PDP) Zone.#

Applicability.

In addition to the provisions of this section, all development shall adhere to the requirements in Section 23-53. General Development Design.

II.

Purpose.

The development standards are fashioned to further the following purposes:

To promote economic development and economic diversity by attracting and retaining a wide range of businesses to Tiverton;

To clarify the regulatory review process by providing potential tenants with guidance and understanding of the town's visions and expectations as well as a path for expedited review and approval;

To provide opportunity for new and existing businesses in a location where growth is both possible and encouraged and where public utilities and transportation links are available;

To encourage compact development patterns with denser and more intense forms of development near public services and away from residential areas;

To establish highly functional design standards that result in interesting, unique, visually aesthetic developments that celebrate industry and technology, protect the health and safety of the public, respect the existing landscape and environment while enhancing the long-term value and viability of businesses and their property; and

To assure conformity with the goals and objectives of Tiverton's Comprehensive Community Plan.

III.

Site Planning and Design.

Good site planning should strike a balance between maximizing efficiencies and economies for development and minimizing disturbance to natural landscapes by utilizing existing topography and site features to provide interesting, unique, varied, and sustainable design throughout the PDP Zone. Site planning should take into consideration the surrounding context, create harmonious relationships with adjoining landscapes, integrate and coordinate access as well as create interconnectivity for vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle circulation to the greatest extent practical.

Building Siting and Orientation. Buildings should be sited and oriented to minimize site disturbance, take advantage of existing topography and natural features, minimize impervious surface and resulting stormwater runoff, and provide a strong relationship between tine main entrances and more public portions of tine buildings and the street. Parking between the front of the building (and side where it is on a corner lot) and the street should be minimized. Service entrances, loading docks, dumpsters, or other utility infrastructure should be placed so as to minimize any negative visual impact from public areas.

Successful site planning will:

Site design shall comply with all applicable local and state standards for stormwater management, erosion, and sediment control. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Low Impact Development (LID) should be incorporated to minimize environmental impacts, meeting or exceeding Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) stormwater management standards;

Preserve natural features such as stone walls, significant trees, ponds or streams; concentrating development on the least naturally sensitive or significant portions of the site;

Redirect and incorporate roof runoff into overall site rain harvesting plan, water quality, and landscape features;

Create a strong visual and functional relationship between the buildings and the site as well as with adjacent sites, landscapes and nearby streets;

Loading, service, utility, and mechanical equipment, including trash/recycling storage, loading docks, and service areas, should be located at the rear of the building or in the least visible areas of the site. These elements should be screened from public view or housed in accessory structures that maintain a strong design relationship with the main building. Whenever possible, they should be placed away from highly visible areas, especially those facing public streets or adjacent properties with dissimilar uses;

All mechanical, electrical, and utility equipment, including service tie-ins and panels, shall be adequately screened from public view using materials and techniques that either blend with or enhance the architectural interest of the building;

All site designs have adequate provisions for fire lanes and emergency access, and provide building separation that meets both the applicable building and fire codes; and

Provide for underground utilities in accordance with Article 19 of Tiverton's Zoning Ordinance, Planned Development Park.

IV.

Circulation, Parking and Loading.

The following Standards and Guidelines for Circulation, Parking and Loading have been developed to ensure that maximum efficiency and safety is maintained among and between all modes of transportation in a manner that contributes to the attractiveness and sustainability of each site as well as the PDP Zone.

Circulation Standards. All internal circulation shall comply with the following standards:

Internal circulation patterns as well as the location and traffic direction of all access drives shall be designed in accordance with accepted principles of traffic engineering and traffic safety;

Pedestrian access to primary building entrances shall be physically or visually separated from automobile and truck circulation routes as well as loading areas; Sidewalks along street frontage shall have a minimum paved width of five (5) feet;

Internal site circulation shall be designed so that vehicles are not required to enter onto public streets to gain access to separate areas of an individual site;

Access drives and internal circulation must be designed to ensure that vehicles are not required to back out onto public streets;

Two-way access drives shall have a minimum width of twenty (20) feet. One way access drives shall have a minimum width of ten (10) feet;

All individual sites shall have adequate provisions for emergency vehicles;

Circulation, parking, and loading pavement shall be reduced to the minimum amount necessary to safely and attractively accomplish needs. Utilize pervious pavements where practical; and

Installation and maintenance of sidewalks shall be the responsibility of the applicant or developer of a PDP.

Circulation Guidelines. The design of internal circulation should consider the following:

Curb cuts along roadways should be kept to a minimum to promote vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle safety while still maintaining efficient circulation and adequate access for emergency vehicles. Curb cuts should be planned to maximize the distance between intersections, roadway curves, and curb cuts on adjoining parcels;

Shared curb cuts and driveway access between adjoining parcels should be utilized where conditions permit to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety both on the site and along public roadways;

To promote vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle safety and convenience, and improve fire protection and other emergency services—-internal circulation and connections to adjoining lots are encouraged. Where adjoining lots are undeveloped, provisions for future connections should be provided;

Where practical, curb cuts on opposing sides of the street should be aligned. Where medians exists, curb cuts should align with breaks in the median;

Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle circulation should be physically or visually separated, utilizing planting isles, elevation changes, pavement differentiation, pavement striping or other means to achieve this;

Where practical, major interior circulation routes and access driveways should be physically separated from parking and loading areas to reduce vehicular and pedestrian conflicts;

Frontage sidewalks should follow natural contours and be located to achieve maximum separation from the roadway, while still within the public right-of-way; and

Long access driveways and internal circulation routes should utilize traffic calming measures or other means to reduce design speed and improve safety.

Parking Standards. All internal site parking shall comply with the following standards:

All site designs shall provide adequate parking for employees, customers, and visitors, as well as designated loading areas, in full compliance with the parking and loading requirements outlined in Article X of Tiverton's Zoning Ordinance.

Parking areas shall be designed to ensure visibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists entering individual spaces, circulating within parking areas and entering or leaving parking, loading or building areas.

Parking shall be designed to ensure that vehicles are not required to back out onto public roadways.

Dead end isles are prohibited unless adequate provisions for vehicle turnarounds are provided.

The majority of the parking shall be placed behind the buildings or along the sides, except where that side fronts on a public street. A maximum of two rows of parking in front of the building or along the side where it fronts a public street will be permitted for customers or visitors.

Parking areas shall be treated as well-defined spaces that integrate landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

Parking lots shall not be the dominant visual element of any site.

Uninterrupted rows of parking shall not exceed twenty-five (25) bays without landscaping breaks or treatments.

In complying with Article X of Tiverton's Zoning Ordinance, up to twenty percent (20%) of the parking may utilize eight (8) foot by sixteen (16) foot parking bays for compact cars.

10.

Motorcycle parking and bicycle racks shall be incorporated into the overall parking plan.

Parking Guidelines. The Design for internal site parking should consider the following:

Large parking areas should be broken up into smaller connected areas with large, landscaped islands and peninsulas, natural buffers, and where appropriate utilize existing topography and natural stone walls to create terraced parking areas;

Parking area landscaping should be integrated into the overall site design, internal circulation, landscape plan, lighting plan and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management plan;

Shading devices such as large canopied trees, solar panels, and rain collection systems should be utilized where appropriate and should contribute to the overall appearance of the site;

Pedestrian connections, either physical or visual, should link parking areas to the buildings to decrease vehicular/pedestrian conflicts;

Parking along the front or side where it abuts a public street should be softened with the use of low retaining walls, low shrubs, ornamental trees or utilize existing topography to minimize the visual impact. Fencing, arborvitae or other screening devices which interrupt the view should not be utilized;

Parking lots should be designed to ensure that long travel isles do not contribute to vehicle speed;

The orientation of parking areas should not require pedestrians to make multiple crossings over vehicle travel lanes to go from the edge of parking lots to the buildings; and

Parking lots should utilize existing topography to minimize cut and fill and to break up parking fields into smaller components. Where practical, local stone from the site should be utilized for retaining walls at parking area grade changes.

Loading Area Standards. The loading areas shall comply with the following standards:

Loading areas shall not be located along the front of the building, or along a side where it abuts a public street;

Loading areas shall be designed to ensure that trucks are not required to back out onto a public street, or back in from a public street;

Loading areas shall be design to ensure that trucks in the loading area do not block fire lanes or other major vehicular ingress or egress routes;

Loading areas shall be located away from primary building entrances or other areas of pedestrian activity;

All approved off-street loading facilities shall be paved with asphalt or concrete with adequate drainage and curbing;

Loading areas should be located at the rear of the building whenever possible or otherwise positioned away from public view. When visible from the street or adjacent properties, they should be screened using substantial and visually appealing screening that complements the overall building design or be integrated into the building itself to minimize exposure;

Parking lots, vehicular and pedestrian circulation paths, and loading areas shall have adequate lighting to ensure public safety. Lighting should be designed to minimize light spill or trespass onto adjacent properties while enhancing the site's visual appeal. In loading areas, lighting should contribute to the overall positive visual impact of the building without creating a nuisance for neighboring properties; and

Loading areas shall be adequate for the proposed operations of the building.

Loading Area Guidelines. The design for the loading areas shall consider the following:

Roofing designs and structures that adds to the overall industrial aesthetic of the building for protection;

Recessing the loading dock and doors into the building, creating protection and breaking up the mass of the building, while providing visual interests;

Minimal exterior access doors with the majority of loading dock space on the interior of the building;

Providing landscaping, or provide variety in pavement types to create visual interest and break up large areas of similar pavement;

Where delivery or loading requirements are minimal, the main public entry may be utilized if it is integrated into the overall design; and

Minimizing paved areas to the greatest extent possible and incorporating pervious pavement where practical.

Landscape Design.

The following Standards and Guidelines for Landscape Design have been developed to encourage site development that adds to the overall visual appeal of the PDP Zone, blends into the existing environment at the edges, reinforces the public realm, and provides a neutral backdrop and strong contrast to the industrial aesthetic of the building designs.

Landscape Design Standards. The Landscape Design shall comply with the following standards:

The site and landscape design shall be integrated into the overall stormwater management plan;

Walls and fences shall be of a scale and material appropriate to the site and surrounding areas. Fences in close proximity to the buildings should be reflective of the overall architectural design intent;

Landscaping Plans shall comply with Article IV, Section 19 of Tiverton Zoning Ordinance and differentiate between planned and maintained areas of landscaping and areas to be left in an undisturbed state;

Street trees shall be planted along all property frontages in conformance with Article IV, Section 19 of Tiverton Zoning Ordinance and the Recorded Plan for the Tiverton Enterprise Park; and

All areas of a site not containing buildings, driveways, parking, sidewalks, trails, or being left undisturbed must be landscaped with live plant material—utilizing a combination of trees, shrubs, groundcover, and perennial and annual type flowers. Mulch and decorative stone do not constitute live plant material and should not be used as a major landscape element.

Landscape Design Guidelines. The Landscape Design shall consider the following guidelines:

Utilize materials found on the site such large boulders for landscaping features or retaining walls. Process excess rock on site for use in drainage areas;

Restore and maintain historic cart paths or walking trails through the site for walking trails, coordinate with adjacent properties to link trails throughout the site for the recreational enjoyment of all park tenants;

Take advantage and incorporate natural site features such as rock outcrops, mature trees, or clusters of smaller trees into the overall landscape plan;

Plant native, drought tolerant plants to maximize water conservation and minimize the use of pesticides;

Ensure that overall landscape design is based on a year-round approach in terms of interest—-utilizing shrubs, plants, and trees that flower and change color throughout the year. Consider how shrubs and trees appear without leaves, and consider ones that have interesting and varied sculptural qualities to add interest to the winter landscape;

Redirect and incorporate roof runoff into overall site rain harvesting plan, and utilized rain gardens, and bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and improve water quality; and

Create a strong visual relationship between adjacent landscapes and develop logical transitions into undisturbed buffers or landscapes.

VI.

Architectural Design.

The design guidelines and standards for buildings within the PDP Zone are intended to promote an industrial image or aesthetic that celebrates manufacturing, industrial design, and technology. Rather than require industrial buildings to be by clad in brick, stone, or stucco—pretending to be something they are not—this aesthetic seeks to be more reflective of the industrial, technology, or manufacturing uses taking place within the buildings and the PDP Zone.

This industrial look or aesthetic should emphasize the engineering, structure and design elements such as stair towers, bays, entrances, rooflines, and corners utilizing extended girders, prominent corners posts, or exposed framing and be rendered using industrial materials such as metal glass, stainless steel, and other high-quality materials and finishes associated with contemporary industrial buildings.

Architectural Design Standards. The building designs shall comply with the following standards:

Buildings located on corner lots shall be respectful of their orientation and utilize design elements, materials, and finishes associated with the industrial/technology aesthetic;

The primary public entrance shall be prominently located, easily identifiable, relate to human scale, and contribute to the overall design intent;

Primary public entrance shall be at grade or seamlessly integrate handicap accessibility into the design of the building; and

Rooftop mechanical and other equipment shall be adequately screened from public view using materials and techniques that either blend with or enhance the architectural character of the building. If the equipment does not contribute to the overall design intent, screening should complement the building's design. However, if it can be demonstrated that the equipment itself adds visual interest and supports the goals of the adopted development standards and guidelines, screening may not be required.

Architectural Design Guidelines. The building designs should consider the following architectural guidelines:

All sides of a building should be treated with variations in massing and articulation. Vary building height, massing, setback or simplify design elements to define different functions such as office or manufacturing areas;

Arrange buildings on a site or individual components of a building to create opportunities for plazas, courtyards or other useful outdoor spaces;

Ensure roofs that are visible are designed to compliment the composition and form of the building;

Maintain similar style, materials, and proportions, for all buildings on a site—ensuring that each building adds to the overall composition of the site and design intent of the primary building(s);

Utilize projecting features such as architectural canopies, sun shading devices, and exaggerated roof overhangs; and

Avoid natural materials such as unfinished wood or stucco. Focus more on manufactured or machined materials and finishes such as stainless steel, painted steel, anodized aluminum and other alloys, and glass that project an image related to manufacturing, technology or industry.

Industrial Architectural Design Guidelines. Buildings showing a strong industrial aesthetic will often have many of the following characteristics:

Designs that convey a look of strength, permanence, and refinement of machine or industrial manufactured materials;

Exposed, extended, or exaggerated structural elements;

Geometric patterns, often in a grid with a horizontal or vertical emphasis;

Easily identifiable and integrated main entrances;

Integrated shading devices for windows—adding interest, texture, and variety during both day and night;

A harmonious mix of materials and colors, with strong colors used sparingly, often just for major structural elements;

Interesting and bold shapes;

Horizontal or vertical banding through the use of material articulation, structural elements, and windows;

Emphasized structural bays, often protruding or recessed;

10.

Use of suspended or cantilevered elements;

11.

Dynamic and well-integrated lighting, often emphasizing structure.

VII.

Signage.

Signs play an important role in the success of any business by providing necessary identification and advertising. Signage within the PDP Zone, whether related to traffic flow and safety or business identification, should serve to provide sufficient information in a legible and logical manner in order to safely and efficiently orient and direct visitors to their destination. This should be done through a clear, organized system of signage which is consistent with the overall design intent of the PDP Zone and which compliments the design and architecture of individual site developments.

Sign Standards. All signage within entire PDP Zone shall comply with the following standards:

Signage shall be kept to the minimum amount and size and size necessary to adequately convey business identification, directional, or traffic safety information;

Freestanding signs, shall comply with the design and dimensional requirements of Article XII, Section 19 of Tiverton Zoning Ordinance;

Signs within the PDP Zone shall be placed and oriented to ensure that they do not visually obstruct vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic;

Sign copy shall be designed and sized to ensure sign legibility taking into account lettering and background contrast, sign reflectivity, lighting, traffic speed, road type, sign setback and viewing angle;

Sign lighting shall be designed and oriented to minimize light spill, eliminate disability glare, and reduce discomfort glare to the greatest extent practical; and

All conductors, transformers, or conduits related to fighting within the PDP Zone shall be concealed or hidden from view.

Sign Guidelines. The design of signs should consider the following:

Freestanding and attached signs should be consistent with the architecture, materials, colors, and scale of the associated development, utilizing the refined simplicity and machined materials associated with the industrial aesthetic;

Bold colors and complex font designs should be used sparingly;

The graphic design and layout of sign copy should be related to an industrial/technology aesthetic;

Utilizing the building materials as a background for individual letters helps integrate the sign with the building and reduces the apparent size of the sign;

Individual raised letters provide an area for backlighting—creating shadows that contribute to a three-dimensional quality during the day and night.

VIII.

Lighting.

Exterior lighting plays both an aesthetic and utilitarian or functional role. The functional role is one of building security and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. A good lighting plan will integrate security and safety into the aesthetic role, obviating the need for unsightly security wall pacs or other lighting fixtures or solutions that have a negative visual impact on the nighttime appearance of an individual building, an entire site, or the PDP Zone itself. Lighting should be seen not just as a necessity, but as an opportunity. Proper lighting provides an enhanced and much different view of a building, its landscape or site than is typical during the day. Artificial lighting affords the opportunity to illuminate a building or particular element of a building from a different direction than during the day, completely changing the look of a building. The colors and materials of a building can be transformed or enhanced through proper lighting, and the interior of a building can be revealed at nighttime through the use of proper lighting.

Lighting Standards. All lighting within the PDP Zone shall comply with the following standards:

Utilize efficient fixtures, designed for the specific task to minimize light spill onto adjacent properties or into the nighttime sky;

Integrate security and safety into the aesthetic considerations of the lighting plan;

Conceal fixture that do not contribute to the overall industrial aesthetic;

Utilize full cut-off fixtures in parking lots and other areas away from the buildings; and

Ensure that all lighting contributes to the positive visual impact of the site.

Lighting Guidelines. All exterior lighting shall consider the following guidelines:

Light fixtures should either be inconspicuous or designed to be compatible to the architecture or landscape, depending on their location.

Buildings, parking areas, walkways, and landscapes should not be flooded with light in attempt to recreate a daytime appearance. Lighting should be used to enhance building texture, highlight structural qualities, reveal interesting interiors, and add ambiance to the landscape and site.

Lighting along pathways, driveways, and parking areas should spill onto adjoining landscapes to improve security.

Landscape, circulation, and architectural lighting should be prioritized over wall-mounted security lighting or wall packs, which should be avoided due to their negative visual impact and potential to create dark areas along the building's base that can contribute to security issues.

Sign lighting should be designed to improve the nighttime discernment of signs and ensure readability while minimizing light spill.

Light sources should be selected on the basis of efficacy, correlated color temperature (CCT) and a high color rendering index (CRI).

Avoid using high pressure sodium as a light source in landscapes because of its low CRI and tendency to render greens in nature as more brown.

Whiter lights, such as metal halide or LED with a high CRI have a much higher perception of brightness and should be considered in parking areas and along pedestrian pathways.

Building and architectural lighting should incorporate a variety of techniques and sources to highlight architectural features, enhance safety, and add visual interest while minimizing light spill. Parking lot lighting should be designed to complement the industrial aesthetic of nearby buildings, avoiding traditional post-top fixtures. All lighting should use full cut-off fixtures to prevent light spill and ensure a cohesive, visually appealing site design.

10.

All development proposals shall include a lighting plan that indicates fixture locations, type light source type, and photometric data.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

Sec. 23-114. - Design standards for the Highway Commercial (HC) Zone.#

Applicability.

In addition to the provisions of this section, all development shall adhere to the requirements in Section 23-53. General Development Design.

II.

Purpose.

The design standards for the Highway Commercial (HC) Zone are intended to:

Support economic growth and diversification by accommodating larger-scale businesses that require significant land area and convenient highway access, enhancing Tiverton's tax base while respecting the town's character;

Provide clear guidance and expectations for development, ensuring that new commercial and industrial uses align with Tiverton's vision for maintaining rural community character and preventing sprawling development;

Direct commercial growth to areas with existing infrastructure, transportation links, and public utilities, fostering development in locations suited for higher-intensity uses while minimizing impacts on residential neighborhoods;

Promote site planning and building designs that integrate with the town's landscape and reflect Tiverton's unique identity, encouraging architectural forms and materials that evoke traditional Southern New England aesthetics;

Encourage visually appealing, well-landscaped developments that balance the needs of regional businesses with the preservation of Tiverton's scenic qualities and small-town atmosphere; and

Ensure consistency with Tiverton's Comprehensive Community Plan by promoting development that serves both local and regional needs, while safeguarding the town's environmental resources, historic character, and community values.

III.

Site Planning and Design.

Site planning in the Highway Commercial Zone should emphasize cohesive, visually engaging developments that reinforce the district's commercial identity and contribute to a vibrant corridor. Building placement and design should respond to the surrounding context, ensuring compatibility with adjacent properties and enhancing the overall character of the area. Developments should incorporate existing topography and landscape features to break up large expanses of building mass, parking, and pavement, creating a more dynamic and visually interesting environment. Site plans should promote interconnectivity by integrating vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle circulation, fostering seamless connections between parcels and encouraging a more accessible and inviting district.

Building Siting and Orientation. Buildings in the Highway Commercial Zone should be sited and oriented to establish a strong visual presence along the street, reinforcing the commercial character of the corridor. Primary facades and entrances should face public roads to enhance visibility and accessibility, while parking areas should be located to the side or rear to prioritize the building's relationship with the streetscape. Service areas, loading docks, and utility infrastructure should be positioned away from primary frontages and screened to reduce their visual impact. The goal is to create cohesive, attractive developments that contribute to a unified and inviting commercial environment.

Successful site planning will:

Incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Low Impact Development (LID) and meet or exceed all Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) stormwater management standards;

Where feasible, incorporate existing topography and landscape features to enhance site design and manage stormwater, while ensuring efficient layout of parking areas and building placement to minimize excessive grading or unnecessary disturbance;

Incorporate roof runoff into site-wide stormwater management systems, such as retention or detention basins, to support effective water quality management and reduce surface runoff;

Create a strong visual and functional relationship between the buildings and the site as well as with adjacent sites, landscapes and nearby streets;

Place new buildings in a currently built environment as close as feasible to the street on which they front, minimizing the amount of parking between the building and the street. Building placement shall be planned so that a consistent setback is achieved notwithstanding pre-existing setbacks;

Position buildings to maximize visibility from primary roadways while maintaining appropriate setbacks and buffering from adjacent residential areas; Locate mechanical equipment, trash/recycling, storage areas, loading docks or bays, and equipment service areas in accessory buildings that have a strong design relationship with the main buildings, or away from portions of the site that are highly visible from public streets or properties with dissimilar uses;

Ensure that service areas, including loading docks and trash storage, are fully screened and designed to minimize noise and odor impacts on adjacent properties or public areas; and

Locate utilities underground where feasible to reduce visual clutter and improve the overall appearance of the site. Where underground placement is not practical, utility infrastructure should be screened or incorporated into the site design to minimize visual impact.

IV.

Circulation, Parking and Loading.

Circulation Standards. The design of internal circulation shall comply with the following standards:

Internal circulation patterns as well as the location and traffic direction of all access drives shall be designed in accordance with accepted principles of traffic engineering and traffic safety;

Pedestrian access to primary building entrances shall be clearly defined and designed to minimize conflicts with automobile and truck circulation; Sidewalks along street frontage shall have a minimum paved width of five (5) feet;

Internal site circulation shall be designed to minimize the need for vehicles to re-enter public streets to access different areas of a site, except where multiple access points are necessary for larger developments;

Access drives and internal circulation must be designed to ensure that vehicles are not required to back out onto public streets;

Design entry points and internal circulation routes to accommodate high volumes of vehicular traffic and ensure safe, efficient access for customers, delivery vehicles, and emergency services;

Ensure truck circulation routes are clearly defined and separate from primary customer and pedestrian areas to reduce conflicts and improve safety;

Drive aisles and parking lot layouts shall be designed to accommodate emergency vehicles and delivery trucks, with turning radii sufficient for larger vehicles;

Two-way access drives shall have a minimum width of twenty (20) feet. One way access drives shall have a minimum width of ten (10) feet;

All individual sites shall have adequate provisions for emergency vehicles;

10.

Coordinate circulation patterns with adjacent properties to allow for shared access points or interconnectivity where feasible, reducing the number of curb cuts and improving overall traffic flow; and

11.

Circulation, parking, and loading areas shall be paved only to the extent necessary to ensure safety and effective stormwater management, while maintaining an attractive and functional site design. Utilize pervious pavements where practical.

Circulation Guidelines. The design of internal circulation should consider the following guidelines:

Shared curb cuts and driveway access between adjoining parcels should be utilized where conditions permit to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety both on the site and along public roadways;

Where practical, curb cuts on opposing sides of the street should be aligned. Where medians exists, curb cuts should align with breaks in the median;

Pedestrian and vehicle circulation should be clearly defined and, where feasible, separated by pavement markings, landscaping, or differentiated pathways to minimize conflicts;

Where practical, major interior circulation routes and access driveways should be physically separated from parking and loading areas to reduce vehicular and pedestrian conflicts;

Intersections within internal circulation routes should include clear signage, stop or yield controls, and, where appropriate, raised crosswalks to manage vehicle speeds and prioritize pedestrian safety;

Where appropriate, incorporate landscaped traffic calming features such as roundabouts, raised medians, or curb bump-outs to manage speeds and enhance the site's visual appeal;

Frontage sidewalks should be located to provide safe pedestrian access while maintaining efficient site design and road access;

10.

Bicycle lanes, racks, and other facilities should be integrated into the site design where feasible to encourage multi-modal access and improve connectivity to adjacent pathways or bike routes; and

11.

Internal circulation routes should prioritize efficient vehicle movement and safety, with design measures to manage traffic flow as needed.

Parking Standards. Internal site parking shall comply with the following standards:

Visitor, customer and employee parking shall comply with Article X of Tiverton's Zoning Ordinance;

Parking shall be designed to ensure that vehicles are not required to back out onto public roadways;

Dead end isles are prohibited unless adequate provisions for vehicle turnarounds are provided;

Parking shall be placed behind or along the sides of buildings where feasible. Front-facing parking may be permitted when necessary to accommodate customer access, with landscaping or buffering used to soften its visual impact;

Parking areas shall be treated as well-defined spaces that integrate landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian and vehicular circulation;

Parking lots shall be designed to minimize visual impact through the incorporation of landscaping, lighting, and defined pedestrian pathways, while ensuring the functional needs of the site are met.

Designated loading and delivery zones shall be clearly defined and separated from primary parking and circulation areas to minimize conflicts with customer and pedestrian traffic;

Uninterrupted rows of parking shall not exceed twenty-five (25) bays without landscaping breaks or treatments;

10.

In complying with Article X of Tiverton's Zoning Ordinance, up to twenty percent (20%) of the parking may utilize eight (8) foot by sixteen (16) foot parking bays for compact cars; and

11.

Motorcycle parking and bicycle racks shall be incorporated into the overall parking plan to enhance accessibility and encourage alternative modes of transportation.

Parking Guidelines. Internal site parking should consider the following guidelines:

Large parking areas should incorporate landscaped islands and peninsulas to break up expanses of pavement and improve visual appeal, with the use of natural buffers and topography where practical;

Parking area landscaping should be integrated into the overall site design, internal circulation, landscape plan, lighting plan and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management plan;

Shading devices such as large canopied trees, solar panels, and rain collection systems should be utilized where appropriate and should contribute to the overall appearance of the site;

Pedestrian connections, either physical or visual, should link parking areas to the buildings to decrease vehicular/pedestrian conflicts;

Parking along the front or side where it abuts a public street should be softened with landscaping, including low shrubs, ornamental trees, or retaining walls, while maintaining visibility to support commercial activity. Screening devices such as fencing may be used to shield service or loading area;

Parking lots should be designed to ensure that long travel isles do not contribute to vehicle speed;

The orientation of parking areas should not require pedestrians to make multiple crossings over vehicle travel lanes to go from the edge of parking lots to the buildings; and

Parking lots should utilize existing topography to break up parking fields into smaller components and enhance site design. Retaining walls used at parking area grade changes should be constructed from stone, brick, or other high-quality materials that complement the overall design of the site.

Loading Area Standards. The loading areas shall comply with the following standards:

Loading areas shall not be located along the front of the building. Loading areas located along a side abutting a public street shall be screened or designed to minimize visual impact and integrate with the overall site design;

Loading areas shall be designed to ensure seamless integration with primary vehicular access routes, avoiding unnecessary congestion or conflicts with customer parking areas;

Loading areas shall be designed to ensure that trucks are not required to back out onto a public street, or back in from a public street;

Loading areas shall be designed to ensure that trucks in the loading area do not block fire lanes or other major vehicular ingress or egress routes;

Loading areas shall be located away from primary building entrances or other areas of pedestrian activity;

Loading areas shall be screened or integrated into the overall building design to minimize visual impact. Screening shall utilize durable and visually appealing materials, such as masonry walls, architectural metal panels, or dense landscaping, and be consistent with the architectural character of the site;

Shared loading areas shall be considered for multi-tenant developments to reduce redundant infrastructure and maximize site efficiency;

Loading areas shall have lighting that is adequate for safety and which adds to the overall positive visual impact of the building and does not create a nuisance for abutting property owners; and

Loading areas shall be adequate for the proposed operations of the building.

Loading Area Guidelines. The loading areas should consider the following guidelines:

Roofing designs and structures that prioritize functionality and incorporate elements that complement the overall building design to provide protection from the elements where necessary;

Recessing the loading dock and doors into the building, creating protection and breaking up die mass of the building, while providing visual interests;

Loading docks designed to accommodate operational needs, utilizing interior loading docks where practical to enhance building design and reduce visual impact;

Providing landscaping, or provide variety in pavement types to create visual interest and break up large areas of similar pavement;

Where delivery or loading requirements are minimal, the main public entry may be utilized if it is integrated into die overall design;

Loading docks or service bays located near residential areas should incorporate noise-reduction measures, such as acoustic barriers or enclosed docks, to minimize disturbances; and

Paved areas for loading limited to the extent necessary for efficient operations, with pervious pavement encouraged in overflow or low-traffic areas where practical.

Landscape Design.

The following standards and guidelines for landscape design have been developed to provide buffering and softening elements that integrate commercial developments into the surrounding environment. Landscape design should define site boundaries, reduce the visual impact of large parking areas, and contribute to the overall identity of the district by reinforcing the public realm and complementing the architectural character of buildings.

Landscape Design Standards. The landscape design shall comply with the following standards:

The site and landscape design shall be integrated into the overall stormwater management plan;

Landscaping Plans shall comply with Article IV, Section 19 of Tiverton Zoning Ordinance and focus on planned and maintained areas of landscaping that enhance site design, while minimizing undisturbed areas except where required for buffering or environmental preservation;

Plantings or fencing shall be used to screen loading areas, utility infrastructure, and mechanical equipment from public view, ensuring compatibility with the overall site design;

Landscaped buffers shall be provided along roadways to soften the visual impact of parking areas and enhance the streetscape, while maintaining visibility for commercial signage;

Landscaping along property boundaries should provide a transition to adjacent uses, using dense plantings or berms to mitigate noise, light spill, and visual impacts where required;

Street trees shall be planted along all property frontages where feasible, ensuring they do not obstruct key sightlines or commercial signage; and

All areas of a site not containing buildings, driveways, parking, sidewalks, or trails shall incorporate landscaping or decorative hardscape elements, such as mulch, decorative stone, and limited live plant material to provide low-maintenance visual appeal.

Landscape Design Guidelines. The landscape design should consider the following guidelines:

Where practical, utilize on-site materials such as large boulders or processed stone for decorative landscaping features, retaining walls, or drainage elements, provided they align with the overall design intent;

Pedestrian pathways should be integrated into the site design to provide connectivity and encourage walkability, without compromising primary commercial and vehicular access;

Take advantage and incorporate natural site features such as rock outcrops, mature trees, or clusters of smaller trees into the overall landscape plan;

Plant native, drought-tolerant plants to maximize water conservation and minimize the use of pesticides;

Rain gardens, bioswales, or other green infrastructure elements should be incorporated where practical to manage stormwater and contribute to the sustainability of the site;

Seasonal plantings or decorative elements, such as planters or hanging baskets, should be encouraged near building entrances and pedestrian areas to enhance visual interest and create a welcoming environment;

Redirect and incorporate roof runoff into overall site rain harvesting plan, and utilized rain gardens, and bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and improve water quality; and

Ensure that landscaping provides cohesive transitions between developed areas and required buffers or setbacks, utilizing plantings to soften site boundaries.

VI.

Architectural Design.

The design guidelines and standards for buildings within the Highway Commercial Zone are intended to promote a cohesive and contemporary commercial aesthetic that reflects the district's role as a vibrant business corridor. The intent is to encourage designs that emphasize functionality, visibility, and modern materials, reinforcing the commercial identity of the area. Buildings should incorporate high-quality materials, varied rooflines, and façade articulation to create visually engaging and distinctive structures that contribute to the overall character of highway corridors.

Architectural Design Standards. The building designs shall comply with the following standards:

Buildings shall be designed and oriented with an emphasis on the primary street on which they front, utilizing design elements, materials, and finishes that reflect the commercial identity and enhance the overall aesthetic quality of the Highway Commercial Zone;

Buildings located on corner lots shall incorporate prominent architectural features, materials, and finishes that enhance visibility and reinforce the commercial character of the site;

Façades facing public streets or pedestrian areas shall include architectural details such as windows, awnings, or material changes to enhance visual interest and reduce the appearance of blank walls;

Secondary building façades visible from public areas shall be designed to maintain consistent architectural character with the primary façade, avoiding the appearance of unfinished or utilitarian elevations;

The primary public entrance shall be prominently located, easily identifiable, relate to human scale, and contribute to the overall design intent;

Primary public entrance shall be at grade or seamlessly integrate handicap accessibility into the design of the building;

Buildings with large footprints shall incorporate variations in rooflines, materials, or façade articulation to break up massing and create a more human-scale appearance. These developments should be designed as village-like groupings of smaller-scale buildings rather than large, individual, or box-like structures typically associated with chain retail stores or food establishments, ensuring visual interest and integration with the surrounding built environment; and

Rooftop mechanical or other equipment that does not contribute to the overall design intent must be screened from public view utilizing screening techniques that either blend with the building or compliment its design.

Architectural Design Guidelines. The building designs should consider the following guidelines:

Arrange buildings to enhance site functionality and provide defined pedestrian pathways or entry areas;

Ensure roofs that are visible are designed to compliment the composition and form of the building;

Maintain similar style, materials, and proportions, for all buildings on a site—ensuring that each building adds to the overall composition of the site and design intent of the primary building(s);

Significant entries or public-facing corners should be accentuated through the use of architectural features such as towers, canopies, or material differentiation to reinforce their prominence;

Ground-floor façades should incorporate transparent elements such as windows or glass doors to create a sense of openness and encourage pedestrian interaction;

Utilize projecting features such as architectural canopies, sun shading devices, and exaggerated roof overhangs to enhance building entrances and provide visual interest;

Architectural designs should integrate sustainable elements such as green roofs, energy-efficient materials, or solar panels where feasible to align with broader environmental goals;

Color palettes should be cohesive and complementary to the architectural style, with bold or accent colors used sparingly to highlight key features; and

10.

Prioritize durable, low-maintenance materials that reflect a contemporary commercial aesthetic. Favor materials such as brick, stone veneer, architectural metal panels, pre-finished steel, glass, and composite materials that enhance the visual quality of the building and contribute to a cohesive and professional appearance. Minimize the use of unfinished wood, plain stucco, or other materials prone to weathering or requiring significant upkeep.

VII.

Signage.

Signage plays a critical role in the visibility and success of businesses within the Highway Commercial Zone by providing clear identification and effective advertising. Signage in this zone should be designed to maximize visibility from primary roadways while maintaining a cohesive, organized appearance that enhances the overall commercial character of the corridor. Signs should be legible, appropriately scaled to their surroundings, and aligned with the architectural style of the site to ensure consistency and visual harmony. The intent is to create a signage system that balances functionality with aesthetic quality, reinforcing the district's identity as a vibrant and accessible commercial destination.

Sign Standards. The design of signs shall comply with the following standards:

Signage shall be appropriately scaled to provide clear business identification, directional, or traffic safety information, ensuring visibility from adjacent roadways while maintaining cohesive site design;

Sign placement and orientation shall account for site-specific conditions such as elevation changes, adjacent buildings, and landscaping to optimize visibility;

Freestanding signs, shall comply with the design and dimensional requirements of Article TV, Section 19 of Tiverton Zoning Ordinance;

Signs within this Zone shall be placed and oriented to ensure that they do not visually obstruct vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic;

Wayfinding signs shall be strategically placed within larger developments to facilitate navigation for both vehicles and pedestrians, with designs consistent with the overall site aesthetic;

Projecting signs or blade signs shall be permitted for pedestrian-oriented businesses, provided they are scaled appropriately and do not obstruct pedestrian pathways or vehicle sightlines;

Sign lighting shall be designed and oriented to minimize light spill, eliminate disability glare, and reduce discomfort glare to the greatest extent practical; and

Conductors, transformers, or conduits related to sign lighting shall be concealed or screened from public view to maintain a clean and organized appearance.

Sign Guidelines. The design of signs should consider the following guidelines:

Freestanding and attached signs should be consistent with the architecture, materials, colors, and scale of the associated development, enhancing the commercial character of the site while ensuring visibility and readability from roadway;

Freestanding signs should be integrated into the site landscaping, with plantings around the base;

Monument-style signs are encouraged for multi-tenant developments to provide a consolidated method of displaying tenant information;

Signage for businesses located within multi-tenant developments should maintain a consistent style, size, and placement to create a cohesive visual identity;

Bold colors and complex font designs should be used sparingly;

The graphic design and layout of sign copy should prioritize clarity and brand visibility, allowing for bold but cohesive designs that reflect the commercial identity of the development;

Utilizing the building materials as a background for individual letters helps integrate the sign with the building and reduces the apparent size of the sign;

Individual raised letters provide an area for backlighting—creating shadows that contribute to a three-dimensional quality during the day and night.

VIII.

Lighting.

Exterior lighting in the Highway Commercial Zone serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, ensuring safety, visibility, and enhancing the overall character of the commercial corridor. Thoughtful lighting design should ensure well-lit spaces for pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists while minimizing the need for harsh or disruptive fixtures. Lighting also presents an opportunity to highlight architectural features, signage, and landscapes, creating an inviting atmosphere and reinforcing the commercial identity of the district. A cohesive lighting plan can transform the nighttime appearance of buildings and contribute to a unified, attractive environment throughout the zone.

Lighting Standards. Lighting shall comply with the following standards:

Utilize efficient fixtures, designed for the specific task to minimize light spill onto adjacent properties;

Lighting for signs shall be designed to enhance visibility and readability at night while ensuring compliance with dark sky principles to minimize light pollution;

Digital or LED signage shall include adjustable brightness settings to ensure readability during the day and avoid excessive brightness at night;

Spotlighting for monument and freestanding signs shall be directed downward and shielded to focus on the sign face only;

Integrate security and safety into the aesthetic considerations of the lighting plan;

Conceal or minimize the visibility of fixtures that detract from the overall site design or create visual clutter;

Utilize full cut-off fixtures in parking lots and other areas away from the buildings; and

Ensure that all lighting contributes to the positive visual impact of the site.

Lighting Guidelines. Lighting should consider the following guidelines:

Light fixtures should either be inconspicuous or designed to be compatible to the architecture or landscape, depending on their location;

Buildings, parking areas, walkways, and landscapes should be illuminated to ensure safety and visibility while minimizing unnecessary light spill. Lighting can also be used to enhance architectural features, highlight entryways, and contribute to the overall design of the site;

Lighting along pathways, driveways, and parking areas should spill onto adjoining landscapes to improve security;

Internal or halo illumination is encouraged for building-mounted signs to create modern, clean designs while minimizing glare;

Wall pack security lighting should be designed to minimize glare and light spill, ensuring that illumination enhances security without creating dark spots or contributing to visual clutter;

All electrical components and conduits associated with sign lighting should be fully enclosed or concealed to maintain a clean and organized appearance;

Light sources should be selected on the bases of efficacy, correlated color temperature (CCT) and a high color rendering index (CRI);

Avoid using high pressure sodium as a light source in landscapes because of its low CRI and tendency to render greens in nature as more brown;

Whiter lights, such as metal halide or LED with a high CRI have a much higher perception of brightness and should be considered in parking areas and along pedestrian pathways;

10.

Parking lot lighting standards and luminaires should enhance visibility and safety while minimizing light spill. Fixtures should complement the overall design of the site, and full cut-off fixtures are recommended to reduce glare; and

11.

Lighting fixtures for signs should utilize energy-efficient technologies, such as LED, to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

Sec. 23-115. - Design standards for the Industrial (I) Zone.#

Applicability.

In addition to the provisions of this section, all development shall adhere to the requirements in Section 23-53. General Development Design.

II.

Purpose.

The design standards for the Industrial (I) District are established to achieve the following purposes:

To foster sustainable economic growth by encouraging high-quality industrial development that strengthens Tiverton's tax base while preserving the community's unique rural character;

To ensure industrial development occurs in areas with direct access to major transportation networks, supporting efficient movement of goods and services, and maximizing the use of underutilized industrial land;

To guide industrial expansion in a manner that aligns with the goals of the Comprehensive Community Plan by balancing economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and neighborhood compatibility;

To promote cohesive and attractive industrial design that reflects the town's heritage, enhances the surrounding landscape, and respects natural and historic features, including the Bourne Mill and nearby residential areas;

To establish clear, predictable, and streamlined regulatory processes that encourage investment, support local entrepreneurs, and attract diverse industries to the evolving industrial nexus along Route 24 and Fish Road;

To mitigate potential conflicts between industrial and residential uses by encouraging development patterns that buffer sensitive areas and reinforce appropriate land use transitions; and; and

To ensure that all industrial development is supported by adequate infrastructure, including transportation, utilities, and services, fostering long-term viability and minimizing impacts on the broader community.

III.

Site Planning and Design.

Good site planning in the Industrial Zone should optimize development efficiency while incorporating natural features and maintaining compatibility with the surrounding community. Design should respect existing topography and site features, fostering visually appealing, functional, and sustainable industrial developments. Site planning must consider the context, ensuring harmonious relationships with adjacent residential areas and historic landmarks, such as the Bourne Mill. Industrial sites should prioritize coordinated access to the regional transportation network to facilitate efficient vehicular circulation.

Building Siting and Orientation. Buildings in the Industrial Zone should be sited and oriented to enhance operational efficiency, establish strong visual appeal, and align with development patterns in the surrounding context. Siting should capitalize on direct access to transportation networks and promote logical, organized layouts that facilitate efficient circulation and site use. The primary entrances and public-facing portions of buildings should create a visible, welcoming relationship with the street, reinforcing the industrial character of the area. Parking in front of buildings, or along side streets for corner lots, should be minimized to prioritize building presence and pedestrian connectivity. Service entrances, loading docks, dumpsters, and utility infrastructure should be positioned to reduce visual impact and ensure they are screened from public view and residential areas, contributing to a cohesive and attractive industrial environment.

Successful site planning will:

Incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Low Impact Development (LID) and meet or exceed all Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) stormwater management standards;

Ensure that site design incorporates adequate stormwater management features, including graded surfaces, retention basins, and erosion control measures to manage runoff from large impervious areas;

Preserve natural features such as stone walls, significant trees, ponds, or streams, and thoughtfully integrate them into the site design to reinforce site character and create natural buffers along rights-of-way or adjacent properties;

Redirect and incorporate roof runoff into overall site rain harvesting plan, water quality, and landscape features;

Create a strong visual and functional relationship between the buildings and the site as well as with adjacent sites, landscapes and nearby streets;

Locate mechanical equipment, trash/recycling, storage areas, loading docks or bays, and equipment service areas in accessory buildings that have a strong design relationship with the main buildings, or away from portions of the site that are highly visible from public streets or properties with dissimilar uses;

Design sites to ensure sufficient space for truck maneuvering, loading, and unloading without interfering with employee parking, pedestrian pathways, or internal site circulation; and

Incorporate landscape buffers, fencing, or berms to mitigate noise, light, and visual impacts of industrial activities on adjacent residential or less intensive commercial properties.

IV.

Circulation, Parking and Loading.

The following Standards and Guidelines for Circulation, Parking, and Loading have been developed to ensure efficient, organized, and safe movement of vehicles, freight, and pedestrians throughout the Industrial Zone. These standards are intended to facilitate seamless access to and within industrial sites, support high-capacity operations, and minimize conflicts between different modes of transportation. Additionally, they aim to enhance site functionality while contributing to the overall visual quality and sustainability of industrial developments, reinforcing the Industrial Zone as a well-integrated and productive part of the community.

Circulation Standards. The design of internal circulation shall comply with the following standards:

Internal circulation patterns as well as the location and traffic direction of all access drives shall be designed in accordance with accepted principles of traffic engineering and traffic safety;

Internal circulation shall be designed to accommodate the turning radii and maneuvering needs of large trucks and emergency vehicles, ensuring smooth ingress, egress, and internal movement without obstruction;

Employee and visitor parking areas shall be located away from loading docks and truck circulation routes, ensuring safe pedestrian access to building entrances. Sidewalks along street frontage shall have a minimum paved width of five (5) feet;

Internal site circulation shall be designed so that vehicles are not required to enter onto public streets to gain access to separate areas of an individual site;

Separate circulation routes shall be established for trucks and employee/customer vehicles where possible, minimizing conflicts and ensuring safe, efficient loading and unloading operations;

Access drives and internal circulation must be designed to ensure that vehicles are not required to back out onto public streets;

Adequate on-site queueing space must be provided for delivery vehicles to prevent blocking of access drives, internal circulation routes, or public streets;

Two-way access drives shall have a minimum width of twenty (20) feet. One way access drives shall have a minimum width of ten (10) feet;

All individual sites shall have adequate provisions for emergency vehicles; and

10.

Circulation, parking, and loading pavement shall be designed to efficiently meet operational needs while minimizing excess impervious surfaces. Utilize pervious pavements where practical.

Circulation Guidelines. The design of internal circulation should consider the following guidelines:

Curb cuts along roadways should be minimized to promote efficient traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure safe access for emergency and freight vehicles. Curb cuts should be planned to maximize the distance between intersections, roadway curves, and curb cuts on adjoining parcels;

Shared curb cuts and driveway access between adjoining parcels should be utilized where conditions permit to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety both on the site and along public roadways;

To promote vehicle safety, improve fire protection, and ensure efficient emergency services, internal circulation and connections to adjoining lots are encouraged. Where adjoining lots are undeveloped, provisions for future connections should be provided;

Where practical, curb cuts on opposing sides of the street should be aligned. Where medians exist, curb cuts should align with breaks in the median;

Pedestrian and vehicle circulation should be physically or visually separated near primary building entrances, utilizing planting isles, elevation changes, pavement differentiation, pavement striping or other means to achieve this;

Where practical, major interior circulation routes and access driveways should be physically separated from parking and loading areas to reduce vehicular and pedestrian conflicts;

Industrial sites should incorporate clear, visible wayfinding signage to direct trucks, employee vehicles, and visitors to appropriate entrances, loading zones, and parking areas;

Pedestrian crossings should be clearly marked at key internal intersections and near primary building entrances to ensure safe passage across circulation routes;

Where appropriate, frontage sidewalks should follow natural contours and be separated from the roadway. Frontage sidewalks are encouraged in areas with adjacent commercial or mixed-use developments; and

10.

Long access driveways and internal circulation routes should utilize traffic calming measures or other means to reduce design speed and improve safety.

Parking Standards. Internal site parking shall comply with the following standards:

Visitor, customer and employee parking shall comply with Article X of Tiverton's Zoning Ordinance;

Parking areas shall be designed to ensure visibility for pedestrians and motorists entering individual spaces, circulating within parking areas and entering or leaving parking, loading or building areas;

Parking shall be designed to ensure that vehicles are not required to back out onto public roadways;

Dead end isles are prohibited unless adequate provisions for vehicle turnarounds are provided;

The majority of parking should be placed behind or along the sides of buildings, except where operational or safety needs require front access. A limited amount of visitor or customer parking may be allowed in front, with landscaping or screening to minimize visual impact;

Parking areas shall be treated as well-organized spaces that ensure safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation. Landscaping and lighting should be incorporated to enhance site functionality and safety;

Provide separate, designated parking areas for trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment to avoid conflicts with employee and visitor parking. These areas shall be located near loading docks or service areas for easy access;

Uninterrupted rows of parking shall not exceed twenty-five (25) bays without landscaping breaks or treatments; and

In complying with Article X of Tiverton's Zoning Ordinance, up to twenty percent (20%) of the parking may utilize eight (8) foot by sixteen (16) foot parking bays for compact cars.

Parking Guidelines. Internal site parking should consider the following guidelines:

Large parking areas should be broken up into smaller connected areas with landscaped islands and vegetative buffers;

Parking area landscaping should be integrated into the overall site design, internal circulation, landscape plan, lighting plan and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management plan;

Shading devices such as solar panels and rain collection systems should be utilized where to promote sustainability and contribute to site functionality;

Clearly marked pedestrian pathways should connect employee and visitor parking areas to primary building entrances to enhance safety and minimize conflicts with vehicle circulation routes;

Parking along the front or side where it abuts a public street should be softened with the use of low retaining walls, low shrubs, ornamental trees or utilize existing topography. Security fencing and screening may be used where necessary but should be integrated into the overall site design to minimize visual impact;

Parking lots should be designed to ensure that long travel isles do not contribute to vehicle speed;

The orientation of parking areas should not require pedestrians to make multiple crossings over vehicle travel lanes to go from the edge of parking lots to the buildings;

Parking lots should utilize existing topography to minimize cut and fill and to break up parking fields into smaller components; and

Motorcycle parking and bicycle racks should be incorporated into the overall parking plan where appropriate, particularly near office or employee areas.

Loading Area Standards. The loading areas shall comply with the following standards:

Loading areas shall not be located along the front of the building, or along a side where it abuts a public street, unless site constraints or operational requirements necessitate such placement. If front-facing loading is unavoidable, adequate screening or landscaping should be provided to minimize visual impact;

Loading areas shall be designed to ensure that trucks are not required to back out onto a public street, or back in from a public street;

Loading areas shall be designed to ensure that trucks in the loading area do not block fire lanes or other major vehicular ingress or egress routes;

Loading areas shall be located away from primary building entrances and designated pedestrian pathways to minimize conflicts and ensure safety;

Loading areas adjacent to residential or commercial properties shall incorporate noise mitigation features such as barriers, enclosures, or landscaping buffers;

Loading areas shall have adequate lighting to ensure safety and security, while minimizing glare or light spillover onto adjacent properties; and

Loading areas shall be adequate for the proposed operations of the building.

Loading Area Guidelines. The loading areas should consider the following guidelines:

Roofing designs and structures that adds to the overall industrial aesthetic of the building for protection;

Recessing the loading dock and doors into the building, creating protection and breaking up die mass of the building, while providing visual interests;

Minimal exterior access doors with the majority of loading dock space on the interior of the building;

Providing landscaping, or provide variety in pavement types to create visual interest and break up large areas of similar pavement;

Loading areas should be located away from public view. If visible from public streets or adjacent properties, screening or landscaping should be used to minimize visual impact and align with the overall site design;

Where delivery or loading requirements are minimal, the main public entry may be utilized if it is integrated into die overall design; and

Minimizing paved areas to die greatest extent possible and incorporating pervious pavement where practical.

Landscape Design.

The following standards and guidelines for landscape design have been developed to enhance the overall visual appeal of the Industrial Zone, balance functionality with aesthetics, and integrate the site into its surrounding context. These standards aim to create an environment that complements the industrial character while softening its visual impact, provides effective buffering between dissimilar land uses, and incorporates sustainable practices such as stormwater management and habitat preservation. Landscaping should serve as a cohesive element that reinforces site organization, supports the public realm, and enhances the experience for employees, visitors, and the broader community.

Landscape Design Standards. The Landscape Design shall comply with the following standards:

The site and landscape design shall be integrated into the overall stormwater management plan;

Walls and fences shall be of a scale and material appropriate to the site and surrounding areas, prioritizing functionality and security. Where visible from public streets or residential areas, fences near buildings should be reflective of the overall architectural design intent;

Street trees shall be planted along all property frontages, where feasible, ensuring they do not obstruct key sightlines or commercial signage; and

Where industrial properties abut residential or commercial zones, landscaping shall include buffers with dense plantings, berms, or fencing to minimize noise, visual, and light impacts.

Landscape Design Guidelines. The Landscape Design should consider the following guidelines:

Utilize materials found on the site such large boulders for landscaping features or retaining walls. Process excess rock on site for use in drainage areas;

Where industrial parks are designed with public or tenant amenities, consider creating or maintaining paths or trails as part of a coordinated recreational network;

Take advantage and incorporate natural site features such as rock outcrops, mature trees, or clusters of smaller trees into the overall landscape plan to enhance site character and reduce disturbance;

Plant native, drought tolerant plants to maximize water conservation and minimize the use of pesticides;

Consider using shrubs, plants, and trees with seasonal variation and structural qualities to provide year-round interest, while prioritizing low-maintenance and drought-tolerant species;

All areas of a site not containing buildings, driveways, parking, sidewalks, trails, or being left undisturbed should incorporate landscaping with live plant material where practical, including trees, shrubs, and groundcover. Mulch and decorative stone may be used in combination with live plants for low-maintenance solutions, but should not dominate the landscape;

Landscaping should be used to screen utility structures, loading docks, and outdoor storage areas from public streets or adjacent properties;

Redirect and incorporate roof runoff into overall site rain harvesting plan, and utilized rain gardens, and bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and improve water quality; and

Create logical transitions between industrial development and undisturbed buffers, using landscaping to provide functional separation and minimize impacts on adjacent properties or sensitive areas.

VI.

Architectural Design.

The design guidelines and standards for buildings within the Industrial Zone are intended to reflect a contemporary industrial aesthetic that embraces the functionality and purpose of manufacturing, logistics, and technology-driven uses. The goal is to celebrate the engineering and operational purpose of industrial buildings, creating designs that are both practical and visually engaging, rather than disguising them as something they are not.

Architectural Design Standards. The building designs shall comply with the following standards:

Buildings shall be designed and oriented with an emphasis on the primary street on which they front, utilizing design elements, materials, and finishes that contribute to the building's individual and the industrial zone's overall industrial/technology aesthetic. Where orientation toward the street is not feasible, landscaping and design features should mitigate visual impacts;

Buildings located on corner lots shall be respectful of their orientation and utilize design elements, materials, and finishes associated with the industrial/technology aesthetic;

Buildings shall convey strength, permanence, and a refined industrial aesthetic, utilizing machine or manufactured materials;

Building designs shall incorporate dynamic forms, including bold shapes, recessed or protruding structural bays, and suspended or cantilevered elements;

Exposed, extended, or exaggerated structural elements shall be incorporated into the design, with geometric patterns emphasizing horizontal or vertical alignment;

Non-public or secondary facades shall maintain a consistent design language, avoiding blank walls where visible from adjacent properties or streets;

Main entrances must be prominently located, easily identifiable, and seamlessly integrated into the building's overall design;

Primary public entrance shall be at grade or seamlessly integrate handicap accessibility into the design of the building;

Lighting shall be well-integrated and designed to highlight structural features, enhancing the building's industrial character; and

10.

Architectural Design Guidelines. The building designs should consider the following guidelines:

All sides of a building should be treated with variations in massing and articulation. Vary building height, massing, setback to distinguish different functions such as office or manufacturing areas;

Ensure roofs that are visible are designed to compliment the composition and form of the building;

Maintain similar style, materials, and proportions, for all buildings on a site—ensuring that each building adds to the overall composition of the site and design intent of the primary building(s);

Materials selected for the building exterior should prioritize durability, resistance to weather and wear, and low maintenance, reflecting the practical needs of industrial operations;

Building entrances and functional zones should include clear, integrated signage and design elements to support wayfinding for employees, visitors, and freight operators;

Horizontal or vertical banding through material articulation, structural elements, and window placement should be incorporated;

Office portions of industrial buildings should incorporate glass and other transparent materials;

Buildings should incorporate sustainable design features, such as energy-efficient materials, renewable energy systems, or green roofs, where practical, to align with contemporary industrial and environmental goals;

Utilize projecting features such as architectural canopies, sun shading devices, and exaggerated roof overhangs; and

10.

VII.

Signage.

Signs play a critical role in the functionality and success of industrial developments by providing essential identification, wayfinding, and safety information. Signage within the Industrial Zone, whether for traffic flow, safety, or business identification, should deliver clear and concise information to safely and efficiently guide employees, visitors, and freight operators to their destinations. This should be achieved through a cohesive, organized system of signage that complements the design of the site.

Sign Standards. The design of signs shall comply with the following standards:

Signage shall be limited to the minimum size and quantity necessary to adequately convey business identification, directional, or traffic safety information, while accommodating visibility requirements for industrial-scale facilities;

Freestanding signs, shall comply with the design and dimensional requirements of Article XII, Section 19 of Tiverton Zoning Ordinance;

Signs shall be placed and oriented to ensure that they do not visually obstruct vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic;

Multi-tenant developments shall provide a unified signage plan that accommodates all tenants while maintaining a cohesive and organized appearance;

Sign lighting shall be designed and oriented to minimize light spill, eliminate disability glare, and reduce discomfort glare to the greatest extent practical; and

All conductors, transformers, or conduits related to lighting shall be concealed or hidden from view.

Sign Guidelines. The design of signs should consider the following guidelines:

Freestanding signs should be integrated into the site landscaping, with plantings around the base;

Bold colors and complex font designs should be used sparingly;

The graphic design and layout of sign copy should reflect an industrial/technology aesthetic, emphasizing clean lines, geometric forms, and modern typography;

Utilizing the building materials as a background for individual letters helps integrate the sign with the building and reduces the apparent size of the sign;

Directional and safety signage should prioritize functionality and visibility, using reflective materials or lighting to ensure readability in all conditions;

Signage placement should avoid creating visual clutter by consolidating information onto fewer signs and maintaining clear sightlines for traffic and pedestrian movement;

Individual raised letters provide an area for backlighting—creating shadows that contribute to a three-dimensional quality during the day and night.

VIII.

Lighting.

Exterior lighting in the Industrial Zone plays a critical role in ensuring safety and security for employees, visitors, and freight operations, while also enhancing the functionality and appearance of industrial properties. A well-designed lighting plan should focus on illuminating key operational areas, such as loading docks, parking lots, and access points, while seamlessly integrating aesthetic considerations to avoid unsightly fixtures that detract from the site's appearance. Thoughtful lighting can emphasize the structural elements and materials of industrial buildings, highlight operational zones, and create a cohesive, modern industrial aesthetic that supports the functionality and identity of the zone.

Lighting Standards. Lighting shall comply with the following standards:

Utilize efficient fixtures, designed for the specific task to minimize light spill onto adjacent properties or into the nighttime sky;

Lighting plans shall integrate security and safety into aesthetic considerations, particularly for operational zones such as loading docks, parking lots, and access points;

Fixtures that do not contribute to the overall industrial aesthetic shall be concealed where practical, particularly in areas visible from public streets or adjacent properties;

Lighting near residential areas or environmentally sensitive zones shall be shielded or oriented to prevent glare and intrusion;

Utilize full cut-off fixtures in parking lots and other areas away from the buildings; and

Lighting shall be designed to minimize negative visual impacts while maintaining functionality and safety.

Lighting Guidelines. Lighting should consider the following guidelines:

Light fixtures should either be inconspicuous or designed to be compatible to the architecture or landscape, with priority given to functionality and site security;

Lighting should avoid over-illumination that mimics daytime conditions, focusing instead on enhancing building features, structural qualities, and visibility for safety;

Lighting along pathways, driveways, and parking areas should provide adequate illumination for security without excessive spill onto adjacent properties;

Wall pack security lighting should be avoided since they typically have a negative visual impact, and often contribute to security issues by creating dark areas along the base of a building;

Sign lighting should be designed to improve the nighttime discernment of signs and ensure readability while minimizing light spill;

Light sources should be selected on the bases of efficacy, correlated color temperature (CCT) and a high color rendering index (CRI);

Avoid using low-CRI light sources, such as high-pressure sodium, in landscapes or other areas where color accuracy and brightness are important;

Use whiter lights, such as LED fixtures with a high CRI, in parking areas and pedestrian pathways to improve brightness perception and energy efficiency;

Parking lot lighting standards and luminaires should be designed to complement the industrial aesthetic of nearby buildings on the site. Avoid traditional post-top parking lot lights and ensure that all fixtures are full cut-off to minimize light spill.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

Sec. 23-116. - Architectural design standards for the General Commercial (GC) Zone.#

Tiverton's 2018 Comprehensive Plan specifically addresses architectural design standards as the key to assuring that commercial zones maintain and enhance the unique character of the community. Specifically, the Natural and Cultural Element sets as a policy "Preserve and enhance the visual quality of the community and its natural beauty" (p.29). The same element includes Action 8 that states "Establish written design standards to assist developers in adapting architectural designs for new commercial and mixed-use development compatible with the town's historic and rural character". (P.31). Similarly, the Land Use Element includes Action 16 to "Consider incorporation of design standards into the Zoning Ordinance as a means to ensure development is consistent with the character and 'sense of place' goals in the Ordinance." (p. 58). These Architectural Design Standards are promulgated by the Planning Board pursuant Article XII, of Appendix B, as well as G.L. §§ 45-23-33(15) and (16).

Applicability and Enforcement.

The design standards and guidelines below shall be applied to all development or redevelopment projects in the General Commercial (GC) Zone.

All applications for development or redevelopment projects in the General Commercial (GC) Zone shall include architectural renderings and a narrative stating how the project shall comply with these standards.

For good cause, the Administrative Officer may waive submission of architectural renderings for projects with an aggregate footprint of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet.

Both the Administrative Officer and Zoning Officer shall have authority to enforce these standards.

In addition to the provisions of this section, all development shall adhere to the requirements in Section 23-53. General Development Design.

II.

General Architectural Standards and Guidelines.

The architectural standards and guidelines for buildings within the General Commercial District are intended to promote the traditional character of southern New England commercial development. The goal is to create an attractive, functional, and pedestrian-friendly environment that serves the needs of local businesses, residents, and visitors. These guidelines emphasize the use of complementary architectural styles, materials, and forms that enhance the district's identity, while supporting sustainable growth and economic vitality.

Architectural Standards. The building designs shall comply with the following standards:

Architectural design for new or renovated buildings shall be compatible with the character of the neighboring area. Design compatibility includes complementary building style, form, size, height, color and building materials;

All parking areas shall be reviewed for ingress, egress, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, public safety, landscaping, screening, curb cuts, lighting, drainage, pavement and access between adjacent uses;

Parking areas, where vehicular and pedestrian circulation allow, shall be disbursed around the building(s) and landscaped to avoid a "sea of asphalt" appearance. Pervious paving should be maximized to avoid polluted runoff. Textured and colored paving materials are encouraged to identify pedestrian circulation areas;

Building siting shall be consistent with the most recent edition of Rhode Island's "Low Impact Development Site Planning and Design Guidance Manual"; and

Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened to the extent practicable.

Architectural Guidelines. The building designs should consider the following guidelines:

Building architecture should be designed to provide an appearance compatible with traditional southern New England commercial building design. Formula, franchise or chain store uniform ("cookie-cutter") building design and/or highly contrasting color schemes or highly reflective materials are strongly discouraged;

Building placement, façade orientation, and sidewalk connections should promote a continuous and visually cohesive streetscape along commercial corridors. A new building in a currently built environment should be placed as close as feasible to the street on which it fronts, minimizing the amount of parking between the building and the street. To maintain a unified streetscape, building placement shall be planned to achieve a consistent setback, notwithstanding pre-existing setbacks;

Buildings located at corners or intersections should incorporate distinctive architectural features, such as towers, decorative rooflines, or prominent entrances, to serve as visual anchors for the area;

Historic structures of merit, when economically feasible, should be preserved and maintained. Adaptive reuse and incorporation of historic architectural features into new developments are encouraged. See R.I. Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission and Tiverton Historic Preservation Advisory Board "Tiverton Historic Structures," as amended, for an inventory of historic structures;

Color choice should reflect and promote the character of a traditional southern New England commercial street;

Prefabricated and/or modular metal buildings are highly discouraged unless the exterior walls are designed with architectural details and building materials to appear like a traditional southern New England commercial building;

Large-scale developments should take the form of village-like groupings of small-scale buildings rather than large individual or box-like structures associated with chain retail stores or food establishments;

Where buildings are located close to one another, aligning the height of a wall, cornice or parapet line to that of an adjacent building is encouraged. Similar design linkages can be achieved to adjust apparent height by placing window lines, belt courses, and other horizontal elements in a pattern that reflects the same elements on adjacent structures; and

10.

Utility wires, where permitted by the utility service, should be located underground. Where undergrounding is not feasible, screening and creative placement of utilities are encouraged.

III.

Facades and Fenestration Standards and Guidelines.

The facade and fenestration standards and guidelines for buildings within the General Commercial District are designed to support a functional and visually distinct commercial area. These standards emphasize facades that reflect appropriate scale and style while providing the flexibility and practicality required for modern retail, service, and mixed-use developments. The intent is to establish an adaptable yet consistent framework that fosters a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly, and economically thriving commercial district.

Facades and Fenestration Standards. The design of building facades and fenestration shall comply with the following standards:

Building facades shall be compatible in scale, mass and form with adjacent structures; and

Exterior building design shall maintain a consistent architectural style, with harmonious use of colors, materials, and detailing on all elevations visible from public streets or prominent viewpoints.

Facades and Fenestration Guidelines. The design of building facades and fenestration should consider the following guidelines:

Rear and side facades visible from public streets, neighboring properties, or prominent viewpoints such as Mount Hope Bay or Sakonnet River should be designed with similar materials and detailing consistent with the primary façade;

Long, unbroken wall planes unadorned by windows and doors are strongly discouraged. The architectural "rule of thumb" suggests that window and door openings on the front facade facing a public street occupy a total of no less than ten percent (10%) and no more than sixty percent (60%) of the gross square footage of that facade.

Metal, plastic or cinderblock facades are strongly discouraged;

Building facades should include articulation through features such as recessed windows, projecting cornices, awnings, or pilasters to provide depth and visual interest; and

Ground-level facades facing public streets should prioritize transparency by incorporating large windows or glass doors to support a pedestrian-friendly and engaging streetscape.

IV.

Building Materials Standards and Guidelines.

The building materials standards and guidelines for the General Commercial District are designed to promote high-quality, durable structures. Materials should be weather-resistant, sustainable, and capable of supporting a cohesive architectural character that aligns with the district's commercial purpose. The goal is to create attractive, long-lasting, and contextually appropriate designs that contribute to a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly environment while withstanding the demands of the local climate.

Building Materials Standards. Building materials shall comply with the following standards:

Building facades and side and rear building exteriors visible from streets and sidewalks shall be constructed of materials traditionally used in southern New England commercial districts such as clapboard, shingle, red brick and stone; and

Synthetic materials or other substitutes that are durable and of high quality and/or made to resemble traditional building materials may be used, subject to the approval of the Planning Board. Materials shall be consistent with the architectural style of the building.

Building Materials Guidelines. Buildings materials should consider the following guidelines:

Secondary or accent materials, such as metal, glass, or decorative tiles, should be incorporated to add visual interest, provided they complement the primary building materials and overall design;

Transitions between different materials should be carefully designed with appropriate detailing, such as trim or reveals, to create a seamless and professional appearance; and

All building sides visible from public streets or pedestrian pathways should use materials consistent with the primary facade to maintain a cohesive architectural character.

Rooflines and Materials Standards and Guidelines.

The roofline and materials standards and guidelines for the General Commercial District are intended to ensure that roof designs provide visual interest and architectural variety, and for roofing materials to be durable, weather-resistant, and appropriate for the needs of a dynamic commercial environment. The goal is to create roofs that enhance the architectural harmony of the area, balance aesthetic appeal with practicality, and support the functional requirements of retail, service, and mixed-use properties.

Rooflines and Materials Standards. Rooflines and materials shall comply with the following standards:

Traditional, sloped roof forms such as gable, hipped or gambrel, as opposed to mansard style, are highly preferred. The degree of the slope should be clearly visible;

Standing seam, cedar and asphalt shingles are preferred. Metal roofs are discouraged unless architecturally compatible with the overall design of the building; and

Flat roofs are strongly discouraged. Where used they should have a parapet wall at the facade with cornice elements.

Rooflines and Materials Guidelines. Rooflines and materials should consider the following guidelines:

Rooflines should include variations, such as dormers, cupolas, or intersecting roof forms, to break up the roof mass, especially for larger buildings;

Roofs should incorporate overhangs or eaves that provide functional weather protection and enhance the building's architecture;

Parapet walls on flat roofs should include detailed cornices or other architectural elements to create a visually appealing termination point for the facade and align with the building's overall style;

Roof colors should be chosen to harmonize with the district's character, using neutral or natural tones such as slate gray, muted green, weathered brown, or other subdued shades that complement the building materials;

Green roofing or vegetative cover should be incorporated on flat or low-slope roofs, where feasible, to mitigate environmental impacts and improve energy efficiency; and

Solar panels should be installed flush with the roof surface or integrated into the roof design to maintain visual harmony with the building and surrounding area.

VI.

Building Equipment and Services Standards and Guidelines.

The building equipment and services standards and guidelines for the General Commercial District are intended to ensure that mechanical, utility, and service elements are thoughtfully integrated into the overall design of buildings and sites. The goal is to minimize visual and environmental impacts while maintaining the district's character. Equipment should be screened or designed in a manner that complements the architectural style of the building, enhances the pedestrian experience, and prioritizes functionality, accessibility, and long-term durability in a dynamic commercial environment.

Building Equipment and Services Standards. Building equipment and services shall comply with the following standards:

Building equipment, utility meters, and other ground-level utility infrastructure shall be located in areas screened from public streets, pedestrian zones, and neighboring properties using walls, fences, landscaping or a combination thereof;

Trash containers and outdoor storage areas shall be screened from public streets, pedestrian areas and neighboring properties. Screening for equipment, trash enclosures, and service areas should be designed to be compatible with the architectural character of the development. It should be constructed of durable materials similar to those of the building and should have solid (opaque) walls and doors; and

The visibility of rooftop equipment, vents and ducts shall be minimized. This may be accomplished by grouping all plumbing vents, ducts and rooftop mechanical equipment in an area where they can be screened from public view.

Building Equipment and Services Guidelines. Building equipment and services should consider the following guidelines:

Access for service vehicles should be screened with walls, fences, landscaping or a combination thereof;

In commercial developments, service and loading areas should be separated from main circulation and parking areas. Loading and unloading activities should not cause queuing or otherwise interfere with circulation on public streets;

Building equipment, such as HVAC units or generators, should include noise-reduction measures to minimize disruptions to adjacent properties and public spaces;

Utility lines and conduits should be installed underground or concealed within the building design;

Equipment and service areas shall be elevated or designed to be resilient to flooding and storm surges to ensure functionality during adverse weather conditions; and

Vegetative screening, such as trellises, shrubs, or green walls, should be integrated into the overall site and landscape design to seamlessly conceal utility and trash areas within the surrounding environment.

VII.

Fencing Standards and Guidelines.

The fencing guidelines and standards for the General Commercial District are intended to enhance the visual appeal of commercial properties, complement the architectural style of buildings, and provide necessary security or screening without detracting from the pedestrian-friendly environment. The goal is to promote thoughtful designs that seamlessly integrate fencing into the site, balancing practicality with aesthetics to enhance the district's character while meeting the needs of businesses and the community.

Fencing Standards.

Fencing design shall comply with the following standards: All fencing shall be designed as an integrated part of the site and blend in with its surroundings. To the extent practicable, fencing should be compatible with the architecture of the building and use similar material. The Planning Board reserves the right to require vegetative or other screening and color and height modification; and

Chain link fencing is prohibited in high visibility locations except where needed for security or where alternative fencing is impracticable. Where chain link fencing is used, it shall include enhancements such as dark-colored coatings (e.g., black or green vinyl) or vegetative screening to reduce visual impact. Alternatives to chain link must be used in highly visible locations.

Fencing Guidelines.

Fencing used for screening purposes, such as around trash enclosures or utility areas, should be designed with durable and opaque materials that align with the architectural character of the building. Incorporating landscaping around fencing is encouraged to soften its appearance;

Transparent or semi-transparent fencing styles are encouraged in pedestrian-oriented or public-facing areas to maintain visibility and openness;

Fencing materials that are durable and visually appeal are encouraged. Examples include wrought iron, steel, wood, composite materials, or masonry elements such as brick or stone. These materials should complement the architecture of the building and character of the site; and

Low-quality fencing materials such as unfinished concrete or plastic paneling are strongly discouraged in highly-visible areas or locations facing public streets or pedestrian pathways.

VIII.

Pedestrian Standards and Guidelines.

The pedestrian guidelines and standards for the General Commercial District are intended to create a safe, attractive, and engaging environment that encourages foot traffic and supports the district's economic vitality. These standards emphasize the importance of well-designed pedestrian pathways and amenities that enhance connectivity, comfort, and accessibility for all users.

Pedestrian Standards. Design of features related to pedestrian activity shall comply with the following standards:

Pedestrian circulation is essential to enhance economic activity. Properties shall incorporate amenities such as benches, shade trees, bicycle racks, sculpture, and pocket parks to support establishing the district as a popular destination.

Pedestrian Guidelines. Design of features related to pedestrian activity should consider the following guidelines:

Safe pedestrian crossings should be prioritized, with clearly marked crosswalks and traffic calming measures such as raised crosswalks, curb extensions, or pedestrian signals in high-traffic areas;

A continuous network of sidewalks and pedestrian pathways should be established, with pathways designed to accommodate high pedestrian volumes and include buffers, such as landscaped strips, to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic;

Active storefronts should be encouraged, featuring large windows, awnings, and clear signage to create an engaging and visually appealing pedestrian experience;

Pedestrian pathways should be well-lit with human-scale lighting to enhance safety and usability during evening hours while minimizing light spillover onto adjacent properties;

Wayfinding signage should be installed to guide pedestrians to key destinations such as businesses, parking areas, public amenities, and cultural landmarks;

Green infrastructure should be integrated along pedestrian pathways, such as bioswales, rain gardens, or permeable paving, to manage stormwater and enhance environmental sustainability; and

Public art, murals, and sculptures should be included along pedestrian pathways to create a vibrant and unique identity for the district and promote cultural engagement.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

Sec. 23-117. - Architectural design standards for the Waterfront (W2) Zone.#

Tiverton's 2018 Comprehensive Plan calls attention to the waterfront as an under-utilized economic asset and affirms that a visually attractive, well-designed and pedestrian welcoming waterfront will attract local citizens and visitors to waterfront businesses and boost the town's economic vitality. The strategy to accomplish that goal is enumerated in Element 4, Actions 8 and 18; Element 5, Action 3; and Element 10, Action 13. Architectural design of new development plays a significant role in this waterfront revitalization plan. These Architectural Design Standards are promulgated by the Planning Board pursuant Article XII, of Appendix B, as well as G.L. §§ 45-23-33(15) and (16).

Applicability and Enforcement.

The design standards and guidelines below shall be applied to all development or redevelopment projects in the Waterfront W2 Zone.

Both the Administrative Officer and Zoning Officer shall have authority to enforce these standards.

In addition to the provisions of this section, all development shall adhere to the requirements in Section 23-53, General Development Design.

II.

Submission Requirements.

All applications for development or redevelopment projects in the Waterfront W2 Zone shall include architectural renderings and a narrative stating how the project shall comply with these standards.

For good cause, the Administrative Officer may waive submission of architectural renderings for projects with an aggregate footprint of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet.

III.

General Architectural Standards and Guidelines.

The architectural standards and guidelines for buildings within the Waterfront W2 District are intended to reflect a maritime-inspired aesthetic that emphasizes the unique character and functionality of water-dependent and mixed-use development. The goal is to celebrate the district's connection to its coastal setting by incorporating design elements that evoke a sense of place, support marine-related activities, and create a visually appealing, pedestrian-friendly environment. These guidelines aim to balance the needs of commercial, residential, and recreational uses, while promoting public access to the waterfront and ensuring resilience to environmental challenges, including sea level rise.

Architectural Standards. The building designs shall comply with the following standards:

Architectural design for new or renovated buildings shall be compatible with the character of the surrounding area. Elements of design compatibility include complementary building style, form, size, height, color and materials;

Parking areas shall be landscaped to avoid a "sea of asphalt" appearance. The parking areas shall be designed to maximize viewsheds to the water. Pervious paving should be maximized to avoid polluted runoff. Textured and colored paving materials are encouraged to identify pedestrian circulation areas;

Building siting shall be consistent with the most recent edition of Rhode Island's "Low Impact Development Site Planning and Design Guidance Manual";

Utility wires, where permitted by the utility service, shall be underground;

Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened to the extent practicable; and

Chain link fencing is discouraged where visible to the public and must be screened with landscaping. Fences located along primary corridors and abutting residential properties shall be decorative or wooden.

Architectural Guidelines. The building designs should consider the following guidelines:

Building architecture should be compatible with traditional southern New England waterfront building design. Formula, franchise or chain store uniform ("cookie-cutter") building design and/or highly contrasting color schemes are strongly discouraged;

Color choice should reflect and promote the character of a traditional southern New England waterfront;

Prefabricated and/or modular metal buildings are highly discouraged unless all facades visible from public streets are enhanced with high-quality materials and it is designed to appear like a traditional southern New England waterfront building; and

IV.

Facades and Fenestration Standards and Guidelines.

The facades and fenestration standards and guidelines for buildings within the Waterfront W2 District are intended to strengthen the district's coastal identity while fostering architectural coherence and practicality. The goal is to ensure that building facades are carefully crafted to reflect traditional southern New England waterfront architecture, incorporating high-quality materials, harmonious proportions, and thoughtful detailing. Fenestration should enhance natural lighting, highlight views of the water, and contribute to an engaging, pedestrian-oriented streetscape that supports the district's unique maritime character.

Facades and Fenestration Standards. The design of building facades and fenestration shall comply with the following standards:

Building facades shall be compatible in scale, mass and form with adjacent structures;

Window and door openings on the front facade facing a public street shall occupy a total of no less than ten percent (10%) and no more than sixty percent (60%) of the gross square footage of that façade;

Primary building entrances facing public streets or pedestrian pathways shall be clearly defined and emphasized through architectural features such as canopies, porticos, recesses, or raised stoops;

Long facades shall incorporate projections and/or recesses of at least two (2) feet in depth for every thirty (30) feet of horizontal length to add depth and shadow to the design; and

Facades facing the waterfront shall be treated with design elements such as large windows, balconies, or porches to maximize views and interaction with the water.

Facades and Fenestration Guidelines. The design of building façades and fenestration should consider the following guidelines:

Exterior building design and detail on all elevations should be coordinated with regard to color, types of building materials, architectural form and detailing to achieve continuity and harmony of design;

Facades should include vertical and horizontal articulation, such as columns, pilasters, cornices, or belt courses, to break up large sections of wall planes; rear and side facades visible from streets, neighbors, Mount Hope Bay or Sakonnet River should be designed with similar materials and detailing;

Long, unbroken wall planes unadorned by windows and doors are strongly discouraged;

Metal panels, corrugated metal siding, vinyl, plastic or cinderblock facades are strongly discouraged; and

Windows should include architectural detailing such as trim or muntins, and operable or fixed shutters, if used, must be proportional to the window openings and reflect traditional southern New England design.

Building Materials Guidelines.

The building material guidelines for the Waterfront W2 District are designed to preserve the authentic character of the waterfront. Materials should be durable, weather-resistant, and reflect the region's traditional coastal architecture. The following building materials may be used and combined to create a consistent, attractive, interesting, and long-lasting building design that complements the maritime setting and withstands the unique demands of a waterfront environment.

The following building materials may be used and combined to create a consistent, attractive, interesting and long-lasting building design:

Wood. In the alternative, high-quality wood grain vinyl or composite siding is acceptable;

Brick. Painted brick is discouraged as it tends to chip;

Stone. Natural stone such as fieldstone, granite, limestone are recommended materials. Cast stone, which simulate natural stone, are also acceptable;

Split-face block/Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) on side and rear elevations are acceptable provided it meets current ASTM standards. Unadorned cinder block and unadorned concrete are not appropriate for portions of a building visible from the street;

Glass. Clear glass is preferred, while tinted or reflective glass is strongly discouraged; and

Metal. Metal is discouraged unless it incorporates architectural details, intricate designs, and is used alongside high-quality materials that reflect traditional Southern New England waterfront architecture, as specified in this regulation. Metal cladding may be permitted on facades that do not face public streets or provide public ingress and egress.

VI.

Rooflines and Materials Standards and Guidelines.

The roofline and materials standards and guidelines for the Waterfront W2 District are intended to ensure roofing designs contribute to the district's coastal character. Rooflines should provide visual interest and reflect traditional waterfront architecture, while roofing materials should be durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for the demands of a coastal environment. The goal is to create roofs that enhance the architectural harmony of the area and support the functional needs of waterfront properties.

Rooflines and Materials Standards. Rooflines and materials shall comply with the following standards:

Traditional, sloped roof forms such as gable, hipped or gambrel, as opposed to mansard style, are highly preferred. The degree of the slope should be clearly visible from the public right-of-way;

Standing seam, cedar and asphalt shingles are preferred. Metal roofs are discouraged unless architecturally compatible with the overall design of the building; and

Flat roofs are strongly discouraged. Where used they should have a parapet wall at the facade with cornice elements.

Roofline and Materials Guidelines. Rooflines and materials should consider the following guidelines:

Rooflines should include variations, such as dormers, cupolas, or intersecting roof forms, to break up the roof mass, especially for larger buildings;

Roofs should incorporate overhangs or eaves that provide functional weather protection and enhance the building's architecture;

Roof colors should be selected from a palette that reflects natural tones associated with southern New England coastal architecture, such as slate gray, muted green, weathered brown, or soft blue;

Green roofing or vegetative cover should be incorporated on flat or low-slope roofs, where feasible, to mitigate environmental impacts and improve energy efficiency; and

Solar panels should be installed flush with the roof surface or integrated into the roof design to maintain visual harmony with the building and surrounding area.

VII.

Building Equipment and Services Standards and Guidelines.

The building equipment and services standards and guidelines for the Waterfront W2 District are intended to ensure that mechanical, utility, and service elements are thoughtfully integrated into the overall design of buildings and sites. The goal is to minimize visual and environmental impacts while maintaining the district's maritime character and enhancing the pedestrian experience. Equipment and services should be screened or designed in a manner that complements the architectural style of the building and prioritizes functionality, accessibility, and resilience to coastal conditions.

Building Equipment and Services Standards. Building equipment and services shall comply with the following standards:

Building equipment utility meters, and other ground-level utility infrastructure shall be located in areas screened from public streets, pedestrian zones, and neighboring properties using walls, fences, landscaping or a combination thereof;

Building Equipment and Services Guidelines. Building equipment and services should consider the following guidelines:

Access for service vehicles should be screened with walls, fences, landscaping or a combination thereof;

Building equipment, such as HVAC units or generators, should include noise-reduction measures to minimize disruptions to adjacent properties and public spaces;

Utility lines and conduits should be installed underground or concealed within the building design;

Equipment and service areas shall be elevated or designed to be resilient to flooding and storm surges to ensure functionality during adverse weather conditions; and

VIII.

Public Access to Waterfront Standards and Guidelines.

The public access standards and guidelines for the Waterfront W2 District are intended to ensure that the waterfront remains a welcoming and accessible resource for the community. The goal is to prioritize pedestrian-friendly pathways, open spaces, and amenities that enhance connections to the waterfront while balancing the needs of marine-dependent businesses, residents, and visitors. Public access features should celebrate the district's maritime heritage, encourage recreational opportunities, and promote equitable enjoyment of the waterfront for all.

Public Access to Waterfront Standards. Design of features related to public access to the waterfront shall comply with the following standards:

Public access to the waterfront shall include continuous pedestrian pathways that connect key destinations along the waterfront, ensuring safe and convenient movement for users;

Public pathways and amenities shall comply with universal design principles, ensuring they are accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities;

Pedestrian pathways and access points shall be adequately lit with fixtures designed to minimize glare and light pollution while promoting public safety;

Clearly defined buffers, such as low hedges, fences, or natural plantings, shall be provided to delineate boundaries between public and private areas while preserving views; and

Public access points shall be marked with clear, welcoming signage, and wayfinding elements shall direct visitors to amenities, public parking, and nearby attractions.

Public Access to Waterfront Guidelines. Design of features related to public access to the waterfront should consider the following guidelines:

Pedestrian circulation in and around the waterfront is essential to enhance economic activity. The waterfront should be a popular destination featuring scenic views of the water and pedestrian amenities such as benches, shade trees, bicycle racks and pocket parks. Non-residential uses are encouraged to provide waterfront access and amenities;

Entrances to waterfront access points should include well-designed gateways, such as arches, landscaping, or public art, to signify entry and create a sense of arrival;

Public access points and pathways should include native or salt-tolerant landscaping that enhances the waterfront's natural beauty while minimizing maintenance requirements;

Where feasible, waterfront access should include opportunities for water-based recreation, such as kayak launches, fishing areas, or small boat docks;

Public access areas should incorporate educational features, such as interpretive signage or kiosks, to highlight the maritime heritage and ecological importance of the waterfront;

Public pathways should include rest areas and overlooks with seating and shade to provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of the waterfront views; and

Non-residential waterfront properties are encouraged to integrate public-facing amenities, such as outdoor seating or dining areas, into their designs.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

Sec. 23-118. - Design standard for Village Commercial District.#

The permitting authority shall apply the following design standards to projects located either partially or fully within the Village Commercial District: a.

The original characteristics and materials of an historic building should be retained.

Facade proportions, including window and door placement, and the original roof shape, pitch and detail, should be maintained.

Exterior details such as siding, corner boards, cornice, brackets, lintels and window and door styles should be retained, repaired or replaced in kind.

Additions or alterations to existing buildings should be complementary in scale to the original structure, and architectural details including materials, colors and textures shall be treated so as to be compatible with the original architectural style of the building.

The style, scale, height, facade and materials of new buildings should be compatible with those of the existing buildings within the Tiverton Four Corners area.

The setback pattern, building orientation and spacing patterns of new buildings should match those of the existing buildings within the Tiverton Four Corners area.

Any business sign should be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet in area, and a freestanding sign of any type shall be limited to five (5) feet in height. There shall be no internally illuminated signs.

(Reg. No. 2026-1, 1-6-26)

The text

Sec. 23-111. - Definitions.#

Sec. 23-112. - Design standards for the Traditional Main Street District, Neighborhood Business, and Pedestrian-Friendly Destination District.#

Sec. 23-113. - Design standards for the Planned Development Park (PDP) Zone.#

Sec. 23-114. - Design standards for the Highway Commercial (HC) Zone.#

Sec. 23-115. - Design standards for the Industrial (I) Zone.#

Sec. 23-116. - Architectural design standards for the General Commercial (GC) Zone.#

Sec. 23-117. - Architectural design standards for the Waterfront (W2) Zone.#

Sec. 23-118. - Design standard for Village Commercial District.#

Secs. 23-119—23-125. - Reserved.#