HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-18-2015 addendum " 1830`
Watertown Town Council RECEIVED BY
Administration Building VA CLERK'S OFFICE
149 Main Street NATERTU N. MASS
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470 1015 AUG 13 P 2: 33
ELECTED OFFICIALS: POSTING NOTICE AND AGENDA
Mark S.Sideris,
Council President SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Stephen P.Corbett, TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015 AT 6:30 PM
Vice President RICHARD E. MASTRANGELO COUNCIL CHAMBER
Aaron Dnshk Large Councilor At L ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Susan G.Falkott,
Councilor At Large In accordance with provisions of Rule 2.6 of the Rules of the Town Council,
Anthony Palomba, and pursuant to the Call of the Town Council President, I hereby call a
Councilor At Large Special Meeting of the Town Council of the City known as the Town of
Angeline B.Kounells, Watertown to be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 6:30 PM, in the
District A Councilor
Cecilia Lank, Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber, Administration Building.
District B Councilor
Vincent J.Piccirllli,Jr., The purpose of this meeting is to discuss, consider, and act on the following:
District C Councilor
Kenneth Woodland, 1. First reading and referral to the Planning Board—Proposed zoning
District D Councilor amendment to create a Regional Mixed Used Development (RMUD)
Zoning district.
2. Ratification and confirmation of vote to move the Preliminary
Election date to Thursday, September 17, 2015
3. Public hearing on proposed amendments to the text and mapping of
the Pleasant Street Corridor District (PSCD), said text and mapping as
on file in the Office of Community Development.
z
Mark S. Sideris, Council President
TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE
MEETING DATE: August 18,2015
PRESENT ABSENT
STEVE CORBETT
AARON DUSHKU
v
SUSAN FALKOFF /
v
ANGIE KOUNELIS /
CECILIA LENK /
v
ANTHONY PALOMBA /
v
VINCENT PICCIRILLI /
v
KENNETH WOODLAND
MARK SIDERIS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
TOWN COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE
MEETING DATE: August 18,2015
Pleasant Street Corridor Zoning Ordinance
YES NO PRESENT
STEVE CORBETT
AARON DUSHKU !/
SUSAN FALKOFF V/
ANGIE KOUNELIS
CECLIA LENK
ANTHONY PALOMBA
VINCENT PICCIRILLI
KENNETH WOODLAND
i
MARK SIDERIS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Watertown Town Council
?1 Administration Butiding
YTM ''°s ' ✓ 149 Main Street
# ti V . Watertown, MA 02472
>' Phone: 617-972-6470
ELECTED OFFICIALS: ORDINANCE# C-�3
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN'S ZONING ORDINANCE IN
Mark it PresideSideris. REGARD TO PLEASANT STREET CORRIDOR DISTRICT
Council President
Stephen P.Corbeil, _
Vice President
Aaron Dushku, Whereas,the Honorable Town Council authorized an anncudmeut to the
Councilor At Large
WatertmVil Zoning Ordinance in July 2008 to create the Pleasant Street Corridor
Susan G.Falkolr, District covering the then 1-3 zoning district from Myrtle Street to the Waltham
Councilor At Large Town line and from the Charles River uPland to the Waltham Street/Acton Street
Anthony Palomba, area; and
Councilor Al Large
Angeline 8.Kncilor s, Whereas,inn response to the perfonnalncc of the Pleasant Street Corridor
DIslrlctACouncilor District zoning since its inception in 2008,and a desire to address future projects in
Cecilia Lank, order that they would be more in keeping with the Pleasairi Street Corridor Sllicly
District 6 Councilor the Planning Board was tasked with drafting amendments to address a number of
Vincent J.PiccidIll,Jr., issues in this regard, including a map connponentlanrendnnent; and
District C Councilor
Kenneth M.Woodland Whereas,on June If,2014 and continued to October 8,2014, and January
District D Councilor 15,2015 the Watertown Planning Board conducted duly advertised public hearings
on these amendments in accordance with the requirements of G.L. c,40A,Section
5;aud
Whemns, the Planning Board submitted its report and recommendations to
the Town Council with respect to such proposed anendments to the Zoning
Ordinance and Zoning Map,and
Whereas, on April 7, 2015 and continued to August 18, 2915 the Town .
Council conducted a duly advertised public hearing with respect to such propose((
amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the City
Known as the Town of Watertown that Chapter XV of the Watertown Code of
Ordinances, Land Usage; Chapter 155,Zoning Code, is hereby amended as follows:
1. Amend the Town Zoning Map by deleting tine existing Pleasant Street Corridor
District zoning map and replacing said neap in its entirety with the new Pleasant
Street Corridor District zoning map as attached hereto as Exhibit A.
i
2. Amend Article V, Section 5.16, Pleasant Street Corridor District, by deleting
the struck-through language and inserting the bolded and underlined language
as shown in Exhibit B as the attached hereto.
3. Amend Article V, Section 5,01, Table of Use Regulations, by deleting the
struck-through language and inserting the bolded and underlined language as
shown in Exhibit C as the attached hereto.
4. Amend Article V, Section 5.03,Notes to Table of Use Regulations,so as to add a
new footnote 14 which shall apply to all residential,mixed-use, commercial,aid
industrial categories within Section 5.01 where there is a SP or SP/SR indicated, as
follows:
(14) In the PSCD-I and PSCD-2 sub categories,residential uses are permitted as
described in Section 5.16 of the Zoning Ordinance and as indicated with in Table
5.01. Residential uses are not permitted in the PSCD-3. Mixed Use Development
less than 33 feet in height and not located within the buffer areas require only a Site
Plan Review(SR)permit(exempt from Special Permit)prior to obtaining a
building permit. All other zoning requirements shall apply.
5. Amend Article V, Section 5.04,Table of Dimensional Regulations, by deleting
from the PSCD District row within table under the heading Max.Height (ft/stories)
the language,"Max 54/5(u)"and inserting in place thereof the language, "Max
55/5(u)."
6. Amend Article V, Section 5.05,Notes to Table of Dimensional Regulations, by
deleting the struck-through language and inserting the bolded and underlined
language, as follows:
Note (u): hn tine PSCD, the maximuun allowable height may be increased up to
66/6 stories with 40 15 foot stepback from the buildings front fagade, to-79
feet/7 stories- " 4-stepbaekby Special Permit in accordance with section
5.16 d &(h).
B• Note (v): In the PSCD, the maximum PAR may be increased to 2.0 by
Special Permit ii accordance with Section /16 c(lam& (h).
Council Metif6er
I hereby certify that at a regular meeting oflttic Town Council for which a quorum was present,
the above OrdivatZce-alas adopted by a roll call vote of g for, against,-present on
August 18,2015
Valerie Papas, Council Clerk Mark S. Sideris, council President
Exhibit A
�I
a
E —
c yy
d
c
—
0.
P
yl�
,\ HOVId 1�OVYt41Vd
c / O'n
d � •� N Cps '
-
�
Page 3 of 11
I
Exhibit B
SECTION 5.16 PLEASANT STREET CORRIDOR DISTRICT(PSCD)
(a) Intent and Purpose;
The Pleasant Street Corridor District (PSCD) has been enacted to encourage the best use of the
Pleasant Street Corridor physically, economically, environmentally, and socially while promoting the
best interests of the residents of the Town.
The PSCD is intended to fulfill the goals and objectives contained in the Pleasant Street Corridor
Concept Plan and Implementation Strategy(hereln defined as "the Corridor Plan'). The PSCD zoning
is designed to achieve these goals through sound planning and site design principles,
The major objectives of the Corridor Plan are the following:
1. Deline the character of the corridor
2. Facilitate a mix of uses including residential, office, research and development, hotel, retail,
etc.
3. Improve quality of life
4. Develop at an appropriate scale and size
6. Increase real estate investment and maximize development to enhance the Town tax base
6. Promote accessibility to and within the district by improving existing and creating new
roadways,mass transit,pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths
L. Calm Pleasant Street traffic and manage traffic impacts
8. Improve access to the Charles River
9. Encourage Smart Growth and Low Impact Development (LID) to develop In an
environmentally sustainable manner, manage storm water, and protect the riparian habitat
(b) District Delineation:
The Pleasant Street Corridor District(PSCD)replaces the westernmost Industrial-3(1-3)In its entirety
(Waltham border to Myrtle Street). The provisions of this Section shall apply only to the boundaries of
the Pleasant Street Corridor District. Within this District,there will be sub-categories of PSCD-1,
PSCD-2,which will allow residential mixed use, and PSCD-3,which will allow commercial mixed
use.
1. PSCD-1: Any area within the Pleasant Street Corridor District that Is not classified as
PSCD-2 or PSCD-3 shall be classified as PSCD-1,
2. PSCD-2 requires projects with a residential component to also Include a mininum of
16% of the gross floor area to be commercial.
3. PSCD-3 allows a mix of retail, commercial,and light Industrial uses, and does not
allow for residential uses.
(c) Authority and Procedures:
The Planning Board shall be the Special Permit Granting Authority(SPGA)for all Special Permits
including Site Plan Review in accordance with Section 9.03 within the PSCD. The Planning Board shall
hold a public hearing in accordance with procedures outlined in Section 9.04. The Planning Board shall
not approve any such Special Permit unless it finds that the four conditions for approval set forth In
Section 9.06(b)of this Zoning Ordinance have been rnet. For applications requiring Site Plan Review,
the Planning Board shall also consider, among other things, the ten criteria listed in Section 9.03(c).
Page 4of11
i
I
i
(d) Dimensional Criteria:
(1) For baseline criteria, refer to Section 5.04 Table of Dimensional Requirements.
(2) Adjustments to baseline dimensional criteria may be granted for certain development incentive
credits as noted in Section 5.16(h). The maximum allowable adjustments are outlined herein,
(3) Alterations, additions, and extensions to nonconforming structures shall be subject to Section 4.06.
Existing buildings are eligible to receive development incentive credits when creating modifications
to the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), maximum building coverage, height, and parking requirements as
outlined in Section 5.16(h).
(4) Maximum Floor Area Ratio:
(A) Mixed-Use Development, where a minimum of 16% of the gross floor area is used for
retail/commercial or service use: FAR more than 1.0 and up to 2.0 may be allowed by
Suacial Permit for achtevina development Incentive credits In accordance with,
Section 5.16(h).
(B) All other development: FAR 1.0. A maximum FAR of 2_0 1.5 may be allowed by Special
Permit for achieving development incentive credits in accordance wlth Section 5.16(h).
(5) Minimum Lot Area per Dwelling Unit: 1000 square feet per dwelling unit,
(6) Heights:
(A) Minimum height:24 feet
(B) Maximum height: 33 feet by Site Plan Review only for Mixed-Use Development or-66 '
foet/5 stories by Special Permit except where noted in Section 5.16.6(F).
(C) Flat-Roof Development: Projects with a height greater than two three stories, which
shall be maximum of 33 feet, shall step-back any subsequent stories (fourth and
above) a minimum of 10 feet from the required build-to-llne and Charles River
fagades such that the sight lines from the adjoining public way or Charles River
pathway will be visually lessened.
(D) Pitched Roof Development: Within 32 feet of the street-facing property tine, pitched
roof development shall have a pitched main roof(s) with the roof/wall connection at
26 feet in height, with a maximum ratio of 1:1 (46 degrees). Dormers may be allowed
so long as they comply with adopted Design Standards and Guidelines.
(E) Heights in Buffer Areas: Buildings abutting the river, wetlands, a T (Two-Family), or S-6
zoning district shall incorporate setbacks, step backs and/or reduced heights to mitigate
potential negative impacts upon these districts and environmentally sensitive areas, as
required within Section 6.16.d(10), A sectional drawing Indicating the relationship
between the development proposal and the adjoining context Is required.
Page 5 of 11
I
(F) Provisions for increased Height: The maximum allowable height may be increased, up to
66 feet/6 stories to 79'l7-steries-with a 16 foot stepback from the buildings front facade,
by Special Permit, for achieving development incentive credits in accordance with Section
5.16(in).
(7) Building Coverage:
(A) Maximum total building coverage: 60% with a maximum of 60% allowed by Special Permit
in accordance with Section 5.16(h)
(B) Maximum footprint(per floor)for a single tenant for retail or restaurant use
9 12,000 square feet
9 Up to 40,000 square feet with Special Permit
• No limitation on square feet for non-retall commercial uses
(8) Maximum Impervious Surface: 80%
(9) Minimum Open Space:
All new development shall have at least twenty percent(20%) of the total site area devoted to Open
Space, and 26% of the required open space must be publicaliy accessible; required setbacks
shall be considered as part of the total area for Open Space. The required Open Space shall not be
used for parking, loading, or roadway purposes and shall be open and unobstructed to the sky;
Items such as benches, walkways, planters, landscaping, swimming pools, kiosks, gazebos, and
similar structures shall not be considered as obstructions. Opportunities should be sought that
bring together the open space requirements of adjoining properties in order to foster a more
coherent and continuous landscape network.
(10) Setbacks:
(A) Build-to Line Setback
9 Build-to Line setback shall be 10 feet from street facing property lines for
commercial uses as described in 6,16(b). Setbacks may be increased as
specified below for purposes of amenities such as a plaza, square, courtyard,
recessed entrance, or outdoor dining, but not intended for automobile use. A minimum
setback of 15 feet shall apply to sites with residential only uses and/or all
portions of buildings not located over commercial space. In the case of multiple
buildings on one lot, at least one building shall comply with the required build-to-
line, but In no Instance shall buildings span less than a minimum of 25%of the lot
frontage at the determined bulld-to-line.
9 For components of a project in-keeping with Design Standards and Guidelines,
Aan increased build-to-line setback, up to 30 feet along Pleasant Street and 50 feet
along other streets within the corridor, may be required by the SPGA or requested
by an applicant if it is found that strict adherence to the 10 foot Build-to Line Is
Inconsistent with adopted Design Standards and Guidelines, the Corridor Plan and
development pattern, as determined by the 9PGA.
9 The build-to line may allow for averaging of a building's setback from the
Page 6 of ii
�i
property line to accommodate changes In building fagade and Irregular property
boundaries, but no area of a building shall encroach by more than 10% of the
required setback.
• Exception -first floor open-air porches, arcades, covered stoops, andlor porticos
(no screening, doors, or windows allowed) extending no more than 60% into the
setback within the build-to-line setback by Special Permit.
(B) Side Yard Setback
• Buildings may be contiguous on a block:zero(0)lot line and/or shared party wall.
• Where a party wall is not possible, setback from property line shall be a minimum of 18
feet. Corner lots may be developed with two front yards with yards determined by
the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(C) Maximum 0011tiguous buildina wall:
• Walls shall be no more than 260 feet,
• but In Instances where a fagade is over 100' feet, techniques to provide variation
In the fagade shall be employed, using design guidelines as adopted by the
Town.
• Consideration for views to the Charles River should be considered by placing
shorter fagades facing the street and longer fagades perpendicular to the river.
(D) Rear Yard Setback
• 18 feet minimum for all sites.
(E) Waterfront setback(includino wetlands):
• No structures shall be permitted within the 50 feet setback from top of bank or to first
road.
(F) Setback adlacent to the S-6 or T Zonina Districts:
• Within 40 feet of the 8-6 or T Zoning Districts, flat roof development shall be no
taller than 36 feet to the roofifne.
• Within 40 feet of the S-6 or T Zoning Districts, pitched roof development shall
have a pitched main roof(s) with the roof/wall connection at 26' in height, with a
maximum ratio of 1:1 (46 degrees), and dormers may be allowed so long as they
comply with adopted Design Standards and Guidelines.
• On lots narrower than 100 feet In depth, the basement or first floor of a building
may be extended into the rear yard by 8 feet for the purposes of structured
parking so long as the remaining 10-foot setback Is preserved as a vegetated
landscape buffer with a mix of plantings and decorative fencing that provides
year round screening.
(11) Minimum Lot Area:
• 10,000 square feet.
(12) Minimum Frontage:
• No minimum requirement.
(e) Parkino Recuirements:
Page 7 of 11
i
(1) The provision of off-street parking shall comply with the requirements of Article VI.
(2) In addition to the requirements pertaining to the quantity of parking spaces, parking areas shall
comply with the following standards to the maximum extent possible:
• Improve, soften, and visually shield the appearance of parking areas.
• Shade and cool parking areas.
• Reduce the amount and rate of stormwater runoff.
• Reduce pollution and temperature of stormwater runoff.
• Increase the amount of pervious surfaces.
(A) Location of Parkina:
Any surface parking lot shall,to the maximum extent feasible, be located at the rear or side
of a building, relative to any principal street, public open space, or pedestrian way.
(8) Visual Impact:
In addition to locating parking areas to the rear or side of buildings(or when it is not
feasible),the visual impact of parking areas from sidewalks, streets, the river, and from
adjacent residential zones shall be reduced to the greatest extent possible by screening
with living vegetation, ornamental fencing,or a combination of landscaping and fencing.
(3) Provisions for Parkina Requirement Reductions:
Reductions of the required number of parking spaces rnay be granted by Special Permit in
accordance with§6.01(0, Shared Parking,and Section 5.16(h)(3),Alternative Transportation
Incentives, of which the total reduction shall not exceed 26%of the required amount.
(f) Desian Guidelines:
(1) Purpose:
The Design Standards and Guidelines are intended to promote beneficial urban design principles
and physical building characteristics within the Pleasant Street Corridor District. The guidelines are
Intended to aid in the review of proposals, but are not intended to discourage Innovative
architectural design solutions.
(2) Guidelines:
In general, proposals should seek to satisfy the following and shall also consider other adopted
Design Standards and Guidelines:
(A) Be complementary to and provide for a harmonious transition in scale and character
between adjacent sites.
(B) Provide for high-density quality development consistent with the character of building types,
streetscapes, and other community features traditionally found in densely settled areas of
the Town or in the region,
(C) Maintain streetscape continuity with a strong building presence along the primary street
edge,
(D) The size and detailing of buildings shall be pedestrian oriented and incorporate features to
Page 8 of 11
i
add visual interest while reducing appearance of bulk or mass. Blank walls should be
avoided.
(E) A distinct "sidewalk" presence with incorporation of elements such as planters, traditional
awnings, signage projecting from building fagade (blade signage), etc, to enhance the
pedestrian scale and interest of the street.
(F) Avoid prototypical, standardized brand Identity-related architecture and signage for
businesses with multiple locations(i.e.: retail"chain"stores and restaurants.)
(g) Environmental Sustainability Guidelines:
(1) Purpose:
The following Environmental Sustainability Guidelines are intended to promote environmentally
responsible site design and green building principles within the PSCD in order to better manage
stonnwater, conserve natural resources, and reduce the Impact of development on the natural
environment. To provide additional guidance the Town may enact a separate LID and
Stormwater Ordinance.
(2) Guidelines:
In general, proposals should seek to satisfy the following:
(A) To the maximum extent possible, retain stonnwater runoff on-site.
(B) Diminish the heat Island effect.
(C) Employ energy conscious design with regard to orientation,building materials, shading,
landscaping,window glazing,and other elements.
(D) To the maximum extent possible, retain existing healthy, viable trees and plant additional
trees.
(E) Incorporate Green roofs(vegetated roof covers)
(F) Use permeable paving materials
(G) Use bloretention systems(such as rain gardens)instead of traditional structural
conveyance systems
(H) Comply with current Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) criteria,as
promulgated by the U.S. Green Building Council.
(1) Utilize energy-efficient technology and renewable energy resources
(J) Incorporate best practices in stormwaler management and LID techniques.
(h) Develonment Incentive Credits:
Subject to approval by Special Permit, developments may receive adjustments to the dimensional
criteria and/or parking requirements for achieving one or more of the following:
(1) Enhancina Public Open Space:
(A) Publicly Useable Open Space:
Developments may receive Increases to the maximum allowable building coverage, FAR,
and/or height in accordance with Section 5.16d.6. if a minIMLIM of 50%of the required open
space is designated as "Publicly Useable Open Space"and open to the public from dawn to
dusk. The purpose of this provision Is to provide incentives for the setting aside of lands
that are accessible and useable and designed for the enjoyment of the Public. Larger
Page 9 of 11
it
i
adjustments may be allowed where Publicly Useable Open Space is contiguous with other
areas of Publicly Useable Open Space to link sites, encourage walking, and/or provide
access to the Charles River. Opportunities should be sought that bring together the
open space requirements of adjoining properties in order to foster a more coherent
and continuous landscape network.
(B) Charles River Bike Path Connections:
A development that provides a significant contribution to improve,extend,and/or provide
both visual and physical connections to the Charles River bike path as determined by
DCDP Staff may receive increases to the maximum allowable building coverage, FAR,
and/or height in accordance with Section 5,16.d.
(2) StructuredlUndemmUnd Parkins:
Developments that provide the required parking spaces underground or within a structure may
receive increases to tine maximum allowable building coverage, FAR, and/or height in accordance
with Section 6.16.d,6.
(3) Alternative Transportation Incentives:
Developments that encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation shall be eligible to
receive a reduction of the required amount of automobile parking spaces. This credit may be
achieved by demonstrating a reduced demand for automobile parking by the encouragement of
cycling,walking, car sharing, and use of public transit. Possible methods to reduce parking demand
are the provision of showers for bicycle commuting employees, sheltered bicycle parking, providing
connections to public transit, on-site car sharing services,participatlon In a Transportation
Management Association or shuttle/transit service, providing for infrastructure like bus
stops onsite,etc. The reduced parking requirement shall correspond to the reduced automobile
parking dernand, but in no case shall the reduction exceed 26%.
(4) Conformance with Guidelines:
Development that achieve significant conformance with the Design Guidelines and Environmental
Sustainablilty Guidelines may receive increases to the maximurn allowable building coverage, FAR,
and/or height in accordance with Section 5.16.d.6. In determining such Increases, the SPCA may seek
input, for advisory purposes,from the Conservation Commission, Environment and Energy Efficiency
Committee, Department of Public Works, and other Town Departments, Boards, and Commissions.
(5) Develooment of O000rlunity Sites:
Development of desirable uses at key opportunity sites as outlined in the Corridor Plan may receive
Increases to the maximum allowable building coverage, FAR, and/or height In accordance with
Section 5.16.d.6.
Page 10 of in
�
: z z z z z z z z � z z§ . z I
§ /z z z z z
. 2 z zz z z ) ! \ z / z (E \¥
a z z z z % / z z z { z \
B z z z a $ ) ® § ^ ( ' \ /®
z z z z « , _ _ z _ z E qE
~ / ) [ \ & h
2 » » » co ; co , , z z =
% \ : _ z z z
z z z z z z z z z z
§ a » , coz z z z z z z z z
e _ _
]
ƒ ———
\ » z z z z z z z z z z z z
)
± ; w = z z z z z z z z z z z
� f ®
% g f \
/ § ` 40 { )
k p J ¢ ter
o » F�
j> u
m
IL — -
/