Conservation Development

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1 Acknowledgements RIDEM: Scott Millar Anthony Lachowicz-Planning and Zoning Consultant Director of Planning 1

2 : a creative land use technique that allows a community to guide growth to the most appropriate areas within a parcel of land to avoid impacts to the environment and to protect the character-defining features of the property. Advantages of Conservation Development ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES - Preserves land without buying it - Reduces town services costs for road maintenance and school transportation - Speeds up review process by avoiding sensitive areas early on - Increases value and marketability of site Director of Planning 2

3 Advantages of Conservation Development ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES - Preserves vegetated buffers along wetlands, streams, and ponds to protect water quality - Reduces stormwater runoff by cutting down on impervious surfaces like streets and driveways - Protects critical habitat and travel corridors for wildlife - Reduces fragmentation of forest blocks and other unique habitats Advantages of Conservation Development SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ADVANTAGES - Protects historical and other cultural sites - Preserves aesthetic features and scenic views - Provides both passive and active recreation areas walking, biking, hiking, sports fields - Promotes a neighborhood/ community atmosphere - Provides gathering spaces for neighborhood functions community buildings, gazebos, etc. Director of Planning 3

4 Director of Planning 4

5 Director of Planning 5

6 Saving Site Features Wickford Point Director of Planning 6

7 Donovan s Farm, Norwell Houses Located on compact lots Director of Planning 7

8 Planned Open Spaces Director of Planning 8

9 The Design Process Step 1: Analyze the Site Step 2: Evaluate Site Context Step 3: Designate Potential Conservation Areas Step 4: Determine the Maximum number of units Step 5: Locate Development Areas and Explore Conceptual Alternatives Step 6: Locate House Sites Step 7: Layout Streets, Trails and Other Infrastructure Step 8: Design and Program Open Space Step 9: Draw in the Lot Lines Step 10: Establish Ownership and Management of Open Space and Other Shared Amenities In Smithfield Director of Planning 9

10 Comprehensive Plan Reinforce the Town s open space preservation strategy Establish the basis for conservation development design Clarify provisions for residential compounds Establish policy regarding street design Zoning Ordinance Repeal of cluster developments s authorized in: R200, R80, & R-MED Lot area / frontage requirements reduced for conservation developments Land Unsuitable for Development Redefined Maximum Density Provisions Uses Permitted Open Space Requirements Density Neutral Director of Planning 10

11 Subdivision Regulations Mandatory for all Major developments Minor subdivisions may be required to be developed as conservation developments Conventional developments & compounds allowed w/planning Comm. approval Procedural Requirements added Street design standards modified Drainage design to encourage infiltration Subdivision Regulations (cont.) Yield Plan Determination of Maximum Number of Units No increase in density over conventional subdivision Density-neutral Director of Planning 11

12 Yield Plan Approach Recent Examples Oak Hill Estates, Richmond, RI Zone: R-2 Min. Lot Area: 2 acres/lot Minimum Street Frontage: 200 ft. Gross Area: 65 acres Conventional Development: 38 lots Director of Planning 12

13 Original Cluster Plan 1999 Oak Hill Conventional Plan Director of Planning 13

14 Oak Hill Design Analysis Oak Hill Conservation Development Plan #1 Director of Planning 14

15 Oak Hill Conservation Development Final Plan Oak Hill Comparisons Conventional Plan Conservation Plan No. of Lots 38 Average Lot Area 2.12 ac. Length of Street 7,440 ft. Open Space Area 2.2 ac. Open Space 2.4% 39+4= acres 2,461 ft ac. 70.7% Director of Planning 15

16 High Ridge Estates Smithfield, RI Municipal Water & Sewer Zone: R-80 Min. Lot Area: 80,000 sq. ft./lot Minimum Street Frontage: 200 ft. Gross Area: 65 acres Conventional Development = 36 lots Conventional Development Director of Planning 16

17 Cluster Plan Director of Planning 17

18 High Ridge Estates Comparisons Cluster Plan No. of Lots 36 Avg. Lot Area 40,000 sq. ft. Length of Street 4,660 ft. Open Space Area ac. Open Space % 36.2% Conservation Plan 36+4= acres 3,900 ft ac. 68% Director of Planning 18