(1) Accessory buildings, structures and uses shall be located on the same lot as the principal building, structure or use to which they are accessory.

(2) Accessory buildings, structures and uses shall not be located on a lot without the establishment of a permitted principal use, nor shall any new lot be created that has an accessory building, structure or use without a principal use.

(3) Accessory uses and structures are permitted as provided in this section, provided that:
 

(a) Accessory buildings shall be included in the maximum building coverage specified in Table 470-304F(1); and

(b) Accessory structures shall comply with the minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures on Table 470-304E(2).

(a) Multidwelling unit developments of four dwelling units or more;
(b) Development within business, industrial, municipal community facilities, and any design districts;
(c) Transit oriented development, transit transfer stations, park-and-ride lots; and
(d) New development that is within 1,000 feet of the Farmington River Trail, the Farmington Valley Greenway or other regional bicycle route.

(a) Provide a convenient place to lock a bicycle, and shall be at least six feet long, two feet wide, and shall provide at least seven feet of vertical clearance, unless a bicycle locker is provided;
(b) Provide a secure and appropriate bar or similar surface area to which most bicycle locks may be attached;
(c) Be capable of supporting the bicycle frame in an upright position and be securely anchored to a supporting surface;
(d) Not interfere with pedestrian circulation and shall be separated from automobile parking;
(e) Located within view of building entrances or in view of windows;
(f) Be located at least three feet from any wall or obstruction; and
(g) Be illuminated for safety.

(1) A regulated activity in a wetland or watercourse area;
(2) An activity within a floodplain area; or
(3) An activity regulated by a local, state or federal agency.

Additional special permit considerations.

(1) In addition to the special permit criteria set forth in § 470-902E, the Commission may also consider the following when reviewing an application under this section:

(a) Potential soil erosion and sedimentation affecting all land, bodies of water and public works, both on-site and off-site;
(b) Effects on drainage and groundwater table;
(c) Lateral support slopes, grades and elevations of abutting streets and properties;
(d) Effect of the operation and any related traffic on circulation and road condition on streets serving the parcel under consideration;
(e) Any decision issued by the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency;
(f) Any approval of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
(g) The recommendation of the Commissions engineer, the Conservation Commission, and the Town Planner; and
(h) The scope and duration of the project and effects on neighboring properties.
 

(2) The operation of earth material processing, screening or crushing equipment is allowed as part of an approved subdivision or site plan on site by special permit.

(3) The operation of earth material processing, screening or crushing equipment as a standalone operation/not as part of an approved subdivision or site plan is allowed in the Industrial District by special permit.

See § 470-705: Earthwork and grading for more information.
See also § 1.2: Supplemental requirements for earth removal in connection with zoning permit activity for the checklist.

(1) Fences, posts, columns, and freestanding walls shall be constructed in accordance with § 470-708C so as to not obstruct corner visibility at intersections of roads, driveways, access ways, or other travel ways.

(2) No fence, freestanding wall, or combination thereof shall exceed six feet in height above finished grade except as provided in B(3) below.

(3) The Commission may grant a special permit for a fence, freestanding wall, or combination thereof greater than six feet in height. The Commission may condition any such permit by requiring an appropriate set back from the lot line and landscaping.

(4) Within the required minimum yard setbacks, the finished or more attractive side of any fence shall face the neighboring lot or street.

(5) Barbed wire, razor wire or similar products are allowed by special permit.

(6) Electric fencing is permitted in any district limited to the following:

(a) Underground electric wiring such as "Invisible fence^®" or equivalent systems for the confinement of household pets (dogs); and
(b) Aboveground electric wiring used solely for the protection of agricultural crops, or the confinement of livestock or poultry, provided that such wiring shall not be located closer than five feet from a lot line. Such fence shall be marked with a sign containing the word "Caution" or "Warning" and equivalent pictographic symbols (every 30 feet).

C. Retaining walls.

(1) All references for "cross-section" in this section shall mean a vertical section along a line perpendicular to the general horizontal line of the face of the wall at the point of application.

(2) All references to the "height" of a wall shall mean the difference in elevation along a particular cross-section between the finish grade [ground elevation] adjacent to the wall on the high side and the finish grade adjacent to the wall on the low side.

(3) Retaining walls up to, and including, four feet in height are permitted by right with no permit required.

(4) Retaining walls greater than four feet in height require the submittal to and approval by the Zoning Enforcement Officer of a design stamped and signed by a Connecticut licensed professional engineer prior to zoning signoff on any building permit therefore.

(5) Retaining walls greater than four feet and up to, and including, eight feet in height:

(a) Are allowed by zoning permit if not proposed as part of a site plan application to the Commission.
(b) Face of wall shall not be closer in cross-section than five feet to a site bounding property line.
(c) The change in elevation in cross-section between an adjacent site bounding property line and the finish grade at the wall shall not exceed 0.75 feet for five feet of separation and 2.5 feet for 10 feet of separation; and the limit shall be linearly interpolated for separation distance in between.

(6) Retaining walls greater than eight feet and up to, and including, 16 feet in height:

(a) Site plan approval by the Commission is required.
(b) Face of wall shall be no closer in cross-section than the height of the wall to a site bounding property line unless a special permit is obtained for the wall; but, in no case shall the wall be closer than five feet to a site bounding property line.
(c) The maximum change in elevation in cross-section for the initial three feet away from the exposed edge of the wall and the finish grade at the wall in each direction shall be 0.5 feet.
(d) Where the grade approaching the high side of the wall slopes towards the wall, the grade at three feet from the exposed edge of the wall shall be between (inclusive) 0.1 feet and 0.5 feet below the finish grade at the wall, and proper drainage shall be provided above the wall.

(7) Retaining walls greater than 16 feet in height:

(a) Special permit approval is required.
(b) All provisions of Subsection C(6) above apply.

(8) Additional special permit criteria. The Commission shall consider the demonstrated positives of the proposed retaining wall(s) in the context of the proposed use, grading scheme, utility, and overall development scheme for the site versus the demonstrated negatives as associated with wall visibility from public highways, frequented [by the public] public spaces, buildings, or yards or courtyards associated with a building, or outdoor area where multiple persons, on a reasonably frequent and regular basis, gather, or are expected to gather, for reasonably identifiable and specific events or purposes; (e.g., performance, ceremony, or other event venues, organized recreation venues, etc.) This criteria shall be considered to be met where the Commission determines that such positives outweigh such negatives.

(9) Where appropriate rights exist on an adjacent property (e.g. an easement, etc.) allowing an encroachment which would otherwise be prohibited per this section, then the limits of the particular right shall function as the operable "property line" for the subject matter as related to this section.

See § 470-707: Fences and walls for more information.

(1) Food truck parks may be established through the granting of a special permit and site plan within any business, industrial and design district (meaning design districts adopted under Article V  and adopted design village districts under C.G.S. § 8-2j).

(2) Space definition and location:

(a) The area of the food truck must be clearly defined and separated from the patron parking area through the installation of a fence or other enclosure which maintains an open appearance and is a maximum of five feet in height.

(b) The vending area for food trucks must be either a paved or gravel surface.

(c) Food truck park operators are encouraged to provide for an aesthetically pleasing environment which includes shade and seating elements in addition to pervious groundcover.

(d) A permanent area for patron seating must be provided allowing, at a minimum, eight seats per vendor.

(e) Food truck parks may have a pavilion or other permanent structure in order to provide shelter for patrons and operators, provided said structure meets setback requirements for the underlying zone. All temporary structures, such as tents, are prohibited unless established as part of the approved special permit and site plan, and are approved by the Fire Marshal prior to installation.

(3) Operations:

(a) All food truck parks must be ADA accessible.

(b) All food trucks planned to be on site on any given day shall be parked and fully set up prior to the park opening to the public. At the close of business, all such vehicles shall be removed from the park. As part of the special permit request, the Commission may modify this requirement to be consistent with an anticipated management plan of the food truck park manager.

(c) The hours of operation for a food truck park shall be limited to 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Food trucks may arrive at the park one hour prior to opening to the public and must vacate the park no later than one hour after closing to the public unless the vehicle is permitted to stay as noted above.

(d) There must be a designated manager of the site who is responsible for the orderly setup of food trucks, the cleanliness of the site, and the site's compliance with all rules and regulations during business hours. Contact information for the designated manager shall be made available to Town staff upon approval of the park and as needed thereafter if personnel changes.

(e) At least two permanent restrooms within 200 feet of each food truck must be made accessible to food truck park patrons while the food truck park is open.

(f) Patron parking must be provided at a rate of one space for every four seats in the seating area. The patron parking area must be a paved or gravel surface.

(g) The food truck park must not cause objectionable levels of noise.

(h) At least one electrical outlet shall be required at each designated food truck parking space, and have approval of the Canton Building Department.

(i) Public address systems or other systems intended to convey verbal messages through the use of amplified sound shall be prohibited. If an applicant seeking approval of a food truck park proposes to provide any form of music or entertainment for the benefit of patrons, it shall so state in its application and shall provide specific details regarding the manner in which it is to be provided. Restrictions may be imposed upon the playing of music or entertainment as appropriate given the location of the food truck park or any other circumstances that the Commission deems to be relevant.

(j) If an applicant seeking approval of a food truck park proposes to provide any source of heat for the benefit of patrons, it shall so state in its application and shall provide the Commission with a plan, approved by the Fire Marshal, for the placement and operation of said heaters as well as for the storage of fuel used by said heaters.

(k) Lighting shall be limited to that level which is necessary to illuminate the food truck park for patrons and staff. Flashing/blinking lights shall be prohibited.

(l) Signs: One on-premises sign is permitted at the entrance(s) identifying the food truck park, subject to the sign regulations for the applicable zoning district. Each food truck may have its own signage for the purpose of being visible internal to the lot. Individual food truck signage intended to be accessory or supplemental to the principal identification signage of the property is prohibited.

(m) Maintenance: The food truck park shall be kept clear of litter, food scraps or other debris at all times. Sweeping debris or spilled materials into the gutters of public streets shall be prohibited.

(n) At least one waste receptacle shall be provided for each mobile food vending vehicle and shall be emptied whenever full and at park closing. The food truck park shall also be equipped with a commercial dumpster into which bags from individual waste receptacles can be deposited. The commercial dumpster shall be located outside of the designated patron area and shall be appropriately screened.

(o) Tables, chairs and umbrellas shall be of durable commercial-grade materials, sufficiently weighted to avoid displacement by wind.

(p) Umbrellas may be used to shade tables, provided that the drip edge thereof is located at least seven feet above the ground.

See § 470-711: Mobile vendors for more detailed information.

(1) This section applies to all business and industrial uses regardless of the district.
(2) These hours of operations shall not apply if a special permit approval has established more restricted hours of operation.
(3) This section shall not limit the Commission's ability to establish more restrictive hours of operation in order to ensure a use complies with the special permit criteria of § 470-902E.
(4) These hours of operation shall not apply to animal or human emergency medical care facilities which may be open for business 24 hours per day, unless otherwise established.

(1) Regardless of the district, retail and services businesses and restaurants shall be closed to the public between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Further, in a Residential District, any premise conducting business shall be closed to the public between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

(2) Trash compaction or similar operations shall be permitted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Trash compaction between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. may be approved by the Commission when the applicant has submitted evidence that sound barriers between all areas for such operations effectively reduce noise emission levels to a peak level of 45 decibels, as measured at the property line.

(3) Staging, loading or idling of commercial vehicles in a loading area is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The Commission may modify this requirement if the applicant can demonstrate special circumstances warrant such modification and the Commission finds that such modification complies with the special exception criteria of § 470-902E.

(4) Unless otherwise approved as part of a business or non-business hour lighting plan under § 470-704C, hours of outdoor lighting shall be limited to between 1/2 hour prior to the time such business is open to the public to 1/2 hour after the close of such business to the public.
 

(1) All portions of a lot not required for buildings, structures, parking, driveways, or sidewalks shall be landscaped with lawn, ground cover, trees, evergreen shrubs, gardens or other appropriate plantings. This requirement is in addition to all other planting requirements of these regulations. Bark, stone or wood mulch is not permitted as the predominant ground cover.

(2) The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state insofar as practical by minimizing tree and soil removal, preserving large existing trees whenever practical, keeping any grade changes in harmony with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas, and retaining stone walls and other unique lot features.

(3) Where existing large trees or other vegetation are removed prior to the filing of a zoning application, the Commission may require the planting of the largest commercially available trees or shrubs to replace them.

(4) Existing healthy, mature trees and vegetation expected to survive may be credited by the Commission towards the requirements of these regulations.

(5) Such plan shall be prepared to show the preservation of such existing vegetation in its natural state, insofar as practical, and such plan shall be made a part of any site landscaping plan.

(6) Landscaping materials selected for use shall be acceptable to the Commission.
(7) Use of invasive species is prohibited.

(8) Stone mulch shall not be used within five feet of pavement or sidewalks to avoid tripping hazards and stones being thrown by tires.

(9) Landscaped areas within five feet of pavement shall be designed to be salt tolerant and capable of surviving heavy loads of snow.

(10) Grass berm slopes shall not exceed 25% to facilitate mowing while berms planted with ground cover and shrubs shall not exceed slopes of 50%.

(11) No landscaped area shall be used for the sale, storage, or display of goods unless approved by the Commission under § 470-710, Outdoor display areas.

D. Perimeter landscaping standards in Business and Industrial Districts. See § 470-701D for details.

For details about Landscaped Buffer Configurations, see Table 470-701D.

E. Parking area landscaping standards.

(1) At least 10% of the parking lot area shall be landscaped through the use of landscaped islands within the parking lot.
(2) Shade trees.

(a) At least one shade tree shall be provided within the parking lot for every 10 parking spaces.
(b) Such trees shall be located in landscaped islands and staked with two three-inch diameter stakes and protected by curbing against damage by vehicles.
 

(3) A minimum planting area, equivalent to 150 square feet per tree shall be provided.

(4) Parking areas shall have a landscaped island at each end of each row of parking spaces and an intermediate island for every 15 parking spaces. The Commission may require more landscaped area based on the size of the parking lot.

(5) Landscaped islands shall be not less than eight feet wide in the direction parallel to the row and not less than 18 feet long in the direction perpendicular to the row.

(6) Landscape islands shall have a suitable curb of stone, poured-in-place or pre-cast concrete, and shall be planted with grass or ground cover, or have pedestrian pavers where approved by the Commission, unless part of a drainage system.

(7) Landscaping around the edges of stormwater basins may be planted with a mix of shrubs and wild-flowers, or other plantings that encourages use by wildlife but deters Canada geese that prefer grassy edges, and reduces maintenance burdens.

 

(8) A landscaped buffer strip having a minimum width of 15 feet shall separate all buildings from parking lots and driveways except at loading docks, building entrances and along pedestrian arcades. This buffer strip may contain pedestrian walkways and a combination of at least three of the following: trees, shrubs, grass or other landscape material.

(9) Unless modified by the Commission, a landscaped strip shall be provided along any access driveway to or from the street to separate parking spaces and access aisles from entering and exiting traffic. Such landscaped strip shall be of sufficient width to ensure that no parked automobile overhangs into the access driveway. [See Diagram 702D(3)]

(10) Trees located within parking lots shall have a clear trunk height of at least six feet and shrubs shall be kept trimmed so as not to impede the vision of pedestrians and motorists.

F. Minimum landscaping standards.

(1) Where trees are required, they shall be deciduous shade trees at least three inches to 3.5 inches in caliper at planting with a mature height of at least 35 feet.

(a) Trees that will attain a height at maturity greater than 50 feet shall be planted no closer than 30 feet on center.
(b) Tree variety is required, five different species shall be planted on any site except when modified by the Commission where it is found that:

[1] Existing vegetation is being used to meet a portion of the landscaping requirement which by its origin is not able to meet this requirement;
[2] The proposed landscaping plan uses uniformity of species in a manner which promotes an artistic and aesthetic landscape.

(2) Where understory trees are used, they shall be deciduous shade or fruit trees at least two inches in caliper at planting with a mature height of at least 12 feet.

(3) Where evergreens are used, they shall be at least six feet in height at planting.

(4) The following plants are not be allowed within, or adjacent to, a municipal or state right-of-way, or as part of any site development plan: see § 470-701F(4) for a list of these plants.

(5) The Tree Warden shall be consulted regarding tree species that are located in or adjacent to any municipal right-of-way and shall issue a report to the Commission. The Commission may modify the landscaping plan in consideration of Tree Warden's report.
 

See § 470-701: Landscaping for more information.

(1) Unless otherwise authorized elsewhere in these regulations, there shall be no outdoor display areas, outdoor sales, outdoor dining, and outdoor storage areas.

(2) In accordance with this section, the Commission may, by special permit approve the outdoor display of merchandise and storage of equipment accessory to a principal use in all Business and Industrial Districts, and design districts.

(3) Outdoor display, outdoor storage, and outdoor dining areas, except as otherwise allowed by and subject to the requirements of C.G.S. § 8-1cc, shall comply with the following standards:

(a) Such areas shall be permitted only where clearly depicted on an approved site plan.

(b) Permanent structures and temporary structures may be allowed in outdoor display areas if approved as part of this special permit approval by the Commission.

(c) All such areas shall be adequately separated from motor vehicle routes by a physical barrier visible to drivers and pedestrians.

(d) Such on building aprons, walkways, and sidewalks must maintain an adequate minimum walkway width between the display items and any vehicle drives.

(e) Such areas shall not conflict with pedestrian or vehicular circulation.

(f) Merchandise, equipment and materials shall not be displayed within the minimum yard setbacks.

(g) Merchandise, equipment, and materials, may not be displayed or stored in parking areas, or on sidewalks adjacent to facade walls, except in screened display, sales, and storage areas. This prohibition shall not apply to short-term seasonal and temporary events as approved by the Commission.
 

(4) If the Commission finds the outdoor display area is significant in size, visibility, or as a percent of business, the Commission may require that the outdoor display, outdoor sales, or outdoor storage areas be enclosed by screening with materials and colors matching the main building.

(5) The merchandise, equipment and materials displayed shall be directly related to the business activity on the lot and shall not promote or advertise off-site businesses, services, or products.
 

(6) Outdoor displays shall not include signs.

(7) Illumination of outdoor display and storage areas shall comply with § 470-704.

(8) The outdoor display and storage area shall be considered additional retail space and impervious coverage and thus shall be included in parking, coverage and other applicable requirement, with the exception of outdoor display of automobiles.

(9) Exceptions.

(a) Decorative items that are not for sale that relate to or complement the business but do not represent a display of merchandise are permitted.

(10) Seasonal/temporary displays.

(a) Seasonal and temporary displays of merchandise, less than 200 square feet in area, and maintained for less than seven days, consecutive or otherwise, may be approved by a zoning permit.

(b) Seasonal and temporary displays of merchandise greater than 200 square feet in area shall be limited to 45 consecutive days and 90 total days during a calendar year, upon approval of a site plan by the Commission.

(11) Waiver. The Commission may modify or waive any portion of this section upon making a finding that the proposed outdoor display area has been designed in consideration of these regulations and are sufficient to carry out the purpose of this section (§ 470-710).

(1) Except as herein provided, these regulations shall apply to any outdoor lighting fixtures installed, modified, refurbished, repaired or serviced within the following:

(a) Business Districts.
(b) Industrial Districts.
(c) Municipal Community Public Facilities Districts.
(d) Design Districts.
(e) Design Village Districts.

(1) All exterior lights and illumination shall be designed, located, installed, and directed in such a manner as to:

(a) Prevent direct or objectionable glare, light trespass, spill light, or obtrusive light;
(b) Be shielded (full cutoff);
(c) Employ soft, transitional light levels which are consistent from area to area;
(d) Minimize contrast between light sources, lit areas, and dark surroundings; and
(e) Be confined within the target area.

(2) No externally mounted direct light source shall be visible at the lot line at ground level or above. The illumination measured at the lot line shall be zero footcandles, excluding driveway entrances.
(3) Lighting shall include timers, dimmers and/or sensors to reduce unnecessary light levels during non-business hours to a minimum level required for overnight security.
(4) The height of luminaires, except streetlights in public rights-of-way, shall be the minimum height necessary to provide adequate illumination, but shall not exceed a height of 15 feet. The height of a luminaire shall be measured from the finished grade (not the top of a supporting concrete base) to the bottom of the luminaire.
(5) Light standards within a parking lot shall be located within landscaped islands or buffer strips and shall be set back two feet from any parking space unless wheel-stops are provided.
(6) Parking lots, sidewalks, and other areas accessible to pedestrians and automobiles shall be illuminated to uniform and adequate intensity. Typical standards to achieve uniform and adequate intensity are:

(a) Average horizontal maintained illumination shall not be more than 0.2 foot-candles;
(b) Maximum-to-minimum ratio shall be between 6:1 and 10:1, but not more than 10:1.

(7) In reviewing and approving outdoor lighting, the Commission may utilize recommendations for lighting levels as issued by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, the International Dark-Sky Association,
(8) The use of utility poles for outdoor lighting is prohibited.
(9) Any light, or illumination not in compliance with these regulations shall constitute a violation.
(10) A professional photometric survey shall be submitted as part of any site plan that demonstrates compliance with these standards. Such photometric survey shall depict the location of all outdoor lighting fixtures (including building-mounted), demonstrate a maximum 10-foot by 10-foot grid of both the initial and maintained lighting levels on the site, and show both business hour and non-business hour lighting plans in accordance with § 470-712.

(a) The following items shall be provided in addition to the information required by the Site Plan Checklist (Appendix 1.3 Site Plan Application).

[1] The location of all outdoor lighting fixtures (including building-mounted);
[2] A maximum 10-foot by 10-foot grid of both the initial and maintained lighting levels on the site.
[3] Both business hour and non-business hour lighting plans in accordance with § 470-712;
[4] Lamp types, lamp color rating, and lumen output ratings, which shall conform to the following criteria:

[a] Light sources shall have a maximum correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2,700K as rated on the manufacturer's specification sheet).
[b] Areas adjacent to waterways or nature preserves, only lights with a CCT rating of 2,000K, 1,800K, or less, or amber shall be used.

[5] A description of how the project lighting plan has been coordinated with any associated landscaping plan to prevent site planning conflicts;
[6] Any other information necessary to ensure that the proposed lighting complies with the provisions of these requirements as determined by the Commission.

(1) Temporary holiday lighting is exempt from these regulations, for a period of time to be commensurate with the holiday being celebrated, but in no event shall such lighting exceed a duration of 45 days annually in the aggregate.
(2) Temporary lighting used by the Police Department, Fire Department, or emergency services in connection with the performance of their official duties is exempt from these regulations.
(3) Lighting of the American Flag when it is the sole object being illuminated by the lighting fixtures employed for that purpose, provided that:

(a) Lighting designed to highlight flagpoles shall be low level (the minimum necessary to illuminate the flag) and shall be targeted and focused directly on the flag.

(4) The Commission may, by Special Permit, allow lighting that does not comply with the requirements of this section provided the Commission determines, in its sole discretion, that such proposed lighting is consistent with the purpose of these regulations and the criteria of § 470-902E. The following considerations are provided as examples of situations where a Special Permit may be considered:

(a) Extraordinary need for security exists because of a history of vandalism or other objective reasons;
(b) In traveled ways or areas, conditions hazardous to the public exist, such as steep embankments or stairs;
(c) It would be unreasonable to require replacement of an entire lighting installation because a minor change is proposed to an existing nonconforming lighting installation;
(d) Special lighting is indicated for historic buildings. The Commission may take into consideration advisory comments from the Town Historian, Canton Center, and Collinsville Historic Districts Commissions, or other knowledgeable sources;
(e) That ornamental up-lighting of sculpture, buildings, or landscape features when those features are the sole objects being illuminated by the lighting fixtures employed for that purpose;
(f) For use of strips of light intended to outline or highlight a structure, whether composed of linear light tubes or a sequence of individual illumination sources; and
(g) Such lighting is necessary for special outdoor events and for playing fields. Field lighting, unless modified by the Commission as part of the Special Permit, is required to:

[1] Not exceed 25 footcandles at any one location;
[2] Be reduced by at least 75% one hour after the conclusion of each game or post-game activities and be turned off within two hours after the conclusion of the game or activities;
[3] Have the ability to be activated at reduced power, with a timer and auto-off functionality for non-organized use of the facility.

(5) The Commission may modify the requirements of § 470-704 for a temporary use approved under these regulations.

(1) While any form of lighting or illumination not specifically permitted by these regulations is prohibited, for clarity, the following types of lights are specifically listed as being prohibited in all districts:

(a) Light sources that oscillate or vary in intensity or color to the degree that the modulation is perceptible to the human eye;
(b) Lasers;
(c) Searchlights other than for emergency purposes;
(d) Illumination of entire buildings.

See § 470-704: Outdoor lighting for more information.
See also § 470-712: Hours of operation and outdoor lighting for additional information.

(1) Unless modified in accordance with this section, pedestrian access to the lot and along all street frontages, sidewalks, and to and from and in-between individual buildings within the site shall:

(a) Be provided from a system of convenient and safe pedestrian ways, and

(b) Be incorporated into landscaping plans for any site development plan or parking area in accordance with the standards set forth below.

(2) Such pedestrian ways and sidewalks shall:

(a) Be at least four feet in width except if located perpendicular to parking spaces in which case it shall be:

[1] At least six feet in width; or
[2] Protected by concrete wheel stops or other methods to ensure that a four-foot clear width is maintained.
 

(b) Provide safe separation or delineation from motor vehicle traffic through the use of raised sidewalks and/or landscaping between sidewalks and parking spaces and/or driving aisles except that such pedestrian ways and sidewalks may be flush with adjacent pavement where necessary to facilitate wheelchair and shopping cart access if concrete wheel stops or traffic control devices, including line striping and signage are provided;

(c) Be constructed of concrete or other decorative-type paving material except bituminous materials, except that stone dust and bituminous concrete pavement may be used as part of an existing multi-shared-use path or any immediate connection to any such path;

(d) Be connected to the public sidewalk at the street or street right-of-way;

(e) Be designed, constructed, and maintained to accommodate disabled individuals per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements;

(f) Provide wherever possible for connections to adjacent lots, neighborhoods, or public or private way that accommodates pedestrian traffic; and

(g) Include pedestrian warning signs and adequate lighting, where appropriate.

(3) Pedestrian crossings shall be demarcated through the use of raised pavers, textured concrete, pavement markings, pedestrian warning signs, and lighting.

(4) Plantings, benches, and lighting shall be provided along walkways and at pedestrian crossings.

(5) The maintenance of public sidewalks, including the clearing of snow, ice, sand, or ashes, is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner (See Chapter 375 of the Town of Canton Town Code).

(6) For pedestrian traffic, the Commission, after considering the potential impact on abutting lot owners may:

(a) Require extension of walkways to nearby residential areas; and/or

(b) Require walls, fences or similar architectural elements to be installed to prevent pedestrian traffic from cutting through adjacent residential properties.

(c) If it is determined that pedestrian ways and/or sidewalks are either impractical or unnecessary considering potential pedestrian traffic at that location, then the Commission may waive any requirement of this section by a 2/3rds affirmative vote as part of the approval of either a site plan, special permit, subdivision, or design district;

See § 470-709: Bicycle, pedestrian, and emergency accommodations for more detailed information.

(1) All development requiring a zoning permit, special permit, or site plan approval shall employ proper provisions to adequately control accelerated erosion and sedimentation and reduce the danger from stormwater runoff on the proposed site based on the best available technology in order to result in a development that:

(a) Minimizes erosion and sedimentation during construction;
(b) Is stabilized and protected from erosion when completed; and
(c) Does not cause off-site erosion and/or sedimentation.

(2) A soil erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted for certification by the Commission for any development activity which would result in a cumulative disturbed area of more than 1/2 acre.

(3) This section shall not apply to Bonafide agricultural uses, as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

(1) The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection 2002 Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, and the Connecticut 2004 Stormwater Quality Manual, as amended, shall be used to determine the best available technology on any site unless alternative principles, methods or practices have been approved by the Commission for use on a particular site.

(2) An application requiring certification of a soil erosion and sediment control plan shall contain, but not be limited to, items required on the "Requirements for Erosion and Sediment Control" checklist, included in Appendix 1.

(3) Any soil erosion and sediment control plan may be reviewed by the Commission's engineer or the North Central Conservation District, which may make recommendations concerning such plan for the consideration of the Commission.

(1) Site development shall not begin in any area of the site unless the appropriate soil erosion and sediment control measures and facilities for that area have been installed and are functional.

(2) All control measures and facilities shall be maintained in effective condition to ensure compliance with the purpose of this section.

(3) The estimated costs of measures required to control soil erosion and sedimentation may be covered in a performance bond or other assurance acceptable to the Commission.

(4) Inspections shall be made by the Commission or its designated agent during development to ensure that control measures and facilities are properly performed or installed and maintained.

(5) The Commission may require the applicant to verify through progress reports that appropriate soil erosion and sediment control measures and facilities have been installed and are being operated and maintained.

See § 470-706: Soil erosion and sediment control for more information.

Reference standards. The following reference standards and requirements shall apply, and the same are incorporated herein as applicable, in order of priority: see § 470-713C for detailed information.

Hydrology.  See § 470-713E for details.

Stormwater collection and conveyance.

(1) Conduits.

(a) The following materials, when used for the manufacture or construction of conduits specifically designed for conveying storm drainage, are approved for use:

[1] Reinforced portland cement concrete; reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) shall be class IV or class V.
[2] Polyvinyl chloride pipe (pvc) per ASTM F794 or R949.
[3] Polypropylene pipe per AASHTO M330.
[4] Corrugated high density polyethylene pipe (HDPE) per AASHTO M294; except that HDPE is not allowed under Town roadways, parking lots, or similar Town facilities intended for vehicular traffic.

(b) Conduits composed of other materials may be approved if appropriateness for the particular circumstances is demonstrated.

(c) Minimum cover depths for reinforced concrete pipe shall be 1.75 feet under Town roadways, 1.5 feet under private roads and parking lots, and one foot elsewhere.

(d) Minimum and maximum cover depths for plastic pipes are provided on the Town standard detail for "Storm Drain Plastic Pipe - Bedding and Installation."

(e) Minimum slopes for enclosed conduits shall be 0.5%.
(f) Maximum flow velocity for the design storm shall be 12 feet per second.
(g) Minimum circular pipe size within or serving roadways or parking lots with more than eight parking spaces is 15 inches.

(2) Catch basins.

(a) All catch basins shall have four-foot sumps to trap sediment, unless otherwise approved for valid reason (e.g., utility conflict), and appropriate hoods per the CT-SWQM.

(b) Catch basins shall not be located in front of curb ramps or otherwise within intended walking paths, unless practically unavoidable. Where so unavoidable, special grates designed for pedestrian traffic shall be used.

(3) Collection and conveyance system calculations and modelling.

(a) Non-culvert subsurface conduits shall be designed to convey the flow from the design storm in free open channel flow, non-surcharged condition.

(b) Pipe inlets at catch basins with sumps will effectively function as culvert inlets; the lesser value between the inlet capacity at the upstream catch basin and the maximum free open channel flow capacity of a pipe shall be used in conveyance system calculations and modelling.

(c) Bypass flow shall be appropriately accounted for at catch basin grates at grade.

(d) All systems shall be evaluated for the 100-year flow:

[1] Determine where excess water will flow and what will be flooded.
[2] Problematic flooding should be avoided; flood waters shall not reach an elevation that will enter any existing or proposed building.
[3] Flood waters that end up in different locations than stormwater that is being conveyed by the drainage system shall be appropriately accounted for in the modelling.

 

Stormwater quality.

(1) The provisions of the CT_SWQM shall be complied with in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all stormwater facilities as relates to stormwater quality and treatment.

(2) As a point of emphasis, LID site planning and design shall be used to the "furthest degree possible," as set forth in the CT_SWQM. The Commission may, at its discretion, require an alternatives analysis to determine compliance with this requirement.

 

Stormwater quantity.

(1) Post development peak flow rate from the subject site to any downstream location shall not increase for the 100-year storm event.

(2) Peak flow rates from the subject site to any downstream location shall not increase for the two- or ten-year storm events, subject to:

(a) Any requirements from the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission to maintain certain flow levels with respect to a downstream wetland, shallow water body, vernal pool, or small watercourse, etc.
(b) In circumstances where stormwater retention possibilities are appropriately limited, peak flow rates from the two- and/or ten-year storm events may be allowed increase by an insignificant amount where it is demonstrated that there is a practical advantage to the overall design of the peak flow attenuation system in doing so.
(c) Note: The CT_SWQM requirement to control the two-year peak flow rate to 50% of predevelopment rate is a goal, and this requirement is not globally applicable to these regulations.

(3) Flow characteristics to any downstream location shall not be altered so as to cause, or threaten to cause, damage, erosion, or other harm to any downstream location.

(4) Subject to § 470-713C(1), § 470-713C(2), and § 470-713H(2)(a) and any groundwater pollution concerns, stormwater retention shall be achieved to the "maximum extent achievable," as set forth in the CT_SWQM.

Shared stormwater management facilities. See § 470-713I for details.

Maintenance. See § 470-713J for detailed information.

See § 470-713: Stormwater management. for more detailed information.

(1) For a special permit use, the applicant shall provide a traffic impact analysis, in accordance with the Institute of Transportation Engineers requirements for traffic impact studies. Such analysis shall evaluate traffic generated by a proposed development and its probable impact on existing roads and intersections in the area for:

(a) Any proposed nonresidential development containing a gross floor area of 10,000 square feet or more;

(b) Any development which, in the Commission's judgment, could generate high levels of traffic, exacerbate existing traffic conditions, or create a traffic safety issue; or

(c) Any intersection that would have 100 or more vehicles trips in a peak hour.

(2) The traffic analysis shall be prepared by a professional traffic engineer and shall include:

(a) Past and present roadway conditions including location and number of accidents;
(b) Existing and projected traffic volumes (average daily traffic, peak a.m. and p.m.);
(c) Existing roadway capacity; volume and capacity ratios;

(d) Estimates of vehicle miles traveled, and vehicle trips generated that assesses:

[1] The anticipated traffic impact of the proposed development; and
[2] Potential mitigation strategies, such as reducing the amount of required parking for a development or requiring public sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle paths, bicycle racks or bus shelters, including off-site;
 

(e) Proposed sight lines; and
(f) All calculations shall be based on facts and reasonable generation factors of the site, affected road networks, and intersections.

(3) In analyzing potential traffic impacts, the Commission shall consider:

(a) The effect of the proposed development on traffic conditions on abutting streets and any nearby intersections that would have 100 or more vehicle trips in a peak hour;

(b) The patterns of vehicular circulation in relation to the adjoining street system;

(c) The adequacy of:

[1] Traffic signalization, traffic channelization, left-turn lanes and roadway widths of adjoining streets;
[2] Vehicular stacking lanes and/or distances;
[3] Pedestrian drop-off areas; and
[4] Other traffic or transportation facilities to accommodate the proposed development.
 

(d) Anticipated traffic impact of the proposed development and potential mitigation strategies.

(4) A significant traffic impact shall be presumed where the projected traffic volume:
 

Increases the study area intersection/roadway peak hour volume by 15% for intersections/roadways with an existing peak hour volume over 100, and by 25% for those lower than 100.

Reduces the projected peak hour level of service to "D" or lower for the overall intersection as defined by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) for automobiles.

(5) The Commission shall not approve a proposed development with a significant traffic impact unless:
 

(a) The Commission finds that the development satisfies the special permit criteria and would enhance the character surrounding neighborhood; or

(b) The proposal is revised to mitigate the adverse impacts (such as limiting the number of curb cuts along heavily trafficked roads, widening roadway lanes, adding roadway lanes, adding turning lanes, providing signal modifications, providing traffic signalization, or similar improvements).

See § 470-708: Traffic and visibility at intersections and driveways for more detailed information.

(a) On a corner lot in any district, no planting, snow, structure, fence, walls or obstructions to vision more than three feet in height shall be placed or maintained within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line connecting points of said street lines, each of which points is 25 feet distance from the point of intersection.



(b) Any obstruction to vision which in the opinion of the Canton Traffic Authority is a traffic hazard shall be removed as a violation of these regulations.

(2) Driveways. In order to provide adequate room for emergency vehicles to turn into driveways and access all buildings and parcels within the Town of Canton, all new driveways (including alleys, private roads, and other access ways) shall provide the following minimum clearances for emergency vehicles, regardless of the paved width of the driveway:
 

(a) No building, fence, wall, lamp post, telephone pole, mailbox, sign, or other structure, nor any trees, boulders, or other obstructions shall be erected, placed or installed alongside any driveway so as to reduce the access to less than 14 feet wide at any point;

(b) No building, fence, trees, boulders or other obstructions shall be erected, placed, or installed within the triangular areas on either side of the driveway at its intersection within the travel portion of the road, formed by connecting the outer points of a line measured 25 feet on the road, (centered on the driveway), and a parallel line 14 feet wide (centered on the driveway) at a distance of 25 feet from the travel portion of the road [Diagram 708C(2)];

(c) If buildings are on the lot within 50 feet from the traveled portion of the road and can be easily accessed from the road, the Commission may exempt the parcel from the requirements of this section as part of any site plan approval; and

(d) Any bridge or culvert in the travel portion of the driveway shall provide enough width to accommodate modern day fire apparatus and be able to sustain the weight of a static fire service engine or tanker.