ARTICLE 5

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

5.1. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT ONE (R-1)

5.1.1. Statement of Purpose

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Borough of Stonington finds that the area included within the Residential District One (R-1), located south of Cannon Square and bordered by water, is characterized by conditions of moderate residential density, dangerously narrow streets, inadequate parking, older frame homes on moderately sized lots, and poor access due to the distance from and length of the Borough’s arterial road pattern, all as set forth as the Findings of Fact in the Borough Plan of Conservation and Development.

Therefore, it is the purpose of the Residential District One (R-1) to restrict further residential or other development within the district in order to prevent increased burdens on Borough emergency and other services and to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents within the district from the dangers of increased burdens on already inadequate emergency and other services.

5.1.2. Permitted Uses and Use Categories

5.1.2.1. Permitted Principal Uses

Single-family dwelling

Two and multi-family dwellings existing on September 15, 1986

Publicly-owned buildings, parks and open space

5.1.2.2. Permitted Accessory Uses

Home occupation, customary, subject to Section 3.5

Accessory uses listed in Section 3.4.1

5.1.2.3. Special Permit Uses

Two-family dwelling, subject to Section 5.1.4

5.1.3. Bulk Requirements

Minimum required lot area: 6,000 square feet

Minimum frontage: 50 feet

Maximum lot coverage: 25 percent (25%)

Minimum yard widths:

Front: 5 feet

Side: 6 feet

Rear: 40 feet

Side yards, total: both sides 12 feet, one side 6 feet

Floor area ratio: 50 percent (50%)

Maximum building height: 30 feet

5.1.4. Conversion to Two-Family Dwelling

No application for a Special Permit to allow a two-family dwelling shall be accepted by the Commission except for the establishment of such use in a building existing on December 1, 1981. No such conversion to two-family dwellings shall be approved by the Commission unless the following requirements are met:

5.1.4.1. The proposed conversion is contained entirely within a building which existed on December 1, 1981, and in those portions of such building which so existed on said date, such that the only building square footage which the Commission shall consider for conversion shall be that existing on the effective date of these Regulations, with the exception of stairways, elevator shafts, hallways, and other required accessory spaces not used for dwelling purposes; provided, however, that the sum of such spaces shall not exceed ten percent of the total building square footage as it existed on December 1, 1981.

5.1.4.2. The proposed conversion will be in harmony with the architectural character of the building.

5.1.4.3. There shall be a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet required for each dwelling unit (12,000 minimum for a two-family dwelling).

5.1.5. Off-Street Parking

Off-street parking will be provided in accordance with Section 2.8 of these Regulations.

5.1.6. Signs

All signs shall be in accordance with Section 3.7 of these Regulations.

5.1.7. Environmental Protection

All development is subject to the requirements of Section 3.3 of these Regulations.

5.1.8. Uses Exempt from Site Plan Review

With the following exceptions, all uses in this district are subject to the site plan review requirements of Section 9 unless such requirements are specifically waived by the Commission under Section 9.2 of these Regulations:

Permitted signs

Home occupation, customary

Tool sheds, greenhouses, arbors, garden houses

Temporary outside storage of a recreational camping unit

Fences under four feet in height

All other accessory uses and buildings as listed in Article 3.4

5.2. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TWO (R-2)

5.2.1. Statement of Purpose

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Borough of Stonington finds that the area included within the Residential District Two (R-2), located generally south of Cannon Square, is characterized by conditions of very high residential density, dangerously narrow streets, inadequate parking, older frame homes on very small lots, minimal open space and recreation areas, and poor access due to the distance from and length of the Borough’s arterial road pattern, all as set forth as the Findings of Fact in the Borough Plan of Conservation and Development.

Therefore, it is the purpose of the Residential District Two (R-2) to restrict further residential or other development within the district in order to prevent increased burdens on Borough emergency and other services and to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents within the district from the dangers of increased burdens on already inadequate emergency and other services.

5.2.2. Permitted Uses and Use Categories

5.2.2.1. Permitted Principal Uses

Single-family dwelling

Two and multi-family dwellings existing on September 15, 1986

Publicly-owned buildings, parks and open space

5.2.2.2. Permitted Accessory Uses

Home occupation, customary subject to Section 3.5

Accessory uses listed in Section 3.4.1

5.2.2.3. Special Permit Uses

Two-family dwelling subject to Section 5.2.4

5.2.3. Bulk Requirements

Minimum required lot area: 3,500 square feet

Minimum frontage: 40 feet

Maximum lot coverage: 50 percent (50%)

Minimum yard widths:

Front: No requirement

Side: 6 feet

Rear: 20 feet or 20 percent of the depth of the lot, whichever is greater

Side yards, total: both sides 12 feet, one side 6 feet

Floor area ratio: 60 percent (60%)

Maximum building height: 30 feet

5.2.4. Conversion to Two-Family Dwelling

5.2.4.1. The proposed conversion is contained entirely within a building which existed on December 1, 1981, and in those portions of such building which so existed on said date, such that the only building square footage which the Commission shall consider for conversion shall be that existing on the effective date of these Regulations, with the exception of stairways, elevator shafts, hallways, and other required accessory spaces not used for dwelling purposes; provided, however, that the sum of such spaces shall not exceed ten percent of the total building square footage as it existed on December 1, 1981.

5.2.4.2. The proposed conversion will be in harmony with the architectural character of the building.

5.2.4.3. There shall be a minimum lot area of 3,500 square feet required for each dwelling unit (7,000 minimum for a two-family dwelling).

5.2.5. Off-Street Parking

Off-street parking will be provided in accordance with Section 2.8 of these Regulations.

5.2.6. Signs

All signs shall be in accordance with Section 3.7 of these Regulations.

5.2.7. Environmental Protection

All development is subject to the requirements of Section 3.3 of these Regulations.

5.2.8. Uses Exempt from Site Plan Review

Permitted signs

Home occupations, customary

Tool sheds, greenhouses, arbors, garden houses

Temporary outside storage of a recreational camping unit

Fences under four feet high

All other accessory uses and buildings as listed in Article 3.4

5.2.9. Accessory Uses Exempt

Tool sheds, greenhouses, arbors, and garden houses are permitted within six feet of the rear lot line provided that all other bulk requirements are conforming.

5.3. RESIDENCE PRESERVATION DISTRICT (RP)

5.3.1. Statement of Purpose

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Borough of Stonington finds that those areas included within the Residence Preservation District (RP) are characterized by the presence of many structures of significant historic and aesthetic value, many of which are larger than single-family dwellings of our present time. The Commission also finds that the areas of the Residence Preservation District are served by roads and Borough services to a level which would permit some modest expansion of population densities without substantial adverse impacts on the public health, safety and general welfare. These findings are in accordance with the Findings of Fact contained in the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Therefore, it is the purpose of the Residence Preservation District (RP) to permit additional single-family residences and the conversion of existing buildings to multi-family residential uses so as to serve the needs of property owners and to diversify housing opportunity in the Borough, while retaining the appearance of historic structures and their physical environment as recommended in the Plan of Conservation and Development.

5.3.2. Permitted Uses and Use Categories

5.3.2.1. Permitted Principal Uses

Single-family dwelling

Parks and playgrounds

Cemetery

Tourist home

Publicly-owned buildings, parks and open space

5.3.2.2. Permitted Accessory Uses

Customary home occupations, subject to Section 3.5

Accessory uses listed in Section 3.4.1

5.3.2.3. Special Permit Uses

Two-family dwelling, subject to Section 5.3.4

Multi-family dwelling, subject to Section 5.3.4

Clubs

Places of worship

Child care center

Museum

Convalescent, nursing or rest home

5.3.3. Bulk Requirements

Minimum required lot area: 8,000 square feet

Minimum frontage: 50 feet

Maximum lot coverage: 35 percent (35%)

Minimum yard widths:

Front: 5 feet

Side: 6 feet

Rear: 6 feet

Side yards, total: both sides 12 feet, one side 6 feet

Floor area ratio: 60 percent (60%)

Maximum building height: 30 feet

5.3.4. Conversion to Two-Family Dwelling

No application for a Special Permit to allow a two or multi-family dwelling shall be accepted by the Commission except for the establishment of such use in a building existing on December 1, 1981 (the date of adoption of this provision). No such conversion to two or multi-family dwellings shall be approved by the Commission unless the following requirements are met:

5.3.4.1. Requirements of Sections 5.1.4.1, 5.1.4.2, and 5.1.4.3 of these Regulations.

5.3.4.2. There shall be a maximum of ten dwelling units per building or per lot, whichever produces the lowest number of dwelling units overall (10,000 sq. ft. minimum lot area for a two-family dwelling).

5.3.5. Off-Street Parking

Off-street parking will be provided in accordance with Section 2.8 of these Regulations.

5.3.6. Signs

All signs shall be in accordance with Section 3.7 of these Regulations.

5.3.7. Environmental Protection

All development is subject to the requirements of Section 3.3 of these Regulations.

5.3.8. Uses Exempt from Site Plan Review

Permitted signs

Customary home occupations

Tool sheds, greenhouses, arbors, garden houses

Temporary outside storage of a recreational camping unit

Fences under four feet in height

All other accessory uses and buildings as listed in Article 3.4

5.4. RESIDENCE DISTRICT (R)

5.4.1. Statement of Purpose

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Borough of Stonington has found that the portion of the Borough north of the railroad is suitable for limited additional development due to its accessibility to the road pattern outside the Borough which provides superior access to services and amenities beyond the Borough. Such new development can and must be held to the highest design standards in order to protect the quality of life in the area by provision of more adequate parking, open space and recreational opportunities, and other amenities which new development can provide, and under these Regulations, shall provide.

5.4.2. Permitted Uses and Use Categories

5.4.2.1. Permitted Principal Uses

Single-family dwelling

Tourist home

Publicly owned buildings, parks and open space

5.4.2.2. Permitted Accessory Uses

Customary home occupations, subject to Section 3.5

Accessory uses listed in Section 3.4.1

5.4.2.3. Special Permit Uses

Two-family dwelling, subject to Section 5.4.4

Multi-family dwelling, subject to Section 5.4.4

Clubs

Places of worship

Child care center

Convalescent, nursing or rest home

5.4.3. Bulk Requirements

Minimum required lot area: 10,000 square feet

Minimum frontage: 50 feet

Maximum lot coverage: 35 percent (35%)

Minimum yard widths:

Front: 10 feet

Side: 6 feet

Rear: 6 feet

Side yards, total: both sides 20 feet, one side 6 feet

Floor area ratio: 50 percent (50%)

Maximum building height: 30 feet

5.4.4. Conversion to Two or Multi-Family Dwellings

5.4.5. Off-Street Parking

Off-street parking will be provided in accordance with Section 2.8 of these Regulations.

5.4.6. Signs

All signs shall be in accordance with Section 3.7 of these Regulations.

5.4.7. Environmental Protection

All development is subject to the requirements of Section 3.3 of these Regulations.

5.4.8. Uses Exempt from Site Plan Review

Permitted signs

Customary home occupations

Tool sheds, greenhouses, arbors, garden houses

Temporary outside storage of a recreational camping unit

Fences under four feet in height

All other accessory uses and buildings as listed in Article 3.4

5.4.9. PAD Eligibility

The Residence District shall be eligible for consideration of an application for Planned Area Development, pursuant to Section 7 of these Regulations.

5.5. RURAL RESIDENCE DISTRICT (RR)

5.5.1. Statement of Purpose

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Borough of Stonington finds that those areas included within the Rural Residence District (RR) are largely bordered by coastal wetlands and associated lands along the north shore of Little Narragansett Bay, and are characterized by extensive wetlands and marsh areas, high flood hazard, and virtual isolation from the emergency services of the Borough due to topography and the location of the railroad line. Such findings are as set forth in the Findings of Fact in the plan of Conservation and Development.

Therefore, it is the purpose of the Rural Residence District to restrict further residential or other development within the district to prevent increased burdens on Borough emergency and other services and to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents within the district from the dangers of increased burdens on already inadequate emergency and other services.

5.5.2. Permitted Uses and Use Categories

5.5.2.1. Permitted Principal Uses

Farm

Single-family dwelling

Publicly owned buildings, parks and open space

Nature preserve

5.5.2.2. Permitted Accessory Uses

Farming accessory uses, buildings and structures

Customary home occupations, subject to Section 3.5

Accessory uses listed in Section 3.4.1

5.5.2.3. Special Permit Uses

Two-family dwelling, subject to Section 5.5.4

Multi-family dwelling, subject to Section 5.5.4

Clubs

Tourist Home

5.5.3. Bulk Requirements

Minimum required lot area: 20,000 square feet

Minimum frontage: 80 feet

Maximum lot coverage: 15 percent (15%)

Minimum yard widths:

Front: 10 feet

Side: 10 feet

Rear: 10 feet

Side yards, total: both sides 30 feet, one side 10 feet

Floor area ratio: 30 percent (30%)

Maximum building height: 30 feet

5.5.4. Conversion to Two or Multi-Family Dwellings

5.5.5. Off-Street Parking

Off-street parking will be provided in accordance with Section 2.8 of these Regulations.

5.5.6. Signs

All signs shall be in accordance with Section 3.7 of these Regulations.

5.5.7. Environmental Protection

All development is subject to the requirements of Section 3.3 of these Regulations.

5.5.8. Uses Exempt from Site Plan Review

Permitted signs

Customary home occupations

Tool sheds, greenhouses, arbors, garden houses

Temporary outside storage of a recreational camping unit

Fences under four feet in height

All other accessory uses and buildings as listed in Article 3.4