Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance PDF (November 2019 version)
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
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Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 1 of 145
City of Woonsocket,
Rhode Island
Appendix C - Zoning
Ordinance
(Editor's note--Appendix C is derived from
Ch. No. 6012, Sec. 1, adopted Dec. 19,
1994. The ordinance provisions are set out
as enacted with minor editorial changes.
Words appearing in brackets [] were added
by the editor for clarity. Amendments will
be indicated by history notes parenthetically
enclosed following the amended subsection.
The Official Zoning Map, Exhibit B, is not
set out herein but is on file and available for
inspection in the city offices. It should be
noted that Ordinance Ch. No. 6170, Sec. 1,
adopted Dec. 4, 1995, provided as follows:
The Woonsocket Planning Board is hereby
empowered to adopt, modify and amend
regulations and rules governing land
development and subdivision projects within
the City of Woonsocket; and to control land
development and subdivision projects
pursuant to those regulations and rules."
Formerly, App. C pertaining to similar
subject matter, was derived from Ch. No.
2714, adopted Sept. 20, 1971, and
subsequently amended, see the Code
Comparative Table. Cross references--
Buildings and building regulations, Ch. 7;
erosion and sediment control, Ch. 7 1/2;
housing, Ch. 12; streets and sidewalks, Ch.
16; water and sewers and sewage disposal,
Ch. 18; subdivision regulations, App. B;
master plan, App. D.)
Sec. 1. Purpose and Consistency with
Comprehensive Plan.
Sec. 2. Zoning Districts.
Sec. 3. General Provisions.
Sec. 4. Use Regulations.
Sec. 5. Parking and Loading Regulations.
Sec. 6. Supplemental Regulations.
Sec. 7. Provisions Governing Residential
Districts.
Sec. 8. Provisions Governing Commercial
Districts.
Sec. 9. Provisions Governing Mixed-Use
Districts.
Sec. 10. Provisions Governing Industrial
Districts.
Sec. 11. Provisions Governing Public
Recreation Districts.
Sec. 12. Provisions Governing Overlay
Districts.
Sec. 13. Procedures for Administration and
Enforcement.
Sec. 14. Procedures for Modifications.
Sec. 15. Procedures for Variances and
Special Use Permits.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
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Sec. 16. Procedures for Appeal.
Sec. 17. Procedures for Adoption,
Amendment and Appeal.
Sec. 18. Definitions.
WOONSOCKET CODE
ORDINANCE CHAPTER 6012
ADOPTING A ZONING ORDINANCE
FOR THE CITY OF WOONSOCKET
It is ordained by the City Council of the City
of Woonsocket as follows:
Section 1. Zoning Ordinance, Exhibit "A",
attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, entitled "City of Woonsocket,
Rhode Island Zoning Ordinance Revised
1994" is hereby ordained and adopted as the
Woonsocket.
Section 2. Zoning Map, Exhibit "B", filed
in the office of the City Clerk and
incorporated herein by reference, entitled:
"Official Zoning Map 1994 City of
Woonsocket, Rhode Island" is hereby
ordained and adopted as the Zoning Map of
the City of Woonsocket.
Section 3. Inconsistent Ordinance Repealed.
Chapter 351, Chapter 1500, Chapter 2695,
and Chapter 2714 of the Ordinances of the
City of Woonsocket, and all amendments
thereto, are hereby repealed as of the
effective date of this ordinance.
Section 4. Inclusion in Code of Ordinances.
This Ordinance shall be Appendix C, in the
Code of Ordinances, City of Woonsocket,
Rhode Island.
Section 5. Validity. If any provision of this
ordinance or the application thereof to any
person or circumstances is held invalid, such
invalidity shall not affect other provisions or
applications of the ordinance which can be
given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of
this ordinance are declared to be severable.
Section 6. Conformity. This ordinance
shall be in conformity with the City of
Woonsocket Comprehensive Plan.
Section 7. Nothing in this ordinance shall
affect any offense or act committed or one
or any penalty or forfeiture incurred before
the effective date of this ordinance; nor shall
anything herein affect any prosecution, suit
or proceeding pending or any judgment
rendered prior to the effective date; nor shall
anything herein affect the work of
completing any building, alteration or repair
restrictions is judged to be legal on the basis
of its relation to a logical and
comprehensive plan for the development of
the entire city.
Section 8. This ordinance shall be enacted
in accordance with the provisions of
Sections 45-24-27 and 45-24-72, General
Laws of Rhode Island 1956, as amended and
shall become effective upon the eleventh
consecutive day following its passage by the
City Council as provided in Chapter III,
Section 9, of the Woonsocket Home Rule
Charter, and all ordinances and parts of
ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby
repealed.
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Section 1. Purpose and Consistency
with Comprehensive Plan.
1.1. Zoning Authority.
As a control over the use of land, zoning is
based upon the idea that property rights are
created by the action of a system of laws and
government, and that, therefore, the rights of
individual property owners may be modified
in the interest of the larger group of people
living under those laws. Specifically,
zoning is based upon the police powers
reserved to the States under the United
States Constitution and delegated to
municipalities by state enabling legislation.
As applied to zoning, the police powers
allow that certain restrictions may be placed
upon the use of property. In order to
promote and protect the health, safety and
welfare of the community as a whole. Each
of these for which permit has been duly
granted, and which has begun prior to the
passage of this ordinance, or completing any
work or action duly authorized and begun
prior to said time in conformity with the
provisions of existing law.
1.2. Purposes of Zoning.
This zoning ordinance is the latest edition of
the Woonsocket Zoning Law first passed in
1923. It has been designed to address the
following purposes, each with equal priority
and numbered for reference purposes only:
(1) Promoting the public health, safety, and
general welfare.
(2) Providing for a range of uses and
intensities of use appropriate to the character
of the city and reflecting current and
expected future needs.
(3) Providing for orderly growth and
development which recognizes:
(a) The goals and patterns of land
use contained in the comprehensive
plan;
(b) The natural characteristics of the
land, including its suitability to
surface or groundwater pollution;
(c) The values and dynamic nature
of coastal and freshwater ponds, the
shoreline, and freshwater and coastal
wetlands;
(d) The values of unique or valuable
natural resources and features;
(e) The availability and capacity of
existing and planned public and/or
private services and facilities;
(f) The need to shape and balance
urban and rural development; and
(g) The use of innovative
development regulations and
techniques.
(4) Providing for the control, protection,
and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater,
and noise population, and soil erosion and
sedimentation.
(5) Providing for the protection of the
natural, historic, cultural, and scenic
character of the city or areas therein.
(6) Providing for the preservation and
promotion of agricultural production, forest,
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silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources,
and open space.
(7) Providing for the protection of public
investment in transportation, water, storm
water management systems, sewage
treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment
and disposal, schools, recreation, public
facilities, open space, and other public
requirements.
(8) Promoting a balance of housing choices,
for all income levels and groups, to assure
the health, safety and welfare of all citizens
and their rights to affordable, accessible,
safe, and sanitary housing.
(9) Providing opportunities for the
establishment of law and moderate-income
housing.
(10) Promoting safety from fire, flood, and
other natural or man-made disasters.
(11) Promoting a high level of quality in
design in the development of private and
public facilities.
(12) Promoting implementation of the
comprehensive plan.
(13) Providing for coordination of land uses
with contiguous municipalities, other
municipalities, the state, and other agencies,
as appropriate, especially with regard to
resources and facilities that extend beyond
municipal boundaries or have a direct
impact on another municipality.
(14) Providing for efficient review of the
development proposals, to clarify and
expedite the zoning approval process.
(15) Providing for procedures for the
administration of the zoning ordinance,
including without limitation, variance,
special use permits, and procedures for
modifications.
(16) Providing opportunities for reasonable
accommodations in order to comply with the
Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act,
chapter 37 of title 34; the United States Fair
Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA);
the Rhode Island Civil Rights of Persons
with Disabilities Act, chapter 87 of title 42;
and the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
Provided, however, that any zoning
ordinance in which a community sets forth
standards or requirements for the location,
design, construction, or maintenance of on-
site wastewater treatment systems shall first
be submitted to the director of the
department of environmental management
for approval as to the technical merits of the
ordinance. In addition, any zoning ordinance
in which a municipality sets forth standards
regarding wetland requirements, shall first
be submitted to the director of the
department of environmental management
for approval as to the technical merits of the
ordinance.
(b) Upon the effective date of this section, a
city or town shall no longer be authorized to
adopt as a provision of its zoning ordinance
new requirements that specify buffers or
setbacks in relation to freshwater wetland,
freshwater wetland in the vicinity of the
coast, or coastal wetland or that specify
setback distances between an onsite
wastewater treatment system and a
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freshwater wetlands, freshwater wetland in
the vicinity of the coast, or coastal wetland.
(c) Upon promulgation of state regulations
to designate wetland buffers and setbacks
pursuant to §§ 2-1-18 through 2-1-28, cities
and towns shall be prohibited from applying
the requirements in existing zoning
ordinances pertaining to both wetland
buffers and onsite wastewater treatment
system setbacks to development applications
submitted to a municipality after the
effective date of said state regulations. All
applications for development that were
submitted to a municipality prior to the
effective date of state regulations
designating wetland buffers and setbacks,
will remain subject to, as applicable, the
zoning provisions pertaining to wetland
buffers or setbacks for onsite wastewater
treatment systems that were in effect at the
time the application was originally filed or
granted approval, subject to the discretion of
the municipality to waive such requirements.
Nothing herein shall rescind the authority of
a city or town to enforce local zoning
requirements
1.3. Consistency with
Comprehensive Plan.
This zoning ordinance has been developed,
and shall be maintained, in conformance
with the City of Woonsocket
Comprehensive Plan, adopted May 6, 1992,
and all amendments thereto, in the instance
of uncertainty in the construction or
application of any section of this ordinance,
the ordinance shall be construed in a manner
that will further the implementation of, and
not be contrary to, the goals and policies and
applicable elements of the comprehensive
plan.
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Section 2. Zoning Districts.
2.1. Establishment of Zoning Districts.
In order to accomplish these ends, the
following zoning districts are hereby
established for Woonsocket.
2.1-1 Residential Districts.
2.1-1.1 R-1. Very Low Density Single-
family Residential District, but including
customary incidental home occupations,
public and semi-public uses. A minimum of
twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet is
required per lot.
2.1-1.2 R-2. Low Density Single-family
Residential District, but including customary
incidental home occupations, public and
semi-public uses. A minimum of ten
thousand (10,000) square feet is required per
lot.
2.1-1.3 R-3. Medium Density Single- and
Two-family Residential District, but
including customary incidental home
occupations, public and semipublic uses. A
minimum of seven thousand (7,000) square
feet is required for a single-family dwelling,
nine thousand (9,000) square feet required
for a two-family dwelling.
2.1-1.4 R-4. High Density Single- and
Multifamily Residential District, but
including customary incidental home
occupations, public, semi-public and
transient residential uses. A minimum of six
thousand (6,000) square feet is required for a
single-family dwelling, plus four thousand
(4,000) square feet for each additional unit
on the same lot.
2.1-2 Commercial Districts.
2.1-2.1 C-1. Urban Commercial District,
primarily for the conduct of retail trade,
administrative and professional services, and
service to the general public. Also permits
upper story residential use. A minimum of
six thousand (6,000) square feet is required
per lot.
2.1-2.2 C-2. Major Commercial District,
primarily for the conduct of major retail
trade and services to the general public. A
minimum of six thousand (6,000) square
feet is required per lot.
2.1-3 Mixed-Use Districts.
2.1-3.1 MU-I. Mixed Use
Commercial/Residential District, primarily
for the purpose of providing day-to-day
convenient shopping needs, administrative
and professional services, with an emphasis
on daily necessities for the immediate
residential area, provided that the gross floor
area of each establishment shall not exceed
three thousand (3,000) square feet, except
supermarkets and the lot coverage shall not
exceed thirty (30) percent. Minimum
required lot area for both residential and
nonresidential uses shall be six thousand
(6,000) square feet for the first residential or
nonresidential unit, plus four thousand
(4,000) square feet for each additional
residential or nonresidential unit on the same
lot, with a maximum possible density of ten
(10) dwelling units per acre.
2.1-3.2 MU-2. Mixed Use
Industrial/Commercial District, primarily for
the conduct of manufacturing and other
industrial uses which do not involve
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excessive smoke, odor, or noise; and/or the
conduct of retail trade, administrative and
professional services and service to the
general public. Also permits accessory
residential uses limited to persons
conducting primary industrial or commercial
uses. A minimum of six thousand (6,000)
square feet is required per lot. (Ch. No.
6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
2.1-4 Industrial Districts.
2.1-4.1 I-1. Light Industrial District,
primarily for the conduct of manufacturing
and other industrial uses which do not
involve excessive smoke, odor, or noise. A
minimum of six thousand (6,000) square
feet is required per lot.
2.1-4.2 I-2. Heavy Industrial District,
primarily for the conduct of manufacturing,
assembling and fabricating where any
resultant noise, odor, vibration, or fumes
shall be contained within the limits of the
district in which the cause is located. A
minimum of six thousand (6,000) square
feet is required per lot.
2.1-5 Public Recreation Districts.
2.1-5.1 PR-1. Active Public Recreation
District, for the preservation and
enhancement of those areas within the city
which are best suited for structured, active
recreational activities, with or without
accessory facilities. No minimum lot size is
required.
2.1-5.2 PR-2. Passive Public Recreation
District, for the conservation and protection
the natural state of designated areas to
provide opportunities for walking, hiking,
observation and other passive recreational
activities, and to provide a category of land
held in perpetuity to ensure that the present
and future residents of the city shall enjoy
the benefits of the natural environment. No
minimum lot size is required.
2.1-6 Overlay Districts.
2.1-6.1 Design Review Overlay District.
Established to regulate the design of new
and existing commercial or mixed-use
buildings, structures, improvements, and
facilities with regard to assessing the
impacts of predominantly commercial
development on the surrounding community
with regard to issues of health and safety,
visual and architectural quality and long-
term planning strategies.
2.1-6.2 Planned Residential Development
Overlay District. Established to permit the
flexible development of large tracts of
residentially zoned land in order to
encourage harmonious, efficient and
convenient living environments and
communities; to increase housing
opportunities by increasing the variety of
residential types, density and design; to
facilitate the economical and efficient
provision of necessary community services,
recreation and open space; to preserve
features and sites of natural, ecological and
historical interest; to encourage innovative
residential designs; and to promote the
health, safety and welfare of the residents of
Woonsocket.
2.1-6.3 River Corridor Overlay District.
Established to regulate the development and
use of land, buildings, structures,
improvements and facilities in proximity to
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the Blackstone River, with regard to
assessing the impacts of development on the
river environment with regard to issues of
health and safety, environmental protection,
public access, visual and architectural
quality and long-term planning strategies.
2.1-6.4 Special Flood Hazard Overlay
District. Established to restrict development
and use of land, buildings and structures
within areas prone to flood damage or
destruction.
2.1-6.5. Downtown Overlay District.
Established to regulate the development and
use of land, buildings, improvements and
facilities in the Main Street area; allow
additional permitted uses that encourage
further growth and concentration of art,
cultural and entertainment attractions;
promote the use of vacant and underutilized
properties; and encourage a walkable vibrant
environment".
2.1-6.6. Downtown Overlay District
Boundaries. The Woonsocket Downtown
Overlay District includes the following
assessor's lots and/or and modifications,
combinations or divisions of those lots
which may transpire in the future:
Assessor's Plat 13; lots 94, 95, 96, 97, 98,
99, 100, 102, 104, 171, 172, 191, 268, 289,
294 & 295.
Assessor's Plat 14; lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21,
25, 26, 27, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 51,
52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62,
63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76,
77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86,
87, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98,
99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115,
116, 118, 119, 120, 121, 123, 124,
125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131,
132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 138, 139,
140, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147,
148, 149, 150, 151, 154, 155, 156,
157, 158, 160, 161, 163, 165, 166,
169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 175, 176,
177. 178, 180, 184, 185, 186, 205,
206, 207, 208, 211, 212, 214, 215,
216, 217, 218, 220, 221, 223, 224,
225, 227, 228, 229, 230, 253, 259,
261, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278,
279, 280, 281, 282, 284, 286, 288,
289, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296,
297, 298, 299, 300, 308, 315, 316,
321, 326, 329, 330, 331, 335, 336,
341, 342, 345, 353, 354, 355, 362,
363, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371,
372, 375, 376, 377, 380, 382, 383,
387, 388, 390, 394, 395, 397, 398,
400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406,
407, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 418,
420, 421, 422, 423, 425, 427, 428,
430, 432.
Assessor's Plat 15, lots 13, 15, 16, 61,
201, 216, 221, 222, 224, 231, 235 &
236.(Ch. 7857, 12-07-2015)
§ 2.1-6-7. Historic Structures Floating
Overlay District. (amended 10/2019).
Established to regulate the
development and use of land, buildings,
improvements and facilities associated
with historic buildings, structures and
sites to allow additional permitted uses
that encourage the preservation and
redevelopment of historic structures in
the City of Woonsocket; and further
relaxes uses and dimensional
restrictions which are deemed as
impediments to successful and
reasonable redevelopment and
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preservation and to further permit the
flexible development of surplus
properties owned or formerly owned by
municipal, state or federal governments
or their instrumentalities in order to:
1.) encourage harmonious, efficient and
convenient living environments and
communities;
2.) increase housing opportunities and
economic development prospects by
increasing the variety of residential,
commercial or industrial types, density
and design;
3.) facilitate the economical and
efficient provision of necessary
community services, recreation and
open space;
4.) preserve features and sites of
natural, ecological and historical
interest;
5.) encourage innovative design; and
6.) promote the health, safety and
welfare of the residents of Woonsocket.
2.2. Zoning Map.
The boundaries of said districts are hereby
established as shown on the Tax Assessor's
Plat, City of Woonsocket, located in the
office of the city clerk, Woonsocket, Rhode
Island and entitled "Official Zoning Map,
1994, City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island".
Said map, filed with this ordinance, is
hereby adopted and declared as part and
parcel of this ordinance.
2.3. Zoning District Boundaries.
District boundary lines, in most cases, shall
be lot lines, centerlines of streets, railroad
right-of-way lines, or centerlines of
watercourses.
2.3-1 Location of District Boundary Lines.
Questions concerning the exact location of
district boundary lines shall be decided by
the zoning officer.
2.3-2 Administrative Relocation of District
Boundary Lines. Where a district boundary
line divides a lot under single ownership,
said boundary shall be moved, at the request
of the owner, up to fifty (50) feet for the
purpose of extending the zone of lesser use
intensity into the zone of greater use
intensity. District boundary lines shall not
be moved in such a way as to extend any
zone of greater use intensity into any zone of
lesser use intensity.
2.4. Intensity of Use.
For the purposes of this ordinance, intensity
of use shall be arranged in progressively
greater intensity as follows: PR-2, PR-1, R-
1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MU-I, C-1, C-2, MU-2, I-
1, I-2.
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Section 3. General Provisions.
3.1. Zoning Governs Every Building,
Parcel of Land and Use.
No building or land shall hereafter be used,
and no building or part thereof shall be
erected, altered, or moved unless in
conformity with the regulations herein
specified for the district, in which it is
located; provided, however, the zoning
board of review may grant variances and
special use permits in accordance with the
provisions herein set forth.
3.2. Uses Not Mentioned.
Any use not specifically or conditionally
permitted in a district is hereby specifically
prohibited from the district unless the use is
similar in all respects to a permitted use in
that district.
3.3. Nonconforming Development.
Nothing contained in this ordinance shall
prevent or be construed to prevent the
continuance of use of any property which is
nonconforming by use or nonconforming by
dimension for any purpose to which such
property is lawfully devoted at the time of
enactment of this ordinance.
3.3-1 Nonconforming by Use. A lawfully
established use of land, building, or
structure, which is not a permitted use in the
district in which said use is located, shall
constitute a nonconforming use. A building
or structure containing more dwelling units
than are permitted by the use regulations of
this ordinance shall be nonconforming by
use.
3.3-1-1 Change of Use. No nonconforming
use may be changed to any other non-
conforming use, unless a variance or special
use permit is obtained from the zoning board
of review.
3.3-1.2 Abandonment. Any nonconforming
use which is abandoned shall not be re-
established. Abandonment of a
nonconforming use shall consist of some
overt act, or failure to act, which would lead
one to believe that the owner of the
nonconforming use neither claims nor
retains any interest in continuing the
nonconforming use, unless said owner can
demonstrate intent not to abandon the use.
An involuntary interruption of a
nonconforming use by fire or natural
catastrophe, shall not establish the intent to
abandon the nonconforming use. However,
if any nonconforming use is halted for a
period of one (1) year, the owner of such
nonconforming use shall be presumed to
have abandoned such nonconforming use,
unless such presumption is rebutted by
presentation of sufficient evidence of intent
not to abandon the use.
3.3-2 Nonconforming by dimension. A
lawfully established building, structure, or
parcel of land not in compliance with the
dimensional regulations of this ordinance
shall constitute a nonconforming
development by dimension. Dimensional
regulations shall include all regulations of
this ordinance other than those pertaining to
permitted uses. A building or structure
containing a permitted number of dwelling
units by the use regulations of this
ordinance, but not meeting the lot area per
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dwelling unit requirements, shall be
nonconforming by dimension.
3.3-2.1 Merger of Residential Substandard
Lots of Record. Whenever two (2) or more
contiguous unimproved, or contiguous
improved and unimproved residentially
zoned substandard lots of record are in one
(1) undivided ownership, and the merger of
said lots would create one (1) or more
dimensionally conforming lots or reduce the
extent of dimensional nonconformance of
said lots, said lots shall be so merged, upon
demonstration of the following:
(1) That the merger is warranted by existing
or projected demands on the availability of
public services or infrastructure;
(2) That the merger will better reflect the
character of [the] neighborhood in which
said lots are located, through greater
adherence to minimum lot area and street
frontage requirements; and
(3) That the merger is consistent with the
comprehensive plan.
3.3-2.2 Development of Residential
Substandard Lots of Record. If a
residentially zoned lot of record at the time
of passage of this ordinance does not contain
sufficient lot area to meet all dimensional
requirements of the district in which it is
located but does contain sufficient area to
meet all setback requirements of such
district, the building inspector may issue a
building permit for the construction of one
(1) single-family dwelling only. Said permit
shall be issued only upon the determination
by the zoning officer that the substandard lot
is not a candidate for merger under
subsection 3.3-2.1.
3.3-3 Substantial improvement. Any
nonconforming development which is
determined by the building inspector to
require substantial improvement shall not be
so improved except in conformity with this
ordinance.
3.3-4 Alteration of Use Allowed by
Variance. No nonconforming development
shall hereafter be altered by addition,
enlargement, expansion, or intensification,
unless a variance to permit such alteration is
granted by the zoning board of review, In
the case of the proposed alteration of a
nonconforming development which is
nonconforming by use, the zoning board of
review shall adhere to the standards for use
variances. In the case of the proposed
alteration of a nonconforming development
which is nonconforming by dimension, the
zoning board of review shall adhere to the
standards for dimensional variances. In the
case of the proposed alteration of a
nonconforming development which is
nonconforming both by use and by
dimension, the zoning board of review shall
adhere to the standards for use variances.
(Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1, 9-2-97)
3.3-5 Alteration of Use Allowed by Special
Use Permit. No non-conforming
development shall hereafter be altered by
addition, enlargement, expansion, or
intensification, unless a special use permit to
permit such alteration is granted by the
zoning board of review. (Ch. No. 6400, Sec.
1, 9-2-97)
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3.4. Building Permit Required.
It shall be unlawful to commence earth
moving or excavation for, or construction of,
any building, including accessory buildings,
or to commence moving or alterations of
any buildings, including accessory
buildings, until the zoning officer has made
an affirmative determination that the
proposed use of such property is in
conformity with the provisions of this
ordinance and a building permit has been
issued for such work.
3.5. Certificate of Occupancy Required.
No land or building, or part thereof,
hereafter erected, changed or altered, shall
be used until the zoning officer has made an
affirmative determination that such land,
building, or part thereof, and the proposed
use thereof, is in conformity with the
provisions of this ordinance and the building
inspector shall have issued a certificate of
occupancy.
3.6. Previously Imposed Development
Restrictions.
Any development restrictions or
development conditions previously imposed
upon a parcel of land or portion thereof by
the city council shall survive any zoning
amendment affecting said parcel, and shall
remain in effect until specifically repealed
by city council ordinance.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 14 of 145
This Page was Left Blank Intentionally
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 15 of 145
Section 4. Use Regulations.
4.1. Use Categories.
The following use chart has been developed
to indicate those uses which are permitted,
conditionally permitted, or prohibited within
each zoning district.
4.1-1. Permitted Principal Uses. Permitted
uses are denoted with the symbol "P".
4.1-2. Prohibited Principal Uses. Uses
which are not permitted are denoted with the
symbol "NP".
4.1-3. Special Uses. Uses which are
permitted only upon approval by the zoning
board of review and issuance of a special
use permit are denoted by symbol "S".
4.1-4 Accessory Uses. Uses which are
permitted only as accessory to a permitted
use are denoted with the symbol "A".
4.1-5 Upper Story Uses. Uses which are not
permitted as ground floor uses but which are
permitted as upper story uses are denoted
with the symbol "*".
4.1-6 City Council Approval Required. Uses
which are permitted only upon the specific
approval of the city council are denoted with
the symbol "**".
4.2. Combination of Uses.
Any number or combination of permitted
uses may be located on a lot provided that
the establishment and conduct of said uses
are in full compliance with the requirements
of this ordinance.
4.3. Overlay Restrictions.
Where a property is located within one (1)
or more overlay zones, additional or lesser
use restrictions or deletions may apply.
4.4 Residential Uses
Zoning Districts
R-1
R-2 R-3 R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1
I-2 PR-1
PR-2
1. Single Family
Dwelling
P
P
P
P
P
P* NP
A
NP NP NP
NP
2. Two-family
dwelling
NP
NP
P
P
P
P* NP
A
NP NP NP
NP
3. Multifamily
dwelling, three
or more units
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P* NP
A
NP NP NP
NP
4. Residential
planned
development
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP NP NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 16 of 145
Zoning District
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1
I-2
PR-1
PR-2
5. Accessory
family dwelling
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP NP NP
NP
6. Mobile home
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP NP NP
NP
7. Community
residence
P
P
P
P
P
P*
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
8. Rectory,
parsonage or
religious
residence
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
9. Nursing home,
or assisted or
congregate care
facility
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
10. Rooming,
lodging or
boarding house
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP NP NP
NP
11. Bed and
breakfast
NP
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP NP NP
NP
12. Hotel or
motel
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
NP NP NP
NP
13. Backyard
Chicken Keeping
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
14. Solar Energy
System-Small
Residential
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
15. Solar Energy
Systems-Large
Residential
S
S
S
S
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
16. Solar Energy
System-Small
Com./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
NP
NP
17. Solar Energy
System-Large
Com./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
18. Wind Energy
Conversion
Facilities
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 17 of 145
Zoning District
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1
I-2
PR-1
PR-2
19. Live/Work
Units
NP
NP
NP
S**
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
20. Micro-lofts,
Micro-
Apartments &
Studios
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
** Requires approval of a resolution by the city council identifying a specific property or structure that
may be designated as permitting live/work units subject to plan approval by the planning board.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 18 of 145
4.5. Public and Semi-public Uses
Zoning District
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1
I-2
PR-1
PR-2
1. Municipal uses P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P** P**
P**
P**
2. State uses S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
S**
3. Federal uses P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P**
P** P**
P**
P**
4. Place of
worship
NP
S
S
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
5. Charitable,
fraternal or
service
organization
NP
S
S
S
S
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
6. Nonprofit
educational
institutions
serving young
children
including nursery
schools, pre-
schools,
kindergartens,
elementary
schools and
middle schools
NP
S
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
NP
NP
7. Nonprofit
educational
institutions
serving older
children and
adults, including
high schools,
vocational
schools, colleges
and universities
NP
S
S
S
S
P
P
P
S
NP
NP
NP
8. Family day
care home
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
9. Day care
center
NP
S
S
S
P
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
10. Hospital for
human care
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 19 of 145
Zoning District
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1
I-2
PR-1
PR-2
11. In-patient
rehabilitation
facility
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
12. Out-patient
rehabilitation
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
13. Prison or
correctional
institution,
including half-
way house
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
14. Compassion
Centers, either
for cultivation,
processing, sale
or distribution
(See §15.8-2 for
SP Use
Standards)
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S**
S**
NP
S**
S**
NP
NP
15. Passenger
terminals
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
16. Solar Energy
System-Small
Residential
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
17. Solar Energy
System-Large
Residential
S
S
S
S
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
18. Solar Energy
System-Small
Comm./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
NP
NP
19.) Solar Energy
System-Large
Comm./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
20. Wind Energy
Conversion
Facility
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 20 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
1. Business
services and
offices, including
design salons
operated under
the authority of
an approved A.I.
license,
excepting those
listed below
which are
permitted as
shown:
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
a. Barber,
hairdresser,
cosmetician,
manicurist or
esthetician
licensed in
accordance with
title 5, chapter
of the General
Laws of Rhode
Island [Chapter
6260 6/13/96].
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
NP
N
NP
NP
b. Building,
electrical
plumbing, and
similar
contractor
storage with or
without office
use.
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
NP
P
NP
NP
c. Car wash
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
d. Catering
business
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
e. Commercial
parking garage
or lot
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
4.6. Commercial Uses
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 21 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
f. Corporate
Office
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
g. Funeral home S
S
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
h. Health club
facility
NP
NP
N
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
i. Prepared food
sales
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
j. Heating oil
sales, service
and storage
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
k. Incidental
home occupation
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
l. Motor fuel
station
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
m. Motor
vehicle repair
garage
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
n. Motor
vehicle specialty
shop
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
o. Office Co-ops
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
p. On-premises
dry cleaning
facility
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
q. Self-service
laundry
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
r. Trade school
or other for-
profit
educational
institutions
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 22 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
t. Trade schools
or other for-
profit
educational
institutions
serving older
children and
adults, including
high schools,
vocational
schools, colleges
and universities
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
P
S
NP
NP
NP
u. Trucking
terminal
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
2. Retail sales,
excepting those
listed below
which are
permitted as
shown:
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
a. Adult book
store
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
b. Auction
house
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
NP
P
S
S
NP
NP
c. Flea market NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
d. Lumber yard NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
e. Motor
vehicle or
vehicle sales,
lease or rental
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
f. Supermarket
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
3. Wholesale
commercial
uses, including
sale to the
public when
secondary to
primary
wholesale
commercial use
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 23 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
4. Restaurant,
cafe, diner,
snack bar or
other
establishment
where the sale of
food and/or
beverage is a
principal use;
alcoholic
beverages may
be sold under
the authority of
a BL or BV
license.
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
NP
NP
5. Tavern, bar,
lounge, pub or
other
establishment
where alcoholic
beverages are
sold under the
authority of a
BM, BL, BV or C
license (Rev Jan
2019)
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
6.
Entertainment
facility or
amusement
enterprise,
excepting those
listed below
which are
permitted as
shown:
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
a. Adult cabaret NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
b. Adult motion
picture theater
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 24 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
c. Cinema,
theater or
cultural arts
center
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
d. Night club or
similar
establishment
where
entertainment is
provided
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
NP
NP
7. Storage or
warehouse uses,
excepting those
listed below
which are
permitted as
shown:
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
NP
NP
a. Junkyard,
vehicle wrecking
or salvage
facility
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
NP
b. Recycling,
facility
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
NN
NP
c. Self-service
storage facility
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
P
P
NP
NP
d. Trailer box or
similar article
used for storage
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
NP
NP
e. Pallet
exchange facility
NP
NP
NP
NP
P*
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
8. Solar Energy
System-Small
Residential
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
9. Solar Energy
System-Large
Residential
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
P
P
NP
NP
10. Solar Energy
System-Large
Com./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 25 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
11. Wind Energy
Conversion
Facilities
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 26 of 145
4.7. Industrial Uses
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
1. Manufacture
assembly,
processing or
fabrication of
materials in
adherence with
performance
standards listed
in subsections
9.2-4 (MU-2)
and 10.2-5 (I-1)
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
2. Manufacture
assembly,
processing or
fabrication of
materials in
adherence with
performance
standards listed
in subsection
10.3-5
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
NP
NP
3. Extractive
industries
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
4. Structures for
the generation
and
transformation
of electricity,
gas, water or
communications
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S**
S**
5. Research &
Development
facility
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 27 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
6. Solar Energy
System-Small
Residential
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
7. Solar Energy
System-Large
Residential
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
S
NP
NP
8. Solar Energy
System-Small
Com./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
NP
NP
9. Solar Energy
System-Large
Com./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
9. Solar Energy
System-Large
Com./Industrial
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
10. Wind Energy
Conversion
Facilities
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
NP
NP
S
S
NP
NP
11. Aquaculture
activities on lots
greater than five
(5) acres; 2 acres
in industrial
zones
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
12. Indoor
farming on lots
greater than five
(5) acres in
industrial zones
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
NP
P
P
P
NP
NP
13. Vertical
farming/rooftop
gardens
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
NP
NP
14. Brewery,
microbrewery,
winery.
NP
NP
NP
NP
S
P
P
P
P
P
NP
NP
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 28 of 145
Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3
R-4 MU-1
C-1
C-2
MU-2
I-1 I-2
PR-1
PR-2
15. Licensed
Cultivation of
Marijuana
(Only in existing
buildings* on
lots of 5 acres or
more)
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
P
P
NP
NP
16.Licensed
Patient
Cultivation
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
17.Retail Sales
of Medical
Marijuana
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
18.Caregiver
Cultivation
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
19.Non-
Residential
Cooperative
Cultivation
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
* If a building that is legally operating a licensed marijuana cultivator facility pursuant, to this ordinance is destroyed
in whole or in part by an Act of God, the owner of the building 01' the operator of the licensed cultivator may restore
the building in whole 01' in part to resume the operation as long as the replacement process (building permit
application) is started within one year from the date of the event.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 29 of 145
Section 5. Parking and Loading
Regulations.
5.1. Off-Street Parking Requirements.
No land shall be used or occupied and no
structure shall be erected or used unless the
off-street parking spaces required herein are
provided. Such parking spaces are not
required for any structure or use lawfully
existing at the time of enactment of this
ordinance; provided, however, those parking
spaces as specified in this ordinance shall be
provided for any enlargement of any
existing structure or use. After the effective
date of this ordinance, all land being used
for off-street parking, shall not be reduced
below the minimum required by this
ordinance.
5.1-1 Location of Parking Spaces. Off-street
parking spaces shall be provided on the
same lot as the use for which the parking
area is required. Direct and unobstructed
pedestrian access shall be provided from the
parking area to the principal use.
5.1-1.1 Parking Permitted on Off-Site
Location: If vehicle storage or standing
space required below cannot reasonably be
provided on the same lot on which the
principal use is conducted, the Zoning
Officer may permit such space to be
provided on other off-street property,
provided (1) such space lies within three
hundred (300) feet of a main entrance to
such principal use, (2) direct and
unobstructed pedestrian access is provided
from the parking area to the principal use,
where possible, and (3) the parking spaces
are available and designated solely for the
use of the off-site property and the hours of
operation of the uses involved do not
conflict.
(Ch. No. 6830, Sec. 1, 3-12-01)
5.1-1.2 No Parking in Front Yard. Except in
the case of a circular driveway, no off-street
parking shall be permitted in that portion of
the front yard of any residential property
which is bounded by the extension of the
side lines of the principal building
foundation, excluding any attached garage
or carport, from the line of said foundation
to the public right-of-way. (See Diagram).
A waiver of this parking prohibition may be
granted at the discretion of the zoning
officer when it can be substantiated that a
property does not otherwise contain
sufficient area for the accommodation of
required parking spaces.
5.1-2 Dimensional Requirements. Parking
areas shall meet the following minimum
dimensional requirements affecting the
width and length of individual parking space
and the width of aisles exclusive of
necessary drives and other access ways:
Minimum parking space width ...............9 ft.
Minimum parking space length..............18ft.
Minimum aisle widths (back-up space): (All
spaces must have back up space of no less
than 9 ft. wide by the following
corresponding aisle widths) 90 degree
angle.................................... 24 ft.
60 degree angle ................................... 16 ft.
45 degree angle .................................... 12 ft.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 30 of 145
30 degree angle .................................... 11 ft.
0 degree (parallel parking) .................. 12 ft.
(Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1 (F), 9-2-97; Ch. No.
6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3 Parking Space Requirements by Use.
Minimum parking space requirements for
specific uses are as set forth below:
5.1-3.1 Bed and Breakfast Inns: One (1)
space is required for each sleeping room to
be occupied by guests; plus two (2) spaces
to serve the owner's dwelling unit.
5.1-3.2 Boarding Houses and Rooming
Houses: One (1) space is required for every
two (2) boarders or roomers that can be
accommodated at maximum capacity; plus
one (1) space for each person employed or
intended to be employed on the largest shift.
5.1-3.3 Educational Institutions Serving
Young Children, Daycare Centers, and
Similar Establishments: Two (2) spaces are
required for every one thousand (1,000)
square feet GFA.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-
99)
5.1-3.4 Educational Institutions Serving
Older Children or Adults, and Similar
Establishments:
Primary or
Junior High
School
5 spaces per
classroom
High School
1 space per 5
students (based on
design capacity)
Higher
Education
1 space per 3
students (based on
design capacity)
(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.5 Entertainment Facilities: One (1)
space is required for every five (5) seats or
individuals for which the facility is
designated to accommodate.(Ch. No. 6585,
Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.6 Hospitals and Similar Institutions:
One (1) space is required for every one (1)
bed;
Nursing Homes and Similar Institutions:
One (1) space is required for every three (3)
beds.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.7 Hotels or Motels: One (1) space is
required for every hotel or motel room, plus
one space for each person employed or
intended to be employed on the largest shift.
5.1-3.8 Industrial Facilities, Corporate
Offices and Research and Development
Facilities: Two (2) spaces are required for
each one thousand (1,000) square feet, or
fraction thereof, of industrial space,
including warehouse space.(Ch. No. 6585,
Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.9 Office Facilities: Three (3) spaces
are required for each one thousand (1,000)
square feet, or fraction thereof, of office
space.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.10 Places of Assembly, including
theaters and churches: One (1) space is
required for every four (4) seats or places
available at maximum legal capacity.(Ch.
No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.11 Restaurants: One (1) space is
required for every four (4) seats or places
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 31 of 145
available at maximum legal capacity.(Ch.
No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.12 Retail Commercial Establishments,
Service Establishments & Out-Patient
Facilities: Parking space requirements for
retail commercial and service establishments
shall be based on the net floor area of said
establishments, as set forth below, where net
floor area is defined as the total of all floor
area used or usable in the sale of
merchandise or services:(Ch. No. 6400, Sec.
1 (G), 9-2-97)
(1) If the net floor area is less than fifty
thousand (50,000) square feet, four (4)
spaces are required for the first one thousand
(1,000) square feet, or fraction thereof, of
net floor space; plus one (1) space for each
additional two hundred (200) square feet of
said floor space.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-
99)
(2) If the net floor area is equal to or greater
than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet, four
(4) spaces are required for each one
thousand (1,000) square feet, or fraction
thereof, of net floor area.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec.
1, 4-5-99)
5.1-3.13 Single-family, Two-family and
Multifamily Dwellings: Two (2) spaces are
required for each dwelling unit, plus one (1)
space for each accessory family dwelling
unit which has been permitted by a special
use permit.(Ch. No. 6260, Sec. 1 (D), 6-3-
96)
5.1-3.14 Wholesale Commercial
Establishments: Three (3) spaces are
required for every one thousand (1,000)
square feet, or fraction thereof, of wholesale
showroom space.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-
99)
5.1-4 Exception for Main Street Area and
Downtown Overlay District.
Notwithstanding the above, off-street
parking shall not be required for
nonresidential establishments located within
the C-1 Urban Commercial District and the
MU-2 Mixed Use Industrial/Commercial
District from Market Square to Monument
Square, nor for nonresidential
establishments located with the Social
Renewal Area, which is bounded by Pond
Street to the east, Social Street to the north,
Clinton Street to the south, and the
intersection of Social Street and Clinton
Street to the west, and including Lot 22, on
Plat 27, and Lot 10, on Plat 36.(Ch. No.
6054, Sec. 1 (C), 10-16-95)
"One (1) space of privately-owned off-street
parking is required for each residential dwelling
in the Downtown Overlay District. This parking
space requirement can be met on an off-site
location provided that such space lies within six
hundred feet (600') of a main entrance to the
principal use." (Ch. 7857, 12-07-2015)
5.1.-5 Exceptions for Historic Structures
Floating Overlay District. (Passed 12/2017)
Notwithstanding the above, the city council
may grant a variance under this section
permitting one (1) space of privately-owned
off street parking as meeting the parking
requirements for each residential dwelling in
any Historic Structures Floating Overlay
District. This parking space requirement
may be met on an off-site location provided
that such space lies within 600 feet of a
main entrance.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 32 of 145
5.1-6 Construction Requirements. Every
parcel of land which after the effective date
of this ordinance is changed to a business or
industrial parking area, or a residential
parking area for five (5) or more vehicles, or
a drive-in business, or motor vehicle sales or
service establishment shall be developed
subject to the approval of plans thereof by
the division engineer.
5.1-7 Screening from Residential Properties.
Where a parking area containing eight (8) or
more spaces is located on a lot which
adjoins one (1) or more lots which are
residentially zoned or have a residential use,
a fence of solid appearance having a height
of not less than four (4) feet, or an approved
evergreen hedge having a height of not less
than four (4) feet and a spacing between
plants of not more than one and one-half (1
1/2) times the initial height of said plants,
shall be erected and maintained between
such parking area and each adjacent lot
which is either a residential use or
residentially zoned.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-
5-99)
5.1-8 Landscape Requirements for Industrial
Zone (I-1 & I-2) Parking Lots. The interior
of parking areas shall be suitably landscaped
with trees, shrubs, vegetation or other live
vegetable ground cover. Interior
landscaping shall amount to at least five
percent (5%) of the gross square footage of
the entire parking area, excluding required
buffer areas. Landscaped areas shall be
separated and protected from parking areas
by curbing or other means. Standards shall
be in accordance with those standards
contained in the city's subdivision
regulations, as amended.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec.
1, 4-5-99)
5.1-9 Buffer Requirements for Industrial
Zone (I-1 & I-2) Parking Lots. Landscaped
buffer areas shall be established along the
perimeter of all parking areas as follows:
1. Where any portion of a parking area is
adjacent to any residential use property, a
minimum landscaped buffer of ten (10) feet
in width shall be established along the lot
line which adjoins such residential use
property, and said landscaped buffer shall
include trees, shrubs, vegetation or other live
vegetative ground cover.
2. Where any portion of a parking area is
adjacent to any non-residential use property,
a minimum landscaped buffer of five (5)
feet in width shall be established along the
lot line, which adjoins such non-residential
use property. The landscaped buffer shall
contain trees, shrubs, vegetation or other live
vegetative ground cover.
3. Where any portion of a parking area is
adjacent to any street or public right-of-way,
a minimum landscaped buffer of four (4)
feet in width shall be established along the
lot line, which adjoins such street or right-
of-way. Trees of an appropriate size and
type shall be located approximately every
fifty (50) feet, with the exact tree locations
to be determined on a site-by-site basis to
avoid interfering with underground utilities
and/ or curb cuts. In the case of any parking
area along Diamond Hill Road, the type of
tree shall be green ash, and tree locations
shall be approximately every seventy (70)
feet. (Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 33 of 145
Parking: For live/work units of fewer than
twenty-five hundred square feet (2,500 sq.
ft.), one (1) parking space is required for
each unit. For live/work units greater than
2,500 square feet, required parking will be
based on the applicable parking standards
for the nonresidential use or the closest
similar use as determined by the zoning
official.
5.2. Off-Street Loading Requirements.
Every building or structure hereafter
constructed for commercial or industrial use
shall provide adequate space for the off-
street loading and unloading of vehicles.
5.2-1 Location of Loading Spaces. Off-
street loading spaces shall have unobstructed
access to a public street, and shall be
directly adjacent to the uses for which the
spaces are required.
5.2-2 Dimensional Requirements. No
loading space shall be less than ten (10) feet
wide and sixty (60) feet long.
5.2-3 Number of Loading Spaces Required.
One (1) loading space shall be required for
the first twenty thousand (20,000) square
feet of gross floor area, plus one (1) space
for each additional twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet, or fraction thereof, of gross
floor area. A waiver of these loading
requirements may be granted, at the
discretion of the zoning officer, when it can
be substantiated that one (1) or more of the
required loading spaces are unnecessary to
accommodate an establishment's loading
needs.
5.2-4 Exception for Main Street Area.
Notwithstanding the above, off-street
loading shall not be required within the C-1
Urban Commercial District from Market
Square to Monument Square.
5.2-5 Construction Requirements. Every
loading space which is developed or
redeveloped after the effective date of this
ordinance shall be subject to the approval of
the division engineer.
5.2-6 Screening from Residential Properties.
Where a loading space is located on a lot
which adjoins one (1) or more lots which are
residentially zoned or have a residential use,
a fence of solid appearance having a height
of not less than six (6) feet, or an approved
evergreen hedge having a height of not less
than six (6) feet and a spacing between
plants of not more than one and one half (1
1/2) times the initial height of said plants,
shall be erected and maintained between
such parking area and each adjacent
residentially zoned lot which is either a
residential use or residentially zoned.(Ch.
No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
5.3. Restrictions on Storage of Vehicles.
(Revised 6/2017)
Pursuant to a signed, written complaint on
behalf of an identifiable complainant, and in
Compliance with State Law pursuant to
access of private property, the zoning officer
shall have the authority to order removed
any vehicle located on private property
which presents a hazard to children or other
persons, or harbors tall grass or weeds, or
creates a fire hazard, or affords a breeding
place or nesting place for mosquitoes, flies,
rodents or other vermin. Any such order
shall be communicated in writing with an
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 34 of 145
explanation of the reasons for the removal
order.
5.3-1 (revised 6/2017) No more than one
operative unregistered vehicle or no more
than one inoperative, disabled vehicle,
whether registered or unregistered shall be
parked, kept, or stored in any residential
district, provided however there shall be no
more than one (1) vehicle in total allowable
pursuant to this section and no vehicle shall
be at any time be wrecked in whole or in
part in a state of major disassembly,
disrepair, or in the process of being stripped
or dismantled and/or covered with debris,
rust, weeds, or other growth in such
residential district. Painting of vehicles is
prohibited unless conducted inside an
approved spray-booth.
For the purposes of this section, the phrase
"inoperable motor vehicle" means a vehicle
which has not been moved or driven from its
current location because of its condition for
a period of more than ninety (90) days and
cannot be driven upon any public streets for
being unregistered, unlicensed or
mechanically impaired. It does not include a
vehicle wrecked in whole or in part, in a
state of deterioration and/or covered with
debris, rust, weeds or other growth.
Exception: A vehicle of any kind owned by
the homeowner or tenant is permitted to
undergo major overhaul, including body
work provided such work is performed
inside a structure or similar enclosed area
designed and approved for such purposes.
5.3-2.1 Temporary Relief. The zoning
officer shall have the authority to authorize
temporary relief from these sections 5.3.1
and 5.3.2 provided:
The property owner shows to the satisfaction
of the zoning officer that such relief will not
create a visual nuisance, nor pollute of
further pollute soil, water runoff, or storm
water. Such hardship shall arise from
conditions which require open storage of an
excess motor vehicle to repair a registered
vehicle for personal use, or antique
refurbishing. The zoning officer shall have
the authority to impose specific stipulations
as deemed necessary to alleviate adverse
effects resulting from open storage or work
to be performed, such as visual effects, or
soil or storm water contamination. Such
relief shall not exceed sixty (60) days.
(2) Written permission must be obtained
from the zoning officer; this permission may
be revoked upon any violation of set
stipulations. Revocation shall be in writing.
5.3-3 Storage of Inoperable Vehicles in
Nonresidential Districts. No inoperable,
disabled, unserviceable or dismantled motor
vehicle, whether registered or unregistered
or trailer, body, engine, part, or accessory
thereof, shall be parked or stored in any
nonresidential district, except where such
parking or storage is completely within the
confines of a commercial or industrial
property, and is directly related to or
accessory to a permitted use on the
premises.
5.3-4 Storage of commercial vehicles in a
residential zone. (added 10/2019)
In any residential district (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-
4), the parking and storage of all commercial
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 35 of 145
vehicles in excess of 15,000 pounds and
construction equipment (e.g. backhoes) of
over 9,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
shall not be permitted except:
a) Where parking or storage of
commercial vehicles is directly
related to and is accessory to a
permitted use or legal non-
conforming use on the premises.
b) Where the vehicles are being parked
to deliver items or goods to a
property that is engaged in a
permitted use or legal non-
conforming use.
c) Where current work is being done on
the premises by a contractor.
d) Standard size passenger motor
vehicles including, but not limited to,
vans, sports utility vehicles (SUVs),
standard passenger size vehicles, and
pickup trucks.
e) Where the vehicle is registered to a
resident residing on the property
where the vehicle is parked.
All permitted vehicles shall comply with all
other regulations set forth in Section 5 of
this ordinance.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 36 of 145
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Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 37 of 145
Section 6. Supplemental
Regulations.
6.1. Sign Regulations.
These regulations are intended to control the
size, location and purpose of signs, and to
ensure that signs are used for the
identification of permitted uses and
establishments and not for the advertisement
of products and services. The design and
location of signs shall be such as to not
obstruct the safe and reasonable movement
of pedestrians and vehicles, nor obstruct
adequate sight distance for entering or
exiting any site as determined by the zoning
officer. No sign shall hereafter be created,
erected, installed or altered except in
conformance with this ordinance.
6.1-1 Signs Permitted In All Districts. The
signs described below are permitted in all
zoning districts.
6.1-1.1 Charitable, nonprofit, religious, or
private educational facility signs. Signs
identifying charitable, nonprofit, religious,
or private educational facilities shall be
permitted as follows:
(1) Wall signs not exceeding twenty (20)
square feet in area shall be permitted.
(2) Off-site directional signs not exceeding
two (2) square feet in area per side of sign,
or eight (8) feet in height, shall be permitted.
(3) Temporary on- or off-premises free-
standing signs or wall signs advertising
public social events, not exceeding twelve
(12) square feet in area per side of sign, nor
six (6) feet in height, and limited to one (1)
sign per parcel shall be permitted. The
display of said temporary signs shall be
limited to three (3) weeks' duration, and
shall not be permitted more than four (4)
times in a calendar year.
(4) Free-standing signs, identifying the
permitted use, not exceeding twelve (12)
square feet in area per side, or five (5) feet
in height, and limited to one (1) sign per
parcel, shall be permitted. Said signs shall
be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from
all property lines.(Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1 (D),
10-16-95)
6.1-1.2 Directional signs. Directional signs
not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, or
three (3) feet in height, and not containing
letters, words or symbols associated with the
identification of a business or the
advertisement of products or services, shall
be permitted.
6.1-1.3 For Sale, Lease or Rent Signs. On-
premises, temporary, non-illuminated, free-
standing or wall signs to advertise the
leasing, sale or rental of a parcel, lot or
premises, not exceeding nine (9) square feet
in area, nor six (6) feet in height, and limited
to two (2) signs per parcel. Said signs shall
be maintained in sound condition, and shall
be removed within ten (10) days of the
lease, sale or rental of the property to which
they are related.
6.1-1.4 Government Agency Signs. Signs
identifying, or otherwise relating to, all
municipal, state or federal government
agencies shall be permitted.
6.1-1.5 Political Signs. Political signs of a
temporary nature, not located on utility
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 38 of 145
poles, on public property or within any
right-of-way, not exceeding sixteen (16)
square feet in area per side of sign, nor six
(6) feet in height, limited to two (2) signs
per parcel, and set back a minimum of five
(5) feet from the public right-of-way, shall
be permitted. Said signs shall not be
installed sooner than ninety (90) days prior
to an election, and shall be removed within
ten (10) days following said election.
6.1-1.6 Temporary Construction Signs.
Temporary signs customary and necessary
in connection with the erection of buildings
or other construction work, not exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet in area per side of
sign or eight (8) feet in height, and limited to
two (2) signs per project site, shall be
permitted. Said signs shall be set back a
minimum of five (5) feet from all property
lines, and shall be removed immediately
upon completion of the work to which they
are related.
6.1-2 Signs Prohibited in All Districts. All
billboards, roof signs, two wheel portable
signs with a marquee and/or with or without
an arrow, strobe lights, light bulb strings,
streamers, spinners and devices of a similar
nature, and all moving, flashing, rotating or
blinking signs shall be prohibited in all
zoning districts, except that signs indicating
time and temperature, and traditional barber
poles shall be permitted in conformance
with all other regulations of this ordinance,
and temporary holiday decorations shall be
permitted in all districts for a period of up to
sixty (60) days per year. The use of fencing
for advertising purposes shall be prohibited
in all districts.(Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1 (E), 10-
16-95; Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1 (H), 9-2-97)
6.1-3 Signs Permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3 and
R-4 Districts. The signs described below are
permitted in the R-1 Very Low Density
Single-family Residential, R-2 Low Density
Single-family Residential, R-3 Medium
Density Single- and two-family Residential,
and R-4 High Density Single- and
Multifamily Residential Districts. Exterior
signs shall not be illuminated.
6.1-3.1 Banners. Banners not overhanging
the public right-of-way, nor obstructing
traffic, nor interfering with adjoining
properties or establishments, and limited to a
maximum of two (2) banners per
establishment shall be permitted on premises
where the predominant, legally permitted
use of said premises is nonresidential. Said
banners shall be properly maintained at all
times, not faded or tattered, and shall be
securely fastened at all corners and ends.
The occupants of any residential portion of a
property upon which a banner is located, and
the occupants of any abutting residential
property, may object in writing to that
banner. Upon receipt of said written
objection, the zoning officer shall order the
removal of the objectionable banner, and the
owner may appeal to the zoning board of
review for relief of the removal order. Said
banners shall not contain letters or words
associated with the identification of the
business and in no way shall take the place
of a permanent sign; however, logos shall be
permitted on said banners.(Ch. No. 6069,
Sec. 1, 5-15-95)
6.1-3.2 Free-standing Signs. Free-standing
signs, indicating the name of the owners or
occupants, or identifying a permitted
nonresidential use, not exceeding two (2)
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 39 of 145
square feet in area, or five (5) feet in height,
and limited to one (1) sign per parcel, shall
be permitted. Said signs shall be set back a
minimum of five (5) feet from all property
lines.
6.1-3.3 Pennant Strings. Pennant strings not
overhanging the public right-of-way, nor
obstructing traffic, nor interfering with
adjoining properties or establishments, and
limited to a maximum of two (2) pennant
strings per establishment, shall be permitted
on premises where the predominant, legally
permitted use of said premises is
nonresidential. Said pennant strings shall be
properly maintained at all times, not faded
or tattered, and shall be securely fastened at
all ends. The occupants of any residential
portion of a property upon which a pennant
string is located, and the occupants of any
abutting residential property, may object in
writing to that pennant string. Upon receipt
of said written objection, the zoning officer
shall order the removal of the objectionable
pennant string, and the owner may appeal to
the zoning board of review for relief of the
removal order.
6.1-3.4 Subdivision or Housing Complex
Signs. Free-standing signs, identifying
subdivisions or housing complexes, not
exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area,
nor six (6) feet in height, and limited to two
(2) signs per subdivision or housing
complex, shall be permitted. Said signs
shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet
from all property lines.
6.1-3.5 Wall Signs. Wall signs, identifying
a permitted nonresidential use, not
exceeding nine (9) square feet in area, and
limited to one (1) sign per establishment,
shall be permitted.
6.1-4 Signs Permitted in MU-I Districts.
The signs described below are permitted in
the MU-I Mixed-Use Commercial/
Residential District. Exterior signs, if
illuminated, shall be so arranged as to reflect
light away from adjoining properties and/or
streets, and shall not be located within
twenty-five (25) feet of any residential
district boundary line.
6.1-4.1 A-Frame Signs. A-frame signs or
similar temporary or portable signs, not
exceeding twelve (12) square feet per side of
sign, nor four (4) feet in height, nor
obstructing pedestrian or vehicular
circulation or required parking, nor
interfering with adjoining properties or
establishments, and limited to a maximum
one (1) sign per establishment shall be
permitted. Said signs shall be constructed of
wood, metal and/or heavy plastic, and shall
be so designed and/or fastened as to prevent
said signs from being propelled by wind.
No A-frame sign or similar temporary or
portable signs shall be located more than
one hundred (100) feet from the structure
with which it is associated. (Ch. No. 6400,
Sec. 1 (J), 9-2-97)
6.1-4.2 Awning or Canopy Signs. Awning
or canopy signs, identifying a permitted use,
not exceeding one (1) square foot per linear
foot of front wall length, up to a maximum
of thirty-six (36) square feet per
establishment, shall be permitted on, along
or extending from the front wall of a
building. Awning or canopy signs may be
combined with wall signs such that the
combined area of all such signs does not
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 40 of 145
exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of
front wall length, up to a maximum of
thirty-six (36) square feet per establishment.
6.1-4.3 Banners. Banners not overhanging
the public right-of-way, nor obstructing
traffic, nor interfering with adjoining
properties or establishments, and limited to a
maximum of two (2) banners per
establishment for a period of up to six (6)
months in any calendar year, shall be
permitted. Said banners shall be properly
maintained at all times, not faded or tattered,
and shall be securely fastened at all corners
and ends.
6.1-4.4 Credit Card Signs. Credit card
signs, not exceeding one (1) square foot in
aggregate area per establishment, which are
not illuminated, shall be permitted.
6.1-4.5 Directory Signs. Wall signs,
identifying two (2) or more interior
permitted uses, not exceeding six (6) square
feet in aggregate area per building, shall be
permitted.
6.1-4.6 Free-standing Signs. Free-standing
signs, identifying a permitted use, not
exceeding six (6) square feet in area, or five
(5) feet in height, and limited to one (1) sign
per parcel, shall be permitted. Said signs
shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet
from all property lines. (Ch. No. 6400, Sec.
1(I), 9-2-97)
6.1-4.7 Information Flags. One (1)
information flag, containing the word
"Open" and/or the business' logo, not
exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area per
establishment, shall be permitted.
6.1-4.8 Pennant Strings. Pennant strings not
overhanging the public right-of-way, nor
obstructing traffic, nor interfering with
adjoining properties or establishments, and
limited to a maximum of two (2) pennant
strings per establishment, shall be permitted.
Said pennant strings shall be properly
maintained at all times, not faded or tattered,
and shall be securely fastened at all ends.
6.1-4.9 Projecting Signs. Projecting signs,
identifying a permitted use, not exceeding
twelve (12) square feet in area, nor
projecting more than four (4) feet from the
building wall, with an unobstructed
clearance to a height of ten (10) feet above
the ground, not projecting over the public
right-of-way, and limited to one (1) sign per
establishment, shall be permitted.
6.1-4.10 Wall Signs. Wall signs, identifying
a permitted use, not exceeding one (1)
square foot per linear foot of front wall
length, up to a maximum of thirty-six (36)
square feet per establishment, shall be
permitted. For the purposes of this
subsection, signs installed on first-story
mansard roofs or mansard facades shall be
considered wall signs. Wall signs may be
combined with awning or canopy signs such
that the combined area of all such signs does
not exceed one (1) square foot per linear
foot of front wall length, up to a maximum
of thirty-six (36) square feet per
establishment.(Ch. No. 6069, Sec. 2, 5-15-
95)
6.1-5 Signs Permitted in C-1, C-2, MU-2, I-
1 and I-2 Districts. The signs described
below are permitted in the C-1 Urban
Commercial, C-2 Major Commercial and
MU-2 Commercial/Industrial, I-1 Light
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Page 41 of 145
Industrial, and I-2 Heavy Industrial
Districts. Exterior signs, if illuminated,
shall be so arranged as to reflect light away
from adjoining properties and/or streets, and
shall not be located within twenty-five (25)
feet of any residential district boundary line.
6.1-5.1 A-Frame Signs. A-frame signs or
similar temporary or portable signs, not
exceeding twelve (12) square feet per side of
sign, nor four (4) feet in height, nor
obstructing pedestrian or vehicular
circulation or required parking, nor
interfering with adjoining properties or
establishments, and limited to a maximum
of one (1) sign per establishment shall be
permitted. Said signs shall be constructed of
wood, metal and/or heavy plastic, and shall
be so designed and/or so fastened as to
prevent said signs from being propelled by
wind. No A-frame signs or similar
temporary or portable signs shall be located
more than one hundred (100) feet from the
structure with which it is associated. (Ch.
No. 6400, Sec. 1 (J), 9-2-97)
6.1-5.2 Awning or Canopy Signs. Awning
or canopy signs, identifying a permitted use,
not exceeding two (2) square feet per linear
foot of front wall length, up to a maximum
of one hundred (100) square feet per
establishment, shall be permitted on, along
or extending from the front wall of a
building. Awning or canopy signs may be
combined with wall signs such that the
combined area of all such signs does not
exceed two (2) square feet per linear foot of
front wall length, up to a maximum of one
hundred (100) square feet per establishment.
6.1-5.3 Banners. Banners not overhanging
the public right-of-way, nor obstructing
traffic, nor interfering with adjoining
properties or establishments, and limited to a
maximum of two (2) banners per
establishment for a period of up to six (6)
months in any calendar year, shall be
permitted. Said banners shall be properly
maintained at all times, not faded or tattered,
and shall be securely fastened at all corners
and ends.
6.1-5.4 Credit Card Signs. Credit card
signs, not exceeding one (1) square foot in
aggregate area per establishment, which are
not illuminated, shall be permitted.
6.1-5.5 Directory Signs. Wall signs,
identifying two (2) or more interior
permitted uses, not exceeding eight (8)
square feet in aggregate area per building,
shall be permitted.
6.1-5.6 Free-standing Signs. Free-standing
signs, identifying a permitted use, not
exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area per
side, or one hundred (100) square feet in
aggregate area, nor fourteen (14) feet in
height, and limited to one (1) sign per
parcel, shall be permitted. Said signs shall
be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from
all property lines and shall not be located
within twenty-five (25) feet of any
residential district.
6.1-5.7 Information Flags. One (1)
information flag, containing the word
"Open" and/or the business logo, not
exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area per
establishment, shall be permitted.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 42 of 145
6.1-5.8 Menu Boards. Menu boards, not
exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet in area,
or eight (8) feet in height, and limited to one
(1) menu board per establishment, shall be
permitted. Said signs shall be set back five
(5) feet from all nonresidential property
lines and ten (10) feet from all residential
property lines.
6.1-5.9 Pennant Strings. Pennant strings not
overhanging the public right-of-way, nor
obstructing traffic, nor interfering with
adjoining properties or establishments, and
limited to a maximum of two (2) pennant
strings per establishment, shall be permitted.
Said pennant strings shall be properly
maintained at all times, not faded or tattered,
and shall be securely fastened at all ends.
6.1-5.10 Projecting Signs. Projecting signs,
identifying a permitted use, not exceeding
twelve (12) square feet in area, nor
projecting more than four (4) feet from the
building wall, with an unobstructed
clearance to a height of ten (10) feet above
the ground, not projecting over the public
right-of-way, and limited to one (1) sign per
establishment, shall be permitted.
6.1-5.11 Under Canopy Signs. Under
canopy signs, identifying a permitted use,
not exceeding three (3) square feet in area
per side of sign, with an unobstructed
clearance of ten (10) feet above the ground,
and limited to two (2) signs per
establishment, shall be permitted.
6.1-5.12 Wall Signs. Wall signs, identifying
a permitted use, shall be permitted as
indicated below. For the purposes of this
subsection, signs installed on first-story
mansard roofs or mansard facades shall be
considered wall signs.
(1) Wall signs, not exceeding two (2)
square feet per linear foot of front wall
length, up to a maximum of one hundred
(100) square feet per establishment, shall be
permitted on the front wall of a building.
Wall signs may be combined with awning or
canopy signs such that the combined area of
all such signs does not exceed two (2)
square feet per linear foot of front wall
length, up to a maximum of one hundred
(100) square feet per establishment.
(2) Wall signs not exceeding an aggregate
of one hundred (100) square feet per
establishment, shall be permitted on all other
exterior sides of a building combined.
6.1-6 Nonconforming Signs. Any sign,
which lawfully existed and was properly
maintained as of the date of enactment of
this ordinance, may be continued, but shall
not be relocated, or removed and
reestablished, unless in conformance with
the provisions of this ordinance.
Maintenance, repair or replacement of the
faces of said sign shall be permitted
provided that there is no change in the area,
height, width, depth or illumination of said
sign.(Ch. No. 6069, Sec. 3, 5-15-95)
6.1-7 Ground Floor Window Transparency
within Downtown Overlay District in C-1,
MU-1 and MU-2 Districts. Ground floor
windows shall maintain a total area of
transparency of 50% or more. This will
create a pedestrian-friendly district, which
will allow views of indoor nonresidential
space or product display areas.
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Page 43 of 145
Window signs printed on a transparent film
and affixed to the interior or exterior of a
windowpane are calculated as individual
letters or logos, provided that the portion of
the transparent film around the perimeter of
the individual letters or logos maintains
100% transparency of the window.
Residential units are not subject to the
ground floor window transparency
minimum.(Ch. 7857, 12-07-2015)
6.2. Screening and Fencing.
Screening and fencing shall be permitted in
conformance with the requirements set forth
below.
6.2-1 Fences Permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-
4 and MU-I Districts. Fences located in
front yards shall not exceed three (3) feet in
height. Fences located in side yards shall
not exceed four (4) feet in height. Fences
located in rear yards shall not exceed six (6)
feet in height.
6.2-1.1 Fences On Through Lots. Fences on
through lots shall be so located that the
height of the fence in the rear yard shall be
no higher than three (3) feet along the rear
lot line and three (3) feet up to the setback
required from the rear street lot line.
6.2-2 Fences Permitted in C-1, C-2, and
MU-2 Districts. No fences shall be
permitted in front yards. Fences located in
rear yards shall not exceed six (6) feet in
height. Fences located in side yards shall
not exceed four (4) feet in height. However,
the height of a fence located in side yard
may be increased to a maximum height of
six (6) feet, provided that the distance
between all buildings and the side lot line is
increased over the minimum required side
setback by five (5) feet for every foot, or
fraction thereof, of additional fence height.
6.2-3 Fences Permitted in I-1, and I-2
Districts. Fences may be located in front,
side or rear yards, but shall not exceed six
(6) feet in height.
6.2-4 Composition of Fences. Fences may
consist of posts, wire, boards, stone,
masonry, concrete or other material
approved by the building inspector. Fences
may not consist of, nor contain, barbed wire,
razor wire or any other material capable of
causing injury.
6.2-5 Increased Fence Height. Increased
fence height may be approved by the zoning
officer if one of the adjacent buildings is
used for the storage of three (3) or more
automobiles or in the case of exceptional
topography. The zoning board of review has
the right to require increased fence heights.
6.2-6 Permit required: Any screening or
fencing constructed under the provisions of
this section shall require application for and
the issuance of a permit from the office of
the building and zoning officials in a form to
be determined by that office. The cost of
such permit in all cases shall be fifty dollars
and no cents ($50.00).
6.3. Exception on Building Height
Limits.
The building height limitations of this
ordinance shall not apply to church spires,
belfries, cupolas or domes not intended for
human occupancy, monuments, water
towers, transmission or receiving towers,
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 44 of 145
chimneys, smokestacks, flagpoles, masts,
aerials, satellite dishes, or similar structures
attached to a principal building or accessory
structure.
6.4. Location of Accessory Buildings.
Any accessory building located on the same
lot as the principal building shall not be
located in any required front yard and shall
meet the yard requirements for an accessory
building; however, if any accessory building
other than a garage or carport is connected
to the principal building by a breezeway or
similar structure, it shall meet all the yard
requirements of the principal building.(Ch.
No. 6921, Sec. 1, 1-23-02)
6.5. Obstructions to Vision Prohibited.
Every building or structure, or improvement
constructed, installed or planted on a corner
lot within any district, within the triangular
area formed by a straight line connecting
those points along the centerlines of the
streets at a distance of ninety (90) feet from
their intersections, shall be constructed,
installed or planted so as not to cause any
obstruction to vision between a height of
three (3) feet and a height of eight, (8) feet
above the average grade of each street,
measured along the centerline thereof.
Notwithstanding the above, the requirements
of this subsection shall not be deemed to
prohibit the construction of any necessary
retaining wall.(Ch. No. 6830, Sec. 1, 3-12-
01)
6.6. Projections over Street Rights-of-
Way.
In all districts, except the C-1 Urban
Commercial District, no projection,
including without limitation, awnings,
canopies, and signs, shall be permitted to
overhang the street right-of-way.
Projections over street rights-of-way within
the C-1 Urban Commercial District shall be
in accordance with the standards listed
below.
6.6-1 Projecting Signs. Signs shall have an
unobstructed clearance of ten (10) feet from
the sidewalk to the lowest portion of the
sign, and shall not extend more than four (4)
feet from the face of the building.
6.6-2 Awnings. Awnings shall have an
unobstructed clearance of eight (8) feet from
the sidewalk to the lowest portion of the
awning framework, and an unobstructed
clearance of not less than seven (7) feet
between the covering or valance and the
sidewalk. Awnings shall not extend to
within one (1) foot of the outer face of the
curb, except that awnings installed above the
first story shall not project more than four
(4) feet from the face of the building.
6.6-3 Canopies. Canopies shall have an
unobstructed clearance of eight (8) feet from
the sidewalk to the lowest portion of the
horizontal canopy framework, and an
unobstructed clearance of not less than
seven (7) feet between the covering or
valance and the sidewalk. The width of
canopies shall not exceed eight (8) feet, and
the top of canopies shall not be more than
twelve (12) feet above the sidewalk.
Canopies shall not extend to within two (2)
feet of the outer face of the curb.
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Page 45 of 145
6.7. Buffer Zone Requirements.
[Repealed](Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
6.8. Lighting Requirements.
Any lighting fixture used to illuminate any
building, structure, improvement, parking
area, or parcel of land shall be so arranged
as not to direct light onto any adjoining
parcel of land or street.
6.9. Display of Wares or Merchandise.
There shall be no outside display of wares or
merchandise in connection with any use,
including uses permitted by variance or
special use permit, in any R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
or MU-I district. Outside display of wares
or merchandise shall be permitted in
connection with permitted uses in all other
districts, but shall not affect or decrease the
required parking.
6.10. Nonconforming Residential
Development.
In the case of existing nonconforming
residential uses in commercial, mixed-use or
industrial districts, all buildings and
structures shall meet the density and setback
requirements of the strictest adjacent
residential district.
6.11. Temporary Use of Mobile Homes.
Mobile homes may temporarily be used by
persons displaced by a disaster such as a fire
or a flood, at the site of said disaster, upon
application to and approval by the building
inspector and zoning officer, who shall be
authorized to give temporary approval for
said use for a period not to exceed one (1)
year. An application for further relief must
be made to the zoning board of review. Said
mobile homes shall not be located within
twenty (20) feet of any abutter's dwelling
where living quarters exist.
6.12. Carnivals and Circuses.
Carnivals, circuses, fairs, flea markets, and
similar activities shall not be permitted in
any zone, unless a permit for such activity,
not to exceed fourteen (14) days, is granted
by the city council.
6.13. Farm Animals.
As there is no agriculturally zoned land
within the city, farm animals are not allowed
in any district.
6.14. Entrance Landings/Stoops.
Entrance landings/stoops, not exceeding
three (3) feet in width nor four (4) feet in
depth, whether covered or uncovered, shall
be permitted at the entrances to all
residential and nonresidential structures,
without regard to front, side or rear setback
requirements. Larger entrance landings/
stoops, and entrance landings/stoops, which
are enclosed by walls and/or windows, shall
conform to all relevant setback
requirements.(Ch. No. 6012, Sec. 1 (F), 10-
16-95)
Section 6.15. Solar & Wind Energy
Systems, Facilities and Installations
A. Definitions
Photovoltaics. shall mean electricity produced
directly from sunlight; typically small scale.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 46 of 145
Solar Heating and Cooling shall mean thermal
(heat) energy used to change the temperature of
air and water; typically small or medium scale.
Concentrated Solar Power shall mean
concentrated sunlight used to drive a traditional
steam turbine; typically large scale.
Residential Solar Power System; Small shall
mean a solar installation with an output of
10.5kW or less or rooftop-mounted, which:
1. Shall meet all applicable zone requirements
including but not limited to lighting, setbacks,
signage, and height.
2. Shall require a building permit after
submission and approval of layout and design.
Any signed lease, easement, or distribution
agreements must also be submitted for review by
the city solicitor and be recorded in Land
Evidence in the city of Woonsocket after
approval.
3. Shall be in compliance with RI State Building
Code and National Electric Code.
4. Solar Energy Systems-Small and Large shall
comply with the following provisions
No individual panels within a ground-mounted
solar installation shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in
height, as measured from the pre-development
lot grade at the location of the panel;
All panels and other equipment and structures
that are part of the installation shall be setback
from all property lines applicable to the specific
zone in which they are located;
A roof-mounted solar installation shall not
exceed the permitted building height applicable
to the zone in which it is located;
A ground-mounted solar installation shall not
exceed the permitted accessory building height
applicable to the zone in which it is located.
A ground-mounted solar installation shall be
designed to prevent unauthorized access,
including, but not necessarily limited to
protective fencing.
Any solar installation shall be constructed and
operated in a manner that minimizes any adverse
visual, safety, and environmental impacts.
Residential Solar Power System; Large shall
mean A solar installation with an output of
20kW or less and greater than 10.5kW, requiring
a Design Review with the Planning Board in all
zones, which:
1. Shall meet all applicable zone requirements
including but not limited to lighting, setbacks,
signage, and height.
2. Shall require a building permit after
submission and approval of layout and design.
Any signed lease, easement, or distribution
agreements must also be submitted for review by
the city solicitor and be recorded in Land
Evidence in the city of Woonsocket after
approval.
3. Shall be in compliance with RI State Building
Code and National Electric Code.
4. Solar Energy Systems-Small and Large shall
comply with the following provisions
No individual panels within a ground-mounted
solar installation shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in
height, as measured from the pre-development
lot grade at the location of the panel;
All panels and other equipment and structures
that are part of the installation shall be setback
from all property lines applicable to the specific
zone in which they are located;
A roof-mounted solar installation shall not
exceed the permitted building height applicable
to the zone in which it is located;
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 47 of 145
A ground-mounted solar installation shall not
exceed the permitted accessory building height
applicable to the zone in which it is located.
A ground-mounted solar installation shall be
designed to prevent unauthorized access,
including, but not necessarily limited to
protective fencing.
Any solar installation shall be constructed and
operated in a manner that minimizes any adverse
visual, safety, and environmental impacts.
Commercial/Industrial Solar Power System;
Small shall mean a solar installation with an
output of 250kW or less and greater than 10Kw,
or an installation exceeding 20% of the
minimum buildable area of the applicable zone
(wetlands and setbacks subtracted from lot size);
requiring, in all zones, Minor Land
Development approval from the Planning Board
and a Special Use Permit from the Zoning Board
of Review, pursuant to Rhode Island General
Law 45-23-61; and a building permit prior to
construction; which shall adhere to the
following:
1. Design Standards- Solar installation
applications shall include the proposed site
layout and any landscape changes, a diagram of
electrical components, a description of the major
system components to be used, an operation and
maintenance plan, a decommission plan, utility
approval, proof of liability insurance, and the
contact information for the project contractors.
Additional documents may be required by the
Planning Board or by the Zoning Board of
Review. The Planning Board may waive
requirements of the design review process upon
written request of the applicant at Pre-
Application.
2. Land Evidence- Any signed lease, easement,
or distribution agreements shall be submitted
with the installation application for review by
the city solicitor, and be recorded in Land
Evidence in the City of Woonsocket upon
Planning Board and Zoning Board of Review
approvals. Signed lease agreements must make
reference to payment of both tangible and
property tax by the grantee.
3. Setbacks and Height- The installation must
meet all height and minimum front, side, and
rear yard setback requirements in the applicable
zone, and must additionally maintain a twenty
foot (20'), properly maintained vegetated buffer
from all adjacent properties and roadways.
4. All installations shall be in compliance with
the RI State Building Code and National Electric
Code, and may be subject to yearly inspections
by the Woonsocket Building and Electrical
Officials. All installation components must have
an UL listing or equivalent.
5. All electrical connection and distribution lines
within the installation shall be underground.
Electrical equipment between the installation
and the utility connection may be above-ground
if required by the utility.
6. Security- A fence shall surround the perimeter
of the installation of no less than nine (9) feet in
height.
7. Emergency Access- Reasonable accessibility
for emergency service vehicles shall be required.
8. Signage- No signs are allowed on the security
perimeter fencing except for a sign displaying
the installation name, address and emergency
contact information, and
trespassing/warning/danger signs to ensure the
safety of individuals who may come in contact
with the installation. No sign shall exceed four
(4) square feet in area.
9. Lighting- Externally lit signs are allowed
provided they are oriented such that the light is
directed away from any adjacent properties and
traffic arteries.
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Page 48 of 145
10. Abandonment or Decommissioning- It is the
responsibility of the parcel owner to remove all
obsolete or unused systems within six (6)
months of cessation of operations. Reusable
components are to be recycled whenever
feasible. A surety bond to cover the cost of
removal may be required as determined by the
zoning board of review, and shall be posted prior
to the issuance of any building permits.
"Commercial/Industrial Solar Power System;
Large" shall mean a solar installation with an
output of greater than 250kW, or an installation
exceeding 40% of the minimum buildable area
of the applicable zone (wetlands and setbacks
subtracted from lot size); requiring, in all zones,
Design Review approval from the Planning
Board and a Special Use Permit from the Zoning
Board of Review, pursuant to Rhode Island
General Law 45-23-61; and a building permit
prior to construction; which shall adhere to the
following:
1. Design Standards- Solar installation
applications shall include the proposed site
layout and any landscape changes, a diagram of
electrical components, a description of the major
system components to be used, an operation and
maintenance plan, a decommission plan, utility
approval, proof of liability insurance, and the
contact information for the project contractors.
Additional documents may be required by the
Planning Board and/or by the Zoning Board of
Review. The Planning Board may waive
requirements of the Land Development review
process upon written request of the applicant at
Pre-Application.
2. Land Evidence- Any signed lease, easement,
or distribution agreements shall be submitted
with the installation application for review by
the City Solicitor, and be recorded in Land
Evidence in the city of Woonsocket upon
Planning Board and Zoning Board of Review
approvals. Signed lease agreements must make
reference to payment of both tangible and
property tax by the grantee.
3. Setbacks and Height- The installation must
meet all height and minimum front, side, and
rear yard setback requirements in the applicable
zone, and must additionally maintain a twenty
foot (20'), properly maintained, vegetated buffer
from all adjacent properties and roadways.
4. All installations shall be in compliance with
the RI State Building Code and National Electric
Code, and shall be subject to yearly inspections
by the Woonsocket Building and Electrical
Official. All installation components must have
an UL listing or equivalent.
5. All electrical connection and distribution lines
within the installation shall be underground.
Electrical equipment between the installation
and the utility connection may be above-ground
if required by the utility.
6. Security- A fence shall surround the perimeter
of the installation of no less than nine (9) feet in
height.
7. Emergency Access- Reasonable accessibility
for emergency service vehicles shall be required.
"Wind Energy Conversion Facilities" means
the equipment and requisite hardware that
provides and are used for collecting,
transferring, converting, storing or using
renewable resources for water heating, space
heating, cooling, generating electricity, and
off-loading said electricity to the grid, or
other applications that would otherwise
require the use of a conventional source of
energy such as petroleum products, natural
gas, manufactured gas, or electricity
produced through nonrenewable resources.
The primary use of a renewable energy
utility scale facility is to provide energy for
the commercial facility on which said
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Page 49 of 145
facility is located or to produce energy
solely to off-loan electricity to the grid. Any
excess energy produced by a commercial
facility may be off-loaded to the grid.
Wind Energy Conversion Facility shall
comply with the following:
1. A wind energy conversion facility
located within the vicinity of residential
structures, historic districts, schools, or in
the River Corridor Overlay District shall not
be approved unless such proposed uses and
structures are so concealed as to be
substantially invisible. The views of, and
vistas from, such structures, districts or
designated scenic corridor shall not be
impaired or diminished by the placement of
such uses and structures.
2. A wind energy conversion facility shall
not exceed the permitted building heights as
set forth in the zone restrictions enumerated
in this ordinance.
3. A wind energy conversion facility shall be
designed to prevent unauthorized access,
including, but not necessarily limited to
protective fencing.
4. Support towers, monopole towers, rather
than lattice or cable towers, are the preferred
type of support for wind facilities and shall
be used when a support tower is proposed.
Lattice or cable-support towers may only be
permitted if it is demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the zoning board of review
that the use of a monopole is impractical.
5. All components of the wind facility shall
be painted a neutral, non-reflective exterior
color designed to blend with the surrounding
environment, such as white, light gray or
light blue.
6. Wind turbines shall be lighted only if
required by the Federal Aviation
Administration. Lighting of other parts of
the wind facility, such as appurtenant
structures, shall be limited to that required
for safety, security and operational purposes
and shall be reasonably shielded from
immediately adjoining properties.
7. Special Use Permit Submission
Requirements:
An application for a wind energy conversion
facility shall submit visual impact data,
including, but not limited to photographic
simulation of the proposed facility as it
would be seen from residential areas, public
rights-of-way, parks and other recreational
facilities.
Location of proposed towers with radius
map, showing the locations of all
appurtenant structures, cables, wires and
access roads.
A maintenance plan for the facility.
Proof of liability insurance
Approval of the height of the structure from
the FAA, if applicable.
A statement certifying that the structure and
facilities comply with the noise
requirements of the city ordinance.
The zoning board of review may not grant a
permit or variance unless it finds, in writing,
that:
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Page 50 of 145
The construction of a wind energy
conversion facility shall be allowed pursuant
to the use table the use complies with all
requirements set forth in this chapter and
applicable requirements of the Federal
Aviation Administration. All such facilities
shall be constructed and operated in a
manner that minimizes and adverse visual,
safety and environmental impacts;
The specific site is an appropriate location
for such use
The use will not adversely affect the
neighborhood;
There will be not be any serious hazard to
pedestrians or vehicles from the use;
No nuisance will be created by the use; and
Adequate and appropriate facilities will be
provided for the proper operation of the use.
(Ord. Ch. 7859 12-21-2015)
6.16 Medical Marijuana.
It is the intent of this section to regulate and
provide zoning standards for the cultivation
and distribution of medical Marijuana as
allowed by the Edward O. Hawkins and
Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act.
(RIGL 21-28.6-1 et seq.)
6.16-1.4 Licensed Cultivator.
The cultivation of marijuana for medical
purposes only by Licensed Cultivators shall
be allowed in the Industrial 1 and Industrial
2 Zoning Districts in preexisting buildings
(i.e., marijuana cultivation is not allowed in
newly constructed buildings) on lots of 5
acres or larger with and under the following
conditions;
(l) The facility shall be in possession of a
valid license issued by the Rhode Island
Department of Business Regulation (DBR)
in connection with Licensed Cultivators and
such license shall be prominently displayed
on the premises and the facility shall at all
times comply mid adhere to all DBR
provisions and requirements in connection
with DBR issued Licensed Cultivator
licenses.
(2) The building in which marijuana
cultivation is to occur shall be no less than
1,000 feet from any school, youth center or
licensed day-care center and less than 300
feet from the nearest residential property.
For purposes of this paragraph, the 1,000
foot distance and 300 foot distance shall be
measured in a straight line from the closest
building line in which the licensed cultivator
will be cultivating, storing and or processing
marijuana to the property line of the subject
school, youth center, licensed day-care
cent.er or residential property.
(3) The building housing the cultivation
shall be enclosed on the outside by a chain-
link security fence with a height of no less
than six (6) feet.
(4) The facility must have a security
system to deter and prevent the unauthorized
entrance into areas containing marijuana and
the theft of marijuana, which shall include
both adequate lighting, subject to the
approval of the city's Building Official
or Zoning Official in consultation with the
city's Public Safety Director, including
motion control lighting, and an alarm system
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 51 of 145
that is linked to Woonsocket's public safety
departments (Police and Fire).
(5) Cultivation and storage shall not be
visible from the surrounding public ways or
areas.
(6) Odor Control and Mitigation:
a. Cultivation area(s) shall have ventilation
and filtration systems installed that prevent
medical marijuana plant odors from exiting
the interior of the structure to an extent that
would significantly alter the environmental
odor outside, while addressing the potential
for mold.
b. The ventilation and filtration system,
along with any plumbing improvements,
shall be installed in compliance with all
applicable codes and ordinances, including
obtaining any necessary permits, and
inspected by the municipality.
c. Measures to assure compliance with
this section shall be documented in an odor
control and mitigation plan acceptable to the
City's building inspector.
(7) The use of butane, propane, or other
compressed gases and solvents used for the
purposes of marijuana extraction shall be
strictly prohibited in all districts.
(8) For the avoidance of doubt, only the
growing and cultivation of marijuana to be
sold / distributed to medical marijuana
facilities such as Compassion Centers is
allowed.
The manufacture, production or processing
of marijuana p1ants into medical or
nonmedical marijuana products or
derivatives is strictly prohibited, Also, retail
sales arc strictly prohibited, as the intent of
this ordinance is to allow for the growing,
cultivation, supply and distribution of
marijuana plants to licensed facilities that
manufacture and/or sell medical marijuana
products, including licensed medical
marijuana dispensaries.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 52 of 145
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Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
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Section 7. Provisions Governing
Residential Districts.
7.1. Provisions Governing All
Residential Districts.
Within all residential districts the following
provisions shall apply.
7.1-1 Yard Requirements for Corner Lots.
The side yard requirements for all buildings
on corner lots shall be such that no principal
or accessory building extends beyond the
front setback line set for buildings along the
street considered to be the side street of the
corner lot.
7.1-2 Number of Buildings on a Lot. In no
case shall more than one (1) principal
building be constructed on any one (1) lot.
7.1-3 Incidental Home Occupations (revised
10/2019)
Incidental home occupations shall be
permitted, provided not more than twenty-
five (25) percent of the total floor area of
any dwelling unit is devoted to such use. No
displays or alterations of the facade of any
building shall be permitted, with the
exception of a sign not to exceed 6 square
feet, which may indicate from the exterior
that the building is used in whole or in part
for any purpose other than a dwelling.
No use or activity of the approved incidental
home occupation shall cause the release of
any excessive noise, odor, glare, vibration,
smoke, fume or other pollutant into the air,
soil, or water, that impacts surrounding
residential properties.
Any external storage of materials used in the
operation of said business is strictly
prohibited.
7.2. Requirements of R-1 District.
Very Low Density Single-family Residential
District, but including customary incidental
home occupations, public and semipublic
uses.7.2-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot
area shall be twenty-five thousand (25,000)
square feet.
7.2-2 Lot Coverage. Maximum lot coverage
shall be twenty-five (25) percent.
R-1
Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)
25,000
Lot Coverage Maximum
25%
Coverage Allowed (sq. ft.)
6,250
Pervious Surface (sq. ft.)
18,750
(Ch. No. 7846. Sec. 1 - 10.06.2015)
7.2-3 Street Frontage. Minimum required
frontage on a public street shall be one
hundred thirty-five (135) feet.
7.2-4 Lot Width at the Building Line.
Minimum required lot width at the building
line shall be one hundred thirty-five (135)
feet.
7.2-5 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
7.2-5.1 Front Setback. All buildings,
including unattached accessory buildings,
shall be set back from the street right-of-way
line on which they front to conform to or
exceed a line formed by extending the
setbacks of buildings on adjoining lots,
except that in no case shall such setback be
less than thirty-five (35) feet. A variance
may be granted by the zoning board of
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 54 of 145
review where existing development on
adjoining lots is less than thirty-five (35)
feet, but no variance shall be granted to
permit a setback which does not conform to
or exceed the line formed by extending the
setbacks of buildings on the adjoining lots.
The zoning board of review may grant a
variance where an unenclosed structure such
as a porch, deck or gazebo that does
encroach into the front setback area more
than fifty percent (50%) into the area and
where no vision obstruction is created;
provided that such permitted structure may
not be enclosed at any later date. (Ch. 7852.
11-23-2015)
7.2-5.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
of twenty-five (25) feet, except that
unattached accessory buildings, and attached
garages or garages with breezeways where
no living space is included as part of the
garage structure, shall be set back a
minimum of fifteen (15) feet from each side
lot line.
7.2-5.3 Rear Setback. All buildings except
unattached accessory buildings shall be set
back from the rear lot line a minimum of
fifty (50) feet. Unattached accessory
buildings shall be set back a minimum of
fifteen (15) feet.
7.2-6 Height and Number of Stories. No
building or structure shall exceed two and
one-half (2 1/2) stories or thirty-five (35)
feet in height.
7.2-7 Accessory Family Dwelling Unit. An
accessory family dwelling unit shall be
permitted upon approval by the zoning
board and issuance of a special use permit
for said unit, provided that the subject
property is in full compliance with
applicable minimum lot area and parking
requirements as set forth in this ordinance,
that the design of the structure is such that
there is no indication from the exterior that
the property is used for any purpose other
than a single-family dwelling, and that the
accessory family dwelling unit shall not
contain more than one (1) bedroom nor
comprise more than thirty-five (35) percent
of the aggregate floor area of the principal
structure.(Ch. No. 6260, Sec. 1 (E), 6-3-96)
7.3. Requirements of R-2 District.
Low Density Single-family Residential
District, but including customary incidental
home occupations, public and semi-public
uses.
7.3-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be ten thousand (10,000) square feet.
7.3-2 Lot Coverage. Maximum lot coverage
shall be thirty-five (35) percent.
R-2
Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)
10,000
Lot Coverage Maximum
35%
Coverage Allowed (sq. ft.)
3,500
Pervious Surface (sq. ft.)
6,500
(Ch. No. 7846. Sec. 1 - 10.06.2015)
7.3-3 Street Frontage. Minimum required
frontage on a public street shall be ninety
(90) feet.
7.3-4 Lot Width at the Building Line.
Minimum required lot width at the building
line shall be ninety (90) feet.
7.3-5 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 55 of 145
7.3-5.1 Front Setback. All buildings,
including unattached accessory buildings,
shall be set back from the street right-of-way
line on which they front to conform to or
exceed a line formed by extending the
setbacks of buildings on adjoining lots,
except that in no case shall such setback be
less than twenty (20) feet. A variance may
be granted by the zoning board of review
where existing development on adjoining
lots is less than twenty (20) feet, but no
variance shall be granted to permit a setback
which does not conform to or exceed the
line formed by extending the setbacks of
buildings on the adjoining lots. The zoning
board of review may grant a variance where
an unenclosed structure such as a porch,
deck or gazebo that does encroach into the
front setback area more than fifty percent
(50%) into the area and where no vision
obstruction is created; provided that such
permitted structure may not be enclosed at
any later date. (Ch. 7852, 11-23-2015)
7.3-5.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
of ten (10) feet, except that unattached
accessory buildings, and attached garages or
garages with breezeways where no living
space is included as part of the garage
structure, shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet from each side lot line.
7.3-5.3 Rear Setback. All buildings except
unattached accessory buildings shall be set
back from the rear lot line a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet. Unattached accessory
buildings shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet.
7.3-6 Height and Number of Stories. No
building or structure shall exceed two (2)
stories or thirty (30) feet in height.
7.4. Requirements of R-3 District.
Medium Density Single- and Two-family
Residential District, but including customary
incidental home occupations, public and
semipublic uses.
7.4-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be seven thousand (7,000) square feet
for a single-family dwelling, and nine
thousand (9,000) square feet for a two-
family dwelling.
7.4-2 Lot Coverage. Maximum lot coverage
shall be fifty percent (50%).
R-3
Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)
7,000
Lot Coverage Maximum
50%
Coverage Allowed (sq. ft.)
3,.500
Pervious Surface (sq. ft.)
3,500
(Ch. No. 7846. Sec. 1 - 10.06.2015)
7.4-3 Street Frontage. Minimum required
frontage on a public street shall be seventy
(70) feet for a single-family dwelling, and
eighty (80) feet for a two-family dwelling.
7.4-4 Lot width at the Building Line.
Minimum required lot width at the building
line shall be seventy (70) feet for a single-
family dwelling, and eighty (80) feet for a
two-family dwelling.
7.4-5 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
7.4-5.1 Front Setback. All buildings,
including unattached accessory buildings,
shall be set back from the street right-of-way
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 56 of 145
line on which they front to conform to or
exceed a line formed by extending the
setbacks of buildings on adjoining lots,
except that in no case shall such setback be
less than twenty (20) feet. A variance may
be granted by the zoning board of review
where existing development on adjoining
lots is less than twenty (20) feet, but no
variance shall be granted to permit a setback
which does not conform to or exceed the
line formed by extending the setbacks of
buildings on the adjoining lots. The zoning
board of review may grant a variance where
an unenclosed structure such as a porch,
deck or gazebo that does encroach into the
front setback area more than fifty percent
(50%) into the area and where no vision
obstruction is created; provided that such
permitted structure may not be enclosed at
any later date. (Ch. 7852, 11-23-2015)
7.4-5.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
of ten (10) feet, except that unattached
accessory buildings, and attached garages or
garages with breezeways where no living
space is included as part of the garage
structure, shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet from each side lot line.
7.4-5.3 Rear Setback. All buildings except
unattached accessory buildings shall be set
back from the rear lot line a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet. Unattached accessory
buildings shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet.
7.4-6 Height. No building or structure shall
exceed thirty (30) feet in height, unless each
side yard is increased over the minimum
setback requirement by ten (10) feet for
every five (5) feet, or fraction thereof, of
additional height. In no case shall the height
of a building or structure exceed forty (40)
feet.
7.5. Requirements of R-4 District.
High Density Single- and Multifamily
Residential District, but including customary
incidental home occupations, public,
semipublic and transient residential uses.
7.5-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet for
a single-family dwelling, plus four thousand
(4,000) square feet for each additional
dwelling unit on the same lot.(Ch. No. 6585,
Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
7.5-2 Lot Coverage. Maximum lot coverage
shall be fifty percent (50%).
R-4
Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)
6,000
Lot Coverage Maximum
50%
Coverage Allowed (sq. ft.)
3,000
Pervious Surface (sq. ft.)
3,000
(Ch. No. 7846. Sec. 1 - 10.06.2015)
7.5-3 Street Frontage. Minimum required
frontage on a public street shall be sixty (60)
feet for a single-family dwelling, plus ten
(10) feet for each additional dwelling unit.
7.5-4 Lot Width at the Building Line.
Minimum required lot width at the building
line shall be sixty (60) feet for a single-
family dwelling, plus ten (10) feet for each
additional dwelling unit.
7.5-5 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
7.5-5.1 Front Setback. All buildings,
including unattached accessory buildings,
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 57 of 145
shall be set back from the street right-of-way
line on which they front to conform to or
exceed a line formed by extending the
setbacks of buildings on adjoining lots,
except that in no case shall such setback be
less than twenty (20) feet. A variance may
be granted by the zoning board of review
where existing development on adjoining
lots is less than twenty (20) feet, but no
variance shall be granted to permit a setback
which does not conform to or exceed the
line formed by extending the setbacks of
buildings on the adjoining lots. The zoning
board of review may grant a variance where
an unenclosed structure such as a porch,
deck or gazebo that does encroach into the
front setback area more than fifty percent
(50%) into the area and where no vision
obstruction is created; provided that such
permitted structure may not be enclosed at
any later date. (Ch. 7852, 11-23-2015)
7.5-5.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
of ten (10) feet, except that unattached
accessory buildings, and attached garages or
garages with breezeways where no living
space is included as part of the garage
structure, shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet from each side lot line.
7.5-5.3 Rear Setback. All buildings except
unattached accessory buildings shall be set
back from the rear lot line a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet. Unattached accessory
buildings shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet.
7.5-6 Height. No building or structure shall
exceed thirty (30) feet in height, unless each
side yard is increased over the minimum
setback requirement by ten (10) feet for
every five (5) feet, or fraction thereof, of
additional height. In no case shall the height
of a building or structure exceed fifty (50)
feet.
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Page 58 of 145
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Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 59 of 145
Section 8. Provisions Governing
Commercial Districts.
8.1. Requirements of C-1 District.
Urban Commercial District, primarily for
the conduct of retail trade, administrative
and professional services, and service to the
general public.
8.1-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet.
8.1-2 Floor Area Ratio. The maximum floor
area ratio shall be 2.0.
8.1-3 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
8.1-3.1 Front Setback. All buildings shall be
set back a minimum of zero (0) feet from the
street right-of-way line on which they front.
8.1-3.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
of zero (0) feet
Or twenty-five (25) feet when abutting a
residential zone or use.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec.
1, 4-5-99)
8.1-3.3 Rear Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from the rear lot line a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet.
8.1-4 Height and Number of Stories. No
building shall exceed live (5) stories or sixty
(60) feet in height, unless each side yard is
increased over the minimum setback
requirement by ten (10) feet for every one
(1) story of additional height.
8.1-5 Upper Story Residential Uses. No
ground story residential uses shall be
permitted; however, dwelling units shall be
permitted on all stories above the ground
floor.
8.2. Requirements of C-2 District
(amended 11/2019).
Major Commercial District, primarily for the
conduct of major retail trade and services to
the general public.
8.2-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet.
8.2-2 Floor Area Ratio. The maximum floor
area ratio shall be 4.0, unless twenty-five
(25) percent or more of the total lot area is
preserved and maintained as natural open
space, in which case the maximum floor
area ratio shall be increased to 5.0.
8.2-3 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
8.2-3.1 Front Setback. All buildings shall be
set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from
the street right-of-way line on which they
front.
8.2-3.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
of ten (10) feet or twenty-five (25) feet when
abutting a residential zone or use.(Ch. No.
6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99).
8.2-3.3 Rear Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from the rear lot line a minimum of
twenty-live (25) feet.
8.2-4 Height and Number of Stories. No
building shall exceed five (5) stories or
sixty-(60) feet in height, unless each side
yard is increased over the minimum setback
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 60 of 145
requirement by ten (10) feet for every one
(1) story of additional height.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 61 of 145
Section 9. Provisions Governing
Mixed-Use Districts.
9.1. Requirements of MU-I District.
Mixed Use Commercial/Residential District,
primarily for the purpose of providing day-
to-day convenient shopping needs,
administrative and professional services,
with an emphasis on daily necessities for the
immediate residential area.
9.1-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
for both residential and nonresidential uses
shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet for
the first residential or nonresidential unit,
plus four thousand (4,000) square feet for
each additional residential or nonresidential
unit on the same lot, with a maximum
possible density of ten (10) dwelling units
per acre.
9.1-2 Lot Coverage. Maximum lot coverage
shall be fifty percent (50%). In no case shall
more than one (1) principal building be
constructed on any one (1) lot. (Ch. No.
6400, Sec. 1 (K), 9-2-97)
MU-1
Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)
6,000
Lot Coverage Maximum
50%
Coverage Allowed (sq. ft.)
3,000
Pervious Surface (sq. ft.)
3,000
(Ch. No. 7846. Sec. 1 - 10.06.2015)
9.1-3 Gross Floor Area. Maximum gross
floor area for nonresidential uses shall be
five thousand (5,000) square feet per
establishment. (Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1 (L), 9-
2-97)
9.1-4 Street Frontage. Minimum required
frontage on a public street for both
residential and nonresidential uses shall be
sixty (60) feet for the first residential or
nonresidential unit, plus ten (10) feet for
each additional residential or nonresidential
unit.
9.1-5 Lot Width at the Building Line.
Minimum required lot width at the building
line for both residential and nonresidential
uses shall be sixty (60) feet for the first
residential or nonresidential unit, plus ten
(10) feet each additional residential or
nonresidential unit.
9.1-6 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
9.1-6.1 Front Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from the street right-of-way line on
which they front to conform to or exceed a
line formed by extending the setbacks of
buildings on adjoining lots, except that in no
case shall such setbacks be less than twenty
(20) feet.
9.1-6.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
often (10) feet, except that unattached
accessory buildings, and attached garages or
garages with breezeways where no living
space is included as part of the garage
structure, shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet from each side lot line.
9.1-6.3 Rear Setback. All buildings except
unattached accessory buildings shall be set
back from the rear lot line a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet. Unattached accessory
buildings shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet.
9.1-6.4 Yard Requirements for Corner Lots.
The side yard requirements for all buildings
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 62 of 145
on corner lots shall be such that no principal
or accessory building extends beyond the
front setback line set for buildings along the
street considered to be the side street of the
corner lot.
9.1-7 Height and Number of Stories. No
building or structure shall exceed thirty (30)
feet in height, unless each side yard is
increased over the minimum setback
requirement by ten (10) feet for every five
(5) feet, or fraction thereof, of additional
height. In no case shall the height of a
building or structure exceed fifty (50) feet.
9.1-8 Number of Buildings on a Lot. In no
case shall more than one (1) principal
building be constructed on any one (1) lot.
9.1-9 Incidental Home Occupations.
Incidental home occupations shall be
permitted, provided not more than twenty-
five (25) percent of the total floor area of
any dwelling unit is devoted to such use. No
displays or alterations of the facade of any
building shall be permitted, with the
exception of signs herein permitted, which
may indicate from the exterior that the
building is used in whole or in part for any
purpose other than a dwelling.
9.2. Requirements of MU-2 District.
Mixed Use Industrial/Commercial District,
primarily for the conduct of manufacturing
and other industrial uses which do not
involve excessive smoke, odor, or noise;
and/or the conduct of retail trade,
administrative and professional services, and
service to the general public. Also permits
accessory residential use limited to persons
conducting primary industrial or commercial
uses.
9.2-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet.
9.2-2 Floor Area Ratio. The maximum floor
area ratio shall be 2.0.
9.2-3 Yards and Open Spaces. All buildings
shall meet the following requirements:
9.2-3.1 Front Setback. All buildings shall be
set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from
the street right-of-way line on which they
front.
9.2-3.2 Side Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from each side lot line a minimum
of ten (10) feet.
9.2-3.3 Rear Setback. All buildings shall be
set back from the rear lot line a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet.
9.2-4 Height and Number of Stories. No
building shall exceed five (5) stories or sixty
(60) feet in height, unless each side yard is
increased over the minimum setback
requirement by ten (10) feet for every one
(1) story of additional height.
9.2-5 Performance Criteria. No structure,
use or activity shall cause the release of any
excessive noise, or any odor, glare,
vibration, smoke, fume or other pollutant
into the air, soil, or water, on, under or
around the lot on which said structure, use
or activity is located. Permitted operations
shall conform to all applicable local, state
and federal regulations. The Woonsocket
Noise Ordinance regulations shall be
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 63 of 145
utilized for determination of excessive
noise.(Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1 (G), 10-16-95)
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Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
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Section 10. Provisions Governing
Industrial Districts.
10.1. Provisions Governing All Industrial
Districts.
10.1-1 Sale of Goods. Manufacturers may
sell on the premises only what they
manufacture on the premises and such sale
shall be clearly secondary to the primary
manufacturing use.
10.1-2 Industrial Sewage. Industrial sewage
and waste shall be deposited in the public
sewage system when available, except in
case of adequate treatment provided at a
private treatment plant subject to all local,
state and federal regulations.
10.2. Requirements of I-1 District.
Light Industrial District, primarily for the
conduct of manufacturing and other
industrial uses which do not involve
excessive smoke, odor, or noise.
10.2-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet.
10.2-2 Lot Coverage. Maximum lot
coverage shall be fifty (50) percent.
10.2-3 Yards and Open Spaces.
10.2-3.1 Front Setback. All buildings shall
be set back from the street right-of-way line
on which it fronts to conform with existing
setbacks on adjoining lots except that in no
case shall such setback be less than twenty-
five (25) feet or less than half the width of
the street right-of-way, whichever is greater.
A variance may be granted by the zoning
board of review where existing development
on adjoining lots does not meet this front
setback requirement, but no variance shall
be granted to permit a setback closer to the
street than those setbacks on the adjoining
lots.
10.2-3.2 Side and Rear Setbacks. All
buildings shall be set back from each side
and rear property lines a minimum of five
(5) feet, except that in the case of a lot
adjacent to one (1) or more residential zones
or residential uses, all buildings shall be
located so as to provide a minimum side or
rear yard of fifty (50) feet on the side or rear
adjacent to said residential zones or uses.
Streets and parking areas shall be permitted
within the setback area.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec.
1, 4-5-99)
10.2-4 Height and Number of Stories. No
building shall exceed fifty (50) feet in
height, unless each side and rear yard
setback is increased over the minimum
setback requirement by two (2) feet for
every one (1) foot or fraction thereof, of
additional height. In no case shall the height
of a building or structure exceed sixty (60)
feet. The total height shall be measured
from the average ground elevation to the
highest point of the building, including
enclosed roof mounted mechanical
equipment.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
10.2-5 Performance Criteria. No structure,
use or activity shall cause the release of any
excessive noise, or any odor, glare,
vibration, smoke, fume or other pollutant
into the air, soil, or water, on, under or
around the lot on which said structure, use
or activity, is located. Permitted operations
shall conform to all applicable local, state
and federal regulations. The Woonsocket
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Page 66 of 145
Noise Ordinance regulations shall be
utilized for the determination of excessive
noise.(Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1 (H), 10-16-95)
10.3. Requirements of I-2 District.
Heavy Industrial District, primarily for the
conduct of manufacturing, assembling and
fabricating where any resultant noise, odor,
vibration, or fumes shall be contained within
the limits of the district in which the cause is
located.
10.3-1 Lot Area. Minimum required lot area
shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet.
10.3-2 Lot Coverage. Maximum lot
coverage shall be fifty (50) percent.
10.3-3 Yards and Open Spaces.
10.3-3.1 Front Setback. All buildings shall
be set back from the street right-of-way line
on which it fronts to conform with existing
setbacks on adjoining lots except that in no
case shall such setback be less than twenty-
five (25) feet or less than half the width of
the street right-of-way, whichever is greater.
A variance may be granted by the zoning
board of review where existing development
on adjoining lots does not meet this front
setback requirement, but no variance shall
be granted to permit a setback closer to the
street than those setbacks on the adjoining
lots.
10.3-3.2 Side and Rear Setbacks. All
buildings shall be set back from each side
and rear property lines a minimum of five
(5) feet, except that in the case of a lot
adjacent to one (1) or more residential zone
or residential uses, all buildings shall be
located so as to provide a minimum side or
rear yard of one hundred (100) feet on the
side or rear adjacent to said residential zones
or residential uses. Streets and parking areas
shall be permitted within the setback
area.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99)
10.3-4 Height and Number of Stories. No
building shall exceed fifty (50) feet in
height, unless each side and rear yard
setback is increased over the minimum
setback requirement by two (2) feet for
every one (1) foot or fraction thereof, of
additional height. In no case shall the height
of a building or structure exceed sixty (60)
feet. The total height shall be measured
from the average ground elevation to the
highest point of the building, including
enclosed roof mounted mechanical
equipment.(Ch. No. 6585, Sec. 1, 4-5-99).
10.3-5 Performance Criteria. No structure,
use or activity shall cause the release of any
excessive noise, or any odor, glare,
vibration, smoke, fume or other pollutant
into the air, soil, or water, beyond the limits
of the zoning district in which said structure,
use or activity is located. Permitted
operations shall conform to all applicable
local, state and federal regulations. The
Woonsocket Noise Ordinance regulations
shall be utilized for determination of
excessive noise.(Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1(I), 10-
16-95)
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Section 11. Provisions Governing
Public Recreation Districts.
11.1. Provisions Governing All Public
Recreation Districts.
In addition to the requirements set forth in
this ordinance, all public recreational
districts are bound by the rules, regulations,
and prohibitions described in sections 15-1,
15-4 and 15-5 of the Code of Ordinances.
11.1-1 publicly owned Land. The public
recreational districts consist of publicly
owned lands and/or facilities set aside for
the purpose of active or passive recreational
activities.
11.1-2 Development Requirements. Any
proposal for development, public or private,
shall be reviewed by the department of
planning and development. Recommended
by the planning board, and approved by the
city council by ordinance. For the purpose
of this subsection, development shall be
defined as the removal or substantial
alteration of land or landscape elements, or
the construction or erection of any buildings
or structures, excluding signs and trail
markers.
11.2. Requirements of PR-1 District.
Active Public Recreation District, for the
preservation and enhancement of those areas
within the city which are best suited for
structured, active recreational activities, with
or without accessory facilities.
11.2-1 Limitations on Development. The
use of all land and structures shall be
exclusively for recreational purposes, and
uses accessory to those purposes, except that
land and structures used as revenue-
generating facilities for the benefit of
financing public parks, recreational
facilities, and recreational organizations
shall be permitted.
11.3. Requirements of PR-2 District.
Passive Public Recreation District, for the
conservation and protection the natural state
of designated areas to provide opportunities
for walking, hiking, observation and other
passive recreational activities, and to
provide a category of land held in perpetuity
to ensure that the present and future
residents of the city shall enjoy the benefits
of the natural environment.
11.3-1 Limitations on Development. The
use of all land and structures shall be
exclusively for conservation and passive
recreational purposes, and uses accessory to
those purposes. Impervious roadway and/or
parking area improvements shall only be
permitted at designated access points.
Hunting and the use of motorized vehicles
are prohibited.
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Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
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Section 12. Provisions Governing
Overlay Districts.
12.1. Design Review Overlay District.
The Design Review Overlay District is
hereby established to regulate the design of
new and existing commercial or mixed-use
buildings, structures, improvements and
facilities with regard to assessing the
impacts of predominantly commercial
development on the surrounding community
with regard to issues of health and safety,
visual and architectural quality and long-
term planning strategies. All nonresidential
buildings, structures, improvements and
facilities within zoning districts C-1, C-2,
MU-1, MU-2 and I-1 shall be regulated by
both the requirements of the district in
which they are located and the requirements
of this overlay district. This district shall
furthermore overlay all lots, or portions
thereof, where any building, structure,
improvement or facility is associated with a
use otherwise permitted only in a C-1, C-2,
MU-1, MU-2 and I-1 district, that has been
granted by variance or special use permit by
the zoning board of review.(Ch. No. 6154,
Sec. 1 (J), 10-16-95; Ch. No. 6400, Sec. 1
(M), 9-2-97) (Ch. 7845. 10-26-05.)
12.1-1 Design Review Commission. The
design review commission is hereby
established as the agency authorized to
administer that portion of the Design
Review Overlay Zone in which any
proposed project includes the construction
of a new commercial or mixed-use building,
or any proposed project that includes the
substantial exterior renovation of an existing
commercial or mixed-use building.
Substantial renovations shall mean to be
those renovations, where 50% or more of the
total existing exterior materials are to be
replaced, or 70% of the exterior facade
materials are to be replaced. The members
of the design review commission shall be
the members of the planning board.
Design Review Officer. The design review
officer is hereby established as the agent
authorized to administer all other portions of
the Design Review Overlay Zone which are
not administered by the design review
commission as defined above. The design
review officer shall be appointed by the
Mayor and serve until his/her successor is
named. All decisions made by the design
review officer may be appealed to the design
review commission in writing.(Ch. No.
6400, Sec. 1 (N), 9-2-97)
12.1-2 Design Guidelines. The design
review commission shall prepare and adopt
design guidelines for development within
this overlay district within six (6) months of
the enactment of this ordinance. Said
guidelines shall guide applicants in the
development of proposals.
12.1-3 Submission of Plans and Proposals.
A proposal for development within this
overlay district may be made by any
applicant by filing with the city planner an
application describing the proposal and
supporting materials. Applications and
supporting materials shall be submitted for
review under this subsection prior to the
submittal of plans for a building permit.
Supporting materials shall include seven (7)
sets of each of the following:
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12.1-3.1 Site Plan. A site plan is required
which shall be prepared by a registered land
surveyor or by a registered professional
engineer. As appropriate under the
requirements established by the State of
Rhode Island for each class, and which shall
include without limitation the following:
(1) Location of all existing and proposed
buildings and structures, including signs;
(2) Location of all existing and proposed
site improvements, including utilities;
(3) Location of all existing and proposed
points of vehicular and pedestrian access;
(4) Location of all existing and proposed
interior access corridors and parking spaces;
and
(5) Existing and proposed contour data for
the site, at two-foot intervals.
12.1-3.2 Architectural Submittals.
Architectural submittals are required which
shall include without limitation the
following:
(1) Elevations for all sides of any proposed
building or structure, including signs;
(2) Exterior lighting plans;
(3) Floor plans for all proposed buildings;
and
(4) Samples and/or descriptions of all
materials for proposed exterior treatment.
12.1-3.3 Landscape Plans. Landscape plans
are required which shall include without
limitation the following:
(1) Proposed plantings and other landscape
material, shown by type, size and number;
and
(2) Provisions for pedestrian circulation;
and
(3) Site furnishings.
12.1-4 Pre-Development Conference.
Developers shall be encouraged, but are not
required, to discuss proposals at the outset
with the city planner and the division
engineer for suggestions and general
guidance.
12.1-5 Evaluation of Proposals. Proposals
for development within this overlay district
shall be reviewed with respect to the
following:
(1) Architectural design;
(2) Landscape design in accordance with
the green space requirements set forth
below;
(3) Impacts on available utilities and the
planning of future improvements;
(4) Off-site traffic impacts;
(5) On-site traffic circulation;
(6) Overall visual quality;
(7) Relationship to surrounding buildings
and sites;
(8) Sign design and placement; and
(9) Site layout.
Fees to appear before Overlay District
Commissions:
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Appearance before Design Review
Commission, two hundred dollars ($200.00).
Appearance before River Corridor Overlay
District Commission, two hundred dollars
($200.00).
12.1-6 Green Space Requirement. All
developments within this overlay district
shall include a minimum of fifty (50) square
feet of on-site green space for every parking
space required under this ordinance, except
that in the case of parcels with unreasonable
constraints, the design review commission
may alter, reduce or waive the green space
requirement. Said green space shall consist
of areas that contain grass, ground cover,
shrubs, trees, flower beds, or any
combination of the above.
12.1-6.1 Parking Areas. A minimum of five
(5) percent of the green space shall be
applied within parking and vehicular
circulation areas in the form of landscaped
strips or islands that divide parking areas
and limit cross-traffic, and shall be evenly
dispersed throughout said parking areas to
the greatest extent possible.
12.1-6.2 Perimeter Buffers. Landscaped
buffer areas shall be established along the
perimeter of all development sites as
follows:
(1) Where any portion of a site is adjacent
to any residential use property, a minimum
landscaped buffer of ten (10) feet in width
shall be established along the lot line which
adjoins such residential use property, and
said landscaped buffer shall contain plant
materials and/or fencing to create a six (6)
foot high screen between the properties.
(2) Where any portion of a site is adjacent
to any nonresidential use property, a
minimum landscaped buffer of five (5) feet
in width shall be established along the lot
line which adjoins such nonresidential use
property, and said landscaped buffer shall
contain landscape treatment which is
determined by the design review
commission to be of an appropriate nature.
(3) Where any portion of a site is adjacent
to any street or public right-of-way, a
minimum landscaped buffer of four (4) feet
in width shall be established along the lot
line which adjoins such street or right-of-
way and trees of an appropriate size and
type shall be located approximately every
fifty (50) feet, with exact tree locations to be
determined on a site-by-site basis to avoid
interfering with underground utilities and/or
curb cuts. In the case of any development
located along Diamond Hill Road, the type
of tree shall be green ash, and tree locations
shall be approximately every seventy (70)
feet.
12.1-7 Penalties. All plans and designs
approved by the design review commission
shall be executed as such. Failure to comply
with approved plans shall be deemed a
violation of this ordinance and of the
building permit issued for such
development, and shall cause the building
official to issue a stop-work order until such
time that the violation has been satisfactorily
remedied.
12.2. Planned Residential Development
Overlay District
The Planned Residential Development
Overlay District is hereby established to
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Page 72 of 145
permit the flexible development of large
tracts of residentially zoned land in order to
encourage harmonious, efficient and
convenient living environments and
communities; to increase housing
opportunities by increasing the variety of
residential types, density and design; to
facilitate the economical and efficient
provision of necessary community services,
recreation and open space; to preserve
features and sites of natural, ecological and
historical interest; to encourage innovative
residential designs; and to promote the
health, safety and welfare of the residents of
Woonsocket. This overlay district shall
include all undeveloped parcels of land
which are equal to or greater than ten (10)
acres in size and which are located within
the R-1 and/or R-2 districts. For the
purposes of subdivision and/or development,
all land within the Planned Residential
Development Overlay District may be
regulated by either the requirements of the
district in which they are located or the
requirements of this overlay district.
12.2-1 Eligibility. Proposals may be eligible
for consideration as planned residential
developments only upon demonstration that
such development will be in the best
interests of the residents of Woonsocket.
Said demonstration shall be made by the
planning board upon consideration of the
following factors:
(1) Compliance with the comprehensive
plan;
(2) Estimated amount of taxes to be
provided to the city;
(2.1) Extent of services and facilities to be
required by the development, and capacity
of the city to provide the same;
(2.2) Preservation of open space and
features of unique natural, ecological, or
historical interest;
(3) Quality of residential design features;
(4) Diversification of housing choices; and
(5) Benefits to the surrounding
neighborhood.
12.2-2 Land Unsuitable for Development.
In order to calculate the maximum density
permitted in a residential planned
development, the following land shall be
determined by the planning board to be
unsuitable for development:
(1) Any wetlands, as defined in 2-1-14 and
2-1-20 of the General Laws of Rhode Island
and in any rules or regulations adopted
pursuant thereto, but excluding land
encompassed by any setback requirements
as set forth therein;
(2) Any land located within the Flood
Hazard Zones "A" and "B" shown on those
maps entitled, "Flood Insurance Rate Map
City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island,
Providence County, Community Panel
Number 445411 00013, map revised January
6, 1982, Federal Emergency Management
Agency" as amended;
(3) Any stream areas and/or bodies of
water;
(4) Any areas with slopes in excess of
fifteen (15) percent; and
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(5) Any unusual or undevelopable land
formations.
12.2-3 Density Requirements. Single-family
attached and/or single-family detached
residential development may be permitted at
an increased density on a portion of a parcel
within this overlay district only if a
sufficient amount of open space is set aside
within the same parcel so that the average
residential density of the parcel as a whole
does not exceed that permitted by the
regulations of the zoning district or districts
in which the planned residential
development is located. The maximum
number of dwelling units in a planned
residential development shall not exceed the
number computed in accordance with the
following procedure:
(1) All acreage which is unsuitable for
development, as hereinabove defined, shall
first be deducted from the tract proposed for
development.
(2) Twenty (20) percent of the tract's gross
area, or in the alternative, the actual area of
any street right-of-way designed for the
development in accordance with planning
board approval, shall be subtracted as an
allowance for streets.
(3) The remaining acreage shall be divided
by the minimum lot size permitted by the
regulations pertaining to the zoning district
in which the parcel is located.
(4) The resulting figure shall be rounded
down to the nearest whole number.
12.2-4 Homeowners' Association. The
developer of a planned residential
development shall create a homeowners'
association which shall include as its
members all owners of dwelling units within
the planned residential development. Said
homeowners' association shall be
established in accordance with all applicable
local, state and federal laws, and shall have,
by virtue of its rules or bylaws, the power to
assess dues and/or fees sufficient to cover
the cost of maintenance of the common open
space, and of any improvements thereon, in
accordance with all applicable local, state
and federal laws.
12.2-5 Perimeter Buffer. There shall be a
buffer of open space around the entire
perimeter of the planned residential
development. Said buffer shall be at least
two (2) times as wide as the minimum
required rear yard setback for single-family
dwellings in the zoning district in which the
adjoining land is located. If the planned
residential development adjoins a
commercial or industrial district, the
perimeter buffer shall be a minimum of one
hundred (100) feet. The perimeter buffer
may include land which has been
determined by the planning board to be
unsuitable for development. No buildings or
structures, or portions thereof, shall be built
within the perimeter buffer, except that
fencing may be permitted upon the approval
of the planning board. The perimeter buffer
may be reduced or waived, in whole or in
part, by the planning board only where the
adjacent land is a publicly or privately
owned park or conservation area.
12.2-6 Common Open Space. A substantial
portion of the land involved in any planned
residential development must consist of
common open space, the use of which shall
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be limited to conservation, preservation,
reforestation, agriculture, non-commercial
recreation, and any structures and uses
accessory to the aforementioned which may
be approved by the planning board. All
common open space shall be reserved for
the use of the present and future owners,
lessees, sub lessees and residents of the
planned residential development, and their
nonpaying guests, except that in cases where
both the developer and the planning board
agree, access shall be provided for the
public.
12.2-6.1 Specific Requirements. Common
open space shall be provided as set forth
below, and according to such additional
restrictions as may be imposed by the
planning board and city council in a
particular residential planned development.
(1) In addition to the open space required
for the perimeter buffer, at least twenty (20)
percent of the gross area of the land
involved in any planned residential
development shall be set aside as contiguous
common open space.
(2) A minimum of fifty (50) percent of
required common open space may be
composed of land determined by the
planning board to be unsuitable for
development.
(3) A maximum of twenty (20) percent of
required common open space may be
devoted to structures or impervious surfaces,
and no structure or impervious surface shall
be located within the required common open
space unless directly related to a permitted
use as hereinabove defined.
(4) Access to the required common open
space shall be made available through the
provision of a sufficient number of clearly
marked access corridors, each with a
minimum width of fifteen (15) feet, and
composed of appropriate materials approved
by the planning board.
(5) Strips of common land between
residential buildings, streets, or drives shall
not be counted toward the minimum
percentage of common open space, but may
be used as access corridors to said common
open space.
12.2-6.2 Ownership of Common Open
Space. Common open space shall be owned
jointly by the owners of all dwelling units
within the planned residential development,
in conformance with all applicable local,
state and federal laws, such that the
ownership interest in any dwelling unit shall
be inseparable from the ownership interest
in the common open space. In addition,
common open space shall be protected
against future development and
environmental damage by conveying to the
city an easement over such common open
space, restricting any development or use of
the common open space, except as provided
hereinabove.
12.2-6.3 Management of Common Open
Space. The management and maintenance
of all common open space shall be the full
responsibility of the homeowners'
association for the planned residential
development. The homeowners' association
shall enter into a professional maintenance
contract for the maintenance of all common
open space and facilities with a professional
maintenance contractor who shall be
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regularly engaged in the maintenance
business. In the event of a failure or neglect
of the homeowners' association to comply
with any city code or ordinance, the city
may enforce such code or ordinance as
authorized. In no event does this ordinance
obligate the City of Woonsocket to become
involved with the maintenance of common
open space.
12.2-7 Private Drives. The planning board
and city council may allow the use of private
drives to service a planned residential
development in combination with, or in
place of, public streets. The construction of
said private drives shall be subject to the
inspection and approval of the division
engineer. No maintenance or trash removal
services shall be provided by the city on any
private drive.
12.2-8 Setback Requirements. Single-
family attached or detached dwelling units
may be sited in arrangements that allow for
lesser setbacks than required under the
regulations of the zoning district or districts
in which the planned residential
development is located. However, all
structures in planned residential
developments shall have minimum front
setbacks from public roads and/or private
drives as set forth below. All structures
located on corner or through lots shall
maintain required setbacks from each road
and/or drive.
(1) Twenty-five (25) feet from the right-of-
way line of any subdivision road or private
drive;
(2) Thirty-five (35) feet from the right-of-
way line of any collector road;
(3) Fifty (50) feet from the right-of-way line
of any arterial road; and
(4) Two hundred (200) feet from the right-
of-way line of any limited access or divided
highway.
12.2-9 Criteria for Attached Dwelling Units.
The following criteria shall apply to the
placement and arrangement of attached
dwelling units:
(1) No more than eight (8) dwelling units
shall be located in any one building;
(2) No more than four (4) contiguous
dwelling units in any building shall have the
same or approximately the same front
building line;
(3) The minimum distance between any two
(2) buildings which are substantially parallel
to each other shall be one hundred (100)
feet.
(4) The minimum distance between any two
(2) abutting ends of buildings in the same
general plane shall be fifty (50) feet, unless
the walls of both abutting ends contain no
windows to serve habitable rooms, in which
case the minimum distance shall be thirty
(30) feet.
12.2-10 Obstructions to Visibility. No wall,
fence or other structure shall be erected and
no hedge, tree, shrub or other growth shall
be maintained in such a location as to
obstruct the view from a vehicle traveling on
any road or drive.
12.2-11 Preliminary Plat Submittal
Requirements. A preliminary plat shall be
filed with the department of planning and
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development for consideration by the
planning board and city council. Said plat
shall contain the following:
12.2-11.1 Plat. A plat of a scale not smaller
than forty (40) feet to the inch, shall be
included as part of the preliminary plat
submission, which shall be prepared by a
registered land surveyor or by a registered
professional engineer, as appropriate under
the requirements established by the State of
Rhode Island for each class, and which shall
include without limitation the following:
(1) The title under which the proposed plat
is to be recorded, with the name and stamp
of the registered land surveyor under whose
supervision the plat was prepared;
(2) The present zoning classification of all
parcels contained in said plat;
(3) The location of all existing property
lines, streets, alleys, buildings, watercourses,
railroads, utilities, and public spaces;
(4) The location and names of all adjacent
subdivisions, streets, alleys, watercourses,
railroads, utilities and public spaces on
immediately adjoining properties;
(5) The location and dimensions, by metes
and bounds, of all proposed streets, alleys,
easements and lot lines;
(6) Existing and proposed contour data for
the entire parcel, at two-foot intervals;
(7) The existing drainage pattern, including
swampland, state designated wetlands, low
wetlands, and natural water channels;
(8) The proposed drainage pattern,
including all storm drainage, sanitary sewer
and water connections with the city's system
and designation as to the responsibility for
future maintenance of such connections.
Such designation shall be incorporated into
the records of land evidence of the City of
Woonsocket;
(9) The location and demarcation of all
proposed open space to be designated in
common ownership:
(10) The location and demarcation of all
parcels of land proposed to be dedicated to
public use, if any, and the conditions of such
dedication;
(11) A statement acknowledging that the
plat, which the city council and planning
board approve, shall not be materially
altered in a size or scope and that if, such
material alterations are proposed, city
council and planning board approval shall be
necessary to proceed with the plan; and
(12) The date upon which the plat is
submitted.
12.2-11.2 Locus Map. A map drawn of
suitable scale, showing the location of the
plat in relation to its surrounding area shall
be included as part of the preliminary plat
submission. This map should include
enough information to permit the ready and
convenient location of the plat.
12.2-11.3 List of Abutters. A list of the
names and post office addresses of the
owners of all parcels contained in the plat,
and of all abutting owners, shall be included
as part of the preliminary plat submission.
12.2-11.4 Site Plan. A site plan of a scale
not smaller than forty (40) feet to the inch,
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shall be included as part of the preliminary
plat submission, which shall be prepared by
a registered land surveyor or by a registered
professional engineer, as appropriate under
the requirements established by the State of
Rhode Island for each class, and which shall
include without limitation the following:
(1) The outline and location of all proposed
dwelling units with an indication of the
number of bedrooms per unit;
(2) A statement of the total number of
dwelling units;
(3) The outline and location of all accessory
buildings, including garages and utility
sheds;
(4) The outline and location of all
recreational and leisure facilities; and
(5) The date upon which the site plan is
submitted.
12.2-11.5 Exterior Elevations. Exterior
elevations of the proposed dwelling units
and all common facilities, developed and
stamped by a registered Rhode Island
architect, shall be included as part of the
preliminary plat submission.
12.2-11.6 Comprehensive Development
Plan. A comprehensive development plan
shall be included as part of the preliminary
plat submission. Said plan shall include
detailed information on the scope and timing
of all phases. There shall be no more than
three (3) workable phases in the total plan.
Each workable phase shall include the
construction of a similar proportion of
dwelling units and common facilities. A
workable phase shall consist of an entire
residential planned development which
meets the density and open space
requirements of this ordinance. The division
of any residential planned development into
workable phases shall be approved by the
city council during the preliminary approval
stage.
12.2-11.7 Traffic Plan. A traffic circulation
plan and traffic impact analysis prepared by
a registered engineer experienced in traffic
engineering shall be included as part of the
preliminary plat submission for projects
having a total development potential of
twenty-five (25) units or more. Such plan
and analysis shall cite the local street
network capacity, project the increased
traffic generated from the proposed
development, and provide alternative
methods of accommodating such traffic
when necessary.
12.2-11.8 Conventional Subdivision Plan.
The developer may also present a
conventional subdivision plan to the
planning board in accordance with the
ordinance of Real Estate Subdivision, City
of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, for
consideration in the event that the planned
residential development proposal does not
receive approval.
12.2-12 Consideration of Preliminary Plat.
A joint public hearing shall be held by the
planning board and city council to consider
a complete preliminary plat submission
rendered in proper form in accordance with
the provisions of this ordinance. Within
thirty (30) days of such public hearing, the
planning board shall render a decision on
said preliminary plat, if approved by the
planning board, said preliminary plat shall
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 78 of 145
require concurring approval by the city
council.
12.2-13 Duration of Preliminary Plat
Approval. If a preliminary plat has been
given approval by both the planning board
and city council, such approval shall become
null and void after the expiration of one (1)
year following the date of approval by the
city council, unless a complete final plat
plan rendered in proper form in accordance
with the provisions of this ordinance has
been filed with, and accepted by, the
planning board before the expiration of the
one-year period or unless an extension of
time has been applied for and granted by the
city council.
12.2-14 Final Plat Requirements. No
construction of a planned residential
development shall begin, including any type
of earth moving or vegetative removal, until
the final plat for such development has been
given approval by both the planning board
and city council, and recorded in the office
of the city clerk, except that construction
necessary for the completion of required
public improvements as a prerequisite to
final plat approval may be undertaken
following the approval and recording of the
preliminary plat for the planned residential
development in the office of the city clerk.
A final plat shall be filed with the
department of planning and development for
consideration by the planning board and city
council. Said plat shall conform to the
requirements of the City of Woonsocket's
Real Estate Subdivision Ordinance, and
shall contain updated and/or revised
versions of each of the items specified above
as preliminary plat requirements, as well as
the following:
12.2-14.1 Architectural Plans and
Specifications. A full set of architectural
plans and definitive specifications,
developed and stamped by a registered
Rhode Island architect, shall be included as
part of the final plat submission.
12.2-14.2 Guaranty of Performance. To
assure that all proposed improvements
designated for future public use shall be
satisfactorily completed, a cash guaranty
shall be provided to the City of Woonsocket
to be placed in an escrow account. The total
amount of the cash guaranty shall be set by
the planning board based upon the estimated
cost of completion of said improvements.
The planning board shall have the authority
to grant release of funds from the escrow
account upon the completion of portions of
said improvements, and shall obtain
verification of completed improvements
from the director of public works, whenever
a reduction or release of the escrow account
is requested. In no case, however, shall the
planning board allow the reduction of the
account below twenty-five (25) percent of
the original amount until such time as the
specified improvements are one hundred
(100) percent complete as approved by the
director of public works. As an alternative
to providing the above cash guaranty, the
developer may complete and have accepted
for public use by the city council, all
proposed improvements prior to granting of
final plat approval.
12.2-14.3 Easements. Deeds to any and all
easements in favor of the city concerning
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Page 79 of 145
common open space included as part of the
final plat submission.
12.2-14.4 Rules, Regulations and Bylaws.
Rules, regulations and bylaws which
establish a homeowners' association, its
powers, rights and duties, and the details of
the ownership structure shall be included as
part of the final plat submission. Such rules
and bylaws shall be reviewed by the city
solicitor for conformance to applicable local,
state and federal law. The homeowners
association shall be organized and function
in accordance with rules or bylaws which
shall be satisfactory in form and substance
to the planning board and which shall be
recorded in the records of land evidence in
the office of the city clerk with the other
documents pertaining to the development.
12.2-15 Consideration of Final Plat. A joint
public hearing shall be held by the planning
board and city council to consider a
complete final plat submission rendered in
proper form in accordance with the
provisions of this ordinance. Within thirty
(30) days of such public hearing, the
planning board shall render a decision on
said final plat. If approved by the planning
board, said final plat shall require
concurring approval by the city council.
12.2-16 Duration of Final Plat Approval. If
a final plat has been given approval by both
the planning board and city council, such
approval shall become null and void after
the expiration of thirty (30) days following
the date of approval by the city council,
unless said plat has been recorded with the
records of land evidence in the office of the
city clerk, the planning board before the
expiration of the one-year period or unless
an extension of time has been applied for
and granted by the city council.
12.2-17 Failure to Begin Development. The
developer must begin and substantially
complete the planned residential
development within two (2) years from the
time of final plat approval by the city
council. If the planned residential
development is to be constructed in two (2)
or more phases, the developer must begin
and substantially complete the development
of the first phase within eighteen (18)
months of said final approval, and must
begin and substantially complete the
development of each subsequent phase
within eighteen (18) months of completion
of each preceding phase. The planning
board, upon showing of good cause by the
developer, may extend for periods of six (6)
months the time for completion of any
phase.
For purposes of this subsection,
"substantially completed" means the
completion of at least eighty (80) percent of
the full development.
12.2-18 Appeals. Appeals to the city
council, acting as the subdivision board of
review, may be taken by an applicant whose
preliminary or final plat has been rejected by
the planning board by filing a statement of
appeal within thirty (30) days after the final
action on such plat by the planning board.
12.2-19 Amendment Procedure. The
planning board chairman shall notify the full
city council within twenty-four (24) hours of
the receipt of any request for amendment of
a preliminary or final plat approval. Unless
an objection is received from any council
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member within three (3) days, formal city
council ratification of said amendment by
resolution shall not be required in making a
determination on whether or not a change in
a planned residential development
constitutes a material alteration.
12.3. River Corridor Overlay District.
The River Corridor Overlay District is
hereby established to regulate the
development and use of land, buildings,
structures, improvements and facilities in
proximity to the Blackstone River, with
regard to assessing the impacts of
development on the river environment with
regard to issues of health and safety,
Environmental protection, public access,
visual and architectural quality and long-
term planning strategies. All land,
buildings, structures, improvements and
facilities within the River Corridor Overlay
District shall be regulated by both the
requirements of the district in which they are
located and the requirements of this overlay
district.
12.3-1 River Corridor Review Commission.
The river corridor review commission is
hereby established as the agency authorized
with the administration of the River Corridor
Overlay District. The members of the river
corridor review commission shall be the
members of the planning board. For those
areas under the authority of the
redevelopment agency, which are also
within the River Corridor Overlay District,
the members of the redevelopment agency
shall also serve as members of the river
corridor review commission.
12.3-1.1 Delegation of Authority. The river
corridor review commission may delegate
limited review authority to the city planner.
As so authorized by the river corridor
review commission, the city planner may
review and approve applications (with or
without special conditions) for proposed
projects which are deemed by the city
planner to have little or no impact on the
surrounding area. Determinations made by
the city planner may be appealed to the river
corridor review commission in writing.
12.3-2 Design Guidelines. Design Review
Guidelines have been adopted by the
Woonsocket Planning Board effective June
2, 2015.
12.3-3 Submission of Plans and Proposals.
A proposal for development within this
overlay district may be made by any
applicant by filing with the city planner an
application describing the proposal and
supporting materials. Applications and
supporting materials shall be submitted for
review under this subsection prior to the
submittal of plans for a building permit.
Supporting materials shall include seven (7)
sets of each of the following:
12.3-3.1 Site Plan. A site plan is required
which shall be prepared by a registered land
surveyor or by a registered professional
engineer, as appropriate under the
requirements established by the State of
Rhode Island for each class, and which shall
include without limitation the following:
(1) Location of all existing and proposed
buildings and structures, including signs;
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(2) Location of all existing and proposed
site improvements, including utilities;
(3) Location of all existing and proposed
points of vehicular and pedestrian access;
(4) Location of all existing and proposed
interior access corridors and parking spaces;
and
(5) Existing and proposed contour data for
the site, at two-foot intervals.
12.3-3.2 Architectural Submittals.
Architectural submittals are required which
shall include without limitation the
following:
(1) Elevations for all sides of any proposed
building or structure, including signs; and
(2) Exterior lighting plans.
12.3-4 Pre-Development Conference.
Developers shall be encouraged, but are not
required, to discuss proposals at the outset
with the city planner and the division
engineer for suggestions and general
guidance.
12.3-5 Evaluation of Proposals. Proposals
for development within this overlay district
shall be reviewed with respect to the
following:
(1) Availability of public access to river;
(2) Impacts on available utilities and the
planning of future improvements;
(3) Off-site traffic impacts;
(4) On-site traffic circulation;
(5) On- and off-site environmental impacts:
(6) Overall visual quality;
(7) Site layout.
12.3-6 Penalties. All plans and designs
approved by the river corridor review
commission shall be executed as such.
Failure to comply with approved plans shall
be deemed a violation of this ordinance and
of the building permit issued for such
development, and shall cause the building
official to issue a stop-work order until such
time that the violation has been satisfactorily
remedied.
12.4. Special Flood Hazard Overlay
District.
The Special Flood Hazard Overlay District
is hereby established to restrict development
and use of land, buildings and structures
within areas prone to flood damage or
destruction. This overlay district shall
include all parcels, or portions thereof,
delineated as "Areas of Special Flood
Hazard," including A Zones and AI-A30
Zones, on the Federal Insurance
Administration Map for the City of
Woonsocket entitled "Food Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM), City of Woonsocket, Rhode
Island", and the "Flood Boundary Floodway
Map for the City of Woonsocket, Rhode
Island", Community--Panel Numbers
445411 0001 through 445411 0004, revised
January 6, 1982, and as may be amended.
All land, buildings, structures,
improvements and facilities within, the
Special Flood Hazard Overlay District shall
be regulated by both the requirements of the
district in which they are located and the
requirements of this overlay district. All
laws and ordinances concerning land use
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Page 82 of 145
and control, and any other measures
designed to reduce flood losses, shall take
precedence over any conflicting law,
ordinance or code.
12.4-1 No Encroachments Permitted. All
parcels within this overlay district shall be
kept free of encroachment in order that the
100-year flood can be carried without an
increase of more than one (1) foot, provided
that hazardous velocities are not produced.
No encroachments, including without
limitation, fill, new construction, substantial
improvement or other development, shall be
permitted which would result in any increase
in flood levels within the community during
the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
12.4-2 Development Permit Required. No
development activity shall commence within
this overlay district, including without
limitation, dredging, filling, grading, paving,
excavating, mining and drilling operations,
until such time as a development permit has
been issued by the building official.
12.4-2.1 Prior Approvals Required. Prior to
the issuance of any development permit; the
applicant shall submit evidence that all other
necessary permits and approvals have been
received from relevant local, federal and
state agencies.
12.4-2.2 Plans Required. Where any
proposed development activity within this
overlay district involves five (5) or more lots
or one (1) or more acres, the applicant shall
provide plans which indicate the minimum
and maximum elevations of the proposed
site as well as the 100-year base flood
elevation. Said plans shall be incorporated
in the application for a development permit.
12.4-3 Alteration of Watercourses. No
watercourse may be altered or relocated in
any manner which will, in the opinion of the
building official, result in any decrease in
the flood carrying capacity of the
watercourse. Where any alteration or
relocation is permitted, the zoning officer
shall notify adjacent communities, the
Rhode Island statewide planning program,
and the federal insurance administration
prior to said alteration or relocation.
12.4-4 Standards for Variances. Where
strict application of the requirements of this
ordinance would create an extreme hardship,
the zoning board of review shall have the
power to authorize variances for
development within this overlay district
according to the provisions set forth below:
12.4-4.1 Variances shall only be issued
upon:
(1) A determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary to afford relief;
(2) A showing of good and sufficient cause;
(3) A determination that failure to grant the
variance would result in exceptional
hardship to the applicant; and
(4) A determination that the granting of a
variance will not result in increased flood
heights, additional threats to public safety or
extraordinary public expense; create
nuisances; cause fraud on or victimization of
the public; or conflict with existing local
laws or ordinances.
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12.4-4.2 The zoning board of review shall:
(1) Maintain a record of all actions,
including justification for the issuance of
any variance; and
(2) Report all variances issued in the city's
annual report submitted to the Federal
Insurance Administration.
12.5 Downtown Overlay District.
(amended 11/2019)
The Downtown Overlay District is hereby
established to confer additional options for
development and land use in the Main Street
area, with the boundaries of the Downtown
Overlay District as defined in Section 2.1-
6.6. The overlay district is intended to allow
additional permitted uses that encourage
further growth and concentration of art,
cultural and entertainment attractions in the
Main Street area; promote the temporary use
of vacant and underutilized properties; and
encourage a walkable, vibrant environment.
With the exception of live/work units,
residential uses are prohibited in any street
level or below units in the Downtown
Overlay District. All land, buildings,
structures, improvements and facilities
within the Downtown District shall be
regulated by both the requirements of the
district in which they are located and the
requirements of this overlay district. Where
the requirements of this overlay district are
greater or more restrictive than the
requirements of the underlying district, or
where conflicts exist between this overlay
district and the underlying district, the
requirements of this overlay district shall
prevail.
12.5-1 Permitted Uses. In addition to uses
allowed in the underlying zoning districts,
additional permitted uses are allowed within
the Downtown District as provided as
follows.
(1) Outdoor café seating is permitted outside
of a principal restaurant, café or other eating
and/or drinking establishment provided it
complies with the following regulations:
(a) Outdoor café seating shall be located on
the same lot as or adjacent to the principal
restaurant or café use provided the
appropriate City permits and/or licenses
have been obtained.
(b) When outdoor café seating is located on
a sidewalk adjoining the principal restaurant
or café use, there shall be a minimum four
(4) feet wide unobstructed passageway for
pedestrians on the sidewalk.
(c) When outdoor café seating is located on
a sidewalk adjoining the principal restaurant
or café use, outdoor seats, tables and related
furnishings shall be removable.
(d) No outdoor café seating shall encroach
upon any part of the sidewalk frontage of
any adjacent property or alley.
(e) Outdoor café seating shall comply with
all applicable building, health, safety, fire
and environmental standards.
(f) Outdoor café seating will only be
permitted during April 1 to November 1 of
the calendar year.
(2) Live/work unit. If the unit is located on
the ground floor fronting the street, the
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Page 84 of 145
residential area shall be in the back of the
unit.
(3) Artist studio or gallery
(4) Micro-lofts, Micro-apartments and/or
Studios: A small self-contained one-
bedroom or less residential living unit of at
least three hundred twenty-five (325) square
feet and of no more than five hundred and
fifty (550) square feet located in any
building level above the street level. Micro-
lofts, Micro-apartments or Studios shall
include space with a living unit for sleeping
and/or sitting, a kitchenette, limited storage
space, and a bathroom. Micro-lofts, Micro-
apartments or Studios shall not exceed one
bedroom or sleeping area. Micro-lofts,
Micro-apartments or Studios are allowed
only in upper level stories, not street levels,
of existing properties (i.e. they are not
allowed for newly constructed properties)
within the City's Downtown Overlay
District. For avoidance of doubt, Micro-
lofts, Micro-apartments and/or Studios are
not permitted in any other areas or zoning
districts within the city other than the City's
Downtown Overlay District, nor are the
allowed in any newly constructed
buildings/structures or in any street level or
below area of existing buildings. (Ord. June
4, 2018 rev. November 4, 2019)
4.1 Minimum and Maximum Requirements
a) Lot area: Minimum required lot area shall
be four thousand (4,000) square feet for the
first unit and one thousand five hundred
(1,500) for each additional unit to a
maximum of twenty-five (25) units.
b) Commercial, non-residential units on the
first level shall be restricted in size only by
the building dimensions and shall not be
counted in the number of allowable units.
Residential units on the first level, if
permitted, shall count towards the
calculation of total allowable units as
prescribed in Section 4.1(a) above. No
residential units shall be allowed in the
basement or below street level. (Ord. June 4,
2018)
(5) Hotel or Motel as defined in Section 18.1
Definitions limited to C-1, MU-1 and MU-2
zones
(6) Non-profit educational institutions
serving older children and adults, including
high schools, vocational schools, colleges
and universities limited to C-1, MU-1 and
MU-2 zones
(7) Bed and Breakfast Inn as defined in
Section 18.1 Definitions limited to C-1,
MU-1 and MU-2 zones
(8) Tavern, bar, lounge, pub or other
establishment where alcoholic beverages are
sold under the authority of a BM, BL, BV or
C license limited to C-1, MU-1 and MU-2
zones (rev 1/2019)
(9) Night club or similar establishment
where entertainment is provided limited to
C-1, MU-1 and MU-2 zones
(10) Cinema, theater or cultural arts center
limited to C-1, MU-1 and MU-2 zones
12.5-2 Interim Uses. An interim use is a
temporary or transitional development,
installation, or activity established on
underutilized and/or vacant property for a
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Page 85 of 145
predetermined period. Interim uses are
permitted in the Downtown District Overlay
and limited to C-1, MU-1 and MU-2 zones,
provided they comply with this Section
12.5-2.
(1) An interim use shall be permitted for a
period of up to six (6) months. The six (6)
month time period may be extended through
the granting of a Special Use Permit. An
interim use that occurs on a property on an
annual basis or other regular period basis
exceeding the allowable time periods shall
be treated as a special use and shall only be
permitted through the granting of a Special
Use Permit.
(2) Interim uses shall achieve all of the
following requirements in order to be
permitted:
(a)
Interim uses shall provide public
amenities, public access or promote
economic development.
(b)
Interim uses shall encourage
pedestrian activity with visual and/or
physical access provided from the adjacent
street edge.
(c)
Interim uses shall encourage street-
level activity through commercial enterprise,
streetscape enhancement, public art and/or
public access.
(3) Applications for interim uses shall be
reviewed and approved by the City Planner
or designee. Applications shall include the
following:
(a)
Applicant's name, address and phone
number
(b)
Property owner's name, address and
phone number
(c)
Written consent of the owner of the
property to establish the proposed interim
use
(d)
Location of property
(e)
Current use of property
(f)
Description of proposed interim use
(g)
Length of time request for proposed
interim use
(h)
Illustrations, sketches or drawings of
sufficient size and clarity to show without
further explanation the size and location of
the property; location of the adjacent street;
location and size of all existing structures on
the site; and location of any temporary
structures to be installed as part of the
interim use
(i)
Photos of the property and adjacent
properties
(j)
Any additional information
requested by the City Planner that is
considered necessary to adequately review
and approve an application
(4) The following interim uses are permitted
on underutilized and/or vacant property,
provided they comply with this Section
12.5-2:
(a)
Food trucks
(b)
Pop-up retail
(c)
Art and cultural installations
(d)
Farmers' market
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(e)
Theater, music or artistic
performances
(5) Separate licenses, permits, fees and
approvals may be required by City or State
agencies. Applicants shall be responsible for
complying with all such requirements."(Ch.
7857, 12-07-2015)
12.6 Live/Work Units (amended 10/19)
12.6.1 Live/Work units are permitted in all
commercial and manufacturing zones or in
specific properties in residential zones
approved by the city council by resolution.
12.6.2 Any commercial use permitted in the
zoning district applicable to the property is
permitted in the live/work unit. In
residentially zones properties approved by
city council resolution, commercial and
industrial uses are permitted such as artistic,
creation, development and small-scale
manufacturing is allowed together with
associates retail and volume sales.
12.6.3 Live/Work units at street level are
prohibited where single-purpose residential
structures are otherwise prohibited. In
commercial and industrial zones any portion
of a residential unit is permitted only on the
upper stories.
12.6.4 Where permitted, live/work units
located at street level are subject to the
development standards for ground-floor
retail or commercial establishments as
follows; and to any additional standards for
ground-floor commercial establishments
provided in the zoning ordinance.
12.6.4 (a) A minimum of eighty
percent (80%) of a structure's street
front façade at street level shall be
occupied by nonresidential uses.
12.6.4 (b) In districts where
live/work units are permitted at street
level, parking for live/work units on
neighborhood commercial streets
and in mixed-use zones is prohibited
in front of the building.
12.6.4 (c) Live/work units that
exceed two thousand square feet
(2,000 sq. ft.) must have at least two
(2) means of egress.
12.6.4 (d) Within each live/work
unit, the living area shall not exceed
fifty percent (50%) of the total floor
area of the unit.
12.6.4 (e) Where the owner occupies
the property in one of the live/work
units, the remainder of the property
may be designated and used solely as
work units with city council
preapproval.
12.6.4 (f) No signage shall be
allowed other that numbering
required to address identification.
12.6.5. Business License Required: At least
one resident in each live/work unit shall
maintain a valid business license for a
business on the premises, if required.
12.6.7 Parking: For live/work units of fewer
than twenty-five hundred square feet (2,500
sq. ft.), one (1) parking space is required for
each unit. For live/work units greater than
2,500 square feet, required parking will be
based on the applicable parking standards
for the nonresidential use or the closest
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Page 87 of 145
similar use as determined by the zoning
official.
12.7. Historic Structures Floating
Overlay District. (added 10/2019)
Established to regulate the development and
use of land, buildings, improvements and
facilities associated with historic buildings
structures and sites to allow additional
permitted uses that encourage the
preservation and redevelopment of historic
structures in the City of Woonsocket; and
further relaxes uses and dimensional
restrictions which are deemed impediments
to successful and reasonable redevelopment
and preservation and to further permit the
flexible development of surplus properties
owned or formerly owned by municipal,
state or federal governments or their
instrumentalities in order to
1.) encourage harmonious, efficient and
convenient living environments and
communities;
2.) increase housing opportunities and
economic development prospects by
increasing the variety of residential,
commercial or industrial types, density and
design;
3.) facilitate the economical and efficient
provision of necessary community services,
recreation and open space;
4.) preserve features and sites of natural,
ecological and historical interest;
5.) encourage innovative design; and
6.) promote the health, safety and welfare of
the residents of Woonsocket.
12.7.1. Imposition of a Historic
Structures Floating Overlay District.
The Historic Structures Floating Overlay
District shall be imposed, or amended, by
resolution of the city council for structure(s)
and / or land meeting the following criteria:
was built prior to 1950
was built specifically as a building to
be used by the municipal, state or
federal governments, or
instrumentalities thereof, and
which have been declared surplus
property by such governmental entity
and offered for sale and development
by a private developer
12.7.2 Eligibility In declaring a property to
be eligible for placement within a Historic
Structures Floating Overlay District, the city
council shall consider the following:
1. Compliance with the goals and
objectives of the comprehensive
plan;
2. Estimated amount of taxes and/or
other revenue to be provided to the
city;
(2.1) Extent of services and
facilities to be required by the
development, and capacity of the
municipality or State to provide the
same;
(2.2) Preservation of historic
property and/or features of unique
natural, ecological, or historical
interest;
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3. Quality of design proposed by the
prospective developer;
4. Diversification of housing choices or
economic development
opportunities; and
5. Benefits to the surrounding
neighborhood
6. The demonstrated capacity of the
proposed developer to affect the
project as presented and approved.
7. The opinion of the planning board, if
expressed prior to declaration of
HSFOD status.
12.7.3. Overlay District Boundaries. The
boundaries of any Historic Structures
Floating Overlay District shall include any
and all property, structures and features
designated by the city council by resolution
including any modifications, combinations
or divisions of those lots which may
transpire in the future.
12.7.4 Historic Structures Floating Overlay
District. The Historic Structures Floating
Overlay District is hereby established to
confer additional options for development
and land use in any declared such district.
All land, buildings, structures,
improvements and facilities within the
Historic Structures Floating Overlay District
shall be regulated by both the requirements
of the district in which they are located and
the requirements of this overlay district.
Where the requirements of this overlay
district are greater or more/less restrictive
than the requirements of the underlying
district, or where conflicts exist between this
overlay district and the underlying district,
the requirements of this overlay district shall
prevail.
12.7.5 Approval of Redevelopment Plan for
Development of Properties within a Historic
Structures Floating Overlay District.
12.7.5(a) Referral to planning board
Whenever a development plan submitted by
any developer or proposed developer of
properties within a designated district shall
be received by the city council, it shall be
referred to the planning board for advice and
recommendation after due consideration. If,
in the opinion of the city council, a public
hearing on such development plan is
warranted, the city council shall instruct the
planning board to hold such a hearing with
reasonable notice.
12.7.5(b) Action by the city council
After review by the planning board and
considerate of the board's advice and
recommendation, the city council shall
approve, approve with stipulations or
modifications or reject the development plan
which shall be proposed for the district. The
city council may choose to conduct a public
hearing, which may be contemporaneous
with that of the planning board.
Approval by the city council or approval
with stipulations/modifications shall be
considered as final action and the building
inspector or any other officer or agent of the
city shall cooperate fully and completely
with the implementation of the plan as
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approved or approved with stipulations or
modifications by the city council
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Section 13. Procedures for
Administration and Enforcement
13.1. Zoning Officer.
The zoning officer within the department of
planning and development shall administer
and enforce this ordinance and shall
undertake all duties assigned herein.
13.1-1 Qualifications. The zoning officer
shall be an employee of the department of
planning and development, shall be the
recipient of a high school diploma or
equivalency diploma, and shall be familiar
with the provisions of this ordinance and the
state enabling legislation.
13.2. Zoning Board of Review.
The zoning board of review is hereby
created and shall undertake all duties
assigned herein.
13.2-1 Membership. The zoning board of
review shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the city council, each to hold
office for the term of five (5) years;
provided, however, that the original
appointments shall be made for terms of one
(1), two (2), three (3), four (4), and five (5)
years, respectively. The zoning board of
review shall also include two (2) alternates,
appointed by the mayor, to be designated as
first (1st) and second (2nd) alternate
members, each to hold office for the term of
five (5) years. These alternate members
shall sit and may actively participate in
hearings.
Procedures for filling vacancies in unexpired
terms of zoning board members, and for the
removal of members for due cause, shall be
as provided in city charter. The members of
the zoning board of review as constituted at
the effective date of this ordinance shall
continue to serve for their remaining
unexpired terms of office.
13.2-2 Organization. In the month of May
of each year the zoning board of review
shall organize by electing from its
membership a chairman and a vice-
chairman. The board may appoint a
secretary and such other clerks as may be
required to perform the duties required
under this ordinance.
13.2-3 Meetings. Meetings of the zoning
board of review shall be held at the call of
the chairman or as may be fixed by the
board. The chairman, or in his absence the
vice-chairman, may administer oaths and
compel the attendance of witnesses by the
issuance of subpoenas. All hearings and
meetings of the zoning board of review shall
be open to the public. All decisions shall be
made and voted upon at a public hearing.
13.2-4 Rules of Procedure. The zoning
board of review shall establish written rules
of procedure within six (6) months of the
enactment of this ordinance.
13.2-5 Office and Mailing Address. The
zoning board of review shall establish an
office where records and decisions shall be
filed and a mailing address to which appeals
and correspondence to the zoning board of
review shall be sent.
13.2-6 Powers and Duties of the Board. The
zoning board of review shall have the
following powers and duties:
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(1) To hear and decide appeals in a timely
fashion where it is alleged there is an error
in any order, requirement, decision, or
determination made by the zoning officer or
authorized agency in the enforcement or
interpretation of this ordinance.
(2) To hear and decide appeals from a party
aggrieved by a decision of an historic
district commission, pursuant to sections 45-
24.1-7.1 and 45-24.1-7.2 of the General
Laws of the State of Rhode Island.
(3) To authorize upon application, in
specific cases of hardship. variances in the
application of the terms of this ordinance.
(4) To authorize upon application, in
specific cases, special use permits.
(5) To refer matters to the planning board or
to other boards or agencies of the city as the
zoning board of review may deem
appropriate, for findings and
recommendations.
(6) To provide for issuance of conditional
zoning approvals, where a proposed
application would otherwise be approved
except that one (1) or more local, state or
federal agency approvals which are
necessary, are pending. A conditional
approval shall be revoked in the instance
where any necessary local, state or federal
agency approvals are not received within a
specified time period.
(7) To hear and decide such other matters,
according to the terms of this ordinance and
other statutes, and upon which the zoning
board of review may be authorized to pass
under this ordinance and other statutes.
13.2-7 Voting Requirements. The zoning
board of review shall be required to vote as
follows:
(1) Five (5) active members of the zoning
board of review shall be necessary to
conduct a hearing. No member or alternate
may vote on any matter before the board
unless they have attended all hearings
concerning such matter. Only five (5) active
members shall be entitled to vote on any
issue.
(2) The first alternate shall vote as an active
member if a member of the board is unable
to serve at a hearing. The second alternate
shall also vote as an active member if two
(2) members of the board are unable to serve
at a hearing. In the absence of the first
alternate member, the second alternate
member shall serve in the position of the
first alternate.
(3) The concurring vote of three (3) of the
five (5) active members of the zoning board
of review sitting at a hearing shall be
necessary to reverse any order, requirement,
decision or determination of the zoning
officer or authorized agency from whom an
appeal is taken.
(4) The concurring vote of four (4) of the
five (5) members of the zoning board of
review shall be required to decide in favor of
an applicant on any matter within the
discretion of the board upon which it is
required to pass under this ordinance,
including variances and special use permits.
13.2-8 Conflict of Interest. No member of
the zoning board of review shall pass on any
matter in which he has a business,
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professional or personal interest. As soon as
a conflict occurs for a member, that member
shall recuse himself, shall not sit as an active
member, and shall take no part in the
conduct of the hearing.
13.2-9 Decisions and Records of
Proceedings. Following a public hearing,
the zoning board of review shall render a
decision within a reasonable period of time.
The zoning board of review shall include in
its decision all findings of fact and
conditions, showing the vote of each
member participating thereon, and the
absence of a member or his or her failure to
vote. Decisions shall be recorded and filed
in the office of the zoning board of review
within thirty (30) days from the date when
the decision was rendered, and shall be a
public record. The zoning board of review
shall keep written minutes of its proceedings
showing the vote of each member upon each
question or, if absent or failing to vote,
indicating such fact, and shall keep records
of its examination, findings of fact, and
other official actions, all of which shall be
recorded and filed in the office of the zoning
board of review in an expeditious manner
upon completion of the proceeding. For any
proceeding in which the right of appeal lies
to the superior court, the zoning board of
review shall have the minutes taken either
by a competent stenographer or recorded by
a sound-recording device. Any decision by
the zoning board of review, including any
special conditions attached thereto, shall be
mailed to the applicant, to the zoning
officer, and to the associate director of the
division of planning of the Rhode Island
Department of Administration. Any
decision evidencing the granting of a
variance, modification or special use permit
shall also be recorded in the land evidence
records in the office of the city clerk.
13.2-10 Engagement of Assistance. The
zoning board of review may engage legal,
technical or clerical assistance, as necessary,
to aid in the discharge of its duties.
13.3. Maintenance and Update of the
Zoning Ordinance.
The zoning officer shall be responsible for
the maintenance and update of the text and
zoning map comprising this ordinance.
Changes which impact the zoning map shall
be depicted on the map within ninety (90)
days of such authorized changes. The city
clerk shall be the custodian of the zoning
ordinance and zoning map.
13.4. Periodic Review of the Zoning
Ordinance.
The zoning officer shall be responsible for
the periodic review of the text and map
comprising the zoning ordinance, and for the
review of such materials whenever changes
are made to the comprehensive plan, in
order to identify any necessary changes and
to forward proposed changes to the city
council.
13.5. Request for Written
Determination.
In order to provide guidance or clarification,
the zoning officer shall, within fifteen (15)
days of written request for such guidance or
clarification, provide information in writing
to the requesting party as to the zoning
officer's determination, in the event that no
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written response is provided within such
fifteen (15) days, the requesting party shall
have the right to appeal to the zoning board
of review for such determination.
13.6. Violations. (amended 10/2019)
Pursuant to a signed, written complaint on
behalf of an identifiable complainant, and in
Compliance with State Law pursuant to
access of private property, the Zoning
Official or their designee shall have the
authority to enter the property if in the
course of the investigation it is necessary for
the zoning official or their designee to
determine if the violation in the signed
complaint exists.
If the Zoning Official finds that any of the
provisions of this ordinance are violated,
said Official shall notify in writing the
person(s) responsible for the violation,
indicating the nature of the violation and
ordering any action necessary to correct the
violation.
The Zoning Official shall order the
discontinuance of any illegal use of any
land, building, structure or improvement; the
removal of any illegal building, structure,
improvement, addition, alteration, or
structural change thereto; and the
discontinuance of any illegal work being
done.
The Zoning Official shall undertake
inspections of suspected violations, collect
fines for violations, and take any other
action authorized by this ordinance to ensure
compliance with or to prevent violation of
its provisions.
Any person or corporation having received a
notice of violation shall have 20 days to
respond. If the violation is not corrected or
no response is received within 20 days, the
Zoning Official shall forward the matter to
the Law Department for further action.
An extension of 30 days may be granted if,
in the opinion of the Zoning Official, the
property owner has made a reasonable
attempt to comply but needs additional time
to do so.
Any violation where the property owner has
been granted an extension that is not
corrected within 50 days of the receipt of the
notice of violation shall be forwarded to the
Law Department for further action.
13.6-1 Illegal Residential Units. Any
residential unit in excess of the maximum
number of legal units of record for a given
property shall be considered an illegal
residential unit, and the zoning officer shall
order the property owner to immediately
remove the illegal unit or cause said unit to
be removed.
13.6-1.1 Legal Units of Record. For the
purpose of this subsection, the number of
legal units of record shall be determined by
the zoning officer after reviewing the
minimum housing records, tax division
records, sewer use division records, records
of the zoning board of review, and any other
records which the zoning officer deems
relevant concerning the subject property.
13.6-1.2 Removal. Removal of an illegal
unit shall require the following minimum
actions:
(1) Removal of all cooking facilities;
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(2) Removal of the kitchen sink and faucets,
and covering of resultant openings; and
(3) Disconnection and capping of the
plumbing serving said kitchen sink by a
licensed plumber.
13.6-1.3 Request for Variance. Any
property owner wishing to retain one (1) or
more illegal units shall be required to appear
before the zoning board of review and
request a variance. The fee for
consideration of such a request shall be one
thousand dollars ($1,000.00). In the event
that the requested variance is denied by the
zoning board of review, the property owner
shall immediately cause the illegal unit to be
removed as described hereinabove.
13.6-2 Illegal Extractions. Any parcel of
land, or portion thereof, which is used in
association with the operation of any
extractive industry in any district where such
use is not permitted under this ordinance,
shall be considered an illegal extraction, and
the zoning officer shall order the property
owner to immediately restore said land to its
natural condition prior to such illegal use.
13.6-3 Remedies. Any violation of this
ordinance, or violation of any terms or
conditions of any action imposed by the
zoning board of review, zoning officer, or
other authorized agency, may result in the
levy of a fine. The severity of said fine shall
be reasonably related to the seriousness of
the offense, and shall not exceed five
hundred dollars ($500.00) for each offense.
For the purposes of this subsection, each day
of the existence of any such violation shall
be deemed to be a separate offense. Any
fine shall inure to the city. The city may
also cause suit to be brought in supreme or
superior court, or in municipal court, to
restrain the violation of, or to compel
compliance with, the provisions of this
ordinance. The city may consolidate an
action for injunctive relief and/or fines under
this ordinance in the Superior Court for
Providence County. The remedies provided
for herein shall be cumulative and not
exclusive and shall be in addition to any
other remedies provided by law.
13.6-4 Judicial Aid In Enforcement. The
supreme court and superior court within
their respective jurisdictions, or any justice
of either of said courts in vacation, shall
upon due proceedings in the name of the
City of Woonsocket instituted by the city
solicitor, have power to issue any
extraordinary writs or to proceed according
to the court of equity or both:
(1) To restrain the erection, alteration or use
of any building, structure, sign or land
erected, altered or used in violation of the
provisions of this ordinance, and to order its
removal or abatement as a nuisance;
(2) To compel compliance with the
provisions of this ordinance;
(3) To order the removal by the owner of
any building, structure, sign or improvement
existing in violation of this ordinance, and to
authorize the zoning officer, in default of
such removal by the owner, to remove it at
the expense of said owner;
(4) To order the reimbursement for any
work or materials which shall have been
done or furnished by or at the cost of the
city;
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(5) To order restoration by the owner,
where practicable; and/or
(6) To issue fines and other penalties.
13.6-5 Public Records. The zoning officer
shall keep public records of all violations.
13.7 Administrative Fees:
Issuance of zoning certificate, fifty dollars
($50.00);
Written advisory opinion of the zoning
officer, one hundred dollars ($100.00);
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Section 14. Procedures for
Modifications.
14.1. Request for Modifications.
In the instance of the construction, alteration
or modification of a structure or lot of
record, a request for one (1) or more
modifications of the literal dimensional
requirements of the zoning ordinance, not to
exceed twenty-five (25) percent of any
dimensional requirement specified in said
ordinance, may be made by an applicant by
filing with the zoning officer an application
describing the request and supported by such
data and evidence as required in the
application procedures prepared and
published by the zoning officer.
14.2. Consideration by the Zoning
Officer.
Within ten (10) days of the receipt of a
request for a modification, the zoning officer
shall make a decision as to the suitability of
the requested modification. One (1) or more
modifications, not to exceed twenty-five
(25) percent of any dimensional requirement
specified in the zoning ordinance, may be
issued by the zoning officer in the form of a
modification permit following an affirmative
determination that:
(1) The modification is reasonably
necessary for the full enjoyment of the
permitted use;
(2) If the modification is granted, no
neighboring property will be substantially
injured, nor will the appropriate use of any
neighboring property be substantially
impaired;
(3) The modification is in harmony with the
purposes and the intent of the
comprehensive plan and the zoning
ordinance;
(4) The modification does not require a
variance of a flood hazard requirement; and
(5) The modification does not require the
moving of any lot line.
14.3. Notification of Abutters.
Immediately upon an affirmative
determination, the zoning officer shall notify
by certified mail all property owners
abutting the property which is the subject of
the modification request, and shall publish a
notice in a newspaper of general circulation,
indicating the street address of the subject
property and stating that such modification
will be granted unless written objection is
received within thirty (30) days of said
public notice. Costs of any notice required
under this subsection shall be borne in full
by the applicant requesting the modification.
14.4. Written Objection.
If written objection is received within thirty
(30) days, the request shall be denied. In
such cases, the requested changes shall
require a variance which may only be issued
by the zoning board of review following the
standard procedures for variances. If no
written objection is received within thirty
(30) days, the zoning officer shall grant the
modification.
14.5. Special Conditions.
The zoning officer may apply such special
conditions to the modification permit that
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may, in the opinion of such officer, be
required to conform to the intent and
purposes of the zoning ordinance. Failure to
abide by any special conditions attached to a
modification permit shall constitute a zoning
violation.
14.6. Public Records.
The zoning officer shall keep public records
of all requests for modifications, and of
findings, determinations, special conditions,
and any objections received.
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Section 15. Procedures for Variances
and Special Use Permits.
15.1. Right of Appeal to the Zoning
Board of Review.
A request for a variance or special use
permit may be made by any applicant by
filing with the zoning officer an application
describing the request and supported by such
data and evidence as required in the
application procedures prepared and
published by the zoning officer.
15.2. Request for Findings and
Recommendations.
Immediately upon receipt of an application
for a variance, the zoning board of review
may forward said application to the planning
board for review and recommendation.
Within thirty (30) days of receipt of said
application from the zoning board of review,
the planning board and/or staff shall report
its findings and recommendations, including
a statement of the general consistency of the
application with the goals and purposes of
the comprehensive plan, in writing to the
zoning board of review.
15.3 Filing fees for applications
/petitions before the zoning board of
review shall be as follows (amended 10/19):
a. Filing fee for Residential Uses: (this
charge is based on the use of the subject
property the application is addressing)
1. Single-family residence or in-law
apartment, one hundred seventy-five dollars
($175.00);
2. Duplex residence, two hundred dollars
($200.00);
3. Multi-family structures up to nine (9)
units, two hundred twenty-five dollars
($225.00) for the first unit, plus seventy-
five dollars ($75.00) for each additional
unit thereafter;
4. Multi-family structures ten (10) units or
more, two hundred seventy-five dollars
($275.00) for the first unit, plus one
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each
additional unit thereafter;
b. Application fee for all residential
applications: One hundred fifty dollars
($150.00)
c. Filing fee for Commercial/Industrial
Uses/Office(this calculation is based on the
square footage of the building/structure that
the proposed use in the application will
occupy and not necessarily the total
footprint of the building structure)
1. Use containing up to five thousand
(5,000) square feet of gross floor space,
three hundred dollars ($300.00);
2. Use containing more than five thousand
(5,000), but less than ten thousand
(10,000) square feet of gross floor space,
three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00);
3. Use containing more than ten thousand
(10,000), but less than twenty thousand
(20,000) square feet of gross floor space,
four hundred twenty-five dollars
($425.00);
4. Use containing more than twenty
thousand (20,000) square feet of gross
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floor space, five hundred fifty dollars
($550.00), plus twenty-five dollars
($25.00) for each one thousand (1,000)
square feet of gross floor space over
twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of
gross floor space;
d. Application fee for all non-residential
variances or special use permits, including
signs, three hundred dollars ($300.00);
g. A notification charge will be added to all
applications:
1. three dollars ($3.00) per abutter within
two hundred (200) feet of the perimeter of
the property. This fee covers the cost of
preparing and mailing the legal notice to the
abutters of the subject property and all other
parties requiring notice by state law.
2. The actual cost of advertising the
application in the Woonsocket Call. This
charge will depend on the actual cost
incurred for advertising the application. This
cost will be determined at the time the
application fee is totaled.
h. Recording charge, this charge will depend
on the actual cost incurred for recording the
decision of the Zoning Board in the land
evidence records of the subject property(s).
This cost will be determined at the time the
application fee is totaled.
i. The Zoning board reserves the right to
assess additional fees up to and including
the cost of additional filing, application, and
notification and advertising fees if the
application requires more than one hearing.
The board may assess these fees based on
the applicant's request to continue the
hearing to produce additional evidence or
testimony.
15.3-1 Increased Fees:
Where any action requiring the granting of a
variance or special use permit by the zoning
board of review has commenced prior to the
granting of said variance or special use
permit, the filing fees for such applications
before the zoning board of review shall be
increased to twice the amount established
above, unless an exemption from the
requirements of this subsection is granted by
the zoning board of review upon request of
the petitioner and recommendation of the
zoning officer.
15.3-2 Waiver of Fees
Where an application for a variance or
special use permit is submitted by a
charitable organization and a determination
is made by the zoning officer that payment
of the required filing fee would impose an
undue financial burden on that organization,
the zoning officer may grant a waiver of said
filing fee, in part or in whole. [Chapter
6482, 5/15/98]
15.3-3 Cost for Special Meeting:
Any petitioner seeking a special or
unscheduled meeting of the zoning board of
review will be responsible for all costs
incurred including the appropriate fee, cost
of notification, advertisement, and
stenographic services and members'
stipends. Should more than one petitioner
seek a special meeting, costs will be divided
proportionately
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15.4. Public Hearing.
The zoning board of review shall hold a
public hearing on any application for
variance or special use permit in an
expeditious manner after the receipt, in
proper form, of an application.
15.5. Participation in Zoning Hearing.
Any party may appear at a hearing of the
zoning board of review in person, by agent,
or by attorney. Participation in a zoning
hearing or other proceeding by a party shall
not be a cause for civil action or liability,
except for acts not in good faith, intentional
misconduct, knowing violation of law,
transactions where there is an improper
personal benefit, or malicious, wanton, or
willful misconduct.
15.6. Notification.
The zoning board of review shall give public
notice of the date, time, place and purpose of
each public hearing, as well as the street
addresses of all subject properties, at least
fourteen (14) days prior to the date of said
hearing in a newspaper of general
circulation. Notice of a public hearing shall
be sent by first class mail to each of the
parties listed below:
(1) The applicant and property owner of the
subject property;
(2) The associate director of the division of
planning of the Rhode Island department of
administration;
(3) All owners of real property whose
property is located in or within not less than
two hundred (200) feet of the subject
property, whether within or outside of the
city;
(4) The city or town council of any city or
town to which one (1) or more of the
following pertain:
(a) Any portion of the city or town is
located in or within not less than two
hundred (200) feet of the subject property;
and/or
(b) There is a public or quasi-public water
source, or private water source that is used
or is suitable for use as a public water source
by that city or town, within two thousand
(2,000) feet of the subject property,
regardless of municipal boundaries; and
(5) The governing body of any state or
municipal water department or agency,
special water district, or private water
company that has riparian rights to a surface
water resource and/or surface watershed that
is used or is suitable for use as a public
water source and that is within two thousand
(2,000) feet of the subject property, provided
however, that the governing body of said
state or municipal water department or
agency, special water district, or private
water company has filed with the building
inspector a map survey, which shall be kept
as a public record, showing areas of surface
water resources and/or watersheds and
parcels of land within two thousand (2,000)
feet thereof.
15.6-1 [Notice of Decision.] All parties who
received original notices of public hearings
shall also be notified of the zoning board of
review's decision, including any and all
stipulations
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15.7. Standards for Variances.
The zoning board of review shall consider
all properly filed applications for variances,
and in granting any such variance shall
require that evidence to the satisfaction of
the following standards be entered into the
record of the proceedings:
(1) That the hardship from which the
applicant seeks relief is due to the unique
characteristics of the subject land or
structure and not to the general
characteristics of the surrounding area; and
not due to a physical or economic disability
of the applicant;
(2) That said hardship is not the result of
any prior action of the applicant and does
not result primarily from the desire of the
applicant to realize greater financial gain;
(3) That the granting of the requested
variance will not alter the general character
of the surrounding area or impair the intent
or purpose of this ordinance or the
comprehensive plan.
(4) That the relief to be granted is the least
relief necessary.
(5) That, in the case of the granting of a use
variance, the subject land or structure cannot
yield any beneficial use if it is required to
conform to the provisions of the zoning
ordinance. Nonconforming use of
neighboring land or structures in the same
district and permitted use of lands or
structures in an adjacent district shall not be
considered in granting a use variance.
(6) That, in the case of granting a
dimensional variance, the hardship that will
be suffered by the owner of the subject
property if the dimensional variance is not
granted shall amount to more than a mere
inconvenience, which shall mean that there
is no other reasonable alternative to enjoy a
legally permitted beneficial use of one's
property. The fact that a use may be more
profitable or that a structure may be more
valuable after the relief is granted shall not
be grounds for relief.
15.8. Standards for Special Use Permits.
The zoning board of review shall consider
all properly filed applications for special use
permits, and in granting any such special use
permits shall require that evidence to the
satisfaction of the standards set forth below
be entered into the record of proceedings:
15.8-1 Standards for Special Use Permits for
Accessory Family Dwellings. The
following standards shall be applied in the
consideration of special use permits for
accessory family dwelling units:
(1) That the special use shall be in harmony
with the general purpose and intent of this
ordinance;
(2) That all appropriate conditions and
safeguards are included in the special use
permit in the form of stipulations;
(3) That the subject property is in full
compliance with applicable minimum lot
area and parking requirements set forth in
this ordinance;
(4) That the design of the structure is such
that there is no indication from the exterior
that the property is used for any purpose
other than a single-family dwelling;
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(5) That the accessory family dwelling unit
shall not contain more than one (1) bedroom
nor comprise more than thirty-five (35)
percent of the aggregate floor area of the
principal structure; and
(6) That a certification form shall be signed
by the property owner and recorded with the
land evidence records in the office of the
city clerk, certifying that the accessory
family dwelling unit shall only be occupied
by a person or persons related by blood,
marriage or other legal means to the
occupant or occupants of the principal
residence.
15.8-2 Standards for Special Use Permits for
Compassion Centers. (amended 11/4/2019)
1) The application for a special use permit
for a compassion center shall provide:
a. The applicant's legal and any d/b/a
name(s), certificate of incorporation under
§7-6-36 or certificate of authority under §7-
6-70, articles of incorporation and bylaws,
and, if applicable, documentation of
recognition as a tax-exempt organization by
the US Internal Revenue Service.
b. A business plan, including scope of
activities, budget and resource narratives,
and timeline for initiating operations. (This
shall include the applicant's
acknowledgement that no cultivation of
marijuana and no manufacturing of
marijuana products or derivatives will be
conducted on the premises.)
c. The proposed physical location of the
compassion center(by plat and lot number,
mailing address etc.)
d. Evidence that the physical locations are
not located within one-thousand (1,000) feet
of the property line of a preexisting public or
private school in compliance with RI Gen.
Laws § 21-28.6-12(f)(2). For the purpose of
this paragraph, "private school" shall be
deemed to refer to any nonpublic institution
of elementary or secondary (K-12th Grade)
education, accredited or recognized as a
private school by the department of
elementary and secondary education or the
school committee of the city or town having
jurisdiction over private schools. For the
purposes of this paragraph, the 1,000'
distance shall be measured from the secured
compassion center premises, which shall
include the allotted outdoor areas (such as
parking and loading areas), to the property
line of the school, which shall include the
school building, land and appurtenances.
e. Evidence that the physical locations are
not located within two-hundred feet (200')
of the property line of a nursery school or
Head Start facility. For the purposes of this
paragraph, the 200' distance shall be
measured from the secured compassion
center premises which shall include the
allotted outdoor areas (such as parking and
loading areas), to the property line of the
nursery school or Head Start facility.
f. A draft diagram of the proposed facilities,
including where within the facility the
medical marijuana will be stored, processed,
packaged, manufactured and dispensed, and
where the security alarms and cameras and
surveillance recording storage will be
located, and showing the location of the
facility relative to streets and other public
areas.
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g. A description of objective parameters
(such as distances from streets and public
areas) and/or proposed measures (such as
blackout window shades) that ensure that
marijuana at the premises shall not be
visible from the street or other public areas.
h. Evidence of either ownership of property
or agreement by owner of property to allow
the operation of a compassion center on the
property, including the sale of medical
marijuana, if property has already been
purchased or leased at the time of
application.
i. The legal name, current address, and date
of birth of each principal officer, director or
member of the compassion center.
j. A list of all persons of entities (legal
names and current addresses) having direct
or indirect authority over the management or
policies of the compassion center.
k. If a compassion center will have a
management agreement in place, it shall also
include a copy of the management
agreement or management agreement
proposal and a list of persons who have any
ownership interest or operational control
over the management company.
l. A list of all persons or business entities
(legal names and current addresses) having
any ownership interest in the applicant
entity, whether direct or indirect.
m. If the compassion center premises and/or
other operational assets will be owned or
leased by a person or entity other than the
applicant, the legal name and current
address of such person or entity and a list of
all persons or entities (legal names and
current addresses) having any ownership
interest in such entity, whether direct or
indirect.
n. The legal names and current address of all
creditors holding a security interest in the
premises and/or other assets to be used in
the compassion center operations, if any.
2) That the special use shall be in harmony
with the general purpose and intent of this
ordinance;
3) Under no circumstances and
notwithstanding any provisions contained
elsewhere in either State law and regulations
or any other City ordinance, the cultivation
of marijuana and/or the manufacture of
marijuana products and derivatives are
strictly prohibited at licensed and approved
Compassion Centers. For avoidance of
doubt, Compassion Centers are restricted to
the retail sale of marijuana related finished
goods and products only along with
marijuana related supplies and educational
materials.
4) That all appropriate conditions and
safeguards are included in the special use
permit in the form of stipulations deemed
appropriate by the Zoning Board of Review
5) That the subject property is in full
compliance with applicable minimum lot
area and parking requirements set forth in
this ordinance, Section 5.1-3.12 Off-Street
Parking Regulations: Retail Commercial
Establishments, Service Establishments &
Out-Patient Facilities.
6) That the requested use at the proposed
location is sufficiently buffered in relation to
any residential area in the immediate
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vicinity so as to not adversely affect said
area;
7) That the exterior appearance of the
structure will be consistent with the exterior
appearance of structures already constructed
or under construction within the immediate
neighborhood, so as to prevent blight or
deterioration, or substantial diminishment or
impairment of property values within the
neighborhood.
8) All uses granted under this section shall
not be located within:
a. Two-hundred (200) feet from the nearest
Residential (R-l, R-2, R-3, R-4) or Mixed
Use 1 (MU1) zoning district; or
b. One thousand (1,000) feet from a public
or private school as defined in R.I. Gen.
Laws § 21-28.6-12(f)(2) or 200' of a nursery
school or Head Start facility; or
c. Two thousand (2,000) feet from any other
compassion center.
9) The distances specified in section 8(a),
above shall be measured by a straight line
from the nearest R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 or MU-
1 property line to the building line of the
premises on which the proposed compassion
center use is to be located. The distance
specified in section 8(b), above, shall be
measured by a straight line from the nearest
property line of the public school, private
school, nursery school, or Head Start facility
to the building line of the premises on which
the proposed compassion use is to be
located.
(10) Hours of operation for a compassion
center shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
(11) Lighting shall be required such that
will illuminate the compassion center, its
immediate surrounding area, any accessory
uses including storage areas, the parking
lot(s), its front facade, and any adjoining
public sidewalk. Wherever possible, lighting
shall be directed downward and full-cutoff
fixtures shall be used in order to prevent
glare or light trespass.
(12) The proposed compassion center shall
implement the appropriate security and shall
insure the each location has an operational
security/alarm system.
(13) No use permitted under this article
shall be established prior to submission and
approval of a site plan by the Zoning Board
of Review with the technical advice of the
City zoning official. The site plan shall
depict all existing and proposed buildings,
parking spaces, driveways, service areas and
other open uses. The site plan shall show the
distances between the proposed use and the
boundary of the nearest residential zoning
district and the property line of all other
abutting uses as described within this
section.
(14) All use permitted under this section
shall comply fully with all licensing
requirements of the City of Woonsocket and
the laws of the State of Rhode Island.
15.8-3 Standards for All Other Special Use
Permits. The following standards shall be
applied in the consideration of special use
permits for uses other than accessory family
dwelling units:
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(1) That the special use shall be in harmony
with the general purpose and intent of this
ordinance;
(2) That the special use is reasonably
necessary for the convenience or welfare of
the public;
(3) That all appropriate conditions and
safeguards are included in the special use
permit in the form of stipulations; and
(4) That, in the case of a special use on a lot
which adjoins one (1) or more lots in a
residential zone, a fence of solid appearance
or approved evergreen hedge, having a
height of not less than six (6) feet, shall be
erected and maintained between such area
and the property in the residential district.
The zoning board of review may waive this
requirement. (Ch. No. 6154, Sec. 1 (J), 10-6-
95) (Ch. No. 6260, Sec. 1(F--H), 6-3-96)
15.8-4 Special Use Permit in conjunction
with a Dimensional Variance. (added 10/19)
In accordance with RIGL 45-24-42(c), an
applicant may apply for, and be issued a
dimensional variance with a special use. If
the special use cannot exist without the
dimensional variance, the Zoning Board of
Review shall consider the special use permit
and the dimensional variance together to
determine if granting the special use is
appropriate based on both the special use
criteria and the dimensional variance
evidentiary statndards.
15.9. Special Conditions.
The zoning board of review may apply such
special conditions that may, in the opinion
of the board, be required to promote the
intent and purposes of the comprehensive
plan and the zoning ordinance. Failure to
abide by any special conditions attached to a
grant shall constitute a zoning violation.
Such special conditions shall be based on
competent credible evidence on the record,
shall be incorporated into the decision, and
may include, without limitation, provisions
for:
(1) Minimizing adverse impact of the
development upon other land, including the
type, intensity, design, and performance or
activities;
(2) Controlling the sequence of
development, including when it must be
commenced and completed;
(3) Controlling the duration of use or
development and the time within which any
temporary structure must be removed;
(4) Assuring satisfactory installation and
maintenance or required public
improvements;
(5) Designating the exact location and
nature of development; and
(6) Establishing detailed records by
submission of drawings, maps, plats, or
specifications.
15.10. Expiration of Variance or Special
Use Permit.
A variance or special use permit shall expire
one (1) year from the date of granting by the
board unless the applicant exercises the
permission granted or receives a permit to
do so and commences the construction or
use so granted. The zoning board of review
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Page 107 of 145
may, upon receipt of an application for
extension, grant an extension, provided that
no more than one (1) extension for a period
of one (1) year shall be granted. An
application for an extension shall be in the
form of a petition outlining the original
variance or special use permit grant together
with a notarized letter of explanation as to
the reasons for the delay in implementing
said variance or special use permit thereof.
Such a request shall be filed with the zoning
office prior to the expiration of the grant,
and the applicant shall appear at a
designated meeting for explanation of the
details surrounding the request for an
extension of the originally granted
application. (Revised May 2018)
15.11. Repetitive Applications.
No application for a special use permit or
variance shall be accepted by the zoning
officer if an application requesting the same
special use permit or variance has been
denied within the preceding twelve (12)
months; provided, however, that such
application may be accepted at any time
with the consent of the zoning board of
review, if it shall include or be accompanied
by a notarized affidavit which, in the
opinion of said board sets forth facts
indicating a substantial change of
circumstances justifying a hearing on said
application for special use permit or
variance.
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Section 16. Procedures for Appeal.
16.1. Right of Appeal to the Zoning
Board of Review.
An appeal of any decision of the zoning
officer, or other authorized agency, may be
made by any aggrieved party, person, firm,
corporation, government officer,
department, board or bureau affected by
such decision, within twenty (20) days from
the date of the recording of the decision by
the officer or agency from whom the appeal
is taken, by filing with said officer or agency
and with the zoning board of review a notice
of appeal specifying the grounds thereof.
The officer or agency from whom the appeal
is taken shall forthwith transmit to the
zoning board of review all the papers
constituting the record upon which the
action appealed from was taken.
16.2. Public Hearing.
The zoning board of review shall hold a
public hearing on any appeal of a decision of
the zoning officer, or other authorized
agency, in an expeditious manner, after the
receipt, in proper form, of a notice of appeal.
16.3. Notification.
The zoning board of review shall give public
notice of the date, time, place and purpose of
each public hearing, as well as the street
addresses of all subject properties, at least
fourteen (14) days prior to the date of said
hearing in a newspaper of general
circulation. Notice of a public hearing shall
be sent by first class mail to the appellant
and to all involved parties, including the
zoning officer or other agency from whom
the appeal is taken. Notice of the appeal
shall also be transmitted to the planning
board. The full cost of such notification
shall be borne by the appellant.
16.4. Consideration of Appeals.
In exercising its powers, the zoning board of
review may reverse or affirm wholly or
partly and may modify the order,
requirement, decision, or determination
appealed from and may make such orders,
requirements, decisions or determinations as
ought to be made, and to that end shall have
the powers of the officer or agency from
whom the appeal was taken. All decisions
and records of the zoning board of review
respecting appeals shall conform to the
provisions of subsection 13.2-9 of this
ordinance.
16.5. Stay of Proceedings.
An appeal of a decision of the zoning officer
or other authorized agency shall stay all
proceedings in furtherance of the action
appealed from, unless the zoning officer or
agency from whom the appeal is taken
certifies to the zoning board of review, after
an appeal shall have been duly filed, that by
reason of facts stated on the certificate a stay
would in the officer's or agency's opinion
cause imminent peril to life or property. In
such case, proceedings shall not be stayed
other than by a restraining order which may
be granted by a court of competent
jurisdiction on application thereof and upon
notice to the officer or agency from whom
the appeal is taken on due cause shown.
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Page 110 of 145
16.6. Right of Appeal to Superior Court.
An appeal of a decision of the zoning board
of review may be made as follows:
(1) An aggrieved party may appeal a
decision of the zoning board of review to the
Superior Court for Providence County, by
filing a complaint setting forth the reasons
of [for] appeal within twenty (20) days after
the decision has been recorded and posted in
the office of the city clerk. The decision
shall be posted in a location visible to the
public in city hall for a period of twenty (20)
days following the recording of the decision.
The zoning board of review shall file the
original documents acted upon by it and
constituting the record of the case appealed
from, or certified copies thereof, together
with such other facts as may be pertinent,
with the clerk of the court within thirty (30)
days after being served with a copy of the
complaint. When the complaint is filed by
someone other than the original applicant or
appellant, the original applicant or appellant
and the members of the zoning board of
review shall be made parties to the
proceedings. The appeal shall not stay
proceedings upon the decision appealed
from, but the court may, in its discretion,
grant a stay on appropriate terms and make
such other orders as it deems necessary for
an equitable disposition of the appeal.
(2) If, before the date set for hearing in the
superior court, an application is made to the
court for leave to present additional
evidence before the zoning board of review
and it is shown to the satisfaction of the
court that the additional evidence is material
and that there were good reasons for the
failure to present it at the hearing before the
zoning board of review, the court may order
that the additional evidence be taken before
the zoning board of review upon conditions
determined by the court. The zoning board
of review may modify its findings and
decision by reason of the additional
evidence and shall file that evidence and any
new findings or decisions with the superior
court.
(3) The review shall be conducted by the
superior court without a jury. The court
shall consider the record of the hearing
before the zoning board of review and, if it
shall appear to the court that additional
evidence is necessary for the proper
disposition of the matter, it may allow any
party to the appeal to present the evidence in
open court, which evidence, along with the
report, shall constitute the record upon
which the determination of the court shall be
made.
(4) The court shall not substitute its
judgment for that of the zoning board of
review as to the weight of the evidence on
questions of fact. The court may affirm the
decision of the zoning board of review or
remand the case for further proceedings, or
may reverse or modify the decision if
substantial rights of the appellant have been
prejudiced because of findings, inferences,
conclusions, or decisions which are:
(a) In violation of constitutional, statutory,
or ordinance provisions;
(b) In excess of the authority granted to the
zoning board of review by statute or
ordinance;
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 111 of 145
(c) Made upon unlawful procedure;
(d) Affected by other error of law;
(e) Clearly erroneous in view of the
reliable, probative, and substantial evidence
of the whole record; or
(f) Arbitrary or capricious or characterized
by abuse of discretion or clearly
unwarranted exercise of discretion.
(5) Upon the entry of any case or
proceeding brought under the provisions of
this ordinance, including pending appeals
hereinafter taken to the court, the court shall,
at the request of either party, advance the
case, so that the matter shall be afforded
precedence on the calendar and shall
thereupon be heard and determined with as
little delay as possible.
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Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
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Section 17. Procedures for
Adoption, Amendment and Repeal.
17.1. Receipt of Proposals.
Any proposal for adoption, amendment or
repeal of the zoning ordinance or zoning
map, or any portion thereof, shall be
received by the city clerk. Immediately
upon receipt of said proposal, the city clerk
shall refer same to the city council and to the
planning board for study and
recommendation.
17.2. Planning Board Review and
Recommendation.
Following receipt of a proposal for adoption,
amendment or repeal of the zoning
ordinance or zoning map, or any portion
thereof, the planning board shall seek the
advice of the department of planning and
development and shall report to the city
council within forty-five (45) days after
receipt of said proposal, giving its findings
and recommendations as prescribed below.
Where a proposal for adoption, amendment
or repeal of the zoning ordinance or zoning
map, or any portion thereof, is made by the
planning board, the requirements for study
by the board may be waived, provided that
said proposal includes the planning board's
findings and recommendations as prescribed
below. Among its findings and
recommendations to the city council with
respect to said proposal, the planning board
shall:
(1) Include a statement on the general
consistency of the proposal with the
comprehensive plan, including the goals and
policies statement, the implementation
program, and all other applicable elements
of said plan; and
(2) Include a demonstration of recognition
and consideration of each of the applicable
purposes of zoning, as presented in
subsection 1.1 of this ordinance.
17.3. City Council Public Hearing.
No zoning ordinance or zoning map, or
portion thereof, shall be adopted, amended,
or repealed until after a public hearing has
been held upon the question before the city
council. The city council shall hold a public
hearing within sixty-five (65) days of the
receipt of a proposal for adoption,
amendment or repeal of the zoning
ordinance or zoning map, or any portion
thereof, at which hearing opportunity shall
be given to all persons interested to be heard
upon the matter of the proposed adoption,
amendment or repeal.
17.4. Public Notice Requirements.
The following public notice requirements
shall be met before any adoption,
amendment or repeal of the zoning
ordinance enacted by the city council. Costs
of any notice required under this subsection
shall be borne in full by the applicant.
17.4-1 General Public Notice. The city
council shall give notice of a public hearing
to consider a proposal for adoption,
amendment or repeal of the zoning
ordinance or zoning map, or any portion
thereof, by publication in a newspaper of
general circulation within the City of
Woonsocket at least once each week for
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Page 114 of 145
three (3) successive weeks prior to the date
of such hearing, which may include the
week in which the hearing is to be held.
Such newspaper notice shall be published as
a display advertisement, using a type size at
least as large as the normal type size used by
the newspaper in its news articles, and shall:
(1) Specify the place of said hearing and the
date and time of its commencement;
(2) Indicate that adoption, amendment or
repeal of a zoning ordinance, or part thereof,
is under consideration;
(3) Contain a statement of the proposed
amendments to the ordinance once in its
entirety, or summarize or describe the matter
under consideration;
(4) Advise those interested where and when
a copy of the matter under consideration
may be obtained or examined and copied;
and
(5) State that the proposals shown thereon
may be altered or amended prior to the close
of the public hearing without further
advertising, as a result of further study or
because of the views expressed at the public
hearing. Any such alteration or amendment
must be presented for comment in the course
of said hearing.
17.4-2 Notice to State. At least two (2)
weeks prior to the hearing, the city clerk
shall send written notice, which may be a
copy of said newspaper notice, by first class
mail, to the associate director of the division
of planning of the Rhode Island Department
of Administration
17.4-3 Notice to Cities or Towns. At least
two (2) weeks prior to the hearing, the city
clerk shall send written notice, which may
be a copy of said newspaper notice, by first
class mail, to the hearing, to the city or town
council of any city or town to which one (1)
or more of the following pertain:
(1) Any portion of the city or town is
located in or within not less than two
hundred (200) feet of the perimeter of the
area proposed for change; and/or
(2) There is a public or quasi-public water
source, or private water source that is used
or is suitable for use as a public water source
by that city or town, within two thousand
(2,000) feet of any real property that is the
subject of a proposed zoning change
regardless of municipal boundaries.
17.4-4 Notice to Water Department,
Agency, District or Company. At least two
(2) weeks prior to the hearing, the city clerk
shall send written notice, which may be a
copy of said newspaper notice, by first class
mail, to the governing body of any state or
municipal water department or agency,
special water district, or private water
company that has riparian rights to a surface
water resource and/or surface watershed that
is used or is suitable for use as a public
water source and that is within two thousand
(2,000) feet of any real property which is the
subject of a proposed zoning change,
provided however, that the governing body
of said state or municipal water department
or agency, special water district, or private
water company has filed with the building
inspector a map survey, which shall be kept
as a public record, showing areas of surface
water resources and/or watersheds and
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 115 of 145
parcels of land within two thousand (2,000)
feet thereof.
17.4-5 Notice of Specific Changes to Zoning
Map. Where a proposed amendment to an
existing ordinance includes a specific
change in a zoning district map, but does not
affect districts generally, public notice shall
be given as required above, with the
additional requirements that:
(1) Notice shall include one (1) or more
maps showing existing and proposed zoning
district boundaries, existing streets and roads
including their names, and city and town
boundaries where appropriate; and
(2) At least two (2) weeks prior to the
hearing, written notice of the date, time,
place, nature and purpose of the public
hearing shall be sent to all owners of real
property whose property is located in or
within not less than two hundred (200) feet
of the perimeter of the area proposed for
change, whether within or outside of the
city. Such notice shall be sent in accordance
with the requirements of Rhode Island
General Laws 45-24-53 to the last known
address of such property owners as shown
on the current real estate tax assessment
records for the city or town in which the
property is located.
17.4-6 Defect in Notice. No defect in the
form of any notice required under subsection
7.4 shall render any ordinance or
amendment invalid, unless such defect is
found to be intentional or misleading.
17.5. Decision of the City Council.
The city council shall render a decision on a
proposal for adoption, amendment or repeal
of the zoning ordinance or zoning map, or
any portion thereof, within forty-five (45)
days after the date of completion of the
public hearing thereon.
17.6. Limitations, Conditions and
Restrictions.
In granting a zoning amendment, the city
council may limit the change to one of the
permitted uses in the zone to which the
subject land is rezoned, and impose
limitations, including without limitation:
(1) Requiring the petitioner to obtain a
permit or approval from any and all state or
local governmental agencies or
instrumentalities having jurisdiction over the
land and use which are the subject of the
zoning change;
(2) Relating to the effectiveness or
continued effectiveness of the zoning
change; and/or
(3) Relating to the use of the land as it
deems necessary.
17.6-1 Recording of Limitations, Conditions
and Restrictions. The city clerk shall cause
the limitations and conditions so imposed by
the city council to be noted on the zoning
map and recorded in the land evidence
records, provided, however, that in the case
of a conditional zone change, the limitations,
restrictions and conditions shall not be noted
on the zoning map until the zone change has
become effective.
17.6-2 Abandonment. If the permitted use
for which the land has been rezoned is
abandoned, or if the land is not used for the
requested purpose for a period of two (2)
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years or more after the zone change
becomes effective, the city council may,
after a public hearing as herein set forth,
change the land to its original zoning use
before such petition was filed.
17.7. Repetitive Petitions.
No petition for an amendment to the zoning
ordinance shall be accepted by the city clerk
if a petition requesting the same amendment
has been denied within the preceding twelve
(12) months; provided, however, that such a
petition may be accepted at any time with
the consent of the city council, if it shall
include or be accompanied by a notarized
affidavit which, in the opinion of said
council sets forth facts indicating a
substantial change of circumstances
justifying a hearing on said petition.
17.8. Publication and Availability of the
Zoning Ordinance.
Upon publication of the zoning ordinance,
or any amendment thereto, the city clerk
shall send one (1) copy, without charge, to
the associate director of the division of
planning of the Department of
Administration of the State of Rhode Island,
and shall send one (1) copy, without charge,
the state law library. Printed copies of the
zoning ordinance and zoning map shall be
available to the general public and shall be
revised to include all amendments. A
reasonable charge may be made for copies
to reflect printing and distribution costs.
17.9. Interpretation of Deadlines.
The foregoing provisions of section 17
pertaining to deadlines shall not be
construed to apply to any extension
consented to by an applicant.
17.10. Enactment.
This ordinance, and all amendments thereto,
shall be enacted in accordance with the
provisions contained in Chapter 24, Title 45
of the General Laws of Rhode Island 1956,
as amended, and shall become effective
upon the eleventh consecutive day following
passage in accordance with the provisions of
the City of Woonsocket Home Rule Charter.
17.11. Right of Appeal to Superior
Court.
An appeal of an enactment of or an
amendment to this ordinance may be taken
as follows:
(1) An appeal of an enactment of or an
amendment to this ordinance may be taken
to the Superior Court for Providence County
by filing a complaint, as set forth herein,
within thirty (30) days after the enactment or
amendment has become effective. The
appeal may be taken by an aggrieved party
or by any legal resident or landowner of the
city or by any association of residents or
landowners of the city. The appeal shall not
stay the enforcement of the zoning
ordinance, as enacted or amended, but the
court may, in its discretion, grant a stay on
appropriate terms, which may include the
filing of a bond, and make such other orders
as it deems necessary for an equitable
disposition of the appeal.
(2) The complaint shall set forth with
specificity the area or areas in which the
enactment or amendment does not conform
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to the comprehensive plan and/or the
manner in which it constitutes a taking of
private property without just compensation.
(3) The review shall be conducted by the
court without a jury. The court shall first
consider whether the enactment or
amendment of the zoning ordinance is in
conformance with the comprehensive plan.
If the enactment or amendment is not in
conformance with the comprehensive plan,
then the court shall invalidate the enactment
or amendment, or those parts of the
enactment or amendment which are not in
conformance with the comprehensive plan.
The court shall not revise the ordinance to
conform to the comprehensive plan, but may
suggest appropriate language as part of the
court decision.
(4) In the case of an aggrieved party, where
the court has found that the enactment of
amendment of the zoning ordinance is in
conformance with the comprehensive plan,
then the court shall next determine whether
the enactment or amendment works as a
taking of property from the aggrieved party.
If the court determines that there has been a
taking the court shall remand the case to the
legislative body of the municipality, with its
findings that a taking has occurred, and
order the municipality to either provide just
compensation or rescind the enactment or
amendment within thirty (30) days.
(5) The superior court shall retain
jurisdiction, in the event that the aggrieved
party and the municipality do not agree on
the amount of compensation, in which case
the superior court shall hold further hearings
to determine and to award compensation.
Furthermore, the superior court shall retain
jurisdiction to determine the amount of an
award of compensation for any temporary
taking, if that taking shall exist.
(6) The court may, in its discretion, upon
motion of the parties or on its own motion,
award reasonable attorney's fees to any party
to an appeal, as set forth herein, including
the city.
17.12. Vested Rights.
Nothing contained in this ordinance shall
restrict or be construed to restrict
applications for development which are
substantially complete and have been
submitted for approval to the appropriate
city agency prior to enactment or
amendment of this ordinance. Such
applications for development shall be
reviewed according to the regulations
applicable in the zoning ordinance in force
at the time the application was submitted. If
any such application for development is
approved, development of the subject
property shall commence within one (1) year
of the date of approval and shall be
completed within two (2) years of the date
of approval. For the purposes of this
subsection, an application for development
shall be considered substantially complete
when all documents and plans required by
ordinance, rule or regulation in existence at
the time of application, together with all
required fees, are received by the official or
officials designated to receive such
documents, plans and fees.
17.13. Severability.
If any section, clause, provision, portion,
limitation, condition, or restriction of this
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ordinance, or of any rule, regulation or
determination made thereunder, or the
application thereof to any person, agency or
circumstance, is held invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the
ordinance, rule, regulation or determination
which is not in itself invalid or
unconstitutional, and the application of such
provisions to other persons, agencies, or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
The invalidity of any section, clause,
provision, portion, limitation, condition, or
restriction of this ordinance shall not cause
the remainder of the ordinance to be invalid.
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Section 18. Definitions.
A
The following words or terms used in this
ordinance shall have the meanings stated
below:
Abutter. One whose property abuts, that is,
adjoins at a border, boundary, or point with
no intervening land.
Accessory use. A use of land or of a
building, or portion thereof, customarily
incidental and subordinate to the principal
use of the land or building. Such accessory
use shall be restricted to the same lot as the
principal use, and shall not be permitted
without the principal use to which it is
related.
Adult bookstore. An establishment that has
a substantial portion of its stock-in-trade and
offers for sale, for any form of
consideration, any one (1) or more of the
following:
(a) Books, magazines, periodicals, or other
printed matter, or photographs, films,
motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or
other visual representations that are
characterized by an emphasis upon the
depiction or description of specified sexual
activities or specified anatomical areas; or
(b) Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia
that are designed for use in connection with
specified sexual activities.
Adult cabaret. A night club, bar, restaurant,
or similar establishment that regularly or
occasionally features live performances that
are characterized by the exposure of
specified anatomical areas or by specified
sexual activities.
Adult Motion Picture Theater. An
establishment where, for any form of
consideration, films, motion pictures, video
cassettes, slides, or similar photographic
reproductions are shown, and in which a
substantial portion of the total presentation
time is devoted to the showing of material
characterized by an emphasis on the
depiction or description of specified sexual
activities or specified anatomical areas.
Aggrieved party. Any person or persons or
entity or entities who can demonstrate that
their property will be injured by a decision
of any officer or agency responsible for
administering this zoning ordinance.
Applicant. Any person, group, agency or
corporation being the owner or authorized
agent of the owner submitting an application
or appealing an action of any official, board
or agency.
Aquaculture: The cultivation of aquatic
animals and plants, especially fish, such as
trout and salmon, or shellfish, such as
crustaceans, mollusks, oysters and shrimp
and/or aquatic plants such as seaweed, under
indoor controlled marine and freshwater
environments in a closed, environmentally
controlled structure; including harvesting,
and processing on site, packaging and
shipping.
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Artist studio/gallery: A commercial work
or exhibit space within an enclosed structure
for artists and artisans, including individuals
practicing one of the fine arts or performing
arts or individuals skilled in an applied art or
craft. Applied arts and crafts include, but
are not limited to ceramics, jewelry
manufacturing, welding and woodworking,
incidental retail sales of items produced on
the premises is allowed. (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-
07-2015)
Assisted care facility. Any facilities
licensed by the state as a residential
care/assisted living facility.
Auction house. An establishment engaged
in the sale of merchandise or wares by way
of an auctioneer.
Authorized agency. Any agency authorized
to carry out the enforcement of any
provision of this ordinance, including the
design review commission, the river corridor
review commission, and all other agencies
as may from time to time be created or
authorized under this ordinance.
Awning. A sheltering or covered frame,
often of fabric, either stationary or on a
retractable system attached to a structure.
The awning does not receive stanchion
support as in a canopy.
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B
Backyard Chicken Keeping. (Corrected to
reflect ordinance passed by council in 2014
2/19) The proper care and keeping of
chickens on an owner-occupied residential
lot with no more than one (1) hen per eight
hundred (800) square feet of total lot area
with a maximum of five (5) hens on any one
lot. Backyard chicken keeping shall not
include the keeping of roosters.
Proper care and keeping includes providing
a hen house (coop) with fenced outdoor
enclosure. Coops shall be located in rear
yards only. Chickens may not be kept
indoors under any circumstances. The hen
house must be:
(1) covered, predator resistant, and well-
ventilated,
(2) provide a minimum of two (2) square
feet per hen,
(3) supply adequate protection from the
elements and inclement weather,
(4) provide hens with good health and
prevent any unnecessary or unjustified
suffering,
(5) be kept clean, dry, and sanitary at all
times,
(6) be located upon a permeable surface that
prevents waste run-off, and
(7) be situated at least fifteen (15) feet from
rear and side property lines and be at least
twenty-five (25) feet from neighbor
dwelling units located on abutting lots.
The chicken coop shall not be built onto any
shared fence. The fenced outdoor enclosure
must adequately contain the chicken hens
and be kept clean and sanitary at all times.
Chicken manure must be composted in
enclosed bins. Chicken feed must be stored
securely.
Chickens must be confined between the
hours of 9:00 P.M. and 8"00 A.M.
When not confined, the chickens must be
well supervised, kept within an enclosed
fences yard at all times and not allowed onto
abutting property.
Chickens and their eggs are for private
consumption only.
Chicken may not be slaughtered within City
limits.
The Animal Control Officer and the Zoning
Officer or their designees may inspect
chickens and coops at any time
Bed and breakfast inn. A residential or
mixed-use property that contains no less
than three (3) and not more than ten (10)
guest rooms for short term lodging (not to
exceed ninety (90) days), with meals, for
compensation.
Boarding, lodging and rooming house.
Shall mean any dwelling, or part thereof,
which contains one (1) or more rooming
units, and in which space is occupied or
intended to be occupied for compensation by
no less than four (4) and no more than ten
(10) persons, (other than the owner/operator)
or (excluding owner/operator) who are not
husband or wife, son or daughter, mother or
father, or sister or brother of the owner or
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operator. Meals may or may not be
provided, but only one common kitchen
facility shall exist and no meals shall be
provided by the establishment to the general
public not lodged in the establishment.
Boarding or rooming houses shall not
include hotels, motels, sorority, fraternity
and cooperative residences, dormitories, or
convalescent homes, nursing homes, rest
homes, or group residences licensed or
regulated by agencies of the State of Rhode
Island. Boarding, lodging, or rooming
houses shall abide by all applicable state and
local laws and regulations governing
lodging houses, boarding houses, or
rooming houses. (Revised May 2018)
Brewery: A building or establishment where
beer or other malt liquors are produced.
Brewpub/Manufacturing (BM). A
manufacturer's license that authorizes the
holder to establish and operate a brewery,
distillery, or winery at the place described in
the license for the manufacture of beverages
within this state. The license does not
authorize more than one of the activities of
operator of a brewery or distillery or winery
and a separate license shall be required for
each plant.
Buffer zone. Land which is maintained in
either a natural or landscaped state, and is
used to screen and/or mitigate the impacts of
development on surrounding areas,
properties or rights-of-way.
Building. Any structure used or intended for
supporting or sheltering any use or
occupancy.
(a) Building, principal. Any structure in
which is conducted the principal use of the
lot on which it is situated. Such structure
shall include any attached carports, attached
garages, covered or uncovered decks or
porches, and chimneys. In any residential
district, any dwelling shall be deemed the
principal building of the lot on which it is
situated.
(b) Building, accessory. Any unattached
structure the use of which is incidental to
that of the principal building and which is
located on the same lot. Some examples of
accessory buildings: garages, carports,
sheds, tennis courts, decks, swimming pools,
satellite dishes, chimneys and similar
structures.
Building height. The vertical distance from
grade, as defined herein, to the top of the
highest point of the roof or structure.
Building line. The line established by law
beyond which a building shall not extend,
except as specifically provided by law.
Building projection. The maximum
horizontal projected area of the principal
building at or above grade including all
covered and/or enclosed extensions and all
unenclosed extensions.
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C
Canopy. A sheltering or covered frame,
often of fabric, which is attached to a
structure at the inner end and receiving
stanchion support at the outer end.
Car wash. A machine-operated or hand-
operated facility used principally for the
cleaning, washing, polishing, or waxing of
motor vehicles.
Caregiver cultivation. Marijuana cultivation
for medical use only by a single registered
caregiver cardholder, as determined in RIGL
21-28.6.
Catering business. An establishment
engaged in the cooking and/or preparation of
food for delivery and off-site consumption.
Compassion Center. (amended 11/19) An
entity authorized by the State of Rhode
Island to acquire, possess, and/or dispense
marijuana or related supplies and
educational materials to registered,
qualifying patients and/or their registered,
designated and qualifying primary
caregivers.
Community residence. A home or
residential facility where children and/or
adults reside in a family setting and may or
may not receive supervised care. This shall
not include halfway houses or substance
abuse treatment facilities. This shall
include, without limitation, the following:
(a) Any type of residence in the community
where six (6) or fewer retarded children or
adults reside, as licensed by the state
pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws
section 40.1-24-1. A group home providing
care or supervision or both, to not more than
eight (8) mentally disabled or mentally
handicapped or physically handicapped
persons, and licensed by the state pursuant
to Rhode Island General Laws section 40.1-
24-1.
(b) Reserved.
(c) A residence for children providing care
or supervision, or both, to not more than
eight (8) children including those of the care
giver and licensed by the state pursuant to
Rhode Island General Laws section 42-72.1.
(d) A community transitional residence
providing care or assistance, or both, to no
more than six (6) unrelated persons or no
more than three (3) families not to exceed a
total of eight (8) persons requiring
temporary financial assistance and/or to
persons who are victims of crimes, abuse or
neglect, and who are expected to reside in
such residence not less than sixty (60) days
nor more than two (2) years. Residents will
have access to and use of all common areas,
including eating areas and living rooms, and
will receive appropriate social services for
the purpose of fostering independence, self-
sufficiency, and eventual transition to a
permanent living situation.
(e) A community residence providing care
or assistance, or both, to not more than
twelve (12) service veterans deemed eligible
for said housing by the United States
Veterans Administration and the United
States Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Residents will have access to
and use of all common areas, including
eating areas and living rooms, and
appropriate supportive services for the
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purpose fostering accountability and
responsibility again. For purposes of this
type of community residence the term
"veteran" shall be defined as
(i) any person who has served in the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air
Force of the United States for a period of
ninety (90) days or more and that period
began or ended during any foreign war in
which the United States shall have been
engaged or in any expedition or campaign
for which the United States government
issues a campaign medal, and who was
honorably discharged there-from, and who
shall be deemed to be in need of the care
and/or assistance provided at said
community residence, or
(ii) any person who has served in the armed
forces of the United States designated in (i)
above and otherwise qualified, who has
served less than said ninety (90) days period
described above and who was honorably
discharged from said service, and who, as a
result of the service, acquired a service-
connected disability.
Comprehensive plan. The City of
Woonsocket Comprehensive Plan and any
amendments thereto, adopted and approved
pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws
section 45-22.2 and to which any zoning
adopted pursuant to this act shall be in
compliance.
Congregate care facility. A structure or
structures containing four (4) or more
dwelling units and/or rooming units limited
in occupancy to persons sixty (60) years old
and older and their spouses, and/or
handicapped persons and their spouses,
providing shared food preparation service
and common recreation, social and service
facilities for the exclusive use of residents.
Corporate Office. An establishment where
services are performed involving
predominantly administrative, professional,
or clerical operations for a corporation or
company. (Ch. No. 6012, Sec. 1, 4-7-97)
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D
Day care center. Any other day care center
which is not a family day care home. (See
definition of family day care home.)
Density, residential. The number of
dwelling units per unit of land.
Development. The construction,
reconstruction, conversion, structural
alteration, relocation or enlargement of any
structure, any mining, excavation, landfill or
land disturbance, any change in use, or
alteration or extension of the use of land.
Development restrictions or development
conditions. Any restrictions or conditions
imposed on a parcel of land or portion
thereof by the city council, affecting the
design, layout, or operation of any
development on said parcel of land or
portion thereof.
District. See zoning district.
Dwelling unit. A structure or portion thereof
providing complete, independent living
facilities for one (1) or more persons,
including permanent provisions for living,
sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation and
containing a separate means of ingress and
egress.
(a) Single-family dwelling. A building
containing one (1) dwelling unit.
(b) Two-family dwelling. A building
containing two (2) dwelling units.
(c) Multifamily dwelling. A building
containing more than two (2) dwelling units.
(d) Accessory family dwelling. An
accessory dwelling unit for the sole use of
one (1) or more members of the family of
the occupant or occupants of the principal
residence, but not needing to have a separate
means of ingress and egress.
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E /F
Educational institution. Any establishment
that provides a curriculum of academic,
vocational or professional instruction,
including a nursery school, pre-school,
kindergarten, elementary school, middle
school, high school, vocational school, trade
school, college or university, but excluding
any establishment that is limited to non-
degree instruction in music, dance, art, or
similar disciplines which shall be considered
business services.(Ch. No. 6260, Sec. 1(I),
6-3-96)
Extractive industry. The extraction of
minerals including: solids, such as coal and
ores; liquids such as crude petroleum, and
gases, such as natural gases. The term also
includes quarrying; well operation; milling,
such as crushing, screening, washing and
flotation; and other preparation customarily
done at the extraction site or as a part of the
extractive activity.
Family. A person or persons related by
blood, marriage or other legal means. See
also "household."
Family day care home. Any home other
than the individual's home in which day care
in lieu of parental care or supervision is
offered at the same time to six (6) or less
individuals who are not relatives of the care
giver, but may not contain more than a total
of eight (8) individuals receiving such care.
Farm animals. A cow, goat, pig (except for
Vietnamese pot bellied pig), and such other
animals as determined by the zoning officer.
Farmers' Market: A temporary market
where producers and processors sell
agricultural and horticultural products
directly to the public. Such products shall
include, but not be limited to fruits,
vegetables, dairy products, plants and value-
added agricultural products like as jam, and
other food-related products. (Ord. Ch. 7857
12-07-2015)
Fence. Any artificially constructed barrier
of any material or combination of materials
used as a boundary, or erected to prevent
intrusion, or to enclose or screen areas of
land.
Flea market. An enclosed building in which
stalls or sales areas are set aside, and rented
or otherwise provided, and which are
intended for use by various unrelated
individuals to offer goods, new and/or used,
for sale to the public, not to include private
garage or yard sales.
Floating Zone, An unmapped zoning district
adopted within this chapter, which is
established on the zoning map only when an
application for development , meeting
zoning requirements, is approved
Floor area ratio. A ratio of the sum of the
gross floor areas of all buildings to the total
lot area of the lot on which said buildings
are located.
Food Truck. A readily movable
motorized wheeled vehicle or a rowed
wheeled vehicle that is designed and
equipped to serve food. (Ord. Ch. 7857
12-07-2015)
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G / H
Gross floor area. The sum of the areas of
all floor surfaces enclosed by the exterior
faces of the exterior walls of a building.
Ground floor. That floor which is
substantially level with the exterior grade of
the lot at the main entrance to a structure.
Half-way house. A residential facility for
adults or children who have been
institutionalized for criminal conduct and
who require a group setting to facilitate the
transition to a functional member of society.
Hazardous substance. Any substance or
material that, by reason of its toxic, caustic,
corrosive, abrasive, or otherwise injurious
properties, may be detrimental or deleterious
to the health of any person handling or
otherwise coming into contact with such
material or substance.
Health club facility. An indoor facility
housing uses such as game courts, exercise
equipment, locker rooms, Jacuzzi, and/or
sauna for athletic, sport, fitness, health, or
recreational purposes. Pro shops may also
be included in this facility as a secondary
use.
Hotel. A building used as a place where
sleeping accommodations are provided for
compensation, with or without meals, for
eleven (11) or more guests, which may
include such accessory uses as restaurants,
meeting rooms and recreational facilities
located within the same structure. Hotels
shall comply with the parking requirements
outlined in Section 5.1-3.7 of this Ordinance
as well as the parking requirements of any
accessory uses listed above.
Hospital. An institution specializing in
giving clinical, temporary, and emergency
services of a medical or surgical nature to
human patients and injured persons and
licensed by state law to provide facilities
and services in surgery, obstetrics, and
general medical practice, including related
facilities such as laboratories, out-patient
departments, training facilities, central
service facilities, and staff offices that are an
integral part of the facilities. (Ch. No. 6130,
Sec. 1, 9-18-95)
Household. One (1) or more persons living
together in a single dwelling unit, with
common access to, and common use of, all
living and eating areas and all areas and
facilities for the preparation and storage of
food within the dwelling unit. The term
household unit shall be synonymous with
the term dwelling unit for determining the
number of such units allowed within any
structure on any lot in a zoning district. An
individual household shall consist of any
one (1) of the following:
(a) A family, which may also include
servants and employees living with the
family.
(b) A person or group of up to five (5)
unrelated persons living together.
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I / J
Indoor Farming: The cultivation of
vegetables, fruits and/or fungi in a closed
environmentally controlled structure such as
mushrooms, or other specialized products to
be sold at wholesale or limited retail,
excluding cannabis or other products
governed by R.I.G.L. § 21-28.6-3; including
harvesting, and processing on site,
packaging and shipping.
Incidental home occupation. Any activity,
excluding medical or dental offices, barber
or beauty shops, customarily carried out for
gain by a resident and conducted as an
accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit,
which does not change the character of said
dwelling unit, nor utilize more than twenty
(20) percent of the gross floor area thereof
and in connection with which there is no
display, no stock-in-trade or commodities
sold upon the premises, and not more than
one (1) person who is not a resident on the
premises is employed specifically in
connection with said activity.
Interim use: A temporary or transitional
use, installation, or activity established on
underutilized or vacant property for a
predetermined period.
Junk. Any waste materials including
dismantled or wrecked motor vehicles, large
auto parts, rubber tires, stoves, refrigerators
and other large appliances or metal items.
Additionally, the term will include scrap
copper, brass, and other non-ferrous
materials, old rope, batteries, rags (in bulk),
paper (in bulk), and similar items having a
reuse or resale market value in whole or in
part.
Junkyard. An establishment or place of
business which is maintained, operated, or
used for storing, keeping, processing,
handling, buying, selling or exchanging
junk.
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K / L
Licensed Cultivator Means a person, as
identified in RIGL Section 43-3-6, who has
bccn1icensed by the Rhode Island
Department of Business Regulation to
cultivate marijuana pursuant to RIGL
section 21-28.6-16.
Licensed Patient cultivation. Marijuana
cultivation by a single registered patient
cardholder for medical use only, as defined
in RIGL 21-28.6
Live/work unit in Downtown Overlay
District. A structure or area within a
structure that combined a dwelling unit and
permitted non-residential use that is
principally used by at least one (1) occupant
of the dwelling unit. Permitted non-
residential uses include those uses permitted
in the Downtown Overlay District. The
residential use is secondary to the primary
use as a place of work (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-
07-2015).
Live/work unit shall mean a building or
space within a building used jointly for
commercial and residential purposes where
the residential use of the space is secondary
or accessory to the primary use as a place of
work.
Lodging house. See definition; Boarding,
lodging and rooming house.(Revised May
2018)
Lot. The basic development unit for
determination of lot area, depth, and other
dimensional regulations.
Lot area. The total area within the
boundaries of a lot, excluding any street
rights-of-way, usually reported in acres or
square feet.
Lot coverage. That portion of the lot that is
or may be covered by buildings and
accessory buildings.
Lot frontage. That portion of a lot abutting a
street.
Lot line. A line of record, bounding a lot,
which divides one (1) lot from another lot or
from a public or private street or any other
public or private space and shall include:
Front lot line. The lot line separating a lot
from a street right-of-way. In the case of
corner and through lots, the front lot line
shall be considered that lot line separating
the portion of the lot on which the principal
building fronts from the street right-of-way.
Except that with regard to the placement of
accessory structures, the front lot line shall
be considered any lot line separating a lot
from any street right-of-way.
Rear lot line. The lot line opposite and most
distant from the front lot line, or in the case
of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped
lots, an assumed line at least ten (10) feet in
length entirely within the lot, parallel to and
at a maximum distance from the front lot
line.
Side lot line. Any lot line other than a front
or rear lot line. On a corner lot, a side lot
line may be a street lot line.
Lot, through. A lot which fronts upon two
(2) parallel streets, or which fronts upon two
(2) streets which do not intersect at the
boundaries of the lot.
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Lot width. The horizontal distance between
the side lines of a lot measured at right
angles to its depth along a straight line
parallel to the front lot line at the minimum
front setback line.
Lumber yard. An establishment engaged in
the sale of raw lumber and/or wood products
which includes outside storage and/or
display of said materials.
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M / N
Micro-Brewery. A brewery that produces
less than 15,000 barrels of beer a year and at
least 75% of the beer is sold off site.
Micro-lofts, Micro-apartments, or Studios.
A small self-contained one-bedroom or less
residential dwelling unit of not less than
three hundred twenty-five (325) square feet
and not more than five hundred and fifty
(550) square feet on any level above a first
story commercial use. Micro-lofts, Micro-
apartments, and/or Studios shall include
space for sleeping and/or sitting, a
kitchenette, limited storage space, and a
bathroom. Micro-lofts, Micro-apartments, or
Studios shall not exceed one-bedroom or
sleeping area. (6/4/2018) (amended
11/4/2019)
Mansard roof. A roof having a double slope
on all four (4) sides, the lower slope being
much steeper. A partial mansard facade
consists of the lower slope on one (1) or
more sides, with no direct relationship to the
upper roof.
Mobile home. A factory-built structure
which is transportable in one (1) or more
sections is used as a place of human
habitation, is built on a permanent chassis,
which may or may not be constructed with a
permanent hitch or other device allowing
transport of the unit, and which is not set on
a permanent foundation.
Modification. Permission by the zoning
officer to grant a dimensional variance other
than lot area requirements from this zoning
ordinance not to exceed twenty-five (25)
percent of each of the applicable
dimensional requirements.
Motel. A building or group of buildings
containing sleeping units for eleven (11) or
more guests, each of which maintain a
separate outside entrance. Such building or
group of buildings is designed, intended or
used primarily for the accommodation of
motor vehicle travelers and provides motor
vehicle parking conveniently located on the
premises.
Motor fuel station. A structure, building or
premises or any portion thereof where a
flammable fluid is stored and sold for supply
to motor vehicles. This may include the
servicing of motor vehicles, including minor
repairs such as replacing of mufflers and
tailpipes, tune-ups, changing of tires and
lubrication, as well as sale of cigarettes,
gum, candy and similar items, all of which
are incidental to the primary use. Service
stations shall not include premises where
heavy motor vehicle maintenance activities
such as engine overhauls, motor vehicle
painting and body work are conducted.
Motor vehicle body repair shop. Any
building, premises or land which is used for
the care, repair or refinishing of vehicles,
including both minor and major mechanical
overhauling, paint and bodywork.
Motor vehicle repair garage. An
establishment engaged in the repair of motor
vehicles, including without limitation, motor
vehicle body repair and spray painting.
Motor vehicle specialty shop. An
establishment engaged in the specialized
motor vehicle services, including without
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 132 of 145
limitation, brake, muffler, oil change and
tire services.
Nonresidential cooperative cultivation. Two
or more cardholders who cooperatively
cultivate marijuana in nonresidential
locations subject to the restrictions set forth
in RIGL 21-28.6-14 and this section of the
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance.
Nursing home. Any facility licensed by the
state as a Nursing Home.
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O / P
Office Co-ops. A shared office work space
where professionals and small businesses
can rent rooms or areas of rooms with
shared common areas such as kitchens or
break rooms, conference rooms, etc.
Outdoor café seating: Seating incidental to
and provided outside of a restaurant, café, or
other eating and/or drinking establishment,
provided the outdoor seating is located on
the same lot as the principal use on the
adjoining sidewalk. (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-07-
2015)
Overlay district. A district established in
this zoning ordinance that is superimposed
on one (1) or more districts or parts of
districts and that imposes specified
requirements in addition to but not less than
those otherwise applicable for the
underlying zone.
Pallet Exchange Facility: A site that
received, repairs, processes to client
specifications, manufactures, re-
manufactures, distributed, inventories,
transports wood pallets, wood items, related
products and items
Passenger terminal: A facility or location
where the principal use is handling,
receiving and transferring passenger traffic
for aircraft, rail, busses and watercraft.
Performance standards. A set of criteria or
limits relating to elements which a particular
use or process either must meet or may not
exceed.
Permitted use. A use by right that is
specifically authorized in a particular zoning
district.
Place of worship. A place where religious
worship is conducted and/or religious
services are held.
Pop-up retail. A retail store that is opened
for a temporary period of time. Such a store
may be established in or under temporary
and/or modular structures." (Ord. Ch. 7857
12-7-2015)
Prepared food sales. An establishment
engaged in the retail sale of food and/or
beverages prepared on the premises, where
consumption is not permitted on the
premises, whether seated or standing, inside
or outside.
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 134 of 145
Q / R
Recreational vehicle. A vehicular, portable
structure built on a chassis and designed to
be used for temporary occupancy for travel,
recreation or vacation use.
Recycling center. A facility, in which
recoverable resources, such as newspapers,
glassware, and metal cans, are collected,
stored, flattened, crushed or bundled,
essentially by hand within a completely
enclosed building.
Rehabilitation facility, in-patient. An
establishment used for the mental and/or
physical rehabilitation of human patients,
including drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation
facilities, that includes overnight care
facilities.(Ch. No. 6130, Sec. 1, 9-18-95)
Rehabilitation facility, out-patient. An
establishment used for the mental and/or
physical rehabilitation of human patients,
including drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation
facilities, that does not include overnight
care facilities.(Ch. No. 6130, Sec. 1, 9-18-
95)
Research & Development Facility. A
facility for research, investigation, testing
and/or experimentation of potential products
and/or services, which may include
manufacture of services.(Ch. No. 6012, Sec.
1, 4-7-97)
Residential cooperative Cultivation. Two or
more cardholders who cooperatively
cultivate marijuana in residential locations
subject to the restrictions set forth in
RIGL 21-28.6-14 and this section of the
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance
Restaurant. An establishment engaged in
the retail sale of food and/or beverages in a
ready to consume state, in individual
servings, and where consumption is
permitted on the premises, whether seated or
standing, inside or outside.
Rooming house. A building where sleeping
rooms and bathroom facilities are provided
for compensation for less than twenty-one
(21) guests and more than two (2) guests,
and which makes no provision for cooking
in any of the rooms. See definition:
Boarding, lodging or rooming house
(Revised May 2018)
Rooming units are defined as Type A and
Type B rooming units in the City of
Woonsocket Code of Ordinances section 12-
2 Definitions and further enumerated in
sections 12-246 and 12-247 respectively, for
which the owner/operator receives
compensation for tenant occupancy.
(Revised May 2018)
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Page 135 of 145
S
Self-service storage facility. A building or
group of buildings in a controlled access and
fenced compound that contains individual,
compartmentalized, and controlled access
stalls or lockers for the storage of customer's
goods or wares.
Setback line or lines. A line or lines parallel
to a lot line at the minimum distance of the
required setback for the zoning district in
which the lot is located that establishes the
area within which the principal structure
must be erected or placed.
Sign. A graphic arrangement or physical
structure which is designed or intended to
convey information in written or pictorial
form.
Awning or canopy sign. A sign painted,
stamped, perforated, stitched, or otherwise
applied on an awning, canopy or marquee,
including backlit signs.
Banner. A sign made of non-rigid material
hanging from or otherwise attached to a
building or structure.
Billboard. Any notice or advertisement,
pictorial or otherwise, used as an outdoor
display not related to the use of the lot upon
which the billboard is located.
Credit card sign. A sign identifying by
name or symbol, one (1) or more credit
cards which are accepted by an
establishment.
Directional sign. A sign identifying on-
premises traffic, parking or other functional
activity, which bears no language or
symbols for business identification or
advertising.
Directory sign. A sign identifying two (2)
or more persons or establishments
occupying a structure.
Free-standing sign. A sign supported by
one (1) or more poles, columns, or braces
placed in or on the ground and not attached
to any building.
Menu board. A sign mounted on a structure
erected for that purpose, not attached to any
building, which is used for the listing of
available menu items at an establishment
with a drive-thru window.
Portable sign. Any sign not permanently
affixed to the ground or to a building,
including any sign attached to or displayed
on a vehicle that is used for the expressed
purpose of advertising a business
establishment, product, service, or
entertainment, when that vehicle is so
parked as to attract the attention of the
motoring or pedestrian traffic.
Projecting sign. A sign attached to a
building wall which extends more than
fifteen (15) inches from the face of the wall.
Roof sign. A sign which is constructed and
maintained on the roof of a building or on
the building wall in such a way that it
extends beyond the roof line.
Under canopy sign. A sign attached to or
hung from a canopy or other covered
structure projecting from and supported by
the principal building.
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Wall sign. A sign painted on or attached
directly to the building wall which extends
less than fifteen (15) inches from the face of
the wall and which does not extend beyond
the roof line.
Sign area. The entire surface within a
continuous perimeter, enclosing the extreme
limits of sign display, including any frame
or border. The copy of signs composed of
individual letters, numerals, and/or symbols
shall be the sum of the area of the smallest
rectangle encompassing each of said letters,
numerals, and/or symbols.
Site plan. The development plan for one (1)
or more lots on which is shown the existing
and/or the proposed conditions of the lot.
Solar or Wind Energy System- Ground
Mount. means the equipment and requisite
hardware that provide and are used for
collecting, transferring,, converting, storing
or using renewable resources for water
heating, space heating, cooling, generating
electricity and reducing on-site consumption
of utility power, or other applications that
would otherwise require the use of a
conventional source of energy such as
petroleum products, natural gas,
manufactured gas, or electricity produced
from a nonrenewable resource. The primary
use of a renewable energy facility is to
reduce on-site consumption of utility power.
A system is considered a residential scale
facility only if it supplies electrical or
thermal power solely for on-site use, except
that when property upon which the facility
is installed also receives electrical power
supplied by a utility company, exceeds
electrical power generated and not presently
needed for on-site use may be off-loaded to
the grid. A renewal energy-residential scale
facility shall be considered an accessory use
to the primary residential use of the property
as set forth in this ordinance.
The installation of this facility would be
built on the ground. Any renewal energy
facility not meeting this definition is
considered a non-residential use and is
subject to review by the zoning board of
review. All ground-mount units must be
screened in a responsible manner so as to
provide as little disharmony with each
neighborhood in which it is located. (Ch.
7859, 12-21-2015)
Solar and Wind Energy System - Roof
Mount means the equipment and requisite
hardware that provide and are used for
collecting, transferring,, converting, storing
or using renewable resources for water
heating, space heating, cooling, generating
electricity and reducing on-site consumption
of utility power, or other applications that
would otherwise require the use of a
conventional source of energy such as
petroleum products, natural gas,
manufactured gas, or electricity produced
from a nonrenewable resource. The primary
use of a renewable energy facility is to
reduce on-site consumption of utility power.
A system is considered a residential scale
facility only if it supplies electrical or
thermal power solely for on-site use, except
that when property upon which the facility
is installed also receives electrical power
supplied by a utility company, exceeds
electrical power generated and not presently
needed for on-site use may be off-loaded to
the grid. A renewal energy-residential scale
facility shall be considered an accessory use
Woonsocket Zoning Ordinance-December 1994 Amended November 11, 2019
Page 137 of 145
to the primary residential use of the property
as set forth in this ordinance. The
installation of this facility would be built on
the roof of the building. Any renewal
energy facility not meeting this definition is
considered a non-residential use and is
subject to review by the zoning board of
review. (Ch. 7859, 12.21.2015).
Special use. A regulated use which is
permitted pursuant to a special use permit
issued by the zoning board of review,
pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws
section 45-24-42. Formerly referred to as a
special exception.
Specified anatomical areas. This term
means and includes any of the following:
(a) Less than completely and opaquely
covered human genitals, pubic region,
buttocks, anus, or female breasts below a
point immediately above the top of the
areolae; or
(b) Human male genitals in a discernibly
turgid state, even if completely and
opaquely covered.
Specified sexual activities. This term means
and includes any of the following:
(a) The fondling or other erotic touching of
human genitals, public region, buttocks,
anus, or female breasts;
(b) Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or
simulated, including intercourse, oral
copulation, or sodomy;
(c) Masturbation, actual or simulated; or
(d) Excretory functions as part of or in
connection with any of the activities set
forth as noted above.
Story. The space between the surface of two
(2) successive floors in a building or
between the top floor and the ceiling and
underside of the roof framing. A basement
shall be counted as a story if its ceiling is
over six (6) feet above the average level of
the finished ground surface adjoining the
exterior walls of such story or if it is used
for business or dwelling purposes.
Street. A public right-of-way, which has
been accepted by the city council and
dedicated for use as a public highway.
Street right-of-way line. A line separating a
lot from an adjacent street.
Structure. A combination of materials to
form a construction for use, occupancy, or
ornamentation, whether installed on, above,
or below the surface of land or water.
Substandard lot of record. Any lot lawfully
existing at the time of adoption or
amendment of this ordinance and not in
conformance with the dimensional and/or
area provisions of such ordinance.
Substantial improvement. Any repair,
reconstruction, or alteration of property, the
cost of which exceeds fifty (50) percent of
the true value of the property as determined
by the tax assessor, either before
improvement is started or if the property has
been damaged and is being restored, before
the damage occurred.
Supermarket. An establishment engaged in
the retail sale of food and/or groceries where
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Page 138 of 145
the gross floor area of said establishment
exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
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Page 139 of 145
T / U
Use. The purpose or activity for which land
or buildings are designed, arranged, or
intended, or for which land or buildings are
occupied or maintained.
(a) Use, accessory. A use which is
incidental to that of a principal use on the
same lot.
(b) Use, nonconforming. A use of a
building or land, lawful at the time of
enactment of this ordinance, that does not
conform with the permitted use provisions
of this ordinance for the district in which it
is located.
(c) Use, principal. A use which is the major
use of the lot. In any residential district a
dwelling use shall be deemed the principal
use of the lot.
(d) Use, public. Any use of land or structure
thereon which is owned or leased by the
city, state or federal government or any
branch, department or agency of such
government.
(e) Use, semi-public. Any use which is
public in nature but owned and used by a
private interest group. Semi-public uses
include churches, parish houses, parochial
schools, and similar uses.
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Page 140 of 145
V /W/ X / Y / Z
Variance. Permission to depart from the use
requirements of this zoning ordinance. An
authorization for the construction or
maintenance of a building or structure, or for
the establishment or maintenance of a use of
land, which is prohibited by this zoning
ordinance.
There shall be only two (2) categories of
variance, a use variance or a dimensional
variance.
(a) Variance, dimensional. Permission to
depart from the dimensional requirements of
this zoning ordinance where the applicant
for the requested relief has shown, by
evidence upon the record, that there is no
other reasonable alternative way to enjoy a
legally permitted beneficial use of the
subject property unless granted the
requested relief from the dimensional
regulations. However, the fact that a use
may be more profitable or that a structure
may be more valuable after the relief is
granted shall not be grounds for relief.
(b) Variance, use Permission to depart from
the use requirements of this zoning
ordinance where the applicant for the
requested variance has shown by evidence
upon the record that the subject land or
structure cannot yield any beneficial use if it
is to conform to the provisions of the zoning
ordinance.
Vehicle wrecking or salvage facility. Any
building, premises or land upon or within
which vehicles, or parts thereof, are
destroyed, junked, dismantled or stored for
later dismantling or destruction.
Vertical farming/Rooftop Farming: A
component of urban agriculture producing
food in vertically stacked layers, vertically
inclined surfaces and/or integrated in other
using controlled environmental agriculture
(CEA) technology, where all environmental
factors can be controlled; these facilities
utilize artificial control of light,
environmental control (humidity,
temperature, gases): including harvesting,
and processing on site, packaging and
shipping.
Yard. Any open space on the same lot with
a principal building, unoccupied, and
unobstructed from the ground to the sky,
except for accessory buildings or structures,
or such projections as are expressly
permitted in these regulations.
(a) Front yard. The yard extending across
the entire width of the lot between the front
lot line and the nearest part of the front of
the principal building.
(b) Rear yard. The yard extending across
the entire width of the lot between the rear
lot line and the nearest part of the rear of the
principal building.
(Ch. No. 6042, Sec. 1, 3-6-95)
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