Frequently Asked Questions | North Kingstown, RI (2024)

5. Will I be notified when development is proposed near my house?

Certain land use activities require notice to abutting property owners. For any proposed zoning variance, special use permit, zone change, land use designation change or subdivision (other than administrative) applications must notify abutting properties. The radius and timeline for this notification is based upon the type of application being submitted. Additionally, a notice of public hearing will appear in a newspaper of general circulation typically 14 days prior to a scheduled meeting.

6. How do I provide comments on a proposed development?

If the application is scheduled for a hearing or meeting before a board or commission, you can attend that meeting and offer your comments during the public comment period. You can also email or mail your comments to the Planning Department, 100 Fairway Drive. It is helpful if you reference the project name or address in your written or emailed comments. The comments must address land use standards and be submitted prior to the public comment period closing. The public comment period varies by project. You can also contact the Planning Department for more information.

ZONING BOARD of REVIEW

1. Where can I get a copy of an application for the Zoning Board of Review?

A copy of an application for the Zoning Board of Review (ZBR) is available on the Planning Department Application web page. You can also obtain a copy by contacting the Planning Department at 268-1571 or visiting the office at 100 Fairway Drive. The instructions for applying to the ZBR are also available on the application page under Zoning Board of Review-Application for Instructions.

2. What are the public hearing and notice requirements?

The zoning board of review shall hold a public hearing on any application for a variance, special use permit and special permit after receipt, in proper form, of the application and all required submission items and data. The zoning board of review shall give notice of the public hearing at least 14 days prior to the date of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the town. Notice of the hearing shall be sent first class mail to the applicant, and to at least all those who require notice under subsection 21-19(c). The notice shall include the street address of the subject property. The application must pay for the cost of notification.

3. What are the criteria for the granting of a dimensional variance?

In granting a variance to this chapter, the zoning board of review shall require that evidence to the satisfaction of the following standards be entered into the record of the proceedings:

(1) The hardship from which the applicant seeks relief is due to the unique characteristics of the subject land or structure and not the general characteristics of the surrounding area, and is not due to a physical or economic disability of the applicant.

(2) The 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) The granting of the requested variance will not alter the general character of the surrounding area or impair the intent or purpose of this chapter or the comprehensive plan upon which this chapter is based.

(4) The relief to be granted is the least relief necessary.

Evidence required for grant of variance. The zoning board of review shall, in addition to the standards in subsection (a) of this section, require that evidence be entered into the record of the proceedings showing that:

(1) In granting a use variance, the subject land or structure cannot yield any beneficial use if it is required to conform to the land use sections of this chapter. 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; and

(2) In granting a dimensional variance, the hardship suffered by the owner of the subject property if the dimensional variance is not granted amounts to more than a mere inconvenience. 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.

The Criteria for Relief can be found under Section 21-14 of the Zoning Ordinance as well as on the application page of the Planing Department web page under Zoning Board of Review - Criteria for Relief.

4. What is the criteria for a special use permit?

(a) In granting a special use permit or special permit under this chapter, the zoning board of review shall require that evidence to the satisfaction of the following standards be entered into the record of the proceedings:

(1) The requested special use permit will not alter the general character of the surrounding area or impair the intent or purpose of this chapter or the comprehensive plan upon which this chapter is based.

(2) The special use permit is reasonably necessary to serve the public convenience and welfare.

(3) The granting of a special use permit will not pose a threat to the drinking water supply.

(4) The use will not disrupt the neighborhood or the privacy of abutting landowners by excessive noise, light, glare or air pollutants.

(5 )Sewage and waste disposal into the ground and the surface water drainage from the proposed use will be adequately handled on site.

(6) The traffic generated by the proposed use will not cause undue congestion or introduce a traffic hazard to the circulation pattern of the area.

(7) Accessory signs, off-street parking and loading area and outdoor lighting are designed and located in a manner which complements the character of the neighborhood.

(8)In addition to the criteria in subsections (1) through (7) of this section, in the case of a special permit, the board shall require evidence that the requested use will have a lesser undesirable impact upon the surrounding area than the preceding nonconforming use.

The Criteria for Relief can be found under Section 21-15 of the Zoning Ordinance as well as on the application page of the Planing Department web page under Zoning Board of Review - Criteria for Relief.

HISTORIC DISTRICT

1. If I live in the Wickford Historic District, what do I need to know?

Before a property owner may authorize or commence construction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition affecting the exterior appearance of a structure or its appurtenances within the historic district, the owner must apply for and receive a certificate of appropriateness from the commission. In applying, the owner must comply with application procedures as established by the commission. The commission shall require the owner to submit information which is reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed construction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition, including but not limited to plans, drawings, photographs or any other inforFrequently Asked Questions | North Kingstown, RI (1)mation set forth in the application procedures. The owner of the property must obtain a certificate of appropriateness for the project, whether or not state law requires a permit from the building inspector. The building inspector shall not issue a permit until the commission has granted a certificate of appropriateness.

The Wickford Historic District map can be foundHERE.

2. What is the review process for the Historic District Commission?

In reviewing plans, the historic district commission shall give consideration to the following:

(1) The historic and architectural significance of the structure and its appurtenances;

(2) The way in which the structure and its appurtenances contribute to the historical and architectural significance of the district; and

(3) The appropriateness of the general design, arrangement, texture, materials and siting proposed in the plans.

3. Where do I get an application for the Historic District Commission (HDC)?

An application for the HDC can be obtained on the Planning Department Application page under Historic District Commission. This web page also has extensive information on the historic district and the HDC including an application review guide, instructions and checklists, HDC rules and regulations, as well as the US Secretary of Interior guidelines and standards for rehabilitation.

You can also obtain an application by visiting the Planning Department located at the Municipal Offices Building, 100 Fairway Drive.

WICKFORD VILLAGE DESIGN GUIDELINES OVERLAY DISTRICT

Frequently Asked Questions | North Kingstown, RI (2)

1. What are the boundaries of the Wickford Village Design Guidelines Overlay District (WVDGOD)?

Click here to view theWVDGOD boundaries.

2.What regulations do I have to follow if my property is located in the WVDGOD?

You can access the regulations that apply within the WVDGOD on the MuniCode web site under Chapter 21, Article VIII, Section 21-191.

Frequently Asked Questions | North Kingstown, RI (2024)
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