<strong>Hinesburg</strong> <strong>Zoning</strong> <strong>Regulations</strong> – October 17, 2011 Article 2(3) Renewable Energy Technology - Substantial use <strong>of</strong> renewable energy technology(e.g., solar photovoltaic, solar hot water, wind, geothermal, biomass, etc.) helps toreduce <strong>Hinesburg</strong>’s overall demand for electricity and non-renewable fossil fuels.Overall projected ongoing/long-termenergy needs provided by renewablesIncentive number25%-49% 150%-74% 275%+ 3(4) Important Public Spaces & Public Infrastructure – New development in the growtharea will typically provide some amount <strong>of</strong> public infrastructure – i.e., sidewalks,roads, stormwater systems, water/wastewater lines, outdoor gathering areas, etc.Density incentives should therefore be reserved for developments that provideparticularly important and significant public spaces and/or infrastructure. Sincecommunity needs and priorities vary over time, the incentive level/number (on a scale<strong>of</strong> 1-3) for a particular project shall be determined by DRB in consultation with theSelectboard. Examples <strong>of</strong> project elements that might qualify include, but are notlimited to: community/multigenerational center; town green; bandshell, amphitheater,or performance venue; farmers market area; recreation fields (preferably full size);community garden area, public buildings, public safety apparatus/equipment.- Page 12 -
<strong>Hinesburg</strong> <strong>Zoning</strong> <strong>Regulations</strong> – October 17, 2011 Article 3ARTICLE 3: ZONING DISTRICTSSection 3.1 VILLAGE GROWTH AREA –PURPOSE & MASTER PLAN REQUIREMENTDISTRICTS: Village, Village NW, Village NE, Commercial, Industrial 3, Industrial 4, Residential1, Residential 2PURPOSE: To encourage a vibrant mix <strong>of</strong> commercial, residential and civic activities in a compact,pedestrian-oriented village that is recognizable as the <strong>Town</strong>'s social and economic center. To allowfor development that brings value to the community and maintains <strong>Hinesburg</strong>’s unique sense <strong>of</strong>place. Densities will be high relative to the rest <strong>of</strong> the town, and multi-story buildings areanticipated. <strong>The</strong> design <strong>of</strong> this area shall include public spaces to serve as focal points and gatheringspaces, and to take advantage <strong>of</strong> important views. It should include internal streets that makepedestrians feel comfortable and welcome. A mix <strong>of</strong> uses within the Village NW, Village NE,Village, and Commercial districts is particularly important to provide a reason for the wider<strong>Hinesburg</strong> community to visit and spend time in this area (employment, walking, services,recreation, events, etc.).Development densities should be maximized to the extent practical in order to better realize<strong>Hinesburg</strong>’s overall “smart growth” strategy. Increased density opportunities should also serve as anincentive to promote the creation <strong>of</strong> affordable and moderately priced housing.<strong>The</strong> density <strong>of</strong> the area makes it conducive to the use <strong>of</strong> transit. Suitable transit stops, including buspull-<strong>of</strong>fs, should be anticipated in the overall layout. Internal streets should, to the extent possible,form a circulation grid and accommodate on-street parking. To the greatest extent possible, thedistrict shall favor pedestrian movement, minimizing traffic movement and parking conflicts withpedestrian ways.<strong>The</strong> compactness <strong>of</strong> proposed development will inevitably lead to a loss or shifting <strong>of</strong> some scenicviews now afforded in the undeveloped portion <strong>of</strong> the overall village growth center. However, newview opportunities should be provided from the new street network and from other perspectivesavailable to the public. In the evolving design, it is important to pay close attention to the creation <strong>of</strong>green spaces such as parks, recreation areas, and community gathering places that will complementthe pattern <strong>of</strong> streets, buildings, pathways and view corridors. Even with the proposed developmentdensities, small scale agricultural operations and community gardens (e.g., Burlington’s Intervalearea) will be a viable and important element given the abundance <strong>of</strong> prime agricultural soils and theneed for locally grown food. It is also important to retain functional connections to the surroundingrural landscape via public trails, contiguous green space, and other mechanisms.3.1.1 MASTER PLAN REQUIREMENTWithin the Village Growth Area, new development proposals on parcels over 1 acre that aresubject to subdivision, PUD, site plan, or conditional use review by the DRB (excludingminor amendments to previously approved projects, as determined by the DRB) shall includea conceptual-level master plan for the overall property owned or controlled by the applicantand/or landowner. This master plan shall further the purpose and goals <strong>of</strong> the Village GrowthArea as outlined in the <strong>Zoning</strong> <strong>Regulations</strong> and the <strong>Town</strong> Plan. It shall delineate and addressthe following significant natural features: streams, mapped wetlands, flood hazard areas,steep slopes 25% or greater. Future or anticipated phases may have less detail and need not- Page 13 -
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