Site Plan Review

Many communities utilize Site Plan Review to establish design standards for development. Site Plan Review offers an opportunity to ensure that future climate risks are identified and receive careful review.

This page provides short summaries of key features of regulations based on desktop review. Links to the regulations are provided below. Conduct careful review when considering adopting new language. The resources included do not constitute legal advice. Municipalities should consult legal counsel when adopting new bylaws, ordinances, and policies.

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Climate Resilient Land Use Strategies

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Strategies to Incorporate Climate Resilience in Site Plan Review

Consider Future Sea Level Rise Incorporate Resilience and Sustainability

Consider Future Sea Level Rise

Hull’s design guidelines (410-4.1) includes “protection against flood damage on site and protection against flood impacts to adjoining properties, taking into consideration current conditions and the potential for future sea level rise”. Additional guidance provides that “special attention shall be given to maintaining the natural capacity of the land to prevent or reduce flooding. Structures, including fill, shall be designed with special attention to minimizing the potential for property damage from flooding and the re-direction of flood waters to other locations.”

Incorporate Resilience and Sustainability

Concord standards for review (11.8.5) include: “incorporation of sustainability and resiliency principles into the site design that result in a plan that is responsive to the environment and actively contributes to the development of a more sustainable community.”
Watertown (9.03) requires that “proposed developments shall seek to diminish the heat island effect; employ passive solar techniques and design to maximize southern exposures, building materials, and shading; utilize energy-efficient technology and renewable energy resources; and minimize water use.” As part of this requirement, projects must be LEED silver certifiable.
Lexington’s (9.5.5) Site Plan Review Standards include addressing “sustainable, climate-sensitive, and environmentally conscious site design practices”. The Planning Board regulations for Site Plan Review and Special Permits include goals and requirements for LID, net-zero techniques, and reducing heat island impacts, among other sustainability elements.
Deerfield’s “Site Plan Review with Green Development Performance Standards” (5400) include solar orientation, water conservation, LID, and construction waste management among others. Section 5495 includes incentives for Green Performance Standards in the Special Permit process. Eligible practices include green roofs, permeable paving, green infrastructure, and rooftop solar panels.