Matters ▸ Attachment
Components-Amendments-2021-06-02_reduced — File 212052
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06/01/21
2. Glossary & Overview
Glossary
Day Care Center, Child
A specific use type of the Commercial Services principal use category. See
§9.2.6.h.ii Child Day Care Center.
Day Care Services
A Commercial Services principal use category. See §9.2.6.h Day Care Services.
Deck
A roofless, raised platform accessible from a secondary entrance to a building
that provides outdoor amenity space. A synonym for the projecting porch
building component.
Deck, Roof
A raised platform on the roof of a building.
Demolition
The destruction or removal of fifty percent (50%) or more of the surface area of
the exterior walls and roof of a building or any exploratory demolition or internal
demolition that compromises the structural integrity of a building. Normal
maintenance is not demolition.
Demolition, Exploratory
The removal of non-structural interior building materials prior to renovation,
rehabilitation, restoration, or remodeling in order to verify the existing conditions
present in otherwise unexposed areas.
Demolition, Internal
The removal of non-structural interior building materials for the purpose of
renovating, rehabilitating, restoring, or remodeling interior space.
Design & Fabrication Center
A facility providing individuals and small firms access to professional
manufacturing tools & equipment; classes & training; lab, workshop, and studio
space; and storage for tools and supplies.
Design Services
An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See §9.2.2.e Design
Services.
Desire Line
A route that pedestrians prefer to take to get from one location to another.
Development
The subdivision or land platting of a development site; the construction or
modification of any principal building type, accessory building type, or other
structure; the excavation, fill, or grading of land; and the establishment, change,
or expansion of any use of any structure or land.
Development Site
The land area encompassed in a development proposal irrespective of the
number or configuration of lots, land ownership, or municipal boundaries.
Diameter at Breast Height
The diameter of a tree trunk or the square root of the sum of each trunk squared
for a multi trunk tree, measured four and one-half (4.5) feet above ground.
Diameter at breast height is abbreviated as DBH.
Dispatch Service
An Auto-Oriented principal use category. See §9.2.3.b Dispatch Services.
Driveway Apron
A ramp that slopes down from the edge of the walkway of a sidewalk to the
roadway surface of an abutting thoroughfare.
Dry Cleaning or Laundry Services
An Industrial principal use category. See §9.2.8.a Dry Cleaning or Laundry
Services.
Dormitory or Chapter House
A specific use type of the Group Living principal use category. See §9.2.11.b.ii
Dormitory or Chapter House.
Dwelling Unit
One (1) or more rooms providing separate, independent living space with lawful
cooking and sanitary facilities for the exclusive use of the occupants.
Easement
A liberty, privilege, or advantage without profit, which a person(s) may have in
the lands of another person(s).
Educational Services
A Commercial Services principal use category. See §9.2.6.i Educational Services.
Employer
A person or business that employs one (1) or more people for wages or salary.
Encroach
To break the plane of a vertical or horizontal regulatory limit with a structural
element, so that it extends into a setback or over the sidewalk of a public right-
of-way.
Encroachment
Any structural element that encroaches.
Erect
To construct, reconstruct, excavate, fill, drain, or conduct physical operations of
any kind in preparation for or in pursuance of construction or reconstruction, or to
move a building or structure upon a lot.
Fabrication Laboratory
A high-tech workshop that fosters innovation and invention by providing
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2. Glossary & Overview
Glossary
held unoccupied when not in use by that specific motor vehicle(s) or person.
Residential Gardening
A specific use type of the Urban Agriculture accessory use category. See
§9.2.14.d.iv Residential Gardening.
Retaining Wall
A structure designed to resist the lateral displacement of soil or other materials
in order to protect property or prevent erosion.
Ribbon Driveway
A driveway with two parallel paved tracks separated by an unpaved area.
Ribbon Windows
A series of windows set side by side to form a continuous horizontal band across
a facade.
Roof Line
The highest point on any building or structure where an exterior wall or parapet
wall encloses roof or floor area, including floor area provided for housing
mechanical equipment.
Roof, Flat
A roof with no slope greater than 2:12.
Roof, Gable
A roof sloped on two sides from a central ridge with an exterior wall (gable)
enclosing each end.
Roof, Gambrel
A compound, gabled roof with two slopes on each of its sides, where the lower
has a steeper slope or pitch than the upper, inclusive of English, Dutch, and
Jerkin Head gambrel roofs.
Roof, Hip
A roof with four uniformly pitched or sloping sides, inclusive of kicked hip (witch’s
hat) and Hawaiian hip roofs.
Roof, Main
The roof of the main massing of a principal building.
Roof, Mansard
A compound, four sided roof where each side has two slopes, where the lower
has a very steep, almost vertical, slope or pitch, dormer windows, and eaves
extending with a radius or kick, rather than a flat projection.
Roof, Shed
A roof with only one slope.
Rooming House
A specific use type of the Group Living principal use category. See §9.2.11.b.v
Rooming House.
Rooming Unit
One (1) or more rooms providing separate, independent living facilities for use
by one (1) or two (2) human beings living together as a single household without
both lawful cooking and sanitary facilities for the exclusive use of the occupants
inside the rooming unit.
Runoff Coefficient
A number relating the amount of storm water runoff to the amount of
precipitation received. A larger value indicates low permeability and higher storm
water runoff and a lower value indicates higher permeability and lower storm
water runoff.
Salvage Yard
An Industrial principal use category. See §9.2.8.f Salvage Yard.
Sand-Based Structural Soil System
Open graded crushed stone over sand-based structural soil.
Self-Storage
A specific use type of the Moving or Storage Services principal use category.
See §9.2.8.d.i Self Storage.
Setback
A horizontal distance from a particular point of reference to the location of a
principal or accessory building or an accessory structure.
Shared Workspace & Arts Education An Arts & Creative Enterprise principal use category. See §9.2.2.f Shared
Workspace & Arts Education.
Shrub
A multi-stemmed, woody plant with a five-gallon container size when planted.
Sign
Any permanent or temporary name, identification, description, emblem, logo,
structure, or device, that is illuminated or non-illuminated; visible or intended
to be visible from any public place; and directs attention to a person, product,
place, activity, institution, business, organization, activity, or service including any
letter, numeral, character, figure, emblem, painting, illustration, banner, pennant,
placard, or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify, solicit, or convey
information. Signs include devices designed to attract the eye by intermittent
or repeated motion and any permanently installed or situated merchandise,
including any banner, pennant, placard, or temporary sign, with the exception
of window displays. Flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts are not signs.
3
RESIDENCE
DISTRICTS
NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENCE
URBAN RESIDENCE
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3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
12/12/2019
e. Entry Canopy
i.
An entry canopy is a wall-mounted structure that
provides shade and weather protection over the
entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
See
ii. Standards
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Clearance (min)
8 ft
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Entry canopies must be visually supported by
brackets, cables, or rods.
b). The width of an entry canopy must be equal
to or greater than the width of the doorway
surround, trim, or exterior casing it is mounted
above.
f. Stoop
i.
A stoop is a front, side, or rear facing set of stairs
with a landing that provides access to a ground
story or basement entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Landing Width (min)
4 ft
B Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs may be recessed into the building facade
when the building is set back four (4) feet or
less.
b). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
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3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
12/12/2019
g. Portico
i.
A portico is a front facing, single or multi-level
platform projecting from the facade of a building
and providing access to a ground story entrance.
Dimensions
A
Landing Width (max)
4 ft
B
Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
Floors (max)
1 per story of
the building
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
b). The roof of any portico may not project above
the roofline of the main massing.
c). Stairs providing acess between the levels of a
multi-level portico are prohibited.
h. Projecting Porch
i.
A porch is a front, side, or rear facing single or
multi-level platform accessed from an entrance of
a building.
Dimensions
A
Width (min)
--
Front
12 ft
Side & Rear
4 ft
B
Projection (min)
--
Front
6 ft
Side & Rear
4 ft
D
Furniture Area, Front Porch (min)
6 ft x 6 ft
Floors (max)
1 per story of
the building
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
b). Projecting porches may be screened, but
permanent enclosure to create habitable space
is prohibited.
c). The roof of any projecting porch may not
project above the roofline of the main massing.
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3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
12/12/2019
i. Engaged Porch
i.
An engaged porch is a front facing ground story
porch that provides access to an encroaching mud
room or entry foyer.
Dimensions
A
Width (min)
12 ft
B
Projection (min)
6 ft
D
Furniture Area (min)
6 ft x 6 ft
Mud Room/Foyer Width (max)
40% of main
massing width
E
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
b). Engaged porches are prohibited for upper
stories, but may be combined with upper
story projecting porches to create a multi-level
combination porch with a singel ground story
mud room.
j. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of
Building in
Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
b). each story of the bay window.
c). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
d). Bay windowss projecting over the sidewalk of
a public thoroughfare must have at least two
(2) stories of clearance and be compliant with
all City Ordinances.
e). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
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3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
3. Residence Districts
Neighborhood Residence (NR)
12/12/2019
k. Gable Dormer
i.
A gable dormer is a window space with a gable, hip,
or arched roof that projects perpendicularly from a
pitched roof. Dormer windows provide light to the
habitable space of a half-story.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
window(s) width
+18 in of wall
Side Wall Setback (min)
--
Roof with eave
0 ft
Roof without eave
1 ft
B Facade & Rear Wall Setback (min)
3 ft
C
Ridge Setback (min)
1 ft
Roof Slope (min)
4:12 (18.43º)
D Dormer Separation (min)
50% of width
ii.
Standards
a). The face wall of a gable dormer may not
project beyond the exterior wall of the building
and may not interrupt the eave of the roof.
b). Gable dormers may be combined with a shed
dormer(s) to create a Nantucket dormer.
c). The cumulative width of a single, multiple, or
attached combinations of dormers may equal
up to fifty percent (50%) of the eave/ridge
length of the roof.
d). Gable dormers are exempt from the minimum
required roof slope when combined with a
mansard roof.
l. Shed Dormer
i.
A shed dormer is window space with a shed roof
that projects perpendicularly from a pitched roof.
Shed dormers provide light and additional habitable
space to a half-story.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
window(s) width
+36 in of wall
Side Wall Setback (min)
--
Roof with eave
0 ft
Roof without eave
1 ft
B Facade & Rear Wall Setback (min)
3 ft
C
Ridge Setback (min)
1 ft
D Roof Slope (min)
4:12 (18.43º)
Dormer Separation (min)
50% of width
ii.
Standards
a). The face wall of a shed dormer may not project
beyond the exterior wall of the building and
may not interrupt the eave of the roof.
b). Shed dormers may be combined with a dormer
window(s) to create a Nantucket dormer.
c). The cumulative width of a single, multiple, or
attached combinations of dormers may equal
up to fifty percent (50%) of the eave/ridge
length of the roof.
3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
12/12/2019
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3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
e. Entry Canopy
i.
An entry canopy is a wall-mounted structure that
provides shade and weather protection over the
entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
See
ii. Standards
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Clearance (min)
8 ft clear
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Entry canopies must be visually supported by
brackets, cables, or rods.
b). The width of an entry canopy must be equal
to or greater than the width of the doorway
surround or exterior casing it is mounted over.
f. Stoop
i.
A stoop is a front, side, or rear facing set of stairs
with a landing providing access to a ground story
or basement entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Landing Width (min)
4 ft
B Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs may be recessed into the building facade
when the building is set back four (4) feet or
less.
b). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
12/12/2019
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3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
g. Portico
i.
A portico is a front facing, single or multi-level
platform projecting from the facade of a building
and providing access to a ground story entrance.
Dimensions
A
Landing Width (max)
4 ft
B
Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
Floors (max)
1 per story of
the building
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
b). The roof of any portico may not project above
the roofline of the main massing.
h. Projecting Porch
i.
A porch is a front, side, or rear facing single or
multi-level platform accessed from an entrance of
a building.
Dimensions
A
Width (min)
--
Front
12 ft
Side & Rear
4 ft
B
Projection (min)
--
Front
6 ft
Side & Rear
4 ft
D
Furniture Area, Front Porch (min)
6 ft x 6 ft
Floors (max)
1 per story of
the building
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
b). Projecting porches may be screened, but
permanent enclosure to create habitable space
is prohibited.
c). The roof of any projecting porch may not
project above the roofline of the main massing.
3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
12/12/2019
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3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
i. Lobby Entrance
i.
A lobby entrance is a non-load bearing assembly
of entry doors and windows providing access and
light to the lobby of a building.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
30 ft
B Recessed Entrance Width (max)
15 ft
Recessed Entrance Depth (max)
5 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Lobby entrances must be well-defined, clearly
visible, and universally accessible from the
abutting sidewalk.
b). Lobby entrances should be made clearly
identifiable using a difference in design from
the rest of the facade.
c). Lobby entrances must include and awning or
entry canopy above the principal entrance to
provide weather protection.
d). When a lobby entrance is set back from the
front lot line, the frontage must be paved to
match the abutting sidewalk.
j. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of
Building in
Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
12/12/2019
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3. Residence Districts
Urban Residence (UR)
k. Balcony
i.
A balcony is a front, side, or rear facing upper story
platform with a railing accessed from an entrance
of a building and providing outdoor amenity space.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
5 ft
B Depth (min)
5 ft
Area (min)
50 sf
Clearance (min)
10 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Balconies may be recessed, projecting, a
combination of the two, or terraced as part of
the roof of a portico, porch, or bay.
b). Balconies that project over any public sidewalk
require compliance with all City Ordinances.
c). Front balconies must permit visual supervision
of the public realm through the posts and rails.
Side and rear balconies abutting the NR district
must include sight-obscuring visual screening
so that it is at least fifty percent (50%) opaque.
l. Gable Dormer
i.
A gable dormer is a window space with a gable, hip,
or arched roof that projects perpendicularly from a
pitched roof. Dormer windows provide light to the
habitable space of a half-story.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
window(s) width
+18 in of wall
Side Wall Setback (min)
--
Roof with eave
0 ft
Roof without eave
1 ft
B Facade & Rear Wall Setback (min)
3 ft
C
Ridge Setback (min)
1 ft
D Roof Slope (min)
4:12 (18.43º)
E
Dormer Separation (min)
50% of width
ii.
Standards
a). The face wall of a gable dormer may not
project beyond the exterior wall of the building
and may not interrupt the eave of the roof.
b). Gable dormers may be combined with a shed
dormer(s) to create a Nantucket dormer.
c). The cumulative width of a single, multiple, or
attached combinations of dormers may equal
up to fifty percent (50%) of the eave/ridge
length of the roof.
d). Gable dormers are exempt from the minimum
required roof slope when combined with a
mansard roof.
4
MID-RISE
DISTRICTS
MID-RISE 3
MID-RISE 4
MID-RISE 5
MID-RISE 6
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 3 (MR3)
4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 3 (MR3)
i. Stoop
i.
A stoop is a front, side, or rear facing set of stairs
with a landing providing access to a ground story
or basement entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Landing Width (min)
4 ft
B Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs may be recessed into the building facade
when the building is set back four (4) feet or
less.
b). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
j. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of Building
in Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
Fenestration (min)
60%
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 3 (MR3)
4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 3 (MR3)
k. Balcony
i.
A balcony is a front, side, or rear facing upper story
platform with a railing accessed from an entrance
of a building and providing outdoor amenity space.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
5 ft
B Depth (max)
5 ft
D Area (min)
50 sf
Clearance (min)
10 ft
Permitted Front Setback
Encroachment (max)
6 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Balconies may be recessed, projecting, a
combination of the two, or terraced as part of
the roof of a portico, porch, or bay.
b). A balcony that projects over the sidewalk of a
public thoroughfare requires compliance with
all City Ordinances.
c). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward a
front lot line must permit visual supervision of
the public realm through the posts and rails.
d). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward
a side or rear lot line abutting the NR district
must include sight-obscuring visual screening
so that it is at least fifty percent (50%) opaque.
l. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a pedestrian walkway covered by the
upper floors of a building. The ground story facade
is setback and upper floors are supported by a
colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
1 story
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages.
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 4 (MR4)
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 4 (MR4)
i. Stoop
i.
A stoop is a front, side, or rear facing set of stairs
with a landing providing access to a ground story
or basement entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Landing Width (min)
4 ft
B Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs may be recessed into the building facade
when the building is set back four (4) feet or
less.
b). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
j. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of Building
in Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
Fenestration (min)
60%
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
159
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 4 (MR4)
159
SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE |
4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 4 (MR4)
k. Balcony
i.
A balcony is a front, side, or rear facing upper story
platform with a railing accessed from an entrance
of a building and providing outdoor amenity space.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
5 ft
B Depth (max)
5 ft
D Area (min)
50 sf
Clearance (min)
10 ft
Permitted Front Setback
Encroachment (max)
6 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Balconies may be recessed, projecting, a
combination of the two, or terraced as part of
the roof of a portico, porch, or bay.
b). A balcony that projects over the sidewalk of a
public thoroughfare requires compliance with
all City Ordinances.
c). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward a
front lot line must permit visual supervision of
the public realm through the posts and rails.
d). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward
a side or rear lot line abutting the NR district
must include sight-obscuring visual screening
so that it is at least fifty percent (50%) opaque.
l. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a pedestrian walkway covered by the
upper floors of a building. The ground story facade
is setback and upper floors are supported by a
colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
1 story
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages.
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.
186
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 5 (MR5)
186
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 5 (MR5)
i. Stoop
i.
A stoop is a front, side, or rear facing set of stairs
with a landing providing access to a ground story
or basement entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Landing Width (min)
4 ft
B Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs may be recessed into the building facade
when the building is set back four (4) feet or
less.
b). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
j. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of Building
in Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
Fenestration (min)
60%
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
187
SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE |
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 5 (MR5)
187
SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE |
4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 5 (MR5)
k. Balcony
i.
A balcony is a front, side, or rear facing upper story
platform with a railing accessed from an entrance
of a building and providing outdoor amenity space.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
5 ft
B Depth (max)
5 ft
D Area (min)
50 sf
Clearance (min)
10 ft
Permitted Front Setback
Encroachment (max)
6 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Balconies may be recessed, projecting, a
combination of the two, or terraced as part of
the roof of a portico, porch, or bay.
b). A balcony that projects over the sidewalk of a
public thoroughfare requires compliance with
all City Ordinances.
c). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward a
front lot line must permit visual supervision of
the public realm through the posts and rails.
d). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward
a side or rear lot line abutting the NR district
must include sight-obscuring visual screening
so that it is at least fifty percent (50%) opaque.
l. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a pedestrian walkway covered by the
upper floors of a building. The ground story facade
is setback and upper floors are supported by a
colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
1 story
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages.
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.
218
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 6 (MR6)
4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 6 (MR6)
i. Stoop
i.
A stoop is a front, side, or rear facing set of stairs
with a landing providing access to a ground story
or basement entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Landing Width (min)
4 ft
B Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs may be recessed into the building facade
when the building is set back four (4) feet or
less.
b). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
j. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of Building
in Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
Fenestration (min)
60%
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
219
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4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 6 (MR6)
219
4. Mid-rise Districts
Mid-Rise 6 (MR6)
k. Balcony
i.
A balcony is a front, side, or rear facing upper story
platform with a railing accessed from an entrance
of a building and providing outdoor amenity space.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
5 ft
B Depth (max)
5 ft
D Area (min)
50 sf
Clearance (min)
10 ft
Permitted Front Setback
Encroachment (max)
6 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Balconies may be recessed, projecting, a
combination of the two, or terraced as part of
the roof of a portico, porch, or bay.
b). A balcony that projects over the sidewalk of a
public thoroughfare requires compliance with
all City Ordinances.
c). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward a
front lot line must permit visual supervision of
the public realm through the posts and rails.
d). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward
a side or rear lot line abutting the NR district
must include sight-obscuring visual screening
so that it is at least fifty percent (50%) opaque.
l. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a pedestrian walkway covered by the
upper floors of a building. The ground story facade
is setback and upper floors are supported by a
colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
1 story
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages.
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.
5
HIGH-RISE
DISTRICTS
HIGH-RISE
5. High-rise Districts
High-Rise (HR)
256
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
12/12/2019
i. Stoop
i.
A stoop is a front, side, or rear facing set of stairs
with a landing providing access to a ground story
or basement entrance of a building.
Dimensions
A Landing Width (min)
4 ft
B Landing Projection (min)
4 ft
C
Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
100%
Side & Rear
0 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Stairs may be recessed into the building facade
when the building is set back four (4) feet or
less.
b). Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any
abutting sidewalk.
j. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of Building
in Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
Fenestration (min)
60%
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
5. High-rise Districts
High-Rise (HR)
257
SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE |
12/12/2019
k. Balcony
i.
A balcony is a front, side, or rear facing upper story
platform with a railing accessed from an entrance
of a building and providing outdoor amenity space.
Dimensions
A Width (min)
5 ft
B Depth (max)
5 ft
D Area (min)
50 sf
Clearance (min)
10 ft
Permitted Front Setback
Encroachment (max)
6 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Balconies may be recessed, projecting, a
combination of the two, or terraced as part of
the roof of a portico, porch, or bay.
b). A balcony that projects over the sidewalk of a
public thoroughfare requires compliance with
all City Ordinances.
c). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward a
front lot line must permit visual supervision of
the public realm through the posts and rails.
d). The guard rail of any balcony oriented toward
a side or rear lot line abutting the NR district
must include sight-obscuring visual screening
so that it is at least fifty percent (50%) opaque.
l. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a pedestrian walkway covered by the
upper floors of a building. The ground story facade
is setback and upper floors are supported by a
colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
2 stories
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages.
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.
6.0 Commercial Districts
268
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
06/03/21
6.0 Commercial Districts
Fabrication (FAB)
278
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
06/03/21
6.0 Commercial Districts
Fabrication (FAB)
i. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of Building
in Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
Fenestration (min)
60%
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
j. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a frontage type featuring a pedestrian
walkway covered by the upper floors of a building.
The ground story facade is setback and upper floors
are supported by a colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
1 story
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.
6.0 Commercial Districts
Commercial Core (CC)
304
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
06/03/21
i. Bay Window
i.
A bay window is an assembly of windows
projecting from a building to provide additional
habitable space, increased light, multi-directional
views, and articulation to an exterior wall.
Dimensions
A Width (max)
16 ft
B Projection (max)
3 ft
C
Height (max)
Height of Building
in Stories
D Setback Encroachment (max)
--
Front
3 ft
Side
0 ft
Rear
0 ft
Fenestration (min)
60%
ii.
Standards
a). Bay windows, including box and bow windows,
must include at least three (3) windows for
each story of the bay window.
b). The cumulative width of multiple bays may
equal up to fifty percent (50%) of the width of
the exterior wall from which the bays project.
c). Bays projecting over the sidewalk of a public
thoroughfare must have at least two (2) stories
of clearance and be compliant with all City
Ordinances.
d). Bay windows may have integrated recessed
balconies, terraces, or roof decks.
j. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a frontage type featuring a pedestrian
walkway covered by the upper floors of a building.
The ground story facade is setback and upper floors
are supported by a colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
--
1 - 6 Story Building
1 Story
7+ Story Building
2 Stories
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.
6.0 Commercial Districts
Commercial Business (CB)
348
| SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
06/03/21
i. Arcade
i.
An arcade is a frontage type featuring a pedestrian
walkway covered by the upper floors of a building.
The ground story facade is setback and upper floors
are supported by a colonnade or supports.
Dimensions
A Depth (min/max)
10 ft
15 ft
B Height (max)
1 story
C
Clearance (min/max)
14 ft
24 ft
ii.
Standards
a). Arcades must extend the entire width of a
building and must have a consistent depth.
b). Support columns or piers may be spaced no
farther apart than they are tall.
c). Arcades are considered part of the building for
the purpose of measuring facade build out.
d). Arcades may be combined only with storefront
and lobby entrance frontages
e). The finished ceiling of an arcade interior may
be arched or flat, but must have a greater
clearance than the openings between columns
or piers.