HomeMy WebLinkAboutSD-24-10 - Decision - 0025 0055 Highland Terrace #SD-24-10
CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING
ERIC SAMPLE – 25 HIGHLAND TERRACE
FINAL PLAT APPLICATION #SD-24-10
DRAFT FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION
Final plat application #SD-24-10 of Eric Sample to subdivide an existing 1.37 acre lot developed
with a single family home and detached accessory dwelling unit into two lots of 1.00 acres and
0.37 acres, for the purpose of establishing the existing single family home and accessory dwelling
unit on Lot 1, and constructing a new single family or duplex home on Lot 2, 25 & 55 Highland
Terrace.
The Development Review Board held a public hearing on July 2, 2024. Eric Sample represented the
applicant.
Based on testimony provided at the above-mentioned public hearing and the plans and supporting
materials contained in the document file for this application, the Development Review Board finds,
concludes, and decides the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The project consists of final plat application #SD-24-10 of Eric Sample to subdivide an existing
1.37 acre lot developed with a single family home and detached accessory dwelling unit into two
lots of 1.00 acres and 0.37 acres, for the purpose of establishing the existing single family home
and accessory dwelling unit on Lot 1, and constructing a new single family or duplex home on
Lot 2, 25 & 55 Highland Terrace.
2. The owner of record of the subject property is Eric Sample.
3. The application was received on May 31, 2024. The Board reviewed a sketch plan application for
the same proposal on May 21, 2024. Sketch plans expire after six months if a complete
preliminary plat application is not submitted within that time. This application is unchanged
from that review. At the sketch plan review, the Board advised that this application qualified as a
Minor Subdivision and would not be required to go through Master Plan approval – as such, this
project is able to proceed directly to Final Plat approval.
4. The project is located in the Southeast Quadrant - Neighborhood Residential Zoning District.
5. The plans submitted consist of sheet P1, titled ‘Proposed 2 Lot Subdivision’, prepared by Trudell
Consulting Engineers and last revised on 4/16/2024.
6. The application is subject to zoning district and dimensional standards, subdivision standards, the
general regulations of Article 3, and the supplemental regulations of Article 13.
A) ZONING DISTRICT AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
SEQ-NR Zoning District Required Existing Proposed Lot 1 Proposed
Lot 21
Min. Lot Size, single-family
home/duplex
9,500 sf2 58,820 sf 42,700 sf 16,120 sf
Max. Building Height (flat roof) 35 feet N/A No Change N/A
Max. Building Coverage 20% N/A 5% N/A
Max. Overall Coverage 40% N/A 12% N/A
@ Min. Front Setback 20 ft. N/A 23 ft 20 ft
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Min. Side Setback 10 ft. N/A 25 ft 10 ft
Min. Rear Setback 30 ft. N/A N/A
1- The applicant has reported coverages for Lot 2, but has also indicated that the information
shown is conceptual to demonstrate development potential of the lot. The Board finds the
applicant must demonstrate compliance with coverage and setback requirements at the
time of zoning permit application for a home on Lot 2.
2- The State’s Act 47, passed in the summer of 2023, requires that duplexes be allowed on the
same size lots as single-family homes and supersedes any municipal standards that are to
the contrary. As such, as per the LDRs in effect on the date that this report was published,
single-family homes and duplexes are allowed on lots of as small as 9,500 in the Southeast
Quadrant – Neighborhood Residential Zoning District, even though the text of the LDRs still
requires a slightly larger lot size for duplexes.
It is also important to note that, although a single-family home or duplex could be built on
a lot as small as 9,500, the LDRs in effect on the date that this report was published set a
maximum residential density of 1.2 units per acre in the Southeast Quadrant –
Neighborhood Residential Zoning District. Therefore a TDR is required to build a unit on
Lot 2; see discussion below.
B) GENERAL SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
This application is considered a minor subdivision because the proposal is for two lots.
The Board may require a master plan where they consider future development potential to exist.
However, the Board finds that no master plan is required, due to the applicant’s testimony that
they have no intention of building on the second lot anytime soon and have no intention of
subdividing the subject property further.
15.A.10 Subdivision Standards
A. Applicability
Any subdivision of land subject to these Regulations must meet applicable subdivision standards
under this Article unless modified or waived by the DRB under Section 15.A.01(B).
(1) The DRB, in determining compliance with these standards, may require:
(a) Disclosure of the intended use and development of all land to be subdivided, including
subsequent development plans for any retained portion of the existing tract or parcel
to be subdivided.
The applicant has not specifically enumerated their intention for Lot 2 but has shown a
potential development plan. The lot would be permitted to be developed with a single
family home, or a single family home with attached or detached accessory dwelling unit,
or a duplex. As a subdivision without PUD, the applicant is not required to provide
elevations for the potential buildings.
(b) An independent technical review of the proposed subdivision under one or more
standards, prepared by a qualified professional, in accordance with Section 17.08.
The Board does not find an independent technical review to be required.
(c) Modification of subdivision layout and design, the phasing of subdivision and
development, or other measures necessary to avoid or mitigate the adverse impacts of
a proposed subdivision on adjacent properties and uses; the transportation network;
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public facilities, infrastructure, and services; and environmental resources identified for
protection under Article 12.
The Board does not find modification of the subdivision layout or design to be required.
B. Interpretation.
Where a subdivision standard under this Article is superseded by or conflicts with another relevant
standard under these Regulations, including Environmental Protection Standards and standards
specific to a Planned Unit Development or Transect Zone Subdivision, the more specific, stringent,
or restrictive standard shall apply.
15.A.11 General Standards
A. Development Suitability.
The applicant must demonstrate that the land to be subdivided is physically suited for its intended
use and the proposed density or intensity of development, and that the proposed subdivision will
not result in undue adverse impacts to public health and safety, environmental resources as
identified and regulated under Article 12, neighboring properties and uses, or public facilities and
infrastructure located on or within the vicinity of the land to be subdivided.
1) Physical Site Constraints. Land that is physically unsuited for development, including land
that is characterized by periodic flooding, poor drainage, shallow soils, landslides,
environmental site contamination or other known physical hazards or constraints, must not
be subdivided for development unless the applicant can demonstrate that such limitations
can be overcome, remediated, or mitigated as necessary to allow for subsequent
development.
The land proposed for subdivision is not physically unsuited for development.
2) Buildable Area. For purposes of these Regulations, including the platting of building lots
and the calculation of the density or intensity of development allowed within a subdivision,
“Buildable Area” is defined as the total area of the tract or parcel to be subdivided, less the
area occupied by the following physical and legal site limitations or constraints:
a) “Hazards” as defined and regulated under Article 12, as indicated on sketch and
Master Plans, and as field verified and delineated on preliminary and final
subdivision plans and plats,
b) “Level I Resources” as defined and regulated under Article 12, as indicated on sketch
and Master Plans, and as depicted on preliminary and final subdivision plans and
plats,
c) Existing and planned street and railroad rights-of way,
d) Transmission line corridors or easements, except upon request of the applicant that
it be designated as Buildable Area.
None of the above limitations or constraints are present on the subject property.
3) Buildable Area Calculations. The allowed number of building lots or dwelling units within
the subdivision shall be calculated based on the Buildable Area of the parcel or tract to be
subdivided except as otherwise specified for a Transect Zone Subdivision under Article 8, a
Planned Unit Development under Article 15.C; and as provided for the transfer of
development rights under Article 19, or affordable housing offsets, bonuses, or incentives
under Article 18.
The project is located in the SEQ-NR zoning district, which under the current rules has an
inherent density of 1.2 units per acre, which may be increased to 1.8 units per acre with the
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transfer of development rights or through the use of inclusionary zoning. The 1.37 acre lot
has an inherent density of 1.64 units, which may be increased to 2.47 units through the use
of Transferrable Development Rights (TDRs) or inclusionary housing. This calculation is
unaffected by the recent passage of Act 47, since this lot is not in an area served by municipal
water and sewer.
The applicant has indicated that they intend to increase the density of this parcel to 2.47 units
via the purchase of one TDR. The applicant has provided a purchase agreement for one TDR.
The Board finds that the applicant must demonstrate purchase of 1 TDR, representing 0.83
acres, prior to zoning permit approval, and must record the purchase and use of that TDR as
specified in 24 VSA 4423 prior to issuance of a zoning permit for a home on the subdivided
land. TDRs are discussed in further detail in Section 19 of the LDRs.
a) Any proposed alteration of the existing grade to create developable building lots,
including land excavation or fill, must meet the standards of Section 14.11
(Alteration of Existing Grade), Article 16 (Construction and Erosion Control) and
other applicable resource protection, flood hazard area and stormwater
management standards under these Regulations.
The applicant has not proposed any alteration of the existing grade.
C. Development Context.
The applicant must demonstrate that the subdivision conforms to the planned pattern of
subdivision and development in the area, as defined by district purpose statements and standards,
or as specified for a type of Planned Unit Development (PUD) under Article 15.C. In addition to
meeting required zoning district, transect zone, or PUD standards:
1) Overlay Districts. The subdivision must also meet applicable overlay district standards
under Article 12.
a) In all subdivisions and PUDs in which the provisions of the Traffic Overlay District in
Section 10.01 of these Regulations apply and in which the Traffic Overlay District
provisions conflict with those of this section, the more restrictive provisions shall
apply.
There are no Overlay Districts applicable to the subject property.
2) Multiple Districts. For the subdivision of land located in more than one zoning district, the
district regulations specific to that portion of the subdivision within each zoning district
shall apply, except as specified for a Planned Unit Development under Article 15.C.
The subject property is located wholly within one zoning district.
3) Compliance with Other Regulations. Subdivisions, including building lots, dwelling units,
and supporting facilities and infrastructure, must also be designed, configured, and
constructed to comply with other relevant standards under these Regulations and other
city ordinances and standards in effect at the time of application, including those listed
below.
a) Official Map, adopted under 24 V.S.A. § 4421
b) Capital Improvement Program, adopted under 24 V.S.A. § 4430
c) Department of Public Works Standards
d) Fire Prevention and Safety Ordinance
e) Water and Cross Connection Ordinances
f) Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Ordinance
g) Impact Fee Ordinance
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h) E-911 Ordinance
The proposed subdivision of land is in compliance with all relevant standards, including
those enumerated above. Development on the subdivided lot must meet all standards of
the applicable regulations.
4) Conformance with an Approved Master Plan. The applicant must demonstrate that the
subdivision conforms, as applicable, to a Master Plan approved by the DRB under Article
15.B, including the approved development plan, management plan, buildout budgets, and
phasing schedule.
There is no Master Plan applicable to the subject property.
D. Development Connectivity.
The applicant must demonstrate that the subdivision, to the extent physically feasible, is
configured and laid out to maximize connections with adjoining parcels and neighborhoods, and
to avoid creating isolated and disconnected enclaves of development, except where necessary to
separate incompatible land uses, or to avoid undue adverse impacts to resources identified for
protection under Article 12. Accordingly, the applicant must demonstrate that the subdivision is
laid out to connect with and extend existing and planned streets, sidewalks, recreation paths,
transit routes, and utility and greenway corridors located adjacent to or within ½-mile of the
subdivision, or as indicated on the City’s Official Map. Off-site improvements necessary to serve
the proposed subdivision must be provided in accordance with 15.A.18.
With a single-depth lot, the Board finds that no additional connectivity is necessary.
15.A.12 Resource Protection Standards
A. Resource Protection.
The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed subdivision has been configured and laid out
to:
1) Incorporate significant natural, historical, and scenic features located on the parcel or tract
to be subdivided;
2) Avoid and exclude Hazard and Level I Resources identified for protection under Article 12
from parcelization, physical fragmentation, and development; and,
3) Minimize and mitigate the adverse impacts of land subdivision and development on Level
II Resources identified for protection under Article 12.
The applicant has provided an existing tree location plan. No other resources appear to be present
on the subject property. As an existing medium sized single family home lot, the Board finds that
the provision of a specific tree preservation plan is not required.
B. Applicability.
Resource protection standards under this section apply to all subdivisions of land, unless
modified by the DRB in accordance with resource-specific allowances under Article 12 and the
following:
1) The DRB may modify or waive a resource protection standard under this section within a
Transect Zone Subdivision or a Planned Unit Development only as necessary to achieve or
maintain the planned type and pattern of development and to allow for the logical
extension of supporting facilities, infrastructure, and services.
2) Notwithstanding a subdivision waiver or modification, proposed subdivisions shall
comply with all other applicable resource protection standards under these Regulations,
including any requirements for on- or off-site impact mitigation.
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The applicant is not requesting modification or waiver of the resource protection standards
included within this sections. The proposed subdivision complies with all applicable resource
protection standards.
C. Resource Identification.
Site features or resources to be incorporated in subdivision layout and design, as shown to scale
on sketch and master plans, must be field verified and delineated on the ground by the applicant
as specified in Article 12 of these Regulations for each resource, and as indicated on preliminary
and final subdivision plans and plats.
1) Existing Site Features. Existing site features of significance to the City, to be considered
in subdivision layout and design include:
a. Archaeological and historical sites and structures that are eligible for listing on the
State Register of Historic Places, and historical landscape features such as stone
walls and fences.
b. Prominent shade trees, street trees, or documented specimen or witness trees.
c. Exceptional or unique geological features such as exposed ledges, cliffs, waterfalls
and cascades.
2) Listed site features must be considered for retention and incorporation in subdivision
layout and design.
3) At minimum the DRB may require, as a condition of subdivision approval, that a listed
historical site, structure or landscape feature present on the parcel to be subdivided must
be inventoried, assessed and documented, before any site development, or any structural
relocation, removal or demolition may occur.
As noted under 15.A.12.A above, while there are several existing mature trees on the property,
the Board finds that no further inventory, assessment, or documentation of those trees is
required.
D. Resource Protection Areas.
There are no identified Natural Resources or Environmental Hazards on the subject property – as
such, the applicant is not required to provide any resource protection areas as part of the proposed
subdivision.
15.A.13 Subdivision Design Process
A. Design Process.
The design process to be followed by the applicant under this Subsection, in preparing
subdivision plans and draft plats included with the application, includes the following steps in
order of preference:
1) Delineate and set aside resource areas identified for protection, and other existing site
features for consideration under 15.A.12 above.
There are no resource areas or other existing site features for consideration on the
subject property.
2) Layout and configure the proposed street network to:
a. connect with and extend existing streets;
b. define one or more contiguous blocks that meet applicable block standards
under 15.A.16 or as otherwise specified for the Zoning District, Transect Zone,
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or type of Planned Unit Development in which the subdivision is located; and
to
c. incorporate allowed Street Types and design standards under 15.A.14,
including existing and planned streets, sidewalks, recreation paths, and transit
stops.
The applicant is not proposing an addition to the street network.
3) Delineate building lots that front on and are oriented to the abutting street or civic
space, and that meet applicable lot size and dimensional requirements by Zoning
District, Transect Zone or type of Planned Unit Development or Building Type under
Article 11.C, as applicable.
The proposed building lot fronts on and is oriented to the abutting street (Highland
Terrace) and meets applicable lot size requirements. It is noteworthy that the entirety
of the lot facing Highland Terrace is considered the front for setback and orientation
purposes.
4) Designate within each block, or as otherwise provided within the subdivision, required
civic spaces, parking lots or facilities, and infrastructure and utility corridors or
easements that meet the requirements of these Regulations, which are to be retained
in common or single ownership or dedicated to the City.
There is no public or private infrastructure proposed as part of this application.
5) Incorporate within block configurations, as applicable, one or more alleys or service
lanes, and midblock pedestrian passages as necessary to provide rear, side or shared
vehicular and pedestrian access to fronting building lots, civic spaces and designated
parking areas or facilities.
There are no new blocks being created and no existing blocks being modified as part of
this application.
15.A.14 Street Network
The applicant is not proposing any additions or modifications to the existing street network. The
criteria of this section are therefore inapplicable.
15.A.15 Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, and Recreation Paths
The applicant is not proposing any additions or modifications to existing sidewalks, bike lanes, or
recreation paths. The criteria of this section are therefore inapplicable.
15.A.16 Blocks and Lots
A. Purpose. The layout and configuration of blocks and building lots in relation to the street
network establishes the overall pattern of development, including the creation or extension of
walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and mixed use developments. As such, the
configuration of blocks and building lots represent a fundamental component of subdivision design.
Accordingly, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed subdivision incorporates:
(1) A street layout or grid under 15.A.14 above that establishes blocks that meet required block
standards under these Regulations, including interconnected, walkable blocks and
neighborhoods in all residential and mixed use zoning districts, or as specified by Transect
Zone under Article 8 or by PUD type under Article 15.C.
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(2) Blocks that are configured to accommodate and provide access to building lots that comply
with these Regulations.
(3) Block faces and building lots that, where feasible, are oriented to maximize solar access and
gain;
(4) Regularly shaped building lots that front on, and minimize lot frontage or width along
abutting streets;
(5) Required civic spaces, parking lots or structures, and utility corridors and other facilities or
easements that are intended to be held, managed, and maintained in single or common
ownership.
Standards (3) and (4) above are applicable to the proposed subdivision. The Board finds that
the proposed new building lots are oriented to maximize solar access, front on abutting
streets, and minimize lot frontage along abutting streets.
B. Blocks.
The applicant is not proposing any new blocks or any modifications to existing blocks.
C. Lots. All lots must be laid out to logically relate to topography and their intended use or
purpose. Building lots must be laid out within existing and planned street and block configurations,
in such a way that they can be developed in full compliance with their intended use and these
Regulations. Unless otherwise specified under these Regulations as applicable to the subdivision:
(1) All proposed lots must be numbered, as shown on subdivision plans and plats.
The provided subdivision plan identifies the proposed lots as Lot 1 & Lot 2.
(2) The arrangement and configuration of lots must allow for the further subdivision of any
remaining developable land on the tract or parcel to be subdivided. Where proposed
building lots exceed minimum lot area requirements, the DRB may require that such lots be
configured and developed in a manner that allows for further subdivision and infill
development.
The Board finds that the proposed arrangement and configuration of the two proposed lots
does allow for the further subdivision of both of those lots, and finds this criterion met.
(3) Building or other lots for existing or planned public facilities or uses, including public parks,
as shown on the City’s Official map or proposed for dedication to the City, must be labeled
and shown as such on the subdivision plan and plat.
No such lots are proposed as part of this subdivision.
(4) Unless otherwise specified under these Regulations, a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the
total buildable area within the developed portion of any Major Subdivision exceeding two
acres in size must be allocated to functionally integrated civic space lots, as shown on the
subdivision plan and plat.
The proposed subdivision does not exceed two acres and is classified as a Minor
Subdivision. As such, the above civic space requirement is not applicable.
(5) The arrangement and configuration of building lots within the subdivision must be
consistent with the intended use, street type, and the planned pattern of development for
the Zoning District, Transect Zone or PUD type in which the subdivision is located, including
the existing or planned street and block network.
The Board finds that the proposed arrangement and configuration of the two proposed lots
is consistent with the intended use and planned pattern of development for the SEQ-NR
zoning district, and finds this criterion met
(6) All building lots must front on a public or private street, a designated civic space, or a shared
courtyard with pedestrian access to the abutting street.
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The two proposed both front on a public street.
(7) Building lots must be configured to comply with all relevant lot area, dimensional and lot
coverage requirements under these Regulations, including as appliable:
• Lot requirements under Section 3.05;
• Setback and buffer requirements under Section 3.06;
• Lot requirements specific to an allowed use under Article 14;
• Zoning district dimensional standards under Appendix C-2;
• Transect Zone Building Envelope Standards under Article 8;
• SEQ Subdistrict standards under Article 9; and
• PUD or Building Type standards under Article 15.C and Article 11.C.
The two proposed building lots meet all standards of the above-referenced criteria.
(8) Unless otherwise specified under these Regulations, building lots must have sufficient
developable area to accommodate proposed building types, associated yard or other
required open space areas, site drainage, utilities, or other improvements required under
these Regulations, including site plan standards under Article 14.
The applicant has shown that the proposed lots can be developed to meet current setback
and lot coverage limits.
(9) A building lot generally must be rectangular in shape, with side lot lines that are
perpendicular or radial to the abutting street, and rear lot lines that parallel the street,
except as necessary to accommodate existing rights-of-way or other physical site
constraints (see Figure 2-1, Lots, Yards and Lot Lines). Irregular or oddly shaped building
lots, including flag and through lots, are prohibited, except for:
(a) A flag lot, with a minimum of fifteen (15) feet of frontage on the abutting street, as
necessary to accommodate a back-lot subdivision and infill development within an
existing subdivision, block pattern, or development;
(b) A triangular or trapezoidal building lot defined by abutting streets that otherwise has
sufficient street frontage and lot area to meet minimum lot requirements; or
(c) A through lot with frontage on two parallel or intersecting streets that cannot be further
subdivided under minimum lot requirements, provided that front setback requirements
can be met on both streets.
(10) Building lots should be oriented and configured to minimize lot width (frontage) along the
street. The preferred building lot width to depth ratio is 1:2; however, a ratio of 1:1 to 1:5
may be allowed as necessary to accommodate physical site constraints, stormwater
drainage, or rear lot access and parking.
(11) Building lots must be configured to avoid or, where necessary, minimize rear lot lines that
abut side lot lines. Unless otherwise specified under these Regulations, corner lots must
be configured to meet lot frontage and front setback or build-to-zone requirements on all
abutting streets.
Regarding the above standards 9, 10, and 11 together, there are no lot frontage
requirements in this zoning district. Both proposed lots are proposed to be generally
rectangular and have a ratio of approximately 1:2. In order to have the effect of a side lot
line abutting a side lot line, development on Lot 2 would have to be oriented to have the
front of the home facing east. This would be consistent with adjoining lots to the north.
However, the applicant proposed a configuration at sketch in which the home on lot 2 faces
south. After discussion with the applicant at sketch, the Board indicated its support for the
proposed configuration. The Board finds that the proposed lot configuration, including a
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theoretical orientation of the home on Lot 2 towards the south, meets the above three
criteria.
(12) Temporary or permanent surface parking lots, where parking is the principal use, must at
minimum meet the minimum lot area requirement applicable to building lots, to allow for
future parking lot redevelopment. Such lots must also be shown on subdivision plans and
plats submitted with the application.
No surface parking lots are permitted.
15.A.17 Mix of Dwelling Unit Types
A. Mix of Dwelling Unit Types and Architectural Features. A mix of dwelling unit types (i.e.
cottage, single family, two-family, small multi-family, townhouse, etc. etc.) and mix of architectural
features and styles must be provided within neighborhoods and developments. These must be
mixed within blocks, along the street and within neighborhoods rather than compartmentalized
into sections of near-identical unit types. An applicant for a subdivision shall submit a plan
demonstrating how this mix will be achieved for the Development Review Board’s consideration
at the preliminary plat stage. Where a Planned Unit Development approved under Article 15C
establishes standards for a mix of dwelling unit or building types, those standards shall supersede
these herein.
The proposed subdivision is for two building lots. The existing homes on Highland Terrace are
generally one to two story with multi-pitch roofs the same architectural style. Given the small
number of homes proposed, the Board finds that no specific restriction on dwelling unit types or
architectural features beyond those specified in Section 13.17 Residential Design of New Homes to
be appropriate for this subdivision.
15.A.18 Infrastructure, Utilities, and Services
A. Capacity of Community Facilities, Utilities and Services.
The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed subdivision and development will not exceed
the existing or planned capacity of, or cause a disproportionate or unreasonable burden on City
facilities, utilities and services, including:
• Public schools,
• Police, fire protection and ambulance services,
• Street infrastructure and maintenance,
• Parks and recreation facilities, and
• Water supply, wastewater disposal, and stormwater management systems and infrastructure.
The proposed subdivision will not exceed the existing or planned capacity of the above-referenced
Caty facilities, utilities, or services.
B. Potable Water Supply and Wastewater Systems.
The existing lot is served by a private water and wastewater system. This end of Highland Terrace
is not served by municipal water, though the municipal sewer line is within 200 ft of the buildable
area of Lot 2, therefore any development on Lot 2 would be required to connect to municipal sewer.
The Board finds based on the submitted documentation that the proposed Lot 2, which would be
served by well, has sufficient water capacity to service a proposed single family home or duplex.
The Director of Public Works reviewed the plans on June 4, 2024 and offered the following
comments.
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1. The project shall conform to South Burlington Public Works Standards and
Specifications.
2. The project site plans must show the proposed location for a wastewater pipe connection
to the South Burlington wastewater system.
3. The project proposes to use a private well as a water source. Per City ordinance, the
applicant must still install a water meter for the purposes of wastewater billing. I
recommend that installation of a water meter be a requirement prior to the City's
issuance of a C.O., or some similar mechanism to make sure that a meter is installed.
The applicant must contact the South Burlington water department for details regarding
meter installation.
4. It appear that the driveway will need a culvert. The site plans must show the location,
size, material and depth of the culvert.
5. The project proposes to utilize a swale in the municipal ROW to move stormwater from
the southern property boundary, to the eastern property boundary, and discharge this
water to the north on Highland Terrace. The applicant must include more information,
including grading/slope, and swale dimensions.
6. The applicant is reminded that roof drains shall not be connected to the wastewater
system.
The Board finds that the comments from the DPW Director shall be incorporated as conditions of
approval. The comments pertaining to drainage design must be addressed prior to issuance of a
zoning permit for construction.
C. Fire Protection.
Lot 2 is proposed to be within 150-ft of the public right of way, but not served by public water. The
Fire Marshal reviewed the plans and indicated any home on Lot 2 will require a NFPA 13D sprinkler
system as the closest hydrant is more than 1000 feet away and cannot supply enough water to
provide adequate fire suppression.
D. Stormwater Facilities.
Stormwater management standards do not apply to this project as proposed.
E. Utilities and Services.
This standard requires provision of underground utility connections to each lot. The applicant has
provided a general concept of how power and telecom will be provided to Lot 2.
G. Renewable Energy Facilities.
This standard requires layout to maintain access to and use of renewable energy resources. The
Board finds that the available options for lot layout are relatively limited and the proposed lot
configuration does not adversely affect the ability of the homes to maximize solar access and gain.
15.A.19 Required Improvements
A. General Standards. All required improvements must be designed and installed in
accordance with the design standards, development requirements, specifications and procedures
set forth in these Regulations and other applicable City regulations and standards. Typical plans
and sections are attached to these Regulations. Installation and design standards apply to both
public and privately owned required improvements. Proposed privately owned streets and other
improvements shall be marked as such on the final plat.
15.A.14C(2) gives the DRB the authority to require the upgrade or improvement of an existing street
as necessary to serve the proposed subdivision. 15.A.15B(1) states that where a subdivision is
proposed to front along an existing roadway, all elements of the Street Type from the curb inward
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shall be installed by the applicant where not present. The Board notes that street trees were not
required for recent approvals further north on Highland Terrace, but the applicable sections of the
LDR did not exist at the time those PUDs were approved; and that, at that time, PUDs were required
whereas now simple subdivision is permitted.
The Board finds that the applicant is not required to install street trees as part of this project.
13.17 Residential Design for New Homes
C. Standards
These standards will apply regardless of what type of home is built on Lot 2. They require
buildings to be oriented to the street with a principal entrance facing on the street. Garages must
be set back at least 8 feet from the front lot line (keeping in mind Lot 2 has two fronts). Garages
must not exceed 40% of the front façade.
Additional standards recommend buildings be oriented to maximize living space and windows to
the south, east and west, and that buildings be oriented to maximize solar gain potential.
The Board finds that these recommendations to be requirements of a future zoning permit to
construct a building on Lot 2.
DECISION
Motion by Charles Johnston, seconded by Jody Lesko, to approve Final Plat Application #SD-24-10 of Eric
Sample, subject to the following conditions:
1. All previous approvals and stipulations will remain in full effect except as amended herein.
2. This project must be completed as shown on the plat submitted by the applicant and on file in the
South Burlington Department of Planning and Zoning.
3. Any changes to the final plat plan will require approval of the South Burlington Development Review
Board or the Administrative Officer as allowed by the Land Development Regulations.
4. A digital PDF version of the full set of approved final plans as amended must be delivered to the
Administrative Officer before recording the final plat plans.
5. The plat plan (Sheet P1) must be finalized, stamped, and signed, and shall be recorded in the land
records within 180 days or this approval is null and void. The plan shall be signed by the Board Chair
or Clerk prior to recording. Prior to recording the final plat plan, the applicant shall submit a copy of
the survey plat in digital format. The format of the digital information shall require approval of the
South Burlington GIS Coordinator.
6. The plat must be recorded prior to zoning permit issuance.
7. The applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the following comments of the Director of Public
Works prior to submission of a Zoning Permit to construct on the newly created Lot 2:
a. The project site plans must show the proposed location for a wastewater pipe
connection to the South Burlington wastewater system.
b. The project proposes to use a private well as a water source. Per City ordinance, the
applicant must still install a water meter for the purposes of wastewater billing. The
#SD-24-10
applicant must contact the South Burlington water department for details regarding
meter installation.
c. The site plans must show the location, size, material and depth of the driveway culvert.
d. The project proposes to utilize a swale in the municipal ROW to move stormwater from
the southern property boundary, to the eastern property boundary, and discharge this
water to the north on Highland Terrace. The applicant must include the design of this
swale, including grading/slope, and swale dimensions.
8. Pursuant to Section 15.13(E) of the Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines, services,
and service modifications must be underground.
9. The proposed project must adhere to standards for erosion control as set forth in Section 16.03 of
the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. In addition, the grading plan must meet the
standards set forth in Section 16.04 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations.
10. The applicant must regularly maintain all stormwater treatment and conveyance infrastructure.
Mark Behr Yea Nay Abstain Not Present
Frank Kochman Yea Nay Abstain Not Present
Quin Mann Yea Nay Abstain Not Present
John Moscatelli Yea Nay Abstain Not Present
Dawn Philibert Yea Nay Abstain Not Present
Jody Lesko Yea Nay Abstain Not Present
Charles Johnston Yea Nay Abstain Not Present
Motion carried by a vote of 5 – 0 – 2.
Signed this ___ day of July, 2024, by
_____________________________________
Dawn Philibert, Chair
PLEASE NOTE: An appeal of this decision may be taken by filing, within 30 days of the date of this
decision, a notice of appeal and the required fee by certified mail with the Superior Court,
Environmental Division. See V.R.E.C.P. 5(b). A copy of the notice of appeal also must be mailed to
the City of South Burlington Planning and Zoning Department at 180 Market Street, South
Burlington, VT 05403. See V.R.E.C.P. 5(b) (4)(A). Please contact the Environmental Division at 802-
951-1740 or https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/environmental for more information on filing
requirements, deadlines, fees and mailing address.
The applicant or permittee retains the obligation to identify, apply for, and obtain relevant state
permits for this project. Call 802.477.2241 to speak with the regional Permit Specialist.