SERVING YOUR BOARD  Going Beyond the Site Plan Memo

suburban retrofit

suburban retrofit

suburban retrofit

As new curbing is being installed, could the landscaped area in front of the restaurant be slightly expanded and extended southward? The southern curb could be widened to 12’R to match the north curb. Low level landscaping could be installed to allow safer movements for vehicles backing out around the bend. The front drive aisle is currently 25.4’ wide, which could be reduced to 22’ in width, as the required minimum width of a one-way aisles is fifteen (15’) feet wide. This would increase the open space and better control vehicular movements.

site plan review

site plan review“more efficient use of land”

“better balance between parking and open space”(when there is excess parking and a deficiency in open space)

“curb appeal” or “act as a gateway to the municipality”

“sidewalks should be provided flush with the interior right-of-way to maximize the distance between the curb and sidewalk”(Bus routes? Schools? Pedestrian safety?)

“lighting pollution” vs. “prevent interference with commercial aviation routes to the airport”

site plan reviewFigure 9-7. Trees, when located on both sides of the street, create a sense of enclosure that discourages drivers from speeding. Designing

Sidewalks and Trails for Access, USDOT Federal Highway Administration, 2001

Studies have shown, “patients recovering from surgery who had a view

of a grove of trees through their windows required fewer pain relievers, experienced fewer complications, and

left the hospital sooner than similar patients who had a view of a brick wall”

(Ulrich, R. 1984, View through Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. Science 224). Additional research has

documented that the appropriate use of nature reduces stress (Tyson, Lambert &

Beattie, 2002); improves health outcomes (Parsons and Hartig, 2001;

Ulrich, 1999); supports pain management (Ulrich, 1984); and

promotes a sense of overall well-being among patients, visitors, and staff

(Mack, 2001).

Shade trees should be provided around the perimeter of the play area to provide shade, per the safety guidelines of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (1997 edition) of the "Handbook for Public Playground Safety" (Pub. No. 325), adopted by reference as the Playground Safety Subcode for New Jersey, which states “Consider shading the playground or providing shaded areas nearby.”

site plan review

site plan review

site plan review

site plan review

“Rite Aid Store located approximately 2.5 miles

from the site at 715 Haddon Avenue in the

Borough of Haddonfield. Note the pitched roof,

extensive windows, and ornamental lighting that

defines the neighborhood prototype.”

site plan review

site plan review

site plan review

Per the McDonald’s 2010 Corporate Report, “McDonald’s USA has been a national member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) since 2007 and uses tools such as the LEED rating system. This nationally recognized green building rating system outlines specific standards for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selection and indoor environmental quality. McDonald’s participation in the pilot version of the LEED Retail program helped to develop the current LEED Retail rating system for all retailers” (page 33).

site plan review

site plan review

no time for a site visit?

zoning code

Street Trees

Buffer

Site Development1 tree/2,000sf of open space1 evergreen/4,000sf of open space30% shrubs10% ground cover

Parking Islands

zoning code

zoning code“To the maximum extent practicable, these standards shall be met by incorporating nonstructural stormwater management strategies

into the design.”

Setbacks

Shape

Low Mow

Preservation

zoning code

zoning code

• OPEN SPACE. Increase size requirements of contiguous open space (can reduce setback to accommodate this).

• PERMITTED USES. Explicitly permit good accessory uses: balconies, outdoor seating, solar energy, etc.

• TOWERS. For telecommunications towers, the necessary evil.– Prove it’s not possible to co-locate– Design requirements (camouflage, stealth, monopole,

etc.)– Performance standards (buffer, access drive, etc.)

helpful websites

helpful websites

www.cnu.org (presentations)

http://www.wrtdesign.com/offsite/

www.planphilly.com

www.notsobighouse.com

www.nakedphilly.com

and….www.planning.org

Nicole Hostettler, PP, AICPSenior PlannerDepartment of Community DevelopmentTownship of Cherry Hill820 Mercer StreetCherry Hill, NJ 08002

(856) 661-4737nhostettler@chtownship.com