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Richmond has a number of strategies for
maintaining its large amount of open space. Zoning districts,
which govern the land uses allowed in different locations,
are a key factor. To view Richmond's zoning, click here.
Residential Cluster Developments
are required for all major subdivisions. 40% of the gross
area must be preserved as open space, and no more than 25%
of the minimum open space can be land unsuitable for development.
(Patricia Hickey,
personal communication)
Agricultural Protection
Site design standards call for agricultural lands to be preserved
as undeveloped open space or lot area. (Patricia
Hickey, personal communication)
Greenspace Protection
Richmond's Comprehensive Plan outlines the following strategies
for greenspace protection.
• All new developments must set
aside a percent of the total area (percent depends upon
the scale development) for greenspace. If the town does
not want the dedicated land, it will except a payment of
equivalent value that goes towards recreation and open space.
(Town planner, personal
communication)
• Suggested: a lot not used as a building or street
shall be designated openspace, and its use will be limited
appropriately.
• Suggested: the implementation of street tree planting
programs in Richmond's villages.
• Suggested: "Rhode Island legislation for removal
of liability of private landowners who grant public access
easements."
• Coordinating with RIDEM in "efforts to acquire
key tracts which will connect existing protected parcels
for the combined purposes of hiking, greenways, and wildlife
corridors." (See the Greenspace
Plan).
Aquifer Protection District
Special Flood Hazard Areas - Regulations are intended to minimize
hazards to persons and damage to property from inland and
tidal flooding, to protect floodways from encroachment, and
to maintain the capacity of floodplains to retain and carry
off floodwaters. (Patricia
Hickey)
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