Plans and Regulations

Because it is a model for the other towns in Washington County, South Kingstown has taken an active approach toward controlling growth. The following are examples of some plans that South Kingstown has adopted to manage growth:

• The South Kingstown Comprehensive Plan (adopted 1996): describes in detail the characteristics and goals for planning in South Kingstown. Its overall goal is: "to promote orderly growth patterns based upon the natural, cultural, and historic character of the town, the lands' suitability for use and the aspirations of its citizens." Its focus goals for growth are:

• The town should develop "in a core and periphery pattern," with high density core settlements in Wakefield, Peace Dale, and Kingston, and are surrounded by low density rural areas.
• Protection of CRMC Coastal Ponds and Narrow River Special Area Management Plan
• Freshwater wetlands: although the RI Department of Environmental Management has jurisdiction over these lands, the local South Kingstown government has the responsibility to oversee protection policy of wetlands.
• Impact of new highways on the town: citizens surveys have revealed this interest as a public concern. New roadways have the potential to disrupt established patterns of development and alter the character of the town (Comprehensive Plan).

• Groundwater Reservoir and Aquifer Recharge Areas: Since these areas are the source of the acquifer water, they have been designated as protected and potential threats are closely monitored by the Department of Health.
• Pacing and Phasing Ordinance: limits the number of building permits that can be issues for new houses to 160 per year.
• Fair Share Development Fees: for a single-family dwelling, development fees are $3,450. The fee is used for education facilities, parks, open space, conservation, and recreational facilities. (Source: South Kingstown Planning Dept.)
• Residential Design Manual: "Addresses the visual appearance of residential developments" by guiding developers in design standards.
• Route One Special Management District: an area of 220 acres that was bought to provide space for locally-based businesses. It is zoned for mixed-use near Main St., Wakefield.
• Saugatucket River Greenway: this greenway system will be incorporated into the Town's development. It can be used as a walkway that will strengthen "economic viability of Main Street in Wakefield" (Source: South Kingstown Planning Dept). (Click here for information about the state bill that authorized this project)

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