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POR 2016 #36 · Agenda item attachment · Feb 22 2016
That the amendment to the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to amend the provisions of the PUD-KS District set forth in Section 13.10 of the Zoning Ordinances and which includes a majority of the Volpe Transportation Systems Center site, be refiled as of February 9, 2016
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
P L A N N I N G B O A R D
CITY HALL ANNEX, 344 BROADWAY, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139
Page 1 of 3
Date:
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Subject:
PUD-KS Rezoning Petition
To the Honorable, the City Council,
Submitted herein is a zoning petition to amend the provisions of the PUD-KS District set forth in
Section 13.10 of the Zoning Ordinance. The intent of these proposed changes is to implement the
zoning recommendations of the Kendall Square (“K2”) Planning Study in order to facilitate
future redevelopment of the John A. Volpe Transportation Systems Center site, which occupies
the majority of the PUD-KS District, in accordance with that study.
The proposed zoning retains the current boundaries of the PUD-KS District (see attached maps)
and retains the current Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning structure that would permit new
development according to a master plan requiring public review and approval by the Planning
Board. The petition proposes the following changes to advance the recommendations of the K2
study.
Increase allowed development capacity and height to achieve development of the density
and scale anticipated in the K2 study.
Retain existing mixed-use requirement, with at least 40% of private development in a
PUD devoted to housing.
Establish maximum rather than minimum parking requirements and encourage shared
parking facilities in order to reduce the amount of new parking created, discouraging
automobile traffic and encouraging sustainable modes of transportation.
Require retail and other active ground floor space along major streets, with incentives for
small retail spaces throughout a PUD.
Require “innovation space” as a component of all new office development, with shared
spaces and facilities designed to serve small companies and start-ups.
Enhance sustainable design, including a requirement to design to a LEED Gold standard
with a focus on energy-related measures, meet stormwater management objectives,
employ cool roofs, investigate district energy and on-site energy solutions, and consider
urban heat island mitigation and climate change adaptation as part of building and site
design.
City of Cambridge, MA • Planning Board Communication
PUD-KS District Rezoning Petition (Volpe Center Site)
May 27, 2015
Page 2 of 3
Retain existing requirements for significant public open space, but amend the
requirements to provide greater flexibility and allow for a range of alternatives. The
proposed change would require, at a minimum, one quarter of a development parcel to be
public open space whose location and design would be reviewed through the PUD
process. City plans and guidelines, including open space framework and principles being
developed through the Connect Kendall Square process, would inform that future review.
Require funding contributions from new commercial development to support area-wide
open space programming, transit improvements and workforce development.
Another aspect of the proposed zoning change is meant to enable a redevelopment plan that
incorporates the creation of a new government facility to house the Volpe Center. The zoning
proposal includes provisions that clarify how a Federal government facility would be treated as
part of a PUD. Because it is beneficial to include such a facility as an integral part of a
development master plan, the proposal exempts such a facility from requirements to which it
would already be immune. Federal government uses are immune from local regulations, which
would nonetheless apply to private development on the site.
In a process that parallels this rezoning initiative, the U.S. General Services Administration
(GSA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are undertaking a process to select a
private development partner to construct a new Volpe Center facility on a portion of the site and
redevelop the remainder of the site for private use according to the City’s zoning. Given that this
is truly a once in a generation opportunity to encourage change on this site, it is crucial that the
final zoning enables private development that is capable of supporting the needs of the Federal
agencies who control the land while meeting the City’s planning objectives. GSA and DOT have
been engaged in the rezoning process and have informed discussions with the Board, staff and
the public.
There are some additional aspects of this zoning petition that go beyond the recommendations in
the K2 study. These differences are based on objectives that have been discussed and
emphasized since the completion of the K2 study, and which the Board believes are worthy of
the Council’s consideration.
For a PUD project the petition proposes eliminating the standard inclusionary housing
structure of a “base” requirement and an additional “bonus,” and instead requiring 10%
of total housing to be affordable and available to low and moderate income households
and 5% of total housing to be affordable and available to middle income households. The
proposed requirement is based on minimum square footage rather than units, in order to
encourage affordable units of larger sizes. To offset the removal of the “bonus,” the base
FAR limit is increased to 4.5, which results in approximately the same total amount of
private development as envisioned in the K2 study.
The Board had extensive discussion about the specific percentages of low-moderate and
middle income housing requirements for a PUD. A range of ideas up to a total of 20%,
City of Cambridge, MA • Planning Board Communication
PUD-KS District Rezoning Petition (Volpe Center Site)
May 27, 2015
Page 3 of 3
rather than the current 15%, were discussed. While all members would like to see the
maximum amount of affordable housing accommodated in the district, the majority of
Board members support a minimum requirement of 15% total subsidized housing in
recognition of the special constraints posed by the Federal ownership and equity
transaction envisioned for a redevelopment plan.
The K2 study recommends 250 feet as a maximum height for commercial buildings and
300 feet for residential. The petition also proposes allowing the Board to consider a
limited number of buildings in the section closest to Broadway to reach 350 feet, and
potentially one building of even greater height, up to 500 feet. The Board believes that it
is worth considering whether this district is uniquely suited to a signature landmark
building that exceeds the prevailing height of surrounding buildings. To approve a
building at such a height, the Board would need to verify through the PUD approval
process that it meets a high standard for architectural excellence.
The Board looks forward to the Council’s referral of this petition for public hearings, where
Board members, staff and the public can discuss the broad objectives and the particular
provisions of the proposal in greater depth.
Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
H Theodore Cohen, Chair.
Attachments
Zoning Petition (clean version)
Text Changes to Section 13.10 (with edits shown)
PLANNING BOARD ZONING PETIITON
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Note: See attached document for proposed text changes with edits shown.
May 27, 2015
Petition: To amend Section 13.10 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance – PUD AT KENDALL
SQUARE: DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS – as set forth below.
1. Replace current Section 13.11 with the following text:
13.11
Purpose. The PUD‐KS district is intended to provide for the creation of a vibrant mixed‐use
district of high quality general and technical office and retail activity, with significant
components of residential use and open space. The retention of government office facilities
on the site is desired, as well as space for smaller innovation companies as a component of
the commercial office space that is created. The creation of public open space to serve
residents of the district and the larger neighborhood, as well as workers, students from
nearby institutions and visitors, is desired. The PUD‐KS district permits larger scale
development and supporting commercial activities close to Kendall Square and the major
public transit services located there. It encourages strong linkages between new
development at Kendall Square, the East Cambridge riverfront, and the PUD‐KS area and the
neighborhoods of eastern Cambridge, facilitated in part by a strong and continuous retail
presence along Third Street and Broadway. Development in the PUD‐KS district is expected
to meet high standards for urban design, environmental sustainability and open space design
and should be generally consistent with the policy objectives set forth in the Kendall Square
Final Report 2013 (K2 Plan) and with the Kendall Square Design Guidelines.
2. Create the following new Subsections 13.11.1, 13.11.2, 13.11.3 and 13.11.4:
13.11.1
Master Plan Area. To further the purpose of this Section 13.10, any Development Parcel or
portion of a Development Parcel meeting the requirements set forth in Section 13.13.2
below and that is at least five (5) acres in area may be designated as a Master Plan Area,
within which physical information shall be presented in a more generalized way, subject to
more detailed approval by the Planning Board at a time and in a manner determined by the
Board in its PUD special permit decision.
13.11.2
Master Plan Requirements. At a minimum, a Development Proposal for a Master Plan Area
must contain the following components:
a.
Site Development Plan – identifying each of the proposed existing and new building sites
within the Master Plan Area and the characteristics of each, including potential uses and
Gross Floor Area.
b.
Site Massing Plan – illustrating the height and massing of building volumes for each
proposed building site, and including studies of anticipated shadow and wind impacts
resulting from building mass.
c.
Parking and Loading Plan – identifying the locations of all parking facilities, bicycle
parking facilities and facilities for loading or other vehicular service functions, and the
number of spaces proposed at each location.
d.
Connectivity Plan – illustrating all pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular circulation routes
within the Master Plan Area, their connections to public circulation routes and
destinations outside the Master Plan Area, and approximate locations of access and
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Note: See attached document for proposed text changes with edits shown.
May 27, 2015
egress points on each building and parking facility within the Master Plan Area.
e. Open Space Plan – illustrating and quantifying the areas of all proposed open space and
the ownership and designation of each area (e.g., Public Open Space, Publicly Beneficial
Open Space) as well as descriptions of major design elements and themes to be
incorporated into each space and the types of uses and activities that will be
accommodated in each space.
f.
Ground Floors Plan – illustrating the conceptual arrangement of functions such as retail
establishments and other active uses, residential and office lobbies, and utility spaces at
the ground floor of each building in the Master Plan Area, including the locations and
sizes of retail and other active uses that may be required or incentivized by the specific
provisions of this Section 13.10.
g. Housing Plan – providing the approximate number and mix of housing unit types
proposed on each residential site, and identifying the location of dwelling units that may
be required or incentivized by specific provisions of this Section 13.10.
h. Phasing Plan – describing the general sequence in which development is proposed to
proceed, and specifically describing how the phasing requirements set forth in this
Section 13.10 will be met.
13.11.3
Master Plan Approval. The Planning Board shall grant a PUD special permit for a Master Plan
Area upon finding that the Final Development Plan is consistent with the criteria set forth
below, in addition to all other criteria applicable to approval of a Final Development Plan and
any other special permits being sought, and upon consideration of the K2 Plan, Kendall
Square Design Guidelines, PUD‐KS Site Planning and Design Guidelines and other City plans
and guidelines applicable to Kendall Square. The PUD special permit may identify specific
components of the development (such as building design, open space design and other
elements) as well as specific modifications to the Final Development Plan that may be subject
to future approval by a written determination of the Planning Board. Otherwise, any
modifications to a Final Development Plan for a Master Plan Area shall be considered
pursuant to the PUD Amendment provisions set forth in Section 12.37 of this Zoning
Ordinance.
13.11.4
Master Plan Criteria. A Final Development Plan for a Master Plan Area shall meet the
following objectives, subject to approval by the Planning Board:
(1) Providing a mix of commercial, including research and technology, and residential
uses, with particular emphasis on housing and ground‐floor retail, to encourage
activity throughout the day and evening.
(2) Incorporating a diversity of housing typologies and dwelling sizes that are appealing
and accessible to a variety of users.
(3) Breaking up large blocks to increase permeability and create a fine‐grained network
of connections that seamlessly integrates the PUD district with the surrounding
urban fabric of Kendall Square and East Cambridge.
PLANNING BOARD ZONING PETIITON
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Note: See attached document for proposed text changes with edits shown.
May 27, 2015
(4) Sensitively managing the height and bulk of new buildings to mitigate impacts on
surrounding uses and public space.
(5) Creating an integrated network of high‐quality streets and open spaces, including
significant space for public gathering and recreation, that encourages and fosters a
sense of community, civic engagement, social interaction, economic development
and environmental sustainability.
(6) Providing a strong street edge on major public streets, including Broadway and Third
Street, to create a memorable “main street” experience.
(7) Providing active ground floors that animate streets and open spaces, and add to the
vitality of Kendall Square.
(8) Enhancing the architectural diversity of the district to harness the spirit of innovation
and creativity in Kendall Square.
(9) Promoting environmental sustainability in building and site design.
3. Replace current Subsection 13.12.4 with the following text:
13.12.4
Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishments. The following retail uses shall be
permitted, provided that the total amount of retail Gross Floor Area (GFA) in the PUD does
not exceed five percent (5%) of the total GFA in the PUD and no individual establishment
exceeds ten thousand (10,000) square feet of GFA unless the Planning Board determines in
writing that more retail GFA and establishments of a greater size better serve the residents
within the PUD district and in adjacent districts and better advance the policies set forth in
the K2 Plan and the Kendall Square Design Guidelines.
(1) Store for retail sale of merchandise
a. Establishment providing convenience goods such as drug stores, food stores,
tobacco, newspaper and magazine stores, variety stores, and liquor stores.
b. Other retail establishments
(2) Stationery and office supply store.
(3) Printing and reproduction service establishment, photography studio.
(4) Other store for retail sale of merchandise located in a structure primarily containing
non‐retail use provided no manufacturing, assembly or packaging occur on the premises.
(5) Barber shop, beauty shop, laundry and dry‐cleaning pick‐up agency, shoe repair, self‐
service laundry or other similar establishments.
(6) Restaurants or other eating and drinking establishments listed in Subsection 4.35 e, f,
and g.
(7) Theater or hall for public gatherings.
(8) Art/Craft Studio
(9) Bakery, Retail
PLANNING BOARD ZONING PETIITON
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Note: See attached document for proposed text changes with edits shown.
May 27, 2015
4. In Subsection 13.12.6, replace “ECaPS Plan” with “K2 Plan.”
5. Replace current Subsection 13.13.1 with the following text:
13.13.1
Permitted FAR. In the PUD‐KS District the maximum ratio of floor area to Development Parcel
shall be 4.5, subject to the further use limitations set forth below in Section 13.13.11. For
the purposes of calculating FAR, the GFA of the following uses shall be exempt from the
requirements of this Section 13.13.1:
(1) GFA devoted exclusively to a use designated as Other Government Facility in the Table of
Use Regulations on a Government Owned Lot, as set forth in the provisions of Section
13.113 below. Notwithstanding such exemption, a Government Owned Lot can be
included in calculating the area of a Development Parcel.
(2) GFA devoted to retail and consumer service uses, provided the GFA is located on the
ground floor or basement level, is clearly identified within the Active Use Plan as
described in Section 13.112.1 below (though the exempt GFA may exceed the required
Active Use), fronts on and has a public entrance onto a public street, park, or plaza, and
for each individual establishment the GFA does not exceed 5,000 square feet. The
Planning Board may approve such an exemption for a space of a larger size if it is
devoted to a particular type of retail that is desired in the neighborhood but requires a
larger space to be feasible.
(3) Fifty (50) percent of the GFA devoted to innovation office space, up to a maximum of five
(5) percent of non‐residential GFA in a Final Development Plan, as described in Section
13.112.3.3 below.
6. Renumber current Subsection 13.13.11 as 13.13.1.1 and replace with the following text:
13.13.1.1 Limitations on Non‐Residential Development. In the PUD‐KS District all non‐residential uses
shall be further limited as set forth below. Where the amount of non‐residential GFA is
limited to a percentage of the total GFA authorized, the calculation shall be based on GFA
authorized exclusive of any GFA devoted exclusively to structured parking.
(1) For any lot or combination of lots held in common ownership as of June 1, 2001 having in
total an area of less than five acres, the total GFA devoted to non‐residential uses shall not
exceed ten (10) percent of the total GFA authorized in a PUD for that portion of a PUD
Development Parcel containing such lot or lots, or any portion thereof. This limitation shall
apply to each Development Parcel individually. This limitation shall not apply to any
individual lot created subsequent to the Planning Board’s approval of the PUD Final
Development Plan.
Notwithstanding the above limitations, additional non‐residential GFA shall be permitted as
set forth in Paragraph (3) below.
(2) For any lot or combination of lots held in common ownership as of June 1, 2001 having in
total an area of more than five (5) acres, the total GFA devoted to non‐residential uses shall
not exceed sixty (60) percent of total GFA authorized, exclusive of GFA exempted in Section
13.13.1 above. The limitations set forth in this Section 13.13.1.1(2) shall not apply to any
PLANNING BOARD ZONING PETIITON
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Note: See attached document for proposed text changes with edits shown.
May 27, 2015
individual lot within a Development Parcel created subsequent to the Planning Board
approval of the PUD Final Development Plan.
The Final Development Plan shall include a Phasing Plan providing a general sequence for the
construction of residential and non‐residential uses. The Planning Board shall approve such a
Phasing Plan if it is found to ensure that residential uses will be completed on a schedule that
meets the objectives of the City and ensures compliance with the requirements of this
Paragraph (2). In general, non‐residential development shall not be authorized to exceed
sixty percent (60%) of the total non‐exempt GFA permitted for non‐residential uses until
substantial construction activity of residential uses has commenced. Full completion of the
permitted non‐residential GFA shall not be allowed before the full permitted residential
development has been completed or substantial construction activity has commenced. The
Planning Board may approve variations to the standards in this Paragraph if the Phasing Plan
is found to be in general conformance with the intent of this Paragraph.
7. Create the following new Subsection 13.13.1.2:
13.13.1.2 Special Affordable Housing Provisions. For any lot or combination of lots held in common
ownership as of June 1, 2001 having in total an area of more than five (5) acres, the following
requirements shall apply in place of the Inclusionary Housing requirements set forth in
Section 11.200 of this Zoning Ordinance.
a. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Ordinance, no less than ten percent
(10%) of the total floor area devoted to private residential dwelling units shall be
devoted to Affordable Units in accordance with the definitions and procedures set forth
in Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance. Such Affordable Units shall be distributed
evenly throughout all residential buildings within the PUD.
b. In addition to the Affordable Units specified in Paragraph (a) above, no less than five
percent (5%) of the total floor area devoted to private residential dwelling units shall be
devoted to Middle Income Units. In a Master Plan Area, such Middle Income Units may
be located in one or more residential buildings, provided that buildings containing
Middle Income Units are identified in the Housing Plan and Phasing Plan. For the
purposes of this Section 13.13.12, Middle Income Units shall be defined as residential
dwelling units for which:
i.
the occupancy is restricted to households whose total income exceeds eighty
percent (80%) but does not exceed one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the
median income of households in the Boston Standard Metropolitan Statistical
Area adjusted for family size, or such other equivalent income standard as may
be determined by the Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund;
and
ii. the rent (including utilities) does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the income
of the renting household or, in the instance of home ownership units, the
monthly mortgage payment (including insurance, utilities and real estate taxes)
does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the income of the purchasing household,
or such other equivalent standard as may be determined by the Board of
Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
PLANNING BOARD ZONING PETIITON
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Note: See attached document for proposed text changes with edits shown.
May 27, 2015
c. In general, Affordable Units and Middle Income Units shall be provided in accordance
with the Standards for Construction and Occupancy set forth in Section 11.204 of this
Zoning Ordinance. As an exception, to serve the objective of providing additional two‐
bedroom and three‐bedroom units suitable for families with children, the Planning Board
may approve a Final Development Plan providing Affordable Units and Middle Income
Units that are, on average, larger in area than the other dwelling units in the building.
Where such units are larger in size, they may be accordingly fewer in number, provided
that the requirements in Paragraph (a) and (b) are met. Nevertheless, Affordable Units
and Middle Income Units shall be reasonably distributed throughout a building and may
not have different interior or exterior finishes from other units, and occupants shall have
access to common amenities available to other residents of the building. For a Master
Plan Area, the Housing Plan component of a Development Proposal must indicate the
approximate mix of unit types and sizes for Affordable Units and Middle‐Income Units in
each residential building if the units are not proposed to be distributed proportionally
within each building.
d. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11.203.2 of the Inclusionary Housing
requirements, no increase in Floor Area Ratio or Gross Floor Area beyond the limitations
set forth in Section 13.13.1 shall be provided for a PUD subject to the requirements of
this Section 13.13.1.2.
e. Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) through (d) above, if the Inclusionary Housing
requirements applicable citywide are amended subsequent to June 1, 2015 such that
more than fifteen percent (15%) of the total floor area devoted to residential units must
be devoted to Affordable Units or Middle Income Units, then those citywide Inclusionary
Housing requirements shall supersede the requirements of this Section 13.13.1.2.
8. Replace current Subsection 13.13.3 with the following text:
13.13.3
Residential Density. There shall be no required minimum Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit in the
PUD‐KS District.
9. Replace current Section 13.13.4 in its entirety, including Subsections 13.13.41, 13.13.42 and
13.13.43, with the following text:
13.13.4
Maximum Building Height.
13.13.4.1 The maximum height permitted in the district shall be two hundred fifty (250) feet except as
it may be further limited or permitted below. The permitted heights are further illustrated on
the Building Height Regulation Map for the PUD‐KS, Map 13.11.
(1) Reduced Building Height to One Hundred Forty Feet. The maximum height shall be
reduced to one hundred forty (140) feet in portions of the PUD‐KS District within one
hundred fifty (150) feet of the centerline of Binney Street.
(2) Reduced Building Height to Eighty‐Five Feet. The maximum height shall be further
reduced to eighty‐five (85) feet in the portion of the PUD‐KS District bounded by the
centerline of Binney Street, the centerline of Third Street, a line four hundred twenty‐five
(425) feet north of and parallel to the centerline of Broadway, and a line seventy‐five (75)
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feet west of and parallel to the centerline of Fifth Street, including the extension of such
lines to their intersection with other reference lines identified in this Paragraph.
(3) Increased Building Height to Three Hundred Fifty Feet or Five Hundred Feet. In the
portion of the district within a distance of four hundred twenty‐five (425) feet from the
centerline of Broadway, the Planning Board may approve one building that is of
exceptional architectural quality to exceed two hundred fifty (250) feet but not to exceed
five hundred (500) feet, and other buildings to exceed two hundred fifty (250) feet but
not to exceed three hundred fifty (350) feet, provided that no more than twenty percent
(20%) of the area of that portion of the district may be covered by buildings or parts of
buildings exceeding two hundred fifty (250) feet in height.
13.13.4.2 In evaluating a Development Proposal and/or a Site Massing Plan for a Master Plan Area
providing building height in excess of one hundred twenty‐five (125) feet, the Planning Board
shall give consideration to evidence presented on the following:
(a) that increased height is located on the site and designed in such a way to reduce the
impact of shadows, excessive wind, and obstruction of light and views, with specific
consideration given to residential buildings and public spaces
(b) that increased height would mitigate detrimental environmental impacts such as
excessive ground coverage, diminution of open space, and monotonous development;
(c) that increased height would be sensitively managed to provide an appropriate scale at
interfaces with adjoining lower scale uses, such as proposed and existing buildings and open
spaces in the vicinity that have functional or visual relationships to the proposed building;
(d) if applicable, the additional height permits accommodation of GFA transferred from the
Eastern Cambridge Development Rights Transfer Donating District.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraphs (a) through (d) above, the Planning Board shall
give consideration to the consistency of any Final Development Plan in achieving the design
and site planning goals, as well as the measures set out to achieve these goals, as set forth in
the Kendall Square Design Guidelines.
10. In current Subsection 13.13.5, replace all four instances of the term “development parcel” with
the capitalized “Development Parcel.”
11. Replace current Section 13.14 in its entirety, including Subsections 13.14.1 and 13.14.2, with the
following text:
13.14
Open Space. The following Open Space requirements shall be met on each Development
Parcel.
(1) For that portion of a Development Parcel consisting of lots described in Section 13.13.1.1,
Paragraph (1) above, any combination of Public Open Space, Green Area Open Space or
Permeable Open Space, as defined in this Ordinance, shall be provided on the Development
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May 27, 2015
Parcel and shall in the aggregate equal at least twenty (20) percent of the area of that portion
of the Development Parcel.
(2) For that portion of a Development Parcel or Master Plan Area consisting of lots described
in Section 13.13.1.1, Paragraph (2) above, Public Open Space, as defined in this Ordinance,
shall be provided on the Development Parcel and shall in the aggregate equal at least twenty‐
five (25) percent of the area of that portion of the Development Parcel. For the purpose of
this Section 13.10, Open Space on a Government Owned Lot in accordance with Section
13.113 shall be considered Public Open Space as defined in this Zoning Ordinance provided
that it is intended for the use and enjoyment of the general public.
Owners of adjacent Development Parcels may collectively provide the required open space
provided the Planning Board finds that the owners of each Development Parcel have
provided written evidence of an agreement that the total amount of open space required for
both Development Parcels is provided and that the Open Space Plans for each Development
Parcel meet the standards for approval. In that event, the Planning Board shall record in the
Special Permits for each PUD the amount of open space required on each Development
Parcel.
All required open space shall be generally accessible to the public for reasonable periods
throughout the day for the purposes for which the open space is designed and approved by
the Planning Board, which may include but not be limited to walking, bicycling, active and
passive recreation. The Planning Board must approve any proposal to significantly limit public
access to the required open space.
The Planning Board shall encourage development that is located adjacent to a Public Open
Space to be physically and functionally integrated with the open space by means of building
orientation, active frontages, location of building entrances, pedestrian linkages between
major activity centers, and similar techniques in accordance with the objectives set forth in
the K2 Plan and the Kendall Square Design Guidelines.
12. In current Section 13.15, insert the phrases “or future” and “the Broad Canal and” such that it
reads as follows:
13.15
Perimeter and transition. Any part of the perimeter of a PUD‐KS which fronts on an existing
or future street or public open space should be so designed as to complement and
harmonize with adjacent land uses with respect to scale, density, setback, bulk, height,
landscaping, and screening. Developments in the PUD‐KS district should provide integrated
pedestrian circulation systems, with particularly strong linkages to the Broad Canal and the
riverfront, Kendall Square, and the Eastern Cambridge neighborhoods.
13. Replace current Section 13.17 in its entirety, including current Subsections 13.17.1 and 13.17.2,
with the following text:
13.17
Parking and Loading Requirements. Development in the PUD‐KS District shall conform to the
off street Parking and Loading Requirements set forth in Article 6.000, and in the Schedule of
Parking and Loading Requirements applicable to the Residence C‐3, Office 3, Business B and
Industry B districts, except as modified by this Section 13.17.
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May 27, 2015
13.17.1
With regard to uses contained within new commercial buildings, provided that the
requirements of Section 6.23 of the Ordinance are met, the parking requirements of this
Section 13.17 may be satisfied (a) anywhere in the PUD‐KS District or, if located outside of
the PUD‐KS District, within 2,000 feet of the use being served, notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained in Article 6.000; and (b) in total or in part by a lease agreement
between the Developer and the City, other public entity or private owner or consortium for
use of parking spaces in the public or pooled private parking facilities within said area.
13.17.2
All parking provided within an approved PUD shall be considered collectively accessory to all
approved uses within the PUD. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 6.000, this
Ordinance shall not restrict the management and assignment of parking spaces in a way that
will most efficiently utilize the existing and proposed parking spaces to serve all approved
uses. As an exception to these rules, all parking spaces (whether existing or proposed) that
are accessory to an Other Government Facility use as listed in Section 4.33, paragraph (g) of
the Table of Use Regulations shall be distinctly identified and shall not be accessory to any
other uses.
13.17.3
Minimum Parking. In approving a Final Development Plan for a Development Parcel, the
Planning Board may waive any minimum parking requirements applicable in the zoning
district, with the exception that parking for residential uses shall not be less than 0.5 parking
spaces per dwelling unit. The Planning Board may approve arrangements for shared parking
of such residential parking spaces with commercial spaces. The Planning Board shall specify a
minimum parking requirement for a PUD based on review and analysis of Transportation
Impact Studies and other relevant information on parking demand provided in application
documents, including the Shared Parking Study as required below and with the guidance of
City agencies.
13.17.4
Maximum Parking. Maximum allowed parking for a PUD shall be limited by applying the
rates set forth below to each use within the PUD and taking the summation of the result for
all uses. For any use not listed below, the maximum parking ratio set forth in Article 6.000
shall apply. Exceeding the maximum allowed parking shall require a waiver of maximum
parking required under the general provisions of Article 6.000.
a. Maximum of 0.9 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for office uses, excluding technical
office (Section 4.34(a‐e)).
b. Maximum of 0.8 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for laboratory use and technical
office uses (Section 4.34(f)).
c. Maximum of 0.75 spaces per residential dwelling unit (Section 4.31(d‐g)).
d. Maximum of 0.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of retail (Sections 4.35 and 4.36).
e. Maximum of 1 space per 4 sleeping rooms for hotel use (Section 4.31(i)(2)).
13.17.5
Shared Parking Study. A Development Proposal for development in the PUD‐KS District shall
include an analysis of anticipated parking demand for all uses in the development throughout
the course of a typical day and week. This analysis may identify opportunities for reducing
the total amount of parking required to serve all uses through the sharing of parking spaces
by multiple uses. Based on this analysis, the Planning Board may approve a reduced
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minimum or maximum parking requirement upon finding that the approved amount of
parking will be sufficient to serve all permitted uses.
13.17.6
Interim Use of Surface Parking. On an interim basis, in anticipation of later construction of
structured parking sufficient to meet all parking requirements, on grade open parking shall be
allowed in a Development Parcel subject to the following conditions:
(1) The future parking structure will be constructed within the Development Parcel but it may
be located either on or off of the lot which it will serve;
(2) Construction of the replacement parking structure will commence within four years of the
date of certificate of occupancy for the building initially served by on grade parking;
(3) The future parking structure will contain sufficient spaces for users of the building initially
served by on grade open parking so as to meet the parking requirements for such building;
and
(4) Binding commitments exist to establish, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Planning
Board, that requirements (1) through (3) above shall be satisfied. Such commitments shall be
made by negotiated lease agreement, deed restriction, covenant, or comparable legal
instrument.
13.17.7 Ground Floor Retail and Customer Service Uses. Retail and customer service uses fronting on
and having a public entrance onto a public street or a public open space, located at the first
floor level of a multistory building, and not exceeding 10,000 square feet for each separately
leased establishment shall not be required to provide any accessory parking. Where parking
is provided it shall be subject to the other provisions of this Section 13.17.
13.17.8
Loading. The Planning Board, in its approval of a Final Development Plan, may waive any
requirements for the amount, location and design of loading facilities within a Development
Parcel, and may permit loading facilities to be shared across various uses and lots within the
PUD‐KS District.
14. In current Subsection 13.18, replace the term “development proposal” with the capitalized
“Development Proposal” and replace reference to “this Section 13.70” with “this Section 13.10.”
15. Replace current Section 13.19 with the following text:
13.19
Relationship to Future Transportation Plans. In all PUD application documents, the applicant
shall indicate how the proposed PUD development relates physically to future transportation
options intended to connect existing radial transit lines (subway, commuter rail, and bus), as
identified in the K2 Plan, including the implementation of bus rapid transit (BRT) service.
16. Create the following new Sections 13.111, 13.112 and 13.113:
13.111
Other Housing Provisions. New housing shall include a range of dwelling unit types and sizes.
At a minimum, five percent (5%) of the residential Gross Floor Area in a Final Development
Plan shall be devoted to dwelling units with three bedrooms or more.
13.112
Special Requirements, Conditions and Standards Applicable to Certain Development
Authorized by the Planning Board in Kendall Square. The Planning Board shall approve a Final
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Development Plan in the PUD‐KS District only after finding that in addition to all other
applicable requirements the following requirements have been met. The Planning Board
shall, in addition, include conditions in the approval of a Final Development Plan that will
ensure ongoing compliance with these requirements.
13.112.1 Required Active Uses. Final Development Plans shall enhance the public pedestrian usage of
the sidewalks and create a sense of neighborhood continuity by providing an interesting,
lively and active presence at street level. Accordingly, for those buildings in the PUD
immediately fronting a public street, public park, or public plaza, with the exception of
buildings on a Government Owned Lot that are exempt from GFA per the provisions of
Section 13.113, the first floors of these buildings shall generally be planned, designed,
constructed and used for Active Uses as defined below. At a minimum, a total of at least
seventy‐five percent (75%) of the frontage on the ground floors of such buildings facing
Broadway and Third Street shall be devoted to spaces containing Active Uses. The Planning
Board shall review an Active Use Plan as a component of a Development Proposal and a Final
Development Plan describing how the proposal meets the requirements and intent of this
Section. Notwithstanding the above, the Planning Board, in approving a Final Development
Plan, may grant minor modifications to the requirements set forth in this Section 13.112.1
upon finding that the proposed Active Use Plan meets the objectives of the District and the
K2 Plan.
(a) Definition of Active Uses. For purposes of this Section, “Active Uses” shall mean:
(1) Retail business and consumer service establishments listed in Section 13.12.4;
(2) Institutional uses that are generally open to the public, such as museums and
exhibition spaces; and
(3) Other uses which the Planning Board determines meet the goals of this Section.
The definition of “Active Uses” shall specifically exclude lobbies or other spaces that serve an
accessory function to upper‐story office or laboratory uses.
(b) Building and Site Design Requirements for Active Uses and Open Spaces.
(1) Active Uses shall have one or more entrance(s) from the sidewalk or plaza separate
from the principal entrance of the building serving non‐retail uses.
(2) Adequate space shall be provided along sidewalks adjoining active uses for outdoor
activity (e.g. café seating) associated with those uses.
(2) Outdoor courtyards, delineated gathering space, or sitting areas are encouraged in
any approved Final Development Plan.
Prior to submitting an application for a special permit in the PUD‐KS District, the applicant
shall engage the services of a consultant or other party with retail expertise to advise the
applicant in connection with retail and other Active Uses to be included in the applicable
Development Parcel. The recommendations of that consultant shall be included in the
applicable special permit application.
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13.112.2 Rooftop Mechanical Equipment Noise Mitigation. Sound emanating from rooftop mechanical
equipment on all new or substantially altered structures in an approved Final Development
Plan shall be minimized by the adoption of best available and feasible practices regarding the
location and sizing of equipment, the selection of equipment and sound attenuation
measures.
At a minimum, any noise or vibration emanating from new commercial or substantially
altered commercial buildings shall not be normally perceptible at ground level without
instruments at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the source lot line and shall comply
with the provisions of the City of Cambridge Noise Ordinance applicable to Commercial Areas
(as such term is defined in the Noise Ordinance).
In order to enforce these requirements, the applicant shall provide, in addition to a Noise
Mitigation narrative required as part of Article 19.000 review, acoustical reports prepared by
a professional acoustical engineer as described below:
(a) Prior to and as a condition of the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy for a new
or substantially altered commercial building, an acoustical report, including field
measurements, demonstrating compliance of such building with all applicable noise
requirements; and
(b) Prior to obtaining any building permit to add any new equipment having a capacity
greater than five (5) horsepower to the rooftop, a narrative report demonstrating that
there will be continued compliance with all applicable noise requirements after such
addition, and upon completion of such addition and as a condition thereof, an acoustical
report, including field measurements, demonstrating such compliance.
13.112.3 Innovation Space. A Development Proposal containing at least two hundred thousand
(200,000) square feet of new Office Uses, specifically excluding any office space designated
as Other Government Facility on a Government Owned Lot pursuant to Section 13.113, shall
include a plan for Innovation Office Space meeting the requirements of Section 13.112.3.1.
13.112.3.1 Required Space. For a Development Proposal containing new Office Uses (specifically
excluding any office space designated as an Other Government Facility on a Government
Owned Lot pursuant to Section 13.113), Innovation Office Space within the PUD‐KS District
must occupy GFA equal to, or in excess of, the amount of GFA that is five percent (5%) of the
new GFA approved in the Final Development Plan for Office Uses. Existing GFA within the
PUD‐KS District may be used to meet this requirement. Where at least 40,000 square feet of
Innovation Office Space is required, Innovation Office Space may be distributed in separate
buildings, provided, however, that each separate “unit” of Innovation Office Space, contains
at least 20,000 square feet. If less than 40,000 square feet of Innovation Office Space is
required to be contained in the PUD‐KS District, the Innovation Office Space must be
contained in a single building.
Developers of properties within the PUD‐KS District may collaborate with property owners in
adjacent zoning districts in the Kendall Square area to develop joint Innovation Office Space.
In such a case, the total square footage of Joint Innovation Office Space must be large
enough to satisfy the sum of the requirements, if any, for such participating Developers and
zoning districts.
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13.112.3.2 Characteristics. For the purposes of this Section 13.112.3.2, Innovation Office Space shall
have the following characteristics:
(a) Durations of lease agreements (or other similar occupancy agreements) with individual
business entities shall be for periods of approximately one (1) month.
(b) No single business entity may occupy more than 2,000 square feet or ten percent (10%)
of the entire Innovation Office Space required to be provided in the PUD‐KS District,
whichever is greater. The average size of separately contracted private suites may not
exceed 200 square feet of GFA.
(c) Innovation Office Space shall include shared resources (i.e., co‐working areas, conference
space, office equipment, supplies and kitchens) available to all tenants and must occupy
at least fifty percent (50%) of the Innovation Office Space. Individual entities occupying
Innovation Office Space may include small business incubators and accelerators, small
research laboratories, office space for investors and entrepreneurs, facilities for teaching
and for theoretical, basic and applied research, product development and testing
prototype fabrication or production of experimental products. Developers within the
PUD‐KS District obligated to provide Innovation Office Space, must provide an annual
report to the City’s Community Development Department showing the location and size
of all Innovation Office Space, the number of separately leased spaces, information
regarding the number of tenants, size of company, and area of endeavor.
13.112.3.3 GFA deductions for Innovation Office Space. For a Development Proposal required to
provide Innovation Office Space, 50% of the required GFA devoted to Innovation Office Space
shall not be counted toward the FAR requirements of 13.13.1 and the non‐residential GFA
limitations as set forth in Section 13.13.1.1.
13.112.3.4 Variations. In approving a Final Development Plan or a Minor Amendment to a Final
Development Plan, the Planning Board may allow variations in the specific standards and
characteristics set forth in Sections 13.112.3.1 and 13.112.3.2 above, if the Planning Board
finds that the Innovation Office Space, as proposed, will be consistent with the purposes of
these standards and characteristics.
13.112.4 Sustainability. New buildings constructed within the PUD‐KS District shall comply with the
provisions of Section 22.20 of the Ordinance. For those construction projects subject to
Section 22.23, LEED certification at the Gold level or better is required. In connection with
the submission requirements of Section 22.24.2.a., the Developer of such buildings shall
submit a Statement of Energy Design Intent produced through the EnergyStar Target Finder
tool, or comparable method. New buildings in the PUD‐KS District must incorporate an
integrated design approach and incorporate the best practices for meeting sustainability in
the following five (5) areas:
(a) Energy and Emissions; Steam. Each new building must conserve building energy and, to
the extent applicable, reduce carbon/GHG emissions. The Developer, with each
Development within the PUD‐KS District, must evaluate the potential for on‐site energy
generation or the construction of co‐generation facilities within the PUD‐KS District. A
Development Proposal for a commercial building shall include a study, prepared by the
Developer, considering the feasibility of connecting the building(s) identified in the
Development Proposal to the existing district steam system.
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(b) Urban Site and Landscaping; Water Management. The Developer, for each new
building, must explore opportunities for (i) potable water use reductions, (ii) storm
water management using open spaces, (iii) the incorporation of indigenous vegetation,
and, (iv) stormwater for irrigation purposes. At a minimum, all new buildings within the
PUD‐KS District must meet the Department of Public Works’ standards for water quality
management and the retention/detention of the difference between the 2‐year 24‐hour
pre‐construction runoff hydrograph and the post‐construction 25‐year 24‐hour runoff
hydrograph. The design of buildings and outdoor spaces must also provide for
vegetation such as canopy trees, green walls and other measures to reduce urban heat
gain.
(c) Cool Roofs. All new buildings approved in the District after January 1, 2014, must
employ Functional Green Roofs (as such term is defined in Article 22.000 of this Zoning
Ordinance), high‐albedo “white” roofs or a functionally equivalent roofing system.
(d) Monitoring. All new buildings approved in the PUD‐KS District shall be required to
conform to the requirements of the Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure
Ordinance, Chapter 8.67 of the Municipal Code.
(e) In connection with the approval of a Final Development Plan or in connection with the
granting of a Special Permit pursuant to Article 19 of the Ordinance, the Planning Board
may grant dimensional and other zoning relief in order to permit the construction of a
co‐generation facility or other energy systems that allow developments to develop
shared solutions to minimize energy usage.
(f) A Development Proposal shall include a Sustainability Narrative describing how the
project will meet the requirements set forth in this Section, and shall additionally
describe the consistency of the proposed development with other sustainability goals
that may be established by the City, such as mitigating urban heat island effect,
promoting district energy systems, and preparedness for impacts of climate change.
13.112.5 Contribution to Kendall Square Fund. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for any
building authorized by a PUD special permit in the PUD‐KS District and containing non‐
residential uses not exempt from GFA pursuant to Section 13.13.1, the permittee shall be
required to contribute to a Kendall Square Fund established by the City Manager. The
contribution (referred to as a “Fund Contribution Payment”) shall be calculated by
multiplying ten dollars ($10.00) by the number of square feet of new GFA greater than is
permitted in the base districts for all non‐residential uses not exempt from GFA pursuant to
the provisions of Section 13.13.1. The City shall use the Fund Contribution Payment pursuant
to this Section 13.112.5.
(a) Open Space and Transit Improvements. 67% of any Fund Contribution Payments shall be
allocated for the establishment and betterment of publicly beneficial open spaces
located in the PUD‐KS District and adjoining neighborhoods, and transportation
improvements and services to benefit the Kendall Square neighborhood and adjacent
neighborhoods not already required by the City of Cambridge Parking and Traffic
Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance. The open space and transit improvement
funds shall be allocated at the direction of a committee appointed by the City Manager,
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which committee shall contain representatives from Kendall Square and adjacent
neighborhoods.
(b) Workforce Development and Training. Thirty‐three percent (33%) of any Fund
Contribution Payment shall be allocated separately for workforce development serving
residents throughout the City of Cambridge. The workforce development and training
funds shall be allocated at the direction of a committee appointed by the City Manager.
13.113
Special Requirements Related to Government Use on Government Owned Lots. Where a
Development Parcel or Master Plan Area in the PUD‐KS district includes a Government
Owned Lot as it is defined below, the special provisions set forth in this Section 13.113 shall
apply notwithstanding any other regulations to the contrary set forth in this Ordinance.
(a) For the purpose of this Section 13.113, a Government Owned Lot shall mean a lot owned
by the federal government that may be developed in conjunction with a transfer of land
to a private entity, where such transferred land abuts the Government Owned Lot, and
where, for the convenience of the government, the Government Owned Lot is included
as part of a Development Parcel or Master Plan Area. If so included, such Government
Owned Lot shall be clearly identified in a Development Proposal and Final Development
Plan.
(b) Uses on a Government Owned Lot categorized as Other Government Facility in Section
4.33, item (g) in the Table of Use Regulations in this Zoning Ordinance, if included within
a Final Development Plan, shall be exempt from the requirements set forth in this Section
13.113 and elsewhere in the Ordinance, including but not limited to Floor Area Ratio
(FAR) limitations, limitations on non‐residential use allowed in a Final Development Plan,
Active Use requirements, Innovation Space requirements, Community Fund contributions
and Incentive Zoning contributions.
(c) Notwithstanding the above, a Government Owned Lot shall be included in calculating the
area of a Development Parcel for all purposes, including the calculation of FAR limitations
and Open Space requirements. Public Open Space on a Government Owned Lot may be
counted toward meeting the open space requirements of Section 13.14, regardless of
any temporary limitations on access or use that may be imposed by the controlling
government entity.
(d) If a Special Permit has been granted authorizing development on a Development Parcel
or Master Plan Area containing a Government Owned Lot in accordance with a Final
Development Plan, and the controlling government entity later separates the
Government Owned Lot from the remainder of the Development Parcel or Master Plan
Area, then no future modification to development on the Government Owned Lot shall
affect the development authorized in the approved Final Development Plan on the
remainder of the Development Parcel or Master Plan Area, and such development shall
be allowed to proceed in accordance with the Final Development Plan.
(e) If a Special Permit has been granted authorizing development on a Development Parcel
or Master Plan Area containing a Government Owned Lot in accordance with a Final
Development Plan, and the ownership of the Government Owned Lot is later transferred
such that it no longer meets the definition of a Government Owned Lot as set forth in
Paragraph (a) above, then the provisions of this Subsection 13.113 shall no longer apply
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and any modifications to the Final Development Plan shall be required to conform to the
requirements and procedures set forth in Article 12.000 and this Section 13.10 along with
other applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
13.10
PUD AT KENDALL SQUARE: DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS
13.11
Purpose. The PUD-KS district is intended to provide for the creation of a vibrant mixed-use
district of high quality general and technical office and retail activity, with a significant
components of residential use and open space. The retention of government office
facilities on the site is desired, as well as space for smaller innovation companies as a
component of the commercial office space that is created. The creation of public open
space to serve residents of the district and the larger neighborhood, as well as workers,
students from nearby institutions and visitors, a large public park is desired. The PUD-KS
district permits larger scale development and supporting commercial activities close to Kendall
Square and the major public transit services located there. It encourages strong linkages
between new development at Kendall Square, the East Cambridge riverfront, and the PUD-KS
area and the neighborhoods of eastern Cambridge, facilitated in part by a strong and
continuous retail presence along Third Street and Broadway. Development in the PUD-KS
district is expected to meet high standards for urban design, environmental
sustainability and open space design and should be generally consistent with the policy
objectives set forth in the Kendall Square Final Report 2013 (K2 Plan) Eastern Cambridge
Plan and the guidance provided in with the Eastern Cambridge Kendall Square Design
Guidelines.
13.11.1
Master Plan Area. To further the purpose of this Section 13.10, any Development Parcel
or portion of a Development Parcel meeting the requirements set forth in Section
13.13.2 below and that is at least five (5) acres in area may be designated as a Master
Plan Area, within which physical information shall be presented in a more generalized
way, subject to more detailed approval by the Planning Board at a time and in a manner
determined by the Board in its PUD special permit decision.
13.11.2
Master Plan Requirements. At a minimum, a Development Proposal for a Master Plan
Area must contain the following components:
a.
Site Development Plan – identifying each of the proposed existing and new building
sites within the Master Plan Area and the characteristics of each, including potential
uses and Gross Floor Area.
b.
Site Massing Plan – illustrating the height and massing of building volumes for
each proposed building site, and including studies of anticipated shadow and wind
impacts resulting from building mass.
The purpose is modified somewhat
to reflect the current goals
articulated in the K2 study, which
are nevertheless similar to those in
the prior Eastern Cambridge (ECaPS)
Plan. In addition, the purpose
supports retaining Federal facilities,
while the zoning is structured to
recognize that Federal facilities
would, under normal circumstances,
be immune from local regulation.
A provision for PUD Master Plan
approval (which is also in the North
Point PUD zoning) is included. It
describes the elements of a PUD
Master Plan and the criteria and
process for approval. Given the
urban design goals of the area to
create connectivity and open space,
the PUD Master Plan review will be
a critical part of the planning
process.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
c. Parking and Loading Plan – identifying the locations of all parking facilities, bicycle
parking facilities and facilities for loading or other vehicular service functions, and
the number of spaces proposed at each location.
d. Connectivity Plan – illustrating all pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular circulation
routes within the Master Plan Area, their connections to public circulation routes
and destinations outside the Master Plan Area, and approximate locations of access
and egress points on each building and parking facility within the Master Plan Area.
e. Open Space Plan – illustrating and quantifying the areas of all proposed open space
and the ownership and designation of each area (e.g., Public Open Space, Publicly
Beneficial Open Space) as well as descriptions of major design elements and
themes to be incorporated into each space and the types of uses and activities that
will be accommodated in each space.
f.
Ground Floors Plan – illustrating the conceptual arrangement of functions such as
retail establishments and other active uses, residential and office lobbies, and
utility spaces at the ground floor of each building in the Master Plan Area, including
the locations and sizes of retail and other active uses that may be required or
incentivized by the specific provisions of this Section 13.10.
g. Housing Plan – providing the approximate number and mix of housing unit types
proposed on each residential site, and identifying the location of dwelling units that
may be required or incentivized by specific provisions of this Section 13.10.
h. Phasing Plan – describing the general sequence in which development is proposed
to proceed, and specifically describing how the phasing requirements set forth in
this Section 13.10 will be met.
13.11.3
Master Plan Approval. The Planning Board shall grant a PUD special permit for a
Master Plan Area upon finding that the Final Development Plan is consistent with the
criteria set forth below, in addition to all other criteria applicable to approval of a Final
Development Plan and any other special permits being sought, and upon consideration
of the K2 Plan, Kendall Square Design Guidelines, PUD-KS Site Planning and Design
Guidelines and other City plans and guidelines applicable to Kendall Square. The PUD
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
special permit may identify specific components of the development (such as building
design, open space design and other elements) as well as specific modifications to the
Final Development Plan that may be subject to future approval by a written
determination of the Planning Board. Otherwise, any modifications to a Final
Development Plan for a Master Plan Area shall be considered pursuant to the PUD
Amendment provisions set forth in Section 12.37 of this Zoning Ordinance.
13.11.4
Master Plan Criteria. A Final Development Plan for a Master Plan Area shall meet the
following objectives, subject to approval by the Planning Board:
(1) Providing a mix of commercial, including research and technology, and
residential uses, with particular emphasis on housing and ground-floor retail, to
encourage activity throughout the day and evening.
(2) Incorporating a diversity of housing typologies and dwelling sizes that are
appealing and accessible to a variety of users.
(3) Breaking up large blocks to increase permeability and create a fine-grained
network of connections that seamlessly integrates the PUD district with the
surrounding urban fabric of Kendall Square and East Cambridge.
(4) Sensitively managing the height and bulk of new buildings to mitigate impacts
on surrounding uses and public space.
(5) Creating an integrated network of high-quality streets and open spaces,
including significant space for public gathering and recreation, that encourages
and fosters a sense of community, civic engagement, social interaction,
economic development and environmental sustainability.
(6) Providing a strong street edge on major public streets, including Broadway and
Third Street, to create a memorable “main street” experience.
(7) Providing active ground floors that animate streets and open spaces, and add
to the vitality of Kendall Square.
(8) Enhancing the architectural diversity of the district to harness the spirit of
innovation and creativity in Kendall Square.
(9) Promoting environmental sustainability in building and site design.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
13.12
Uses Allowed in a PUD-KS District. The uses listed in this Section 13.12, alone or in
combination with each other, shall be allowed upon permission of the Planning Board. The
amount and extent of uses may be further regulated and limited as set forth elsewhere in this
Section 13.10.
13.12.1 Residential Uses
(1) Townhouse Development. Any special permits for parking arrangements for townhouse
development required by Section 11.10 shall be granted by the Planning Board in a Planned
Unit Development in a PUD-KS district.
(2) Multifamily dwellings.
13.12.1.1 Transient Residential Uses
For the purposes of this Section 13.10, the following Transient Residential Uses shall be
considered non-residential uses
(1) Hotels or motels
13.12.2
Transportation, Communication, Utility and Institutional Uses. All uses listed in sections 4.32
and 4.33 and which are allowed or conditionally allowed in the base zoning district.
Telephone exchange use set forth in 4.32 g (1) shall be permitted provided that any facility
having a floor area greater than four hundred (400) square feet shall only be permitted in a
building in existence as of June 1, 2001 that, if vacant, has not been occupied by a residential
use in the five years immediately preceding the time of application for a Certificate Of
Occupancy for the proposed use, or if occupied, the current use is any office and laboratory
use, Section 4.34; any retail business and consumer service establishment, Section 4.35; any
light industry, wholesale business or storage use, Section 4.37; or any heavy industry use,
Section 4.38.
13.12.3
Office and Laboratory Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.34.
13.12.4
Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishments. The following retail uses shall be
permitted, provided that the total amount of retail Gross Floor Area (GFA) in the District PUD
does not exceed 70,000 square feetfive percent (5%) of the total GFA in the PUD and no
individual establishment exceeds ten thousand (10,000) square feet of Gross Floor AreaGFA
Provisions for retail space are
modified to reflect the desire for
expanded retail in the K2 Plan.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
unless the Planning Board determines in writing that more retail GFA and establishments of a
greater size better serve the residents within the PUD district and in adjacent districts and
better advance the policies set forth in the Eastern CambridgeK2 Plan and the Eastern
CambridgeKendall Square Design Guidelines.
(1) Store for retail sale of merchandise
a. Establishment providing convenience goods such as drug stores, food stores,
tobacco, newspaper and magazine stores, variety stores, and liquor stores.
b. Other retail establishments
(1)(2)
Stationery and office supply store.
(2)(3)
Printing and reproduction service establishment, photography studio.
(3)(4)
Other store for retail sale of merchandise located in a structure primarily
containing non-retail use provided no manufacturing, assembly or packaging occur on the
premises.
(4)(5)
Barber shop, beauty shop, laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up agency, shoe repair,
self-service laundry or other similar establishments.
(5)(6)
Restaurants or other eating and drinking establishments listed in Subsection 4.35
e, f, and g.
(6)(7)
Theater or hall for public gatherings.
(8) Art/Craft Studio
(9) Bakery, Retail
13.12.5
Institutional Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.33 f and g.
13.12.6
Other Uses. Any use not listed in subsections 13.12.1 through 13.12.4, otherwise allowed in a
Business B District may be allowed by the Planning Board only upon written determination by
the Board that such use is consistent with the objectives of the PUD-KS district and the
policies and guidelines set forth in the ECaPSK2 Plan.
13.13
District Dimensional Regulations.
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13.13.1
Permitted FAR. In the PUD-KS District the maximum ratio of floor area to Development Parcel
shall be 3.0 4.5, subject to the further use limitations set forth below in Section 13.13.11. For
the purposes of calculating FAR, the GFA of the following uses shall be exempt from
the requirements of this Section 13.13.1:
(1) GFA devoted exclusively to a use designated as Other Government Facility in the
Table of Use Regulations on a Government Owned Lot, as set forth in the
provisions of Section 13.113 below. Notwithstanding such exemption, a
Government Owned Lot can be included in calculating the area of a Development
Parcel.
(2) GFA devoted to retail and consumer service uses, provided the GFA is located on
the ground floor or basement level, is clearly identified within the Active Use Plan
as described in Section 13.112.1 below (though the exempt GFA may exceed the
required Active Use), fronts on and has a public entrance onto a public street, park,
or plaza, and for each individual establishment the GFA does not exceed 5,000
square feet. The Planning Board may approve such an exemption for a space of a
larger size if it is devoted to a particular type of retail that is desired in the
neighborhood but requires a larger space to be feasible.
(3) Fifty (50) percent of the GFA devoted to innovation office space, up to a maximum
of five (5) percent of non-residential GFA in a Final Development Plan, as described
in Section 13.112.3.3 below.
13.13.1.1 Limitations on Non-Residential Development. In the PUD-KS District all non-residential uses
shall be further limited as set forth below. Where the amount of non-residential GFA is limited
to a percentage of the total GFA authorized, the calculation shall be based on GFA authorized
exclusive of any GFA that may be constructed as a result of the application of the FAR
bonuses permitted in Section 11.200 or any GFA devoted exclusively to structured parking.
(1) For any lot or combination of lots held in common ownership as of June 1, 2001 having in
total an area of less than five acres, the total GFA devoted to non-residential uses shall not
exceed ten (10) percent of the total GFA authorized in a PUD for that portion of a PUD
Development Parcel containing such lot or lots, or any portion thereof. This limitation shall
apply to each Development Parcel individually. This limitation shall not apply to any individual
lot created subsequent to the Planning Board’s approval of the PUD Final Development Plan.
The increased FAR and exemptions
are in accordance with the
recommendations of the K2 study.
The base FAR is set at 4.5 rather
than 4.0 because the “inclusionary
bonus” is removed below to simplify
the affordable housing calculation.
This text is removed because the
FAR bonus for affordable housing is
removed further below.
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
Notwithstanding the above limitations, additional non-residential GFA shall be permitted as set
forth in Paragraph (3) below.
(2) For any lot or combination of lots held in common ownership as of June 1, 2001 having in
total an area of more than five (5) acres, the total GFA devoted to non-residential uses shall
not exceed sixty (60) percent of total GFA authorized, exclusive of GFA exempted in
Section 13.13.1 above, inclusive of any GFA otherwise exempt from the provisions of the
Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in a PUD for that portion of a PUD Development Parcel
containing such lot or lots, or any portion thereof. This limitation shall not apply to any
individual lot created subsequent to the Planning Board approval of the PUD Final
Development Plan. The limitations set forth in this Section 13.13.1.1(2) shall not apply to
any individual lot within a Development Parcel created subsequent to the Planning
Board approval of the PUD Final Development Plan.
The Final Development Plan shall include a Phasing Plan providing a general sequence
for the construction of residential and non-residential uses. The Planning Board shall
approve such a Phasing Plan if it is found to ensure that residential uses will be
completed on a schedule that meets the objectives of the City and ensures compliance
with the requirements of this Paragraph (2). In general, non-residential development
shall not be authorized to exceed sixty percent (60%) of the total non-exempt GFA
permitted for non-residential uses until substantial construction activity of residential
uses has commenced. Full completion of the permitted non-residential GFA shall not
be allowed before the full permitted residential development has been completed or
substantial construction activity has commenced. The Planning Board may approve
variations to the standards in this Paragraph if the Phasing Plan is found to be in
general conformance with the intent of this Paragraph.
13.13.1.2 Special Affordable Housing Provisions. For any lot or combination of lots held in
common ownership as of June 1, 2001 having in total an area of more than five (5)
acres, the following requirements shall apply in place of the Inclusionary Housing
requirements set forth in Section 11.200 of this Zoning Ordinance.
a. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Ordinance, no less than ten
percent (10%) of the total floor area devoted to private residential dwelling units
shall be devoted to Affordable Units in accordance with the definitions and
Required residential development is
kept at the same percentage as
recommended in the K2 Plan.
Standards for phasing are added.
In addition, the typical Inclusionary
Housing requirements are
superseded by a required
percentage of Affordable (low‐to‐
moderate income) and Middle‐
Income residential space that does
not result in an additional floor area
bonus. Because no bonus is
provided, the requirement (as a
percentage of total housing)
exceeds the amount of affordable
housing required under current
zoning. However, in recognition of
the desire to provide larger‐sized
affordable units, the requirement is
conceived as a percentage of floor
area rather than a number of units.
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procedures set forth in Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance. Such Affordable
Units shall be distributed evenly throughout all residential buildings within the PUD.
b. In addition to the Affordable Units specified in Paragraph (a) above, no less than
five percent (5%) of the total floor area devoted to private residential dwelling units
shall be devoted to Middle Income Units. In a Master Plan Area, such Middle Income
Units may be located in one or more residential buildings, provided that buildings
containing Middle Income Units are identified in the Housing Plan and Phasing
Plan. For the purposes of this Section 13.13.12, Middle Income Units shall be
defined as residential dwelling units for which:
i.
the occupancy is restricted to households whose total income exceeds
eighty percent (80%) but does not exceed one hundred twenty percent
(120%) of the median income of households in the Boston Standard
Metropolitan Statistical Area adjusted for family size, or such other
equivalent income standard as may be determined by the Board of Trustees
of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and
ii. the rent (including utilities) does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the
income of the renting household or, in the instance of home ownership
units, the monthly mortgage payment (including insurance, utilities and real
estate taxes) does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the income of the
purchasing household, or such other equivalent standard as may be
determined by the Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
c. In general, Affordable Units and Middle Income Units shall be provided in
accordance with the Standards for Construction and Occupancy set forth in Section
11.204 of this Zoning Ordinance. As an exception, to serve the objective of
providing additional two-bedroom and three-bedroom units suitable for families
with children, the Planning Board may approve a Final Development Plan providing
Affordable Units and Middle Income Units that are, on average, larger in area than
the other dwelling units in the building. Where such units are larger in size, they
may be accordingly fewer in number, provided that the requirements in Paragraph
(a) and (b) are met. Nevertheless, Affordable Units and Middle Income Units shall be
reasonably distributed throughout a building and may not have different interior or
exterior finishes from other units, and occupants shall have access to common
amenities available to other residents of the building. For a Master Plan Area, the
Housing Plan component of a Development Proposal must indicate the approximate
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
mix of unit types and sizes for Affordable Units and Middle-Income Units in each
residential building if the units are not proposed to be distributed proportionally
within each building.
d. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11.203.2 of the Inclusionary Housing
requirements, no increase in Floor Area Ratio or Gross Floor Area beyond the
limitations set forth in Section 13.13.1 shall be provided for a PUD subject to the
requirements of this Section 13.13.1.2.
e. Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) through (d) above, if the Inclusionary Housing
requirements applicable citywide are amended subsequent to June 1, 2015 such
that more than fifteen percent (15%) of the total floor area devoted to residential
units must be devoted to Affordable Units or Middle Income Units, then those
citywide Inclusionary Housing requirements shall supersede the requirements of
this Section 13.13.1.2.
Notwithstanding the above limitations, additional non-residential GFA shall be permitted as set
forth in Paragraph (3) below.
At least ninety-five (95) percent of the authorized non-residential GFA must be located on the
portion of said lot or lots having an Office 2 base district designation.
However, where circumstances related to the transfer of property from the federal government
to other governmental or private entities (for the purpose of private development on a portion
or all of the land in the control of the federal government) the Planning Board may in its
discretion approve a Final Development Plan providing GFA in excess of sixty (60) percent of
the authorized GFA in the PUD provided it is conclusively demonstrated to the Planning Board
that all residential GFA required to be developed on such lot or lots in their entirety, by this
Paragraph, has already been constructed.
(3) For the entire PUD-KS district, the first 50,000 square feet of retail and customer service
uses authorized in total in all approved PUDs shall not be counted toward the non-residential
GFA limitations of Paragraphs (1) and (2) above provided the GFA is located on the ground
floor of a multistory building, fronts on and has a public entrance onto Third Street, Broadway,
or a public park, and for each individual establishment the GFA does not exceed 10,000
square feet.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
13.13.2
Minimum Development Parcel Size. The minimum size of a Development Parcel within the
PUD-KS shall be the greater of (1) 40,000 square feet or (2) seventy-five percent of the area
of a lot or combination of lots (a) in existence as of June 1, 2001 and (b) held in common
ownership where it is proposed to incorporate any portion of such lot or lots within the
Development Parcel. A Development Parcel within the PUD-KS may contain noncontiguous
lots elsewhere in the PUD-KS district or within a contiguous PUD district. There shall be no
specified minimum lot size for lots located within a Development Parcel.
However, where circumstances related to the transfer of property from the federal government
to other governmental or private entities (for the purpose of private development on a portion
or all of the land in the control of the federal government) limit the feasibility of creating a
Development Parcel meeting the size requirements of this Section 13.13.2, the Planning
Board may in its discretion approve a PUD application having a smaller Development Parcel
size.
13.13.3
Residential Density. For the purpose of computing residential density, the minimum lot size for
each dwelling unit shall be three hundred (300) square feet. Residential density shall be
computed based on the entire development parcel. There shall be no required minimum
Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit in the PUD-KS District.
13.13.4
Maximum Building Height.
13.13.4.1 The maximum height permitted in the district shall be sixty-five (65) two hundred fifty (250)
feet except as it may be further limited or permitted below. The permitted heights are further
illustrated on the Building Height Regulation Map for the PUD-KS, Map 13.11.
(1) Reduced Building Height to One Hundred Forty Feet. The maximum height shall be
reduced to one hundred forty (140) feet in portions of the PUD-KS District within
one hundred fifty (150) feet of the centerline of Binney Street.
(2) Reduced Building Height to Eighty-Five Feet. The maximum height shall be further
reduced to eighty-five (85) feet in the portion of the PUD-KS District bounded by the
centerline of Binney Street, the centerline of Third Street, a line four hundred
twenty-five (425) feet north of and parallel to the centerline of Broadway, and a line
seventy-five (75) feet west of and parallel to the centerline of Fifth Street, including
the extension of such lines to their intersection with other reference lines identified
in this Paragraph.
The K2 study recommends removing
limits on unit density to allow for a
variety of unit types and sizes,
including micro‐units.
Height limits are modified to
establish a base height of 250 feet
(as in the adjacent MXD District),
with reductions to 85 feet in areas
adjacent to existing housing of that
scale, reductions to 140 feet
elsewhere along Binney Street, and
the option to increase height to 350
feet in the section closest to
Broadway, and to allow no more
than one building that may be even
taller (with a strict limit of 500 feet).
See map for reference.
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
(3) Increased Building Height to Three Hundred Fifty Feet or Five Hundred Feet. In the
portion of the district within a distance of four hundred twenty-five (425) feet from
the centerline of Broadway, the Planning Board may approve one building that is of
exceptional architectural quality to exceed two hundred fifty (250) feet but not to
exceed five hundred (500) feet, and other buildings to exceed two hundred fifty (250)
feet but not to exceed three hundred fifty (350) feet, provided that no more than
twenty percent (20%) of the area of that portion of the district may be covered by
buildings or parts of buildings exceeding two hundred fifty (250) feet in height.
Additional Building Height to Eighty-Five Feet. The maximum height shall be eighty-five (85)
feet in the areas described below:
(a) An area bounded by the centerlines of Fifth Street, Monroe Street, Third
Street and Potter Street.
(b) An area bounded by the centerline of Potter Street and its northwesterly extension; then
the centerline of the former Sixth Street (the MXD district boundary line); then a line
northeasterly of, parallel to and two hundred (200) feet distant from the northeasterly sideline
of Broadway; then a line northwesterly of, parallel to, and three hundred (300) feet distant from
the northwesterly sideline of Third Street, to the point of beginning.
(2) Additional Building Height to One Hundred and Twenty Feet. The maximum height shall be
one hundred and twenty (120) feet in that area bounded by areas described in Paragraph (1)
above; then the centerline of Third Street; then a line northeasterly of, parallel to, and one
hundred (100) distant from the northeasterly sideline of Broadway; then the centerline of the
former Sixth Street (the MXD district boundary line) to the point of beginning.
(3) Additional Building Height to One Hundred and Eighty Feet with Portions to Two Hundred
and Fifty Feet. The maximum height shall be one hundred and eighty (180) feet in that area
bounded by the area described in Paragraph (2) above; then the centerline of Third Street;
then the centerline of Broadway; and then the centerline of the former Sixth Street (the MXD
district boundary line) to the point of beginning. However, portions of buildings may rise above
one hundred and eighty (180) feet to no more than two hundred and fifty (250) feet provided
the area of all floorplates of portions of buildings above 180 feet do not exceed ten percent of
the total area of the Development Parcel.
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
(4) Portions of Buildings limited to Forty-five Feet. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Paragraphs (1) – (3) above, any portion of a building that is within fifty (50) feet of an existing
or proposed Public Open Space or single intervening street abutting that open space may
exceed 45 feet only if for each floor above 45 feet, that floor is set back an additional 10 feet
from the façade of the floor below, until the maximum height is attained, or until a 20 foot
setback from the façade at 45 feet is attained. Alternately, a set back of 20 feet from the
façade of the building at a height of 45 feet shall be permitted, and the remaining portions of
the building allowed to achieve the maximum height permitted in Paragraphs (1) – (3) above or
any variation between the two provisions.
13.13.42 The Planning Board shall not approve any Final Development Plan in the PUD-KS District not
in conformance with the regulations of Section 13.13.4 above. In the portion of the PUD-KS
that allows buildings to 200 feet or more, the Planning Board may approve a building up to 250
feet if other buildings or portions of buildings in that portion of the Development Parcel are no
higher than one hundred and fifty (150) feet.
13.13.43.2 In evaluating a development proposalDevelopment Proposal and/or a Site Massing Plan
for a Master Plan Area providing building height in excess of one hundred and twenty (120)
one hundred twenty-five (125) feet, the Planning Board shall give consideration to evidence
presented on the following:
(a) that increased height is located on the site and designed in such a way to reduce the
impact of shadows, excessive wind, and obstruction of light and views, with specific
consideration given to residential buildings and public spaces will not cast shadows or
alter air currents in ways that will unreasonably limit the amount of light and air reaching other
buildings in the vicinity to a significantly greater extent than if the building height did not
exceed one hundred and twenty (120) feet;
(b) that increased height would mitigate detrimental environmental impacts such as
excessive ground coverage, diminution of open space, and monotonous development;
(c) that increased height would not adversely affect and would result in increased sensitivity to
the visual and physical characteristics of the particular location be sensitively managed to
provide an appropriate scale at interfaces with adjoining lower scale uses, such as
through more harmonious relationships to the terrain and to the proposed and existing
buildings and open spaces in the vicinity that have functional or visual relationships to the
proposed building;
The criteria for height review are
changed somewhat to be more
consistent with the vision of the K2
Plan and the Kendall Square Design
Guidelines.
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that increased height would result from actions taken to lessen the impact of traffic and
parking on the surrounding area; and
that the orientation and location of the proposed structure would not otherwise diminish the
health and safety of the area around the development parcel.
The(d) if applicable, the additional height permits accommodation of GFA transferred from
the Eastern Cambridge Development Rights Transfer Donating District.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraphs (a) through (d) above, the Planning
Board shall give consideration to the consistency of any Final Development Plan in
achieving the design and site planning goals, as well as the measures set out to
achieve these goals, as set forth in the Kendall Square Design Guidelines.
13.13.5
Other Dimensional Requirements. There shall be no minimum width for the Ddevelopment
Pparcel and no minimum width for lots located within the Ddevelopment Pparcel. There shall
be no minimum required front, rear and side yard requirements for a Ddevelopment Pparcel or
for lots located within a Ddevelopment Pparcel. The Planning Board shall approve all such lot
sizes and building setbacks.
13.14
Open Space. The following Open Space requirements shall be met on each Development
Parcel.
(1) For that portion of a Development Parcel consisting of lots described in Section 13.13.1.1,
Paragraph (1) above, any combination of Public Open Space, Green Area Open Space or
Permeable Open Space, as defined in this Ordinance, shall be provided on the Development
Parcel and shall in the aggregate equal at least twenty (20) percent of the area of that portion
of the Development Parcel.
(2) For that portion of a Development Parcel or Master Plan Area consisting of lots described
in Section 13.13.1.1, Paragraph (2) above, any combination of Public Open Space, Green
Area Open Space or Permeable Open Space, as defined in this Ordinance, shall be provided
on the Development Parcel and shall in the aggregate equal at least Forty-two (42) twenty-
five (25) percent of the area of that portion of the Development Parcel, subject to the further
limitations set forth in Section 13.14.1 below. For the purpose of this Section 13.10, Open
Space on a Government Owned Lot in accordance with Section 13.113 shall be
For larger development parcels (i.e.,
the Volpe parcel), the current
complex and onerous open space
requirements are replaced with a
simple requirement that at least
25% of the development parcel be
public open space as currently
defined in the Zoning Ordinance.
This would remain the highest open
space requirement for any large
development area in the city, and
would result in at least 3.5 acres of
public open space being created if
the site is redeveloped.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
considered Public Open Space as defined in this Zoning Ordinance provided that it is
intended for the use and enjoyment of the general public.
Owners of adjacent Development Parcels may collectively provide the required open space by
easement, deed restriction, covenant, or comparable legal instrument enforceable by the City
of Cambridge or other public entity provided the Planning Board finds that the owners of
each Development Parcel have provided written evidence of an agreement that the total
amount of open space required for both Development Parcels is provided and that the
Open Space Plans for each Development Parcel meet the standards for approval. In that
event, the Planning Board shall record in the Special Permits for each PUD the amount
of open space required on each Development Parcel each Development Parcel shall, for
purposes of this Section 13.10 be deemed to include that portion of such open space as the
owners shall allocate to it in chosen legal instrument.
All required open space shall be generally accessible to the public for reasonable periods
throughout the day for the purposes for which the open space is designed and approved by
the Planning Board, which may include but not be limited to walking, bicycling, active and
passive recreation. The Planning Board must approve any proposal to significantly limit public
access to the required open space.
13.14.1
Required Public Open Space. For that open space required in Section 13.14, Paragraph (2)
above, the required open space shall consist in part of a contiguous 7.5 acre Public Open
Space to be located in the northwest quadrant of the PUD-KS district as further described and
located in the Eastern Cambridge Plan. The Public Open Space shall be under the control of
the City of Cambridge through fee simple conveyance, easement, or other legal mechanism
acceptable to the City. In the event that the City of Cambridge does not accept the facility, the
PUD permittee shall maintain the park for the use of the general public as originally designed
and approved by the Planning Board in the Special Permit. The Public Open Space shall be
designed and constructed by the permittee according to the conditions of the PUD special
Permit and when conveyed to the City shall be environmentally and otherwise suitable for the
recreational uses for which it is designed.
However, where circumstances related to the transfer of property from the federal government
to other governmental or private entities (for the purpose of private development on a portion
or all of the land in the control of the federal government) limit the feasibility of creation of a
7.5 acre park, the Planning Board may at its discretion approve a Final Development Plan
providing a contiguous Public Open Space of less than 7.5 acres. In approving such a Final
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Development Plan the Planning Board shall find that a smaller facility continues to meet the
objectives of the Eastern Cambridge Plan and the Eastern Cambridge Design Guidelines.
13.14.2
The Planning Board shall encourage development that is located adjacent to a Public Open
Space to be physically and functionally integrated with the open space by means of building
orientation, active frontages, location of building entrances, pedestrian linkages between
major activity centers, and similar techniques in accordance with the objectives set forth in
the K2 Plan and the Kendall Square Design Guidelines.
13.15
Perimeter and transition. Any part of the perimeter of a PUD-KS which fronts on an existing or
future street or public open space should be so designed as to complement and harmonize
with adjacent land uses with respect to scale, density, setback, bulk, height, landscaping, and
screening. Developments in the PUD-KS district should provide integrated pedestrian
circulation systems, with particularly strong linkages to the Broad Canal and the riverfront,
Kendall Square, and the Eastern Cambridge neighborhoods.
13.17
Parking and Loading Requirements. Development in the PUD-KS District shall conform to the
off street Parking and Loading Requirements set forth in Article 6.000, and in the Schedule of
Parking and Loading Requirements applicable to the Residence C-3, Office 3, Business B and
Industry B districts, except as modified by this Section 13.17.
13.17.1
With regard to uses contained within new commercial buildings, provided that the
requirements of Section 6.23 of the Ordinance are met, the parking requirements of this
Section 13.17 may be satisfied (a) anywhere in the PUD-KS District or, if located outside
of the PUD-KS District, within 2,000 feet of the use being served, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in Article 6.000; and (b) in total or in part by a lease
agreement between the Developer and the City, other public entity or private owner or
consortium for use of parking spaces in the public or pooled private parking facilities
within said area.
13.17.2
All parking provided within an approved PUD shall be considered collectively
accessory to all approved uses within the PUD. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in Article 6.000, this Ordinance shall not restrict the management and
assignment of parking spaces in a way that will most efficiently utilize the existing and
proposed parking spaces to serve all approved uses. As an exception to these rules, all
parking spaces (whether existing or proposed) that are accessory to an Other
Some additions are made to
encompass perimeter connections
identified in the K2 Plan and
Connect Kendall Square process.
Current parking requirements are
deleted and replaced with those
recommended in the K2 study.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
Government Facility use as listed in Section 4.33, paragraph (g) of the Table of Use
Regulations shall be distinctly identified and shall not be accessory to any other uses.
13.17.3
Minimum Parking. In approving a Final Development Plan for a Development Parcel, the
Planning Board may waive any minimum parking requirements applicable in the zoning
district, with the exception that parking for residential uses shall not be less than 0.5
parking spaces per dwelling unit. The Planning Board may approve arrangements for
shared parking of such residential parking spaces with commercial spaces. The
Planning Board shall specify a minimum parking requirement for a PUD based on
review and analysis of Transportation Impact Studies and other relevant information on
parking demand provided in application documents, including the Shared Parking
Study as required below and with the guidance of City agencies.
13.17.4
Maximum Parking. Maximum allowed parking for a PUD shall be limited by applying the
rates set forth below to each use within the PUD and taking the summation of the result
for all uses. For any use not listed below, the maximum parking ratio set forth in Article
6.000 shall apply. Exceeding the maximum allowed parking shall require a waiver of
maximum parking required under the general provisions of Article 6.000.
a. Maximum of 0.9 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for office uses, excluding
technical office (Section 4.34(a-e)).
b. Maximum of 0.8 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for laboratory use and
technical office uses (Section 4.34(f)).
c. Maximum of 0.75 spaces per residential dwelling unit (Section 4.31(d-g)).
d. Maximum of 0.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of retail (Sections 4.35 and 4.36).
e. Maximum of 1 space per 4 sleeping rooms for hotel use (Section 4.31(i)(2)).
13.17.5
Shared Parking Study. A Development Proposal for development in the PUD-KS District
shall include an analysis of anticipated parking demand for all uses in the development
throughout the course of a typical day and week. This analysis may identify
opportunities for reducing the total amount of parking required to serve all uses
through the sharing of parking spaces by multiple uses. Based on this analysis, the
Planning Board may approve a reduced minimum or maximum parking requirement
upon finding that the approved amount of parking will be sufficient to serve all
permitted uses.
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The notes below are to describe the
proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
13.17.6
Interim Use of Surface Parking. On an interim basis, in anticipation of later
construction of structured parking sufficient to meet all parking requirements, on grade
open parking shall be allowed in a Development Parcel subject to the following
conditions:
(1) The future parking structure will be constructed within the Development Parcel but it
may be located either on or off of the lot which it will serve;
(2) Construction of the replacement parking structure will commence within four years
of the date of certificate of occupancy for the building initially served by on grade
parking;
(3) The future parking structure will contain sufficient spaces for users of the building
initially served by on grade open parking so as to meet the parking requirements for
such building; and
(4) Binding commitments exist to establish, to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Planning Board, that requirements (1) through (3) above shall be satisfied. Such
commitments shall be made by negotiated lease agreement, deed restriction, covenant,
or comparable legal instrument.
13.17.1
Off street parking facilities shall be provided as follows:
(1) Residence: 1 space per unit minimum, 1.5 spaces per unit maximum.
Public Assembly: Number of seats requiring one space: 15.
(3) Institutional: 1 space per 1,800 square feet.
(4) Retail (except as noted in Section 13.17.2 below) and Office:
Ground floor:
1,125 square feet
Other level: 1,800 square feet
13.17.27 Ground Floor Retail and Customer Service Uses. Retail and customer service uses fronting on
and having a public entrance onto a public street or a public open space, located at the first
floor level of a multistory building, and not exceeding 10,000 square feet for each separately
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
leased establishment shall not be required to provide any accessory parking. Where parking is
provided it shall be subject to the other provisions of this Section 13.17.1 above.
13.17.8
Loading. The Planning Board, in its approval of a Final Development Plan, may waive
any requirements for the amount, location and design of loading facilities within a
Development Parcel, and may permit loading facilities to be shared across various uses
and lots within the PUD-KS District.
13.18
Traffic Mitigation Measures. In reviewing a development proposal Development Proposal
under the provisions of this Section 13.7010 and Section 19.20, the Planning Board shall
determine that the proponent has demonstrated, at the time of Final Development Plan
approval, a commitment to a Transportation Demand Management Program consistent with
the reduce parking mandated in this PUD. The measures to be taken in this program must
address:
(1) The amount of parking provided,
(2) The scale of development and the mix of uses proposed, and
(3) The assumptions employed with regard to the proportion of automobile use for those
traveling to the site.
For examples of such Measures, the Planning Board shall refer to the Eastern Cambridge
Plan, Article 18.000, and the requirements of Section 19.20 in establishing Transportation
Demand Management measures applicable to any approved PUD.
13.19
Relationship to MBTA Urban Ring Future Transportation Plansning Project. In all PUD
application documents, the applicant shall indicate how the proposed PUD development
relates physically to future transportation options intended to connect existing radial
transit lines (subway, commuter rail, and bus), as identified in the K2 Plan, including
the implementation of bus rapid transit (BRT) service the most current plans developed by
the MBTA for implementation of the Urban Ring transportation project.
13.110
Residential Uses Abutting Binney Street. Where any Development Proposal locates
residential dwellings along Binney Street, the Planning Board shall, in approving a Final
Development Plan containing such residential units, be satisfied that the negative impacts of
truck and other heavy vehicular traffic on Binney Street will be adequately mitigated for the
residents of the proposed dwelling units. Such mitigation shall be achieved through the
location of the buildings within the Development Parcel and the distribution of activities within
Although the Urban Ring project is
not currently being pursued by the
MBTA, desired transit connections
serving a similar function are
identified in the K2 Plan, such as
connections from Kendall Square to
Sullivan Square and the Longwood
Medical Area.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
those buildings; the provision of setbacks, landscaping and similar kinds of buffers; the
inclusion of non-residential uses at the ground floor; the employment of construction
techniques to minimize the transmission of sound and vibrations; and/or through the
employment of any other appropriate measures.
13.111
Other Housing Provisions. New housing shall include a range of dwelling unit types and
sizes. At a minimum, five percent (5%) of the residential Gross Floor Area in a Final
Development Plan shall be devoted to dwelling units with three bedrooms or more.
13.112
Special Requirements, Conditions and Standards Applicable to Certain Development
Authorized by the Planning Board in Kendall Square. The Planning Board shall approve
a Final Development Plan in the PUD-KS District only after finding that in addition to all
other applicable requirements the following requirements have been met. The Planning
Board shall, in addition, include conditions in the approval of a Final Development Plan
that will ensure ongoing compliance with these requirements.
13.112.1 Required Active Uses. Final Development Plans shall enhance the public pedestrian
usage of the sidewalks and create a sense of neighborhood continuity by providing an
interesting, lively and active presence at street level. Accordingly, for those buildings
in the PUD immediately fronting a public street, public park, or public plaza, with the
exception of buildings on a Government Owned Lot that are exempt from GFA per the
provisions of Section 13.113, the first floors of these buildings shall generally be
planned, designed, constructed and used for Active Uses as defined below. At a
minimum, a total of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the frontage on the ground
floors of such buildings facing Broadway and Third Street shall be devoted to spaces
containing Active Uses. The Planning Board shall review an Active Use Plan as a
component of a Development Proposal and a Final Development Plan describing how
the proposal meets the requirements and intent of this Section. Notwithstanding the
above, the Planning Board, in approving a Final Development Plan, may grant minor
modifications to the requirements set forth in this Section 13.112.1 upon finding that
the proposed Active Use Plan meets the objectives of the District and the K2 Plan.
(a) Definition of Active Uses. For purposes of this Section, “Active Uses” shall mean:
(1) Retail business and consumer service establishments listed in Section 13.12.4;
(2) Institutional uses that are generally open to the public, such as museums and
exhibition spaces; and
This requirement is added to
address the housing goal of
providing units for many household
types, including families with
children.
The following are the requirements
recommended in the K2 Plan for all
areas of Kendall Square. The text is
substantially the same as text in the
MIT Kendall Square zoning adopted
in 2013.
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proposed revisions, and not to be
incorporated into the Ordinance.
(3) Other uses which the Planning Board determines meet the goals of this
Section.
The definition of “Active Uses” shall specifically exclude lobbies or other spaces that
serve an accessory function to upper-story office or laboratory uses.
(b) Building and Site Design Requirements for Active Uses and Open Spaces.
(1) Active Uses shall have one or more entrance(s) from the sidewalk or plaza
separate from the principal entrance of the building serving non-retail uses.
(2) Adequate space shall be provided along sidewalks adjoining active uses for
outdoor activity (e.g. café seating) associated with those uses.
(2) Outdoor courtyards, delineated gathering space, or sitting areas are
encouraged in any approved Final Development Plan.
Prior to submitting an application for a special permit in the PUD-KS District, the
applicant shall engage the services of a consultant or other party with retail expertise to
advise the applicant in connection with retail and other Active Uses to be included in
the applicable Development Parcel. The recommendations of that consultant shall be
included in the applicable special permit application.
13.112.2 Rooftop Mechanical Equipment Noise Mitigation. Sound emanating from rooftop
mechanical equipment on all new or substantially altered structures in an approved
Final Development Plan shall be minimized by the adoption of best available and
feasible practices regarding the location and sizing of equipment, the selection of
equipment and sound attenuation measures.
At a minimum, any noise or vibration emanating from new commercial or substantially
altered commercial buildings shall not be normally perceptible at ground level without
instruments at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the source lot line and shall
comply with the provisions of the City of Cambridge Noise Ordinance applicable to
Commercial Areas (as such term is defined in the Noise Ordinance).
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
In order to enforce these requirements, the applicant shall provide, in addition to a
Noise Mitigation narrative required as part of Article 19.000 review, acoustical reports
prepared by a professional acoustical engineer as described below:
(a) Prior to and as a condition of the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy for a
new or substantially altered commercial building, an acoustical report, including
field measurements, demonstrating compliance of such building with all applicable
noise requirements; and
(b) Prior to obtaining any building permit to add any new equipment having a capacity
greater than five (5) horsepower to the rooftop, a narrative report demonstrating
that there will be continued compliance with all applicable noise requirements after
such addition, and upon completion of such addition and as a condition thereof, an
acoustical report, including field measurements, demonstrating such compliance.
13.112.3 Innovation Space. A Development Proposal containing at least two hundred thousand
(200,000) square feet of new Office Uses, specifically excluding any office space
designated as Other Government Facility on a Government Owned Lot pursuant to
Section 13.113, shall include a plan for Innovation Office Space meeting the
requirements of Section 13.112.3.1.
13.112.3.1 Required Space. For a Development Proposal containing new Office Uses (specifically
excluding any office space designated as an Other Government Facility on a
Government Owned Lot pursuant to Section 13.113), Innovation Office Space within the
PUD-KS District must occupy GFA equal to, or in excess of, the amount of GFA that is
five percent (5%) of the new GFA approved in the Final Development Plan for Office
Uses. Existing GFA within the PUD-KS District may be used to meet this requirement.
Where at least 40,000 square feet of Innovation Office Space is required, Innovation
Office Space may be distributed in separate buildings, provided, however, that each
separate “unit” of Innovation Office Space, contains at least 20,000 square feet. If less
than 40,000 square feet of Innovation Office Space is required to be contained in the
PUD-KS District, the Innovation Office Space must be contained in a single building.
Developers of properties within the PUD-KS District may collaborate with property
owners in adjacent zoning districts in the Kendall Square area to develop joint
Innovation Office Space. In such a case, the total square footage of Joint Innovation
Office Space must be large enough to satisfy the sum of the requirements, if any, for
such participating Developers and zoning districts.
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
13.112.3.2 Characteristics. For the purposes of this Section 13.112.3.2, Innovation Office Space
shall have the following characteristics:
(a) Durations of lease agreements (or other similar occupancy agreements) with
individual business entities shall be for periods of approximately one (1) month.
(b) No single business entity may occupy more than 2,000 square feet or ten percent
(10%) of the entire Innovation Office Space required to be provided in the PUD-KS
District, whichever is greater. The average size of separately contracted private
suites may not exceed 200 square feet of GFA.
(c) Innovation Office Space shall include shared resources (i.e., co-working areas,
conference space, office equipment, supplies and kitchens) available to all tenants
and must occupy at least fifty percent (50%) of the Innovation Office Space.
Individual entities occupying Innovation Office Space may include small business
incubators and accelerators, small research laboratories, office space for investors
and entrepreneurs, facilities for teaching and for theoretical, basic and applied
research, product development and testing prototype fabrication or production of
experimental products. Developers within the PUD-KS District obligated to provide
Innovation Office Space, must provide an annual report to the City’s Community
Development Department showing the location and size of all Innovation Office
Space, the number of separately leased spaces, information regarding the number
of tenants, size of company, and area of endeavor.
13.112.3.3 GFA deductions for Innovation Office Space. For a Development Proposal required to
provide Innovation Office Space, 50% of the required GFA devoted to Innovation Office
Space shall not be counted toward the FAR requirements of 13.13.1 and the non-
residential GFA limitations as set forth in Section 13.13.1.1.
13.112.3.4 Variations. In approving a Final Development Plan or a Minor Amendment to a Final
Development Plan, the Planning Board may allow variations in the specific standards
and characteristics set forth in Sections 13.112.3.1 and 13.112.3.2 above, if the Planning
Board finds that the Innovation Office Space, as proposed, will be consistent with the
purposes of these standards and characteristics.
13.112.4 Sustainability. New buildings constructed within the PUD-KS District shall comply with
the provisions of Section 22.20 of the Ordinance. For those construction projects
subject to Section 22.23, LEED certification at the Gold level or better is required. In
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
connection with the submission requirements of Section 22.24.2.a., the Developer of
such buildings shall submit a Statement of Energy Design Intent produced through the
EnergyStar Target Finder tool, or comparable method. New buildings in the PUD-KS
District must incorporate an integrated design approach and incorporate the best
practices for meeting sustainability in the following five (5) areas:
(a) Energy and Emissions; Steam. Each new building must conserve building energy
and, to the extent applicable, reduce carbon/GHG emissions. The Developer, with
each Development within the PUD-KS District, must evaluate the potential for on-
site energy generation or the construction of co-generation facilities within the
PUD-KS District. A Development Proposal for a commercial building shall include a
study, prepared by the Developer, considering the feasibility of connecting the
building(s) identified in the Development Proposal to the existing district steam
system.
(b) Urban Site and Landscaping; Water Management. The Developer, for each new
building, must explore opportunities for (i) potable water use reductions, (ii) storm
water management using open spaces, (iii) the incorporation of indigenous
vegetation, and, (iv) stormwater for irrigation purposes. At a minimum, all new
buildings within the PUD-KS District must meet the Department of Public Works’
standards for water quality management and the retention/detention of the
difference between the 2-year 24-hour pre-construction runoff hydrograph and the
post-construction 25-year 24-hour runoff hydrograph. The design of buildings and
outdoor spaces must also provide for vegetation such as canopy trees, green
walls and other measures to reduce urban heat gain.
(c) Cool Roofs. All new buildings approved in the District after January 1, 2014, must
employ Functional Green Roofs (as such term is defined in Article 22.000 of this
Zoning Ordinance), high-albedo “white” roofs or a functionally equivalent roofing
system.
(d) Monitoring. All new buildings approved in the PUD-KS District shall be required to
conform to the requirements of the Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure
Ordinance, Chapter 8.67 of the Municipal Code.
(e) In connection with the approval of a Final Development Plan or in connection with
the granting of a Special Permit pursuant to Article 19 of the Ordinance, the
Planning Board may grant dimensional and other zoning relief in order to permit
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
the construction of a co-generation facility or other energy systems that allow
developments to develop shared solutions to minimize energy usage.
(f) A Development Proposal shall include a Sustainability Narrative describing how
the project will meet the requirements set forth in this Section, and shall
additionally describe the consistency of the proposed development with other
sustainability goals that may be established by the City, such as mitigating urban
heat island effect, promoting district energy systems, and preparedness for
impacts of climate change.
13.112.5 Contribution to Kendall Square Fund. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy
for any building authorized by a PUD special permit in the PUD-KS District and
containing non-residential uses not exempt from GFA pursuant to Section 13.13.1, the
permittee shall be required to contribute to a Kendall Square Fund established by the
City Manager. The contribution (referred to as a “Fund Contribution Payment”) shall be
calculated by multiplying ten dollars ($10.00) by the number of square feet of new GFA
greater than is permitted in the base districts for all non-residential uses not exempt
from GFA pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.13.1. The City shall use the Fund
Contribution Payment pursuant to this Section 13.112.5.
(a) Open Space and Transit Improvements. 67% of any Fund Contribution Payments
shall be allocated for the establishment and betterment of publicly beneficial open
spaces located in the PUD-KS District and adjoining neighborhoods, and
transportation improvements and services to benefit the Kendall Square
neighborhood and adjacent neighborhoods not already required by the City of
Cambridge Parking and Traffic Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance. The open
space and transit improvement funds shall be allocated at the direction of a
committee appointed by the City Manager, which committee shall contain
representatives from Kendall Square and adjacent neighborhoods.
(b) Workforce Development and Training. Thirty-three percent (33%) of any Fund
Contribution Payment shall be allocated separately for workforce development
serving residents throughout the City of Cambridge. The workforce development
and training funds shall be allocated at the direction of a committee appointed by
the City Manager.
13.113
Special Requirements Related to Government Use on Government Owned Lots. Where
a Development Parcel or Master Plan Area in the PUD-KS district includes a
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incorporated into the Ordinance.
Government Owned Lot as it is defined below, the special provisions set forth in this
Section 13.113 shall apply notwithstanding any other regulations to the contrary set
forth in this Ordinance.
(a) For the purpose of this Section 13.113, a Government Owned Lot shall mean a lot
owned by the federal government that may be developed in conjunction with a
transfer of land to a private entity, where such transferred land abuts the
Government Owned Lot, and where, for the convenience of the government, the
Government Owned Lot is included as part of a Development Parcel or Master Plan
Area. If so included, such Government Owned Lot shall be clearly identified in a
Development Proposal and Final Development Plan.
(b) Uses on a Government Owned Lot categorized as Other Government Facility in
Section 4.33, item (g) in the Table of Use Regulations in this Zoning Ordinance, if
included within a Final Development Plan, shall be exempt from the requirements
set forth in this Section 13.113 and elsewhere in the Ordinance, including but not
limited to Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limitations, limitations on non-residential use
allowed in a Final Development Plan, Active Use requirements, Innovation Space
requirements, Community Fund contributions and Incentive Zoning contributions.
(c) Notwithstanding the above, a Government Owned Lot shall be included in
calculating the area of a Development Parcel for all purposes, including the
calculation of FAR limitations and Open Space requirements. Public Open Space on
a Government Owned Lot may be counted toward meeting the open space
requirements of Section 13.14, regardless of any temporary limitations on access or
use that may be imposed by the controlling government entity.
(d) If a Special Permit has been granted authorizing development on a Development
Parcel or Master Plan Area containing a Government Owned Lot in accordance with
a Final Development Plan, and the controlling government entity later separates the
Government Owned Lot from the remainder of the Development Parcel or Master
Plan Area, then no future modification to development on the Government Owned
Lot shall affect the development authorized in the approved Final Development Plan
on the remainder of the Development Parcel or Master Plan Area, and such
development shall be allowed to proceed in accordance with the Final Development
Plan.
These provisions are included
acknowledging that the
development of Federal facilities
would, under normal circumstances,
be immune from local regulation.
There would be a benefit to
including such facilities in a PUD
plan rather than having them
developed separately on a stand‐
alone site. This text seeks to remove
requirements that may be seen as
impediments by a Federal agency, to
incentivize development of
government facilities within a PUD
area.
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(e) If a Special Permit has been granted authorizing development on a Development
Parcel or Master Plan Area containing a Government Owned Lot in accordance with
a Final Development Plan, and the ownership of the Government Owned Lot is later
transferred such that it no longer meets the definition of a Government Owned Lot
as set forth in Paragraph (a) above, then the provisions of this Subsection 13.113
shall no longer apply and any modifications to the Final Development Plan shall be
required to conform to the requirements and procedures set forth in Article 12.000
and this Section 13.10 along with other applicable provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance.
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Third St
Binney St
Rogers St
Broadway
Bent St
Potter St
Sixth St
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Fifth St
Kendall St
Ames St
Broad Canal Way
Hayward St
Dock St
Athenaeum St
Deacon St
Wadsworth St
Linskey Way
Carleton St
Fifth St
Extent of
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225
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Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Third Square
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Binney St
Third St
Broadway
Rogers St
Potter St
Galilei Way
Ames St
Athenaeum St
Linskey Way
Munroe St
Fifth St
Sixth St
Kendall St
Broad Canal Way
East Kendall St
West Kendall St
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Hayward St
Fifth St
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250-500'
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Binney St
Third St
Broadway
Rogers St
Potter St
Galilei Way
Ames St
Athenaeum St
Linskey Way
Munroe St
Fifth St
Sixth St
Kendall St
Broad Canal Way
East Kendall St
West Kendall St
Fulkerson St
Hayward St
Fifth St
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