Search ▸ Communication to the City Council
the proposed CambridgeSide PUD-8 District
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 8 DISTRICT
13.100
Purpose. The PUD-8 District is intended to provide for the creation of a vibrant
13.101
mixed-use district of high quality general and technical office and lab use, active
commercial use, including retail, fitness and restaurant, components of residential use
and enhancement of open space to serve residents of the District and the surrounding
neighborhoods, as well as workers, students and visitors. The PUD-8 District
encourages strong connections between the neighborhoods of eastern Cambridge and
new development in that area, particularly along First Street, the East Cambridge
riverfront (focusing on Lechmere Canal) and the PUD-8 area. It also promotes retail-
and service-oriented ground floors that will activate surrounding public streets and
spaces, such as First Street and Lechmere Canal Park. The expectation is for the
District to continue to be a recognizable center of activity and economic viability for
East Cambridge and the surrounding neighborhoods in light of the changing
landscape of brick and mortar retail. Development in the PUD-8 District is expected
to meet high standards for urban design, architectural design, environmental
sustainability and open space design. To the extent reasonably practicable and subject
to the provisions of Section 13.107.5 below, new buildings shall be generally
consistent with the policy objectives set forth in the Eastern Cambridge Planning
Study dated October 2001, the guidance provided in the Eastern Cambridge Design
Guidelines dated October 15, 2001, the East Cambridge Riverfront Plan dated May
1978, the East Cambridge Development Review Process and Guidelines dated June,
1985 and the Cambridge Riverfront Plan dated Spring 2011.
PUD-8 Special Permit.
13.102
Eligible Development Parcel. To further the purpose of this Section 13.100, an
13.102.1
applicant may submit a Development Proposal and obtain a special permit from the
Planning Board approving a Final Development Plan for the Development Parcel
located within the PUD-8 District which, at the time of application for a PUD-8
Special Permit, (i) contains at least 100,000 sf of retail and/or restaurant space on the
ground-floor allowed pursuant to a valid special permit under the PUD-4 District, (ii)
contains at least 7.5 acres in area and (iii) is within 600 feet of 3 acres of Public Open
Space. The Development Parcel within the PUD-8 District may contain contiguous or
noncontiguous lots elsewhere in the PUD-8 District or within another PUD District
that are situated within twelve hundred (1200) feet of the boundaries of the PUD-8
District.
PUD-8 Special Permit Approval. The Planning Board may grant a PUD-8 Special
13.102.2
Permit approving a Final Development Plan for the Development Parcel upon finding
that the Final Development Plan is consistent with the criteria set forth below, all
other criteria applicable to approval of any other special permits being sought, and
upon consideration of the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles (as hereinafter defined).
Any modification to a Final Development Plan, the need for which arises for any
reason, shall require a major or minor amendment in accordance with Section 12.37
of this Zoning Ordinance and the provisions of the PUD-8 Special Permit. A PUD-8
Special Permit approving a Final Development Plan may specify a range of
modifications that may be approved as minor amendments to the PUD-8 Special
Permit, which are subject only to written approval of the Planning Board, if such
modifications are found by the Planning Board not to significantly alter the concept of
the approved PUD-8 Special Permit.
PUD-8 Special Permit Requirements. Within the Development Parcel, the locations
13.102.3
of streets and open spaces, the quantities of proposed land uses, and general PUD-8
lots, building envelopes, locations and heights shall be indicated in sufficient detail
that the Planning Board can reasonably assess the impact of the PUD-8 Special Permit
and its general consistency with the PUD-8 Special Permit Criteria set forth in
Section 13.102.4 below. At a minimum, a Development Proposal and subsequent
Final Development Plan must contain the following components:
Site Development Plan — describing how the Development Parcel is divided
(a)
into distinct PUD-8 lots, streets, and open spaces and their development
characteristics, including potential uses and Gross Floor Area (“GFA”).
Site Massing Plan — illustrating the height and massing of building volumes
(b)
for each proposed building site, including representative ground-level views from
selected vantage points, and studies of anticipated shadow and wind impacts resulting
from building mass.
Parking and Loading Plan — identifying the locations of all parking facilities,
(c)
bicycle parking facilities and facilities for loading or other vehicular service functions,
the number of spaces proposed at each location, and explaining in detail any
restrictions or commitments applicable to existing parking facilities, including but not
limited to commercial parking permits, ongoing lease agreements, and programs to
make parking available to off-site users.
Connectivity Plan — illustrating all pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular
(d)
circulation routes within the Development Parcel, their connections to nearby public
circulation routes and destinations outside the Development Parcel, and approximate
locations of access and egress points on each building and parking facility within the
Development Parcel.
Open Space Plan — illustrating and quantifying the areas of all open space
(e)
areas utilized by the development in satisfaction of Section 13.105, including, without
limitation, pedestrian ways providing connectivity to the riverfront.
Ground Floor and Activation Plan — illustrating the conceptual arrangement
(f)
of functions such as retail establishments and other active uses, and residential and
office lobbies at the ground floor of each building in the Development Parcel, as well
as the locations and anticipated sizes of Active Uses that may be required by the
specific provisions of this Section 13.100 and strategies for programming and
activating those spaces.
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Housing Plan — providing the approximate number and mix of housing unit
(g)
types proposed on the residential site, and identifying the anticipated location of
dwelling units that may be required by specific provisions of this Section 13.100.
Phasing Plan — describing the general sequence in which development is
(h)
proposed to proceed.
Sustainability and Resiliency Plan – describing: (1) how the sustainability
(i)
requirements set forth in Section 13.107.4 below will be met; (2) how the proposed
development will promote best practices for environmental sustainability and
resiliency; (3) how the proposed development serves nearby East Cambridge
community-wide needs for emergency refuge or shelter during heat or storm
emergencies in coordination with the Cambridge Climate Vulnerability Assessment
dated February 2017.
Net Zero Plan – describe how the proposed development will address the goals
(j)
set forth in the Net Zero Action Plan, including the potential incorporation of
enhanced commissioning for newly constructed or renovated office and lab buildings,
opportunities for ground source and air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, solar
hot water, bio-fuel emergency power fuel, battery storage, facilities electrification,
airtightness and additional methods to eliminate fossil fuel usage, including in the
context of relevant energy initiatives implemented through the City of Cambridge,
and exploring participation, if available, in any program sponsored by the City of
Cambridge for community renewable energy purchase.
Transportation Plan – incorporating: (1) a Transportation Impact Study
(k)
required by Section 19.20 of this Ordinance; (2) a Shared Parking Study required by
Section 13.106.5 below; (3) a study of the impacts of increased demand on public
transportation services in the East Cambridge area; (4) a description of the
development’s relationship to future regional rail, bus, pedestrian/bicycle and other
transportation system connections in the area; and (5) a Transportation Demand
Management and Mitigation program describing measures which may be incorporated
by the Planning Board into a condition of a PUD-8 Special Permit to offset or
mitigate the development’s impacts on transportation systems, including measures set
forth in this Zoning Ordinance and the City’s planning efforts to be linked to
milestones, thresholds or performance standards. Such studies (and the
recommendations set forth therein) shall account for the proposed scale and phasing
of development and the limitations on system capacity to accommodate new vehicle,
transit, and other trips.
Environmental Comfort Plan – describing or showing screening, building
(l)
elements, or other site improvements designed to reduce impacts from wind and
shadows, provide adequate lighting for safe use while minimizing excessive light,
mitigating urban heat island effect, and controlling noise generated by mechanical
systems and by truck traffic, particularly on First Street.
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Architectural Character Plan – describing general approaches to the design of
(m)
buildings, landscaped areas, streets, and pathways, identifying the type of visual
character that the development will aim to achieve, with the expectation that specific
designs of individual buildings and spaces will be reviewed in further detail as they
are developed.
Comprehensive Signage Plan – providing the approximate number, type and
(n)
characteristics of signage to be installed within the District.
Utilities Plan – analyzing existing infrastructure and demonstrating that each
(o)
proposed building site at the time of development will be adequately served by water,
sewer, gas, and electric infrastructure capacity or describing appropriate infrastructure
capacity improvements that will be implemented to ensure such building site will be
adequately served upon the completion of such improvement.
PUD-8 Special Permit Criteria. In approving a Final Development Plan, the Planning
13.102.4
Board shall consider the following objectives with respect to any Net New GFA (as
defined below) or construction of a new building:
Providing a mix of commercial, including research and technology, and
(a)
residential uses, with particular emphasis on ground-floor retail along First Street, to
encourage activity throughout the day and evening.
For residential uses, incorporating a diversity of dwelling unit sizes that are
(b)
appealing and accessible to a variety of users, including families with children and
households from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Improving the network of connections that integrate the PUD-8 District with
(c)
the surrounding urban fabric of the East Cambridge neighborhood and the activity
surrounding the East Cambridge Riverfront, and maintaining existing ground level
pedestrian connections between Charles Park and Lechmere Canal Park, including
interior connections with active retail uses.
Enhancing the existing network of high-quality streets, landscaping and open
(d)
spaces, including significant space for public gathering and recreation, that serves the
surrounding communities as well as the development on the site by encouraging and
fostering a sense of community, civic engagement, social interaction, economic
development, and environmental sustainability.
Integrating development with open space physically and functionally by means
(e)
of building orientation, active frontages, location of building entrances, pedestrian
linkages between major activity centers, enhanced landscaping and similar
techniques.
Providing a strong street edge and active ground floors that animate streets and
(f)
open spaces, including through the presence of Active Uses (defined below) on the
first-floor fronting on First Street and Cambridgeside Place.
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Enhancing the architectural richness and diversity and aesthetic qualities of the
(g)
PUD-8 District to complement and strengthen the architectural character of the
district as it has evolved historically.
To the maximum extent practicable, promoting best practices for
(h)
environmental sustainability in establishing design objectives for individual buildings
and sites, in accordance with the City’s ongoing planning efforts and current
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection standards.
Demonstrating a commitment to implementing a Transportation Demand
(i)
Management and Mitigation Program consistent with the reduced parking mandated
in this PUD zoning and the capacity limitations of the transportation network that
serves the area, including roadways and public transportation systems. In approving a
Final Development Plan, the Planning Board shall refer to Article 18.000 and Section
19.20 of this Zoning Ordinance, plans and guidelines applicable to the PUD-8
District, and consider other City transportation planning efforts for the surrounding
area (including the Kendall Square Mobility Task Force and Cambridge Bicycle Plan,
with a particular focus on initiatives to improve north-south connections along First
Street), and may require measures to be linked to milestones, thresholds or
performance standards connected to the scale and pace of development within the
PUD.
Activating surrounding streets by incorporating Active Uses on the portion of
(j)
the ground floors of new and renovated buildings immediately fronting on First
Street, Cambridgeside Place and Lechmere Canal Park (excluding those areas of such
ground floors utilized for lobbies, limited mechanical areas and/or entrances to
parking and/or loading areas).
Strengthening pedestrian access from First Street to retail establishments and
(k)
the Riverfront.
Demonstrating a commitment to implement programming for proximate Public
(l)
Open Space.
PUD-8 Lot. A lot within the PUD-8 District is a parcel of land that may be in more
13.102.5
than one ownership, provided that the developer thereof has control over the entirety
of the parcel, whether via fee ownership, long-term lease or enforceable easement
rights, which parcel is bounded by other lots or by streets, and which is designated by
the developer thereof to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
Condominium Property Regime. Nothing in this Section 13.100 shall prevent a
13.102.6
developer from submitting a building(s) subject to a PUD-8 Special Permit to a
condominium property regime. The violation of the conditions of a PUD-8 Special
Permit by one owner or occupant of a condominium unit within a development shall
not be deemed to be a violation by any other owner or occupant within the
development, but shall be deemed to be a violation by the owner or occupant of the
condominium unit(s)/premises violating the conditions of the PUD-8 Special Permit.
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Nothing herein shall limit the rights of a condominium association against a violating
owner or occupant.
Applicability of Requirements to Development Parcel. The requirements of this
13.102.7
Section 13.100 may be satisfied for the entire Development Parcel on any lot(s)
located within the limits of such Development Parcel or, with respect to Section
13.105 (Open Space), on other land within 1,000 feet of the PUD-8 District; provided,
however, the requirements of this Section 13.100 shall not be applied to individual
PUD-8 lots or ownership units comprising such Development Parcel, but shall be
applied as if such Development Parcel were a single conforming PUD-8 lot whether
or not such Development Parcel is in single or multiple ownership. A violation, with
respect to an individual PUD-8 lot or ownership unit within the Development Parcel,
of any provision of this Section 13.100 shall not constitute a violation with respect to
any other individual PUD-8 lot or ownership unit within the Development Parcel.
Phasing Plan and Lapse. Any development within the Development Parcel shall
13.102.8
commence and, to the extent built in multiple phases over a period of time, be
constructed in accordance with the time limits set forth in the Final Development
Plan. Any changes to the Phasing Plan after issuance of the PUD-8 Special Permit are
subject only to written approval by the Planning Board.
In no event shall any portion of the development approved by a PUD-8 Special Permit
for which a building permit has been issued and construction has commenced be
deemed to have lapsed due to the fact that any other phase of the development
approved by a PUD-8 special permit has not been commenced or completed.
Relationship to PUD-4. With respect to the Development Parcel, the rights granted
13.102.9
pursuant to a PUD-8 Special Permit shall be in addition to any rights previously
granted under a PUD-4 special permit and the PUD-8 Special Permit shall govern
with respect to such additional rights. The previously issued PUD-4 special permit
shall remain valid and in full force and effect for, and govern with respect to, any
remaining land outside of the Development Parcel subject thereto, provided that the
terms of such PUD-4 special permit shall be applied to such remaining land without
regard to any rights granted to the Development Parcel pursuant to the PUD-8 Special
Permit.
To the extent the Development Parcel is subject to the provisions of one or more PUD
District(s), special permit(s), site plan approval(s) and/or variance(s) issued prior to
the issuance date of a PUD-8 Special Permit granted hereunder and the provisions of
such PUD District(s) or existing approval(s) conflict or are inconsistent with the
PUD-8 Special Permit, the provisions of the PUD-8 Special Permit shall govern.
Pre-Application Conference. In the course of preparing a Development Proposal, the
13.102.10
developer shall be required to participate in at least one PUD Pre-Application
Conference as established in Section 12.33 of this Zoning Ordinance and a similar
conference with the full City Council or Ordinance Committee. The purpose of the
conference will be to discuss the conceptual alternatives for site arrangement,
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building massing, circulation systems and public space arrangement, as well as
general approaches to architectural and landscape design, and for the developer to
receive informal feedback from the Planning Board prior to preparing the materials
required by Section 13.102.3 above. As set forth in Section 12.33.2, any statement
made by the Planning Board or the developer at the Pre-Application Conference shall
not be legally binding. Notwithstanding Section 12.33.3, the developer shall present
graphic and written materials as needed to illustrate and describe conceptual
development alternatives
Design Review. In approving a Final Development Plan, the Planning Board may
13.102.11
incorporate criteria and additional guidelines for future design review of individual
building sites and open spaces in support of its findings, including with respect to:
streetscape activation, amenities, and dimensions; the provision of canopy street trees;
coordination with the City’s plans for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle movement in
East Cambridge; ground floor design; sidewalk widths and features; the location of
the ground floor façades relative to the plane of the streetwall above; the height and
façade expression of ground floors; façade length; modulation of the streetwall
façade; the continuity of the streetwall; bay widths; window-to-wall ratios; the
massing and façade expression of towers, mechanical penthouses and their stepbacks;
screening of mechanical systems; architectural details; building materials;
incorporation of art; lighting design; sustainability; and universal access.
Uses Allowed in a PUD-8 District. The uses listed in this Section 13.103, alone or in
13.103
combination with each other, shall be allowed, provided that the amount and extent of
uses may be further regulated and limited as set forth elsewhere in this Section
13.100, including, without limitation, Section 13.107. This Section 13.103 shall refer
to uses as they are listed in Article 4.000 and otherwise defined in this Zoning
Ordinance as of the effective date of the enactment of this Section 13.100. For the
avoidance of doubt, the Planning Board shall be the sole permit granting authority
with respect to determining uses allowed under this Zoning Ordinance in the PUD-8
District.
Residential Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.31 a-h, and i.2.
(a)
Transportation, Communication and Utility Uses. All uses listed in Section
(b)
4.32, which are allowed or conditionally allowed in the base zoning district.
Institutional Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.33, which are allowed or
(c)
conditionally allowed in the applicable base zoning district.
Office and Laboratory Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.34.
(d)
Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishments. All uses listed in
(e)
Section 4.35.
Open Air or Drive in Retail & Services.
(f)
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Sales place for flowers, garden supplies, agricultural produce conducted
i.
partly or wholly outdoors; commercial greenhouse or warehouse;
Open air place of entertainment.
ii.
Light Industry, Wholesale Business and Storage. All uses listed in Section
(g)
4.37.
Other Uses. Any use not listed in subsections 13.103(a) through 13.103(g)
(h)
above, otherwise allowed in a Business A District, may be allowed by the Planning
Board upon written determination by the Board that such use is consistent with the
objectives of the PUD-8 District and is consistent with the predominant uses in the
PUD-8 District.
Dimensional Regulations.
13.104
Permitted Gross Floor Area (GFA). The following GFA shall be permitted within the
13.104.1
PUD-8 District:
Existing GFA. The GFA that exists on a lot(s) to be covered by a PUD-8
(a)
Special Permit on the date of application for such PUD-8 Special Permit, which shall
be calculated in accordance with the definition of Gross Floor Area under the Zoning
Ordinance in effect at the time of adoption of this Section 13.100, except that the
GFA of above-ground structured parking facilities in existence on or before
September 15, 2000 shall be included in the calculation of Existing GFA
(notwithstanding the exemptions under Section 5.25.3).
Net New GFA. A maximum of 575,000 square feet of Net New GFA shall be
(b)
permitted within the Development Parcel. For purposes of this Section 13.100, Net
New GFA shall be calculated as the total Gross Floor Area proposed within the
Development Parcel, less the Existing GFA pursuant to Section 13.104.1(a) above.
Assignment of GFA to PUD-8 Lots. A Development Proposal for the PUD-8
(c)
Development Parcel including all PUD-8 lots within such PUD-8 Development
Parcel shall describe how all of the permitted GFA will be assigned to PUD-8 lots
within such PUD-8 Development Parcel. However, with the exception of the 100,000
square feet that comprises the core retail component of the PUD-8 District, all
permitted GFA shall be assignable among PUD-8 lots within such PUD-8
Development Parcel, subject to approval by the Planning Board.
Required Residential Development. A Development Proposal for the PUD-8
(d)
Development Parcel shall be required to provide a plan for the provision of at least
thirty percent (30%) of its Net New GFA as residential development, subject to the
following provisions.
1.
Timing. Such residential component may be provided on any portion of
such Development Parcel and may be provided during any phase of a
multi-phase development, provided, however, that construction of such
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residential component shall have commenced prior to or simultaneous
with the earlier to occur of (i) issuance of a final certificate of occupancy
for more than 325,000 square feet of non-residential Net New Gross Floor
Area or (ii) issuance of a building permit for the second new building
within the PUD-8 District (for the avoidance of doubt, a building permit
for a new building shall mean a building permit authorizing the
construction of a new structure that did not previously exist on the subject
property).
2.
Inclusionary Housing Requirements. GFA assigned to residential use shall
be subject to the Inclusionary Housing Provisions of Section 11.203 of this
Zoning Ordinance, except that at least thirty percent (30%) of the total
Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area constructed shall be devoted to Affordable
Dwelling Units created through Inclusionary Housing.
3.
Middle Income Housing Requirement. The following requirements for
Middle Income Housing Units shall apply in addition to the Inclusionary
Housing Requirements set forth above:
i.
Thirty-five percent (35%) of the total Dwelling Unit Net Floor
Area constructed shall be devoted to Middle Income Units (as defined
below). Such Middle Income Units shall be distributed throughout the
residential development in a manner approved by City staff, in order to
ensure that the Middle Income Units are of an appropriate location, size,
configuration and quality for households intended to occupy such units.
ii.
For the purposes of this Section 13.104.1, Middle Income Units
shall be defined as residential dwelling units for which:
The occupancy is restricted to households whose total income
(a)
is not below seventy percent (70%) and which also does not
exceed one hundred and twenty percent (120%) of the Area
Median Income (AMI); and
The rent (including utilities) does not exceed thirty percent
(b)
(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.
iii.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 13.104.1(d)(4), GFA
devoted to Middle Income Units shall be subject to the provisions of
Sections 11.203.3 and 11.203.4, provided that such provisions shall be
applied in a manner that reflects the income restrictions for Middle Income
9
Units provided above (rather than the income restrictions for Inclusionary
Housing provided in Sections 11.203.3 and 11.203.4).
4.
Family-Sized Dwelling Units. The required residential development shall
include a range of dwelling unit types and sizes, including Family-Sized
Dwelling Units. The total number of Affordable Family-Sized Dwelling
Units required under Section 11.203.3(g) shall be determined based on the
total Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area devoted to Affordable Dwelling Units
required by Section 13.104.1(d)(2). To the extent legally permissible
under Section 11.200 of this Zoning Ordinance and other applicable legal
requirements, all Family-Sized Dwelling Units will be Middle Income
Units and Affordable Dwelling Units, allocated in accordance with the
following: (i) those units required under Section 11.203.3(g) shall be
Affordable Dwelling Units created through Inclusionary Housing; and (ii)
any additional Family-Sized Dwelling Units shall be Middle Income
Units.
Housing Contribution. To the extent that a development proposed within the
(e)
PUD-8 District is considered an Incentive Project, it shall comply with the
requirements of Section 11.202 of this Ordinance.
Residential Density. There shall be no required minimum Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit
13.104.2
in the PUD-8 District.
Maximum Building Height.
13.104.3
As shown on the attached Building Height Map for the PUD-8 District, Map
(a)
13.101, the maximum height of buildings permitted in the PUD-8 District shall be
eighty-five (85) feet except as hereinafter provided.
The height of buildings or portions thereof may be increased by issuance of a
(b)
PUD-8 Special Permit by the Planning Board upon a finding that all of the criteria in
Section 13.102.4 have been satisfied and that the proposed height complies with the
following distance parameters and the design guidelines in Section 13.107.5(a)
(including stepbacks and materials):
The height of buildings or portions thereof that are less than three
i.
hundred (300) feet from the centerline of First Street and more than four
hundred eighty (480) feet from the centerline of Charles Street may be up
to ninety-five (95) feet in a location that is setback from the nearest
boundary of the PUD-8 Development Parcel to the Lechmere Canal by
greater than one hundred eighty (180) feet;
The height of buildings or portions thereof that are less than three
ii.
hundred (300) feet from the centerline of First Street and between four
hundred eighty (480) feet and three hundred fifteen (315) feet of the
10
centerline of Charles Street may be up to one hundred forty-five (145)
feet; and
The height of buildings or portions thereof that are less than three
iii.
hundred fifteen (315) feet of the centerline of Charles Street and either (i)
less than three hundred (300) feet from the centerline of First Street or
(ii) more than four hundred twenty-five (425) feet from the centerline of
First Street may be up to one hundred fifty-five (155) feet.
Other Dimensional Requirements. There shall be no minimum lot area for PUD-8 lots
13.104.4
located within the PUD-8 Development Parcel. There shall be no minimum width for
the PUD-8 Development Parcel and no minimum width for PUD-8 lots located within
such Development Parcel. There shall be no minimum required front, rear and side
yard requirements for the PUD-8 Development Parcel or for PUD-8 lots located
within such Development Parcel. There shall be no minimum required distance
between buildings on the PUD-8 Development Parcel and no minimum required
distance between buildings situated on the same PUD-8 lot within such Development
Parcel. The Planning Board shall approve all such PUD-8 lot sizes and building
setbacks in accordance with the PUD-8 Design Guidelines and Principles set forth in
Section 13.107.5.
Open Space.
13.105
Subject to the provisions of 13.105.2 below, at a minimum, twenty percent (20%) of
13.105.1
the land area within the PUD-8 Development Parcel shall be Public Open Space or
Publicly Beneficial Open Space, which may be located in the PUD-8 District and/or
within 1,000 feet of the PUD-8 District, subject to the further standards set forth
below (the “Minimum Open Space”).
To the extent that the Minimum Open Space requirement is to be satisfied, in whole
13.105.2
or in part, with Public Open Space or Publicly Beneficial Open Space that is located
outside of the PUD-8 District, the developer shall demonstrate that the developer (or
its affiliates) has historically contributed to, or is committed to contributing to, the
creation of such Open Space (e.g., through a financial contribution to, or development
of, such Open Space).
Parking and Loading. Development in the PUD-8 District shall conform to the
13.106
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
13.106 below.
With regard to uses contained within new commercial buildings, provided that the
13.106.1
requirements of Section 6.23 of the Ordinance are met, the parking requirements of
this Section 13.106 may be satisfied (a) anywhere in the PUD-8 District or, if located
outside of the PUD-8 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
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in part by a lease agreement, occupancy agreement, license or other comparable legal
instrument 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.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 6.000, this Ordinance shall not
13.106.2
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.
Minimum Parking. There shall be no minimum parking requirements within the
13.106.3
PUD-8 District; provided, however, in approving a Final Development Plan, the
Planning Board may specify a minimum parking requirement 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. The Planning Board, through
its approval of a Final Development Plan, shall make a finding that the Final
Development Plan provides adequate parking for proposed residential uses.
Maximum Parking. Maximum allowed parking for a PUD-8 shall be limited by
13.106.4
applying the rates set forth below to each use within the PUD-8 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.
Maximum of 5.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet of retail, consumer service and
(a)
restaurant use.
Maximum of 0.9 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for office use.
(b)
Maximum of 0.8 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for laboratory use
(c)
Maximum of 1.0 space per residential dwelling unit.
(d)
In approving a Final Development Plan, the Planning Board may waive any maximum
parking requirements applicable in the PUD-8 District and the underlying Zoning
District.
Shared Parking Study. A Development Proposal for development in the PUD-8
13.106.5
District shall include an analysis of existing and anticipated parking demand for all
uses in the development throughout the course of a typical day and week. The purpose
of this analysis is to consider parking demands for different land uses that have peak
parking demands at different times of day, thus enabling parking facilities to be used
more efficiently. Accordingly, 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, with guidance
from City staff, 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. This analysis may be approved by the Planning Board as a working
12
study that can be adjusted by written approval of the Planning Board over time, as
dictated by changes in parking demands.
Loading. The Planning Board, in its approval of a Final Development Plan, may
13.106.6
waive any requirements for the amount, location and design of loading facilities
within the PUD-8 Development Parcel, and may permit loading facilities to be shared
across various uses and PUD-8 lots within the PUD-8 District or adjacent PUD-4
Districts.
Bicycle Parking. Bicycle parking shall be provided in accordance with Section 6.100
13.106.7
of this Zoning Ordinance, provided that, in accordance with Section 6.108, any of the
requirements in Section 6.100 may be modified by the Planning Board through its
approval of a Final Development Plan.
Special Requirements, Conditions and Standards Applicable to Certain
13.107
Development Authorized by the Planning Board in East Cambridge.
Active Uses. Final Development Plans shall enhance the public pedestrian usage of
13.107.1
the sidewalks and create a sense of neighborhood continuity by providing an
interesting, lively and active presence at street level. Accordingly, the portion of
ground floors of new buildings in the PUD-8 District immediately fronting on First
Street, Cambridgeside Place and Lechmere Canal Park (excluding those areas of such
ground floors utilized for lobbies, mechanical areas and/or entrances to parking and/or
loading areas) shall be planned, designed, and constructed to contain Active Uses as
required below.
Definition of Active Uses. For purposes of this Section 13.100, “Active Uses”
(a)
means:
1.
Any use listed in Sections 4.35 and 4.36; and
2.
Any other use which the Planning Board determines meets the goals of
this Section 13.107.1(a).
Rooftop Mechanical Equipment Noise Mitigation. Sound emanating from rooftop
13.107.2
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 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 developer shall provide, in addition to a
13
Noise Mitigation narrative required as part of Article 19.000 review, acoustical
reports prepared by a professional acoustical engineer as described below:
Prior to and as a condition of the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy
(a)
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
Prior to obtaining any building permit to add any new equipment having a
(b)
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.
With respect to any new commercial or substantially altered commercial building that
will contain laboratory use, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
design shall adopt Best Available Noise Control Technology (BANCT) in the sizing
and selection of equipment, its placement on the roof, and the use of effective sound
attenuation design elements, including through the following measures: (i) fans shall
be provided with variable speed drives to conserve energy when airflow is not needed
to condition the space, and sound attenuators will be installed in the ductwork; (ii)
cooling towers shall be provided with large diameter, slow speed whisper quiet fans
and variable speed drives for capacity control and energy conservation, and such
towers will be located within a sound absorbent screen wall; (iii) air cooled chillers
shall use variable-speed compressors, variable-speed fans and integrated compressor
mufflers; and (iv) air handling units shall be in a sound-insulated penthouse that is
ventilated through acoustical louvers. Any PUD-8 Special Permit may contain
conditions with respect to noise mitigation consistent with this Section 107.2 for any
building containing laboratory use.
Additionally, appropriate screening for any rooftop mechanical equipment shall be
provided to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Light Mitigation. Any new commercial or substantially altered commercial building
13.107.3
that will contain laboratory use shall install a Building Automation System (BAS) that
is programmed to dim or turn lights off and to lower shades after 9:30 pm to reduce
light pollution to the surrounding neighborhoods. Any PUD-8 Special Permit may
contain conditions with respect to light mitigation consistent with this Section 107.3
for any building containing laboratory use.
Sustainability. New buildings constructed within the PUD-8 District shall comply
13.107.4
with the Green Building Requirements set forth in Section 22.20 of the Zoning
Ordinance. The Development Proposal shall contain documentation showing how the
development at an aggregate level will comply with the requirements of Section
22.20. The conditions of a PUD special permit shall set forth procedures for
14
individual buildings within an approved Final Development Plan to meet the
requirements of Section 22.20.
The Sustainability and Resiliency Plan component of a Development Proposal shall
describe how new buildings in the PUD-8 District will incorporate a comprehensive
design approach and incorporate the best practices for meeting sustainability as
outlined in the City’s Net Zero Action Plan, Climate Change Preparedness and
Resilience Plan, and other sustainability plans and guidelines promulgated by the City
at the time the Development Proposal is submitted. The conditions of a PUD special
permit shall set forth sustainability guidelines to be reviewed as part of any continuing
design review procedure for individual buildings within an approved Final
Development Plan. At a minimum, buildings shall incorporate best practices in the
following areas:
Energy and Emissions. Each new or renovated building must conserve building
(a)
energy and, to the extent practicable, reduce carbon/GHG emissions. The developer,
with each new or renovated building within the PUD-8 District, will evaluate the
potential for implementation of net zero ready measures and on-site energy generation
(which may include rooftop solar pv) within the PUD-8 District in the context of
ownership, economic viability and phasing constraints. The Developer will conduct a
greenhouse gas emissions analysis for each new or renovated building and will
implement energy efficiency mitigation for such building to achieve the maximum
energy reductions possible identified in such analysis.
Urban Site and Landscaping; Water Management. The Developer, for each
(b)
new building, must explore opportunities for potable water use reductions and the
ability to enhance indigenous plantings in and around the development site.
Cool Roofs. All new buildings approved in the PUD-8 District must employ
(c)
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.
Monitoring. All new buildings in the PUD-8 District shall be required to
(d)
conform to the requirements of the Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure
Ordinance, Chapter 8.67 of the Municipal Code.
Healthy Living and Working. All new buildings in the PUD-8 District shall
(e)
provide people with access to daylight and enhance the visual and thermal comfort of
people living within the PUD-8 District.
Transportation. Final Development Plans within the PUD-8 District shall
(f)
encourage multimodal transportation, provide facilities for cyclists and provide an
infrastructure to support alternative energy vehicles.
Flood Resiliency. All new buildings must incorporate the City of Cambridge’s
(g)
most up-to-date standards to address projected future flooding impacts.
15
Site Cooling Strategies. Final Development Plans within the PUD-8 District
(h)
shall incorporate measures to reduce urban heat island effects and identify interior and
exterior spaces in designated locations to act as cooling areas.
PUD-8 Design Guidelines and Principles.
13.107.5
To the extent reasonably practicable, new buildings constructed within the
(a)
PUD-8 District shall be generally consistent with: (i) the policy objectives set forth in
the Eastern Cambridge Planning Study dated October 2001; (ii) the guidance provided
in the Eastern Cambridge Design Guidelines dated October 15, 2001; (iii) the East
Cambridge Riverfront Plan dated May 1978; and (iv) the East Cambridge
Development Review Process and Guidelines dated June, 1985; and (v) the
Cambridge Riverfront Plan dated Spring 2011 (collectively, the “PUD-8 Guidelines
and Principles”); provided, however, that the provisions of this Section 13.100 shall
govern with respect to process, uses, density, open space and streetwalls, and new
buildings constructed within the PUD-8 District shall be generally consistent with the
following provisions in lieu of the provisions pertaining to height, setback, stepbacks
and materials in the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles:
Height and Setbacks: A diversity of height and massing as permitted in
i.
Section 13.104.3 is encouraged to be located in buildings immediately
fronting on First Street, Cambridgeside Place and Land Boulevard and
designed to create a rich and varied skyline along streets abutting the
Development Parcel.
1. Buildings fronting on First Street are encouraged to establish a
recognizable base, activated by commercial, residential, retail, dining
and entertainment uses, of a scale and proportion to support an active,
pedestrian-oriented public realm.
2. New buildings fronting on First Street will enhance the public realm
by providing a setback of at least 10 feet or more as may be necessary
to provide a sidewalk that allows comfortable pedestrian circulation
in addition to street furniture, bicycle parking, tree plantings and other
streetscape features. Bays, balconies, tapers, cornices and other
architectural elements may project 5 feet into this setback zone,
beginning at the second floor, to establish scale compatible with the
neighboring structures and to modulate the massing of the buildings
so that they are read as distinct and individual buildings.
3. Buildings along First Street are encouraged to create separation
between buildings and to adopt massing strategies within the building
facades to create visual interest on the street.
4. Mechanical penthouses, attic stories and other architectural treatments
will be utilized to create tops to the buildings that will contribute to a
varied skyline and unique reading of each building.
16
5. Maintaining the existing pedestrian atrium, which provides a
connection between Charles Park and Lechmere Canal Park, at its
height as of the effective date of the enactment of this Section 13.100
is encouraged.
Stepbacks.
ii.
New or renovated buildings within the PUD-8 District that exceed 85
1.
feet in height shall provide (a) a 10-foot stepback of the building
façade at an elevation of approximately 65 feet in height and (b) a
10-foot stepback of the building façade at an elevation of
approximately 135 feet in height (if applicable), provided in each case
that bays, balconies, tapers, cornices and other architectural elements
may project 5 feet into this stepback zone to establish scale
compatible with the neighboring structures, and to modulate the
massing of the buildings so that they are read as distinct and
individual buildings.
New or renovated buildings within the PUD-8 District that do not
2.
exceed 85 feet in height are encouraged to provide a distinct
horizontal articulation at a datum height of approximately 65 feet,
through means other than a stepback (significant change in material,
projecting cornice/fin/shade, etc.).
3. New or renovated buildings within the PUD-8 District shall provide a
15-foot stepback of the rooftop mechanical penthouses.
Building Spacing: New buildings shall be designed to provide for
iii.
appropriate spacing to preserve adequate light, air and view corridors for
the benefit of the East Cambridge neighborhood. New buildings should,
to the extent feasible, be separated by courtyards or other significant
breaks to avoid long lengths of unbroken building mass. Along First
Street, such breaks should be aligned with Spring and Hurley Streets to
the extent possible.
Materials and Details: A diverse and varied use of finishes and façade
iv.
elements is encouraged in new and renovated buildings to further
contribute to the reading of individual buildings along First Street,
Cambridgeside Place and Land Boulevard. Individual, architecturally
expressive buildings may be supported if they are positive additions to
the East Cambridge neighborhood.
Exterior finishes may include high quality, durable, warm, rich and
1.
varied materials such as, but not limited to, brick, terra cotta,
natural and cast stone, and, to a lesser extent, pre-cast and high
performance concrete panels and cast shapes and curtain wall
recognizing that the base of the buildings will be primarily
17
masonry and glass.
A variety of exterior façade elements may be incorporated to create
2.
visual texture and interest, including bays, residential balconies,
fixed or operable windows, roof decks, terraces, shutters and
shading devices.
In its approval of a Final Development Plan, the Planning Board may (i) make
(b)
a determination that one or more provisions of the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles
are inapplicable to new buildings to be constructed within the PUD-8 District, or (ii)
waive or modify any provisions of the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles set forth
above upon making a determination that such waiver or modification maintains an
architectural character consistent with the planning and design goals of this Section
13.107.5.
Letter of Commitment. The Letter of Commitment dated _____________ by
13.107.6
_____________is incorporated herein by reference and made part of the Cambridge
Zoning Ordinance and shall be binding upon _______________ and its successors
and assigns.
To the extent the provisions of the Letter of Commitment are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Section 13.100, the more stringent provisions
shall govern.
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