2021 Special Permit Report- WalmartD A R T M O U T H M A S S A C H U S E T T S
PLANNING REPORT
Christine A. O’Grady, AICP
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Site Plan Review
Assessor’s Map 174 Lot 34
506 State Road
The applicants' engineer submitted a Site Plan Review application on behalf of Walmart Store
#2157 for the purpose of demolishing an existing dedicated pick up area canopy and parking area.
This area will be reconfigured to include an approximately 4,960 sq.ft. building addition with
dedicated pickup parking area.
The site development was previously approved in 2011 under the old Parking Plan review
guidelines. The proposed alterations to the site will result in a reduction in parking spaces from
645 to 620. There will also be a slight decrease in impervious area (-512 sq.ft.) and improved
circulation pattern within the store pickup area. Additional landscape areas are also proposed
with this reconfiguration improving this section of the site. The following review is based upon
receipt of the most recent plan set on June 24, 2021.
The purpose of Site Plan Review is to ensure that the development meets certain acceptable
design standards in an efficient attractive manner in the Town of Dartmouth, and to provide for
the safe, orderly and harmonious integration of projects into the community. Article 24 of the
Zoning By-Law clearly identifies the required information needed to for the Planning Board to
make a determination in determining whether or not the above stated purpose has been met.
In approving any site plan, and provided that they do not contradict any other requirement of
Article 24, the Board may impose, in its discretion, reasonable conditions in order to ensure:
A. The protection of the public, the environment and any abutting premises from dangerous,
offensive or nuisance activities, uses or conditions on the property, including during any
construction pursuant to the site plan; .
B. Safe, orderly and controlled access to the property, including but not limited to restrictions
on delivery times and requirements for curb-stops, bollards, rumble strips, turning lanes,
curb-cuts, sloped granite curbing, speed tables, alternate paving materials, covered seats,
or raised crosswalks, by vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists;
C. That the orientation and/or location of any building preserve natural and historical
features, and are supportive of scenic and public views and access to sunlight;
D. That buildings are designed so as to be architecturally compatible with, or otherwise
enhance, the character of the surrounding neighborhood or commercial area; to reflect
D A R T M O U T H M A S S A C H U S E T T S
traditional New England architecture, and particularly the coastal architecture of
Dartmouth and the South Coast; and/or to create visual interest through the avoidance of
repetitive or monotonous architectural styles. In conditioning the architecture of a building,
the Board may consider any and all exterior design and aesthetic features, including,
without limitation: siding types; roof lines, pitches and materials; moldings and trims; the
styling, number and sizes of windows. Examples of preferred design features can be found
in the Architectural Design Guide, which is available at the Planning Office.
E. That curbing, seating, and other features of parking lots are designed in order to preserve
or enhance visual interest, and to promote pedestrian and bicyclist usage and safety.
F. That lighting and other features of parking lots are environmentally friendly and utilize
energy-efficient, renewable, or other green technologies or design standards.
Given the nature and size of the proposed alteration the, the Planning Board should consider
granting approval of the proposed project keeping in mind the conditions of the draft Certificate
of Action or those added to by the Planning Board.
Christine A. O’Grady, AICP Planning Director
September 13, 2021