59-C-5.45. Special regulations-R&D zone.

   (a)   Area requirements. Within the R&D zone, each lot must contain an area of at least 2 acres.

   (b)   Standard method of development.  Under the standard method of development, a site plan must be filed with the Planning Board under 59-D-3.

   (c)   Optional method of development. In order to encourage the orderly grouping and planned development of research and development projects at higher densities than permitted under the standard method of development, an optional method of development project may be approved, if: (1) the project is not inconsistent with the applicable approved and adopted master plan; and (2) the requirements for site plan approval under Division 59-D-3 are met. If the optional method of development is used, all the standard requirements of the R&D zone will be in effect, except as follows:

      (1)   Development density. Increases in density above FAR 0.3 may be permitted, up to a maximum FAR 0.5, if the increased density is not inconsistent with the recommendations in the applicable approved and adopted master plan for the applicable site.

      (2)   Height limit. No building shall exceed 75 feet in height.

      (3)   Setbacks. The planning board may approve setbacks less than those required under the standard method of development upon a finding that site design and pedestrian circulation would be enhanced and that the resulting development would not have an adverse impact on the use of adjacent land.

      (4)   Development procedure. Under the optional method of development, the procedure for site plan approval shall be as set forth in division 59-D-3.

      (5)   Site design guidelines. In order to achieve better the purposes of the R&D zone, measures should be included or contained in the overall design of a project to meet certain site design guidelines. The following guidelines must be addressed at the time of subdivision or site plan approval.

         i.   Buildings, sidewalks, parking and vehicular access areas should be suited to promote an attractive, active and safe pedestrian-oriented environment within the project and to facilitate use of carpooling and vanpooling by employees of the project.

         ii.   Significant natural features should be preserved and, where appropriate, such features should be incorporated within project green space areas.