§ 30-8.3. Other Conversions.

The conversion of structures which cannot meet the requirements of subsection 30-8.2 is permitted upon approval of the Planning Board. The Planning Board shall find that:

a.

The building was constructed prior to the date of this section;

b.

The Building Official has certified that there are no violations of codes or statutes applicable to structures involved. Codes or statutes shall be applicable if they were in effect at the time of construction or alteration of structures involved or are, in the opinion of the Building Official, health and safety provisions applicable to existing structures;

c.

The applicant has submitted a plan showing all feasible means for making structures, grounds and utilities conform to current codes and statutes and agrees, in writing, supported by a performance bond, to perform same as a condition of approval. The plan shall include a report from a registered engineer detailing the present condition of the building and expected useful life of all common structural and mechanical components of the conversion or, in lieu thereof, applicants may request, with the approval of the City Engineer, that the report be prepared by City personnel. The plan shall also include the structural pest report of a licensed operator;

d.

Compliance with the above plan to improve the property will provide sufficient amenities to persons purchasing property as a home. The Board may consider in making said determination the level of sound attenuation of structures, the probable life of structures, the availability of off-site and on-site parking and open space, the availability of storage and other facilities, laundry space and the condition of utilities.

e.

The subdivider has submitted a plan for tenant relocation assistance. The plan shall include a program for paying moving expenses and deposits as well as assisting tenants to obtain new housing if they are unable to purchase a unit in the project. The plan must give particular attention to the needs of elderly, handicapped, households with minor children and households of low and moderate income. The plan may include but is not limited to assistance such as extended or lifetime leases, purchase assistance such as tenant discounts and special loan programs. Assistance to tenants of low and moderate income may include subsidized rents in other buildings and assistance in qualifying for government housing programs such as Section 8. The Board shall not accept the tenant relocation assistance program unless the subdivider has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Board that all tenants can obtain affordable housing either through purchase of a unit, through available rentals in the vicinity or through an extended lease program.

f.

The conversion has been reviewed and reported upon by Design Review;

g.

Notice and relocation assistance can be satisfied by the applicants;

h.

Prior to approval of the final map, the subdivider shall submit lease forms and a final tenant assistance plan including all conditions attached to the conversion and tentative map approval. A copy of this plan shall be given to each tenant household before the final map is approved.

i.

Energy. The subdivider shall submit a plan describing proposed energy saving improvements which will be installed but not limited to insulation of exterior walls, ceilings, floors, ducts and water heaters, installation of energy saving appliances, use of pool covers and solar heating for pools.

(Ord. No. 535 N.S. § 11-14D3; Ord. No. 1277 N.S.)