Downtown zoning is the creation of a specific zoning district for the unique needs of small mixed use commercial areas; to provide goods, services and housing in a more compact environment; to encourage redevelopment; and, to create a vibrant, walkable, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environment. The Downtown Overlay District seeks to preserve and enhance the existing mixed uses of downtown North Andover.
It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Downtown Overlay District to establish reasonable standards that permit and control mixed residential, commercial, governmental, institutional, and office uses in the Town of North Andover. Furthermore, it is the intent of this district to:
1. Encourage a diverse mix of residential, business, commercial, office, governmental, institutional and entertainment uses for workers, visitors, and residents.
2. Encourage mixed uses within the same structure.
3. Encourage first floor retail space
4. Encourage a pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment so that commercial enterprises and consumer services do not rely on automobile traffic to bring consumers into the area.
5. Permit uses that promote conversion of existing buildings in a manner that maintains and enhances the visual character and architectural scale of existing development within the district.
6. Minimize visual and functional conflicts between residential and nonresidential uses within and abutting the district.
7. Allow for more compact development than may be permitted in other zoning districts to reduce the impacts of sprawl.
8. Encourage consolidation of curb cuts for vehicular access and promote more efficient and economical parking facilities.
9. Encourage uses that minimize noise and congestion.
10. Allow for an appropriate density of land uses and people to support a vibrant downtown.
This bylaw is intended to be used in conjunction with other regulations as adopted by the town, including historic district regulations, design guidelines, site plan review, and other local bylaws designed to encourage appropriate and consistent patterns of village development.
| 
