[Adopted 5-11-2005 ATM, Art. 31]
[Amended 11-20-2019 STM, Art. 13]
The purpose of this bylaw is to ensure sidewalk
construction in the town of Ashland as an integral component of new
construction as well as of major renovation construction. The bylaw
will also be applicable to renovation of existing structures excluding
private single family homes. Major renovation is defined as that estimated
to cost more than $100,000 or more than 10,000 square feet.
This bylaw applies to all new construction and
aforementioned renovations in Ashland, in commercial, industrial and
multi-family residential zones; including all projects requiring site
plan review. This bylaw does not affect the requirements for sidewalks
within subdivisions as already required by the Subdivision Rules and
Regulations or within single-family residential zones. In the application
of this bylaw the Planning Board will take into consideration the
sidewalk plan as approved by the Select Board.
A.
development plans to the planning board that include
construction of a publicly accessible sidewalk, traversing the entire
frontage of the property.
B.
development plans to the planning board that include
dedicated pedestrian access from the sidewalk to the facility and/or
to parking on the property which is separate from the driveway.
C.
development plans to the planning board which are
in compliance with ADA Accessibility Guidelines, specifically section
4.1.2, number 1, whether new construction or renovation as noted above.
Design requirements. Sidewalk design requirements
will be set by the Planning Board in conjunction with the Director
of the Department of Public Works. Special consideration will be given
to design requirements for scenic roads. Design standards will determine
the design specifications, including the width, type of material,
type of curbing, general layout and other necessary details, and consideration
of compatibility with any adjacent sidewalk.
A.
The Planning Board will have the authority to waive
any and all requirements, including the design requirements and placement/location
of the sidewalk.
B.
The Planning Board may waive the sidewalk construction
requirement provided the applicant has committed to making (amendment
at 5/11/05 ATM) a contribution to the Ashland Sidewalk Fund that is
acceptable to the planning board in lieu of constructing the required
sidewalk or an alternative off-site improvement.
C.
The planning board decision not to require the construction
of the sidewalk will be based on the existing pedestrian facilities
in the area, the needs of the proposed project and the property available
to construct said facilities. The Planning Board may decide to waive
construction of a sidewalk on the property being developed, if sidewalks
are not recommended in the Ashland Sidewalk plan.
Sidewalk construction or a contribution to the
sidewalk fund must be completed prior to the issuance of an occupancy
permit.
