NRPZ Bylaw Outline

This is an outline of the proposed NRPZ bylaw. The complete bylaw is here.

  • 9.4.1 Purpose: The primary purpose of this Section is to preserve the natural resources (including cultural and historic) of Ashby as identified in the most recent Community Development Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plan; especially large contiguous blocks of arable land and forested back-land that must be maintained as large-acreage holdings in order to remain economically viable for commercial agriculture or forestry, or for ecological integrity
  • 9.4.2 Applicability: applies to the Residential/Agricultural, Residential, and Residential/Commercial districts.
  • 9.4.3 Waivers: allows waiver from the requirements of this section by special permit.
  • 9.4.4 Consolidated Special Permits: multiple special permits can be consolidated into a single proceeding.
  • 9.4.5 Development Impact Statement and Conservation Analysis: Describes the contents of Development Impact Statement and Conservation Analysis and Planning Board findings regarding same.
  • 9.4.6. Minimum Preserved Open Space: The minimum is 80% of total size of the parcel.
  • 9.4.7. Allowable Residential Units: Describes the maximum number of houses permitted. It allows 1 house per 5 acres after certain constrained land (such as wetlands) are subtracted.
  • 9.4.8. Dimensional and Design Requirements:
    • 9.4.8.1 Sets no minimum lot size. Lot size is determined by the need for adequate water supply and sewage disposal.  This is approximately 1 acre for a 3-4 bedroom house.
    • 9.4.8.2 Sets minimum building setback at 10 feet. Sets no minimum frontage. Requires lots to have legal practical vehicular access to a public way.
    • 9.4.8.3 Describes the arrangement of developable areas referencing Rural Siting Principals.
    • 9.4.8.4 Sets NRPZ common driveway standards. Requires a special permit for NRPZ common driveways.
  • 9.4.9 Permanent Open Space:
    • 9.4.9.1 & 9.4.9.2: Requires the open space be permanently protected from development and describes means to accomplish that.
    • 9.4.9.3 Ownership of Open Space: Open space may be owned privately, by a Home Owners Association, by a government agency or by a nonprofit organization.
  • 9.4.10 Maintenance of Open Space: Describes minimum open space maintenance requirements and provide the town the option to enforce them.
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