[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.