These Subdivision Rules and Regulations are adopted under the
provisions of MGL c. 41, §§ 81K through 81GG (the Subdivision
Control Law) for the purpose of protecting the safety, convenience
and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Charlton "by regulating
the laying out and construction of ways in subdivisions providing
access to the several lots therein, but which have not become public
ways, and ensuring sanitary conditions in subdivisions and in proper
cases parks and open areas. The powers of a Planning Board and of
a board of appeal under the Subdivision Control Law shall be exercised
with due regard for the provision of adequate access to all of the
lots in a subdivision by ways that will be safe and convenient for
travel; for lessening congestion in such ways and in the adjacent
public ways; for reducing danger to life and limb in the operation
of motor vehicles; for securing safety in the case of fire, flood,
panic and other emergencies; for insuring compliance with the applicable
zoning ordinances or by-laws; for securing adequate provision for
water, sewerage, drainage, underground utility services, fire, police,
and other similar municipal equipment, and streetlighting and other
requirements where necessary in a subdivision; and for coordinating
the ways in a subdivision with each other and with the public way
in the city or town in which it is located and with the ways in neighboring
subdivisions. "(MGL c. 41, § 81M) In addition, these Subdivision
Rules and Regulations are adopted to protect aquifers and natural
resources, and otherwise to safeguard the environment from nuisance
and pollution of whatever nature. The powers of the Planning Board
and of the Board of Appeals under the Subdivision Control Law may
also be exercised with due regard for the policy of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts to encourage the use of solar energy and to protect
the access to direct sunlight of solar energy systems.
Under the authority vested in the Planning Board of the Town
of Charlton by MGL c. 41, § 81Q, the Board hereby adopts
these Rules and Regulations governing the Subdivision of Land in the
Town of Charlton.