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Town of Sharon, MA
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Division 1 Bylaws
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Part II General Legislation
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Chapter 275 Zoning
Chapter 275
Zoning
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Sharon
5-2-2022
ATM by Art. 20
.
[1]
Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Table of Use Regulations
Attachment 2 - Table of Dimensional Regulations
Attachment 3 - Zoning Map
[1]
Editor's Note: This article superseded former Ch. 275, Zoning, as amended through May 2014 ATM and subsequently amended (see Ch.
1
, General Provisions, Art.
II
, Codification of General Bylaws).
SECTION 1.0
Purpose and Authority
§ 1.1
Purpose.
§ 1.2
Authority.
§ 1.3
Scope.
§ 1.4
Applicability.
§ 1.5
Amendments.
§ 1.6
Severability.
SECTION 2.0
Districts
§ 2.1
Establishment.
§ 2.2
Zoning Map.
§ 2.2.1
District boundaries.
§ 2.3
Overlay and special districts.
§ 2.4
Lots divided by district or Town boundary.
§ 2.4.1
District boundaries.
§ 2.4.2
By Town boundary.
§ 2.4.3
Municipal boundary.
SECTION 3.0
Use Regulations
§ 3.1
General regulations.
§ 3.1.1
Authorization.
§ 3.1.2
Special permits.
§ 3.1.3
Site plan approval.
§ 3.1.4
Activities in two classifications.
§ 3.2
Table of Use Regulations.
§ 3.2.1
General.
§ 3.2.2
Table of use regulations.
§ 3.3
Accessory uses.
§ 3.3.1
General.
§ 3.3.2
Accessory uses in the residential districts.
§ 3.3.3
Accessory uses in the BA, BB, BC, and BD districts.
§ 3.4
Home occupations.
§ 3.4.1
Home occupation - As of right.
§ 3.4.2
Home occupation - By special permit.
§ 3.5
Short-term rentals.
§ 3.5.1
Purpose.
§ 3.5.2
Short-term rental registration.
§ 3.5.3
Publication of registration number.
§ 3.5.4
Contact information of owner, operator, and/or operator's agent.
§ 3.5.5
Posting of notices.
§ 3.5.6
Specific standards of short-term rental properties.
§ 3.5.7
Occupancy requirements.
§ 3.5.8
Keeping of register.
§ 3.5.9
Ineligible units.
§ 3.5.10
Failure to pay municipal taxes, fees, assessments, and charges.
§ 3.5.11
Inspections.
§ 3.5.12
Complaint process, violations.
§ 3.5.13
Registration suspension, modification, and revocation.
§ 3.5.14
Judicial appeals.
§ 3.5.15
Penalties.
§ 3.5.16
Enforcement.
§ 3.5.17
Regulations.
§ 3.5.18
Severability.
§ 3.5.19
Annual reporting.
§ 3.5.20
Room occupancy excise and community fees.
§ 3.5.21
Liability.
§ 3.5.22
Requirements.
SECTION 4.0
Dimensional Regulations
§ 4.1
General dimensional regulations.
§ 4.1.1
Conformity.
§ 4.1.2
Table of Dimensional Regulations.
§ 4.1.3
Lot shape, width and frontage.
§ 4.1.4
Building location requirements.
§ 4.1.5
Corner visibility.
§ 4.1.6
Driveways.
§ 4.2
Special dimensional requirements.
§ 4.2.1
Reduced frontage lots.
§ 4.3
Special district requirements.
§ 4.3.1
Minimum building separation.
§ 4.3.2
Size limits in Business Districts.
§ 4.3.3
Use of front setback in BA District.
§ 4.3.4
Multiple buildings in the LI District.
§ 4.3.5
Equivalent.
§ 4.3.6
Setbacks in the SRA, Sub 1, SRB Districts.
§ 4.3.7
Maximum number of dwelling units in Business D development.
§ 4.3.8
Business District D dimensional requirements.
§ 4.3.9
No-cut line Business District D.
§ 4.3.10
Business C and Professional District residential buildings.
SECTION 5.0
Nonconforming Uses and Structures
§ 5.1
Applicability.
§ 5.1.1
Commencement of construction or operation.
§ 5.2
Nonconforming uses.
§ 5.2.1
Permissible changes.
§ 5.3
Nonconforming structures.
§ 5.3.1
Permissible changes.
§ 5.4
Variance required for certain nonconforming structures not regulated by § 5.5.
§ 5.5
Nonconforming single- and two-family residential structures.
§ 5.5.1
Permissible changes.
§ 5.6
Abandonment or non-use.
§ 5.7
Reconstruction after catastrophe or voluntary demolition.
§ 5.7.1
Procedures.
§ 5.8
Reversion to nonconformity.
§ 5.9
Substandard lots.
§ 5.10
Eminent domain.
SECTION 6.0
General Regulations
§ 6.1
Off-street parking and loading.
§ 6.1.1
District requirements.
§ 6.1.2
General requirements.
§ 6.1.3
Special district requirements.
§ 6.1.4
Changes to a nonconforming parking lot.
§ 6.1.5
Location of parking.
§ 6.1.6
Design of parking spaces and aisles.
§ 6.1.7
Location and width of curb cuts.
§ 6.1.8
Requirements for off-street loading.
§ 6.1.9
Maintenance of parking and loading areas.
§ 6.1.10
Required landscaping.
§ 6.1.11
Other parking requirements.
§ 6.1.12
Site plan approval.
§ 6.2
Business D District Performance Standards.
§ 6.2.1
Purpose.
§ 6.2.2
Applicability.
§ 6.2.3
Building Performance Standards requirements; waiver.
§ 6.2.4
Site Planning Performance Standards; waiver.
§ 6.2.5
Environmental Performance Standards; waiver.
§ 6.2.6
Parking, access, and drive-through Performance Standards; waiver.
§ 6.2.7
Stormwater Management Performance Standards; waiver.
§ 6.2.8
Roadway Performance Standards.
§ 6.3
Performance Standards in the LI District.
§ 6.3.1
Applicability.
§ 6.4
Performance Standards in the PRO B District.
§ 6.4.1
Applicability.
§ 6.4.2
Site Design Performance Standards.
§ 6.4.3
Construction Performance Standards.
§ 6.4.4
Stormwater Management Performance Standards.
§ 6.4.5
Buildings Performance Standards.
§ 6.4.6
Landscaping Performance Standards.
§ 6.5
Performance Standards for multifamily or nonresidential uses in all districts.
§ 6.5.1
Purpose.
§ 6.5.2
Procedures; rules and regulations.
§ 6.5.3
Exemptions.
§ 6.5.4
Lighting standards.
§ 6.5.5
Noise standards.
§ 6.5.6
Site development standards.
§ 6.5.7
Pedestrian and vehicular access; traffic management standards.
§ 6.5.8
Waiver of standards.
§ 6.5.9
Enforcement.
SECTION 7.0
Special Regulations
§ 7.1
Adult uses.
§ 7.1.1
Purpose.
§ 7.1.2
Definitions.
§ 7.1.3
Siting requirements.
§ 7.1.4
Other requirements.
§ 7.1.5
Off-street parking and loading.
§ 7.1.6
Sign requirements.
§ 7.1.7
Special permit submittals.
§ 7.1.8
Decision.
§ 7.1.9
Mandatory conditions.
§ 7.1.10
Lapse of special permit.
§ 7.1.11
Preexisting adult uses.
§ 7.1.12
Prohibited uses.
§ 7.2
Telecommunication facilities.
§ 7.2.1
Purpose.
§ 7.2.2
Consistency with federal law.
§ 7.2.3
Definitions.
§ 7.2.4
Exempted wireless communications uses.
§ 7.2.5
Special permit required.
§ 7.2.6
Location.
§ 7.2.7
Additional requirements.
§ 7.2.8
Siting criteria and evaluation of impact.
§ 7.2.9
Standards for siting of telecommunications equipment.
§ 7.2.10
Environmental standards.
§ 7.2.11
Primary coverage outside Sharon.
§ 7.2.12
Applications.
§ 7.2.13
Evidence of need: adequate coverage; adequate capacity.
§ 7.2.14
Additional design guidelines.
§ 7.2.15
Special permit review.
§ 7.2.16
Independent consultants.
§ 7.2.17
Monitoring and evaluation of compliance.
§ 7.2.18
Removal requirements.
§ 7.2.19
Waivers.
§ 7.3
Registered marijuana dispensaries (RMDs) and marijuana establishments.
§ 7.3.1
Siting requirements.
§ 7.3.2
Location.
§ 7.3.3
Lot coverage.
§ 7.3.4
Retailers.
§ 7.3.5
Off-street parking and loading.
§ 7.3.6
Sign requirements.
§ 7.3.7
Special permit submission and approval.
§ 7.3.8
Decision.
§ 7.3.9
Lapse.
§ 7.3.10
Term; renewal.
§ 7.3.11
Violation.
§ 7.3.12
Existing RMDs and marijuana establishments.
§ 7.4
Hotel.
§ 7.4.1
General.
§ 7.5
Natural gas custody transfer facilities.
§ 7.5.1
Purpose.
§ 7.5.2
General requirements.
§ 7.5.3
Application process.
§ 7.5.4
Special permit review.
§ 7.6
Storage of trailers.
§ 7.6.1
General.
§ 7.6.2
Restriction.
§ 7.7
Solar photovoltaic installations.
§ 7.7.1
Purpose.
§ 7.7.2
Applicability.
§ 7.7.3
Definitions.
§ 7.7.4
Use Regulation Table.
§ 7.7.5
Dimensional and density requirements.
§ 7.7.6
Compliance with laws, bylaws and regulations.
§ 7.7.7
Site plan approval required.
§ 7.7.8
Contents.
§ 7.7.9
Professional review.
§ 7.7.10
Site control.
§ 7.7.11
Operation and maintenance plan.
§ 7.7.12
Utility notification.
§ 7.7.13
Performance standards.
§ 7.7.14
Safety and environmental standards.
§ 7.7.15
Monitoring and maintenance.
§ 7.7.16
Modifications.
§ 7.7.17
Contact.
§ 7.7.18
Discontinuance and removal.
§ 7.7.19
Financial surety.
SECTION 8.0
Special Residential Regulations
§ 8.1
Accessory dwelling units (ADU).
§ 8.1.1
Definition.
§ 8.1.2
Procedures.
§ 8.1.3
Conditions.
§ 8.1.4
Decision.
§ 8.2
Senior housing facility.
§ 8.2.1
Purpose.
§ 8.2.2
Definitions.
§ 8.2.3
Applicability.
§ 8.2.4
Dimensional requirements and design standards.
§ 8.2.5
Accessory uses.
§ 8.2.6
Special permit procedure.
§ 8.3
Open space residential development (OSRD).
§ 8.3.1
Purpose.
§ 8.3.2
Definitions.
§ 8.3.3
Applicability.
§ 8.3.4
Procedures.
§ 8.3.5
Basic maximum number of dwelling units.
§ 8.3.6
Density bonus.
§ 8.3.7
Design process.
§ 8.3.8
Concept plan.
§ 8.3.9
OSRD special permit.
§ 8.3.10
Modification of lot requirements.
§ 8.3.11
Affordable component.
§ 8.3.12
Types of buildings.
§ 8.3.13
Roads.
§ 8.3.14
Parking.
§ 8.3.15
Contiguous open space.
§ 8.3.16
Ownership of the contiguous open space.
§ 8.3.17
Buffer areas.
§ 8.3.18
Stormwater management.
§ 8.3.19
Condominium or homeowners' association.
§ 8.3.20
Decision.
§ 8.3.21
Relation to other requirements.
§ 8.4
Dwelling conversions.
§ 8.4.1
Applicability.
§ 8.4.2
Municipal building conversions.
§ 8.5
Multifamily/mixed use regulations in the BA, BB, and BC Districts.
§ 8.5.1
BA District.
§ 8.5.2
BA District requirements.
§ 8.5.3
BA District; landscaping.
§ 8.5.4
BA District; parking.
§ 8.5.5
BB and BC Districts.
§ 8.5.6
BB and BC District requirements.
§ 8.6
Affordable housing in the BA District.
§ 8.6.1
Applicability.
§ 8.6.2
Definitions.
§ 8.6.3
Marketing plan.
§ 8.6.4
Number of affordable housing units.
§ 8.6.5
Requirements.
§ 8.6.6
Phasing.
§ 8.6.7
Computation.
§ 8.6.8
No variance or waiver.
§ 8.7
Affordable housing in the BD District.
§ 8.7.1
Purpose.
§ 8.7.2
Definitions.
§ 8.7.3
Requirements.
§ 8.7.4
Certificates of occupancy.
SECTION 9.0
Special District Regulations
§ 9.1
Floodplain Overlay District (FPOD).
§ 9.1.1
Purpose.
§ 9.1.2
Location.
§ 9.1.3
Abrogation.
§ 9.1.4
Disclaimer of liability.
§ 9.1.5
Severability.
§ 9.1.6
Designation of community floodplain administrator.
§ 9.1.7
Requirement to submit new technical data.
§ 9.1.8
Variances to building code floodplain standards.
§ 9.1.9
Variances to local zoning bylaws.
§ 9.1.10
Permit requirements.
§ 9.1.11
Permit review process.
§ 9.1.12
Subdivision proposals.
§ 9.1.13
Base flood elevation data for subdivision proposals.
§ 9.1.14
Unnumbered A zones.
§ 9.1.15
Floodway encroachment.
§ 9.1.16
Watercourse alterations or relocations in riverine areas.
§ 9.1.17
Recreational vehicles.
§ 9.1.18
Local enforcement.
§ 9.1.19
Definitions.
§ 9.2
Water Resource Protection District (WRPD).
§ 9.2.1
Purpose.
§ 9.2.2
Applicability.
§ 9.2.3
Special permits for insensitive locations.
§ 9.2.4
Prohibited uses and activities.
§ 9.2.5
Special permit uses.
§ 9.2.6
Minimum lot area.
§ 9.2.7
Stormwater management.
§ 9.2.8
Impervious materials coverage.
§ 9.2.9
Special permit granting authority.
§ 9.2.10
Special permit submittals.
§ 9.2.11
Special permit submittals; applications for other than one single-family dwelling.
§ 9.2.12
Criteria for special permits for insensitive locations within Surface Water Resource Protection District.
§ 9.2.13
Criteria for special permits for insensitive locations within Ground Water Resource Protection District.
§ 9.2.14
No exemption.
§ 9.2.15
Criteria for special permits not covered by §§ 9.2.12 or 9.2.13.
§ 9.2.16
No exemption.
§ 9.2.17
Violations.
§ 9.3
MBTA Communities Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Overlay District (MCMMOD).
§ 9.3.1
Purpose.
§ 9.3.2
Establishment and applicability.
§ 9.3.3
Definitions.
§ 9.3.4
Permitted uses.
§ 9.3.5
Minimum lot dimensions.
§ 9.3.6
Density.
§ 9.3.7
Wastewater.
§ 9.3.8
Off-street parking regulations.
§ 9.3.9
Performance standards for multifamily or nonresidential uses.
§ 9.3.10
Affordable housing.
§ 9.3.11
Site plan review.
§ 9.3.12
Post office square design guidelines.
§ 9.3.13
Severability.
§ 9.4
Sharon Commons Smart Growth Overlay District (SCSGOD).
§ 9.4.1
Purpose.
§ 9.4.2
Definitions.
§ 9.4.3
Overlay District.
§ 9.4.4
Affordable housing.
§ 9.4.5
Permitted and prohibited uses.
§ 9.4.6
Density.
§ 9.4.7
Dimensional regulations.
§ 9.4.8
Traffic and pedestrian safety.
§ 9.4.9
Off-street parking regulations.
§ 9.4.10
Application for plan approval.
§ 9.4.11
Required submittals for plan approval.
§ 9.4.12
Procedures.
§ 9.4.13
Design standards.
§ 9.4.14
Decision.
§ 9.4.15
Change in plans after approval by PAA.
§ 9.4.16
Enforcement; appeals.
§ 9.5
Recreation and Residential Overlay District (RROD).
§ 9.5.1
Purpose.
§ 9.5.2
Definitions.
§ 9.5.3
Eligibility.
§ 9.5.4
Site plan review.
§ 9.5.5
Application.
§ 9.5.6
Active open space requirements.
§ 9.5.7
Restriction.
§ 9.5.8
Phasing.
§ 9.5.9
Sureties.
§ 9.5.10
Green development.
§ 9.5.11
Construction requirements.
§ 9.5.12
Operation and maintenance requirements.
§ 9.5.13
Permitted uses.
§ 9.5.14
Permitted accessory uses.
§ 9.5.15
Performance standards.
§ 9.5.16
Dimensional regulations; total Recreation and Residential Overlay District project.
§ 9.5.17
Dimensional regulations; lots.
§ 9.5.18
Required off-street parking and loading; minimum parking requirements.
§ 9.5.19
Design requirements for two-family dwelling parking.
§ 9.5.20
Design requirements for golf course and multiuse clubhouse parking.
§ 9.5.21
Design requirements for loading spaces.
§ 9.5.22
Site plan review and approval.
§ 9.5.23
Criteria.
§ 9.5.24
Final action by the Planning Board.
§ 9.5.25
Consultants.
§ 9.5.26
Enforcement and implementation.
§ 9.6
Planned Development (PD) District.
§ 9.6.1
Purpose and intent.
§ 9.6.2
Types.
§ 9.6.3
Procedures.
§ 9.6.4
Submission requirements for a PD rezoning.
§ 9.6.5
Town Meeting vote.
§ 9.6.6
Criteria for PD special permit or PD site plan approval.
§ 9.6.7
Changes in a site development and use plan.
SECTION 10.0
Administration.
§ 10.1
Permits.
§ 10.1.1
Inspector of Buildings.
§ 10.1.2
Certification.
§ 10.1.3
Permit issuance.
§ 10.1.4
Process.
§ 10.2
Enforcement.
§ 10.2.1
General.
§ 10.2.2
Enforcement request.
§ 10.2.3
Notice of violation.
§ 10.2.4
Penalties.
§ 10.2.5
Noncriminal disposition.
§ 10.3
Zoning Board of Appeals.
§ 10.3.1
Establishment.
§ 10.3.2
Powers.
§ 10.3.3
Rules and regulations; fees.
§ 10.4
Planning Board.
§ 10.4.1
Establishment.
§ 10.4.2
Powers.
§ 10.4.3
Rules and regulations; fees.
§ 10.5
Special permits.
§ 10.5.1
Special permit granting authority.
§ 10.5.2
Criteria.
§ 10.5.3
Procedures.
§ 10.5.4
Conditions.
§ 10.5.5
Referral.
§ 10.5.6
Plans.
§ 10.5.7
Regulations.
§ 10.5.8
Fees.
§ 10.5.9
Lapse.
§ 10.6
Site plan review.
§ 10.6.1
Site plan approval required.
§ 10.6.2
Zoning Board of Appeals.
§ 10.6.3
Site plan review.
§ 10.6.4
Minor site plan review.
§ 10.6.5
Major site plan review.
§ 10.6.6
Coordinated review.
§ 10.6.7
Reports to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
§ 10.6.8
Submission requirements.
§ 10.6.9
Contents of minor SPR.
§ 10.6.10
Contents of major SPR.
§ 10.6.11
Decision making criteria.
§ 10.6.12
Additional criteria for Business Districts A and C; Town Center.
§ 10.6.13
Additional criteria for Business District D.
§ 10.6.14
Procedures.
§ 10.6.15
Lapse.
§ 10.6.16
Regulations.
§ 10.6.17
Fee.
§ 10.6.18
Appeal.
§ 10.7
Site plan review for Dover Amendment uses.
§ 10.7.1
Purpose.
§ 10.7.2
Site plan review required.
§ 10.7.3
Scope of site plan review.
§ 10.7.4
Required information.
§ 10.7.5
Decision.
§ 10.7.6
Appeal.
§ 10.8
Request for reasonable accommodation.
§ 10.8.1
Purpose.
§ 10.8.2
Request.
§ 10.8.3
Zoning Board of Appeals.
§ 10.8.4
Information.
§ 10.8.5
ZBA procedures.
§ 10.8.6
Decision.
§ 10.8.7
Appeal.
§ 10.8.8
File.
§ 10.8.9
Other laws.
SECTION 11.0
Definitions
§ 11.1
Definitions.