A. 
Building Permit. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, reconstruct, or alter a structure without applying for and receiving from the Building Commissioner a building permit.
B. 
Issuance. Such permits shall be applied for in writing to the Building Commissioner. The Building Commissioner shall not issue any such permit unless the plans for the building, and the intended use thereof in all respects fulfills the provisions of this chapter, except as may have been specifically permitted otherwise by action of the Board of Appeals, provided a written copy of the terms governing any such permission be attached to the application and to the resulting building permit issued. One copy of each such permit issued, including any conditions or exceptions attached thereto, shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Commissioner.
C. 
Plot Plan. Each application for a permit to build, alter, or move a building shall be accompanied by a plot plan in such numbers of copies and drawn to such a scale as is required by the Building Commissioner. Each such plot plan shall show dimensions and area of lots and of structures and sewage disposal systems, to be erected, altered or moved, and adjacent streets or ways. Such plot plans shall accurately indicate dimensions of all lot lines.
A. 
Building Commissioner. This chapter shall be enforced by the Building Commissioner. The Building Commissioner, upon being informed in writing of a possible violation of this chapter or on his own initiative, shall make or cause to be made an investigation of facts and an inspection of the premises where such violation may exist. The Building Commissioner, on evidence of any violation, after investigation and inspection shall give written notice of such violation to the owner and to the occupant of such premises. The Building Commissioner shall demand in such notice that such violation be abated and within a reasonable time, designated therein by the Building Commissioner. Such notice and demand may be given by mail addressed to the owner at the address appearing for him on the most recent real estate tax records of the Town of Easton and to the occupant at the address of the premises of such seeming violation.
B. 
Duties. The Building Commissioner shall withhold a permit for construction, alteration or moving of any building or structure if the building or structure as constructed, altered or moved would be in violation of this chapter; and no permit or license shall be granted for a new use of a building, structure or land which use would be in violation of this chapter. If the Building Commissioner is requested in writing to enforce this chapter against any person allegedly in violation of the same and the Building Commissioner declines to act, he shall notify, in writing, the party requesting such enforcement of any action or refusal to act, and the reasons therefore, within 14 days of receipt of such request.
C. 
Penalties. Penalties for violations of any provision of this chapter may, upon conviction, be affixed in any amount not to exceed $300 for each offense. Each day, or portion of a day, that any violation is continued shall constitute a separate offense.
D. 
Noncriminal Disposition. In addition to the procedures for enforcement as described in the previous paragraph, the provisions of this chapter may be enforced by the Building Commissioner by noncriminal complaint pursuant to the provisions of MGL c. 40, § 21D. The penalty for violation of any provision of this chapter shall be $25 for the first offense; $50 for the second offense; $100 for the third offense and $200 for the fourth and each subsequent offense.
A. 
Membership. There shall be a Board of Appeals of five members and two associate members who shall be residents of the Town of Easton. As terms expire or vacancies occur, the Select Board shall make appointments pursuant to MGL c. 40A, § 12 and the Town Charter. Members shall serve without remuneration and shall be subject always to the rule that they shall give due consideration to the pertinent provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 11-12-2019 STM by Art. 13]
B. 
Powers of the Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals shall have the following powers:
(1) 
Appeals. To hear and decide an appeal taken by any person aggrieved by reason of his inability to obtain a permit from any administrative official, or any person aggrieved by any order or decision of the Commissioner of Buildings or any other administrative official in violation of any provision of Chapter 40A, General Laws, or of this chapter.
(2) 
Special Permits. To grant a special permit when designated as the Special Permit Granting Authority by this chapter.
(3) 
Variances. To authorize a variance for a particular use of a parcel of land or to an existing building thereon from the terms of this chapter as set forth in MGL c. 40A, § 10.
(4) 
Comprehensive Permits. To grant a comprehensive permit pursuant to MGL c. 40B.
C. 
Rules and Regulations; Fees. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall adopt rules and regulations, including fees, for the conduct of business and for the purpose of this chapter and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, and shall file a copy of such rules and fees with the Town Clerk.
A. 
Establishment. The Planning & Zoning Board shall consist of five members and one alternate member appointed by the Select Board.
[Amended 11-12-2019 STM by Art. 13]
B. 
Powers. The Planning & Zoning Board shall have the following powers:
(1) 
To hear and decide applications for special permits as provided in this chapter.
(2) 
To hear and decide applications for site plan approval pursuant to §§ 235-57 and 235-58.
C. 
Rules and Regulations; Fees. The Planning & Zoning Board shall adopt rules and regulations, including fees, for the conduct of business and for the purpose of this chapter and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, and shall file a copy of such rules and fees with the Town Clerk.
A. 
Special Permit Granting Authority. The Board of Appeals, Planning & Zoning Board, and the Select Board shall be the Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA) as specified in the various sections of this chapter and, when designated herein, shall hear and decide applications for special permits.
[Amended 11-12-2019 STM by Art. 13]
B. 
Criteria. Special permits shall be granted by the SPGA, unless otherwise specified herein, only upon its written determination that the adverse effects of the proposed use will not out weigh its beneficial impacts to the town or the neighborhood, in view of the particular characteristics of the site, and of the proposal in relation to that site. In addition to any specific factors that may be set forth in this chapter, the determination shall include consideration of each of the following:
(1) 
Social, economic, or community needs which are served by the proposal;
(2) 
Traffic flow and safety, including parking and loading;
(3) 
Adequacy of utilities and other public services;
(4) 
Neighborhood character and social structures;
(5) 
Impacts on the natural environment; and
(6) 
Potential fiscal impact, including impact on town services, tax base, and employment taking into account any proposed mitigation.
C. 
Application. The SPGA may adopt additional rules relative to the issuance of special permits and shall file a copy with the Town Clerk. The rules shall prescribe a size, form, contents, style, and number of copies of plans and specifications and the procedure for submission and approval of such permits.
D. 
Conditions. The SPGA may impose additional conditions and limitations as it may deem necessary.
E. 
Regulations. The SPGA may adopt rules and regulations for the administration of this Section.
F. 
Fees. The SPGA may adopt reasonable administrative fees and technical review fees for applications for special permits.
G. 
Lapse. Special permits shall lapse if a substantial use thereof or construction thereunder has not begun, except for good cause, within 24 months following the filing of the special permit approval (plus such time required to pursue or await the determination of an appeal referred to in MGL c. 40A, § 17, from the grant thereof) with the Town Clerk.
A. 
Applicability; Non-Residential Districts. No commercial, industrial, business, institutional, recreational, or educational use and no apartment, multiple or attached dwellings, municipal or school building, public utility structure, or parking lot, shall be constructed or externally enlarged, and no such use or structure shall be expanded or established in an building not theretofore used for such purposes, except in conformity with a site plan bearing an endorsement of approval by the Planning & Zoning Board.
B. 
Applicability; Residential Districts. No multiple or attached dwellings, school building, parking lot, or public utility structure and no institutional, recreational, or educational use shall be constructed or externally enlarged, and no such use or structure shall be expanded or established in an building not theretofore used for such purposes, except in conformity with a site plan bearing an endorsement of approval by the Planning & Zoning Board.
C. 
Site Plan Requirements. The site plan shall show or the accompanying materials shall detail:
(1) 
the record owner;
(2) 
location;
(3) 
zone boundary lines;
(4) 
easements, or other legal restrictions;
(5) 
exact location of building(s) on the lot with side, front and rear dimensions;
(6) 
lot dimensions; topography;
(7) 
adjacent public ways;
(8) 
location of off-street parking, lighting, and utility systems;
(9) 
surface drainage;
(10) 
traffic impacts as set forth in Section 6.4;[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original. No such section in this chapter.
(11) 
location and nature of open spaces with specific notations as to landscaping;
(12) 
locus plan; and
(13) 
other details as applicable and deemed necessary by the Planning & Zoning Board.
D. 
Procedure. Any person desiring approval of a site plan under this Section application packages to the Planning & Zoning Board, the contents, number, and format of which may be required in its rules and regulations. The Planning & Zoning Board will review the application and plans and circulate the application to the Fire and Police Departments, the Building Commissioner, the Land Use Agent, Handicap Advisory Committee, and other Boards and Committees and Town Departments, as requested. The Planning & Zoning Board may also require the employment of outside consultants such as may reasonably be required to perform design and engineering review, and may impose fees to charge for such pursuant to MGL c. 44, § 53G.
E. 
Criteria for Evaluation. The Planning & Zoning Board will review the application and plans and determine whether the application conforms to this chapter, and, in considering a site plan under this section, shall assure, to a degree consistent with Site Plan Guidelines established hereunder and a reasonable use of the site for the purposes permitted or permissible by the regulations of the district in which located:
(1) 
Protection of adjoining premises against seriously detrimental uses on the site;
(2) 
Convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement within the site, and in relation to adjacent streets, property, or improvements;
(3) 
Adequacy of the methods of drainage for surface water;
(4) 
Provisions for off-street loading operation of vehicles incidental to the normal operation of the establishment;
(5) 
Traffic and safety provisions to protect the convenience and welfare of the public;
(6) 
Aesthetic and functional design;
F. 
Conditions.
(1) 
A time period for the completion of the site construction work required to be done under this section may be established by the Planning & Zoning Board to ensure compliance therewith.
(2) 
Noncompliance with the provisions of the site plan shall result in rescission of the site plan approval at the stipulated expiration date; or at any other time by vote of the Planning & Zoning Board.
(3) 
Substantial completion of the public safety provisions of the site plan is a prerequisite for issuance of an occupancy permit.
G. 
Decision. The Planning & Zoning Board shall file its decision with the Town Clerk within 90 days of the receipt of the application. Failure to file a decision within this time period shall be deemed a constructive approval of the application. This deadline may be extended by agreement of the applicant and the Planning & Zoning Board. Any such extension shall be filed forthwith with the Town Clerk.
H. 
Regulations. The Planning & Zoning Board may adopt rules and regulations for the administration of this Section.
I. 
Fees. The Planning & Zoning Board may adopt reasonable administrative fees and technical review fees for applications for special permits.
J. 
Lapse. Site plan approval shall lapse if a substantial use thereof or construction thereunder has not begun, except for good cause, within 24 months following the filing of the decision (plus such time required to pursue or await the determination of an appeal referred to in MGL c. 40A, § 17, from the grant thereof) with the Town Clerk.
K. 
Appeal. The decision of the Planning & Zoning Board may be appealed in accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 17 to a court of competent jurisdiction.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to provide for site plan review of religious, educational, and child care centers otherwise "exempt" pursuant to MGL c. 40A, § 3.
B. 
Site Plan Review Required. Prior to the issuance of any building permit or certificate of occupancy, the establishment, alteration, change, extension, or reconstruction of uses B.1, B.2, or B.3, as set forth in the Table of Use Regulations, shall require site plan approval from the Planning & Zoning Board pursuant to this Section.
C. 
Scope of Site Plan Review. Under this Section, Site Plan Review shall be limited to two inquiries:
(1) 
Whether the use qualifies for protection under MGL c. 40A, § 3; and, if so,
(2) 
What reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements, if any, should be imposed on the use.
D. 
Required Information. All applications for Site Plan Review shall be in writing and provide, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) 
Name and address of applicant person or entity;
(2) 
Name and address of property owner;
(3) 
Description of the proposed use and any documents necessary to establish threshold compliance with MGL c. 40A, § 3;
(4) 
Reason that relief is requested from otherwise applicable zoning requirements;
(5) 
If necessary to reach a decision on the application, the Planning & Zoning Board may request further information from the applicant consistent with MGL c. 40A, § 3, specifying in detail the information required.
E. 
Site Plan; Contents. In addition, the applicant shall submit a site plan with the following information:
(1) 
Legend depicting all pertinent existing and proposed site features.
(2) 
The date and north arrow shall be shown on the plans.
(3) 
All site plans must be stamped by a Registered Professional Civil Engineer and a Professional Land Surveyor. The land surveyor shall perform an instrument boundary survey and shall certify the accuracy of the locations of the buildings, setbacks, and all other required dimensions to property lines.
(4) 
Zoning Chart depicting "Required" vs. "Provided" for all applicable Zoning Criteria including Lot Size, Frontage, Setbacks, Building Height, Lot Coverage, Parking Spaces, Landscaping Requirements.
(5) 
Locus map, at a scale of 1"=60' or suitable scale to accurately locate the site in Town, oriented on the plan in the same way as the large scale plan.
(6) 
The location, width, status (public or private), and name of all streets within 100 feet of the project.
(7) 
On-site and abutting lot lines. On site lot lines shall be described by bearings and distance. Abutting lot lines shall be shown in a general way.
(8) 
Zoning District lines, including overlay districts if applicable.
(9) 
The location of existing or proposed building(s) on the lot shall be shown with total square footage and dimensions of all buildings.
(10) 
Any streams, brooks, or wetland resource area boundaries within 100 feet of the property lines.
(11) 
Information on the location, size and type and number of existing and proposed landscape features.
(12) 
Information on the location, size and capacity of existing and proposed on-site and abutting utilities, (water, sewer, drainage, natural gas, electrical cable, etc.) including utilities in abutting side streets, if applicable.
(13) 
Detailed locations and dimensions of all existing and proposed buildings and uses on site and on abutting properties, including exterior details relating to the building footprint. All existing and proposed setbacks from property lines. Any minimum, or below minimum, setback distances shall be clearly noted as such on the plan.
(14) 
Information and details for all site and directional on-site signage shall be submitted.
(15) 
Elevation and facade treatment plans of all proposed structures. Color renderings are required for new construction.
(16) 
Information on the location, size and type of parking, loading, storage and service areas. A parking calculation schedule noting existing, required and proposed spaces for the entire site shall be provided.
(17) 
Details and specifications (if applicable) for proposed site amenities, including, but not limited to fences, recreation facilities, walls or other barrier materials; and special paving materials.
F. 
Decision. The Planning & Zoning Board may approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application for site plan approval. In making its decision, the Board shall be guided exclusively by MGL c. 40A, § 3. The Board shall file a written decision with the Town Clerk within _____ days of receipt of the application. Failure to file a decision within 90 days shall constitute approval of the site plan.
G. 
Appeal. Any appeal of the Planning & Zoning Board's decision shall be made pursuant to MGL c. 40A, § 17, to a court of competent jurisdiction.
A. 
Purpose. Under the FHA, it is a discriminatory practice to refuse to make "a reasonable accommodation in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodation may be necessary to afford [a handicapped] person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling." 42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(B). The same standard applies under the ADA, which also addresses nonresidential facilities providing services to persons with disabilities. 42 U.S.C. § 12112(b)(5). The purpose of this Section is to facilitate housing and/or services for persons with disabilities and to comply fully with the spirit and the letter of the FHA and, where applicable, the ADA.
B. 
Request. Any person eligible under the FHA or any provider of housing to persons eligible under the FHA, or any person eligible to operate a nonresidential facility providing services to persons eligible under the ADA, may request a Reasonable Accommodation as provided by the Fair Housing Act and/or the ADA. A Request for a Reasonable Accommodation does not affect a person's or provider's obligations to act in compliance with other applicable laws and regulations not at issue in the requested accommodation.
C. 
Zoning Board of Appeals. All requests for Reasonable Accommodation under the FHA and/or the ADA shall be submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
D. 
Information. All requests for Reasonable Accommodation shall be in writing and provide, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) 
Name and address of person(s) or entity requesting accommodation;
(2) 
Name and address of property owner;
(3) 
Name and address of dwelling or facility at which accommodation is requested;
(4) 
Description of the requested accommodation and specific regulation or regulations for which accommodation is sought;
(5) 
Reason that the requested accommodation may be necessary for the person or persons with disabilities to use and enjoy the premises; and
(6) 
If the requested accommodation relates to the number of persons allowed to occupy a dwelling, the anticipated number of residents, including facility staff (if any).
(7) 
If necessary to reach a decision on the request for Reasonable Accommodation, the ZBA may request further information from the applicant consistent with the FHA and/or ADA, specifying in detail the information required.
E. 
ZBA Procedures. The ZBA shall hold a public hearing using the procedures, including notice, set forth in MGL c. 40A, §§ 11 and 15. The deadlines imposed in MGL c. 40A, § 11 or § 15 may be extended upon the request of the applicant and the approval of the ZBA. The ZBA may seek information from other Town agencies in assessing the impact of the requested accommodation on the rules, policies, and procedures of the Town. Upon written notice to the ZBA, an applicant for a Reasonable Accommodation may withdraw the request without prejudice. The ZBA shall consider the following criteria when deciding whether a request for accommodation is reasonable:
(1) 
Whether the requested accommodation would require a fundamental alteration of a legitimate Town policy; and
(2) 
Whether the requested accommodation would impose undue financial or administrative burdens on the Town government.
F. 
Decision.
(1) 
After conducting an appropriate inquiry into the request for Reasonable Accommodation, the ZBA may:
(a) 
Grant the request;
(b) 
Grant the request subject to specified conditions; or
(c) 
Deny the request.
(2) 
The ZBA shall issue a written final decision on the request in accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 15. If the ZBA fails to render its decision on a request for Reasonable Accommodation within the time allotted by MGL c. 40A, § 15, the request shall be deemed granted. The ZBA's decision shall be filed with the Town Clerk and sent to the applicant by certified mail.
G. 
Appeal. The ZBA's decision pursuant to this section may be appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 17 or otherwise.
H. 
File. The ZBA shall maintain a file of all requests for Reasonable Accommodation under the FHA and/or the ADA and a file of all decisions made on such requests. The file(s) may be reviewed in the Office of the ZBA upon request during regular business hours.
I. 
Other Laws. While a request for Reasonable Accommodation is pending, all laws and regulations otherwise applicable to the premises that is the subject of the request shall remain in full force and effect.
J. 
Effective Date. The provisions of this Section shall apply only to requests for Reasonable Accommodation made after May 16, 2016. Any person who has previously submitted a request for Reasonable Accommodation may resubmit the request for processing pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Section.