As used in the chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
EXOTIC, INVASIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Non-native species that have spread into native or minimally
managed plant systems in Massachusetts, causing economic or environmental
harm by developing self-sustaining populations and becoming dominant
and/or disruptive to those systems.
HEADWAY SPEED
The slowest speed at which a watercraft may be operated and
maintain steerage way, but not to exceed six miles per hour.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC)
A small vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water
jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed
to be operated by persons sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel.
The term includes but is not limited to a jet ski, wet bike, or surf
jet so-called, plus motorized or propelled surfboards.
POWERBOATS
Any boat powered by an internal combustion engine permanently
or temporarily affixed to said boat.
WATERCRAFT
Any vessel or object used to navigate the waterways. The
term includes but is not limited to a motorboat, row boat, jet boat,
sail boat, dinghy, canoe, kayak, inflatable boat or personal watercraft.
WATERWAYS
Any body of water upon which watercraft can be used.
The maximum speed limit for all watercraft in Winnecunnet Pond
and Norton Reservoir is 35 miles per hour (mph) and 15 miles per hour
(mph) for Barrowsville Pond and Chartley Pond, except as approved
by the Board of Selectmen for safety or rescue purposes.
All watercraft must reduce speed to headway speed (6 mph) when
operating within 150 feet of:
A. The shore, watercraft not underway (for example, moored or anchored
vessels), and private docking areas; and
B. A public boat launch and a public or private swim area.
No watercraft shall operate at a speed greater than headway
speed (6 mph) from the hours of dusk to dawn. For the purpose of enforcement,
"dusk to dawn" shall mean 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before
sunrise.
A. All watercraft operated from dusk to dawn must be equipped with a
light for emergency use.
B. Towing from any watercraft from dusk to dawn operation is prohibited.
The operation of seaplanes is prohibited.
No road vehicles, including but not limited to automobiles,
trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or motorcycles, shall be allowed
onto the water body when the lake is frozen, except for emergency
purposes only, or by permit of the Selectmen.
A. Snowmobiles may be allowed on frozen water bodies and shall adhere to §
24-3 of this bylaw;
B. All structures, including ice fishing houses, built on or moved onto
the ice over water bodies in the Town of Norton are subject to the
following:
(1) Structures must identify and display the owner's name and address
with at least two-inch block letters;
(2) The Town reserves the right to establish a permit fee of $20 per
year per structure;
(3) Structures must be removed prior to ice out, no later than February
15 of each year.
No raft, float, mooring or similar device shall be attached
to the bottom by anchor or other means at a distance of more than
150 feet from the shore line without a special permit issued by the
Police Chief. Anchors are not permitted in Winnecunnet Pond.
No person shall conduct a powerboat rental agency, carrying
of passengers for hire, or any other type of commercial business on
the waters of the Town of Norton except as prescribed by and specified
in an annual license issued by the Norton Conservation Commission.
Commercial operations may be subject to an annual fee.
The Board of Selectmen shall establish a fee schedule and issue
parking and lease agreements for the use of the Town's land.
If, in the judgment of the Town, the safety of life and/or property
or overuse of an area creates a danger, hazard or disturbance of the
peace, immediate action may be taken to remedy the situation. Such
action may include but not be limited to removing a navigational hazard
and removing or redirecting watercraft to another area or off the
water.
This bylaw shall take effect in the manner provided in MGL c.
40, § 32.
If any provision of this bylaw is held to be invalid, such invalidity
shall not affect any other provision of this bylaw.