It shall be the policy of the Town to encourage, wherever feasible under the circumstances, the minimization of the number of driveways on a public highway by approving the use of common driveways in accordance with the provisions of this article. The use of common driveways is desirable because of:
A. 
A reduction in the number of curb cuts or road access points.
B. 
Minimization of land disturbance.
C. 
Minimization of new short dead end public highways.
D. 
The protection of the environment, community character and safety of the public.
E. 
The Residential and Commercial Development Design Guidelines.
A. 
Application. Application for common driveway approval for a common driveway serving no more than four lots shall be made to the Planning Department.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
B. 
Sketch.
(1) 
The application for a common driveway shall be accomplished by a sketch of the location of the proposed common driveway showing the lot lines and the location of the driveway, and a short EAF.
(2) 
The application shall include the proposed design and specifications for the common driveway.
(3) 
Proposed instrument.
(a) 
The application shall also include the proposed instrument, in recordable form, that provides for use, maintenance, repair and replacement of the common driveway, and an equitable method for apportioning the costs among the lots utilizing the common driveway.
(b) 
Such instrument must contain a provision providing for the common use of the proposed driveway in accordance with the purpose for which it is intended, without hindering the exercise of or encroaching upon the rights of others to use such driveway.
C. 
Standards.
(1) 
No portion of a common driveway shall be less than 16 feet wide.
(2) 
The design and construction specifications shall take into account the underlying soil type, terrain, safety factors, subbase course materials, base course material and soil stabilization fabric when required because of soil type, wet areas or other conditions, and driving surface course materials.
(3) 
Suitable drainage shall be provided for in the design and construction specifications.
(4) 
The design and construction specifications shall address the location and manner in which the driveway entrances and exits to the public highway shall be constructed and such access shall not be greater than 60 feet onto the public highway.
(5) 
The design and construction specifications shall be prepared by an Engineer.
(6) 
The common driveway design must be of a sufficient width and suitable grade and location to accommodate the prospective traffic and to facilitate ingress and egress of fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and other emergency vehicles.
D. 
Consultation with Town Engineer. After consultation and review by the Town's Engineer, and upon compliance with the requirements of this article, the design and construction specifications for the common driveway may be approved by the Planning Board.
E. 
Construction. The construction of the common driveway shall be approved by the Town's Engineer before any building permits are issued.
F. 
Fee. There is no fee for a common driveway approval.