A. 
Basic requirements. The subdivider shall observe all design standards for land subdivision as hereinafter provided. These standards shall be considered minimum standards and shall be varied from or waived only as provided in Article VI.
B. 
Conformance with the Master Plan. Any proposed subdivision shall conform to the proposals and intentions of the Kingston Master Plan, which includes the Conservation Plan of the Conservation Commission and the Recreation Plan as adopted in whole or in part by the Planning Board, unless substitute proposals may be shown to the satisfaction of the Board to serve better the general area of the subdivision and the Town.
C. 
Lot size and frontage. All lots shall be of such size and dimensions to meet the minimum requirements of the Zoning Bylaw.
D. 
Access through another municipality. In case access to a subdivision crosses land in another municipality, the Board may require certification from appropriate authorities that such access is in accordance with the Master Plan and subdivision requirements of such municipality and that a legally adequate performance bond has been duly posted or that such access is adequately improved to handle prospective traffic. Lot lines shall be laid out so as not to cross municipal boundary lines.
[Amended 11-30-1998]
E. 
Adequate access from public way.
(1) 
Where the street system within a subdivision does not connect with or have, in the opinion of the Board, adequate access from a Town, county or state public way, the Board may require, as a condition of approval of a plan, that such adequate access be provided by the subdivider and/or that the subdivider make physical improvements to and within such a way of access, in accordance with the provisions of Article V of these regulations, from the boundary of the subdivision to a Town, county or state way.
(2) 
Where the physical condition or width of a public way from which a subdivision has its access is considered by the Board to be inadequate to carry the traffic expected to be generated by such subdivision, the Board may require the subdivider to dedicate a strip of land for the purpose of widening the abutting public way to a width at least commensurate with that required within the subdivision, and to make physical improvements to and within the subdivision. Any such dedication of land for the purpose of way and any such work performed within such public way shall be made only with permission of the governmental agency having jurisdiction over such way, and all costs of any such widening or construction shall be borne by the subdivider.
A. 
Location and alignment.
(1) 
All streets in the subdivision shall be designed so that, in the opinion of the Board, they shall provided safe vehicular travel. Due consideration shall also be given by the subdivider to the attractiveness of the street layout in order to obtain the maximum livability and amenity of the subdivision.
(2) 
Provision satisfactory to the Board shall be made for the proper projection of streets, or for access to adjoining property which is not yet subdivided.
(3) 
Reserve strips prohibiting access to streets or adjoining property shall not be permitted, except where, in the opinion of the Board, such strips shall be in the public interest.
(4) 
Streets shall be continuous, of uniform width, and alignment with existing streets, as far as practicable.
(a) 
Entry roads to subdivisions with a landscaped median are permitted. Median breaks on such divided roads shall occur at least every 650 feet. While the right-of-way width shall be continuous, street widths may narrow at the end of landscaped median. Divided roads widths shall not narrow where they intersect streets outside of the subdivision.
(b) 
Provisions for narrower pavement widths and smaller culs-de-sac may be made by the Planning Board for developments employing accepted traffic-calming measures and for developments employing accepted low-impact development methods as shown in Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit: https://www.mass.gov/smart-growth-smart-energytoolkit-information-and-resources.
[Amended 11-30-1998; 6-22-2009]
(5) 
Streets shall be designed so that existing ways and cart paths in use or available for use for access to adjoining property are included within the right-of-way.
(6) 
Provisions shall be made for the proper projection of streets if adjoining property is not subdivided.
(7) 
All curved streets must be designed to permit safe vehicular travel. A minimum 200-foot-length tangent shall be provided between the PT of one curve and the PC of any following curve.
B. 
Right-of-way width and street design standards.
(1) 
On all classification of streets, the following characteristics shall be the minimum acceptable. Provisions for narrower pavement widths and smaller culs-de-sac may be made by the Planning Board for developments employing accepted traffic-calming measures and for developments employing accepted low-impact development methods as shown in Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit: https://www.mass.gov/smart-growth-smart-energytoolkit- information-and-resources.
[Amended 11-30-1998; 6-22-2009]
Street Classification
Right-of-Way Width (feet)
Pavement Width (feet)
Radius of** Curves + (feet)
Arterial
70
48
1528
Collector
60
34
300
Subcollector
50
26
200
Local
50
22
150
**
Using e max = 0.04
Street Classification
Vertical +* Alignment (feet)
Horizontal Sight + Distance (feet)
Gradient %Maximum
Gradient %Minimum
Arterial
625 to 850
625 to 850
5
1
Collector
400 to 475
450 to 550
6
1
Subcollector
275 to 325
275 to 325
7
1
Local
200
200
8
1
* clear sight distance at 4.5 feet above pavement
+ measured at center line of pavement
ft. = feet
(2) 
When a minor street will provide the only access for lots fronting on a length in excess of 650 feet or where, on a major street, potential volume or safety warrants, in the opinion of the Planning Board, the Board may require a greater right-of-way than that specified above and may require construction of a divided roadway.
C. 
Street jogs. Streets entering opposite sides of another street shall be laid out either directly opposite each other or with a minimum offset of 150 feet between their center lines. Provisions for street jogs offset less than 150 feet may be made by the Planning Board for developments employing accepted traffic-calming measures where sidewalks and multiuse paths are incorporated into the development as a part of a Town-wide bicycle- and pedestrian-path system.
[Amended 11-30-1998]
D. 
Intersection.
(1) 
Rights-of-way shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles. No right-of-way shall intersect any other right-of-way at less than 60°. The vertical curvature of the road shall not exceed grade of 3% for a minimum distance of 100 feet from the intersection.
(2) 
Property lines at right-of-way intersections shall be cut back to provide for a curb radius on the roadway of not less than 30 feet, except where the angle of intersection varies more than 10° from a right angle, in which case the radii of the curve connecting the acute angle may be less and the opposite radius must be correspondingly greater.
(3) 
When the intersection of two streets varies more than 10° from a right angle, the radius of the curve at the obtuse angle may be less, and at the acute angle may be greater, than 30 feet to the extent approved or required by the Planning Board.
(4) 
Streets shall be laid out so as to intersect at intervals in a range of 600 feet to 1,200 feet in length, unless otherwise specified by the Planning Board. In special instances, the Planning Board may approve an easement for a future street in lieu of actual construction of a cross street.
(5) 
Sight distances at intersection shall be according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials publication "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets," current edition.
E. 
Dead-end streets.
(1) 
For the purposes of this section, any proposed street which intersects solely with a dead-end street shall be deemed to be an extension of the dead-end street. Dead-end streets and their extensions, if any, shall not be longer than 650 feet. A dead-end street shall not be less in length than 1 1/2 times the frontage required in the district in which it is located. Dead-end streets shall be measured from the right-of-way line of the intersecting street.
[Amended 2-13-1995]
(2) 
Dead-end street shall be provided at the closed end with a turnaround having an outside roadway diameter of a least 110 feet, and a property line diameter of at least of at least 120 feet unless otherwise specified by the Planning Board. The Planning Board may, at its option, require a minimum outside roadway diameter of 140 feet, and a property line diameter of 160 feet if the dead-end street is not intended to connect with another street at some future point in time. Where a future street is projected beyond the circle, the circle shall be designed in relation to such extension. The turnaround or stub shall be located at the property line of the subdivision, unless the Planning Board approves otherwise. Provisions for smaller culs-de-sac may be made by the Planning Board for developments employing accepted traffic-calming measures. Provisions for flexibility of cul-de-sac design are permitted for low-impact developments.
[Amended 11-30-1998; 6-22-2009]
(3) 
The Board may require a roadway easement from the end of the dead-end street to adjacent property. If a dead-end street is subsequently extended beyond the required turnaround, any easement appurtenant to a lot not abutting the turnaround, except that portion of the turnaround included in said extension shall terminate upon the approval and recording of a certificate by the Planning Board of the construction of said extension, at which time additional land used for the circle may be relinquished to the adjacent property.
F. 
Street names. To provide names in keeping with the character of the Town, street names shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board after consultation with the Fire Chief and the E911 Committee. Proposed street names shall not duplicate nor bear phonetic resemblance to the name of existing public ways, paper streets, or any other way qualified to afford frontage under MGL c. 41, § 81L. A proposed street which is in alignment with an existing street shall bear the same name as the existing street.
A. 
Driveways in subdivisions containing one- and/or two-family dwellings only shall be at least 10 feet wide and have a curb return at the roadway of two feet in radius, and shall have an opening of at least 16 feet at the gutter line.
B. 
Driveways for all other residential uses and for nonresidential uses shall be at least 16 feet wide and have a curb return at the roadway of two feet in radius, and shall have an opening of at least 20 feet at the gutter line.
C. 
Where rolled curbs or no curbs exist, the driveway flare should have a three-foot radius. Driveway cuts shall not be within 65 feet of the intersection of the center line of intersecting streets.
D. 
If driveways slope from the edge of the street right-of-way to the edge of the pavement, there shall be a grade of not less than 1% but not more than 8%, but the grade between the sidewalk and the right-of-way shall be only as shown on the cross sections; Schedules B and C.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: All schedules are included as an attachment to this chapter.
E. 
At every intersection, ramps three feet wide shall be provided, adjacent to the granite curb sections required in § 468-5.6A.
A. 
Wherever possible, easements shall be centered along side or rear lot lines. All easements shall be marked with concrete bounds.
[Amended 11-30-1998]
B. 
Where utilities cross lots or are centered on rear or side lot lines, easements shall be provided of a width of at least 20 feet.
C. 
Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainageway, channel or stream, the Planning Board may require a stormwater easement, maintenance easement or drainage right-of-way of adequate width and proper side slope to conform substantially to the lines of such watercourse, drainageway, channel or stream and to provide for construction or other necessary purposes. In no case shall the width be less than 20 feet or the side slope be steeper than two horizontal to one vertical. The boundaries shall not be closer than five feet horizontally from the annual high-water line. Parallel streets or pedestrianways and/or appropriate access may be required in connection therewith. Streams and watercourses shall remain open except at street crossings.
[Amended 6-22-2009]
D. 
Access easements to park and conservation land shall be provided, if required by the Planning Board, and shall be at least 20 feet wide.
E. 
Wherever possible, easements along rear lot lines shall be continuous to the street at the end of the block to connect with the adjoining blocks in the shortest direct line.
F. 
Where the applicant/developer provides trails or where trails traverse the land shown on the plan, an easement at least 15 feet wide shall be shown, which may be limited to passage on foot or horseback. Where the present location of the trails interferes with logical development of the land, adjustments shall be made to relocate the trail or to connect the trail to a street right-of-way, another trail or suitable open space.
G. 
The Planning Board may require that other areas be included within a conservation restriction.
H. 
In any subdivision, the developer may grant to the Town a conservation restriction over any portion of the subdivision, providing the area subject to the restriction is part of the Conservation or Recreation Plan of the Town.
I. 
Upon definitive plan approval, all easements shown on the plan shall become part of the approved plan. The Planning Board agent will record all easements, and proof of the recording will be required before final approval and endorsement of subdivision plan.
[Amended 1-29-1996; 11-30-1998]
A. 
Before approval of a plan, the Planning Board may also, in proper cases, require the plan to show a park or parks suitably located for playground or recreation purposes or for providing light and air. The park or parks shall not be unreasonable in area in relation to the land being subdivided and to the prospective uses of such land. The Planning Board may, by appropriate endorsement on the plan, require that no building be erected upon such park or parks without its approval for a period of three years. Each area reserved for such purpose shall be of suitable area, dimensions, topography and natural character for the purposes of a park and/or playground. The area or areas shall be so located as to serve adequately all parts of the subdivision as approved by the Planning Board. The Planning Board may require that the area or areas reserved shall be located and laid out so as to be used in conjunction with similar areas of adjoining subdivisions or of probable subdivisions. Unless otherwise specifically approved by the Planning Board, the total amount of area to be reserved for park and/or playground purposes shall be no less than 10% of the gross area of the subdivision. Any land so reserved shall be graded to dispose properly of surface water and shall be left in condition for the purpose intended, as required by the Planning Board.
B. 
Any open space park or playground shall provide at least 50 feet of continuous frontage on a street.
C. 
Such parks and/or playgrounds may be required to have maintenance provided for by covenants and agreements acceptable to the Board, until public acquisition is accomplished by the community.
D. 
Pedestrianways, bikeways, or bridle paths of not less than 15 feet in width may be requested where deemed desirable to provide circulation or access from each of the surrounding streets to schools, playgrounds, parks, shops, transportation, open space and/or community facilities, as provided in § 468-4.11.
E. 
The Town shall have the right to acquire ownership of same by gift or as provided in MGL c. 41, § 81Q.
Due regard shall be shown for all natural features, such as large trees, wooded areas, watercourses, scenic points, historic spots, and similar community assets, which, if preserved, will add attractiveness and value to the subdivision. Outside of street rights-of-way, no trees over a fifteen-inch caliper measured at four feet above the existing grade shall be removed or have the grade level surrounding the trunk altered by more than six inches without approval of the Planning Board.
[Amended 6-22-2009]
Lots shall be prepared and graded in such a manner that development of one shall not cause detrimental drainage on another. If provision is necessary to carry drainage to or across a lot, an easement or drainage right-of-way of adequate width and proper side slope shall be provided. Storm drainage shall be designed in accordance with the specifications of the Planning Board. Where required by the Planning Board or the Board of Health, the applicant shall furnish evidence as to any lot or lots to either Board that adequate provision has been made for the proper drainage of surface and underground waters from such lot or lots. The Planning Board will also consider low-impact development drainage designs based on Appendix A, Stormwater Technical Design Criteria.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
A. 
Fire hydrants shall be provided every 500 running feet on one side of each street unless an alternate distance is approved, in writing, by the Fire Department. Fire hydrants shall be placed so that the Fire Department hose connections are at least 16 inches above the finished grade.
B. 
All fire hydrants shall be painted "fire-hydrant red" and all caps and the top section shall be painted yellow.
C. 
For identification purposes, either a metal post painted yellow 12 inches from the top, the remainder red, shall be placed vertically in a concrete base to achieve a height of 60 inches above said finished grade or a yellow, metal flag approximately six inches square affixed to a red metal shaft and affixed to a hydrant hose connection so that the top of the flag is 60 inches above said finished grade shall be installed.
[Amended 11-30-1998]
A. 
Sidewalks shall be provided on one side of each street for the full length of major streets. Sidewalks shall be provided in the vicinity of pedestrian generators on minor and secondary streets as required by the Planning Board and in any area determined by the Planning Board to be a high-density area. Minimum widths of the sidewalks shall be four feet. Sidewalks shall be designed with due regard for existing trees, the natural environment and the character of the neighborhood. Sidewalks shall have ramp access at intersection. Each driveway shall be provided with a minimum ten-foot-wide apron from the edge of the road pavement to the edge of the road layout. Provision of sidewalks may be waived by the Board if multiuse paths are incorporated into the development as a part of a Town-wide bicycle- and pedestrian-path system.
[Amended 10-17-1994; 11-30-1998]
B. 
See cross sections in Schedules B and C.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: All schedules are included as an attachment to this chapter.
C. 
Sidewalks, grass plots, trees, curbs and berms shall be shown in accordance with these cross sections and the requirements of Article V.
A. 
Required utilities include water, sewer, storm drainage, telephone, electricity, gas, streetlights, fire alarm systems and cable TV unless otherwise specified by the Planning Board. The applicant shall submit evidence of complete financial arrangements with private utility companies prior to approval.
(1) 
All utilities shall be placed underground at the time of initial construction. The Planning Board may permit transformers, switches and other such equipment to be placed on the ground in approved locations, screened from view with evergreen shrubbery.
(2) 
Where adjacent property is not subdivided or where all the property of the applicant is not being subdivided at the same time, provision shall be made for the extension of the utility system by continuing the mains the full length of streets and to the exterior limits of the subdivision, at such grade and size as will, in the opinion of the Planning Board, permit their proper extension at the later date.
(3) 
Adequate disposal of surface and subsurface water shall be provided on both sides of the roadway at intervals not to exceed 300 feet, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Board, and at such other places as deemed necessary by the Planning Board to assure adequate drainage of all low points and to provide proper runoff of stormwater. In no instances shall catch basins be located along a driveway cut. The Planning Board will also consider accepted low-impact development methods as shown in the Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit: https://www.mass.gov/smart-growth-smart-energytoolkit-information-and-resources.
[Amended 6-22-2009]
B. 
Sewerage.
(1) 
Each subdivision shall, where a public sewerage system is located within 2,000 feet of the subdivision, be connected to the public sewerage system unless otherwise approved by the Sewer Commission, Planning Board and Board of Health.
[Amended 12-10-2001]
(2) 
If a public sewerage system is planned to be installed within 2,000 feet of any subdivision within three years of the date of submission of the definitive plan as indicated by prior Town Meeting action, the sewer system shall be installed by the developer in the street and to every lot which can be connected later to the public sewerage system.
[Amended 12-10-2001]
(3) 
If public sewerage connections are not required according to the above, or if the planned public sewerage system has not yet been installed to within the required distance of the proposed subdivision, private on-lot or communal sewerage systems, as approved by the Kingston Board of Health, shall be installed. The on-lot facility shall be located in the front yard wherever practicable to facilitate connections to an eventual public sewerage system.
(4) 
Manholes shall be located at every change in grade or horizontal alignment but not more than 300 feet apart.
(5) 
Sewerage, where sewerage systems are required, pipes and related equipment such as grinder pumps, and pumping stations shall be installed within the subdivision as necessary to provide all lots on each street with adequate sewerage as approved by the Sewer Department.
[Amended 12-10-2001]
(6) 
Small wastewater treatment facilities and sewage pumping stations shall be in accordance with Kingston's regulations for small wastewater treatment facilities and regulations of the Sewer Department.[1]
[Amended 12-10-2001]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 460, Sewers.
C. 
Water.
(1) 
All lots approved by the Planning Board through the definitive subdivision plan process shall conform to the requirements of the Water Department Rules and Regulations.[2]
[Amended 1-29-1996]
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 490, Water Department Rules and Regulations.
(2) 
Water, where water systems are required, pipes and related equipment such as hydrants and main shutoff valves shall be installed within the subdivision as necessary to provide all lots on each street with adequate water supply for domestic use as approved by the Water Department and for fire protection use, as approved by the Fire Department.
(3) 
All house connections shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the Water Department.
(4) 
If the Planning Board and Board of Health approve a private well or private water system, the requirements of the Board of Health shall govern the design of the well or system.
(5) 
The water system shall be designed so as to minimize infiltration.
(6) 
All proposed water systems/main extensions shall be looped whenever the Kingston Water Commissioners indicate that this is feasible and desirable.
[Amended 1-29-1996]
D. 
Storm drainage.
(1) 
A complete system of drainage shall be constructed in a manner satisfactory to the Planning Board and in conformance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transportation, formerly the Department of Public Works, standard specifications and provide adequate control of surface and subsurface water, information from the subdivision and adjacent land. Pipe size, location and number of catch basins, manholes, headwalls, and other appurtenances shall be in accordance with the regulations of the Board. The Planning Board will also consider accepted low-impact development methods as shown in the Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit: https://www.mass.gov/smart-growth-smart-energytoolkit-information-and-resources. Drainage shall be designed to:
(a) 
Permit unimpeded flow of all natural watercourses.
(b) 
Ensure adequate drainage of all low points along streets.
(c) 
Intercept excessive groundwater in the subsoil along the streets.
(d) 
Intercept stormwater runoff along streets at intervals reasonably related to the extent and grade of the area drained.
[Amended 6-22-2009]
(2) 
Catch basins with four-foot sumps with hoods shall be required on both sides of the roadway on continuous grades at intervals of not more than 300 feet at all low points in the grade and near the corners of the roadway at intersecting streets. Not more than two catch basins shall be connected together before entering a manhole. Manholes shall be constructed at the end of each line; catch basin connections at changes in grade, size and alignment, and shall not exceed a spacing of 300 feet, and have inverts of sewer bricks. All catch basin grates shall be bicycle-safe.
[Amended 3-11-1996; 3-9-2009]
(3) 
All drainpipes shall be laid in a straight line and grade. At every change in direction or grade, a manhole shall be provided. Drains shall be laid with open bottoms joints in a three-fourths-inch crushed-stone cradle.
(4) 
Proper connections shall be made with the existing public drainage system. Where adjacent property is not subdivided, provision shall be made for extension of the system by continuing appropriate drains to the exterior boundaries of the subdivision, at such size and grade as will allow for their proper projection.
(5) 
Storm drainage systems shall be designed on the basis of a storm occurrence once in 25 years, and the resulting runoff shall be calculated by the Runoff Curve Number (CN) method as contained in TR-55.
(6) 
All drainage pipes shall be reinforced concrete conforming to ASTM directing C-76, Class 3 pipe, or such high class as may be required by depth of trench, and shall be at least 12 inches in diameter and shall be laid to a slope which will maintain a velocity of three feet per second when flowing full using N = .015. Comparable high-density polyethylene pipe (HDPE) may be used if deeded appropriate by the Planning Board. At least three feet of cover will be required over all drains unless otherwise specified or approved by the Board.
[Amended 3-9-2009]
(7) 
Drainage rights which are appropriate, sufficient and necessary in the acquiring of the bounds shall be secured for the Town of Kingston. Reinforced concrete bounds of the same dimensions as for granite bounds shall be installed at angle points on all easements to the Town of Kingston.
(8) 
Drains and catch basins shall not be backfilled until inspected.
(9) 
Provisions shall be made to collect and remove silt from the drainage system during the construction period.
(10) 
The Board may also require provision for subsoil drains along or near the edge of the travelled way, in addition to the trunk line system, wherever, in its opinion, groundwater conditions in the subsoil warrant such drains.
(11) 
In no instance shall catch basins be located at driveway entrances.
(12) 
Cross culverts and their appurtenances shall be designed to accommodate a storm of fifty-year frequency.
[Amended 3-9-2009]
Public bikeways, pedestrian walkways or trails shall be required by the Planning Board to provide circulation or access to schools, playgrounds, parks, shopping, transportation, open space and/or community facilities or for such other reason as the Board may determine. These may or may not be part of normal sidewalk provisions, but they shall not be a part of any lot in the subdivision. Bikeways and walkways shall conform to the following standards; the Planning Board encourages the use of permeable materials, including permeable pavement, for bikeways, pedestrian walkways or trails:
A. 
Minimum right-of-way width: 15 feet.
B. 
Minimum pavement width for bikeways and walkways: eight feet for bikeways and five feet for walkways.
[Amended 3-9-2009]
C. 
Maximum gradient: 5% for segments less than 100 feet in length; 3% elsewhere.
D. 
Minimum center-line radius: 25 feet.
Common driveways, as permitted by Town bylaw, and all drives serving more than two dwelling units, if permitted by a variance issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals, shall meet the following standards:
A. 
Minimum width: 18 feet for residential use; 24 feet for all other uses. Narrower widths may be permitted by using accepted low-impact development methods as shown in the Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit: https://www.mass.gov/smart-growth-smart-energytoolkit-information-and-resources.
[Amended 6-22-2009]
B. 
Maximum grade: 9%.
C. 
Maximum length: 250 feet.
D. 
Curb cut: not nearer than 65 feet from the center-line intersections of any rights-of-way.
E. 
In addition, the design shall, in the opinion of the Planning Board, assure adequate safety for emergency vehicles and shall provide for adequate drainage of surface waters.
F. 
All requirements of § 468-5.12. also must be met.
A. 
Where a retention or detention pond is shown on the plan, it shall be part of one or more lots and shall be governed by an easement available to the Town for the purposes of maintenance and also by an easement available to the Town for access for such maintenance.
B. 
Retention and detention basin as well as all stormwater management shall conform to Stormwater Management Volumes I and II prepared by MA Department of Environmental Protection and MA Office of Coastal Zone Management. Copies of text are available from State Bookstore (617) 727-2834, can be downloaded at https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-stormwater-handbook-and-stormwater-standards and are available for review in the Planning Department, Building Department, Conservation Commission office or Town Clerk's office.
[Amended 11-30-1998]