HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12 Draft Zoning Bylaw-rpt PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
DRAFT ZONING BYLAW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 135-1.0 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY 1
1.1 TITLE 1
1.2 PURPOSE 1
1.3 AUTHORITY 1
1.4 APPLICABILITY 1
1.5 AMENDMENTS 1
1.6 SEVERABILITY 1
SECTION 135-2.0 DISTRICTS 3
2.1 ESTABLISHMENT 3
2.2 CLASSES OF DISTRICTS 3
2.3 ZONING MAP 4
SECTION 135-3.0 USE REGULATIONS 5
3.1 PRINCIPAL USES 5
3.2 ACCESSORY USES 5
3.3 TABLE OF PERMIT lED USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. 5
SECTION 135-4.0 DIMENSIONAL CONTROLS 19
4.1 GENERAL STANDARDS 19
4.2 DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS 19
4.3 HEIGHT REGULATIONS 20
SECTION 135-5.0 GENERAL REGULATIONS 23
5.1 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING 23
5.2 SIGNS 31
5.3 LANDSCAPING,TRANSITION AND SCREENING 35
5.4 OUTDOOR LIGHTING 39
5.5 TRAFFIC STANDARDS 41
SECTION 135-6.0 SPECIAL REGULATIONS 45
6.1 ACCESSORY STRUCTURES 45
6.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION INCENTIVES 46
6.3 NURSERIES 48
6.4 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES 49
6.5 BED-AND-BREAKFAST HOME 54
6.6 CONGREGA I'E LIVING FACILITY 55
6.7 ACCESSORY APARTMENTS 56
6.8 HOME OCCUPATIONS 59
6.9 SPECIAL PERMIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS 61
SECTION 135-7.0 SPECIAL DISTRICT REGULATIONS 69
7.1 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE(NFI)DISTRICT 69
7.2 TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT 70
7.3 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS 72
SECTION 135-8.0 NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES 77
8.1 APPLICABILITY 77
8.2 NONCONFORMING USES 77
8.3 NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES OTHER THAN ONE-FAMILY AND TWO-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES 77
8.4 NONCONFORMING ONE-FAMILY AND TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES 78
PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
8.5 ABANDONMENT,DEMOLITION,OR NON-USE 78
8.6 NONCONFORMING OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING 78
SECTION 135-9.0 ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES 81
9.1 ENFORCEMENT OFFICER;PENALTY;PERMITS;EXEMPTIONS. 81
9.2 BOARD OF APPEALS 81
9.3 PLANNING BOARD 82
9.4 SPECIAL PERMITS 82
9.5 SITE PLAN REVIEW 85
SECTION 135-10.0 DEFINITIONS 87
ii
PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-1.0
1.1 — 1.6
SECTION 135-1.0 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
1.1 TITLE
This Bylaw is entitled the "Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts".
1.1.1 Continuity of Bylaw. This Bylaw is a reenactment and continuance of the provisions
of the Bylaw in effect when it was adopted, except as it contains changes in wording or
arrangement which constitute changes in meaning.
1.1.2 Headings. Headings, subheadings, and captions are for reference only and are not
substantive provisions of this Bylaw. They are not legally adopted parts of this Bylaw as
voted by Town Meeting.
1.2 PURPOSE
This Bylaw has been adopted to govern uses of land; the size, height, bulk, location and use
of structures, buildings and signs; and for all of the other purposes set forth in, but not limited
by, Section 2A of Chapter 808 of the Acts of 1975.
1.3 AUTHORITY
This Bylaw is enacted under the authority of MGL c. 40A, as amended, and by the Home
Rule Amendment, Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
1.4 APPLICABILITY
The use, construction, repair, alteration, height, location, percentage of site coverage of
buildings and structures, and land in the Town of Lexington are regulated as described in this
Bylaw. No building, structure, or land may be used or occupied and no building, structure,
or part thereof, may be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered
unless in conformity with the regulations of this Bylaw.
1.5 AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Bylaw must be made in conformance with MGL c. 40A s. 5.
1.6 SEVERABILITY
The invalidity of any section or provision of this Bylaw does not invalidate any other section
or provision of it.
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PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-2.0
2.1 —2.2
SECTION 135-2.0 DISTRICTS
2.1 ESTABLISHMENT
In order to carry out the purposes of this Bylaw, the Town of Lexington is divided into
zoning districts. Each zoning district is subject to both specific regulations for that district
and general regulations applicable to all districts.
2.2 CLASSES OF DISTRICTS
2.2.1 Residential Districts
RO One-Family Dwelling
RS One-Family Dwelling
RT Two-Family Dwelling
2.2.2 Commercial Districts
CN Neighborhood Business
CRS Retail Shopping
CS Service Business
CB Central Business
CLO Local Office
CRO Regional Office
CM Manufacturing
2.2.3 Planned Development Districts
RD Planned Residential Development
CD Planned Commercial Development
2.2.4 Overlay Districts
NFI National Flood Insurance
TMO Transportation Management Overlay
2.2.5 Use of Symbols. Each zoning district may be designated in this Bylaw or on the
Zoning Map by its symbol.
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SECTION 135-2.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
2.3 —2.3
2.3 ZONING MAP
2.3.1 General. Zoning districts are shown on a map entitled "Zoning Map of the Town of
Lexington" (the Zoning Map)prepared by the Planning Board and on file in the offices of the
Town Clerk and the Planning Board. The district boundaries shown on the Zoning Map are
part of this Bylaw. Changes to the Zoning District boundaries are made the same way as
amendments to the text of the Zoning Bylaw are made. The Zoning Map may include
geographical features, streets, notations, and such other information to keep the maps current
and to facilitate orientation.
2.3.2 Rules for Interpretation of District Boundaries. The boundaries between zoning
districts are shown on the Zoning Map. If there is any difference between the boundary of a
zoning district as shown on the Zoning Map and the perimeter description in the vote of the
Town Meeting establishing or amending said boundary, the vote of the Town Meeting
governs. In the case of uncertainty regarding a district boundary voted by Town Meeting, the
following rules apply:
1. Where the district boundary is indicated as a street, highway, railroad right-of-way, or
utility easement, the boundary is the centerline of the street, highway, railroad right-
of-way, or utility easement.
2. Where the district boundary is parallel to a street, highway, railroad right-of-way, or
utility easement, the boundary is parallel to it and, unless otherwise shown, 100 feet
from its centerline.
3. Where the district boundary is shown as following a watercourse, the boundary
coincides with its centerline.
4. Where the district boundary is shown as following the shoreline of a body of water, or
of a contour line, the boundary is the elevation above the datum mean sea level of
such body of water, or contour.
5. Where the district boundary is shown as the extension of another district boundary
line, the boundary is its straight-line extension.
6. If not resolved by the subsections above, the locations of the district boundaries are to
be determined by the distances, if given, from other lines or features on the Zoning
Map, or, if distances are not given, then by the scale of the Zoning Map.
7. If, after the application of the rules in the subsections above, uncertainty still exists
with respect to the boundaries of a district, the Building Commissioner shall make a
determination after seeking an opinion from the Planning Board.
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PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-3.0
3.1—3.3
SECTION 135-3.0 USE REGULATIONS
3.1 PRINCIPAL USES
3.1.1 General. No land may be used, and no structure erected or used except in
compliance with the provisions of this Bylaw as set forth in Table 1, Permitted Uses and
Development Standards, or as permitted elsewhere in this Bylaw. Uses not listed in Table 1
are prohibited. More than one principal use is allowed on a lot if each principal use is
permitted by Table 1 and the sum of the principal uses complies with the other requirements
of this Bylaw.
3.1.2 Overlay Districts. The use of land in overlay zoning districts is subject to the
regulations of the base zoning district and the additional requirements of the overlay district,
as described in § 7.0.
3.1.3 Planned Commercial and Planned Residential Districts. Planned Development
Districts are subject to the preliminary site development and use plan approved by the vote of
the Town Meeting, as provided in § 7.3.
3.1.4 More than One Classification. Where a use, structure, development, or activity may
be classified under more than one of the uses in Table 1, the more specific classification
applies. If equally specific, the more restrictive classification is used.
3.1.5 Compliance with Development and Operating Standards. In several sections of
Table 1, there are also development and operating standards for the permitted uses. A use,
building, activity, or development must comply with all applicable standards. Failure to
comply with any one of the standards will be the basis for denial of a building permit or
certificate of occupancy. Failure to continue to comply with any of the standards will be the
basis for revocation of the certificate of occupancy.
3.2 ACCESSORY USES
3.2.1 General. Any use or structure not listed as an accessory use in Table 1 is permitted
as an accessory use provided it is a use or structure that is customary and incidental to a
principal use or structure permitted by Table 1, conforms to all other provisions of this
Bylaw, and complies with all other Town Bylaws or General Laws.
3.2.2 Limit on Size of Accessory Uses. An accessory use may not occupy more than 25%
of the area of a lot or more than 25% of the gross floor area on a lot. This limitation does not
apply to off-street parking, or to accessory apartments, which are governed by other
provisions of the Bylaw.
3.3 TABLE OF PERMITTED USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
3.3.1 Use of Symbols in Table 1. The symbols in Table 1, Permitted Uses and
Development Standards, have the following meanings:
Y Yes, the use is permitted by right.
R The use is permitted by right, but Site Plan Review is required.
SP The use requires a Special Permit.
N No, the use is prohibited.
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
A. RESIDENTIAL USES
A.1.0 PRINCIPAL RESIDENTIAL USES
A.1.01 One-family dwelling YYYYNNNN N N
A.1.02 Two-family dwelling NNYY NNN N N N
A.1.03 Townhouse, three-family, four-family, multifamily NNNNNNNN N N
dwelling
A.1.04 Congregate living facility SP SP SP SP N N N N N N
A.1.05 Temporary dwelling, which may include a mobile home,
to replace a permanent dwelling on the same lot which
has been damaged or destroyed by fire, natural YYYY Y YY Y Y Y
catastrophe, or by demolition or substantial
reconstruction
A.1.06 Balanced housing development, public benefit SP SP SP N N N N N N N
development, site sensitive development
A.2.0 ACCESSORY USES FOR RESIDENTIAL USES
A.2.01 Not more than 3 rooming units YYYNNNN N N N
A.2.02 Accessory apartment, by right Y YNN SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.03 Accessory Apartment, special permit SP SP N N SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.04 Accessory Apartment, accessory structure SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.04 Bed and breakfast home Y YNN SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.05 Home occupation, instruction Y Y Y Y SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.06 Home occupation, minor Y Y Y Y SP SP SP SP SP SP
6 of 101
SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
A.2.07 Home occupation, major SP SP SP Y SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.08 Tennis court or court for a sport played with a racquet or SP SP SP Y Y YY Y Y N
paddle including handball
A.2.09 Family child care home Y Y Y Y SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.10 Family child care home, large SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.11 Adult day care in the home SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
A.2.12 Outdoor parking of commercial vehicles other than one NNNY Y YY Y Y Y
vehicle not larger than 10,000 pounds GVW
A.2.13 Outdoor parking of more than four automobiles for a SP SP SP SP Y YY Y Y Y
dwelling unit
A.2.14 Indoor parking of commercial vehicles other than one NNNNY YY Y Y Y
vehicle not larger than 15,000 pounds GVW
A.2.15 Outdoor storage of unregistered vehicles other than one
automobile not stored in the required yard for the NNNNN YNN N N
principal dwelling, and screened from the view of
abutting lots and the street
A.3.0 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES
A.3.01 More than one dwelling on a lot NNNNNNNN N N
B. INSTITUTIONAL USES
B.1.0 PRINCIPAL INSTITUTIONAL USES
B.1.01 Child care center YYYY Y YY Y Y Y
B.1.02 Use of land or structures for religious purposes YYYY Y YY Y Y Y
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
B.1.03 Use of land or structures for educational purposes on land
owned or leased by the commonwealth or any of its
agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
sect or denomination, or by a nonprofit educational
corporation
B.1.04 Municipal buildings or uses Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
B.1.05 Park, playground, cemetery YYYY Y YY Y Y Y
C. PRINCIPAL AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE USES
C.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
C.1.01 Farm for the raising of crops not exempt by statute Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
C.1.02 Exempt agricultural uses and structures as set forth in Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
G.L. c. 40A, s. 3
C.1.03 Greenhouse or nursery not exempt by statute SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
C.1.04 Horseback riding area or stables not exempt by statute SP SP SP N N N N N N N
C.1.05 Roadside stand not exempt by statute (for two-year SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
terms)
C.1.06 Removal from a lot of earth materials for sale such as SPSPNNNNNN SP SP
loam, sod, sand, gravel, stone, rock or clay
D. TEMPORARY USES
D.1.01 Temporary structures and uses not otherwise permitted in
the district provided the proposed structure or use is SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
compatible with the neighborhood
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
D.1.02 Temporary building or trailer incidental to the YYYY Y YY Y Y Y
construction of a building or land development
E. OPERATING STANDARDS - THE FOLLOWING OPERATING STANDARDS APPLY TO ALL USES IN SECTIONS
G TO P, INCLUSIVE, OF THIS TABLE IN ADDITION TO ANY STANDARDS SET FORTH THEREIN
E.1.01 Operations, in part or in whole, conducted outdoors SP SP SP SP Y Y SP SP SP Y
during operating hours
E.1.02 Storage of equipment and products outdoors during non- N N N N Y YYN SP SP
operating hours
F. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS - THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS APPLY TO ALL USES IN
SECTIONS G TO P, INCLUSIVE, OF THIS TABLE IN ADDITION TO ANY STANDARDS SET FORTH THEREIN
F.1.01 Uses and structures with less than 10,000 square feet of
gross floor area including the area of any existing YYYY Y YY Y Y R
structures but not including any floor area devoted to off-
street parking, on a lot
F.1.02 Uses and structures with 10,000 or more square feet of
gross floor area including the area of any existing SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP R
structures but not including any floor area devoted to off-
street parking, on a lot
G. OFFICE USES
G.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
G.1.01 Medical, dental, psychiatric office, but not a clinic NNNY YNY Y Y Y
G.1.011 Medical, dental, psychiatric office, but not a clinic, with NNNNYNY Y Y Y
related laboratory
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
G.1.02 Business or professional office NNNN Y NY Y Y Y
G.2.0 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR OFFICE USES
G.2.01 Office located on street floor level
*In CB District, an office shall not be permitted in a NNNY N N SP* Y Y Y
center storefront.
G.2.02 Office located on any floor other than street floor level N N N N* Y N Y Y Y Y
*Permitted in a basement
G.2.03 Office space of all companies in a building occupies a NNNN N NY Y Y Y
total of more than 50% of the floor area in a building
G.2.04 Offices in which one company has more than 1,000
square feet of floor area but not more than 2,500 square NNNN Y N Y Y Y Y
feet of floor area in a building
G.2.05 Building used for offices without limit as to the amount
of floor area one company may occupy or the percentage NNNN N NN N Y Y
of floor area occupied by offices
H. PERSONAL, BUSINESS, OR GENERAL SERVICE USES
H.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
H.1.01 Beauty parlor, barber shop NNNY Y YY Y N Y
H.1.02 Laundry or dry cleaning pickup station with processing
done elsewhere; laundry or dry cleaning with processing NNN Y Y Y Y N N Y
on the premises, self-service laundromat or dry cleaning
H.1.03 Tailor, dressmaker, shoe repair NNNY Y YYN N Y
H.1.04 Real estate sales or rental NNN Y Y NY Y Y Y
10 of 101
SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
H.1.05 Bank or Credit Union NNNN Y N Y Y Y Y
H.1.06 Bank or Credit Union with drive-up window or auto- N N N N SP NN N SP Y
oriented branch bank
H.1.07 Automatic teller machine NNNSPYYY Y Y Y
H.1.08 Travel agency, insurance agency, ticket agency NNNN Y N Y Y Y Y
H.1.09 Photographic services including commercial photography NNN Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
H.1.010 Repair of household appliances, small tools or NNNY Y YYN NN
equipment, rental of equipment or tools for use in a home
H.1.11 Funeral parlor NNNN N Y N Y N N
H.1.12 Photocopying, reproduction services but not commercial NNNY Y YY Y Y Y
printing
H.1.13 Medical clinic for outpatient services NNNN Y N Y Y Y Y
H.1.14 School not exempt by statute NNNNY YY Y Y Y
H.1.15 Commercial printing, publishing NNNN N Y Y Y N Y
H.1.16 Newspaper distribution agency NNNN N Y N Y N Y
H.1.17 Office of veterinarian NNNNN YNN N N
H.1.18 Kennel, boarding of household pets NNNNN YNN N N
H.1.19 Pet grooming service provided that it shall be conducted
entirely within the principal building and no pets shall be NNNN Y Y Y N N N
boarded overnight
H.1.20 Private postal service NNNNY Y N Y Y Y
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
H.1.21 Recycling collection store NNNNNSPNN N N
H.1.22 Museum, art gallery, private library SP SP SP Y YNY Y Y N
H.1.23 Nonprofit community service center or charitable SP SP SP Y YNY Y Y Y
organization
H.1.24 Private, nonprofit club or lodge of social, fraternal,
veterans, professional or political association; union hall; SP SP SP Y Y NY Y Y Y
not including a recreational club
H.2.0 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR PERSONAL,
BUSINESS, OR GENERAL SERVICE USES
H.2.02 Services with more than 1,500 square feet of floor space Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
per establishment
L SALES OR RENTAL OF GOODS AND EQUIPMENT
I.1.0 AS PRINCIPAL USE
I.1.01 Convenience goods often bought on a daily basis such as NNN Y Y YY Y Y Y
food, candy, newspapers, tobacco products
I.1.02 General merchandise, department store NNNN YNY N NN
I.1.03 Food, not intended for consumption on the premises;
includes grocery store, but not a takeout or fast-food NNNY YNY N N SP
service
I.1.04 Package liquor store, with no consumption of beverages NNNN SP NY N N N
on the premises
I.1.05 Apparel, fabrics and accessories NNNY YNY N NN
12 of 101
SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
I.1.06 Furniture, home furnishings, home appliances and NNNNYNY N NN
equipment, carpets
I.1.07 Other retail goods such as books, stationery, drugs,
sporting goods,jewelry, photographic equipment and
supplies, flowers, novelties, cards, footwear, and the like NNN Y Y N Y N N Y
which are typically of a size that a customer can carry by
hand
I.1.08 Hardware, paint, wallpaper NNNY Y YYN NN
I.1.09 Building materials NNNNY YYN NN
I.1.10 Lawn and garden supplies and equipment NNNNY YYN NN
I.1.11 Sale or rental of equipment and supplies, such as office NNNNY YNN N Y
furniture, to other businesses
I.1.12 Artisan work NNNNNNY N N N
I.2.0 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SALES OR RENTAL OF GOODS AND EQUIPMENT
I.2.2 Stores with more than 2,000 square feet of floor area per NNNNY YY N N SP
establishment
I.2.4 Sales or rental conducted in part outdoors with
permanent display of products during non-operating NNNNY YY N N SP
hours
J. EATING AND DRINKING; TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS
J.1.0 ASA PRINCIPAL USE
J.1.01 Restaurant NNNN YNY N Y Y
J.1.02 Fast-food service N N N SP SP N SP N SP Y
13 of 101
SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
J.1.03 Takeout food service NNNY Y SP Y N Y Y
J.1.04 Caterer or other establishment preparing meals for groups
of people (In CB, only in conjunction with a substantial NNNN N Y SP N N Y
retail food business)
J.1.05 Drive-in or drive-through food service NNNNNNNN N N
J.1.06 Hotel, motel NNNNNNSPN SP Y
K. COMMERCIAL RECREATION, AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT
K.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
K.1.01 Movie theater(indoor) NNNNNNY N N N
K.1.02 Indoor athletic and exercise facilities, weight reduction NNNN SP YY N N Y
salon
K.1.03 Recreational facilities such as golf course, tennis or SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
swimming club
K.1.04 Private nonprofit recreational facility such as golf course SP SP SP Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
tennis or swimming club
L. MOTOR VEHICLE RELATED SALES AND SERVICE USES
L.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
L.1.01 Motor vehicle sales or rental; includes automobiles,
trucks, campers, vans, recreational vehicles, boats, or NNNN SP SP N N N SP
trailers
L.1.02 Service station, sale of fuel and other motor oil products NNNN SP SP NN NN
and accessories such as batteries, tires
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
L.1.03 Sales and installation of automotive parts such as tires NNNNNSPNN NN
mufflers, brakes and motor vehicle accessories
L.1.04 Motor vehicle maintenance and minor repairs limited to
engine tune-up, lubrication and installation of
replacement parts, adjustment or replacement of brakes NNNN SP SP N N N SP
or tires, washing and polishing, but not including engine
overhaul, body work or painting
L.1.05 Substantial motor vehicle repair including engine NNNNNSPNN NN
overhaul, body work and painting
L.1.06 Car wash conducted entirely within a building NNNNNSPNN NN
L.1.07 Automobile parking lot where the parking spaces do not
serve a principal use on the same lot and where no sales NNNN N SP SP N SP SP
or service takes place
L.1.08 Storage of automobiles or trucks NNNNNSPNN N N
M. CONSTRUCTION, STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND INDUSTRIAL USES
M.1.0 ASA PRINCIPAL USE
M.1.01 Bakery NNNNN YNN NN
M.1.02 Industrial services such as machine shop, welding NNNNNSPNN N Y
M.1.03 Commercial mover, associated storage facilities NNNN N SP NN N Y
M.1.04 Distribution center, parcel delivery, commercial mail NNNN N NN N Y Y
delivery center
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
M.1.05 Office, display or sales space of a wholesale or
distributing establishment, provided that not more than NNNNN YNN N N
25% of the floor area is used for assembly of products
M.1.06 Trade shop NNNNN YNN N N
M.1.07 Office, yard and storage facilities for construction
company such as a general contractor, landscape NNNNNSPNN NN
contractor
M.1.08 Fuel oil dealer including sale and repair of heating NNNNNSPNN NN
equipment but not including bulk storage of fuel oil
N. MANUFACTURING USES
N.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
N.1.01 Light manufacturing NNNNNNNN N Y
N.1.02 Laboratory engaged in research, experimental and testing
activities, which may include the development of mock- N N N N N NN N Y Y
ups and prototypes but not the manufacture of finished
products
N.1.03 Biotech manufacturing NNNN N NN N Y Y
O. UTILITY, COMMUNICATIONS,AND TRANSPORTATION USES
0.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
0.1.01 Radio, television studio, but without transmitting or NNNN Y Y N N Y Y
receiving towers
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
0.1.02 Transmitting or receiving tower or antenna for
commercial activities other than those which are used NNNNNNNN N Y
exclusively for wireless communication facilities
0.1.03 Commercial ambulance service NNNNNSPNN N N
0.1.04 Taxicab garage, parking area NNNNNSPNN N N
0.1.05 Bus garage or storage facility NNNN N SP NN N Y
0.1.06 Parking maintenance facilities for commercial vehicles NNNNNSPNN N Y
0.1.07 Landing place for helicopters not including storage or NNNNNNNN SP SP
maintenance facilities
0.1.08 Wireless communication facility SP* SP* SP* SP* SP* SP* SP* SP* SP* SP*
*Yes if concealed as per Section ***
0.1.09 Essential services YYYSPYYY Y Y Y
0.1.10 Ground mounted solar energy systems NNNNNNNN N R
P. OPEN AIR, SEASONAL AND SPECIAL EVENTS
P.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
P.1.01 Flea market NNNNNSPNN N N
P.1.02 Seasonal sale of Christmas trees and wreaths SP SP SP SP Y Y N SP SP SP
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SECTION 135-3.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 3.3—3.3
Table 1: Table of Permitted Uses and Development Standards
RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
Q. ACCESSORY USES FOR COMMERCIAL USES
Q.1.01 Parking of trucks or other equipment to be used for the
maintenance of the buildings and grounds only; shall be
parked only in a garage or in an outdoor area not within Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
the minimum yard for the principal building and shall be
screened from the view of abutting lots and the street
Q.1.02 Temporary overnight outdoor parking of freight carrying NNNN Y YY Y Y Y
or material handling equipment
Q.1.03 Convenience business use SP SP SP SP Y YY Y Y Y
Q.1.04 Cafeteria, dining room, conference rooms, function
rooms, recreational facilities; the use shall be conducted
primarily for the employees or clientele of the principal
use and not for the general public and shall be conducted SP SP SP Y Y YY Y Y Y
entirely within the principal building with no evidence of
the existence of the use from the street or from any lot
line
Q.1.05 Processing, storage and limited manufacturing of goods
and materials related solely to research, experimental and N N N N N NN N Y Y
testing activities
Q.1.06 Light manufacturing NNNN N NN N SP Y
Q.1.07 Outdoor storage of inoperable or unregistered motor NNNN N SP N N N N
vehicles
18 of 101
PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-4.0
4.1 —4.2
SECTION 135-4.0 DIMENSIONAL CONTROLS
4.1 GENERAL STANDARDS
4.1.1 Applicability. Each use, building, or structure must comply with the standards
described in Table 2, Schedule of Dimensional Controls, except where provided otherwise by
this Bylaw.
4.1.2 Lots in More than One District. When a lot is divided by a district line and
proposed to be used for a building or use that is not permitted by right in both districts (in
Lexington or not), such building or use must comply with the dimensional standards of§ 4.0
and Table 2, as if the district boundary line were a lot line.
4.1.3 Lots Located in More than One Municipality. When a lot is partially in the Town
of Lexington and partially in an adjacent municipality, the provisions of this Bylaw are
applied to the part of the lot in Lexington as if the entire lot were in Lexington.
4.1.4 One Dwelling Per Lot. More than one dwelling on a lot is prohibited, unless
specifically authorized by other provisions of this Bylaw.
4.2 DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS
4.2.1 Change in Lot that Results in Noncompliance. No conforming lot may be changed
to make it nonconforming.
4.2.2 Lot Regularity. No structure may be erected on any lot that does not have an area in
which a circle, the diameter of which is 80% of the minimum lot frontage, tangent to the lot
frontage and within all other lot lines, may be located.
4.2.3 Developable Site Area. No dwelling may be erected on any lot that does not contain
a contiguous developable site area which is at least 90% of the minimum lot area for the
district in which the lot is located.
4.2.4 Minimum Lot Frontage.
1. Designation of Frontage Street. When a lot is bounded by more than one street, any
one of them, but only one, must be designated as the frontage street, provided the
street meets the requirements for minimum lot frontage described in this Bylaw. In
the case of a lot bounded by two streets forming an interior angle of more than 135°,
their combined frontage may be used to satisfy the lot frontage requirement.
2. Access. An owner must provide a means of access for vehicles from the frontage
street to a principal building for emergency services, for deliveries, and for off-street
parking. Alternatively, the owner may provide the access from another street
provided it can be demonstrated that it is both physically and legally possible to
provide access from the designated frontage street.
3. Frontage Reduction on Curves. Where more than half of the lot frontage is on a
circular turnaround, or on a curve of less than one-hundred-foot radius, frontage may
be reduced to not less than 60% of the distance required in Table 2 if the distance
between the side lot lines, measured along the arc parallel to the street line at the
same distance from the street line as the front yard setback required by Table 2, is not
less than the minimum lot frontage required by Table 2.
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SECTION 135-4.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
4.3 —4.3
4. Frontage on Turnaround in CRO Districts. In CRO Districts where a lot abuts on a
dead-end turnaround part of a street and also abuts on such street before the
turnaround, the frontage may be measured in part along the street line before the
turnaround and in part along a projection of the course of such street line through and
beyond the turnaround, provided that the lot has frontage of not less than 60 feet on
the street, including such turnaround.
4.2.5 Structures below Ground. Where the upper elevation of a structure or building is
below the elevation of the natural grade, and such structure is covered by earth to a depth
sufficient to support vegetation, such structure may be located in a required front, side or rear
yard, but no closer than five feet to a lot line. Open grates or small ventilation shafts
servicing the part of the structure below ground may be located in the required yard.
4.3 HEIGHT REGULATIONS
4.3.1 Structures Other than Buildings. Structures other than buildings may be located in
a required front, rear or side yard provided the height of the structure is not greater than its
horizontal distance from the lot line, except that:
1. A fence or wall not greater than six feet in height(except that a supporting post may
be not more than six feet, six inches in height) may be located on, or closer to a lot
line than six feet; and
2. A sign, permitted under § 5.2, may be located in a front yard.
4.3.2 Structures on a Building. Structures erected on a building and not used for human
occupancy may exceed the maximum height of a building in feet provided no part of the
structure is more than 20 feet higher than the upper elevation of the building and the total
horizontal coverage of such structures on the building does not exceed 25%.
4.3.3 Special Permit. The SPGA may grant a special permit for structures, but not
buildings, to exceed the maximum height in feet allowed by Table 2 for the district in which
the structure is located, or the percentage of horizontal coverage of structures erected on a
building specified above, provided it makes a determination that the structure is compatible
with the scale of the neighborhood and does not intrude on the solar access of any adjoining
lot.
4.3.4 Calculating Height for Segmented Buildings. Where a building is on a sloping site
or has some stories that do not extend for the full building coverage, the height in feet and
number of stories of the several elements of the building may be computed separately
provided that neither the maximum height in feet nor the number of stories in any one
element exceeds that permitted by Table 2.
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PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-4.0,4.3—4.3
Table 2:Schedule of Dimensional Controls
Districts
RS &
RO RD (a) CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM
RT
Minimum lot area in square feet 30,000 15,500 125,000 15,500 15,500 20,000 NR 30,000 5 acres 3 acres
Minimum lot frontage in feet 150 125 100 125 125 125 20 175 300 200
Minimum front yard in feet(b), (c), 30 30 50 30 30 30 NR(d) 50 100 25
), (k)
Minimum side yard in feet(k) 15 (e) 15 (e) 40 20 20 15 NR 30 50 25(h)
Minimum rear yard in feet(k) 15 (e) 15 (e) 40 20 20 20 10 30 50 25(h)
Minimum side and rear yard 15 15 40 30 30 30 30 50 100 100(h)
adjacent to, or front yard facing a
residential district in feet(f)
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) NR(i) NR(i) NR(i) 0.20 0.20 0.20 2.0 0.25 0.15 0.35(h)
Maximum percentage site coverage 15% 15%(g) 25% 20% 25% 25% NR 20% 25% NR
Public and institutional buildings,
maximum height:
In stories: 2.5 2.5 2.5 3 3 3 2 3 3 NR
In feet: 40 40 40 45 45 45 30 45 45 65(h)
Other buildings, maximum height:
In stories: 2.5 2.5 NR 1 2 2 2 2 3 NR
In feet: 40 40 40 15 25 25 25 30 45 65(h)
As used in the Schedule of Dimensional Controls, symbol "NR" means no requirements, "s.f." means square feet, and "ft." means
linear feet.
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SECTION 135-4.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) 4.3—4.3
a. (Reserved)
b. Where lawfully adopted building lines require yards in excess of these requirements, the building line shall govern.
c. The minimum front yard for any other street, which is not the frontage street(see definition), shall be 2/3 of that required
for the frontage street provided the street was in existence on January 1, 1987. In the case of a street laid out after January
1, 1987, or in the case of nonresidential uses located in the RO, RS or RT Districts (see Table 1) or for uses located in the
CM District, the minimum front yard facing all streets shall be the same as that for the frontage street.
d. Except ten-foot yard on Muzzey Street, Raymond Street, Vine Brook Road and Wallis Court for lots abutting these streets.
e. For institutional uses (see Table 1)the minimum setback for a building shall be the greater of 25 feet or a distance equal to
the height of the building as defined in § 4.3. For other nonresidential uses (see Table 1), increase the required side yard to
20 ft. plus one ft. for every 1/2 acre (or fraction thereof) over 1/2 acre lot area.
f. See Section 5.3.
g. Applicable only to uses permitted by special permit.
h. This limit may be waived by special permit.
i. For institutional uses (see Table 1), the maximum floor area ratio shall be 0.25.
j. Along the southwesterly side of Bedford Street between the Northern Circumferential Highway (Route 128) and Hartwell
Avenue there shall be a front yard of 233 feet measured from the base line of Bedford Street as shown on the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts layout 4689, date June 3, 1958, and shown as auxiliary base line "F on the State
Highway Alteration layout 5016, dated August 30, 1960.
k. A structure in an RD Planned Residential Development must comply with minimum yard setback on perimeter of tract as
required by § 7.3.
1. The maximum net floor area on a lot shall not exceed the product of the developable site area and the maximum floor area
ratio set forth in Table 2 for the district in which the lot is located. To simplify the determination of net floor area, 80% of
the gross floor area may be used.
22 of 101
PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-5.0
5.1 —5.1
SECTION 135-5.0 GENERAL REGULATIONS
5.1 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
5.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to ensure that any use of land involving the
arrival, departure, or storage of motor vehicles, and all structures and uses requiring the
delivery or shipment of goods be designed and operated to:
1. Promote traffic safety by assuring adequate places for storing of motor vehicles off
the street, and for their orderly access and egress to and from the public street;
2. Increase the traffic-carrying capacity of streets and highways in the Town and obtain
a more efficient utilization of on-street curbside parking;
3. Reduce hazards to pedestrians upon public sidewalks;
4. Protect adjoining lots and the general public from nuisances and hazards such as: (i)
Noise, glare of headlights, dust and fumes resulting from the operation of motor
vehicles; (ii) Glare and heat from parking lots; (iii) A lack of visual relief from
expanses of paving; and (iv) Accelerated runoff of surface water from land covered
by impervious materials.
5.1.2 Applicability. No building permit or certificate of occupancy may be issued for the
erection of a new building, the enlargement or increase in the net floor area of an existing
building, the development of a use not located in a building, or the change from one type of
use to another as set forth in the Table of Parking Requirements, unless off-street parking
spaces or loading bays are provided in accordance with this Section.
5.1.3 Parking and Loading Plan Required. Each application for a building permit,
special permit, certificate of occupancy, or petition for a variance must be accompanied by an
off-street parking and loading plan. Where necessary, the Building Commissioner may
require that the owner or operator of a use, building, or establishment furnish a statement as
to the number of employees working at the lot or establishment, or the number of motor
vehicle trips (by type of motor vehicle) that are made to and from the use, building or
establishment. Such plan must contain the information required in the permitting authority's
Rules and Regulations.
5.1.4 Number of Parking Spaces. The number of parking spaces indicated for the
corresponding types of uses must be provided in all zoning districts, except as otherwise
indicated. The symbols under the column parking factor mean: s.f: square feet of net floor
area.
Type of Use Parking Factor
(minimum number of parking spaces
to be provided)
Residential uses
Dwelling unit in one—family detached structure 2 per dwelling unit
Dwelling unit in: two-family dwelling, 1.5 per dwelling unit for units with 2
townhouse, or fewer bedrooms,
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SECTION 135-5.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
5.1 —5.1
three-family dwelling, four-family dwelling, 2 per dwelling unit for units with more
multi-family dwelling than 2 bedrooms
Accessory apartment, rooming unit 1 per apartment or unit
Publicly assisted housing for the elderly 0.5 per dwelling unit
Congregate living facility, independent living 0.75 per bedroom
Residence
Assisted living residence, group care facility, 0.4 per living unit
Long-term care facility
Rooming house, group quarters 0.5 per bed
Institutional, educational and recreational uses
Elementary, secondary schools 2 per classroom
College, technical school As needed
Day-care center, school age child care program, 1 per 500 sq. ft.
Nursery school, kindergarten
Church, temple, auditorium, club, lodge, 1 per each 6 seats in the largest
Community service center assembly area
Gymnasium, stadium, field house 1 per each 6 seats
Library, art gallery, museum and other non- 1 per 600 sq. ft.
Recreational public facilities
Parks, athletic fields, tennis and pool facilities, As needed
golf
Courses, recreation centers, other institutional
uses
Indoor athletic and exercise facilities, weight 6 per 1,000 sq. ft.
Reduction salon
5.1.5 Number of Required Loading Bays. The number of off-street loading bays
indicated for the corresponding types of uses shall be provided in all zoning districts except
as otherwise indicated. The symbols under the column loading factor shall mean: s.f: square
feet of net floor area.
Type of Use Loading Factor
(minimum number of loading bays to be
provided)
Residential uses 1 per 100 beds
Long-term care facility, group care facility
Institutional uses 1 per first 25,000 sq. ft., 1 per each
School, college, church, club, library, gallery additional 72,000 sq. ft.
Office uses 0 for first 10,000 sq. ft., 1 for next
additional 50,000 sq. ft., 1 for each
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PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-5.0
5.1 —5.1
additional 100,000 sq. ft., thereafter
Personal , business service uses, retail sales or 1 per first 5,000 sq. ft., 1 per each
rental uses additional 15,000 sq. ft.
Restaurants and other eating or food service 1 per first 99 seats, 1 per all additional seats
uses
Manufacturing research, construction, storage, 1 per first 10,000 sq .ft., 1 per each
distribution and industrial service uses additional 40,000 sq. ft.
All other permitted uses As needed
5.1.6 Rules for Interpretation of the Table of Parking and Table of Loading
Requirements.
1. Where the number of spaces is expressed as a ratio to dwelling units, floor area, beds,
employees, etc., any fraction thereof shall require one parking space, but after the first
such parking space or loading bay, only a fraction of 1/2 or greater shall require an
additional space or bay.
2. Where the requirement is stated "as needed," the applicant for a permit shall estimate
the number of parking spaces or loading bays required to serve the use and shall
provide such number; the Building Commissioner shall verify that the number is
adequate and shall, if necessary, order that additional spaces or bays be provided.
3. To simplify the determination of net floor area, 80% of the gross floor area may be
used.
4. Where off-street parking or loading serves two or more activities that are different
types of uses, including two or more activities that are part of the same principal use,
the number of spaces or bays provided shall be the sum of the requirements for the
various individual uses including any fractional number.
5. Where the requirement is based on the number of employees, the number of spaces
shall be based on the number of employees in the peak period, which shall be at least
three hours per day for at least three days per week.
6. Where places of assembly are provided with benches rather than individual seats,
each two linear feet of bench shall equal one seat, and where no fixed seats or
benches are used, each 20 square feet of floor area in the largest assembly area shall
equal one seat.
7. Where uses are not enclosed in a structure, each square foot of lot devoted to such use
shall be considered equivalent to 1/5 of a square foot of net floor area.
8. In the case where the Board of Selectmen authorizes the placement of temporary seats
within the right-of-way of public streets, such seats shall not be counted toward the
off-street parking or loading requirements as long as they are seasonal and temporary.
9. Required off-street parking spaces or loading bays which, after development, are later
dedicated to and accepted by the Town and are maintained by the Town for off-street
25 of 101
SECTION 135-5.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
5.1 —5.1
parking or loading purposes shall be deemed to continue to serve the uses or
structures for which they were originally provided.
5.1.7 Preferential Parking. For an office, manufacturing, research or laboratory use as
defined in the Table of Parking Requirements with gross floor area greater than 50,000
square feet, preferential parking spaces shall be provided to encourage the use of multiple-
occupant vehicles. One carpool or vanpool parking space shall be provided for every 150
motor vehicle parking spaces. Carpool and vanpool spaces shall be signed and striped and be
located near the primary entrance(s) of the building without displacing parking for
handicapped.
5.1.8 Bicycle Parking Facilities.
1. Required spaces. In an office, manufacturing, research or laboratory use as defined in
the Table of Parking Requirements, a minimum of two bicycle parking spaces shall
be provided, and one additional bicycle parking space shall be provided for each
increment of 20 motor vehicle parking spaces over 40 vehicle spaces.
2. Placement and access. Bicycle parking shall be located near the primary entrance(s)
of the building. Half of the bicycle parking spaces shall be provided as long-term
parking, safe and secure from vandalism and theft and protected from the elements.
The other half shall be provided as short-term (customer or visitor) parking, and
short-term parking spaces shall be visible and convenient to the building entrance.
Bicycle parking apparatus shall not be installed in a manner that will cause
obstruction of pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic. Bicycle parking shall be situated in
such a way that normal snow removal activities and snow storage do not impact the
bicycle parking facility.
3. Dimensional Regulation. Each bicycle parking space shall be sufficient to
accommodate a bicycle six feet in length and two feet in width.
4. Design. Bicycle parking apparatus shall be of a high-security design to which the
frame and wheel of a parked bicycle may be attached; installed in a visible location to
deter vandalism and theft; and permanently mounted to the ground or to a building or
other immovable structure. Inverted-U-frame or other racks that support the bicycle
at two or more points above the center of gravity are required.
5.1.9 Location of Off-Street Parking Spaces and Loading Bays.
1. Required off-street parking spaces shall be provided on the same lot as, and loading
bays shall be provided next to, the principal or accessory use they are required to
serve, or on another lot within 750 feet, or within 1200 feet in the CB District.
2. No area may be utilized and counted as both a required parking space and a required
loading bay. However, maneuvering aisles and driveways may serve both required
parking and loading bays if they meet the design standards of each. Existing areas
used for both parking and loading shall be counted for loading purposes.
3. Required off-street parking spaces or loading bays may be wholly or partly enclosed
in a structure.
4. Off-street parking spaces required for two or more buildings, uses, or establishments
on a single lot may be provided in a common lot.
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PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-5.0
5.1 —5.1
5.1.10 Driveways.
1. Each parking space and loading bay shall be connected by a driveway to a street or to
an interior drive that leads to a street.
2. The number of driveways permitting entrance to and exit from a lot shall be limited to
two per street line. Driveways shall be located to minimize conflict with traffic on
public streets and where good visibility and sight distances are available to observe
approaching pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
3. No private way or driveway shall be built through a district in which the use served
by the private way or driveway is not permitted.
4. The maximum grade of any outdoor driveway is 12%.
5.1.11 Minimum Yards for Parking.
1. Each parking space or driveway serving a one-family or two-family dwelling shall be
set back five feet from any side lot line and rear lot line and shall be designated on a
plan.
2. No parking is permitted in the front yard other than in a designated parking space or
driveway.
3. For all uses other than a one-family or a two-family dwelling, all paved parts of all
parking spaces, driveways and maneuvering aisles shall be set back from any wall of
a principal building and from any lot line or zoning boundary line as indicated in the
following table except for:
a. Not more than two driveways between the street line and its corresponding
setback line; or
b. A parking space located within a structure otherwise permitted in such area.
District Residential Street Line (ft.) All Other Lot Wall of a
District Line (ft.) Lines (ft.) Principal
Building(ft.)
RS, RO, RT N/A 25 5 5
RD N/A 25 8 5
CRO, CLO 50* 50 10 5
CM 50* 25 N/A 5
CRS, CS, CB, CN 20* 10 N/A 5
* No requirement where the residential district line is coterminous with the line of the
right-of-way now or formerly of the Boston and Maine Railroad or the right-of-way of
State Route 2 or Route128.
Note: Screening is required adjacent to the paved area but not in the required snow
storage area and not between a paved area and a building.
4. No loading bay may be located in that half of the minimum required setback nearest
to the street line or lot line of a minimum yard required by Table 2, Schedule of
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SECTION 135-5.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
5.1 —5.1
Dimensional Controls; maneuvering space for such bay may be as close to a street
line or lot line as may be permitted by § 5.1.11.3.
5. No parking space or loading bay, whether required or otherwise provided, shall be
located, wholly or partly, within the right-of-way of a street.
6. All access to parking shall be by driveways meeting the requirements of this Section;
curbs, wheel stops, screening or similar barriers must be installed to prevent vehicles
from being parked or driven within required setback areas.
5.1.12 Screening.
1. In all residential districts, or on a lot in any other district which abuts or faces a lot in
a residential district, any outdoor parking lot, all loading bays, maneuvering aisles
and driveways shall be screened in a manner to protect abutting lots from the glare of
headlights, noise and other nuisance factors.
2. Any parking lot, which is a principal use, must be screened along driveways and
around the entire perimeter of the parking lot. The entrance to driveways, to the
extent practicable, shall be located on the side near nonresidential districts or on
streets or highways leading to nonresidential areas
3. Screening shall consist of:
a. A strip of land at least four feet wide, densely planted with shrubs or trees which
are at least four feet high at the time of planting and which are of a type that may
be expected to form a year-round dense screen at least six feet high within three
years; or
b. A wall, barrier, or fence of uniform appearance at least five feet high above
finished grade. Such wall, barrier or fence may be opaque or perforated, provided
that not more than 50% of the face is open.
4. Such screening shall be maintained in good condition at all times. Such screening or
barrier may be interrupted by entrances or exits and shall have no signs attached
thereto other than those permitted in the district.
5.1.13 Design Standards. The following standards apply:
1. Dimensions.
a. Parking spaces and maneuvering aisles shall have the minimum dimensions set
forth in the following table and elsewhere in this subsection:
Width of Depth of Width of Unit
Parking Parking Maneuvering Parking
Space Space ** Aisle Depth
Angle of S C S C S C S C
Parking
61°- 90° 9* 8.5* 19 15 22 20 60 50
46°- 60° 9 8.5 19 15 16 15 56 48
45° 9 8.5 19 15 14 13 53 47
28 of 101
PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012) SECTION 135-5.0
5.1 —5.1
Parallel 8 8 22 18 12 12 n/a n/a
* Where one or both of the long sides of a parking space abut a wall or similar
obstruction, the width shall be 12 feet.
** Up to 2 feet of unpaved landscaped space may be included in the depth provided
there are no obstructions to the vehicle's overhang.
b. To count as a required parking space, a parallel parking space shall have
maneuvering space at least 20 feet deep in front of it in an aisle parallel to and
abutting such parking space.
c. Where columns of a building or structure are located in a parking lot(such as a
parking garage under a building) no part of a column may be within three feet of a
maneuvering aisle or within the minimum dimensions of a parking space.
d. The width of a driveway for one-way use shall be a minimum of eight feet and for
two-way use shall be a minimum of 18 feet and a maximum of 30 feet, as
measured at the setback line.
e. Where access or egress is provided for a parking lot, or one or more loading bays,
such access or egress shall be so arranged to provide a circulation system or
maneuvering space on the lot so that all vehicles may exit from and enter onto a
public street by being driven in a forward direction and no vehicle shall be
required to enter or leave by backing and no vehicle shall have to stand within a
street right-of-way waiting to enter the lot.
2. Number of compact car spaces. In parking lots containing more than 20 spaces, not
more than 33% of such spaces may be designed for use by compact cars. Such
compact car spaces shall be located in one or more continuous areas and shall not be
intermixed with spaces designed for standard cars and shall be clearly designated by
signs or pavement marking. In parking lots with 20 or fewer parking spaces, spaces
designed for use by compact cars are not permitted.
3. Loading bays. All required loading bays must have minimum dimensions as follows:
30 feet long, 12 feet wide and 14 feet high. Each loading bay shall have a
maneuvering space equal to its length. Where the long portion of a loading bay abuts
a wall, column or other obstacle, or in other cases where the Building Commissioner
requests, evidence shall be provided that the loading bay and its maneuvering space
are adequate to accommodate large motor vehicles and trailers.
4. Marking. In a parking lot or loading area, the surface of the parking lot or loading
area shall be painted, marked or otherwise delineated so that the location of the
parking spaces and loading bays is apparent, and signs shall be erected indicating that
loading bays, and, if necessary, compact or other reserved parking spaces are reserved
for such use. Where 50% or more of the required parking spaces in a parking lot are
assigned, such as to individual employees or to dwelling units in an apartment
building, parking spaces for guests or visitors to the use or establishment, not to
exceed 10% of the required parking spaces, shall be located and designated as visitor
parking near the principal entrance to the building which they serve.
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SECTION 135-5.0 PROPOSED DRAFT 10.1 (12-19-2012)
5.1 —5.1
5. Availability. To ensure the availability and utilization of required parking spaces and
loading bays on a year-round basis:
a. Unless authorized by special permit or site plan approval, no fee or other charge
to the parker, in addition to a lease or purchase agreement applicable to occupants
generally, shall be made for a parking space or loading bay required to serve a
use, building, or establishment.
b. Each required off-street parking space and loading bay shall be designed so that
any motor vehicle may proceed to and from said space without requiring the
moving of any other vehicle or by passing over any other space or bay.
c. Parking spaces for vehicles larger than automobiles, such as large trucks or buses,
shall be specifically identified on the off-street parking and loading plan and shall
be of such dimension as to accommodate the specified type of vehicle. Such
vehicles shall be permitted to park only in the spaces so identified and approved.
6. Snow storage. A strip of land not less than five feet in width shall be provided on at
least two sides of a parking lot or loading area and designated on the off-street
parking and loading plan for the storage of snow plowed or removed from the surface
area of the parking lot or loading area; such snow storage area may not encroach on
the area required for off-street parking or loading but may be located in the area of
required setback from a lot line or building.
7. Surfacing and drainage.
a. All required parking spaces and loading bays, maneuvering aisles, and driveways
shall have a durable, dustless, all-weather surface suitable for year-round use,
such as asphalt or concrete, and shall dispose of surface water by grading and
drainage in such a manner that no surface water shall drain onto any public way
or onto any lot in other ownership.
b. It is the intent of this section that the paved surface of a parking lot or loading
area shall be limited to such areas as are necessary for the parking spaces, loading
bays, maneuvering aisles, and driveways required to meet the provisions of this
Section. The off-street parking and loading plan required by this Section shall
demonstrate that all paved areas associated with a parking lot are necessary for
the storing, standing, or maneuvering of vehicles; the Building Commissioner
may deny the request for a permit when more area is paved than is necessary to
comply with the provisions of this section.
8. Grade. The maximum grade of any required maneuvering aisle, parking space, or
loading bay shall be 10%.
9. Landscaping.
a. All parking areas of 20 or more spaces shall be designed so that every parking
space, or part thereof, is within 30 feet of a tree.
b. Trees required by this section shall be at least two inches in diameter at a height
four feet above the ground at time of planting and shall be of a species
characterized by suitability and hardiness for location in a parking lot. To the
extent practicable, existing trees shall be retained and used to satisfy this section.
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10. Exception for one-family or two-family dwelling. The provisions of§ 5.1.13 with
regard to backing into a public street, marking of pavement, moving of vehicles and
surfacing and drainage shall not apply where parking is provided for any one-family
or two-family dwelling.
5.1.14 Special Permit. Where consistent with the objectives set forth in § 5.1.1, the SPGA
may grant a special permit modifying the requirements of§ 5.1.
5.2 SIGNS
5.2.1 Purpose. This Section is intended to:
1. Preserve and enhance the historical ambience and aesthetic character of the Town;
and
2. Maintain public safety, consistent with constitutional requirements protecting
freedom of speech.
5.2.2 Applicability. All outdoor signs and window signs are subject to the regulations of
this Section unless specifically excluded herein.
5.2.3 Exemptions. The following signs are not subject to this Section.
1. Any sign owned and installed by a governmental agency or required by any law,
governmental order or regulation.
2. Government flags and insignia, except when displayed in connection with
commercial promotion.
3. Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks,
moving parts or moving lights.
4. Signs mounted on registered motor vehicles or carried by hand.
5.2.4 General Regulations.
1. Illumination. No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00
a.m., except signs on premises open for business, and then only upon issuance of a
special permit by the SPGA. Exterior illumination of signs shall be shielded, directed
solely at the sign, and be steady and stationary. No internal illumination of a sign is
permitted except upon issuance of a special permit by the SPGA. The illumination of
any sign shall not exceed 150-foot lamberts.
2. Signs cannot interfere with traffic. No sign, including window displays, or its
illuminators shall by reason of its location, shape, size or color interfere with
pedestrian or vehicular traffic or be confused with or obstruct the view or the
effectiveness of any official traffic sign, traffic signal or traffic marking. No red or
green lights shall be used on any sign if, in the opinion of the Building Commissioner
with the advice of the Chief of Police, such lights would create a driving hazard.
3. Construction. No sign shall be painted or posted directly on the exterior surface of
any wall. All exterior, attached signs, except awning signs, shall be painted, posted
or otherwise securely affixed to a substantial intermediary removable surface and
such surface shall be securely affixed to the wall of the building. The foregoing,
however, shall not prevent installation of a sign by individual letters or devices cut
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into or securely affixed to the exterior wall of a building, provided that such letters or
devices have a minimum depth of projection of 1/4 of an inch. The construction of
the sign shall comply with the State Building Code.
4. Maintenance. Every sign shall be maintained in good condition. If a sign shows
corrosion or deteriorated paint over 25% of the area of one side or if damage to the
sign causes the loss of 10% of its substance or if the sign suffers damage or
deterioration, which creates a risk of harm to the person or property of another, it
shall be repaired or removed.
5. Removal of temporary signs. Signs that advertise or otherwise relate to a particular
event(for example, a real estate sign or a yard sale sign) shall be removed promptly,
and in no event more than 7 days, after the conclusion of the event.
6. Window signs. Removable signs on the inside of windows or transparent doors are
permitted.
5.2.5 Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are prohibited:
1. Signs that incorporate in any manner flashing, moving or intermittent lighting,
excluding public service signs showing time and temperature.
2. String lights used in connection with commercial premises with the exception of
temporary lighting for holiday decoration.
3. Signs erected so as to obstruct any path of egress in or on a building.
4. Billboards and other non-accessory signs.
5.2.6 Signs in Residential Districts. The provisions of this Section shall apply to signs in
residential districts. The following accessory signs are permitted:
1. Resident identification signs. Two signs, up to one square foot in area each, per
residential building indicating the name and address of the residents therein.
2. Multifamily dwelling development sign. One sign, not exceeding 12 square feet in
area, identifying a multifamily development.
3. Real estate sign. One sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises on which it is
located, and containing no other advertising matter.
4. Subdivision signs. Real estate signs, not more than 20 square feet in area and not
more than 10 feet in any dimension, on subdivisions of land as defined in MGL c. 41,
s. 81L, solely to advertise the selling of land or buildings in said subdivision,
provided that not more than one such sign shall face the same street.
5. Yard or garage sale sign. One sign advertising a yard or garage sale on the premises
on which it is located, provided that a yard sale permit has been duly obtained.
6. Construction, painting or remodeling sign. One sign indicating the name, address and
telephone number of a contractor currently providing construction, painting or
remodeling services on the premises, and containing no other advertising matter,
provided that permission to display such sign has first been obtained from the
homeowner.
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7. Noncommercial message signs. Accessory signs containing a noncommercial
message and no other advertising matter.
8. Commercial signs. Except to the extent permitted in § 5.2.8, commercial signs,
whether or not accessory to a permitted activity engaged in on the premises, are
prohibited in Residence Districts.
5.2.7 Residence Districts; Size, Number and Location of Accessory Signs. Unless
otherwise provided herein:
1. No sign in a residential district shall exceed four square feet in area. No standing sign
shall exceed four feet in height.
2. No more than two standing signs shall be located on a residential property at one
time.
3. No part of any standing sign shall be located within 10 feet of the edge of the
pavement of any street, obstruct a sidewalk, or otherwise create a safety hazard to
pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
4. No sign shall be located on the roof of any building.
5.2.8 Business Districts. The provisions of this Section shall apply to signs in business
districts. Accessory signs on business establishments or institutions in business districts that
comply with the following provisions are permitted.
1. Wall signs.
a. One principal wall sign is permitted on the front of the establishment to which it
relates. The width of such a sign above the first floor of a building shall not
exceed three feet.
b. A secondary wall sign may be installed marking a direct entrance on a parking lot
or another street in addition to the front wall sign. There shall be not more than
two such secondary wall signs. Said sign shall have a width no greater than 50%
of the maximum permissible width for the principal wall sign.
c. No wall sign shall be more than three feet in overall height.
d. In buildings where the first story is substantially above grade and the basement is
only partially below street grade, one sign for each level is allowed if each sign
has only 1/2 of the area that would be permitted for a single sign.
e. In addition to the above signs, each building with multiple occupants may have
one directory sign affixed to the exterior wall, window or door of the building.
Such directory sign shall provide not more than one square foot for each occupant
of the building.
f Wall signs shall either be affixed to a wall and parallel to it or affixed to the roof
above a wall and be parallel to the wall. They shall not project more than 12
inches from the face of such wall.
g. No wall sign shall project above the highest line of the main roof or parapet on the
wall to which it is attached, whichever is higher.
2. Projecting signs.
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a. In particular instances the SPGA may issue special permits for projecting signs in
accordance with § 5.2.11, if it is determined that the architecture of the building,
the location of the building with reference to the street or the nature of the
establishment is such that the sign should be permitted in the public interest. No
establishment shall be permitted more than one projecting sign.
b. Notwithstanding § 5.2.8.2.a, in the CB District, one projecting sign per
establishment shall be permitted by right, provided it meets the standards set out
below. Projecting signs exceeding these dimensions shall be subject to the special
permit provisions of§ 5.2.11.
c. The sign may not exceed six square feet in area(not including the area of the
supporting bracket or hanger);
i. For single-story structures, the sign shall not project above the roofline or
18 feet, whichever is lower; for multistory structures projecting signs may
not extend vertically above the window sill of the second story;
ii. The sign must clear sidewalks by at least eight feet from the bottom of the
sign and may project no more than four feet from a building or one-third
the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less;
iii. The sign must clear the wall by at least six inches and must project from
the wall at an angle of 90°. Angular projection from the corner of a
building is prohibited.
3. Standing signs. In particular instances the SPGA may issue special permits for
standing signs in accordance with § 5.2.11, if it is determined that the architecture of
the building, the location of the building with reference to the street or the nature of
the establishment is such that the sign should be permitted in the public interest. No
establishment shall be permitted more than one standing sign other than signs
directing traffic flow. In the CM District one standing sign, not to exceed 50 square
feet in area and 5 feet in height, shall be permitted by right on each lot.
4. Signs at gasoline filling stations and garages. Gasoline filling stations and garages
may divide the one wall sign affixed to the front wall of the building to which they
are entitled as hereinabove provided into separate wall signs indicating the separate
operations or departments of the business, provided however that the total of the
widths of the separate signs shall not exceed the maximum width permitted under this
Bylaw for a single wall sign on such wall. In addition, one sign indicating the brand
of gasoline being sold may be erected of such type, in such location, and in such
manner as the SPGA may allow by special permit. The standard type of gasoline
pump bearing thereon, in usual size and form, the name or type of gasoline and the
price thereof shall not be deemed to be a sign within the meaning of this Bylaw.
5.2.9 Building Permit. All persons desiring to erect an outdoor sign in a commercial
district shall apply to the Building Commissioner for a building permit. The Building
Commissioner shall issue a building permit provided the proposed sign complies with this
bylaw, the State Building Code, requirements of the Historic Districts Commission (where
applicable) and any other applicable laws, bylaws or regulations. All applications for permits
shall comply with the permitting authority's Rules and Regulations.
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5.2.10 Special Permit. In particular instances the SPGA may issue special permits for more
or larger signs than are provided herein or for signs of types or for purposes not provided
herein and not specifically prohibited herein, including temporary signs, if it is determined
that the architecture of the building, the location of the building with reference to the street or
the nature of the establishment is such that the sign should be permitted in the public interest.
In granting such permission, the SPGA shall specify the size and location of the sign or signs
and impose such other terms and restrictions as it may be deemed to be in the public interest.
In considering applications for special permits for signs located on land owned or leased by a
religious sect or denomination or by a nonprofit educational corporation, and used for
religious or educational purposes, the SPGA shall not treat the applicant on terms less
favorable than those applied to a non-religious institution, nor in a manner that unreasonably
restricts the religious or educational activities of the applicant.
5.3 LANDSCAPING, TRANSITION AND SCREENING
5.3.1 Purpose. The provisions of this Section are intended to achieve the following
purposes:
1. To provide a suitable transition between different zoning districts;
2. To separate different and otherwise incompatible adjacent land uses from each other
in order to partially or completely reduce potential nuisances such as dirt, dust, litter,
noise, glare from motor vehicle headlights, the intrusion from artificial light including
the ambient glow from, signs, or the view of unsightly buildings and parking lots;
3. To preserve or improve the visual and environmental character of a neighborhood and
of Lexington generally;
4. To offer property owners protection against possible diminution of property values
due to adjacent construction or a change in existing land uses.
5.3.2 Applicability. No building permit, special permit or certificate of occupancy for a
use shall be issued or granted where this Bylaw indicates that a landscaping, transition or
screening area, in accordance with this Section shall be required or where this Section
indicates such shall be provided, unless compliance with the provisions of this Section is
demonstrated.
5.3.3 Landscaping Plan Required. A landscaping plan, demonstrating compliance with
the standards contained in this Section for landscaping, transition areas and screening, shall
accompany each application for a building permit, certificate of occupancy, or special permit.
The plan shall be drawn to scale and include dimensions and distances. The landscaping plan
shall be certified by a landscape architect registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The landscaping plan shall comply with the permitting authority's Rules and Regulations.
5.3.4 Transition Areas. Where a lot abuts a different zoning district or is across a street
from a different zoning district, a landscaped transition and screening area shall be provided
and shall be located adjacent to the lot line as set forth in the table in § 5.3.5. In the case of a
nonresidential use in a residential district, a landscaped transition and screening area shall be
provided, except that while the transition area shall be the width specified in the table in
§ 5.3.5, it shall be installed only along those segments of lot lines necessary to screen the
nonresidential use from buildings located on abutting lots. The transition area may be
provided within the minimum yard required for a building.
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1. Where a lot is divided into two zoning districts for which a transition area would be
required by § 5.3.5, the transition area shall be along the zoning district line, except
that the SPGA may grant a special permit for the transition area to be in a different
location if it meets the objectives of this Section.
2. Across the Street. A lot shall be considered to be across the street from a different
zoning district if, at any point along its street line, a line drawn perpendicular to the
street line intersects at any point with the street line of the lot across the street. Where
any part of the street line of a lot in a nonresidential district and having a
nonresidential principal use is determined to be across the street from a residential
district, a screening and transition area shall be provided along the entire length of the
street line. If a corner lot is across the street from a residential use or district on only
one side of the lot, then screening is required only on the side that faces the
residential use or district.
5.3.5 Required Depth or Width (in feet) of Transition Area.
Adjacent District
District In RO RS RT RD CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM Street
Which Lot is Line
Located
RO 25* 25* 25* 10* 15 15 20 - 20 20 20 -
RS 25* 25* 25* 10* 15 15 20 15 20 - - -
RT 25* 25* 25* 10* 10 10 - - 10 - - -
RD 20* 20* 20* 20* 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 25
RM 20* 20* 20* 20* 20 20 20 - 20 - - 25
CN 20 20 20 20 - 10 15 - 10 - - 10
CRS 20 20 20 20 10 - 15 - 10 - - 10
CS 20 20 20 20 15 15 - - 15 - - 10
CB - 20 - 20 - - - - - - - -
CLO 50 50 50 50 10 10 10 - - - - 10
CRO 50 - - 50 - - - - - - - 50
CM 50 - - 50 - - - - - - - 25
* No requirement for an individual dwelling.
5.3.6 Transition Area; Standards and Requirements. The following standards shall
apply to the installation and maintenance of all landscaping, transition and screening areas
required by this Section.
1. Composition of landscaping, transition and screening areas. A landscaped transition
and screening area shall consist of a landscaped strip and may include fences, walls or
berms which shall serve to provide an effective year-round visual screen at the time
of installation.
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2. Height of screening. Visual screening comprised of a mixed planting of deciduous
and coniferous trees and shrubs and walls or fences shall have a minimum overall
height of six feet at the time of installation, except in a required front yard where the
maximum height shall comply with § 5.3.5 so as not to interfere with sight distance.
3. Sight distance. In order to provide an unobstructed sight distance for motorists, there
shall be a triangle, which is at least 30 feet on two sides of the intersection of a street
with a driveway or an interior drive that shall be clear of visual obstructions. The
triangle shall be measured from the point of intersection of the street with the
driveway or interior drive for a distance of at least 30 feet along the street line; along
the side line of the driveway or interior drive for a distance of at least 30 feet; and by
a third line connecting these two points. Within this triangle so described, nothing
shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to impede
vision for motorists between a height of 2 1/2 feet and 10 feet above the grade of the
centerlines of the street and the driveway or interior drive.
5.3.7 Transition Areas; Type of Plant Materials. The following standards shall apply:
1. A variety of plant materials shall be selected to provide an effective visual screen, to
be maintained at a minimum height of six feet. Plantings shall be a mixture of
deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs for the screening to maintain its
effectiveness throughout the winter months.
2. Ground cover, grass, mulch or other equivalent landscape treatment shall be provided
in all landscaped transition and screening areas. Where the width of a transition area
exceeds 20 feet, and where existing vegetation is used as the required planting, no
ground cover, grass, mulch or equivalent treatment shall be required, provided all
man-made debris has been removed from within the transition area.
3. The substitution of artificial plant materials is not permitted.
4. Existing vegetation in a healthy condition, which provides an effective year-round
visual screen, may be used provided it is approved by the permitting authority, which
may require supplemental planting.
5. Size of plant materials. All trees required by this section shall have a minimum
caliper of three inches at the time of planting.
6. Spacing of plant materials. The arrangement of plant materials shall consider the
relationship of plants in size, form, texture and color. The configuration and
combinations of plant materials shall be in accordance with sound horticultural and
landscape architectural practices.
7. Protection of landscaping and screening areas. Wherever required landscaping,
transition or screening areas are adjacent to parking areas or driveways such areas
shall be protected by curbing or wheel stops to avoid damage to the plant materials
and other structures by vehicles.
8. Indigenous and noninvasive species are required for all plantings. The Planning
Board maintains a list of such species.
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5.3.8 Structures within Landscaping, Transition and Screening Areas.
1. Walls or fences may be required within a transition area to supplement the required
planting to provide an effective visual screen as determined by the permitting
authority.
2. When walls or fences are required by the permitting authority, they shall be of the
following type:
a. A solid masonry wall faced with visually attractive materials on the side that faces
the residential or less intensive use.
b. A wood stockade or other opaque wooden fence installed so that the attractive
side faces the residential or less intensive use. Between such fence and the lot
line there shall be planted a minimum of one shrub or vine per 10 linear feet, and
a minimum of one small deciduous tree per 40 linear feet.
c. A fence or wall of an alternate material that may be appropriate to the site may be
proposed by the applicant's landscape architect.
d. Walls or fences may not be substituted for plant materials to reduce the required
width of a transition and screening area. A wall or fence may be added only
where a mass of plant materials would not provide an adequate screen or where
required by the permitting authority.
5.3.9 Earthen Berms. The permitting authority may require that earthen berms be
constructed within a transition area as part of a residential development adjacent to an arterial
street or limited access highway. The berms shall be planted. Whenever a wall or fence is
required in addition to a berm, the wall or fence shall be located between the berm and the
higher intensity use in order to improve sound absorption.
1. The use of earthen berms and similar grading techniques in combination with the
standard landscaping requirement is encouraged.
2. Berms shall be constructed of earth and shall be between three and six feet in height.
5.3.10 Use of Transition Areas. The following standards shall apply:
1. Only necessary driveways or interior drives shall be located across a required
transition area. No structure, parking area, or play area may be located in a required
transition area.
2. A transition area may be used for passive recreation; it may contain pedestrian, bike
or equestrian trails, provided they do not reduce the effectiveness of the transition
area as a year-round visual screen. No other uses are permitted in transition areas.
5.3.11 Maintenance. The owner of the lot shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair
and replacement of all landscaping materials installed in accordance with the approved
landscaping plan. All plant material shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition,
replaced when necessary and kept free of refuse and debris. After the initial planting, all
plant materials not surviving after the first winter and through the following growing season
shall be replaced in kind.
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1. Fences and walls shall be maintained in good repair. Gates or openings may be
provided where necessary for access to an area for maintenance.
5.3.12 Certificate of Occupancy. The landscaping plan, as approved, shall be completed
according to specifications prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any
residential or nonresidential use or building. If the completion of the structure occurs after
the planting season has passed, only a temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued until
the landscaping is completed.
5.3.13 Screening of Other Use Areas within Lots. The following standards shall apply:
1. Outdoor storage areas. All outdoor storage areas for nonresidential uses in residential
districts and all facilities for refuse disposal for all commercial, institutional or
multifamily uses in all districts shall be enclosed by a fence or wall at least six feet in
height. In the event that a wall six feet in height is insufficient to adequately screen
such areas, the permitting authority may require additional screening in such manner
and of such materials as may be reasonably necessary to adequately screen such area
from public view.
2. Screening of mechanical equipment. In all districts, on nonresidential properties, all
air-conditioning equipment, transformers, elevator equipment or similar mechanical
equipment on any roof or building or on the ground shall be screened from public
view. The permitting authority may require additional screening in such manner and
of such materials as may be reasonably necessary to adequately screen such area from
public view.
3. Transformers, equipment lockers and underground installation of utility lines. In all
districts, when electric, telephone and all other utility lines, cables or transformers are
proposed to be extended or relocated, in connection with the development or
redevelopment of land or a building for nonresidential purposes, they shall be
installed underground.
5.3.14 Landscaping of Front Yards in Commercial Districts. For a lot in a commercial
district which abuts a street and is across the street from another commercial district, there
shall be a transition area at least 10 feet in width along such street line of which at least six
feet shall be landscaped with a minimum of one deciduous tree for each 40 linear feet plus
additional underplanting of shrubs which shall be maintained to a height of not less than
three feet. The trees and shrubs may be arranged in groupings of planting beds and shall be a
mixture of evergreen and deciduous plant materials. The underplanting may be eliminated
within 10 feet of the trunk of a living tree with a caliper of 18 inches or greater. Street trees
as required by the Planning Board's Development Regulations may satisfy this requirement.
5.3.15 Special Permit. The SPGA may, by special permit, waive any provision of§ 5.3,
where it determines that lesser transition area screening is consistent with the objectives set
forth in § 5.3.1 and will not result in substantial detriment.
5.4 OUTDOOR LIGHTING
5.4.1 Purpose. This Section regulating outdoor lighting is intended to:
1. Enhance public safety and welfare by providing for adequate and appropriate outdoor
lighting;
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2. Provide for lighting that will complement the character of the town;
3. Reduce glare;
4. Minimize light trespass; and
5. Reduce the cost and waste of unnecessary energy consumption.
5.4.2 Applicability. The requirements of this Section shall apply to outdoor lighting on
lots and parcels in all districts but shall not apply to:
1. One-family and two-family dwellings on lots on which they are the principal use; or
2. Street lighting, lights that control traffic or other lighting for public safety on streets
and ways.
3. When an existing outdoor lighting installation is being modified, extended, expanded,
or added to, the entire outdoor lighting installation on the lot shall be subject to the
requirements of this Section.
5.4.3 Lighting Plan. Wherever outside lighting is proposed, every application for a
building permit, a special permit, a variance, or an electrical permit shall be accompanied by
a lighting plan that shall comply with the permitting authority's Rules and Regulations.
5.4.4 Control of Glare and Light Trespass.
1. Any luminaire with a lamp or lamps rated at a total of more than 2,000 lumens shall
be of fully shielded design and shall not emit any direct light above a horizontal plane
passing through the lowest part of the light-emitting luminaire.
2. All luminaires, regardless of lumen rating, shall be equipped with whatever additional
shielding, lenses, or cutoff devices are required to eliminate light trespass onto any
street or abutting lot or parcel and to eliminate glare perceptible to persons on any
street or abutting lot or parcel.
3. Subsection 1 above shall not apply to any luminaire intended solely to illuminate any
freestanding sign or the walls of any building, but such luminaire shall be shielded so
that its direct light is confined to the surface of such sign or building.
5.4.5 Lamps. Lamp types shall be selected for optimum color rendering as measured by
their color-rendering index (CRI), as listed by the lamp manufacturer. Lamps with a color-
rendering index lower than 50 are not permitted. This section shall not apply to temporary
decorative lighting, which may include colored lamps, such as holiday lighting.
5.4.6 Hours of Operation. Outdoor lighting shall not be illuminated between 11:00 p.m.
and 6:00 a.m. with the following exceptions:
1. If the use is being operated, such as a business open to customers, or where
employees are working or where an institution or place of public assembly is
conducting an activity, normal illumination shall be allowed during the activity and
for not more than 1/2 hour after the activity ceases;
2. Low-level lighting sufficient for the security of persons or property on the lot may be
in operation between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., provided the average illumination on
the ground or on any vertical surface is not greater than 0.5 footcandle.
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5.4.7 Special Permit. The SPGA may, by special permit, waive any provision of§ 5.4,
where it determines that the proposed lighting is consistent with the objectives set forth in
§ 5.4.1 and will not result in substantial detriment.
5.5 TRAFFIC STANDARDS
5.5.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to:
1. Permit vehicular traffic on Lexington streets to move in an efficient manner without
excessive delay or congestion;
2. Permit emergency vehicles to reach homes and businesses with a minimum of delay;
3. Reduce motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents on the town's streets;
4. Consider and allow for safe and convenient routes for pedestrians and bicyclists;
5. Promote cleaner air and to reduce automotive exhaust emissions caused by vehicles
standing and idling for an excessive time;
6. Promote the efficient use of the town's arterial and collector streets so that use of local
and neighborhood streets as shortcuts can be discouraged;
7. Avoid excessive traffic demand on Town streets that necessitates extraordinary Town
expenditures to maintain adequate and safe traffic flow;
8. Maintain a balance between the traffic-generating capacity of dwellings and
businesses in the Town and the traffic-carrying capacity of streets and intersections;
9. Encourage alternative methods of transporting people, through public transportation,
car pools and van pools, bicycling and walking, rather than near exclusive reliance on
single-occupant automobiles;
10. Encourage the use of good traffic engineering principles and design standards
consistent with a predominantly residential suburban town;
11. Encourage the positive management of traffic flow consistent with the town's other
stated objectives;
12. Encourage private sector participation in dealing with the town's traffic problems;
13. Expand the town's inventory of data about traffic conditions on Town streets.
5.5.2 Applicability. No building permit shall be granted for the erection of a new building
or the enlargement or renovation of an existing building other than in the CB District with the
result that:
1. there are 10,000 square feet or more of gross floor area on the lot, including any
existing floor area, but not including any floor area devoted to residential use or to
off-street parking; or
2. there are 50 or more dwelling units, or their equivalent, in a development, including
any existing dwelling units; or
3. the number of parking spaces is increased by 25 or more and there are 50 or more
parking spaces, including any existing parking spaces, on the lot;
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unless a special permit has been granted and the SPGA has made a determination that the
streets and intersections affected by the proposed development have, or will have as a result
of traffic improvements, adequate capacity, as set forth in § 5.5.4, to accommodate the
increased traffic from the development.
5.5.3 Traffic Study Required. A traffic study shall be submitted with each application for
a building permit, or special permit, or where required by any other provision of this Bylaw.
The traffic study shall be conducted by a traffic engineer who will certify that he/she
qualifies for the position of member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). For
uses that have an exceptional hourly, daily or seasonal peak period, the SPGA may require
that the analysis be conducted for that extraordinary peak period. A street or intersection
"likely to be affected by the development" is one which has an average daily traffic (ADT) of
2,000 vehicles or more and either: Carries 10% or more of the estimated trips generated by
the development; or in the case of an intersection only, traffic from the proposed
development will add 5% or more to the approach volumes. The traffic study shall include
the information set forth in the SPGA's Rules and Regulations.
5.5.4 Adequate Traffic Capacity. Prior to granting a special permit, the SPGA shall
determine that the streets and intersections likely to be affected by the proposed development
currently have, or will have as a result of traffic improvements, adequate capacity, as defined
in § 5.5.5. In making its determination of adequate capacity, the SPGA shall consider at least
the cumulative effect on a street or intersection likely to be affected by the development, as
provided in § 5.5.3, of:
1. Existing traffic conditions;
2. Estimates of traffic from other proposed developments which have already been
approved in part or in whole by the Town of Lexington for which a traffic study was
required, or by official action of an abutting city or town, which have not yet been
opened for use prior to the date that the traffic counts required by this Section were
taken; and
3. Estimates of traffic from the proposed development.
5.5.5 Adequate Capacity Defined by Level of Service. Adequate capacity shall mean
level of service "D" or better as described in the "Highway Capacity Manual, 2010 Edition"
published by the Transportation Research Board. If the level of service that would result
from the cumulative effect, referred to in § 5.5.4 is "E" or below, the SPGA shall determine
there is not adequate capacity and shall deny the application.
5.5.6 Mitigating Measures to Improve Capacity. The SPGA shall consider that various
traffic engineering improvements, or other method of positive traffic control, such as a traffic
control officer, can improve the traffic-carrying capacity of an intersection or street and
improve the level of service rating to a higher and acceptable value. The SPGA shall
consider such improvements, or other method of traffic control, in its determination and may
make a conditional determination that adequate capacity is dependent upon the construction
of the traffic engineering improvement, or other method of traffic control.
5.5.7 Conditions. The SPGA may make a condition of its approval of the special permit
that the start, or any stage, of the construction of the development, or the occupancy thereof,
is dependent upon the start or completion of the traffic engineering improvement or of the
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start of another method of positive traffic control, such as a traffic control officer, on a
permanent basis. A conditional approval shall be dependent upon at least a start of the
physical construction of the traffic engineering improvement or the execution of an
agreement with the Town of Lexington for another method of traffic control. Letters of
support, or commitment, or approval, or the award of a contract are not considered as a start
of construction. However, as the basis for making a conditional determination of adequacy,
the SPGA may consider as evidence that the traffic-carrying capacity will be improved to a
higher level of service, such letters of support, or commitment, or approval, or the award of a
contract for construction of the traffic engineering improvement, or a proposed agreement
with the Town of Lexington for another method of traffic control.
5.5.8 Trip Reduction Requirements. As a condition of its approval of a special permit or
a special permit with site plan review, the SPGA may require actions and programs by the
owner and/or manager of a development to reduce the number of single-occupant automobile
trips made to a development, particularly during peak traffic hours. Such actions and
programs may include:
1. Providing a pass to employees for use on a public transportation system that serves
the development site;
2. Use of car pools and van pools;
3. Scheduling of hours of operation such as flex-time, staggered work hours, and spread
scheduling that reduces trips during peak traffic hours;
4. Preferential parking locations and arrangements for vehicles other than single-
occupant automobiles;
5. Restrictions on access to, or egress from, off-street parking areas during peak traffic
hours; or
6. Bicycle parking facilities and other measures such as locker and shower facilities to
encourage bicycle commuting.
5.5.9 Monitoring. Where such conditions are included, they shall include a reporting
system that monitors the effectiveness of the trip reduction program. The SPGA may make a
condition of the granting of the special permit or special permit with site plan review that:
1. Such monitor be directly responsible to and report to the Building Commissioner; and
2. The applicant is responsible for the cost of providing such monitoring system.
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SECTION 135-6.0 SPECIAL REGULATIONS
6.1 ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
6.1.1 Swimming Pools and Racquet Courts. The Building Commissioner may grant a
building permit for a swimming pool and the SPGA may grant a special permit for the
construction of a racquet court, accessory to a residential use. Such accessory structures are
subject to the following minimum conditions:
1. No racquet court shall be constructed within 15 feet, and no swimming pool shall be
constructed within 20 feet, of a lot line or within the required minimum yard setback
for a principal building, whichever is greater. The setback of the swimming pool
shall be measured to the edge of the water in the pool; the setback of the racquet court
shall be measured to the fence enclosing the court.
2. Screening at least five feet high shall be provided around the pool or court.
3. A fence or wall, at least eight feet high for the racquet court, shall be provided so that
the court is completely enclosed. A principal or accessory building may form part of
the enclosure.
4. No swimming pool or racquet court shall be constructed without the issuance of a
building permit.
6.1.2 Satellite Receiving Antenna. A satellite receiving antenna with a receiving dish
with a diameter equal to or less than three feet may be installed in any district. A satellite
receiving antenna with a receiving dish with a diameter greater than three feet may be erected
in any district after issuance of a building permit when it is accessory to another use and
meets the following additional conditions:
1. The antenna is located in a rear yard but not within the required minimum setback set
forth in Table 2.
2. The antenna shall be permanently secured to the ground. No antenna shall be
installed on a building or on a portable or movable structure, such as a trailer.
3. Size. No antenna shall exceed an overall diameter of 12 feet or a height of 15 feet
above the natural grade when measured to its uppermost point when in an upright
position.
4. Screening. The base of the antenna shall be screened from view from any abutting lot
or from the street by an opaque fence, at least six feet high, or by planting providing
comparable screening and opacity.
5. Appearance. The antenna shall be of a nonreflecting and inconspicuous color and
compatible with the appearance and character of its surroundings. No advertising
material shall be permitted.
6. The antenna shall not be used for commercial purposes except where accessory to a
commercial use.
7. Where the SPGA determines any of the conditions set forth in any Subsection above
operates to prevent reception of satellite transmitted signals by the receiving antenna,
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the SPGA may issue a special permit to locate the antenna elsewhere on the lot, or on
a building, where it may receive such signals.
6.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION INCENTIVES
6.2.1 Purpose. The general objectives of this Section are to:
1. Encourage preservation of buildings, structures, sites and settings, and elements of
historical or architectural significance.
2. Establish eligibility criteria for buildings, structures, sites and settings, and elements
attaining protected status under § 6.2.2.
3. Expand economic options for the owner/investor, by broadening the permitted uses in
various zoning districts and removing barriers presented by development standards
governing those permitted uses.
4. Permit the flexibility of development options by modifying dimensional requirements
that might be an impediment to historic preservation.
5. Provide incentives to preserve contributory elements of historic or architectural
significance, such as settings and sites, objects, monuments, trees or other elements.
6.2.2 Historic Eligibility Defined. Any historic element, as defined below, may qualify
for eligibility under this Section, if it is included on any of the following lists or surveys:
1. National Register of Historic Places.
2. State (Commonwealth of Massachusetts)Register of Historic Places.
3. Inclusion by the Lexington Historical Commission in its Comprehensive Cultural
Resources Survey, or identification by that Commission of historic and/or
architectural significance and thereby potential inclusion in the Comprehensive
Cultural Resources Survey.
4. Pending nominations in good standing to the National or State Register.
6.2.3 Primary Qualifying Element. Primary qualifying elements shall include buildings,
and other structures and outbuildings located on the property.
6.2.4 Secondary Qualifying Element. Secondary qualifying elements shall include sites
and settings, objects, monuments, trees or any element of historical, architectural and/or
cultural significance that indicates their contributory value in establishing historical context.
6.2.5 Special Permit Priority. Priority in granting special permits under these historic
preservation incentives shall, in all cases, be placed upon keeping buildings and structures in
place, rather than moving them to other locations, provided that the existing siting can be
shown to represent valid historical setting and context. Moving of buildings, structures and
elements to other locations shall be considered only if no other preservation measures are
practical or reasonable on the existing site, or if the proposed removal is to return a building,
structure or element to an original or more historically accurate location. The SPGA shall
determine the validity of any such requests.
6.2.6 Special Permit. The SPGA may grant a special permit to authorize actions that
would otherwise not comply with the provisions of this Bylaw and that would allow the
renovation, repair, adaptive reuse or, in limited instances, removal of historic or
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architecturally significant buildings. The following uses, identified by the line in which they
appear in Table 1 of this Bylaw, that are not usually permitted in the districts identified
below may be allowed in those districts, provided the SPGA makes the findings listed in
§ 6.2.7:
USE OR ACTIVITY DISTRICT
Conversion of single-family to two-family residences RD, CB, CLO
Conversion of single-family residences to congregate living facilities CB, CLO
Conversion of municipal buildings to residential use CB, CLO
Creation of rooming units CB, CLO, CN
Creation of accessory apartments in single-family residences CB, CLO
Creation of bed-and-breakfast homes RT, RD, CN,
CB, CLO
General home occupation uses with a maximum of one employee other than ALL
an owner occupant and with a maximum of four customers per hour, as an
average during the course of the business day
Professional office home occupation uses with a maximum of one employee ALL
other than an owner occupant
Home occupation, instruction ALL
Home occupation, minor and major ALL
Office uses, professional services CN
Advertising/editing CN, CB
Employment agency and similar uses CN
Manufacturer's representative and similar uses CN
Other business and administrative and similar uses CN
Professional and business services, tailor, dressmaker and shoe repair CLO
Real estate sales or rental office CS
Repair of household appliances CLO
Private postal service CB
Modifying Table l's Development Standards for Offices
Modifying Table l's Development Standards for Personal, Business
Services provided that any negative impacts to the surrounding area can be
feasibly mitigated
Modifying Table 2's standards with regard to minimum: lot area; lot
frontage; front, side and rear setbacks; maximum percentage of site
coverage; and maximum height(stories)
Modifying the standards for accessory apartments, conversion to congregate
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living facility, and bed and breakfast homes
Modifying the dimensional and intensity controls in Section 4.0
Modifying the landscaping, transition and screening requirements in Section
5.3
Modifying the off-street parking and loading requirements in Section 5.1
6.2.7 Findings Required. In order to grant a special permit, the SPGA shall determine:
1. That the uses authorized in § 6.2.6 or the modification of standards and requirements
authorized in § 6.2.6 are necessary to maintain the historic or architecturally
significant building, structure or element on the site on which it was originally
constructed or to relocate it back to such a site;
2. That the proposed renovation, repair, adaptive reuse or removal preserves, to the
maximum extent feasible, the historical and architectural features of the building,
structure or element, said determination to be made by the SPGA;
3. Failure to grant the special permit is likely to result in inappropriate use or physical
modification or pursuit of a demolition permit; and
4. That the proposed use will not generate negative impacts to the surrounding area or
zoning district or that any negative impacts generated may be feasibly mitigated.
6.2.8 Contributory Lots. For one or more lots that do not otherwise qualify under § 6.2.2,
above, and are shown on a definitive site development plan submitted by an applicant, the
SPGA may grant a special permit to modify: the standards in Table 2, Schedule of
Dimensional Controls, the standards in §§ 3.3, 4.4, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 in their entireties,
the dimensional and intensity controls in § 4.0, the landscaping, transition and screening
requirements in § 5.3, Landscaping, Transition and Screening (entire Section), or the off-
street parking and loading requirements in § 5.1, Off-Street Parking and Loading (entire
Section), provided the SPGA makes a finding that such modifications are necessary to make
historic preservation feasible on another lot within the same development on which an
historic element, as defined in § 6.2.2, is located. The use of one or more lots that do not
otherwise qualify may apply to a conventional subdivision or special permit residential
development.
6.3 NURSERIES
6.3.1 General. Where the SPGA determines that the character of the neighborhood would
not be impaired, the storage and sale of some or all of the following supplementary items in
conjunction with the operation of a nursery may be permitted by special permit:
Plants grown elsewhere than on the premises;
1. Items intended to improve or preserve the life and health of plants, including without
limitation pesticides, insecticides, peat moss, humus, mulches, fertilizers, and other
chemicals;
2. Hand gardening tools and hand gardening equipment, garden hose, watering and
spraying devices, containers for living plants;
3. Cut flowers, Christmas trees and wreaths, in season;
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4. Indoors only, birdseed, birdbaths, bird feeders, birdhouses; and
5. Ornamental or decorative items intended for use with plants.
6.3.2 Other Nursery Uses. The foregoing list may be expanded, in the discretion of the
SPGA, to include other items related to plants, gardens or gardening, but shall not include
power tools, other power equipment, furniture or items generally associated with the business
of a hardware store rather than with the conduct of a nursery.
6.3.3 Dimensional Requirements. A nursery granted a special permit shall conform to the
dimensional controls in Table 2 as to lot area, frontage and yards and the maximum height of
buildings for the district in which located and to the following additional requirements:
1. Minimum lot area: two acres;
2. Building (other than greenhouses) may cover no more than a maximum of 20% of the
lot area;
3. Greenhouses shall not be used for retail sales of items other than plants;
4. Buildings (other than greenhouses)used for retail sales shall not exceed a maximum
of 7,500 square feet;
5. Not less than 50% of the total land area of the nursery shall be used for the
propagation or cultivation of plants in the open or in greenhouses;
6.3.4 Other Requirements. The SPGA shall impose and may from time to time review
and revise requirements for adequate off-street parking, screening, open space buffers,
lighting, outdoor storage and display, hours of operation and such other requirements as the
SPGA may deem necessary to preserve the character of the neighborhood.
6.4 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
6.4.1 Purpose. This Section permits the use of wireless communication facilities within
the town, regulates their impacts and accommodates their location and use in a manner
intended to:
1. Protect the scenic, historic, environmental and natural or man-made resources of the
town;
2. Protect property values;
3. Minimize any adverse impacts on the residents of the Town (such as, but not limited
to, attractive nuisance, noise and falling objects) with regard to the general safety,
welfare and quality of life in the community;
4. Provide standards and requirements for regulation, placement, construction,
monitoring, design, modification and removal of wireless communication facilities;
5. Provide a procedural basis for action within a reasonable period of time for requests
for authorization to place, construct, operate or modify wireless communication
facilities;
6. Encourage the use of certain existing structures and towers;
7. Minimize the total number and height of towers located within the community;
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8. Require tower sharing and clustering of wireless communication facilities where they
reinforce the other objectives in this Section; and
9. Be in compliance with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.
6.4.2 Applicability. The requirements of this Section shall apply to all wireless
communication facilities, except where federal or state law or regulations exempt certain
users or uses from all or portions of the provisions of this Section. No wireless
communication facility shall be considered exempt from this Section by sharing a tower or
other structure with such exempt uses.
6.4.3 Location of Facilities; Priorities. Wireless communication facilities shall be located
according to the following priorities. Applicants shall demonstrate that they have
investigated locations higher in priority ranking than the one for which they are applying and
whether such sites are available and, if applicable, under what conditions.
1. Within an existing structure concealed;
2. Within an existing structure and camouflaged;
3. Camouflaged on an existing structure, such as but not limited to an existing electric
transmission tower or an existing radio antenna, a water tower, or building, and of a
compatible design;
4. Co-located with existing wireless communication service facilities;
5. On Town of Lexington owned land which complies with other requirements of this
Section and where visual impact can be minimized and mitigated;
6. If adequately demonstrated to the SPGA in the special permit process that each of the
priorities set forth above is not feasible, erection of a new facility that complies with
the other requirements of this Section and where visual impact can be minimized and
mitigated.
6.4.4 Facilities Permitted by Right. A concealed wireless communication facility may be
installed in a structure on a lot in a commercial district provided all the requirements for a
wireless communication facility building permit are met.
6.4.5 Facilities Authorized by Special Permit. A wireless communication facility may be
installed in the locations indicated in § 6.4.3, provided all prescribed conditions are met and
the SPGA grants a special permit.
1. Multifamily dwelling. A concealed wireless communication facility may be installed
in a building or in a structure on a building on a lot on which a multifamily dwelling
or group care facility, congregate living facility, long-term care facility, assisted
living residence, or independent living residence is the principal use provided all
residents of such dwelling or facility receive 30 days notice before the application for
a special permit is submitted.
2. Institutional, agricultural, natural resource or commercial uses in residential districts.
a. A concealed wireless communication facility may be installed in a building or in a
structure on a building on a lot on which an institutional, agricultural, natural
resource or commercial use in a residential district(as provided in Table 1)is the
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principal use.
b. A wireless communication facility may be installed if it is co-located with an
existing electrical power transmission line tower, an existing nonconforming
transmitting or receiving tower, or a water tower, provided that the wireless
communication facility is camouflaged and does not exceed the height of the
tower.
c. For the purposes of this Section, an electrical power transmission tower, an
existing transmitting or receiving tower or antenna for commercial activities other
than a wireless communication facility (as provided in line 0.1.08 of Table 1)
shall be considered to be a commercial use in a residential district.
3. Uses in commercial districts. A wireless communication facility may be installed on
a lot in a commercial district provided the wireless communication facility is
camouflaged and does not exceed the height controls under § 4.4.
6.4.6 Nonconforming Situations. The SPGA may grant a special permit to:
1. Modify a pre-existing nonconforming wireless communication facility, subject to the
provisions of§ 8.0 of this Bylaw; or
2. Allow an existing wireless communication facility to be reconstructed with a
replacement wireless communication facility if it decreases the degree of
nonconformity.
6.4.7 Site Development Requirements. The following standards shall apply:
1. Shelters and accessory buildings. Any communication equipment shelter or
accessory building shall be designed to be architecturally similar and compatible with
the surrounding area. Whenever feasible, a building shall be constructed
underground.
2. Setbacks. Any new tower shall be set back at least one time the height of the tower
plus 10 feet from each lot line of the site on which the tower is located. Any non-
concealed antenna shall be set back at least one time the height of the antenna, as
measured from the ground level, from each lot line of the site on which the antenna is
located. However, if the antenna is being attached to an existing tower whose setback
is already approved, either by right, by special permit or by variance, and if the SPGA
determines that the addition of the antenna does not materially alter the basis of that
prior approval, then no new, independent setback requirement shall be created by the
addition of the antenna. In nonresidential districts or on Town of Lexington owned
land, the SPGA may grant a special permit to allow a lesser setback if it makes a
finding that such lesser setback provides adequate safety, promotes co-location or
improves design, and will not negatively impact the appearance and character of the
neighborhood.
3. Security and signs. The area around the wireless communication facility shall be
completely secure from trespass or vandalism. A sign not larger than one square foot
shall be posted adjacent to the entry gate indicating the name of the facility owner(s)
and a twenty-four-hour emergency telephone number. Advertising on any antenna,
tower, fencing, accessory building or communication equipment shelter is prohibited.
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4. Lighting. Unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration, no exterior night
lighting of towers or the wireless communication facility is permitted except for
manually operated emergency lights for use when operating personnel are on site.
5. New towers. Any new freestanding tower shall be of a monopole construction. New
towers shall not exceed the minimum height necessary to provide adequate coverage
within the Town of Lexington. Erection of a new tower that exceeds the height
restrictions listed in § 6.4 is not permitted unless the applicant demonstrates in the
special permit process that adequate coverage within the Town of Lexington cannot
be met for the locations permitted under § 6.4.
6.4.8 Justification of Need. The following standards shall apply:
1. Coverage area. The applicant shall provide a map of the geographic area in which the
proposed facility will provide adequate coverage.
2. Adequacy of other facility sites controlled by the applicant. The applicant shall
provide written documentation of any facility sites in the Town and in abutting towns
or cities in which it has a legal or equitable interest, whether by ownership, leasehold
or otherwise. Said documentation shall demonstrate that these facility sites do not
already provide, or do not have the potential to provide by site adjustment, adequate
coverage.
3. Capacity of existing facility sites. The applicant shall provide written documentation
that it has examined all facility sites located in the Town and in abutting towns in
which the applicant has no legal or equitable interest to determine whether those
existing facility sites can be used to provide adequate coverage.
4. Adequate coverage through the least disruptive means. The applicant shall provide
written documentation that the proposed facility uses the least disruptive technology
(through the use of repeaters or other similar technology as it may be developed
subsequent to adoption of this Bylaw)in which it can provide adequate coverage in
conjunction with all facility sites listed above.
6.4.9 Application; Procedures. The applicant or co-applicant for any permit for a
wireless communication facility must be a licensed carrier who has authority from the FCC
to provide wireless communication services for the facility being proposed. The applicant
shall submit documentation of the legal right to install and use the proposed facility mount at
the time of the filing of the application for the permit.
1. Review by the Design Advisory Committee. The Town of Lexington's Design
Advisory Committee shall review an applicant's site plans and make
recommendations to the Director of Inspectional Services for by right permit
applications and to the SPGA for special permits. The Design Advisory Committee
will make comment on whether the site plans show that a proposed wireless
communication facility will be concealed for a by right permit if built according to
the plans, or whether the site plans show that a proposed wireless communication
facility will be concealed or sufficiently camouflaged for a special permit if built
according to the plans.
2. Review by the Communications Advisory Committee. The Board of Selectmen's
Communications Advisory Committee shall review an applicant's application and
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make recommendations to the Director of Inspectional Services for by right permit
applications and to the SPGA for special permits. The Communications Advisory
Committee will make comment as to the application's adherence to the provisions of
this Section. The Committee may recommend that a consultant be hired by the SPGA
(at the applicant's expense)if technical expertise is needed.
3. Permits. Each application for a permit must contain site plans with sufficient detail
that would enable the Town to determine whether the proposed facility meets the
requirements of this Section.
6.4.10 SPGA. The Board of Appeals shall be the SPGA for permits under § 6.4
6.4.11 Regulations. The SPGA shall maintain a set of regulations that contains the
necessary policies, procedures, and standards to implement the provisions of this Section.
6.4.12 Special Permit Criteria. A special permit shall be granted under this Section only if
the SPGA shall find that the project is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this
Section and the SPGA's regulations. In addition, the SPGA shall make the findings required
by § 9.5 and the following additional findings:
1. That the applicant is not already providing adequate coverage or is unable to maintain
adequate coverage without the special permit;
2. That the applicant is not able to use existing facility sites either with or without the
use of repeaters to provide adequate coverage;
3. That the proposed wireless service facility minimizes any adverse impact on historic
resources, scenic views, residential property values, and natural or man-made
resources;
4. That the applicant has agreed to implement all reasonable measures to mitigate the
potential adverse impacts of the facilities;
5. That the facility shall comply with the appropriate FCC regulations regarding
emissions of electromagnetic radiation and that the required monitoring program is in
place and shall be paid for by the applicant; and
6. That the applicant has agreed to rent or lease available space on any tower it controls
within Lexington or its contiguous towns, under the terms of a fair market lease,
without discrimination to other wireless service providers.
6.4.13 Conditions. If a special permit is granted, in addition to such terms and conditions as
may be authorized by § 9.4 of this Bylaw, the SPGA may impose such additional conditions
and safeguards as public safety, welfare and convenience may require.
6.4.14 Denial. Any decision by the SPGA to deny a special permit under this Section shall
be in conformance with the Act, in that it shall be in writing and supported by substantial
evidence contained in a written record.
6.4.15 Term of Permit. Each special permit shall be valid for a fixed or conditional period
of time as determined by the special permit granting authority. A special permit for any
wireless communication service facility that exceeds height provisions of§ 6.4 shall be valid
for a maximum of 15 years. At the end of the approved time period, the facility shall be
removed by the carrier or a new special permit shall be required.
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6.4.16 Report. All permitted and special permitted wireless communication facility carriers
shall periodically file with the Town, every five years (or sooner if specified in a special
permit), on operational aspects of the facility including: power consumption; power
radiation; frequency transmission; the number, location, and orientation of antennas; and
types of services provided.
6.4.17 Removal Requirements. Any wireless service facility that ceases to operate for a
period of one year shall be removed. Cease to operate is defined as not performing the
normal functions associated with the wireless service facility and its equipment on a
continuous and ongoing basis for a period of one year. At the time of removal, the facility
site shall be remediated such that all wireless communication facilities that have ceased to
operate are removed. If all facilities on a tower have ceased to operate, the tower(including
the foundation) shall also be removed and the site shall be revegetated by the owner.
Existing trees shall only be removed if necessary to complete the required removal. The
applicant shall, as a condition of the special permit, provide a financial surety or other form
of financial guaranty acceptable to the SPGA, to cover the cost of removal of the facility and
the remediation of the landscape, should the facility cease to operate.
6.5 BED-AND-BREAKFAST HOME
6.5.1 Purpose. This Section is intended to ensure that the conversion of an existing one-
family dwelling unit into a bed-and-breakfast home containing not more than three bed-and-
breakfast units is maintained primarily as a residence and the bed-and-breakfast
accommodations are subordinate and incidental to the principal use of the dwelling as a
residence.
6.5.2 Conditions and Requirements; General. The Building Commissioner may issue a
certificate of occupancy for a bed-and-breakfast home to be conducted in a one-family
dwelling unit in an RO or RS District provided that each of the following conditions and
requirements are met:
1. No bed-and-breakfast home, new or pre-existing, shall be operated without first being
granted a certificate of occupancy from the Building Commissioner.
2. A bed-and-breakfast home is an accessory use and the primary use of the dwelling
unit shall remain as a residence and not as a lodging house or as a "bed-and-breakfast
establishment," as that term is defined in MGL c. 64G. As an accessory use, the bed-
and-breakfast operation shall not occupy more than 45% of the gross floor area of the
dwelling unit and shall meet the criteria for an accessory use.
3. Within one dwelling unit, there shall be a maximum of three bedrooms which are
rented to roomers, boarders or bed-and-breakfast units.
4. Food for a fee may be served only to overnight guests.
6.5.3 Conditions and Requirements; Exterior Appearance. The dwelling unit
containing the bed-and-breakfast home shall be designed so that the exterior appearance of
the structure remains that of a one-family dwelling, subject further to the following
conditions and requirements:
1. All stairways to upper stories shall be enclosed within the exterior walls of the
dwelling. There shall be no exterior fire escapes.
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2. An enlargement or addition to the structure is permitted provided the architectural
character of a one-family dwelling is maintained.
6.5.4 Conditions and Requirements; Parking. In order to maintain the appearance of a
one-family neighborhood, all parking spaces on the lot shall be subject to the following
conditions and requirements in addition to those set forth in § 5.1:
1. There shall be one parking space provided for each bed-and-breakfast unit.
2. Newly created parking spaces may be located only in the rear and side yard.
6.5.5 Application. Each application for a certificate of occupancy shall be accompanied
by the information set forth in the permitting authority's Rules and Regulations.
6.5.6 Term. The certificate of occupancy for the bed-and-breakfast operation shall be
limited to a maximum of three years. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued only to the
owner of the property and shall not be transferable. Any changes in ownership of the
property shall require a new certificate of occupancy.
1. Upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the Building Commissioner shall notify
abutters of the lot that a certificate of occupancy has been issued and of the terms and
conditions under which it has been issued.
6.6 CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITY
6.6.1 Purpose. This Section is intended to:
1. Encourage alternative living arrangements for the town's elderly residents;
2. Permit housing arrangements compatible in size and scale with one-family and two-
family neighborhoods; and
3. Encourage an economic, energy-efficient use of the town's housing supply while
maintaining the appearance and character of the town's neighborhoods.
6.6.2 Conditions and Requirements; General. Congregate living facilities must meet
each of the following conditions and requirements:
1. In the RO, RS and RT Districts, there shall be accommodations for not more than 15
residents in the dwelling.
2. The lot area shall be at least 10,000 square feet.
3. The gross floor area, excluding areas in the structure used for parking, prior to the
issuance of any building permit, shall be at least 2,000 square feet.
4. The dwelling shall be connected to the public water and sanitary sewer system.
6.6.3 Conditions and Requirements; Exterior Appearance. Congregate living facilities
shall be designed so that the appearance of the structure is that of a dwelling characteristic of
the zoning district in which it is located, i.e. a detached one-family dwelling if located in an
RO, RS or RT District or a two-family dwelling if located in an RT District, subject further
to the requirement that any stairway to a second or third story shall be enclosed within the
exterior walls of the dwelling. There shall be no exterior fire escapes.
6.6.4 Conditions and Requirements; Off-Street Parking. In order to maintain the
appearance of a one-family neighborhood, not more than two outdoor spaces shall be located
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in the front yard. All other parking spaces shall comply with the standards in § 5.1 for a
parking lot. Additional screening may be required to minimize the visual impact of parking
on adjacent properties.
6.6.5 Services and Facilities for Residents.
1. Supportive services, such as nutrition, housekeeping, or social activities and access to
other services, such as health care, recreation or transportation, shall be provided. At
least one meal per day shall be served to residents in a common dining room.
2. There shall be rooms and facilities that promote a shared living experience for
residents including at least: a dining room, one living/common room suitable for
social activities, space for outdoor activities and other rooms for other supportive
services.
3. A service providing organization, with sufficient resources, responsible for the
provision of the supportive services shall be identified. If the relationship between
that organization and the facility is terminated, and if, within 90 days, another
comparable service providing organization is not designated, the certificate of
occupancy shall be suspended or revoked. The service providing organization shall
employ a manager or coordinator to direct the supportive services, and the manager or
coordinator, or a designee, who shall not be a client of the congregate living facility,
shall be on the site at least eight hours per day, seven days per week.
4. A resident may occupy a separate bedroom or a suite of rooms which may have one
or more of the following: a private full or half bath, a kitchenette of a size and type
suitable for preparation of light meals for one or two persons, but not larger, or a
living room.
5. There shall be provided at least 150 square feet of usable open space for each
resident.
6. The dwelling may not contain any separate dwelling unit other than that provided for
the manager or coordinator.
6.6.6 Procedures. Each application for a building permit or special permit shall be
accompanied by the information required in the permitting authority's Rules and
Regulations.
6.6.7 Recommendation. Prior to the granting of a special permit or the issuance of a
building permit, the permitting authority shall submit a copy of the application to the Human
Services Committee and the Board of Health which shall be given a reasonable time period
in which to make a recommendation on the application.
6.6.8 Condition. Each building permit or special permit shall include a condition that the
certificate of action is subject to suspension or revocation if the dwelling is no longer used as
a congregate living facility or if the support services are no longer rendered. Each special
permit must be recorded in the Registry of Deeds.
6.7 ACCESSORY APARTMENTS
6.7.1 Purpose. This Section authorizing the provision of accessory dwelling units is
intended to:
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1. Increase the number of small dwelling units available for rent in the Town;
2. Increase the range of choice of housing accommodations;
3. Encourage greater diversity of population with particular attention to young adults
and senior citizens; and
4. Encourage a more economic and energy-efficient use of the Town's housing supply
while maintaining the appearance and character of the Town's one-family
neighborhoods.
6.7.2 General. An accessory apartment is a second dwelling unit subordinate in size to the
principal dwelling unit on a lot, located in either the principal dwelling or an existing
accessory structure. The apartment is constructed so as to maintain the appearance and
essential character of a one-family dwelling and any existing accessory structures. Three
categories of accessory apartments are permitted: by-right accessory apartments, which are
permitted as of right, and special permit accessory apartments and accessory structure
apartments, which may be allowed by a special permit.
6.7.3 Conditions and Requirements; General. The following standards shall apply:
1. There shall be no more than two dwelling units in a structure, and no more than two
dwelling units on a lot.
2. There shall be no boarders or lodgers within either dwelling unit.
3. No structure that is not connected to the public water and sanitary sewer systems shall
have an accessory apartment.
4. The owner of the property on which the accessory apartment is to be created shall
occupy one or the other of the dwelling units, except for temporary absences as
provided herein. For the purposes of this Section, the "owner" shall be one or more
individuals who constitute a family, who hold title directly or indirectly to the
dwelling, and for whom the dwelling is the primary residence.
5. Temporary absence of owner. An owner of a property containing an accessory
apartment who is to be absent for a period of less than two years may rent the owner's
unit as well as the second unit during the temporary absence provided:
a. Written notice thereof shall be made to the Building Commissioner on a form
prescribed by him.
b. The owner shall be resident on the property for at least two years prior to and
between such temporary absences.
6.7.4 Conditions and Requirements; Exterior Appearance. The accessory apartment
shall be designed so that the appearance of the structure maintains that of a one-family
dwelling, subject further to the following conditions and requirements:
1. All stairways to second or third stories shall be enclosed within the exterior walls of
the dwelling.
2. Any new entrance shall be located on the side or in the rear of the dwelling.
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3. Where two or more entrances already exist on the front facade of a dwelling,
modifications made to any of the entrances shall result in one entrance appearing to
be the principal entrance and other entrances appearing to be secondary.
6.7.5 Conditions and Requirements; Off-Street Parking. There shall be provided at
least two off-street parking spaces for the principal dwelling unit and at least one off-street
parking space for the accessory apartment. In order to maintain the one-family appearance of
the property, all parking spaces on the lot shall be subject further to the following conditions
and requirements:
1. Each parking space and the driveway leading thereto shall be paved or shall have an
all-weather gravel surface. No motor vehicles shall be regularly parked on the
premises other than in the parking spaces.
2. No more than two outdoor parking spaces shall be located in the required front yard.
All other parking spaces shall be either:
a. Outdoor parking spaces located in a side or rear yard; or
b. In a garage or carport.
3. There shall be no more than four outdoor parking spaces on the lot. No parking space
shall be located within the boundary of a street right-of-way.
4. Parking spaces shall be located so that both the principal dwelling unit and the
accessory apartment shall have at least one parking space with direct and unimpeded
access to the street without passing through a parking space designated to serve the
other dwelling unit.
5. Where there are more than two outdoor parking spaces, there shall be provided
suitable screening with evergreen or dense deciduous plantings, walls, fence, or a
combination thereof in the area between the parking spaces and the nearest side lot
line and, if the parking space is in the front yard and parallel to the street, in the area
between the parking space and the front lot line. Screening shall be sufficient to
minimize the visual impact on abutters and to maintain the one-family appearance of
the neighborhood.
6.7.6 By-Right Accessory Apartment. A by-right accessory apartment shall be permitted
if the requirements set forth in § 6.7.3 is satisfied and the following criteria are met:
1. The lot area shall be at least 10,000 square feet.
2. The apartment shall be located in the principal structure.
3. The maximum gross floor area of the apartment shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.
4. There shall not be more than two bedrooms in the apartment.
5. The entire structure containing the by-right accessory apartment must have been in
legal existence for a minimum of five years at the time of application for a by-right
accessory apartment, except for minimal additions necessary to comply with building,
safety or health codes, or for enclosure of an entryway, or for enclosure of a stairway
to a second or third story.
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6.7.7 Special Permit Accessory Apartment. The SPGA may grant a special permit for a
special permit accessory apartment, subject to the following:
1. The lot shall contain at least the minimum area required in the district in which it is
located, as shown in Table 2 "Schedule of Dimensional Controls."
2. The gross floor area of the special permit accessory apartment shall not exceed 40%
of the gross floor area of the dwelling, excluding areas of the structure used for
parking.
3. The special permit accessory apartment shall be located in the principal structure.
4. The architectural character of a detached one-family dwelling is maintained;
5. The structure is consistent with the typical size of nearby one-family detached
dwellings.
6.7.8 Accessory Structure Apartment. Notwithstanding the prohibition against having
more than one dwelling on a lot, the SPGA may grant a special permit to allow the
construction of an accessory apartment in an existing accessory structure which is on the
same lot in the RS, RT, RO or CN District as an existing one-family dwelling provided:
1. The lot area is at least 18,000 square feet if in the RS, RT, or CN District and at least
33,000 square feet if in the RO District;
2. The structure containing the accessory structure apartment was in legal existence for a
minimum of five years and had a minimum of 500 square feet of gross floor area as
of five years prior to the time of application;
3. The maximum gross floor area of the accessory structure apartment does not exceed
1,000 square feet. The gross floor area for the accessory apartment shall not include
floor area used for any other permitted accessory use. The accessory apartment
cannot contain floor area that has been designed, intended or used for required off-
street parking to serve the principal dwelling;
4. The SPGA determines that the exterior appearance of the accessory structure
maintains the essential character of the purpose for which it was originally
constructed and is compatible with the principal dwelling on the same lot and with
other dwellings on adjoining lots.
6.7.9 Procedures. No accessory apartment shall be constructed without issuance of a
building permit by the Building Commissioner. The application for a building or special
permit shall comply with the permitting authority's Rules and Regulations.
6.7.10 Certificate of Occupancy. No use as an accessory apartment shall be permitted prior
to issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the Building Commissioner. A certificate of
occupancy shall be issued after the Building Commissioner determines that the accessory
apartment as constructed is in conformity with the approved plans and with the provisions of
this Zoning Bylaw.
6.8 HOME OCCUPATIONS
6.8.1 Purpose. The provisions of this Section are intended to accommodate limited
business uses in dwellings, conducted by the residents thereof, in order to promote wider
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economic opportunities for Lexington residents, while at the same time protecting residential
neighborhoods from adverse impacts.
6.8.2 Applicability. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all permitted home
occupations except where specifically stated otherwise.
6.8.3 Accessory Use. Home occupations shall be considered accessory uses to the
principal residential use of a dwelling, and shall be conducted by a resident of the dwelling.
A home occupation shall be incidental to the principal use as a residence, but need not be a
use that is customarily associated with residential use.
6.8.4 Maintenance of Residential Character. There shall be no exterior indication of the
home occupation, except as provided herein in the form of off-street parking.
1. The business shall not require alterations to the exterior of the building.
2. There shall be no exterior storage of materials, supplies, or equipment related to the
business.
3. There shall be no sign indicating the business.
6.8.5 Number of Home Occupations. More than one home occupation may be
established in a dwelling, subject to the use regulations of§ 3.1, but all home occupations
combined shall not exceed any of the standards of this section.
6.8.6 Hours of Operation. Business visits to a home occupation shall be limited to the
hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., unless otherwise authorized by special permit.
6.8.7 Employees.
1. A minor home occupation or instruction home occupation shall have no nonresident
employee, contractor, or partner.
2. A major home occupation shall have no more than one full-time nonresident
employee, contractor, or partner(or the equivalent thereof) on the premises at any one
time.
3. The number of nonresident employees working at off-premises locations is not
limited, provided that such employees do not regularly visit the premises.
6.8.8 Commercial Vehicles, Pickups and Deliveries.
1. Vehicles used to deliver goods to the home-based business shall be limited to
passenger vehicles, mail carriers, and panel trucks or small vans such as used by
express package carriers and office supply companies.
2. Pickups and deliveries shall not exceed those normally and reasonably occurring at a
residence and shall not include more than an average of two pickups and deliveries of
products or materials per day.
6.8.9 Parking. A major home occupation shall provide off-street parking spaces for the
home occupation, in addition to spaces for the dwelling unit, as follows:
1. One parking space shall be provided for a nonresident employee, partner, or
contractor regularly working on the premises;
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2. When a home occupation requires a special permit, the SPGA may require, at its
discretion, the provision of up to one parking space for each client or customer
expected to visit the premises at one time, if site-specific conditions warrant it.
Provision of such a space shall be in addition to parking required for the dwelling unit
and nonresident employees.
6.8.10 Environmental Impacts. The equipment used by the home occupation and the
operation of the home occupation shall not:
1. Create any heat, glare, dust, odors, or smoke discernable at the property lines;
2. Exceed the noise standards in the Lexington Noise Control Bylaw;
3. Create any electrical, magnetic or other interference off the premises; or
4. Use and/or store hazardous materials (as defined in MGL c. 21E, s. 2)in excess of
quantities permitted in residential structures.
6.9 SPECIAL PERMIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
6.9.1 Purpose. This Section is intended to:
1. Ensure that the development of multiple dwellings does not detract from the
livability, scale, character or economic value of existing residential neighborhoods;
2. Encourage greater diversity of housing opportunities in Lexington to meet the needs
of a population which is diversified with respect to number of persons in a household,
stage of life, and income;
3. Encourage the development of affordable housing;
4. Promote development proposals designed with sensitivity to the characteristics of the
site that otherwise might be limited by application of uniform, largely geometric
standards;
5. Permit different types of structures and residential uses to be combined in a planned
interrelationship that promotes an improved design relationship between new
buildings and public facilities and common open space;
6. Preserve historically or architecturally significant buildings or places;
7. Encourage the preservation and minimum disruption of outstanding natural features
of open land and to minimize impacts on environmentally sensitive areas;
8. Encourage sustainable development through the use of green building practices and
low-impact development techniques;
9. Promote the efficient and economical provision of public facilities such as utilities
and streets and facilitate a detailed assessment, by Town officials and the public, of
the adequacy of such facilities and services for the proposed level of development.
6.9.2 Applicability. A special permit residential development is a project in which one or
more lots, tracts, or parcels of land are to be improved for use as a coordinated site for
housing. No special permit residential development shall be initiated without first obtaining
a special permit in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The purpose of the special
permit is to provide detailed review of residential developments that have a substantial
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impact upon the character of the Town, adjacent residential areas and the provision of public
facilities and services.
6.9.3 Types of Special Permit Residential Development.
1. A site sensitive development(SSD) is the development of a parcel with
configurations of lots allowing flexibility and creativity in residential development
through reductions in minimum lot size and frontage requirements in order to
minimize site disturbance, preserve historic and sensitive natural resources, and allow
for efficient patterns of construction to lower development cost. The number of
dwellings in a site sensitive development may not exceed the number of dwellings
that could be constructed in the development of a conventional subdivision.
2. A balanced housing development(BHD)is a development allowing deviation from
the dimensional standards that apply to developments in conventional subdivisions in
order to achieve a balance of housing choices for a diversity of household types and
sizes. Instead of determining density by minimum lot size and frontage requirements,
the amount of residential development for the tract as a whole is based on calculations
of gross floor area and impervious surface area derived from a conventional
development plan for the tract of land.
3. A public benefit development(PBD)is a type of balanced housing development that
allows increases in gross floor area and impervious surface area in return for the
creation of 10% of the units as affordable housing.
6.9.4 Scale of Development. An applicant is not entitled to the maximum development,
nor is the applicant entitled to approval of a special permit residential development. The
amount of development permitted will be based on a fully complying proof plan and the
Planning Board's evaluation of the extent to which the proposed development complies with
the criteria set forth below. A "proof plan" is a plan showing the layout of lots and roadways
for the development tract that fully complies with the requirements of this Bylaw and the
Development Regulations for a conventional subdivision.
6.9.5 Dimensional Standards. The requirements of Table 2 are modified as follows:
1. Lot area. There is no minimum lot area required. Individual lot area shall be
sufficient to meet off-street parking requirements of this Bylaw and the installation of
any on-site water supply and sewage disposal facilities.
2. Frontage. There is no minimum frontage required. Frontage for each lot shall be
sufficient to provide for adequate access to the building site. Where shared driveways
or other circumstances render frontage on a street to be of no importance, none is
required.
3. Yard requirements. Yards required by Table 2 shall apply to the perimeter of the site,
but are not applicable between dwellings within the site.
4. Site coverage. There is no maximum site coverage limit for individual lots. Site
coverage for the development tract as a whole is limited as described below.
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6.9.6 Gross Floor Area Standards.
1. Site sensitive developments. Gross floor area of the dwellings in a SSD is not
regulated.
2. Balanced housing developments. The total gross floor area (GFA) of all structures in
a BHD shall be less than the number of lots shown on the proof plan multiplied by
7,200 square feet.
3. Public benefit developments. The total gross floor area (GFA) of all structures in a
PBD shall be less than the number of lots shown on the proof plan multiplied by
8,640 square feet.
6.9.7 Dwelling Unit Count and Limitations on Unit Size.
1. Site sensitive developments. The number of dwellings in a SSD shall not exceed the
number of dwellings shown on the proof plan.
2. Balanced housing developments. The number of dwelling units permitted in a BHD
is not limited. At least 25% of the dwelling units must have a GFA not larger than
2,700 square feet, and at least 50% of the dwelling units must have a GFA not larger
than 3,500 square feet.
3. Public benefit developments. The number of dwelling units permitted in a PBD is not
limited. At least 25% of the dwelling units must have a GFA not larger than 2,700
square feet, and at least 50% of the dwelling units must have a GFA not larger than
3,500 square feet. In addition, 10% of the total number of dwelling units in the
development must be affordable to households earning no more than 80% of the area
median income.
6.9.8 Impervious Surface Standards.
1. Site sensitive developments. The impervious surface limit in an SSD is based on the
proof plan. The limit for the development as a whole is calculated as follows:
Step 1: Determine the area in square feet of each lot shown on the proof plan.
For each lot in an RS or RT District, multiply its lot area by .20; for each lot in
the RO District, multiply its lot area by .12.
Step 2: Determine the total area of the impervious surfaces contained on the
proof plan that are not contained within lots, such as roads, sidewalks, and
similar surfaces.
Step 3: The impervious surface limit for the SSD is the sum of the impervious
surface calculations from Steps 1 and 2.
2. Balanced housing developments. The impervious surface limit in a BHD is
calculated in the same manner as that of a SSD.
3. Public benefit developments. The impervious surface limit in a PBD is calculated in
the same manner as that of a SSD and increased by 20%, i.e. multiplied by 1.20.
6.9.9 Site Coverage Standards.
1. For site sensitive developments, the site coverage limit is based on the proof plan.
The limit for the development as a whole is calculated as follows:
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Step 1: For each lot on the proof plan, multiply its lot area in square feet by
.15 for lots in RS and RT Districts, and by .09 for lots in RO Districts.
Step 2: The site coverage limit for the SSD as a whole is equal to the sum of
the individual lot site coverage calculations determined in Step 1.
2. For balanced housing developments, there is no site coverage limit.
3. For public benefit developments, there is no site coverage limit.
6.9.10 Common Open Space Standards.
1. Minimum common open space. At least 33% of the developable site area in a BUD
or PBD shall be set aside as common open space. A maximum of 20% of common
open space may be devoted to parking or structures used for, or accessory to, active
outdoor recreation, provided such parking or structures are consistent with the open
space uses of such land.
2. Location; condition. Where required or provided, common open space shall be land
that may be in one or more parcels of a size and shape appropriate for the intended
use and available for use by all occupants of a development.
3. Easement. When such open space is conveyed to persons or entities other than the
Town, an easement over such land shall be granted to the Town to ensure its
perpetual use as open space, conservation, recreation or park land.
6.9.11 Ownership of Open Space. Common open space may be conveyed to:
1. the Town, subject to acceptance, to ensure its perpetual use as open space,
conservation, recreation or park land; or
2. A legal association comprised of the owners of the development, which may include
homeowners or owners of condominium or cooperative units; or
3. A nonprofit organization, the principal purpose of which is the conservation of open
space.
6.9.12 Streets and Drives. The objective of this Section is that adequate access for fire-
fighting, medical and other emergency operations be provided from the public street system
to each site sensitive, balanced housing, or public benefit development.
1. Connection to public street system. Each street and interior drive, or system of streets
or interior drives, shall connect to a public street.
2. A dead-end interior drive will be treated in the same manner as a dead-end street, and
is subject to the provisions governing a dead-end street that are found in the
Development Regulations.
3. In a development served by a dead-end street or dead-end interior drive, a secondary
means of access may be required in order to provide adequate access for fire-fighting,
medical and other emergency vehicles. The Fire Chief will be consulted as to the
adequacy of the access.
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6.9.13 Compliance with Other Rules and Regulations. The construction of community
services, such as utilities, and of streets and interior drives shall comply with the
requirements of the Planning Board's Development Regulations.
6.9.14 Modification by Special Permit. The SPGA may, as part of the grant of a special
permit, modify the requirements of Sections 6.9.8 and 6.9.9, and the following provisions, as
they may apply to individual dwellings or lots within a special permit residential
development:
Bylaw Provisions SSD BHD PBD
Number of dwellings on a lot No Yes Yes
Lot width Yes Yes Yes
Contiguous developable site area Yes Yes Yes
Location of off-street parking spaces Yes Yes Yes
Setbacks required for parking spaces and Yes Yes Yes
driveways
Subdivision of land in relation to lots or Yes Yes Yes
buildings that are nonconforming or would
not comply with this Bylaw as a result of the
proposed development
6.9.15 Types of Buildings. The SPGA may as part of the grant of a special permit allow the
following types of buildings:
Type of Building SSD BHD PBD
One-family detached Yes Yes Yes
Accessory apartment Yes Yes Yes
Two-family No* Yes Yes
Townhouse No Yes Yes
* Yes in RT District
6.9.16 Accessory Apartment. The SPGA may authorize an accessory apartment, as
described in § 6.7 of this Bylaw, to be created in a site sensitive development. The
provisions of§ 6.7 shall apply except that § 6.7.7.1, which requires that the lot area shall
contain at least the minimum area required in the district in which it is located, shall not
apply.
6.9.17 Conversion. The SPGA may authorize an existing structure, that was constructed at
least 10 years prior to the date of application for approval of the special permit, to be
converted to a multifamily dwelling, a rooming house, a group quarters, an independent
living residence, an assisted living residence, or a congregate living facility. The special
permit shall incorporate by reference the building design and definitive site development
plans filed with the application for a special permit, and, where applicable, any legally
binding document that has been submitted to ensure the completion and continued
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availability of any proposed improvement or compliance with special conditions. In order to
grant the permit the Planning Board shall determine that:
1. The structure can be modified for a residential use that does not have adverse impacts
on any adjacent one-family neighborhood;
2. The exterior character of the structure is maintained and is compatible with any
adjacent neighborhood of one-family dwellings;
3. Modification of the existing structure maintains more of the site as open space than
the alternative of removal of the structure and further subdivision of the lot into house
lots.
6.9.18 SPGA. The Planning Board shall be the special permit granting authority for all
special permit residential developments. The Planning Board may grant any special permits
that are required for the special permit residential development, notwithstanding provisions
of this Bylaw designating a different special permit granting authority.
6.9.19 Application. Where the applicant also submits a definitive subdivision plan
complying with the Subdivision Control Law and the Planning Board's development
regulations, insofar as practical, the public hearing on the application for the special permit
and the definitive subdivision plan shall be held concurrently.
6.9.20 Criteria. The SPGA may only grant a special permit if it makes a determination that
the proposed development is consistent with the standards and criteria set forth in § 9.4.2 and
the following additional criteria:
1. Where there is common open space, it shall include, as applicable:
a. Some, or all, of the outstanding natural features of the site and of the man-made
features, including but not limited to stone walls, that enhance the land form;
b. Land that increases visual amenities for residents of the development and of the
adjacent neighborhood;
c. One or more paths or entry points specifically designed for access purposes.
2. The dwellings are sited and oriented in a complementary relationship to: each other,
the common open space, and the adjacent properties with respect to scale, mass,
setback, proportions and materials;
3. Negative visual impacts of the development, if any, are screened from adjacent
properties and nearby streets by landscaping or other site planning techniques;
4. Where opportunities exist, improved access is provided to, or additional links and
connections are developed to, a Town system of public facilities, such as open space,
recreation facilities, footpaths or bicycle paths;
5. Any building which contains more than one dwelling unit is designed so that either:
a. The building has the exterior appearance of a one-family dwelling; or
b. If two-family dwellings and/or townhouses are constructed, each individual
dwelling unit has access to ground level and an opportunity for a private yard,
patio, or other private outdoor space;
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c. There are provisions for common facilities, such as recreation or parking, or for
services such as the maintenance of streets, walkways or paths, utilities,
landscaping or recreation facilities;
6. Where there are sufficient dwelling units, the layout of the street(s) and interior
drive(s)will accommodate vehicles, other than automobiles, that are used in local
transportation services.
7. To the extent practicable, sustainable development techniques, including green
buildings, have been utilized.
8. In addition to the findings and determinations required by § 9.4 of this Bylaw, and the
criteria contained herein, a public benefit development shall meet the following
criteria:
a. There are sufficient benefits to the adjacent neighborhood and the Town generally
to warrant an increase in the maximum development otherwise permitted; and
b. Legally binding documents have been submitted that insure that affordable units
will continue to be available to eligible households in perpetuity. An affordable
unit shall be subject to maximum household income established for that unit,
based on the area median income (AMI) as annually determined by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, assuming one more person in
the household than the number of bedrooms in the unit. Eligible households shall
have incomes no greater than 80% of the AMI.
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SECTION 135-7.0 SPECIAL DISTRICT REGULATIONS
7.1 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE (NFI) DISTRICT
7.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this district is to insure public safety through reducing the
threats to life and personal injury; eliminate new hazards to emergency response officials;
prevent the occurrence of public emergencies resulting from water quality, contamination,
and pollution due to flooding; avoid the loss of utility services which if damaged by flooding
would disrupt or shut down the utility network and impact regions of the community beyond
the site of flooding; eliminate costs associated with the response and cleanup of flooding
conditions; and, reduce damage to public and private property resulting from flooding waters.
7.1.2 Overlay District. The NFI District shall not supersede other zoning districts but
shall be deemed to be superimposed over these other zoning districts.
7.1.3 Definitions. For definitions applicable in this Section, see"National Flood Insurance
District" in § 10.0.
7.1.4 Location. The NFI District includes all special flood hazard areas within the Town
of Lexington designated as Zone A and AE on the Middlesex County, Massachusetts Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program. The map panels of the
Middlesex County FIRM that are wholly or partially within the Town of Lexington are panel
numbers 0382E, 0384E, 0392E, 0401E, 0402E, 0403E, 0404E, 0408E, 0411E, 0412E,
0414E, and 0416E, dated June 4, 2010. The exact boundaries of the District may be defined
by the one-hundred-year base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and further defined by the
Middlesex County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report dated June 4, 2010. The FIRM and
FIS report are incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Town Clerk and
Community Development Department and available on the Town website.
7.1.5 Base Flood Elevation and Floodway Data.
1. Floodway data. In Zones A and AE, along watercourses within the Town of
Lexington that have not had a regulatory floodway designated, the best available
federal, state, local, or other floodway data shall be used to prohibit encroachments in
floodways which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community
during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
2. Base flood elevation data. Base flood elevation data is required for subdivision
proposals or other developments greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the
lesser, within unnumbered A zones.
7.1.6 Notification of Watercourse Alteration. In a riverine situation, the Conservation
Administrator shall notify the following of any alteration or relocation of a watercourse:
adjacent communities, NFIP State Coordinator, and NFIP Program Specialist.
7.1.7 Use Regulations.
1. All development in the NFI District, including structural and nonstructural activities,
whether permitted by right or by special permit must be in compliance with MGL c.
131, s. 40 and with the following:
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a. Section of the Massachusetts State Building Code which addresses floodplain and
coastal high hazard areas (currently 780 CMR 120.G, "Flood Resistant
Construction and Construction in Coastal Dunes");
b. Wetlands Protection Regulations, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
(currently 310 CMR 10.00);
c. Inland Wetlands Restriction, DEP (currently 310 CMR 13.00);
d. Minimum Requirements for the Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage, DEP
(currently 310 CMR 15, Title 5);
2. Any variances from the provisions and requirements of the above-referenced state
regulations may only be granted in accordance with the required variance procedures
of these state regulations.
3. In Zones AE, along watercourses within the Town of Lexington that have a
regulatory floodway designated on the Middlesex County FIRM Map, encroachments
are prohibited in the regulatory floodway which would result in any increase in flood
levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
4. All subdivision proposals must be designed to assure that:
a. Such proposals minimize flood damage;
b. All public utilities and facilities are located and constructed to minimize or
eliminate flood damage; and
c. Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
5. Existing contour intervals of site and elevations of existing structures must be
included on plan proposal.
7.2 TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT
7.2.1 Purpose. The Town may create Transportation Management Overlay (TMO)
Districts that allow greater opportunity for facilitating effective multi-modal transportation
networks that increase the quality of life in Lexington through improved traffic management
and mitigation to that outlined in § 5.1 and 5.5, consistent with the following principles:
1. Multimodal Consideration. To ensure that the safety and mobility of all users of the
circulation and transportation systems, including vehicles, public transit, pedestrians
and cyclist, are considered equally;
2. Context Sensitive Design. To incorporate, throughout project planning, design, and
construction, the overarching principles of Context Sensitive Design, including
attention to scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources; and
3. Clear Process. To develop and implement plans adopted through a broad-based, clear
and transparent process.
7.2.2 Overlay District. A TMO District shall not supersede other zoning districts, but
shall be deemed to be superimposed over these other zoning districts, except that if an
applicant elects to comply with the requirements in this Section, this Section shall supersede
§§ 5.1 and 5.5.
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7.2.3 Applicability. The provisions of this Section shall apply to developments located
within a TMO District that elect to comply with the requirements of this Section, instead of
complying with §§ 5.1 and 5.5. Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, an
applicant may not make such an election until a plan for the TMO District has been adopted
by the Planning Board as described below. A final certificate of occupancy shall not be
issued unless or until all provisions of this Section have been satisfied, except for those
conditions that by their terms are intended to be satisfied after occupancy of the structures for
which the certificate of occupancy is sought.
7.2.4 Transportation Plan Required. The Planning Board, after consultation with the
Board of Selectmen and an advertised public meeting, shall adopt a specific plan for each
TMO District containing the following elements:
1. Assessment of the impacts of reasonably anticipated future development in the TMO
District considering current zoning bylaws and other legal and physical constraints;
2. Analysis of existing capital improvement plans or the facilities element of a plan
adopted under MGL c. 41, s. 81D;
3. Cost projections for transportation infrastructure improvements required to address
the impacts generated by the anticipated development in the TMO District, including
the potential impact on nearby residential streets and neighborhoods;
4. Analysis of other reasonably anticipated sources of funding;
5. Required transportation mitigation fees in accordance with a methodology determined
pursuant to this study;
6. Off-street parking and loading requirements for the TMO District;
7. Parking and Transportation Demand Management techniques reasonably calculated to
reduce the number of vehicle trips generated by developments in the TMO District
and to ensure the long term stability of the transportation system;
8. An implementation program that defines and schedules the specific municipal actions
necessary to achieve the objectives of the plan; and
9. A plan to encourage voluntary participation in TDM programs by those not required
to participate.
The plan shall be updated periodically to reflect actual development activity, actual costs of
infrastructure improvements completed or underway, plan changes, or amendments to the
zoning bylaws.
7.2.5 Transportation Mitigation Fee. The payment of a transportation mitigation fee is
required when an applicant elects to proceed under this Section. The imposition of a
transportation mitigation fee shall not prevent the Town from imposing fees it may otherwise
impose under local bylaws.
1. Timing of Payment. Payment of the transportation mitigation fee shall be in cash,
under terms and conditions specified in the TMO District plan.
2. Payment Use. Any transportation mitigation fees paid to the Town are intended to be
used to fund transportation infrastructure improvements that are necessitated by the
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proposed development of the applicant. Examples of appropriate uses include the
costs related to the provision of equipment, infrastructure, facilities, services, or
studies associated with the following: traffic mitigation; public transportation; bicycle
and pedestrian accommodations or other transportation-related improvements.
Except where deficiencies are exacerbated by the new development, in which case the
fee may be assessed only in proportion to the deficiency so exacerbated, the fee shall
not be expended for personnel costs, normal operation and maintenance costs, or to
remedy deficiencies in existing facilities. The expenditure of the fees without Town
Meeting appropriation is prohibited.
3. Rough Proportionality and Reasonable Benefit to Fee Payer. The transportation
mitigation fee shall be determined by the TMO District plan described in § 7.2.4. The
fee shall be roughly proportionate to the impacts created by the development. The
purposes for which the fee is expended shall reasonably benefit the proposed
development.
7.2.6 Parking and Traffic Demand Management. Submission of a Parking and
Transportation Demand Management(PTDM)plan which is consistent with the TMO
District plan described above is required when an applicant elects to proceed under this
Section. Compliance with the submitted PTDM plan shall be a condition of any permit
approvals.
7.2.7 Enforcement. Compliance with the PTDM plan submitted with an approved permit
application may be enforced through § 9.1.
7.2.8 Special Permit. Where a development electing to proceed under this section also
requires a special permit, the Planning Board shall not grant the special permit unless it
imposes conditions, including transportation mitigation fees and parking and traffic demand
management requirements, to meet the goals of the TMO District plan.
7.3 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS
7.3.1 Purpose. A planned development district is intended to:
1. Permit considerable flexibility in the development of tracts of land by requiring few
predetermined standards;
2. Permit a developer to propose, and for the Town to vote on, a site development and
use plan unique to a particular location;
3. Permit the use of development standards more detailed than the more general
standards elsewhere in this Bylaw;
4. Provide information for the Town to evaluate the potential impacts of a proposed
development and to enable the SPGA to require adherence to such site development
plans in the granting of a special permit; and
5. Permit conversion of municipal buildings and the development of land on which they
are situated and of surplus municipal land in a manner which:
a. Encourages practical residential development in the reuse of existing structures;
b. Is compatible with the adjacent neighborhood;
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c. Encourages development of economically priced housing and a variety of types of
housing; and
d. Fosters flexibility and creativity in the disposition of surplus municipal property.
7.3.2 Planned Commercial Development District (CD).
1. Standards for development. A CD District does not have predetermined standards for
development. Such standards are to be proposed by the developer, included in the
preliminary site development and use plan and approved by the Town Meeting.
2. Uses permitted. Any uses may be permitted in a CD District if they are clearly
identified in the preliminary site development and use plan approved by the Town
Meeting.
3. SPGA. The Board of Appeals shall be the special permit granting authority.
7.3.3 Planned Residential Development District (RD)
1. Standards for Development. Development in an RD District is subject to both the
standards below and any additional standards proposed by the developer and included
in the preliminary site development and use plan and approved by the Town Meeting.
a. Minimum area of tract to be developed: 125,000 square feet.
b. Minimum frontage of the tract on an existing street: 100 feet.
c. Minimum yard setback on perimeter of tract:
i. Front yard: 40 feet.
ii. Side yard, rear yard: 30 feet.
d. Maximum impervious surface ratio: .40.
e. Minimum common open space as percentage of developable site area: 10%.
f. Maximum height of building: 40 feet.
2. Development of More than 20 Acres with Redevelopment. In an RD District in
which the area of the tract to be developed is not less than 20 acres and the planned
residential development involves the redevelopment of existing structures, wherein
not less than 25% of such existing structures shall be retained or rehabilitated, the
standards above shall be modified as follows:
a. Minimum yard setback on the perimeter of the tract:
i. Front yard: eight feet;
ii. Side yard, rear yard: 30 feet.
b. Maximum impervious surface ratio: 0.55.
c. Maximum height of building: 60 feet.
3. Where there are more than 20 dwelling units in an RD District served by a dead-end
street or dead-end interior drive, two means of access connected to the public street
system, suitable for fire-fighting, medical and other emergency vehicles, shall be
provided to each dwelling or dwelling unit. One means of access shall be a street or
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interior drive that complies with the standards for streets and rights-of-way set forth
in the Subdivision Regulations. If not another street, the second means of access may
be a paved way, subject to the approval of the Fire Chief, that:
a. Is at least 10 feet wide, and constructed in a manner suitable for fire-fighting
equipment;
b. Has provision for snow removal and other maintenance to assure year-round
access; and
c. May have a gate or other barrier to restrict general motor vehicle traffic, provided
there is an easy means of opening such gate or barrier for emergency vehicles.
4. Nonresidential Uses. An RD District may permit commercial uses, provided:
a. Such uses serve primarily the residents of the development;
b. Such uses are conducted within and may be entered only from within a principal
building;
c. There is no external evidence of such uses visible beyond the development tract;
and
d. The appearance and character of the commercial uses are compatible with a
residential development.
5. SPGA. The Board of Appeals shall be the special permit granting authority
7.3.4 Conversion of Municipal Buildings and Surplus Municipal Land. The conversion
of a municipal building or the development of surplus municipal land in an RD District shall
be subject to the same standards and follow the same procedures as other RD Districts with
the following exceptions:
1. The minimum area of the tract to be developed may be less than 125,000 square feet;
and
2. The minimum frontage of the tract on an existing street may be less than 100 feet.
3. SPGA. The Board of Selectmen shall be the special permit granting authority.
7.3.5 Provisions Applicable to all Planned Development Districts.
1. Compliance Required. No use is permitted and no development may occur in a
Planned Development District except in conformity with a preliminary site
development and use plan approved by Town Meeting, the provisions of this Section
and a special permit granted by the SPGA.
2. Filings. Each petition presented to the Town Meeting for rezoning land to a Planned
Development District shall include a preliminary site development and use plan as
described in the Planning Board's Rules and Regulations. Two copies of the
preliminary site development and use plan which accompanies a petition for a
rezoning shall be filed with the Town Clerk and one copy with the Planning Board at
least three weeks prior to the Planning Board public hearing required to be held under
MGL c. 40A. Subsequent to that public hearing, revisions to the preliminary site
development and use plan may be filed with the Town Clerk and the Planning Board
and must be filed at least seven days prior to the first session of the Town Meeting.
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The vote of the Town Meeting shall refer to the preliminary site development and use
plan and shall be considered part of the rezoning action.
3. Amendments to Plan. After the filing of the preliminary site development and use
plan which accompanies a petition for a rezoning, the Town Meeting shall not take
favorable action on a proposed amendment to the preliminary site development and
use plan unless:
a. At least seven days prior to the vote of the Town Meeting on the petition the
Town Meeting member proposing such amendment has filed a copy of the
proposed amendment with the Town Clerk and the Planning Board; and has sent a
copy of the proposed amendment by registered mail to the petitioner.
b. The Moderator shall determine that the proposed amendment is within the scope
of the petition and the preliminary site development and use plan most recently
filed as provided herein; and
c. At least 2/3 of the Town Meeting vote favorably on the proposed amendment.
4. Previous Amendments. The preliminary site development and use plan for an
existing planned development district that was approved by an earlier Town Meeting
may be amended. The proposed amendments shall be presented and acted upon in
the same manner set forth in this Section for an original petition.
5. Application for Special Permit. The application for a special permit under this
Section shall be accompanied by:
a. A copy, certified by the Town Clerk, of the preliminary site development and use
plan approved by the Town Meeting.
b. A definitive site development and use plan as described in the Planning Board's
Rules and Regulations.
6. Conditions. The SPGA may grant a special permit for the development of a tract of
land in the CD or RD District subject to the following provisions:
a. The SPGA makes a determination that the development conforms substantially to
the preliminary site development and use plan approved by the Town Meeting and
is consistent with the considerations set forth in § 9.4.2;
b. The special permit incorporates, by reference, the definitive site development and
use plan filed with the application;
c. The special permit may allow any or all of the uses specified in the plan approved
by Town Meeting but no others;
d. The SPGA may, in its discretion, permit revisions from the preliminary site
development and use plan approved by Town Meeting provided they do not
conflict with the provisions of the text of such plan. Such revisions shall
generally be limited to the location of the buildings and changes in the site plan;
e. The special permit shall require that any land designated as common open space
on the approved plan shall be either conveyed to the Town or protected by an
easement granted to the Town; and
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f The special permit may contain such additional conditions as the SPGA finds will
serve the public interest.
7. Denial. The SPGA may deny an application for a special permit and base its denial
upon a finding that the proposed development does not conform substantially to the
plans for the commercial or residential development of the tract as approved by the
Town Meeting.
8. Revision of Special Permit. Subsequent to the grant of a special permit, revisions
may be made from time to time in accordance with applicable laws, bylaws, and
regulations, but the development approved under such special permit shall conform
substantially to the preliminary site development and use plan approved by the Town
Meeting. Changes in uses or substantial changes in the site development plan
approved by Town Meeting may be made only after approval by Town Meeting of a
new site development and use plan according to the procedures used for a zoning
amendment, followed by the issuance of a special permit based on the new approved
plan.
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SECTION 135-8.0 NONCONFORMING USES AND
STRUCTURES
8.1 APPLICABILITY
Except as herein after provided, this Bylaw shall not apply to structures or uses lawfully in
existence or lawfully begun, or to a building permit or special permit issued before the first
publication of notice of the public hearing on this Bylaw or any amendments thereto, but
shall apply to any change or substantial extension of such use, to a building permit or special
permit issued after the first notice or said public hearing, to any reconstruction, extension or
structural change of such structure and to any alteration of a structure begun after the first
notice of said public hearing to provide for its use in a substantially different purpose or for
the same purpose in a substantially different manner or to a substantially greater extent
except where alteration, reconstruction, extension or a structural change to a one-family or
two-family residential structure does not increase the nonconforming nature of said structure,
as set forth below.
8.1.1 Commencement of Construction or Operation. Construction or operations under a
building permit or special permit shall conform to any subsequent amendments to this Bylaw,
unless the use or construction is commenced within a period of not more than six months
after the issuance of the permit and in any case involving construction, unless such
construction is continued through to completion as continuously and expeditiously as is
reasonable.
8.2 NONCONFORMING USES
8.2.1 Change or Substantial Extension. The SPGA may grant a special permit to change
or substantially extend a nonconforming use only if it determines that such change or
extension shall not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to
the neighborhood.
8.2.2 Substitution. The SPGA may grant a special permit to substitute one nonconforming
use for another nonconforming use only if it determines that the new use shall be less
detrimental than the existing use to the neighborhood.
8.3 NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES OTHER THAN ONE-FAMILYAND
TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
The SPGA may grant a special permit to reconstruct, extend, alter or structurally change a
nonconforming structure other than a one-family or two-family structure (which are
governed by § 8.4, below), or to alter said structure to provide for a substantially different
purpose or for the same purpose in a substantially different manner or to a substantially
greater extent, in accordance with this Section only if it determines that such reconstruction,
extension, alteration, or change shall not be substantially more detrimental than the existing
nonconforming structure to the neighborhood. No part of a structure that does not conform
to a minimum yard requirement shall be located closer to a lot line than the closest point of
the existing structure to such lot line. No part of a structure that does not conform to a height
requirement shall be higher than the existing structure.
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8.4 NONCONFORMING ONE-FAMILYANDTWO-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
8.4.1 No Increase in Nonconforming Nature. Nonconforming one-family and two-
family residential structures may be reconstructed, extended, altered, or structurally changed
upon a determination by the Building Commissioner that the nonconforming nature of the
structure is not increased. Such determination shall be deemed to be as of right and the
applicant entitled to the issuance of a building permit where each portion of the structure is
reconstructed, extended, altered, or changed so as to (a) contain the improvements within the
footprint and height of the existing structure; or(b) comply with the following side yard
requirements and all other applicable requirements in Table 2:
If Actual Lot Frontage Is Side Yard Must Be
100 ft. or more Not less than 15 ft.
More than 75 ft. but less than 100 ft. Not less than 12 ft.
More than 50 ft. but not more than 75 ft. Not less than 10 ft.
50 ft. or less Not less than 7.5 ft.
8.4.2 Increase in Nonconforming Nature. In the event that the Building Commissioner
determines the nonconforming nature of the structure is increased, the SPGA may grant a
special permit to allow such reconstruction, extension, alteration, or change where it
determines that the proposed modification will not be substantially more detrimental to the
neighborhood than the existing nonconforming structure.
8.5 ABANDONMENT, DEMOLITION, OR NON-USE
Any nonconforming use or structure which has been abandoned, demolished without
reconstruction, or not used for a period of two years, shall lose its protected status and be
subject to all of the provisions of this By-law; provided, however, that the SPGA may grant a
special permit to authorize the reestablishment of a nonconforming use or structure where
such reestablishment shall not result in substantial detriment to the neighborhood.
8.6 NONCONFORMING OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
8.6.1 Existing Nonconforming Parking Spaces or Loading Bays. Any off-street parking
spaces or loading bays in existence on the effective date of this Bylaw or thereafter
established, which serve a building or use, may not be reduced in number, or changed in
location or design contrary to the requirements of§ 5.1 so as to increase the degree of
nonconformity with the requirements of§ 5.1.
8.6.2 Change of Use. A use of an existing structure or lot which does not have sufficient
parking or loading, including a use which has no off-street parking or loading, may be
expanded or changed to a different type of use for which a different number of parking
spaces or loading bays is required as set forth in § 5.1.4 only if the net increase in the number
of required parking spaces or loading bays is provided in conformity with § 5.1.
8.6.3 Increase in Floor Area. If it is proposed to increase the net floor area of a building,
whether by addition to the exterior of the building or by internal reconstruction, and the
building does not have sufficient off-street parking or loading bays, full compliance with
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§ 5.1 for the entire building shall be a condition of the issuance of a building permit for the
construction of the increase of net floor area.
8.6.4 Parking Spaces or Loading Bays in Existence. Parking spaces or loading bays
lawfully in existence which serve existing uses, are no longer required for those uses under
§ 5.1, and comply with the design standards of§ 5.1.13, as to dimensions, loading bays,
surfacing, and grade, may be transferred to a new, changed, or expanded use in an existing
structure, even if they do not conform to the requirements of§ 5.1.13 as to setbacks, snow
storage, access for a parking lot, and landscaping.
8.6.5 Parking Spaces or Loading Bays in Existence. Existing parking spaces or loading
bays that comply with the design standards of§ 5.1.13, as to dimensions, loading bays,
surfacing, and grade, that are no longer required for existing uses under § 5.1, may be
transferred to a new, changed, or expanded use in an existing structure, even if they do not
conform to the requirements of§ 5.1.13 as to setbacks, snow storage, access for a parking lot,
and landscaping.
8.6.6 Credit. An applicant seeking credit for existing parking spaces or loading bays shall
first submit an off-street parking and loading plan, as provided in § 5.1.3, certified by a
registered land surveyor or professional engineer. If the existing paved area is not marked
off into parking spaces or loading bays, such spaces or bays, complying with § 5.1.13 shall
be delineated on the plan. To qualify, an existing parking space or loading bay shall be
entirely on the lot.
8.6.7 Casualty to Building.
1. If a building, for which sufficient off-street parking or loading is not provided, is
destroyed, damaged or demolished by the owner, the building may be reconstructed
or replaced if otherwise permitted by this Bylaw, without providing additional
parking spaces or loading bays provided the new building has the same or less net
floor area and the new uses require the same or fewer parking spaces or loading bays.
If parking spaces or loading bays were provided before the destruction, damage or
demolition, at least the same number of spaces or bays shall be provided.
2. If the uses require a greater number of parking spaces or loading bays, or if more net
floor area is to be constructed than previously existed, full compliance with § 5.1 for
the entire building shall be a condition of the issuance of any building permit for the
reconstruction or replacement of the building.
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SECTION 135-9.0 ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
9.1 ENFORCEMENT OFFICER; PENALTY; PERMITS; EXEMPTIONS.
9.1.1 Building Commissioner. The Building Commissioner appointed under the
provisions of MGL c. 143 and Chapter 753 of the Acts of 1968, as amended, is hereby
designated and authorized as the officer charged with the interpretation and enforcement of
this Bylaw.
9.1.2 Violations. If the Building Commissioner is informed or has reason to believe that
any provision of this Bylaw is being violated, he/she shall make or cause to be made an
investigation of the facts and inspect the property where such violation may exist.
9.1.3 Enforcement. If upon such investigation and inspection he/she finds evidence of
such violation, he/she shall give notice thereof in writing to the owner and occupant of said
premises and demand that such violation be abated within such time as the Building
Commissioner deems reasonable. Such notice and demand may be given by mail, addressed
to the owner at his address as it then appears on the records of the Board of Assessors of the
Town and to the occupant at the address of the premises.
9.1.4 Further Action. If after such notice and demand the violation has not been abated
within the time specified therein, the Building Commissioner shall institute appropriate
action or proceedings in the name of the Town of Lexington to prevent, correct, restrain or
abate such violation of this Bylaw.
9.1.5 Penalty. Anyone who violates a provision of this Bylaw, or any condition of a
variance, site plan review decision or special permit, shall be punishable by a fine of not
more than $300 for each offense. Each day during which any portion of a violation continues
under the provisions of this Section shall constitute a separate offense.
9.2 BOARD OF APPEALS
9.2.1 Establishment. There shall be a Board of Appeals of five members appointed by the
Selectmen for five-year terms. The Selectmen shall also appoint six associate members of
the Board of Appeals. The appointment, service and removal or replacement of members
and associate members and other actions of the Board of Appeals shall be as provided for in
MGL c. 40A.
9.2.2 Powers. The Board of Appeals shall have and exercise all the powers granted to it by
MGL Chapters 40A, 40B, and 41 and by this Bylaw, including but not limited to the
following:
1. To hear and decide applications for special permits when designated as the SPGA
herein.
2. To grant, upon appeal or petition, with respect to particular land or structures or to an
existing building thereon, a variance from the terms of this Bylaw where, owing to
circumstances relating to the soil conditions, shape or topography of such land or
structures and owing to conditions especially affecting such parcel or such building
but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located, a literal
enforcement of the provisions of this Bylaw would involve substantial hardship,
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financial or otherwise, to the appellant, and where desirable relief may be granted
without substantial detriment to the public good and without nullifying or
substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of this Bylaw. The Board of
Appeals shall not grant use variances.
3. To hear and decide appeals taken by any person aggrieved by reason of his inability
to obtain a permit or enforcement action from any administrative officer under the
provisions of MGL c. 40A ss. 8 and 15 or by any person including an officer or board
of the Town aggrieved by an order or decision of the Building Commissioner or other
administrative official in violation of any provision of Chapter 40A or of this Bylaw.
4. To hear and decide comprehensive permits for construction of low or moderate
income housing by a public agency or limited dividend or nonprofit corporation, as
set forth in MGL c. 40B, ss. 20-23.
9.2.3 Regulations. The Board of Appeals may adopt rules and regulations for the
administration of its powers.
9.2.4 Fees. The Board of Appeals may adopt reasonable administrative fees and technical
review fees for petitions for special permits, variances, administrative appeals, and
applications for comprehensive permits in accordance with its regulations.
9.3 PLANNING BOARD
9.3.1 Establishment. Pursuant to MGL c. 41 and Chapter 753 of the Acts of 1968, there
shall be a Planning Board of five elected members.
9.3.2 Powers. The Planning Board shall have and exercise all the powers granted to it by
MGL Chapters 40, 40A and 41 and by this Bylaw, including but not limited to the following:
1. To hear and decide applications for special permits when designated as the SPGA
herein.
2. To review site plans pursuant to § 9.5.
9.3.3 Associate Member. The Planning Board shall elect an associate member to serve for
one year, or until replaced. In the case where the Planning Board is the SPGA, the Chairman
of the Planning Board may have the associate member sit on the Board for the purpose of
acting on a special permit application, in the case of absence, inability to act, or conflict of
interest on the part of any member of the Planning Board or in the event of a vacancy on the
Board.
9.3.4 Rules and Regulations. The Planning Board shall adopt rules and regulations not
inconsistent with the provisions of the Zoning By-law for conduct of its business and
otherwise carrying out the purposes of said Chapter 40A and this Bylaw, and shall file a copy
of such rules in the office of the Town Clerk.
9.3.5 Fees. The Planning Board may adopt reasonable administrative fees and technical
review fees for applications for special permits and site plan approval in accordance with its
regulations.
9.4 SPECIAL PERMITS
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9.4.1 Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA). The special permit granting authority
(SPGA), as designated herein, may, in its discretion, grant a special permit for a use,
building, structure, sign, off-street parking or loading, modification of dimensional standards,
screening or landscaping, or other activity where it would not otherwise be permitted but
only in those cases where this Bylaw specifically refers to a change from the provisions of
this Bylaw by the granting of a special permit and only in those cases where the SPGA
makes the finding and determination set forth in that Section and this § 9.4, if applicable. An
applicant is not entitled to a special permit and the SPGA, in its discretion, may decline to
grant a special permit if it is unable to make a positive finding and determination as required
in § 9.4.2.
1. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall serve as the SPGA, except as set forth below.
2. The Planning Board shall serve as the SPGA for:
a. All special permits pursuant to Section A.1.07 of Table 1 (Special Permit
Residential Developments).
b. When an activity or use requires both Site Plan Review and one or more Special
Permits, except for a wireless communication facility.
3. The Board of Selectmen shall serve as SPGA for the conversion of municipal
buildings.
9.4.2 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 outweigh 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. The determination shall
include consideration of each of the following:
1. Specific factors set forth elsewhere in this Bylaw for the proposed use or activity;
2. Social, economic, or community needs which are served by the proposal;
3. Traffic flow and safety, including parking and loading;
4. Adequacy of utilities and other public services;
5. Neighborhood character and social structures;
6. Impacts on the natural environment; and
7. Potential fiscal impact, including impact on town services, tax base, and employment.
9.4.3 Conditions for Approval of a Special Permit. In addition to the conditions,
standards and criteria as may be set forth in the Section of this Bylaw that refers to the
granting of the special permit, the SPGA may impose additional conditions and limitations as
it deems necessary to ensure that the finding and determination that it must make under
§ 9.4.2 are complied with, including but not limited to:
1. Dimensional standards more restrictive than those set forth in Table 2, Schedule of
Dimensional Controls;
2. Screening or landscaping of principal or accessory uses from view from adjoining lots
or from a street, by planting, walls, fences or other devices; planting of larger planting
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strips, with more or larger plant materials or higher walls or fences than that required
in § 5.3;
3. Modification of the exterior features or appearance of a building or structure;
4. Limitations on the size, number of occupants or employees, method or hours of
operation, extent of facilities or other operating characteristics of a use;
5. Regulation of the number, design and location of access drives or other traffic
features of the proposed use;
6. Provision of a greater number of off-street parking spaces or loading bays, and with
greater yard setbacks, landscaping and screening than the minimum standards set
forth in § 5.1;
7. Limitations on the number, location, type and size of signs or illumination, or
modification of the design features thereof;
8. Limitations on construction activities, such as but not limited to, the hours during
which construction activity may take place, the movement of trucks or heavy
equipment on or off the site, and measures to control dirt, dust, and erosion and to
protect existing vegetation on the site;
9. Requirements for independent monitoring, at the expense of the applicant, and
reporting to the Building Commissioner, if necessary to ensure continuing
compliance with the conditions of a special permit or of this Bylaw;
10. Limitations on the period of time the special permit shall be in effect; and
11. Such other limitation as may be reasonably related to reducing any adverse impact on,
or increasing the compatibility of the proposed use, structure or activity with, the
surrounding area.
9.4.4 Procedures. An application for a special permit shall be filed in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the SPGA.
9.4.5 Security for Special Permits.
1. General. The SPGA, as a condition of granting a special permit, may require that the
performance of the conditions and observance of the safeguards of such special
permit be secured by one, or in part by one and in part by the other, of the methods
described in the following provisions. The SPGA shall administer this securing of
performance.
a. By a proper bond or a deposit of money or negotiable securities or letter of credit,
sufficient in the opinion of the SPGA to secure performance of the conditions and
observance of the safeguards of such special permit.
b. By a covenant running with the land, executed and duly recorded by the owner of
record, whereby the conditions and safeguards included in such special permit
shall be performed before any lot may be conveyed other than by mortgage deed.
Nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit a conveyance by a single deed, subject
to such covenant of the entire parcel of land, the development of which is
governed by the special permit.
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2. Reduction of Security. Until completion of the development the penal sum of any
deposit or security held under § 9.4 may from time to time be reduced by the SPGA
to an amount not less than 15% of the value of work originally estimated.
3. Release of Security. Upon the completion of the development or upon performance
of the conditions and safeguards imposed by such special permit, security for the
performance of which was given, the applicant shall send by registered mail to the
SPGA an affidavit that the conditions and safeguards in connection with which such
security has been given have been complied with. If the SPGA determines that the
conditions and safeguards of the special permit have been complied with, it shall
release the interest of the Town in such security, return or release the security to the
person who furnished the same, or release the covenant by appropriate instrument,
duly acknowledged. If the SPGA determines that the conditions or safeguards
included in the special permit have not been complied with, it shall specify the
conditions or safeguards with which the applicant has not complied in a notice sent by
registered or certified mail to the applicant.
4. Failure to Act. If the SPGA fails to send such a notice within 60 days after it receives
the applicant's affidavit, all obligations under the security shall cease and terminate,
any deposit shall be returned and any such covenant become void.
5. Failure to Complete Work. Upon failure of the applicant to complete such work to
the satisfaction of the SPGA and in accordance with all applicable plans, regulations
and specifications, the Town shall be entitled to enforce such bond or to realize upon
such securities to the extent necessary to complete all such work without delay.
9.4.6 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, s. 17, from the grant thereof)with the Town Clerk.
9.5 SITE PLAN REVIEW
9.5.1 Purpose. Site plan review is a means of managing the aesthetics and environmental
impacts of land use by the regulation of permitted uses, not their prohibition. Its purpose is
to assure protection of the public interest consistent with a reasonable use of the site for the
purposes permitted in the district.
9.5.2 Applicability. The following types of activities and uses require site plan review by
the Planning Board or its designee:
1. Where required elsewhere in this Bylaw, exterior construction or expansion of a
structure resulting in an increase of 500 sq. ft. or greater of total building gross floor
area;
2. Any changes to an approved site plan.
9.5.3 Coordination with Special Permit.
1. Where an activity or use requires both site plan review and one or more special
permits the Planning Board shall be the SPGA.
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2. When both a special permit and site plan review are required, they shall be considered
together under the provisions of§ 9.4.
9.5.4 Procedures for Site Plan Review.
1. Applicants shall submit an application for site plan review to the Planning Board.
2. The Planning Board shall promulgate, after public notice and hearing, rules and
regulations to effectuate the purposes and intent of this provision of this By-law,
including definitions of major and minor site plans and delegating administrative
review to the Board's designee that will allow site plan review without a public
meeting for minor site plans.
3. A public meeting shall be required for all major site plans. The meeting will be
advertised in the local newspaper once in each of two successive weeks prior to the
meeting and a notice will be sent to landowners within 300 feet of the affected lot.
4. The Planning Board or its designee shall review and act upon the site plan, requiring
such conditions as necessary to satisfy the Review Standards, and notify the applicant
of its decision. The decision shall be in writing and shall be rendered within 60 days
of the date of application.
5. The applicant may request, and the Planning Board may grant by majority vote as
constituted, an extension of the time limits set forth herein.
6. The applicant shall satisfy or comply with all conditions of the site plan review
decision prior to the issuance of a building permit except for those conditions that by
their terms are intended to be satisfied during construction or later.
7. Unless specifically authorized by the terms of the site plan review decision, a final
certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the applicant has complied with or
satisfied all conditions of the site plan review decision.
9.5.5 Review Standards. The Planning Board in its regulations shall establish standards
for site plan review that will at a minimum address the following:
1. Siting of facilities;
2. Design practices;
3. Open space and natural features;
4. Circulation;
5. Water quality;
6. Town character and historic significance;
7. Impacts on public services and facilities;
8. Signage;
9. Safety;
10. Energy efficient site design;
11. Potential adverse effects.
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SECTION 135-10.0 DEFINITIONS
In this by-law, the following terms and constructions shall apply unless a contrary meaning is
required by the context or is specifically prescribed in the text of the by-law. Words used in
the present tense include the future. The singular includes the plural and the plural includes
the singular. The word "shall" is mandatory and "may" is permissive or discretionary. The
word "and" includes "or" unless the contrary is evident from the text. The word "includes" or
"including" shall not limit a term to specified examples, but is intended to extend its meaning
to all other instances, circumstances, or items of like character or kind. The word "lot"
includes "plot"; the word "used" or "occupied" shall be considered as though followed by the
words "or intended, arranged, or designed to be used or occupied". The words "building,"
"structure," "lot," or "parcel," shall be construed as being followed by the words "or any
portion thereof." The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership,
company, or corporation, as well as an individual. Terms and words not defined herein but
defined in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state building code shall have the meaning
given therein unless a contrary intention is clearly evident in this by-law.
Accessory apartment: A second dwelling unit subordinate in size to the principal dwelling
unit on an owner-occupied lot, located in either the principal dwelling or an existing
accessory structure. The apartment is constructed so as to maintain the appearance and
essential character of a one-family dwelling and any existing accessory structures.
Accessory building: A building which is subordinate and customarily incidental to the
principal building and is located on the same lot.
Accessory use: A use that constitutes only an incidental or insubstantial part of the total
activity that takes place on a lot and is commonly associated with and integrally related to the
principal use. Even though a use may be a principal use in another situation, it may be
conducted as an accessory use in conjunction with another principal use.
Adult day care: A social day care or adult day health facility as those terms are defined by
the Commonwealth's Department of Elder Affairs.
Apartment building: Same as "dwelling, multifamily."
Artisan work: The creation, finishing, refinishing or similar production of custom or
handmade commodities, together with the retailing of such commodities.
Attic: A space directly under a sloping roof which is unfinished and which is not accessible
by an approved stairway and is not designed or intended to be used for human occupancy.
Balanced housing development: A type of special permit residential development as
defined in § 6.9.
Basement: A space in a building which is partly below and partly above the level of the
adjoining ground and having at least 1/2 of its floor-to-ceiling height above the average level
of the adjoining ground and a floor-to-ceiling height of seven feet or greater.
Bed-and-Breakfast home: A private owner-operated establishment, as that term is defined
in MGL c. 64G, where three or fewer bedrooms are let overnight and a breakfast is included
in the rent, as an accessory use.
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Bedroom: A private room, however named, planned, intended or used for sleeping and
separated from other rooms by walls and a door.
Billboard: Any sign, regardless of size, which advertises, calls attention to or promotes for
commercial purposes any product, service or activity other than one manufactured, sold or
engaged in on the premises at which the sign is located.
Boarder: Same as "roomer".
Building: A combination of materials having a roof and forming a shelter for persons,
animals or property. The word "building" shall be construed, where the context allows, as
though followed by words "or structure or part or parts thereof."
Building Commissioner: The Building Commissioner of Lexington or his/her designee.
Business district: Same as "commercial district."
Building height: The vertical distance between the lower elevation and the upper elevation,
as described below.
1. The lower elevation shall be the natural grade of the land at the point of measurement
prior to disturbance for construction. The elevation of the natural grade prior to
disturbance for construction shall be certified by a registered land surveyor, or may be
such elevation as the Building Commissioner may determine from Town maps or
records. The average natural grade shall be determined by computing the average of
the elevations of the natural grade of the four extreme corners of the building or, in
the case of a nonrectangular building, of such equivalent locations as the Building
Commissioner may determine. In a case where the finished grade is lower than the
natural grade, the finished grade shall be the lower elevation.
2. The upper elevation shall be the highest point of any ridge, gable, other roof surface,
or parapet.
Business or professional office: A building or part thereof, for the transaction of business
or the provision of services exclusive of the receipt, sale, storage, or processing of
merchandise, including office of a professional, advertising, editing, composition (but not a
printer) employment agency, civic or social association, office of a manufacturer's
representative or salesperson.
Cellar: A space in a building which has less than 1/2 of its floor-to-ceiling height above the
average level of the adjoining ground and a floor-to-ceiling height of seven feet or greater.
Certificate of occupancy: The certificate issued by the Building Commissioner which
permits the use of a building in accordance with approved plans and in compliance with the
Zoning Bylaw.
Child care center: A day care center or school age child care program, as those terms are
defined in MGL c. 15D, s. 1A.
Club or lodge, private: Buildings, structures and premises used by a nonprofit social or
civic organization, or by an organization catering exclusively to members and their guests for
social, civic, recreational, or athletic purposes which are not conducted primarily for gain and
provided there are no vending stands, merchandising, or commercial activities except as may
be required generally for the membership and purposes of such organization.
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CMR: Code of Massachusetts regulations: Regulations promulgated by agencies of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Commercial district: Any district in Lexington whose designation begins with the letter
"C" and any district in an abutting city or town intended for commercial use. This shall not
include portions of residential districts where businesses are allowed as nonconforming uses,
by special permit, by variance, or otherwise.
Commercial vehicle: A registered motor vehicle used for business purposes which has
advertising or the logo of a business displayed, has equipment or tools used for business
purposes visible on the outside of the vehicle, has commercial registration plates, or has a
gross vehicle weight rating of 5,000 pounds or more. An automobile, van, pickup truck or
recreational vehicle which has commercial registration plates or a gross vehicle weight rating
of 5,000 pounds or more will not be considered to be a commercial vehicle if it does not have
advertising or equipment or tools visible on the outside of the vehicle.
Congregate living facility: A non-institutional, shared living environment which integrates
shelter and service needs of functionally impaired and socially isolated older persons who are
otherwise in good health and can maintain a semi-independent life style and who do not
require constant supervision or intensive health care as provided by an institution. See § 6.6.
Convalescent home: Same as "long-term care facility."
Convenience business use: Sales for the convenience of customers or clients already on the
premises.
Conventional subdivision: The division of a tract of land into two or more lots complying
with the dimensional standards set forth in this Bylaw, accompanied by the construction of
certain public facilities, in accordance with MGL c. 41, ss. 81K - 81GG.
Crawl space: A space in a building similar to a basement or a cellar which has a floor-to-
ceiling height less than seven feet.
Deck: An unroofed structure attached to or accessory to a building, constructed on a
structural frame, open under, the top surface of which is elevated above the average level of
the finished grade of the adjoining ground.
Developable site area: Developable site area shall be calculated by subtracting from the lot
area all land which is located in:
1. A "freshwater wetland" as defined in MGL c. 131, s. 40, or land located under a
brook, creek, stream or river or pond or lake; and
2. Another zoning district in which the principal use of the lot is not also permitted.
Development regulations: The document adopted and amended from time to time by the
Planning Board, containing various regulations, procedures, standards and fees for actions
which the Planning Board uses in dealing with subdivision control, zoning and other matters
relative to residential and commercial development in Lexington.
Distribution center: A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials, for
distribution, but not for sale on the premises.
Drive-in food service: An establishment primarily for dispensing food or beverage for
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consumption in a car on the premises.
Drive-through food service: An establishment primarily for dispensing food or beverage to
persons in a car.
Driveway: An area on a lot which: is for the passage of motor vehicles (and not for storing
or standing of such vehicles except where serving four or fewer parking spaces), has an all-
weather surface, provides access and egress to and from a street or interior drive, and leads to
or from a parking space or loading bay (or its related maneuvering aisle).
Dwelling: A structure, or part of a structure, which is designed or used primarily for human
habitation; contains one or more dwelling units; and is capable of separate ownership.
Characteristics of dwellings:
One-family dwelling: A dwelling containing one dwelling unit which is not attached
to any other dwelling by any means and is surrounded by open space or yards on all
sides.
Two-family dwelling: A dwelling containing two dwelling units which is not
attached to any other dwelling by any means and is surrounded by open space or
yards on all sides.
Townhouse: A dwelling containing three or more dwelling units in a row in which
each dwelling unit has its own front and rear access to the ground, no dwelling unit is
located over another dwelling unit, and each dwelling unit is separated from any other
dwelling unit by one or more party walls.
Three-family dwelling: A dwelling containing three dwelling units, each of which
has direct access to the outside or to a common hall that leads to the outside.
Four-family dwelling: A dwelling containing four dwelling units, each of which has
direct access to the outside or to a common hall that leads to the outside.
Multifamily dwelling: A dwelling containing five or more dwelling units.
Dwelling unit: One or more rooms designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as
separate living quarters, with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities provided within the
dwelling unit for the exclusive use of a single family maintaining a household.
Elderly: For the purposes of this Bylaw, persons who are 62 years of age or older.
Erected: The word "erected" shall include the words "built," "constructed," "reconstructed,"
"altered," "enlarged," and "moved."
Essential services: Services provided by a public service corporation or by governmental
agencies through erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance of gas, electrical, steam,
or water transmission or distribution systems and collection, communication, supply, or
disposal systems whether underground or overhand, but not including wireless
communications facilities. Facilities necessary for the provision of essential services include
poles, wires, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes,
traffic signals, hydrants and other similar equipment in connection therewith. Included are
transformer stations, substations, pumping stations (except as an accessory use), and
telephone exchanges.
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Family: One or more individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit and
occupying one dwelling unit. For purposes of controlling residential density, not more than
four unrelated individuals shall constitute a family; any roomer living in the dwelling unit
shall be included in determining the number of unrelated individuals.
Family child care home: Any private residence operating a licensed facility as defined in
MGL c. 15D, s. lA for up to six children.
Family child care home, large: Any private residence operating a licensed facility as
defined in MGL c. 15, s. lA for up to ten children.
Fast-food service: An establishment primarily for self-service or purchase of food or
beverage at a counter for consumption on the premises.
Floor area:
Floor area ratio, nonresidential: The ratio of the sum of the net floor area of all
buildings on a lot to the developable site area of the lot.
Gross floor area: The sum, in square feet, of the horizontal areas of all stories of a
building or several buildings on the same lot measured from the exterior face of
exterior walls, or from the center line of a party wall separating two buildings. Gross
floor area shall also include garages, basements, cellars, porches and half stories, but
shall exclude crawl spaces, attics, and decks. Where the text of this Bylaw refers to
floor area, the term shall mean gross floor area unless the term net floor area is used.
Net floor area: The sum in square feet of the occupiable or habitable area in a
building, which shall be determined by excluding the following from calculation of
gross floor area:
a. Areas used for parking or loading.
b. Areas devoted exclusively to the operation and maintenance of a building,
irrespective of its occupants, such as heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment,
electrical and telephone facilities, fuel storage, elevator machinery or mechanical
equipment.
c. The thickness of load-bearing walls, at each floor.
d. Elevator shafts and common stairways, and common hallways at each floor.
e. Porches, balconies, and fire escapes.
f Areas used for a child care facility as provided herein.
Footprint: Same as "site coverage."
Frontage, lot: The continuous portion of the line separating a lot from a street to which the
owner of the lot can provide the physical access to a principal building on the lot, in
compliance with applicable bylaws, regulations or laws, for motor vehicles to reach required
off-street parking spaces or loading bays, and for emergency services such as fire protection
or ambulance service, and for other vehicles to gain access to the principal building for
deliveries, such as mail.
Frontage street: A street to which the owner of the lot has a legal right of access and which
provides the required lot frontage.
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Funeral home or parlor: A facility for the conducting of funerals and related activities
such as embalming.
Garage: A space in a building designed and intended for the parking or storage of motor
vehicles whether or not used for that purpose.
Half story: See "story, half."
Home occupation: Any business, occupation, or activity undertaken for gain within a
residential structure, by a person residing in the structure that is incidental and secondary to
the use of that structure as a dwelling unit.
Home occupation, instruction: A home occupation that consists of teaching that
takes place inside the dwelling unit of the instructor. Typical instruction includes
music lessons and academic tutoring.
Home occupation, minor: A home occupation with no nonresident employee,
partner, or contractor working on the premises; no more than two business-related
visitors to the premises at a time; and no more than six business-related visitors to the
premises over the course of a day
Home occupation, major: A home occupation with no more than one nonresident
employee, partner, or contractor working on the premises and no more than 10
business-related visitors to the premises over the course of a day
Hotel: An establishment providing lodging for guests on a short-term basis; dining rooms,
function rooms and other support services may be included. Access to the individual
sleeping rooms is through a lobby and interior corridors.
Impervious surface: Any surface which reduces or prevents the absorption of stormwater
into previously undeveloped land. Examples are buildings, parking lots, driveways, streets,
sidewalks, and any areas surfaced with concrete or asphalt.
Impervious surface ratio: The ratio of the sum of all impervious surfaces on a lot to the
developable site area of the lot.
Indoor athletic and exercise facility: A commercial enterprise offering athletic activities or
exercise/fitness activities to the general public for a fee; said facilities may have accessory
restaurants and retail sales open to patrons of the establishment and further said facilities may
be used for social or business gatherings.
Interior drive: A roadway which is privately owned and maintained and serves a residential
or commercial development. It may have many of the physical characteristics of a street but
does not meet the legal standards for street, road or way as defined in this Section. An
interior drive is not the same as a driveway, which is the means of access to a parking lot or
parking space; an interior drive is the connecting link between a public street and a driveway.
Intermediate care facility: Same as "long-term care facility."
Junkyard: Outdoor storage of two or more unregistered automobiles, except where
expressly authorized in a special permit issued by the Board of Appeals for an automobile
sales or repair business, or an accumulation in the open of discarded items not used or
intended to be used by the occupant of the property.
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Kennel: An establishment as defined in MGL c. 140, s. 137A.
Laboratory, research: Laboratory or research establishments including biotechnology
companies, but excluding laboratories categorized as Level 4 by the National Institutes for
Health.
Light manufacturing: Fabrication, processing, or assembly employing only electric or
other substantially noiseless and inoffensive motive power, utilizing hand labor or quiet
machinery and processes, and free from neighborhood disturbing agents, such as odors, gas
fumes, smoke, cinders, flashing or excessively bright lights, refuse matter, electromagnetic
radiation, heat or vibration.
Lodger: Same as "roomer."
Lot: An area of land in one ownership with definite boundaries ascertainable by recorded
deed or plan and used or set aside and available for use as the site of one or more buildings or
for any other definite purpose.
Lot area: Area within a lot, including land over which easements have been granted,
but not including any land within the limits of a street upon which such lot abuts,
even if fee to such street is in the owner of the lot, except that if a corner lot has its
corner bounded by a curved line connecting other street lines which, if extended,
would intersect, the area may be computed as if such boundary lines were so
extended.
Lot, corner: A lot bounded by more than one street which has an interior angle of
135° or less formed by the tangents or straight segments of street lines between the
side or rear lines of such lot or by an extension of such street lines. A lot bounded by
one street shall be considered a corner lot when the tangents or straight segments of
the street line between the side lines of the lot form, or would form if extended, an
interior angle of 105° or less.
Lot frontage: See "frontage, lot."
Maneuvering aisle: An area on a lot which is immediately adjacent to one or more parking
spaces or loading bays, is necessary for turning, driving or backing a motor vehicle into such
parking space or loading bay, but is not used for the parking or standing of motor vehicles.
MGL: Massachusetts General Laws.
Medical clinic: A facility licensed pursuant to 105 CMR 140.020.
Medical, dental, or psychiatric offices: A building designed and used as an office for the
diagnosis and treatment of human patients that does not include overnight care facilities or
licensing as a clinic.
Motel: An establishment providing lodging for guests on a short-term basis; dining rooms,
function rooms and other support services may be included. Access to the individual
sleeping rooms is directly from parking spaces or by an exterior walkway.
Motor vehicle body work: Repairs to motor vehicle bodies, including fenders, bumpers and
similar components of motor vehicle bodies, but not the storage of vehicles for the
cannibalization of parts.
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Motor vehicle trip: Use of one motor vehicle by one or more persons which either begins
or ends (regardless of the duration of parking or standing) on a lot, or at a use or
establishment.
Municipal: Related to the Town of Lexington.
National Flood Insurance District: For the purposes of§ 7.1, the following terms are
defined as set forth below:
Development: Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to building or other structures, mining, dredging, filling,
grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Administers the National
Flood Insurance Program. FEMA provides a nationwide flood hazard area mapping
study program for communities as well as regulatory standards for development in the
flood hazard areas.
Flood Boundary and Floodway Map: An official map of a community issued by
FEMA that depicts, based on detailed analyses, the boundaries of the one-hundred-
year and five-hundred-year floods and the one-hundred-year floodway. (For maps
done in 1987 and later, the floodway designation is included on the FIRM.)
Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM): An official map of a community issued by
FEMA where the boundaries of the flood and related erosion areas having special
hazards have been designated as Zone A or E.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): An official map of a community on which
FEMA has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium
zones applicable to the community.
Flood Insurance Study: An examination, evaluation, and determination of flood
hazards, and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations, or an
examination, evaluation and determination of flood-related erosion hazards.
Floodway: The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas
that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively
increasing the water surface elevation.
Lowest Floor: The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement or
cellar). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of
vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area is not
considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to
render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements
of NFIP Regulations 60.3.
New Construction: Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or
after the effective date of a floodplain management regulation adopted by a
community. For the purpose of determining insurance rates, "new construction"
means structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the
effective date of an initial FIRM or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later.
One-hundred-year flood: See "base flood."
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Regulatory floodway: See "floodway."
Riverine: Relating to, formed by, or resembling a river(including tributaries),
stream, brook, etc.
Special flood hazard area: An area having special flood and/or flood-related
erosion hazards, and shown on an FHBM or FIRM as Zone A, AO, A1-30, AE, A99,
AH, V, V1-30, V.
Structure: A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank,
which is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. "Structure," for
insurance coverage purposes, means a walled and roofed building, other than a gas or
liquid storage tank, which is principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site,
as well as a manufactured home on foundation. For the latter purpose, the term
includes a building while in the course of construction, alteration, or repair, but does
not include building materials or supplies intended for use in such construction,
alteration, or repair, unless such materials or supplies are within an enclosed building
on the premises.
Substantial damage: Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost
of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50%
of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
Substantial improvement: Any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a
structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the
structure either(a)before the improvement or repair is started, or(b)if the structure
has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the
purposes of this definition, "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when
the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building
commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the
structure.
Zone A: The one-hundred-year floodplain area where the base flood elevation (BFE)
has not been determined. To determine the BFE, use the best available federal, state,
local, or other data.
Zone A1-30 and Zone AE (for new and revised maps): The 100-year floodplain
where the base flood elevation has been determined.
Zones B, C, and X: Areas identified in the community Flood Insurance Study as
areas of moderate or minimal flood hazard. Zone X replaces Zones B and C on new
and revised maps.
Noncommercial message: Any statement or message, including but not limited to a
political election campaign endorsement, that does not advertise, call attention to or promote
for commercial purposes any product, service or activity; and for the display of which no
consideration is provided or received.
Nonconforming: Those uses, buildings, structures, parking spaces, loading bays, signs,
landscaping and other activities that are now subject to the provisions of this Bylaw which
were lawful before this Bylaw was adopted or before amendments to this Bylaw which are
applicable to the situation were adopted, and such situations do not now conform to the
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provisions of this Bylaw.
Nursery: The business of propagating plants, including trees, shrubs, vines, seed, grass, live
flowers and other plants, and the storage and selling of such plants grown on the premises.
Nursing home: Same as "long-term care facility."
Older persons: Same as "elderly."
Open space, common: Land within or related to a development which is not individually
owned and is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the residents of a
development and may include such complementary structures and improvements as are
necessary and appropriate.
Outdoor lighting: The following terms are hereby defined in conjunction with § 6.4:
Color rendering index (CRI): A measurement of the amount of color shift that
objects undergo when lighted by a light source as compared with the color of those
same objects when seen under a reference light source of comparable color
temperature. CRI values generally range from zero to 100, where 100 represents
incandescent light.
Cutoff angle: The angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of the direct light
rays at the light source with respect to the vertical, beyond which no direct light is
emitted.
Direct light: Light emitted from the lamp, off the reflector or reflector diffuser, or
through the refractor or diffuser lens, of a luminaire.
Fixture: The assembly that houses a lamp or lamps and which may include a
housing, a mounting bracket or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or
mirror, and/or a refractor, lens, or diffuser lens.
Fully shielded luminaire: A lamp and fixture assembly designed with a cutoff angle
of 90° so that no direct light is emitted above a horizontal plane.
Glare: Light emitted from a luminaire with an intensity great enough to produce
annoyance, discomfort, or a reduction in a viewer's ability to see.
Height of luminaire: The vertical distance from the finished grade of the ground
directly below to the lowest direct-light-emitting part of the luminaire.
Indirect light: Direct light that has been reflected off other surfaces not part of the
luminaire.
Lamp: The component of a luminaire that produces the actual light.
Light trespass: The shining of direct light produced by a luminaire beyond the
boundaries of the lot or parcel on which it is located.
Lumen: A measure of light energy generated by a light source. One footcandle is
one lumen per square foot. For purposes of this Bylaw, the lumen output shall be the
initial lumen output of a lamp, as rated by the manufacturer.
Luminaire: A complete lighting system, including a lamp or lamps and a fixture.
Overlay district: A special purpose zoning district which is superimposed over another
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zoning district so that the land contained within the overlay district is subject to the
requirements of both the overlay district and the zoning district in which it is located. An
overlay district does not supersede the requirements of the other zoning district, which
remain in effect, but supplies additional or alternative requirements applicable to all land
within the overlay district.
Parking lot: An area on a lot which includes five or more parking spaces and their related
maneuvering aisle. Where there are five or more parking spaces on a lot, regardless of their
location on the lot, all such spaces shall be subject to the standards for parking lots.
Peak hour: That consecutive sixty-minute segment within the peak period in which the
highest traffic count occurs as determined by traffic counts of the peak period divided into
fifteen-minute segments. The morning and evening "peak period" shall usually be the two
hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. respectively.
Permitting authority: The Building Commissioner, Planning Board or Board of Appeals,
as the case may be, authorizing a building permit, special permit or site plan approval.
Person: One or more individuals, a partnership, an association or a corporation.
Porch: A roofed structure attached to or accessory to a building, which is open-sided or
screened. The area of a porch shall be measured to the outer face of the posts or other
structure supporting its roof.
Principal use: A principal use is the main or primary use of a lot or structure.
Private postal services: A retail use which includes private postal box rentals and mailing
services. Such facility shall not be used as a distribution center, parcel delivery or
commercial mail delivery center but shall remain as a retail convenience store for consumers.
Public: The Town of Lexington, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States
Government or an agency thereof.
Public benefit development: A type of special permit residential development as defined in
§ 6.9.
Racquet court: A fixed playing area such as a tennis court or racquet ball platform.
Rear line of a lot: A line separating a lot from other lots or from land in a different
ownership, being the boundary of a lot which is opposite or approximately opposite the
frontage street. Where because of irregular lot shape the Building Commissioner and the lot
owner cannot agree as to whether a lot line is a side or a rear line, it shall be considered a rear
line.
Reconstruction: The term "reconstruction" shall include the voluntary demolition and
rebuilding of the structure.
Recorded: The due recording in the Middlesex County South District Registry of Deeds, or,
as to registered land, the due filing in the Middlesex County South District Land Registration
Office.
Recycling collection store: A center for the acceptance by donation, redemption or
purchase of reusable domestic containers from the public. Reusable domestic container
means containers used primarily in residences and made of materials including, but not
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limited to, paper, glass, metal or plastic that are intended for reuse, remanufacture or
reconstruction. Reusable domestic container does not include refuse or hazardous materials.
In a recycling collection store sorting, limited cleaning, compaction or shredding of
containers or other light processing activities necessary for efficient temporary storage and
subsequent shipment to a recycling processing facility are permitted.
Residential district: Any district in Lexington whose designation begins with R and any
district in an abutting city or town primarily intended for residential use.
Restaurant: An establishment primarily for serving by a waiter or waitress and
consumption of meals at tables or at a counter, on the premises.
Rest home: Same as "long-term care facility."
Roadside stand: The land and the structures thereon for the sale of edible farm products,
flowers, fireplace wood, preserves and similar products; no goods except plants, flowers and
fireplace wood shall be stored or offered for sale outdoors.
Roomer: An individual, other than a member of a family occupying a dwelling unit, who
occupies a rooming unit, for living and sleeping but not for cooking and eating purposes, and
paying rent, which may include an allowance for meals, by prearrangement on a long-term
basis.
Rooming unit: One or more rooms designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as
separate living quarters for one roomer with sleeping facilities but no kitchen facilities, in a
dwelling unit occupied by a family.
Sanitary sewer: A public sanitary sewer of the Town of Lexington.
Satellite receiving antenna: A device or instrument for the reception of television or other
electronic communications broadcast or relayed from a satellite orbiting the earth.
School not exempt: An educational facility not exempt under MGL c. 40A, s.3.
School age child care program: Any program or facility operated on a regular basis which
provides supervised group care for children not of common parentage who are enrolled in
kindergarten and are of sufficient age to enter first grade the following year, or an older child
who is not more than 14 years of age, or 16 years of age if such child has special needs.
Such a program may operate before and after school and may also operate during school
vacation and holidays. It provides for a planned daily program of activities that is attended
by children for specifically identified blocks of time during the week, usually over a period
of weeks or months, and as further described in MGL c. 15D, s. 1A.
Senior Citizen: Same as "elderly."
Side line of a lot: A line separating a lot from other lots or from land in a different
ownership, other than a street line or a rear lot line.
Sign: Any display device, including but not limited to a board, placard, poster, flag or
banner, which advertises or communicates information to persons not on the premises on
which it is located.
Sign, accessory: Any sign which advertises, calls attention to, or indicates the
person or activity occupying the premises on which the sign is located; advertises the
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property or some part of it for sale or lease; or contains a lawful, noncommercial
message displayed by an occupant of the premises.
Sign, commercial: Any sign, regardless of size, which advertises, calls attention to,
or indicates any commercial product, service or activity, whether or not
manufactured, sold or engaged in on the premises at which the sign is displayed.
Sign, non-accessory: Any sign that is not an accessory sign.
Sign, projecting: Any sign which is attached to a building and is not parallel to the
wall to which it is attached. A sign in contact with the ground is not a projecting sign.
Sign size: The size of a sign shall include any intermediary removable surface to
which it is affixed. The area of a flat two-faced projecting or standing sign is the area
of one face. The width of a sign is its horizontal dimensions even when this is the
smaller dimension.
Sign, standing: Any sign that is erected on the land. If a sign support holds more
than one sign, each such sign is considered a separate standing sign.
Sign,wall: A sign securely fixed parallel to the face of a building wall.
Sign,window: A sign affixed to or placed so as to be viewed through a window or
transparent door. Signs on the interior of an establishment which are intended to be
viewed from inside the establishment are not considered to be window signs even if
they can be seen through a window or door. Displays of merchandise inside of a
window are not considered to be window signs.
Site coverage: The sum of all parts of a lot that are covered by a principal or accessory
building or other structure, such parts of the lot to be delineated by the intersection of the
ground with the vertical plane of the outermost walls or projections of a building or structure
whether in contact with the ground or projecting over it.
Site sensitive development: A type of special permit residential development as defined in
§ 6.9.
Skilled nursing facility: Same as "long-term care facility."
Special permit granting authority: The authority empowered to grant special permits,
which shall be the Board of Appeals unless some other board is so designated in these
bylaws.
Special permit residential development: A residential development regulated by § 6.9, in
which a tract of land is divided into one or more lots for constructing dwellings in one or
more groups and common open space.
SPGA: Special permit granting authority.
Story: That portion of a building contained between any floor and the floor or roof next
above it but not including a cellar, crawl space, or attic.
Story, half: A story directly under a sloping roof in which the points of intersection of the
bottom of the rafters and the interior faces of the walls are less than three feet above the floor
level on at least two exterior walls. Dormers may be constructed on those exterior walls
provided the length of the dormers as measured between the lowest bearing points of the
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dormers on the rafters of the sloping roof does not exceed 50% of the length of the sloping
roof to which it is attached. The area of a half story shall be the area within which the height
from the floor to the bottom of the rafters is five feet or greater. Where this height occurs at
an exterior wall, the horizontal measurement shall be from the exterior face of such wall.
Street line: The boundary of a street right-of-way or layout.
Street, road or way: An area of land legally open for public travel under at least one of the
following classifications.
1. A public way laid out by the Town of Lexington, the Middlesex County
Commissioners, or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or a way which the
Lexington Town Clerk certifies is maintained by public authority and used as a public
way;
2. A way shown on a plan approved and endorsed in accordance with the Subdivision
Control Law and constructed in accordance with such plan; or
3. A way in existence on April 4, 1948, having, in the opinion of the Planning Board,
sufficient width, suitable grades and adequate construction to provide for the needs of
vehicular traffic in relation to the proposed use of the land abutting thereon or served
thereby, and for the installation of municipal services to serve such land and the
buildings erected or to be erected thereon.
Land shall not be deemed to be a "street" as to any lot of land that does not have rights of
access to and passage over said land.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a fixed location on
the ground, or attachment to something located on the ground, including buildings, mobile
homes, billboards, tanks, or the like, or the parts thereof, and swimming pools, but not
including paved surfaces such as a driveway, a walk or a patio.
Swimming pool: Any pool having a depth of 24 inches or greater and a surface area of 250
square feet or greater.
Takeout food service: An establishment primarily for dispensing food or beverage to
persons carrying the food away for consumption elsewhere.
Tract: One or more lots, whether or not in common ownership, under unified development
control and designated to be developed in accordance with a plan approved by the Town.
Trade shop: Shop and storage facilities for tradesmen such as carpenter, plumber,
electrician etc. engaged in the construction and repair of residential buildings and other light
frame structures with incidental sale of building materials or products on the premises.
Veterinarian's office: A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical
treatment and the boarding of animals is limited to short term care incidental to the use.
Way: See "street, road or way."
Yard: An open space on a lot unoccupied by a building or structure or such parts thereof as
covered or uncovered porches, steps, cornices, eaves and other projections; provided
however that fences, gates or security stations, yard accessories, ornaments and furniture, and
customary summer awnings are permitted in any yard but shall be subject to height
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limitations. Yard depth shall be measured from the street or lot line, and not from the middle
of any public or private way whether owned pursuant to the derelict fee statute or otherwise,
to the nearest point on a building in a line perpendicular or normal to such lot or street line.
The minimum required yard shall be a strip of land of uniform depth required by this Bylaw
measured from the lot or street line and adjacent thereto.
Yard, front: A yard extending between lot side lines across the lot adjacent to each
street it abuts.
Yard, rear: A yard extending between the side lines of a lot adjacent to the rear line
of the lot.
Yard, side: A yard extending along each side line of a lot between front and rear
yards.
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