Ashland City Zoning Code
SECTION 1
0 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
1.1
TITLE. The full title of these regulations shall be the "Zoning By-laws of the Town of Ashland, Massachusetts." These regulations shall be referred to herein as the "Zoning By-laws" or "these By-laws."
1.2
PURPOSE. These regulations are enacted to promote the general welfare of the Town of Ashland, to protect the health and safety of its inhabitants, to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the town, and to increase the amenities of the town, all as authorized by, but not limited by, the provisions of the Zoning Act, G.L. c. 40A, as amended, and Section 2A of 1975 Mass. Acts 808.
1.3
AUTHORITY. This Zoning By-Law is enacted in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws, Chapter 40A, any and all amendments thereto, and by Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1.4
SCOPE. For these purposes, the construction, alteration, reconstruction, height, number of stories, and size of buildings and structures, the size and width of lots, the percentage of lot area that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land in the Town are regulated as hereinafter provided.
1.5
APPLICABILITY. All buildings or structures hereinafter erected, reconstructed, altered, enlarged or moved, and the use of all premises in the Town, shall be in conformity with the provisions of the Zoning By-Law. No building, structure or land shall be used for any purpose or in any manner other than is expressly permitted within the district in which such building, structure or land is located. Where the application of this By-Law imposes greater restrictions than those imposed by any other regulations, permits, restrictions, easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this By-Law shall control. Nothing herein shall be construed to supersede the provisions of the State Building Code, 780 CMR 1.00, et seq.
1.6
AMENDMENTS. This By-Law may from time to time be changed by amendment, addition, or repeal by the Town Meeting in the manner provided in G.L. c. 40A, s.5, and any amendments thereto.
1.6.1
Conformance Required. Construction or operations under a building or special permit shall conform to any subsequent amendment of this chapter unless the use or construction is commenced within a period of six (6) months after the issuance of the permit and, in cases involving construction, unless such construction is continued through to completion as continuously and expeditiously as is reasonable.
1.7
SEVERABILITY. The invalidity of any section or provision of this By-Law shall not invalidate any other section or provision herein.