Parking area use shall not require backing on a public way.

There shall be not more than one (1) entrance and one (1) exit from such lots per two hundred (200) feet of street frontage or fraction thereof. If necessary to meet this requirement, uses shall arrange for shared egress.

In a Residential District, no such parking lot shall extend into a required yard.

In Village Commerce (CV) and Neighborhood Commerce (CN) Districts, no such parking lot exclusive of access shall be located between the street and the front line of the principal structure on the lot or within the required front yard, whichever is less. If there is no structure on the lot, no parking lot shall extend into a required front yard.

Drive-thru Facilities. Sufficient on site reserved space to permit the stacking of vehicles waiting to be served at a drive-thru window shall be provided to eliminate conflicts with parking vehicles and eliminate interference with the flow of traffic on the adjacent roadway.

Restaurant, fast food, drugstore. There shall be at least four spaces provided between the pick up window and order point, at least four spaces provided in advance of the menu board, one space at the order point, and one space at the menu board.

Banks. There shall be at least five spaces (including the banking machine, machine/teller window for each drive-thru lane).

Except for buildings or parts of buildings designed, intended to be used, used or occupied for residential use, all or a portion of the required off-street parking may be waived by the Zoning Board of Appeals by special permit when the property is located within the Village Commerce District, provided that:

All fees collected under this section, and all interest earned thereon, shall be deposited in a separate Parking Facilities Fund established by the Select Board and shall be used only for the acquisition of land, improvement or maintenance of municipally-owned off-street parking facilities for the benefit of those buildings, structure and uses in the Village Commerce and Neighborhood Commerce districts and adjacent areas.

Any relief of off-street parking approved under this section shall run with the land, and any subsequent change of use that requires more parking shall require subsequent action to satisfy the additional parking requirement. No refund of any payment shall be made when there is a change to a use requiring less parking. Such payment shall be made to the town in total prior to the issuance of a building permit.

that the hours of operation and parking demand, or the uses which are proposed to share parking spaces are sufficiently different so as not to require the use of parking spaces at the same time; or

that the uses which are proposed to share parking spaces are expected to remain in place and the sharing of parking spaces can be expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Preserve and enhance the character of Ashland as directed in the 1988 Comprehensive Plan by regulating signs and other advertising devices within the town.

Require new replacement signs which are compatible with their surroundings and which are appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain.

Promote safety and to reduce distractions for motorists.

Avoid excessive competition for signs, so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter and unsightliness.

Phase out and replace existing signs which do not meet the goals and standards defined herein.

Ensure a sign review process and an enforcement mechanism for compliance.

Encourage the development of a healthy business environment in town.

All signs, excluding those specifically exempted from this Section, must comply with the regulations of this Section. All nonexempt signs, except as specified, shall be submitted through the sign permit process defined herein.

All signs must comply with local and state building and electrical codes.

Specified requirements of this section are considered to be minimum requirements. In the event that they are at variance with other statutes, bylaws or regulations, the most restrictive provisions govern.

Signs imitating official traffic signs or obscuring official traffic signs.

Signs with intermittent or flashing lights.

Signs obstructing doors or a public right-of-way.

Signs on trees or utility poles, unless warning of danger or prohibiting trespass.

Search lights or beacons.

Signs placed on public property without prior approval.

Signs that move or give the appearance of moving.

Pennants, specialty hot air balloons and streamers, except as permitted for business openings as specified herein.

Roof signs.

Portable or wheeled signs.

Signs on parked vehicles or trailers where the sign is the primary use of the vehicle.

Signs which cast a glare onto any residential premises or onto any portion of a public way so as to create a traffic hazard.

Non-accessory signs of any size.

No sign shall be painted or posted directly on the exterior surface of any wall, but all signs must be painted, posted or otherwise securely affixed to a substantial, intermediary, removable surface which shall be securely affixed to the building. The foregoing, however, shall not prevent installation of a sign consisting of individual raised letters or devices securely affixed to the exterior wall of the building.

All signs and their supporting sign structure shall be maintained in good repair and in a proper state of preservation to the reasonable satisfaction of the Building Inspector.

External illumination shall be by white, steady, stationary light, shielded and directed solely or by silhouette at the sign. The foregoing is applicable to signs exterior to a building and to permanent interior signs designed to be visible through a door or window. No externally lit sign shall utilize translucent panels, letters, devices or other similar components to create an image by allowing light to pass through.

Internal illumination shall be by steady, stationary light directed on translucent materials to illuminate the sign. No more than three (3) colors shall be used. Black and white shall not be considered colors.

There shall not be more than one (1) permanent exterior sign of each business establishment affixed to the building itself. If a business establishment has more than one (1) street level public entrance or occupies more than one (1) building, there may be a secondary street sign affixed to the wall, in the vicinity of each entrance, other than the wall to which the principal sign is affixed. The secondary sign or signs for each business establishment shall not exceed in the aggregate fifty percent (50%) of the maximum permissible area for a single sign for said business establishment as specified herein. In addition to the foregoing sign or signs, one (1) directory of business establishments occupying a building may be affixed to the exterior wall of the building or may stand alone at a principal entrance to the building. The dimensions of such a building directory are specified herein.

Any sign which is attached to and extends wholly outside the supports or frame of the principal sign shall be considered a separate sign.

In the case of a shopping center, the lot frontage of an individual business establishment shall be based proportionally on the building frontage occupied by the business compared to the shopping center building as a whole. Freestanding signs for business establishments in a shopping center must be placed on one (1) common frame. The limitations of this Section may be waived at the discretion of the Building Inspector if all business establishments submit a joint sign permit request which presents a unified facade for all signs in the shopping center.

Temporary signs pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or the construction on the premises may be posted as restricted by zone. In no case may such a temporary sign be lighted.

Temporary signs pertaining to the opening of a new business may be posted as restricted by zone. Such signs may include the temporary display of pennants, specialty hot air balloons and streamers and may be posted for a period not to exceed two (2) weeks. Such signs shall conform to the illumination standards set forth herein.

Temporary signs relating to business sales, events and promotions, for a time period not to exceed one (1) month, as restricted by zone, may be posted.

Temporary signs other than the above, such as advertising for events, shall be allowed only within the limits prescribed for permanent signs, not to exceed six (6) square feet each and shall be erected not more than forty-five (45) days before the event and shall be removed within one (1) week of the termination of the event. No permit is required.

One (1) sign for each family residing on the premises indicating the owner or occupant or pertaining to a permitted accessory use, provided that no sign shall exceed two (2) square feet in area. No permit is required.

One (1) sign not over nine (9) square feet in area pertaining to permitted buildings and uses of the premises other than dwellings and their accessory uses.

One (1) temporary unlighted sign not over sixteen (16) square feet in area pertaining to the sale, rent or lease of the premises or the construction on the premises. Temporary signs, other than political or civic signs as specified herein, shall be allowed only within the limits prescribed for permanent signs.

One (1) permanent sign at each entrance to a residential subdivision or complex identifying the subdivision or complex, with the sign not to exceed three (3) feet in height and twelve (12) square feet in area. Such a sign shall be freestanding and in no manner attached to any building or structure.

No sign shall be internally lit.

No sandwich signs shall be permitted, except for municipal signs or signs on municipal properties.

A directory of business establishments as permitted herein, which shall not exceed an area determined on the basis of one (1) square foot for each establishment occupying the building or six (6) square feet, whichever is less.

One (1) sign attached to a building per business establishment, no larger than fifty (50) square feet in area and not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the wall area it is viewed with. This shall include a secondary sign or signs as permitted herein.

One (1) freestanding sign per lot not more than sixty (60) square feet in area, not to exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. This shall include one (1) sandwich sign placed adjacent to the business establishment, not to exceed four (4) feet in height or eight (8) square feet in area, provided that such a sign does not impede pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk.

Permanent and temporary window signs, the aggregate sign area of which may not exceed forty percent (40%) of the ground floor window space.

One (1) temporary sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or the construction on the premises and temporary signs, exclusive of window signs, with a sign area no larger in aggregate than ten percent (10%) of the wall area it is viewed with, advertising a temporary business sale, event or promotion, to be displayed for a period not to exceed one (1) month. Temporary signs other than the above as defined herein, shall be allowed only within the limits prescribed for permanent signs.

No sign shall be internally lit.

Electronic message board signs may be allowed by Special Permit from the Planning Board.

A directory of business establishments as permitted herein, which shall not exceed an area determined on the basis of four (4) square feet for each establishment occupying the building or thirty (30) square feet, whichever is less. In the case of a shopping center, the directory shall not exceed an area greater than sixty (60) square feet.

One (1) sign attached to a building per business establishment, provided that it is no larger than one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area and does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the wall area it is viewed with. This shall include a secondary sign or signs as permitted herein.

One (1) freestanding sign per lot not more than sixty (60) square feet in area, not to exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

Permanent and temporary window signs, the aggregate sign area of which may not exceed forty percent (40%) of the ground floor window space.

One (1) temporary sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or the construction on the premises and temporary signs, exclusive of window signs, with a sign area no larger in aggregate than ten percent (10%) of the wall area it is viewed with, advertising a temporary business sale, event or promotion, to be displayed for a period not to exceed one (1) month. Temporary signs other than the above, as defined herein, shall be allowed only within the limits prescribed for permanent signs.

No sandwich signs are permitted.

Electronic message board signs may be allowed by Special Permit from the Planning Board.

The name, address and phone number of the applicant.

The location of the building, structure or lot to which the sign is to be attached.

The written consent of the property owner, if different from the applicant.

The proposed location of the sign on the building and/or lot in relation to nearby structures.

The plans, specifications and method of construction of the sign and its supports, showing proposed dimensions; materials; colors; weight; distance from doors, windows and fire escapes; and the type and intensity of the sign's illumination.

The name of the individual or firm erecting the structure.

Copies of calculations prepared and stamped by a qualified Massachusetts engineer showing dead load and wind pressure design, if required by the Inspector of Buildings.

The work allowed by any permit granted by the Building Inspector must be commenced within six (6) months of issuance and completed within a reasonable period of time. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the permit and fines to be determined from time to time by the Select Board.

A nonrefundable fee, to be determined from time to time by the Select Board, is payable upon submission of a sign permit application.

Where a permit is required for a sign located at a Priority Development Site (PDS), an application therefor shall be submitted to the Building Inspector no later than one hundred twenty (120) days following the date of submittal of any other permit application(s) required by the Code of the Town of Ashland, including these Zoning By-laws, relating to the use or development of the PDS or the buildings and/or structures located thereon, and not otherwise exempted by G.L. c. 43D.

Changing copy on signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.

Normal sign repairs, repainting or cleaning.

Shall have been abandoned, as defined herein;

Advertises or calls attention to any products, businesses or activities which are no longer carried on or sold, whether generally or at that particular premises; or

Shall not have been repaired or properly maintained within sixty (60) calendar days after notice to that effect has been given by the Building Inspector.

Any type of prohibited sign.

Failure to obtain a sign permit.

Oversized signs.

Improper illumination.

Excessive window signs.

Excessive number of wall or freestanding signs.

Illegal placement of signs.

Improper construction.

Screening and perimeter landscaping. Commercial, service and industrial uses shall be separated from the street and from adjacent residential districts by landscaped buffer areas.

All parking areas shall be screened at the front lot line with landscaped buffers, which shall be at least six (6) feet in depth and shall create a strong impression of separation between the street and the developed area of the site without necessarily eliminating visual contact between them. Buffer area shall be continuous except for vehicular and pedestrian circulation facilities.

Where a lot containing a nonresidential use adjoins or faces a residential district or residential use, landscaped buffers shall be provided at the perimeter of the lot to screen parking and other vehicular service areas.

In a Neighborhood Commerce District only, a continuous landscaped buffer shall be required on the lot containing the nonresidential use immediately adjacent to the residential property along the rear and side lot lines.

Such screening shall consist of a landscaped area at least six (6) feet wide and shall create an effective visual barrier from ground level to a height of at least five (5) feet.

Buffer areas along street lines shall be continuous except for driveways and sidewalks; shall contain at least one (1) tree per thirty (30) linear feet of street frontage (or portion thereof) and shall include lower-level elements such as shrubs, hedges, fences, walls and/or planted berms.

In a Neighborhood Commerce District, the buffer strip shall include evergreen plantings with at least one (1) tree for each ten (10) feet of buffer length as measured parallel to the property line. There shall be a maximum mixture of seventy-five percent (75%) evergreen and twenty-five percent (25%) deciduous trees which are visually impermeable within two (2) seasons of growth.

Parking areas shall be broken into units containing not more than twenty-five (25) cars per cell. Parking units shall be separated by landscaped islands or buffer areas to provide visual and climatic relief.

Internal landscaping shall be designed to define logical areas for pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

Landscaped islands and buffers shall have a minimum area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet and minimum width of eight (8) feet and shall contain at least one (1) tree per one hundred (100) square feet.

In situations where the Planning Board determines that it is impractical to provide internal landscaped area meeting the above requirements, the parking area may instead be provided with additional landscaped area that more effectively screens it from public view by providing greater depth and/or density to perimeter landscaping.

Deciduous trees in required buffer strips or interior landscaping shall be a minimum of two-inch caliper and evergreen trees shall be a minimum of five (5) feet to a maximum of ten (10) feet in height when planted, depending on topography as determined by the Planning Board.

The evergreen trees shall be planted at ten (10) feet on center. Non evergreen planting and/or screen berm, hedge, fence or wall at least five (5) feet in height may be used in conjunction with the evergreen trees.

The evergreen trees may be grouped at staggered intervals, provided that the spacing between groups is in-filled with lower level elements such as shrubs, hedges, planted berms, fences or walls at least five (5) feet in height. All trees shall be surrounded by a height of at least thirty-six (36) square feet of an unpaved soil area per tree and shall be protected from damage.

No grading or construction shall take place on slopes in excess of a horizontal of three (3) and a vertical of one (1) slope except under special permit from the Planning Board, which shall be granted only upon demonstration that adequate provisions have been made to protect against erosion, soil instability, uncontrolled surface water runoff or other environmental degradation.

All slopes exceeding ten percent (10%) resulting from site grading shall either be covered with topsoil compacted to a minimum depth of four (4) inches and planted with vegetative cover to prevent erosion and/or be retained by a wall constructed of masonry, reinforced concrete, stone, or other suitable materials or methods and designed and certified by a qualified structural engineer and/or a civil engineer specialized in geotechnical engineering.

The Building Inspector shall require information of the applicant as necessary for him to ensure compliance with these requirements, including, if necessary, elevations at key locations, description of vegetative cover and the nature of impoundment basins proposed, if any.

Where resultant site grades will exceed that referenced herein, they shall be constructed in accordance with this Section and shall require a performance bond to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Hillside areas shall be retained with vegetative cover as follows:

Preserve and protect the natural scenic beauty and related natural resources in the Town of Ashland;

Limit land clearing and alteration of natural topography prior to site plan, preliminary plan, and/or definitive plan approval;

To protect, preserve, and promote the aesthetic appeal, character, and value of the surrounding neighborhoods; and,

To regulate prior to development plan approval, the removal of natural vegetation, especially major trees, and excavation and alteration of land, in order to minimize any danger of erosion, sedimentation, flooding, water pollution, unnecessary detraction from natural visual setting, obstruction of significant views, and other adverse impacts of development.

Clearing of an area greater than 5,000 square feet; or,

Grading if involving more than one hundred (100) cubic yards of earth.

Clearing of land zoned residential when such parcel is included in a submission for development to the Planning Board;

Removal of hazardous trees;

Routine maintenance of vegetation and removal of dead or diseased limbs and/or trees necessary to maintain the health of cultivated plants, to contain noxious weeds and/or vines in accordance with Department of Environmental Management (DEM) approved Forest Management Plan, or to remedy a potential fire or health hazard or threat to public safety;

Maintenance of public and private streets and utilities within town-approved roadway layouts and easements;

Agricultural activities on land zoned for agriculture, work conducted in accordance with an approved Natural Resource Conservation Service Agricultural Plan or agricultural uses on parcels of land of more than five acres as specified in G.L. c. 40A, Section 3.

Reason for site alteration;

Photographs of the site of development taken from at least three significant public vantage points exterior to the project together with a map to indicate the location of points and approximate distance to the proposed development;

The present location and size of all major trees and vegetation, with a designation of major trees and vegetation sought to be removed;

The location, size and description of landscaping materials proposed to be placed on the lot in order to comply with a Landscape Plan;

The location and boundaries of the lot and adjacent streets or ways and showing owners' names of all adjacent properties;

Existing and proposed topography, including contours, the location of the wetlands, streams, water bodies, drainage swales, areas subject to flooding and unique natural land features;

A timetable indicating estimate startup and completion dates; and,

A written narrative indicating how runoff will be controlled and erosion avoided. Either a constructed surface or cover vegetation will be provided not later than the first full spring season immediately following completion of the stripping operation. No stripped area or areas which are allowed by special permit shall remain through the winter without a temporary cover of winter rye or similar plant material being provided for soil control, except in the case of agricultural activity where such temporary cover would be infeasible.