To provide options for limited business operations subject to the standards designed to preserve the integrity of the abutting residential neighborhoods.

To encourage the reuse of residential buildings by providing economic uses for buildings that may no longer function as well as single-family residences.

To implement certain goals of the Master Plan, including encouraging economic development, protecting small town character, and updating zoning to maintain consistency.

Location. The HAAOD is hereby established as an overlay district. HAAOD is superimposed on that portion of the Residential District along the north side of Hartford Avenue heading west between Route 495 and Arrowhead Road Location. The HAAOD is located on the northern side of Hartford Avenue heading west between Route 495 and Farm St. The following lots are referenced in the Bellingham MA Online Assessor's GIS Mapping Database, are included in the HAAOD on a plan entitled "Hartford Avenue Adaptive Use Overlay District," dated January 13, 2023, incorporated by reference in the Zoning Bylaw and on file with the Town Clerk and Building Inspector:

Rules and regulations. The Planning Board may develop Hartford Avenue (HAAOD) Rules and Regulations which shall more fully define the application requirements and design guidelines, identify supporting information needed, and establish reasonable application, review and inspection fees, and construction protocols.

Uses allowed as of right. All uses allowed as of right in the underlying Residential District shall remain as of right within the HAAOD. Similarly, uses presently allowed by special permit in the underlying Residential District shall continue to be allowed by special permit in the HAAOD.

Uses allowed by special permit in the HAAOD.

Prohibited uses. The following uses shall be prohibited in the HAAOD:

New construction may be permitted, provided that it is designed to be compatible with the overall residential character of the adjacent neighborhood and the HAAOD.

Each adaptive use project may utilize the existing structures but may include restoration, renovation or improvement of the primary existing building to maintain, restore or enhance its original architectural integrity. Construction of an addition to an existing building on the premises may be permitted, provided that it is designed to be compatible with the overall residential character of the adjacent neighborhood and the HAAOD.

The alteration of, addition to, and/or conversion of an existing building to one residential dwelling unit and one business use listed above may be permitted by special permit, provided that the appearance of the building is characteristic of a single-family dwelling and that the residential unit is occupied by the business owner.

New construction and existing building alterations shall be in accordance with § 240-40 for the underlying Residential Zoning District.

Required parking space calculations shall be in accordance with Article X, Parking and Loading Requirements. No on-street parking shall be allowed. Additionally, no parking spaces or driveways are permitted in the rear or side setbacks. Parking areas shall be screened from the abutting properties by a combination of opaque structures, such as fencing or ornamental walls, and landscaping. Adequate provisions for on-site retention and treatment of stormwater shall be included. This will be the discretion of the Planning Board.

A photometric plan shall be included with the site design submission which ensures adequate site lighting for parking and pedestrian walkways, no glare is produced on abutting parcels or the public way, and all proposed light fixtures are dark sky compliant.

Signage shall include no more than one freestanding sign. Signage signs shall be externally illuminated with no spillover onto adjacent properties. Signage placement shall be reviewed by the Safety Officer so as to maintain adequate visual access for vehicles entering and exiting the property.

Curb cuts on Route 126 are subject to approval of the state. New curb cuts on Hartford Avenue are subject to recommendations of the Safety Officer and will require a Bellingham street opening permit from the DPW. The division of state and local roads is shown on the plan.

All developments shall include a landscape plan, stamped by a Massachusetts Registered Landscape Architect, that maintains or enhances the residential character of the property. The landscape plan shall also provide, at the discretion of the Planning Board, a buffer zone (including a combination of shrubs, trees, grass and fencing) appropriate for the proposed use along any property boundaries with an adjacent residential use.

The development plans shall include specific areas for snow storage and rubbish. All rubbish areas shall be screened with an opaque fence and be located outside the front yard setback.

The proposed use is contemplated under the provisions of this bylaw.

The site is adequate for the proposed use in terms of size, configuration, and use of abutting properties.

The proposed use will cause minimal adverse impacts to abutting properties and will provide mitigation of any impacts.

Provisions for traffic and parking are adequate for the proposed use.

The proposal promotes the aesthetic appeal and deters detrimental impacts to the abutting residential neighborhood and that the proposed project complies with the goals of the Master Plan.

The provisions for utilities, including sewage disposal, water supply and stormwater management, are adequate.

The proposed project complies with the goals of the Master Plan and the purposes of this article of the Zoning Bylaw.