[Massplanners] Definition of 'Dead-end Streets'?

[DAVID ROBBINS]

Here’s how Grafton defines a dead end street:

> Street, Dead-End:  A street, extension of a street, or system of streets connected to another street at one (1) point only.  Any proposed street which intersects with a dead-end street shall be deemed to be an extension of the dead-end street.

We did some review not too long ago about how other towns define it; our definition is similar or identical to a number of other towns, but some leave it rather more vague.

One potential point of confusion are regulations about dead end streets that refer to a turnaround at the end, which can be interpreted as implying that only a cul-de-sac (the typical single street with a turnaround at the end) is included in the definition. We are currently updating our regs to explicitly distinguish between a cul-de-sac and the broader concept of an arbitrarily complex street network with a single connection to an existing way, the most common example of which would be a “lollipop” configuration (the loop you mention). Our update adds a definition for cul-de-sac and applies turnaround regulations specifically to a cul-de-sac so as to avoid potential confusion.

David Robbins
Grafton Planning Board

> On Aug 17, 2021, at 9:28 AM, Mark Archambault <marchambault at ayer.ma.us> wrote:
> 
> Hello everyone, 
>  
> The Ayer subdivision regulations specify that dead-end streets cannot exceed 650 feet without the granting of a waiver from the Planning Board. 
>  
> However, our Bylaw and Regulations do not explicitly define just what constitutes a dead-end street.
>  
> To my reasoning, any street with ONE entrance and egress point for residents is a dead-end, even if it widens out into a wide loop in the subdivision’s interior.
>  
> Does that sound like a reasonable interpretation?  Would an emergency access gate for the Fire Dept. change the situation such that it is not a dead-end?
>  
> I’m curious how other towns in Massachusetts define and regulate ‘dead-end streets’.
>  
> Thanks in advance for any assistance. 
>  
> Mark Archambault, AICP
>  
>  
> Ayer Town Planner 
> Town Hall, One Main Street 
> Ayer, MA 01432
>  
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