[Massplanners] Lot Regularity Bylaw Language

[Rick Taintor]

Annie,

Framingham’s regulation is wordy but it works:

  *   When the distance between any two points on lot lines is less than 50 feet, measured in a straight line, the smaller portion of the lot which is bounded by such straight line and such lot lines shall be excluded from the computation of the minimum lot area unless the distance along such lot lines between such two points is less than 150 feet in such cases where the Minimum Lot Area is less than 20,000 square feet, as set forth in the Table of Dimensional Regulations, Section IV.E.2. Otherwise, when the distance between any two points is less than 80 feet, measured in a straight line, the smaller portion of the lot which is bounded by such straight line and such lot lines shall be excluded from the computation of the minimum lot area, unless the distance along such lot lines between such two points is less than 240 feet. In all cases, the principal use shall not be located on such excluded area of the lot.
[page212image1521844880]

Portsmouth, NH uses a similar approach for calculating open space:

  *   The calculation of open space on a lot shall not include any area with a horizontal dimension that is 5 feet or less, unless the perimeter of the open space connecting the endpoints of the 5-foot dimension line is less than 15 feet in length.
[cid:image002.png at 01D92049.97815FC0]

These can be tailored to the specific minimum lot areas for your zoning districts.

(I’ve included the illustrations from the ordinances but don’t know if they will translate to the listserv. Contact me if you want to see them.)

Rick Taintor
Newburyport

From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> on behalf of Annie Schindler via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Reply-To: Annie Schindler <ASchindler at Grovelandma.com>
Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 7:51 PM
To: "massplanners at masscptc.org" <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: [Massplanners] Lot Regularity Bylaw Language

Hi everyone!

My Planning Board that is looking to change our bylaw language surrounding lot regularity… We currently require a lot regularity circle that has 80% of the applicable required frontage. The Board is looking for language that would limit rat tail lots, and myself and the Zoning Enforcement Officer are having a hard time coming up with anything. If your town happens to have any language like this, I would greatly appreciate it if you could send it over!

Thank you!

Best,

Annie Schindler
Environmental Program Coordinator & Town Planner
Town of Groveland, 183 Main St Groveland, MA 01834
(978) 556-7214 | ASchindler at grovelandma.com

The Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office has determined that most e-mails to and from municipal offices and officials are public records.  Consequently, confidentiality should not be expected.


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