HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-03 Select Board PacketSelect Board Policy Revision Summary - Article 4, Department of Public Works
All All references to the former Board of Selectmen were changed to Select Board.
4.1 Delegating the Hearing and Approval Process for Municipal
Consent to Construct or Alter Utility Lines No changes.
4.2 Acceptance of Private Ways and Establishment of
Betterments Therefore No significant changes. Language in 4.2.1 Purpose, moved to section 4.2.2 Process.
4.3 House or Building Moving No changes.
4.4 Street Lighting
Minor change to Section 4.4.2.1 - Petition(s) to reflect current procedures. Current language
has all new street lighting requests going to the Town Manager. Under the current
procedure, all requests go to the DPW Director for a decision after consultation with others
Depts. Appeals shall still be heard by the Select Board.
4.5.2 Installation, Construction, and Re-Construction of Curbs and
Sidewalks - Sidewalks
Minor change - Deleted language defining the limits within the Downtown area requiring
concrete sidewalks. Current language requires any new, repaired or replaced sidewalks to
be of the predominant material type found in the area. When no predominant type can be
identified, bituminous sidewalk shall be used.
4.5.3 Installation, Construction, and Re-Construction of Curbs and
Sidewalks - Tree Lawns
Minor change - 4.5.3.1 - Inserted language to better define the purpose of a tree lawn.
Minor change - 4.5.3.2 - Inserted language to prohibit private property owners from
installing underground irrigation equipment within a tree lawn area.
4.6 Solid Waste Recycling, Collection, and Disposal Rules
Minor change - Updated language to reflect the Town's current rules related to solid waste
recycling, collection, and disposal.
4.7 Sewer Connection Permit Program
Minor change - 4.7.1 - Inserted language to better define the purpose and authority of the
sewer connection permit program, and how it relates to both storm and sanitary sewer.
Minor change - 4.7.2 - Inserted language to define the terms infiltration and inflow.
Section Name Change
Select Board Policy Revision Summary - Article 4, Department of Public Works
4.8 Water Meter Readings, Abatements and Credits
Minor change - Updated language to reflect current Department procedures for when a
complaint is received about an incorrect water meter reading.
4.9 Water Conservation Program No changes. (The SB will need to approve revisions to this Section at a later date.)
4.10 Abatement of Sewer Charges for Filling of Swimming Pools No changes.
4.11 Second Water Meters No changes.
4.12 Regulations for Reimbursement for Sewer Backflow
Prevention No changes.
4.13 Street Opening Permit Policy
Significant Change - 4.13.4 Street Opening Moratorium - Inserted language establishing
requirements for resurfacing a public roadway related to a non-emergency street opening if
the street opening occurs within 5-years of when the street was last resurfaced.
_
Significant Change - 4.13.6 Driveway Rules and Regulations - Inserted language to regulate
driveway curb cuts within the Town.
Old 4.14 Rules and Regulations Related to Parks, Playgrounds, and
Recreation Areas
Section to be deleted from Article 4 DPW; temporarily relocated to Section 4.97 until the
section is formerly relocated to Section 5 Community Services; Note: Section (old) 4.14.3
Rule 5 was moved to (new) 4.14.6 Public Shade Tree Policy - Tree, Shrubbery, and Lawn
Protaction in Public Park Areas.
New 4.14 Public Shade Tree Policy
New Article - Inserted language to regulate the maintenance and protection of all public
shade trees within the Town, which supports practices currently being enacted.
New 4.15 Addressing Standards and Regulations
New Article - Inserted language to establish an approved policy of standardized addressing
regulations within the Town, which support practices currently being enacted (former policy
of the old Board of Public Works).
Section Name Change
Select Board Policy Revision Summary - Article 4, Department of Public Works
Old 4.15 Use, Operation, and Maintenance of the Common
Section to be deleted from Article 4 DPW; temporarily relocated to Section 4.98 until the
section is formerly relocated to Section 5 Community Services.
Old 4.16 Policy Establishing Aquifer Protection District Infiltration
System Design Guidelines
Section to be deleted from Article 4 DPW, as the contents of this Section are only engineer
design guidelines for the Aquifer Protection District Zoning Bylaw, and should not be
classified as a policy. The guidelines will still be retained by Town staff for reference.
Old 4.17 Custodian of Solders' and Sailors' Graves
Section to be deleted from Article 4 DPW; temporarily relocated to Section 4.99 until the
section is formerly relocated to Section 5 Community Services.
Old 4.18
New 4.16 Appeals
Minor change - Updated language to reflect current procedures, as recommended by Town
Counsel. The current language had all appeals going to the Town Manager for a ruling
before going to the Select Board. Under the current procedure, all appeals of these policies,
shall go directly to the Select Board.
New 4.17 Traffic Signage or Mechanisms Prohibited
New Article - Inserted language to establish an approved policy which supports practices
currently being enacted. This Section would give authority to the Chief of Police and/or
Public Works Director, based on MUTCD guidelines, to deny any request for traffic signage or
mechanisms, which in their opinion would not perform as intended, or would have the
potential to impair public safety.
Old 4.19
New 4.18 Consideration of Multi-way Stop Intersections
Minor change - Updated language to clarify current procedures. The process of when an
engineering study should be performed, in order for the Select Board to decide on whether a
multi-way stop intersection is warranted, was found to be inaccurate.
Temp. 4.97 Rules and Regulations Related to Parks, Playgrounds, and
Recreation Areas Temporary location (formerly Section 4.14)
Temp. 4.98 Use, Operation, and Maintenance of the Common Temporary location (formerly Section 4.15)
Temp. 4.99 Custodian of Solders' and Sailors' Graves Temporary location (formerly Section 4.17)
Section Name Change
4-1 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
ARTICLE 4 - POLICIES RELATED TO PUBLIC WORKS Section 4.1 - Delegating the Hearing and Approval Process for Municipal
Consent to Construct or Alter Utility Lines
1. Chapter 166, Section 22 of the Massachusetts General Laws requires that the Select
Board of Selectmen provide for a public hearing on petitions to construct or alter utility
lines in the Town of Reading.
2. The Select Board of Selectmen hereby delegate to the Director of Public Works the
responsibility for holding public hearings as required by Chapter 166, Section 22, and
for granting or denying any such petitions for line location or alteration.
Adopted 11-3-86, Revised 12-31-94, Revised 1-4-05
Section 4.2 - Acceptance of Private Ways and Establishment of Betterments
Therefore
4.2.1 - Purpose
1. The Town has developed this policy for the acceptance of Private Ways as Public
Ways. This is done for several reasons. Two of the more important reasons are:
a. 1. Roads built by Developers may be accepted before they begin to
deteriorate, and
b. 2. Full Town services may be legally granted on roads that have been
previously private ways.
After a public hearing, the Board of Selectmen will decide whether or not to recommend
acceptance to the Town. If the decision is to recommend acceptance, the Board of Selectmen will
support a Warrant Article before the next Annual Town Meeting requesting an appropriation of
funds for the construction.
Costs of construction are borne 100% by the abutting property owners on a pro rata per
front foot basis. Under the provisions of the Betterment Act, the assessment may be
apportioned over a period not exceeding twenty years, with annual payments of not less
than five dollars, with interest at a rate determined by the Board of Selectmen annually
on the unpaid balance. These apportioned payments appear annually on the real estate
tax bill.
Corner lots are subject to a corner lot exemption which is computed by a formula
adopted by the Board of Selectmen and which is detailed in Section 5.2.2 below.
Street construction is generally completed the same calendar year that the street
acceptance is voted at the Annual Town Meeting.
4.2.21 - Process
1. The Select Board of Selectmen will consider, based on petitions of residents owning
property on a private way, based on staff recommendations or based on the Board's own
initiative, the acceptance of private ways under the Betterment Act. The process will be:
Commented [CC1]: This language was re-located to the end of
Section 4.2.2 – Process.
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a. 1. Consideration at a public meeting of the Select Board of Selectmen, and
decision as to whether to go forward with the process.
b. 2. Upon a determination to go forward with consideration, the Board will refer
the matter to the Director of Public Works with direction to hold a public hearing
in accordance with the Betterment Act within 3 months.
c. 3. The Director of Public Works will hold a public hearing in which all abutters
present will be given a copy of the estimated costs of construction of the street and
any other improvements considered, and the estimated costs of construction of the
projects. In addition, a copy of this material will be sent to all abutters not present
at the hearing. A breakdown will be supplied at the same time of the individual
lot frontages, and the costs of the improvements to each property owner based on
front footage. Final assessments are based on actual costs but cannot in any event
exceed the estimated assessment. The final assessments may be less than the
estimate.
d. 4. At the public hearing, which may be continued by the Director to a date
certain, an opinion questionnaire will be distributed to all abutters with return
request within 10 days of the end of the hearing. The questionnaire will also be
mailed to all abutters not present. Based on the testimony at the hearing(s), the
Director of Public Works will provide input and make a recommendation to the
Select Board of Selectmen regarding the acceptance and improvement of the
private way. The input will include minutes of the hearings, a copy of materials
presented at the hearings, and a recommendation as to whether and in what
manner acceptance and improvement take place. This input and recommendation
will be made within 30 days of the completion of the last date of the hearing.
e. 5. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Director, the Town Manager
will set a date for the review and action by the Select Board of Selectmen on the
Director's report. All abutters will be notified at least 2 weeks before the date of
this review and the recommendation. The notice will include a summary of the
Director's recommendation.
f. 6. The Select Board of Selectmen will decide at a public meeting whether they
recommend acceptance to the Town. If the decision is to recommend acceptance,
the Select Board will support a Warrant Article before the next Annual Town
Meeting requesting an appropriation of funds for the construction.
g. Costs of construction are borne 100% by the abutting property owners on a pro
rata per front foot basis. Under the provisions of the Betterment Act, the
assessment may be apportioned over a period not exceeding twenty years, with
annual payments of not less than five dollars, with interest at a rate determined by
the Select Board annually on the unpaid balance. These apportioned payments
appear annually on the real estate tax bill.
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h. Corner lots are subject to a corner lot exemption which is computed by a formula
adopted by the Select Board and which is detailed in Section 4.2.3 below.
i. Street construction is generally completed the same calendar year that the street
acceptance is voted at the Annual Town Meeting.
4.2.32 - Method of Assessing
1. The usual method of assessing street betterments will be as follows:
a. 1. For each particular street, the total cost of construction shall be divided by the
calculated abutting frontage to derive a unit cost per linear foot. The calculated
cost per linear foot of frontage shall be arrived at by dividing the total cost of
construction by the calculated abutting frontage. The calculated abutting
frontage shall be arrived at by deducting from the total abutting frontage the
abated frontage as described herein.
b. 2. All lots, except corner lots, shall be assessed at the rate of the derived unit
cost described in Section 1. (A corner lot, to qualify for exemptions, must be a
lot having one side located on an accepted street .) (Public Way).
c. 3. When street construction improvements are made at different times, corner
lots shall be assessed at the rate of the total derived unit cost per linear foot of
abutting frontage on the first side constructed, and at a rate of one-quarter the
derived unit cost per linear foot for each foot of abutting frontage on the second
side constructed or as otherwise determined by the Board.
d. 4. When all street construction improvements are made simultaneously, corner
lots shall be assessed at the rate of the total derived unit cost per linear foot of
abutting frontage on the longest side or sides constructed, and at a rate of one-
quarter the derived unit cost per linear foot for each foot of abutting frontage on
the shortest side constructed or as otherwise determined by the Board.
e. 5. A corner lot shall be defined as a lot having two or more sides on one or more
streets, having an interior angle of 45 degrees or more between two of the sides,
or at the tangents thereof; and a total abutting street frontage on two or more
sides of 160 feet or more, and the frontage to be assessed shall be derived by
adding one-half the length of arc or curve at the intersection of the two streets to
either side of the frontage assessed, or as otherwise defined by the Board.
f. 6. A corner lot, in order to be assessed as above, shall not be divisible into two
or more lots under the applicable Town Zoning Regulation unless, in the
judgment of the Board, the land is unsuitable for division into two more lots.
When a corner lot is devisable into two or more lots, the Board shall apportion
the abatement at its discretion.
Adopted 1-12-87, Revised 12-13-94, Revised 1-4-05
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Section 4.3 - House or Building Moving
1. No house or building shall be moved within the Town of Reading without prior
approval of the Director of Public Works. It is the intent of the Select Board of
Selectmen that:
a. All costs associated with such a move be borne by the benefiting party;
b. The Town be held harmless from any event arising out of such a move through
the posting of appropriate performance bonds and/or insurance certificates;
c. Adequate public notice regarding all of the aspects of the move be given to
all effected affected parties along the route of the move.
Adopted 9-28-87, Revised 12-13-94
Section 4.4 - Street Lighting
1. The Select Board of Selectmen, acting through the Town Manager or his designee,
shall determine the placement, frequency and size of all public street and public
parking lot lighting.
2. The Town Manager or his designee shall review the street lighting scheme with the
Reading Municipal Light Department and the Police Department, and advise the
Selectmen Board annually on the quantity and illumination level required. The RMLD
will advise the Selectmen Board on the estimated lighting budget required to provide
such lighting.
4.4.1 - Placement; General
1. Lights shall be placed at curves, intersections and heavily treed traveled areas and at
locations of severe topographical changes. Lights will also be considered at locations
of high incidence'sincidences of accidents, and at locations of high pedestrian activity.
Lights will be considered at public parking lots, recreation areas, etc. on the basis of
identified public safety needs.
2. The frequency of lighting fixtures on straight runs of street length shall be at every third
pole and shall be on alternate sides of the road where possible.
3. The type of street, considering width, traffic, zoning and background may affect
frequency and size.
4. In all cases, the Reading Municipal Light Department shall make the final decision
within plus or minus 25 feet on the specified physical location subject to field
installation conditions.
4-5 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
4.4.2 - Petition(s)
1. Requests for new or added lights in an already lighted area shall be made to the Director
of Public WorksTown Manager or theirhis designee for action. The Director of Public
WorksTown Manager or theirhis designee shall consult with the Police Department
and/or other Town staff, and shall have thirty (30) working days to respond to the
petitioner. A petitioner not satisfied with the Town Manager'sPublic Works Director’s
decision may appeal to the full Select Board of Selectmen.
4.4.3 4.4.3 - Subdivision Lighting
1. The Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works shall review the lighting
scheme in review of subdivision plans in accordance with this policy. The Director of
Public Works will then advise the Developer and Community Planning and
Development Commission of lighting standard locations.
2. The Town of Reading will not be responsible for subdivision lighting costs until at least
50% of the proposed lots within 300 feet of a planned street light are built and are
occupied.
Adopted 6-25-91, Revised 12-13-94
Section 4.5 - Installation, Construction and Reconstruction of Curbs and
Sidewalks
1. This policy has been developed in order to provide guidance to future Select Boards
of Selectmen in their role as Highway Commissioners, and to provide direction to the
Community Planning and Development Commission and the Department of Public
Works. Any variance from this policy will require the specific action of the Select
Board of Selectmen.
2. As the Town has grown, there has developed a disparate pattern of curbing and
sidewalks throughout the Town. While recognizing and wanting to preserve the
character of different areas of the Town, it is also in the Town's interest to develop and
adhere to certain standards of the type of improvements installed either through private
initiative or through public action.
4.5.1 4.5.1 - Curbing
1. Curbing that is installed in all areas of Town shall conform to the following:
a. At all intersections, vertical granite curbing will be installed, meeting all
requirements as specified in the Subdivision Control Policy Regulations of the
Town and as specified in applicable State and/or Federal law at the time;
1. Along rural roads in locations where vertical granite curbing is unnecessary or where it
is inconsistent with the character of the roadway, bituminous “cape cod berm” type of
curbing will be permitted;
4-6 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
2.
a. Where a new development takes place along a rural road, vertical granite curbing
will be used within the new development streets, as specified in the Subdivision
Regulations, and along the existing rural road for the entirety of its frontage;
b. In all other locations, and including "infill" locations along existing streets,
vertical granite curbing shall be used;
c. The CPDC may, as part of an application for Scenic Road approval and with the
recommendation of the Select Board of Selectmen, approve an alternative form
of curbing.
d. All curbing shall conform to Town of Reading design standards.
4.5.2 4.5.2 - Sidewalks
1. It is the intent of the Select Board of Selectmen that, over time, all areas of Reading will
have sidewalks on at least one side of every street, and that on busier streets, sidewalks
shall be provided on both sides of the street as follows:
a. In areas that have intermittent sidewalks, sidewalks shall be installed of a type
(either cement concrete or bituminous) that is predominant in the area;
In the area generally bounded by Lowell, Salem, John, Washington, Willow,
Summer and Prescott Streets, sidewalks shall be constructed of cement concrete;
b. In other areas of the community where there is no predominant type of sidewalk,
bituminous sidewalk will be permitted;
c. Where sidewalks are repaired or replaced, they will be repaired or replaced with
the same type as previously existed, unless the previously existing sidewalk is
not of the type that predominates in the area;
d. As new areas of the community develop and the issue arises as to the need for
sidewalks within a development, the Select Board of Selectmen urges the
Community Planning and Development Commission to evaluate the need for
sidewalks on both sides of the proposed street(s). In instances where the CPDC
feels that the roadway is not a major one, that the road is not subject to further
extension, and that the public interest is served by having sidewalks on only one
side of the street, the Select Board of Selectmen urges the CPDC to require the
developer to extend an amount of sidewalk equal to that being waived, in a
location to be determined by the Town Manager.
e. All sidewalks shall conform to Town of Reading design standards.
4-7 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
4.5.3 - Tree Llawns
1. In most areas of the community, there is a tree lawn, or grassed area, consisting of a strip
of planted material that exists between the curb or curb line and the sidewalk area or
edge of the Town’s right-of-way. The tree lawn is to be preserved as such, and is not to
be used as a parking area or widened sidewalk unless specifically approved by the Select
Board of Selectmen. Tree lawns, if applicable, also allow for snow storage as a method
of maintaining regulatory sidewalk widths during the winter months, when a sidewalk
exists at that location.
2. Under no circumstances shall a private property owner install underground irrigation
equipment within a tree lawn area. The Town of Reading shall not be held responsible
for any irrigation equipment that gets damaged when located within a tree lawn.
Adopted 3-30-93; Revised 12-13-94, August 26, 2008
Section 4.6 – Solid Waste Recycling, Collection and Disposal Rules and
Regulations
4.6.1 – Purpose
1. The Town of Reading manages a comprehensive program for recycling, rubbish
collection, and disposal of residential solid waste consistent with Sstate and Ffederal law
and regulations. This rule applies to Tthe recycling, collection and disposal pursuant to
these regulations is only from single-family detached residences, two and three-family
attached residences, and condominium complexes in the Town. No recycling, rubbish
collection, or disposal will be made from This rule does not apply to stores, businesses,
rooming or boarding houses, apartment houses of more than 3 residences, manufacturing
facilitiesplants, professional buildings or other commercial enterprises.
2. The Town’s solid waste and recycling program includes:
recyclable materials
household rubbish
yard waste
scrap metals
paper shredding
bulk waste
appliances
hazardous waste
electronics
.
4.6.21 – Definitions
1. Appliances are defined as includinge but are not limited to refrigerators, stoves, washers,
dryers, heaters, dishwashers, air conditioners, de-humidifiers, hot water heaters, over the
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stove microwaves, or other items as determined by the Director of Public Works. dryers,
freezers, dishwashers, trash compactors, or other similar appliances.
2. Bulk waste items are defined as any item that is not considered as household rubbish;, is
not hazardous waster;, and is not recyclable; is an item. Bulk waste items are of such
size or weight (over 80 pounds) that the itemone person cannot be readily handled by
one person or exceeding (60) pounds; it and/or that falls into the following categories
which may be picked up as indicated below. any item that includes the following:
a. Auto parts such as generators, starters, air cleaners, auto seats, wheel rims,
small pieces of body metal, etc.
b. Furniture Items such as couchessofas, chairs, recliners, arm chairs,
mattresses, box springs, tables, desks, bookcases, lawn mowers (fluids
drained), gas grill (tank removed), carpeting (maximum of 5 rolled sections
cut into 3-foot lengths), swing sets (dismantled with concrete footings
removed), bicycles, orand other similar items as determined by the Director
of Public Works.
3. Construction debris is defined as asphalt, brick, concrete, metal, earth, stones, tree
trunks, wood over 3 feet in length and greater that 60 lb in weight, and like materials as
may from time to time be defined by the Director of Public Works.
4. TV’s are defined as televisions which include LCD/LED/plasma televisions/flat screen
computer monitors, and CRT’s are defined as all other televisions and computer
moniteors.
5. Electronics are defined as anything containing an electrical power cord, but not
otherwise defined as a TV, CRT, or Bulk Waste item.televisions (including LCD
Televisions, and plasma televisions), computer monitors (CRT’s), Examples of
electronics include computer hardwares, microwave ovens, toaster ovens, coffee makers,
and other like items as determinedmay from time to time be defined by the Director of
Public Works.
6. Hazardous waste is defined as gasoline, motor oil, explosives, compressed gases,
explosive chemicals, corrosive chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights
(CFL’s), tires, automotive and household batteries, and other hazardous materials as
defined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the federal
Environmental Protection Agency and other materials that the Director of Public Works
may from time to time deem hazardous.
7. Household rubbish is defined as household refuse;, cold ashes;, ceramics;, light bulbs;,
plate glass;, non-pressure treated wood tied in bundles less than 3 feet in length (limit of
2); and weighing shall not weigh more than a combined 60 lb.;, and garbage, except as
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defined within or prohibited elsewhere in these rulesegulations, or as determined by the
Director of Public Works.
8. Recyclable materials shall beare defined as: any item deemed acceptable for curbside
recycling pickup as determined by the website RecycleSmartMa.org
1. All glass containers, unbroken and excluding ceramics, light bulbs, and plate
glass. All glass containers must be rinsed.
2. Aluminum cans, rinsed.
3. Steel or tin cans, rinsed.
4. Newspapers, magazines, paperboard, catalogs, telephone books and 3rd class
(“junk”) mail, bagged in a Kraft paper bag or tied in bundles
5. Plastics, plastic food containers, rinsed, and marked with Code 1 thru Code 7
6. Corrugated cardboard, flattened or tied – no larger than 4’ X 4’
7. Paperboard (cereal boxes etc.) - remove plastic liners
Other materials as defined from time to time by the Director of Public Works.
9. Yard Waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, branches, brush, Christmas trees,
wreaths and similar holiday decorations, and other yard waste as defined by the Director
of Ppublic Works.
4.6.32– Collection Schedule
Recyclable materials, household rubbish and bulk waste iItems that are eligible for curbside
collection will be collected in accordance with the chart attached, and in accordance with a schedule
to be published and posted electronically and available at the Public Works office..
1. Items will be collected when set at the edge of the traveled way curbside in approved
containers by 6:30 A.M. on regular collection days. Collection personnel are prohibited
from entering onto or trespassing on any private property during their collection. If
recyclable items, household rubbish, leaf bags, and bulk waste items are not placed on
the edge of the traveled waycurbside by 6:30 A.M. on regular collection days, and the
collector has already driven by the residence, the recyclable items, household rubbish,
leaf bags, and bulk waste items will not be picked up that week and the resident will be
responsible for removing the recyclable items, household rubbish, leaf bags, and bulk
waste items from the edge of the roadwaycurbside no later than the end of that day.
2. If there is no recycling at the curbside weekly, then rubbish will not be collected that
week from the property.
1.3.No collection will be made on days that the following legal holidays are celebrated: New
Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and
Christmas Day. Collections will be one day late during the balance of the week in which
the holiday falls. If a holiday falls on a weekday, the fifth day of collection will be
Saturday. (As an example, if a holiday falls on Monday, Monday’s collection will be
made on Tuesday, Tuesday’s on Wednesday, etc.)
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4.6.43– Approved Rubbish Containers
1. Household rubbish must be placed in an approved container. Approved containers are:
“wet strength" 2-ply 50-pound Kraft paper sacks of 30 gallon capacity;
1.5-mil thickness plastic bags of 30-gallon capacity; or
30 gallon or 45-gallon capacity non-metal barrels with handles. Residents using
barrels are cautioned that subzero temperatures and icing will may result in the barrel
having to be banged on the steel hopper of the truck, which may damaginge the
barrels.
2. Other types of barrels or other unapproved containers will be treated as a bulk item and
disposed of as such.
The Town discourages the use of cardboard barrels or cardboard boxes since once they
become wet they lose much of their strength. The Town of Reading and the contractor
will not be responsible for any damage to the cardboard barrels.
3. If any rubbish or recycling container falls apartdeteriorates during collection, any
rubbish left will not be picked up by the contractor, and the resident will be responsible
for cleaning up all the remaining rubbish.
4. Not more than (4) 30 gallon rubbish bags/ or small barrels, ornot more than (3) large 45
gallon rubbish bags or barrels (a maximum total of 120 gallons) of rubbish per
household will be picked up each week. Any container that because of size, shape,
weight (over 680 pounds), or condition of the container, cannot be handled by one
person, the container will not be collected and will be left curbside. It will be the
owner’s responsibility to remove the container from the edge of the roadway no later
than the end of the day of the regular pickup when containers are left curbside for the
above reasons.
4.6.54 – Approved Recycling Containers
1. At no cost to the householdmeowner, the Town will supply each household subject to
these rulesegulations with (1)2 plastic bins for recyclable materials. Additional bins may
be available upon request to the DPW.
2. AdditionallyAdditionally, the Town will supply upon request a Recycling sticker or
stickers to be placed on 45 gallon or smaller capacity non-metal barrels with handles.
These containers may then be used for either paper recycling, or commingled non paper
recyclables.
4.6.65 - Appliances
1. Homeowners Households may shall arrange payment and pickup directly with the
Town’s recycling and rubbish contractor for curbside collection of used appliances.
Contact information for the contractor will be supplied to residents onby the Town’s
website and at the Public Works office. Collection will be on a weekly schedule, with
deadlines for notice of collection determined by the contractor and approved by the
Director of Public Works. The cost will be $20 35 per appliance.
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4.6.76 - Bulk Waste Collection
At no cost to the homeownerhousehold, one item of bulk waste may be placed for collection
weekly at curbside on the same day and in the same location as scheduled recycling and rubbish
collection, in accordance with the following rulesegulations:
1. Auto parts such as generators, starters, air cleaners, auto seats, wheel rims, and small
pieces of body metal, etc. These items will be paid for and picked up as bulk items in
the same accordance aswith Section 4.6.5 6 of these regulations except that if in the
opinion of the Department of Public Works the quantity of these parts at any one
household is unusually great, they will not be collected.
Furniture such as couches, chairs, mattresses, box springs, swing sets (dismantled with concrete
footings removed), bicycles and other similar items are bulk items.
2. Auto parts such as engine blocks or large pieces of body metal, will not be collected.
For appliances including refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, trash compactors, dryers
and freezers, see section 4.6.5 of these regulations.
3. Construction and Demolition material such as asphalt, brick, concrete, metal, earth,
stones, and tree trunks, will not be collected. Wood longer than three (3) feet in length
and heavier than 60 pounds will not be collected. Non-pressure treated wWood under
(3) feet in length must be tied in bundleds (limit of 2), and tied in bundles and weigh
less than a combined 60lb in order to be collected as part of regular weekly household
recycling and rubbish collection.
4. Tires and batteries will not be collected curbside, and may be taken to the twice yearly
household hazardous waste collection.
1.5.Scrap metals will be separately collected curbside once per year on a schedule
determined by the Town.
4.6.87 – ElectronicsTV’s / CRT’s
1. Homeowners Households may arrange payment/pickup directly with the Town’s
recycling and rubbish contractor for curbside collection of used electronicsTV’s and
CRT’s. Contact information for the contractor will be supplied to residents by the
Town. Collection will be on a weekly schedule, with deadlines for notice of
collection determined by the contractor and approved by the DPW Director. The cost
will be $10 35 per TV or CRTelectronic item.
4.6.9 – Electronics
1. Electronics are not accepted curbside by the Town’s rubbish collection. Any
electronics may be brought to the Town’s DPW Facility, 75 Newcrossing Road,
during hours as found on the Town’s website. Any electronics with a plug, except
TV’s, CRT’s, or Bulk Waste items, will be accepted.
4-12 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
4.6.7 10 – Hazardous Materials
1. All hazardous materials as herein defined shall not be collected with the Town’s
rubbish collection. The Department of Public Works operates free drop-off recycling
at its facility on Newc Crossing Road, during hours to be published and posted
electronically for:
used motor oil
fluorescent tubesbulbs
energy efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.
2. In cooperation with the Town of Wakefield, the Town also provides two days per
year for household hazardous wastehazardous waste drop-off, at which all other
household hazardous waste items as defined will be collected. The schedule of these
Household Hazardous Waste Collection days will be published and posted
electronically.
4.6.8 11 – Recycling
1. Every household for which rubbish collection is provided is required to place in
designated bin(s) or containers all recyclable materials. Recycling is collected on
anweekly every week schedule, on the same day of the week as the rubbish collection.
2. The recycling bin(s) must be placed at curbside along with other rubbish on the
designated collection day and will be collected by the contractor. If there is no
recycling at curbside weekly, then rubbish will not be collected that week. If any
material placed in the bin is not recyclable, it will be left in the binthe recycling will
not be collected for the property that week. If recycling is left behind, it will be
picked up on the following week’s collection schedule, provided the unacceptable
items have been removed.
Annual Community Access (C.A.) sticker is required for use of the Compost Center, and is
available 24/7 at the Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street.
3. Homeowners are required to separate paper for recycling into a separate bin or
container from all other materials being recycled. All recycling can be placed in the
same recycling bin or container and does not have to be sorted.
4. Due to the volatility of the recycling market, households should refer to the website
RecycleSmartMa.org for the most up to date information on what items can be
recycled, or visit the Department of Public Works webpage at www.readingma.gov
for additional updates.Paper for recycling includes newspapers, magazines,
paperboard, catalogs, telephone books and 3rd class (“junk”) mail, bagged in a Kraft
paper bag or tied in bundles. Additionally paper includes paperboard (cereal boxes
etc. - remove plastic liners). Corrugated cardboard is also considered paper for
recycling purposes and may be included in paper recycling bins or containers or may
be flattened or tied – no larger than 4’ by 4’.
4-13 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
5. If recycling corrugated cardboard, it should be flattened or tied into bundles no larger
than 4’ by 4’.
4.6.9 12 - Yard Waste
1. Leaves and other yard waste (i.e. grass clippings, branches, brush) will onlynot be
picked up curbside during the , except that the Town will provide seasonal curbside
pick-up of yard waste leaves 5 times a per year on a schedule to be determined by the
Director of Public Works.
2. The Town will operate a compost center available to Town residents only, from April
1 through December 1, or as determined by the Director of Public Works, at times and
on a schedule to be published and posted electronically. Leaves and other yard waste
may be taken to the compost center in any container; the container must be removed
unless it is a biodegradable Kraft paper bag. Tree trimmings may be a maximum of 8
feet in length and 8 inches in diameter.
3. The Town may establish a system of charging for the use of the Compost Center. The
Compost Center is available only for use by residents, and commercial vehicles (other
than those under contract with the Town,to or Town owned vehicles. by the Town)
and c Commercial landscapers are not eligible to utilized the Compost Center.
The Town makes available to residents at a subsidized rate, home composting bins constructed of
recycled materials. Residents may contact the DPW by phone or through the web site for
information about availability and cost.
4. A Compost sticker is required for use of the Compost Center, and is available 24/7 at
the Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street.
4.6.103 – Enforcement
1. These rules and regulations are enforceable by the Director of Public Works.
Enforcement may consist of refusal to collect rubbish, bulk waste, or other materials
that are not disposed of in accordance with these rules and regulations. These rules
and regulations are also enforceable in accordance with Article 1.8Section 5 of the
General Bylaws providing for a fine of up to $300 for each offense.
Adopted: 6/5/90, Revised 12-13-94, Revised 5/ /99, Revised 1-4-05, revised 1-22-08; Revised 03-25-08,
Revised 10/5/10
Town of Reading - Guidelines for Recycling and Rubbish Disposal
4-14 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
Item
(see regulations for
detailed definitions)
Curbside
Recycling
no cost
Curbside
Recycling –
with “sticker”
Curbside
Rubbish
Collection –
no cost
Compost
Center
C.A. sticker
required
Recycle at DPW
or other
program
Household
Hazardous
Waste 2X
per Year
Newspaper/Inserts X
Magazines/catalogs X
Phone Books/junk
mail
X
Confidential
documents
Annual paper
shredding
program – no
cost
Office Paper X
Paperboard X
Cardboard X
Brown Paper Bags X
Glass bottles, jars X
Aluminum, steel, tin
cans and lids
X
Plastics # 1-7 X
Plate glass, Pyrex,
dishes, ceramics
X
Aluminum foil X
Scrap metal Annual
curbside
collection – no
cost
Appliances –
Refrigerators, stoves,
washers, dryers,
dishwashers
$20 – arrange
directly with
contractor
Electronics – TV’s
Computer CPU,
microwaves
$10 – arrange
directly with
contractor
Leaves, grass, brush 8’
in length
X
Christmas trees X or X
Latex Paint - dry paint
out first
X
Motor Oil X
Fluorescent light
bulbs; CFL’s
X
Cans/bottles
containing paint or
Haz waste
X
Household hazardous
waste
X
Tires, Propane tanks X
Bulk Waste – chair,
table couch, etc.
1 item per
week no
4-15 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
charge
Construction debris Not taken as municipal waste – hire a dumpster
& get a dumpster permit from the Health Division at Town Hall
Annual Community Access (C.A.) sticker is required for use of the Compost Center, and is available 24/7 at
the Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Section 4.7 - Sanitary Sewer Connection Permit Program
The Sewer Use Regulations of the Town of Reading requires that all persons desiring
extensions and connections to, or an increase in the use of an existing connection to the sanitary
sewer system be subject to the requirements of the Sewer Connection Permit Program as stated
herein.
4.7.1 - Purpose and Authority
1. The use of all public sewers in the Town shall be controlled by the Department of
Public Works. No person shall, without prior authorization, uncover, excavate, block
access to, make any connection with or opening into, alter, or disturb the Town’s
wastewater or storm drainage systems. No person shall maliciously, willfully or
negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure,
appurtenance, or equipment which is part of the Town’s wastewater or storm drainage
systems.
2. The Sewer Use Regulations of the Town of Reading requires that all persons desiring
extensions and connections to, or an increase in the use of an existing connection to
the sanitary sewer system be subject to the requirements of the Sewer Connection
Permit Program as stated herein.
3. These regulations establish the program whereby sewer system
extensions, connections and increased usage are regulated and permitted by the
Director of Public Works pursuant to the Sewer Use Regulations of the Town. These
regulations are adopted to ensure proper operation of the sewer system within the
Town.
4. All private sewers and laterals that connect to the Town’s wastewater or storm
drainage system shall be constructed, installed, maintained, repaired and operated by
their owners, at the owner’s expense. Ownership of a private sewer and lateral shall
be from and including the connection at the Town’s sewer main to the building and/or
facility being serviced. All sewers that connect to the Town’s wastewater or storm
drainage system shall be constructed, installed, maintained, repaired, and operated to
the satisfaction of the Town.
5. New connections, disconnections and repairs to private sewers shall be made by a
Licensed Drain Layer. No person shall enter or perform any work on the Town’s
wastewater or storm drainage system without first obtaining the necessary permit(s)
from the Department of Public Works.
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6. Connection to the Town’s wastewater system and storm drainage system shall be
subject to the availability of capacity in the system, as determined by the Town.
Connections shall be made in compliance with all Town rules, regulations and
specifications and are also subject to any applicable State and Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority (MWRA) regulations, at the owner’s expense.
7. Inflow or infiltration is prohibited in the Town’s wastewater system and shall be at
the owner’s expense to remove or repair upon discovery.
4.7.2 - Definitions
As used in these regulations, the following words have the following meaning:
1. "Activity" shall mean modification to the sewer system including construction of
extensions and connections to the existing Town sewerage system and increased
discharge to existing connections.
2. "Director" shall mean the Director of Public Works of the Town of Reading, or his
authorized deputy, agent, or representative.
3. "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation,
or group.
4. “Infiltration” shall mean water that enters a sewer system from the ground through
means such as defective pipes, pipe joints, connections, or manholes. Infiltration
does not include, and is distinguished from, inflow.
5. “Inflow” shall mean water other than sanitary sewage that enters a sewer system
from sources such as sump pumps, roof leaders, cellar drains, yard drains, drains
from springs and swampy areas, manhole covers, cross connections between storm
sewers and sanitary sewers, catch basins, storm waters, surface runoff, street wash
waters, or drainage. Inflow does not include, and is distinguished from, infiltration.
64. "Public Sewer" shall mean a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have
equal rights, and is controlled by public authority, or sewer laid in any land or way,
public or private, open or proposed to be opened for public travel.
7.
5. "Sanitary Sewer" shall mean a sewer designed to convey sewage and to which storm,
surface and groundwater are not intentionally admitted or permitted.
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86.
6. "Sewage" shall mean a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business
building, institutions, and industrial establishments, together with such ground,
surface and storm waters as may be unintentionally present.
97. "Sewer" shall mean a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.
10. "Shall" is mandatory; "May" is permissive.
11. "Sewer connection" shall mean the sewer pipe and appurtenant works necessary to
connect a building or estate to a sewer system.
12. "Sewer extension" shall mean the addition to a sewer system of a sewer pipe,
together with appurtenant works, which when connected to the sewer system
becomes the property of, and is operated and maintained by the town.
13. "Wastewater" shall mean sewage, industrial waste, other wastes or any
combination of the three.
142. "Storm drain" shall mean street rainfall collection systems whether piped or open
trench.
4.7.3 - Activities Requiring A Sewer Connection Permit Program
1. No person shall construct, effect, modify, or use any sewer system extension
or connection, or increase usage to an existing public sewer connection, without a
currently valid permit from the Director unless exempted in Section 45.7.4. Any
person who proposes to construct, effect, modify or use a sewer system extension or
connection may obtain a permit by filing the appropriate form in accordance with
these regulations.
4.7.4 - Activities Exempt From Sewer Connection Permit Requirements
1. Activities on property not currently benefiting from a public sewer are exempt in
their entirety. Any such property later desiring benefit from a public sewer, by
whatever means available, shall become subject to the usual assessment for
betterment and shall also be subject to the requirements of the Sewer Connection
Permit Program described herein as it applies.
2. Activities on property benefiting from a public sewer and having been assessed a
betterment but not yet connected to the sewer system are exempt.
4.7.5 - Requirements of Sewer Connection Permit Program
1. A person, whose activity is not exempted, desiring connection to or an increase in
use of an existing connection to the sewer system shall be required to pay the Town a
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Sewer Connection fee the amount of which is determined as set forth in Section
45.7.5. 2. a).
2. The Sewer Connection Fee will be based on the Sewer Connection Fee rate times the
number of gallons per day (gpd) of sewage to be discharged into the sewerage
system. Such gallonage will be determined in accordance with Section 45.7.9,
“Calculation of Flows”.
3. 3. The Sewer Connection Fee rate is hereby established at a rate of $4
per gallon, and may be periodically reviewed and amended by the Select Board of
Selectmen. The sewer connection fee shall be multiplied by the estimated gallons
per day to be generated by each use as determined by the table in section 45.7.9, and
that sum shall be multiplied by 2 to accomplish the 2:1 Inflow/Infiltration removal as
required in this policy.
4.7.6 – Uses of the Sewer Connection Permit Fees
1. The Sewer Connection Fee will be expended by the Town to ensure the proper
operation of the sewage system including but not limited to the removal of excessive
infiltration and inflow, the reimbursement to private property owners for removal of
sump pump or other inflow sources from the sanitary sewer system, and to improve,
modify, or extend the Town storm drain system.
2. When the Sewer Connection Permit Fees are used to reimburse private property
owners for the cost of eliminating inflow into the sewer system, the Town will
reimburse subject to the following conditions:
a. Up to 100% of the cost of such work but not to exceed $1000.
b. An itemized bill marked paid by a person licensed to perform such work.
c. Submission of all permits and certificates that the work has been completed
and inspected by the Town
d. A statement signed by the property owner and filed with the registrar of
deeds that this work has been done and will be maintained in working order.
3. All charges levied or contributions received under this program shall be administered by the
Director of Public Works who shall advise the Town Manager and Select Board of Selectmen how
and when these sums should be expended.
4.7.7 - Application for a Permit
1. Duty to apply. Any person required to obtain a permit pursuant to Section 45.7.3
shall complete and submit the application form to the Department of Public
Workscontained in the appendix to this policy.
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2. Who must apply. Any person seeking extension to or connection with the Town
sewerage system and any person having an existing connection with and seeking an
increase in the rate of discharge prevailing upon adoption of this program.
Calculation of flows shall be in accordance with Section 45.7.5.2 of these
regulations.
3. Time to apply. Any person required to obtain a permit pursuant to Section 45.7.3
shall submit an application at least 60 days before the date on which the sewer
system extension or connection is to be constructed, or increase usage is to be
activated, unless permission for a later date has been granted by the Director.
Persons proposing a new discharge are encouraged to submit their applications well
in advance of the 60 day requirement to avoid delay. All extensions with flow of
more than 2000 gallons per day, or over 1200 feet in length require a Sewer
Extension Permit from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection,
Water Pollution Control Division and may trigger EPA review. Extensions or
connections requiring DEP action cannot be acted upon by the Reading Director of
Public Works until DEP review is final and acted upon.
4. Completeness. The Director shall not review a permit before receiving a complete
application. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans,
specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the
Director.
4.7.8 - Permit Conditions
1. General conditions. The conditions in Section 45.7.8 apply to every permit issued
under this program.
2. Special conditions. In addition to conditions applicable to all permits, the Director
shall establish special conditions, as required, on a case-by-case basis, to provide for
and assure compliance with all applicable requirements of the State and Federal Acts
and regulations adopted thereunder.
4.7.9 - Calculation of Flows
1. Unless a variance is authorized by the Director in writing, applicants applying for a
sewer extension, connection or increase in usage permit shall use the following
figures in calculating daily sewage flow in completing the application.
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SEWAGE FLOW ESTIMATES
Type of Establishment Gallons Per Day Per Person
Boarding Schools, Colleges 65
Nursing Home and Rest Home 100
School, without cafeteria, gymnasium or showers 10
School, with cafeteria, but not gymnasium or showers 15
School, with cafeteria, gymnasium or showers 20
Swimming Pool 10
Camp, resident--washroom and toilets 25
Camp, resident--mess hall. 10
Camp, day--washroom and toilets 10
Camp, day--mess hall 3
Camp Ground--showers and toilets-per site 75
Gymnasium--per spectator 3
Gymnasium--per participant 25
Theater, Auditorium 3
Public Park--toilet wastes only 5
Public Park--bathhouse, showers, and flush toilets 10
Factory or Industrial Plant, without cafeteria 15
Factory or Industrial Plant, with cafeteria 20
Work or Construction Camp 50
Single and multiple dwelling units-per bedroom – motels, hotels, boarding
houses..
110
Tennis club--per court 250
Bowling Alley--per alley 100
Country Club--dining room--per seat 10
Country Club--snack bar or lunch room-per seat 10
Country Club--locker and showers-per locker 20
Church--per seat 3
Church--vestry/kitchen-per person at capacity 5
Trailer, Dump station--per site or per trailer 50
Mobile Home Park--per site or .200
Office Building--per 1,000 sq. ft 75
Dry Goods Stores-per 100 sq. ft 5
Drive-in--per stall 5
Non-single family, Automatic Clothes washers per washing machine-
400
Hospital--per bed 200
Service Station, excluding thruway--per island 300
Skating Rink--3,000 gallons per day—plus 5 gallons per seat
300
Dog Rounds-Veterinary Clinics--per pen. 50
Restaurant, food service establishment, lounge, tavern 35
Restaurant, thruway service area 150
Restaurant, kitchen flow 15
Barber Shop/Beauty Salon per chair 100
4-21 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
2. Estimated sewage flow other than those listed should be considered in relation to
actual meter readings of established flows from known or similar installations.
Generally, estimated sewage flows will be based on 200 percent of average water
meter readings in order to assimilate maximum daily flows.
2.
3. For purpose of this section, a "bedroom" means any portion of a dwelling which is so
designed as to furnish the minimum isolation necessary for use as a sleeping area.
Such area shall not include kitchen, bathroom, dining room, halls, or unfinished
cellar; but shall include bedroom, den, study, sewing room, or sleeping loft.
3.
4. The Select Board of Selectmen reserves the right to add, delete, rescind, modify or
otherwise amend the requirements of this Sewer Connection Permit Program.
Section 4.8 - Water Meter Readings, Abatements and Credits
When receiving a complaint on a water meter reading:
1. The Department of Public Works verifies that the meter reading is correct.
2. If it is verified that the meter reading is correct, the Department advises the consumer
of to perform an internal leak review and outside use or leakage. If not verified and
the reading is found to be incorrect, the Department shall makes internal adjustments
to the water bill, and repair/replace the meter as required..
3. The Department of Public Works tests meter. If meter checks, Department notifies
consumer that policy as established on back of bill is operative or no adjustment will
be made. If the meter does not check, the Department makes internal adjustment.
Adopted 3-24-87, Revised 12-13-94
Section 4.9 - Water Conservation Program
4.9.1 - Stage 1 Water Conservation Restrictions
Stage 1 provides for mandatory water conservation, subject to penalties in accordance with law
for violation of these restrictions.
Water may be used for outdoor purposes only from 4:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M., and 5:00 P.M. to
8:00 P.M., Monday through Sunday, and only in accordance with the following schedule:
• Even numbered addresses: Outdoor use is permitted on even-numbered days of the month
only during the hours specified above.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Outdoor use is permitted on odd-numbered days of the month only
during the hours specified above.
There is no restriction on hand held devices.
In addition, the following regulation on filling swimming pools is mandatory: Swimming pools
shall be filled in accordance with the above schedule only, unless a waiver is granted by the Town
Manager.
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4.9.2 - Stage 2 Water Conservation Restrictions
Stage 2 provides for enhanced outdoor water restrictions when flows in the Ipswich River
are at a critical stage.
The Town will daily monitor total Reading water use from all sources, and will monitor the
Ipswich River stream flows at the USGS South Middleton guage.If the Town water use during the
May 1—October 31 period equals or exceeds those amounts in Table 1, and if the streamflow as
measured at the USGS South Middleton gage (#01101500) is at or below 18.7 cfs (0.42 cfsm) for
any three consecutive days during the 30 day period following the Trigger Dates in Table 1, then
the Town will implement the additional outdoor water use restrictions as noted in Table 2 below.
These restrictions will remain in place until October 31st or until streamflows are above the
threshold for seven consecutive days or the Town’s water use at the next trigger date is below the
Table 1 threshold volume. The Town will implement each additional water conservation measure as
indicated within 7 days of reaching the Reading water use/streamflow level.
Table 1
Trigger Dates and Reading Water Use Thresholds
Trigger Date
Total Reading water use
threshold
June 1 75 million gallons or more
July 1 158 million gallons or more
August 1 228 million gallons or more
September 1 290 million gallons or more
October 1 350 million gallons or more
Table 2
Required Town Actions Based on Streamflow and Reading Water Use
Additional
Conservation
restrictions
Town actions if streamflow is below threshold for 3 consecutive
days
First Town will reduce hours of allowed outdoor water use by four hours per
day from the existing Town of Reading Stage 1 mandatory restrictions.
Second Town will reduce hours of allowed outdoor water use by four hours per
day from the existing Town of Reading Stage 1 mandatory restrictions
and will require that only hand-held watering devices be used.
Third Town will implement its Stage 3 water restrictions (a ban on all outdoor
water use)
On or after the first trigger date (Table 1) at which Reading water use threshold is equaled
or exceeded, if the streamflow is below the threshold for three consecutive days, the Town will
implement the first level of additional conservation measures shown in Table 2. On the next
trigger date at which Reading water use volume is equaled or exceeded, and if an additional level of
conservation is still available , the next level of restrictions will be applied.
4-23 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
4.9.3 – Stage 3 Water Conservation Regulations
Stage 3 is provided for the eventuality that only enough water is available for essential
public health and safety purposes. In this event, no outdoor water use of any type is permitted.
Water use is restricted to domestic home use only for purposes including normal bathing, laundry,
and sanitary uses.
4.9.4 - Exemptions from Water Conservation Regulations
Notwithstanding the foregoing, irrigation of public parks and recreational fields by means of
automatic sprinklers equipped with moisture sensors or similar control technology may also be
permitted
Additionally, Town approved private automatic sprinkler systems equipped with water-
saving, weather-responsive controller switches will be allowed to continue irrigation operations.
Properties with these systems must display a sign approved by the Town indicating that they are
exempt.
4.9.5 – Delegation to Town Manager to implement Water Conservation Regulations in
advance of “triggers”
If, upon monitoring the weather, the Town’s water use, the South Middleton gauge, and
other factors, the Town Manager determines that the above restrictions should be put in place earlier
than required in order to try to avoid more stringent restrictions in the future, the Town Manager is
authorized to do so, and will notify the Board of Selectmen immediately of such action.
4.9.6 – Waivers from Water Conservation Regulations
The Town Manager may develop policies and procedures to grant waivers from these
restrictions as appropriate.
4.9.7 – Penalties for violating Water Conservation Regulations
Violation of these regulations is punishable by a fine of up to $300.00.
Adopted 4-25-89, 11/04, Revised 1-4-05, Revised 6-28-05.
Section 4.10 - Abatement of Sewer Charges for Filling of Swimming Pools
1. When a building, electrical or plumbing permit application is received to construct a
new swimming pool, and the owner of that property has not received a prior sewer
abatement, then an abatement for the sewer charge will be granted at the sewer rate in
effect at the time that the pool was initially constructed.
Adopted 8-2-94, Revised 12-13-94,
Section 4.11 - Second Water Meters
1. The Select Board of Selectmen hereby places a moratorium on the installation of any
second water meters for residential use.
Adopted 12-13-94, Revised 1-4-05
4-24 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
Section 4.12 -– Regulations For Reimbursement for Sewer Backflow Prevention
1. The Town of Reading is aware that residents may have experienced sewer backup into
their homes through no fault of their own, and through no fault of the Town. This type
of backup generally occurs in times of heavy rainfall. The Town recognizes that there
are methods that homeowners may take to prevent sewer back up in their home, and that
these measures are the responsibility of the property owner and take place on private
property. The Town also wishes to assist homeowners in protecting their own property
from such circumstances. There is hereby established a program of 50% reimbursement
for such back flowback-flow prevention systems, and these regulations implement that
policy.
2. 1. The Town will reimburse, on a one timeone-time only basis, 50% of the cost of a
sewer back flow prevention system for a one or two family dwelling up to a maximum
Town expenditure of $500 per dwelling.
3. 2. With limited funding, priority will be given to locations that have actually had a
sewer back up within the past 3 years.
4. 3. The property owner will select the method of sewer back flow prevention. The
Town will not recommend, or participate in the choice of system, and will not be
responsible for the system.
5. 4. The property owner will be solely responsible for the initial installation,
maintenance, operation and replacement of the back flowback-flow prevention system as
needed.
6. 5. The homeowner will be responsible for securing all building, plumbing, and other
permits required to perform the work, and will present proof of the permit and inspection
at the time that a request for reimbursement is made. The system must conform to the
requirements of Section 2.09 (4) (a-1) of the regulations of the Board of State Examiners
of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
7. 6. The property owner will sign a copy of these regulations acknowledging them, and
will pay for the cost of filing this statement with the Register of Deeds and submit a
receipted copy to the Department of Public Works for the Town’s files.
Adopted – 8-21-01, Revised 1/05
Section 4.13 - Street Opening Permit Policy
This policy establishes requirements for performing work within road rights-of-way
within the Town of Reading:
4.13.1 - Activities Requiring a Street Opening Permit
1. No person shall excavate any roadway in the Town of Reading for the purposes of
installing or repairing sewer, water, drainage, gas, telephone, cable television or other
4-25 Select Board of Selectmen Policies
utilities without first obtaining a Street Opening Permit from the Engineering Division of
the Department of Public Works.
2. In addition, any excavation within the road right-of-way for the installation or
replacement of driveway aprons, sidewalk or curb, or occupancy of the sidewalk or
street area will require the issuance of a Street Opening Permit.
4.13.2 - Permit Application Submission Requirements
1. Applications for Street Opening Permits must include the following information:
a. A current valid DIG SAFE number;
b. A satisfactory Certificate of Insurance naming the Town of Reading as an
additional insured;
c. A satisfactory Street Opening Bond in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars
($5,000.00) executed to the benefit of the Town of Reading; and
d. A sketch of the location and nature of the work to be done.
4.13.3 - Permit Issuance
1. Permits will be routinely issued between April 1 and November 15. Between November
15 and December 15, and between March 15 and April 1, a permit may be issued at the
discretion of the Engineering Division. Between December 15 and March 15, the
Director of Public Works may grant a permit under emergency conditions where no
other alternative exists.
4.13.4 - Street Opening Moratorium
1. Except in cases of emergency, as determined either by the Director of Public Works
or by special permission of the Select Board, no person shall break, dig up or
excavate any portion of a public way which has been resurfaced or reconstructed
within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of such request. Any such
request shall be submitted in writing to the Director of Public Works. The Select
Board may grant such permission only if a majority of the membership of the Board
determines, after a public hearing, that such excavation would serve the public good.
2. Where either the Director of Public Works or the Select Board grant such
permission, it shall require, as a condition of such permission, that the resurfacing of
such excavation shall be accomplished with one continuous surface extending
longitudinally at least ten (10) feet beyond the limits of the entire length of the
excavation parallel to the street line and extending in a transverse direction from curb
to curb, or in the absence of curbing, from gutter to gutter, with no breaks or cuts in
the surface.
3. Where more than one excavation is made in the same portion of the roadway, any
two or more excavations which are within thirty (30) feet of each other shall be
combined for resurfacing purposes; and, in such instance, the resurfacing shall
extend form curb to curb or, in the absence of curbing, from gutter to gutter, and for
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the entire linear distance necessary to include the resurfacing of all excavations at
that location.
4. All work done hereunder, must be performed to the satisfaction of the Director of
Public Works and in accordance with approved industry standards for roadway
excavation, backfill, base material, compaction, final grading and pavement
installation.
5. For the purposes of this section, the term “Emergency” shall be defined as a sudden,
generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate
action.
6. This section is intended to regulate the resurfacing of certain roadways, and nothing
contained herein shall be interpreted as requiring the placement of any utility lines,
pipes, conduits or the like in a precise location under the surface of any such
roadway.
4.13.54 - Permit Compliance
1. The applicant must comply with the Street Opening Permit Requirements and
Roadway Construction and Repair Standards or Driveway Design Requirements as
established by the Department of Public Works.
4.13.6 - Driveway Rules and Regulations
The Department of Public Works may issue permits for motor vehicles access and exits onto
public ways and / or across sidewalks as specified in the Town General By-Law Article 8, Section
8.1.7, if request complies with the following requirements:
1. No access shall be allowed at the end of a roadway (except a cu-de-sac)
2. A single car driveway shall not exceed 12 feet in width.
3. A double car driveway shall not exceed 24 feet in width.
4. A single direction parking lot entry shall not exceed 15 feet in width.
5. A dual direction parking lot access shall not exceed 30 feet in width.
6. Two access ways may be allowed on any single lot if the distance between the access points
shall be at least 125’ unless specific indicated needs to contrary are demonstrated.
7. The minimum distance between a dual direction parking lot access and any other driveway
or entry on the same lot shall be 50’.
8. Any access to a public way or across any sidewalk shall conform to the typical cross-section
of driveway apron (copy attached).
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9. No permit shall be issued for the purpose of parking vehicles on sidewalks, tree lawn areas
or roadway shoulders.
10. No access to a public way or across any sidewalk shall conflict with Town shade trees, nor
existing or proposed utilities (hydrants, catch basins, headwalls, etc.).
11. Any access shall comply with all applicable traffic engineering and safety requirements and
standards (sight distance, alignment, etc.).
12. Driveways should be located to the best advantage with regard to the road alignment profile,
sight distance conditions, and features.
13. The standards call for not more than two driveways for any one property. Additional
driveways should not be allowed unless there is a clear necessity for them. No circular
drives are allowed, unless there is a minimum frontage of 150 feet.
14. If there are a number of commercial establishments to be constructed, then a service road
shall be constructed by the applicant to connect with the exit and entrance allowed under the
standards.
15. The standard, for commercial drives, on roads having a design speed or 85th percentile speed
of 30 M.P.H. or less may have two 45° drives with a minimum radius of 30 feet and a
minimum square width of 20 feet. If the major use of the drives is for trucks, the width may
be increased to a maximum of 24 feet.
16. In the case of short frontage, where it would be impossible to construct two 45° drives and a
driving island, or were warranted by other site conditions, a single 90° driveway, 24 feet
wide, measured at the point of tangency to the drive, and two 30-foot radii may be used.
17. Residential driveways will consist of a single 90° drive with a maximum property line width
of 24 feet.
18. Wherever possible, drives are to be set back 50 feet or more from street corners, measured
between the nearest edge of the driveway and the cross-road edge of pavement.
19. Proposed driveways must conform to the typical cross section requirements for the roadway
width being entered whether the sidewalks exist or not.
20. At locations where sidewalks and curbing exist, curb corners of like material shall be
installed with a minimum a 2-foot radius.
21. The grade of a driveway may not exceed 10% plus or minus for a distance of at least 20 feet
from the property line into the lot.
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22. Driveways with excessive width and length may require drainage, if the surface runoff will
create a hazardous condition of the roadway surface.
23. All proposed driveways or modifications to existing driveways must be submitted for
approval to the Department of Public Works. The sketch shall indicate all trees, hydrants,
poles, etc., as well as the gutter grade, property line grade, and proposed grades in sufficient
detail to insure compliance with the above requirements. The sketch shall also provide a
2-inch by 4-inch area on the plan dedicated for Town comments and/or approval.
24. Any driveways for a commercial or industrial use will require approval from the Select
Board.
25. Any driveway within the State jurisdiction require approval from MassDOT and the Town
of Reading.
26. The applicant may appeal to the Select Board in cases of dispute concerning said permit
issuance.
4.13.5 - Permit Fees
A fee of $25.00 will be charged for Street Opening Permits related to driveways,
sidewalk, curb and street occupancy. A fee of $50.00 will be charged for
Street Opening Permits related to utility construction or reconstruction.
Section 4.14 - Rules and Regulations Relating to Parks, Playgrounds and
Recreation Areas
The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading hereby adopts the following
Rules and Regulations governing conduct in Public Parks, including the
enforcement of the Rules and Regulations and penalties for their violation:
This policy shall be known and may be cited as the "Reading Park Rules and
Regulations."
4.14.1 Definitions.
For the purposes of this policy, the following terms, phrases, words, and their
derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the
context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural
number include the singular number, and words in the singular number include
the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely
directory.
Commented [CC2]: Former Section 4.13.5 - Permit Fees, was
removed from the SB policies in its entirety, as DPW plans on
revisiting the Board at a later date to review and approve the entire
fee structure for all functions of the Public Works Department as a
whole.
Commented [CC3]: Former Section 4.14 has been temporarily
moved to Section 4.97 of the SB policies until it can be formally
moved to Section 5 (Community Services) of the SB policies. Note
that Rule 5 in former Section 4.14.3 was removed from this Section
in its entirety and was incorporated into new Section 4.14.6 – Public
Shade Tree Policy.
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1. “Amplified sound” is defined as voice, music or any sound extended
above and beyond its normal range by an electronic device or
secondary means such as a radio, megaphone or non-electric
equipment
2. "Town" is the Town of Reading.
3. "Park" is a park, reservation, playground, recreation center, field,
playing court, pool, or any other area in the Town owned and/or used
by the Town and devoted to active or passive recreation.
4. "Person" is any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company, or organization of any kind.
5. "Vehicle" is any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered,
animal-drawn, or self-propelled. The term shall include any trailer in
tow of any size, kind or description. Exception is made for baby
carriages, bicycles, wheel chairs, and vehicles in the service of the
Town parks.
4.14.2 - General Regulations
1. Facilities under the jurisdiction of the Reading Recreation Committee
are for use by Reading residents only unless specifically authorized, in
writing by the Recreation Committee or their designee, to the contrary.
2. Industries and businesses using recreation facilities must be located
within the Town of Reading unless specifically authorized, in writing
by the Recreation Committee or their designee, to the contrary.
3. Other than business and industrial groups, all groups using outdoor
facilities must be made up of Reading residents only, except as
specified by the Recreation Committee.
4. No person or business may use any public field, tennis court,
basketball court or playing area to derive compensation with out the
consent from the Recreation Committee or their designee.
5. All Parks and Playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Recreation
Committee shall open at 8:00 a.m. However, no sport or team shall
begin any activities before noon on Sundays. An exception may be
granted one time per year per organization by the Recreation
Committee.
6. All Parks and Playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Recreation
Committee shall close at sunset except for the lighted facilities which
shall close at 10:00 p.m. However, a game in progress on a lighted
facility will be allowed to finish, with no inning, period, or game of
tennis starting after 10:00 p.m. No game or match on a lighted facility
will be started after 9:00 p.m. A scheduled game in progress will be
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allowed to be completed past the closing time, and the park must be
vacated within ten minutes of the completion of the game. The Board
of Selectmen may, from time to time, establish other specific closing
hours.
7. Hockey playing is permitted in a public skating area in that section of
the public skating area designated by sign for that purpose only.
8. Reservations for outdoor facilities must be requested at the Recreation
Division office. Permits for authorized use will be issued by the
Recreation Committee or its designee.
9. User fees for outdoor facilities will be charged as listed in current fee
schedules. Fees must generally be paid before permits will be issued.
10. The Recreation Committee will rule on situations not specifically
covered in the
policy, and the Recreation Committee may amend the policy at any
time.
4.14.3 - Rules
RULE 1. No person shall damage or break or cause to be broken any
windows, doors or other appurtenances of any buildings or structures on any
public park, playground or recreation area, or mark upon deface or disfigure any
such buildings appurtenances or structure.
RULE 2. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation
area in the Town of Reading throw any stone or other missile; or have possession
of or discharge any destructive weapon, bow and arrow, firearm, firecracker,
torpedo or fireworks; or make a fire; or post, paint, affix or display any sign,
notice, placard or advertising device; or engage in business, sell or expose for sale,
or give away any goods, wares or circulars; or drop or place and leave in place any
piece of paper or other refuse, except in the receptacles designated; except with the
written authority of the Recreation Committee or their designee and/or other permit
granting authority.
RULE 3. No person shall, on any public park, playground, recreation or
other area under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Committee in the Town of
Reading, solicit the acquaintance of or annoy another person or utter any profane,
threatening abusive or indecent language or loud outcry; or solicit any subscription
or contribution; or have possession of, or drink any alcoholic beverages as defined
by Chapter 138, Section 1, of the General Laws; or play any game of chance, or
have possession of any instrument of gambling; or make an oration or harangue or
any political or other canvass; or preach or pray aloud; or do any obscene or
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indecent act; except by written authority from the Recreation Committee or their
designee.
RULE 4. Amplified Sound - Users of public property and abutting
residents should have an expectation of quiet enjoyment of the Town’s public
parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas. This rule recognizes
that these properties are the site of some activities which inherently create levels of
noise due to customary and usual uses such as fans cheering, referee and coach’s
whistles, and bands playing during football games. There is also recognition that
as a community the public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space
areas are the site of occasional community events which use amplified sound such
as school field days, community fairs, and fireworks displays, etc.
The use of amplified sound in public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open
space areas is not permitted without a permit to be granted by the Recreation
Committee or other agency which has jurisdiction over said public property.
When permitted, the use of amplified sound shall be controlled by the permit holder
such that the volume, direction, and duration of the sound is the minimum needed
to meet the purpose of the use of the sound, and which will minimize the impact of
the sound on other users of the park, playground, or other public property and its
abutters. Unreasonable sound shall be sound plainly audible at a distance of 100
feet from its source by a person of normal hearing.
The intent of this rule is to allow, with a permit from the Recreation Committee or
other agency which has jurisdiction over said public property, reasonable and
occasional playing of music or use of amplified sound while considering location,
time, duration and frequency such as an annual fair, or once a year all-star sports
games. The use of amplified sound is not intended to be a routine for recurring
events such as play by play announcements for sporting events and other repeated
use of music and amplified sound. The permitting authority should consider the
frequency of amplified permits per park or recreation site and afford significant
consideration to the neighbors abutting the permitted areas as regards to their
inconvenience created by said permit.
When a permit is granted, a copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Board of
Selectmen at least 3 days before the event at which the music or amplified sound is
to be used. Additionally, all permitted dates of amplified sound will be posted in a
conspicuous place on the Town’s website as well as available by contacting the
Recreation Division or head of any other agency having jurisdiction over the public
property for which a permit has been granted.
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Any variance from this rule will require the permitted applicant to petition the
Board of Selectmen for such variance at which time a public hearing will be held
on the matter.
RULE 5. TREES, SHRUBBERY, LAWNS
1. Injury and Removal. No person shall, in any public park, damage, cut,
carve, transplant or remove any tree or plant or injure the bark, or pick
the flowers or seeds, of any tree or plant. Nor shall any person attach
any rope, wire, or other contrivance to any tree or plant. A person
shall not dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas, or in any other way
injure or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any area.
2. Climbing Trees, etc. No person shall, in any public park, climb any
tree, or wall; or stand or sit upon monuments, vases, fountains,
railings or fences or upon any other property not designated or
customarily used for such purposes.
3. Hitching of Animals. No person shall, on any public park, tie or hitch
a horse or other animal to any tree or plant.
RULE 6. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation
area in the Town of Reading, bathe except in proper costume and at places
designated therefor; nor shall any person loiter or run about or lie upon the areas
around pools in bathing costume in a manner deemed inappropriate by community
standards.
RULE 7. No person in any public park, playground or recreation area in
the Town of Reading shall refuse or neglect to obey any reasonable direction of a
police officer.
RULE 8. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation
area in the Town of Reading promote, or engage in any game of ball or other sport;
except within the areas especially provided therefor, or by written authority of the
Recreation Committee or their designee. No person shall use or exhibit golf clubs
in any public park, playground, or recreation area.
RULE 9. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation
area in the Town of Reading, undress or dress put on or take off a bathing suit,
except in buildings designated for such use for the purpose of undressing or
dressing or putting on or taking off a bathing suit.
RULE 10. No person shall operate, drive, or ride an animal, vehicle or
motor vehicle upon or over any part of a playground recreation area or any public
park in the Town of Reading except where specifically allowed.
RULE 11. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation
area in the Town of Reading stop, stand or park any automobile or other vehicle
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except in such manner and in such areas as may be designated by signs or by a
police officer.
RULE 12. No person shall permit a dog under their control to enter upon
an artificial turf field or within any fenced area that includes any artificial turf
field within the Town of Reading. Artificial turf fields include: the RMHS stadium,
Collins Field at Parker Middle School, and the so called Lacrosse field also known
as the practice field at RMHS.
4.14.4 - Enforcement
These regulations shall be enforced by the Reading Police Department who
shall cause the immediate termination of any activity that violates these rules and
regulations. Violators may be subject to fine, arrest or summons.
Compliance with these rules and regulations as established by the Recreation
Committee is a condition for the use of all facilities.
4.14.5 - Penalty
Any person violating any of the above rules shall for each offense be
punished by a fine of not more than twenty dollars, as provided in General Laws,
Chapter 45, Section 24.
Adopted: 10-8-91, Revised 12-13-94-; revised 1-14-03; revised 2-7-06, revised 11-
25-08 , revised 2-28-12
Section 4.14 – Public Shade Tree Policy
The Town of Reading manages a comprehensive program for maintaining and protecting all
Town owned public shade trees, which is overseen by the Town’s Tree Warden through the
Department of Public Works. This policy outlines the rules and regulations of the
Department of Public Works governing the maintenance and protection of all Public shade
trees within the Town of Reading. Residents are encouraged to review this policy so as to
not violate the rules and regulations included within this section.
4.14.1 – Definitions
1. “Tree Warden,” or their designee, is defined as the sole individual within the Town of
Reading responsible for making decisions regarding the planting, maintenance, and
protection of all Town Public shade trees.
2. “Public Shade tree” is defined per M.G.L. ch.87 §1 as, “All trees within a public way or on
the boundaries thereof including trees planted in accordance with the provisions of (M.G.L.
ch.87) section 7 shall be public shade trees; and when it appears in any proceeding in which
the ownership of or rights in a tree are material to the issue, that, from length of time or
otherwise, the boundaries of the highway cannot be made certain by records or monuments,
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and that for that reason it is doubtful whether the tree is within the highway, it shall be taken
to be within the highway and to be public property until the contrary is shown.” This
definition shall also include any tree located on municipally owned property, including but
not limited to cemeteries, parks, and schools.
3. “D.B.H.” defined as diameter at breast height or the height at which a tree’s diameter is
measured. This height shall be 4.5 feet above the ground.
4. “R.O.W.” defined as Right of Way, are the limits of land owned and under jurisdiction of
the Town of Reading.
5. “Trenching” is defined as any linear sub-surface excavation, including but not limited to,
utility lines, foundations, roads, sidewalks, or irrigation.
4.14.2 – Tree Hearings
1. If a property owner sees the need to remove a Public Shade tree, that individual should send
a formal written request to the Tree Warden.
2. No individual other than the Tree Warden or his designee shall be permitted to trim or
remove Public Shade trees on Town property without written permission from the Tree
Warden.
3. Any part of a tree, when measured at breast height, growing within the Town’s R.O.W.,
shall be considered a Public Shade tree.
4. Trees in all Town owned parks, shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Tree Warden.
5. Unless planted by the Town or private contractor, any Public Shade tree under 3-inch caliper
will not require a tree hearing but will require permission from the Tree Warden or their
designee.
6. The owner of the property requesting the tree hearing, shall be responsible for all costs
associated with the tree hearing.
7. If the tree is considered to be a hazard by the Tree Warden, the Town will remove the tree
and grind the stump in its entirety, with the full cost of removal being borne by the Town.
8. If the tree is not considered to be a hazard by the Tree Warden, the Tree Warden shall make
such denial at the Tree Hearing. The property owner requesting the Tree Hearing may
appeal any denial to the Select Board. If the Select Board, at a public meeting, determines
that said tree shall be removed, the full cost of removal shall be borne by the property owner
requesting the removal, including but not limited to police details and restitution for the tree
being removed.
9. Restitution for the tree depends on the species of the tree, and shall be determined by the
Tree Warden. As an example, a 30-inch D.B.H. sugar maple tree would have an equivalent
cost value of (15) 2-inch caliper trees at a cost of $300.00 per tree. All restitution shall be
deposited in the Town of Reading’s Tree Fund account for future tree plantings within the
Town.
4.14.3 – New Tree Plantings
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1. Tree planting within the Town’s “tree lawn” shall be the first choice for plantings. The Tree
Warden, or his designee, will determine the best location for tree planting. Examples of
issues considered by the Tree Warden in determining best location include sight line,
proximity to driveways, and proximity to powerlines (certain tree height planting restrictions
may exist). In some cases, tree plantings in the “tree lawn” may not be suitable. Under
M.G.L. ch.87 §7, with written permission from the owner of the property, the Town can
plant a tree on private property within (20) feet of the R.O.W.
2. Planting on Town property shall not be allowed without the permission of the Tree Warden.
Any unauthorized tree planting on Town property shall be subject to removal by the Tree
Warden.
3. The planting of trees on Town property, or within a sub-division, by a contractor, shall
follow the Tree Warden’s planting standards. The Tree Warden shall mark out the locations
and determine species of tree to be planted.
4.14.4 – Penalties for Injuring Town Shade Trees
1. Per M.G.L. ch.87 §11 - Injury to trees of another person: “Whoever willfully, maliciously or
wantonly cuts, destroys or injures a tree, shrub or growth which is not his own, standing for
any useful purpose, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six months or by a
fine of not more than five hundred dollars.”
2. Girdling, drilling, debarking, or the application of herbicides to a Town tree shall warrant a
$500 penalty, or the cost to replace the tree, depending on the physical damage done, as
determined by the Tree Warden.
3. Unauthorized trimming of a Town tree shall warrant up to a $500 penalty per tree,
dependent upon damage performed, as determined by the Tree Warden.
4. Unauthorized removal of a Town tree by a property owner shall warrant a penalty of
D.B.H. x $300 / 2.
5. Unauthorized removal of a Town tree by a Contractor: 1st offense $1,000; 2nd offense
$2,500; 3rd offense $5,000 and the Contractor shall be banned from performing any tree
work within the Town of Reading for a period of up to 5 years.
4.14.5 – Construction Activities and Tree Protection
1. No activity shall be permitted which will compromise the root system of a Town tree.
Construction activities around Town trees must proceed with extreme caution, and shall
receive prior approval from the Tree Warden. Tree roots exist in the top layer of soil and are
very susceptible to injury. Damage to the root system is the number one killer of trees. Any
activity under a tree is a potential root killer and is therefore strictly prohibited, including the
storage of equipment or materials as well as minor vehicle and foot traffic. Injury to roots
within the critical root area is capable of slowly killing healthy trees.
2. Any Town tree within a construction area, as determined by the Tree Warden, shall have
fencing erected around the critical root area before construction begins and shall be kept
intact until final inspection by the Tree Warden. The temporary fencing should be at least
three feet high, clearly visible and supported by steel T-bar or similar stakes. Protecting
groups of trees instead of individual trees is the preferred method when possible. In
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protecting a group of trees, protective fencing shall be installed outside the critical root area
of all trees in the group. Warning signs shall be prominently displayed on the fencing
alerting individuals to the protected area. If the Tree Warden determines that there is any
damage to any Town trees caused by construction activity, penalties shall be assessed as
described in §4.14.4 of these regulations.
3. Anyone performing trenching operations must take care to protect the critical root area of
the tree from any trenching activity. This area can extend up to (11) feet horizontally from
the trunk of the tree. Protecting the critical root area is very important, and its size is
predicted using the trunk diameter measurement. Also, no trenching machinery shall be
allowed within the critical root area. If approved by the Tree Warden, utility lines may be
placed under the roots by digging a tunnel using a soil auger. Tunneling within the critical
root area shall be performed at a minimum depth of (2) feet in an attempt to avoid most
roots. If the utility is located directly under the trunk, tunneling shall be performed at a
minimum depth of (3) feet. Another option is to dig a trench that leaves the root system
intact. This can be performed with a pneumatic air excavator. Another option is careful
hand digging below the roots from the side for short distances. Trenching shall be avoided in
hot, dry, or windy conditions. Protect exposed roots by immediately wrapping with wet
burlap and keeping moist. Do not leave the trench exposed for very long (1 hour is best),
and quickly replace the soil and soak with water to pack. If a root is severely damaged it
heals quicker if a clean cut is made above the damage. Cut with a reciprocating saw or small
pruning saw.
4. Every attempt should be made to avoid changing the grades (raising or lowering the level of
the existing soil) within the root zone of any Town tree. Retaining walls may be required
for large cuts and fills in order to maintain the original grade around the tree. Filling around
a tree can damage root systems primarily by cutting off the oxygen and water supply.
Changing grades around a tree could alter the water table and in affect could change how
water drains around the tree. Whether changing grades around a Town tree or not, no
machinery or vehicles of any kind shall not be permitted within the critical root area of a
tree, as this will compact the soil. Any change in grade within the root zone of a tree shall
require prior approval from the Tree Warden.
4.14.6 – Tree, Shrubbery, and Lawn Protection in Public Park Areas
1. No person shall, in any public park, damage, cut, carve, transplant, or remove any tree or
plant or injure the bark, or prick the flowers or seeds, of any tree or plant. Nor shall any
person attach any rope, wire, or other contrivance to any tree or plant. A person shall not
dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas, or in any other way injure or impair the natural
beauty or usefulness of any area.
2. No person shall, in any public park, climb any tree, or wall; or stand or sit upon monuments,
vases, fountains, railings, or fences or upon any other property not designated or customarily
used for such purposes.
3. No person shall, on any public park, tie or hitch a horse or other animal to any tree or plant.
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4.14.7 – Special Conditions Regarding Town Shade Trees and Building Department Permits
1. Before obtaining a building permit, the applicant shall receive prior approval from the Tree
Warden, including all necessary signatures, regarding any Public Trees within the Town’s
Right of Way.
2. No signage of any kind shall be affixed to a Public Shade Tree for any reason.
Section 4.15 – Addressing Standards and Regulations
The purpose of these regulations is to standardize addressing regulations and to implement a
Master Address Table (MAT), which lists all known and properly assigned addresses for all parcels,
buildings and structures within the Town of Reading.
4.15.1 Authority
1. These regulations are authorized under Reading’s General Bylaw Section 8.5.2.1:
“8.5 Public Works
8.5.2 Street Numbering
8.5.2.1 Establishment of Numbering System
The Select Board shall establish a system for the numbering of any building
on or near the line of public or private ways and shall prescribe by suitable
rules and regulations the method in which such numbering shall be done.”
4.15.2 Administration
1. The Town Engineer is the sole agent of the Town of Reading authorized to assign and
modify addresses for all taxable and non-taxable properties.
2. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain an up-to-date digital Master Address Table (MAT)
using addresses assigned by the Town Engineer.
4.15.3 Requirements
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1. In residential districts, all principal buildings and in business and other districts, all stores,
industrial, commercial and other principal buildings or significant structures shall be
required to have a valid address conforming to these regulations, which shall be included
in the Town of Reading Master Address Table (MAT).
2. For projects that require new or modified addresses for buildings, roads, or other
structures, addresses shall be assigned by the Town Engineer upon application for a
building permit.
3. No one may be granted any permit or license within the Town unless the property,
building or structure has a valid address, which is included in the MAT.
4. All addresses shall conform to the Addressing Standards included in this Section.
4.15.4 Procedure
1. Existing Property
a. If an existing property, building or structure is not included in the MAT, then the
owner or applicant shall petition the Town Engineer, to determine if an existing
address is valid and/or formatted properly.
b. The Town Engineer shall determine, based upon the addressing standards approved
by the Select Board the valid address and it then shall be added to the MAT and that
address will then be eligible for permitting and/or licensure.
c. If the Town Engineer determines that the existing address is not valid, then the
Town Engineer shall assign a valid address to the parcel, building or structure,
according to these regulations.
2. New or Re-Developed Property
a. For a new or re-developed property, building or structure, the Town Engineer, shall
upon approval of the project by the Planning Board or ZBA, assign a valid address
for each proposed parcel, building or structure. The applicant shall submit all
necessary information, including but not limited to site plans, subdivision plans,
proposed building location plans, floor layout plans for multiple unit buildings etc.,
to the Town Engineer for use in determining addresses according to these
regulations.
b. Once an address for a new or re-developed property, building or structure has been
assigned by the Town Engineer, the applicant or owner shall update the proposed
final plans and/or drawings to clearly show the address or addresses assigned,
including road name(s) if applicable.
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c. A hard copy and electronic ACAD format of the final approved plans showing
assigned addresses shall be forwarded to the Town Engineer for approval. Upon
approval by the Town Engineer, the final plans will be integrated into the Town of
Reading's GIS system, according to Town of Reading's GIS Plan Integration Policy.
The GIS Coordinator will make any necessary updates to the MAT and notify all
caretakers, of databases containing addresses, of the new address and/or road
assignments, upon notification from the Town Engineer.
3. Tax Map Identification
a. Upon approval of new or re-developed property or re-subdivision of existing
properties, the GIS Coordinator shall assign temporary parcel identification
numbers, after consulting the Assessor for the Town of Reading, as necessary. A
temporary parcel identification number, associated to an address, will be updated,
once a permanent parcel identification number has been assigned to the address by
the Assessor for the Town of Reading.
4. Notification
a. Once an address is assigned or modified, the Town Engineer will notify the GIS
Coordinator, Town Departments, the Towns 9-1-1 Operations Manager, The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 911 system, Public Utilities and the US Postal
Service.
4.15.5 Master Address Table (MAT)
1. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain and incorporate all known existing and newly
assigned addresses into a comprehensive Master Address Table.
2. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain and update the MAT in a digital format. Updates to
the MAT will be distributed to the caretakers of all address related databases, with the
latest information to ensure that all permits and licenses are uniformly addressed, and,
therefore, may be readily located.
3. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain an Address Point layer in the Town’s GIS containing
a point for every address in the MAT.
4. The GIS Coordinator shall coordinate with the Towns 9-1-1 Operations Manager, or their
designee, to ensure that the statewide E911 system is as up to date as is practical.
5. The Towns 9-1-1 Operations Manager, or his/her designee, shall notify the GIS
Coordinator and/or provide a copy to the GIS Coordinator of any correspondence with the
State E911 regarding Reading addresses.
4.15.6 Road Naming System
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1. All roads that provide legal access to a structure shall be named regardless of whether the
ownership is public or private. All road names shall be as approved or assigned by the
Town.
2. For purposes relative to addressing standards a “road” refers to any public highway, road,
street, avenue or lane; all private ways; and any private access roadways or driveways
servicing multiple buildings or structures when it is determined to be in the public interest
when considering emergency response.
3. A road name assigned or approved by the municipality for the purposes of addressing
standards shall not constitute or imply acceptance of the road as a public way.
4. The naming of roads where no legal road or right-of-way exists shall be avoided to the
extent practical. In general naming of driveways or access roads shall be reserved for
complex campus style developments which have one or more distinct roads which are
significantly separated from the adjacent road network. The use of vanity road names for
convenience or marketing is strictly prohibited.
5. Roads within large multi-structure complexes (e.g. business campus, multi-unit apartment
complex) should be named and each structure individually addressed.
6. The following criteria shall govern the naming system.
a. All road names shall be approved by the Town Engineer. The Town
Engineer shall consult with the Towns 9-1-1 Dispatch Manager prior to acceptance
of any road name.
b. No two roads shall be given the same name (e.g. Pine Rd and Pine Ln).
c. No two roads shall have similar sounding names (e.g. Beech Ln and Peach Ln,
Beach Ave and Beech Ave, Main St and Maine St, or Apple Hill Rd and Apple Rd).
d. Each road shall have the same name throughout its entire length.
e. Road names shall not use words that are also street suffixes such as Circle or Terrace
(e.g. Terrace Park would not be allowed since Terrace is a common street suffix).
f. Each road should have one - and only one - correct name. A named road should be
essentially continuous, without gaps. Road names should only change when there is
a substantial intersection, or at municipal boundaries.
g. Special characters, such as hyphens, apostrophes, periods, or decimals are prohibited
in road names.
4.15.7 Numbering System
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1. The following criteria, as determined by the Town Engineer, shall govern the address
numbering system:
2. For new roads, numbers shall be assigned every thirty-five (35) feet along both sides of
the centerline of the road beginning at the right of way line of the intersecting roadway.
No allowances are to be made for entering or intersecting streets, parks, cemeteries, or
other areas.
3. For the downtown business district or other high density nonresidential areas, numbers
shall be assigned every 12 (twelve) feet along both sides of the centerline of the road
beginning at the right of way line of the intersecting roadway. No allowances are to be
made for entering or intersecting streets, parks, cemeteries, or other areas.
4. On all roadways the numbering shall run in consecutive order, with even numbers
appearing on the left side of the road and odd numbers appearing on the right side of the
road, as the numbers ascend.
5. The numbering should originate from the roadway with the highest traffic volume or the
intersection which is located closest to the “Center of Town” as determined by the Town
Engineer. For dead end roads, numbering shall terminate at the dead end.
6. The number assigned to each structure shall be that of the numbered interval falling
closest to the front door or the driveway of said structure if the front door cannot be seen
from the main road
7. Addresses should be assigned to each habitable or substantial structure. Addresses
should not be assigned to structures that are simply accessory to another building or
insubstantial in nature. For example, a detached garage for a single-family residence
does not need an address, but a commercial parking garage should have an address.
8. Where a single building, (or multiple buildings on one lot,) has multiple exterior
entrances, for separate tenant spaces or separate residential units, a separate address
number shall be assigned to each such exterior door. If the multiple entrances do not
face the street or if there are not enough address numbers available, then the assigned
number shall be that of the numbered interval falling closest to the driveway of the said
structure(s). Where the driveway is used for the assignment of an address, then the
structure(s) shall be assigned a secondary location indicator in accordance with 4.15.7.12
through 4.15.7.14.
9. Where a single building has multiple doors leading to a shared hallway or lobby, only
one address shall be assigned to the main exterior entrance. Each tenant space or
individual residential unit shall be distinguished by a unit, suite, or apartment number
conforming to sections 4.15.7.12 through 4.15.7.14.
10. Structures with more than one principle use or occupancy shall have a separate unit
number for each use or occupancy, i.e. duplexes will have two separate numbers;
apartments will have one road number with an apartment number, such as 235 Maple
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Rd. Apt 2. If a second structure on a single lot has been designated as an “Accessory
Apartment”, then that structure will be given the address of the main structure, but with
the added secondary location indicator of “Apartment A”.
11. The following types of addresses are prohibited: fractional addresses (34½ Ash St);
alphanumeric address numbers (123A Main St); or hyphenated address numbers 941-656
Bell St).
12. Multi-level apartments should be assigned a primary road address, with numbers (not
letters) and a secondary location indicator consisting of four (4) digits, e.g., 111 Main St
Apt 1001. The first digit shall indicate the floor location and the remaining three (3) digits
shall indicate the apartment number, e.g. Apt 3003 is the third apartment on the third floor.
13. Condominiums shall be addressed as though they were apartments with the exception that
“Unit” shall be substituted in place of the “Apt” designation.
14. Office suites should be assigned numbers with a primary road address, followed by a
numbered (not lettered) secondary location indicator, e.g., 325 Memorial Dr. Suite 3012.
Suite numbers should be assigned to indicate the floor location as indicated in 4.15.7.12.
15. Corner lots shall be assigned a number according to where the front door faces the road.
16. Vacant lots shall be given “0” as the address until a site plan has been approved and/or an
application for a building permit is received, e.g. 0 Main St.
4.15.8 Addressing Standards
1. Subject to the approval of the Town Engineer the following are the accepted
components of new or existing addresses in the Town of Reading. All displayed
street signs shall be compliant per MUTCD specifications.
a. Street number – (300 EAST STREET) The street number should be an integer
value.
b. Prefix direction – (7 S STONEMILL DRIVE) Acceptable street direction standard
abbreviations are: N, S, E, W, NE, SE, NW, and SW.
c. Street name – (269 COMMON STREET) Streets should be referred to by their
official name.
d. Street Suffix – (28 BERKELEY ROAD) Street suffixes shall be spelled out in their
entirety; abbreviated suffixes shall not be permitted.
e. Suffix qualifier – (150 MILTON STREET REAR) Suffix qualifiers will be added
after street types only in special cases for additional clarification when no other
alternative exists.
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f. Secondary unit designator – (400 HIGH STREET UNIT 3001) Secondary unit
designators are used to designate apartments, suites, and condominium units which
share the same street number address. Acceptable secondary unit designations
include: UNIT, APT, BLDG, and SUITE.
2. MGL 148, Section 59 requires that every building in the Commonwealth, including, but
not limited to, dwellings, apartment buildings, condominiums, and business
establishments shall have affixed thereto a number representing the address of such
building.
3. The size of the numbers for dwellings and building structures should be large enough so
it may be clearly viewed from the roadway in either direction. These numbers should be
no less than 4” in height. In the case of a house or building offset from the street and
either out of sight from the roadway or a good distance from the access roadway, the
numbers should be permanently affixed to either a post or other fixed structure so the
assigned address can be easily located from either direction, thusly indicating that a
particular number is assigned to that particular building, structure, or dwelling. These
numbers should be numerical for ease of viewing and not in script.
Section 4.15 - Use, Operation and Maintenance of the Common
The Select Board of Selectmen recognizes that the Town Common in Reading is a focal
point for the community, and a symbol of the very essence of the Town. It is the Select
Board’s of Selectmen's intent to preserve and enhance the Common at every opportunity.
Recognizing that by Charter the Town Manager has authority over the use, operation and
maintenance of the Common, the Board directs the Town Manager to evaluate any
changes to the Common in light of the "Guidelines for Evaluating Changes to the
Common" submitted by the Reading Historical Commission in May, 1990 and revised
January, 1991, as these guidelines included in the Appendix may by changed from time
to time; and that any major changes to the Common should be evaluated in terms of this
document.
Further, the Select Board of Selectmen asks that the Town Manager and/or appropriate
staff meet periodically with the Historical Commission with regard to issues related to
the Common.
Adopted 10-20-92, Revised 12-13-94,
4.16 Policy Establishing Aquifer Protection District Infiltration System Design
Guidelines
Commented [CC4]: Former Section 4.15 has been temporarily
moved to Section 4.98 of the SB policies until it can be formally
moved to Section 5 (Community Services) of the SB policies.
Commented [CC5]: Former Section 4.16 has been deleted from
the SB Policies in its entirety, as the contents of this Section are only
engineer design guidelines for the Aquifer Protection District Zoning
Bylaw, and should not be classified as a policy. They will still be
retained by Town staff for reference.
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The Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Reading establishes an Aquifer Protection District and
establishes standards whereby infiltration systems must be installed. The bylaw is silent on the
design guidelines for such systems, and the exact situation in which a system must be installed.
These design guidelines provide details to assist property owners, Town staff, and designers in
implementing these required infiltration systems.
4.16.1 - New Construction
Impervious area allowed by right 15 percent
Additional impervious area allowed if infiltration is provided 5 percent
Total impervious area allowed 20 percent
Example: A homeowner wants to build a house (or an addition if the existing house has less
than 15 percent impervious cover) that would result in 18 percent impervious cover. A building
permit would be issued if an infiltration system were provided that infiltrated an impervious area
equivalent to 3 percent of the total lot area.
Any impervious area in excess of 20 percent requires a variance from the Zoning Board of
Appeals.
4.16.2 - Pre-Existing Non-Conforming lots having more than 15% and less than 20%
impervious cover.
Any proposed addition to impervious area that does not exceed 20 percent requires full
compliance with the aquifer protection district requirements. That means that any impervious area
between 15 and 20 percent must be infiltrated, including existing impervious area.
Example: A homeowner wants to put an addition on a house that would increase the
impervious cover from 17 percent to 19 percent. A building permit would be issued if an
infiltration system were provided that infiltrated an impervious area equivalent to 4 percent of the
total lot area.
Any proposed impervious area in excess of 20 percent requires a variance from the Zoning
Board of Appeals.
4.16.3 - Pre-Existing Non-Conforming Structures in Excess of 20% impervious cover
The Building Inspector may permit additions to pre-existing non-conforming structures as
long as the total impervious area is not increased and an infiltration system is provided to improve
existing conditions.
The goal of providing an infiltration system is to bring the lot into compliance with the
aquifer protection district requirements if possible. In designing an infiltration system, the engineer
should determine the feasibility of providing full infiltration (i.e., reducing the effective impervious
area to 15 percent) given the site constraints such as lot size, depth to groundwater, and suitability
of soils. The adequacy of the infiltration system will be reviewed on a case by case basis. If full
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infiltration is not proposed, the engineer shall submit justification for a reduced level of infiltration
in the application to the Town.
Example: A homeowner wants to put on an addition where the existing impervious cover is
22 percent. By removing an existing garage and a portion of the driveway, they are able to maintain
the total impervious cover at 22 percent. A building permit would be issued for this lot if an
infiltration system were provided that improves the existing condition (with the goal being to reduce
the effective impervious area to 15 percent, i.e., infiltrate an impervious area equivalent to 7 percent
of the lot area).
Any increase in impervious area over existing conditions requires a variance from the
Zoning Board of Appeals.
4.16.4 - Infiltration System Design
Please note: Section 4.8.3 of the Zoning By-law states that impervious surfaces shall include
all roofs, driveways, parking areas, roadways and walkways, regardless of the proposed surface
material. This means that replacing a paved driveway with gravel or crushed stone does not reduce
the calculated impervious area. Decks that are constructed with open joints between the
floorboards, and are not impervious underneath do not have to be included in the impervious
calculation.
The following are the Town of Reading guidelines for the design of infiltration systems.
1. It is preferable to infiltrate roof runoff wherever possible.
2. If other impervious areas (such as driveways) are proposed to be infiltrated, some type of
pre-treatment device should be used (e.g., deep sump catch basin).
3. A licensed soil evaluator must conduct soil tests and a report from the evaluator must be
submitted with the design. The soil tests must show the seasonal high groundwater table,
depth to bedrock, soil texture, and the percolation rate of the soil. The Town reserves the
right to observe the soil tests and must be notified at least 48 hours in advance of the test.
4. Infiltration systems should maintain at least a two-foot separation between the bottom of the
system and seasonal high groundwater or bedrock.
5. Systems should be designed using TR-55 or TR-20 and should be sized to infiltrate at least a
2-year, 24 Hour Type III rainfall event (3.1 inches). Other methods may be acceptable if
approved by the Town Engineer. An overflow mechanism should be provided to release
larger storm flows.
6. The infiltration rate of the soil should be taken into consideration in the design to minimize
the size of the system.
7. Three copies of the design report must be submitted to the Building Inspector for review and
approval prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
4.17 Custodian of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Graves
Pursuant to Chapter 279 of the Acts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1996, the
term of the Custodian of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Graves, also known as the Veterans'
Commented [CC6]: Former Section 4.17 has been temporarily
moved to Section 4.99 of the SB policies until it can be formally
moved to Section 5 (Community Services) of the SB policies.
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Graves Officer, is hereby established as a three (3) year term to begin on July 1st and
expire June 30th of the appropriate year.
Adopted 6-10-97
Section 4.168 - Appeals
1. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Director of Public Works or that person’s
designee made pursuant to this Article 4 may appeal that decision to the Select Board.
2. Such an appeal shall be filed by submitting a written request for an appeal to the Select
Board and a copy of such a written request to the Director of Public Works no later than
seven (7) days after the aggrieved person receives notification of the decision. The
written request shall state with particularity all asserted bases for the appeal.
3. The Select Board shall hear and consider appeals at a public meeting. The Select Board
may decline to consider any appeal for which a written request was not timely filed or
that otherwise fails to conform to the requirements of this Section.
All decisions by the Select Board shall be final and shall not be subject to further review
or appeal, unless otherwise specifically provided for by law. Where authority to hold
hearings and consider appeals on issues addressed within this Article is delegated, the
decision of the Director of Public Works may be appealed by the utility company or an
abutter within seven (7) days of the date of the decision.
4. Such appeal shall be made to the Town Manager. Appeal of the decision of the
Town Manager on such an issue may be taken to the Board of Selectmen within 14 days
of the Manager's decision.
The decision of the Director of Public Works, and of the Town Manager when an appeal at
Town Manager level is involved, will be transmitted to the Board of Selectmen at least monthly.
Adopted 1-4-05
Section 4.17 – Traffic Signage or Mechanisms Prohibited
1. All traffic signage and mechanisms shall follow MUTCD guidelines. Any traffic
signage or mechanism which is not expressly recommended by the MUTCD or in the
opinion of the Chief of Police and/or Public Works Director, shall either not perform
as intended or would have the potential to impair public safety, including but not
limited to animal crossings, blind driveways, or dead-end roads, shall in general be
prohibited from within the Town of Reading.
Section 4.18 - Consideration of Multi-way Stop Intersections
1. This policy establishes the process for consideration by the Select Board of Selectmen
of multi-way stop intersections in the Town of Reading. This process shall be used
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whether by citizen request, staff request, or on the initiative of the Select Board of
Selectmen.
2. To consider multi-way stop regulations to improve the safety of intersections, there are
(2) possible scenarios, both being contingent upon an engineering study of the
intersection:
a. The proposed regulation location meets state the standards and warrants as
outlined in the Federal Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices and, to the
extent applicable, the Massachusetts Amendments to the Manual for Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (collectively (MUTCD) for multi-way stops,. oOr:
b. The proposed location does not meet the above state the standards and warrants
as outlined in the MUTCD, and an engineering study is needed.
3. Upon a request for a multi-way stop, the Town Engineer in conjunction with other staff,
including a designee from the Police Department, will determine whether the location
meets the standards and warrants for a multi-way stop under the state and MUTCD,
based on an engineering study (item 1 above).
4. If the locationit does meet the standards for a multi-way stop under the state and
MUTCD, the Town Engineer will forward to the Select Board of Selectmen a memo
outlining which standards and/or warrants have been satisfied, and the Select Board of
Selectmen may then schedule a hearing on the establishment of the multi-way stop
regulation.
1. If the location does not meet the standards and warrants for a multi-way stop under the
state and MUTCD, the Town Engineer shall forward to the Select Board of Selectmen
a memo outlining that fact. , and the Board of Selectmen at a public meeting, shall
determine whether it wishes to move forward with an engineering study to determine
the relevant facts with regard to the intersection and whether based on the engineering
study the Board of Selectmen would consider the imposition of multi-way stop
regulations.
5.
6. The Engineering study shall, at a minimum include data and information on:
a. Number and severity of reported accidents;
b. Speed study;
c. Traffic Counts including turning movements;
d. Adverse roadway geometry;
e. Sight distances based on speed limit (and actual speeds);
f. Volumes of pedestrian traffic;
g. Whether the location is on the “Suggested Routes to School”within a School
zone;
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h. Traffic operational characteristics of the intersection; and
i. Other data relevant to the location.
Following an engineering study the following issues may determine the applicability of
a multi-way stop:
The need to control left turn conflicts;
The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near intersections with high
pedestrian volumes;
Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and
is not able to safely negotiate the intersection unless cross traffic is required
to stop; and
an intersection of two residential neighborhood collector streets of similar
design where multi-way stops would improve traffic operational
characteristics of the intersection
7. The Town Engineer shall forward a copy of the engineering study to the Select Board
of Selectmen along with an analysis of whether the use of traffic calming devices such
as speed tablespossible remediation techniques, or other actions such as removing
vision obstructions, which would address the issues identified in the engineering study.
8. The Select Board shall consider the following issues to determine the merit of a multi-
way stop:
a. The need to control left turn conflicts;
b. The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near intersections with high
pedestrian volumes;
c. Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and
is not able to safely negotiate the intersection unless cross traffic is required
to stop.
d. An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector streets of similar
design where multi-way stops would improve traffic operational
characteristics of the intersection.
9. If the Select Board of Selectmen feels that, after receiving the above material the multi-
way stop has merit, then the Select Board of Selectmen will schedule a hearing on the
establishment of the multi-way stop regulation at that location.
Adopted April 15, 2008
Section 4.97 - Rules and Regulations Relating to Parks, Playgrounds and
Recreation Areas
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The Select Board of the Town of Reading hereby adopts the following Rules and
Regulations governing conduct in Public Parks, including the enforcement of the Rules and
Regulations and penalties for their violation:
This policy shall be known and may be cited as the "Reading Park Rules and Regulations."
4.97.1 Definitions.
For the purposes of this policy, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations
shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the
present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words
in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not
merely directory.
1. “Amplified sound” is defined as voice, music or any sound extended above and
beyond its normal range by an electronic device or secondary means such as a radio,
megaphone or non-electric equipment
2. "Town" is the Town of Reading.
3. "Park" is a park, reservation, playground, recreation center, field, playing court, pool,
or any other area in the Town owned and/or used by the Town and devoted to active
or passive recreation.
4. "Person" is any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or
organization of any kind.
5. "Vehicle" is any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered, animal-drawn, or
self-propelled. The term shall include any trailer in tow of any size, kind or
description. Exception is made for baby carriages, bicycles, wheel chairs, and
vehicles in the service of the Town parks.
4.97.2 - General Regulations
1. Facilities under the jurisdiction of the Reading Recreation Committee are for use by
Reading residents only unless specifically authorized, in writing by the Recreation
Committee or their designee, to the contrary.
2. Industries and businesses using recreation facilities must be located within the Town
of Reading unless specifically authorized, in writing by the Recreation Committee or
their designee, to the contrary.
3. Other than business and industrial groups, all groups using outdoor facilities must be
made up of Reading residents only, except as specified by the Recreation
Committee.
4. No person or business may use any public field, tennis court, basketball court or
playing area to derive compensation with out the consent from the Recreation
Committee or their designee.
5. All Parks and Playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Committee shall
open at 8:00 a.m. However, no sport or team shall begin any activities before noon
on Sundays. An exception may be granted one time per year per organization by the
Recreation Committee.
6. All Parks and Playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Committee shall
close at sunset except for the lighted facilities which shall close at 10:00 p.m.
However, a game in progress on a lighted facility will be allowed to finish, with no
inning, period, or game of tennis starting after 10:00 p.m. No game or match on a
lighted facility will be started after 9:00 p.m. A scheduled game in progress will be
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allowed to be completed past the closing time, and the park must be vacated within
ten minutes of the completion of the game. The Board of Selectmen may, from time
to time, establish other specific closing hours.
7. Hockey playing is permitted in a public skating area in that section of the public
skating area designated by sign for that purpose only.
8. Reservations for outdoor facilities must be requested at the Recreation Division
office. Permits for authorized use will be issued by the Recreation Committee or its
designee.
9. User fees for outdoor facilities will be charged as listed in current fee schedules.
Fees must generally be paid before permits will be issued.
10. The Recreation Committee will rule on situations not specifically covered in the
policy, and the Recreation Committee may amend the policy at any time.
4.97.3 - Rules
RULE 1. No person shall damage or break or cause to be broken any windows, doors
or other appurtenances of any buildings or structures on any public park, playground or recreation
area, or mark upon deface or disfigure any such buildings appurtenances or structure.
RULE 2. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading throw any stone or other missile; or have possession of or discharge any
destructive weapon, bow and arrow, firearm, firecracker, torpedo or fireworks; or make a fire; or
post, paint, affix or display any sign, notice, placard or advertising device; or engage in business,
sell or expose for sale, or give away any goods, wares or circulars; or drop or place and leave in
place any piece of paper or other refuse, except in the receptacles designated; except with the
written authority of the Recreation Committee or their designee and/or other permit granting
authority.
RULE 3. No person shall, on any public park, playground, recreation or other area under the
jurisdiction of the Recreation Committee in the Town of Reading, solicit the acquaintance of or
annoy another person or utter any profane, threatening abusive or indecent language or loud outcry;
or solicit any subscription or contribution; or have possession of, or drink any alcoholic beverages
as defined by Chapter 138, Section 1, of the General Laws; or play any game of chance, or have
possession of any instrument of gambling; or make an oration or harangue or any political or other
canvass; or preach or pray aloud; or do any obscene or indecent act; except by written authority
from the Recreation Committee or their designee.
RULE 4. Amplified Sound - Users of public property and abutting residents should
have an expectation of quiet enjoyment of the Town’s public parks, playgrounds, recreation and
other open space areas. This rule recognizes that these properties are the site of some activities
which inherently create levels of noise due to customary and usual uses such as fans cheering,
referee and coach’s whistles, and bands playing during football games. There is also recognition
that as a community the public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas are the
site of occasional community events which use amplified sound such as school field days,
community fairs, and fireworks displays, etc.
The use of amplified sound in public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas is
not permitted without a permit to be granted by the Recreation Committee or other agency which
has jurisdiction over said public property.
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When permitted, the use of amplified sound shall be controlled by the permit holder such that the
volume, direction, and duration of the sound is the minimum needed to meet the purpose of the use
of the sound, and which will minimize the impact of the sound on other users of the park,
playground, or other public property and its abutters. Unreasonable sound shall be sound plainly
audible at a distance of 100 feet from its source by a person of normal hearing.
The intent of this rule is to allow, with a permit from the Recreation Committee or other agency
which has jurisdiction over said public property, reasonable and occasional playing of music or use
of amplified sound while considering location, time, duration and frequency such as an annual fair,
or once a year all-star sports games. The use of amplified sound is not intended to be a routine for
recurring events such as play by play announcements for sporting events and other repeated use of
music and amplified sound. The permitting authority should consider the frequency of amplified
permits per park or recreation site and afford significant consideration to the neighbors abutting the
permitted areas as regards to their inconvenience created by said permit.
When a permit is granted, a copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Select Board at least 3
days before the event at which the music or amplified sound is to be used. Additionally, all
permitted dates of amplified sound will be posted in a conspicuous place on the Town’s website as
well as available by contacting the Recreation Division or head of any other agency having
jurisdiction over the public property for which a permit has been granted.
Any variance from this rule will require the permitted applicant to petition the Select Board for such
variance at which time a public hearing will be held on the matter.
RULE 5. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading, bathe except in proper costume and at places designated therefor; nor shall any
person loiter or run about or lie upon the areas around pools in bathing costume in a manner deemed
inappropriate by community standards.
RULE 6. No person in any public park, playground or recreation area in the Town of
Reading shall refuse or neglect to obey any reasonable direction of a police officer.
RULE 7. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading promote, or engage in any game of ball or other sport; except within the areas
especially provided therefor, or by written authority of the Recreation Committee or their designee.
No person shall use or exhibit golf clubs in any public park, playground, or recreation area.
RULE 8. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading, undress or dress put on or take off a bathing suit, except in buildings designated
for such use for the purpose of undressing or dressing or putting on or taking off a bathing suit.
RULE 9. No person shall operate, drive, or ride an animal, vehicle or motor vehicle
upon or over any part of a playground recreation area or any public park in the Town of Reading
except where specifically allowed.
RULE 10. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading stop, stand or park any automobile or other vehicle except in such manner and in
such areas as may be designated by signs or by a police officer.
RULE 11. No person shall permit a dog under their control to enter upon an artificial
turf field or within any fenced area that includes any artificial turf field within the Town of Reading.
Artificial turf fields include: the RMHS stadium, Collins Field at Parker Middle School, and the so
called Lacrosse field also known as the practice field at RMHS.
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4.97.4 - Enforcement
These regulations shall be enforced by the Reading Police Department who shall cause the
immediate termination of any activity that violates these rules and regulations. Violators may be
subject to fine, arrest or summons.
Compliance with these rules and regulations as established by the Recreation Committee is a
condition for the use of all facilities.
4.97.5 - Penalty
Any person violating any of the above rules shall for each offense be punished by a fine of
not more than twenty dollars, as provided in General Laws, Chapter 45, Section 24.
Adopted: 10-8-91, Revised 12-13-94-; revised 1-14-03; revised 2-7-06, revised 11-25-08 , revised 2-28-12
Section 4.98 - Use, Operation and Maintenance of the Common
1. The Select Board recognizes that the Town Common in Reading is a focal point for the
community, and a symbol of the very essence of the Town. It is the Select Board’s
intent to preserve and enhance the Common at every opportunity.
2. Recognizing that by Charter the Town Manager has authority over the use, operation and
maintenance of the Common, the Board directs the Town Manager to evaluate any
changes to the Common in light of the "Guidelines for Evaluating Changes to the
Common" submitted by the Reading Historical Commission in May, 1990 and revised
January, 1991, as these guidelines included in the Appendix may by changed from time
to time; and that any major changes to the Common should be evaluated in terms of this
document.
3. Further, the Select Board asks that the Town Manager and/or appropriate staff meet
periodically with the Historical Commission with regard to issues related to the
Common.
Adopted 10-20-92, Revised 12-13-94
Section 4.99 - Custodian of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Graves
1. Pursuant to Chapter 279 of the Acts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1996, the
term of the Custodian of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Graves, also known as the Veterans'
Graves Officer, is hereby established as a three (3) year term to begin on July 1st and
expire June 30th of the appropriate year.
Adopted 6-10-97
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ARTICLE 4 - POLICIES RELATED TO PUBLIC WORKS
Section 4.1 - Delegating the Hearing and Approval Process for Municipal
Consent to Construct or Alter Utility Lines
1. Chapter 166, Section 22 of the Massachusetts General Laws requires that the Select
Board provide for a public hearing on petitions to construct or alter utility lines in the
Town of Reading.
2. The Select Board hereby delegate to the Director of Public Works the responsibility for
holding public hearings as required by Chapter 166, Section 22, and for granting or
denying any such petitions for line location or alteration.
Adopted 11-3-86, Revised 12-31-94, Revised 1-4-05
Section 4.2 - Acceptance of Private Ways and Establishment of Betterments
Therefore
4.2.1 - Purpose
1. The Town has developed this policy for the acceptance of Private Ways as Public Ways.
This is done for several reasons. Two of the more important reasons are:
a. Roads built by Developers may be accepted before they begin to deteriorate, and
b. Full Town services may be legally granted on roads that have been previously
private ways.
4.2.2 - Process
1. The Select Board will consider, based on petitions of residents owning property on a
private way, based on staff recommendations or based on the Board's own initiative, the
acceptance of private ways under the Betterment Act. The process will be:
a. Consideration at a public meeting of the Select Board, and decision as to whether
to go forward with the process.
b. Upon a determination to go forward with consideration, the Board will refer the
matter to the Director of Public Works with direction to hold a public hearing in
accordance with the Betterment Act within 3 months.
c. The Director of Public Works will hold a public hearing in which all abutters
present will be given a copy of the estimated costs of construction of the street and
any other improvements considered, and the estimated costs of construction of the
projects. In addition, a copy of this material will be sent to all abutters not present
at the hearing. A breakdown will be supplied at the same time of the individual
lot frontages, and the costs of the improvements to each property owner based on
front footage. Final assessments are based on actual costs but cannot in any event
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exceed the estimated assessment. The final assessments may be less than the
estimate.
d. At the public hearing, which may be continued by the Director to a date certain,
an opinion questionnaire will be distributed to all abutters with return request
within 10 days of the end of the hearing. The questionnaire will also be mailed to
all abutters not present. Based on the testimony at the hearing(s), the Director of
Public Works will provide input and make a recommendation to the Select Board
regarding the acceptance and improvement of the private way. The input will
include minutes of the hearings, a copy of materials presented at the hearings, and
a recommendation as to whether and in what manner acceptance and improvement
take place. This input and recommendation will be made within 30 days of the
completion of the last date of the hearing.
e. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Director, the Town Manager will
set a date for the review and action by the Select Board on the Director's report.
All abutters will be notified at least 2 weeks before the date of this review and the
recommendation. The notice will include a summary of the Director's
recommendation.
f. The Select Board will decide at a public meeting whether they recommend
acceptance to the Town. If the decision is to recommend acceptance, the Select
Board will support a Warrant Article before the next Annual Town Meeting
requesting an appropriation of funds for the construction.
g. Costs of construction are borne 100% by the abutting property owners on a pro
rata per front foot basis. Under the provisions of the Betterment Act, the
assessment may be apportioned over a period not exceeding twenty years, with
annual payments of not less than five dollars, with interest at a rate determined by
the Select Board annually on the unpaid balance. These apportioned payments
appear annually on the real estate tax bill.
h. Corner lots are subject to a corner lot exemption which is computed by a formula
adopted by the Select Board and which is detailed in Section 4.2.3 below.
i. Street construction is generally completed the same calendar year that the street
acceptance is voted at the Annual Town Meeting.
4.2.3 - Method of Assessing
1. The usual method of assessing street betterments will be as follows:
a. For each particular street, the calculated cost per linear foot of frontage shall be
arrived at by dividing the total cost of construction by the calculated abutting
frontage. The calculated abutting frontage shall be arrived at by deducting from
the total abutting frontage the abated frontage as described herein.
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b. All lots, except corner lots, shall be assessed at the rate of the derived unit cost
described in Section 1. A corner lot, to qualify for exemptions, must be a lot
having one side located on an accepted street (Public Way).
c. When street construction improvements are made at different times, corner lots
shall be assessed at the rate of the total derived unit cost per linear foot of
abutting frontage on the first side constructed, and at a rate of one-quarter the
derived unit cost per linear foot for each foot of abutting frontage on the second
side constructed or as otherwise determined by the Board.
d. When all street construction improvements are made simultaneously, corner lots
shall be assessed at the rate of the total derived unit cost per linear foot of
abutting frontage on the longest side or sides constructed, and at a rate of one-
quarter the derived unit cost per linear foot for each foot of abutting frontage on
the shortest side constructed or as otherwise determined by the Board.
e. A corner lot shall be defined as a lot having two or more sides on one or more
streets, having an interior angle of 45 degrees or more between two of the sides,
or at the tangents thereof; and a total abutting street frontage on two or more
sides of 160 feet or more, and the frontage to be assessed shall be derived by
adding one-half the length of arc or curve at the intersection of the two streets to
either side of the frontage assessed, or as otherwise defined by the Board.
f. A corner lot, in order to be assessed as above, shall not be divisible into two or
more lots under the applicable Town Zoning Regulation unless, in the judgment
of the Board, the land is unsuitable for division into two more lots. When a
corner lot is devisable into two or more lots, the Board shall apportion the
abatement at its discretion.
Adopted 1-12-87, Revised 12-13-94, Revised 1-4-05
Section 4.3 - House or Building Moving
1. No house or building shall be moved within the Town of Reading without prior
approval of the Director of Public Works. It is the intent of the Select Board that:
a. All costs associated with such a move be borne by the benefiting party;
b. The Town be held harmless from any event arising out of such a move through
the posting of appropriate performance bonds and/or insurance certificates;
c. Adequate public notice regarding all of the aspects of the move be given to all
affected parties along the route of the move.
Adopted 9-28-87, Revised 12-13-94
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Section 4.4 - Street Lighting
1. The Select Board , acting through the Town Manager or his designee, shall determine
the placement, frequency and size of all public street and public parking lot lighting.
2. The Town Manager or his designee shall review the street lighting scheme with the
Reading Municipal Light Department and the Police Department, and advise the Select
Board annually on the quantity and illumination level required. The RMLD will
advise the Select Board on the estimated lighting budget required to provide such
lighting.
4.4.1 - Placement; General
1. Lights shall be placed at curves, intersections and heavily traveled areas and at locations
of severe topographical changes. Lights will also be considered at locations of high
incidences of accidents, and at locations of high pedestrian activity. Lights will be
considered at public parking lots, recreation areas, etc. on the basis of identified public
safety needs.
2. The frequency of lighting fixtures on straight runs of street length shall be at every third
pole and shall be on alternate sides of the road where possible.
3. The type of street, considering width, traffic, zoning and background may affect
frequency and size.
4. In all cases, the Reading Municipal Light Department shall make the final decision
within plus or minus 25 feet on the specified physical location subject to field
installation conditions.
4.4.2 - Petition(s)
1. Requests for new or added lights in an already lighted area shall be made to the Director
of Public Works or their designee for action. The Director of Public Works or their
designee shall consult with the Police Department and/or other Town staff, and shall
have thirty (30) working days to respond to the petitioner. A petitioner not satisfied
with the Public Works Director’s decision may appeal to the full Select Board.
4.4.3 - Subdivision Lighting
1. The Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works shall review the lighting
scheme in review of subdivision plans in accordance with this policy. The Director of
Public Works will then advise the Developer and Community Planning and
Development Commission of lighting standard locations.
2. The Town of Reading will not be responsible for subdivision lighting costs until at least
50% of the proposed lots within 300 feet of a planned street light are built and are
occupied.
Adopted 6-25-91, Revised 12-13-94
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Section 4.5 - Installation, Construction and Reconstruction of Curbs and
Sidewalks
1. This policy has been developed in order to provide guidance to future Select Boards in
their role as Highway Commissioners, and to provide direction to the Community
Planning and Development Commission and the Department of Public Works. Any
variance from this policy will require the specific action of the Select Board.
2. As the Town has grown, there has developed a disparate pattern of curbing and
sidewalks throughout the Town. While recognizing and wanting to preserve the
character of different areas of the Town, it is also in the Town's interest to develop and
adhere to certain standards of the type of improvements installed either through private
initiative or through public action.
4.5.1 - Curbing
1. Curbing that is installed in all areas of Town shall conform to the following:
a. At all intersections, vertical granite curbing will be installed, meeting all
requirements as specified in the Subdivision Regulations of the Town and as
specified in applicable State and/or Federal law at the time;
2. Along rural roads in locations where vertical granite curbing is unnecessary or where it
is inconsistent with the character of the roadway, bituminous “cape cod berm” type of
curbing will be permitted;
a. Where a new development takes place along a rural road, vertical granite curbing
will be used within the new development streets, as specified in the Subdivision
Regulations, and along the existing rural road for the entirety of its frontage;
b. In all other locations, and including "infill" locations along existing streets,
vertical granite curbing shall be used;
c. The CPDC may, as part of an application for Scenic Road approval and with the
recommendation of the Select Board, approve an alternative form of curbing.
d. All curbing shall conform to Town of Reading design standards.
4.5.2 - Sidewalks
1. It is the intent of the Select Board that, over time, all areas of Reading will have
sidewalks on at least one side of every street, and that on busier streets, sidewalks shall
be provided on both sides of the street as follows:
a. In areas that have intermittent sidewalks, sidewalks shall be installed of a type
(either cement concrete or bituminous) that is predominant in the area;
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b. In other areas of the community where there is no predominant type of sidewalk,
bituminous sidewalk will be permitted;
c. Where sidewalks are repaired or replaced, they will be repaired or replaced with
the same type as previously existed, unless the previously existing sidewalk is
not of the type that predominates in the area;
d. As new areas of the community develop and the issue arises as to the need for
sidewalks within a development, the Select Board urges the Community Planning
and Development Commission to evaluate the need for sidewalks on both sides
of the proposed street(s). In instances where the CPDC feels that the roadway is
not a major one, that the road is not subject to further extension, and that the
public interest is served by having sidewalks on only one side of the street, the
Select Board urges the CPDC to require the developer to extend an amount of
sidewalk equal to that being waived, in a location to be determined by the Town
Manager.
e. All sidewalks shall conform to Town of Reading design standards.
4.5.3 - Tree Lawns
1. In most areas of the community, there is a tree lawn, or grassed area, consisting of a strip
of planted material that exists between the curb or curb line and the sidewalk area or
edge of the Town’s right-of-way. The tree lawn is to be preserved as such, and is not to
be used as a parking area or widened sidewalk unless specifically approved by the Select
Board. Tree lawns, if applicable, also allow for snow storage as a method of
maintaining regulatory sidewalk widths during the winter months, when a sidewalk
exists at that location.
2. Under no circumstances shall a private property owner install underground irrigation
equipment within a tree lawn area. The Town of Reading shall not be held responsible
for any irrigation equipment that gets damaged when located within a tree lawn.
Adopted 3-30-93; Revised 12-13-94, August 26, 2008
Section 4.6 – Solid Waste Recycling, Collection and Disposal Rules
4.6.1 – Purpose
1. The Town of Reading manages a comprehensive program for recycling, rubbish
collection, and disposal of residential solid waste consistent with state and federal law
and regulations. This rule applies to the recycling, collection and disposal from single-
family detached residences, two and three-family attached residences, and condominium
complexes in the Town. This rule does not apply to stores, businesses, rooming or
boarding houses, apartment houses of more than 3 residences, manufacturing facilities ,
professional buildings or other commercial enterprises.
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2. The Town’s solid waste and recycling program includes:
recyclable materials
household rubbish
yard waste
scrap metals
paper shredding
bulk waste
appliances
hazardous waste
electronics
4.6.2 – Definitions
1. Appliances are defined as including but are not limited to refrigerators, stoves, washers,
dryers, heaters, dishwashers, air conditioners, de-humidifiers, hot water heaters, over the
stove microwaves, or other items as determined by the Director of Public Works.
2. Bulk waste items are defined as any item that is not considered as household rubbish; is
not hazardous waste; is not recyclable; is an item of such size or weight that the item
cannot be readily handled by one person or exceeding (60) pounds; or any item that
includes the following:
a. Auto parts such as generators, starters, air cleaners, auto seats, wheel rims,
small pieces of body metal, etc.
b. Items such as sofas, chairs, recliners, arm chairs, mattresses, box springs,
tables, desks, bookcases, lawn mowers (fluids drained), gas grill (tank
removed), carpeting (maximum of 5 rolled sections cut into 3-foot lengths),
swing sets (dismantled with concrete footings removed), bicycles, or other
items as determined by the Director of Public Works.
3. Construction debris is defined as asphalt, brick, concrete, metal, earth, stones, tree
trunks, wood over 3 feet in length and greater that 60 lb in weight, and like materials as
defined by the Director of Public Works.
4. TV’s are defined as televisions which include LCD/LED/plasma televisions/flat screen
computer monitors, and CRT’s are defined as all other televisions and computer
monitors.
5. Electronics are defined as anything containing an electrical power cord, but not
otherwise defined as a TV, CRT, or Bulk Waste item. Examples of electronics include
computer hardwares, microwave ovens, toaster ovens, coffee makers, and other like
items as determined by the Director of Public Works.
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6. Hazardous waste is defined as gasoline, motor oil, explosives, compressed gases,
explosive chemicals, corrosive chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights
(CFL’s), tires, automotive and household batteries, and other hazardous materials as
defined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the federal
Environmental Protection Agency and other materials that the Director of Public Works
may from time to time deem hazardous.
7. Household rubbish is defined as household refuse; cold ashes; ceramics; light bulbs;
plate glass; non-pressure treated wood tied in bundles less than 3 feet in length (limit of
2); and shall not weigh more than a combined 60 lb.; and garbage, except as defined
within or prohibited elsewhere in these rules, or as determined by the Director of Public
Works.
8. Recyclable materials shall be defined as any item deemed acceptable for curbside
recycling pickup as determined by the website RecycleSmartMa.org
9. Yard Waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, branches, brush, Christmas trees,
wreaths and similar holiday decorations, and other yard waste as defined by the Director
of Public Works.
4.6.3– Collection Schedule
Recyclable materials, household rubbish and bulk waste items that are eligible for curbside
collection will be collected in accordance with a schedule to be published and posted electronically
and available at the Public Works office.
1. Items will be collected when set curbside in approved containers by 6:30 A.M. on
regular collection days. Collection personnel are prohibited from entering onto or
trespassing on any private property during collection. If recyclable items, household
rubbish, leaf bags, and bulk waste items are not placed curbside by 6:30 A.M. on regular
collection days, and the collector has already driven by the residence, the recyclable
items, household rubbish, leaf bags, and bulk waste items will not be picked up that
week and the resident will be responsible for removing the recyclable items, household
rubbish, leaf bags, and bulk waste items from the curbside no later than the end of that
day.
2. If there is no recycling at the curbside weekly, then rubbish will not be collected that
week from the property.
3. No collection will be made on days that the following legal holidays are celebrated: New
Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and
Christmas Day. Collections will be one day late during the balance of the week in which
the holiday falls. If a holiday falls on a weekday, the fifth day of collection will be
Saturday. (As an example, if a holiday falls on Monday, Monday’s collection will be
made on Tuesday, etc.)
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4.6.4– Approved Rubbish Containers
1. Household rubbish must be placed in an approved container. Approved containers are:
1.5-mil thickness plastic bags of 30-gallon capacity; or
30 gallon or 45-gallon capacity non-metal barrels with handles. Residents using
barrels are cautioned that subzero temperatures and icing may result in the steel
hopper of the truck damaging the barrels.
2. Other types of barrels or other unapproved containers will be treated as a bulk item and
disposed of as such.
3. If any rubbish or recycling container deteriorates during collection, any rubbish left will
not be picked up by the contractor, and the resident will be responsible for cleaning up
all the remaining rubbish.
4. Not more than (4) bags/small barrels, or (3) large barrels (a maximum total of 120
gallons) of rubbish per household will be picked up each week. Any container that
because of size, shape, weight (over 60 pounds), or condition of the container, cannot be
handled by one person, the container will not be collected and will be left curbside. It
will be the owner’s responsibility to remove the container from the edge of the roadway
no later than the end of the day of the regular pickup when containers are left curbside
for the above reasons.
4.6.5 – Approved Recycling Containers
1. At no cost to the household, the Town will supply each household subject to these rules
with (1) plastic bin for recyclable materials.
2. Additionally, the Town will supply upon request a Recycling sticker or stickers to be
placed on 45 gallon or smaller capacity non-metal barrels with handles.
4.6.6 - Appliances
1. Households shall arrange payment and pickup directly with the Town’s recycling and
rubbish contractor for curbside collection of used appliances. Contact information for
the contractor will be supplied to residents on the Town’s website and at the Public
Works office. Collection will be on a weekly schedule, with deadlines for notice of
collection determined by the contractor and approved by the Director of Public Works.
The cost will be $35 per appliance.
4.6.7 - Bulk Waste Collection
At no cost to the household, one item of bulk waste may be placed for collection weekly at
curbside on the same day and in the same location as scheduled recycling and rubbish collection, in
accordance with the following rules:
1. Auto parts such as generators, starters, air cleaners, auto seats, wheel rims, and small
pieces of body metal, etc. will be picked up as bulk items except that if in the opinion of
the Department of Public Works the quantity of these parts at any one household is
unusually great, they will not be collected.
2. Auto parts such as engine blocks or large pieces of body metal, will not be collected.
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3. Construction and Demolition material such as asphalt, brick, concrete, metal, earth,
stones, and tree trunks, will not be collected. Wood longer than three (3) feet in length
and heavier than 60 pounds will not be collected. Non-pressure treated wood under (3)
feet in length must be tied in bundles (limit of 2), and weigh less than a combined 60lb
in order to be collected as part of regular weekly household rubbish collection.
4. Tires and batteries will not be collected curbside, and may be taken to the twice yearly
household hazardous waste collection.
5. Scrap metals will be separately collected curbside once per year on a schedule
determined by the Town.
4.6.8 – TV’s / CRT’s
1. Households may arrange payment/pickup directly with the Town’s recycling and
rubbish contractor for curbside collection of TV’s and CRT’s. Contact information
for the contractor will be supplied to residents by the Town. Collection will be on a
weekly schedule, with deadlines for notice of collection determined by the contractor
and approved by the DPW Director. The cost will be $35 per TV or CRT.
4.6.9 – Electronics
1. Electronics are not accepted curbside by the Town’s rubbish collection. Any
electronics may be brought to the Town’s DPW Facility, 75 Newcrossing Road,
during hours as found on the Town’s website. Any electronics with a plug, except
TV’s, CRT’s, or Bulk Waste items, will be accepted.
4.6.10 – Hazardous Materials
1. All hazardous materials as herein defined shall not be collected with the Town’s
rubbish collection. The Department of Public Works operates free drop-off recycling
at its facility on Newcrossing Road, during hours to be published and posted
electronically for:
used motor oil
fluorescent tubes
energy efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.
2. In cooperation with the Town of Wakefield, the Town also provides two days per
year for household hazardous waste drop-off, at which all other household hazardous
waste items as defined will be collected. The schedule of these Household
Hazardous Waste Collection days will be published and posted electronically.
4.6.11 – Recycling
1. Every household for which rubbish collection is provided is required to place in
designated bin(s) or containers all recyclable materials. Recycling is collected
weekly, on the same day of the week as the rubbish collection.
2. The recycling bin(s) must be placed at curbside along with rubbish on the designated
collection day and will be collected by the contractor. If there is no recycling at
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curbside weekly, then rubbish will not be collected that week. If any material placed
in the bin is not recyclable, the recycling will not be collected for the property that
week. If recycling is left behind, it will be picked up on the following week’s
collection schedule, provided the unacceptable items have been removed.
3. All recycling can be placed in the same recycling bin or container and does not have
to be sorted.
4. Due to the volatility of the recycling market, households should refer to the website
RecycleSmartMa.org for the most up to date information on what items can be
recycled, or visit the Department of Public Works webpage at www.readingma.gov
for additional updates.
5. If recycling corrugated cardboard, it should be flattened or tied into bundles no larger
than 4’ by 4’.
4.6.12 - Yard Waste
1. Leaves and other yard waste (i.e. grass clippings, branches, brush) will only be picked
up curbside during the seasonal curbside pick-up of leaves 5 times per year on a
schedule to be determined by the Director of Public Works.
2. The Town will operate a compost center available to Town residents only, from April
1 through December 1, or as determined by the Director of Public Works, at times and
on a schedule to be published and posted electronically. Leaves and other yard waste
may be taken to the compost center in any container; the container must be removed
unless it is a biodegradable Kraft paper bag. Tree trimmings may be a maximum of 8
feet in length and 8 inches in diameter.
3. The Town may establish a system of charging for the use of the Compost Center. The
Compost Center is available only for use by residents, those under contract with the
Town, or Town owned vehicles. Commercial landscapers are not eligible to utilize
the Compost Center.
4. A Compost sticker is required for use of the Compost Center, and is available 24/7 at
the Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street.
4.6.13 – Enforcement
1. These rules are enforceable by the Director of Public Works. Enforcement may
consist of refusal to collect rubbish, bulk waste, or other materials that are not
disposed of in accordance with these rules. These rules are also enforceable in
accordance with Article 1.8 of the General Bylaws providing for a fine of up to $300
for each offense.
Adopted: 6/5/90, Revised 12-13-94, Revised 5/ /99, Revised 1-4-05, revised 1-22-08; Revised 03-25-08,
Revised 10/5/10
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Section 4.7 - Sewer Connection Permit Program
4.7.1 - Purpose and Authority
1. The use of all public sewers in the Town shall be controlled by the Department of
Public Works. No person shall, without prior authorization, uncover, excavate, block
access to, make any connection with or opening into, alter, or disturb the Town’s
wastewater or storm drainage systems. No person shall maliciously, willfully or
negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure,
appurtenance, or equipment which is part of the Town’s wastewater or storm drainage
systems.
2. The Sewer Use Regulations of the Town of Reading requires that all persons desiring
extensions and connections to, or an increase in the use of an existing connection to
the sanitary sewer system be subject to the requirements of the Sewer Connection
Permit Program as stated herein.
3. These regulations establish the program whereby sewer system extensions,
connections and increased usage are regulated and permitted by the Director of Public
Works pursuant to the Sewer Use Regulations of the Town. These regulations are
adopted to ensure proper operation of the sewer system within the Town.
4. All private sewers and laterals that connect to the Town’s wastewater or storm
drainage system shall be constructed, installed, maintained, repaired and operated by
their owners, at the owner’s expense. Ownership of a private sewer and lateral shall
be from and including the connection at the Town’s sewer main to the building and/or
facility being serviced. All sewers that connect to the Town’s wastewater or storm
drainage system shall be constructed, installed, maintained, repaired, and operated to
the satisfaction of the Town.
5. New connections, disconnections and repairs to private sewers shall be made by a
Licensed Drain Layer. No person shall enter or perform any work on the Town’s
wastewater or storm drainage system without first obtaining the necessary permit(s)
from the Department of Public Works.
6. Connection to the Town’s wastewater system and storm drainage system shall be
subject to the availability of capacity in the system, as determined by the Town.
Connections shall be made in compliance with all Town rules, regulations and
specifications and are also subject to any applicable State and Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority (MWRA) regulations, at the owner’s expense.
7. Inflow or infiltration is prohibited in the Town’s wastewater system and shall be at
the owner’s expense to remove or repair upon discovery.
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4.7.2 - Definitions
As used in these regulations, the following words have the following meaning:
1. "Activity" shall mean modification to the sewer system including construction of
extensions and connections to the existing Town sewerage system and increased
discharge to existing connections.
2. "Director" shall mean the Director of Public Works of the Town of Reading, or his
authorized deputy, agent, or representative.
3. "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation,
or group.
4. “Infiltration” shall mean water that enters a sewer system from the ground through
means such as defective pipes, pipe joints, connections, or manholes. Infiltration
does not include, and is distinguished from, inflow.
5. “Inflow” shall mean water other than sanitary sewage that enters a sewer system
from sources such as sump pumps, roof leaders, cellar drains, yard drains, drains
from springs and swampy areas, manhole covers, cross connections between storm
sewers and sanitary sewers, catch basins, storm waters, surface runoff, street wash
waters, or drainage. Inflow does not include, and is distinguished from, infiltration.
6. "Public Sewer" shall mean a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have
equal rights, and is controlled by public authority, or sewer laid in any land or way,
public or private, open or proposed to be opened for public travel.
7. "Sanitary Sewer" shall mean a sewer designed to convey sewage and to which storm,
surface and groundwater are not intentionally admitted or permitted.
8. "Sewage" shall mean a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences,
business building, institutions, and industrial establishments, together with such
ground, surface and storm waters as may be unintentionally present.
9. "Sewer" shall mean a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.
10. "Shall" is mandatory; "May" is permissive.
11. "Sewer connection" shall mean the sewer pipe and appurtenant works necessary to
connect a building or estate to a sewer system.
12. "Sewer extension" shall mean the addition to a sewer system of a sewer pipe,
together with appurtenant works, which when connected to the sewer system
becomes the property of, and is operated and maintained by the town.
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13. "Wastewater" shall mean sewage, industrial waste, other wastes or any combination
of the three.
14. "Storm drain" shall mean street rainfall collection systems whether piped or open
trench.
4.7.3 - Activities Requiring A Sewer Connection Permit
1. No person shall construct, effect, modify, or use any sewer system extension or
connection, or increase usage to an existing public sewer connection, without a
currently valid permit from the Director unless exempted in Section 4.7.4. Any
person who proposes to construct, effect, modify or use a sewer system extension or
connection may obtain a permit by filing the appropriate form in accordance with
these regulations.
4.7.4 - Activities Exempt From Sewer Connection Permit Requirements
1. Activities on property not currently benefiting from a public sewer are exempt in
their entirety. Any such property later desiring benefit from a public sewer, by
whatever means available, shall become subject to the usual assessment for
betterment and shall also be subject to the requirements of the Sewer Connection
Permit Program described herein as it applies.
2. Activities on property benefiting from a public sewer and having been assessed a
betterment but not yet connected to the sewer system are exempt.
4.7.5 - Requirements of Sewer Connection Permit Program
1. A person, whose activity is not exempted, desiring connection to or an increase in
use of an existing connection to the sewer system shall be required to pay the Town a
Sewer Connection fee the amount of which is determined as set forth in Section
4.7.5.2.
2. The Sewer Connection Fee will be based on the Sewer Connection Fee rate times the
number of gallons per day (gpd) of sewage to be discharged into the sewerage
system. Such gallonage will be determined in accordance with Section 4.7.9,
“Calculation of Flows”.
3. The Sewer Connection Fee rate is hereby established at a rate of $4 per gallon, and
may be periodically reviewed and amended by the Select Board. The sewer
connection fee shall be multiplied by the estimated gallons per day to be generated
by each use as determined by the table in section 4.7.9, and that sum shall be
multiplied by 2 to accomplish the 2:1 Inflow/Infiltration removal as required in this
policy.
4.7.6 – Uses of the Sewer Connection Permit Fees
1. The Sewer Connection Fee will be expended by the Town to ensure the proper
operation of the sewage system including but not limited to the removal of excessive
infiltration and inflow, the reimbursement to private property owners for removal of
sump pump or other inflow sources from the sanitary sewer system, and to improve,
modify, or extend the Town storm drain system.
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2. When the Sewer Connection Permit Fees are used to reimburse private property
owners for the cost of eliminating inflow into the sewer system, the Town will
reimburse subject to the following conditions:
a. Up to 100% of the cost of such work but not to exceed $1000.
b. An itemized bill marked paid by a person licensed to perform such work.
c. Submission of all permits and certificates that the work has been completed
and inspected by the Town
d. A statement signed by the property owner and filed with the registrar of
deeds that this work has been done and will be maintained in working order.
3. All charges levied or contributions received under this program shall be administered
by the Director of Public Works who shall advise the Town Manager and Select
Board how and when these sums should be expended.
4.7.7 - Application for a Permit
1. Duty to apply. Any person required to obtain a permit pursuant to Section 4.7.3 shall
complete and submit the application form to the Department of Public Works.
2. Who must apply. Any person seeking extension to or connection with the Town
sewerage system and any person having an existing connection with and seeking an
increase in the rate of discharge prevailing upon adoption of this program.
Calculation of flows shall be in accordance with Section 4.7.5.2 of these regulations.
3. Time to apply. Any person required to obtain a permit pursuant to Section 4.7.3
shall submit an application at least 60 days before the date on which the sewer
system extension or connection is to be constructed, or increase usage is to be
activated, unless permission for a later date has been granted by the Director.
Persons proposing a new discharge are encouraged to submit their applications well
in advance of the 60 day requirement to avoid delay. All extensions with flow of
more than 2000 gallons per day, or over 1200 feet in length require a Sewer
Extension Permit from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection,
Water Pollution Control Division and may trigger EPA review. Extensions or
connections requiring DEP action cannot be acted upon by the Reading Director of
Public Works until DEP review is final and acted upon.
4. Completeness. The Director shall not review a permit before receiving a complete
application. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans,
specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the
Director.
4.7.8 - Permit Conditions
1. General conditions. The conditions in Section 4.7.8 apply to every permit issued
under this program.
2. Special conditions. In addition to conditions applicable to all permits, the Director
shall establish special conditions, as required, on a case-by-case basis, to provide for
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and assure compliance with all applicable requirements of the State and Federal Acts
and regulations adopted thereunder.
4.7.9 - Calculation of Flows
1. Unless a variance is authorized by the Director in writing, applicants applying for a
sewer extension, connection or increase in usage permit shall use the following
figures in calculating daily sewage flow in completing the application.
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SEWAGE FLOW ESTIMATES
Type of Establishment Gallons Per Day Per Person
Boarding Schools, Colleges 65
Nursing Home and Rest Home 100
School, without cafeteria, gymnasium or showers 10
School, with cafeteria, but not gymnasium or showers 15
School, with cafeteria, gymnasium or showers 20
Swimming Pool 10
Camp, resident--washroom and toilets 25
Camp, resident--mess hall. 10
Camp, day--washroom and toilets 10
Camp, day--mess hall 3
Camp Ground--showers and toilets-per site 75
Gymnasium--per spectator 3
Gymnasium--per participant 25
Theater, Auditorium 3
Public Park--toilet wastes only 5
Public Park--bathhouse, showers, and flush toilets 10
Factory or Industrial Plant, without cafeteria 15
Factory or Industrial Plant, with cafeteria 20
Work or Construction Camp 50
Single and multiple dwelling units-per bedroom – motels, hotels, boarding
houses..
110
Tennis club--per court 250
Bowling Alley--per alley 100
Country Club--dining room--per seat 10
Country Club--snack bar or lunch room-per seat 10
Country Club--locker and showers-per locker 20
Church--per seat 3
Church--vestry/kitchen-per person at capacity 5
Trailer, Dump station--per site or per trailer 50
Mobile Home Park--per site or .200
Office Building--per 1,000 sq. ft 75
Dry Goods Stores-per 100 sq. ft 5
Drive-in--per stall 5
Non-single family, Automatic Clothes washers per washing machine-
400
Hospital--per bed 200
Service Station, excluding thruway--per island 300
Skating Rink--3,000 gallons per day—plus 5 gallons per seat
300
Dog Rounds-Veterinary Clinics--per pen. 50
Restaurant, food service establishment, lounge, tavern 35
Restaurant, thruway service area 150
Restaurant, kitchen flow 15
Barber Shop/Beauty Salon per chair 100
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2. Estimated sewage flow other than those listed should be considered in relation to
actual meter readings of established flows from known or similar installations.
Generally, estimated sewage flows will be based on 200 percent of average water
meter readings in order to assimilate maximum daily flows.
3. For purpose of this section, a "bedroom" means any portion of a dwelling which is so
designed as to furnish the minimum isolation necessary for use as a sleeping area.
Such area shall not include kitchen, bathroom, dining room, halls, or unfinished
cellar; but shall include bedroom, den, study, sewing room, or sleeping loft.
4. The Select Board reserves the right to add, delete, rescind, modify or otherwise
amend the requirements of this Sewer Connection Permit Program.
Section 4.8 - Water Meter Readings, Abatements and Credits
When receiving a complaint on a water meter reading:
1. The Department of Public Works verifies that the meter reading is correct.
2. If it is verified that the meter reading is correct, the Department advises the consumer
to perform an internal leak review. If not verified and the reading is found to be
incorrect, the Department shall make internal adjustments to the water bill, and
repair/replace the meter as required.
Adopted 3-24-87, Revised 12-13-94
Section 4.9 - Water Conservation Program
4.9.1 - Stage 1 Water Conservation Restrictions
Stage 1 provides for mandatory water conservation, subject to penalties in accordance with law
for violation of these restrictions.
Water may be used for outdoor purposes only from 4:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M., and 5:00 P.M. to
8:00 P.M., Monday through Sunday, and only in accordance with the following schedule:
• Even numbered addresses: Outdoor use is permitted on even-numbered days of the month
only during the hours specified above.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Outdoor use is permitted on odd-numbered days of the month only
during the hours specified above.
There is no restriction on hand held devices.
In addition, the following regulation on filling swimming pools is mandatory: Swimming pools
shall be filled in accordance with the above schedule only, unless a waiver is granted by the Town
Manager.
4.9.2 - Stage 2 Water Conservation Restrictions
Stage 2 provides for enhanced outdoor water restrictions when flows in the Ipswich River
are at a critical stage.
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The Town will daily monitor total Reading water use from all sources, and will monitor the
Ipswich River stream flows at the USGS South Middleton guage.If the Town water use during the
May 1—October 31 period equals or exceeds those amounts in Table 1, and if the streamflow as
measured at the USGS South Middleton gage (#01101500) is at or below 18.7 cfs (0.42 cfsm) for
any three consecutive days during the 30 day period following the Trigger Dates in Table 1, then
the Town will implement the additional outdoor water use restrictions as noted in Table 2 below.
These restrictions will remain in place until October 31st or until streamflows are above the
threshold for seven consecutive days or the Town’s water use at the next trigger date is below the
Table 1 threshold volume. The Town will implement each additional water conservation measure as
indicated within 7 days of reaching the Reading water use/streamflow level.
Table 1
Trigger Dates and Reading Water Use Thresholds
Trigger Date
Total Reading water use
threshold
June 1 75 million gallons or more
July 1 158 million gallons or more
August 1 228 million gallons or more
September 1 290 million gallons or more
October 1 350 million gallons or more
Table 2
Required Town Actions Based on Streamflow and Reading Water Use
Additional
Conservation
restrictions
Town actions if streamflow is below threshold for 3 consecutive
days
First Town will reduce hours of allowed outdoor water use by four hours per
day from the existing Town of Reading Stage 1 mandatory restrictions.
Second Town will reduce hours of allowed outdoor water use by four hours per
day from the existing Town of Reading Stage 1 mandatory restrictions
and will require that only hand-held watering devices be used.
Third Town will implement its Stage 3 water restrictions (a ban on all outdoor
water use)
On or after the first trigger date (Table 1) at which Reading water use threshold is equaled
or exceeded, if the streamflow is below the threshold for three consecutive days, the Town will
implement the first level of additional conservation measures shown in Table 2. On the next
trigger date at which Reading water use volume is equaled or exceeded, and if an additional level of
conservation is still available , the next level of restrictions will be applied.
4.9.3 – Stage 3 Water Conservation Regulations
Stage 3 is provided for the eventuality that only enough water is available for essential
public health and safety purposes. In this event, no outdoor water use of any type is permitted.
Water use is restricted to domestic home use only for purposes including normal bathing, laundry,
and sanitary uses.
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4.9.4 - Exemptions from Water Conservation Regulations
Notwithstanding the foregoing, irrigation of public parks and recreational fields by means of
automatic sprinklers equipped with moisture sensors or similar control technology may also be
permitted
Additionally, Town approved private automatic sprinkler systems equipped with water-
saving, weather-responsive controller switches will be allowed to continue irrigation operations.
Properties with these systems must display a sign approved by the Town indicating that they are
exempt.
4.9.5 – Delegation to Town Manager to implement Water Conservation Regulations in
advance of “triggers”
If, upon monitoring the weather, the Town’s water use, the South Middleton gauge, and
other factors, the Town Manager determines that the above restrictions should be put in place earlier
than required in order to try to avoid more stringent restrictions in the future, the Town Manager is
authorized to do so, and will notify the Board of Selectmen immediately of such action.
4.9.6 – Waivers from Water Conservation Regulations
The Town Manager may develop policies and procedures to grant waivers from these
restrictions as appropriate.
4.9.7 – Penalties for violating Water Conservation Regulations
Violation of these regulations is punishable by a fine of up to $300.00.
Adopted 4-25-89, 11/04, Revised 1-4-05, Revised 6-28-05
Section 4.10 - Abatement of Sewer Charges for Filling of Swimming Pools
1. When a building, electrical or plumbing permit application is received to construct a new
swimming pool, and the owner of that property has not received a prior sewer abatement,
then an abatement for the sewer charge will be granted at the sewer rate in effect at the
time that the pool was initially constructed.
Adopted 8-2-94, Revised 12-13-94
Section 4.11 - Second Water Meters
1. The Select Board hereby places a moratorium on the installation of any second water
meters for residential use.
Adopted 12-13-94, Revised 1-4-05
Section 4.12 - Regulations For Reimbursement for Sewer Backflow Prevention
1. The Town of Reading is aware that residents may have experienced sewer backup into
their homes through no fault of their own, and through no fault of the Town. This type
of backup generally occurs in times of heavy rainfall. The Town recognizes that there
are methods that homeowners may take to prevent sewer back up in their home, and that
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these measures are the responsibility of the property owner and take place on private
property. The Town also wishes to assist homeowners in protecting their own property
from such circumstances. There is hereby established a program of 50% reimbursement
for such back-flow prevention systems, and these regulations implement that policy.
2. The Town will reimburse, on a one-time only basis, 50% of the cost of a sewer back
flow prevention system for a one or two family dwelling up to a maximum Town
expenditure of $500 per dwelling.
3. With limited funding, priority will be given to locations that have actually had a sewer
back up within the past 3 years.
4. The property owner will select the method of sewer back flow prevention. The Town
will not recommend, or participate in the choice of system, and will not be responsible
for the system.
5. The property owner will be solely responsible for the initial installation, maintenance,
operation and replacement of the back-flow prevention system as needed.
6. The homeowner will be responsible for securing all building, plumbing, and other
permits required to perform the work, and will present proof of the permit and inspection
at the time that a request for reimbursement is made. The system must conform to the
requirements of Section 2.09 (4) (a-1) of the regulations of the Board of State Examiners
of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
7. The property owner will sign a copy of these regulations acknowledging them, and will
pay for the cost of filing this statement with the Register of Deeds and submit a receipted
copy to the Department of Public Works for the Town’s files.
Adopted – 8-21-01, Revised 1/05
Section 4.13 - Street Opening Permit Policy
This policy establishes requirements for performing work within road rights-of-way
within the Town of Reading:
4.13.1 - Activities Requiring a Street Opening Permit
1. No person shall excavate any roadway in the Town of Reading for the purposes of
installing or repairing sewer, water, drainage, gas, telephone, cable television or other
utilities without first obtaining a Street Opening Permit from the Engineering Division of
the Department of Public Works.
2. In addition, any excavation within the road right-of-way for the installation or
replacement of driveway aprons, sidewalk or curb, or occupancy of the sidewalk or
street area will require the issuance of a Street Opening Permit.
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4.13.2 - Permit Application Submission Requirements
1. Applications for Street Opening Permits must include the following information:
a. A current valid DIG SAFE number;
b. A satisfactory Certificate of Insurance naming the Town of Reading as an
additional insured;
c. A satisfactory Street Opening Bond in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars
($5,000.00) executed to the benefit of the Town of Reading; and
d. A sketch of the location and nature of the work to be done.
4.13.3 - Permit Issuance
1. Permits will be routinely issued between April 1 and November 15. Between November
15 and December 15, and between March 15 and April 1, a permit may be issued at the
discretion of the Engineering Division. Between December 15 and March 15, the
Director of Public Works may grant a permit under emergency conditions where no
other alternative exists.
4.13.4 - Street Opening Moratorium
1. Except in cases of emergency, as determined either by the Director of Public Works
or by special permission of the Select Board, no person shall break, dig up or
excavate any portion of a public way which has been resurfaced or reconstructed
within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of such request. Any such
request shall be submitted in writing to the Director of Public Works. The Select
Board may grant such permission only if a majority of the membership of the Board
determines, after a public hearing, that such excavation would serve the public good.
2. Where either the Director of Public Works or the Select Board grant such
permission, it shall require, as a condition of such permission, that the resurfacing of
such excavation shall be accomplished with one continuous surface extending
longitudinally at least ten (10) feet beyond the limits of the entire length of the
excavation parallel to the street line and extending in a transverse direction from curb
to curb, or in the absence of curbing, from gutter to gutter, with no breaks or cuts in
the surface.
3. Where more than one excavation is made in the same portion of the roadway, any
two or more excavations which are within thirty (30) feet of each other shall be
combined for resurfacing purposes; and, in such instance, the resurfacing shall
extend form curb to curb or, in the absence of curbing, from gutter to gutter, and for
the entire linear distance necessary to include the resurfacing of all excavations at
that location.
4. All work done hereunder, must be performed to the satisfaction of the Director of
Public Works and in accordance with approved industry standards for roadway
excavation, backfill, base material, compaction, final grading and pavement
installation.
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5. For the purposes of this section, the term “Emergency” shall be defined as a sudden,
generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate
action.
6. This section is intended to regulate the resurfacing of certain roadways, and nothing
contained herein shall be interpreted as requiring the placement of any utility lines,
pipes, conduits or the like in a precise location under the surface of any such
roadway.
4.13.5 - Permit Compliance
1. The applicant must comply with the Street Opening Permit Requirements and
Roadway Construction and Repair Standards or Driveway Design Requirements as
established by the Department of Public Works.
4.13.6 - Driveway Rules and Regulations
The Department of Public Works may issue permits for motor vehicles access and exits onto
public ways and / or across sidewalks as specified in the Town General By-Law Article 8, Section
8.1.7, if request complies with the following requirements:
1. No access shall be allowed at the end of a roadway (except a cu-de-sac)
2. A single car driveway shall not exceed 12 feet in width.
3. A double car driveway shall not exceed 24 feet in width.
4. A single direction parking lot entry shall not exceed 15 feet in width.
5. A dual direction parking lot access shall not exceed 30 feet in width.
6. Two access ways may be allowed on any single lot if the distance between the access points
shall be at least 125’ unless specific indicated needs to contrary are demonstrated.
7. The minimum distance between a dual direction parking lot access and any other driveway
or entry on the same lot shall be 50’.
8. Any access to a public way or across any sidewalk shall conform to the typical cross-section
of driveway apron (copy attached).
9. No permit shall be issued for the purpose of parking vehicles on sidewalks, tree lawn areas
or roadway shoulders.
10. No access to a public way or across any sidewalk shall conflict with Town shade trees, nor
existing or proposed utilities (hydrants, catch basins, headwalls, etc.).
11. Any access shall comply with all applicable traffic engineering and safety requirements and
standards (sight distance, alignment, etc.).
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12. Driveways should be located to the best advantage with regard to the road alignment profile,
sight distance conditions, and features.
13. The standards call for not more than two driveways for any one property. Additional
driveways should not be allowed unless there is a clear necessity for them. No circular
drives are allowed, unless there is a minimum frontage of 150 feet.
14. If there are a number of commercial establishments to be constructed, then a service road
shall be constructed by the applicant to connect with the exit and entrance allowed under the
standards.
15. The standard, for commercial drives, on roads having a design speed or 85 th percentile speed
of 30 M.P.H. or less may have two 45° drives with a minimum radius of 30 feet and a
minimum square width of 20 feet. If the major use of the drives is for trucks, the width may
be increased to a maximum of 24 feet.
16. In the case of short frontage, where it would be impossible to construct two 45° drives and a
driving island, or were warranted by other site conditions, a single 90° driveway, 24 feet
wide, measured at the point of tangency to the drive, and two 30-foot radii may be used.
17. Residential driveways will consist of a single 90° drive with a maximum property line width
of 24 feet.
18. Wherever possible, drives are to be set back 50 feet or more from street corners, measured
between the nearest edge of the driveway and the cross-road edge of pavement.
19. Proposed driveways must conform to the typical cross section requirements for the roadway
width being entered whether the sidewalks exist or not.
20. At locations where sidewalks and curbing exist, curb corners of like material shall be
installed with a minimum a 2-foot radius.
21. The grade of a driveway may not exceed 10% plus or minus for a distance of at least 20 feet
from the property line into the lot.
22. Driveways with excessive width and length may require drainage, if the surface runoff will
create a hazardous condition of the roadway surface.
23. All proposed driveways or modifications to existing driveways must be submitted for
approval to the Department of Public Works. The sketch shall indicate all trees, hydrants,
poles, etc., as well as the gutter grade, property line grade, and proposed grades in sufficient
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detail to insure compliance with the above requirements. The sketch shall also provide a
2-inch by 4-inch area on the plan dedicated for Town comments and/or approval.
24. Any driveways for a commercial or industrial use will require approval from the Select
Board.
25. Any driveway within the State jurisdiction require approval from MassDOT and the Town
of Reading.
26. The applicant may appeal to the Select Board in cases of dispute concerning said permit
issuance.
Section 4.14 – Public Shade Tree Policy
The Town of Reading manages a comprehensive program for maintaining and protecting all
Town owned public shade trees, which is overseen by the Town’s Tree Warden through the
Department of Public Works. This policy outlines the rules and regulations of the
Department of Public Works governing the maintenance and protection of all Public shade
trees within the Town of Reading. Residents are encouraged to review this policy so as to
not violate the rules and regulations included within this section.
4.14.1 – Definitions
1. “Tree Warden,” or their designee, is defined as the sole individual within the Town of
Reading responsible for making decisions regarding the planting, maintenance, and
protection of all Town Public shade trees.
2. “Public Shade tree” is defined per M.G.L. ch.87 §1 as, “All trees within a public way or on
the boundaries thereof including trees planted in accordance with the provisions of (M.G.L.
ch.87) section 7 shall be public shade trees; and when it appears in any proceeding in which
the ownership of or rights in a tree are material to the issue, that, from length of time or
otherwise, the boundaries of the highway cannot be made certain by records or monuments,
and that for that reason it is doubtful whether the tree is within the highway, it shall be taken
to be within the highway and to be public property until the contrary is shown.” This
definition shall also include any tree located on municipally owned property, including but
not limited to cemeteries, parks, and schools.
3. “D.B.H.” defined as diameter at breast height or the height at which a tree’s diameter is
measured. This height shall be 4.5 feet above the ground.
4. “R.O.W.” defined as Right of Way, are the limits of land owned and under jurisdiction of
the Town of Reading.
5. “Trenching” is defined as any linear sub-surface excavation, including but not limited to,
utility lines, foundations, roads, sidewalks, or irrigation.
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4.14.2 – Tree Hearings
1. If a property owner sees the need to remove a Public Shade tree, that individual should send
a formal written request to the Tree Warden.
2. No individual other than the Tree Warden or his designee shall be permitted to trim or
remove Public Shade trees on Town property without written permission from the Tree
Warden.
3. Any part of a tree, when measured at breast height, growing within the Town’s R.O.W.,
shall be considered a Public Shade tree.
4. Trees in all Town owned parks, shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Tree Warden.
5. Unless planted by the Town or private contractor, any Public Shade tree under 3-inch caliper
will not require a tree hearing but will require permission from the Tree Warden or their
designee.
6. The owner of the property requesting the tree hearing, shall be responsible for all costs
associated with the tree hearing.
7. If the tree is considered to be a hazard by the Tree Warden, the Town will remove the tree
and grind the stump in its entirety, with the full cost of removal being borne by the Town.
8. If the tree is not considered to be a hazard by the Tree Warden, the Tree Warden shall make
such denial at the Tree Hearing. The property owner requesting the Tree Hearing may
appeal any denial to the Select Board. If the Select Board, at a public meeting, determines
that said tree shall be removed, the full cost of removal shall be borne by the property owner
requesting the removal, including but not limited to police details and restitution for the tree
being removed.
9. Restitution for the tree depends on the species of the tree, and shall be determined by the
Tree Warden. As an example, a 30-inch D.B.H. sugar maple tree would have an equivalent
cost value of (15) 2-inch caliper trees at a cost of $300.00 per tree. All restitution shall be
deposited in the Town of Reading’s Tree Fund account for future tree plantings within the
Town.
4.14.3 – New Tree Plantings
1. Tree planting within the Town’s “tree lawn” shall be the first choice for plantings. The Tree
Warden, or his designee, will determine the best location for tree planting. Examples of
issues considered by the Tree Warden in determining best location include sight line,
proximity to driveways, and proximity to powerlines (certain tree height planting restrictions
may exist). In some cases, tree plantings in the “tree lawn” may not be suitable. Under
M.G.L. ch.87 §7, with written permission from the owner of the property, the Town can
plant a tree on private property within (20) feet of the R.O.W.
2. Planting on Town property shall not be allowed without the permission of the Tree Warden.
Any unauthorized tree planting on Town property shall be subject to removal by the Tree
Warden.
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3. The planting of trees on Town property, or within a sub-division, by a contractor, shall
follow the Tree Warden’s planting standards. The Tree Warden shall mark out the locations
and determine species of tree to be planted.
4.14.4 – Penalties for Injuring Town Shade Trees
1. Per M.G.L. ch.87 §11 - Injury to trees of another person: “Whoever willfully, maliciously or
wantonly cuts, destroys or injures a tree, shrub or growth which is not his own, standing for
any useful purpose, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six months or by a
fine of not more than five hundred dollars.”
2. Girdling, drilling, debarking, or the application of herbicides to a Town tree shall warrant a
$500 penalty, or the cost to replace the tree, depending on the physical damage done, as
determined by the Tree Warden.
3. Unauthorized trimming of a Town tree shall warrant up to a $500 penalty per tree,
dependent upon damage performed, as determined by the Tree Warden.
4. Unauthorized removal of a Town tree by a property owner shall warrant a penalty of
D.B.H. x $300 / 2.
5. Unauthorized removal of a Town tree by a Contractor: 1st offense $1,000; 2nd offense
$2,500; 3rd offense $5,000 and the Contractor shall be banned from performing any tree
work within the Town of Reading for a period of up to 5 years.
4.14.5 – Construction Activities and Tree Protection
1. No activity shall be permitted which will compromise the root system of a Town tree.
Construction activities around Town trees must proceed with extreme caution, and shall
receive prior approval from the Tree Warden. Tree roots exist in the top layer of soil and are
very susceptible to injury. Damage to the root system is the number one killer of trees. Any
activity under a tree is a potential root killer and is therefore strictly prohibited, including the
storage of equipment or materials as well as minor vehicle and foot traffic. Injury to roots
within the critical root area is capable of slowly killing healthy trees.
2. Any Town tree within a construction area, as determined by the Tree Warden, shall have
fencing erected around the critical root area before construction begins and shall be kept
intact until final inspection by the Tree Warden. The temporary fencing should be at least
three feet high, clearly visible and supported by steel T-bar or similar stakes. Protecting
groups of trees instead of individual trees is the preferred method when possible. In
protecting a group of trees, protective fencing shall be installed outside the critical root area
of all trees in the group. Warning signs shall be prominently displayed on the fencing
alerting individuals to the protected area. If the Tree Warden determines that there is any
damage to any Town trees caused by construction activity, penalties shall be assessed as
described in §4.14.4 of these regulations.
3. Anyone performing trenching operations must take care to protect the critical root area of
the tree from any trenching activity. This area can extend up to (11) feet horizontally from
the trunk of the tree. Protecting the critical root area is very important, and its size is
predicted using the trunk diameter measurement. Also, no trenching machinery shall be
allowed within the critical root area. If approved by the Tree Warden, utility lines may be
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placed under the roots by digging a tunnel using a soil auger. Tunneling within the critical
root area shall be performed at a minimum depth of (2) feet in an attempt to avoid most
roots. If the utility is located directly under the trunk, tunneling shall be performed at a
minimum depth of (3) feet. Another option is to dig a trench that leaves the root system
intact. This can be performed with a pneumatic air excavator. Another option is careful
hand digging below the roots from the side for short distances. Trenching shall be avoided in
hot, dry, or windy conditions. Protect exposed roots by immediately wrapping with wet
burlap and keeping moist. Do not leave the trench exposed for very long (1 hour is best),
and quickly replace the soil and soak with water to pack. If a root is severely damaged it
heals quicker if a clean cut is made above the damage. Cut with a reciprocating saw or small
pruning saw.
4. Every attempt should be made to avoid changing the grades (raising or lowering the level of
the existing soil) within the root zone of any Town tree. Retaining walls may be required
for large cuts and fills in order to maintain the original grade around the tree. Filling around
a tree can damage root systems primarily by cutting off the oxygen and water supply.
Changing grades around a tree could alter the water table and in affect could change how
water drains around the tree. Whether changing grades around a Town tree or not, no
machinery or vehicles of any kind shall not be permitted within the critical root area of a
tree, as this will compact the soil. Any change in grade within the root zone of a tree shall
require prior approval from the Tree Warden.
4.14.6 – Tree, Shrubbery, and Lawn Protection in Public Park Areas
1. No person shall, in any public park, damage, cut, carve, transplant, or remove any tree or
plant or injure the bark, or prick the flowers or seeds, of any tree or plant. Nor shall any
person attach any rope, wire, or other contrivance to any tree or plant. A person shall not
dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas, or in any other way injure or impair the natural
beauty or usefulness of any area.
2. No person shall, in any public park, climb any tree, or wall; or stand or sit upon monuments,
vases, fountains, railings, or fences or upon any other property not designated or customarily
used for such purposes.
3. No person shall, on any public park, tie or hitch a horse or other animal to any tree or plant.
4.14.7 – Special Conditions Regarding Town Shade Trees and Building Department Permits
1. Before obtaining a building permit, the applicant shall receive prior approval from the Tree
Warden, including all necessary signatures, regarding any Public Trees within the Town’s
Right of Way.
2. No signage of any kind shall be affixed to a Public Shade Tree for any reason.
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Section 4.15 – Addressing Standards and Regulations
The purpose of these regulations is to standardize addressing regulations and to implement a
Master Address Table (MAT), which lists all known and properly assigned addresses for all parcels,
buildings and structures within the Town of Reading.
4.15.1 Authority
1. These regulations are authorized under Reading’s General Bylaw Section 8.5.2.1:
“8.5 Public Works
8.5.2 Street Numbering
8.5.2.1 Establishment of Numbering System
The Select Board shall establish a system for the numbering of any building
on or near the line of public or private ways and shall prescribe by suitable
rules and regulations the method in which such numbering shall be done.”
4.15.2 Administration
1. The Town Engineer is the sole agent of the Town of Reading authorized to assign and
modify addresses for all taxable and non-taxable properties.
2. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain an up-to-date digital Master Address Table (MAT)
using addresses assigned by the Town Engineer.
4.15.3 Requirements
1. In residential districts, all principal buildings and in business and other districts, all stores,
industrial, commercial and other principal buildings or significant structures shall be
required to have a valid address conforming to these regulations, which shall be included
in the Town of Reading Master Address Table (MAT).
2. For projects that require new or modified addresses for buildings, roads, or other
structures, addresses shall be assigned by the Town Engineer upon application for a
building permit.
3. No one may be granted any permit or license within the Town unless the property,
building or structure has a valid address, which is included in the MAT.
4. All addresses shall conform to the Addressing Standards included in this Section.
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4.15.4 Procedure
1. Existing Property
a. If an existing property, building or structure is not included in the MAT, then the
owner or applicant shall petition the Town Engineer, to determine if an existing
address is valid and/or formatted properly.
b. The Town Engineer shall determine, based upon the addressing standards approved
by the Select Board the valid address and it then shall be added to the MAT and that
address will then be eligible for permitting and/or licensure.
c. If the Town Engineer determines that the existing address is not valid, then the
Town Engineer shall assign a valid address to the parcel, building or structure,
according to these regulations.
2. New or Re-Developed Property
a. For a new or re-developed property, building or structure, the Town Engineer, shall
upon approval of the project by the Planning Board or ZBA, assign a valid address
for each proposed parcel, building or structure. The applicant shall submit all
necessary information, including but not limited to site plans, subdivision plans,
proposed building location plans, floor layout plans for multiple unit buildings etc.,
to the Town Engineer for use in determining addresses according to these
regulations.
b. Once an address for a new or re-developed property, building or structure has been
assigned by the Town Engineer, the applicant or owner shall update the proposed
final plans and/or drawings to clearly show the address or addresses assigned,
including road name(s) if applicable.
c. A hard copy and electronic ACAD format of the final approved plans showing
assigned addresses shall be forwarded to the Town Engineer for approval. Upon
approval by the Town Engineer, the final plans will be integrated into the Town of
Reading's GIS system, according to Town of Reading's GIS Plan Integration Policy.
The GIS Coordinator will make any necessary updates to the MAT and notify all
caretakers, of databases containing addresses, of the new address and/or road
assignments, upon notification from the Town Engineer.
3. Tax Map Identification
a. Upon approval of new or re-developed property or re-subdivision of existing
properties, the GIS Coordinator shall assign temporary parcel identification
numbers, after consulting the Assessor for the Town of Reading, as necessary. A
temporary parcel identification number, associated to an address, will be updated,
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once a permanent parcel identification number has been assigned to the address by
the Assessor for the Town of Reading.
4. Notification
a. Once an address is assigned or modified, the Town Engineer will notify the GIS
Coordinator, Town Departments, the Towns 9-1-1 Operations Manager, The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 911 system, Public Utilities and the US Postal
Service.
4.15.5 Master Address Table (MAT)
1. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain and incorporate all known existing and newly
assigned addresses into a comprehensive Master Address Table.
2. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain and update the MAT in a digital format. Updates to
the MAT will be distributed to the caretakers of all address related databases, with the
latest information to ensure that all permits and licenses are uniformly addressed, and,
therefore, may be readily located.
3. The GIS Coordinator shall maintain an Address Point layer in the Town’s GIS containing
a point for every address in the MAT.
4. The GIS Coordinator shall coordinate with the Towns 9-1-1 Operations Manager, or their
designee, to ensure that the statewide E911 system is as up to date as is practical.
5. The Towns 9-1-1 Operations Manager, or his/her designee, shall notify the GIS
Coordinator and/or provide a copy to the GIS Coordinator of any correspondence with the
State E911 regarding Reading addresses.
4.15.6 Road Naming System
1. All roads that provide legal access to a structure shall be named regardless of whether the
ownership is public or private. All road names shall be as approved or assigned by the
Town.
2. For purposes relative to addressing standards a “road” refers to any public highway, road,
street, avenue or lane; all private ways; and any private access roadways or driveways
servicing multiple buildings or structures when it is determined to be in the public interest
when considering emergency response.
3. A road name assigned or approved by the municipality for the purposes of addressing
standards shall not constitute or imply acceptance of the road as a public way.
4. The naming of roads where no legal road or right-of-way exists shall be avoided to the
extent practical. In general naming of driveways or access roads shall be reserved for
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complex campus style developments which have one or more distinct roads which are
significantly separated from the adjacent road network. The use of vanity road names for
convenience or marketing is strictly prohibited.
5. Roads within large multi-structure complexes (e.g. business campus, multi-unit apartment
complex) should be named and each structure individually addressed.
6. The following criteria shall govern the naming system.
a. All road names shall be approved by the Town Engineer. The Town
Engineer shall consult with the Towns 9-1-1 Dispatch Manager prior to acceptance
of any road name.
b. No two roads shall be given the same name (e.g. Pine Rd and Pine Ln).
c. No two roads shall have similar sounding names (e.g. Beech Ln and Peach Ln,
Beach Ave and Beech Ave, Main St and Maine St, or Apple Hill Rd and Apple Rd).
d. Each road shall have the same name throughout its entire length.
e. Road names shall not use words that are also street suffixes such as Circle or Terrace
(e.g. Terrace Park would not be allowed since Terrace is a common street suffix).
f. Each road should have one - and only one - correct name. A named road should be
essentially continuous, without gaps. Road names should only change when there is
a substantial intersection, or at municipal boundaries.
g. Special characters, such as hyphens, apostrophes, periods, or decimals are prohibited
in road names.
4.15.7 Numbering System
1. The following criteria, as determined by the Town Engineer, shall govern the address
numbering system:
2. For new roads, numbers shall be assigned every thirty-five (35) feet along both sides of
the centerline of the road beginning at the right of way line of the intersecting roadway.
No allowances are to be made for entering or intersecting streets, parks, cemeteries, or
other areas.
3. For the downtown business district or other high density nonresidential areas, numbers
shall be assigned every 12 (twelve) feet along both sides of the centerline of the road
beginning at the right of way line of the intersecting roadway. No allowances are to be
made for entering or intersecting streets, parks, cemeteries, or other areas.
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4. On all roadways the numbering shall run in consecutive order, with even numbers
appearing on the left side of the road and odd numbers appearing on the right side of the
road, as the numbers ascend.
5. The numbering should originate from the roadway with the highest traffic volume or the
intersection which is located closest to the “Center of Town” as determined by the Town
Engineer. For dead end roads, numbering shall terminate at the dead end.
6. The number assigned to each structure shall be that of the numbered interval falling
closest to the front door or the driveway of said structure if the front door cannot be seen
from the main road
7. Addresses should be assigned to each habitable or substantial structure. Addresses
should not be assigned to structures that are simply accessory to another building or
insubstantial in nature. For example, a detached garage for a single-family residence
does not need an address, but a commercial parking garage should have an address.
8. Where a single building, (or multiple buildings on one lot,) has multiple exterior
entrances, for separate tenant spaces or separate residential units, a separate address
number shall be assigned to each such exterior door. If the multiple entrances do not
face the street or if there are not enough address numbers available, then the assigned
number shall be that of the numbered interval falling closest to the driveway of the said
structure(s). Where the driveway is used for the assignment of an address, then the
structure(s) shall be assigned a secondary location indicator in accordance with 4.15.7.12
through 4.15.7.14.
9. Where a single building has multiple doors leading to a shared hallway or lobby, only
one address shall be assigned to the main exterior entrance. Each tenant space or
individual residential unit shall be distinguished by a unit, suite, or apartment number
conforming to sections 4.15.7.12 through 4.15.7.14.
10. Structures with more than one principle use or occupancy shall have a separate unit
number for each use or occupancy, i.e. duplexes will have two separate numbers;
apartments will have one road number with an apartment number, such as 235 Maple
Rd. Apt 2. If a second structure on a single lot has been designated as an “Accessory
Apartment”, then that structure will be given the address of the main structure, but with
the added secondary location indicator of “Apartment A”.
11. The following types of addresses are prohibited: fractional addresses (34½ Ash St);
alphanumeric address numbers (123A Main St); or hyphenated address numbers 941-656
Bell St).
12. Multi-level apartments should be assigned a primary road address, with numbers (not
letters) and a secondary location indicator consisting of four (4) digits, e.g., 111 Main St
Apt 1001. The first digit shall indicate the floor location and the remaining three (3) digits
shall indicate the apartment number, e.g. Apt 3003 is the third apartment on the third floor.
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13. Condominiums shall be addressed as though they were apartments with the exception that
“Unit” shall be substituted in place of the “Apt” designation.
14. Office suites should be assigned numbers with a primary road address, followed by a
numbered (not lettered) secondary location indicator, e.g., 325 Memorial Dr. Suite 3012.
Suite numbers should be assigned to indicate the floor location as indicated in 4.15.7.12.
15. Corner lots shall be assigned a number according to where the front door faces the road.
16. Vacant lots shall be given “0” as the address until a site plan has been approved and/or an
application for a building permit is received, e.g. 0 Main St.
4.15.8 Addressing Standards
1. Subject to the approval of the Town Engineer the following are the accepted
components of new or existing addresses in the Town of Reading. All displayed
street signs shall be compliant per MUTCD specifications.
a. Street number – (300 EAST STREET) The street number should be an integer
value.
b. Prefix direction – (7 S STONEMILL DRIVE) Acceptable street direction standard
abbreviations are: N, S, E, W, NE, SE, NW, and SW.
c. Street name – (269 COMMON STREET) Streets should be referred to by their
official name.
d. Street Suffix – (28 BERKELEY ROAD) Street suffixes shall be spelled out in their
entirety; abbreviated suffixes shall not be permitted.
e. Suffix qualifier – (150 MILTON STREET REAR) Suffix qualifiers will be added
after street types only in special cases for additional clarification when no other
alternative exists.
f. Secondary unit designator – (400 HIGH STREET UNIT 3001) Secondary unit
designators are used to designate apartments, suites, and condominium units which
share the same street number address. Acceptable secondary unit designations
include: UNIT, APT, BLDG, and SUITE.
2. MGL 148, Section 59 requires that every building in the Commonwealth, including, but
not limited to, dwellings, apartment buildings, condominiums, and business
establishments shall have affixed thereto a number representing the address of such
building.
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3. The size of the numbers for dwellings and building structures should be large enough so
it may be clearly viewed from the roadway in either direction. These numbers should be
no less than 4” in height. In the case of a house or building offset from the street and
either out of sight from the roadway or a good distance from the access roadway, the
numbers should be permanently affixed to either a post or other fixed structure so the
assigned address can be easily located from either direction, thusly indicating that a
particular number is assigned to that particular building, structure, or dwelling. These
numbers should be numerical for ease of viewing and not in script.
Section 4.16 - Appeals
1. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Director of Public Works or that person’s
designee made pursuant to this Article 4 may appeal that decision to the Select Board.
2. Such an appeal shall be filed by submitting a written request for an appeal to the Select
Board and a copy of such a written request to the Director of Public Works no later than
seven (7) days after the aggrieved person receives notification of the decision. The
written request shall state with particularity all asserted bases for the appeal.
3. The Select Board shall hear and consider appeals at a public meeting. The Select Board
may decline to consider any appeal for which a written request was not timely filed or
that otherwise fails to conform to the requirements of this Section.
4. All decisions by the Select Board shall be final and shall not be subject to further review
or appeal, unless otherwise specifically provided for by law.
Adopted 1-4-05
Section 4.17 – Traffic Signage or Mechanisms Prohibited
1. All traffic signage and mechanisms shall follow MUTCD guidelines. Any traffic
signage or mechanism which is not expressly recommended by the MUTCD or in the
opinion of the Chief of Police and/or Public Works Director, shall either not perform
as intended or would have the potential to impair public safety, including but not
limited to animal crossings, blind driveways, or dead-end roads, shall in general be
prohibited from within the Town of Reading.
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Section 4.18 - Consideration of Multi-way Stop Intersections
1. This policy establishes the process for consideration by the Select Board of multi-way
stop intersections in the Town of Reading. This process shall be used whether by
citizen request, staff request, or on the initiative of the Select Board.
2. To consider multi-way stop regulations to improve the safety of intersections, there are
(2) possible scenarios, both being contingent upon an engineering study of the
intersection:
a. The proposed location meets the standards and warrants as outlined in the
Federal Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices and, to the extent
applicable, the Massachusetts Amendments to the Manual for Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (collectively MUTCD) for multi-way stops, or:
b. The proposed location does not meet the standards and warrants as outlined in
the MUTCD.
3. Upon a request for a multi-way stop, the Town Engineer in conjunction with other staff,
including a designee from the Police Department, will determine whether the location
meets the standards and warrants for a multi-way stop under MUTCD, based on an
engineering study.
4. If the location does meet the standards for a multi-way stop under MUTCD, the Town
Engineer will forward to the Select Board a memo outlining which standards and/or
warrants have been satisfied, and the Select Board may then schedule a hearing on the
establishment of the multi-way stop regulation.
5. If the location does not meet the standards and warrants for a multi-way stop under
MUTCD, the Town Engineer shall forward to the Select Board a memo outlining that
fact.
6. The Engineering study shall, at a minimum include data and information on:
a. Number and severity of reported accidents;
b. Speed study;
c. Traffic Counts including turning movements;
d. Adverse roadway geometry;
e. Sight distances based on speed limit (and actual speeds);
f. Volumes of pedestrian traffic;
g. Whether the location is within a School zone;
h. Traffic operational characteristics of the intersection; and
i. Other data relevant to the location.
7. The Town Engineer shall forward a copy of the engineering study to the Select Board
along with an analysis of possible remediation techniques, or other actions such as
removing vision obstructions, which would address the issues identified in the
engineering study.
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8. The Select Board shall consider the following issues to determine the merit of a multi-
way stop:
a. The need to control left turn conflicts;
b. The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near intersections with high
pedestrian volumes;
c. Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and
is not able to safely negotiate the intersection unless cross traffic is required
to stop.
d. An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector streets of similar
design where multi-way stops would improve traffic operational
characteristics of the intersection.
9. If the Select Board feels that, after receiving the above material the multi-way stop has
merit, then the Select Board will schedule a hearing on the establishment of the multi-
way stop regulation at that location.
Adopted April 15, 2008
Section 4.97 - Rules and Regulations Relating to Parks, Playgrounds and
Recreation Areas
The Select Board of the Town of Reading hereby adopts the following Rules and
Regulations governing conduct in Public Parks, including the enforcement of the Rules and
Regulations and penalties for their violation:
This policy shall be known and may be cited as the "Reading Park Rules and Regulations."
4.97.1 Definitions.
For the purposes of this policy, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations
shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the
present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words
in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not
merely directory.
1. “Amplified sound” is defined as voice, music or any sound extended above and
beyond its normal range by an electronic device or secondary means such as a radio,
megaphone or non-electric equipment
2. "Town" is the Town of Reading.
3. "Park" is a park, reservation, playground, recreation center, field, playing court, pool,
or any other area in the Town owned and/or used by the Town and devoted to active
or passive recreation.
4. "Person" is any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or
organization of any kind.
5. "Vehicle" is any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered, animal-drawn, or
self-propelled. The term shall include any trailer in tow of any size, kind or
description. Exception is made for baby carriages, bicycles, wheel chairs, and
vehicles in the service of the Town parks.
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4.97.2 - General Regulations
1. Facilities under the jurisdiction of the Reading Recreation Committee are for use by
Reading residents only unless specifically authorized, in writing by the Recreation
Committee or their designee, to the contrary.
2. Industries and businesses using recreation facilities must be located within the Town
of Reading unless specifically authorized, in writing by the Recreation Committee or
their designee, to the contrary.
3. Other than business and industrial groups, all groups using outdoor facilities must be
made up of Reading residents only, except as specified by the Recreation
Committee.
4. No person or business may use any public field, tennis court, basketball court or
playing area to derive compensation with out the consent from the Recreation
Committee or their designee.
5. All Parks and Playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Committee shall
open at 8:00 a.m. However, no sport or team shall begin any activities before noon
on Sundays. An exception may be granted one time per year per organization by the
Recreation Committee.
6. All Parks and Playgrounds under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Committee shall
close at sunset except for the lighted facilities which shall close at 10:00 p.m.
However, a game in progress on a lighted facility will be allowed to finish, with no
inning, period, or game of tennis starting after 10:00 p.m. No game or match on a
lighted facility will be started after 9:00 p.m. A scheduled game in progress will be
allowed to be completed past the closing time, and the park must be vacated within
ten minutes of the completion of the game. The Board of Selectmen may, from time
to time, establish other specific closing hours.
7. Hockey playing is permitted in a public skating area in that section of the public
skating area designated by sign for that purpose only.
8. Reservations for outdoor facilities must be requested at the Recreation Division
office. Permits for authorized use will be issued by the Recreation Committee or its
designee.
9. User fees for outdoor facilities will be charged as listed in current fee schedules.
Fees must generally be paid before permits will be issued.
10. The Recreation Committee will rule on situations not specifically covered in the
policy, and the Recreation Committee may amend the policy at any time.
4.97.3 - Rules
RULE 1. No person shall damage or break or cause to be broken any windows, doors
or other appurtenances of any buildings or structures on any public park, playground or recreation
area, or mark upon deface or disfigure any such buildings appurtenances or structure.
RULE 2. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading throw any stone or other missile; or have possession of or discharge any
destructive weapon, bow and arrow, firearm, firecracker, torpedo or fireworks; or make a fire; or
post, paint, affix or display any sign, notice, placard or advertising device; or engage in business,
sell or expose for sale, or give away any goods, wares or circulars; or drop or place and leave in
place any piece of paper or other refuse, except in the receptacles designated; except with the
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written authority of the Recreation Committee or their designee and/or other permit granting
authority.
RULE 3. No person shall, on any public park, playground, recreation or other area under the
jurisdiction of the Recreation Committee in the Town of Reading, solicit the acquaintance of or
annoy another person or utter any profane, threatening abusive or indecent language or loud outcry;
or solicit any subscription or contribution; or have possession of, or drink any alcoholic beverages
as defined by Chapter 138, Section 1, of the General Laws; or play any game of chance, or have
possession of any instrument of gambling; or make an oration or harangue or any political or other
canvass; or preach or pray aloud; or do any obscene or indecent act; except by written authority
from the Recreation Committee or their designee.
RULE 4. Amplified Sound - Users of public property and abutting residents should
have an expectation of quiet enjoyment of the Town’s public parks, playgrounds, recreation and
other open space areas. This rule recognizes that these properties are the site of some activities
which inherently create levels of noise due to customary and usual uses such as fans cheering,
referee and coach’s whistles, and bands playing during football games. There is also recognition
that as a community the public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas are the
site of occasional community events which use amplified sound such as school field days,
community fairs, and fireworks displays, etc.
The use of amplified sound in public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas is
not permitted without a permit to be granted by the Recreation Committee or other agency which
has jurisdiction over said public property.
When permitted, the use of amplified sound shall be controlled by the permit holder such that the
volume, direction, and duration of the sound is the minimum needed to meet the purpose of the use
of the sound, and which will minimize the impact of the sound on other users of the park,
playground, or other public property and its abutters. Unreasonable sound shall be sound plainly
audible at a distance of 100 feet from its source by a person of normal hearing.
The intent of this rule is to allow, with a permit from the Recreation Committee or other agency
which has jurisdiction over said public property, reasonable and occasional playing of music or use
of amplified sound while considering location, time, duration and frequency such as an annual fair,
or once a year all-star sports games. The use of amplified sound is not intended to be a routine for
recurring events such as play by play announcements for sporting events and other repeated use of
music and amplified sound. The permitting authority should consider the frequency of amplified
permits per park or recreation site and afford significant consideration to the neighbors abutting the
permitted areas as regards to their inconvenience created by said permit.
When a permit is granted, a copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Select Board at least 3
days before the event at which the music or amplified sound is to be used. Additionally, all
permitted dates of amplified sound will be posted in a conspicuous place on the Town’s website as
well as available by contacting the Recreation Division or head of any other agency having
jurisdiction over the public property for which a permit has been granted.
Any variance from this rule will require the permitted applicant to petition the Select Board for such
variance at which time a public hearing will be held on the matter.
RULE 5. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading, bathe except in proper costume and at places designated therefor; nor shall any
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person loiter or run about or lie upon the areas around pools in bathing costume in a manner deemed
inappropriate by community standards.
RULE 6. No person in any public park, playground or recreation area in the Town of
Reading shall refuse or neglect to obey any reasonable direction of a police officer.
RULE 7. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading promote, or engage in any game of ball or other sport; except within the areas
especially provided therefor, or by written authority of the Recreation Committee or their designee.
No person shall use or exhibit golf clubs in any public park, playground, or recreation area.
RULE 8. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading, undress or dress put on or take off a bathing suit, except in buildings designated
for such use for the purpose of undressing or dressing or putting on or taking off a bathing suit.
RULE 9. No person shall operate, drive, or ride an animal, vehicle or motor vehicle
upon or over any part of a playground recreation area or any public park in the Town of Reading
except where specifically allowed.
RULE 10. No person shall, in any public park, playground or recreation area in the
Town of Reading stop, stand or park any automobile or other vehicle except in such manner and in
such areas as may be designated by signs or by a police officer.
RULE 11. No person shall permit a dog under their control to enter upon an artificial
turf field or within any fenced area that includes any artificial turf field within the Town of Reading.
Artificial turf fields include: the RMHS stadium, Collins Field at Parker Middle School, and the so
called Lacrosse field also known as the practice field at RMHS.
4.97.4 - Enforcement
These regulations shall be enforced by the Reading Police Department who shall cause the
immediate termination of any activity that violates these rules and regulations. Violators may be
subject to fine, arrest or summons.
Compliance with these rules and regulations as established by the Recreation Committee is a
condition for the use of all facilities.
4.97.5 - Penalty
Any person violating any of the above rules shall for each offense be punished by a fine of
not more than twenty dollars, as provided in General Laws, Chapter 45, Section 24.
Adopted: 10-8-91, Revised 12-13-94-; revised 1-14-03; revised 2-7-06, revised 11-25-08 , revised 2-28-12
Section 4.98 - Use, Operation and Maintenance of the Common
1. The Select Board recognizes that the Town Common in Reading is a focal point for the
community, and a symbol of the very essence of the Town. It is the Select Board’s
intent to preserve and enhance the Common at every opportunity.
2. Recognizing that by Charter the Town Manager has authority over the use, operation and
maintenance of the Common, the Board directs the Town Manager to evaluate any
changes to the Common in light of the "Guidelines for Evaluating Changes to the
Common" submitted by the Reading Historical Commission in May, 1990 and revised
January, 1991, as these guidelines included in the Appendix may by changed from time
4-41 Select Board Policies
to time; and that any major changes to the Common should be evaluated in terms of this
document.
3. Further, the Select Board asks that the Town Manager and/or appropriate staff meet
periodically with the Historical Commission with regard to issues related to the
Common.
Adopted 10-20-92, Revised 12-13-94
Section 4.99 - Custodian of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Graves
1. Pursuant to Chapter 279 of the Acts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1996, the
term of the Custodian of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Graves, also known as the Veterans'
Graves Officer, is hereby established as a three (3) year term to begin on July 1st and
expire June 30th of the appropriate year.
Adopted 6-10-97
Select Board
Policy Revisions
Department of Public Works
June 3, 2020
Articles With No Significant Changes:
4.1:Delegating the Hearing and Approval Process for Municipal Consent to Alter Utility
Lines
4.2:Acceptance of Private Ways and Establishment of Betterments
4.3:House or Building Moving
4.9:Water Conservation Program (The SB will need to approve revisions at a later date.)
4.10:Abatement of Sewer Charges – Pools
4.11:Second Water Meters
4.12:Regulations for Reimbursement for Sewer Backflow Prevention
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Articles to Be Relocated or Deleted:
4.14 (Old):Rules and Regulations Related to Parks, Playgrounds, and Recreation Areas
4.97 (Temporary)
- To be moved to Article 5 Community Services
- 4.14.3 (old) moved to 4.14.6 (new) Public Shade Tree Policy
4.15 (Old):Use, Operation, and Maintenance of the Common
4.98 (Temporary)
- To be moved to Article 5 Community Services
4.16 (Old):Policy Establishing Aquifer Protection District Infiltration System Design
Guidelines
- Deleted in its entirety, as these are design guidelines and not policy.
4.17 (Old): Custodian of Solders’ and Sailors’ Graves
4.99 (Temporary)
- To be moved to Article 5 Community Services
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Articles with Minor Changes
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.4: Street Lighting
Specific Proposal: Update language to reflect current procedures.
Why Changed: The current language is not representative of current procedures.
Currently, when a request for a new light is made, the request is made to the
Director of Public Works. The Director shall than consult with the Police
Department and/or other Town staff. If the petitioner is not satisfied with the
decision of the Public Works Director, the petitioner may appeal to the Select
Board. The current language, as written, had all requests going directly to the
Town Manager.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.5.2: Installation, Construction, and Re-Construction of Curbs and
Sidewalks - Sidewalks
Specific Proposal: Delete language defining specific boundaries around the
downtown area requiring the placement of concrete sidewalks.
Why Changed: Given that the majority of the sidewalk material type around the
downtown area is already established, current language dictates sidewalk material
type to match the predominant material in the area.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.5.3: Installation, Construction, and Re-Construction of Curbs and
Sidewalks – Tree Lawns
Specific Proposal: Insert language to better define what a tree lawn is, and to
prohibit private property owners from installing underground irrigation equipment
within a tree lawn area.
Why Changed: The Article, as currently written, required better definition, and made
no reference to irrigation equipment.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.6: Solid Waste Recycling, Collection and Disposal Rules
Specific Proposal: Update language to reflect the Town’s current solid waste and
recycling regulations.
Why Changed: The current language is out of date with the Town’s current solid
waste and recycling regulations.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.7: Sewer Connection Permit Program
Specific Proposal: Insert language pertaining to the purpose and authority of the
sewer connection permit program, and how the program relates to both sanitary
and storm sewer applications. Also updated some definitions.
Why Changed: The new language will support practices currently being enacted and
includes the following additions:
a. The use of all public sewers in the Town shall be controlled by the Department of Public Works.
b. Any person wanting to connect to the sewer system shall abide by the regulation found within
this Article.
c. All sewer laterals between the main in the street and the building or facility being served are the
responsibility of the property owner.
d. Any and all connections to the Town sewer system shall be performed by a Licensed Drain
Layer, as approved by the Town.
e. Any new connection to the Town’s sewer system shall be subject to the availability of capacity,
as determined by the Town.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.8: Water Meter Readings, Abatement, and Credits
Specific Proposal: Update language to reflect current procedures.
Why Changed: The current language is not representative of current procedures. If
DPW receives a complaint on a water meter reading, and the meter reading is
found to be correct, DPW advises the consumer to perform an internal leak review.
If the meter is found to be incorrect, DPW will make internal adjustments to the
consumer’s water bill, and repair/replace the meter as required. The current
language refers to a procedure that is not practiced.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.16: Appeals
Specific Proposal: Update language to reflect current procedures, as recommended
by Town Counsel.
Why Changed: The current language is not representative of current procedures and
the appeal process of Article 4. When a decision regarding Article 4 is appealed by
the requesting party, all appeals shall be made directly to the Select Board for
consideration at a public meeting. The current language has appeals being heard
first by the Town Manager, and then, if necessary, the Select Board.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.18: Consideration of Multi-way Stop Intersections
Specific Proposal: Update language to reflect current procedures.
Why Changed: The current language requires clarification on current procedures that
would be enacted. The process of when an engineering study should be
performed, in order for the Select Board to decide on whether a multi-way stop
intersection is warranted, was found to be inaccurate.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
New Articles or Articles with Significant Changes
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.13.4: Street Opening Permit Policy – Street Opening Moratorium
Specific Proposal: Insert language to regulate all non-emergency street openings
within the Town of Reading, occurring within (5) years of resurfacing the street.
Why Changed: The Town of Reading currently has no approved policy regulating
street openings on newly resurfaced streets. Highlights of the new policy include
the following:
a. All non-emergency excavation, as determined by the Director of Public Works, shall
be prohibited in a newly paved roadway for a period of (5) years, unless authorized
by the Select Board.
b. If either the Director of Public Works or the Select Board authorizes the excavation,
the applicant shall be required to resurface the road, curb to curb, for at least
(10) feet beyond the limits of the excavation (when two or more excavations occur
within (30) feet of each other, re-paving shall be for the required distance necessary
to cover both).
c. All work shall be performed according to Town of Reading standards, and be
approved by the Director of Public Works.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.13.6: Street Opening Permit Policy – Driveway Rules and
Regulations
Specific Proposal: Insert language to regulate driveway curb cuts within the Town of
Reading.
Why Changed: The Town of Reading currently has no approved policy to reflect
current practices regarding the regulation of driveway curb cuts within the Town of
Reading. Highlights of the driveway regulations include the following:
a. Driveways shall not exceed 24 feet in width.
b. (2) driveways may be allowed on a single lot if there is at least 125 feet between
openings (this includes circular driveways).
c. Driveways are to be at least 50 feet from the nearest cross street.
d. The grade of the driveway shall not exceed 10% ± for the first 20 feet into the lot.
e. All proposed driveways must be submitted to DPW for approval.
f. The applicant may appeal to the Select Board if the permit is denied by DPW.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.14: Public Shade Tree Policy
Specific Proposal: Insert language to both regulate the maintenance and protection
of all public shade trees within the Town of Reading, and support practices
currently being enacted.
Why Changed: The Town of Reading currently has no approved policy regulating the
maintenance and protection of public shade trees within the Town. Highlights of
the Public Shade Tree policy include:
a. “Public Shade Tree” is defined per M.G.L. ch.87 §1 as “All trees within a public way
or on the boundaries thereof....”
b. “Tree Warden” is defined to be the sole individual within the Town for making all
decisions regarding Public Shade Trees.
c. No individual other than the Tree Warden shall be permitted to trim or remove
Public Shade Trees without written permission from the Tree Warden.
d. If a request is made to remove a Public Shade Tree and the Tree Warden
determines the tree to be healthy, the Tree Warden shall hold a public hearing on
the removal of the tree.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.14: Public Shade Tree Policy (cont.)
e. If the request is denied, the property owner requesting the hearing may appeal to
the Select Board.
f. If the Select Board (at public meeting), determines that the tree should be
removed, the full cost of removal shall be borne by the property owner, including
but not limited to police details and restitution.
g. Restitution shall be determined by the Tree Warden:
i. Example: 30” diameter tree equals (15) 2-inch caliper trees ($300 per tree) for total restitution of $4,500.
h. Any unauthorized tree planting on Town property shall be subject to removal by the
Tree Warden.
i. All new tree plantings within the Town shall have species and location determined
by the Tree Warden.
j. Penalties shall be imposed for both property owners and contractors for
unauthorized removal of Town Shade Trees.
k. Construction standards established when working near Town Shade trees.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.15: Addressing Standards and Regulations
Specific Proposal: Insert language to standardize addressing regulations within the
Town of Reading.
Why Changed: The Town of Reading currently has no approved policy to reflect
current addressing standards which were based on policy of the former Board of
Public Works. Highlights of addressing standards and procedures include:
a. The Town Engineer is the sole agent of the Town of Reading authorized to assign
and modify addresses.
b. When naming roads, no (2) roads shall be given the same name or have similar
sounding names.
c. In residential areas, numbers shall be assigned every (35) feet along both sides of
the centerline of the road.
d. In the downtown business district, numbers shall be assigned every (12) feet.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.15: Addressing Standards and Regulations (cont.)
e. Even numbers appear on the left with odd numbers appearing on the right, and
shall originate from the intersection closest to the “Center of Town” as determined
by the Town Engineer.
f. The number assigned to each structure shall be the numbered interval falling
closest to the front door or the driveway of said structure if the front door cannot be
seen from the main road.
g. Accessory apartments shall be assigned the address of the main structure followed
by a secondary location indicator of “Apartment A”.
h. Multi-level apartment or condominium buildings shall be assigned a building
address, with Apt. numbers (or Unit numbers for condos) to follow (1001 on first
floor, 2001 second floor, etc.).
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works
Article 4.17: Traffic Signage or Mechanisms Prohibited
Specific Proposal: Insert language to reflect current practices regarding traffic
signage and mechanisms that shall be prohibited from within the Town of Reading.
Why Changed: The Town of Reading currently does not have any approved policy
prohibiting certain types of traffic signage or mechanisms which have the potential
to either not perform as intended or have the potential to impair public safety, as
determined by the Chief of Police and/or Director of Public Works. Examples of
traffic signage or mechanisms prohibited shall include, but are not limited to,
animal crossing signs, blind driveway signs, dead-end signs, and mirrors.
TOWN OF READING
Department of Public Works