Town of Wrentham - Definitions

ABANDON

To neglect, abandon or fail to perform maintenance upon a sign or fail to obtain all necessary licenses and permits to erect and maintain a sign.

ABANDONED SIGN

A.To neglect, abandon or fail to perform maintenance upon a sign or to fail to obtain all necessary licenses and permits to erect and maintain a sign.
B.A sign which identifies or advertises a business, service, product, activity, or lessor which no longer exists at that location and/or for which no legal owner can be found.

ABANDONMENT

The discontinuance of a nonconforming use or the visible or otherwise apparent intention of an owner to discontinue a nonconforming use of a building or premises, or the removal of the characteristic equipment or furnishing used in the performance of the nonconforming use, without its replacement by similar equipment or furnishings, or the replacement of the nonconforming use or building by a conforming use or building.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT

A self-contained housing unit incorporated within a single-family dwelling unit that is clearly a subordinate part of the single-family dwelling.

ACCESSORY SIGN

See "sandwich sign".

ADULT BOOKSTORE

An establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade, books, magazines, and other matter which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis depicting, describing, or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31, as amended. For purposes of this bylaw, "substantial or significant portion of its stock" shall mean more than 10% of the subject establishment's inventory stock or retail sales or more than 10% of the premises' GFA.

ADULT CABARET ESTABLISHMENT

An establishment which provides live entertainment for its patrons, which includes the display of nudity, as that term is defined in MGL c. 272, § 31, as amended.

ADULT DAY-CARE FACILITY

A facility that offers to seniors daytime programs, health care and assessment, personal care, social programs, recreational activities, meals and transportation, but does not provide residence or overnight accommodations.

ADULT MOTION-PICTURE THEATER

An enclosed building used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by its emphasis depicting, describing, or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31, as amended. For purposes of this bylaw, an adult motion-picture theater shall not be deemed a "movie cinema" as identified in § 390-4.2: Use Regulation Schedule..

ADULT PARAPHERNALIA STORE

An establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock devices, objects, tools, or toys which are distinguished or characterized by their association with sexual activity, including sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31, as amended. For purposes of this bylaw, "substantial or significant portion of its stock" shall mean more than 10% of the subject establishment's inventory stock or retail sales or more than 10% of the premises' GFA.

ADULT VIDEO STORE

An establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade, videos, movies, or other film material which is distinguished or characterized by its emphasis depicting, describing, or relating to sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31, as amended. For purposes of this bylaw, "substantial or significant portion of its stock" shall mean more than 10% of the subject establishment's inventory stock or retail sales and/or rentals or more than 10% of the premises' GFA.

AFFORDABLE

Housing units that are affordable to and occupied by individuals and families whose annual income is less than 80% of the area-wide median income as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development or Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development standards. Affordability shall be assured in perpetuity through the use of an affordable housing restriction as defined in MGL c. 184, § 31.

A-FRAME SIGN

Any sign which uses actual movement or the illusion of movement.

AGRICULTURE

The production, keeping or maintenance, for sale, lease or personal use, of plants and animals useful to man, including, but not limited to: forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products, poultry and poultry products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, or goats, or any mutations or hybrids thereof, including the breeding and grazing of any or all of such animals; bees and apiary products; fur animals; trees and forest products; fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts and berries; vegetable; nursery, floral, ornamental and greenhouse products; or lands devoted to a soil conservation or management program.

ALTERATION

Any construction or other action resulting in a change in the existing structural parts or height, number of stories, size, use, or location of an existing building or other existing structure.

AMUSEMENT PARK

A facility, primarily outdoors, that may include structures and buildings, where there are various devices for entertainment, including rides, booths for the conduct of games or sale of items, buildings for shows and entertainment, and restaurants, and souvenir sales; however, under no circumstances shall amusement parks include adult-oriented activities or entertainment.

ANCHOR RETAIL OPERATION

An exterior perimeter department store, major merchandising or magnet center having direct access to a mall and having its required exits independent of the mall.

ANIMAL FEEDLOT

A plot of land on which 25 livestock or more per acre are kept for the purposes of feeding.

ANIMAL OR VETERINARY HOSPITAL

A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental to hospital use.

APPEAL

An administrative review by the Board of Appeals of the action or failure to act of the Planning Board or Building Inspector as set forth in Article XI: Appeals.

AQUACULTURE

The science, art, and business of cultivating marine or freshwater food, shellfish, mollusks, crustaceans, or fish under controlled conditions for distribution and consumption.

AQUIFER

Geologic formation composed of rock or sand and gravel that contains significant amounts of potentially producible potable water.

AREA OF SIGN

An area determined by multiplying the extreme width by the extreme height, including borders, but excluding supports which do not bear advertisement. Where a sign consists of individual characters, letters, symbols, plaques or illustrations, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle which encompasses all the characters, letters, symbols, plaques or illustrations. Where sign design or shape is not flat, but is geometric in concept (i.e., spherical, balloon, triangle, etc.), standard geometric and/or trigonometric formulas for the calculation of the surface area shall be used. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be used in computing the area of that sign. See also "double-faced sign".

ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING

The provisions of physical support, aid or assistance with bathing, dressing/grooming, ambulation, eating, toileting or similar tasks.

ASSISTANCE WITH INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING

The provision of support, aid, assistance, prompting, guidance, or observations of meal preparation, housekeeping, clothes laundering, shopping for food and other items, telephoning, use of transportation and other similar tasks.

ASSISTED-LIVING RESIDENCE

A long-term senior residential facility that provides personal care support services such as meal, medication management, bathing, dressing, and transportation, principally for people age 55 or over, within the meaning as defined in MGL c. 151, § 4, and certified by the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs.

ATTIC, HABITABLE

An attic that has a stairway as a means of access and egress and in which the ceiling area at a height of 7 1/3 feet above the attic floor is not less than 1/3 the area of the floor next below.

AWNING SIGN

A sign attached to or printed upon textile, fabric, or similar flexible or solid material supported by framing and which is attached to a building, whose purpose is to protect, cover, screen or shelter persons or structural components located beneath, or adjacent to them.

BALLOON SIGN

See "inflatable sign".

BANNER

A piece of cloth, plastic, or similar material attached at one or more points to a pole, staff, or other support.

BAR

An establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold, as authorized by MGL c. 138, to be served to and drunk by patrons in plain view of other patrons, all entrances to which shall open directly from a public way and where prepared food is not available.

BARN

A farm building used primarily for storing farm products such as grain and hay, and for sheltering livestock.

BASEMENT

That portion of a building which is partly below and partly above finished grade, and having at least 1/2 its height above finished grade.

BED-AND-BREAKFAST HOME

An accessory use in which a private owner-occupied dwelling unit has three or fewer bed-and-breakfast units available for rent, breakfast included, for overnight accommodations.

BOARDINGHOUSE

Any dwelling unit in which two or more persons, not permanent residents of the living quarters, are housed or lodged for hire, with or without meals, in a room or suite which does not contain separate cooking facilities. A rooming house or a furnished rooming house, in which rooms or suites of rooms in which the persons are housed or lodged for hire do not contain separate facilities, shall be deemed a boardinghouse.

BOG

A wetland in which dead plant remains accumulate as peat.

BREW PUB

Restaurants licensed under the relevant state and federal statutes to produce and sell beer and/or ale at the location and whose primary business is the sale and preparation of food to be consumed on the premises. Malt beverages, including beer, ales and hard ciders, produced on the premises may be sold to other establishments but shall not exceed 25% of the establishment's production capacity.

BREWERY

A facility, licensed under the relevant state and federal statutes, for the production and packaging of malt, ale, spirituous, wine, or hard cider beverages for distribution, retail, or wholesale sale, which may include a tap room or tasting room where beverages produced on the premises may be sold and consumed. The definition of "brewery" includes "distillery" or "winery."

BUFFER ZONE

An area incorporating the following elements: preserved natural vegetation, professionally landscaped tree/plant or natural material, or artificial screening/fencing material, used either separately or in combination. Used to mitigate certain effects of permitted uses in any district upon either the abutting lot(s), permitted use(s), or zoning district(s).

BUILD FACTOR

A ratio of lot perimeter to lot area which limits the degree to which a lot may have an irregular shape.

BUILDING

A combination of any materials, whether portable or fixed, having a roof, common walls, passageway areas and serviced by common utilities and forming a structure for the shelter of persons, animals or property. For the purposes of this definition "roof" shall include an awning or any similar covering, whether or not permanent in nature.

BUILDING, ACCESSORY

A detached subordinate building, the use of which is customarily incidental and subordinate to that of the principal building, and which is located on the same lot as that occupied by the principal building.

BULK STORAGE

Exposed outside storage of sand, lumber, coal or other bulk materials and storage of liquids in tanks except underground as an accessory use.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Business services include services in the business-to-business market, such as equipment rental or leasing, photocopying, printing and marketing services, graphic design, advertising and media services, or computer and technology-related services. Adult cabaret establishments or adult motion-picture theaters are not business services. Radio and telecommunications transmission are not considered business services.

CAMPGROUND

An area or tract of land on which accommodations for temporary occupancy are located or may be placed, including cabins, tents, and major recreational equipment, and which is primarily used for recreational purposes and retains an open air or natural character.

CASUAL DINING

Full-service eating establishment with typical turnover rates of approximately one hour or less; moderately priced; occasionally belongs to a restaurant chain; generally serves lunch and dinner; may serve breakfast or be open extended hours; generally does not take reservations; may or may not contain a bar.

CELLAR

That portion of a building which is completely below finished grade or more than 1/2 its height is below finished grade.

CEMETERY

Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including columbariums, crematories, mausoleums, and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundaries of such cemetery.

CHANGEABLE-COPY SIGN

A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, symbols, plaques or illustrations can be changed or rearranged.

CHILD-CARE FACILITY

A day-care center or a school-age child-care program, as these terms are defined in MGL c. 28A, § 9, as amended from time to time.

CHURCH or PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP

An institution that people regularly attend to participate in or hold religious services, meetings, and other activities. The term "church" shall not carry a secular connotation and shall include buildings in which the religious services of any denomination are held.

CLINIC

A building designed and used for the diagnosis and treatment of human patients that does not include overnight care facilities.

CLUB

Premises or buildings of a nonprofit organization exclusively serving members and their guests for recreational, athletic, or civic purposes, but not including any vending stands, merchandising, or commercial activities except as required generally for the membership and purposes of such club. Does not include clubs or organizations whose chief activity is a service customarily carried on as a business.

COMMERCIAL USE

An occupation, employment, or enterprise that is carried on for profit by the owner, lessee, or licensee.

COMMON DRIVEWAY

A driveway servicing at least two but no more than four building lots, unless within the B-1, B-2, C-1 or C-2 Zoning Districts, provided said driveway extends from the street frontage of a lot of one of the uses being served, common driveways shall also include any driveway serving two or more uses on separate building lots, provided said uses existed before July 20, 1999, and that said driveway would not serve any additional uses unless otherwise in compliance with this definition. Within any residential district, each lot must have the street frontage for that zoning district. A common driveway is not a street and does not provide legal street frontage.

COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

An assessment of all physical, social, and economic impacts which can be reasonably anticipated from a proposed use and a program for mitigation of significant adverse impact as set forth in Article VIII: Community and Environmental Assessment.

COMMUNITY CONGREGATE HOUSING

Living accommodations and communal facilities for persons over age 55. In addition to individual and/or shared residential apartments for persons living independently, communal facilities may include, but are not limited to, kitchens, dining facilities, retail and service establishments for residents of the housing community, game and crafts rooms, a pool, library, and place of worship. This use differs from senior living community because there are no nursing or assisted living components.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Premises owned and operated by a governmental or other chartered nonprofit organization, including public housing for the elderly, but not including fraternal, sports or similar membership organizations.

CONSERVATION AREA

Environmentally sensitive and valuable lands protected from any activity that would significantly alter their ecological integrity, balance, or character, except in cases of overriding public interest. Conservation areas include freshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, natural shorelines (other than natural beaches or dunes), and other areas of significant biological productivity or uniqueness.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT

An easement granting a right or interest in real property that is appropriate to retaining land or water areas predominately in their natural, scenic, open, or wooded condition; retaining such areas as suitable habitat for fish, plants, or wildlife.

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS, HEAVY VEHICLE STORAGE

A construction business is a business engaged as either a prime or subcontractor in the building trades or heavy construction businesses. Heavy vehicle storage may be either within enclosed buildings or outdoors. Any outdoor storage of vehicles must be for registered vehicles only and appropriately screened.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN

A temporary sign identifying an architect, builder, contractor (subcontractor), material supplier, or others participating in the construction, alteration, or maintenance on the property on which the sign is located. See also "temporary sign".

CONTINUING-CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (CCRC)

A senior living community that provides a continuum of senior housing and care services principally for people age 55 or over, within the meaning as defined in MGL c. 151B, § 4(6) and 42 U.S.C § 3607(b)(2)(c), operated or sponsored as a coordinated unit by a corporation or organization, having among its principal purposes the provision of housing and associated services for senior citizens. A CCRC shall include a variety of housing types and may also include semi-institutional facilities such as skilled nursing care or a rehabilitation facility.

CONTRACTOR'S YARD

Premises used by a building or construction contractor or subcontractor principally for the storage of materials, storage and servicing of equipment and fabrication of subassemblies.

CONVENIENCE STORE

Any retail store with a gross floor area of 3,000 square feet or less, generally open expanded hours, selling a limited selection of groceries, beverages and snacks to be consumed primarily off the premises, lottery tickets, newspapers, magazines, tobacco products, household products and personal items.

COTTAGE DWELLING

A detached one-family dwelling that does not exceed 1,800 square feet of livable floor area (meaning heated floor area of the building above finished grades, excluding nondwelling areas such as attic space or a garage).

COUNTRY CLUB

A land area and buildings containing recreational facilities, clubhouse and usual accessory uses, open only to members and their guests for a membership fee.

COUNTRY INN

A building used or designed for overnight lodging, and which may also provide a restaurant and accessory guest services to lodgers and the public, but excluding function and conference facilities. A country inn shall be located in an historic building built before 1929.

DAY SPA

A business, employing professionally licensed therapists, which provides facilities and a variety of services for the purpose of improving health, beauty and relaxation through personal care treatments including, but not limited to, cosmetic, therapeutic massages, holistic treatments, body or facial treatments. A day spa must comprise a minimum of 3,000 square feet of space.

DAY-CARE CENTER

A facility operated on a regular basis which receives children not of common parentage under seven years of age, or under 16 years of age if such children have special needs, for nonresidential custody and care during part or all of the day separate from their parents, subject to the conditions contained in MGL c. 28A, § 9, as amended from time to time.

DAY-CARE FACILITY, ADULT

A facility or program operated on a regular basis which provides supervised, nonresidential group or individual care for adults for part or all the day.

DEVELOPMENT

All structures and other modifications of the natural landscape above and below ground or water, on a particular site.

DIRECT/EXTERNAL LIGHTING

Illumination by means of a light source that is external to the sign being lit. See also "internal lighting (indirect lighting)".

DIRECTIONAL, INFORMATIONAL OR SAFETY SIGN

An on-premises sign which identifies the premises, or the activity, or business conducted upon such premises and/or which provides directions for the safe and efficient flow of traffic. Directional signs shall include those marking entrances, exits, parking areas, loading areas, or other operational features of the premises.

DISCOUNT STORE/SUPERSTORES

Stores, such as home improvement, department, clothing, housegoods, toy, sporting goods and pet supply stores, that offer a variety of customer services, centralized cashiering and a wide range of products advertised at discount prices; long store hours, typically seven days a week; some may have a garden center and/or service station; superstores may have a grocery department under the same roof that shares the same entrances and exits with the discount store area.

DISTRICT

A part, zone or geographic area within the Town within which certain zoning or development regulations apply.

DOOR SIGN or WINDOW SIGN

Any sign placed inside a door or window facing the outside with characters that exceed 2.5 inches in height, and which is intended to be read from a public way.

DOUBLE-FACED SIGN

A sign lettered on both sides.

DRIVE-UP WINDOW

A premises where persons, while in their automobiles, are served, purchase, consume, as appropriate, banking services, food or goods.

DRIVEWAY

A private means of auto access to a parking space, garage, dwelling or other structure.

DWELLING

A building, or part thereof, which is used exclusively for human habitation, and constructed on-site, or off-site in parts designed to be transported to a lot to be joined into integral dwelling units and placed on a permanent foundation over a cellar or basement, but which shall not include a tent, trailer, camper, mobile home or a room, or a suite of rooms in a boardinghouse, hotel, motel, or bed-and-breakfast home.

DWELLING UNIT

A separate set of living quarters within a dwelling which includes at least one room and a separate kitchen and sanitary facilities, and which has a private entrance from outside the building or a common hallway or stairway inside the building.

DWELLING, DOUBLE ATTACHED

An attached residential building containing two separate dwelling units. The dwellings may be either side by side or one above the other.

DWELLING, MULTIPLE ATTACHED

An attached residential building containing two or more separate dwelling units. This includes townhouse-style dwelling units comprised of two or more stories. A garage may be included as part of the townhouse, either underneath or as a first-floor use.

DWELLING, SINGLE DETACHED

A detached residential building containing only one dwelling unit.

EARTH

Includes soil, rock, sod, loam, peat, humus, clay, sand, gravel, or other minerals or materials.

Includes nonorganic material normally and naturally composing part of the world's surface, excluding water, but including peat and any material under water.

EASEMENT

A grant of one or more of the property rights by the property owner to and/or for the use by the public, a corporation or another person or entity.

ELEVATION

A.A vertical distance above or below a fixed reference level;
B.A flat scale drawing of the front, rear, or side of a building.

ENTERTAINMENT/COMMERCIAL RECREATION

Indoor or outdoor spaces for leisure activities, including but not limited to golf courses, bowling facilities, movie theaters, sports complexes, fitness or health clubs and recreational community centers.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance by public utilities or governmental agencies of underground or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution systems, collection, communication, supply or disposal system, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants and other similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith, but not including buildings necessary for the furnishing of adequate service by such public utilities or governmental agencies for the public health or safety or general welfare.

ESTABLISHMENT

An economic unit, generally at a single physical location, where business is conducted or services or industrial operations performed.

FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY

The manufacturing from standardized parts of a distinct object differing from the individual components.

FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME

Any private residence which, on a regular basis, receives for temporary custody and care during part or all of the day, children under seven years of age or children under 16 years of age if such children have special needs, subject to the conditions contained in MGL c. 28A, § 9, as amended from time to time.

FARM

Any parcel of land used for the raising of agricultural products, livestock, poultry or dairy products.

FAST FOOD

Characterized by large carry-out clientele; long hours of service; high turnover rates for eat-in customers; no table service by wait staff; typically pay at cash register before they eat; may or may not have a drive-through. Generally considered to be hamburger, sub/sandwich, pizza, (in some circumstances) ethnic (i.e., Thai, Chinese, sushi, middle-eastern), coffee/donut shop, ice cream parlor, etc.

FENCE

An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose or screen areas of land.

FINE DINING

Full-service eating establishment with typical turnover rates of at least one hour or longer; generally do not serve breakfast and sometimes do not serve lunch; all serve dinner; usually requires a reservation and is generally not part of a chain; may have function space.

FLAG

A piece of cloth, plastic, or similar material which may have symbols, letters, words, logos or graphics printed or affixed to the surface, attached at one or more points to a pole, staff, or other support. May represent a governmental unit, trade, avocation or hobby, fraternal or club allegiance or to inform the public of an action or event. See also "pennant".

FLASHING SIGN

A sign which is illuminated by an intermittent or sequential light source.

FLOODPLAIN

Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source.

FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)

The ratio of the net floor area of the principal building to the total lot area.

FLOOR AREA, GROSS (GFA)

The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of a building measured from the exterior face of exterior walls, or from the center line of a wall separating two buildings, but not including interior parking spaces, loading space for motor vehicles, or any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.

FLOOR AREA, NET (NFA)

The sum of the areas of the several floors of a building, measured from the exterior faces of the walls. It does not include cellars, unenclosed porches, or attics not used for human occupancy or any floor space in accessory buildings or in the main building intended and designed for the parking of motor vehicles in order to meet the parking requirements of the bylaw, or any such floor space intended and designed for accessory heating and ventilating equipment.

FREESTANDING GENERAL RETAIL

Freestanding, single-use retail structure. Retail uses include, but are not limited to: convenience stores, freestanding discount store/superstores, personal care services, specialty retail, pharmacy and/or drugstore, bank, dry cleaners.

FREESTANDING SIGN

A sign supported upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building or structure.

FUEL BUSINESS

A commercial use engaged in the sale of separate allotments of heating oil, coal, propane gas or firewood, which are primarily delivered off-site to individuals, businesses or government facilities.

FUNERAL HOME

A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation.

GARAGE, MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR

Any building, premises and land in which or upon which a business, service or industry involving the maintenance service, repair or painting of vehicles is conducted or rendered. Maintenance services, repairs or painting of vehicles shall be conducted within a building. An accessory use may include a designated yard area with appropriate buffers and screening.

GARAGE, PRIVATE

A detached or attached accessory building for the private use of the owner or occupant of a principal building situated on the same lot of the principal building for the storage of motor vehicles, with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a commercial or public nature.

GASOLINE/SERVICE STATION WITH CONVENIENCE STORE

The primary business is the fueling of motor vehicles; may have ancillary facilities for servicing and repairing motor vehicles and commonly sold convenience items such as newspapers, coffee or other beverages and snack items usually consumed in the car or off-location.

GENERAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND/OR MANUFACTURING

Freestanding facilities with an emphasis on light industrial and/or manufacturing activities, including printing, material testing, assembly of data processing equipment and/or the conversion of raw materials or parts into finished products; may also contain warehouse, office and research functions.

GOLF COURSE

A tract of land for playing golf, improved with tees, greens, fairways, hazards, and which may include clubhouses and shelters.

GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Any department, commission, independent agency or instrumentality of the United States, of a state, county, town, municipality or other governmental unit.

GOVERNMENT SIGN

Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by a governmental agency.

GRADE

The degree of rise or descent of a sloping surface.

GRADE PLANE

A reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the building at exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line, or, where the lot line is more than six feet from the building, between the building and a point six feet from the building.

GRADE, FINISHED

The final elevation of the ground surface after development.

GRADE, NATURAL

The elevation of the ground surface in its natural state, before man-made alterations.

GRADING

Any stripping, cutting, filling, stockpiling of earth or land, including the land in its cut or filled condition.

GREENHOUSE

A building whose roof and sides are made largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants for subsequent sale or for personal enjoyment.

GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA)

The area within the perimeter of the outside walls of a building as measured from the inside surface of the exterior walls, with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of walls, columns, or other interior features.

GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION

A solar photovoltaic installation that is structurally mounted on the ground and is not roof-mounted on a building.

GROUNDWATER

All the water found beneath the surface of the ground. In this bylaw the term refers to the slowly moving subsurface water present in aquifers and recharge areas.

HEALTH CLUB

An entity which provides structured exercise programs utilizing both indoor and outdoor facilities such as a gymnasium, swimming pool, running track, court layouts and the like for the development of personal fitness under the supervision of personnel knowledgeable in health, physical education and exercise physiology.

HEALTH-CARE FACILITY

An establishment primarily engaged in furnishing medical, surgical or other services to individuals, including the offices of physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners, medical and dental laboratories, outpatient care facilities, blood banks, and oxygen and miscellaneous types of medical supplies and services. Health-care facilities shall not include any uses or activities of a registered marijuana dispensary or off-site medical marijuana dispensary.

HEIGHT OF A SIGN

The vertical distance measured, in the unit of measure specified, from the highest point of a sign to the mean ground grade beneath the sign.

HEIGHT, BUILDING

The vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface.

HOME OCCUPATION

An occupation or a profession which:
A.Is carried on in a dwelling unit or in a building or other structure accessory to a dwelling unit; and
B.Is carried on by a member of the household residing in the dwelling unit; and
C.Is clearly incidental to the principal use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes.

HOTEL

Any building or group of buildings in which there are guest rooms used, designed or intended to be used, let or hired out for the purpose of offering to the general public lodging on a day-to-day basis typically not to exceed 30 consecutive calendar days, where the primary entrance is through a lobby or foyer and also that in which there are no provisions for cooking in any individual room or suite. A hotel may include additional facilities and services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment, personal services and recreational facilities.

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

Material on the ground that does not allow surface water to penetrate into the soil.

INDEPENDENT-LIVING UNITS

Multifamily buildings in a senior living community that are designed and intended for occupancy principally by people age 55 or over, within the meaning as defined in MGL c. 151B, § 4(6) and 42 U.S.C. § 3607(b)(2)(c), and is in accordance with the same, and with units that include some basic services such as meals, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, security and common open areas and common facilities for events and activities benefiting residents of the development.

INDOOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION FACILITY

A building within which the general public is invited for a fee or membership charge to participate in athletic or recreational activities, which may include swimming, exercise, weight training, running, tennis, squash, racquetball, ping-pong, bowling, billiards, darts, miniature golf, golf and baseball/softball training or simulation facilities, basketball, soccer, curling, ice skating, roller skating, hockey, motorized sports activities, sports medicine facility, physical therapy and rehabilitation facility, restaurant. (Said facility may contain accessory uses such as a pro-shop, health club, child-care facility and concession stands.)

INDUSTRIAL PARK

A mix of industrial, manufacturing, service and warehouse facilities with a wide variation in the proportion of each type of use from one location to another.
A planned, coordinated development of a tract of land with two or more separate industrial buildings. Such development is planned, designed, constructed, and managed on an integrated and coordinated basis with special attention given to on-site vehicular circulation, parking, utility needs, building design and orientation, and open space.

INDUSTRIAL, HEAVY

A use engaged in the basic processing and manufacturing of materials or products predominately from extracted or raw materials, or use engaged in storage of, or manufacturing processes using flammable or explosive materials, or storage or manufacturing processes that potentially involve hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions.

INDUSTRIAL, LIGHT

A use engaged in the manufacturing, predominantly from previously prepared materials, of finished products or parts, including processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, packaging, incidental storage, sales, and distribution of such products, but excluding basic industrial processing.

INFLATABLE SIGN

A sign whose principal system of structural support is by means of compressed gases, air blower, hot air or similar methodology. Such sign may be in the shape of a "balloon" or other three-dimensional shape and may be freestanding, supported or tethered and may be constructed of flexible and/or solid materials.

INTERNAL LIGHTING (INDIRECT LIGHTING)

Illumination by means of a concealed light source, whereby all incandescent, fluorescent, or neon devices are shielded from view by opaque or translucent materials and are located inside of the structure of the sign, resulting in the message being illuminated from within.

JUNK

Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material or debris, whether or not stored or used in conjunction with dismantling, processing, salvage, storage, baling, disposal or other use or disposition. Junk includes, but is not limited to: vehicles, tires, vehicle parts, equipment, paper, rags, metal, glass, building materials, household appliances, brush wood and lumber.

JUNKYARD

Any area, lot, land, parcel, building or structure or part thereof used for the storage, collection, processing, purchase, sale or abandonment of wastepaper, rags, scrap metal or other scrap or discarded goods, materials, machinery or two or more unregistered, inoperable motor vehicles or other type of junk.

KENNEL, COMMERCIAL

Any building, structure, or land area used for the boarding, breeding, grooming, training, showing, protection or raising of dogs, cats or other small animals primarily for sale or profit, or for humane purposes. Pet shops, private kennels, and veterinary hospitals shall be exempt from the definition of "commercial kennel."

KENNEL, PRIVATE

Any structure or premises on which more than four dogs greater than or equal to three months of age are kept in or adjoining a private residence for private enjoyment and not for monetary gain, with the exception of occasional breeding of household pets. No more than two of the dogs shall be used for breeding and the frequency and scope of said activity shall be subject to the grant of a special permit from the Planning Board.

KSF

1,000 square feet [ratios are determined as x spaces/1,000 square feet (ksf)].

LADDER SIGN

A freestanding sign with two vertical supports and two or more crosspieces serving as individual signs.

LIVE PERFORMANCE THEATER

A building where live productions of plays, concerts or other forms of staged entertainment are performed before an audience of the general public. In some cases, said activity may be conducted in conjunction where food and beverages are served to the patrons in a so-called "dinner-theater" setting. Such an establishment shall be exclusive of adult cabaret establishments or any other adult uses.

LOT

An area or parcel of land in the same ownership, or any part thereof designed by its owner or owners as a separate lot, which is bounded by front, side and rear lot lines as defined in this bylaw and defined in a deed or plan recorded with the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. A parcel shall not be designated a building lot unless it conforms with the dimensional requirements in § 390-6.1: Dimensional requirements.. An owner shall retain the right to alienate any parcel or portion of any parcel regardless of whether or not it is a legal lot under this bylaw. For purposes of this bylaw, a lot may or may not have boundaries identical with those recorded in the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

LOT COVERAGE

The percentage of the lot that is covered by impervious surfaces.

LOT DEPTH

The shortest distance measured perpendicularly from the front lot line to the rear lot line.

LOT, CORNER

A corner lot is any lot with continuous frontage on two intersecting streets which meet at an angle of less than 135°.

MANUFACTURING

Establishments engaged in the mechanical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products, including the assembly of component parts, the manufacturing of products, and the blending of materials such as lubricating oils, plastics, resins or liquors.

MANUFACTURING, LIGHT

Fabrication, processing, finishing, assembly, or packaging operations employing only electric or other substantially noiseless and inoffensive motor power, and provided that all power and processes shall confine disturbing agents, such as smoke, fumes, dust, odors, vibration, gas, glare, electromagnetic radiation, and noise, to the confines of the premises or disposed of in a manner so as not to pose a present or potential hazard to human health, safety, welfare or the environment by reason of the potential for fire, explosion, radiation release or other casualty.

MARSH

A wetland dominated by soft-stemmed plants.

MICROBREWERY

A facility, licensed under the relevant state and federal statutes, for the production and packaging of malt, wine, or hard cider beverages for distribution retail of wholesale, on or off premises, with a capacity of not more than 15,000 barrels (a barrel being equivalent to 31 gallons per year) and which may include a tap room where beverages produced on the premises may be sold and consumed. May include other uses such as a restaurant, including outdoor dining if otherwise permitted in the zoning district.

MINING OF LAND

The removal or relocation of geologic materials such as topsoil, sand and gravel, metallic ores or bedrock.

MIXED USE

A combination of commercial and residential uses, arranged vertically (in multiple stories of a structure) or horizontally (adjacent to one another in one or more buildings on a lot). Uses shall be limited to those designated "Y" or "SP" in the Use Regulation Table for the Village, and included as part of this zoning article.

MOBILE HOME

A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is at least eight feet in width and 32 feet in length, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling unit, with or without a permanent foundation when connected to required utilities.

MOBILE HOME PARK

A site with required improvements and utilities for the long-term parking of mobile homes which may include services and facilities for the residents.

MOTEL

A building or group of two or more detached or semidetached buildings, containing individual dwelling or sleeping units, each with a separate exterior entrance, with or without cooking facilities, designed for or used temporarily by the public for rent on a day-to-day basis not to exceed 30 consecutive calendar days and is suitable for occupancy all seasons of the year.

MOTOR VEHICLE

A self-propelled device used for transportation of people or goods over land surfaces and licensed as a motor vehicle.

MOTOR VEHICLE SALES

The use of any building, land area or other premises for the display and sale of new or used automobiles, panel trucks or vans, trailer(s), or recreation vehicles, and including any warranty repair work and other repair service conducted as an accessory use. Exterior storage of any specific vehicle is limited to short-term storage, not to exceed a period of one year on the premises.

MUNICIPALITY

The Town of Wrentham.

NANOBREWERY

Also considered a "craft brewery"; a facility, licensed under the relevant state and federal statutes, for the small-scale production of malt, wine, or hard cider beverages primarily for on-premises consumption and sale with limited distribution to retail or wholesale, with a capacity of not more than 6,000 barrels, (a barrel being equivalent to 31 gallons per year) and which may include accessory preparation and sale of food for on-premises consumption. May include other uses such as a restaurant, including outdoor dining if otherwise permitted in the zoning district.

NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE SIGN

A sign whose purpose is to convey a noncommercial message, showing or demonstrating the owners' opinion, support or opposition to particular cause, entity or person.

NONCONFORMING LOT

A lot, the area, dimensions or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this Zoning Bylaw, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirement(s) of the zoning district.

NONCONFORMING SIGN

A sign that was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted regulations locally or otherwise (state or federal).

NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE OR BUILDING

A structure or building the size, dimensions or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this Zoning Bylaw, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirement(s) of the zoning district.

NONCONFORMING USE

A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this Zoning Bylaw, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirement(s) of the zoning district.

NUISANCE

An interference with the enjoyment and use of property.

NURSERY

Land or greenhouses used to raise trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants for sale.

NURSING HOME

An extended- or intermediate-care facility licensed or approved to provide full-time convalescent or chronic care to individuals who, by reason of advanced age, chronic illness or infirmity, are unable to care for themselves.

OFFICE

A room or group of rooms used for conducting the affairs of a business, professional, service establishment, industry, or government agency.

OFFICE BUILDING

A building used primarily to house offices for conducting the affairs of a business, professional, service establishment, industry or government agency, or like activity that may include ancillary services for office workers such as a restaurant, coffee shop, newspaper or candy stand.

OFFICE PARK

A development on a tract of land that contains a number of separate office buildings, supporting uses and open space designed, planned, constructed and managed on an integrated and coordinated basis.

OFFICES

Locations where affairs of business, commercial or industrial organizations or professional persons or firms are conducted; may contain a mixture of tenants or be a single-use tenant; no larger than three stories above grade.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN

A sign identifying a business or residential use facility or service, which is not located on the premises where such activity is located.

OFF-SITE MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY (OMMD)

A registered marijuana dispensary that is located off-site from the cultivation/processing facility (and controlled and operated by the same registered and approved not-for-profit entity which operates an affiliated RMD) but which serves only to dispense the processed marijuana, related supplies and educational materials to registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers in accordance with the provisions of 105 CMR 725.00.

ON-PREMISES SIGN

A sign identifying a business or residential use, facility or service which is located on the premises where such activity is located.

OPEN SPACE

Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment, or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.

OPEN SPACE, COMMON

Land within or related to a development, not individually owned or dedicated for public use, which is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the residents of the development and may include such complementary structures and improvements as are necessary and appropriate.

OPEN SPACE, PUBLIC

Open space owned by a public agency and maintained by it for the use and enjoyment of the general public.

OUTDOOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION FACILITY

Land, including accessory buildings/structures, on which the general public is invited for a fee or membership charge to participate in any of the following athletic or nonmotorized recreational activities, which may include soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, softball, cricket, basketball, running, bicycling, miniature golf, golf driving range, golf course not to exceed 10 acres, tennis, handball, racquetball, paddle tennis, boating, training facilities for baseball/softball/soccer/golf, croquet, polo, badminton, bocce, Frisbee, shuffleboard, horseshoes and swimming. (Said facility may contain accessory uses such as a pro-shop and concession stands.) Water parks, amusement parks and any motorized vehicular recreational activities, which are similar in nature, are specifically excluded.

OUTDOOR STORAGE

The keeping, in an unroofed area, of any goods, junk, material, merchandise, or motor vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.

PARK

A tract of land, designated and used for active and passive recreation.

PARKING LOT

An off-street, ground-level area, usually surfaced and improved, for the temporary storage of motor vehicles.

PARKING SPACE

A space designed to be occupied by, and adequate to park a motor vehicle plus access thereto.

PENNANT

A flag that is triangular in shape. See also "flag".

PERSONAL SERVICES

Personal services are services such as a hair salon, barber shop, nail salon, tanning beds, laundry, dry cleaning, shoe repair, tailor, and the like. Adult cabaret establishments or adult motion-picture theaters are not personal services. Automotive services, radio and television services, and any service entailing cannabis are not considered personal services.

PHYSICAL THERAPY AND REHABILITATION FACILITY

A facility which provides for the restoration and development of function lost or impaired by trauma, accident or pathology. Said facility shall be professionally staffed by at least one chiropractor, physical or massage therapist, licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or athletic trainer licensed by the National Athletic Trainers Association.

PLANNED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (PBD)

A development of one or more otherwise allowed commercial uses on a lot or two or more contiguous building lots encompassing a total area of not less than 18 acres with at least 400 feet of continuous street frontage along a state numbered route. The entire minimum frontage distance and not less than 80% of the minimum area of a PBD as required herein shall be located within the same zoning district. A PBD is characterized by common driveway(s), shared parking lot(s), coordinated landscaping features, complementary architectural design and shared infrastructure (water distribution, sewage disposal system and/or stormwater drainage facilities), which are managed and maintained by an association of owners of property within the development. A PBD shall be serviced by no more than one site access driveway or street accommodating left-turning vehicles onto and/or off an adjoining public way unless otherwise specifically allowed by the Planning Board in authorizing the PBD under § 390-4.2 in consideration of traffic safety and circulation patterns within the vicinity.

PLANNED INDUSTRIAL/OFFICE PARK

A combined industrial park and office park located on a large tract of land, with ancillary services located on site to at a scale designed to primarily serve the PI/OP.

PLAQUE SIGN

One or more signs affixed to a common background.

PRIVATELY OWNED WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY (PWTF)

Any device or system owned by a private entity that is used for the treatment and disposal (including recycling and reclamation) of sewage. A privately owned wastewater treatment facility includes the sewers, pipes, or other conveyances that convey the wastewater to the treatment facility.

PROCESSING

A series of operations, usually in a continuous and regular action or succession of actions, taking place or carried on in a definite manner.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE

The office of a member of a recognized profession maintained for the conduct of that profession.

PROJECTING SIGN

A sign which extends from a wall of a building or structure.

PUBLIC

The Town of Wrentham, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States government or any agency or authority thereof, except in the phrase "public utility".

PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL UTILITY FACILITY

Telephone, electric and cable television lines, poles, equipment and structures; water or gas pipes, mains, valves or structures; sewer pipes, valves or structures; pumping stations; telephone exchanges and repeater stations; and all other facilities, equipment and structures necessary for conducting a service by a government or public utility.

PUBLIC SERVICE GROUP

A nonprofit fraternal and/or philanthropic service organization generally formed around a common interest, occupation or activity.

PUBLIC WAY

Any way, public or privately owned, over which the public has a right to pass.

QUARTERBOARD SIGN

A sign, which may or may not be carved, designed to imitate a sign such as might be found attached to the stern of a vessel.

REAL ESTATE SIGN

A temporary sign which advertises property as being for sale, rent or lease.

RECHARGE AREAS

Areas composed of permeable stratified sand and gravel and certain wetlands that collect precipitation or surface water and carry it to aquifers.

RECONSTRUCTION

The demolition of a structure and the rebuilding of a new structure on the same lot.

RECREATION AREA

A place designed and equipped for the conduct of sports, leisure-time activities and other active and passive recreational activities.

RECREATION FACILITY, COMMERCIAL

A recreation facility operated as a business and open to the public for a fee.

REGISTERED MARIJUANA DISPENSARY (RMD)

A use operated by a not-for-profit entity registered and approved by the MA Department of Public Health in accordance with 105 CMR 725.000, and pursuant to all other applicable state laws and regulations, also to be known as a "medical marijuana treatment center," that acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers. A RMD shall explicitly include facilities which cultivate and process medical marijuana, and which may also dispense and deliver medical marijuana and related products.

REMOVAL

The severance of any earth, as defined above, from its natural location on a site, whether or not such earth is moved from the site to another location on the same site or off the site.

RESEARCH LABORATORY

An establishment or other facility for carrying on investigation in the natural, physical or social sciences, or engineering and development as an extension of investigation with the objective of creating end products, not including facilities designed and intended for the development of nuclear, chemical, germ/biological weapons, or similar activities.

RESTAURANT

An establishment that is leased, rented or owned by a person holding a duly issued and valid license as a common victualler under the provisions of MGL c. 140, with adequate and sanitary kitchen and dining room equipment and capacity for preparing, cooking and serving suitable food for patrons and customers.

RESTAURANT, DRIVE-THROUGH

A building or portion thereof where food and/or beverages are sold in a form ready for consumption and where all or a significant portion of the consumption takes place or is designed to take place outside the confines of the building, often in a motor vehicle on the site.

RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD

An establishment whose principal business is the sale of preprepared or rapidly prepared food directly to the customer in a ready-to-consume state for consumption either within the restaurant building or off-premises.

RESTAURANT, TAKE-OUT

An establishment which by design of physical facilities or by service or packaging procedures permits or encourages the purchase of prepared ready-to-eat foods intended primarily to be consumed off the premises, and where the consumption of food in motor vehicles on the premises.

RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT/STORE

An establishment engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods. Such an establishment shall be exclusive of an adult motion-picture theater, adult bookstore, adult paraphernalia store or adult video store, as so defined herein. The sale of marijuana in any form whatsoever on any land within the Town of Wrentham shall not be construed so as to fall within this definition and shall not be considered retail.

RIGHT-OF-WAY

A strip of land occupied or intended to be occupied by a street, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water main, sanitary or storm sewer main, shade trees, or other special use. Generally, the right of one to pass over the property of another.

ROOF SIGN

Any sign part of, painted or erected upon, or above a roof or parapet wall of the building or structure on which it is partially or wholly supported.

ROOF-MOUNTED/BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION

A solar photovoltaic installation that is structurally mounted on the roof of a building or as part of a building facade.

SANDWICH SIGN

A self-supporting, double-paneled, temporary sign, which panels are not parallel but which are connected along one edge and separated along the opposite edge. If connected on a vertical edge, it is a V-shaped sign. If connected at the top edge it is an A-frame sign.

SCHOOL

A public, private or parochial or other institution maintained primarily for educational purposes.

SCRAP

Discarded or rejected materials that result from manufacturing or fabricating operations.

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY

A building or group of buildings in a controlled-access and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individual, compartmentalized, and controlled-access stalls or lockers for the storage of a customer's goods or wares.

SENIOR CENTER

A local agency that provides support services to elders, families and caregivers in the community, to include advocacy and activities.

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY (SLC)

A residential community designed for occupancy by individuals 55 years of age or older within the meaning as defined in MGL c. 151B, § 4(6) and 42 U.S.C. § 3607(b)(2)(c), and also incorporating the preservation of natural open space areas as an integral element of the development. A SLC may include a variety or combination of housing types that may be sold or leased to individual residents, or may be operated or managed by a corporation or organization having among its principal purposes the provision of housing and resident services for retired and/or aging persons.

SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT

An establishment engaged in primarily providing services to individual customers, such as shoe repair, dry cleaning, hair styling, and tailoring, and whose primary business is not the sale of tangible goods or products. Such an establishment shall be exclusive of an adult cabaret establishment or adult motion-picture theaters as so defined herein. The sale, cultivation or harvesting of marijuana in any form whatsoever, on any land within the Town of Wrentham, shall not be construed so as to fall within this definition and shall not be considered a service establishment.

SERVICE STATION

Any building or premises which provides for any of the following or a combination thereof: (a) the retail sale of gasoline, oil, tires, batteries, and accessories for motor vehicles; (b) the retail sale and installation of mufflers, shocks and transmissions; and (c) certain motor vehicle services, including washing, tire changing, repair service, battery service, radiator service, lubrication, brake service, wheel service, and testing or adjusting of automotive parts. A service station may include the retail sale of nonautomobile goods; provided, however, no more than 3,000 square feet of floor area shall be devoted to the sale of such goods. Automobile repair work may be done at a service station, provided that no rebuilding of engines, spray paint operations, or body or fender repair is permitted.

SETBACK

The minimum horizontal distance between the lot or property line and the nearest front, side, or rear line of the building, including terraces or any covered projections thereof, excluding steps.

SHARED PARKING LOT

A parking lot that is accessible from two or more building lots connected by means of interior driveways.

SHOPPING CENTER

A group (two or more) or complex of commercial uses, including, but not limited to, retail or service establishments, shops, indoor theaters, restaurants and similar establishments, with immediately adjoining off-street parking facilities.

SIGN

Any permanent or temporary structure, device, letter, word, model, sculpture or replica, banner, balloon, pennant, insignia, flag, or such device which is used for advertising purposes or to inform the public. (Note: See Article XVIII: Sign Regulations for detailed definitions.)
Any permanent or temporary billboard, sign, display, light, figure, painting, drawing, poster, object or device, whether fixed or movable, which advertises, promotes or calls attention to any business, article, substance, idea or any thing or concept, including both the supporting structure and informative contents thereof; provided that each sign face or message shall be considered a separate sign for purposes of permit and renewal applications, fees and permit numbers.

SIGN INSPECTOR

The person appointed by and accountable to the Select Board and responsible for the enforcement of this article of the bylaw. The term of appointment, powers and any compensation for this position shall be fixed by the appointing authority, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Town Personnel Bylaws and the procedures set forth in MGL c. 40A and MGL c. 93, §§ 29 through 33. The duties may be delegated, but not the responsibilities, by the Sign Inspector to one or more persons; said persons shall have the title of "Assistant Sign Inspector"; such delegation shall be done with the consent and approval of the appointing authority and may be subject to the conditions and/or term of appointment of the Sign Inspector.

SITE PLAN APPROVAL

The requirements of Article VII: Site Plan Approval which are intended to assure that development proposals are consistent with environmental and siting objectives of the Town of Wrentham.

SKILLED NURSING CARE FACILITY

A facility or units thereof that provide continuous skilled nursing care and meaningful availability of rehabilitation services and other therapeutic services in addition to the minimum, basic care and services required in 105 CMR 150.000 for residents who show potential for improvement or restoration to a stabilized conditions or who have a deteriorating condition requiring skilled care.

SLOPE

The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percent or degrees.

SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY

Establishments providing assistance and aid to those persons in need of child-care facilities, nurseries, residential care, employment, counseling for psychological problems, and assistance with learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION

A device, structure, or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for generation of electricity. This includes appurtenant equipment for the collection, storage and distribution of electricity to buildings or to the electric grid.

SPECIAL EVENT SIGN

A temporary sign advertising or pertaining to a civic, patriotic, educational, or other event taking place within the Town.

SPECIAL PERMIT

In accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 9, the requirements of Article IX: Special Permits, which are intended to assure that proposed uses are consistent with the land use objectives of the Town of Wrentham.

SPORTS MEDICINE FACILITY

A facility to provide the recreational individual or team athlete with education to prevent athletic injury as well as to serve as a resource center to coaches, trainers and other nonmedicals who work with sports programs through an interdisciplinary utilization of physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, nutritionists and other appropriate allied health personnel that are licensed through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

STABLE, PRIVATE

An accessory building in which horses are kept for private use and not for remuneration, hire or sale.

STABLE, PUBLIC

A building or land where animals are kept for remuneration, hire, sale, boarding, riding, or show.

STREET

An accepted Town way or a way established by or maintained under county, state or federal authority or a way shown on a plan approved in accordance with the Subdivision Control Law, or a way in existence prior to March 29, 1954 (date of subdivision control) having, in the opinion of the Planning Board, sufficient width, suitable grades and adequate construction to provide for the needs of vehicular traffic in relation to the proposed use of land abutting thereon or served thereby, and for the installation of municipal services to serve such land and the buildings erected or to be erected thereon.

STREET FRONTAGE

The portion of a lot contiguous with a street layout and providing access to said lot unless otherwise specifically allowed within this bylaw. Frontage shall be measured along the street layout and connecting the two points created by the intersection of the side lines with the street layout, as set forth in § 390-6.1: Dimensional requirements., unless otherwise specifically allowed within this bylaw.

STREET LAYOUT

The location of the street as shown on an approved plan, including the roadway, sidewalks and grass strips. The street layout may or may not coincide with the paved way or the right-of-way. In the event that the street pre-exists subdivision control, the layout as shown on a recorded plan.

STRUCTURE

Any combination of materials assembled at a fixed location and requiring attachment to the land through pilings, footings, foundations and the like, to give support or shelter and/or provide for human habitation or use, such as a building, bridge, trestle, tower, framework, retaining wall, tank, tunnel, tent (if more than 150 square feet in area and erected for more than 10 days, or if used for commercial purposes for any amount of time), stadium, reviewing stand (for more than 10 days), platform, bin, fence, sign, flagpole, swimming pool, or the like.

STRUCTURE, TOTALLY ENCLOSED

A structure in which the interior is entirely contained/surrounded by solid sides (not including doors and windows).

SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN

A freestanding sign or wall sign identifying a subdivision, condominium complex or residential development.

SUBDIVISION LOT PLAN SIGN

A temporary sign depicting the lot plan of a subdivision.

SUBSIDIARY SIGN

A small sign attached to another sign, naming a business or giving other information.

SURFACE WATER

Water on the earth's surface exposed to the atmosphere, such as rivers, lakes, streams, the oceans.

SWAMP

A wetland dominated by shrubs or trees.

SWIMMING POOL

Any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.

TAVERN

An establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold, as authorized by MGL c. 138, with or without food, to be served to and drunk by patrons in plain view of other patrons, all entrances to which shall open directly from a public way.

TEMPORARY SIGN

A sign intended for a limited-term use, not to exceed 90 days.

TENNIS COURT, INDOOR

A building designed to enclose an area constructed for playing tennis with at least four walls, a roof and a door.

TENNIS COURT, OUTDOOR

An improved area used for playing tennis that is not enclosed in a building or a structure and does not offer any protection from the elements.

TOPOGRAPHY

The configuration of a surface area showing relative elevations.

TOPSOIL

The original upper layer of soil material to a depth of six inches, which is usually darker and richer than the subsoil.

TOWER

A building or structure typically higher than its diameter and high relative to its surroundings that may stand apart, or be attached to a larger structure, and that may be fully walled in or of skeleton framework.

TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Any substance or mixture of such physical, chemical or infectious characteristics in sufficient quantity as to pose a significant actual or potential hazard to water supplies, or other hazard to human health, if such substance or mixture were discharged to land or waters of this Town. Toxic or hazardous materials include, without limitation, organic chemicals, petroleum products, heavy metals, radioactive or infectious wastes, acids and alkalines, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, including the 129 priority toxic pollutants established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

TRAILER

A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another vehicle and used for short-term human occupancy, carrying materials, goods or objects, or as a temporary office.

UNIT OF MEASUREMENT

The primary unit of measurement shall be U.S. Government Standard expressed as decimals (i.e., 2.25 feet); the secondary standard shall be the metric system.

USE

The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged, intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained. The term "permitted use" or its equivalent shall not be deemed to include any nonconforming use.

USE, ACCESSORY

A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of a structure or lot, or a use not the principal use which is located on the same lot as the principal structure.

USE, PRINCIPAL

The main or primary purpose for which a structure or lot is designed, arranged, or intended or for which it may be used, occupied or maintained under this bylaw. Any other use within the main structure or the use of any other structure or land on the same lot and incidental or supplementary thereto and permitted under this bylaw shall be considered an accessory use. There shall be only one principal use on each lot, unless otherwise permitted in this bylaw.

VARIANCE

Such departure from the terms of this bylaw as the Board, upon appeal in specific areas, is empowered to authorize under Article X: Variances.

V-SHAPED SIGN

See "sandwich sign".

WALL SIGN

A single-faced sign attached parallel to or painted on a vertical exterior wall surface not projecting more than 12 inches beyond the wall surface to which the sign is attached and not extending beyond the edges of the wall to which the sign is attached.

WAREHOUSE

A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials. A warehouse may include distribution activities of manufactured products, supplies, and equipment, but excluding bulk storage of materials that are inflammable or explosive or that created hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions.

WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION

A use engaged in storage, wholesale, and distribution of manufactured products, supplies, and equipment, but excluding bulk storage of materials that are inflammable or explosive or that created hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions.

WASTE, SANITARY

Wastewater arising from ordinary domestic water use as from toilets, sinks and bathing facilities, and containing such concentrations and types of pollutants as to be considered normal waste.

WASTE, SOLID

Any discarded solid material, putrescible or nonputrescible, consisting of all combustible and noncombustible solid material, including, but not limited to, rubbish, garbage, scrap materials, junk, refuse, inert fill material, and landscape refuse.

WASTES, LEACHABLE

Waste material, including solid wastes, sewage, sludge, and agricultural wastes, that are capable of releasing water-borne contaminants to the surrounding environment.

WASTES, PROCESS

Nondomestic, nontoxic, nonhazardous, liquid or solid waste by-products associated with the manufacture or preparation of a product, including, but not limited to, hardware, dry goods, foodstuffs, and printed materials.

WATER PARK

An amusement park that features water play areas, such as water slides, splash pads, spraygrounds (water playgrounds), lazy rivers, or other recreational bathing, swimming, and barefooting environments. May include a form of artificial surfing or bodyboarding environment such as a wave pool or FlowRider.

WATERSHED

The area drained by a given stream or river.

WETLAND

An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that, under normal circumstances, does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as "hydrophytic vegetation." Major types of wetlands include swamps, marshes and bogs.

WINDOW SIGN

See "door sign".

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY

All equipment, buildings, and structures with which a wireless communication service provider broadcasts and receives the radiofrequency waves which carry its services and all locations of said equipment or any part thereof. A wireless communication facility may also include equipment used by governmental agencies for public safety communications.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICE PROVIDER

An entity licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide wireless communication services to individuals, businesses or institutions.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TRANSMITTER/RECEPTOR

Fixtures or equipment, other than any support structure such as a tower, used for the wireless transmission and reception of radio signals, excluding equipment owned and operated under an amateur radio operator license, including: (1) Reception and transmission equipment and fixtures such as antenna, panels or communication dishes of not greater than 30 inches in diameter and similar devices; (2) Any accessory mechanical, electronic, or telephonic equipment, fixtures, wiring and protective covering customary and necessary to operate such wireless communication equipment. A wireless communication transmitter/receptor shall not serve to transmit signals from broadcast television and/or radio stations.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TRANSMITTER/RECEPTOR, ENCLOSED

Any indoor wireless communication transmitter/receptor mounted inside or supported entirely within a nonresidential building or structure (including, without limitation, cupolas, church spires, inactive smokestacks, and the like) which is occupied and/or used primarily for other purposes. Said transmitter/receptor shall be shielded from view from outside of the existing building or structure.

YARD

Any open space located on the same lot with a building, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground up, except for accessory buildings, or such projections as are expressly permitted in these regulations. The minimum depth or width of a yard shall consist of the horizontal distance between the lot line and the nearest point of the foundation wall of the main building.

YARD, FRONT

An open, unoccupied space extending across the full width of the lot between the front-most main building and the front lot line. The depth of the required front yard shall be measured perpendicular from the nearest point of the front lot line to the required front building setback line (see Figure A).

YARD, REAR

An open, unoccupied space extending across the full with of the lot between the most rear main building and the rear lot line. The depth of the required rear yard shall be measured perpendicularly from the nearest point of the rear lot line to the required rear building setback line (see Figure A.).

YARD, SIDE

An open, unoccupied space between the main building and side lot line, extending from the front yard to the rear yard. The width of the required side yard shall be measured perpendicularly from the nearest point of the side lot line to the required side building setback line (see Figure A).

ZONE

A specifically delineated area or district in a municipality within which regulation and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings.

ZONING

The dividing of a municipality into districts and the establishment of regulations governing the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings.

ZONING MAP

The map or maps, which are part of the Zoning Bylaw, that delineate the boundaries of zoning districts.

Town of Wrentham, MA

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