(1) Widths. Traveled widths shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet. Shoulders shall be a minimum two (2) feet in width. Shoulders shall have a two percent (2%) cross-sectional slope. Shoulders shall not be impeded with obstructions (e.g., light poles, mailboxes, trees, tree limbs, shrubs, etc.). A minimum of one shoulder shall pitch away from the driveway to direct stormwater runoff off of the driveway.

(2) Slopes. The centerline grade for any driveway shall not be less than 0.75 percent (.75%) nor greater than ten percent (10%). The driveway intersection with a traveled way shall provide a leveling area not to exceed three percent (3%) grade from the edge of the traveled way for a minimum distance of thirty feet. The driveways shall be graded to not create low-points within the driveway that will create puddling/icing conditions.

(3) Topographic Modifications. The proposed centerline of the driveway shall not be greater than seven (7) feet above or below the existing grade.

(4) Embankments. Slopes abutting driveways shall not exceed 3:1 in fills and 2:1 in cuts. Rip-rap slopes are allowed at a 1:1 slope. Vertical retaining walls are also allowed. Guardrails may be required by the Board of Selectmen, or its designee.

(5) Driveway Surface Cover. Driveways with slopes greater than five percent (5%) shall be constructed of 3 inches bituminous concrete placed in two (2) lifts. Driveways with slopes less than five percent (5%) do not have to specify surface cover. All driveways shall be of 3 inches bituminous concrete for a minimum of the first 20 feet or longer, if so directed by the Board of Selectmen, or its designee, from the driveway intersection. Concrete driveways shall be allowed as authorized by the Board of Selectmen, or its designee, as directed by the Highway Surveyor, provided that the concrete driveways provide an adequate friction surface to mitigate skidding conditions.

(6) Drainage. The stormwater runoff from all impervious areas shall not discharge into the public right-of-way. The peak rate of runoff at the street shall not increase from the predeveloped rate during the two-, ten-, twenty-five or one hundred year storm event, unless an increase is authorized by the Board of Selectmen, or its designee. Stormwater runoff may discharge directly into rights-of-way of new subdivision roads if the overall stormwater management plan for the street is designed to accommodate the runoff and a catch basin is located within ten (10) feet of the downslope side of the driveway. The purpose is to prevent ice jams in the winter.

(7) Location. Driveways shall be located and designed so as to minimize conflict with traffic on public streets and to provide visibility and sight distances which are safe and adequate for observation of approaching vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Driveways on the same side of the street shall not be located within 100 feet of the edge of an existing driveway or 100 feet from the point of tangency of a roadway intersection along the road that the lot has frontage unless authorized by the Board of Selectmen, or its designee. A minimum sight distance in all directions shall be provided as follows:

AASHTO Minimum Sight Distance (A)

Design Speed of Public Way Minimum Sight Distance (feet)

20 125

30 200

40 275

50 400

(A) AASHTO PGDHS-1990, Tables III-1 and III-5

(8) Length: Pull-off areas for emergency vehicles shall be provided on driveways a minimum of every two-hundred feet. The pull-off areas shall be constructed of material capable of supporting emergency vehicle.

(9) Variation. Strict compliance with the requirements of these regulations may be waived, when in the judgment of the Board of Selectmen, or its designee, such action is in the public interest and not inconsistent with the Code of the Town of Groton.

(10) The Board of Selectmen shall hear appeals of denials of permits by its designee.

(11) The permit application must be approved or denied within 15 calendar days by the Board of Selectmen, or its designee.

(12) Once the driveway is cut, it must be stabilized within 30 days, to be consistent with the Erosion Control Bylaw.