HomeMy Public PortalAboutGeneral Bylaw Book 2021
Town of Hopkinton
GENERAL BYLAWS
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - ADMINISTRATIVE LEGISLATION
Chapter 1. General Provisions Page 1
Article I General Penalty
Article II Noncriminal Disposition
Article III Recodification of Bylaws
Article IV Recodification of Zoning Bylaws
Chapter 5. Boards, Committees and Commissions Page 9
Article I Appropriations Committee
Article II (Reserved)
Article III Quarterly Meetings
Article IV Council on Aging
Article V Capital Improvement Program Committee
Article VI Community Preservation Committee
Article VII Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
Article VIII Minutes of Public Bodies
Chapter 13. Finances Page 19
Article I Bonds, Notes and Money
Article II Procurement
Article III Reversion of Appropriations to General Fund
Article IV Payment of Fees into Treasury
Article V Payment of Insurance Premiums
Article VI Departmental Revolving Funds
Chapter 14. Community Preservation Act Page 27
Chapter 24. Municipal Inspections, Department of Page 29
Chapter 28. Officers and Employees Page 31
Article I Duties of Town Officers
Chapter 33. Personnel Page 35
Chapter 47. Town Meetings Page 37
Article I General Provisions
Article II Procedures
PART II - GENERAL LEGISLATION
Chapter 55. Alarm Systems Page 43
Article I Intrusion Alarms
Article II Fire Alarms
Chapter 58 Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol and Tobacco Page 51
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Chapter 62. Animals Page 55
Article I Dog Burial Fee
Article II Dog Licensing
Article III Leashing of Dogs
Article IV Animals at Large
Article V Kennel Licensing
Article VI Dogs on Town Common
Article VII Regulation and Licensing of Dogs
Article VIII Nuisance and Dangerous Dogs
Chapter 70. (Reserved) Page 65
Chapter 74. Boats Page 67
Chapter 78. Buildings, Numbering of Page 69
Chapter 83. Cemetery Regulations Page 71
Chapter 87. Civil Fingerprinting Page 73
Chapter 91. Disorderly Conduct Page 75
Chapter 93. Dumping Page 77
Chapter 96. Earth Removal Page 79
Chapter 99. Easement Management Page 87
Chapter 103. Electrical Installations Page 91
Chapter 109. Firearms Page 93
Article I Automatic Weapons
Chapter 113. Fire Prevention Page 95
Article I Smoke Detectors
Article II Truss Construction
Chapter 119. Fuel Storage Tanks Page 97
Chapter 123. Historic District Page 103
Chapter 125. Historic Preservation Page 109
Chapter 135. Licenses and Permits Page 113
Article I Denial for Nonpayment of Taxes
Chapter 141. Noise Page 115
Article I Use of Construction Equipment
Article II Commercial Activity in Residential Zones: RLF, RA, RB
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Article III Penalties
Chapter 142. Construction Waste or Debris Page 117
Chapter 150. Door to Door Soliciting and Canvassing Page 119
Chapter 154. Products, Sale of Page 125 Article I
Plastic String and Streamers
Article II Cigarette Rolling Papers
Chapter 156. Registered Sex Offender Restrictions Page 127
[Deleted in its entirety 5-2-2016, Article 41]
Chapter 158. Sale of Land Page 129
Chapter 160. Scenic Roads Page 131
Chapter 163. Sewers Page 135
Article I Private Sewage Treatment Plants
Article II Betterment Assessments and Sewer Privilege Fees
Chapter 170. Solid Waste Page 143
Article I Recycling
Chapter 170. Discharges to Storm Drain System Page 145
Chapter 172. Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Page 151
Chapter 174. Streets and Sidewalks Page 155
Article I Street Acceptance Petitions
Article II Street Names
Article III Acceptance of Private Ways
Article IV Laying Out of Street
Article V Depositing Snow
Article VI Temporary Repairs on Private Ways
Article VII Driveways
Article VIII Discharge of Water Onto a Public Way
Chapter 186. Trees Page 163
Chapter 188. Unregistered Motor Vehicles Page 165
Chapter 190. Vehicles and Traffic Page 167
Article I Removal of Cars for Snow Plowing
Article II Handicapped Parking
Article III Temporary Road Closures
Chapter 195. Wastewater Collection System Page 171
Article I General Provision
Article II Prohibited Water Discharges
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Article III Control of Prohibited Wastes
Article IV Use of System for Discharge of Industrial Waste
Article V Permit System for Industrial Discharge
Article VI Septage Waste Disposal
Article VII Penalties and Enforcement procedures for Industrial Users and Septage
Haulers
Article VII Appeals from Fees and Charges
Article IX Intermunicipal Agreement
Article X Rules and Regulations
Chapter 199. Water Page 197
Article I Water Extension Petitions
Article II Water Use Restrictions
Article III Rules and Regulations of the Hopkinton Water Distribution System
Chapter 206. Wetlands Protection Page 205
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Part I
ADMINISTRATIVE LEGISLATION
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 1 of 201
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE I
General Penalty
ARTICLE III
Recodification of Bylaws
§1-1. General penalty for bylaw violations. §1-6. Acceptance and approval.
ARTICLE II
Noncriminal Disposition
ARTICLE IV
Recodification of Zoning Bylaws
§1-2. Criminal complaint. §1-7. Acceptance and approval; copies.
§1-3. Noncriminal disposition.
§1-4. Penalties enumerated.
§1-5. Severability.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
ARTICLE I
General Penalty
[Adopted 3-15-1973 ATM, Article 52]
§1-1. General penalty for bylaw violations.
Whoever violates any bylaw of the town, or the order of any Board lawfully established thereunder, shall,
where no other punishment is prescribed, be punished by a fine not exceeding $25 for a first offense nor
less than $25 for a second or subsequent offense. Each day that any violation continues shall be considered
a separate violation.
ARTICLE II
Noncriminal Disposition
[Adopted 5-6-1997 ATM, Article 47]
§1-2. Criminal complaint.
The violation of any provision of these Bylaws may be addressed by institution of indictment or criminal
complaint brought in the District Court. The penalty shall be that fixed by the bylaw; provided, however,
that in no case shall the maximum penalty for each violation or offense brought in such manner be in excess
of $300 unless otherwise permitted by law. Each day during which any such violation or offense exists or
continues shall be deemed to be a separate violation or offense and be subject to the penalty referred to
above.
§1-3. Noncriminal disposition.
A. The violation of any provision of the bylaws set forth below, for which a specific penalty is enumerated,
may be addressed by the procedure for noncriminal disposition as provided in MGL c. 40, §21D, as the
same is now in force and effect or may hereafter be amended or supplemented.
B. Without intending to limit the generality of the foregoing, it is the intention of this article that the
following ordinances and bylaws and rules and regulations are to be included within the scope of this
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 2 of 201
article, that the specific penalties, as hereinafter set forth, shall apply in such cases, and that, in addition
to any of the police officers of the Town of Hopkinton, who shall in all cases be considered to be
enforcing persons for the purposes of this article, a municipal official or position, or the person serving
the functions of same, shall also be enforcing persons with regard to violations or offenses of such
ordinances, bylaws, rules and regulations.
C. It is hereby specifically provided that each day during which any such violation or offense exists or
continues shall be deemed to be a separate violation or offense.
D. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to require the use of this noncriminal disposition procedure,
and, at the option of the appropriate enforcing person, criminal and/or civil proceedings may also be
utilized.
§1-4. Penalties enumerated.
It is hereby established that the following provisions shall be subject to the noncriminal disposition
procedure:
Citation to Bylaw, Rule or
Regulation, if Applicable
Subject of Bylaw and
Enforcing Person
Penalty
Hopkinton Board of Health
Code of Regulations
Sales of tobacco to minors and
tobacco smoke in public places
Public Health Administrator or
agent as designated by the Board of
Health
First violation: $100
Second violation: $200
Third and subsequent Violations:
$300
Hopkinton Board of Health
Code of Regulations, remaining
Sections which include but are not
limited to:
105 CMR 590.00
105 CMR 410.00
310 CMR 15.00
105 CMR 435.00
105 CMR 123.00
General public health matters
Public Health Administrator or
agent as designated by the Board of
Health
$50
MGL c. 111, all applicable sections Public Health Statute
Public Health Administrator or
agent as designated by the Board of
Health
$50
MGL c. 114, §49 Funeral directors
Public Health Administrator or
agent as designated by the Board of
Health
$50
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 3 of 201
Citation to Bylaw, Rule or
Regulation, if Applicable
Subject of Bylaw and
Enforcing Person
Penalty
MGL c. 140, §51 Massage licensing
Public Health Administrator or
agent as designated by the Board of
Health
$50
Scenic Roads Regulations (Ch. 160) Scenic Roads
Planning Board members, Town
Planner or agent as Designated by
the Planning Board
$50
Earth Removal Bylaw (Ch. 96)
[Amended 9-28-1998 STM,
Article 10]
Earth Removal
Planning Board members, Town
Planner or agent as Designated by
the Planning Board
$50
Hopkinton Animal Control Bylaws
(Ch. 62)
Animal Control
Animal Control Officer or Agent as
designated by the Animal Control
Officer
First violation: $25
Second violation: $50
Third and subsequent of Violations:
$75
Dog Licensing (Ch. 62, Art. II)
Dog Licensing
Animal Control Officer, Select
Board, and Police Department
$50
Kennel license (Ch. 62, Art V)
[Added 5-3-1999 ATM, Article
47; Amended 5-1-2017 ATM, Art.
46 5-6-2019 ATM, Art. 45]
Regulations relating to kennels for
dogs
Animal Control Officer and Police
Department
First violation: $50 for each
offense, each day being a separate
offense
Second violation: $200 for each
offense, each day being a separate
offense
Third and subsequent Violations:
$300 for each offense, each day
being a separate offense
Nuisance and Dangerous Dog (Ch.
62, Art. VIII) [Added 5-7-2018
ATM, Article 39]
Nuisance and Dangerous Dogs
Animal Control Officer, Select
Board, and Police Department
First violation: $25 for each
offense, each day being a separate
offense
Second violation: $50 for each
offense, each day being a separate
offense
Third and subsequent Violations:
$75 for each offense, each day
being a separate offense
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 4 of 201
Citation to Bylaw, Rule or
Regulation, if Applicable
Subject of Bylaw and
Enforcing Person
Penalty
Noise Bylaw (Ch. 141)
(Amended 5-5-2008 ATM, Article
61)
Noise Violation
Director of Municipal Inspections,
Select Board or agent as designated
by Select Board
First violation: $50
Subsequent violations: $100
Rules and regulations affecting the
use or possession of tobacco
products on school property
[Added 5-4-1999 STM, Article 3]
Use or possession of tobacco
products on school property
Board of Health or agent designated
by Board of Health
First violation: $100
Second violation: $200
Third violation or sub-sequent
violation: $300
Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana or
Tetrahydrocannabinol Bylaw (Ch.
58)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60, 5-4-2009 ATM, Article 20,
5-2-2011 ATM, Article 41,
5-7-2012; ATM, Article 41,
5-7-2012; Amended
5-1-2017 ATM, Article 40;
Amended 5-7-2018 ATM,
Article 41]
Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana or
Tetrahydrocannabinol and Tobacco
Police Department
For individuals 18 years of age or
older, the penalty shall be as
follows:
First violation: $100
Second violation: $200
Third and subsequent Violations:
$300
Tobacco/Nicotine Containing
Products: For individuals under the
age of 18 years, confiscation of
prohibited products, notification to
parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of
violation, distribution of
educational and cessation program
materials; no monetary penalty.
Numbering of Buildings Bylaw
(Ch. 78)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60]
Building identification
Director of Municipal Inspections,
Select Board or agent as designated
by Select Board or Director of
Municipal Inspections
$25
Cemetery Regulations Bylaw (Ch.
83)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60]
Operation of snowmobiles in
cemeteries
Board of Cemetery Commissioners
or agent designated by Board of
Cemetery Commissioners
$100
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 5 of 201
Citation to Bylaw, Rule or
Regulation, if Applicable
Subject of Bylaw and
Enforcing Person
Penalty
Historic
Preservation
(Ch. 125)
[Added 5-5-2018
ATM, Article 43]
Demolition Delay
The Director of Municipal
Inspections and the
Hopkinton Historical Commission
First violation and
subsequent violation:
$300, each day or
portion thereof during
which a violation
continues, or
unauthorized
demolition occurs,
shall be considered a
separate offense;
provided, however,
that at no point shall
the fines imposed,
which are attributable
to the same demolition
permit, be greater than
the assessed value of
the property.
Disorderly Conduct Bylaw (Ch. 91)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60]
Disorderly conduct
Police Department
$50
Dumping Bylaw (Ch. 93) Rules and
Regulations of Board of Health
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article 60]
Dumping of Refuse
Board of Health or agent designated
by Board of Health
First violation: $100
Second violation: $200
Third and subsequent violations:
$300
Easement Management Bylaw (Ch.
99)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article 60]
Management of obligations relating
to easements mitigation
Town Board, officer or department
having jurisdiction over easement
area or agent designated by any of
them
$100, plus appropriate mitigation
Electrical Installations Bylaw (Ch.
103)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Art. 60]
Installation of electrical facilities
Inspector of Wires, Director of
Municipal Inspections or agent
designated by either
$20
Firearms Bylaw (Ch. 109)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60]
Discharge of automatic weapons
Police Department
$50
Fuel Storage Tanks Bylaw (Ch.
119)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60]
Installation and maintenance of
underground fuel storage tanks
Fire Department
First violation: $50
Second violation: $100
Third and subsequent violations:
$200
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 6 of 201
Citation to Bylaw, Rule or
Regulation, if Applicable
Subject of Bylaw and
Enforcing Person
Penalty
Construction Waste or
Debris (Ch. 142)
[Added 5-1-2017 ATM,
Article 47]
Construction Debris on Property First offense: $25, with each day
being a separate violation
Second offense: $50, with each day
being a separate offense
Third offense: $100, with each day
being a separate offense
Fourth and subsequent offense:
$300, with each day being a
separate offense
Door to Door Soliciting and
Canvassing Bylaw (Ch. 150)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60, amended 5-7-2007 ATM, Art.
39, 11-5-2007 STM, Article 6]
Door to Door Soliciting and
Canvassing
Police Department
$200
Sale of Products Bylaw (Ch. 154)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60]
Sale of certain items
Police Department
$50
Solid Waste Bylaw (Ch. 170)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article 60]
Disposal of solid waste
Board of Health, Select Board,
Director of the Department of
Public Works or agent designated
by any of them
$50
Storm Drain System, Discharges to,
Bylaw (Ch. 171)
[Added 5-1-2017 ATM, Article
48]
Stormwater
First violation: $100
Second and subsequent violations:
$300
Streets and Sidewalks Bylaw (Ch.
174)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Art. 60,
amended 5-5-2008 ATM, Article
20]
Obstruction of streets and sidewalks
Discharge of water onto a public
way
Director of the Department of
Public Works or agent designated
by such Director
$25
$25
Trees Bylaw (Ch. 186)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article 60]
Cutting or removal of trees
Tree Warden, Director of the
Department of Public Works or
agent designated by either
$300
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 7 of 201
Citation to Bylaw, Rule or
Regulation, if Applicable
Subject of Bylaw and
Enforcing Person
Penalty
Unregistered Motor Vehicles Bylaw
(Ch. 188)
[Added 5-7-2012 ATM, Article 45;
Amended 5-1-2017 ATM, Article
50]
Parts of motor vehicles and
trailers; unregistered motor vehicles
and trailers
Police Department
First offense: $25, with each day
being a separate
Second offense: $50, with
each day being a separate offense
Third offense: $100, with
each day being a separate offense
Fourth and subsequent offense:
$300, with each day being a
separate offense
Vehicles and Traffic Bylaw (Ch.
190)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article
60]
Removal of cars for snow plowing
and handicapped parking
Director of the Department of
Public Works or agent designated
by such Director
First violation: $50
Second violation: $100
Third and subsequent violations:
$200
Water Bylaw (Ch. 199)
[Added 5-3-2000 ATM, Article 60]
Conservation of water supplies
Director of the Department of
Public Works or agent designated
by such Director
First violation: warning
Second and subsequent violations:
$100
Fire Prevention Bylaw (§113-2)
[Added 5-7-2001 ATM, Art. 39]
Truss Roof and Floor Identification
Placards
Fire Department
First violation: $50
Second violation: $100
Third violation and subsequent
violation
Street Opening Permits (Art. IX)
[Added 5-8-2021 ATM, Art. 41]
Street Opening Permits
DPW Director; Select Board
Street Opening Permits (Art. IX)
§1-5. Severability.
If any provision of this article is declared to be unconstitutional, invalid or illegal by a court, agency or
other body of competent jurisdiction, the offending provision shall be deemed stricken from this article and
shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE III
Recodification of Bylaws
[Adopted 5-3-1999 ATM, Art. 39]
§1-6. Acceptance and approval.
The town accepts and approves the recodification of the bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton as presented in
the volume entitled the "By-laws of the Town of Hopkinton," which is on file in the office of the Town
Clerk, said recodification containing only a renumbering, recaptioning, repositioning and grammatical
editing of the present bylaws, with no substantive changes having been made to any of the bylaws included
therein. Such recodification shall be known as the "Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton."
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 8 of 201
ARTICLE IV
Recodification of Zoning Bylaws
[Adopted 5-2-2000 ATM, Art. 21]
§1-7. Acceptance and approval; copies.
The town accepts and approves the recodification of the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton in the
format presented as Chapter 210 in the volume entitled "Code of the Town of Hopkinton," which is on file
in the office of the Town Clerk, said recodification containing only a renumbering, re-captioning,
repositioning and grammatical editing of the present Zoning Bylaws, with no substantive changes having
been made to any of the Bylaws included therein. Such recodification shall be known as the "Zoning Bylaws
of the Town of Hopkinton." A copy of such recodified bylaw is on file at the office of the Town Clerk.
ARTICLE V
Definitions
Select Board: The term “Select Board” shall mean the “Board of Selectmen” established by
Section 3-1 of the Hopkinton Home Rule Charter. The Select Board shall have all the powers and
duties granted to Boards of Selectmen by the Constitution and General Laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and such additional powers and duties as may be provided by
the Charter, by these Bylaws, by the Zoning Bylaws or by Town Meeting vote.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 9 of 201
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 10 of 201
CHAPTER 5
BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
ARTICLE 1
Appropriation Committee
§5-1. Appointment; compensation;
duties.
§5-2. Vacancies.
§5-3. Officers; regular meetings.
§5-4. (Reserved) [5-7-2007 ATM, Art 4]
§5-5. Insertion of requests in Town
Warrant; report by Committee.
§5-6. Explanation of actions.
§5-7. (Reserved)
ARTICLE II
(Reserved)
§§5-8 through 5-9. (Reserved)
ARTICLE III
Quarterly Meetings
§5-10. Coordination of efforts.
§5-11. Chairman.
ARTICLE IV
Council on Aging
§5-12. Appointment, purpose.
§5-13. Membership; terms;
compensation.
§5-14. Filling of vacancies.
§5-15. Election of officers; vacancies.
§5-16. Annual report.
§5-17. Appointment of clerks and other
employees.
ARTICLE V
Capital Improvement Program
Committee
§5-18. Establishment.
§5-19. Selection of members and term of
service.
§5-20. Vacancies; officers; compensation.
§5-21. Definitions.
ARTICLE VI
Community Preservation Committee
§5-23. Establishment; membership; terms
vacancies; appointments.
§5-24. Responsibilities.
§5-25. Quorum.
§5-26. Severability; time limit for
appointments.
ARTICLE VII
Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust
Fund Board
§5-27. Establishment; membership; terms;
purpose.
§5-28. Powers and Duties.
ARTICLE VIII
Minutes of Public Bodies
§5-29. Meeting Minutes.
GENERAL REFERENCES
Department of Municipal Inspections -- See Ch. 24. Duties of Town officers -- See Ch. 28, Art. I.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 11 of 214
ARTICLE I
Appropriation Committee
[Adopted 3-6-1944 ATM, Art. 1]
§ 5-1. Appointment; compensation; duties. [Amended 4-14-1992 ATM, Art. 42; 5-2-2000 ATM, Art.
48, 5-7-2007 ATM, Art. 4, 5-4-2009 ATM, Art. 16, 5-2-2011 ATM, Art. 39]
A. There shall be an Appropriation Committee of five registered voters of sound business experience or
good judgment, who shall serve without pay and who shall consider any and all questions involving the
expenditure of money, for the purpose of making reports or recommendations thereon to the Town. The
Finance Director shall serve on the Appropriation Committee ex officio, as a sixth non-voting member.
B. The members of the Appropriation Committee, excluding the Finance Director, shall be appointed to
serve terms of three (3) years and shall be chosen immediately following the Annual Town Meeting as
provided in the Town Charter.
C. No person holding any other elective or appointive office in his or her individual capacity shall be eligible
to appointment or qualified to serve as a member of the Appropriation Committee, with the exception of
the Finance Director; provided, however, that a member of the Appropriation Committee may be designated
by the Appropriation Committee to serve on another board, committee or commission as a representative
of the Appropriation Committee.
§ 5-2. Vacancies.
Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the membership of the Appropriation Committee for any reason, the
vacancy shall be filled by appointment, as provided in the Town Charter, for the remainder of the term.
[Amended 5-2-2011 ATM, Art. 39]
§ 5-3. Officers; regular meetings.
The Appropriation Committee shall, as soon as possible after the annual appointment of new members as
stated above, meet for the purpose of organization and shall elect from the members a Chairman and a
Secretary, who shall hold office until the final adjournment of the next Annual Town Meeting and until
their successors are appointed. The Appropriation Committee shall meet at regular intervals.
§ 5-4. (Reserved)
§ 5-5. Insertion of requests in Town Warrant; report by Committee.
All requests by the Town boards, officers or committees, or by citizens for appropriations shall be inserted
in the Town Warrant in proper form, and all articles calling for an appropriation or expenditure of money
in the Town Warrant shall be referred to the Appropriation Committee.
The Committee, after consideration, shall report with suggestions on such appropriation or expenditure, in
whole or in part, and shall notify the board, officer or committee requesting same, and also the Select Board,
making such suggestions or recommendations as may be advisable.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 12 of 214
§ 5-6. Explanation of actions.
The Appropriation Committee shall at each Town Meeting present and explain its action on each of such
articles in the Town Warrant, presenting its budget with advice and explanations, and recommendations as
to any appropriation of Town funds.
§ 5-7. (Reserved)
ARTICLE II
(Reserved)
§§ 5-8 through 5-9. (Reserved)
ARTICLE III
Quarterly Meetings
[Adopted 3-5-1959 ATM, Art. 17]
§ 5-10. Coordination of efforts.
All town-elected officers, appointees and agents shall meet at least four times each year to exchange
information regarding the business of the Town and their actions and duties so that the best interests of the
Town will be served through coordination of their efforts.
§ 5-11. Chairman.
The Chairman of the Select Board shall act as Chairman of the meetings, and shall call the meetings.
ARTICLE IV
Council on Aging
[Adopted 3-3-1971 ATM, Art. 12]
§ 5-12. Appointment; purpose.
The Select Board shall appoint a Council on Aging for the purpose of coordinating or carrying out programs
designed to meet the problems of the elderly in cooperation with programs of the Commission on Aging
established under MGL c. 6, § 73.
§ 5-13. Membership; terms; compensation.
The Select Board shall appoint the Council on Aging consisting of seven members. Upon acceptance of
this article, the Board shall appoint three members for three years, two members for
two years and two members for one-year terms. Members can be reappointed for concurrent terms. The
members of the Council shall serve without pay.
§ 5-14. Filling of vacancies.
Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the membership of the Council, by reason of death, resignation, inability
to act or for any other reason, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Select Board for the
remainder of the term.
§ 5-15. Election of officers; vacancies.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 13 of 214
The Council on Aging at its first annual meeting and thereafter annually in April of each year shall elect
from its membership a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Each officer shall hold office until the next annual election. In the event a vacancy occurs in any of the
offices above, the Council shall hold a special meeting for the purpose of electing one of its members to fill
such vacancy.
§ 5-16. Annual report.
The Council shall prepare and submit an annual report of its activities to the Town and shall send a copy
thereof to the Commission on Aging.
§ 5-17. Appointment of clerks and other employees.
The Council may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may require.
ARTICLE V
Capital Improvement Program Committee
[Adopted 9-18-1995 STM, Art. 33; Amended 5-1-2006 ATM, Art. 30]
§ 5-18. Establishment.
A. There shall be established a Capital Improvement Program Committee (hereinafter
"Committee") which shall perform the duties set forth in the following sections of this article and shall be
governed by the provisions hereof.
B. The Committee shall consist of five registered voters of the Town of Hopkinton
(hereinafter "town"), none of whom is a Town employee or Town official (either elected or appointed),
who shall be appointed as provided in § 5-19.
§ 5-19. Selection of members and term of service. [Amended 9-18-1995 STM, Art. 33]
A. Of the five members of the Committee, two shall be appointed by the Town Moderator and
three by the Select Board. Subject to the provisions below, members shall be appointed for terms of five
years.
B. Upon approval of the provisions of this article, the two most senior incumbent members of
the Capital Improvement Program Committee as previously in place, not otherwise in conflict with § 5 -
18B above, shall continue to serve. Such incumbents shall serve as appointees of the Moderator, one to
have a term expiring on June 30, 1997, and the other on June 30, 1999, as the Moderator shall designate. If
there are no such incumbents, the Moderator shall otherwise appoint such eligible individuals to terms
expiring as aforesaid.
C. The Select Board shall appoint three members whose terms shall expire on June 30, 1996,
June 30, 1998, and June 30, 2000, and shall thereafter upon expiration of each term appoint or reappoint an
individual for a term of five years.
§ 5-20. Vacancies; officers; compensation.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 14 of 214
A. Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Committee, it shall be filled by the appointment
authority that appointed the member whose position has become vacant. Any person appointed to fill a
vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of the person succeeded.
B. The Committee shall annually elect from among its members a Chairperson and such other
officers as it shall deem appropriate and shall adopt such rules and regulations affecting its governance as
may be deemed necessary.
C. Committee members shall serve without compensation.
§ 5-21. Definitions. (Amended 5-1-2006 ATM, Art. 30)
For the purpose of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE -- Any expenditure, financed in whole or in part by Town funds, for a capital
improvement.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT--
A. Any acquisition, disposition, lease or transfer of land; or a building.
B. Any acquisition, disposition, lease or transfer of motor vehicles; or
C. Any acquisition or lease of any single item of equipment with a total cost of $25,000 or more, and
a substantial useful life as determined by the Committee; or
D. Any construction, reconstruction, replacement, extension or other improvement of public buildings,
highways, sidewalks, storm drains, sewerage installations, playgrounds, parks or substantially similar
public works, or for a facility, structure or a utility appurtenant to any of the same, with a total cost of
$25,000 or more.
§ 5-22. Duties. [Amended 5-1-2006 ATM, Art. 30; 5-7-07 ATM, Art. 4]
A. The Committee shall ascertain annually what capital expenditures will be required by the Town
during the subsequent ten fiscal years. In making its determinations, the Committee shall consult with such
officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and of the Town and its various boards and committees,
as in its discretion it shall deem appropriate and beneficial. Department heads and chairpersons of all boards,
commissions and committees of the town, whether elected or appointed, shall submit to the Committee, not
later than the third Monday of November of each year, recommendations and statements for capital
expenditures for the subsequent ten fiscal years. Recommendations for the subsequent five fiscal years will
include operating cost estimates as deemed necessary by the Committee.
B. The Committee shall submit a Capital Improvement Program to the Town Manager on or before
January 1. [Added 5-7-2007 ATM, Art. 4]
C. The Committee shall publish an annual report in conjunction with the Appropriations Committee
of the Town and shall include in such report its recommendations for the scheduling of capital expenditures
for the subsequent ten fiscal years and for the financing of such expenditures as in its judgment cannot or
should not be paid for entirely from current revenues. The Committee shall assist the Town Meeting with
regard to priorities of projects, financing costs, impacts of recommended projects to the operating budget
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 15 of 214
and other related matters. No capital improvement whether proposed as a separate article, as a part of an
operating budget, or in a revolving fund shall be voted upon at any Town Meeting until it has been presented
in written form to the Committee for recommendation.
ARTICLE VI
Community Preservation Committee
[Adopted 4-9-2001 STM, Art. 2]
§ 5-23. Establishment; membership; terms; vacancies; appointments.
There shall be established in the Town pursuant to G.L.c. 44B, sec. 5(a) a Community Preservation
Committee (the “Committee”). The Committee shall consist of nine (9) members, which shall include one
member of the Hopkinton Conservation Commission as designated by that Commission; one member of
the Hopkinton Historical Commission as designated by that Commission; one member of the Planning
Board as designated by that Board; one member of the Parks and Recreation Commission as designated by
that Commission; one member of the Hopkinton Housing Authority as designated by that Authority; one
member of the Hopkinton Open Space Preservation Commission as designated by that Commission; and
three members to be appointed at large from the registered voters of the Town by the Select Board. The
members appointed by the Conservation Commission, the Hopkinton Historical Commission, the Planning
Board, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Hopkinton Housing Authority, and the Hopkinton Open
Space Preservation Commission shall be appointed annually for a term of one (1) year. The three persons
initially appointed at large by the Select Board shall be appointed for terms of three, two and one year,
respectively. Upon the
expiration of the term of each member so appointed by the Select Board, the Select Board shall appoint one
member for a term of three (3) years. After the initial appointment of the members of the Committee, any
vacancy occurring in the Committee from any cause may be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term
by the Commission, Board or Authority, as the case may be, which made the initial appointment, for the
remainder of the un-expired term. Such appointment shall be made not less than seven (7) days following
notice of intent to fill such vacancy. The Committee shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among
its members and shall elect a Secretary who need not be a member of the Committee. After having a public
hearing and requesting recommendations from Town boards and committees, the Committee shall adopt
policies, rules and regulations for conducting its affairs and for carrying out its responsibilities. Any
member of the Committee may, after a public hearing before the Commission, Board or Authority which
appointed the said member, be removed for cause by majority vote of such Commission, Board or
Authority.
§ 5-24. Responsibilities
A. The Committee shall study the needs, possibilities and resources of the Town regarding community
preservation. The Committee shall consult with relevant municipal boards, in conducting such studies.
As part of its study, the Committee shall hold one or more public informational hearings on the needs,
possibilities and resources of the Town regarding community preservation possibilities and resources,
notice of which shall be posted publicly and published for each of two weeks preceding a hearing in a
newspaper of general circulation in the Town.
B. The Committee shall make recommendations to the Town Meeting for the acquisition, creation and
preservation of open space, for the acquisition and preservation of historic resources, for the acquisition,
creation and preservation of land for recreational uses, for the creation, preservation and support of
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 16 of 214
community housing and for rehabilitation or restoration of such open space, historic resources, land for
recreational use and community housing that is acquired or created as provided herein. With respect
to community housing, the Committee shall recommend, wherever possible, the reuse of existing
buildings or construction of new buildings on previously developed sites.
The Committee may include in its recommendation to the Town Meeting a recommendation to set aside
for later spending funds for specific purposes that are consistent with community preservation but for
which sufficient revenues are not then available in the Community Preservation Fund to accomplish
that specific purpose or to set aside for later spending funds for gen eral purposes that are consistent
with community preservation. Recommendations to the Town Meeting shall include the anticipated
cost.
§ 5-25. Quorum
The Committee shall not meet or conduct business without the presence of a quorum. A majority of the
members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. The Committee shall approve its actions by majority
vote.
§ 5-26. Severability
A. In the event that any section, paragraph or part of this Chapter is for any reason declared invalid or
unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, every other section, paragraph or part shall
continue in full force and effect.
B. Each appointing authority shall have twenty days after approval by the Attorney General to make
its appointment. Should any appointing authority fail to make its appointment within the allotted
time, the Select Board shall have the authority to make the appointment.
ARTICLE VII
Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
[Adopted 5-3-2010 ATM, Art. 33]
§5-27. Establishment; membership; terms; purpose.
There shall be established a Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board. The Board of Trustees (the
“Board”) shall consist of five (5) trustees. The trustees shall be appointed by the Select Board and shall
include one member of the Select Board. The members of the Board of Trustees are designated as public
agents for the purposes of the constitution of the Commonwealth.
The initial terms of the trustees shall be staggered as one (1) or two (2) year terms. All terms there after
shall be for two (2) years.
The purpose of the Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust is to provide for the creation and preservation of
affordable housing in Hopkinton for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households.
§5-28. Powers and Duties.
A. The Board shall administer the Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust Fund, created by the vote
taken pursuant to Article 7 of the May 2009 Special Town Meeting. The powers of the Board, all
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 17 of 214
of which shall be carried on in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Chapter 44, section 55C of
the Massachusetts General Laws, shall be as set forth in this section; provided, however, that the
Board shall not purchase, sell, lease, exchange, transfer or convey any interest in real property
except with the approval of the Select Board; and provided further that the Board shall not incur
any debt, borrow money, grant and mortgage or pledge trust assets except with the approval of
Town Meeting pursuant to applicable law. Subject to such limitations, the Board shall be
authorized:
1. To accept and receive property, whether real or personal, by gift, grant, contribution,
devise, or transfer from any person, firm, corporation or other public or private entity including,
without limitation, grants of funds or other property tendered to the trust in connection with
provisions of any applicable general or zoning bylaw;
2. To purchase and retain real or personal property including, without restriction,
investments that yield a high rate of income or no income;
3. To sell, lease, exchange, transfer or convey any personal, mixed, or real property at
public auction or by private contract, for such consideration and on such terms as to credit or
otherwise, and to make such contracts and enter into such undertaking relative to trust property,
as the Board deems advisable notwithstanding the length of any such lease or contract;
4. To execute, acknowledge and deliver deeds, assignments, transfers, pledges, leases,
covenants, contracts, promissory notes, releases and other instruments sealed or unsealed,
necessary, proper or incident to any transaction in which the Board engages for the
accomplishment of the purposes of the trust;
5. To employ advisors and agents, such as accountants, appraisers and lawyers as the Board
deems necessary;
6. To pay reasonable compensation and expenses to all advisors and agents and to apportion
such compensation between income and principal as the Board deems advisable;
7. To apportion receipts and charges between income and principal as the Board deems
advisable, to amortize premiums and establish sinking funds for such purpose, and to create
reserves for depreciation depletion or otherwise;
8. To participate in any reorganization, recapitalization, merger or similar transactions; to
give proxies or powers of attorney with or without power of substitution to vote any securities or
certificates of interest; and to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase or sale of
property, by or between any corporation and any other corporation or person;
9. To deposit any security with any protective reorganization committee, and to delegate to
such committee such powers and authority with relation thereto as the Board may deem proper
and to pay, out of trust property, such portion of expenses and compensation of such committee
as the board may deem necessary and appropriate;
10. To carry property for accounting purposes other than acquisition date values;
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 18 of 214
11. To borrow money on such terms and conditions and from such sources as the Board
deems advisable, to mortgage and pledge trust assets as collateral;
12. To make distributions or divisions of principal in kind;
13. To comprise, attribute, defend, enforce, release, settle or otherwise adjust claims in favor
or against the trust, including claims for taxes, and to accept any property, either in total or partial
satisfaction of any indebtedness or other obligation, and subject to the provisions of Chapter 44,
section 55C of the Massachusetts General Laws and this Article, to continue to hold the same for
such period of time as the Board may deem appropriate;
14. To manage or improve real property and to abandon any property that the Board
determines not to be worth retaining;
15. To hold all or part of the trust property uninvested for such purposes and for such time as
the Board may deem appropriate; and
16. To extend the time for payment of any obligation to the Trust.
B. All moneys paid to the Trust in accordance with any general or zoning bylaw, exaction fee, grant,
development agreement, development approval, host community agreement, or private
contributions shall be paid directly into the Trust and need not be appropriated or accepted and
approved into the trust. General revenues appropriated into the trust become trust property and to
be expended these funds need not be further appropriated. All moneys remaining in the trust at
the end of any fiscal year, whether or not expended by the Board within one year of the date they
were appropriated into the trust, shall remain trust property.
C. The books and records of the trust shall be audited annually by an independent auditor in
accordance with accepted accounting practices.
D. The Board shall make an annual report to the Select Board. The report shall include a description
and source of funds received and expended and the type of affordable housing programs or
properties assisted with the funding.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 19 of 214
ARTICLE VIII
Minutes of Public Bodies
[Added 5-1-2017 ATM, Article 41]
§ 5-29. Meeting Minutes.
A. Approval of Minutes. All boards, committees, and commissions of the Town shall
approve the minutes of their open session or executive session meetings within forty (40)
calendar days of the meeting, or at its next meeting, whichever is later.
B. Review of Executive Session Minutes. Executive session minutes shall be reviewed at
least quarterly to determine whether continued non-disclosure of the minutes is warranted. Such
determination must be announced at the next open session meeting of the board or committee.
C. Town Clerk. Within ten (10) calendar days of approving open session minutes, the board,
committee, or commission shall provide the Town Clerk with a copy of the open session minutes.
Within ten (10) calendar days of determining that continued non-disclosure of executive session
minutes is no longer warranted, the board or committee shall provide the Town Clerk with a copy
the executive session minutes. If a portion of the executive session minutes is subject to continued
non-disclosure, a redacted version of the executive session minutes shall be provided.
D. Posting on the Town’s Website. Boards, committees, or commissions shall provide
copies of all open session and public executive session minutes to a Records Access Officer
within the same time frame specified in Subsection C of this Section. The Records Access Officer
shall, to the extent feasible, cause such minutes to be posted on the Town’s website within ten
(10) calendar days. Minutes redacted in compliance with Subsection C above, shall be posted in
redacted form.
E. Effect. Failure to comply with this Section shall not impact the validity of any decision,
action, or vote taken by the board or committee. Compliance with this Section shall not relieve
any individual from responsibility as a records custodian under the Public Records Law or as a
member of a public body under the Open Meeting Law.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 20 of 214
CHAPTER 13
FINANCES
ARTICLE I
Bonds, Notes and Money
ARTICLE III
Reversion of Appropriations
of General Fund
§13-1. Payment to Treasurer. §13-5. Definitions
§13-2. Negotiation and selling by §13-6. General appropriations.
Treasurer; bids. §13-7. Specific appropriations.
§13-8. Exceptions.
ARTICLE II
Procurement
ARTICLE IV
Payment of Fees into Treasury
§13-3. Compliance with statute. §13-9. Payment by Town officers
§13-4. Statutory thresholds. Required.
ARTICLE V
Payment of Insurance Premiums
§13-10.
§13-11.
§13-12.
§13-13.
§13-14.
§13-15.
Premium costs payable by Town for
surviving spouse.
ARTICLE VI
Purpose
Expenditure Limitations
Interest
Procedures and Reports
Authorized Revolving Funds
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Appropriation Committee -- See Ch. 5, Art. I.
ARTICLE I
Bonds, Notes and Money
[Adopted 3-6-1944 ATM, Art. 1]
§ 13-1. Payment to Treasurer.
All income, revenue and money belonging to the Town when received or collected by any board,
commission or officer shall be promptly paid over to the Town Treasurer.
§ 13-2. Negotiation and selling by Treasurer; bids.
All notes and bonds issued by the Town for the purpose of borrowing money shall be negotiated and sold
by the Treasurer, who shall in all cases secure by advertisement or otherwise, if possible, at least two bids
or offers therefor.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 21 of 214
ARTICLE II
Procurement
[Adopted 10-10-1990 STM, Art. 7]
§ 13-3. Compliance with statute.
Every contract for the procurement of supplies, services or real property and for disposing of supplies or
real property by the town, with the exception of those matters referred t o in MGL c. 30B, § 1(b), shall be
made in accordance with the procedures set forth in MGL c. 30B.
§ 13-4. Statutory thresholds. [Amended 5-7-2001 ATM, Art. 46]
The Town shall comply with the thresholds set forth in MGL c. 30B, as it may be amended from ti me to
time, in all of its procurement activities.
ARTICLE III
Reversion of Appropriations to General Fund
[Adopted 5-3-1994 ATM, Art. 4]
§ 13-5. Definitions.
As used in this article, the following words shall have the following meanings:
GENERAL APPROPRIATION -- Any appropriation made by Town Meeting which is not a specific
appropriation within the meaning of this article.
SPECIFIC APPROPRIATION -- An appropriation made by Town Meeting which is described in the vote
of the Town Meeting to be an appropriation for a specific purpose and is otherwise a specific appropriation
under the law.
§ 13-6. General appropriations.
General appropriations made by the Town Meeting shall continue to revert to the general fund at the close
of the fiscal year for which they are made as provided by law.
§ 13-7. Specific appropriations.
A. Unless otherwise provided in a vote of the Town Meeting making a specific appropriation, or unless
a specific appropriation has been encumbered by contractual obligations, a specific appropriation shall
remain in existence for a period of two years from the commencement of the fiscal year in which the funds
appropriated by the specific appropriation were authorized to be expended. At the end of the second fiscal
year, any funds remaining in the specific appropriation shall revert to the general fund of the town. A vote
making a specific appropriation may provide that the appropriation shall revert to the general fund at the
end of any fiscal year.
B. The Appropriation Committee may at any time extend the date on which a specific appropriation
would otherwise terminate and revert to the general fund. [Amended 5-3-2000 ATM, Art. 56]
C. The reversion of the balance of the funds in any specific appropriation account shall include any
subsequent transfer of funds to that specific appropriation account which remain unexpended on the date
of the reversion.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 22 of 214
§ 13-8. Exceptions.
A. Nothing in this article shall be construed to affect the right of any creditor of the Town regardless
of the reversion of any appropriation to the general fund.
B. An article appropriating funds utilized by an enterprise fund shall be closed at the end of the above
period to the retained earnings of that enterprise fund.
C. Nothing in this article shall be construed to affect appropriations which require borrowing.
D. Articles voted prior to the effective date of this article shall be exempt from the provisions hereof.
ARTICLE IV
Payment of Fees Into Treasury
[Adopted 5-5-1997 ATM, Art. 35]
§ 13-9. Payment by Town officers required.
All Town officers shall be required to pay all fees received by them, by virtue of their office, into the Town
Treasury within three business days of receipt any such fee.
ARTICLE V
Payment of Insurance Premiums
[Adopted 5-3-2004 ATM, Art. 13]
§ 13-10. Premium costs payable by Town for surviving spouse..
The Town shall pay one-half of the premium costs payable by the surviving spouse of an employee who at
the time of his/her death was eligible to receive a pension from the appropriate state or county retirement
system, or of such a retired employee for group general, or blanket hospital, surgical, medical, dental or
other health insurance.
ARTICLE VI
Departmental Revolving Funds
[Added 5-1-2017 ATM, Article 42]
§ 13-11. Purpose.
This bylaw establishes and authorizes revolving funds for use by Town departments, boards, committees
or officers in connection with the operation of programs or activities that generate fees, charges or other
receipts to support all or some of the expenses of those programs or activities. These revolving funds are
established under and governed by General Laws Chapter 44, § 53E½.
§ 13-12. Expenditure Limitations.
A department or agency head, board, committee or officer may incur liabilities against and spend monies
from a revolving fund established and authorized by this bylaw without appropriation subject to the
following limitations:
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 23 of 214
A. Full-time employees, whose salaries or wages are paid from the Revolving Fund, shall also have their
fringe benefits paid from the fund.
B. No liability shall be incurred in excess of the available balance of the fund.
C. The total amount spent during a fiscal year shall not exceed the amount authorized by Town Meeting
on or before July 1 of that fiscal year, or any increased amount of that authorization that is later
approved during that fiscal year by the Select Board and Appropriations Committee.
§ 13-13. Interest.
Interest earned on monies credited to a revolving fund established by this bylaw shall be credited to the
general fund.
§ 13-14. Procedures and Reports.
Except as provided in General Laws Chapter 44, § 53E½ and this bylaw, the laws, charter provisions,
bylaws, rules, regulations, policies or procedures that govern the receipt and custody of town monies and
the expenditure and payment of town funds shall apply to the use of a revolving fund established and
authorized by this bylaw. The town accountant shall include a statement on the collections credited to
each fund, the encumbrances and expenditures charged to the fund and the balance available for
expenditure in the regular report of the town accountant provided to the department, board, committee or
officer on appropriations made for its use.
§ 13-15. Authorized Revolving Funds.
The Table establishes:
A. Each revolving fund authorized for use by a town department, board, committee or officer;
B. The department head, board, committee or officer authorized to spend from each fund;
C. The fees, charges and other monies charged and received by the department, board, committee or
officer in connection with the program or activity for which the fund is established that shall be
credited to each fund by the Town Accountant;
D. The expenses of the program or activity for which each fund may be used;
E. Any restrictions or conditions on expenditures from each fund;
F. Any reporting or other requirements that apply to each fund; and
G. The fiscal years each fund shall operate under this bylaw.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 24 of 214
Revolving Fund
Department,
Board,
Committee or
Officer
Authorized to
Spend from
fund
Fees, Charges or
Other Receipts
Credited to Fund
Program or Activity
Expenses Payable
from Fund
Restrictions
or Conditions
on Expenses
Payable from
Fund
Other
Requirements/
Reports
Fiscal
Years
Building
Department
Director of
Municipal
Inspections with
approval of the
Town Manager
Permit fees Expenses of
operations of
department,
acquisition and
maintenance of
vehicles, and salaries
of employees
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Part-Time
Wire Inspector
Director of
Municipal
Inspections with
approval of the
Town Manager
Permit fees and
inspection fees of Wire
Inspector
Expenses of operation
of department and
salaries of part-time
wire inspectors
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Part-Time
Plumbing
Inspector
Director of
Municipal
Inspections with
approval of the
Town Manager
Permit fees and
inspection fees of
Plumbing Inspector
Expenses of operation
of department and
salaries of part-time
plumbing inspectors
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Hazardous
Materials
Fire Chief Fees and monies
received from insurers
and others relating to
release or spills of
hazardous materials
Purchase equipment
and materials,
training, contingency
planning, site
assessments, service at
hazardous release
incidents
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Conservation
Commission
Conservation
Commission
Filing fees in Wetlands
Protection Bylaw
To meet expenses
incurred in processing
and reviewing
applications and other
related expenses
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Library Library Director Lost Materials/Fines Replacement of lost
and damaged
materials and the
purchase of new
materials.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Public Safety Police Chief Permit fees and other
collected sums
pursuant to the
administration and
enforcement of the
Town of Hopkinton
bylaw Ch. 150, Door
to Door Soliciting and
Canvassing
To meet the expenses
of the Police
Department related to
the administration and
enforcement of the
Town of Hopkinton
bylaw Ch. 150, Door
to Door Soliciting and
Canvassing
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Planning
Board
Planning Board Permit fees collected
by the Planning Board
relating to review of
Site Plans, petitions,
applications, permits
and appeals
To meet expenses
incurred in processing
and reviewing
applications and other
related expenses.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Open Space
Preservation
Commission
Open Space
Preservation
Commission
User fees and charges
collected by the Open
Space Preservation
Commission in the
conduct of its
programs, and
activities.
To meet expenses of
the publication,
reprinting and sale of
trail guide and the
maintenance of trails
and signage.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Youth and
Family
Director of
Youth and
Family Services
User fees and charges
received for the
conduct of youth and
To meet expenses
incurred in conducting
programs and
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 25 of 214
Services
Department
family services,
programs, and
activities.
activities for the
Town’s young people.
subsequent
years
Zoning Board
of Appeals
Zoning Board of
Appeals
Filing fees collected by
the Zoning Board of
Appeals relating to
review of appeals,
petitions and
applications.
Appropriate expenses
of the Zoning Board
of Appeals.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Department of
Public Works
Director of the
Department of
Public Works
Road Opening,
Driveway Opening and
Trench Permit fees
Expenses of operation
of the Highway
Division.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Department of
Public Works
Director of the
Department of
Public Works
User fees collected at
the Recycling Center
Expenses of operation
of Recycling Center.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Department of
Public Works
Director of the
Department of
Public Works
Fees collected from
Overflow Trash Bags
To purchase Overflow
Trash bags and to
meet expenses of
Waste Collection and
Disposal.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Cemetery
Commission
Cemetery
Commission
User fees and charges
collected for the use of
the Comey Chapel
Maintenance and
operation of the
Comey Chapel.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Cemetery Lot
Fund
Cemetery
Commission
Re-sale of lots
purchased by
Cemetery
Purchase of lots
previously sold.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
School
Department
1:1 Laptop
Initiative
School
Committee
Receipts collected
from students and
families for leasing
computers
Payments for leasing
computers.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Fingerprinting
Fund
Police Chief Permit fees collected
from prospective ice
cream truck operators
Defray costs
associated with
fingerprinting
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Senior Center
Programs Fund
Senior Center
Director
User fees collected
from participants in
Senior Center
programs and activities
Expenses related to
the development and
operation of Senior
Center programs and
activities.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Police
Department
Police Chief and
Police
Lieutenants
Detail Administrative
fees
To meet expenses of
the Police Department
related to scheduling,
assignment and billing
software for detail
work.
None None Fiscal Year
2018 and
subsequent
years
Parks and
Recreation
Parks and
Recreation
Director
User Fees from Fruit
Street Field Operations
Expenses related to the
operation and
maintenance of the
Fruit Street field
facilities
None None Fiscal Year
2022 and
subsequent
years
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 26 of 214
CHAPTER 14
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT
[Adopted 5-3-2004 ATM, Art. 59]
§14-1. Exemption application deadline.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5-3-04, Art. 59.]
General Reference
Community Preservation Act-Provisions of MGL c. 267 of the Acts of 2000-adding MGLc. 44B; accepted by
the Town of Hopkinton, Special Town Meeting, 4-9-01, Art. 1, Annual Town Election, 5-21-01, Question 1.
§14-1. Exemption application deadline.
All applications for exemption from the surcharge imposed by the Community Preservation Act must be
filed no later than the last day for filing applications for statutory exemption from the real estate tax as
provided in G.L. chapter 59, section 59.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 27 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 28 of 214
CHAPTER 24
DEPARTMENT OF MUNICIPAL INSPECTIONS
§ 24-1 Statutory authority; appointment §24-4. Recommendations for
of Director appointment of staff.
§ 24-2. Responsibilities of Department.
§ 24-3. Continuation of inspection
function by existing agency.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5 -2-1994, Art. 58. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
§ 24-1. Statutory authority; appointment of Director.
The town accepts the provisions of MGL c.43C, §§ 13 and 14, to allow for the adoption of a new bylaw for
the town which would provide for a consolidated Department of Municipal Inspections, to include the
Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer, Wiring Inspector and Plumbing/Gas Fitting Inspector. The
bylaw establishing a Department of Municipal Inspections shall provide for the appointment of the Director
of Municipal Inspections, who shall be appointed by and shall be responsible to the Town Manager . The
term of such Director shall be three years, subject to removal by vote of the Town Manager. [Amended 5-
7-2007 ATM, Art. 4]
§ 24-2. Responsibilities of Department.
The Department of Municipal Inspection shall be responsible for:
A. The coordination of inspectional functions carried out by any municipal officer or agent within the
Department.
B. Maintenance of all records relating to inspections in a central common index.
C. A single application process, which would indicate all inspections which might be necessary,
including, but not limited to, any inspections under Chapter 210, Zoning, and other local bylaws,
the Building Code and Plumbing and Gas Codes and any other local inspections, within this
Department, as may be otherwise authorized.
§ 24-3. Continuation of inspection function by existing agency.
Any agency performing an inspection function, within this Department, shall be continued but, for
administrative purposes, all personnel performing inspection functions for the existing agency shall, when
performing such inspection services, be subject to the administrative control and direction of the Director
of Municipal Inspections, but not otherwise.
§ 24-4. Recommendations for appointment of staff.
The appointment of offices and employees necessary to staff the Department shall be recommended to the
Town Manager by the Director of Municipal Inspections. [Amended 5-7-2007 ATM, Art. 4]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 29 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 30 of 214
CHAPTER 28
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
ARTICLE I ARTICLE I (Cont.)
Duties of Town Officers §28-3. Publication of list of persons
§28-1. Deadline for submission of reports compensated
§28-2. Notification by boards and §28-4. Select Board.
committees of meeting times §28-5. Town Clerk.
§28-6. Town Accountant.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Boards, committees and commissions – See Ch. 5.
ARTICLE I
Duties of Town Officers
[Adopted 3-6-1944 ATM, Art. I, 5-2-2011 ATM, Art. 40]
§ 28-1. Deadline for submission of reports.
The reports of all boards, committees and officers which are to be included in the Annual Report of the
town shall be delivered to the Select Board not later than the 15th day of January in each year.
§ 28-2. Notification by boards and committees of meeting times.
All boards, officers and committees shall notify the Town Clerk of their organization and time of regular
meetings.
§ 28-3. Publication of list of persons compensated. [Added 3-12-1951 ATM, Art. 33; amended 3-15-
1960 ATM, Art. 31]
All departments of the town, with the exception of the Department of Public Welfare and the Department
of Veteran Benefits and the School Department insofar as the listing pertains to special educational costs
of mentally or physically handicapped children covered by appropriate state legislation, shall publish in the
Annual Town Report a list of vendors, employees, service companies, equipment hire and other persons or
corporations receiving compensation or payment from said town during the previous year and the total
amount or amounts paid to each, and also a statement of the persons or corporations that have made
payments to the town charges, and the total amount or amounts so paid.
§ 28-4. Select Board.
A. The Select Board shall have authority to prosecute and defend all suits to which the town is a party,
and to employ counsel therefor. It may settle, in its discretion, any legal and valid claim or suit against
the town which does not require the payment of more than $1,000. Any settlement requiring a greater
sum, except when authorized by law, shall be made only when authorized by a vote of the Town
Meeting. The Select Board shall bring any necessary suit to collect sums due the town. [Amended 4-
15-1981 ATM, Art. 19]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 31 of 214
B. The Select Board shall have charge and control of the Town Hall, and may let or rent so much thereof
as is not required for town purposes upon such terms as they deem proper.
C. The annual report of the Select Board shall state, unless included elsewhere in the Annual Report,
what licenses have been issued, franchises granted, hearings held, claims and suits against the town,
whether pending or settled, and repairs made upon public buildings.
D. The Select Board shall hereafter annually on or before the first day of July, or whenever a vacancy
shall exist, choose some competent lawyer, preferably residing in the town, to act as Town Counsel.
He shall receive such salary or compensation as the Select Board may determine; he shall be available
for advice to all the town departments under the supervision of the Select Board and shall perform
such duties as the Select Board may prescribe. [Added 7-7-1947 STM, Art. 5; amended 5-6-1997
STM, Art. 1]
E. The Select Board shall consist of five members, each of whom shall serve for a term of three years.
The members of the Select Board in office as of the date of TOWN OF HOPKINTON GENERAL
BYLAW adoption of this subsection shall remain in office until the expiration of the respective term
of such member or until a vacancy occurs in such position for other cause. At the Annual Town
Election to be held in May 2001, there shall be three persons elected at large by ballot to the Select
Board by the voters of the town, with the candidate elected with the greatest number of votes to serve
for a term of three years, the candidate with the second greatest number of votes to serve for a term of
three years, and the candidate with the third greatest number of votes to serve for a term of two years.
At each Annual Town Election thereafter the number of members of the Select Board whose terms
have expired shall be elected by ballot for a term of three years. After the election of the Select Board,
if there is a failure to elect or a vacancy occurs in the office of Select Board, t he remaining Select
Board may call a special election to fill the vacancy and shall call such election upon the request, in
writing, of the number of registered voters of the town required by and in accordance with the
procedure set forth in MGL c. 41 § 10. [Added 5-1-2000 ATM, Art. 16]
§ 28-5. Town Clerk.
A. The Town Clerk shall promptly notify, in writing, each member of every committee elected or
appointed at any Town Meeting or in pursuance of any vote thereof, of such election or appointment,
giving the names of all members of the committee, and a copy of the vote under which the committee
was appointed or elected.
B. The Town Clerk shall promptly after each Town Meeting furnish the Town Accountant with a
statement of all amounts appropriated by the town at such meeting and the purposes for which such
appropriations were made.
C. The Town Clerk shall have published an up-to-date set of all existing Town Bylaws as needed. [Added
3-3-1953 ATM, Art. 15; 4-9-1985 ATM, Art. 32].
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 32 of 214
§ 28-6. Town Accountant. [Amended 4-14-1975 ATM, Art. 65; 4-12-1976 ATM, Arts. 58 and 59]
The Town Accountant shall, in his annual report, give a detailed statement of all the assets and liabilities
of the town and the change, if any, in the town debt, and shall include a list of all debts incurred and not
paid up to and including June 30 of each year, showing to whom due, for what incurred and the amount.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 33 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 34 of 214
CHAPTER 33
PERSONNEL
§33-1. Applicability. §33-4. Employee Handbook.
§33-2. Purposes. §33-5. Severability.
§33-2. Personnel Board.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 6 -14-1962, Art. 2; Amended in
its entirety 4-8-1985 ATM, Art. 2; 5-3-2010 ATM, Art 37 .]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Officers and employees -- See Ch. 28.
§ 33-1. Applicability. [Amended 10-3-2001 STM, Art. 5; 5-6-2002 ATM; Art. 3; 5-5-2003, ATM, Art. 3, 5-5-2008 ATM, Art. 3, 5-3-2010
ATM, Art. 37]
§ 33-1. Applicability. [Amended 05-05-2018 ATM, Art. 42]
This Chapter shall apply to all boards, committees, departments, divisions and offices of the Town of
Hopkinton ("the Town") and to all employees in the service of the Town, including full -time, part-time,
temporary, seasonal, special, intermittent, or other employees, but excluding: 1) employees of the School
Department; 2) employees holding positions filled by popular election; and 3) employees covered by
collective bargaining agreements with the Town; provided, however, that the provisions of this chapter
shall be applicable to such employees insofar as the relevant collective bargaining agreement so provides.
The Town adheres to a policy of at-will employment, which permits the Town or an employee to terminate
the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any lawful reason. Unless otherwise
informed by a written contract, all Town employees are employees-at-will.
§ 33-2. Purposes.
The purposes of this Chapter are:
A. To establish fair and equitable personnel policies;
B. To establish a system of personnel administration based on merit principles that ensure a fair and
efficient application of personnel policies;
C. To provide methods for the recruitment and retention of a work force that is skilled and effective
in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Town of Hopkinton; and
D. To ensure that personnel actions are made without regard to gender, race, color, religious creed,
national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, age as defined by law, handicap, political
affiliation or any other non-employment related factor and are instead based on merit alone.
§ 33-3. Personnel Board.
A. There shall be a Personnel Board consisting of five members appointed by the Board of
Select Board.
B. The Personnel Board shall work with the Town Manager and the Human Resources Director
to provide guidance, feedback and advice on matters regarding Town employees.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 35 of 214
C. No member of the Personnel Board shall be a Town employee or an elected official of the Town.
Each member of the Personnel Board shall be a resident of the Town and shall serve without
compensation. Each member of the Personnel Board shall serve for a term of three (3) years
beginning on the July 1 following the expiration of the previous term. Each member shall hold
office until his/her successor is appointed in the manner provided herein.
D. Members of the Personnel Board serving upon the effective date of this Chapter shall
serve until the expiration of their respective terms. Upon the expiration of such terms, the
Select Board shall appoint members for successive three-year terms.
E. If any member shall resign or otherwise vacate his/her office, a successor shall be appointed
forthwith by the Select Board to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
F. The Personnel Board shall organize annually, as soon as possible after July 1 of each year, at the
call of the then Chair or, lacking a Chair, any member of the Board, and shall elect a Chair from
among its members. The Chair shall hold office until his/her respective successor has been elected.
In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of the Chair, the Personnel Board shall elect a successor
Chair to serve until the next organizational meeting of the Personnel Board or until his/her
successor has been elected.
G. The Personnel Board may make an annual report to the Town, including recommendations on any
matters related to the administration of personnel.
H. The Personnel Board shall endeavor to meet annually with all department heads, the Select Board
and the Chair of the Appropriation Committee.
I. The Personnel Board shall meet with the Town Manager, or his/her designee, monthly.
§ 33-4: Employee Handbook.
A. All Town Agencies and employees to which this Chapter applies shall be subject to policies and
procedures set forth in an Employee Handbook. The Employee Handbook shall contain all
personnel and employment policies and procedures including, but not limited to, a Salary
Administration Plan, and provisions covering vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, holidays,
and performance evaluations.
B. The Employee Handbook, including the Salary Administration Plan, shall be written and amended
by the Town Manager, or his/her designee. The initial Employee Handbook and any amendments
thereto shall not take effect sooner than thirty (30) days after the Town Manager has submitted a
proposed Employee Handbook or proposed amendments to the Personnel Board for advice and
recommendations. The Town Manager, or his/her designee, shall review the Employee Handbook
not less than once every two years.
§ 33-5 Severability.
In the event that any provision of this Chapter, or application thereof, is for any reason held to be invalid
or unenforceable by any reviewing agency or court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
enforceability shall be construed as narrowly as possible and the balance of this Chapter shall be deemed
to be amended to the minimum extent necessary so as to serve the purposes hereof.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 36 of 214
CHAPTER 47
TOWN MEETINGS
ARTICLE I ARTICLE II
General Provisions Procedures
§47-1. Posting of warrant. §47-6. Order of articles.
§47-2. Date and time of Annual Town §47-7. Action on committee reports.
meeting and elections. §47-8. Standing to address Moderator.
§47-3. Consideration of business. §47-9. Motion to reconsider.
§47-4. Persons not on voters’ list not § 47-10. Voting on appropriations questions.
admitted to Meeting. §47-11. Speaking time limit.
§47-5 Election by voice vote. §47-12. Precedence of motions.
§47-13. Quorum.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 3-6-1944, Art. 1. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
§ 47-1. Posting of warrant. [Amended 4-11-1977 ATM, Art. 35; Amended 5-1-2017 ATM, Art. 43]
The Select Board shall cause an attested copy of the warrant to be posted by the Constable of the Town or
some other person at least eight (8) days before the time set for the Annual Town Meeting, and at least
fourteen (14) days before the time set for a Special Town Meeting, in the following locations within the
Town: (1) Town Hall, (2) all post offices, (3) the public library, (4) the senior center, and (5) at least one
public safety building.
§ 47-2. Date and time of Annual Town Meeting and elections. [Amended 3-4-1974 ATM, Art. 3; 4-
14-1992 ATM, Art. 38; 5-3-2005 STM, Art. 3]
The Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton shall be held on the first Monday in May in each
year, at 7:00 in the evening, and the annual Town elections for the purpose of election by ballot of Town
officers and voting on any questions required by law to be placed upon the official ballot shall be held on
the third Monday in May at an adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting at which the polls shall be open
during such hours between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. as the Select Board shall legally determine.
§ 47-3. Consideration of business. [Amended 3-4-1974 ATM, Art. 3; 5-6-1998 ATM, Art. 24]
All business of the Annual Meeting, except the election of officers and the determination of such matters
as are required to be determined by ballot fixed for the third Monday in May as provided, shall be considered
at the meeting of the first Monday of May.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 37 of 214
§ 47-4. Persons not on voters' list not admitted to Meeting.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Moderator, or by a vote of the Meeting, no person whos e name is not on
the list of registered voters shall be admitted to the hall where a Town Meeting is being held. This provision
shall be enforced by use of the checklist, and the Moderator shall determine the bounds of the hall.
§ 47-5. Election by voice vote.
All Town officers not required by law to be chosen by ballot shall be elected by a voice vote, unless the
meeting at which they are to be elected determines otherwise.
ARTICLE II
Procedures
§ 47-6. Order of articles.
All articles in the Town Warrant shall be taken up in the order of their arrangement unless otherwise decided
by a majority vote.
§ 47-7. Action on committee reports.
When a report of a committee is placed in the hands of the Moderator, it shall be deemed to be properly
before the Meeting for action thereon, and a vote to accept the same shall discharge the committee but shall
not be equivalent to a vote to carry out the recommendations of the report in the absence of a vote to adopt
the report.
§ 47-8. Standing to address Moderator.
No person shall remain standing during a Meeting, except when that person addresses the Moderator.
§ 47-9. Motion to reconsider.
A motion to reconsider shall not be entertained unless made at the close of the consideration of the article
under which it is passed, and no motion to reconsider action of a former day's sitting shall be made at any
adjournment. This section may be suspended by a vote of 2/3 of those present and voting.
§ 47-10. Voting on appropriations questions. [Amended 5-4-1998 ATM, Art. 20]
Any motion which calls for the appropriation of less than $1,000 shall be taken by a rising vote if so
requested by three voters, and every motion calling for an appropriation of $1,000 and over shall be taken
by a rising vote, except in the case where the vote of the Town Meeting is a unanimous vote or in the case
where, in the opinion of the Town Moderator, the vote constitutes a clear majority vote or a clear 2/3 vote,
whichever may be required, in which event the declaration of the Town Moderator shall control, subject to
the right of seven voters to question such vote, as provided in MGL c. 39, § 15.
§ 47-11. Speaking time limit.
No person shall speak for more than 10 minutes at any one time without being again recognized by the
Moderator, and no person shall speak more than twice upon any question without first obtaining leave of
the meeting, except to correct an error.
§ 47-12. Precedence of motions. [Amended 5-7-2001 ATM, Art. 44]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 38 of 214
A. When a motion is under debate, the Moderator may accept motions, including, but not limited to,
the following:
(1) To adjourn;
(2) To end debate;
(3) To postpone to a time certain;
(4) To amend;
(5) To divide the question;
(6) To withdraw.
B. These motions shall have precedence in the order enumerated above. The first three motions shall
be decided without debate.
§ 47-13. Quorum. [Amended 5-6-1996 ATM, Art. 32; Amended 5-1-2017 ATM, Article 44]
The presence of a number of voters equal to 1% of the number of registered voters of the Town, as of
December 31 of the most recent year ending in a 2 or 7, as determined by the Town Clerk, shall be
required to constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at any Town Meeting.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 39 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 40 of 214
Part II
GENERAL LEGISLATION
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 41 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 42 of 214
CHAPTER 55
ALARM SYSTEMS
ARTICLE I ARTICLE II
Intrusion Alarms Fire Alarms
§55-1. Findings; purpose. §55-8. Preamble.
§55-2. Definitions. §55-9. Definitions.
§55-3. Administrative rules. §55-10. Fines for system malfunctions.
§55-4. Control and curtailment of signals §55-11. Appeal procedure.
emitted by alarm users. §55-12. Adoption of regulations and legal
§55-5. Testing of equipment. action by Fire Chief.
§55-6. False alarms. §55-13. Disconnection upon failure to pay
§55-7. Violations and penalties. fine; proceedings.
§55-14. Severablility.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
ARTICLE I
Intrusion Alarms
[Adopted 9-27-1988 STM, Art. 20; amended 5-6-2002 ATM, Art. 51]
§ 55-1. Findings; purpose.
It has been determined by the Hopkinton Police Department that the number of false alarms received by
the Department significantly increase departmental expenses, hinders its efficiency and lowers the morale
of the Department. This situation endangers the general public, homeowners, businesses and Hopkinton
police officers. It is intended that the following article will reduce the number of false alarms and promote
the responsible use of alarm devices in the Town of Hopkinton.
§ 55-2. Definitions.
A. Words used in the present tense include the future; words used in the plural number include the
singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word shall
is always mandatory and not discretionary.
B. For the purposes of this article, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall have
the meaning given herein, when not inconsistent with the context:
ALARM SYSTEM -- An assembly of equipment and devices or a single device such as a solid state unit
which plugs directly into a 110 volt AC line, arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent
attention and to which police are expected to respond. Fire alarm systems and alarm systems not directly
related to the detection of an unauthorized intrusion into property or premises or an attempted robbery at
property or premises are specifically excluded from this article.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 43 of 214
ALARM USER or USER --Any person on whose premises an alarm system is maintained within the town,
except for alarm systems on motor vehicles or proprietary systems. Excluded from this article are central
station personnel and persons who use alarm systems to alert or signal persons within the premises in which
the system is located of an attempted unauthorized intrusion or holdup attempt. If such a system, however,
employs an audible signal emitting sounds or a flashing light or beacon designed to signal persons outside
the premises, such system shall be within the definition of "alarm system" as that term is used in this article
and shall be subject to this article.
AUTOMATIC DIALING DEVICE -- Refers to an alarm system which automatically sends over regular
telephone lines, by direct connection or otherwise, a prerecorded voice message or coded signal indicating
the existence of an emergency situation that the alarm system is designed to detect.
CENTRAL STATION -- An office to which remote alarm and supervisory signaling devices are connected,
where operators supervise circuits or where guards are maintained continuously to investigate signals.
COMMUNICATIONS CONSOLE and DIRECT CONNECT -- An alarm system which has the capability
of transmitting system signals to, or receiving them at, the Hopkinton Police Department communications
center.
FALSE ALARM -- Activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper
installation or negligence of the user of an alarm system or his e mployees or agents, or any signal or oral
communication transmitted to the Police Department requesting, requiring or resulting in a response on the
part of the Police Department, when in fact there has been no unauthorized intrusion or attempted
unauthorized intrusion into any property or premises and no attempted robbery or burglary at any property
or premises. Excluded from this definition are activation of alarm systems caused by power outages, motor
vehicle accidents, act of God, telephone repairmen and similar situations.
INTERCONNECT -- To connect an alarm system to a voice-grade telephone line, either directly or through
a mechanical device that utilizes a standard telephone, for the purpose of using the telephone line to transmit
an emergency message upon the activation of the alarm system.
POLICE CHIEF -- The Chief of Police of the Town of Hopkinton or designated representative.
POLICE or POLICE DEPARTMENT --The Town of Hopkinton Police Department or any authorized agent
thereof.
PUBLIC NUISANCE --Anything which annoys, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety
of any considerable number of persons or of any community or neighborhood.
TOWN -- The Town of Hopkinton.
§ 55-3. Administrative rules.
A. Alarm systems may be connected to the communications console in the Police Department.
B. If such systems are so connected, the alarm company shall furnish, at no cost to the town, a
communications console and the necessary telephone lines which are compatible to the receipt of
alarm signals from alarm systems whose lines are connected to the Police Department. The alarm
company shall set forth the annual fee each alarm user will be required to pay the alarm company
for services rendered with respect to the communications console. Such services shall be set forth
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 44 of 214
in the form of a written contract between the alarm company and each alarm user. The provisions
of this Subsection B relate solely to the aforementioned communications console connections to
the said console by alarm users and fees and charges related to the installation and maintenance of
the console. Any alarm user may contract with any alarm company of his choice for the sale,
installation, and maintenance and/or servicing of the alarm system to be installed on his premises.
System components installed in all future alarm systems or additions to existing systems shall
consist of equipment designed for the use for which it was intended and shall be approved for such
use by an independent testing laboratory.
C. The alarm user or the alarm company contracting for servicing the alarm users alarm system shall
be responsible for obtaining the leased telephone line between the user's premises and the alarm
receiving equipment at the Police Department and for furnishing the appropriate interface
equipment, if required, in order to provide an input signal which is comparable with the receiving
equipment used to operate the communications console.
D. The provisions of § 55-6 concerning false alarms shall apply to all alarm users or persons having
direct connect systems, except municipal, county and state agencies and religious organizations.
§ 55-4. Control and curtailment of signals emitted by alarm users.
A. Every alarm user shall submit to the Police Chief the names and telephone numbers of at least two
persons in addition to the user who can be reached at any time, day or night, and who are authorized
to respond to an emergency signal transmitted by an alarm system and who can open the premises
wherein the alarm system is installed.
B. All alarm systems shall be equipped with a test device which will give a minimum ten-second delay
prior to alarm system activation in order to warn the alarm user of an open alarm circuit.
C. Within six months from the effective date of this article, those alarm systems which use an audible
horn or bell shall be equipped with a device that will shut off such horn or bell within 15 minutes
after activation of the alarm system.
D. Procedure if alarm user is unavailable.
(1) Any alarm system emitting a continuous and uninterrupted signal for more than one hour
between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. which cannot be shut off or otherwise curtailed due
to the absence or unavailability of the alarm user or those persons designated by him under
Subsection A of this section, and which disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of a community, a
neighborhood or a considerable number of inhabitants of the area where the alarm system is located,
shall constitute a public nuisance. Upon receiving complaints regarding such nuisance, the Police
Chief or designee shall endeavor to contact the alarm user or members of the alarm user's family,
or those persons designated by the alarm user under Subsection A of this section, in an effort to
abate the nuisance. The Police Chief shall cause to be recorded the names and addresses of all
complaints and the time each complaint was made.
(2) In the event that the Police Chief or designee is unable to contact the alarm user, or those
persons mentioned in Subsection A above, or if those aforesaid persons cannot or will not curtail
the audible signal being emitted by the alarm system and if the Police Chief or designee is otherwise
unable to abate the nuisance, he may direct a police officer or a firefighter or a qualified alarm
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 45 of 214
technician to enter upon the property outside the home or building in which the alarm system is
located and take any reasonable action necessary to abate the nuisance.
(3) If entry upon the property outside the home or building in which the alarm system is located
is made in accordance with this section, the person so entering upon such property shall not conduct,
engage in or undertake any search, seizure, inspection or investigation while he is upon the
property; shall not cause any unnecessary damage to the alarm system or to any part of the home
or buildings; and shall leave the property immediately after the audible signal has ceased. After an
entry upon property has been made in accordance with this section, the Police Chief shall have the
property secured, if necessary. The reasonable costs and expenses of abating a nuisance in
accordance with this section may be assessed to the alarm user, said assessment not to exceed $50.
(4) Within 10 days after abatement of a nuisance in accordance with this section, the alarm
user may request a hearing before the Select Board and may present evidence showing that the
signal emitted by his alarm system was not a public nuisance at the time of the abatement, that the
costs of the abatement should not be assessed to him or that the requirements of this section were
not fulfilled. The Board shall hear all interested parties and may, in its discretion, excuse the alarm
user from paying the costs of abatement.
§ 55-6. Testing of equipment
No alarm system designed to transmit emergency messages directly to the Police Department shall be
worked on, tested or demonstrated without first notifying the police dispatcher prior to and upon completion
of testing. Permission is not required to test or demonstrate alarm devices not transmitting emergency
messages directly to the Police Department. Any unauthorized test constitutes a false alarm.
§ 55-6. False alarms. [Amended 5-6-2002 ATM, Art. 51]
A. When emergency messages are received by the Police Department that evidence false alarms, the
Police Chief or designee shall take such action as may be appropriate under Subsections B, C, D
and E of this section and when so required by the terms of the aforementioned subsections, order
that use of an alarm system be discontinued.
B. After the Police Department has recorded three separate false alarms within any calendar year from
an alarm system, the Police Chief shall notify the alarm user, in wri ting and by mail, of such fact
and require the said user to submit, within 15 days after receipt of such notice, a report describing
efforts to discover and eliminate the cause or causes of the false alarms. If the said user, due to
absence from the Town or any other reasonable basis, requests an extension of the time for filing
the report, the Police Chief may extend the fifteen-day period for a reasonable period. If the said
user fails to submit such a report within 15 days or within any such extended per iod, the Police
Chief may order that use of the alarm system be discontinued. Any such discontinuance shall be
effectuated within 15 days from the date of receipt of the Police Chief's order.
C. In the event the Police Chief determines that a report submi tted in accordance with Subsection B
of this section is unsatisfactory or that the alarm user has failed to show by the report that he has
taken or will take reasonable steps to eliminate or reduce false alarms, then the Police Chief may
order that use of the alarm system be discontinued. Any such discontinuance shall be effectuated
within 15 days from the date of receipt of the Police Chief's order.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 46 of 214
D. In the event the Police Department records five false alarms within any calendar year from an alarm
system, the Police Chief may order that the user of the alarm system discontinue use of the alarm
system for the remainder of the calendar year or for six months from the date the alarm was
disconnected, whichever of such period is longer. In the event that the Police Department records
eight false alarms within any calendar year from an alarm system, the Police Chief may order that
the user of the alarm system discontinue use of the alarm system for one year from the date the
alarm was disconnected.
E. Any user of an alarm system which transmits false alarms shall be assessed a fine of $50 for each
false alarm in excess of three occurring within any calendar year. All fines assessed hereunder shall
be paid to the Town Treasurer for deposit in the general fund. Upon failure of the user of an alarm
system to pay two consecutive fines assessed hereunder within 60 days of assessment, the Police
Chief may order that the user discontinue use of the alarm system. Any such discontinuance shall
be effectuated within 15 days from the date of receipt of the Police Chief's order.
F. Any user of an alarm system who has, in accordance with this section, been ordered by the Police
Chief to discontinue use of an alarm system may appeal the order of discontinuance to the Select
Board. Notice of an appeal shall be filed with the Select Board within 10 days of the date of the
order of discontinuance. Thereafter the Board shall consider the merits of the appeal and in
connection therewith shall hear evidence presented by all interested persons. After hearing such
evidence, the Board may affirm, vacate or modify the order of discontinuance.
§ 55-7. Violations and penalties.
A. The following acts and omissions shall constitute violations of this article punishable by fines of
up to $50:
(1) Failure to obey an order of the Police Chief to discontinue use of an alarm system, after
exhaustion of the right of appeal.
(2) Failure to pay two or more consecutive fines assessed under this article within 60 days
from the date of assessment.
(3) Failure to comply with the requirements of § 55-4D of this article.
B. Each day during which the aforesaid violations continue shall constitute a separate offense.
C. The penalties hereinabove set forth may be modified by vote of the Select Board upon the
recommendation in writing of the Chief of Police.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 47 of 214
ARTICLE II
Fire Alarms
[Adopted 4-17-1991 ATM, Art. 51]
§ 55-8. Preamble.
Whereas it has been determined by the Hopkinton Fire Department that there has been an increase in the
number of false alarms received by that Department; and whereas false alarms needlessly endanger the
safety of the public and of the fire fighters, are an unnecessary expense to the Town of Hopkinton and can
be prevented through proper installation and maintenance; and, whereas, it is in the best interest of the
community to reduce the impact of false alarms, this article is designed to accomplish the above goals.
§ 55-9. Definitions.
When used in this article, unless a contrary intention clearly appears, the following words shall have the
following meanings:
ALARM MONITORING SERVICE -- A service that monitors fire alarms from a subscriber and then
transmits the alarm to the Hopkinton Fire Department.
CENTRAL STATION -- An office to which remote alarm and supervisory signaling devices are connected
and where operators supervise alarms and transmit them to the Hopkinton Fire Department.
FIRE ALARM MALFUNCTION --The transmittal of a fire alarm to a central station, alarm monitoring
service or directly to the Hopkinton Fire Department, which alarm is caused by improper installation of a
fire alarm system, a mechanically defective fire alarm system, lack of maintenance or some other reason
that causes a fire alarm to sound even though there is no actual fire or situation that reasonably could evolve
into a fire.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM -- Any heat-activated, smoke-activated, flame-energy activated or other such
automatic device capable of transmitting a fire alarm signal to a central station, to an alarm monitoring
service or to the Hopkinton Fire Department.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM OWNER -- An individual or entity which owns the title to and/or has on his
business or residential premises a fire alarm system equipped to send a fire alarm signal to a central station,
to an alarm monitoring service or directly to the Hopkinton Fire Department.
FIRE CHIEF -- The Chief of the Hopkinton Fire Department or designated representative.
§ 55-10. Fines for system malfunctions. [Amended 5-5-2008 ATM, Art. 23]
If there is a fire alarm system malfunction, the Fire Chief may assess a fine against a fire alarm system
owner for each malfunction occurring during any 12 month period according to the following schedule:
A. Amount of fine.
(1) First through third malfunction: no charge. Upon recording of the third false alarm by the
Hopkinton Fire Department, the Fire Chief shall notify the owner of the building, in writing and by certified
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 48 of 214
mail, of such fact, and at that time inform the owner of this article and of the Department's policy with
regard to the charging for false alarms.
(2) Fourth through sixth malfunction: $250.
B. Any false alarm which is the result of the failure of the property owner, occupant or their agents to
notify the Hopkinton Fire Department of repair, maintenance or testing of an internal fire alarm
system within the protected premises shall cause a penalty to be assessed in accordance with
Subsection A of this section.
C. For the purposes of this article, a false alarm shall be defined as follows:
(1) The operation of a faulty smoke or heat detection device.
(2) Faulty control panel or associated equipment.
(3) A water pressure surge in an automatic sprinkler equipment.
(4) Accidental operation of an automatic sprinkler system.
(5) An action by an employee of the owner or occupant of the protected premises or a
contractor employed by the owner or the occupant, causing accidental activation of an
internal fire alarm system.
D. Property owners will be billed once a month for the malf unction activity occurring during the
previous month. All fines assessed hereunder shall be paid to the Town Treasurer for deposit into
the general fund.
§ 55-11. Appeal procedure.
Any fire alarm system owner who is aggrieved by an action taken by the Fire Chief under this article may,
within 10 days of such action, file an appeal, in writing, to the Select Board of the Town of Hopkinton (the
Board). After public notice, the Board shall hold a hearing, after which it may suspend, affirm, annul or
modify the action taken by the Fire Chief giving its written reasons therefor. The Board shall send its
decision to the owner by first class mail within 10 days after the hearing. The decision of the Board shall
be a final administrative decision. The owner shall have 30 days from the date of the written decision to
seek judicial review in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.
§ 55-12. Adoption of regulations and legal action by Fire Chief.
The Fire Chief may promulgate such regulations as may be required or as may be necessary to implement
this article. The Fire Chief is authorized to pursue such legal action as may be necessary to enforce this
article.
§ 55-13. Disconnection upon failure to pay fine; proceedings.
Failure to pay a fine assessed under this article within 60 days may result in disconnection of the fire alarm
system. In such event, notice may be sent to the owner's insurance company and other appropriate code
officials. The Town of Hopkinton may then initiate collection proceedings available to it under law.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 49 of 214
§ 55-14. Severability.
The provisions of this article shall be deemed to be severable, and if any of its provisions shall be held
unenforceable by any law court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of such court shall not affect or
impair any of the remaining provisions.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 50 of 214
CHAPTER 58
Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol and Tobacco
§58-1. Possession and Use of alcoholic §58-3. Violations and penalties.
beverages, marijuana or §58-4. Use and Sale of Tobacco and
tetrahydrocannabinol Products Containing Tobacco or
Nicotine.
§58-2. Seizure of alcoholic beverages, §58-5. Marijuana Not Medically Prescribed.
marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton Adopted 3 -6-1944 ATM, Art. 1 replaced
in its entirety 5-4-2009 ATM Art. 20.] [amended 5/6/2014 Article 25 by deleting §58 -1; and replace in its entity
and inserting, in place thereof, the following:]
§ 58-1. Possession and Use of Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, no person shall consume an alcoholic beverage, as
defined by Chapter 138, Section 1 of the General Laws; or possess an opened container of such
beverage; or smoke, ingest or otherwise use or consume marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol, as
defined by Chapter 94C, Section 1 of the General Laws, within the limits of any park, playground,
public building or any public land (but not including a public way) owned or under the control of
the Town of Hopkinton. Nor shall any person consume an alcoholic beverage or smoke, ingest or
otherwise use or consume marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol, as previously defined, on any public
way or way to which the public has a right of access as invitees or licensees, includi ng any person
in a motor vehicle while it is in, on or upon any public way or any way to which the public has a
right of access as aforesaid within the limits of the Town of Hopkinton. Nor shall any person
consume an alcoholic beverage, as previously defined, in, or upon any private land or place without
the consent of the owner or person in control of such private land or place.
B. Subsection A of this Section shall not be construed to apply to the consumption or possession on
public land of samples of wine provided, without charge, to prospective customers at an
agricultural event authorized pursuant to Chapter 138, Section 15F of the General Laws; provided,
however, that no such sample may exceed one ounce of wine and no more than five such samples
may be served to an individual prospective customer.
C. Notwithstanding the proscriptions set forth in Section 58-1.A, the Select Board may authorize
events during which alcoholic beverages may be served, possessed, sold, or consumed in a public
building or on public land, excluding (1) a public way, (2) property under the care, custody or
control of the School Department, or (3) public buildings or public lands within 500 feet of an
elementary or secondary school, public or private, giving not less than the minimum instruction
and training required by Chapter 71 of the General Laws to children of compulsory school age,
and as measured under 204 CMR 2.11, and provided that:
(1) A non-profit organization hosts the event during which alcoholic beverages may be served,
possessed, sold, or consumed;
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 51 of 214
(2) The net proceeds raised from such service, possession, sale, or consumption are used in a
manner that directly and specifically benefits the Town or its residents;
(3) The event marks a special occasion for the non-profit organization or the Town; and
(4) Consumption does not occur outside the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
In granting its approval, the Select Board may impose such terms and conditions as it deems
reasonable for the protection of health and safety. Permission to host an event under this Section
shall not relieve the non-profit organization from obtaining any required permits or licenses to serve
alcoholic beverages pursuant to Chapter 138 of the General Laws.
§ 58-2. Seizure of Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol.
All alcoholic beverages, marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol used in violation of this section may be seized
and held until final adjudication of the charge against any such person or persons has been made by a court.
§ 58-3. Violations and penalties. [Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 41]
Whoever violates the provisions of this chapter as it pertains to alcoholic beverages shall be punished by a
fine not exceeding one hundred ($100) dollars for such offense. Whoever violates the provisions of this
chapter as it pertains to marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol shall be punished by a fine not exceeding three
hundred ($300) dollars for such offense, in addition to any civil penalty imposed under Chapter 94C,
Section 32L, of the General Laws.
§ 58-4. Use and Sale of Tobacco and Products Containing Tobacco or Nicotine. [Added 5-2-2011
ATM, Art. 41; Amended 5-7-2018 ATM, Article 41]
A. Use of Tobacco and Products Containing Tobacco or Nicotine
1. The Board of Health shall issue regulations prohibiting the consumption and use
of tobacco and products containing tobacco or nicotine in a public outdoor place
by a person under the age of 21.
2. All tobacco and products containing tobacco or nicotine used in violation of the
Board of Health’s regulations by a person under the age of 18, shall be confiscated
and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the person shall be notified of such
violation and provided with (1) educational materials on the health issues related
to tobacco and nicotine and (2) information on cessation programs. No individual
under the age of 18 years shall be subject to a monetary penalty.
3. Individuals 18 years of age and over who use tobacco and products containing
tobacco or nicotine in violation of the Board of Health’s regulations may be
penalized by non-criminal disposition as provided by §1-4 and M.G.L. c.40, §21D.
B. Sale of Tobacco and Products Containing Tobacco or Nicotine
1. The Board of Health shall issue regulations governing the sale of tobacco and
products containing tobacco or nicotine to individuals under the age of 21.
2. Individuals who sell tobacco and products containing tobacco or nicotine in
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 52 of 214
violations of the Board of Health’s regulations may be penalized by non-criminal
disposition as provided by §1-4 and M.G.L. c.40, §21D.
C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Board of Health to
adopt reasonable regulations relating to tobacco or products containing tobacco or nicotine
pursuant to M.G.L. c.111, §31.
§58-5 Marijuana Not Medically Prescribed
Consistent with M.G.L. c.94G, §3(a)(2), all types of “marijuana establishments,” as defined in M.G.L.
c.94G, §1(j) and as may otherwise be defined by Massachusetts law or regulation, shall be prohibited
within the Town of Hopkinton; provided, however, that Registered Marijuana Dispensaries, as expressly
authorized by the provisions of Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2012 and 105 CMR 725.000, as it may be
amended from time to time, and Marijuana Testing Laboratories and Marijuana Research Facilities,
including those that develop detection systems for cannabinol compounds, both as defined in M.G.L.
c.94G, §1(j), shall not be deemed to be marijuana establishments for purposes of this provision.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 53 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 54 of 214
CHAPTER 62
ANIMALS
ARTICLE I
Dog Burial Fee ARTICLE VI
§62-1. Amount of fee. §62-8. Dogs on Town Common
Violations and penalties.
ARTICLE II
ARTICLE VII
Dog Licensing Regulation and Licensing of Dogs
§62-2. Deadline; penalty. §62-9. Fee amounts.
§62-10. Authority of Town Clerk.
ARTICLE III §62-11. License fees.
Leashing of Dogs §62-12. Effect on other bylaws.
§62-3.
Leashing and curbing required
§62-13. Severability; conflicts with
statute.
certain hours, exception.
§62-4. Violations and penalties. ARTICLE VIII
§62-5. Redemption fee. Nuisance and Dangerous Dog
§62-14. Administration.
ARTICLE IV §62-15. Nuisance or Dangerous Dog.
Animals at Large §62-16. Complaints; investigations.
§62-6. Redemption fee. §62-17. Violations and penalties.
ARTICLE V
Kennel Licensing
§62-7.A. Definitions.
§62-7.B. General Requirements.
§62-7.C. Application Process.
§62-7.D. Kennel Operation.
§62-7.E. Inspection.
§62-7.F. Surrender of License or Tag.
§62-7.G. Denials, Suspension or
Revocation of Kennel License.
§62-7.H. Violations and Penalties.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article
histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES Riding of horse or animals on sidewalks -- See Ch. 91.
ARTICLE I
Dog Burial Fee
[Adopted 3-8-1955 ATM, Art. 43]
§ 62-1. Amount of fee. [Amended 4-14-1975 ATM, Art. 66; 05-07-07 ATM, Art. 4]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 55 of 214
Any person killing a dog with a motor vehicle within the limits of the Town of Hopkinton shall pay the
Animal Control Officer the sum of $5 for burying said dog.
ARTICLE II
Dog Licensing
[Adopted 4-25-1990 STM, Art. 7]
§ 62-2. Deadline; penalty.
Any person who is the owner or a keeper of a dog or dogs six months of age or older in the Town of
Hopkinton and fails to license said dog or dogs on or before April 1st of each year shall be subject to a
penalty in addition to the applicable license fee. The amount of the penalty shall be $50.00 per household
irrespective of the number of dogs which reside in the household which have not been licensed on or
before April 1st of such year. [Amended 5-3-2004 ATM, Art. 63; 05-08-2021 ATM, Art. 38]
ARTICLE III
Leashing of Dogs
[Adopted 5-3-1993 ATM, Art. 14]
§ 62-3. Leashing and curbing required certain hours; exception.
No person who owns or keeps a dog or dogs shall allow the same to run free between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 8:00 p.m. unless said dog is on the owner's or keeper's premises. Any dog not on the premises of its
owner or keeper between said hours shall be leashed and curbed, provided that the said leashing or curbing
shall not apply to a hunting dog under direct command of its owner or keeper while training or working in
the field.
§ 62-4. Violations and penalties.
Whoever violates this article shall be subject to the following penalties:
A. First offense: $25.
B. Second offense: $45.
C. C. Third and all subsequent offenses: $75.
§ 62-5. Redemption fee.
A fee of $15 shall be charged to the owner or keeper of a dog which must be picked up by the Animal
Control Officer and shall be payable to the general fund of the town.
ARTICLE IV
Animals at Large
[Adopted 5-4-1993 ATM, Art. 15]
§ 62-6. Redemption fee.
Should it be necessary in the judgment of the Animal Inspector that the Animal Inspector apprehend and
pick up any domestic animal other than a dog, or any livestock, running free within the town, the owner or
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 56 of 214
keeper of the animal shall be charged a fee equal to the expense incurred by the Animal Inspector to
apprehend the animal and transport it to a secure facility. Such fee shall include any expense incurred by
any other department of the Town in assisting the Animal Inspector in the apprehension of the animal. In
no event shall such fee be less than $15.
ARTICLE V
Kennel Licensing
[Adopted 5-3-1999 ATM, Art. 47; Amended 5-1-2017 ATM Art. 46, 5-6-2019 ATM Art. 45]
§ 62-7.A. Definitions.
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HUMANE – Provision of proper food and water, shelter or protection from the weather,
veterinary attention needed to reduce or end suffering from disease or injury, a
sanitary environment, facilities which are of sufficient size and design as to
allow the animal to stand, sit, lie down, turn around, and make other normal
postural adjustments without obstruction, interference, or impediment by the
presence of food, water bowls, equipment, or other animals, have an appropriate
ambient temperature, and the absence of inhumane treatment. Inhumane
treatment shall include willfully permitting an animal to be subjected to
unnecessary torture, suffering or cruelty, to subject, cause or procure an animal
to be tortured or tormented, to be cruelly killed, beaten or mutilated, ineffective
measures to prevent the infestation of animals and premises by parasites, insects
or vermin, and to be subjected to cruel and inhumane chaining or tethering at
any time, which shall include filthy and dirty confinement conditions including,
but not limited to: 1) exposure to excessive animal waste, garbage, dirty water,
noxious odors, dangerous objects that could injure or kill a dog upon contact or
other circumstances that could cause harm to a dog’s physical or emotional
health, 2) taunting, prodding, hitting, harassing, threatening or otherwise
harming a tethered or confined dog, and 3) subjecting a dog to dangerous
conditions, including attacks by other animals.
INSPECTION AUTHORITY – The Chief of Police, the Animal Control Officer or the
agent of any of these.
KENNEL – A pack or collection of dogs on a single premise, including a Commercial
Boarding or Training Kennel, Commercial Breeder Kennel, Domestic
Charitable Corporation Kennel, Veterinary Kennel, or Personal Kennel, as
defined in Section 136A of Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
KENNEL LICENSE – An annual license permitting a kennel to operate within the
Town, issued to a kennel that has demonstrated compliance with the
requirements of this section.
LICENSE PERIOD – The time between April 1 and the following March 31, both dates
inclusive.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 57 of 214
SANITARY – Conditions which include the interior and exterior floors and all animal
contact areas which are smooth, impervious to water and are cleaned and
sanitized as often as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions and free of
animal wastes, provided that outdoor areas may have a floor of animal-
appropriate gravel which is maintained and cleaned on a regular schedule
consistent with the maintenance of sanitary conditions, and facilities which are
maintained in good repair and kept clean at all times so as to protect animals
from disease and injury.
§ 62-7.B General Requirements.
A. License. No person or entity shall operate a Kennel within the Town without first
obtaining a Kennel License from the Town Clerk in accordance with the provision of
this Chapter. The license shall reflect the maximum number of dogs to be permitted
in the Kennel.
B. Expiration and Fee. The Town Clerk shall determine the amount of the non-
refundable fee for a Kennel License for each License Period; provided, however, that
there shall be no fee for a domestic charitable corporation incorporated exclusively
for the purpose of protecting animals from cruelty, neglect or abuse or for the relief of
suffering; and provided, further, to determine the amount of a license fee, a dog under
the age of six (6) months shall not be counted in the number of dogs kept in a Kennel.
C. Inspection. The Town Clerk shall not issue or renew a Kennel License of any type
until the Kennel has passed inspection by the Animal Control Officer or a designee
thereof in accordance with Section 62-7.E.
D. Number of Permitted Dogs. The Animal Control Officer or agent shall place a cap on
the number of dogs permitted in any Kennel, not to exceed the maximum number of
dogs that the Kennel can store in a humane and sanitary manner and the number of
dogs permitted in the kennel pursuant to any special permit issued pursuant to the
Zoning Bylaw, whichever is less.
E. Tags. Tags shall be furnished to a licensee by the Town Clerk in the exact number of
dogs specified by the Animal Control Officer and reflected on the license. Such tags
shall bear the name of the Town, the license number, and year of issuance.
F. Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer may designate an agent to
whom the Animal Control Officer may delegate any of the responsibilities contained
in this Bylaw.
§ 62-7.C. Application Process.
A. Form. Any person or entity seeking a Kennel License or renewal or reinstatement
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 58 of 214
thereof shall complete and submit to the Town Clerk a Kennel License application, in
a form prescribed by the Town Clerk.
B. Deadline. Applications for renewal shall be submitted by February 1 in order to
ensure timely renewal.
C. Inspection. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Town Clerk shall notify the
Animal Control Officer, who shall cause an inspection of the Applicant’s Kennel to
be conducted in accordance with Section 62-7.E. For renewal applications, the
Animal Control Officer shall cause the inspection to be made prior to the expiration
of the existing license, provided that the Applicant submitted a timely Application as
provided in Subsection (B) above.
D. Qualifications. No person or entity shall be given a Kennel License or tag during a
period of five (5) years from the date of being found guilty or penalized for a
violation of any provision of Section 77, Section 80½, Section 94, or Section 95 of
Chapter 272 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Any such license and tag so issued
shall be void and shall be surrendered to the Town Clerk. No fee received for a
license or tag made shall be refundable.
E. Issuance. The Town Clerk shall review the complete Application and the Animal
Control Officer’s report. A Kennel License shall be issued if the Kennel has passed
the inspection in accordance with Section 62-7.E.
§ 62-7.D. Kennel Operation.
A. Kennels must be operated and maintained in a sanitary and humane manner.
B. The following types of documentation shall be maintained at the Kennel and available for
inspection:
(1) The name and address of the owner of each dog kept in the Kennel, other than
dogs belonging to the person maintaining the Kennel;
(2) The name and address of persons who have purchased dogs from the Kennel;
(3) Staff training records and materials;
(4) All contracts for goods or services provided in connection with the Kennel’s
operation;
(5) Organizational policies relating to animal care, intake, veterinary treatment,
adoption and euthanasia; and
(6) All records pertaining to prior kennel licenses including, but not limited to,
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 59 of 214
copies of prior years’ kennel licenses, inspection reports prepared by any
Inspection Authority, and documentation of any suspensions and/or
revocations of kennel licenses.
C. The holder of a Kennel License shall cause each dog kept in its Kennel to wear, while in
the Kennel, a collar or harness of suitable material to which a tag shall be securely
attached.
D. Each Kennel shall prominently display on an interior wall of the Kennel a copy of the
Kennel License.
§ 62-7.E. Inspection.
A. The Inspection Authority may inspect any Kennel or its records at any time for
compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and applicable statutes and to determine if
a Kennel is being maintained in a sanitary and humane manner and if records are properly
kept, in accordance with applicable law. Such inspection shall include, at a minimum, an
examination of the following:
(1) The records identified in Section 62-7.D.B.
(2) Inquiry with the Hopkinton Fire Department, Inspectional Services, Board of
Health, and Police Department to ensure that any applicable requirements of
those departments have been met; provided, however, that, in the discretion of
the Inspection Authority, such inquiry may not be required for Personal
Kennels.
(3) A review of the Kennel’s prior kennel license(s), if any. If any prior kennel
license has been suspended or revoked, the Inspection Authority shall review
that suspension or revocation determination and require the applicant to
provide evidence demonstrating that the reasons for the suspension or
revocation have been adequately addressed.
B. A Kennel shall pass inspection only if the Inspection Authority determines that the kennel
is being maintained in a sanitary and humane manner and its records are properly kept. If a
Kennel has previously had its kennel license suspended or revoked, it shall not pass
inspection unless the Inspection Authority makes a determination that the reasons for the
suspension or revocation have been adequately addressed and that the proposed Kennel
has been brought into compliance with the requirements of this Section and applicable
state statutes.
§ 62-7.F. Surrender of License or Tag
A. Every license and tag held by any person found guilty of, or penalized in any manner
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 60 of 214
for, a violation of any provision of Section 77, Section 80½, Section 94, or Section 95
of Chapter 272 of the Massachusetts General Laws shall be void, and shall forthwith
be surrendered to the Town Clerk.
B. No fee received for a license and tag made void pursuant to this section shall be
refunded to the holder.
§ 62-7.G. Denials, Suspension or Revocation of Kennel License
A. Denial. If the Town Clerk denies a Kennel License application or renewal application,
the Applicant may request a reinspection of the Kennel after reasonably
demonstrating to the Animal Control Officer that the proposed Kennel has been
brought into compliance with the requirements of this Section and applicable state
statutes. The Animal Control Officer shall then make a report to the Town Clerk, who
shall, within a reasonable time, review the application in accordance with Section 62-
7.C.
B. Suspension and Revocation.
(1) Inspection Authority. If the Inspecting Authority determines that a Kennel is
not being maintained in a sanitary or humane manner or if records are not
properly kept, the Select Board or Animal Control Officer may revoke or
suspend the Kennel License. Depending on the severity of the offense, a
license may be suspended or revoked on a first violation of applicable laws or
this Bylaw.
(2) Citizen Initiation and Select Board Hearing.
a. Twenty-five (25) residents of the Town may file a petition for
hearing with the Select Board stating the reasons that they believe that
suspension or revocation of a Kennel’s license is warranted.
b. Within seven (7) days of the filing of such petition, the Select Board
shall give notice to all interested parties of a public hearing concerning the
petition, to be commenced within fourteen (14) days after the date of such
notice.
c. Prior to the close of the public hearing, the Select Board may cause
the Inspecting Authority to inspection of the Kennel or its records by the
Board’s designee.
d. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Select Board may
suspend or revoke the Kennel License, or may take such other action to
regulate the Kennel as it deems prudent, or may dismiss the petition.
Depending on the severity of the offense, a license may be suspended or
revoked regardless of whether there have been prior violations of
applicable laws or this Bylaw.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 61 of 214
e. The Select Board shall cause written notice of any order issued
pursuant to this section to be provided immediately to the holder of the
Kennel License and the Town Clerk.
(3) Reinstatement after Suspension. If a Kennel License is suspended, the Kennel
License holder may apply for reinstatement after the close of the suspension
period by requesting a reinspection of the Kennel or its records after
reasonably demonstrating to the Animal Control Officer that the Kennel has
been brought into compliance with this Section and all other applicable state
and local requirements, and that the Kennel Licensee has satisfied the terms of
the suspension order. The Animal Control Officer shall then make a report to
the Town Clerk, who shall, within a reasonable time, review the application in
accordance with Section 62-7.C.
(4) Reinstatement after Revocation. If the Kennel License is revoked, the owner
may apply for a new Kennel License no sooner than three (3) years after the
effective date of the revocation.
C. Reinspection. The Town Clerk may set fees for reinspections performed pursuant to
this Section.
§ 62.7-H. Violations and penalties.
A. Any person or entity who holds a Kennel License and is determined to be in violation
of this Section or any law or regulation pertaining to such license shall be subject to
the following penalties:
First violation: $50
Second violation: $200
Third and subsequent violations: $300
Each day that such violation continues shall be deemed to be a separate violation and
be subject to the above penalty. If the violation results from failure to comply with the
limitation on the number of dogs permitted within the Kennel, the fine for such
violation shall be $50 per dog beyond the permissible limit.
B. Any person or entity maintaining a Kennel after revocation or during suspension of a
license shall be punished by a fine of $250.
C. In lieu of the penalties set forth in Subsection 62.7-H.A., violations of this Section
may be addressed in accordance with the provisions of MGL c. 40, § 21D, and Ch. 1,
Art. II, Noncriminal Disposition, of the General Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 62 of 214
ARTICLE VI
Dogs on Town Common
[Adopted 5-6-1996 ATM, Art. 64]
§ 62-8. Violations and penalties.
The owner of any dog which is found on the Town Common in violation of the sign on the Town Common
which states "No dogs on the Common" shall be subject to a fine of $10.
ARTICLE VII
Regulation and Licensing of Dogs
[Adopted 9-30-1997 STM, Art. 2; amended
5-6-2003 STM, Art. 5]
§ 62-9. Fee amounts. [Amended 5-6-2003 STM, Art. 5]
All fees for the licensing of dogs, as well as all penalties, fines and other charges in the nature thereof and
relating to the maintenance, control, possession, custody or other regulation of dogs shall be in the amounts
as established by this article and shall be paid to the Town of Hopkinton.
§ 62-10. Authority of Town Clerk.
The Town Clerk shall be authorized to take all action necessary or appropriate relating to the licensing of
dogs in the town.
§ 62-11. License fees. [Reserved]
§ 62-12. Effect on other bylaws.
In all other respects, the bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton relating to the regulation of dogs shall remain
in full force and effect, except as specifically modified hereby, and the adoption and enactment of such
bylaws is hereby ratified and confirmed.
§ 62-13. Severability; conflicts with statute.
If any part, section or provision of this article is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions of this article
shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect. No provision or interpretation of any
provision of this article is intended to conflict with or constitute an attempt to change any provision of MGL
c. 140, pertaining to dogs.
ARTICLE VIII
Nuisance and Dangerous Dog
[Adopted 5-3-1999 ATM, Art. 46; Amended 5-7-2018, ATM Art. 39]
§62-14. Administration
The Animal Control Officer shall be responsible for enforcement of this Article; provided, however, that,
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 63 of 214
for purposes of this Article and M.G.L. c.140, §157, the Select Board shall be the Hearing Authority.
§ 62-15. Nuisance or Dangerous Dog.
No person shall keep in this Town any dog that is a nuisance or a dangerous dog, as those terms are
defined and used in M.G.L. c.140, §§136A and 157.
§ 62-16. Complaints; investigations.
A. If any person shall make a complaint, in writing, to the Select Board that any dog owned or harbored
within the Town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog, such complaints shall be investigated and
addressed in accordance with M.G.L. c.140, §157.
B. Prior to any nuisance or dangerous dog hearing held pursuant to Section 62-16.A, the Animal Control
Officer may issue a Temporary Restraint Order or a Temporary Confinement Order.
1. Issuance of Temporary Restraint Orders. The Animal Control Officer may issue a
Temporary Restraint Order to the owner or keeper of any dog that is alleged to be a nuisance
dog or a dangerous dog and is awaiting a decision under Section 62-16.A. A Temporary
Restraint Order shall be in force for no more than thirty (30) days unless the Animal Control
Officer renews it in writing for subsequent thirty (30) day periods. The Animal Control
Officer may rescind or decline to renew the Order upon a determination that restraint is no
longer required. The Animal Control Officer’s order shall expire upon receipt of a decision
from the Select Board on the nuisance dog or dangerous dog hearing.
2. Issuance of Temporary Confinement Order. The Animal Control Officer may make
arrangements for the temporary housing of any dog that requires such temporary housing, and
may issue an Order of Temporary Confinement authorizing such temporary housing. The
housing may be at a local veterinary clinic or at a dog kennel within the Town or neighboring
towns, and shall be at the dog owner’s or keeper’s expense
§ 62-17. Violations and penalties.
A. Any person who fails to comply with any order of the Animal Control Officer or the Select Board
pursuant to this Article shall be deemed a violation of this Article.
B. In addition to any other remedy provided by law, this Article may be enforced by the Animal Control
Officer, or any police officer of the Town, or the Select Board, through any means available in law or
equity, including but not limited to criminal indictment in accordance with M.G.L. c.40, §21, non-
criminal disposition in accordance with Article II and M.G.L. c.40, §21D, and, in instances of a
violation of a nuisance dog or dangerous dog order issued pursuant to M.G.L. c.240, §157, in
accordance with M.G.L. c.140, §157A.
1. When enforced in accordance with M.G.L. c.40, §21, the maximum penalty shall be $300 and each day a
violation exists shall constitute a separate violation.
2. When enforced through non-criminal disposition, the penalties shall be as follows:
First violation: $25, for each offense, each day being a separate offense;
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 64 of 214
Second violation: $50, for each offense, each day being a separate offense; and
Third violation or subsequent violation: $75, for each offense, each day being a separate offense.
3. When enforced in accordance with M.G.L. c.140, §157A, an owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply
with an order of the Select Board or district court shall be punished, for a first offense of not more than
$500 or imprisonment for not more than 60 days in a jail or house of correction, or both, and for a second
or subsequent offense, by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days in a
jail or house of correction.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 65 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 66 of 214
CHAPTER 70
(RESERVED)
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 67 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 68 of 214
CHAPTER 74
BOATS
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 7-30-1959, Art. 5. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
§74-1. Park Commission rules and regulations.
The Park and Recreation Commission shall provide for the regulation and enforcement of rules and
regulations for the operation of motor boats on any inland waters within the Town of Hopkinton under the
authority of MGL c. 102, 15 B.
§74-2. Approval of rules and regulations.
Rules and regulations made under the authority of this chapter by the Park and Recreation Commission
shall be subject to the approval of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Works.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 69 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 70 of 214
CHAPTER 78
BUILDINGS, NUMBERING OF
§78-1. Designation of numbers. §78-4. Numbering system.
§78-2. Affixing of numbers required §78-5 Number specifications.
§78-3. Visibility of numbers from
street.
§78-6. Violations and penalties;
Enforcement.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 4-13-1992, Art. 18.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
____________________________________________________________________________
§ 78-1. Designation of numbers.
The Inspector of Buildings, in cooperation with the Board of Assessors, shall determine and designate
numbers for all buildings abutting upon or adjacent to a street as the Inspector of Buildings may deem
appropriate for the public convenience using the criteria set forth in this chapter.
§78-2. Affixing of numbers required.
No owner of any building shall neglect or refuse to affix to such building the street number designated by
the Inspector of Buildings.
Such numbers shall be affixed: [Added 5-6-2008 STM, Art. 4, 5-4-2009 ATM, Art. 33]
A. On all new buildings once exterior walls are standing;
B. On all new buildings prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy;
C. On all buildings undergoing renovations or work requiring a Building Permit and/or an inspection from
the Building Department or Fire Department;
D. On all buildings upon the resale of the underlying property prior to the issuance of a Smoke Detector and
or Carbon Monoxide Certificate by the Fire Department, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 148, §§26F and 26F1/2.
§ 78-3. Visibility of numbers from street.
In cases where the building is not clearly visible from the street, the Inspector of Buildings shall requi re
that said numbers be placed such that they are clearly visible from the street at the point of entry to the
property.
§ 78-4. Numbering system.
Streets off a main artery shall be numbered from low to high, with even numbers on the right and odd
numbers on the left. The main artery shall be the street closest to the center of town.
A. Residence A (RA) Zone: numbered every 100 feet.
B. Residence B (RB) Zone: numbered every 150 feet.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 71 of 214
C. Agricultural (A) Zone: numbered every 200 feet.
D. Corner lots shall be numbered on the street containing the legal frontage. If both streets have the
required frontage, then the number shall be on the side at which the driveway is laid out. The side of the lot
on the adjoining street shall reserve a number for possible changes in the building on the lot in the future.
E. Circular streets shall be numbered to the right from low to high number.
F. Culs-de-sac: The right side of the circle shall be numbered with even numbers from low to high
number. The left side of the circle shall be numbered with odd numbers from low to high number.
§78-5. Number specifications. [Amended 5-2-1995 ATM, Art. 54]
All numbers shall be in Arabic numerals, a minimum of five inches in height, contrasting in color to the
structure, and shall be placed on the knob side of the door of the structure. The numbers shall be clearly
visible from the street.
§ 78-6. Violations and penalties; enforcement.
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of not more tha n $25. This
chapter shall be enforced by the Inspector of Buildings or agent under the direction of the Inspector of
Buildings.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 72 of 214
CHAPTER 83
CEMETERY REGULATIONS
§ 83-1. Restrictions on tree and
Shrub planting..
§ 83-2. Operation of snowmobiles
prohibited; penalty
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 11-2-1960, Art. 6; amended 4-9-
1979 ATM, Art. 23; 4-14-1988 ATM, Arts. 41 and 42; 5-3-1993 STM, Art. 2. Subsequent amendments noted
where applicable.]
§ 83-1. Restrictions on tree and shrub planting.
The Board of Cemetery Commissioners has the right to restrict the planting of trees and shrubs in the town
cemeteries.
§ 83-2. Operation of snowmobiles prohibited; penalty.
No person shall at any time operate a snowmobile on cemetery lands in the Town of Hopkinton. Violators
shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 for each offense.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 73 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 74 of 214
CHAPTER 87
CIVIL FINGERPRINTING
§ 87-1. Purpose and Authorization. § 87-4. Reliance by Licensing Authority on
§ 87-2. Licenses Subject to Results of Fingerprint-Based
Fingerprinting Criminal Records Background
§ 87-3. Police Department Procedure. Checks
§ 87-5. Policies and Procedures
§ 87-6. Fees
HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5-6-2013, Art. 42.]
§ 87-1. Purpose and Authorization.
In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Hopkinton, and as
authorized by Chapter 6, Section 172B½ of the Massachusetts General Laws, this bylaw requires (a)
applicants for a license listed in Section 87-2 to submit to fingerprinting by the Hopkinton Police
Department, (b) the Police Department to arrange for the conduct of fingerprint -based criminal record
background checks of such applicants, and (c) the Town to consider the results of such background checks
in determining whether to grant such license.
The Town hereby authorizes the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Department of Criminal
Justice Information Systems (DCJIS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as may be applicable,
to conduct fingerprint-based state and national criminal history records checks, including FBI record
checks, on behalf of the Town and its Police Department consistent with this Chapter. The Town hereby
authorizes the Police Department to receive and utilize FBI records in connection with such background
checks, consistent with this bylaw. The Town shall not disseminate criminal record information received
from the FBI to unauthorized persons or entities.
§ 87-2. Licenses Subject to Fingerprinting.
Any applicant for a license to engage in any of the following occupational activities shall have a full set of
fingerprints taken by the Police Department for the purpose of conducting a state and national fingerprint-
based criminal history records check:
Ice Cream Truck Vendor
§ 87-3. Police Department Procedure.
The Police Department shall forward the full set of fingerprints obtained pursuant to this Chapter eit her
electronically or manually to the State Identification Section of the Massachusetts State Police.
The Police Department shall provide the applicant with a copy of the results of his or her fingerprint -based
criminal background check and supply the applicant with an opportunity to complete, or challenge the
accuracy of, the information contained therein, including the FBI identification record. Any applicant who
wishes to challenge the accuracy or completeness of the record shall be advised of the procedures to change,
correct, or update the record as set forth in applicable federal regulations.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 75 of 214
The Police Department shall communicate the results of fingerprint -based criminal history records check
to the licensing authority, together with its evaluation of the applicant’s suitability for the proposed
occupational activity based on the results of the criminal records background check and any other relevant
information known to it. In rendering its evaluation, the Police Department shall indicate whethe r the
applicant has been convicted of, or is under pending indictment for, a crime that bears upon his or her
suitability for the proposed occupational activity, or any felony or misdemeanor that involved force or threat
of force, controlled substances, or a sex-related offense.
§ 87-4. Reliance by Licensing Authority on Results of Fingerprint-Based Criminal Records
Background Checks
The licensing authority shall utilize the results of any fingerprint-based criminal records background check
performed pursuant to this Chapter for the sole purpose of determining the applicant’s suitability for the
proposed occupational activity. The licensing authority may deny an application for any license specified
herein, including renewals and transfers thereof, if it determines that the results of the fingerprint-based
criminal records background check render the applicant unsuitable for the proposed occupational activity.
No application shall be denied on the basis of information contained in a criminal record until the applicant
has been afforded a reasonable time, as determined by the licensing authority, to correct or complete the
information, or has declined to do so.
§ 87-5. Policies and Procedures
The Police Department shall develop and maintain written policies and procedures for its licensing-related
criminal record background check system.
§ 87-6. Fees
Each applicant for a license listed in Section 87-2 shall pay a fee of $100. A portion of said fee, as specified
by Chapter 6, Section 172B1/2 of the Massachusetts General Laws, shall be deposited into the Firearms
Fingerprint Identity Verification Trust Fund established by Chapter 29, Section 2LLL of the Massachusetts
General Laws, and the remainder shall be retained by the Town for costs associated with the administration
of the system.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 76 of 214
CHAPTER 91
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton [3-15-1973, Article 52.]
§ 91-1. Prohibited actions.
No person shall behave himself in a rude or disorderly manner, nor use indecent, profane or insulting
language in any street, public place or public building, or any place in which the public has right of access
as invitees or licensees in the town; nor be or remain upon any doorstep, portico or other projection from
any building, nor in any public hall, or entrance thereto, to the annoyance or disturbance of any person; nor
shall any person ride any horse or other animal upon any sidewalk of the town, whereby the free, safe and
convenient use thereof, by travelers thereon, shall in any way be interrupted or the occupants of adjoining
estates unreasonably annoyed and disturbed.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 77 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 78 of 214
CHAPTER 93
DUMPING
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 3 -6-1944 ATM, Article 1]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Recycling -- See Ch. 170, Art. I.
§ 93-1. Dumping on public and private land.
No person shall deposit or dump refuse or decayed animal or vegetable matter on any public or private
land contrary to rules and regulations of the Board of Health.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 79 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 80 of 214
CHAPTER 96
EARTH REMOVAL
§ 96-1. Purpose. § 96-6. Criteria for issuance of permits.
§ 96-2. Definitions. § 96-7. Permit renewal.
§ 96-3. General requirements. § 96-8. Completion of earth removal
activities.
§ 96-4. Applicability. § 96-9. Enforcement.
§ 96-5. Permits. § 96-10. Appeal.
§ 96-11. Severability.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 3 -5-1951, Art. 23. Amended 9-
28-1959 STM, Art. 7; 3-9-1972 ATM, Art. 51; 11-13-1972 STM, Art. 9; 6-18-1978 STM, Arts. 8 and 9; 4-22-
1976 ATM, Art. 56; 4-13-1981 ATM, Arts. 42, 43 and 44; 5-4-1998, Art. 40. Subsequent amendments noted
where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Zoning -- See Ch. 210.
§ 96-1. Purpose.
A. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive review procedure of plans for earth
removal which may affect traffic, environmental quality, water resources, drainage and community
character with the objective that the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare is
protected. This chapter shall apply to all earth removal activities in the Town of Hopkinton, except
as otherwise set forth herein. It shall apply to all areas regardless of zoning district.
B. Due to the fact that earth removal activities involve the degradation of a natural resource of value
to the Town and that alteration of the natural environment and its resources will impact other
resources and the environment as a whole, applicants for earth removal permits must demonstrate
that the earth removal activity will not have a material detrimental impact on natural resources,
such as groundwater quantity and quality, wildlife habitats, natural drainage patterns, viewsheds
and wetlands.
§ 96-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BOARD -- The Planning Board of the Town of Hopkinton.
EARTH -- All forms of soil, including, without limitation, loam, sand, gravel, clay, peat, hardpan
or rock.
LOAM -- Soil consisting of a mixture of sand, clay, silt and organic matter.
LOT -- A single piece or parcel of land lying in a solid body, under single, joint or several
ownerships and separated from contiguous land by property lines or street lines.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 81 of 214
OWNER -- The owner of record of the land with respect to which earth is sought to be removed,
or the person lawfully standing in the stead of such owner.
REMOVAL -- Stripping, digging, excavating or blasting earth on a lot and removing or carrying it
away from said lot.
SURPLUS -- An amount or quantity in excess of what is needed or required.
§ 96-3. General requirements.
The following requirements shall apply to all earth removal activities, whether or not a permit is required.
The Board shall have the authority to waive any of the requirements listed below, on a case-by-case basis:
A. Grades at the conclusion of the earth removal operation shall not be in excess of one foot in vertical
rise for every three feet of horizontal distance (3:1). Grades in excess of 3:1 may be allowed only
with a waiver from the Board. When reviewing waiver requests, the Board will consider the fin al
appearance of the lot and surrounding areas with the intent that a natural appearance, natural
drainage patterns and sufficient erosion control will be maintained or established.
B. Proper and reasonable surface drainage of the land affected by earth removal operations shall be
assured during and after the removal operations. The applicant shall provide assurance that earth is
kept out of streams and drainage-ways and that accumulated earth shall be removed at periodic
intervals during and upon the conclusion of the earth removal operation. If the erosion control
system includes any structural devices, these structural devices shall be in place and stabilized
before excavation can begin in the affected area. All structures shall be inspected and maintain ed
by the owner in accordance with the approved plan and the capacity of the structural device.
C. At the conclusion of the earth removal operation, or of such portion thereof as the Board deems
appropriate, the whole area where removal has taken place shall be covered with not less than eight
inches of loam and seeded with a suitable cover crop, except where ledge rock is exposed, and all
large stones and boulders which protrude above the finished grade shall be removed or buried.
Alternatives to this method of restoration shall be subject to the prior approval of the Board.
D. In no event shall any loam be stripped and/or removed from any land in an amount which exceeds
the eight inches of loam required by Subsection C of this section.
E. The depth of excavation for any earth removal operation shall not be closer than seven feet above
the spring high-water table, as determined by observation of soil profiles or test wells.
F. All earth that is stripped and piled, and that which will be left exposed for a period of greater than
60 days, within 200 feet of a wetland, stream, river or other body of water, shall be stabilized. Such
stabilization may consist of temporary seeding, anchored mulch or other method approved by the
Board or its Agent.
G. Provisions for dust control shall be provided for any earth removal operation.
H. A buffer strip of undisturbed land not less than 100 feet wide shall be maintained at all boundaries
of the lot, including at all street lines, on which an earth removal operation occurs. In the event that
an earth removal permit is issued for adjoining lots under the same ownership, the Board may waive
the buffer strip requirement in such locations as it deems appropriate.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 82 of 214
I. No earth removal permit shall be issued for a period in e xcess of 24 months. The duration of the
permit, including dates of commencement and termination, shall be set forth on the permit.
§ 96-4. Applicability.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no earth shall be removed from any lot in the Town unless a
permit shall have first been obtained by the owner from the Board. The requirements of § 96-3 shall apply
to all earth removal activities, whether or not such activity requires a permit.
A. No permits are required for removal of earth in the following circumstances:
(1) Public land. Earth removal on lands in public use.
(2) Intra-lot activities. Earth moving activities confined entirely to the limits of a single lot as
herein defined, provided that no earth is removed from the lot.
(3) Surplus earth. Removal of surplus earth resulting from a bona-fide construction project
being carried on pursuant to the issuance of a building permit or permits which involve the
removal of no more than 500 cubic yards of earth, only after presentation and review of
appropriate plans and engineering data by the Board.
(4) Small quantities. The removal of no more than 100 cubic yards of earth from a lot in one
twenty-four-month period.
(5) Definitive subdivision plan. Removal of surplus earth resulting from construction of the
infrastructure, roadway and utilities shown on a definitive subdivision plan which has been
approved by the Planning Board pursuant to the Subdivision Control Law, only after
presentation and review of appropriate plans and engineering data by the Board.
(6) Site plan. Removal of surplus earth resulting from construction of the infrastructure,
roadways, driveways, utilities, sewage disposal system, buildings and other facilities
shown on a site plan approved by the Planning Board pursuant to Chapter 210, Zoning,
Article XX, Site Plan Review, only after presentation and review of appropriate plans and
engineering data by the Board.
(7) Garden apartment. Removal of surplus earth resulting from construction of the
infrastructure, driveways, utilities, sewage disposal system, buildings and other facilities
shown on a garden apartment site plan approved by the Planning Board pursuant to Chapter
210, Zoning, Art. XIII, Garden Apartments in Residential Districts, only after presentation
and review of appropriate plans and engineering data by the Board.
B. Without limiting any provision hereinabove set forth, earth removal permits are required for the
following activities:
(1) Any activity not included in Subsection A above.
(2) Commercial earth removal activities, such as mining, sand and gravel operations, earth
removal and quarrying.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 83 of 214
(3) Removal of earth that is not surplus to an ongoing bona fide construction project,
subdivision plan construction, site plan construction or garden apartment site plan
construction.
§ 96-5. Permits.
A permit applicant shall file with the Planning Board an application, together with such fees, plans,
specifications and additional information as set forth in the Earth Removal Submission Requirements and
Procedures Manual adopted by the Planning Board and filed with the Town Clerk. After adoption of this
chapter, the Planning Board shall vote to adopt the Earth Removal Submission Requirements and
Procedures Manual after holding a public hearing.
A. Permit procedure.
(1) Within seven days of receipt of an earth removal permit application, the Planning Board
shall transmit copies of the application and plan to the Highway Department, Conservation
Commission and Board of Health for comment and recommendations. The Planning Board
shall not approve any such application until the final reports of such departments shall have
been submitted to it or until 35 days shall have elapsed after the transmittal of the plans
and additional materials without such report being submitted.
(2) The Board shall hold a public hearing within 65 days after receipt of a complete application.
Notice of such hearing shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation
in the Town once in each of two successive weeks, the first publication to be not less than
14 days before the day of the hearing. Notice shall also be sent by mail to the applicant,
abutters and abutters to abutters, including those across any street, within 300 feet of the
property. Notice of the public hearing shall be posted in the Town Hall not less than 14
days prior to the date of the hearing. Such notice shall be at the expense of the applicant.
The Board shall file its decision with the Town Clerk within 90 days from the date of
submittal. The time limits for a public hearing and Board action may be extended by written
agreement between the applicant and the Board.
(3) The owner of the property subject of any application must be named applicant. An
applicant shall submit adequate evidence of ownership or authority to seek the permit.
(4) An applicant shall submit documentation showing the depth to groundwater in the locations
where earth removal will occur. Locations of test holes where such information was
obtained shall be shown on a plan in form satisfactory to the Board.
(5) The Board may forward a copy of the submission package for engineering review by a
consultant selected by the town, at the expense of the applicant.
(6) Applications for permits may be granted, denied, granted in part and denied in part or
granted with conditions, at the discretion of the Board. A majority vote of the Board
members present and voting shall be required to grant a permit.
(7) A majority vote of the Board members present and voting shall be required to grant a
permit.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 84 of 214
B. Permit conditions.
(1) The Board may require that the earth removal operation occur in phases, whereby one
phase shall be completed and seeded prior to the commencement of the next phase.
(2) The Board may require that periodic status reports, in such form as the Board may require,
be submitted by the applicant during the earth removal permit period.
(3) The Board may establish hours of operation for the earth removal activity.
(4) The applicant shall post a bond, in such form as the Board may require, with the Town in
an amount determined by the Board as sufficient to guarantee conformity with the
provisions or conditions of the permit. The applicant shall submit a bond estimate for Board
review and approval prior to the commencement of activities authorized by the permit. In
lieu of a bond, the Board may allow or require an alternative method of surety to be held
by the town. The Town may use the bond or other surety for the stated purpose in the event
that the applicant does not comply with all of the terms and conditions of the permit and
complete all restoration in a manner satisfactory to the Board and in accordance with the
permit; significant public safety hazards exist which will not be addressed by the applicant;
or material environmental damage has resulted from the earth removal activity and
remediation will not be addressed by the applicant in a manner satisfactory to the Board.
(5) The Board may require a deposit of funds to the Town for engineering review and
inspection of the premises during the earth removal permit period.
§ 96-6. Criteria for issuance of permits.
A. The applicant for a permit shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the credible
evidence that the work proposed in the permit application will meet the requirements of this chapter.
B. Earth removal permits may be granted by the Board if it finds each of the following:
(1) The proposed earth removal conforms to the purpose of the chapter.
(2) The earth removal operation on the permitted lot will not:
(a) Be injurious or dangerous to the public health or safety.
(b) Produce noise, dust or other effects detrimental to the normal use of adjacent
property.
(c) Have a material adverse effect on the health or safety of persons living in the
neighborhood or on the use or amenities of adjacent land.
(d) The earth removal activity will not result in traffic conditions on roads in the area
of the earth removal activity which will cause unsafe and dangerous conditions.
(e) The regulations contained in this chapter will be complied with.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 85 of 214
§ 96-7. Permit renewal.
Permits may be renewed for periods of up to one year, only after written application and a public hearing
held in accordance with this chapter. Applications for renewal shall be submitted by the applicant at least
two months prior to the expiration date of the permit. If the applicant fails to submit a renewal application
two months prior to the expiration date of the permit, the Board may determine that the original permit has
expired and that a new application must be submitted. Prior to renewal, inspection of the premises shall be
made by the Board's Agent to determine that the provisions of this chapter and the existing permit have
been complied with.
§ 96-8. Completion of earth removal activities.
After completion of work authorized by an earth removal permit, the owner shall submit an as-built plan,
prepared by a registered professional engineer, showing grades at the conclusion of the operation. The
Board shall release the bond after the submission of an as-built plan, a determination that all permit
conditions have been met and, when sufficient time has lapsed, to ascertain that vegetation planted has
successfully been established and that drainage is satisfactory.
§ 96-9. Enforcement.
A. The Planning Board shall appoint an Earth Removal Agent in order to carry out the provisions of
this chapter. The Agent shall have the authority to issue cease and desist orders in the event of
violation of this chapter or a permit. Said cease and desist orders shall remain in effect during such
time as negotiations between the Board and the entity to whom the cease and desist order was
issued concerning the violation are ongoing or until the violation is corrected. The Planning Board
shall have the authority to issue and extend cease and desist orders as it deems appropriate to ensure
compliance with this chapter or the permit.
B. The Board, its agents, officers and employees shall have the authority to enter upon privately owned
land for the purpose of performing their duties under this chapter and may make or cause to be
made such examinations, surveys or sampling as the Board deems necessary or appropriate, subject
to the Constitutions and the laws of the United States and the commonwealth.
C. The Board shall have the authority to enforce this chapter, its regulations and permits issued
thereunder by violation notices, cease and desist orders and civil and criminal court actions. Any
entity which violates any provision of this chapter may be ordered to restore the property to its
original condition, to take other action deemed necessary or appropriate to remedy such violation
or to pay a fine, or any combination of the foregoing.
D. Upon request of the Board, the Chief of Police shall take legal action as deemed appropriate for
enforcement under criminal law. Upon request of the Board, the Town Counsel shall take legal
action as deemed appropriate for enforcement of this chapter under civil law. Municipal boards and
officers, including any police officer or other officer having police powers, shall have the authority
to assist the Board in enforcement.
E. As an alternative to criminal prosecution in a specific case, the Board may issue a citation under
the noncriminal disposition procedure set forth in MGL c. 40, § 21D, if adopted by the Town as a
general bylaw.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 86 of 214
F. The penalty for violating any provision of this chapter shall be as follows: maximum fine, $50 first
offense; $100, second offense; $200 for each subsequent offense. Every day that a violation
continues shall be considered a separate offense.
G. In the event the Board determines that there has been a violation of this chapter or of any permit
issued thereunder, it may require sufficient replication, restoration, replanting or any other
mitigation it determines necessary or appropriate to correct or remedy the violation, in addition to
a fine.
H. A permit may be revoked by the Planning Board after a public hearing with prior notification to
the owner and the applicant upon submission of evidence reasonably satisfactory to demonstrate
violation of this chapter or an earth removal permit. If a permit is revoked, the earth removal
operation shall be discontinued and the area restored in accordance with the requirements of this
chapter.
§ 96-10. Appeal.
A decision of the Board shall be reviewable in the Superior Court in accordance with MGL c. 249, § 4.
§ 96-11. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are hereby deemed to be severable. The application of any such provision
to any individual held to be invalid or unconstitutional or the invalidity of any provision of this chapter
shall not invalidate any other section or provision thereof, nor shall it invalidate any permit that
previously has been issued or the application of any such provision to persons or circumstances other than
those as to which it is held invalid.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 87 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 88 of 214
CHAPTER 99
EASEMENT MANAGEMENT
§ 99-1. Purpose. § 99-4. Monumentation.
§ 99-2. Jurisdiction. § 99-5. Enforcement.
§ 99-3. Permission to alter easements.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5-6-1996, Art. 43. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
§ 99-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a mechanism for the management and enforcement of certain
obligations concerning easements which exist for a public purpose or benefit.
§ 99-2. Jurisdiction.
A. This chapter shall apply to easements conveyed to the Town of Hopkinton or established as a result
of an official action by a town board or commission of the Town of Hopkinton.
B. This chapter shall not apply to easements on private property existing solely for the benefit of the
owners of private property.
C. Except as permitted in this chapter or by recorded documents governing the subject easement, no
person shall remove, fill, dredge, build upon, degrade or otherwise alter any easement, without having first
obtained the required approvals.
D. Types of easements regulated by this chapter include but are not limited to:
(1) No-cut and no-build easements or areas.
(2) Limited disturbance buffers.
(3) Lot area not included within building envelopes.
(4) Drainage easements.
(5) Easements established to provide access for the benefit of the Town of Hopkinton, its
agents, employees and/or residents.
(6) Scenic easements.
(7) Conservation easements or restrictions.
(8) Trail easements.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 89 of 214
§ 99-3. Permission to alter easements.
A. A property owner of the town may propose to the appropriate board, officer or commission that it
be permitted to alter land within an easement area subject to this chapter. Such land may be altered,
provided that:
(1) The alteration is approved by the board, officer or commission of the Town of Hopkinton,
responsible for maintaining the easement or, in the event that the easement was not
conveyed to the town, the board, officer or commission which required the easement as a
result of its official action.
(2) If the land is in private ownership and the owner has not requested the alteration, a
representative of the town shall consult with the owner.
(3) The proposed alteration will not be detrimental to the purpose of the easement.
(4) The proposed alteration includes appropriate mitigation.
B. In the case of an easement that prevents the cutting of c ertain trees, no tree within this easement
shall be cut without certification from a Massachusetts certified arborist that said tree meets the
specified criteria of the easement language for cutting or removal or is diseased or should for some
other appropriate reason be cut or removed.
C. In the case of an easement which creates access to or relates to a drainage system, no alteration of
the land within the easement area shall be permitted without first obtaining the permission of the
Hopkinton Highway Department.
§ 99-4. Monumentation.
The line of each easement which has been or will be established and which will be subject to this chapter
shall be completely defined and proper monumentation set on the ground by placing of permanent
monuments at all bounds and at each point of change of direction of the line. Such monumentation shall be
of a different type than that used to denote property lines and street rights-of-way.
§ 99-5. Enforcement.
A. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter may, at the discretion of the town board,
officer or department having jurisdiction over the easement, be liable for a fine of $100 per
violation, and the requirement to perform appropriate mitigation which shall be determined by such
town board, officer or department serving as official holder of the easement. If the easement has
not been conveyed to the town, then the town board, officer or commission which required the
easement may levy the fine and determine appropriate mitigation. Mitigation shall include
restoration of the disturbed area whenever possible.
B. In the event that trees are cut in violation of this chapter, the cutting of each tree shall be considered
a separate violation.
C. The town board, officer or department which has the authority to l evy the fine and determine
mitigation may, in appropriate circumstances, waive such fine and mitigation.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 90 of 214
D. The town board, officer or department which requires the easement as its official action may, in
appropriate circumstances, waive the placement or manner of placement of monuments.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 91 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 92 of 214
CHAPTER 103
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
§ 103-1. Notification of Inspector of Wires. § 103-2. Violations and penalties.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 10-3-1955, Art. 4. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Smoke detectors -- See Ch. 113, Art. I.
§ 103-1. Notification of Inspector of Wires.
No person shall install wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures or other appliances for carrying or using
electricity for light, heat or power within, or connected to any building, without first notifying the Inspector
of Wires, in writing of the proposed installation.
§ 103-2. Violations and penalties.
Whoever violates this chapter shall be subject to a fine of not more than $20.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 93 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 94 of 214
CHAPTER 109
FIREARMS
§ 109-1. Discharge prohibited. § 109-2. Exceptions.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
ARTICLE I
Automatic Weapons
[Adopted 4-9-1985 ATM, Article 37]
§ 109-1. Discharge prohibited.
No person shall fire or discharge within the limits of the Town of Hopkinton any fully automatic weapon.
§ 109-2. Exceptions.
Nothing in this article shall prohibit the use of firearms by police or other law enforcement officers in the
proper discharge of their duties.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 95 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 96 of 214
CHAPTER 113
FIRE PREVENTION
ARTICLE I ARTICLE II
Smoke Detectors Truss Construction
§113-1. Hard-wired detectors
required
§113-2. Identification placards; applicability;
upon sale or transfer of violations and penalties.
certain buildings.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Fire alarms -- See Ch. 55, Art. II.
ARTICLE I
Smoke Detectors
[Adopted 4-10-1985 ATM, Art. 42]
§ 113-1. Hard-wired detectors required upon sale or transfer of certain buildings.
Notwithstanding the provisions of MGL c. 148, ~~ 26E and 26F, all buildings or structures occupied in
whole or in part for residential purposes and not regulated by MGL c. 148, ~~ 26A, 26B or 26C, shall, upon
the sale or transfer of such building or structure, be equipped by the seller with hard-wired smoke detectors.
ARTICLE II
Truss Construction
[Adopted 5-7-2001 ATM, Art. 39]
§ 113-2. Identification placards; applicability; violations and penalties.
A. All buildings or structures with the exception of one- and two-family dwellings that have been, are
being, or may in the future, be constructed in whole or in part with prefabricated light weight trusses
for roof and/or ceiling components shall be identified with a placard at the main or primary entrance
used by the Fire Department. The placard shall be in the shape of an isosceles triangle with a
horizontal dimension of 12 inches and a vertical dimension of six inches. The placard shall have
contrasting colors as approved by the Fire Department. The placard shall contain lettering to
identify those areas of the building which are constructed with prefabricated light weight trusses.
The placard shall contain the letter F for floor truss construction, the letter R for roof truss
construction, and the letters F/R for occupancies with both roof and floor truss es. Upon the prior
approval in writing of the Fire Department, multiple-dwelling residential buildings, such as
condominiums, garden apartments, townhouses, planned retirement villages, and group residences,
will not be required to place a placard upon each individual building if a placard is placed at a
location approved by the Fire Department at each entrance to the complex. All placards must be
installed and maintained by the property owner.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 97 of 214
B. The provisions of this bylaw shall apply to all buildings in existence at the time of passage of the
bylaw as well as to all buildings constructed in the future. Buildings existing as of the date of
approval of the bylaw must install the placards on or before May 1, 2002.
C. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this bylaw shall be punished by a fine as
hereafter set forth, each day of such violation to be considered a separate offense.
D. The violation of any provision of this article may be addressed by the procedure for noncriminal
disposition as incorporated in the General Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton. The penalty for
violation of this section shall be $50 for the first offense; $100 for the second offense; and $200 for
the third and each subsequent offense.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 98 of 214
CHAPTER 119
FUEL STORAGE TANKS
§ 119-1. Authority. § 119-5. Standards applicable to the
installation of new tanks
§ 119-2. Purpose; Applicability. § 119-6. Leak detection for existing and
new tanks.
§ 119-3. Definitions. § 119-7. Procedure in case of spill or
leak.
§ 119-4. Registration of Existing
Tanks.
§ 119-8. Administration
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 4 -11-1984, Art. 59. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
§ 119-1. Authority.
This chapter is adopted by the Town of Hopkinton under its home rule powers, its police powers to protect
the public health and welfare and its authorization under MGL c. 40, § 21.
§ 119-2. Purpose; applicability.
The purpose of this chapter is to control the installation and maintenance of underground gasoline or fuel
storage tanks over 1,000 gallons and to protect groundwater and surface water from contamination due to
leakage. The provisions of this chapter are applicable only to underground tanks.
§ 119-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
FIRE CHIEF -- The Chief of the Fire Department for the municipality in which a tank is located.
NONCORROSIVE SOIL -- Soil that, when tested by a qualified professional, is shown to have a
resistivity greater than 10,000 ohm-cm, and that does not exhibit corrosive characteristics in a soil-
chemistry analysis.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOODPLAIN -- Those areas as shown in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for
the Town of Hopkinton under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance
Program, or as defined in Article X of Chapter 210, Zoning.
UNDERGROUND TANK -- Any fuel storage containment system for gasoline, fuel or lubricating oil
with a capacity in excess of 1,000 gallons, the top of which is located below the ground.
§ 119-4. Registration of existing tanks.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 99 of 214
A. Tank registration. Every operator of an underground tank must file with the Town Clerk the size,
type, age, contents, and location of their underground tanks within 90 days of the enactment of this
chapter.
B. Notification of Fire Department. The Town Clerk must forthwith, give the Fire Chief a copy of the
information filed for each tank that is registered according to Subsection A of this section. The Fire
Chief or his designee must check this information against Fire Department records. He may require
evidence of the date of purchase and installation if there is any question concerning the age of the
tank.
C. Tank testing. Operators that are known to have underground fuel storage tanks that did not report
their tank(s) as required by Subsection A of this section must have such tanks tested in accordance
with § 119-6B of this chapter within 120 days of the enactment of this chapter.
§ 119-5. Standards applicable to the installation of new tanks.
A. Tank design.
(1) Unless proven otherwise by soil tests performed by qualified professionals, the soils in
Massachusetts shall be assumed to be corrosive. Metallic tanks (except stainless steel)
without cathodic protection or an underground secondary-containment system will be
prohibited. Also prohibited is schedule 40 steel pipe, galvanized or black iron, or approved
nonmetallic (except fiberglass-reinforced plastic) pipe. If a qualified professional
demonstrates that the soils in which the tank is to be placed are noncorrosive as described
in § 119-3, definition of "noncorrosive soil," a steel tank with interior coating and other
approved piping may be installed.
(2) In corrosive soils, underground tanks must be constructed of noncorrodible materials, such
as fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) or its equivalent; steel with external bonded
noncorrodible material (i.e., FRP); a steel system cathodically protected by an impressed
current cathodic system, sacrificial anodes or equivalent protection; or a double-walled
tank. These requirements are in accordance with the Massachusetts Board of Fire
Prevention regulations codified in 527 CMR 9.06(18).
(3) In corrosive soils, piping shall be constructed of noncorrodible materials, such as FRP or
its equivalent, a steel system with cathodic protection or some other type of equivalent
protection, in accordance with 527 CMR 9.06(18).
(4) Cathodic protection systems shall be maintained and checked in accordance with 527 CMR
9.06 (20) (g).
(5) Commercial tanks must be equipped with striker plates below openings used for product
measurement or filling.
B. Tank installation.
(1) The Fire Chief or his designee must inspect and approve underground tanks prior to their
burial, in accordance with 527 CMR 9.06(10).
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 100 of 214
(2) Tanks must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation techniques.
Damage to protective coatings or to the FRP tank or surface must be repaired prior to
covering the tank.
(3) New underground tanks shall be tested for tightness, hydrostatically or with air pressure at
not less than three pounds per square inch and not more than five pounds per square inch
after installation, but before being covered or placed in use in accordance with 527 CMR
9.06(20)(b).
(4) Piping should be tested in accordance with 527 CMR 9.06(20)(a) before being covered,
enclosed or placed in use.
(5) Backfill material, used to cover all new tank installations and repairs, must be of the type
and quality specified by the tank manufacturer's installation procedures and by the pertinent
regulations governing storage tank installation.
(6) Underground tanks that are to be located in areas subject to flooding or below the maximum
water table elevation must be anchored according to manufacturer's instructions.
C. Tank location.
(1) Underground tanks may not be installed within the one-hundred-year floodplain.
(2) Underground tanks that are to be installed within the watershed of a drinking water
reservoir or within the cone of depression of a public well (or lacking a defined cone o f
depression, within 1,000 feet of a public water supply well) must submit, for review by the
Fire Chief, the Board of Health or its agent and the Board of Water Commissioners or its
agent, a plan outlining the procedures or devices, such as product sensors and/or area
monitoring devices, to be used to prevent water supply contamination. The plan must be
endorsed by representatives of the three departments noted above prior to tank installation.
§ 119-6. Leak detection for existing and new tanks.
A. Inventory verification.
(1) All underground tanks, except fuel-oil tanks and tanks connected with burning equipment,
must be monitored for the prevention and detection of leakage of flammable and
combustible liquids in accordance with the provisions of 527 CMR 5.05(3).
(2) The daily inventory records must be shown to the Fire Chief, or his designee, prior to
issuance of a permit or license renewal.
(3) The owner and operator must participate in a program of regularly scheduled inventory
verification, at least once every two years, in accordance with 527 CMR 5.05(3)(g). The
operator of tanks 10 years of age or older shall submit to the Fire Chief annually a report
certifying that the inventory verification has been performed, stating the calculated
gain/loss over the verification periods.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 101 of 214
(4) The Fire Chief shall require the operator of an underground tank storage system to test the
system for tightness, at the operator's expense, when accurate daily inventory records have
not been maintained as specified in this Subsection A.
(5) If daily inventory records indicate a loss of product in excess of 0.5% of the volume of
product used or sold, or an abnormal increase in the amount of water contained in the tank,
steps must be taken immediately in accordance with 527 CMR 5.05(3)(e) to detect and stop
the leak. The discrepancy must be reported to the Fire Chief.
B. Tank testing.
(1) Unless the tank operator demonstrates to the Fire Chief and the Board of Health that his
tank(s) are constructed of a material that will not corrode, has product sensors or has been
repaired or tested within the last year, underground tanks shall be required, at the expense
of the owner, to undergo one of the following tests at five-year intervals from the date of
the installation, up to the 20th year, and annually thereafter: a Kent-Moore (Heath Petrotite)
test or a SunMark leak-locator test, or the equivalent as determined by the Fire Chief. The
Fire Chief shall be given at least 48 hours' notice of time, date and place of testing. Test
results must be submitted to the Fire Chief.
(2) The waiver from Subsection B(1) may not be granted for a tank that is located within any
of the areas specified in § 119-5C(2).
(3) If flammable fluids or their vapors have been detected in neighboring structures, sewers or
wells on or off the property locations, the Fire Chief may require that any nearby tank, in
including underground residential tanks less than 1,000 gallons, be tested at the expense of
each tank's owner.
§ 119-7. Procedure in case of spill or leak.
A. Leak reporting. Any person who is aware of a spill or abnormal loss of flammable fluids must
report such spill or loss immediately to the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief shall be responsible for other
notification, including the Board of Health.
B. Equipment replacement/removal.
(1) After a leak is confirmed, underground tanks (or piping) must be emptied immediately and
removed or repaired forthwith, under the direction of the Fire Chief.
(2) A leaking tank that is 20 years old or older that does not comply with the design standards
in § 119-5A (2) must be removed and may not be repaired. A permit for its removal must
be obtained in accordance with MGL c. 148, § 38A.
(3) A leaking tank that is less than 20 years old must be repaired or removed. If the tank
operator can show to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief that (in the case of steel tanks) the
leak was from internal corrosion, and that the tank can be repaired so as not to pose a
continuing threat to the soils and waters of the commonwealth, considering at a minimum
the corrosivity of the soil; tank age and external condition; techniques to be used for the
repair; and the location of the tank, then the tank may be repaired. Operators of leaking
FRP tanks must demonstrate to the Fire Chief that the tank can be repaired according to
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 102 of 214
manufacturer's instructions. Operators who do not meet these requirements must remove
the tank.
(4) If it is necessary to replace an underground steel tank that has developed a corrosion-
induced leak, all other steel tanks at the facility of the same age or older, whether they are
leaking or not, shall be repaired or replaced with tanks that meet the requirements of § 119-
5A of this chapter.
§ 119-8. Administration.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by the Fire Chief.
B. Variances from the specific requirements of this chapter may be authorized by the Select Board
after notice and public hearing.
C. Licenses issued in accordance with MGL c. 148, § 13, for underground tanks must be renewed at
five-year intervals from the date of installation, up to the 20th year, and annually thereafter. Tank
owners must submit to the Fire Chief and the licensing authority a statement certifying satisfactory
leak detection results over the period of the permit (in accordance with § 119-6B of this chapter),
and inventory verification, at least 30 days before the issuance of a permit renewal for the time
periods specified herein. Test results must accompany the permit renewal application.
D. Fees necessary for the issuance and renewal of permits or licenses shall be set by the Select Board.
E. The Fire Chief or his designee may, at all reasonable times and upon reasonable notice to the
occupant of the premises, enter any premises, public or private, for the purpose of investigating,
sampling or inspecting any record, condition, equipment, practice or property relating to activities
subject to this chapter and may, at any time and upon reasonable notice to the occupant of the
premises, enter such premises for the purpose of protecting the public health or safety or to prevent
damage to the environment.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 103 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 104 of 214
CHAPTER 123
HISTORIC DISTRICT.
§ 123-1. Title; statutory authority. § 123-7. Adoption of Rules and
§ 123-2. Purpose. Regulations by Commission.
§ 123-3 Boundaries of District. § 123-8. Applications for certificates.
§ 123-4. Historic District Commission. § 123-9. Enlargement or reduction of
§ 123-5. Commission meetings; quorum. District.
§ 123-6. Limitations on Commission § 123-10. Appeals.
authority and Woodville § 123-11. Enforcement.
Commission authority. § 123-12. Severability.
§ 123-13. Conflict with other laws.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 4-9-1979 ATM, Art
40 Listed with Zoning Bylaws; Moved to General Bylaws 5-3-2004, Art. 32; amended 5-6-2019 Art.
46]
GENERAL REFERENCES: ZONING: See Chapter 210
______________________________________________________________________________
§ 123-1 Title; statutory authority.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Hopkinton Historic District Bylaw" and is adopted
pursuant to M.G.L.c. 40C.
§ 123-2 Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the
public through the preservation and protection of the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places
significant in the history of Hopkinton or significant for their architecture and the maintenance and
improvement of settings for such buildings and places and the encouragement of designs compatible
therewith.
§123-3. Boundaries of District. [Amended 5-2-2000 ATM ATM, Art. 23; 5-7-2001 ATM, Art. 28; 5-
2-2005 ATM, Art. 18]
A. There is hereby established under the provisions of M.G.L.c. 40C, an Historic District to be known
as the "Hopkinton Center Historic District (the "District"), the location and boundaries of which
are shown on a map entitled "Historic District Map of the Town of Hopkinton" and which District
is generally described as follows:
1) The land on the South side of Main Street consisting of Lot 220, portions of Lots 219,
218, and 216, Lots 217, 197 and 196; the land at the intersection of Main and Hayden
Rowe Streets consisting of Lot 195; the land on the West side of Hayden Rowe Str eet
consisting of Lots 194 and 193, and a portion of Lot 192; the land on the South side of
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 105 of 214
Park Street consisting of a portion of Lots 172 and 285, and Lots 171 and 170; the land
on the West side of Ash Street consisting of Lot 1; the land on the East side of Ash Street
consisting of Lot 168; the land at the intersection of Ash and East Main Streets consisting
of Lot 167; the land on the South side of East Main Street consisting of Lot 43; the land
on the North side of East Main Street consisting of a portion of Lot 156, and Lot 155;
the Town Common; the doughboy monument plot; portions of Main, Church, Hayden
Rowe, Ash and East Main Streets, and all of Park Street; the parcel of land upon which
is situated the Hopkinton Town Hall and which is shown on Hopkinton Assessor's map
U16, Block 149, as Lot 0. {Amended 5-2-2000 ATM, Art. 23].
2) The area included in the Historic District known as the "Hopkinton Center Historic
District" is enlarged by including therein the following parcel or block of land: [Added
5-7-2001 ATM, Art. 28]
That portion of the parcel of land upon which is situated the Center School which is
shown on Hopkinton Assessors Map U17, Block 42, as Lot 0, and which is bounded
and described as follows:
Beginning at the most southerly corner of Block 42 at the point of intersection of
Block 42, Block 40 and Ash Street, and thence running in a general northeasterly
direction on the boundary line between Block 42 and Block 40, approximately 325
feet to the most
northerly corner of Block 40; thence turning and running in a general northwesterly
direction on a straight line which is the extension of the rear lot line of Block 40 to a
point at the boundary line of Block 42 and Block 44; thence turning and running in a
general southwesterly direction on the boundary line between Block 44 and Block 42
to the point of intersection of Block 44, Block 16-168 and Block 42, thence turning
and running in a general southwesterly direction on the boundary line between Block
16-168 and Block 42 approximately 214 feet to the most westerly corner of Block 42
at the point of the intersection of Block 16-168, Block 42 and Ash Street; thence
turning and running in a general southeasterly direction on the boundary line between
Block 42 and Ash Street, approximately 170 feet to the point of beginning.
B. There is hereby established under the provisions of G.L.c. 40C, an Historic District to be known
as the "Woodville Historic District" (the "Woodville District"), the location and boundaries of
which are shown on a map entitled "Woodville Historic District Map" and which district is
generally described as follows:
"The land on the North side of Wood Street consisting of Lots 200*, 202*, 204,206, 208, 210, 212,
216, 218, 220*, 222*, 224*, 226, 230*, 232, 234, 238, §240*, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252*,
254,256, 258, 262, 264*, 266, 268*, 270*, 272*, 274*, 276*, 278, 280, 282, Evergreen Cemetery
and Lots 2*, 4*, and 6* on Whitehall Lane which fronts on the North side of Wood Street; the land
on the South side of Wood Street consisting of Lots 203. 205. 207, 209, 211, 215*, 217, 219, 221,
223, 225, 227, 229, 235, §237, §239, §241, 247, 249, 251, 253*, 255*, 259,§ 261*, §263*, §265*,
271*, 273*, §277*, 279*, 283*, §285*- §297* (counted as one parcel as Lake Whitehall parking
lot), §299, 301; the land on the West side of Exchange Street consisting of 6, 8, 10, and §12; the
land on the West side of Winter Street consisting of Lots 6, 8, 12, 14, 18, 20, 22, and 24; the land
on the East side of Winter Street consisting of lot 21; the land on the North side of Highland Street
consisting of Lot 10*; the land on the South side of Highland Street consisting of State Land
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 106 of 214
designated as Lot F* on the accompanying map, the Gatehouse located on a portion of Highland
Street within Whitehall State Park; the land on the East side of Fruit Street consisting of
Lots §2, 4*, 20*, and 26; the land on the West side of Fruit Street consisting of Lot 19. The rear
boundary line has been established to coincide with the zoning demarcation between residential
and agricultural land. Those lots followed by an * denote lots whose rear boundary line is
established according to the zoning demarcation. All others follow the lot lines established shown
on the town assessor maps. Those lots preceded by a § denote lots without addresses."
C. There is hereby established under the provisions of G.L. c. 40C, an Historic District to be
known as the “76 Main Street Historic District”, the location and boundaries of which are
shown on a map entitled the “76 Main Street Historic District Map” and which is
generally described as follows:
The parcel of land which is shown on Hopkinton Assessors Map U16 Block 75 Lot 0,
and is which is bounded and described as follows: Southeasterly by Main Street, 139
feet; Southwesterly by land at 78 Main Street, 181.99 feet; Southeasterly by land at 78
Main Street, 12.17 feet; Southwesterly by land at 4 Summer Street and 8 Summer Street,
160 feet; Northwesterly by land at 102-104 Davis Road, 180.27 feet; and Northeasterly
by land of the Town of Hopkinton on 3 courses, 65 feet, 65.88 feet, and 195.57 feet.
D. Whenever any uncertainty exists as to the exact location of a boundary line, the location of such
line shall be determined by the Hopkinton Historic District Commission.
§ 123-4. Historic District Commission. [Amended 5-2-1995 ATM, Art. 62; 5-2-2005 ATM, Art. 3]
A. There is hereby established under M.G.L. c.40C, with all the powers and duties of an historic district
commission thereunder, the Hopkinton Historic District Commission, consisting of seven members
appointed by the Select Board, and whose authority shall extend over the Hopkinton Center Historic
District and the 76 Main Street Historic District. The membership of the Commission shall include
one resident or property owner within the District, one member from two nominees submitted by the
Hopkinton Historical Commission, one member from two nominees submitted by the Boston Society
of Architects, one member from two nominees submitted by the Hopkinton Historical Society, one
member from two nominees submitted by the Board of Realtors serving Hopkinton and two members
at large who shall be citizens of Hopkinton. [Amended 5-2-1995 ATM, Art. 62]
B. There is hereby established under MGL c. 40C, with all the powers and duties of an Historic District
Commission thereunder, the Woodville Historic District Commission, consisting of seven members
appointed by the Select Board, and whose authority shall extend over the Woodville Historic
District. The membership of the Commission shall include three residents or property owners
within the Woodville District, one member from two nominees submitted by the Hopkinton
Historical Commission, one member from two nominees submitted by the Boston Society of
Architects, one member from two nominees submitted by the Hopkinton Historical Society, and
one member from two nominees submitted by the Board of Realtors serving Hopkinton.
C. If, within 60 days after submission of a written request for nominees to a ny of the organizations
named, no such nominations have been made, the Select Board may proceed to make appointment
to the Commission without the nomination of such organization.
E. The terms of membership on the Commission shall be for three years, except that the terms of
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 107 of 214
membership for the initial appointments shall be as follows: two members for terms of one year,
two members for terms of two years and three members for terms of three years.
F. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments and shall be for the
unexpired terms.
G. The Commission shall annually elect a Chairman from its members by a majority vote, except that
the initial Chairman shall be designated by the Select Board. The Commission shall annually elect
a Vice Chairman and Secretary from its members by a majority vote.
§ 123-5 Commission Meetings; Quorum.
The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairman or at the request of two members. A majority of its
membership shall constitute a quorum. The Commission shall act on all applications for certificates filed
with it in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L.c. 40C, § 11.
§ 123-6. Limitations on Commission Authority and Woodville Commission Authority
[Amended 5-2-2005 ATM, Art 3]
Notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter to the contrary, the authority of the Commission shall
not extend to the review of the following categories of buildings or structures or architectural features in
the District:
A. Temporary signs used for a period of not more than 30 days.
B. Walks, driveways and sidewalks to the extent that the alteration is of the same type construction as
presently exists.
C. Storm windows and doors, screen doors and windows, antennae and similar appurtenances and
window air conditioners.
D. Color of paint when structures are repainted the then color or white.
E. Reconstructions of a building, structure or exterior architectural feature which has been damaged
or destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided that the exterior design is substantially similar
to the original and the reconstruction is begun within one year of the occurrence and is carried on
with due diligence. The Commission may require plans for reconstructions be submitted prior to
the commencement of the reconstruction for the sole purpose of determining whether this exclusion
is applicable.
F. Any property feature, other than exterior architectural features, situated within the District that is
not visible from one or more public streets within the District or the Town Common.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter to the contrary, the authority of the Woodville
Commission shall not extend to the review of any of the categories of buildings or structures or architectural
features referred to in that portion of this section 123-6 relating to the Historic District Commission, and
shall also not extend to the review of the following categories of buildings or structures or architectural
features in the Woodville District:
A. Lighting fixtures and satellite dishes.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 108 of 214
B. Color of paint.
C. Roof materials and roof material color.
In all other respects, Chapter 123, Historic District, of the General Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton shall
remain in full force and effect.
§ 123-7. Adoption of Rules and Regulations by Commission.
The Commission shall have the authority to adopt and amend rules and regulations for the conduct of its
affairs, but only to the extent such rules and regulations are consistent and not in conflict with any of the
provisions of M.G.L.c. 40C. A copy of the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission shall be
provided, free of charge, to all owners of property situated within the District. Such rules and regulations
may include the adoption of a schedule of fees to cover the costs associated with the administration and
review of any application which is filed under this chapter.
§ 123-8. Applications for certificates.
The Commission shall determine within 14 days after the filing of an application for a certificate of
appropriateness, a certificate of non-applicability or a certificate of hardship, whether the application
involves any exterior architectural features which are subject to approval by the Commission. If the
Commission determines that such application involves any such features which are subject to approval by
the Commission, the Commission shall hold a public hearing on such application unless such hearing is
dispensed with as hereinafter provided.
The Commission shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing on any application and shall give public notice
of the time, place and purposes thereof at least 14 days before said hearing in such manner as it may
determine, and by mailing, postage prepaid, a copy of said notice to the applicant, to the owners of all
adjoining property and other property deemed by the Commission to be materially affected thereby as they
appear on the most recent real estate tax list of the Board of Assessors, to the Planning Board, to any person
filing written request for notice of hearings, such reque st to be renewed yearly in December, and to such
other persons as the Commission shall deem entitled to notice.
As soon as convenient after such public hearing but in any event within 60 days after the filing of the
application, or within such further time as the applicant may allow in writing, the Commission shall make
a determination on the application. If the Commission fails to make a determination within such period of
time, the Commission shall issue a certificate of hardship.
A public hearing on an application need not be held if such hearing is waived in writing by all persons
entitled to notice thereof. A public hearing on an application may be waived by the Commission if the
Commission determines that the exterior architectural feature involved or its category or color, as the case
may be, is so insubstantial in its effect on the District that it may be reviewed by the Commission without
public hearing on the application, provided, however, that if the Commission dispenses with a public
hearing on an application, notice of the application shall be given to the owners of all adjoining property
and other property deemed by the Commission to be materially affected thereby as above provided and 10
days shall elapse after the mailing of such notice before the Commission may act upon such application.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 109 of 214
§ 123-9. Enlargement or reduction of District.
The Commission shall have the authority, pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 40C, to enlarge or reduce
the District herein created and to create additional Historic Districts within the Town of Hopkinton.
§ 123-10. Appeals
Any person aggrieved by a determination of the Commission may, within twenty days after the filing of the
notice of such determination with the Town Clerk, file a written request with the Commission for a review
by persons of competence in such matters, designated by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The
finding of the persons making such review shall be filed with the Town Clerk within 45 days after the
request, and shall be binding on the applicant and the Commission, unless further appeal is sought in the
Superior Court as provided in M.G.L. c.40C, sec. 12A.
§ 123-11. Enforcement
A. The Commission and the Director of Municipal Inspections are both authorized to enforce t he
provisions of this chapter.
B. No building permit for construction of a building or structure or for alteration of an exterior
architectural feature within the District and no demolition permit for demolition or removal of a
building or structure within the District shall be issued by the Director of Municipal Inspections
until the certificate required by this chapter has been issued by the Commission.
C. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, or any regulation or certificate issued there
under, shall be liable for a fine of not more than $300.00. Each day or portion thereof during which
a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense, and each provision of this chapter, or any
regulation or certificate which shall have been violated, shall constitute a separate offense.
§ 123-12. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be severable. If any of its provisions shall be held invalid
or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full
force and effect.
§ 123-13. Conflict with other laws.
Where this chapter imposes a greater control upon setback, signs and other external features than is imposed
by other bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 110 of 214
CHAPTER 125
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
§ 125-1. Intent and purpose. § 125-5. Enforcement and remedies
§ 125-2. Definitions. § 125-6. Administration.
§ 125-3. Procedure. § 125-7. Severability.
§ 125-4. Emergency demolitions.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5 -6-2002, Art. 36.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Zoning -- See Ch. 210.
§ 125-1. Intent and purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a procedure for reviewing requests to demolish significant
structures in order to record and, if appropriate, preserve the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage
and character of Hopkinton. It is the intent of the Hopkinton Historical Commission that the procedures
outlined in this Chapter provide an opportunity for all parties to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution.
[Amended ATM 5-6-2013, Art. 44]
§ 125-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
APPLICANT -- Any person or entity who files an application for review under this chapter. If the applicant
is not the owner of the premises upon which the structure is situated, the owner must indicate on or with
the application his/her assent to the filing of the notice or application.
BUILDING INSPECTOR -- The Hopkinton Director of Municipal Inspections, Local Inspector, or
person(s) otherwise authorized to issue demolition permits.
COMMISSION -- The Hopkinton Historical Commission.
DAY -- Any calendar day, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
DEMOLITION -- Any voluntary act involving the pulling down, destroying, burning, removing, or razing
in any manner whatsoever, of a structure, in whole or in part; commencing any work involving the partial,
substantial or total destruction of a structure; or allowing the same to be done by others.
DEMOLITION PERMIT -- Any permit, including, without limitation, a demolition, alteration or building
permit issued by the Director of Municipal Inspections, as required by the State Building Code, that
authorizes the demolition of a structure or component thereof, with or without the intent to replace the
structure or component so affected; but excluding, however, the demolition of only the nonstructural
portions of the exterior or all interior components, or both.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 111 of 214
PREFERABLY PRESERVED SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURE -- Any structure which, after hearing by the
Commission, is determined to be a significant structure and in the public's interest to preserve or rehabilitate
under this chapter.
SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURE -- Any structure which may be worthy of preservation by reason of the fact
it may have been constructed, in whole or in part, 75 or more years prior to the application date, an d it is
determined by the Commission to be either:
A. Associated in some material respect with a person or event which has contributed to the cultural,
political, economic, social, or architectural history of the Town, the Commonwealth, or the United States
of America; or
B. Historically or architecturally important (in terms of period, style, construction, or material
association with an architect or builder), either by itself or in the context of a group of structures.
STRUCTURE -- Any combination of materials giving support or forming a shelter for persons, animals, or
property, and/or including, without limitation, such other buildings, signs, walls, fences, statues,
monuments, bridges, burial markers or other combinations of building materials. The word "structure" shall
be construed, where appropriate, as though followed by the words "or part or parts thereof."
§ 125-3. Procedure. [Amended ATM 5-6-2013, Art. 44; Amended ATM 5-6-2019, Art. 47]
A. Demolition Delay
(1) No demolition permit for the demolition of any structure shall be issued without the prior
compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Upon receipt of an application for a demolition permit for any structure, the Building Inspector
shall transmit a copy of the application to the Commission.
(3) Within 14 days of receipt of the application, the Commission shall determine if the structure is a
significant structure. The Commission shall notify the Building Inspector and the applicant in
writing of this initial determination. If the structure is not determined to be a significant structure,
the Building Inspector may proceed to issue a demolition permit in accordance with all applicable
codes and regulations.
(4) If the structure is determined to be a significant structure, the Commission shall hold a public
hearing within 30 days of this initial determination to determine whether the structure should be
preserved. Notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be given once in a local
newspaper, at least seven days before such hearing and by posting a notice in the Town Hall for a
period of at least seven days before such hearing, and by mailing a notice of hearing to the applicant
and all immediate abutters to the property upon which the structure is situated.
(5) The Commission shall make a determination as to whether the structure should be classified as a
preferably preserved significant structure within 10 days of the close of the public hearing. The
applicant, the Building Inspector, and the Town Clerk shall be provided with a copy of the written
determination.
(6) If the Commission determines the structure is not worthy of classification as a preferably preserved
significant structure, the applicant may apply for the necessary permits to begin demolition.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 112 of 214
(7) If the Commission determines the structure is worthy of classification as a preferably preserved
significant structure, no further demolition permits may be applied for or issued with respect to
such structure, for a period of 18 months from the date of such written determination.
(8) During such 18-month period, the Commission will invite the applicant (and the owner of record,
if different from the applicant) to participate in an investigation of alternatives to demolition. If
acceptable alternatives are agreed upon by the Commission and the applicant, the Commission will
file a copy of said agreement with the Building Inspector and Town Clerk and the applicant may
apply for necessary permits to begin work. Work shall only be done in accordance with the terms
of the agreement unless and until new permit applications are filed and processed hereunder.
(9) If the Commission is satisfied that there is no feasible alternative to demolition, the Commission
may so advise the applicant, the Building Inspector, and the Town Clerk in writing, a t any time
during this 18-month period, and the Building Inspector may issue a permit to demolish the
structure in accordance with all applicable codes and regulations.
(10 In the event that the structure will be demolished, the applicant is encouraged to all ow a
representative or agent of the Commission to enter upon the premises for the purpose of
documenting the historically significant features of the structure. Such documentation
could include photographs, videotape recording, or making measurements of the structure.
(11 An applicant may submit a request for a determination from the Commission as to whether
a structure is a preferably preserved significant structure without filing an application for a
demolition permit with the Building Inspector. The Commission shall follow the
procedures set forth in § 125-3C through G in this chapter in making such determination.
The determination and agreement, if any, shall be valid for a period of two years, during
which time the application for a demolition permit may be submitted to the Building
Inspector, and a demolition permit issued without reapplication to the Commission, so long
as such permit is consistent with the determination and/or agreement.
B. Information
The Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Board of Appeals shall transmit to the
Commission in electronic format copies of all applications proposing the development or alteration
of land that contains a structure as defined in this Chapter. Such applications shall be transmitted
within five days of receipt of a complete application. The Community Preservation Committee
shall transmit copies of all applications for funding to the Commission if such application relates
to land that contains a structure.
§ 125-4. Emergency demolitions.
Nothing in this chapter shall restrict the demolition of a significant structure which the Building Inspector
shall have determined presents a danger to the public health, welfare or safety and which only demolition
can abate. Such a determination shall be made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the State
Building Code and after consultation with the Commission Chairperson or designee. Whenever an
emergency demolition permit is issued under the provisions of this section, the Building Inspector must file
a written report with the Commission describing the condition of the structure and the basis for the
determination.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 113 of 214
§ 125-5. Enforcement and remedies. [Amended ATM 5-7-2018, Art. 43]
A. The Commission and the Building Inspector are both authorized to enforce the provisions of this
chapter.
B. The Building Inspector shall not issue a permit of any type pertaining to any property on which a
significant structure has been demolished without first fully complying with the provisions of this
chapter for a period of two years from the date of demolition.
C. Any person who demolishes a building or other structure subject to this Article, or any component
of such building or structure, without first obtaining and complying fully with the provisions of a
demolition permit, may be penalized by noncriminal disposition as provided by M.G.L. c.40, §21D
and Chapter 1, Section 1-4 of the Town’s General Bylaw. The non-criminal disposition penalty
shall be $300, each day or portion thereof during which a violation continues, or unauthorized
demolition occurs, shall be considered a separate offense; provided, however, that at no point shall
the fines imposed, which are attributable to the same demolition permit, be greater than the assessed
value of the property.
D. Appeals. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Building Inspector or the Commission may
appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 days from the date of receipt of such written
administrative decision or action.
§ 125-6. Administration. [Amended ATM 5-6-2019, Art. 47]
A. The Commission may adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to administer the terms of
this chapter.
B. The Commission is authorized to adopt a schedule of fees to cover the costs associated with the
administration and review of any application which is filed under this chapter.
C. Any amendment to this Chapter that extends a period of demolition delay shall apply to any
demolition delay period pending at the time that the amendment takes effect pursuant to M.G.L. c.40, §32,
and the appeal period set forth in §125-5.D shall be deemed to have been tolled during the period prior to
such effective date.
§ 125-7. Severability.
If any provision of this Chapter is determined to be invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by any court
or other tribunal of appropriate jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall be construed as
narrowly as possible, and the balance of the Chapter shall be deemed to be amended to the minimum
extent necessary, so as to secure the intent and purpose thereof, as set forth in Section 125-1.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 114 of 214
CHAPTER 135
LICENSES AND PERMITS
§ 135-1. Statutory authority. § 135-4. Payment agreement.
§ 135-2. Furnishing of lists. § 135-5. No applicability.
§ 135-3. Denial, revocation or
suspension of license or
permit.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories.]
ARTICLE I
Denial for Nonpayment of Taxes
[Adopted 6-11-1990 ATM, Art. 16]
§ 135-1. Statutory authority. [Amended 5-3-1994 ATM, Art. 68]
The town accepts the provisions of MGL c. 40, § 57, which authorizes the town to adopt a bylaw which
would enable it to deny applications for or to revoke or suspend any local licenses or permit of any person,
corporation or business enterprise which has neglected to pay any local taxes or other municipal charges,
and further, enable the town to deny any applications, licenses or permits to any person or persons,
corporation or business enterprise, which applies upon a parcel or parcels of land of which there are
outstanding taxes, betterments or special assessments for any fiscal year; and further hereby amends the
Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton by adding thereto the following article relative to the denial of
applications for, or the revocation or suspension of any local licenses and permits of delinquent taxpayers
pursuant to the above section. Such article shall provide as follows.
§ 135-2. Furnishing of list. [Amended 5-3-1994 ATM, Art. 68]
The Town Collector (hereinafter referred to as the "Collector") shall annually furnish to each department,
board or commission, (hereinafter referred to as the "licensing authority") that issues licenses or permits,
including renewals and transfers, a list of any person, corporation or business enterprise (hereinafter
referred to as the "party") that has neglected or refused to pay any local taxes, fees, assessments, betterments
or other municipal charges for not less than a twelve (12) month period and that such party has not filed in
good faith a pending application for an abatement of such tax or a pending petition before the Appellate
Tax Board.
§ 135-3. Denial, revocation or suspension of license or permit.
A. The licensing authority may deny, revoke or suspend any license or permit, including renewals and
transfers, of any party whose name appears on said list furnished to the licensing authority from
the Collector; provided, however, that written notice is given to the party and the Collector, as
required by applicable provisions of the law, and the party is given a hearing, to be held no earlier
than 14 days after said notice. Said list shall be prima facie evidence for denial, revocation or
suspension of said license or permit to any party.
B. The Collector shall have the right to intervene in any hearing conducted with respect to such license
denial, revocation or suspension of said license or permit to any party.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 115 of 214
C. Any findings made by the licensing authority with respect to such license denial, revocation or
suspension shall be made only for the purposes of such proceeding and shall not be relevant to or
introduced in any other proceeding at law, except for any appeal from such license denial,
revocation or suspension.
D. Any license or permit denied, suspended or revoked under this chapter shall not be reissued or
renewed until the licensing authority receives a certificate issued by the Collector that the party is
in good standing with respect to any and all local taxes, fees, assessments, betterments or other
municipal charges payable to the town as of the date of issuance of said certificate.
§ 135-4. Payment agreement.
Any party shall be given an opportunity to enter into a payment agreement, thereby allowing the licensing
authority to issue a certificate indicating said limitations to the license or permit, and the validity of said
license shall be conditioned upon the satisfactory compliance with said agreement. Failure to comply with
said agreement shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of said license or permit ; provided,
however, that the holder be given notice and a hearing as required by applicable provisions of law.
§ 135-5. No applicability.
This chapter shall not apply to the following licenses and permits:
A. Open burning (MGL c. 48, § 13).
B. Bicycle permits (MGL c. 85, § 11A).
C. Sale of articles for charitable purposes (MGL c. 101, § 33).
D. Children work permits (MGL c. 149, § 69).
E. Clubs, associations dispensing food or beverage licenses (MGL c. 140, § 21E).
F. Dog licenses (MGL c. 140, § 137).
G. Fishing, hunting, trapping licenses (MGL c. 131, § 12).
H. Marriage licenses (MGL c. 207, § 28).
I. Theatrical events, public exhibition permits (MGL c. 140, § 181).
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 116 of 214
CHAPTER 141
NOISE
ARTICLE I ARTICLE II
Use of Construction Equipment Commercial Activity in Residential Zones:
§141-1. Hours and days of operation RLF, RA, RB
restricted. §141-2. Hours and days of activity restricted.
ARTICLE III
Penalties
§141-3. Violations and penalties
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article
histories; amended in its entirety 5-5-2008 ATM, Article 61.]
_________________________________________________________________
ARTICLE I
Use of Construction Equipment
§141-1. Hours and days of operation restricted.
Except in an emergency, outdoor construction activity, including the use of construction, earthmoving or
other construction equipment or the delivery to or pick up from a site of such equipment, shall not begin
prior to 7:00 a.m. or continue later than 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Such outdoor construction
activity, including the use, delivery or pickup of the above equipment, shall be allowed on Saturdays only
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. No outdoor construction activity or operation of construction,
earth moving or other construction equipment or the delivery or pickup of such equipment is allowed on
Sundays or holidays, except that outdoor construction activity performed by the owner of an owner-
occupied residential property for the maintenance, repair or improvement of such residential property that
does not involve the use of heavy construction equipment, may be performed during the hours from 8:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
The above provisions shall not apply to a.) publicly funded projects involving infrastructure construction
and b.) snow removal operations.
ARTICLE II
Commercial Activity in Residential Zones: RLF, RA, RB
§141-2. Hours and days of activity restricted
This section shall apply to the use and occupancy of any lot or structure thereon and to the noise produced
thereby in residential zones RLF, RA and RB. This section shall not apply to the intermittent or occasional
use, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on
weekends and holidays, of a homeowner’s light residential outdoor equipment.
Except in an emergency, outdoor commercial activity, which includes but is not be limited to, all electric
motors or internal combustion engines, other commercial devices, tools, or equipment that is started,
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 117 of 214
moved, left to idle or used in any commercial activity including but not limited to, delivery trucks, dump
trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, concrete mixers, pneumatic tools, rollers, refuse trucks, scrapers, air
compressors, generators, jackhammers, cranes, pavement breakers, pile drivers, rock drills and chain saws
shall not begin prior to 7:00 a.m. or continue later than 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outdoor
commercial activity shall be allowed on Saturdays only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. No
outdoor commercial activity shall be allowed on Sundays or holidays.
The above provisions shall not apply to: a.) Publicly funded projects involving infrastructure
construction; and b.) Snow removal operations.
ARTICLE III
Penalties
§141-3. Violations and penalties
Any person violating this Chapter shall be liable to the Town in the amount of $50 for the first violation
and $100 for each subsequent violation which shall inure to the town
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 118 of 214
Chapter 142
Construction Waste or Debris
§142-1. Construction Waste or
Debris Prohibited.
§142-3. Appeal.
§142-2. Enforcement. §142-4. Penalties.
§ 142-1. Construction Waste or Debris Prohibited
Any construction waste or debris brought from off-site locations situated in any yard or vacant lot for
more than 30 calendar days shall be (a) cleared from the yard or vacant lot, (b) removed to a yard not
visible from a public way or abutting property, or (c) screened from view by walls, fences or plant
materials; provided, however, that such items necessary to and utilized by a legally operating use shall not
be subject to this Chapter.
§ 142-2. Enforcement
A. If the Director of Municipal Inspections is informed of or has reason to believe that conditions exist
on any real property in the Town in violation of Section 142.1, the Director may make or cause to
be made an investigation of the facts, including an inspection of the property where the condition
may exist. In making such inspection, the Director of Municipal Inspections or a designee thereof
shall have such right of access to premises that may be lawfully exercised.
B. If the inspection confirms the existence of construction waste or debris prohibited under Section
142.1, the Director of Municipal Inspections or its designee may make such Orders as necessary.
Said Orders shall be in writing and shall be served upon all owners and occupants as can be
determined after reasonable inquiry.
C. The Director of Municipal Inspections or a designee thereof may enforce this Chapter.
§ 142-3. Appeal
A. Any person aggrieved by an Order of the Director of Municipal Inspections may request a review
before the Town Manager, the Chief of Police, and a designee of the Select Board. Said request
shall be in writing and received by the Select Board and the Director of Municipal Inspections
within twenty-one (21) calendar days of issuance of the Order.
B. A request for review shall not constitute a stay of the Order unless the Director of Municipal
Inspections so orders; provided, however, that any fines or fees imposed shall be stayed during
the pendency of an appeal.
C. Within thirty (30) calendar days of a request, the Town Manager, the Chief of Police, and the
designee of the Select Board shall convene to determine whether the construction waste or debris
exists. Based on the credible evidence and testimony presented, they may affirm the Order,
reverse and nullify the Order, or issue any such Order as they deem necessary to eliminate the
items prohibited by Section 142.1.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 119 of 214
§ 142.4. Penalties
A. Whoever violates any provision of this Chapter may be penalized by indictment or on complaint
brought in a court of competent jurisdiction. Except as may be otherwise provided by law and as
the court may see fit to impose, the maximum penalty for each violation or offense shall be three
hundred dollars ($300). Each day or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense. If more
than one, each condition violated shall constitute a separate offense.
B. In lieu of the penalties set forth in Section 142.4(A), any person who violates this Chapter may be
penalized by non-criminal disposition as provided by Section 21D of Chapter 40 of the
Massachusetts General Laws, and Chapter 1, Section 1-4 of the Town’s General Bylaw. Each day
or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense. If more than one, each condition violated
shall constitute a separate offense.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 120 of 214
CHAPTER 150
Door to Door Soliciting and Canvassing
§150-1. Purpose. §150-7. Duties of persons going door-to-door.
§150-2. Definitions. §150-8. Restriction on methods of solicitation,.
§150-3. Registration. canvassing, or other door-to-door
§150-4. Registration Fee. activities.
§150-5. Registration Cards. §150-9. Penalty.
§150-6. Exceptions. §150-10. Appeals.
§150-11. Severability.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 4 -9-1991, Art. Replaced in its
entirety 5-7-2007 ATM, Art. 40. Amendments noted where applicable]
§150-1. Purpose
This by-law adopted pursuant to Chapter 43B, Section 13, of the General Laws and Article 89 of the
Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, establishes registration
requirements and specific operational requirements for persons intending to engage in door-to-door
canvassing or soliciting in the Town of Hopkinton in order to protect its citizens from disruption of the
peaceful enjoyment of their residences and from the perpetration of fraud or other crimes; and, to allow for
reasonable access to residents in their homes by persons or organizations who wish to communicate either
commercial or non-commercial messages.
§150-2. Definitions [Amended 11-5-2007 STM, Art. 6]
For the purpose of this By-Law, the following definitions shall apply:
§150-2.1. “Soliciting” shall mean and include any one or more of the following door-to-door activities:
(a) selling, or seeking to obtain orders for the purchase of goods or services, including
advertising in any type of publication, for any kind of consideration whatsoever;
(b) selling, or seeking to obtain prospective customers for application for purchase of insurance
of any kind;
(c) selling, or seeking to sell subscriptions to books, magazines, periodicals, newspapers or
any other type of publication;
(d) seeking to obtain gifts or contributions of money, or any valuable thing for the support or
benefit of any association, organization, corporation or project wholly or in part for
commercial purposes or by a professional solicitor or commercial co-venture for a
charitable or other non-commercial organization; and
(e) seeking to obtain information on the background, occupation, economic status, political
affiliation, attitudes, viewpoints, or the like of the occupants of a residence for the
(f) purpose of selling or using such data, wholly, or in part, for commercial purposes.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 121 of 214
§150-2.2. “Canvassing” shall mean and include any one or more of the following door-to-door activities:
(a) person-to-person distribution of literature, periodicals, or other printed mat erials for
commercial purposes, but shall not include placing or dropping off printed materials on the
premises:
(b) seeking to enlist membership in any organization for commercial purposes: and
(c) seeking to present, in person, organizational information for commercial purposes.
§150-2.3. “Residence” shall mean and include every individual dwelling unit occupied for residential
purposes by one or more persons.
§150-2.4. “Registered Solicitor” shall mean any person who has obtained a valid certificate of registration
for the Town of Hopkinton as required by this By-Law.
§150-2.5. “Charitable Organizations”, “Professional Solicitor” and “Commercial co-venturer” shall be
defined as set forth in Chapter 68, Section 18, of the General Laws. [Amended 11-5-2007 by STM,
Article 6]
§150-3. Registration [Amended 11-5-2007 STM, Article 6]
Every person or organization intending to engage in soliciting or canvassing door -to-door in the
Town of Hopkinton must apply for a permit with the Chief of Police by filing a registration
application form with the Hopkinton Police Department. Application for both individual and
organizational registrations shall be filed at least seven (7) business days in advance.
§150-3.1. Organization application forms shall include the following information:
(a) The name and address of the organization applying for registration, and the names and
addresses of the organizations’ principal officers. If the organization is a charitable
organization, a certification that the most recent Annual Registration Statement required to
be filed with the Attorney General’s Division of Public Charities has been so filed.
If the organization is a professional solicitor or a commercial co-venturer for a charitable
organization, a copy of the contract with the charitable organization must be provided with
this application. Failure to include a copy of the contract with the charitable organization
under such circumstances will render the application incomplete and no action will be taken
thereon:
(b) The name, title and phone number, IRS or Social Security (optional) number and valid
driver’s license or other government -issued photo identification of the persons filing the
application form:
(c) The names, addresses and phone numbers of the person(s), if any, who will be directly
supervising the solicitation or canvassing operation in the Town of Hopkinton:
(d) A list of the names, addresses, date of birth of all individuals who will be employed in
solicitation or canvassing, in the Town of Hopkinton, by the applicant:
(e) Period of time for which certificate of registration is needed provided, however, that no
certificate may be granted for longer than a 90-day (90) period:
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 122 of 214
(f) Names of the last three (3) communities, if any, in which the organization has
conducted a solicitation or canvassing operation, complete with the date of the issuance
and date of the expiration of any permits or licenses issued by those communities to the
organization. [Amended 11-5-2007 by STM, Article 6]
(g) Insurance information and license, if applicable.
§150-3.2. Individual registration forms shall be required for all individuals, including those who are
affiliated with an organization registered under Chapter 150-3.1 hereof. Individual registration
forms shall contain the following information:
(a) Name and address of the present place of residence and length of residence at that address;
if less than three (3) years residence at present address, the address of residence(s) during
the past three (3) years:
(b) Date of birth:
(c) Name, address and telephone number of the person or organizations whom the applicant
represents and the length of time the applicant has been associated with or employed by
that person or organization. If the individual is a professional solicitor or a commercial co-
venturer for a charitable organization, a copy of the contract, if any, with the charitable
organization must be provided with this application. Failure to include a copy of the
contract with the charitable organization under such circumstances will render the
application incomplete and no action will be taken thereon:
(d) Period of time for which certificate of registration is needed provided, however, that no
certificate may be granted for longer than a 90-day (90) period;
(e) Names of the last three (3) communities, if any, in which the applicant has solicited or
canvassed door-to-door, complete with the date of issuance and date of the expiration
of any permits or licenses issued by those communities to the applicant. [Amended
11-5-2007 by STM, Article 6]
(f) Valid drivers license or other government issued photo identification; and
(g) Make, model and registration number of any vehicle to be used by the applicant while
soliciting or canvassing.
§150-4. Registration Fee
There shall be a $20.00 (twenty dollar) application fee for an individual registration card or re-
registration. There is no application fee for organizational applicants that apply for registration or
re-registration.
§150-5. Registration Cards
150-5.1.The Police Chief or his designee, after a review of the application, which will include an
investigation of the applicants reputation as to morals and integrity, but in no event more than seven
(7) business days after receipt of a fully-completed application, shall furnish each person with a
registration card which shall contain the following information:
(a) The name of the person;
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 123 of 214
(b) A recent photograph of the person;
(c) The name of the organization, if any, which the person represents:
(d) A statement that the individual has been registered with the Town of Hopkinton Police
Department but that registration is not an endorsement of any individual or organization:
and
(e) Specific dates or period of time covered by the registration.
§150-5.2. Persons engaged in solicitation or canvassing as defined in this By-Law must carry the
registration card while soliciting or canvassing and present the card to any person solicited or upon
request of any police officer.
§150-5.3. Registration cards are valid only for the specific dates or time period specified thereon and in no
case for longer than 90 days.
§150-5.4. The Police Chief shall routinely grant registrations without further inquiry but shall refuse
registration to an organization or an individual where registration has been revoked for violation of
this By-Law within the previous two-year period or who has been convicted (NOTE: For the purposes
of this bylaw, a “Continue without a finding” or similar disposition will be considered the same as a
conviction.) of murder/manslaughter, rape or any other sex crime, kidnapping, robbery, arson,
burglary/breaking and entering, felony assault, illegal possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon,
distribution of any illegal narcotic drugs, felony larceny, three (3) or more misdeme anor assaults
or three (3) or more misdemeanor larcenies, as such persons pose a substantial degree of
dangerousness to minors and other persons vulnerable to becoming victims of the violent crimes
so listed. The police chief shall also refuse to register a person who is a sex offender required to
register with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, or any other similar government
entity, and who is a classified or considered to be a moderate to high risk or re-offending. Such
individuals pose a substantial degree of dangerousness to minors or to other persons vulnerable to
becoming victims of sex crimes.
§150-6. Exceptions
§150-6.1. Registration shall not be required for officers or employees of the Town, County, State or Federal
governments when on official business.
§150-6.2. Individual registration shall not be required for minors under the age of 17.
150-6.3. Nothing in this By-Law shall be construed to impose any registration requirement or otherwise
restrict or in any way regulate any activity for religious, political, newspaper distribution or public
policy purposes or other non-commercial purposes, including, charitable, benevolent or fraternal
activities, regardless of whether such activity includes acts that would otherwise constitute
soliciting or canvassing.
§150-7. Duties of Persons Going Door-to-Door
§150-7.1. Upon going into any residential premises in the Town of Hopkinton, every solicitor, canvasser
or other person must first examine any notice that may be posted, prohibiting solicitation or other
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 124 of 214
activities. If such a notice is posted, the solicitor, canvasser or other person shall immediately and
peacefully depart from the premises.
§ 150-7.2. Any solicitor, canvasser or other person who has gained entrance to any residence, whether
invited or not, shall immediately and peacefully depart from the premises when requested to do so
by the occupant.
§ 150-7.3. Immediately upon gaining entrance to any residence, each solicitor or canvasser as defined in
this By-Law must do the following:
(a) Present his registration card for inspection by the occupant:
(b) Request that the occupant read the registration card; and
(c) Inform the occupant in clear language of the nature and purpose of his business and, if he
is representing an organization, the name and nature of that organization.
§ 150-8. Restriction on Methods of Solicitation, Canvassing, or Other Door-to Door activities.
It shall be unlawful for a solicitor, canvasser or other person to do any of the following:
(a) Falsely represent, directly or by implication, that the solicitation, canvassing or other
activity is being done on behalf of a governmental organization, or on behalf of any
municipal employee or elected official;
(b) Solicit, canvass or conduct any other activity at the residence without express prior
permission of an occupant, before 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., where there is no sign posted
otherwise limiting solicitation or the hours of solicitation or such other activities;
(c) Continue to solicit, canvass or conduct activities after being advised by police of the
registration requirements or after a registration certificate has been revoked or denied;
(d) Utilize any form of endorsement from any department head currently employed or serving
the Town of Hopkinton; and
(e) Solicit, canvass or conduct and other activity at any residence in an illegal fashion.
§ 150-9. Penalty
150-9.1.Any person or organization who violates Section 7.2, with an accompanying signed statement of
the offended party, or Section 8 of this By-Law, or any other applicable state or federal laws may
be arrested without a warrant and punished by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each and
every offense, which may be recovered upon complaint before the district court and shall ensure
to the town, all in accord with Chapter 40, Section 21 of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
150-9.2.Any person or organization who for himself, itself, or through its agents, servants or employees is
found after investigation by a police officer to have:
(a) Violated any provision of this By-Law, or applicable state for federal laws governing
soliciting or canvass; or
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 125 of 214
(b) Knowingly provided false information on the registration application shall have his, her or
its registration revoked by the Chief of Police by written notice delivered to the holder of
the registration in person, or sent to the holder by certified mail at the address set forth in
the application.
§ 150-10. Appeals
Any person or organization who is denied registration or whose registration has been revoked may appeal
by filing a written notice of appeal with the Town of Hopkinton Town Manager. Such appeal must be filed
within 5 days after the receipt of the notice of denial or revocation. The Town Manager shall hear the appeal
within 10 days after the filing of the written notice of appeal, provided, however, that if the Town Manager
fails to make a determination within 30 days after the filing of the appeal, the registration shall be deemed
granted or reinstated as the case may be.
§ 150-11. Severability
Invalidity of any individual provision of this By-Law shall not affect the validity of the By-Law as a whole.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 126 of 214
CHAPTER 154
PRODUCTS, SALE OF
ARTICLE I ARTICLE II
Plastic String and Streamers Cigarette Rolling Papers
§154-1. Sale and use prohibited. §154-2. Sale and display prohibited.
§154-3. Violations and penalties.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
ARTICLE I
Plastic String and Streamers
[Adopted 6-11-1990 ATM, Art. 26]
§ 154-1. Sale and use prohibited.
No person shall sell or expose for sale, use or cause or permit to be used any product designed to project
a string or streamer of plastic material.
ARTICLE II
Cigarette Rolling Papers
[Adopted 5-3-1993 STM, Art. 23]
§ 154-2. Sale and display prohibited.
No person or business shall sell, or offer for sale, nor display any cigarette rolling paper in the Town of
Hopkinton.
§ 154-3. Violations and penalties.
Any person or business which violates this article shall be punished by a fine of $50 for each offense.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 127 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 128 of 214
CHAPTER 156
REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER RESTRICTIONS
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5 -2-2011, Article 42,
Amendments noted where applicable.] [Deleted in its entirety 5-2-2016, Article 41]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 129 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 130 of 214
CHAPTER 158
SALE OF LAND
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 3-9-1966 ATM, Art. 28. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
§ 158-1. Authority of Select Board to sell certain real estate.
The Select Board is authorized to sell at private sale to the Conservation Commission any of the real estate
which the town may have acquired or may hereinafter acquire through proceedings based upon nonpayment
of taxes or under proceedings for the sale of land of low value; provided, however, that such lands are in or
adjacent to marshes, rivers or swamps or adjacent to real estate owned by the town or under the control of
the Conservation Commission and to execute and deliver in the name and under the Seal of the town a
quitclaim deed or other appropriate instrument necessary to effectuate the conveyance of said lands.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 131 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 132 of 214
CHAPTER 160
SCENIC ROADS
§160-1. Definitions §160-4. Notification of designation of scenic road.
§160-2. Purposes. §160-5. Procedures for obtaining permits.
§160-3. Recommending designation §160-6. Criteria for work projects.
as a scenic road. §160-7. Enforcement.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 4-15-1988, Art. 49.
Amended ATM 5-5-2003, Art. 31.]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Streets and sidewalks -- See Ch. 174.
§ 160-1. Definitions
In the absence of a contrary meaning established through legislative or judicial action, the following terms
contained in G.L c. 40, § 15C, or used herein shall be defined as follows:
CUTTING OR REMOVAL OF TREES - The removal of one or more trees, trimming of major
branches, measuring 5 inches in diameter 6 inches from the tree trunk cutting of roots, but not the
trimming or cutting of trees which the Tree Warden has certified in writing are dead, or the trimming
or cutting of dead branches. [Amended 12-14-2009 STM, Art. 6, 05-06-2013 ATM, Art. 46]
REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, RECONSTRUCTION OR PAVING WORK - Any work done within a
scenic road layout by any person or agency, public or private. Included within this definition is any
work on a portion of a scenic road layout which was not physically commenced at the time the road
was designated as a scenic road. Construction of new driveways or alteration of existing driveways is
also included, insofar as it takes place within the scenic road layout.
ROAD - Any right-of-way used and maintained as a public way including the vehicular traveled way
plus necessary appurtenances within the right-of-way, such as bridge structures, drainage systems,
retaining walls, traffic control devices, and sidewalks. Trees or stone walls or portions thereof shall be
presumed to be within the bounds of the right of way unless it is shown to the contrary on the scenic
road layout plan.
SCENIC ROAD - A road so designated in accordance with G.L.c. 40, § 15C and these regulations.
STONE WALL – A man-made grouping of stones forming a straight or curved line.
TEARING DOWN OR DESTRUCTION OF STONE WALLS – Any intentional act of removal of
stones, moving of stones in any direction, covering over with non-stone materials, or any other
intentional act by which stones are dislocated from a stone wall.
TREES – Includes any tree the trunk of which has a diameter of three inches or more as measured four
and one half feet above the ground (dbh).
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 133 of 214
§ 160-2. Purposes.
These regulations are intended to ensure that:
A. Ways will be recommended for designation as scenic roads under stated criteria; and
B. Trees and stone walls along scenic roads will be protected and will not be altered except after
notification of interested parties and a public hearing at which the Planning Board shall consider
the work project based on the criteria set forth in §160-6 of this chapter, and shall authorize such
work to proceed.
§ 160-3. Recommending designation as a scenic road.
A. Public Hearing. M.G.L.c. 40, § 15C authorizes designation of a road as a scenic road by the Town
upon recommendation or request of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, or Historical
Commission. Prior to making any recommendation or request to Town Meeting regarding
designation of a particular road as a scenic road, the Planning Board shall conduct a public hearing
regarding such proposed designation. Notice of the public hearing shall be given by the Planning
Board pursuant to the requirements for notice set forth in §160-5B of this chapter.
B. Criteria for Designation. In determining which roads should be recommended for designation as
scenic roads, the Planning Board shall consider whether the road contains or is characterized by
any of the following:
(1) Bordering trees of exceptional quality in terms of type, age, specimen size or spread,
density of stand or related flora.
(2) Bordering trees which themselves constitute, or are a significant part of, natural or man -
made features of aesthetic value, including by way of illustration, trees having spring
flowering or high fall color potential; trees which are part of vistas paralleling roadways or
which create a frame of reference for more distant views; and trees whose presence
contributes substantially to the rural or woodland character of a roadway, particularly in
comparison to more developed or urbanized adjacent areas.
(3) Bordering stone walls.
C. Scenic road layout plan. Prior to the designation of any scenic road after April 30, 1988, a scenic
road layout plan shall be prepared by the proponent. The scenic road layout plan shall be drawn to
a scale of one inch equals 40 feet or to a scale approved by the Planning Board and shall include:
(1) Name of street, street lines, north arrow, date, date of acceptance (in the case of accepted
streets), legend.
(2) Names of all abutters as they appear on the most recent tax list.
(3) Locations, names and width of any intersecting streets.
(4) Location of all trees (as defined in § 160-1) and stone walls within the scenic road layout.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 134 of 214
§ 160-4. Notification of designation of scenic road.
Upon the designation of any road as a scenic road by the Town Meeting, the Planning Board shall promptly
undertake the following to give effective notice of such designation:
A. Notify all municipal departments that may have any interest in the designation of such roads.
B. Notify the Massachusetts Highway Department.
C. Cause a notice or informal article to be published in a local newspaper stating that the road, or
roads, have been designated as scenic.
D. Notify all utility companies or other such parties which may undertake work within or on the border
of such road.
E. Notify abutters as they appear on the most recent tax list by regular mail.
§ 160-5. Procedures for obtaining permits.
A. Filing. Any person, organization, public agency or utility company contemplating the cutting or
removal of trees, the tearing down or destruction of stone walls, or portions thereof, within the
scenic road layout shall first obtain the written authorization of the Planning Board by filing a
request for such work with the Planning Board, which shall include the following:
(1) Three (3) copies of a plan showing the proposed work and the extent of alterations or
removal of trees or stone walls. The plan shall be drawn at a scale of one inch equals 40
feet, or to a scale approved by the Planning Board, and shall show the name of the street
or streets, the lines of the scenic road layout, north arrow, names of abutters within 100
feet of the proposed work, and suitable space to record the action, including the signatures
of five (5) members, of the Planning Board. In instances where relatively minor alterations
are proposed, as an alternative to the submission of the above referenced plans, the
Planning Board may accept prints of the approved scenic road layout with the proposed
minor alterations clearly indicated thereon.
(2) A statement of the purpose, or purposes, for the changes proposed.
(3) A list of owners of properties located in whole or in part within 100 feet of the proposed
work.
(4) Except in the case of town agencies, a $50 filing fee.
(5) Any further explanatory material as may be required by the Planning Board.
B. Notice. The Planning Board shall, as required by statute, give notice of a public hearing regarding
the proposed work by advertising twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the town. This
notice shall contain a statement as to the date, time, place and purpose of the hearing with a
reasonable description of the work proposed by the applicant. Copies of this notice shall also be
delivered or mailed to the Select Board and the Hopkinton Department of Public Works, and the
owners of property within 100 feet of the proposed work.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 135 of 214
C. Timing of Notice and Hearing. The first publication of the notice shall be made as soon as
practicable after the Planning Board receives the request from the applicant. The last publication
shall occur, as required by statute, at least seven days prior to the hearing. The Planning Board
shall hold a public hearing within thirty days of the date upon which a properly filed request is
received.
D. Timing of Decision. Within 21 days after the public hearing, the Planning Board shall render a
written decision on the request.
E. Performance Guarantee. Before endorsement of its approval on a plan, the Planning Board may
require that the proposed work to be done, be secured by a bond sufficient in form and amount in
the opinion of the Planning Board to ensure satisfactory performance of the proposed work within
the scenic road layout.
F. Tree Warden. Whenever a public hearing concerning the proposed work is also required to be held
by the Tree Warden pursuant to M.G.L.c. 87 (The Public Shade Tree Law), the Planning Board and
Tree Warden hearings shall be consolidated and notice thereof shall be given by the Tree Warden
in accordance with the provisions of MG.L.c. 87. The authorization of the Planning Board to such
proposed work shall not be regarded as implying the authorization of the Tree Warden or vice versa.
The Planning Board decision shall include a condition that no work shall be done until all applicable
provisions of the Public Shade Tree Law, G.L. c. 87, have been complied with.
§ 160-6. Criteria for work projects.
The Planning Board’s decision on any application for proposed work affecting scenic roads shall be based
on consideration of the following criteria:
A. The degree to which the proposed work would adversely affect the scenic and aesthetic values upon
which the scenic road designation was originally based.
B. The necessity for the proposed work in terms of public safety, welfare, or convenience.
C. Compensatory action proposed, such as replacement of trees or walls.
D. Availability of reasonable alternatives to the proposed work which could reduce or eliminate
anticipated damage to trees or stone walls.
E. Whether the proposed work would compromise or harm other environmental or historical values.
F. Consistency of the proposed work with previously adopted Town plans and policies.
§ 160-7. Enforcement.
The Planning Board is responsible for the enforcement of this chapter. Whoever violates any provision of
this chapter or any conditions of any permit granted pursuant hereto s hall be liable for a fine of not more
than the maximum permitted by law for each citation for any violation and shall be required to restore any
damage. Removal of each individual tree shall be considered a separate violation. Removal of each linear
foot of stone wall shall be considered a separate violation.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 136 of 214
CHAPTER 163
SEWERS
ARTICLE I ARTICLE II
Private Sewage Treatment Plants (Continued.)
§163-1. Statement of public policy and §163-5 Statutory authority.
purpose. §163-6 Severability.
§163-2. Actions required. §163-7 Method of assessing betterments;
§163-3. Severability. Order of assessment.
ARTICLE II §163-8 Time of assessment.
Betterment Assessments and Sewer §163-9 Sewer unit designation.
Privilege Fees §163-10 Betterment payment.
§163-4. Assessments. §163-11 Sewer privilege fee.
GENERAL REFERENCES: Waste collection system -- See Ch. 195.
ARTICLE I
Private Sewage Treatment Plants
[Adopted 4-11-1988 ATM, Art. 24]
§ 163-1. Statement of public policy and purpose.
A. The Town of Hopkinton does not intend to become the owner or operator of small sewerage
treatment plants proposed or in operation in subdivisions or garden apartment complexes. Keeping
a sewerage treatment plant, the interconnecting piping, controls, equipment in top operating
condition and performing the necessary monitoring and sludge removal is time-consuming and
expensive. In addition, expensive retro-fill actions to meet new standards may be required by the
state or federal government in the future.
B. Further, the Town sewer system, which started construction in 1987, is limited in the amount of
sewerage that can be processed and will not be available to provide service to the subdivisions and
garden apartments that have failed private sewerage treatment plants. The owners of property
served by these private sewerage treatment plants own and operate the plants and are financially
and legally liable for their proper operation and maintenance. Potential buyers should fully
investigate the potential costs and effects on resale of the property.
§ 163-2. Actions required.
A. The seller (property owner) or realtor showing the property will warn any potential buyer that the
property is serviced by a private sewerage treatment plant and will explain fully the responsibilities,
liabilities and potential operating and equipment replacement costs.
B. The seller or realtor will give all potential buyers a copy of this article on the first visit to the
property. The seller or realtor will keep a written record that proper notification has been given.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 137 of 214
C. The Board of Health will approve the wording of the sewerage treatment plan ownership
provisions to be included in the property deed.
D. The Board of Health shall require a funded reserve to be maintained at all times sufficient to
protect the financial interests of the Town and ensure the public safety concerns over improperly
operated or maintained privately owned sewerage treatment plants.
§ 163-3. Severability.
If any provision(s) of this article or the application of such provision(s) to any person, partnership or
corporation or circumstances shall be held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this article and
applicability of such provision(s) to persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
ARTICLE II
Betterment Assessments and Sewer Privilege Fees
[Adopted 9-26-1988 STM, Art. 7; amended 5-5-1993
ATM, Art. 43; 5-5-1993 ATM, Art. 44; 9-12-1994
STM, Art. 18; 9-28-1998 STM, Art. 5; 5-1-2000
ATM, Art. 66; 9-25-2000 STM, Art. 2; 10-21-2002
STM, Art. 14]
§ 163-4. Assessments. [Amended 5-1-2000 ATM, Art. 66]
The Town of Hopkinton, acting through its Select Board, shall assess the owners of land abutting a public
sewer line installed by the Town by a rate based upon any or a combination of the methods set forth in
MGL c. 83, § 14 and § 15. Sewer assessments shall be determined by the Select Board and approved by
Town Meeting and shall be levied as betterment assessments and/or sewer privilege fees as described
herein.
§ 163-5. Statutory authority.
The authority to assess betterments, as well as the permitted methodologies for doing so, are described in
MGL c. 80, Betterments, and c. 82, Sewers, Drains, and Sidewalks, § 14 and § 24.
§ 163-6. Severability.
If any provision of these regulations or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid,
such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of these regulations which can be given
effect without such invalid provisions or applications.
§ 163-7. Method of assessing betterments; order of assessment. [Amended 5-1-2000 ATM, Art. 66]
A. The Town of Hopkinton shall assess sewer betterments based upon any or a combination of the
methods referred to in MGL c. 83, § 14 and § 15. Those properties abutting a sewered street which
are assessed based upon the uniform unit method, shall be assessed by a rate proportional to the
value assigned to the sewer unit at the time of the assessment. Said rate shall be determined by user
class and shall apply to all lands developed or undeveloped abutting the sewered street. Those
properties abutting a sewered street which are assessed based upon the fixed uniform rate method
shall be assessed according to the frontage of such land on any way in which a sewer is constructed,
or according to the area of such land within a fixed depth from such way, or according to a
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 138 of 214
combination of both such frontage and area. Said rate shall apply to all lands developed or
undeveloped abutting the sewered street. The total assessments shall not exceed the local share of
the total sewer project cost which shall include total costs of engineering survey and design,
construction, land acquisition, construction engineering services, legal services and all related
contingencies less all state and federal aid received.
B. The Board shall levy, by preparing an order of assessment, assessments against all properties
abutting a sewered street. In the order of assessment, the Board shall designate the owner of each
parcel, as of the preceding January 1, as liable to assessment as stipulated under the provisions of
the General Laws.
§ 163-8. Time of assessment.
A. Betterments. The equivalent monetary value of one sewer unit shall be set at $4,000 for the Phase
1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 sewer construction projects. The equivalent monetary value of one sewer
unit for the Phase 4 and Phase 5 sewer construction project shall be set at $15,840. For the Phase
VI Sewer Construction Project, the betterment assessment shall be allocated by the fixed uniform
rate method utilizing a combination of the area and frontage method such that area shalt constitute
75% of the calculation and frontage shall constitute 25% of the calculation. Appropriations for the
construction cost of sewer projects may establish a differing equivalent monetary value of one
sewer unit to be used for the construction costs of the appropriation. The time of assessment for
lands abutting the sewered street shall be that date upon which the sewer system with appurtenances
is approved for use. In the case where the construction of that portion of the sewer system (lateral
sewers) partially funded by betterments is completed prior to the date upon which the sewer system
is approved for use, it shall be within the powers of the Board to establish an earlier date of
assessment. [Amended 9-28-1998 STM, Art. 5; 9-25-2000 STM, Art. 2]
B. Sewer privilege fees.
(1) For those properties not abutting the sewer line but tying into the system at a future date,
the time of assessment shall be the date upon which that property connects into the sewer
system.
(2) For those properties serviced by the sewer system but subdivided at a future date, the time
of assessment for the unsewered subdivision shall be the date upon which those
subdivisions connect to the sewer system.
C. The Phase VI Sewer Assessments shall be based upon 100% of the cost of the design and
construction of the Phase VI Sewer Facilities, less any grants, gifts, or other funds received by the
Town which reduces such amount, but including interest costs incurred by the Town with respect
to any short-term borrowing for the project, and shall be assessed as betterments to all properties
benefited by this project. [Added 9-25-2000 STM, Art. 2]
§ 163-9. Sewer unit designation.
A. General. Sewer units shall be designated based upon the user class of those properties to be assessed
a betterment. Said classes shall include residential and nonresidential. The nonresidential class shall
include commercial, industrial, municipal and any or all other nonresidential properties.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 139 of 214
B. Sewer unit determinations. Properties receiving direct benefit from the public sewer system,
whether developed or undeveloped, shall be designated a number of sewer units in accordance with
the following:
(1) Residential, developed.
(a) Single-family dwellings shall comprise one sewer unit.
(b) Duplex dwellings shall comprise two sewer units.
(c) Three-family dwellings shall comprise three sewer units.
(d) Four-family dwellings shall comprise four sewer units.
(e) Multiple family dwellings (in excess of four dwelling units) shall comprise a
number of sewer units based on the following methodology:
[1] Rental properties (apartments) shall be assessed one sewer unit for each
apartment with more than one bedroom. Rental properties shall be
assessed on half of one sewer unit for each one-bedroom or studio
apartment.
[2] Condominium complexes shall be assessed one sewer unit for each
dwelling unit.
(2) Nonresidential, developed.
(a) Nonresidential property shall include all industrial, commercial and municipal
properties.
(b) [Amended 5-1-2000 ATM, Art. 66] Nonresidential buildings which are metered
for water use shall comprise a number of sewer units based upon the average water
consumption for the 12 months most recently preceding the date of the
establishment of the assessment using the following formula:
Nonresidential sewage
in gallons per day (gpd) = equivalent number
300 gpd of sewer units
(all decimals shall be rounded up to the next whole highest number).
(c) Nonresidential buildings not metered for water use shall be assigned a water
consumption volume based on Title 5 (Part 2, Section 13) of the State
Environmental Code for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Minimum
Requirements for the Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage. An equivalent
number of sewer units shall then be determined by using the following formula:
Nonresidential sewage
in gallons per day (gpd) = equivalent number
240 gpd of sewer units
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 140 of 214
(all decimals shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number).
(3) Residential undeveloped. Undeveloped lots shall be assigned one sewer unit and be
assessed accordingly. Future subdivisions of the assessed lot shall be subject to the
assessment of sewer privilege fees.
(4) Nonresidential, undeveloped. Undeveloped lots shall be assigned one sewer unit and be
assessed accordingly. The lot shall be subject to the assessment of sewer privilege fees.
Future use of the land shall govern the assessment of sewer privilege fees.
§ 163-10. Betterment payment.
A. General. Except as herein provided, the provisions of the General Laws relative to the assessment,
apportionment, division, reassessment, abatement and collection of sewer assessments, to liens
therefor and to interest thereon, shall apply to assessments made under this article, and the Tax
Assessor of the Town shall have all of the powers conveyed by the General Laws.
B. Lump-sum betterment. The lump-sum betterment payment for an assessed property shall
be equivalent to the product of the total number of sewer units designated upon said
property and the appropriate value for one sewer unit at the time of assessment. Said values
shall be determined as described herein.
C. Apportionment of betterment payment. Property owners shall have the option to finance
betterment payments through apportionment. The interest rate charged by the Town shall
be 2% greater than the project bond rate being paid by the Town for the sewer construction
project.
D. Betterment deferral. The provisions of MGL c. 80, § 13B, with regard to deferral of
betterment assessments when adopted by Town Meeting would apply.
E. Any dwelling which is located within the Phase 1, Phase 2 or Phase 3 municipal sewerage
system which is existing as of the date on which the municipal sewerage system is
completed within the way adjacent to said premises, and which must install a pressure
pump to enter into the municipal sewerage system, shall pay a betterment assessment in
the sum of $1,500, and any sums previously paid for betterment assessments in excess of
that amount shall be refunded to the property owner by the Town by any appropriate means.
Any property which is located within the Phase 4 or Phase 5 municipal sewage system and
which has a low pressure sewer system, or any property which must install a pumping
system to connect to the Phase 4 or Phase 5 sewer system, shall pay a betterment
assessment in the sum of $12,340. [Added 5-3-1993 ATM, Art. 44; amended 9-28-1998
STM, Art. 5]
§ 163-11. Sewer privilege fee.
A. Private sewer extension.
(1) If a developer or a person other than the Town of Hopkinton, or duly authorized
representative of same, constructs a sewer extension to the public sewer system in
a phase of the sewer construction project which has been assessed a sewer
betterment based upon the uniform unit method, the Town shall assess a sewer
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 141 of 214
privilege fee in lieu of betterment assessment against each property tying into said
sewer extension. The sewer privilege fee shall be equivalent to 90% of th e
calculated betterment assessment value pertinent to each property as determined
following the procedure outlined in § 163-9 of these regulations. The sewer
privilege fee for Phase 4 and Phase 5 of the sewer construction project shall be the
sum of $14,256. Sewer privilege fees shall be levied at the time of connection to
the public sewer system. Property owner options for payment of said fees shall
reflect those related to payment of betterment assessments as described in § 163 -
10B and C of these regulations. [Amended 9-12-1994 STM, Art. 18; 9-28-1998
STM, Art. 5; 5-1-2000 ATM, Art. 66]
(2) In addition, the developer and/or property owners connecting to private sewer
extension shall bear the burden of all costs, including costs of legal services, related
to the following:
(a) Review of design plans and specifications for the private sewer extensions to be
accepted as part of the public sewer system conducted by a registered professional
engineer as authorized by the Board.
(b) Inspection fees of the Board related to the installation of the private sewer
extension tying into the public sewer system.
(c) Application fees for a building sewer installation permit, which shall include all
reasonable costs related to installation inspection performed by an inspector for the
Town of Hopkinton.
(3) Costs associated with the design and construction of a private sewer extension shall be
considered separate to the sewer privilege fee. Payments or method of payment related to
these costs shall not be reflected within the sewer privilege fee.
B. For those properties which are located within areas included in phases of the sewer construction
project which have been assessed a sewer betterment based upon the uniform unit method, if a
property abuts a private or unaccepted way within which a public sewer has been installed, the
Town shall assess the betterment assessment as described in § 163-10 of this article against said
property. All rules and regulations governing the payment and the method of payment relating to
betterment assessments as described in § 163-10B and C of these regulations shall apply. For the
Phase 4 and Phase 5 sewer construction project, if a property abuts a private or unaccepted way
within which a public sewer has been installed or if a property lies within 100 feet of a public sewer
within a private or unaccepted way, the Town shall assess a sewer privilege fee in the sum of
$14,256. The sewer privilege fee shall be levied at the time of the connection to the public sewer.
All rules and regulations governing the payment and method of payment related to betterment
assessments as described in § 163-10B and C of these regulations shall apply. [Amended 5-5-1993
ATM, Art. 43; 9-28-1998 STM, Art. 5]
C. Compensatory sewer privilege fee.
(1) Undeveloped property. In the situation where a betterment has been assessed to an
undeveloped property based upon the number of sewer units required by these regulations
and said property is ultimately developed to accommodate a number of sewer units in
excess of the number used for determining the betterment assessment, the Town shall
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 142 of 214
assess a compensatory sewer privilege fee. For the Phase 4 and Phase 5 sewer construction
project, in the situation where a betterment has been assessed to an undeveloped pro perty
based upon the number of sewer units required by these regulations and said property is
ultimately developed to accommodate a number of sewer units in excess of the number
used for determining the betterment assessment, the Town shall assess a compensatory
sewer privilege fee of $14,256. [Amended 9-28-1998 STM, Art. 5]
(2) In the situation where a betterment has been assessed to a developed nonresidential
property based upon the number of sewer units required by these regulations and the usage
of said property is changed or increased which results in a number of sewer units in excess
of the number used for determining the betterment assessment, the Town shall assess a
compensatory sewer privilege fee. For the Phase 4 and Phase 5 sewer construction project,
in the situation where a betterment has been assessed to developed nonresidential property
based upon the number of sewer units required by these regulations and usage of said
property is changed or increased which results in a number of sewer units in excess of the
number used for determining the betterment assessment, the Town shall assess a
compensatory sewer privilege fee of $14,256. [Amended 9-28-1998 STM, Art. 5]
(3) The compensatory sewer privilege fee shall be equivalent to that sum of money that would
have been charged as a betterment assessment upon the property at the time of the original
assessment, under the conditions to which they have changed or increased, less the amount
of the original assessment. The compensatory sewer privilege fee shall be the product of
the number of sewer units applicable to a property as ultimately developed multiplied by
the sewer privilege fee amount for the applicable phase of the sewer construction project.
[Amended 10-21-2002 STM, Art. 14]
(4) All rules and regulations governing the payment and method of payment related to
betterment assessments as designated in § 163-10B and C of these regulations shall apply.
(5) No sewer privilege fee shall be assessed upon properties which have been assessed a
betterment assessment based upon the fixed uniform rate method. [Added 9-28-1998 STM,
Art. 5; amended 5-1-2000 ATM, Art. 66]
(6) The Select Board is authorized to take any other action necessary or appropriate to
accomplish the establishment and recovery of such betterment assessments. [Added 9-28-
1998 STM, Art. 5; amended 5-1-2000 ATM, Art. 66]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 143 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 144 of 214
CHAPTER 170
SOLID WASTE
ARTICLE I ARTICLE I
Recycling (Continued)
§170-1. Authority of Select Board. §170-3. Definitions.
§170-2. Separation of recyclables §170-4. Changes to list of recyclables
required. and disposal areas; notice
to residents.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
ARTICLE I
Recycling
[Adopted 4-14-1992 ATM, Article 22]
§ 170-1. Authority of Select Board.
The Select Board or its designee may establish a recycling program for the purpose of recycling any type
of solid waste, including but not limited to paper, glass, metal and plastics, in accordance with such rules
and regulations as the Select Board or its designee may establish from time to time. Such rules and
regulations may require the separation of designated recyclable material or materials from other solid
wastes, may specify the point at which the ownership of such designated recyclables shall vest in the town,
may prohibit removal without authorization by the Select Board or its designee of such designated
recyclable has vested in the town, and may establish fines for violation of such rules and regulations,
provided that such fine shall not exceed $50 for each violation.
§ 170-2. Separation of recyclables required. [Added 5-2-1995 ATM, Art. 40; amended 5-6-1996 ATM,
Art. 50]
In order to ensure the recycling of as much of the solid waste generated in the town as is possible, all
residents of the town are required to separate recyclable materials in the areas designated for such purpose
by the Select Board.
§ 170-3. Definitions. [Added 5-2-1995 ATM, Art. 40]
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AREAS DESIGNATED -- The Recycling Center on Wood Street.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS -- Glass, metal, paper and certain plastics, as well as any
other materials the Select Board may determine should be recycled.
§ 170-4. Changes to list of recyclables and disposal areas; notice to residents. [Added 5-2-1995 ATM,
Art. 40]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 145 of 214
The Select Board shall have the authority to add, alter or delete items to those deemed to be recyclable
materials as it deems appropriate. The Select Board shall also have the authority to add, alter or delete
areas designated for disposing of recyclable materials. Should the Select Board make any such changes to
the definitions of areas designated or recyclable materials, the Select Board shall provide notice of such
change to the residents of the town in such manner as it deems appropriate.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 146 of 214
CHAPTER 171
DISCHARGES TO STORM DRAIN SYSTEM
§171-1. Purpose. §171-4. Prohibition.
§171-2. Definitions. §171-5. Notification of Releases.
§171-3. Responsibility for
Administration.
§ 171-6. Enforcement.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5 -1-2017, Art. 48]
§ 171-1. Purpose.
Non-stormwater discharges into the municipal storm drain system can harm water quality and create
public health hazards. The purpose of Chapter 171 is to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the
citizens of the Town of Hopkinton through the regulation of non-stormwater discharges into the
municipal storm drain system.
The provisions of Chapter 171 shall be administered so as to:
● Prevent pollutants from entering the municipal storm drain system;
● Prohibit illicit connections and illicit discharges into the municipal storm drain system;
● Comply with the requirements of the Town’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit for discharges from the municipal storm drain system; and
● Ensure compliance through inspection, monitoring, and enforcement.
§ 171-2. Definitions.
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words and terms, as used in Chapter 171,
shall have the following meanings:
DPW – The Hopkinton Department of Public Works.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL -- Any solid or liquid substance or combination of substances, including any
liquid petroleum product, that, because of quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious
characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to water supplies or to human health if
disposed of into or on any land or water. Any substance deemed to be a "hazardous waste" pursuant to
M.G.L. Chapter 21C, or deemed to be a toxic or hazardous substance pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 94B,
shall be deemed to be a hazardous material.
ILLICIT CONNECTION -- Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, that allows
an illicit discharge to enter the municipal storm drain system, regardless of whether the drain or
connection was previously allowed, permitted or approved before the effective date of Chapter 171. An
illicit connection shall include:
● Any conveyance that allows sewage, process wastewater, wash water or other non-stormwater
discharge into the municipal storm drain system; and
● Any connection to the municipal storm drain system from indoor drains and sinks.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 147 of 214
ILLICIT DISCHARGE -- Any direct or indirect non-stormwater discharge, including dumping, into the
municipal storm drain system, except that the following non -stormwater discharges shall not be
considered illicit discharges:
● Water line flushing; landscape irrigation; diverted stream flows; rising ground waters;
uncontaminated groundwater infiltration (as defined by 40 CFR 35.2005(20)); uncontaminated
pumped groundwater; discharges from potable water sources; foundation drains; air conditioning
condensation; irrigation water; springs; water from crawl space pumps; footing drains; lawn watering;
individual resident car washing; flows from riparian habitats and wetlands; dechlorinated swimming
pool discharges; street wash water; residential building wash waters without detergents; and
discharges or flow from firefighting; unless the DPW or the Planning Board determines that the
discharge is a significant contributor of pollutants to the municipal storm drain system;
● Discharges associated with dye testing; provided, however, that the discharger shall notify the DPW
before any such test; and
● Discharges permitted under an NPDES permit, waiver, or waste discharge order issued to the
discharger under the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provided that the
discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver, or order and other
applicable laws and regulations, and that written approval has been granted by the DPW for any
discharge to the municipal storm drain system.
MUNICIPAL STORM DRAIN SYSTEM (OR STORM DRAIN SYSTEM) -- The system of
conveyances owned by the Town (including roads, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made
channels, pipes, and outfalls) by which stormwater is collected or conveyed.
POLLUTANT -- Dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, filter backwash, sewage, garbage,
sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials (except those
regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§2011 et seq.)), heat, wrecked
or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste, and any other
material that may cause or contribute to exceedance of water quality standards in the waters to which the
storm drain system discharges.
STORMWATER -- Any surface flow, runoff or drainage resulting entirely from any form of natural
precipitation.
§ 171-3. Responsibility for Administration.
The DPW and Planning Board shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of Chapter 171.
Any powers granted to the DPW or the Planning Board by this Chapter, except the power to hear appeals,
may be delegated in writing by (respectively) the DPW Director or the Planning Board to other
employees or agents of the Town.
§ 171-4. Prohibitions.
A. Prohibition of Illicit Discharges.
No person shall commence, allow, conduct or continue any illicit discharge.
B. Prohibition of Illicit Connections.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 148 of 214
No person shall construct, use, allow, maintain or continue any illicit connection, regardless of whether
the connection was permissible under applicable law, regulation or custom at the time of connection.
C. Prohibition of Obstruction of Municipal Storm Drain System.
No person shall obstruct or interfere with the normal flow of stormwater into or out of the municipal
storm drain system without prior written approval from the DPW.
§ 171-5. Notification of Releases.
Any person responsible for a facility or operation, or responsible for emergency response for a facility or
operation, who has information of any known or suspected release of materials at that facility or operation
that are resulting or may result in illicit discharges shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery,
containment and cleanup of such release. In the event of a release of hazardous material, that person shall
immediately notify the Hopkinton Fire Department and shall notify the DPW within two hours. In the
event of a release not involving hazardous material, that person shall notify the DPW no later than the
next business day. For all releases, the initial notification shall be confirmed by written notice addressed
and mailed, or hand-delivered, to the DPW within two business days.
§ 171-6. Enforcement.
A. Enforcement Orders.
If any person violates or fails to comply with any of the requirements of Chapter 171, the DPW may
order compliance by written notice to the responsible person via certified mail or hand delivery. The
order shall include the name and address of the alleged violator, the address at which the violation is
occurring or has occurred, a statement specifying the nature of the violation, a description of the actions
needed to resolve the violation and come into compliance, the deadline within which such actions must
be completed, and a statement that, if the violator fails to come into compliance by the specified
deadline, the Town may do the work necessary to resolve the violation at the expense of the violator. In
addition, said order may require:
● Elimination of illicit connections or illicit discharges;
● Performance of monitoring, analyses and reporting;
● Remediation of contamination caused by the illicit connection or illicit discharge; and
● The implementation of source control or treatment measures.
B. Appeals.
Any person aggrieved by an enforcement order issued pursuant to Section 171-6.A may request a hearing
before the Planning Board by submitting to the DPW and Planning Board, within 30 days of such order, a
letter explaining why the order was not justified. The Planning Board shall thereupon schedule and hold a
hearing regarding such request and, upon the close of such hearing, may uphold, modify or rescind the
order as the facts and applicable law may require. The Planning Board’s decision shall be deemed its
final action with respect to the matters determined, and any further appeal shall be to a court of competent
jurisdiction.
C. Action by the Town to Remedy a Violation.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 149 of 214
If a violator fails to come into compliance by the deadline specified in an enforcement order, the DPW
may do the work necessary to resolve the violation at the joint and several expense of the violator and
property owner. For situations involving an immediate threat, the DPW may remove an illicit connection
immediately and take such other action as is necessary to protect public health, safety or the environment.
Written notice of any remediation action undertaken by the DPW shall be provided to the property owner
by hand within 48 hours of the commencement thereof or by certified mail postmarked no later than the
next business day.
D. Recovery of Costs.
If the DPW undertakes remediation work pursuant to Section 171-6.C, it shall, within 30 days after
completing the work, notify the violator and the property owner in writing of the costs incurred by the
Town, including administrative costs, associated with that work. The violator and the property owner
shall be jointly and severally liable to repay the Town for those costs within 30 days of receipt of that
notice; provided, however, that the violator or the property owner may file a written protest objecting to
the amount or basis of costs with the DPW and Planning Board within such 30 days. The Planning Board
shall schedule and hold a hearing regarding such protest and, upon the close of such hearing, may uphold,
modify or rescind the costs required to be repaid, as the facts and applicable law may require.
If the amount due is not received by the Town by the expiration of the time in which to file such a protest,
or within 60 days after the final decision of the Planning Board or (if appealed to court) a court of
competent jurisdiction resolving that protest, the amount of the Town’s costs shall constitute a lien on the
property pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 58. Interest shall accrue on any unpaid costs at the
statutory rate, as provided in M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 57.
E. Civil Relief.
If a person violates any provision of Chapter 171 or an order issued thereunder, the Town may seek
injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction restraining the person from activities that would
create further violations or compelling the person to abate or remedy the violation.
F. Criminal Penalty.
Any person who violates any provision of Chapter 171 or any order issued thereunder may be punished
by a fine of not more than $300.00. Each day or part thereof that such violation occurs or continues shall
constitute a separate offense. A criminal complaint may be filed by the DPW or Planning Board, with the
authorization of the Select Board.
G. Non-Criminal Disposition (Ticketing).
As an alternative to criminal prosecution, the DPW or Planning Board may elect to utilize the non-
criminal disposition procedure set forth in Chapter 1, Section 1-4 of these Bylaws. The penalty for the
first violation shall be $100.00. The penalty for each subsequent violation shall be $300.00. Each day or
part thereof that such violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense.
H. Entry to Perform Duties Under this Bylaw.
To the extent permitted by law, or if authorized by the owner or other party in control of the property, the
Town and its agents, officers and employees may enter privately owned property for the purpose of
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 150 of 214
performing their duties under Chapter 171 and may make or cause to be made such examinations,
surveys, sampling, or remedial activities as the Town deems reasonably necessary.
I. Remedies Not Exclusive.
The remedies listed in Chapter 171 are not exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable
federal, state or local law.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 151 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 152 of 214
CHAPTER 172
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND EROSION CONTROL
§172-1. Purpose. §172-4. Administration.
§172-2. Definitions. §172-5. Enforcement.
§ 172-3. Applicability. §172-6. Severability.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5 -5-2008, Art. 30]
§ 172-1. Purpose. [Amended 12-14-2009, STM Art. 7]
A. The purposes of this Chapter are to: 1) protect, maintain and enhance the public health, safety,
environment and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control
the adverse effects of increased post-development stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution
associated with new development and redevelopment; and 2) protect, maintain, and enhance the
public safety, environment and general welfare by establishing minimum standards and procedures
to control runoff and prevent soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from construction/alteration
and development.
§ 172-2. Applicability.
A. This Chapter shall apply to all construction activity listed in § 172-2.B of this Chapter
unless exempt pursuant to § 172-2.C. Activities that do not result in land disturbance are
not subject to this Chapter.
B. A Stormwater Management Permit (SMP) shall be required from the Planning Board for
the following:
(1) Construction activities that will result in land disturbance of one a cre in area or
more, or which is part of a common plan for development that will disturb one acre
or more;
(2) Construction activities that will disturb land with 15% or greater slope, and where
the land disturbance is greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet within the sloped
area;
(3) Any construction activity that will increase the amount of impervious surface to
more than 50% of the area of a lot.
C. Exemptions. A Stormwater Management Permit shall not be required for the following
activities, whether or not such activity results in disturbance or alteration that meets or
exceeds the SMP requirements of Section 172-3.B:
(1) Normal maintenance and improvement of land in agricultural use as defined by the
Wetlands Protection Act regulation 310 CMR 10.04 and M.G.L. c. 40A, § 3;
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 153 of 214
(2) Activities conducted in accordance with a Forest Stewardship Plan approved by
the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation;
(3) Normal maintenance of landscaping, gardens, and lawn areas; and
(4) Any construction activity or project requiring approval under the Subdivision
Control Law where the Planning Board has approved an application for definitive
subdivision approval.
A Stormwater Management Permit shall not be required for the following activities if they
will result in land disturbance of less than one acre:
(1) Additions or modifications to single family structures;
(2) Additions or modifications to structures which are not for single family use,
provided that such addition or modification does not increase the footprint of the
structure by more than 100%;
(3) Normal maintenance of Town owned public land, ways and appurtenances;
(4) Normal maintenance of driveways;
(5) Construction of patios, decks, walkways, swimming pools, sheds, fences, or
replacement of wells;
(6) Construction of utilities (gas, water, sewer, electric, telephone, etc.) other than
drainage, which will not alter terrain, ground cover, or drainage patterns; the
reconstruction, maintenance or resurfacing of any way maintained by the
Hopkinton Department of Public Works;
(7) Emergency repairs to any utilities (gas, water, sewer, electric, telephone, etc.),
stormwater management facility or practice that poses a threat to public health or
safety, or as deemed necessary by the DPW Director; and
(8) Repair or replacement of sewage disposal systems.
§ 172-3. Definitions.
For the purposes of this Chapter, the following shall mean:
COMMON PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT (or COMMON PLAN) – A “larger common plan of development
or sale” is a contiguous area where multiple separate and distinct construction activities may be taking place
at different times on different schedules under one plan. For example, if a developer buys a 20-acre lot and
builds roads, installs pipes, and runs electricity with the intention of constructing homes or other structures
sometime in the future, this would be considered a larger common plan of development or sale. If the land
is parceled off or sold, and construction occurs on plots that are less than one acre by separate, independent
builders, this activity still would be subject to stormwater permitting requirements if the smaller plots were
included on the original site plan.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 154 of 214
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE – Any artificial material or structure on or above the ground that prevents water
from infiltrating the underlying soil. Impervious Surfaces may include roads, paved parking lots, sidewalks,
and rooftops.
LAND DISTURBANCE (or DISTURBANCE OF LAND) – Action that alters the existing vegetation
and/or underlying soil of a site, such as clearing, grading, site preparation (e.g., excavating, cutting, and
filling), soil compaction, and movement and stockpiling of top soils.
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) – Systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes
resulting in the infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater. LID includes (1) environmentally
sensitive site design approaches such as minimizing impervious surfaces, fitting the development to the
terrain, preserving and capitalizing on natural drainage systems, and reproducing pre-development
hydrologic conditions, and (2) stormwater management systems modeled after natural hydrologic features
to manage rainfall at the source using decentralized micro-scale controls, such as bioretention facilities,
rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, rain barrels, and permeable pavements.
MASSACHUSETTS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT STANDARDS – The Stormwater Management
Standards and accompanying Stormwater Handbook issued by the Department of Environmental Protection
pursuant to authority under the Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. c. 131, § 40, and the Massachusetts Clean
Waters Act, M.G.L. c. 21, §§ 26-53.
§ 172-4. Administration.
A. The Planning Board shall be the permit granting authority for the issuance of Stormwater
Management Permits and shall administer, implement and enforce this Chapter. Any
powers granted to or duties imposed upon the Planning Board may be delegated to its
employees or agents or other municipal employees as appropriate. Permit applications
shall be submitted, considered and issued only in accordance with the provisions of this
Chapter and the Regulations adopted pursuant to this Chapter.
B. Stormwater Regulations. The Planning Board shall adopt, and may periodically amend,
rules and regulations relating to the terms, conditions, definitions, enforcement, fees
(including application, inspection and/or consultant fees including fees pursuant to M.G.L.
c. 44, § 53G), procedures and administration of this Chapter. The Regulations shall be
adopted by majority vote after conducting a public hearing. Such hearing date shall be
advertised once in a newspaper of general local circulation, at least fourteen (14) days prior
to the hearing date. Failure of the Planning Board to adopt such Regulations or a legal
declaration of their invalidity by a court shall not act to suspend or invalidate the effect of
this Chapter.
Stormwater Management Permit procedures and submission requirements shall be defined
and included as part of the Stormwater Regulations. Such Regulations shall include, but
shall not be limited to:
(1) A requirement that Stormwater Management Permits be issued within 60 days of
the date of filing a complete application, unless an extension of time has been
granted.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 155 of 214
(2) A procedure for distribution to and review of permit applications by the Town of
Hopkinton Conservation Administrator, Public Health Administrator, Director of
Municipal Inspections, and Director of Public Works.
(3) A requirement for applicants to submit an Operation and Maintenance Plan for the
stormwater management system.
(4) Performance standards which require that projects must meet the Stormwater
Management Standards of the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy, any
stormwater design requirements of the Town’s NPDES stormwater discharge
permit, and any requirements imposed by the Planning Board to obtain credit under
the Town’s Water Management Act permit. The Planning Board will utilize the
policy, criteria and information, including specifications and standards, of the
latest edition of the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy for execution
of the provisions of this Chapter. This Policy includes a list of acceptable
stormwater treatment practices, including the specific design criteria for each
stormwater practice. The Policy may be updated and expanded periodically, based
on improvements in engineering, science, monitoring, and local maintenance
experience. Unless specifically altered in the Stormwater Regulations, stormwater
management practices that are designed, constructed, and maintained in
accordance with these design and sizing criteria will be presumed to be protective
of Massachusetts water quality standards.
(5) A requirement that Low Impact Development site planning and design strategies
be incorporated unless infeasible in order to reduce the discharge of stormwater.
C. Waivers. Strict compliance with this Chapter or the Stormwater Regulations may be
waived by the Planning Board when, in the judgment of the Board, such action is not
inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter, the Regulations, or the Town’s NPDES
stormwater discharge permit.
D. Actions by the Planning Board. The Planning Board may take any of the following actions
on an application for a Stormwater Management Permit: Approval, Approval with
Conditions, or Disapproval. A Permit may be disapproved if the Planning Board
determines that the requirements of this Chapter or the Regulations are not met. The
Planning Board may impose conditions that survive the completion and approval of as-
built plans for a project carried out pursuant to a Stormwater Management Permit.
E. Surety. The Planning Board may require the permittee to post, before the start of land
disturbance activity, a surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit, cash, or other acceptable
form of security. The bond shall be in a form acceptable to Town Counsel and shall be in
an amount deemed sufficient by the Planning Board to ensure that the work will be
completed in accordance with the permit.
F. Appeals. A decision of the Planning Board shall be final. Further relief of a decision by
the Planning Board made under this Chapter shall be reviewable in the Superior Court in
an action filed within 60 days thereof, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 249, § 4.
§172-5. Enforcement.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 156 of 214
A. Enforcement Orders. When the Planning Board or its agent determines that an activity is
not being carried out in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter, Stormwater
Regulations or SMP, it may issue a written enforcement order to the owner of the property.
The order shall include the name and address of the alleged violator, the address at which
the violation is occurring or has occurred, a statement specifying the nature of the violation,
a description of the actions needed to resolve the violation and come into compliance, the
deadline within which such actions must be completed, and a statement that, if the violator
fails to come into compliance by the specified deadline, the Town may do the work
necessary to resolve the violation at the expense of the violator. Persons receiving an
enforcement order may be required to:
(1) Halt all construction activities until there is compliance with the applicable permit
or regulation. A “stop work order” will be in effect until the Planning Board or its
agent confirms that the activity is in compliance and the violation has been
satisfactorily addressed.
(2) Maintain, install or perform additional erosion and sedimentation control
measures;
(3) Monitor and analyze the impact of the violation and/or the efficacy of corrective
actions and report the results to the Planning Board;
(4) Remediate erosion and sedimentation or any other adverse impacts resulting
directly or indirectly from the activity;
(5) Repair, maintain, or replace the stormwater management system or portions
thereof in accordance with the SMP and/or the O&M Plan.
Failure to address an enforcement order in the time specified therein may result in penalties
in accordance with the enforcement measures authorized in this Chapter.
B. Penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter, Regulations, or SMPs
issued thereunder, may be punished by a fine of not more than $300.00. Each day or part
thereof that such violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense, and each
provision of the Chapter, Regulations or SMP violated, shall constitute a separate offense.
C. Non-Criminal Disposition. As an alternative to the penalty in § 172-5.B, the Town of
Hopkinton may elect to utilize the non-criminal disposition procedure set forth in §§1-3
and 1-4 of the Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton. The fine for a first violation shall be
$100 and the fine for second and subsequent violations shall be $300. Each day or part
thereof that such violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense, and each
provision of this Chapter, Regulation or permit violated shall constitute a separate offense.
D. Appeals. Any person aggrieved by an enforcement order issued pursuant to § 172-5.A may
request a hearing before the Planning Board by submitting to the Planning Board, within
30 days of such order, a letter explaining why the order was not justified. The Planning
Board shall thereupon schedule and hold a hearing within 21 days regarding such request
and, upon the close of such hearing, may uphold, modify or rescind the order as the facts
and applicable law may require. The Planning Board’s decision shall be deemed as its final
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 157 of 214
action with respect to the matters determined, and any further appeal shall be to a court of
competent jurisdiction.
E. Action by the Town to Remedy a Violation. If a violator fails to come into compliance by
the deadline specified in an enforcement order, the Planning Board may undertake the work
necessary to resolve the violation at the joint and several expense of the violator and
property owner. For situations involving an immediate threat, the Planning Board may
immediately take such action as is necessary to protect public health, safety, or the
environment, without first issuing an enforcement order. Written notice of any remediation
action undertaken by the Planning Board shall be provided to the property owner within 24
hours of the commencement thereof.
F. Recovery of Costs. If the Planning Board undertakes remediation work pursuant to § 172-
5.E, it shall, within 30 days after completing the work, notify the violator and the property
owner in writing of the costs incurred by the Town, including administrative costs,
associated with that work. The violator and the property owner shall be jointly and
severally liable to repay the Town for those costs within 30 days of receipt of that notice;
provided, however, that the violator or the property owner may file a written protest
objecting to the amount or basis of costs with the Planning Board within such 30 days. The
Planning Board shall schedule and hold a hearing regarding such protests and, upon the
close of such hearing, may uphold, modify or rescind the costs required to be repaid, as the
facts and applicable law may require. If the amount due is not received by the Town by the
expiration of time in which to file such a protest, or within 60 days after the final decision
of the Board or (if appealed to court) a court of competent jurisdiction resolving that
protest, the amount of the Town’s costs shall constitute a municipal charge for purposes of
M.G.L. c. 40, § 58, and a lien may be imposed upon the property pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40,
§ 58. Interest shall accrue on any unpaid costs at the statutory rate, as provided in M.G.L.
c. 59, § 57.
G. Civil Relief. If a person violates any provision of this Chapter or an order issued
thereunder, the Select Board may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction
restraining the person from activities that would create further violations or compelling the
person to abate or remedy the violation.
H. Entry to Perform Duties Under this Bylaw. To the extent permitted by state law, or if
authorized by the owner or other party in control of the property, the Town and its agents,
officers, and employees may enter privately owned property for the purpose of performing
their duties under this Chapter and may make or cause to be made such examinations,
surveys, sampling, or remedial activities as the Town deems reasonably necessary.
I. Remedies Not Exclusive. The remedies listed in § 172-5 are not exclusive of any other
remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local law.
§172-6. Severability.
The invalidity of any section, provision, paragraph, sentence, or clause of this Chapter shall not invalidate
any section, provision, paragraph, sentence or clause thereof, nor shall it invalidate any permit or
determination that previously has been issued.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 158 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 159 of 214
Chapter 174
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
ARTICLE I ARTICLE VI
Street Acceptance Petitions Temporary Repairs on Private Ways
§174-1. Presentation to Board of §174-10 Authorization to make repairs.
Select Board. §174-11. Type and extent of repairs.
. . §174-12. Drainage improvements.
ARTICLE II §174-13. Abutters.
Street Names §174-14. Easements.
§174-15. Approval and method of payment.
§174-2. Submission of names to §174-16. Select Board action.
Select Board. §174-17. Liability of town.
§174-18. Ways to be open to public use.
ARTICLE III §174-19. Standard of work.
Acceptance of Private Ways. §174-20. Basis for assessment of betterments.
§174-21. Town Meeting appropriation of funds.
§174-3. Plan required; conditions for §174-22. Minor repairs.
Acceptance. §174-23. Definitions.
§174-24. Severability.
ARTICLE IV
Laying Out of Streets ARTICLE VII
Driveways
§174-4. Betterments assessments.
§174-5. Apportionment of assessments §174-25. Construction of Driveways
in installments §174-26. Permits
§174-6. Relationship with other laws. §174-27. Regulations
§174-28. Enforcement
ARTICLE V
Depositing Snow ARTICLE VIII
Discharge of Water Onto a Public Way
§174-7. Obstruction of streets and
Sidewalks prohibited. §174-29 Discharge of water onto a public
§174-8. Exceptions. Way prohibited.
§174-9. Violations and penalties. §174-30. Violations and penalties
§174-31. Corrective action required within
30 days.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article
histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
General References
Noncriminal disposition – See Ch. 1, Art. II. Betterment assessments and sewer privilege fees – See Ch. 163, Art II.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 160 of 214
ARTICLE I
Street Acceptance Petitions
[Adopted 3-6-1952 ATM, Art. 21]
§ 174-1. Presentation to Select Board.
No article or petition calling for the acceptance of any new street shall be acted upon at a Special Town
Meeting unless said article or petition has been signed by 100, or 10%, of the registered voters of the Town
prior to its presentment to the Select Board for insertion in the Town Warrant.
ARTICLE II
Street Names
[Adopted 3-3-1953 ATM, Art. 16]
§ 174-2. Submission of names to Select Board.
For the purpose of avoiding duplication of names of streets, the names of all new streets shall be submitted
to the Select Board for approval before becoming official.
ARTICLE III
Acceptance of Private Ways
[Adopted 6-7-1963 STM, Art. 7]
§ 174-3. Plan required; conditions for acceptance.
Any private way in existence in the Town of Hopkinton at the time of the adoption of the Subdivision
Control Law, so-called, shall not hereinafter be considered for acceptance as a public way unless the
petitioners shall present to the Select Board a plan suitable for recording in the Registry of Deeds and unless
the abutting landowners shall agree to convey to the Town the land necessary to complete the laying out of
said way and further agree to pay to the Town 50% of the cost of laying out said way, including water,
drainage surfacing and all other necessary construction.
ARTICLE IV
Laying Out of Streets
[Adopted 3-3-1965 ATM, Art. 52]
§ 174-4. Betterments assessments.
The Select Board is authorized to lay out, relocate and/or alter, as public ways, private ways which were in
existence at the time of the adoption by the Town of the Subdivision Control Law, so-called, and providing
for assessment of the cost or part of the cost to the abutters of said ways under the Betterment Acts, so-
called, based on the special benefits and advantages derived therefrom by the abutters other than the general
advantages to all of the community; said betterment assessments to be not less the 60% of the cost of said
betterment, provided that the assessment shall not be in excess of the special benefits or advantages derived
therefrom by the abutters other than the general advantages to all of the community as authorized by MGL
c. 80 and c. 82; provided, further, that action under this article shall not in any way be interpreted as
authorizing the establishment of public ways in any manner other than as now provided by law, which
requires the layout of proposed public ways and recommendations to Town Meeting by the Select Board
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 161 of 214
and a separate affirmative vote of the Town Meeting on each street recommended; nor shall any action
taken under this article be interpreted as infringing upon the exclusive right of the Select Board to determine
what streets they shall lay out and recommend to Town Meeting for acceptance as public ways.
§ 174-5. Apportionment of assessments in installments.
Betterment assessments to be apportioned in equal annual installments over a ten-year period.
§ 174-6. Relationship with other laws.
No action taken under this article shall be interpreted as an amendment of Chapter 210, Zoning, or as in
any way qualifying or in conflict with the rules and requirements of the Planning Board relating to the
subdivision of land and the requirements of said rules and regulations relating to the construction of ways
within subdivisions under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board.
ARTICLE V
Obstruction of Streets and Sidewalks
[Adopted 11-10-1983 STM, Art. 3]
§ 174-7. Obstruction of streets and sidewalks prohibited.
No person shall by any method or means cause material, whether natural or artificial, including but not
limited to snow, leaves, sand or other debris, to be deposited or placed onto any public or private way of
the Town that is open to public use, including the travel way, parking lanes, sidewalk, or other public
appurtenances thereto, so as to unreasonably impair the use and function of the way.
§ 174-8. Exceptions.
This Article shall not apply to any person authorized by the Town to cause any material to be deposited or
placed in a public or private way of the Town.
§ 174-9. Violations and penalties.
Whoever violates this article shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding $25 for each such violation. Each
day that the impairment of the use and function of the way continues shall constitute a separate violation of
this Article.
ARTICLE VI
Temporary Repairs on Private Ways
[Adopted 10-3-2001 STM, Art. 23]
§ 174-10. Authorization to make repairs.
The Town of Hopkinton may make temporary repairs on private ways when such repairs are deemed
necessary or appropriate by the Director of the Department of Public Works (the Director) and are approved
by the Select Board. The Director shall make such determination ba sed on the public convenience and
necessity, the protection of the health and safety of the general public using such ways, and the protection
of the environment adjacent to the way and in the surrounding area.
§ 174-11. Type and extent of repairs.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 162 of 214
The repairs may include the patching and filling of holes; oiling and treatment of road surfaces; the repair
of specific portions of the way; cleaning of catch basins and drainage structures; installation of guardrails
or other infrastructure; and the reconstruction of a way, including the removal of roadway surface and the
regrading and installation of fill and roadway surface materials, including asphalt and concrete.
§ 174-12. Drainage improvements.
As part of the repair of any private way, the Town may make such drainage repairs and improvements to
the private way as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the Director. The Town shall not perform any
such drainage repairs or improvements on a private way unless the Director has indicated that such repairs
or improvements are required by public necessity or for the protection of the environment.
§ 174-13. Abutters.
The Town may only perform such repairs, reconstruction, or improvements on a private way upon the
occurrence of any of the following events: the request of the Planning Board to the Select Board; the request
of the Director to the Select Board; or at least 80% of the owners of properties which abut the way to be
repaired have signed a petition to the Select Board requesting that such repairs to the way be performed.
Such petition must state that the public convenience and necessity require such repairs, reconstruction and
improvements and shall request that the Director make an investigation of the condition of the way and
report the findings to the Select Board.
§ 174-14. Easements.
If any easements are necessary for the completion of such repairs, reconstruction or improvements, the
owners of the properties abutting the way and the owners of any land or interest in land upon which such
easement would be required, shall be responsible for the cost of the preparation and the grant of such
easements to the Town. Such easement shall include the grant of the right to the Town, its agents,
contractors and employees, to enter upon the way for the performance of the work.
§ 174-15. Approval and method of payment.
Upon receipt of a request from the Director, or from the Planning Board, or upon receipt of a petition from
the owners of abutting properties, the Select Board shall review the report of the Di rector, and determine
whether such repairs, reconstruction or improvements are required for the public health or safety, the
protection of the environment, and the public convenience and necessity, and, if it so determines, the Select
Board may approve the project and determine whether such repairs, reconstruction or improvements shall
be paid by the abutters by a cash deposit; shall be paid by the abutters by betterment charges which shall
be assessed to the abutters; shall be paid partly by the abutters and partly by the Town by the assessment of
betterment charges for a portion of the work; or shall be paid by the Town. In the event the Select Board
determines that the project should be funded in whole or in part by the assessment of betterments or by a
cash deposit from the abutters, the Select Board shall hold a public hearing on such determination within
30 days thereof. The Select Board shall notify the owners of the properties abutting the way by regular mail
at least seven days prior to the date of the hearing, and shall cause notice of such hearing to be published in
a newspaper of general circulation in the Town at least seven days prior to the date of the hearing. Such
notices shall indicate that the Select Board is considering the assessment of be tterments or a cash deposit
to fund the project. The Select Board shall make the decision on the request and the method of payment
therefor, within 60 days of the close of the public hearing. If the appropriation of funds or the assessment
of betterments is necessary, the Select Board shall thereupon submit an article to the next ensuing Town
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 163 of 214
Meeting for approval by the Town of the repairs, reconstruction or improvements to the way and the method
of payment therefor.
§ 174-16. Select Board action.
If the appropriation of funds, the assessment of betterments or a cash deposit is not to be required in
conjunction with the project, the Select Board shall review the request at a public meeting within 21 days
of receipt of the request, and shall make a decision on the request within 45 days of its receipt.
§ 174-17. Liability of town.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Town shall not be liable for any claim, damage, loss, cost,
liability, or expense, of any name, nature or description, including attorney's fees and costs, arising out of
or as a result of the repairs, reconstruction or improvements performed on any private way by the Town or
any damage resulting therefrom, including that to third parties. The Select Board may in relation to any
such project as it deems appropriate, require the owners of the properties abutting the way to execute an
agreement pursuant to which all such owners agree to save, indemnify and hold harmless the Town from
any and all such claims, damages, losses, costs, liabilities or expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out
of or as a result of such repairs, reconstruction or improvements.
§ 174-18. Ways to be open to public use.
The ways upon which the Town may perform any such repair, reconstruction or improvement, must have
been open to public use for no less than one year prior to the date of the vote of the Select Board which
approves such project or which authorizes the submission of the article relating thereto to the Town
Meeting.
§ 174-19. Standard of work.
All work to be performed by the Town on any such way pursuant hereto must be to the standards established
by the Department of Public Works of the Town.
§ 174-20. Basis for assessment of betterments.
In the event the Town Meeting authorizes such repair, reconstruction or improvement to such way, and
authorizes the assessment of betterments for all or a portion of the cost of such work, it shall determine the
percentage of project cost to be assessed, and such assessments shall be made based upon either the fixed
uniform rate method using the linear frontage of each lot on the street as the standard for computation, or
the uniform unit method, pursuant to which each existing or potential lot abutting the way shall constitute
a unit.
§ 174-21. Town Meeting appropriation of funds.
No repair, reconstruction or improvement requiring an appropriation of funds shall be made to any way
pursuant hereto unless and until the Town Meeting has appropriated any funds necessary for the project.
§ 174-22. Minor repairs.
Upon the request of the Director, the Planning Board or the owners of properties abutting a way, the Select
Board, based on the recommendation and report and the certification of the Director that the funds necessary
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 164 of 214
for the project are available, may authorize the Town to make minor repairs to private ways to a sum not to
exceed $1,000 in total on any way in any one fiscal year.
§ 174-23. Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PRIVATE WAY -- Shall not include driveways, common driveways, roadways and driveways within
condominium projects, private access roads, and ways to which the public does not have access.
§ 174-24. Severability.
The invalidity of any provision of this chapter shall not invalidate any other section or provision thereof,
which shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE VII
Driveways
[Added 5-2-2005 ATM, Art. 33]
§ 174-25. Construction of Driveways.
This Article shall apply to all driveway permits issued after the adoption of this Article. No driveway
permit shall be issued unless the requirements of this Article shall have been complied with. The
provisions of this Article shall not apply to roadways or driveways in Garden Apartment or Village
Housing developments. [Amended 5-1-2017 ATM, Article 49]
§ 174-26. Permits.
Any person, organization, public agency or other entity proposing the construction of a driveway shall
first obtain a driveway permit from the Department of Public Works. The Department may require the
submission of an application, fee, and other materials containing such information which it determines to
be necessary prior to issuing a permit.
§ 174-27. Regulations
A. The slope of a driveway within 20 feet of the edge of the pavement of a public or private way
shall not exceed 10%.
B. No driveway for which a permit has been issued this Article shall be constructed or maintained so
as to allow the discharge of stormwater runoff onto a public or private way of the Town,
including the travel way, parking lanes, sidewalk, or other public appurtenances thereto, and
thereby to cause flooding, icing, erosion or sedimentation, accumulation of debris, or other
negative effects that unreasonably impair the use and function of the way. If, in the opinion of
the Director of Public Works (the “DPW Director”), the use and function of a way has been so
impaired, the property owner shall be responsible for mitigating the condition by implementing
such measures as are necessary to prevent the discharge onto the way. Prior to the
implementation of mitigation measures, the owner may consult the DPW Director to review any
measures that would be implemented outside the way. Any measures which would be
implemented within the layout of the way must be approved in advance by the DPW Director.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 165 of 214
C. As part of its driveway permit review process, the Department of Public Works (DPW) shall
endeavor to ensure that the roadway opening at the public or private way is adequate for proper
public safety emergency vehicle access. As it deems necessary, the DPW may consult with the
Fire Department for its input. After issuance of the driveway permit and a Building Permit, the
Director of Municipal Inspections shall conduct a site visit to review the layout of the driveway
once it is roughed in and before project completion, to ensure that it is adequate for proper public
safety emergency vehicle access. The Director of Municipal Inspections shall consult with the Fire
Department if it appears that public safety emergency vehicle access may be impaired. In those
instances where the Fire Department has been consulted and determines that a public safety
emergency vehicle cannot adequately access the property, the driveway permit holder shall prepare
a plan for accommodating safety vehicles that is acceptable to the Fire Department and the Director
of Municipal Inspections, and shall be responsible for implementing the plan prior to issuance of
an occupancy permit for buildings to be serviced by the driveway. [Added 5-5-2008 ATM, Art.
28]
D. No driveway permit shall be issued without the written approval of the Fire Department, which
may be subject to such conditions as the Fire Department may deem necessar y for the protection
of the public health and safety. The Fire Department shall prepare publicly available driveway
permit guidelines and parameters that it shall consider in its review of every driveway permit
application. [Added 5-1-2017 ATM, Article 49]
§ 174-28. Enforcement
The Director and the Public Works Highway Manager (the “Manager”) shall have the authority to enforce
this Article. Any person who violates any provision of this Article shall be notified as soon as practicable
by the Director or Manager. Such notice shall advise such person that if the violation is not corrected and
impacts mitigated within a specified period of time, such person shall be punished by a fine of not more
than $100.00. Each day or portion thereof during which a violation continues after the expiration of the
specified time period contained in the notice shall constitute a separate offense. As an alternative to criminal
prosecution in a specific case, the Director or Manager may issue a citation under the noncriminal
disposition procedure set forth in Chapter 1, Article II of the Town of Hopkinton Bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII
Discharge of Water onto a Public Way
[Adopted 5-5-2008 ATM, Art. 20]
§ 174-29. Discharge of water onto a public way prohibited.
No person shall alter existing conditions so as to allow, or cause, the artificial diversion of water onto a
public or private way of the Town that is open to public use, including the travel way, parking lanes,
sidewalk, or other public appurtenances thereto, by pump, down spout, swale, grading of land, or any other
method, so as to unreasonably impair the use and function of the way.
§ 174-30. Violations and penalties.
Whoever violates this article shall be subject to a penalty not exceeding $25 for each such violation. Each
instance of such conduct shall constitute a separate violation of this article.
§ 174-31. Corrective action required within 30 days.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 166 of 214
Whoever violates this article shall, within 30 days of receiving a notice of violation, take any and all
corrective actions necessary to prevent future violations of this article, or submit to the Department of Public
Works a plan of action to prevent future violations of this article.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 167 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 168 of 214
CHAPTER 186
TREES
§186-1. Purpose. Notification to Tree §186-3. Enforcement.
Warden of trees to be cut.
§186-2. Notification of board with
jurisdiction over tree; hearing.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 5 -5-2003, Art. 32. (This article
also repealed former Ch. 186, Trees, adopted by the Special Town 4-11-1979, Art. 8.) Amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES: Earth removal -- See Ch. 96., Scenic roads -- See Ch. 160., Wetlands protection -- See Ch.
206.
§ 186-1. Notification to Tree Warden of trees to be cut.
No live tree over three inches in diameter, measured at a height of four and one half feet from the ground
(dbh), mechanically sound and not diseased and which is located on Town of Hopkinton park or
conservation lands, or within any public street right-of-way, shall be cut down or removed by anyone unless
notice in writing is given to the Tree Warden of such intention, which notice must specify in detail sufficient
for identification, the tree or trees to be so cut down or removed and the name and address of the person,
firm or governmental agency submitting such notice, and a public hearing is held.
§ 186-2. Notification of board with jurisdiction over tree; hearing.
Upon receipt of such notice of intention, the Tree Warden shall notify the town board or commission which
has jurisdiction over the property upon which the tree or trees are located, and such board or commission
shall arrange for a public hearing to be held before it within 30 days of receipt of such written notice. Notice
of the hearing shall be posted in two or more public places in the town and upon said tree or trees no less
than seven days before the date set for such hearing.
§ 186-3. Enforcement.
The Tree Warden is responsible for enforcement of this chapter. Whoever violates any pro vision of this
chapter shall be liable for a fine of not more than the maximum permitted by law for each citation for any
violation and shall be required to restore any damage. The Tree Warden may order that trees removed in
violation of this chapter be replaced. Removal of each individual tree shall be considered a separate
violation.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 169 of 214
Chapter 187
Trench Safety Officer
§186-1. Permitting Authority
§187-1. Permitting Authority.
The Town Manager shall be designated as the Permitting Authority for issuing trench permits pursuant to
M.G.L. Chapter 82A and 520 CMR 14.00, relative to excavation and trench safety. The Town Manager
may charge a reasonable fee, subject to review and approval by the Select Board, to cover the administrative
costs of the trench excavation permitting process incurred by the Town in connection with the review and
processing of the permits. The Town Manager may develop rules and regulations consistent with Cha pter
82A relative to the trench permitting process and the standard and special conditions for issued permits.
The Town Manager may delegate, to one or more other persons, authority to perform any or all of the Town
Manager’s duties pursuant to this Section.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 170 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 171 of 214
CHAPTER 188
UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES
§188-1. Storage of parts of motor vehicles
and trailers.
§188-4.
§188-5.
Enforcement
Applicability.
§188-2. Storage of unregistered motor §188-6. Violations and penalties.
Vehicles and trailers. §188-7. Noncriminal disposition.
§188-3. Hearing: notice: conditions.
[HISTORY: Replaces General Bylaw Chapter 130 by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of
Hopkinton 05-07-2012, Art. 43.]
§188-1. Storage of parts of motor vehicles and trailers.
No person in charge or control of any property within the town, whether as owner, tenant, occupant, lessee
or otherwise, shall allow any part or component of any motor vehicle or trailer that is visible from a public
or private way or from an abutting property to remain on such property.
§188-2. Storage of unregistered motor vehicles and trailers.
No person in charge or control of any property within the town, whether as owner, tenant, occupant, lessee
or otherwise, shall allow more than one unregistered motor vehicle or trailer to remain on such property,
except as provided in §188-3.
§188-3. Hearing; notice; conditions.
A. The Select Board may issue a permit to keep, store or allow more than one unregistered motor vehicle
or trailer to remain on a property after the Board has held a public hearing thereon, first causing at
least 14 days' notice of the time, place and subject matter of such hearing to be given at the expense
of the applicant by:
(1) Publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the town; and
(2) Certified mail to each of the persons appearing upon the Assessors' most recent valuation list
as the owners of property abutting the property in question.
B. Said Board shall not issue a permit unless it finds that the presence of more than one unregistered
motor vehicle or trailer on the property:
(1) Will not nullify or substantially derogate from the intent or purpose of this Chapter; and
(2) Will not constitute a hazard to the safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the town; and
(3) Will not adversely affect the neighborhood in which such property is situated.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 172 of 214
C. Each such permit shall specify the maximum number of unregistered motor vehicles or trailers that
may be kept, stored or allowed to remain on the property, shall be limited to a reasonable period of
time not exceeding two years and shall be a personal privilege of the applicant and not a grant
attached to and running with the land.
§188-4. Enforcement
The Director of Municipal Inspections or a designee thereof shall have the authority to enforce the
provisions of this Chapter.
§188-5. Applicability.
This Chapter shall not apply to:
A. A motor vehicle in an enclosed building;
B. A motor vehicle on the property of a holder of a class license under section 58 of Chapter 140 of
the Massachusetts General Laws;
C. A motor vehicle on the property of a farming or business enterprise operated in a lawful place and
manner when necessary or appropriate to the operation of such enterprise; or
D. A motor vehicle in an appropriate storage place or depository maintained in a lawful place and
manner by the town.
§188-6. Violations and penalties.
Any person who continues to violate any provision of §188-1 of this Chapter after thirty (30) days following
receipt by him of written notice of such violation from the Police Department shall be liable for a penalty
not exceeding twenty dollars ($20) for each offense. Each day that any violation continues after said thirty-
day period shall constitute a separate offense.
§188-7. Noncriminal disposition.
Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter shall be subject to a noncriminal penalty. Each
continuing day of such violation may be considered a separate offense. Such violation may be addressed
by the procedure for noncriminal disposition provided in section 21D of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts
General Laws and section 1-4 of these B
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 173 of 214
CHAPTER 190
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
ARTICLE I ARTICLE II (Cont.)
Removal of Cars for Snow Plowing §190-5. Identification and location of spaces;
size
§190-1 Authority of Highway §190-6. Unauthorized use and obstruction
Superintendent of spaces.
§190-2. Liability for removal costs and. §190-7. Violations and penalties
storage charges
§190-3 Police Department assistance in ARTICLE III
enforcement Temporary Road Closures
ARTICLE II §190-8 Authority of Police Chief
Handicapped Parking §190-9. Temporary Parking Restrictions.
§190-10. Temporary Traffic Plans.
§190-4. Number of spaces required
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton as indicated in article histories.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
G ENERAL REFERENCES: Depositing snow on streets – See Ch. 174, Art. V.
ARTICLE I
Removal of Cars for Snow Plowing
[Adopted 3-5-1959 ATM, Art. 13; amended 3-17-1997 STM, Art. 13]
§ 190-1. Authority of Highway Superintendent.
The Highway Superintendent, for the purpose of removing or plowing snow or removing ice from any way,
shall hereby be authorized to remove or cause to be removed to some convenient place, including in such
term of a public garage, any vehicle interfering with such work.
§ 190-2. Liability for removal costs and storage charges.
The owner of any vehicle so removed shall be liable for the cost of such removal and for the storage charges,
if any, resulting therefrom.
§ 190-3. Police Department assistance in enforcement.
The Highway Superintendent, whenever any vehicle is so removed, shall notify the Police Department, and
said Department shall render all necessary assistance to the Highway Superintendent in enforcing this
article.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 174 of 214
ARTICLE II
Handicapped Parking
[Adopted 5-2-1994 ATM, Art. 41]
§ 190-4. Number of spaces required.
Any person or body that has lawful control of a public or private way or of improved or enclosed property
used as off-street parking areas for businesses, shopping malls, theaters, auditoriums, sporting or
recreational facilities, cultural centers, residential dwellings, or for any other pl ace where the public has a
right of access as invitees or licensees, shall be required to reserve parking spaces in said off-street parking
areas for any vehicle owned and operated by a disabled veteran or handicapped person whose vehicle bears
the distinguishing license or permit authorized by MGL c. 90, § 2, according to the following formula: if
the number of parking spaces is:
A. Fifteen or more but not more than 25: one parking space.
B. More than 25 but not more than 40: 5% of such spaces but not less than two.
C. More than 40 but not more than 100: 4% of such spaces but not less than three.
D. More than 100 but not more than 200: 3% of such spaces but not less than four.
E. More than 200 but not more than 500: 2% of such spaces but not less than six.
F. More than 500 but not more than 1,000: 11/2% of such spaces but not less than 10.
G. More than 1,000 but not more than 2,000: 1% of such spaces but not less than 15.
H. More than 2,000 but not more than 5,000: 3/4 of 1% such spaces but not less than 20.
I. More than 5,000: 1/2 of 1% of such spaces but not less than 30.
§ 190-5. Identification and location of spaces; size.
Parking spaces designated as reserved under the provisions of § 190-4 shall be identified by the use of
above-grade signs at each space or pair of spaces. Such signs shall have white lettering against blue
background and shall bear the words "Handicapped Parking: Special Plate Required. Unauthorized
Vehicles May Be Removed At Owner's Expense." These signs shall be as near as possible to a building
entrance or walkway and shall be adjacent to curb ramps or other unobstructed methods permitting sidewalk
access to a handicapped person. The spaces shall be 12 feet wide or two eight -foot wide areas with four
feet of crosshatch between them.
§ 190-6. Unauthorized use and obstruction of spaces.
The leaving of unauthorized vehicles within parking spaces designated for use by disabled veterans or
handicapped persons as authorized by §§ 190-4 and 190-5 above or in such a manner as to obstruct a curb
ramp designed for use by handicapped persons as a means of egress to a street or public way shall be
prohibited.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 175 of 214
§ 190-7. Violations and penalties. [Amended 5-7-2001 ATM, Art. 25]
The penalty for a violation of this article shall be $100, and the vehicle may be removed according to the
provisions of MGL c. 266, § 120D.
Article III
Temporary Road Closures
[Adopted 5-4-2009 ATM, Art. 21]
§ 190-8. Authority of the Police Chief
The Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee is hereby authorized to close any way, as defined by Chapter
90, Section 1, of the General Laws, when the Chief or the Chief’s designee deems it necessary in the interest
of public safety.
§ 190-9. Temporary Parking Restrictions
The Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee is hereby authorized to temporarily prohibit parking on any
way or part thereof: in an impending or existing emergency; to allow work to be performed upon, under,
above, or adjacent to anyway; for lawful assemblage, demonstration or procession; or when it is necessary
in the interest of public safety.
In the case of an emergency, the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee may order the towing and
removal of vehicles at the expense of the owner of the vehicle.
If vehicles are parked in places or in such a manner that they impede work, and if temporary “no parking”
signs were not posted, a police officer may order that a vehicle be relocated by towing it and placing it
elsewhere on the same or contiguous street, at the expense and liability of the pers on, company, or entity
performing the work or services in or from the way. If a vehicle is relocated, the Police Department shall
attempt to notify the owner of the vehicle’s location.
§ 190-10. Temporary Traffic Plans
Except upon the consent of the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee, no person shall place, stand, or park
a motor vehicle, trailer, construction equipment, other equipment or other vehicle of any kind, nor shall
they place goods or materials of any kind, upon any way, including the travel way, parking lanes, sidewalk,
or other public appurtenances thereto, (1) with the intent to open said street or highway or to perform work
or services upon, under, above, or adjacent to said way, or (2) in such a manner or condition that the
movement of vehicles or pedestrians upon or within said street or highway is blocked or impeded.
The Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee shall determine appropriate traffic control measures including
the erecting of temporary signs, cones, lights, detours, the use of a police officer, or the use of a police
officer in the capacity as a private detail, a road flagger, or other measures. It shall be the responsibility of
the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee to review, and when the Chief or the Chief’s designee concurs,
to approve, all construction and safety plans within the Town of Hopkinton.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 176 of 214
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 177 of 214
CHAPTER 195
WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
ARTICLE IV
Use of System for Discharge
of Industrial Waste
§195-1 Authority. §195-21 Wastewater discharge permit.
§195-2. Control of inflow/infiltration. §195-22 Indemnification.
§195-3 User compliance §195-23. Equalization basin.
§195-4. Severability. §195-24. Control manhole.
§195-5. Glossary of terms §195-25. Measuring device.
§195-6. Passage and Approval §195-26. Grease, oil and sand interceptors
§195-27. Plan approval required prior to
construction of certain facilities.
§195-28. Special agreement.
§195-29. Surcharge.
ARTICLE II §195-30. Surcharge billing.
Prohibited Wastewater
Discharges
§195-31. Determination of character and
concentration of waste.
§195-7. Restrictions on wastewater
discharges.
§195-32. Monitoring and testing procedures.
§195-8. Conditional prohibitions for §195-33. Binding nature of determination
wastewater discharges. by town.
§195-9. Prohibitions on extraneous §195-34. Cost.
water discharges §195-35 Alteration of normal industrial
§195-10. State requirements. operations
§195-11. Town’s right of revision. §195-36. Bypassing of pretreatment facilities
§195-12. Dilution prohibited in absence of
treatment. ARTICLE V
§195-13. National Categorical
Pretreatment
Permit System for Industrial Discharge
Standards.
§195-14. Maximum restrictions. §195-37. Required wastewater discharge
permits.
ARTICLE III §195-38. Permit application
Control of Prohibited Wastes §195-39. Permit conditions.
§195-40. Self-monitoring report.
§195-15. Regulation actions. §195-41. Records and monitoring.
§195-16. Submission of plans. §195-42. Duration of permits.
§195-17. Pretreatment facilities operations. §195-43. Transfer of a permit.
§195-18. Admission to property. §195-44. Revocation of permit.
§195-19. Protection from accidental
discharge
§195-45. Confidential information.
§195-20 Reporting of accidental discharge.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 178 of 214
ARTICLE VI
Septage Waste Disposal
ARTICLE VIII
Appeals from Fees and Charges
§195-46. Disposal fee. §195-72. Appeal by aggrieved users
Authorized.
§195-47. Minimum charge. §195-73 Filing of complaint; review by
town
§195-48. Billing increment. §195-74 Notification of decision; payment
of disputed bill.
§195-49. Payments. §195-75 Negative finding; objection to
Decision.
§195-50. Returned checks. ARTICLE IX
Intermunicipal Agreements
§195-51. Haulers without liquid-level §195-76. Westborough Treatment not
Indication. exclusive
§195-52. Disposal hours. §195-77. References
§195-53. Required septage disposal permits. §195-78. Construal of Provisions.
§195-54 Septage disposal policy.
§195-55 Acceptance of septage. ARTICLE X
§195-56. Sample of septage for testing. Rules and Regulations
§195-57. Industrial on-site waste disposal.
§195-58 Responsibility for damage. §195-79. Authority.
§195-59 Revocation of discharge privileges. §195-80. Violations and penalties.
§195-60. Insurance.
§195-61 Septage receiving procedures.
ARTICLE VII
Penalties and Enforcement procedures
For Industrial Users and Septage Hauler
§195-62. Violations.
§195-63. Notification of violation.
§195-64. Compliance order.
§195-65. Order to show cause
§195-66 Show-cause hearing
§195-67 Remedies.
§195-68 Disconnection of service.
§195-69 Damage to town property.
§195-70 Legal action by the Town of Hopkinton
§195-71. Falsifying information.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the special Town Meeting of the Town of Hopkinton 9-26-1988 STM, Art. 6.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 179 of 214
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
§ 195-1. Authority.
Hopkinton will connect their sewers with the Town of Westborough’s sewers for transporting wastewater
to the Westborough treatment plant. Hopkinton’s use of the plant is subject to the direction, control and
regulation of the Westborough Treatment Plant Board. Any person or governmental agency may connect
building sewers with such sewers according to regulations of the town and the Board and to such terms,
conditions and regulations as prescribed by each municipality.
§ 195-2. Control of inflow/infiltration.
All new systems of sewers and extensions of existing systems shall be so constructed as to prevent any
and all inflow/infiltration in amounts considered excessive by federal standards. All existing sewerage
systems shall be maintained to eliminate any and all inflow/infiltration considered excessive by DEQE.
§ 195-3. User compliance.
Users shall make wastewater acceptable in accordance with these regulations before discharging to the
Hopkinton wastewater collection system. Users required to pretreat wastewater shall do so in accordance
with the procedures described in Articles IV, V and VI of these rules and regulations. Users subject to
applicable federal or state pretreatment standards shall be in compliance with such standards within the
time required by those standards. In addition, the town may deny or place conditions on new or increased
§ 195-4. Severability.
If any provision, paragraph, word, section or article of these rules and regulations is invalidated by any
court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions, paragraphs, words, sections and chapters shall
not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect.
§ 195-5. Glossary of terms.¹
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in these rules and
regulations shall be as follows:
ACT – Refers to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, PL 92500 and
amendments thereto; commonly referred to as the “Clean Water Act.”
AMMONIA NITROGEN (NH³) – The initial product in the decomposition of nitrogens organic matter
as measured by using standard laboratory methods. Expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/l).
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE – Refers to:
(1) A principal executive officer at least the level of Vice President if the user is a corporation;
(2) A general partner or proprietor if the user is a partnership or proprietorship; or
(3) A duly authorized representative of either (1) or (2) if such representative is responsible for the overall
operation of the facilities from which the indirect discharge originates.
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) – The quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical
oxidation or organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at 20° C, expressed in mg/l.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 180 of 214
¹ Note: Terms not otherwise defined herein shall be as adopted in the latest edition of Standard Methods
for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (Standard Methods), published by the American Public
Health Association, the American Water Works Association and the Water Pollution Control Federation.
BOARD – Refers to the Westborough Treatment Plant Board or its authorized representatives, which is
responsible for the control and management of the Westborough treatment plant.
BOARD OF HEALTH – The duly appointed members of the Board of Health of the Town of Hopkinton
or their authorized agent or representative.
SELECT BOARD – The duly elected members of the Select Board of the Town of Hopkinton.
CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD) -The quantity of equivalent oxygen utilized in the chemical
oxidation of organic matter as measured by standard laboratory methods, expressed in mg/l.
COMPATIBLE POLLUTANT – BOD suspended solids (TSS, pH and fecal coliform bacteria) and such
additional pollutants as are now or may be in the future specified and controlled in Westborough’s NPDES
permit for its wastewater treatment plant where said system has been designed and used to reduce or remove
such pollutants.
CONSISTENT REMOVAL – Reduction in the amount of a pollutant or alteration of the nature of a
pollutant by the wastewater treatment system to a less toxic or harmless state in the effluent which is
achieved by the system in 95% of the samples taken when measured according to the procedures described
in 40 CFR 403.7(c)(2).
COOLING WATER – The water discharged from any use, such as air conditioning, cooling or
refrigeration, to which the only pollutant added is heat.
DOMESTIC WASTES – Liquid wastes derived from the noncommercial preparation, cooking and
handling of food or from human excrement and similar matter from the sanitary conveniences of dwellings,
commercial buildings, industrial facilities and institutions.
GARBAGE – The solid wastes from the domestic and commercial activities related to preparation, cooking
and dispensing of food and/or from the handling, storage and sale of food.
GRAB SAMPLE – A sample that is taken from a waste stream on a one-time basis.
IMMEDIATE DISSOLVED OXYGEN DEMAND (IDOD) – The quantity of oxygen utilized by an
industrial waste in excess of that normally attributable to sewage as measured by using standard laboratory
methods, expressed in mg/l.
INCOMPATIBLE POLLUTANT – Any pollutant that is not a compatible pollutant (as defined above).
INDIRECT USER OR USERS – The discharge or the introduction into the WWTP of pollutants, from
any source, other than a domestic source, regulated under Section 307(b), (c) or (d) of the Act.
INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGE – A source of an indirect discharge.
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER – The liquid wastes resulting from the processes employed in industrial,
manufacturing, trade or business establishments as distinct from domestic wastes.
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Page 181 of 214
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER DOCUMENT – Any permit, contract or legally enforceable control
mechanism for the introduction of industrial wastewater.
INFILTRATION – The water entering a sanitary sewer (including sewer service connections) from the
ground, through such means as, but not limited to, defective pipes, pipe joints, connections or manhole
walls. Infiltration does not include, and is distinguished from, inflow.
INFLOW – The water discharged into a sanitary sewer (including service connections) from such sources
as, but not limited to, roof leaders, cellar, yard and area drains, foundation drains, cooling water discharges,
drains from springs and swampy areas, manhole covers, cross-connections from the storm sewers and
combined sewers, catch basins, stormwater, surface runoff, street wash waters or drainage. Inflow does not
include, and is distinguished from, infiltration.
NATIONAL CATEGORICAL PRETREATMENT STANDARDS or PRETREATMENT
STANDARD – Any regulation containing pollutant discharge limits promulgated by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with Section 307(b) and (c) of the Act (33 U.S.C.§ 1347) which
applies to a specific category of industrial users.
NATIONAL PROHIBITIVE DISCHARGE STANDARD or PROHIBITIVE DISCHARGE
STANDARD – Any regulation developed under the authority of 307(b) of the Act and 40 CFR, Section
403.5.
NEW SOURCE – Any building, structure, facility or installation from which there is or may be discharge
of pollutants, the construction of which commenced after the publication of proposed pretreatment
standards under Section 307(c) of the Act which will be applicable to such source if such standards are
thereafter promulgated in accordance with the section.
PERSON – Any individual, firm, company, partnership, corporation, association, group or society;
includes the State of Massachusetts and agencies, districts, commissions and political subdivisions created
by or pursuant to state law.
pH – The logarithm (base 10) of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration, and indicates the degree
of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A pH of 7.0 is neutral, above
7.0 is alkaline and below 7.0 is acid.
PRETREATMENT – The application of physical, chemical and/or biological processes to reduce the
amount of pollutants in (or to alter the nature of the pollutant properties in) a wastewater prior to discharging
such wastewater into the publicly owned wastewater treatment plant.
PRETREATMENT STANDARDS – All applicable federal rules and regulations implementing Section
307 of PL 92-500, as well as any non-conflicting state or local standards. In cases of conflicting standards
or regulations the more stringent thereof shall be applied.
SANITARY SEWER – a sewer intended to receive domestic sewage and industrial waste, except that of
the type expressly prohibited by these regulations, without the admixture of surface and storm water.
SEPTAGE – the liquid and solid wastes of sanitary sewage origin that are removed from a cesspool, septic
tank or similar receptacle.
SHALL – A mandatory term; while “may” indicates permissiveness.