Policy recommended by the Conservation Commission
TOWN OF BRADFORD CLASS VI ROADPOLICY
WHEREAS, the New Hampshire Supreme Court has said that the purpose of RSA 674:41 is to prevent premature and scattered development, the decision whether to allow building on Class VI highways is a major policy decision, and unrestricted building can have a major impact on the Town’s character and the Town’s budget;
THEREFORE the policy of the Board of Selectmen, being the local governing body of the Town of Bradford, under RSA 674; 41, shall be as follows:
1. No structure may be erected or placed, nor shall a building permit be issued, on any lot unless the street giving access to said lot is:
a. Is a Class V or better highway.
b. Is a Class VI highway, provided that
1. The following criteria are met:
a. The roads leading to the Class VI highway are adequate to handle increased traffic; and
b. The effects on municipal services from potential development arising from the road upgrade will be minimal; and
c. The road upgrade and potential development will not adversely affect neighboring properties.
2. The Board of Selectmen, after review and comment by the Planning Board, and after a public hearing with the abutter notification, has voted to issue building permits for the erection and placement of structures on said Class VI highway or portion thereof. The applicant shall be responsible for the cost of notification; and
3. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall produce evidence that notice of the limits of municipal responsibility and liability has been recorded in the Merrimack County Registry of Deeds.
2. In order for a Class VI highway to be upgraded to a Class V highway,
a. The criteria listed under 1. a-c above shall be met; and
b. The road shall be improved to Class V standards to its junction with an existing Class highway in accordance with a plan approved in advance by the Board of Selectmen, conferring with the Planning Board, the Police, Fire and Highway Departments, and after a public hearing with advance notification to abutters. The applicant(s) seeking to upgrade a Class VI highway shall be solely responsible for any and all costs incurred in making improvements to said road, the preparation of the plan, and the notification of abutters; and
c. After a road has been improved to Class V standards in accordance with said plan to the approval of the Selectmen and the Road Agent, the road may be accepted as a Class V highway by the Town, either by the Board of Selectmen, or by vote of Town Meeting.
3. Any work done to Class VI highways shall be approved in advance by the Board of Selectmen, after conferring with the Road Agent.
This policy will be strictly upheld without exceptions.
Adopted by the Board of Selectmen in 2002.