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parcels larger than 1 acre are allowed an area proportional to 2,500 sq. ft. (i.e., an two acre parcel <br /> is allowed a maximum of 5,000 sq. ft. of lawn area). <br /> The table in each bylaw that provides the dimensional restrictions for each zoning district could <br /> be amended to limit lawn size in a manner often used to regulate overall lot coverage. The towns <br /> could consider offering a slightly larger lawn for properties whose area is a minimum of twice <br /> the minimum lot size within their zoning district,with the lawn size prorated based on the size of <br /> the lot. To ensure enforcement and compliance over time, deed restrictions for all lawn <br /> replacement could be required. In addition,towns many consider developing a bylaw or <br /> guidance outlining other landscaping practices to employ other than lawn that do not require <br /> significant fertilization. If a healthy, non-lawn landscape is created,there is less impetus for <br /> homeowners to add lawn in the future. <br /> Implementation: Revisions to the zoning bylaw limiting lawn size would need to be adopted by <br /> each municipality. For example, as demonstrated in Table 5,the Town of Harwich could add a <br /> column to Table 3,Height and Bulk Regulations of their Zoning Bylaws that states Maximum <br /> Lawn Size as 2,500 sq. ft per buildable acre for all residential districts. A definition of`lawn' <br /> would also need to be added to the Definition section of Harwich's Zoning Bylaws. <br /> Table 6. Proposed Table 3 Height and Bulk Re ulations,Town of Harwich <br /> District Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Proposed Minimum <br /> Permitted Permitted Building Site Maximum Residential Net <br /> Height Height Coverage of Coverage Lawn,Size Floor Area (sq. <br /> (feet) (Stories) Lot(covered as % of (sq.ft./ ft.) <br /> area as % of Total Site acre) <br /> total lot area Area <br /> RR 30 21/2 15 25 2500 none <br /> RL 30 21/2 15 30 Z500 none <br /> RM 30 21/2 20 35 2,500 none <br /> RH-1 30 21/2 30 35 2,500 none <br /> RH-2 30 21/2 30 35 2,500 none <br /> 364 (See Article <br /> RH-3 50 4 15 35 2,500 VI, Section 325- <br /> 18K) <br /> It is also recommended that local planning,health and conservation regulations specifying <br /> topsoil requirements, fertilizer application rates and use of native species should be standardized <br /> and made consistent with best management practices used for outreach to homeowners and lawn <br /> care professionals. This could be accomplished by developing a set of recommended guidelines <br /> and providing these to each town with a list of requested regulatory adjustments to consider and <br /> implement. <br /> Maintenance over Time: Once a bylaw is developed and adopted by each municipality,minimal <br /> resources would be required for maintenance. Processing deed restrictions would have to occur <br /> on an as needed basis. <br /> Pleasant Bay Fertilizer Management Plan 37 Horsley Witten Group, Inc. <br /> Final Report December 2010 <br />