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furthest point of any building on the lot. This discussion is <br /> about a single family residence only . The Town has moved to <br /> increase the minimum lot size tom 40 , 60 and 80 , 000 sq foot lots . <br /> Owners who want to site the house further back on the lot then <br /> have to seek a variance . A person with an 80 , 000 sq foot lot may <br /> want the house in the middle of the lot, without a long , paved <br /> driveway . <br /> How critical is that last sentence for fire safety? <br /> Chief Baker explained his position . This bylaw is one that looks <br /> into the future . How do we look at how the town is developing? <br /> What will be the impact of wildfires in residential <br /> neighborhoods? <br /> As a homeowner, he would want his rights exercised as best as <br /> possible but then he started to research the issue. He reviewed <br /> the NFPA recommendations for roads streets and ways . The majority <br /> of Mashpee is a wildfire interface area and the updated <br /> recommendation is a house be within 50 feet of the end of a <br /> roadway . <br /> A single lot, deep in the woods , will make it difficult for the <br /> Fire Department to access . A problem with a fire in a single <br /> home can effect the entire community when the fire spreads <br /> quickly. <br /> If the Board considers changing the bylaw for subdivisions, he is <br /> totally opposed to that. <br /> Tony said the Board is not considering changes to the road which <br /> services the lot, just the driveway . Does it have to be 20 feet <br /> wide and paved? <br /> Bill Hauck asked if there was an alternative to a paved road , an <br /> all weather gravel surface? <br /> Spyro asked if it is the width or the paving requirement that is <br /> a concern? <br /> Tony said both . <br /> Chief Baker explained the 150 feet is not an arbitrary number , <br /> the standard hose length is 150 feet. <br /> Tom suggested they could require people to build their house <br /> within the 150 feet of a paved street, so they don ' t have to <br /> build a longer driveway . <br /> Chief Baker said he is not opposed to lessening the restriction <br /> for the driveway for a single family home. <br /> Tony said he understands the Chief ' s point which is access, to <br /> prevent spread of fire through the neighborhood . <br /> Tom said he does not know how may cases this change would effect. <br /> Homeowners usually see the cost involved ( running utilities etc. ) <br /> and stay within the 150 feet. <br /> Tony suggested having a reasonable width of clearing . <br /> Chief Baker said he is uncomfortable with veering from the <br /> National standard . We place ourselves at risk when national fire <br /> 3 <br />