Town of Bridgewater
Town Council
Pursuant to Section 2-9 of the Bridgewater Home Rule Charter, the Bridgewater Town Council will consider for action on March 10, 2020 in the Academy Building, Council Chambers, 66 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324 proposed Ordinance D-FY20-005: GENERAL ORDINANCE – COMMERCIAL PARKING LICENSING: WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2-6 of the Bridgewater Home Rule Charter relative to amendments to the Administrative Code, and
WHEREAS, during certain events private property owners use their properties to park automobiles for a fee, and; WHEREAS, the use of property for paid parking can create unintended and unexpected traffic congestion and create hazardous driving conditions, and;
WHEREAS, the Town of Bridgewater has an interest in preserving the peace and safety of its residents and visitors, it is therefore;
ORDERED, that the Town Council assembled votes to amend the Bridgewater Administrative Code, Part III, Chapter 260, Article XV by adding a new Section 14 to read as follows:
Chapter 260, Streets and Sidewalks
Article XV, Paid Parking
Section 14. Licensing Procedure and Regulations for Commercial Parking
For purposes of this section, a commercial parking lot shall be defined as any space paved or unpaved which is proposed to be used for the parking of vehicles for a fee. It shall not include parking lots associated with residential housing developments in which the parking is strictly for the residents.
Owners of property to be used for commercial paid parking shall, at least 45 days prior to the commercial parking use of the property, apply for a license for such use. The Town Manager, by regulation, shall establish a fee for licensure which shall not exceed $100 per year, and criteria for the issuance of a license, including a finding that there exists a public demand for the commercial parking lot and that the commercial parking lot is necessary to protect the public convenience or welfare.
The Town Manager may issue a license under such terms and conditions as he deems appropriate which will protect the public convenience or welfare including any condition which will promote the orderly access and egress of vehicles from a commercial parking lot to the public way or which will reduce hazards to pedestrians within the parking lot or upon the public way.
Each licensed lot must maintain a live exit available to every vehicle parked on the lot, no vehicle shall be blocked in for any reason. Any parking configuration shall not permit backing onto a street or road.
In addition to the provisions of Section 13 of Article XV, a fine issued under this Section may be assessed through non-criminal process in accordance with M.G.L. Ch. 40, Section 21 D. Each day on which any such violation continues shall be considered a separate violation of this section. The availability of non-criminal process herein shall not preclude the use of criminal process or other means of enforcement.
This ordinance is on file with the Town Council Clerk.
