PART I. OVERVIEW

 

A. Purpose

 

Worcester is a small, rural, primarily residential community, characterized by a population that is both economically and demographically diverse.

 

This Town Plan is designed to promote the health, safety, and welfare of Worcester residents; to prevent overcrowding of land and foster its wise and sound use; to avoid undue concentrations of population, industry, and commercial activity; and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, waste disposal, schools, recreational area and other public needs.

 

This Plan is intended to provide guidelines and recommendations for how Worcester can best accommodate change without losing its charm and rural character.

 

One purpose of a Town Plan is to stand for the community’s wishes and vision in the Act 250 process. Therefore, language of a mandatory nature – e.g. “will,” “shall,” “must,” “as long as,” or “shall be discouraged” – signifies a requirement of the Plan.

 

B. Background

 

This Plan is adopted under the authority of 24 VSA, Chapter 117, Section 4381, and contains each of the elements required therein. In addition, it is in conformance with the optional planning goals of the above statute. The latter is not by design so much as coincidence. A chapter on Worcester’s economy included in recognition of difficult economic times and the need to address the same in the local planning process.

 

The philosophical underpinnings and overall goals of this plan come from two sources: the 2000 Worcester Town Plan and town planning activities lead by the Worcester Planning Commission in 2001 (see Appendix A). The 2000 Worcester Town Plan acts as the foundation for this plan while additional priorities and affirmation of existing priorities have been extrapolated from the focus groups and the survey conducted by the Planning Commission. Three focus groups were held in 2001, inviting Worcester residents to join a dialogue on the issues of transportation, natural resources and land use and make their own contributions to the revisions in this plan. The three issues covered by the focus groups were identified as priorities by the Worcester residents who responded to the 2000 Town Planning Survey. The 2001 Worcester Town Planning Survey expanded on the previous one and, in concert with the focus groups, identified priorities to guide this Town Plan and the future of planning in Worcester.

C. Basic Goals of the Worcester Town Plan

 

The list below is based on the goals listed in the 2000 Town Plan. We find them to be in agreement with the priorities of Worcester’s residents in the 2001 Town Planning Survey and focus groups. They will continue to act as the basic goals of the 2007 Worcester Town Plan.

• To maintain the Town’s rural character while accommodating reasonable and compatible growth.
• To protect and encourage the wise use of Worcester’s important natural resources and natural areas.
• To encourage energy conservation and the development of alternative sources.
• To encourage economic and educational opportunity in Worcester.
• To encourage the provision of efficient and necessary public facilities, utilities and services.
• To ensure the availability of safe and affordable housing for Worcester residents.

D. Town Planning Priorities

 

The Town Planning Focus Groups and Survey conducted in 2001 by the Planning Commission yielded the following priorities. They fall within the confines of the basic goals listed above and will guide this Town Plan and the future of town planning in Worcester.

1. Protect Worcester’s rural character

·           maintain the character of Worcester’s roads, most importantly by limiting the paving and widening of any of the town’s existing dirt roads

·           protect Worcester’s viewscapes from development, defilement and obstruction do not actively promote new development of any type in Worcester and endeavor to guide and direct the development that does occur

·           Discourage excessive lighting, private or public

2. Protect Worcester’s natural areas

·           ensure their ecological quality

·           promote recreational use of Worcester’s natural areas without promoting the town’s status as a tourism destination

·           protect the town’s open spaces

·           guide and direct natural resource use so as not to conflict with the town’s rural character and the quality of surrounding natural areas and private property

3.         Address speeding and other issues of traffic and pedestrian safety on Worcester’s roads

4.         Explore a solution and purpose for Worcester’s Village District

5.         Seek the creation of bike paths and sidewalks in town

6.         Explore the possibility of Land Use Regulations that can guide growth in Worcester while ensuring private property rights

7.         Build a strong sense of community in Worcester that facilitates communication among residents and acts as a forum for dialogue on what we want our future to look like.

E. Implementation

The Town of Worcester will attempt to implement the goals, policies, and recommendations of this Plan in the following ways:

·         Through the Town’s participation in the Act 250 process as a “statutory party,” particularly under criterion 10 (conformance with local plan);

·         By reviewing the plans and activities of State agencies to ensure that they are consistent with this document (and taking appropriate action if they are not);

·         By using this Plan as a guide in all relevant local government decision-making processes;

·         By promoting the philosophy of this Plan, and thereby the best interests of Worcester, at the regional level through continued membership and participation in the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission;

·         By using this document as the foundation for any land use regulations (i.e., zoning and/or subdivision) that the voters of the Town might authorize over the life of the Plan.

F. Compatibility Statement

According to Vermont Statute a municipal plan is considered to be compatible with the plans of its neighboring towns and the region if it “will not significantly reduce the desired effect” of the same.

By virtue of its geography and topography, Worcester’s potential for inter-municipal land use conflicts is limited. To the west, east and north, high elevations and rugged terrain virtually isolate Worcester from its abutting towns and the development activities therein. Only to the south, through the valley of the North Branch, does Worcester have any significant interaction with abutting communities. Rural Residential and Conservation District designations along this southern border in the Town of Middlesex mirror Worcester’s adjacent land uses, and so present no obstacle to compatible planning.

 

Draft copies of this Plan will be mailed to all neighboring towns and the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission for review and comment. If no objections are raised, Worcester will therefore conclude that this Plan is compatible with those of adjoining communities and with the Central Vermont Regional Plan.

 

PART II. COMMUNITY PROFILE

A. A Vision of Worcester

 

In addition to town planning priorities, a primary goal of the 2001 survey and focus groups was to engage the community’s residents in a dialogue, record their feedback and opinions, and develop a vision of Worcester. Participants were asked what their town is to them and how they would like to picture it in the next 20-25 years.

 

It has been a well-known fact that the majority of Worcester’s residents are attracted to the town’s rural character, which normally includes appreciation for everything from the unpaved roads to the small population. When given a list of aspects of living in Worcester in the 2001 Town Planning Survey, respondents that gave their opinions rated the following items as the top five most important:

 

1.         Rural Character

2.         Natural Setting

3.         Mountains

4.         Scenic Qualities

5.         Small Population

 

The majority of respondents’ comments from the survey hailed Worcester’s small size, beauty, and the variety of people who live here.

 

In terms of change, respondents brought up the priorities listed above in Section D of Part I. Survey respondents and participants in the focus groups seemed most concerned with preserving their vision of Worcester as they see it now. When asked about their picture of Worcester in the next 20-25 years, the majority of respondents – close to 54% – agreed that they would like to see the town as a “bedroom community for people working in Central Vermont.” Fewer than 31% agreed with a picture of Worcester as a more self-sufficient community. The majority of feedback does not ask for more residential, commercial or industrial development; or for more employment opportunity, more retail variety, more affordable housing, or an expansion of sewer and water service. None of the items in the previous sentence would necessarily have a negative impact on the town, and it may be prudent for the Planning Commission to explore a few of them, especially affordable housing. There is a slight majority in favor of more cultural opportunities and a desire for measures that will ensure traffic and pedestrian safety. Nevertheless, Worcester’s residents do not seem to want much to change.

 

B. Physical Geography and Soils

 

The Town of Worcester is located in Washington County in North Central Vermont. It is bounded by the Towns of Stowe, Waterbury, Middlesex, East Montpelier, Calais, Woodbury, Elmore, and Morristown and contains 25,408 acres of land.

 

With over 3000 feet of topographic relief inside its boundaries, Worcester ranks as one of the most rugged and picturesque communities in the region. From a minimum elevation of about 680 feet above sea level along the North Branch River (which roughly bisects the Town), the terrain rises to 3740 feet on an unnamed peak in Worcester Mountain Range along the northwestern boundary of Town and to nearly 2000 feet to the north and east.

 

The Worcester Range dominates the townscape and insulates the community from the intense development pressures from the west. It is possible to walk from one end of the Town to the other along the crest of the range without ever descending below 2500 feet. As such, these mountains provide for a large unbroken expanse of wilderness offering many spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Most of the higher elevations of the range are publicly owned as part of Putnam State Forest.

 

The majority of Worcester’s soil types belong to a group known as the Lyman-Marlow-Peru association. This group is comprised primarily of soils that have formed in glacial till in the Green Mountains and adjacent uplands, which are generally shallow, gentle to steep slopes, excessively to moderately drained, loamy, low in lime, and with a hardpan or bedrock within three feet of the surface. These soils often present severe limitations for any development and even agriculture. They are generally better suited to forest production.

 

The next most prevalent soil group in Worcester is the Peru-Marlow association. Also characteristic of the mountain and upland areas, soils of this association are generally deeper with better drainage and less prohibitive of development and agriculture than other associations. Peru-Marlow association soils could possibly support low-density use in some areas where it can be demonstrated that on site septic systems are practical.

 

Near the Village center and in scattered locations in the North Branch and Minister Brook valleys, Windsor association soils dominate. These soils were formed in water deposited materials along river and creek terraces and are deep, level and well drained. As such, they are generally well suited to development and agriculture, but less so to forest production due to their sandy texture and low soil moisture. The Onsite Septic Suitability map in Appendix D provides more detailed information on the locations and limitations of these soil associations.

 

C. Town History[1]

 

It has been reported that excellent records were kept on file at the first Town Clerk’s office when the Town of Worcester was first settled, but today the exact date of the Town’s organization remains a mystery. A fire destroyed the Town’s early records.

 

Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire chartered the town on June 8, 1763 to 64 people who originally owned the 71 shares of a plot of land they chose to name Worcester. At the time, the Town measured six miles square and contained 23,040 acres.

 

It wasn’t until 1797, however, that Worcester’s first settlement was made by John Ridlan and George Martin. Early census reports show the Town was not settled rapidly at first. By 1800 the population was a scant 25 persons and by 1810 had increased to 41. The population increased by only three more persons during the next decade. In 1816 the Town was nearly deserted for reasons that remain unclear. There has been speculation that 1816 was the “Year With No Summer” when volcanic ash altered weather patterns in the Northern Hemisphere, causing a frost every summer month and driving foodless settlers from the Town. However, between 1820 and 1830, the Town experienced a population explosion when about 400 people were added to the census.

 

Duncan Young was the first Worcester Town Clerk and he organized the Town on March 3, 1803. The Town Records were maintained in Worcester until that fateful year of 1816, when they were moved to Burlington for storage. That was the year the records were lost in a fire.

 

After 1816, the Town’s history is clearer. One of the first recorded Town Meetings occurred on March 14, 1821 at the home of Amasa Brown. A number of candidates were elected to several committees and boards and Amasa Brown managed to be elected to most of them. The first recorded marriage, after new record keeping began, was between Oliver Watson and Esther Brown in 1817.

 

The Reverend Harvey Gurnsey succeeded in building Worcester’s first Methodist Church in 1848, about two years after he began preaching in Town. In 1888 a new church was constructed with seating for 250. The Sunday School program began the same year and had weekly attendance of 40 students. The church occupied the present Town Hall location until it burned in 1907. The site remained vacant until 1912, when the Town Hall was erected.

 

During the first half of this century, agriculture played a prominent role in the community. Many hill farms were operating in addition to those in the North Branch valley. A combination of economic cycles and government programs forced the number of local farms to dwindle. Today, one dairy farm and several smaller agricultural operations continue.

 

Worcester continues to have a modest commercial and employment base. A transportation company, a retail store, an auto repair shop, and a machine shop operate in the community. Less apparent but equally viable are the many home-based professions and businesses that operate at many locations in Worcester, including a cabinetmaker, veterinarian, computer consultants, attorneys, a landscaping operation, two publications and others.

 

Two hundred years after its first settlement, Worcester still enjoys the rugged beauty of its mountains and valleys that attracted the first settlers here.

 

D. Statistical Portrait

1. Population

 

Worcester, despite its relatively small population, is one of the most rapidly growing towns in the Central Vermont region. Since 1960 the number of people who call Worcester home has more than doubled. Between 1970 and 1990, the Town has grown at a rate of almost 4% annually or 61% over a 16 year period. However, according to Vermont Department of Health statistics, the Town’s growth has slowed considerably in the 1990s, to the point below State and County averages.

 

Table 1 – Population Growth —  1960-2005

 

Table 2 – Percent Change in Population — 1960-2000

% Change
1960-2000	116.3	35.4	56.2
1970-2000	78.6	21.8	36.9
1980-2000	24.1	9.7	19.0
1990-2000	-0.4	5.7	8.2

Source: Center for Rural Studies

 

Table 1 shows that Worcester has grown at a higher rate than both Washington County and the entire state until the last decade, when the town’s population decreased by 4. Chart 2.1 below illustrates this slight drop in population as well. The graph also exhibits Worcester’s historical population peak in the late 1800’s, followed by a decrease in the early 1900’s. This pattern is indicative of most Vermont towns. Not until 1990 did Worcester surpass its previous population record of 802 people from Census year 1880, but the slight 4-person drop between 1990 and 2000 in no way indicates that Worcester’s population will not grow in the coming years, especially when one is planning ahead for the next 20-50 years. Projections prepared for the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission by Economic. Policy & Resources, Inc. in Williston predict that Worcester’s population will increase along with the rest of Washington County, growing by 1% to 1,109 in the year 2020

 

Chart 1 – Worcester Town Population — 1790-1980

Source: U.S. Census

 

Table 3 – Population Density (persons per square mile) —1960-2000

Source: Extrapolated from U.S. Census.

 

Table 4 – Worcester Age Breakdown —1980-2000

Source: U. S. Census

 

Worcester’s population is aging. At present the median age of Town residents is 38.2 years, up from 27.8 in 1970 but slightly under the county’s current median age of 38.5. Table 4 shows that the working age population (18-64 years) has increased by 42 percent over the past two decades, while all of the other age groups above have decreased. Nevertheless, in the absence of significant emigration, Worcester can expect to witness substantial growth in its elderly population in years to come as citizens in the 18-64 population grow into the 65 and over group. While the school age population has remained stable, another “mini boom” could occur as more residents move into adult age brackets from the 5-17 years group.

 

2. Socio-Economic Indicators

 

1990 Census data from Table 5 below shows that the poverty rate decreased significantly and even dropped down below the state’s rate for the first time in many years. There is more good news in Table 6, which shows that Worcester’s median family income rose by 130% between the 1979 and 1989 Census. The county’s median family income experienced a similar increase and was slightly higher than the Town’s. Unfortunately this Town Plan is being revised before the 1999 poverty and income data will be released from the 2000 Census. However Chart 2.2 incorporates data from the VT Department of Employment and Training up to the year 2000 and shows a very encouraging upward trend. In 2000, Worcester’s annual average wage was $28,881 and Washington County’s was $28,306.

 

Nevertheless, only Table 7 incorporates any data from after the September 11th tragedy and the subsequent recession. It illustrates an increase in unemployment for the Town and shows that the rate is higher than the county and state numbers. It can be assumed that the current state of the other indicators will be similarly undesirable when the data is released.

 

Table 5 – Persons Below Poverty Level (percent total population) —1969-1999

	1969	1979	1989	1999
Worcester	74 (14.7%)	104 (14.3%)	78 (8.6%)	75
Vermont	51,048 (11.5%)	59,042 (11.5%)	53,369 (9.0%)	55,506

Source: U. S. Census

 

 

Table 6 – Town and County Median Family Income —1979-1999

	1979	1989‘	1999
Worcester	13,450	30,909	39,732
Washington Co.	17,006	35,396	40,972

Source: U. S. Census

 

 

 

 

Table 7 – Town, County, and State Unemployment Rates —2000-2005

	Worcester	Washington Co.	Vermont
2000	3.6	2.4	2.4
2001	4.7	3.6	3.4
2005	3.9	3.6	3.5

Source: Center for Rural Studies

 

Table 8 below gives the educational attainment data for the town, county and state. All of Worcester’s attainment rates are less than the county and state, save for less than 9th grade, bachelor’s degree, and graduate or professional degree. The latter two are indicative of the trend for many Worcester residents to work in the “white collar” jobs of Montpelier, Waterbury, and Barre.

 

Table 8 – Educational Attainment  — 1990

                                                                                

Source: U. S. Census

 

3. Housing and Families

 

As the housing and economic sections of this plan will describe in greater detail, Worcester is becoming ever more a “bedroom community” for the predominantly “white collar” job centers of Montpelier, Waterbury, and Barre. 1990 data from US Census the VT Dept. of Employment and Training show that only 17% of Worcester’s labor force actually works in town. 2000 Census data shows that. The number of housing units in town has grown by 112% since 1970, compared with 70% for the county. Chart 3 below illustrates the growth of housing units in the Town. Despite Worcester’s still relatively low housing costs, home values here have risen more sharply in recent years than for the region as a whole.

 

Chart 2 – Worcester Housing Units —1960-2000

Source: U.S. Census

Through all of these changes, households in Worcester have retained a “traditional” family structure to a greater degree than those in most other communities. Regionally, 2000 Census data shows that:

 

1.  The Town displays a higher proportion of family households than the county (73% vs. 64%),

2.    a comparable proportion of single-parent families (14% for both Town and county),

3.  Slightly more married adults (18+) living in family households (31% vs. 27%),

4.  And a marginally larger average family size (2.96 vs. 2.91), although Worcester’s number has decreased from 3.17 in 1990.

 

Worcester’s decreasing family size mirrors a decreasing overall household size for both the Town and the county. Table 9 illustrates this point as it also shows the number of town and county households increasing from 1970 to 2000.

 

Table 9 – Number of Households and Average Size —1970-2000

	1970		1980		1990		2000
	Number	Ave. Size	Number	Ave. Size	Number	Ave. Size	Number	Ave. Size
Worcester	145	3.48	250	2.91	324	2.80	346	2.61
Washington Co.	14,960	3.39	19,872	2.83	22,625	2.64	23.659	2.36

Source: U.S. Census

 

PART III. THE LAND AND ITS RESOURCES

 

Please see the Natural Resources map, Appendix D. A.

A. Overview and Goals

 

The landscape is the stage and source for all human activity. However, as recent decades have demonstrated, the resources and frontiers that the land can provide are finite and vulnerable to abuse. It is in our long-term best interest therefore, to use land resources efficiently and wisely so that they may continue to provide opportunities for human endeavor and growth in the future.

 

Growth in Worcester has been rapid and somewhat random in recent decades. Whereas historically, the valley of the North Branch, as the only substantial and contiguous area of level or nearly level land, has been the site of the most human activity in Worcester, settlement patterns are now following the valleys of some smaller streams including Minister Brook, Hancock Brook, and Worcester Brook and expanding into the flatter upland areas. Much of the Town’s new residential growth has been on scattered parcels. Such growth is also the forecast for the foreseeable future.

 

In spite of significant growth, the Town’s landscape is still defined by a blend of mountains, meadows, forest and streams. Worcester’s natural setting is in large part responsible for the rural character and charm of this community. Furthermore, its landscape offers recreation, solitude, aesthetic pleasure, and economic opportunity through tourism and agricultural and silvacultural use. Accordingly, good town planning and wise resource management would dictate limited and sound use of natural areas, surface and groundwater, flood plains, prime forest and agricultural lands important wildlife habitats and other vulnerable resources.

 

To accomplish this, the Town will need to encourage an efficient pattern of growth and settlement, particularly on those lands capable of supporting the same without detriment to the environment or fiscal well-being of the community.

 

Respondents to the 2001 Worcester Town Planning Survey prioritized the following uses of the town’s natural areas and resources:

 

a)      Wildlife

b)      Scenic Values

c)      Preservation (left alone)

d)     Clean Water

e)      Plant Life.

 

Land Resource Goals

 

1.         To ensure that the nature and degree of land resource uses do not have negative impacts on the quality of the land and the resources or on adjoining property values

2.         To ensure the availability of clean water and air for Worcester’s residents

3.         To ensure quality of habitat for the wildlife and plant life that share Worcester lands with us.

4.         To maintain Worcester’s rural character by ensuring the protection of ecological quality, historical structures, and the integrity and clarity of the town’s scenic viewscape.

 

Part III. contains sections on Resource Production Land and Resource Protection Lands. The section on Resource Protection Lands covers the issues of:

 

1.      Natural Areas

2.      Critical Wildlife Habitat

3.      Surface Waters

4.      Wetlands

5.      Floodplains

6.      Groundwater

7.      and Historic Resources.

 

B. Resource Production Lands

 

Agricultural and forestlands benefit society on many levels – economic, aesthetic, recreational, and environmental. Both land uses provide habitat for game and non-game wildlife, undeveloped sites for flood storage and watershed protection, scenic vistas and open spaces for a variety of outdoor pursuits, jobs and income, and increased self-sufficiency as local sources of food and wood products. In addition, these lands are largely responsible for Worcester’s reputation for scenery and as such are crucial to the vitality of the Region’s tourist industry.

 

Few would argue against the need to protect and maintain these important and traditional uses of our land. Still, both agricultural and forestlands are being threatened by development pressures and a variety of economic forces. Agricultural lands are particularly vulnerable to encroachment and conversion as they are generally level, cleared and on good building soils.

 

Although Worcester, with its rugged landscape and narrow valleys, is not commonly thought of as an agricultural community, it does contain a significant amount of good farmland soils. Their locations are approximately circumscribed by the valleys of the North Branch and Minister Brook and small areas along Hampshire Hill and Calais Roads. Since little of Worcester’s prime agricultural soils support uses other than agriculture, the potential for expansion of the Town’s farmland base is limited. This fact makes protection of existing resources even more crucial.

 

According to the Grand List, two parcels in Town are actively used for agricultural as the primary source of income. This totals more than 535 acres used for dairy, beef, and hay with more than 488 acres enrolled in Vermont’s Use Value program. Through this program landowner’s property taxes are assessed on the basis of the land’s current use (as opposed to its development potential). In return, the landowner pledges to abide by a management plan for the parcel. Most of Worcester’s agricultural landowners are not full time farmers. Still, the open spaces they provide play an important role in defining the character of this rural community.

 

Equally important to Worcester’s identity are the vast forestlands within its borders. About 8,390 acres of these are protected within the boundaries of Putnam State Forest. These public lands occupy the western third of Town (i.e. the upper elevations of the Worcester Range). At the present time, there is very little commercial harvesting occurring within the State Forest (a relatively small amount of firewood is cut from some of the more accessible sections). State foresters anticipate that the management policy for the foreseeable future will be to leave the vast majority of Putnam State Forest in its natural state. Intense commercial harvesting is not desirable because of the fragile nature of high elevation ecosystems, or practical, due to the remote and rugged nature of the area.

 

Considerable forestland remains in Worcester outside of Putnam State Forest, as well. Approximately 9,852 acres of the Town’s privately owned land is enrolled in Vermont’s Use Value program for timber management, and this number rises yearly.

 

With the U.S. Forestry Service’s “Forest Legacy” program, forest landowners have another option and incentive for the voluntary conservation of their land. Under this program, federal funding is available for the purchase of conservation easements on eligible private forestlands.

 

Another type of resource-based production, which should not be overlooked, is that of earth materials extraction; in Worcester, this refers primarily to gravel. Gravel deposits in Worcester are glacial in origin and like human residences, agricultural operations, and groundwater supplies, generally follow the courses of streams and rivers. While these deposits may yield important and needed materials for road and building construction, Worcester’s coincidental development patterns render their extraction a matter of some sensitivity. It is vital that care be taken in the siting and operation of future gravel pits in order to avoid land use conflicts and environmental damage.

C. Resource Protection Lands

1. Natural Areas

A natural area can be described as “an area of land or water that, in contrast to the normally encountered landscape of a region, retains or has reestablished its natural character and retains unusual or significant flora, fauna, geological features or similar features of scientific interest”. Such places, often remote, quiet and beautiful, are of great and unquantifiable value to local residents and visitors alike.

 

The State of Vermont Department of Forests and Parks has identified important natural areas on all of its landholdings. This inventory includes all elevations above 2500 feet within the Putnam State Forest; e.g. the upper elevations of the Worcester Range. These areas exhibit interesting geology as well as unusual sub-Arctic flora and fauna. Worcester Range elevations over 2500 feet outside of State Forest boundaries demonstrate the same qualities, and hence are also recognized as natural areas by this document.

 

The Agency of Natural Resources called special attention to North Branch Falls (in north central Worcester near Route 12) in a recent inventory of the State’s significant waterfalls, cascades and gorges. The inventory report acknowledges the Falls as being “…visually a nice medium sized falls and a fine swimming hole in a mountain setting”. It further states that the River is, at this point, “a mountain stream about 10 to 20 feet wide with very clean water” and notes the site’s unique and interesting geology. [“…Rock is a pretty blue quartz-schist with narrow stripes. It is variously grooved and rippled and in the cascade there are some nice small pools and low drops. “]

2. Critical Wildlife Habitat

Worcester boasts considerable wildlife habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including many associated with wilderness or near – wilderness settings (e.g. moose, bear, fisher, bobcat, coyote, etc). Residents value native wildlife for a variety of reasons – hunting, aesthetic appreciation, and indirect income among them.

 

Our most critical wildlife species are generally thought of as those that yield significant economic returns, provide for sport and subsistence hunting, act as symbols of wilderness values, or face the threat of extirpation or extinction. We know that viable habitat is the single most important survival need for most of these species, yet for many, habitat loss or fragmentation is a real and present threat.

 

Critical habitats are defined as: white-tailed deer wintering ranges (as identified and mapped by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation), black bear production zones (also as mapped by DEC), and any areas necessary to support the food, shelter or breeding needs of rare, threatened or endangered-species.

 

Winter deer ranges are generally located in coniferous stands in valleys offering food and relief from icy winds and deep snows, such areas are often desirable sites for human activities as well. Worcester possesses some significant winter deer ranges. The largest of these, long and linear in shape, parallels Route 12 from the intersection of Hancock Brook Road to the Worcester-Elmore boundary. Smaller deer exist along Hancock Brook and on a plateau north of Minister Brook.

 

While nearly the entire Town is considered to be seasonal habitat for black bear, only the northeast corner, in the vicinity of Eagle Ledge, is mapped as “production habitat” by the State. Such areas support “relatively high densities of cub-producing females.”

3. Surface waters

Worcester has many picturesque mountain streams, the cascades, pools and waterfalls of which provide recreation and aesthetic enjoyment to Town residents. The largest waterway in Town is the North Branch of the Winooski River. Entering from Elmore, to the north where it originates, this stream winds its course through Worcester for about 10 miles before exiting to the south in the Town of Middlesex. From Worcester’s southern border the North Branch flows south about 12 miles to its confluence with the main stem of the Winooski in the City of Montpelier.

 

According to the Vermont Rivers Study, published by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (formerly the Vermont Agency of Environmental Conservation) and the National Park Service, the Worcester section of the North Branch provides excellent habitat for brown and brook trout as well as moose. In addition, it contributes to the recharge of Worcester’s municipal water supply aquifer.

 

Several streams born in Worcester’s upland areas join the North Branch in the valley contributing to its capacity. Flowing east from the Worcester Range are Minister, Hancock and Catamount Brooks. From the eastern hills flow the Hardwood, Worcester and Russ Pond Brooks. Catamount, Worcester, Russ Pond and Hardwood Brooks provide moose habitat. All of these streams flow largely undisturbed and unimpeded. Minister Brook, like the North Branch, helps to replenish the groundwater supply feeding Worcester’s municipal water supply system.

 

All of Worcester’s streams have been designated as “Class B” waters by the State of Vermont. By definition, streams so classified should “consistently exhibit good aesthetic value and provide high quality habitat for aquatic biota, fish and wildlife.” They should also be suitable for use as a public water supply with filtration, for irrigation and agriculture, and for swimming and recreation.

 

It is State policy to maintain the quality of its surface waters at their designated standards. The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering has received the charge of river management with respect to the above classification system. In answer to this charge, ANR conducted a study in 1988 of the State’s surface waters to determine if their respective classification standards were being met. This study determined that all Worcester’s streams fully supported Class “B” uses (e.g. water-contact recreation, etc.). However, this status was considered “threatened” for Hancock and Minister Brooks due to the effects of acid precipitation.

 

Worcester’s only standing water body of significant size is Worcester Pond. This 35 acre manmade impoundment drains a 943 acre area. It lies at an elevation of 1067 feet above sea level and has a maximum depth of about 6 feet. It is classified as “mesotrophic” by the Department of Water Resources (meaning it exhibits moderate plant growth, nutrient levels and BOD levels) and sees limited use at present as a warm water fishery.

4. Wetlands

Wetlands are swampy or marshy areas that are not quite water and not quite earth, but some mix of both. They are inhabited by a unique variety of plants and animals and help make our environment more livable by purifying surface and underground water supplies, storing floodwaters during wet periods and replenishing water supplies in dry weather, and providing for productive and diverse biological communities.

 

Worcester contains numerous small wetlands listed on the National Wetlands Inventory. Although wetlands can sometimes present significant and costly obstacles to development, they are often threatened by building and other human activity.

 

1.      Please see the Worcester ‘s Watersheds map, Appendix D.

5. Floodplains

The 100-year flood (i.e. an event of a magnitude that has a statistical recurrence interval of once every 100 years) has been adopted by the Federal Insurance Administration as the basis for flood and floodplain management. The 500-year floodplain indicates areas of lesser flood risk, but still in a zone of potential hazard.

 

Worcester’s principal flood hazard zones occur in low-lying areas along the North Branch of the Winooski River and at the mouth of Minister Brook (see Present Land Use Patterns map, App. D). However, some of the smaller tributary streams are subject to flash flooding and are quite capable of causing significant property damage as well. The most frequent flooding occurs in early spring as a result of snow melt and heavy rains, but flooding has historically occurred in every season. Flooding has also occurred as a result of ice jams and debris collection.

 

Most Worcester residents have first hand experience of the perils of flooding. In November of 1927, a flood with a 250-year recurrence interval inundated the Town, wiping out most of its bridges. More recently the floods of June 1984 and July 1990 resulted in the declaration of Worcester as a disaster area; roads and bridges were again damaged or destroyed.

 

Encroachment by development on floodplains reduces their water storage potential, increasing flood heights and thus damage to downstream areas. In addition, development of these areas and the resulting effect on floodplain mechanics is disruptive of river ecology. Finally, the economic benefit of locating a structure in a flood hazard zone seldom outweighs the economic risks of damage to or destruction of that building.

 

Through its participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Worcester has acknowledged the functional importance of its flood prone areas. This program provides flood insurance coverage and damage relief to communities with the foresight to enact ordinances regulating floodplain plan land use. Worcester enacted such an ordinance in 1978 restricting development in flood hazard zones (see Appendix A). However, this ordinance must be enforced by the Town to a degree accepted by the NFIP in order to reap the benefits of participation (see Land Resource Policy # 14, p. 20).

 

6. Groundwater

The importance of groundwater to the residents of Worcester cannot be overstated. So dependent is the community on underground sources for domestic water supply, that pollution or significant depletion of its aquifers would spell hardship for many years to come. Worcester therefore, must consider the protection of groundwater resources in planning for its future.

 

Major groundwater deposits in this region are most often found in areas underlain by stratified drift deposits (permeable sand gravels of glacial origin) along watercourses in valley areas. In Worcester, the southern end of the valley of the North Branch fits this description. The water supply wells which supply 65-70 homes are located near the confluence of Minister Brook and the North Branch; the area of greatest potential yield within Worcester’s boundaries. These wells have yields of about 50 gallons per minute. A significant, but somewhat less important, stratified drift deposit with possible yields of between 50 and 200 gallons/minute extends for a mile or so north and south of the Village water supply. Small, low yield aquifers, suitable for individual wells only, are located along Worcester and Minister Brooks and upper stretches of the North Branch. The relative scarcity of suitable groundwater development sites makes protection of Worcester’s aquifers that much more crucial.

 

Vital to the protection of groundwater sources is an awareness of their “recharge” areas. Aquifer recharge areas are zones that contribute to subsurface supplies. A recharge area consists not only of the land area directly above the aquifer through which precipitation percolates, but also of upland areas from which runoff drains towards the aquifer. Uses of these lands, which may have the potential for spills of toxic or dangerous substances, also have the potential to pollute the aquifer. Uses that render the land impermeable (e.g. parking lots) will deplete the groundwater supply. Also, given the natural exchange between surface and ground waters, land uses that pollute upstream waters may damage downstream aquifers in time. Obviously, the regulation of potentially hazardous land uses is a vital part of aquifer protection.

 

Recognizing this, the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has designated an area around Worcester’s municipal water supply well as a Well Head Protection Area (WHPA). Vermont’s groundwater protection law (10 VSA Chapter 48) sets forth general policies for WHPAs and ANR’s Water Quality Division has published recommended land use guidelines for WHPAs and other contributory zones. (WHPAs are not all inclusive with respect to recharge of aquifers, encompassing only the “primary recharge” area.)

7. Historic Resources

Several structures or sites, listed below, in or near the center of Town are of important historic or cultural significance.

 

a)      The Town Hall

b)      The Church

c)      The White School

d)     The Cemetery

 

 

PART IV. UTILITIES, FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Please see the Utilities & Facilities map, Appendix D.

A. Overview and Goals

Public and private utilities, facilities and services play a critical role in providing for the health, safety and welfare of Worcester residents. The location, timing and capacity of such infrastructure can also have a profound influence on growth and development within a community.

Goals for Utilities, Facilities and Services

1.   To provide reliable government services to Worcester’s residents at a reasonable cost

2.         To prevent septic and solid waste disposal from having negative impacts on human health, ecological quality, or private property rights

3.         To prevent the location or execution of any municipal service from having negative impacts on human health, ecological quality, or private property rights

4.         To ensure quality education services

5.         To ensure swift and adequate emergency and health services

6.         To encourage freedom of public access to recreation and public lands

7.         To use thoughtful infrastructure planning and maintenance to encourage growth where it is most suitable and least expensive to the community.

 

Part IV contains sections on:

 

B.       Sewage Disposal

C.       Water Supply

D.       Electric Power

E.        Education

F.        Solid Waste

G.       Emergency and Health Services

H.       Outdoor Recreation and Public Lands

I.          and Other Government Services.

1. Sewage Disposal

Worcester has no public sewage disposal system. Therefore, all wastewater must be disposed of and treated where it is generated.

 

On-site septic systems require specific soil and site characteristics to enable the effective treatment of wastes. Where soils are impermeable, too permeable, shallow, or wet, or where slopes are steep, conventional septic systems are problematic and potentially hazardous. Accordingly, areas displaying such site limitations are generally not suitable for development.

 

22

Restricting such areas however, intensifies development pressures on soils that can accommodate septic systems, including most prime agricultural soils.

 

The proper treatment of septic waste is essential to a clean, healthy environment. Faulty on-site septic systems can pollute soils, surface waters and groundwater and endanger public health. As Worcester’s population grows, sanitary disposal will become even more critical. It is important then, that the Town require the safe and efficient treatment of sewage, for current and future residents alike. Worcester has a septic site-approval ordinance, which can be found in Appendix C.

2. Water Supply

While homes and businesses in the outlying areas of Town are predominantly served by private wells or springs, much of the Village area is supplied with water through the storage and distribution system known as Worcester Fire District No. 1. The district runs approximately from the Rouelle property on Rte. 12 south of the Village to the old cemetery on the north, and from the Calais Road Bridge on the east to the Minister Brook Road Bridge on the west. The District currently serves about 65-70 customers. Total usage per day is approximately 11,000 gallons. Fire District No. 1 includes two wells, the newer of which was drilled 26 years ago. They currently are the source of all water for the district. The system reservoir, located on Town property off Minister Brook Road, contains two cells that hold 50,000 gallons each. Fire District No. 1 maintains hydrants for emergency use.

3. Electric Power

Worcester residents along the Route 12 corridor receive their power from Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP), while the Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC) supplies those in the hills. GMP is the regions largest utility. WEC is a member owned utility run by an elected, nine person board. Some of WEC’s power supply is generated locally at the Wrightsville Dam in Middlesex.

 

Electricity is a vital component of modern life, but one not without costs. Its generation, distribution and transmission raise issues of environmental protection, public health, land use, aesthetics, and consumer affordability.

 

Studies that show conserving energy is much less expensive than generating new sources have not been lost on Vermont’s utility companies. Both WEC and GMP are committed to the concept of “demand side management” (controlling costs by controlling demand and increasing efficiency). The State of Vermont, under the regulatory review of the Vermont Public Service Board, has established the concept of an “Efficiency Utility” to develop and manage statewide programs. The Vermont Department of Public Services has requested proposals from other parties to deliver the program.

4. Education

Worcester’s elementary school children attend Doty Memorial School, which is situated on the Calais Road near the center of the Village. The school serves grades pre-K-6 and was constructed in 1978. An addition was built in 1994 in order for the school to meet state education standards, including construction of a library, suitable classroom space, kitchen, and meeting areas. Indoor air quality issues were also addressed at this time.

 

Enrollment over the last ten years has dropped from an average of 110 to an average of about 85. This drop is despite a large percentage increase in Worcester’s overall population. Declining school enrollments amidst overall increases is a phenomenon found in many Vermont towns, suggesting family sizes are smaller, couples are having no children, or elderly residents are becoming a larger share of the general population base. The phenomenon presents a challenge for schools because fewer residents have a direct stake in the public education system. It has become increasingly important to show townspeople how good schools are a benefit to the entire community.

 

In past town plans, the severe funding problems caused in our town by an inequitable state education financing system were described. Our residents’ tax burdens were extremely high even though the school expenses were modest and residents’ incomes average to low. The Worcester School Board joined efforts to reform the financing system, and was a plaintiff in the successful 1997 Brigham vs. Vermont lawsuit that ordered the system to be changed. Thanks to the new system that has been developed, a penny increase in the tax rate in Worcester now raises the same amount per pupil as a penny on the tax rate in any other town in Vermont. Additionally, there are caps on the percentage of a homeowner’s income that goes to pay school property taxes.

 

The new funding system has been of great benefit to our school. However, our school will continue to face significant financial challenges because of its small size and fluctuating enrollments. We share these challenges with many small towns around the state. On the positive side is increasing recognition among state policy makers of the “extra” value that research shows small schools provide. Local schools are also seen as lynchpin in the maintenance of strong community life.

 

Instruction for grades 7-12 is provided by Union 32 High School, which includes Worcester, Berlin, East Montpelier, Middlesex and Calais. The union district provides transportation to the high school located in East Montpelier. In 1999 residents of the supervisory union approved a major renovation and construction project at the high school, which was completed in 2005.

5. Solid Waste

Worcester is a member town of the Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management District. Every two years, a Supervisor is elected to represent the Town on the District’s Board of Supervisors. The District is responsible for the development and implementation of a solid waste plan that complies with the State solid waste plan. On June 1, 1993, the District adopted its solid waste implementation plan, entitled, “Seeking a Solid Waste Solution.”

 

As part of the plan, the District has an agreement with the town by which the District operates a drop-off for residential trash and a recycling depot. The site is on the Calais Road, on town-owned property near the North Branch of the Winooski River. The recyclables are hauled to a materials recovery facility for aggregating and marketing, and the trash is taken to a district-designated, lined landfill.

 

The District sets charges for each bag of residential trash delivered to the drop-off The District also collects a surcharge for trash hauled directly to the lined landfill by commercial haulers who pick up garbage directly from households and businesses. Special wastes (such as appliances) are taken at three District drop-offs (Johnson, Stowe and Wolcott) for special fees. Household hazardous waste collection days are held in Morrisville periodically for paint and other hazardous materials. The District also can make assessments to its towns (paid by the towns through their property taxes).

6. Emergency and Health Services

Fire protection for the Town is provided by a volunteer fire department with a force of about 16 individuals. As part of an inter-municipal mutual aid system, Worcester volunteers may call for assistance from fire departments in nearby towns as needed. During the year of 2006, the Fire Department responded to 56 calls for assistance.

 

The Worcester Fast Squad, which is a 6-member non-profit corporation organized in 1977, provides the Town with emergency medical care under the Vermont Emergency Medical Services system. Volunteer members are trained to respond to medical emergencies and work in conjunction with the Montpelier Ambulance Service, which provides emergency transportation in Worcester. The Fast Squad responded to 36 calls for assistance in 2001, including help for 39 patients.

 

The Fire Department and Fast Squad had a combined budget of $21,675 in 2001, all of which came from the Town. Various fund raising efforts and payments for service provide additional funding. In 2002 the Fire Department and Fast Squad separated with budgets of $24,275 and $4,700, respectively, which were approved during Worcester’s Town Meeting.

 

Law enforcement service is provided by the Vermont State Police, who provide routine patrols through the community and also respond to calls for assistance. The Town Constable, who assists in matters of a local nature, provides additional support.

 

The Worcester Planning Commission is aware of the passing of the Federal Hazard Mitigation Act in 2000. This legislation will provide up to $250,000 to Vermont each year for disaster planning and mitigation. This money is in addition to Hazard Mitigation Project Grants (HMGP), which are funded from money related to disaster declaration anywhere in the state. However, Worcester is not eligible to receive any funding without the development of a regional “All Hazards Mitigation Plan” in compliance with state and federal requirements. Examples of projects within such a plan are stream bank stabilization, upsizing of culverts, and road improvements. The Worcester Planning Commission urges the Town to coordinate with state and Regional Planning Commission efforts to develop such a plan (see Emergency/Health Services Policy # 2, page 27).

7. Outdoor Recreation and Public Lands

Worcester provides numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Its rugged peaks, ample wildlife, back roads and trails, clear streams, scenic views and deep forests are enjoyed by hikers, hunters, cyclists, anglers, equestrians, photographers, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, swimmers, and even pleasure drivers.

 

Worcester possesses ample public lands in which residents and visitors alike may pursue a variety of recreational offerings. Putnam State Forest boasts over 8,000 acres in the high elevation of the Worcester Range. Its main attraction is its “skyline” hiking trail network, which leads to the panoramic peak of Hunger Mountain. Putnam’s trails may be accessed from Minister Brook and Hancock Brook Roads. Other large public holdings include the 184 acre Worcester Woods Wildlife Management Area (Vt. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife) off Pratt Road and the largely under utilized Worcester Municipal Forest, containing roughly 300 acres of land surrounded by the State Forest. In addition, the Town maintains a small playground, the 14acres Haymeadow, the Joseph Ladd Memorial Field next to the Town Hall, and a 25 acre parcel known as the Chandler Lot on the West side of Town.

 

Although not within Town boundaries, the Wrightsville Reservoir provides water-based recreation to Worcester residents. In fact, the Town is a voting member (along with Middlesex, East Montpelier, and Montpelier) of an inter-municipal recreation district responsible for managing and maintaining the popular Wrightsville Beach Day Use Area. This 95 acre site (leased from the Vermont Department of Water Resources) offers swimming at a sandy beach, picnicking, and a nature/history trail. The District is funded by municipal dues, user fees and an annual “impact fee” payment by the Washington Electric Cooperative, which operates a hydro-plant at the south end of the reservoir.

 

While Worcester has abundant public lands, private lands are still an integral part of the Town’s recreation picture. Increased development of these lands has begun to reduce the public’s access to scenic areas and undeveloped land because the old trails, logging roads, etc., once used as access to them are being subdivided and posted, as are the scenic areas and undeveloped land themselves. The result is that some hunters, skiers, snowmobilers, hikers and others are finding their recreational options limited.

8. Other Government Services

The Town of Worcester provides some limited administrative services for its residents. These include the services of town officers and a town clerk.

 

The Selectboard is a part time body composed of three elected citizens. At present, its workload is substantial. Further Town administrative burdens would stretch the capability of the Board to perform its duties adequately. The Selectboard oversees the management of Town affairs, the condition of the Town’s roads and facilities and various boards and commissions. There are several other appointed and elected Town positions. Contributions made by these officials for little or no remuneration are an important asset to the Town’s smooth operation.

 

The Town Clerk plays a central role in the operation of local government. The Clerk’s statutory duties range from recording, preserving, and certifying public documents to administering oaths of office, complying with public information requests, posting notices, running the local elections, serving as clerk of the Board of Civil Authority, and issuing marriage, civil union, and animal licenses, and motor vehicle renewals.

 

 

PART V. TRANSPORTATION

 

Please see the Transportation map, Appendix D.

A. Overview and Goals

The type, quality and location of transportation facilities available to residents in the future will play a critical role in defining the quality of life and pattern of development in Worcester. It is the town’s desire to facilitate and maintain a transportation infrastructure that will enable the quick, efficient and safe movement of people, goods, and services, both within and between communities while maintaining Worcester’s environmental quality, its small town rural character, and its economy.

Transportation Goals

1.         To provide a transportation infrastructure that will enable the quick, efficient and safe movement of people, goods, and services

2.         To protect the rural character and scenic value of Worcester’s roads

3.         To ensure pedestrian safety.

 

This section contains information on Worcester’s road network and its scenic roads.

B. The Road Network

The highway network in Worcester is dominated by a collector state highway, Route 12, running between Montpelier and Morrisville. There are two roads maintained by the Town, the Calais Road and Minister Brook Road, which link numerous small Town roads with the State highway.

 

Traffic statistics compiled by the Vermont Agency of Transportation indicate that there is more than twice as much traffic on Route 12 at Worcester’s southern boundary with Middlesex as there is at the northern boundary where the route crosses into Elmore (see Chart 5.1). This means that most of the Route 12 traffic enters or exits the State highway in Worcester, and that about half is transient traffic traveling through Town. Presumably, workers commuting to the Montpelier/Barre area from the residences and other roads along Calais Road and Minister Brook Road are responsible for much of the weekday flow to and from the south. This is indicative of Worcester’s colloquial “bedroom community” designation.

 

Although traffic volumes on Route 12 have increased dramatically over the past decade, they are relatively low when compared to volumes for similar arterials Statewide. These low traffic volumes contribute to the Town’s solitude and rural character.

 

Chart 3 Route 12 Average Daily Traffic Count (by location)

                          1986            1988        1990        1992        1994        1996        1998        2000

Source: VT Agency of Transportation.

 

Table 10 – Calais Road Average Daily Traffic Count, (by location)

Source: VT Agency of Transportation.

 

As the two collector routes, the Calais Road and Minister Brook Road are the heaviest traveled town highways, portions of each road have been paved at Town expense and remain adequate for present traffic demands, presuming they are actively maintained. Additional traffic burdens caused by growth in the Town’s rural areas could necessitate further improvements and maintenance requirements for either road. Table 5.1 above illustrates the growing amount of traffic on Calais Road.

 

The Town continues to hold rights of way on many legal foot trails. Although infrequently used and sometimes impassible by vehicles, these Town rights of way serve a useful purpose for recreation, and provide access to seasonal residences and remote areas of Town which otherwise would be inaccessible. Class 4 roads that provide access to both year round and seasonal dwellings are maintained in accordance with state statute.

 

It is the Town’s policy to maintain the present highway patterns shown on the general highway map on file at the Town Clerk’s office. There are no Town plans to construct new roads or reconstruct roads currently classified as Class 4 roads or trails, except as required under state statute. Moreover, in view of the significant costs associated with maintenance of the current system the Town will take over roads only if they meet established Class 3 Road standards without the Town’s incurring any expense and are specifically approved by the Selectboard. It remains the policy of the Town that persons seeking to construct a driveway leading into any Town highway must secure a driveway permit from the Selectboard

C. Scenic Roads

Worcester is blessed with many scenic roads. More than 81% of respondents to the 2001 Worcester Town Planning Survey agreed that “Worcester’s roads are an important component of the town’s rural nature.” Those listed below are of special significance, either because they are used by the public on a daily basis or because of their unique beauty and setting.

 

1.         Hancock Brook Road from the terminus of the power line south to its intersection with Route 12

2.         Route 12 from the southerly town line to the ledges

3.         Route 12 through the village

4.         Route 12 just north of the village to the former Cane Farm

5.         Upper Minister Brook

6.         Gould Hill Road from Calais Road to the Gould Farm

7.         Hampshire Hill Road.

 

Except for purposes of traffic and pedestrian safety, the majority of survey respondents and focus group participants disagreed with changing or upgrading any of Worcester’s roads; this includes paving. The vast majority of respondents stated that town roads that are currently should remain that way.

 

PART VI. ENERGY

A. Overview and Goals

Energy is a pervasive influence in our lives. We use energy to heat homes and offices, power industry, and to transport people, goods and services from place to place. Energy costs are a major line item in government, business, and personal budgets. Still, too often, we take the availability and current costs of our energy supplies for granted and ignore the impacts of our energy consumption entirely.

 

In Vermont, fossil fuels are the primary source of our energy, accounting for 75% of all energy use. Our reliance on fossil fuels contributes to our dependency on foreign countries, the accumulation of “greenhouse gases” in the atmosphere, acid precipitation, and human health hazards resulting from declining air quality. Continued dependency on fossil fuels over the long term will ultimately create severe environmental problems and the potential for economic hardship when supplies dwindle or are cut off

 

Common sense dictates that we attempt to decrease our overall energy demands, use our current supplies more efficiently, and begin to shift some of what demand remains to renewable sources such as hydropower, wind, solar, and biomass. While these alternatives are not completely benign in their impacts, they are generally less harmful than fossil fuels and are available in perpetuity at more stable costs.

 

Although the energy picture often appears abstract and beyond the influence of individual communities, local planning can play a positive and effective role in guiding energy decisions. In fact, by promoting efficient land use patterns, participating in energy development decisions, facilitating alternative transportation options, and encouraging energy conservation strategies, even small towns like Worcester can do much to bring about a sustainable energy future.

Energy Goals

1.         To encourage energy conservation through the guidance of land use patterns, the facilitation of alternative modes of transportation, and other methods

 

2.         To encourage the development of alternative and renewable sources of energy.

 

The three main sources of energy consumption in Worcester are household heating, private vehicles, and electricity. As the latter is addressed in the previous chapter, only the first two uses are considered here.

1. Heating

Worcester residents have already begun the shift toward locally available and renewable energy for home heating. In fact, wood was the most popular heating fuel in Town in 1990 (see Table 11). While the entire region witnessed a return to wood heat during the “energy crisis” of the 70’s, Worcester residents employed wood at a rate well above the State average and almost three times the county average.

 

The popularity of wood as a heating fuel keeps money in the local economy and argues for the long-term maintenance of Worcester’s productive forestlands (as does growing interest in its use in the generation of electricity).

 

Table 11– Heating Fuel by Type (percent of users)

	1990	2000	1990	2000
	Worcester	Worcester	Washington County	Washington County
Utility Gas	0.0%	0	0.3%	292
Bottled, Tank, or LP Gas	8.8%	44	12.1%	4,419
Electricity	3.4%	5	12.1%	1,643
Fuel Oil, Kerosene, Alcohol	40.9%	176	56.3%	14,874
Coke or Coal	0.0%	2	1.2%	46
Wood	46.9%	122	17.9%	2,275
Solar	0.0%	0	0.05%	7
Other Fuel	0.0%	0	0.1%	78
No Fuel Used	0.0%	0	0.01%	25

Source: U.S. Census.

 

While solar energy may not be a practical primary heating source in a climate as unreliable as ours, home heating costs and energy use can be dramatically reduced through auxiliary solar systems, passive solar design, and even building orientation. In addition, proper insulation/weatherization of both new and existing structures yields returns far greater than the investment required over the life of most buildings.

C. Vehicles

Transportation accounts for about 45% of Vermont’s total energy demand and 60% of the State’s fossil fuel use. Worcester’s status as a “bedroom” community, its rural nature, and its previously discussed affinity for wood heat would suggest that even loftier percentages apply here.

 

With only 17% of employed residents working in town, and a limited array of goods and services within the community, travel is an almost daily necessity for most Worcester residents. According to 1990 Census data, 80% of Worcester’s work force drives at least 20 minutes to work each day. Although it is likely that many of these commuters have the same general destination, 81% make their trip alone in a private vehicle.

 

 

PART VII. HOUSING

A. Overview and Goals

Shelter is among the most basic of human needs. The availability, cost, and location of housing within a community can have far-reaching implications. These factors can affect land use, employment, and transportation patterns, and the social and economic mix in any given town. One of the most difficult challenges facing communities in Vermont is how to provide an adequate supply of decent and affordable housing for all residents without compromising community character or overburdening physical infrastructure.

Housing Goals

1.         To ensure safety, availability and affordability in Worcester’s housing stock

 

2.         To prevent the location and manner of new housing development from having any negative impacts on human health, ecological quality, scenic values the town’s rural character.

 

This section contains information on unit growth, affordability and availability.

B. Unit Growth

Even without experiencing the pressure of large subdivisions or large-scale residential developments, Worcester has always had the distinction of being one of the fastest growing towns in the region. The number of housing units in Town has more than doubled over the past three decades, from 187 in 1970 to 396 in 2000 (see Chart 2.3). This is clearly clue to the Town’s desirable location with respect to regional job centers and outdoor amenities. Worcester’s rapid unit growth between 1970 and 2000 is responsible for the fact that the Town has a newer housing stock than most other communities in Central Vermont. In 1990 the median year of construction for all housing units in Worcester was 1970 while the Washington County median was 1958. It is not clear if this statistic correlates to better conditions for existing stock.

Contrary to the rapid growth of the past three decades, a closer look at the data from the 2000 Census reveals that the Town’s housing unit growth rate is slowing to nearly match that of the surrounding county (see Table 12 below). Nevertheless, these facts do nothing to dispel the “specter of growth” in Worcester. Growth will always be an important issue as Worcester works to retain its identity as a small, rural community and maintain existing municipal services, particularly the elementary school. These things could all be affected by new growth. Projections prepared for the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission by Economic Policy & Resources, Inc. in Williston predict that Worcester’s population will grow by 1% to 1,109 by the year 2020 and that housing demand in the Middlesex/Worcester are will grow by 2.5%.

 

Table 12 – Housing Unit Growth

	70-80	80-90	90-00
Worcester	61.0%	20.3%	9.4%
County	36.0%	14.5%	9.1%
State	35.2%	21.5%	8.5%

Source: U.S. Census.

C. Affordability

In spite of the great number of relatively new dwelling units in Worcester, the value of housing here has lagged significantly behind State and regional averages until recent years, and apparently even declined for a period in the early 1980’s. This is clearly changing now and changing dramatically. The average value of a home in Worcester soared 120% between 1985 and 1990 (see Table 13 below). Updated home value information is not yet available from the 2000 Census.

 

Table 13 – Housing Value

	1983	1985	1990	1995	2000
Worcester	$35,812	$35,606	$77,800	$80,920	$100,200
County	$44,839	$48,211	$86,522	N/A	$105,200

Source: U.S. Census, VT Department of Health.

 

Despite this dramatic inflation, owner occupied housing is still less expensive in Worcester than for the rest of the region. According to 1990 Census numbers, median monthly owner costs were $622 in Worcester, compared with $679 for Washington County. Those numbers do not tell the whole story, however. It is important to note that median family income figures for Washington County were substantially higher than those for Worcester ($35,395 vs. $30,909). As a result, less expensive housing may not be more affordable housing. Still, applying the standard definition of “affordability” (total housing costs should consume no more than 30% of household income), it appears that the average family in Worcester can afford the average house in Worcester – for now, at least.

 

This does not mean that there is no affordability gap in Worcester. Median monthly gross cash outlay for renters was slightly more here than in the County as a whole ($425 vs. $411). In addition, Worcester’s aging population will mean more fixed income families in the years ahead. It will be interesting to see the housing cost figures from the 2000 Census, when they are finally released.

D. Availability

According to 2000 Census data, Worcester’s housing unit occupancy rate is slightly higher than the surrounding county’s (87.4% vs. 85.6%). The Town’s rate has fallen from 89.5% in 1990. Table 14 shows that there has been growth albeit small, in all vacancy types, except in units for sale only. Recreation and related uses account for 70% of the Town’s unit vacancy, but it is lower than the county rate of 78%. Worcester may be a recreation destination for the region, but that designation certainly does not overshadow the Town’s residential nature, nor does it seem to be having a terribly adverse effect on the housing stock thus far.

 

Table 14 – Worcester Housing Vacancy Status

	1990	2000
Total	38	50
For Rent	1	2
For Sale Only	5	3
Rented or Sold, not occupied	0	4
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use	31	35
Other vacant	1	6

Source: U.S. Census.

 

Worcester’s proportion of rental housing units has risen from 14% in 1990 to 18% in 2000, but is nowhere nearly as high as the county’s rental proportion of 31%. In the 1990’s it appeared that most unit conversion was occurring in older structures. In fact, renters occupy most of the housing units in structures erected before 1939. So, while the supply of rental units may be increasing, the quality of such units may not be.

 

While Worcester does not appear to be facing a housing crisis at present, the prospect of rapidly increasing housing costs from 1990 data combined with a scarcity of available units threatens to “price out” current residents as well their descendants and prospective immigrants to the community. As such, the affordability and availability of housing may become a critical issue for this and future generations if Worcester is to retain its economic and social diversity

 

PART VIII Child Care (June 2006)

 

Opportunities for childcare in Worcester are both local and within the larger Washington County area. Our local elementary school, Doty Elementary, offers both an early education program, which is a licensed child care provider by the State of Vermont, and an after school program, for elementary aged children, which is also licensed by the state as a child care provider program for school age children. These programs run throughout the year and include day camp programs when children are out of school in the summer months. Worcester residents whose children participate in these programs pay for the child care services they receive in a number of ways. Some participants pay a full amount, some attend on scholarship, and others pay a portion and receive a subsidy to cover the remaining expenses for the services. If a parent or child caretaker would like to find out about financial assistance for such programs they could discuss these opportunities when they connect with these programs.

 

Financial assistance is available to pay for child care through most licensed and registered home settings and those in charge of the programs can discuss the avenues to receive this assistance with parents or caretakers seeking child care. In addition to the above-mentioned programs coordinated through the school, Worcester contains two registered home day care providers, which offer day care and after school care to Worcester families. Several large day care facilities are available in the Montpelier area, representing both licensed providers and registered home providers.

 

In addition to these child care services registered and licensed by the State of Vermont as child care providers, some local residents share child care tasks and utilize family members for child care for their children. Our rural nature continues to allow for such family and friend arrangements to work for some residents, as is often more difficult to manage for families in larger and more diffuse communities. There are numerous local residents who provide simple babysitting for families looking for someone to care for their children for an afternoon or evening.

 

Worcester residents pursuing child care for their children may contact the Washington County Family Center for information on what is available both locally and within Washington County. In addition, the State of Vermont provides a website for families looking for child care information and services at www.brightfutures.dcf.state.vt.us. This site offers information on licensed providers and registered home providers of day care and after school care, by community, as well as links to other services and programs offered by the State of Vermont for children and their families.

 

PART IX. ECONOMY

A. Overview and Goals

A healthy economy is essential to maintaining Worcester’s quality of life. A diversified and dynamic economy provides employment, stimulates social and cultural interaction, and provides the resources for the provision of community services, education and infrastructure. On the individual level, a diversified economy offers greater opportunity for people to engage in satisfying and meaningful pursuits. Economic vitality is a balance between human, natural and capital resources and it is the interaction of these factors that determines the scale and intensity of growth and development.

Economic Goals

1. To promote an economic environment that ensures employment and quality of life to all of Worcester’s current residents
2. To promote a reasonable and affordable tax rate. This section contains an employment analysis and information on the town’s taxes.

B. Employment Analysis

In earlier times, Worcester’s economy placed greater emphasis on the use and exploitation of its natural resources. Until the second half of the 20^`h Century, mill powered manufacturing and agriculture were the Town’s employment mainstays, and most residents made their living in Town.

 

Although Worcester is not now devoid of commerce and industry, it has clearly evolved into a “bedroom community^“ over the past few decades. The Town has no large employers and, according to 2000 Census data, over 80% of its workers are employed outside of Town (see Table 15).

 

Table 15 – Place of Work

	Worcester Employment	Employment Percentage
Workers 16 Years and Over	495	100%
Work in Place of Residence	84	17%
Work at Home	31	6%
Work Outside Place of Residence	411	83%

Source: U.S. Census information provided by Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

 

Indicators including commuting time (see Part VI. Energy, C. Vehicles) and employment by industry point to the fact that a relatively high percentage of Worcester’s labor force is employed in the Regional employment centers of Montpelier, Barre and Waterbury in the private, public or non-profit service sectors (see Table 16).  The percentage of people who work at home in Worcester (6%) is comparable to the percentage of people state-wide who work at home in Vermont (5.7%, U.S. Census Bureau). 

Table 16- Employment by Industry

	Worcester *	%Worcester	%State
Agriculture/Forestry	12	2.4%	3%
Construction	32	6.2%	6.7%
Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities Industry	14	2.7%	3.7%
Manufacturing	49	9.6%	15.1%
Wholesale Trade	10	2%	3.1%
Retail Trade	41	8%	12%
Information Industry	6	1.2%	2.7%
Finance/Real Estate/Insurance	30	5.9%	4.7%
Professional, Management, Administration	39	7.6%	7.1%
Arts/Recreation/Hospitality Services	31	6.1%	8.6%
Education/Health Services/Social Services	119	23.3%	24.1%
Public Administration	94	18.4%	4.6%
Other Service Industries	33	6.5%	4.7%

Source: U.S. Census information for Town provided by Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

            U.S. Census information for Sate provided by U.S. Census Bureau

* Census Information for “Employment by Industry: Employed Population 16 Years and Over” is 510. 

 

 

Employment patterns in Worcester follow employment patterns in Vermont with two notable exceptions.  Worcester has a lower percentage of people working in Manufacturing, 9.6% compared to Vermont’s 15.1%.  In a reverse pattern, Worcester residents are more likely to work in Public Administration than Vermonters as a whole, 18.4% vs. 4.6%.  The State of Vermont is one of the largest employers in the region, and Worcester’s high employment in the Public Administration category may indicate the importance of state government to the Town.

C. Taxes

Worcester displays a relatively small grand list per student ratio. In other words, it is a “property poor” town where the ability to raise taxes for education through the property tax is a difficult proposition. As a result, tax rates must compensate for the meager grand list, and so, property tax burdens are relatively high.

 

PART X. LAND USE PLANNING

 

Please see the Present Land Use Patterns map, Appendix D.

A. Overview

Four identifiable land use districts, more fully described below, presently exist in the Town. These districts, and the accompanying map, represent present land use patterns and do not necessarily signify any officially adopted land use regulations. Future development should be limited to densities and types that preserve the identity of these districts, and limited to a scale that is in keeping with the nature of the various districts. This section also includes information on the possibility of land use regulations in Worcester’s future.

Land Use Planning Goals

1. To guide growth and development in specific districts and throughout Worcester for the purpose of:

a.         promoting a positive quality of life

b.         protecting ecological quality

c.         protecting scenic values

d.        maintaining Worcester’s rural character

e.         facilitating good community relations

 

2. To respect the private property rights on Worcester’s citizens

 

3. To facilitate the community’s vision of Worcester now and into the future.

 

This section contains information on:

 

B.     The Village District

C.     The Village Transition District

D.    The Rural Residential District

E.     The Forest District

F.      and the Future of Land Use Regulations in Worcester.

B. Village District

The Village District is a primarily residential area that also serves as the hub of the Town’s public activity. This District is characterized by soils and slopes that are generally suitable for development, though in some locations present densities may preclude future development. All of Worcester’s municipal services are located in this District. These services include a public water supply, fire and rescue, the post office, the elementary school and various municipal buildings. In addition, the Town’s general store is in the District.

             

Housing density in the District tends to be more compressed along the roadways than in other areas of Town. Nevertheless, population densities and the physical spacing of housing is more reflective of a rural village than an urban or suburban environment since the housing is clustered along a main street and not spread back into the countryside.

Several topographical features tend to make the Village District unique and particularly scenic. The Village lies in the narrow valley created by the Worcester Range and the long, steep hillsides that separate Worcester from Calais to the east. The result is a scenic open area consisting of both flat and hilly terrain that serves as a backdrop to a traditional New England village. This effect is enhanced by clustered housing along the main roads, which minimizes the impact of structures upon the open area.

 

The steep surrounding hills also funnel residents into the Village and Route 12 for access to Montpelier and other areas of employment, shopping and entertainment. Thus, the Village District assumes a special role since most residents pass through it every day. For this reason, the appearance and well being of the Village is critical for all Town residents.

 

From the Town Hall, the general area encompassed by this District is: to the north, the flatter land lying west of the North Branch of the Winooski up to the northerly border of Mountain View Cemetery; to the west, the flatter land along Minister Brook Road up to the intersection of town Road (trail) #24; to the south, the flatter land on both sides of Route 12 up to the point where Route 12 dips toward the ledges on the south edge of Town; and, to the east, the flatter land along the Calais Road up to the intersection of that road and Pratt Road (see map in Appendix D).

46

C. Village Transition District

The Village Transition District is one of Worcester’s smallest districts, but plays a key role in the general appearance of the Town. This District combines some of the characteristics of the Village District, whose contour it follows, and the Rural Residential District. It is primarily residential in nature, being more densely settled than neighboring rural residential areas. Like the Village District, the access to roads is adequate, and level or gently sloping topography predominates with soils generally capable of supporting development.

The Village Transition District winds its way loosely along Route 12, to the south, and north, and along areas of Minister Brook Road. It extends north to Hancock Brook Road, and follows the flatter area along Minister Brook road up to the intersection with Hampshire Hill Road. Its southerly boundary is the Middlesex town line (see map in Appendix D).

The reason that the Villa^ge Transition District plays such a key role in Worcester is due to its prominent features: outstanding scenic vistas on both north and south ends of Town. These scenic corridors include pastureland bordered by views of the Worcester Mountain range, and traced by the North Branch of the Winooski River.

In many small northern New England towns, a sense of history and pride has disappeared as the traditional village setting has given way to a haphazard mix of development. In Worcester, the traditional entrances to Town remain in the sturdy line of cape houses that lead into the heart of the village, and in the fields and unobstructed mountain views.

Like the Village, some of the Village Transition District lies along the North Branch of the Winooski River, and shares some of that District’s benefits – flatter land, and fertile soils, and disadvantages – flood plain areas. This district, therefore, is really a true transition area with its changing topography and its mix of open spaces and residential uses.

 

D. Rural Residential District

Beyond the Village and Village Transition Districts lies a rural area that is almost entirely low density residential in nature. This District is characterized by steeper slopes and more severe soil limitations for subsurface sewage disposal than the Village or Village Transition Districts. Access to public roads is limited. The roads that serve this district are unpaved and, in places, very narrow and/or steep, making them more vulnerable to abuse and overuse than the paved roads in other areas of town. Nevertheless, the unpaved nature of these roads and similar roads in the other districts of Worcester has been identified by the community as a major component of the town’s valuable rural nature.

 

Despite the limitations noted above, there are areas in the District that are well suited for residential development, particularly along the roadways. For this reason it is this District which has seen the most dramatic increase in housing starts over the past four years and where growth pressures will be most pronounced in the coming years.

 

This District contains some of the Town’s most scenic countryside. The area is roadless, but not as remote as the Forest District, and it plays a very important role in providing residents with outdoor recreational opportunities.

 

The Rural Residential District is that area of the Town beyond the Village Transition District served by or between the Town’s Class Three and Class Four roads (see map in Appendix D).

 

F. Forest District

The Forest District is a vast, unsettled part of Worcester outside those areas that have traditionally served for residential and agricultural uses. It is distinguished by rugged topography, mountain ridges and rushing streams. The steep terrain, shallow soils and lack of public road access have preserved the Forest District in a wilderness condition. The district is important for replenishment of regional water supplies and has high soil erosion potential.

 

The Worcester Block of the Putnam State Forest is 7,959 acres in size and makes up a large part of the District. In fact, the State Forest accounts for about one-third of Worcester’s total acreage of 25,408 acres. All State land over 2,500 feet has been classified by the State of Vermont as Worcester Range Natural Area. The public land, combined with large, private tracts of forestland, has resulted in largely unrestricted, public access and use of the Forest District.

 

A separate section of the Forest District occurs in the northeast corner of Worcester near Eagle Ledge. Although not as spectacular as the Worcester Range, the Eagle Ledge area is characterized by rugged, undeveloped terrain with limited access.

 

The vast stretches of unbroken, wooden terrain in the Forest District provide excellent habitat for upland game species. The District has populations of bear, moose, deer, wild turkeys and other animals and birds. The wilderness nature of the District has made it an important local and regional recreational area. Popular activities include hunting, skiing, touring and snowmobiling. Foot trails also attract many hikers to the peaks of the Worcester Range, which afford views of Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump and other mountains.

 

Access to the District is limited to several foot trails with trailheads located near or on private property. Travel within the District is limited mostly to trails and logging roads. Development is practically nonexistent.

 

The Forest District encompasses all parts of Town not included in the other three districts and those areas not served by Town roads (see map in Appendix D).

 

The District is significant for the panorama created by the Worcester Mountain Range, which is prominently visible within the Town and from many neighboring communities. The range has several mountains that rise nearly 2,500 to 3,000 vertical feet or more above the North Branch Valley, including Mount Hunger (elevation 3,286 feet) and Mount Worcester (3,286 feet).

 

G. The Future of Land Use Regulations in Worcester

Throughout the Worcester Town Planning process, it has become apparent that many of Worcester’s residents would like the Planning Commission to explore the possibility of using land use regulations as a tool to guide and direct our community’s growth and development and to protect our town’s rural character. This isn’t a responsibility that the Planning Commission takes lightly. With more community building and public dialogue, the Commission will ascertain the true will of Worcester’s residents on the subject of land use regulations. If the signal is to move forward, the public will be invited into the process of formulating effective regulations that are appropriate for the town and its citizens.

 

So far, feedback from the 2001 Town Planning Survey Focus Groups on the subject of land use regulations has included the following points. They should be incorporated into any land use regulation discussion.

 

1.         The regulations should be specific to Worcester for the purpose of protecting our vision of the community.

 

2.         The rights of private property owners must be taken into account and protected.

 

3.      Regulations should be applied uniformly. Don’t break separate residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Regulate development by its nature and intensity of use not by “arbitrary zones.”

 

4.      Development should protect and preserve the rural nature of Worcester.

 

5.      Allow adjoining property owners to settle their own problems without a lot of initial regulations.

 

The Worcester Planning Commission will be sure to keep the public abreast of the planning process. Citizen participation will be included at all phases. The Commission wants to hear your voices and know what you are thinking. Let’s do this together. Be on the lookout for more information.

 

PART XI. FINAL WORDS

The Worcester Planning Commission proudly submits this Town Plan for approval by the Worcester Selectboard and, eventually, the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. Planning Commission members are: Gordon Cole, Cliff Bador, William Arrand, Paige McIntire, Jerry Nelson, Lisa Forbes, Brian Powers, Bill Dodge and Penny Marwede. We have welcomed comments and questions from the residents of Worcester throughout the revision process, and we will continue to welcome them even after this plan has been approved and into future planning activities in town. The members of the Worcester Planning Commission in 2001 and 2002 were: William Arrand, Olivia Bravakis, Gordon Cole, Peter Comart, Chair, James Dawson, Genevieve Ehlers, Paul Hill, Jr., Gretchen Saries, Amy Trubek and William “Chip” Sawyer, Town Plan Assistant (nonresident)

 

The following individuals and groups were instrumental in revising the Worcester Town Plan. We express our sincere thanks to them:

Andrew Flagg
Allen Gilbert
Bill Sargent
Carolyn “Lindy” Wells, Worcester Town Clerk

 

Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
UVM Center for Rural Studies
Vermont Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Planning Division
Worcester Conservation Commission

 

And especially
The Residents of Worcester, VT

 

We humbly apologize to anyone we may have left off the list.

APPENDIX A.

FLOOD HAZARD BYLAWS

 

CENTRAL VERMONT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

 

MODEL FLOOD HAZARD BYLAWS

 

(Free Standing)

 

SECTION 100      STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION

To effect the purposes of 10 V.S.A. Chapter 32, and in accord with the Vermont Planning and Development Act, 24 V.S.A.. Chapter 117, there are hereby established Flood Hazard Area Regulations for the Town of Worcester.

SECTION101        STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

It is the purpose of these regulations to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, to prevent increases in flooding caused by the uncontrolled development of lands in flood hazard areas, and to minimize losses due to flooding by:

 

1.  
   1. Restricting or prohibiting uses that are dangerous to health, safety or property in times of flood or cause excessive increase in flood heights or velocities;

 

1.  
   1. Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;

 

1.  
   1. Protecting individuals from buying lands that are unsuitable for their intended purposes because of flood hazard.

SECTION 102       LANDS TO WHICH THESE REGULATIONS APPLY

These Regulations shall apply to all lands within Zones “A” designated as flood hazard areas by the Federal Insurance Administration on its Flood Insurance Study for the Town of Worcester, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps, dated January 1977. These maps are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Regulation.

SECTION 103       INTRPRETATION OF FLOOD HAZARD AREA BOUNDARIES

The Administrative Officer shall determine the boundaries of the designated flood hazard area by scaling distances on the FIA’s Boundary Maps. Where interpre­tation is needed as to the exact location of a boundary, the Board of Adjustment shall upon appeal make the necessary interpretation. The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to present his/her case to the Board of Adjustment and to submit his/her own technical evidence.

SECTION 104       PERMITTED USES

The following open space uses shall. be permitted within flood hazard areas to the extent that they are not prohibited by any other ordinance or regulation and provided that they do not require the erection of structures, storage of materials and equipment, importing fill from outside the flood hazard area, do not obstruct flood flows and will not increase the flood level within the floodway during the occurrence of the base flood or increase off-site damage potential.

 

a.           Agricultural uses, such as general farming, pasture, orchard, grazing, outdoor plant nurseries, truck farming and forestry.

 

b.           Recreation uses, such as parks, camps, picnic grounds, tennis courts, golf courses and boat launching sites.

 

c.           Residential uses, such as lawns, gardens, unpaved areas and play areas.

SECTION 105       CONDITIONAL USES

Except for the permitted uses as defined by Section 104, all other uses listed for the zoning district that fall within any designated flood hazard area may be permitted only-upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit by the Board of Adjustment.

SECTION 106       PERMIT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

a.         All zoning permit applications shall be submitted to the Administrative Officer, on forms furnished by him/her, who shall determine whether or not the proposed development is located within the flood hazard area by the procedure established in Section 103.

 

b.        If the proposed use is a permitted use as defined in Section 104, a permit shall be issued by the Administrative Officer.

 

c.         Requests for all other uses will be referred to the Secretary of the Board of Adjustment.

SECTION 107       CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application submission requirements shall include:

 

a.              Two (2) copies of plans drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the lot.

 

b.             Existing and proposed structures including the elevation of the lowest habitable floor including basement and con­firmation as to whether such structure contains a basement.

 

c.              Proposed fill and/or storage of materials.

 

d.             Proposed floodproofing measures and the level to which any structure will be floodproofed.

 

e.              The relationship of the proposal to the location of the channel.

 

f.              The extent of the flood hazard area and the base flood elevation utilizing the best information available.

 

g.              For all subdivision and development which requires a permit under Section 105 and which involves more than 50 lots or 5 acres, the base flood elevation for that portion that lies within Zones A.

-3‑

SECTION 108       PROCEDURES

a.              Upon receipt of an application and plans, the Board of Adjustment shall transmit one copy to the Vermont Department of Water Resources in accordance with Section 4409(c)(2)(A) of the Act.

 

b.             In accordance with Section 4409(c)(2)(A) of the Act, no permit may be granted prior to the expiration of a period of thirty (30) days following the submission of a report to the Vermont Department of Water Resources under Item (1) above.

 

 

c.              In riverine situations, the Board of Adjustment shall notify adjacent communities and the Vermont Department of Water Resources prior to approval of any alteration or relocation of a water-course and submit copies of such notification to the FIA Administrator. In granting its approval, the Board shall be assured that the flood-carrying capacity of the altered or relocated portion of any watercourse is maintained.

 

SECTION 109       STANDARDS FOR FLOOD HAZARD

 

109.1   In all flood hazard areas (i.e. numbered and unnumbered ^“A^” Zones) the following GENERAL STANDARDS are required:

 

a.            All new-construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored _.to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of, the structure.

 

b.           All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.

 

c.            All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage.

 

d.           All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system.

 

e.            New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters.

 

f.            On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding:

 

g.         All mobile homes shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement-by providing over-the-top and frame ties to ground anchors. Specific requirements shall be that:

 

(1)          (1) over-the-top ties be provided at each of the four corners of the mobile home, with two : additional ties per side at intermediate locations and mobile homes less than 50 feet long requiring one additional tie per side;

 

(2)          frame ties be provided at each corner of the home with five additional ties per side at intermediate points and mobile homes less than 50 feet long requiring four additional ties per side;

 

(3)          all components of the anchoring system be capable of carrying a force of 4,800 pounds; and,

 

(4)          any additions to the mobile home be similarly anchored.

 

h.         Subdivisions

 

(1)          All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage,

 

(2)          All subdivision proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage.

 

(3)          All subdivision proposals shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.

 

(4)          Base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdivision proposals and other proposed development which is greater than 50 lots or 5 acres; ‘whichever is less.

 

109.2   In all flood hazard areas where base flood elevation data has been provided (i.e. for all numbered “A” Zones – “Al” – “30”), the following specific standards are required:

 

a.            Residential Construction – New construction or sub­stantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above base flood elevation.

 

b.           Non-Residential Construction – New construction or – substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or other non-residential structure shall either have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the level of the base flood elevation or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be flood-proofed so that below the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this Subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the Administrative Officer.

 

c.            Mobile Homes – For new mobile home parks and sub-divisions, for expansions to the existing mobile home parks and subdivisions; for existing mobile home parks: and subdivisions where the repair, recon­struction, improvement of the streets, utilities and pads equals or exceeds 50 percent of value of the streets, utilities and pads. before the repair, reconstruction or improvement has commenced; and for mobile homes not placed in a mobile home parka or subdivision require:

 

(1)          stands or lots are elevated on compacted fill or on pilings so that the lowest floor of the mobile home will be at or above the base flood level;

 

(2)          adequate surface drainage and access for a hauler are provided; and,

 

(3)          in the instance of elevation on pilings:

(a)                lots are large enough to permit steps,

(b)               piling foundations are placed in stable soil no more than ten feet apart, and

(c)                reinforcement is provided for pilings more than six feet above the ground level.

 

d.           Floodways – Within areas designated as floodways, the following standards shall apply:

 

(1)          Prohibits encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other developments unless certification by a professional registered engineer or architect is provided demonstrating that encroachment shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge.

 

(2)          Prohibits the placement of any mobile home, except in an existing mobile home park or existing mobile home subdivision.

 

109.3       In unnumbered “A” Zones, if base flood elevation data is available from alternative sources, the Board of Adjustment shall obtain. review and reasonably utilize this data until such other data has been provided by the Flood Insurance Administrator as criteria for requiring that:

 

a.            All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood level; and

 

b.           b. All new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated or flood-proofed watertight to or above the base flood level.

 

SECTION 110       ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

110.1       The provisions of these Regulations shall be administered and enforced as provided by 24 V.S.A.. Chapter 117, Sections 4441-4448.

 

110.2       The Administrative Officer shall:

 

a.            assure that all necessary permit be obtained from those governmental agencies from which approval is required by Federal or State law;

 

b.           maintain a record of the elevation, in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest habitable floor, including basement of all new or substantially improved structures, and whether or not such structures contain a basement; and,

 

c.            maintain a record of the elevation, in relation to mean sea level, to which the structure was flood-proofed.

 

110.3       Variances shall be granted by the Board of Adjustment only:

 

a.            in accordance with the provisions of 24 V.S.A. Section 4468;

 

b.           upon determination that the variance will not result in increased flood heights, threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.

 

110:4       The Secretary of the Board of Adjustment shall notify the applicant that:

 

a.            the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood elevation will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to the amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage; and

 

b.           such construction below the base flood elevation increases risk of life and property.

 

110.5       The Secretary of the Board of Adjustment shall:

 

a.              maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance; and,

 

b.              report such variances issued in its Annual Report to the Federal Insurance Administrator.

SECTION 111       TIME FOR ACTING ON APPLICATION

111.1       The Board of Adjustment shall hold a-properly warned hearing within 30 days of receiving an application, and shall act on such application.

 

111.2       A copy of the public notice shall be mailed to the applicant at least 15 days prior to the hearing date.

SECTION 112       ISSUANCE AND TRANSMISSION OF PERMITS

112.1       Upon granting a permit, the Board of Adjustment shall send to the applicant, by certified mail, a copy of the decision. Copies of the decision also shall be mailed to every person appearing and having been heard at the hearing, with the Administrative Officer, who shall forthwith issue a permit, and with the Town Clerk as a part of the public records.

SECTION 112       EFFECTIVE DATE

113.1       A permitted use permit shall take effect 15 days from the date of issuance.

 

113.2       Conditional use permits shall take effect upon adjudication by the Board of Adjustment.

SECTION 114       FEES

114.1       The Board of Selectmen shall establish such fees as may be necessary for the filing of notices and the processing of hearings and action thereon. All such fees shall be paid to the Secretary of the Board of Adjustment upon application for a conditional use permit under these Regulations.

SECTION 115       WARNING OF DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

115.1       These Regulations do not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazard or land uses permitted within such districts will be free from flooding or flood damages. These Regulations shall not create liability on the part of the Town of Worcester or any town official or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.

SECTION 116       SEVERABILITY

116.1       If any portion of this Ordinance is held unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected.

SECTION 117       PRECEDENCE OF REGULATIONS

117.1       The provisions of these Regulations shall take precedence over any conflicting and less restrictive local laws

SECTION 118       ANNUAL REPORT TO FEDERAL INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION

118.1       The Administrative Officer shall, to the extent possible, submit to the Administrator the information required by the FIA Annual Report Form with respect to the administra­tion and enforcement of these flood hazard area bylaws.

 

118.2       A copy of the Annual Report shall be submitted to the State coordinating agency.

DEFINITIONS:

These definitions should be incorporated into the list of definitions in the Zoning Regulations.

 

ADMINISTRATOR – The Federal Insurance Administrator

 

FIA – Federal Insurance Administration

 

FLOODPROOFING – Those methods that are adequate to withstand the flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with the 100 year flood.

 

FLOODWAY – The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.

 

BASE FLOOD – The flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

 

RIVERINE – Relating to, formed by or resembling a river (including tributaries) stream, brook, etc.

 

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT — Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structu^I6 either: a) before the improvement or repair is started, or b) if the structure has been damaged and is being restored before the damage occurred.

APPENDIX B.

ACCEPTABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR LOGGING OPERATIONS

 

(following pages)

 

ABBREVIATED LISTING OFACCEPTABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR LOGGING OPERATIONS

 

Practices to be applied during logging:

 

1.                  Steep pitches (greater than 10%) on permanent truck roads shall not exceed 300 feet in length.

 

2.                  Road surfaces shall be adequately drained. Ditches shall be used to divert water away from the road surface. Where it is necessary to prevent an excessive accumulation of ditch water volume or to bring water under the road on grades greater than 10%, pole culverts or metal culverts shall be used. Broad-based dips can be used instead of culverts to relieve ditches or to bring water across the road when road grades are less than 10%. Drainage structures shall be installed with a gradient (slope from the uphill side of the structure to the outlet) of at least 4 degrees, when rock and ledge permit, and kept free of debris.

 

3.                  Water entering a roadway shall be moved under or away from the roadway before gaining sufficient flow and velocity to erode ditches.

 

4.                  Drainage ditches shall not terminate where they will feed directly into streams or other surface waters.

 

5.                  Skid trails shall not go straight up a slope but proceed at a gradual angle across the slope. Short steep sections of up to 20% grade are permissible, but shall not exceed 300′ in length.

 

6.                  Long straight stretches of skid trail shall be adequately drained using outsloping turnups, broad-based dips (on grades of 10% or less), or pole culverts.

 

7.                  Silt fencing, hay bale erosion checks or water diversions shall be used to prevent sediment from skid trails from entering streams and other surface waters.

 

8.                  Streams and other bodies of water shall be kept free of slash and other logging debris.

 

9.                  Truck road crossings of all permanent streams shall be over a bridge or culvert. Steams may be forded by skid trails only where streambeds have stable beds and stable, gradual approaches (gravel or ledge). Streams may also be crossed by brushing-in during frozen winter conditions, but all brushed-in material shall be removed from the stream channel when skid trail use has been completed or before spring runoff, whichever comes first.

 

10.              Logging activities, except for the necessary and proper construction of stream crossing structures, shall be kept out of stream channels.

 

11.              Turnups or broad-based dips shall be used before a truck road or skid trail crosses a stream.

 

12.              Areas of exposed soil within 25 feet of streams must be seeded and mulched.

 

13.              Stream crossings shall be made at right angles where possible.

 

14.              Except for necessary construction of stream crossings, a protective strip shall be left along streams and other bodies of water in which only light thinning or selection harvesting can occur so that breaks in the canopy are minimal and a continuous cover is maintained. Log transport machinery must remain outside a 25′ margin along the stream or water body.

 

15.              Log landings shall be located on level or gently sloping, stable ground.

 

16.              Landings shall not be located in protective strips.

 

17.              Silt fencing, hay bale erosion checks or water diversions shall be used to prevent landings from entering streams and other surface waters.

 

 

Practices to be applied after logging:

 

18.              Waterbars on temporary roads shall be properly installed. They shall be at least 8″ deep and installed with a 4 degree gradient when ledge and rock permit.

 

19.              Ruts shall be filled and smoothed if they offer any potential gullying.

 

20.              Waterbars shall be installed at proper intervals.

 

21.              All non-permanent structures shall be removed from streams and the channel restored. Permanent culverts left in streams must be sized properly.

 

22.              Following the close of operation, all approaches to streams, between the stream and the first water diversion on either side, and all disturbed stream banks shall be stabilized and seeded and mulched as soon as conditions are favorable to seed germination, but no longer than one year after logging is completed.

 

23.              Log landings shall be graded and water diversions installed as needed to prevent sedimentation.

 

24.              Areas of exposed soil within the protective strip along waterways shall be stabilized by seeding and mulching.

 

 

NOTE:

 

Complaints about logging jobs should be forwarded to an Environmental Conservation Investigator who can be contacted through Agency of Natural Resources District Office. Complaints may also be forwarded to the Chief Environmental Conservation Investigator in Waterbury (244-8755). For other than significant discharges, complaints will usually be handled through a cooperative arrangement between the Vermont Timber Truckers and Producers Association and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. This arrangement involves on-site visits by local committees to the logger responsible for the problem. The committees will encourage the logger to apply the appropriate erosion control practices. Only in cases of significant discharges or where voluntary compliance is not successful, will the Environmental Conservation Investigator take enforcement action.

APPENDIX C.

SEWAGE ORDINANCE FOR THE TOWN OF WORCESTER

 

 (following pages)

 

1

SEWAGE ORDINANCE FOR THE TOWN OF WORCESTER

 

SECTION I. AUTHORITY

This ordinance is adopted under authority of 24 VSA Chapter 102 and 24 VSA Chapter 59.

SECTION II. PURPOSE

This ordinance is intended to ensure that sewage is discharged into an approved sewage treatment system and to accomplish the following:

A.    Prevent the creation of health hazards which include, but are not limited to surfacing sewage and the contamination of drinking water, ground water or surface water;

B.     Ensure adequate drainage related to the proper functioning of sewage disposal; and

C.     Ensure that facilities are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in a manner which will promote sanitary and healthful conditions.

SECTION III. DEFINITIONS

Applicant – the legal owner of the property requiring a sewage disposal system construction permit.

 

Minor modification – generally understood to be the work on or replacement of the septic tank or the piping between the septic tank or the pump chamber and the building. The Sewage Officer shall decide what constitutes a minor modification on a case-by-case basis.

 

Sewage disposal system – system for disposal of waste using undisturbed soil on-site as a disposal medium, including a tank for collection of solids and leach area for liquids or any other system which disposes of waste water on site. This shall include multiple family, commercial and industrial on-site disposal systems, as well as individual single family homes.

 

Multiple family dwelling – a building providing two or more separate living quarters, each with its own cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities, for two or more families.

 

Permit – a written authorization issued by the Town of Worcester.

 

Person – any institution, public or private corporation, individual, partnership or other entity.

 

Seasonal dwellings – a structure which is not a primary

residence and is not occupied for more than six (6) months of the year.

 

Sewage officer – the legally appointed Health Officer of the Town of Worcester, acting under authority of this ordinance. In the absence or temporary unavailability of the Sewage Officer, or if the Sewage Officer has a conflict of interest in a particular case, the Selectboard may appoint another person to act as Sewage Officer on a temporary basis.

 

Single family – a group of persons related by blood or marriage or a group of persons unrelated by blood or marriage living together as a household.

Single family dwelling – separate living quarters with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities provided within a dwelling unit for the use of a single family maintaining a household.

 

Small Scale Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Rule – those rules effective August 8, 1996, promulgated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Those Rules are incorporated into this Ordinance by reference. They are referred to also as ^“The Rules”.

SECTION IV. APPLICABILITY

All sewage disposal systems in the Town of Worcester shall be built, altered, repaired and used in accordance with this ordinance. This includes, but is not limited to, sewage disposal systems for seasonal dwellings, single and multiple family homes and commercial and industrial properties.

SECTION V. SEASONAL DWELLINGS

A.    Any seasonal dwelling constructed after the enactment of this ordinance must receive a Disposal System Construction Permit meeting the full minimum standards of this ordinance if the useful occupancy of the dwelling requires running water. The use of any seasonal dwelling shall not be changed until the requirements of Section X of this ordinance are met.

B.     All seasonal dwellings which will not have plumbing and which will not have running water at anytime do not require a Disposal System Construction Permit. These seasonal dwellings shall receive a minor permit from the town prior to commencement of construction on the property.

C.     A seasonal dwelling constructed prior to enactment of this ordinance shall not be required to have a sewage disposal system provided no health hazard,

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 nuisance or surface or ground water pollution exists. The Sewage Officer shall determine if such conditions exist. If such conditions are determined to exist, a disposal system shall be installed or upgraded to meet the standards of this ordinance to the extent possible or the running water shall be removed and the generation of sewage ended.

 

SECTION VI. SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES

All single family residences shall receive a Disposal System Construction Permit before commencement of construction on the property. Construction shall be understood to mean the construction, reconstruction,

conversion, structural alteration relocation or enlargement of any structure, including foundation excavation or foundation or building construction, and shall include site work which involves or may affect any portion of an existing or proposed sewage disposal or water supply system for the structure, or any change in the use of any structure.

SECTION VII. SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE DISPOSAL SYSTEM ALTERATIONS

A.    All single family residences shall receive a Disposal System Construction Permit before commencement of any alteration, repair or reconstruction of the disposal system, except as provided in Subsection B.

B.     When the Sewage Officer determines that a minor modification (See Definitions) to an existing system is proposed, the officer may waive the Disposal System Construction Permit and issue a minor modification permit.

SECTION VIII. MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLINGS

Prior to the commencement of construction of any multiple family dwelling, including duplexes, an approved water supply and wastewater disposal system permit issued by the state must be filed with the Sewage Officer of the Town. A valid state permit shall satisfy the requirement for a Disposal System Construction Permit. Upon completion of construction a Certificate of Compliance must be issued as required under Section XV.

SECTION IX. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES

Prior to the commencement of construction of any commercial or industrial structures, an approved water supply and wastewater disposal system permit issued by the state must be filed with the Sewage Officer of the

4

 Town. A valid state permit shall satisfy the requirement for a Disposal System Construction Permit. Upon completion of construction a Certificate of Compliance must be issued as required under Section XV.

SECTION X. CHANGE OF USE

A.                   No structure shall be altered in any way so as to change the use of the structure until the Sewage Officer is satisfied that the existing sewage disposal system is adequate for the proposed use or until the Sewage Officer issues a Sewage Disposal Construction Permit consistent with the minimum standards of this ordinance.

B.                   B Change of use shall include, but is not limited to, the addition of plumbing or running water, addition of bedrooms, conversion of seasonal to year around use as single or multi-family dwelling, conversion of single to multiple family dwellings, and conversion between or among residential, commercial and industrial uses.

SECTION XI. REPLACEMENT SYSTEMS

A.                A Disposal System Construction Permit must be issued prior to installation of a replacement wastewater system. When replacement is needed because of a failed system, a reasonable effort shall be made to determine the cause of the failure to assure that subsequent failure may be avoided. After replacement a Certificate of Compliance must be obtained as required under Section XV.

B.                 Replacement systems for single family dwellings which were approved under previous regulations shall be installed in the previously approved area unless a new location meeting current standards can be approved.

C.                 Replacement systems shall, at a minimum, meet the standards which were in effect when the original system was permitted. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of improved design technology whenever possible.

D.                Replacement systems for multiple family dwellings and commercial or industrial structures shall be constructed in accordance with relevant state regulations. An approved state permit shall be filed with the Sewage Officer as required under Sections VIII and IX and a Certificate of Compliance must be obtained as required under Section XV.

SECTION XII. EXISTING SYSTEMS

Single family dwelling sewage disposal systems in existence at the time of adoption of this ordinance are deemed approved, provided that such systems do not create a health hazard, nuisance or pollution of surface or groundwater. When the Sewage Officer determines that an existing system is inadequate by reason of creating a health hazard, nuisance or pollution of surface or ground water, such system shall be improved to meet the minimum standards of this ordinance to the fullest extent possible.

SECTION XIII. OTHER APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

In case of other applicable regulation, bylaw, ordinance or statute which differs from this ordinance, the stricter shall apply.

SECTION XIV. PERMIT PROCEDURE

A.                Application fees for permits shall be established by the Worcester Selectboard.

B.                 All applications shall be submitted to the Sewage Officer who shall review all paperwork submitted. In addition, the Sewage Officer may require site and test pit evaluation by him/herself-and may require review of any or all data by a consultant of the Town’s choice. The applicant for a permit shall provide adequate lead time to ensure that the Sewage Officer and consultant can be present at the opening of test pits.

C.                 The owner of any property on which a sewage disposal system is proposed to be built, altered or replaced shall apply for a Disposal System Construction Permit. The application shall contain soil and site information as required by ^“The Rules^“ and a design for a disposal system and for a replacement system in compliance with ^“The Rules^“. The basis for disposal system design shall be a peak flow of 150 gallons per day per bedroom. No reduction in the isolation distances or in mound size prescribed in ^“The Rules^“ will be permitted.

D.                Technical information for the application shall be prepared by a certified Site B Technician or a professional engineer registered in the state of Vermont and practicing his/her discipline.

E.                 The permit shall be granted or denied by the Sewage Officer. If construction of an approved disposal system is not commenced within two (2) years of the date the permit is issued, such permit shall become null and void and a new application must be submitted prior to the commencement of any construction.

F.                 

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The owner of any property intending to make a minor modification or construct a structure, the useful occupancy of which shall not require running water, shall make an application for a Minor Permit. Minor modifications shall not include changes in use (Section X). Vault or pit privies shall require a Minor Permit prior to installation. (Section XX)

SECTION XV. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

A.                The designer of the system shall inspect each system before it is covered with soil. The designer shall submit a final inspection report to the Sewage Officer certifying that the disposal system has been installed as approved or, if variations from the approved plan were made, those variations shall be noted. The Sewage Officer shall issue a Certificate of Compliance when satisfied with the installed sewage system.

B.                 A newly constructed dwelling shall not be occupied until the Certificate of Compliance has been issued.

C.                 An existing dwelling which requires a replacement system may be occupied provided a Certificate of Compliance is issued within a reasonable period of time after the issuance of the Disposal System Construction Permit or Minor Modification Permit. The Sewage Officer shall determine what is a reasonable period of time.

 

SECTION XVI. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PERMITS

A.                Conditions of construction or use may be placed on the Disposal System Construction Permit or the Certificate of Compliance.

B.                 All permits run with the land and are binding upon each and subsequent owners. At the discretion of the Sewage Officer all permits issued under this ordinance, or those permits with conditions of use, may be filed in the town land records.

C.                 Permits for off-lot sewage disposal systems shall not be issued unless a valid easement for such system is conveyed and properly recorded in the town land records.

SECTION XVII. REVOCATION OF PERMITS

A.                A Disposal System Construction Permit, Minor Permit or Certificate of Compliance may be revoked by the Sewage Officer for any of the following reasons:

1.      False, fraudulent or misleading information in the permit application;

2.      Installation of a system which does not comply with the terms or conditions of permits

3.     

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issued under this ordinance;

4.      Alteration of the proposed system site or replacement areas including effluent dispersion areas so that the system does not comply with this ordinance;

5.      Information which shows the proposed septic system does not comply with this ordinance, including, but not limited to, insufficient isolation distances;

6.      Failure to comply with this ordinance or any terms or conditions of permits issued under this ordinance.

 

B.            The Sewage Officer may begin revocation proceedings on his / her own initiative.

 

C.            Petition for Revocation: A written petition for revocation shall be addressed to the Sewage Officer and shall set forth the name, address and telephone number of the petitioner, the petitioner^‘s interest in the matter, and a brief statement outlining the basis for revocation of the permit. The Selectboard may file a Petition for Revocation. Revocation proceedings shall be carried out as described in Section XVIII.

SECTION XVIII. HEARINGS ON PETITION FOR REVOCATION

A.                The Sewage Officer, upon receipt of a Petition for Revocation, shall give written notice to the Permit holder within 72 hours.

B.                 Within one week of such notice the Sewage Officer shall meet with the Permit holder, interested parties and any necessary technical consultants to evaluate the Permit and Petition for Revocation.

C.                 Following this evaluation of the Petition, the Sewage Officer shall issue a written decision within 72 hours slating the findings of fact and conclusions of law. The decision shall state clearly:

1.      Whether the permit is revoked or upheld;

2.      If revoked, the grounds for the revocation, based on Sec. XVII);and

3.      If revoked, what steps are required, up to and including complete replacement of the system, in order to issue a new permit.

D.                All work on the sewage disposal system shall cease immediately upon notice of revocation of the permit. Work on the system shall not resume until a new permit has been issued.

SECTION XIX. APPEALS PROCEDURE

A.        Any Permit holder or Petitioner aggrieved by the decision of the Sewage Officer may appeal that

8

 decision in writing to the Selectboard within thirty (30) days of such decision.

B.        The Selectboard shall hold a hearing within thirty (30) days of receipt of such appeal and shall render a written decision within fifteen (15) days after the close of such hearing.

C.                 Copies of the decision shall be sent to the permittee, petitioner, and the Sewage Officer and shall be filed with the original permit in the Town records.

D.                Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Selectboard may appeal that decision to the Superior Court. The administrative process must be exhausted before appeal can be made to the Superior Court.

SECTION XX. WATER SAVING DEVICES

A.        Water conservation is strongly encouraged as it will increase the life of septic systems.

B.        Properly sealed vault privies, outhouses and similar facilities may be used provided they meet the isolation distances established in “The Rules”. The Sewage Officer shall determine if proper isolation distances are maintained. A permit shall be required for use of one of these alternative systems.

C         All sewage generated in a residence using waterless toilets shall be conveyed, treated and disposed of in the same manner as other sewage. For residences permitted to use waterless toilets, the leachfield for the septic system may be reduced in size by 35 per cent, provided sufficient area exists to expand the field to full size should conventional toilets be installed at some time, and a full size replacement area shall be identified on the plan and reserved. Mound systems may not be reduced iii size.

D         Pit privies will not normally be approved, but may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they meet all the isolation distances and separation from groundwater, bedrock, ledge and impermeable soil distances and standards applicable to leachfields.

SECTION XXI. INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS

Innovative systems which have an approved “Innovative Systems Permit” from the Department of Environmental Conservation may be approved by the Sewage Officer.

SECTION XXII. LIABILITY

Approval of any 14ksposal system design or installation by the granting of a Disposal System Construction Permit and/or a Certificate of Compliance shall not imply that the approved system will be free from malfunction. The provisions of this ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the Town of Worcester or on the part of any official or employee of the Town of Worcester for the disposal system.

SECTION XXIII. ENFORCEMENT

A person who neglects or refuses to comply with the provisions of this ordinance may be fined not more than $500.00 for each offense by the Superior Court. Each week that a violation is continued shall constitute a separate offense. (24 VSA 1974)

SECTION XXIV. SEVERABILITY

If any portion of this ordinance is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected.

ADOPTED BY THE WORCESTER SELECTBOARD    May 19, 1997

 

This ordinance shall be entered into the minutes of the Town records and shall be posted in at least five conspicuous places in town. A concise summary of it shall be published in the Times Argus within fourteen days of its adoption accompanied by information as to where the full text of it may be examined, the sight of the voters to petition for a vote, and the name, address and telephone number of a person who is available to answer questions about it. The ordinance shall become effective sixty lays after its adoption unless a petition signed by five percent of the qualified voters in the Town of Worcester asking for a vote on the question of disapproving the ordinance is filed with the Town Clerk or the Selectboard within forty four days after the adoption of the ordinance. If such a petition is filed, the Selectboard shall call a special meeting to vote on that question and the ordinance shall become effective at the end of that meeting unless a majority of those voting on the question disapproves the ordinance or sixty days after its adoption.

APPENDIX D.

WORCESTER TOWN PLAN MAPS

1.    PRESENT LAND USE PATTERNS

2.    TRANSPORTATION

3.    NATURAL RESOURCES

4.    ONSITE SEPTIC SUITABILITY

5.    UTILITIES AND FACILITIES

6.    WORCESTER’S WATERSHEDS

(following pages)

APPENDIX E

Policies and Goals

 

appendix e – policies and goals

Basic Goals of the Worcester Town Plan

The list below is based on the goals listed in the 2000 Town Plan. We find them to be in agreement with the priorities of Worcester’s residents in the 2001 Town Planning Survey and focus groups. They will continue to act as the basic goals of the 2007 Worcester Town Plan.

3.      To maintain the Town’s rural character while accommodating reasonable and compatible growth.

4.      To protect and encourage the wise use of Worcester’s important natural resources and natural areas.

5.      To encourage energy conservation and the development of alternative sources.

6.      To encourage economic and educational opportunity in Worcester.

7.      To encourage the provision of efficient and necessary public facilities, utilities and services.

8.      To ensure the availability of safe and affordable housing for Worcester residents.

Land Resource Goals

1.      To ensure that the nature and degree of land resource uses do not have negative impacts on the quality of the land and the resources or on adjoining property values

2.      To ensure the availability of clean water and air for Worcester’s residents

3.      To ensure quality of habitat for the wildlife and plant life that share Worcester lands with us.

4.      To maintain Worcester’s rural character by ensuring the protection of ecological quality, historical structures, and the integrity and clarity of the town’s scenic viewscape.

Land Resource Policies

1.      The fragmentation and use-conversion of important agricultural and timberland shall be discouraged. Development that does occur on such lands shall be situated so as to leave the most productive portions of the site available for continued use. Clustering of lots and structures with protected open space is recommended as a means of achieving this objective.

2.      Worcester recognizes the right of pre-existing resource production landowners to continue current operations and management practices (provided they are environmentally sound and legal) and therefore requires the siting of new surrounding development so as to avoid the potential for nuisance complaints against such operations.

3.      Worcester requires the siting of non-polluting businesses and industries that might use or sell locally produced farmland or woodland products in Worcester, provided such siting and activity is otherwise consistent with this Plan. Non-polluting is defined that which will not have a negative impact on human health, nor a significant impact on the ecological quality, scenic values, or rural character of the surrounding area.

4.      Timbering operations within the Town of Worcester must be conducted in accordance with the standards set forth in the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation handbook “Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs.” (See Appendix B for an abbreviated listing of standards)

5.      Gravel extraction, like other commercial/industrial uses, shall be compatible with their surroundings and with surrounding land uses. Traffic types and volumes and noise levels will be factors in making this determination. In addition, active sites shall be well screened and mined areas quickly reclaimed.

6.      Potentially polluting land uses are restricted from Worcester’s WHPA, in accordance with State policies and guidelines.

7.      This Plan prohibits the downgrading of current surface water classifications unless such downgrading would serve an overriding public need.

8.      Trees and other vegetation along streams, rivers, and lake shores serve to protect property from flood flow and ice jams, prevent bank erosion, enhance aesthetic appeal, and maintain the oxygen level of the water for fish habitat and effluent assimilation capacity. For these reasons, undisturbed areas of vegetation shall be retained and encouraged along the banks of surface waters.

9.      Development that threatens to diminish the scenic value or unique nature of Worcester’s scenic roads is not permitted.

10.  Development near historic structures or sites identified in this Chapter shall not compromise their aesthetic integrity nor interfere with their function.

11.  The Worcester Planning Commission applauds the recent establishment of the Worcester Conservation Commission (under VSA 24, Chapter 118) and is eager to collaborate with them as they pursue the identification, study, maintenance, and protection of the Town’s important natural resources. The Planning Commission also supports the possibility of establishing a Local Conservation Fund.

12.  The community should further investigate regulatory and non-regulatory methods for preserving important farm and forest lands, including but not limited to, agricultural zoning, the formation of a local land trust or participation in a regional one, tax abatement programs, off-site mitigation, transferable development rights, and the voluntary sale of development rights.

13.  The protection of important wetlands, natural areas, and critical wildlife habitats through creative development techniques (including clustering), off-site mitigation, voluntary easements, and/or acquisition in fee simple or less than fee simple is encouraged.

14.  Worcester’s continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program is highly encouraged. The Worcester Planning Commission recommends that the Town fulfill its obligations to the point where it may be given a 9, at the least, in the NFIP’s Community Rating System. By achieving this rating, the Town would further reduce its flood damage potential and realize a 5% discount on flood insurance premiums. For example, the city of Montpelier currently has a rating of 9.

 

Goals for Utilities, Facilities and Services

1.      To provide reliable government services to Worcester’s residents at a reasonable cost

2.      To prevent septic and solid waste disposal from having negative impacts on human health, ecological quality, or private property rights

3.      To prevent the location or execution of any municipal service from having negative impacts on human health, ecological quality, or private property rights

4.      To ensure quality education services

5.      To ensure swift and adequate emergency and health services

6.      To encourage freedom of public access to recreation and public lands

7.      To use thoughtful infrastructure planning and maintenance to encourage growth where it is most suitable and least expensive to the community.

Policies for Utilities, Facilities and Services

1. Sewage Disposal:

(c)    See Worcester’s septic site approval ordinance (Appendix C)

 

(d)   Worcester endorses the concept of clustered subdivisions with community septic systems, and alternative on site systems (composting, chemical and biological toilets), which are recognized for their potential to overcome site limitations while simultaneously protecting resource lands.

2. Water Supply:

(c)    Distributional problems, as well as the inherent capacity and distribution limitations in Worcester’s water system, shall be considered in determining the extent to which population growth can be accommodated. Moreover, the utmost care must be taken to ensure that any additions to or extensions of the physical distribution system will not unduly tax the inherent limitations of the water supply and reservoir, and are of sufficiently high quality to ensure clean, reliable, and healthy water supply to both current and future customers.

 

(d)   Groundwater sources serve the domestic needs of the majority of Town residents and must be protected from potentially polluting land uses and activities.

3. Electric Power:

(d)   Transmission and distribution line routes shall be designed to minimize aesthetic impacts. To the extent possible, existing public rights of way should be use in service expansions.

 

(e)    Worcester endorses the concept of “demand side management” to conserve power and contain costs.

 

(f)    Worcester encourages the development of environmentally sound renewable energy sources to meet local power needs.

4. Telecommunications:

(a)  Satellite dishes, radio towers, antennae, and other transmission and receiving equipment shall be sited, designed, maintained, and operated to minimize negative impacts on natural and scenic resources.

 

(b)  Use of existing towers and communication facilities, where possible, is required rather than the development of new transmission and receiving systems.

 

(c)  Permits for tower facilities require a financial mechanism to ensure their removal by service providers should they be abandoned or rendered obsolete by advances in technology.

 

(d) Permits for tower facilities require permitees to accommodate additional users, appropriate to the structure, at fair market rates.

5. Education:

(a)  New development that will place significant burdens on the local school system shall address and mitigate those impacts.

 

(b) Worcester encourages broader access to educational and vocational opportunities for its citizens.

6. Emergency/Health Services:

(c)    Future planning for emergency and health services shall take settlement patterns and population distribution into account.

 

(d)   The Worcester Planning Commission highly encourages the Town to coordinate with state and Regional Planning Commission efforts to develop a local All Hazards Mitigation Plan in conjunction with state and federal requirements so as to become eligible for federal and state disaster mitigation funds and grants under the Federal Hazard Mitigation Act.

7. Recreation:

(a)    Development that threatens to erode recreational opportunity shall be discouraged.

 

(b)   The Town shall encourage, where appropriate, the dedication of recreational easements and public access before new development is approved.

 

(c)    The Town shall continue to hold rights of way for class 4 roads and public trails that receive

28

 or could provide recreational use.

 

(d)   Worcester should continue its support of, and participation in the Wrightsville Beach Recreation District.

8. Government Services:

(a) Worcester shall continue to provide reliable government services to its residents at reasonable costs.

 

Transportation Goals

5.      To provide a transportation infrastructure that will enable the quick, efficient and safe movement of people, goods, and services

6.      To protect the rural character and scenic value of Worcester’s roads

7.      To ensure pedestrian safety.

Transportation Policies

1.      The Town shall not assume the responsibility for maintaining any new roads unless those roads are brought to Class 3 standards (Agency of Transportation Standard A76) before the Town takes them over.

2.      Unpaved municipal roads shall remain unpaved, but other improvements for the sake of traffic volume and safety are allowed. Paving shall be allowed on a road if, and only if, it is crucial to the alleviation of a publicly-recognized safety issue regarding pedestrian and/or vehicular use.

3.      Development patterns that reflect the capacity of the existing function classification of roadways are required.

4.      The Town should encourage the state to maintain Route 12 as a scenic corridor. Ditching shall be kept to a minimum, and any existing tree-lines along the sides of the road shall be maintained.

5.      Multi-modal travel options are encouraged to stabilize increasing traffic volumes and achieve environmental objectives.

6.      The Worcester Planning Commission encourages the development of a transportation plan, with an eye towards the development of traffic calming and pedestrian access in the Village.

Energy Goals

1.      To encourage energy conservation through the guidance of land use patterns, the facilitation of alternative modes of transportation, and other methods

2.      To encourage the development of alternative and renewable sources of energy.

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Energy Policies

1.         For the sake of energy conservation and aesthetics, and in acknowledgement of preferences raised by a number of Worcester’s citizens, any new street lighting or the illumination of signs on private or commercial property shall be prohibited. This excludes traffic lights. Exceptions to this rule must be relevant to publicly-recognized safety issues.

2.         It is recommended that practical energy conservation measures be employed in the siting of new development and in the orientation, design, construction, function, and maintenance of new or renovated buildings.

3.         Worcester supports home weatherization programs.

4.         The development and use of renewable energy sources is encouraged.

5.         Worcester endorses the concept of energy saving transportation alternatives and public transit.

Housing Goals

1.         To ensure safety, availability and affordability in Worcester’s housing stock

2.         To prevent the location and manner of new housing development from having any negative impacts on human health, ecological quality, scenic values the town’s rural character.

 

********************There are no housing policies in the OCR Scan document ***********

See page 34 of the old plan

Economic Goals

1.         To promote an economic environment that ensures employment and quality of life to all of Worcester’s current residents

2.         To promote a reasonable and affordable tax rate. This section contains an employment analysis and information on the town’s taxes.

Economic Policies

4.      Worcester encourages the maintenance, growth and development of a diversified local economy in order to reduce the Town’s unemployment rate, provide jobs to the Town’s future labor force, prevent energy expenditures associated with long distance commuting and alleviate the property tax burdens of its residents provided that associated development does not:

(f)    degrade surface or subsurface water;

(g)   cause air pollution;

(h)   raise average noise levels at adjacent, occupied structures by more than 10 decibels over ambient levels during operational hours;

(i)     generate vehicular traffic at volumes or types inappropriate for the neighborhood or time of day;

(j)     or differ substantially in scale or character with the surrounding countryside or surrounding structures.

5.      Worcester encourages the creation and expansion of locally based industries that utilize the region’s natural resources and raw materials, with particular emphasis on value-added processing of agricultural and wood products.

6.      Worcester will continue to foster an environment which is favorable to home occupations provided that they remain compatible with residential living.

4.   Property tax reform and a greater contribution by the State for State owned land could operate to alleviate future tax burdens on Worcester businesses and residents, and as such, are encouraged in this Plan.

Village District Policies

1.         The Village District will remain primarily residential.

2.         The existing physical profile will be maintained. To achieve this goal, the pastures, woodland and hillsides that serve as a backdrop to the Village should be preserved. The spacing pattern of new development will be consistent with existing housing.

3.         New development will be consistent with present population and housing densities and the existing traditional New England village character.

4.         Development, of whatever nature, will not place unreasonable burdens on the municipal water system.

5.         Due to the commercial nature and density of the development in the Village District, the energy policy regarding lighting will be re-stated here: For the sake of energy conservation and aesthetics, and in acknowledgement of preferences raised by a number of Worcester’s citizens, any new street lighting or the illumination of signs on private or commercial property shall be prohibited. This excludes traffic lights. Exceptions to this rule must be relevant to publicly-recognized safety issues.

Village Transition District Policies

1.         Worcester’s scenic corridors, which make up the entrances to Town from north and south, will be preserved. A major part of the identity of the Village would be lost if the traditional entrances were subdivided or developed into housing or industry inconsistent with the existing settlements.

2.         Furthermore, and in accordance with the scenic nature of the transportation corridors in this district, unpaved municipal roads will remain unpaved, but other improvements for the sake of traffic volume and safety are allowed. Paving will be allowed on a road if, and only if, it is crucial to the alleviation of a publicly-recognized safety issue regarding pedestrian and/or vehicular use. Ditching will be kept to a minimum, and the existing tree-lines along the sides of the road shall be maintained.

3.        

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The integrity of the District’s distinctive blend between village and rural area will be maintained.

4.         New development will be consistent with the existing settlement patterns and should not compromise the Village entrances.

 

Rural Residential District Policies

5.      Development will not place undue burdens on the roads in the District.

6.      Residential development will be sited and spaced so that the rural flavor of the District is maintained.

7.      Unpaved municipal roads will remain unpaved, but other improvements for the sake of traffic volume and safety are allowed. Paving shall be allowed on a road if, and only if, it is crucial to the alleviation of a publicly-recognized safety issue regarding pedestrian and/or vehicular use.

8.      The scenic views that characterize the District will be preserved.

 

Forest District Policies

5.      Development in the Forest District is prohibited, except for small structures and dirt roads associated with environmentally-sound logging or recreational uses.

6.      In order to preserve the scenic beauty of the mountain slopes and ridges of this district, new development will occur at very low densities and under 2,500 foot elevation.

7.      Recreational activities will be consistent with minimum environmental impact standards.

8.      Public access to wilderness recreational areas will be maintained with due respect to private property.

Land Use Planning Goals

1. To guide growth and development in specific districts and throughout Worcester for the purpose of:

f.          promoting a positive quality of life

g.         protecting ecological quality

h.         protecting scenic values

i.           maintaining Worcester’s rural character

j.           facilitating good community relations

 

2. To respect the private property rights on Worcester’s citizens

 

3. To facilitate the community’s vision of Worcester now and into the

future.