Notice on Tree Cutting and Land Clearing in Ayer

Tree cutting and land clearing involving more than 10,000 square feet of land (about a quarter acre) is subject to site plan review under the new Town of Ayer Zoning Bylaw adopted on March 19, 2018.  

The purpose of this section 9.6 of the Zoning Bylaw is to “Protect the health, safety and property of residents of the Town of Ayer by regulating clearing and grading activities associated with land development, preserving existing trees and vegetation, preventing erosion and sedimentation of wetlands, ponds and other water bodies, controlling storm water runoff, minimizing fragmentation of wildlife habitat and loss of vegetation”. 

This section applies to any clearing or grading of more than 10,000 sq. ft. of land, or in increments such that the total land area within the control of any person cleared or graded in a twelve (12) month period not exceed 10,000 sq. ft.  No person shall commence any tree cutting or land clearing without first obtaining Site Plan approval by the Planning Board under Section 3.5 of the Ayer Zoning Bylaw.

There are several exemptions to this requirement.  The first is for land in agricultural use as defined by State Law.  The second is for clearing and grading in conjunction with the construction of residential buildings or accessory structures if the land area to be cleared or graded is less than 10,000 sq.ft. There are several other exemptions including the removal of trees causing a safety hazard, utility work, road maintenance and work being permitted under an Order of Conditions from the Ayer Conservation Commission.

Anyone considering tree or vegetation clearing or grading 10,000 sq.ft. or more or land should contact the Ayer Planning Department at 978-772-8218 or email the Town Planner, Mark Archambault, at marchambault@ayer.ma.us or Heather Hampson, Administrative Coordinator, at hhampson@ayer.ma.us in order to obtain application forms for Site Plan Review.  A full copy of Section 9.6 Land Clearing and Grading, can be obtained at the Ayer Planning Department or at the office of Town Clerk.