Scenic Roads
Since
the adoption of the Scenic Road Bylaw (click here) 32 roads have been designated
with this status. These roads are rich
in scenic value with stone walls, tree canopies, and views of river marshland,
mill ponds, farmland and historic buildings. Many of the roads in town date back
to the Colonial times, some are old Native American paths between encampments,
and most of the designated roads appear on the 1830 or
1875 street maps of
Stone Walls
These
stone walls that line many scenic roads were constructed to divide agricultural fields and
mark property boundaries. Many were made from the stones gathered in the fields
when preparing the land for planting and grazing. These stone walls are
important aspects of the character of the landscape and are often times
vulnerable during road reconstruction and development of meadow land.
Scenic Roads Bylaw
The purpose of the Scenic Roads Bylaw is to protect the scenic quality
and character of Town roads designated as Scenic Roads. The Bylaw governs the
cutting or removal of trees, or the tearing down or destruction of stone walls
during the repair, maintenance, reconstruction, paving, or other alteration of
roads that hold this status. An
application must be filed with the Planning Board, and a public hearing is held.
With
the new residential development activity around town, we are noticing an increase
in stone wall reconstruction
projects. Homeowners should be
aware that rebuilding stone walls also requires a permit under the Scenic Road
Bylaw, and the Planning Board must be contacted prior to commencement of these
projects. As shown in the pictures
displayed, the town boards and committees favor loose stone walls which are
prevalent in agricultural fields and meadows. Formal, mortared walls have less
historical significance in Sudbury,
and are not recommended in historic districts or along scenic roads.
If there are questions on the type of stone wall planned for an
individual property, you can call the Planning and Community Development
Department at 978-639-3387 for a consultation on the appropriateness of the
design prior to its construction.