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S a f e t y
M a t t e r s

Please do your part to keep 'Sconset roads safe for all.

Hedge Height

Please consider the safety of traffic, pedestrians, and bikers when you decide on the height of your hedge. In some circumstances, Nantucket law or policy requires hedges to be only three feet high for public safety reasons.

Section 132-1A of the Nantucket Code states: 

"In order to preserve and promote the safety of the public, hedge or shrub or other growth on the corner lot or curb obstructing the view of motorists and situated within 15 feet of a public street, or curb- or side line thereof, shall not be permitted by the owner or occupant of the premises to exceed the height of three feet above road grade." 


Similarly, the Town Encroachment Policy states:

"Hedges [that are planted in the Town owned right-of-way, aka the "Town Way"] for properties on corner lots shall be no higher than 3 feet for a distance of 20 feet along each road and there shall be no plantings or landscape elements within that 20 feet radius higher than 3 feet." 
"Hedges that extend from a driveway along [a Town-owned right-of-way] shall be no higher than 3 feet for a distance of 20 feet on either side of the driveway."

Example of a hedge at the required height.



"20 is Plenty in 'Sconset" 

The speed limit in 'Sconset is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. But that doesn't mean you should go that fast!

With so many children, dog walkers, and bikes on our streets, 20 mph is plenty in 'Sconset!

"20 is Plenty" stickers are available from the Civic Association at our member meetings. Members can also request one by sending an email to sconsetcivic@gmail.com.

These are now clings, which means they won't harm the surface of your car or wherever else you choose to put them. Just clean and dry the surface and then apply.  

Encroachments



Encroachments occur when a structure or object extends beyond property boundaries into public spaces, such as sidewalks, bike paths, or public roads. This includes plantings, rocks, stakes, overgrown trees, hedges, and other obstructions. Encroachments on public ways are not allowed and are considered unlawful.

Did You Know? The green grass area just outside the paved road (pictured above) is often part of the public road/public way and NOT private property. Many property owners may be unaware that by placing rocks, stakes, trees, or allowing hedges and trees to overgrow, they are encroaching on public land.

Why It Matters: Encroachments, including overgrown trees and hedges, can create significant issues such as obstructing visibility for drivers, reducing available parking, and posing safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. These intrusions can hinder access and compromise public safety.

Removal Process: The Department of Public Works (DPW) will notify property owners of encroachments and may require immediate removal, especially if the encroachment poses a public safety hazard. If the owner does not comply, the DPW will remove the encroachment and may bill the owner for the costs.

Enforcement: Non-compliant encroachments may result in fines and removal by the Town, with costs charged to the property owner.

Complaints:  Obstacles in the public way should be reported to the Department of Public Works. Call DPW at (508) 228-7244 or report via this online form.

For more information, please see:

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