§ 17-5. General numbering system guidelines

(a) All roads are to be given an official name by the board of selectmen and shall be measured in increments of 5.28 feet from a designated starting point, usually the end of the road nearest the intersection of a larger road. Odd numbers shall be assigned to the left side of the road and even numbers to the right side of the road. Each 5.28-foot increment will represent a street address number with the first 5.28 increment representing number 1, the second representing number 2, and so on.

(b) All numbers shall be established based on front entrance from the street, from the center of the driveway (or in some cases from the center of the structure). The closest appropriate even/odd number shall be assigned.

(c) For most roads there is a logical start point at which addressing should begin (at zero), generally at the end of the road which connects a larger traffic artery. Road numbering should generally begin at the point where emergency responders are most likely to enter the road, so numbers will be ascending as responders search for a location. Where there is no obvious end with greater traffic flow, it is recommended that the start point be selected at the end that is closer to the town center, or at the end which is otherwise the logical "zero" point for addressing. If there is no way to select a start point, one may default to numbering east to west or south to north, or one can be selected by "best judgment."

(d) All numbers shall be properly affixed on or near the front entrance or in some other manner visible from the street. The numbers must be easily legible figures not less than two (2) inches high and in a color contrasting to the building background (reflective numbers are recommended). The United States Post Office requires correct, easily legible numbers which are not obscured by anything. The homeowner is responsible for the numbers on the house or unit. If the house is not visible from the road it needs a number at the driveway visible from the road.

(e) Numbers shall be reserved to provide for future growth in property in all areas.

(Ord. of 6-24-97)