2011 Vermont Code
Title 24 Appendix Municipal Charters
Chapter 113 TOWN OF COLCHESTER
§ 104 Additional powers

§ 113-104. Additional powers

In addition to powers otherwise conferred upon it by law, the town is authorized:

(1) To adopt and enforce ordinances relating to making and installing local improvements including curbs, sidewalks, storm drains and water and sanitary waste systems; apportioning part of the expense of such improvements against property owners who benefit thereby; providing for the collection of such assessments and penalties for nonpayment; provided however:

(A) That in absence of an ordinance no assessment shall be made by the selectmen until they have received a petition in writing from fifty percent of the owners of property fronting on such local improvements as proposed. Upon receiving such petition, the selectmen may order the proposed improvements to be made.

(B) That no assessment shall be made in excess of the actual benefit to the land so assessed as determined by the selectmen after notice to and hearing of the owners of the property assessed.

(C) That the total assessment made on account of any such improvements shall not exceed fifty percent of the cost of such improvement and the remaining cost of such improvement shall be borne by the town.

(2) To adopt and enforce ordinances requiring the installation of curbs, sidewalks and storm drains in a manner specified by the town as a condition precedent to the issuance of a building permit.

(3) To adopt and enforce ordinances regulating signs and billboards.

(4) To adopt and enforce police ordinances regulating the parking, operation and speed of motor vehicles upon town and state aid streets and highways; to adopt police ordinances regulating the use of firearms, air rifles and devices having a capacity to inflict personal injury; to adopt and enforce police ordinances prohibiting the use of firearms, air rifles and devices having a capacity to inflict personal injury in specified areas, but only with approval of the voters.

(5) To adopt and enforce ordinances relating to regulation, licensing or prohibition of the storage and accumulation of garbage, ashes, rubbish, refuse and waste materials.

(6) To create and maintain a police department.

(7) To establish a policy whereby the Board of Selectmen may determine it to be in the public interest to plow those private roads serving two (2) or more year-round residences, which had previous to January 1, 1997 have the town providing winter road maintenance.