This guide
will briefly introduce you to the development and construction
permitting process in Tewksbury. The more research you do in the
planning stage, the easier it will be to meet the Town’s
requirements, and also acquire State and Federal permits and
approvals, which are sometimes necessary.
IMPORTANT
This guide is
for information only; it does not have the force of law. Please
refer to the applicable laws and regulations for specific technical
and procedural requirements. In most cases, you will need
professional assistance in such areas as land survey, architecture,
engineering, law and transportation planning.
The usual process toward
obtaining a permit would involve some, or all, of the following
departments:
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
We suggest
you start here because, in Tewksbury, the Building Commissioner must
issue a permit for any new or modified use of land. He, or his
staff, will be able to advise you of the regulations that may be
applicable to your project. We suggest that you either submit a
Building Permit Application or a “Letter of Intent” in order that
the proper determination can be made within a timely manner. You
will be directed to the Board of Appeals, Planning Board or other
regulatory agencies as required.
SIGNS –
The Zoning By-Laws regulate the
size, location and number of attached and free-standing signs in all
zoning districts. The Building Commissioner is authorized to issue
a sign permit that conforms to the Zoning By-Laws. To erect more or
larger signs than permitted, will require a variance from the Board
of Appeals.
BOARD
OF APPEALS
The Zoning
By-Laws authorize the Board of Appeals to issue special permits for
regulated uses, consider variances for proposed exceptions and hear
appeals of decisions of administrative officers. The zoning process
will involve an advertised public hearing, and your application
will, in many instances, be sent to appropriate Town boards for
prior review and recommendation. Due to statuary regulations, you
should allow approximately 90 days to complete the Board of Appeals
process and issuance of a Building Permit.
CONSERVATION
COMMISSION
Work in, or
within, 100 feet of a wetland (defined in the MA Wetlands Protection
Act and the Tewksbury Wetland Protection By-Law), work on storm
drains or drainage systems, projects affecting or abutting
town-owned open space, and projects affecting or including
conservation restriction, must be reviewed by the Commission. The
Conservation Administrator can tell you if your project falls under
Conservation Commission jurisdiction; conservation impacts are not
always apparent, so it is advisable to get the information ahead of
time.
PLANNING BOARD
Most
commercial developments will require a Site Plan Special Permit from
the Planning Board.
HISTORIC
COMMISSION
Complete
demolition of any building will require approval from the Historic
Commission in accordance with Town By-Laws, Chapter 15.12.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Residential additions for homes
served by private septic systems require a system review. Commercial
projects require special consultation to determine applicable
requirements and permits. The Health Officer can explain the
procedures for obtaining approvals.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Permits for
those properties connected to the Town’s Municipal Sewer System and
the Town’s Municipal Water system are approved by the Town Engineer
and DPW Superintendent.
In general, the
public utility is responsible for obtaining the necessary street
opening permit for installation of service. You should first
contact the specific utility company.
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How long will it take to
get a permit?
– It depends on how many, and what kinds of permits you need. Many
applications can be processed simultaneously, but some, most
importantly, the Building Permit, require that others be in place
first. Staff can help you estimate the length of time your permits
will take.
The Planning Department sells the Zoning By-Laws, as well as
Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The local Wetland Protection
By-Law is available at the Conservation Commission Office.
Copies of the Zoning Bylaws, Subdivision Rules and Regulations and
Wetland Protection Bylaw are sold at the Community Development
Office. They are also available on the internet at
www.tewksbury.info
