| BUILDING
CODES
Building
codes and zoning bylaws are promulgated for the purposes of protecting
the public's health, safety and welfare. A code is a collection
of requirements pertaining to a specific subject to regulate specific
practice.
EXAMPLE:
A traffic code is a collection of requirement (driving regulations)
intended to regulate practices for automobile use on roadways
A
building code is a collection of requirements (e.g., exit signs
and smoke detectors), which pertain to specific subjects (e.g.,
required exit doors and fire signaling systems), which regulate
specific practices (i.e., designing, construction or remodeling
buildings). This example insures two things: 1) Proper egress for
occupants out of a structure (exit signs and doors); and 2) adequate
time for the occupants to egress (fire signaling systems).
WALPOLE
ZONING BYLAWS
The
purposes of these bylaws are to promote the health, safety, convenience,
morals and welfare of the inhabitants of the community. The objectives
are, among other purpose:
- To
lessen congestion in the streets
- To
conserve health
- To
secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other dangers
- To
provide adequate light and air
- To
prevent overcrowding of land
- To
avoid undue concentration of population
- To
encourage housing for persons of all income levels
- To
facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, water
supply, drainage sewerage, schools, parks, open space, and other
public requirements.
- To
conserve the value of land and buildings, including the conservation
of natural resources and prevention of blight and pollution of
the environment.
- To
encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the town
including consideration of the recommendations or the plan, if
any, adapted by the Planning Board and the comprehensive pan,
if any, of the regional planning agency.
- To
preserve and increase amenities by the promulgation of regulations
to fulfill these objectives under the provisions of General Law,
Chapter 40-A.
The
Walpole Zoning Bylaws can be obtained from the Town Clerk's Office
in the Town Hall. For more information call 660-6343
MASSACHUSETTS
STATE BUILDING CODE
The
applicable building code is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State
Building Code, 6th Edition. The "State" Building Code
can be obtained from the State House Book Store in Boston, MA. or
on the state
bookstore catalog web site. For more information, call (617)
727-2834
ZONING
USE DETERMINATION
When
requesting a determination as to whether a particular use is permitted
in a zoning district, a written request must be submitted to this
office. The information shall include address of the property in
question and describe the nature of the proposed use. The description
shall include, for example a proposed menu (if a food establishment),
schematic floor plan; if retail, space allocation for different
uses within the space, percentage of sales of different items to
one another, hours of operation and written verbiage describing
what you are planning and how you plan to do it.
SITE
PLAN NON-RESIDENTIAL
In
all districts, except one family dwelling, no structure or premise
shall be altered, constructed, reconstructed, or used, except in
conformity with a site plan. When making alterations or changes
to a site, Planning Board approval is required. Site Plan Approval
from the Planning Board is required before this office can issue
a building permit with the above-mentioned work.
CONSERVATION
COMMISSION REVIEW
All
applicants should verify with the Conservation Commission staff
if any applicable review is necessary prior to the start of construction.
REQUEST
FOR ZONING ENFORCEMENT
When
requesting an enforcement of the Zoning Bylaw, ALL requests must
be submitted in writing - NO EXCEPTIONS. We cannot take complaints
over the phone. The reason for requesting complaints in writing
is under Section 7 of the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40-A.
The Building Inspector is required to respond in writing to the
complainant, within 14 days of receipt, of action taken.
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