Trench Regulations

The State of Massachusetts has promulgated a new law (Chapter 82A., “Jackie’s Law”) and regulations (520 CMR 14.00) in order to protect the public from unsafe excavations.

A permit is required for any trench, whether it is in a public way, or on private property. This regulations applies to contractors as well as homeowners. Click here to download a Trench Permit application.

As voted by the Board of Selectmen on December 16, 2008, applications will be made to the Town Engineer’s Office.

The permit fee is $75.00. However, if a Street Opening Permit is also being applied for by the same entity, there will be no additional charge for the Trench Permit

Should you require further information, please contact the Engineering Department at 508-660-7211.

Curb Cut Permits

A Curb Cut Permit is required for any new and/or altered openings which require cutting or removal of curbing. A Curb Cut Permit is required even if there is no actual curbing on the street because the permit policy also addresses size and location of driveway/other openings. Application fee is $25. Click here to download a Curb Cut Permit application

Construction standards and placement, as well as other necessary information may be found within the document entitled Curb Cut Policy . This document may be obtained in the Engineering Department, and can also be found online - click on the Section 402 link in the Table of Contents in the Board of Selectmen's Policies and Procedures.

Should you require further information, please contact the Engineering Department at 508-660-7211.

Season for Routine Street Opening permits
Begins April 1st
(weather permitting)

A "Street Opening Permit" is required if you must excavate/dig into the street right of way or any work within the public street right of way. This right of way is not typically limited to the "traveled way" of each street, but also shoulders, curbs, sidewalks etc.

Permits are typically needed for: utility installations, utility renewals, removal/installation of curbs for driveways, and many other instances.

Permits are also needed for driveway repaving/or new driveway installation if any work, i.e. removal of asphalt and installation of new surface takes place off the private property and onto the street right of way.

The entity applying for the permit must be the contractor performing the work, since there are applicable bonding and insurance requirements.

The street right of way also includes that portion of a driveway termed the "apron", which is the portion of the driveway between a private property line and the edge of the traveled way.

Application fee is $100.

Further information regarding required insurance and bonds, applications, and copies of the rules and regulations may be obtained from the Town Engineer's office, 508-660-7211.

Regulations are available online by clicking on the Section 401 link in the Board of Selectmen's Policies and Procedures.

Click here to download a Street Opening application