Summary of Post-Appeal Approvals

Step 1: Record Decision

If a decision has cleared its appeal period without an appeal, the applicant must bring the decision to the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds for recording. A copy of the recorded decision shall accompany any resulting Building Permit applications.

Step 2: Request Pre-Site Work Meeting

A pre-site work meeting with town staff is required. The applicant should contact the Community Development Office to schedule the meeting when ready. This meeting will include staff for any Boards from which the applicant received approval, i.e. Town Planner, Conservation Agent/Planner and the Town Engineer.

Step 3: Site Work Begins

Site preparation including tree clearing may begin without permits. Once the applicant has reached the stage where construction is to begin, they will need to apply for Building Permits. If applicable, all erosion controls and wetland flags should be in place prior to any site work or pre-construction preparations.

Step 4: Apply for Building Permits

Contact Building Department for filing requirements.

Step 5: Departmental Routing

As part of the Building Permit process, a checklist is issued to ensure prior requirements have been met for other town departments. This is routed to various departments for sign-off prior to permit issuance.

1. Assessor - assigns addresses to the newly created lots
2. Conservation - ensures erosion controls are in place and confirms any necessary filing with the Conservation Commission
3. Planning - proper surety has been posted and pre-building special permit conditions are met
4. Fire - confirms fire code and turning radii
5. Health - confirms health code compliance
6. Department of Public Works- permits for the specific house lots include:
   1. Sewer Connection Permit
   2. Water Connection Permits
   3. Overall development permits required:
      1. Trench Permit
      2. Physical Alteration Permit
      3. Sewer Main Permit
      4. Sewer Modification Permit
      5. Water Main Permit
      6. Land Disturbance Permit
      7. NPDES Construction General Permit
7. Treasurer - ensure taxes, fees, fines and any other payments are paid to date

Step 6: Building Permits Issued

Once all departments have signed off and all requirements are met, Building Permits for construction may be issued. Construction inspections are to be coordinated with the Building Department.

Step 7: Schedule Site Inspections

For each permit issued, the applicant will need to schedule inspections to ensure site work is completed in accordance with the permits. Such inspections include the Conservation Agent and Town Engineer.

Step 8: Project Closeout

The closeout process will include all completed inspections, storm water systems, and landscaping. Final paving must also be completed.

Step 9: Submit Public Way Acceptance to Board of Selectmen

If the project will be accepted as a public way, the Board of Selectmen need to conduct a public hearing for the laying out of the road. All costs associated with the hearing are to be borne by the applicant. The Board of Selectmen will seek Planning Board and staff input on the laying out of the road.

Step 10: Town Meeting Street Acceptance

The applicant will be responsible for submitting an article for Town Meeting acceptance of the road as a public way. Annual Town Meeting requires the signature of 10 town residents registered to vote and a special town meeting petition requires 100 signatures. The applicant is required to present the request for acceptance at Town Meeting. Acceptance requires a simple majority.

Step 11: Record Plan at Registry of Deeds or Land Court

Once approved by Town Meeting, the applicant is required to record the plan at the Registry of Deeds or Land Court (depending on whether or not the land is registered land). The Town will not assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities until the applicant provides the Town with proof or recording.

Step 12: Submit As-Built Plans to Planning Board for Acceptance

As part of the Town's Subdivision Rules and Regulations, the applicant is required to submit an as-built plan following the completion of the project. These plans require the Town Engineer's review and approval. The as-built approval can trigger the release of any surety as