The process of obtaining permits for many kinds of work is often discussed in a negative manner. There is a feeling that the process is difficult, inefficient, unfair or worse. Like much conventional wisdom, there is an element of truth to these feelings. However, much is also attributed to misunderstanding, lack of knowledge about the process, and failure on the part of the applicants (or their representatives) to do due diligence in advance to learn about the necessary steps. Sometimes what are described as "town" restrictions are actually state laws that the Town must enforce. In other cases, what is described as flaws in the process are actually not procedural issues but substantive regulations that may prevent a particular project from getting approved.
In an attempt to address these issues, several years ago I prepared a document called the "Permitting Procedures Manual." The manual includes a brief one-page description of the mission and permits issued by each relevant board, commission and department. It also includes a table listing each of the boards, commissions and departments, the permits that they issue and the types of projects that require permits. In addition, there it includes flow charts for the process of building a single family home and for obtaining a site plan approval for a business.
The Permitting Procedures Manual, which is on the main page of the Town web site, is a good place to start any project as it provides a simple explanation of the permits needed and the steps necessary to at least initiate the project. Most boards and commissions meet twice per month, and some permits require a public hearing that needs to be advertised in the newspaper so that step alone can require 3-4 weeks. Knowing in advance the permits needed for any particular project, as well as the meeting schedule of the applicable boards and commissions, can minimize the time needed to obtain the necessary permits.
Another helpful hint is that Town staff is available to help guide applicants through the permitting process. Most town staff are part-time employees with varying schedules. However, Mondays are the best days to come to the office as the staff for all of the relevant boards, commissions and departments (Building Department, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Board of Health) are in the office for most of the day.
