Apply for a Permit: Read all 7 steps FIRST
1. Apply for Zoning Permit from Building Commissioner (NOT for wetlands permits or ANRs)
TIPS: If the property has no street number, enter 0
- Site Plan Approval (Planning Board)
- Special Permit (Planning Board or Zoning Board)
- Finding (Zoning Board)
- Variance (Zoning Board)
- Comprehensive Permits (Zoning Board)
- Appeal of Building Commissioner on Zoning (Zoning Board)
- Subdivisions and ANR (Planning Board)
- Central Business Architecture (CB Architecture)
- Elm Street Historic District Permits (Historic District Commission)
- Wetlands Permits (Conservation Commission)
- NOTE: Demolition Delay is part of building permit process
4. Include with the application
A. FEE (payable to City of Northampton)
B. PLANS (major projects MUST attach electronically as well)
C. ZONING PERMIT application and denial from Building Dept (skip for wetlands, subdivisions and ANRs)
D. LOCUS PLAN showing the site, adjacent properties and property lines, preferably on an orthophoto
E. ABUTTERS LIST: obtain by sending request to GIS@northamptonma.gov. In your email include the assessor parcel ID(s). You MUST also indicate whether you are applying for WETLANDS, LICENSE, OR ZONING/PLANNING/SUBDIVISION.
F. FOR ZONING/PLANNNG AND SUBDIVISIONS: Use abutters list to PREPARE TWO SEPARATE RUBBERBANED SETS OF POSTAGE-STAMPED (NOT metered) ENVELOPES: Use "Planning 210 Main St., Rm. 11, Northampton, MA 01060" as return address.
No mailing required for ANR applications.
G. For wetlands Notices of Intent and Resource Area Delineations, the applicant MUST send abutter notification via certified mail prior to the application. A copy of the notification and the wetlands affidavit of service must be included in the application.
H. $40.00 check payable to the "Daily Hampshire Gazette" to cover the legal notices (skip for ANRs and requests for Certificates of Compliance).
5. File your application
A. Collate all copies into individual packages
--Conservation Commission application--9 copies
--Zoning Board application- 11 copies
--Planning Board application- 15 copies
--Joint Zoning Board/Planning Board application- 20 copies
--Subdivision application- 16 copies
--ANR plans- Mylar & 3 copies
--Central Business Architecture application-- 10 copies
--Elm Street Historic application-- 10 copies
B. File TWO complete application packages with the Department of Public Works, 125 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060 (skip for ANRs, wetlands, central business architecture, and historic permits).
C. Go to the CITY CLERK, City Hall, 210 Main Street, to have your application date stamped (skip for wetlands and ANRs).
D. File with the Office of Planning and Development, City Hall. Collate each copy into separate clipped packages (with all plans folded). Staff will provide you with a PUBLIC NOTICE sign.
The DEADLINE to appear before a board is one month before their meeting:
A. Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Conservation Commission meet 2nd and 4th Thursdays (except summer and holidays).
B. Historic Commission, Elm Street, and Central Business Architecture meet as needed.
Allow two to three months for most permits.
Please note: All information you file will be on the internet and is in the public domain.
6. After you file
7. After the permit is issued
A. Staff will notify applicant, owner, and (for zoning and subdivisions) abutters.
B. AFTER the appeal period, pick-up original permit from the City Clerk, (not for wetlands)
C. File permit with the Registry of Deeds/Land Court
D. Provide copy of recorded permit to Building Commissioner (to Planning if a wetlands permit)
Permits are NOT valid until recorded