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Building FAQs

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1. Does Maynard have its own Building Codes?

No, we utilize the current edition of the Massachusetts State building code for one and two family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, and Commercial Buildings. There are no local building codes in Massachusetts.

2. Why a Building Permit?

Building permits provide the means for building officials to review and inspect safety, durability energy efficiency and therefore ensuring the public health, safety, and welfare. It also assures that contractors doing the work are licensed and insured.

3. When is a permit necessary?

When you do any structural work and or the following: reroofing, replacement windows, wood/pellet stoves, fireplaces, sheet metal work, demolition, solar panels, insulation decks, additions, some interior alterations, sheds, garages, swimming pools, stairways, fences over 7 feet in height and any new construction. This is not an all-inclusive list so if you are not sure, please call the office at 978-897-1302. A permit may not be necessary if it is considered an ordinary repair

4. What is an ordinary repair?

The State Building Code defines ordinary repairs as "any maintenance which does not affect structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities. This has been interpreted to mean that rotted floor boards can be replaced on a deck, but the deck can not be rebuilt without a permit. Also, damaged roof shingles can be repaired, but the entire roof cannot be re-shingled without a permit. If in doubt as to how much work can be done under ordinary repairs, contact the Building Department.

5. Do all pools require permits?

Yes. Any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep requires a permit. All inground, above-ground, pools placed temporarily on the ground and with inflatable sides, hot tubs, and spas require a permit.

6. What if I want to change or amend my plans?

If you need to change or revise your plans after your permit has been issued, you must file an amendment (with the revised plans or a description of work to be changed), which must then be approve by the Building Commissioner. No additional fee is required unless the scope of the project is changed significantly.

7. Can I change the plans once they have been approved?

Yes. Revised plans must be submitted prior to constructing the change. Also, an application for revised plans must be submitted and additional fees, if any, paid.

8. Can I start work after I apply for my permit?

No, you cannot begin work until you have received a Building Permit.

9. How long is my permit good for?

Your Building Permit must be exercised (work begun) within 6 months after it is issued, and the work must continue without interruption. The Permit, with permission of the Building Department may be renewed for up to 6 months provided that the request to extend the permit is made before expiration. After that, if you have not started your work, your Permit will be considered abandoned and you will have to reapply.

10. When does my project need to be inspected?

 Depending on the project there may be multiple inspections. Please download the inspection schedule sheet from the Building Department Web Page resources, or ask for a copy at the office.

11. What do I do when the work is complete?

When you have completed you project, you will need a Certificate of Occupancy or Use if:

• The building or structure is new. 
• The use of an existing building or structure has been changed, floor reconfigured, egress affected or capacity change. 
• The Owner of the building requests a Certificate of Occupancy.

12. Who can be issued a Building Permit?

Building Permits are issued to Construction Supervisors licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please note that there are also several specialty licenses. The state license is only valid for work involving structures less than 35,000 cubic feet, for one- and two-family dwellings. As an exception to this requirement, Building Permits are also issued to homeowners doing work on one- and two-family dwellings where they reside or intend to reside. It is noted that when homeowners are issued Building Permits, they are liable for contractors working on their property and they are not eligible for protection under the provisions of the Home Improvement Contractor Law. The Maynard Building Department encourages homeowners to have the Building Permit taken out by a licensed contractor.

13. How do I check on a contractor?

Construction Supervisor Licenses (CSL) can be checked through the Department of Public Safety at: https://madpl.mylicense.com/Verification/

Home Improvement Contractor Registrations can be checked through the Office of Consumer Affairs at: https://services.oca.state.ma.us/hic/licenseelist.aspx

Any contractor doing work on an owner occupied building of 1 or 4 dwelling units must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) when the value of the work is over $1000. The (CSL) is similar to a drivers' license while the HIC is similar to a car registration, in that you cannot drive a car without both. The CSL applies to the individual while the HIC applies to the business.

14. What does the Office of Consumer Affairs do with regard to Home Improvement?

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) regulates the registration of contractors performing Home Improvement contracting work on 1-4 Unit owner-occupied homes that are the primary residence. They also administer the HIC Arbitration program and the Guaranty Fund, and conduct enforcement through a Complaint Program. 

Arbitration Program - to arbitrate disputes between contractors and homeowners.

Enforcement - accepts complaints from homeowners and conducts administrative enforcement hearings.

Guaranty Fund - a fund of last resort for homeowners that have obtained a court judgment against a contractor. Contractors are obligated to reimburse the Fund for the amount paid to the homeowner with any accrued interest. Failure to reimburse the Fund could result in the suspension, revocation or reprimand of the contractor's registration as well as other penalties.

15. What about access requirements for handicapped persons?

The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations are part of the building code, and are enforced for new construction, alterations/remodeling and change of use in Public Buildings, and some Multi-family Dwellings.

16. How many layers of roofing are allowed to remain when re-roofing?

One layer may remain

17. How long does it take to obtain a permit?

Typically the process is less than one week. The Massachusetts State Building Code has a maximum of 30 days in which to issue or deny a building permit application. The actual time can vary depending on other department's prior approvals and complete and accurate building plans and information.

18. Do I need to provide anything else to an inspector?

Yes, if plans were submitted, a stamped "approved" site copy should be available at the time of inspection, as well as any structural calculations and energy code information. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts follows the 2009 IECC for REScheck. The Town of Maynard has adopted the Stretch Energy Code, and for all new construction a HERS® home energy rating is required.

19. Does someone need to be home during an inspection?

If access to the new work requires an inspector to walk through your existing, furnished house, someone must be present to let the inspector in. The inspector will not enter an unoccupied furnished house. We also will not enter a house in which only a child is home, unaccompanied by an adult.

20. I am interested in buying a lot of land to build a house. How do I know if this lot is buildable?

Contact the Building Commissioner, who is also the Zoning Enforcement officer.

21. Do Building Commissioners or Local Inspectors carry identification?

 Yes. By state law, Building Commissioners are required to have a badge in addition to any type of business card.

22. My neighbors recently started some construction. Should I have been notified before it began?

If there are no zoning issues, notification of abutters is not required. If you would like to know what your neighbors are building, all building permit files are public record and can be viewed at the Office of Municipal Services. Records for an individual address can be provided over the phone by calling the office at (978) 897-1302.

23. Do I need a permit for a driveway?

You do not need a building permit. Please contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 978-897-1359 to apply for a "curb cut" permit, or to determine any other requirements they may have.

24. What is Construction Control?

For projects that require the services of a professional architect or engineer throughout the entire process, the architect or engineer provides reports and affidavits claiming that the work meets the Massachusetts Building Code and requirements if necessary. This is required for 1 or 2 family dwellings larger than 35,000 cubic feet. More information is available here.

25. Where can see a copy of the Building Code?

You may find a copy through the public library system.

26. How do I know what kind of license is required for a job?

The State Board of Building Regulations and Standards have a table of activities requiring (or not requiring) either a Construction Supervisor license of a Home improvement Contractor registration. Please visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-building-regulations-and-standards.

27. I am curious about the house that is going up next door. How can I find out more?

You may visit the Office of Municipal Services at 195 Main Street with your questions; or call (978) 897-1302. Building permits are public record.

28. Do I need a Building Permit to add a stone patio or walkway?

Not if it is on level ground. If your patio is more than 30 inches above grade, a guardrail is required.

29. How do I apply for a building permit?

All building permits are now processed online at https://permiteyes.net/maynard/building/user_logins.asp. If you need assistance, please visit the Office of Municipal Services at 195 Main Street, or call (978) 897-1302. We are here to help.

30. When is payment due?

Payment must be made in full after the Building Commissioner has gone over your application and has assigned a fee. Payment can be made online by check (payable to Town of Maynard), money order, or credit card. You may also mail your payment to:

Maynard Town Building
Office of Municipal Services
195 Main Street
Maynard, MA 01754

or come into the office to pay in person.

31. What size plans do I submit?

There is no specific size required however, it must be clear from the plans what work is being done and how it is being done. Plans should be to scale and legible. A title block giving the address of the project must be provided on all sheets. All areas addressed in the building code must be addressed on the plans. In general, plans for new construction should include floor plans, foundation plan, framing plans, sections and elevations. Simply adding a note to the plans that says "all work to comply with codes" is not sufficient. Remember--we can only review what is submitted to us. Therefore, the more complete that the plans are, the less likely that any problems will arise after construction.

32. Is a licensed contractor required?

Every application for commercial work must minimally include a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor. For projects involving 35,000 cubic feet of space or more, a Registered Design Professional who will provide oversight of the project through construction control is required.

33. Can we defer the submittal for sprinkler or fire alarm work?

By default, the work to a sprinkler system and fire alarm system requires a building permit. If your application does not include the necessary review of a system, plans, and oversight by a Registered Design Professional, then we expect a separate building permit application for that required work. In order to approve the first building permit, it must be made clear on the application or on an attached document that the fire protection work will be submitted by others. No Certificate of Occupancy will be granted until all work to the structure is complete and approved.

34. Will I be informed when the permit is issued?

Once reviewed by all applicable staff, the permit will be promptly issued. We will contact the applicant if there are any outstanding items required to issue the permit. If you would like to check if the permit was issued, log in to your account at the online permit portal at: https://permiteyes.net/maynard/building/user_logins.asp, or call (978) 897-1302.

35. What are the inspection requirements?

The requirements differ from project to project. Every project requires at least one inspection by our Building Commissioner. In the case of work under construction control the Registered Design Professional will be required to fulfill specific inspection requirements depending on the project. It is the applicant's responsibility to schedule all required inspections with the Building Commissioner.

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Elimination of Single-Use Checkout Bags By-law

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1. What is the purpose of the bylaw?

The purpose of this bylaw is to eliminate the usage of thin-film single-use plastic bags by all retail and grocery stores in the Town of Maynard. These bags may have a significant impact on the environment.

2. What is a thin-film single-use plastic bag?

A bag, typically with handles, with a thickness of 4 mils or less and are intended for single-use transport of purchase products.

3. When does the bylaw take effect?

The bylaw will apply to food establishments and retail and grocery stores July 26, 2022.

4. Are any plastic bags allowed?

Single-use plastic bags used to contain dry cleaning, newspapers, produce, meat, bulk foods, wet items and other similar merchandise, typically without handles, may be distributed, used or sold at any retail or grocery store.

5. Will businesses be fined for noncompliance?

Yes, any food establishments or retail or grocery store distributing plastic grocery bags in violation of this bylaw shall be subject to a non-criminal disposition fine as specified in Appendix A of the Regulations for Enforcement of Town Bylaws under M.L.G. Chapter 40, Section 21D and the Bylaw for Non-Criminal Disposition of Violations. The following penalties shall apply: 1st offense, warning; 2nd offense, $50; 3rd offense $100 and appearance in front of the Board of Health; 4th and each subsequent offense $200.

6. Are there any exceptions?

Yes, a 6-month exemption is available if compliance causes an undue hardship for your business. Submit a Hardship Application to the Board of Health, PRIOR TO July 26, 2022, explaining how compliance would have a negative impact on your business. Examples include financial burdens, excessive existing inventory, issues sourcing compliant products, etc.

Download the Hardship Application Form (PDF).

Additionally, the bylaw does not apply to non-commercial retail establishments.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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Housing Standards

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1. What is the square footage requirement for a bedroom?

In a dwelling unit, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor space; every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor space for each occupant.

2. How many people can reside in one apartment?

It depends on the square footage of the apartment. Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for its first occupant, and at least 100 square feet of floor space for each additional occupant, the floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area.

3. Are there temperature requirements for apartments?

Yes. The owner shall provide heat in every habitable room and in every room containing a toilet, shower, or bathtub to at least 68 degrees F between 7:00a.m. and 11:00p.m. and at least 64 degrees F between 11:01p.m. and 6:59a.m.

4. Is there a time of year that the owner must provide heat?

Yes. Heat must be provided every day other than during the period from June 15th to September 15th, both inclusive.

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Hyper-Reach

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1. How does the service work?

Authorized officials record a voice message to send your voice, a text message, a TTY (teletype for the hearing impaired) message, or an alarm message to as many people as you need to reach, either from our website or with just one phone call. Authorized officials record a voice message that is then delivered quickly to individual phones and email addresses in the notification database.

2. What types of messages will be sent using the service?

Any message regarding the safety or welfare of our community would be disseminated using the Hyper-Reach service. Examples would include severe weather warnings and updates, hazardous traffic or road conditions inside the town or affecting local routes, water main repairs, and any other situation that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of our citizens.  You can optionally sign up for Weather alerts from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

3. Is my telephone number included in the notification database?

Landline phone numbers are automatically uploaded and enrolled for Community alerts, but Community and optional Weather alerts to mobile phones and email addresses are only included when people create an account within the system.    Residents and people who work in Maynard are encouraged to enroll now either by calling or texting “Alert” to (978) 307-8700 or by going to the Hyper-Read website.  Passwords should be 10 characters or less.

4. Can I update or add phone numbers and email addresses to the service?

Yes, simply visit Maynard’s Hyper-Reach portal to create a username and password to update and manage your own information.  Passwords should be 10 characters or less.

5. May I use a cell phone as my notification database listing?

Yes, we can accept cell phone numbers and email addresses in the database and encourage you to include both.

6. Does the Hyper-Reach service replace other systems that have been used to provide time-sensitive information to residents?

This system is replacing the previous Blackboard Connect system, and is a significant enhancement and supplement to existing means of communication – public access television, roadside message boards, this web site and social media outlets will continue to broadcast important announcements.

7. What precautions are being taken to protect personal information?

Maynard Hyper-Reach takes security and privacy concerns very seriously and does not sell, trade, lease or loan any data about their clients to any third party.  Hyper-Reach only utilizes secure transmissions with its customers.

8. Will there be a way to positively identify incoming calls which are made by the town using the system?

The caller-ID number for land line calls generated by the Hyper-Reach service will display the same phone number every time with “Town of Maynard” as the identifier.  Caller-ID numbers for cell phones will also be the same each time (the number is dictated by your cell provider) with “Maynard, MA” as the identifier.  In addition, every message begins with an announcement from the appropriate Town office.  For example:  “Good evening from the Maynard DPW.”  The message content will follow this standard introduction.

9. How does the Hyper-Reach system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

For busy signals, the call will be repeated several times in an attempt to reach you.  The same is true for No-answer and Call-waiting.  If the phone is answered by a message recorder, the message will be left on the answering device.  If, after several attempts the call does not successfully go through, the system will stop attempting to call.

10. Is there a way to repeat the message?

Each message will repeat once automatically.  If you want to listen to the message again, simply call the caller-ID number and the message will automatically be repeated in its entirety.

11. Can I receive the message in another language?

Each message will be delivered in two languages, English then Spanish.  For incoming calls, you will have the option to choose “1” for English and “2” for Spanish.  If the message is left on an answering device, both languages will be played, one after the other.  Emails will also contain both languages.  We are hoping to add more languages in time.

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Paying Bills Online

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1. What are some of the benefits of receiving my bill electronically?

It is convenient, saves time, reduces errors, bills don’t get misplaced, allows you to receive bills anywhere at any time and it helps the environment by saving trees. You can continue to receive a paper bill but if you elect to go paperless, you can always print out a copy of the invoice if needed.

2. What are the benefits of paying a bill online?

Paying online with a credit card or electronic check saves time, gives you the flexibility to pay how and when desired, saves money (no more stamps, paper checks or envelopes) and City Hall Systems will store your information for future use – but only if you choose to store it.

3. What is City Hall Systems?

City Hall Systems is a web-based, electronic invoice presentment and processing company that the Town of Maynard has partnered with to provide faster, more convenient billing services to our customers. By automating billing and collections, customers can click and pay online while helping the environment and reducing clutter in their home or workspace.

4. What is the relationship between the Town and City Hall Systems?

The Town of Maynard wanted to make paying bills easier for our customers. We chose City Hall Systems because it is easy to use and the security is the strongest available. All the data collected is double encrypted and stored on secure servers. The data is not sold or released for any purpose other than to complete transactions.

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Prohibit Use and Distribution of Polystyrene By-law

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1. What is the purpose of the bylaw?

The purpose of this Bylaw is to prohibit the use and distribution of expanded and clear or rigid polystyrene in food service ware and packaging material in the Town of Maynard.

2. What is Polystyrene?

Polystyrene is a synthetic resin, used chiefly as lightweight rigid foams and solid containers. Clear or Rigid polystyrene is generally used to make clear clamshell containers, clear or colored lids, and utensils. Expanded polystyrene includes both blown polystyrene and expanded and extruded foams. Foam polystyrene is generally used to make cups, bowls, plates, trays, clamshell containers, meat trays, and egg cartons

3. When does the bylaw take effect?

The bylaw will apply to food and retail establishments July 26, 2022.

4. What are some options to replace polystyrene?

Acceptable replacements can be reusable OR biodegradable OR Recyclable.

If you are unsure if your container meets the regulation, have the manufacturer or distributer confirm if the packaging meets the regulation. Have them provide a letter stating how it complies, such as:

• The product meets ASTM Standards D6400 or D6868, or
• The product is accepted in Maynard's Single Stream recycling. (However, plastics labeled number 6 are not acceptable)

5. Will businesses be fined for noncompliance?

Yes, any food or retail establishments using or distributing polystyrene in violation of this bylaw shall be subject to a non-criminal disposition fine as specified in Appendix A of the Regulations for Enforcement of Town Bylaws under M.L.G. Chapter 40, Section 21D and the Bylaw for Non-Criminal Disposition of Violations. The following penalties shall apply: 1st offense, warning; 2nd offense, $50; 3rd offense $100 and appearance in front of the Board of Health; 4th and each subsequent offense $200.

6. Are there any exceptions?

Yes, there are several exemptions.

A 6-month exemption is available if compliance causes an undue hardship for your business. Submit a Hardship Application to the Board of Health, PRIOR TO July 26, 2022, explaining how compliance would have a negative impact on your business. Examples include financial burdens, excessive existing inventory, issues sourcing compliant products, etc.

Download the Hardship Application Form (PDF).

The bylaw does not apply to non-commercial retail establishments.

Food or goods packaged or prepared outside the Town of Maynard is exempt from the provisions of this Bylaw, provided such food is not altered, packaged, or repackaged within town limits.

Coolers and ice chests that are wholly encapsulated in a durable material and intended for reuse are exempt from the provisions of this Bylaw.

7. Is my establishment responsible for composting biodegradable packaging?

No.

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Solid Waste

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1. When were the new trash sticker rates approved?

The Select Board discussed the potential increase at their meetings on August 27th and September 10th. A public hearing to determine new fees for trash stickers was opened on September 17th, 2019. The public hearing was continued to November 5th, 2019, where the board voted to increase the rate.

2. Why are the trash sticker rates increasing?

Currently more than half of the cost of the program is subsidized by general taxes. The new rates are anticipated to reduce the burden on the general taxes from 56% in fiscal year 2019 to a projected 18% in fiscal year 2020. Taxpayer funds will continue to subsidize the program, but the new prices will shift the ratio so that the owner of the trash pays a higher rate for its removal, and the burden on the taxpayer is reduced. Trash sticker prices have not been increased since the program's inception in the 1990s.

3. When do the new trash sticker rates apply?

The new trash sticker rates will be implemented on January 1, 2020.

4. Can I still use the yellow and pink stickers?

Yes. You are welcome to use any trash stickers that equate to the new rate. For example, after January 1st, you will need two pink $1.00 stickers for a 15-gallon trash bag.

5. What stickers will be available for purchase on January 1st?

Starting January 1st, retailers will sell $2 yellow stickers and $4 orange stickers. $1 pink stickers will be available until the supply is depleted.

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Town Clerk - Marriage Licenses

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1. Is there a waiting period from the date of application to the date the license is issued?

Yes, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period. 

2. May we marry before the three days for good reason?

Yes, if you can obtain a court waiver after filing intentions. You should file your intentions first with any city or town clerk. Then, we suggest calling Concord District Court, Clerk's Office 978-369-0500

3. What is the cost of a marriage license?

Individual communities set the fee for a marriage license. The fee in Maynard is $40 which includes the issuance of one certified copy of the Certificate of Marriage once the marriage has occurred and the certificate has been recorded with the Office of the Town Clerk.

4. Is a medical certificate required before a license can be issued?

No, medical certificate are no longer required to be married in Massachusetts.

5. What are the responsibilities of the member of the clergy or justice of the peace?

The member of the clergy or justice of the peace authorized to solemnize marriages in Massachusetts, must complete and sign the original license and return it to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. A marriage is not deemed valid until the license has been returned to the Office of the Town Clerk where the intention was filed and that office has assigned it a register number and files it with the Department of Vital Records and Statistics.

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Treasurer/Collector

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1. I need to pay a Final Water bill. I don’t have the bill but the reading was done yesterday. How do I pay?

You must pick up your Final water bill downstairs in the water department located on the lower level of Town Hall. You will then pay your Final Water bill at the Treasurer/Collector’s office. 

2. How do I pay for overdue excise taxes that have been marked at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for non-renewal?

Please contact our Deputy Collector, Kelley and Ryan Associates at 800-239-2155 or you may pay online at Kelley & Ryan. 

3. Where do I pay for my parking tickets?

You pay them in the Treasurer/Collector's Office or online at Kelley & Ryan.

4. I received an excise tax on a car I no longer own. What do I do?

Please contact the Assessor's office for abatement information at 978-897-1304.