Zoning Enforcement
Contact
For any questions or comments you may have, please contact Nancy Scott, Zoning Enforcement Officer at (617) 972-6427.
Before Starting a Project:
Plot Plans
What's a plot plan?
A plot plan is a plan of your property prepared by a professional land surveyor showing the lot area and the dimensions along all sides, front, and rear.
Do not confuse a mortgage inspection plan with that of a plot plan. The mortgage plan is usually prepared and used for bank purposes only. They contain disclaimers, such as “not to be used to locate streets / property lines.” It’s a sketch with tape measurements of the buildings on the lot.
Plot plans are a protection for yourself and your neighbor.
For more information on Plot Plans: Massachusetts Association of Land Surveryors & Civil Enginners
Decks / Additions
What do I do or need if I want to add a deck or addition to my home?
- You need to know the zoning district you’re located in. This dictates the zoning setbacks (i.e., required distances from lot lines and lot coverage relative to your project). To determine your zoning district, check the Map.
- Determine if you can or cannot comply with the setback requirements. Consult with a Zoning Officer or check the Zoning Ordinance, Section 5.04, Table of Dimensional Regulations, for your zoning district.
- You are required to submit a certified plot plan by a registered land surveyor (see above) showing the new deck / addition.
- If you comply with the diminsional requirements from Zoning, fill out a Building Permit Application, submit the form, drawings and plot plan to the Building Department. We suggest that your contractor obtain the building permit.
Home Office vs. Home Occupation
- Home Office - Business within the dwelling operated by the residents with no employees, no deliveries, and no customers that visit the site.
- Home Occupation - Allowed by Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Business, occupation, or sale of articles produced on the premises where sold, conducted in the dwelling by residents, allowing no more than two non-residential employees, and not occupying more than 25% of the area of the dwelling and not change the residential character of the dwelling.
Fencing & Sheds
What are the rules on fencing and sheds?
- In residential districts, fencing cannot be higher than six feet in height.
- No requirement of which side (finished vs. unfinished) of the fence is to go toward the neighbor.
- Fences should only go on property lines if you have had your property surveyed. Do not guess - putting up a fence and then finding out it's on your neighbor's property is costly.
- Consult with the Zoning Office on restrictions along driveways.
- Sheds - 8'x12' and larger require a building permit. Sheds less that 120 Square Feet do not require building permits but must comply with Zoning requirements.
- All sheds must be located five feet from all property lines.
Permit Information
Do I need a permit to enlarge my driveway for more parking? Who gets it?
- A permit is required, even if you do not enlarge your driveway. Re-paving an existing driveway requires that your contractor obtain a permit from the Department of Public Works (DPW). Hire a licensed contractor who is knowledgeable of the Watertown regulations and is bonded per DPW requirements.
- You need to submit a plan to the Zoning Office showing the dimensions of the existing driveway and your proposed expansion, with dimensions and setbacks from property lines.
- Driveway regulations are on file in the Zoning Office. Call (617) 972-6427 and we will send out.
- Contractor must submit an approved plan to the Department of Public Works for permit.
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